Wishing everyone a very prosperous 2012
and all the years to come......
HAPPY NEW YEAR and God Bless each
and everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥
How To Identify And Eliminate Waste In Your Budget
1.0]Understand the ROI for each expenditure
Return on investment, or ROI, isn’t just for the big stuff like marketing and technology. It’s time to rethink the return on investment for every expense your business incurs.
For this step, it often helps to think of your business as a brand new enterprise. If you were launching your business today, what would you change? What long-term commitments or contracts are working against you, and is there room to renegotiate or reinvent a few things and save some dollars in the process? What would you lease instead of buy, buy instead of lease?
2.0] Avoid death by a thousand cuts.
Take a look at all levels of your business in your effort to reduce waste. Can you refine your marketing strategies to reach a more targeted audience? Are you communicating with your customers too much and not optimizing each message? How can you deliver your product more efficiently? Are you paying too much for office space or paying for space you don’t maximize? This soup-to-nuts approach can help reduce incremental expenses and catch operational inefficiencies that add up to big dollars over time.
3.0]Look for repetition, redundancies and communication gaps
Examine the entire lifecycle of your operations to see if there are redundancies or unnecessary repetition and replication of duties.
Often, the view from ten thousand feet can reveal clear opportunities to streamline workflow, better divide tasks, eliminate unproductive steps and ultimately save money. Pay close attention to what consumes the largest amount of time in your business, like sourcing products, manufacturing, sales, fulfillment or customer service. Take a critical look at each phase independently to see what can be done better, and then examine how each phase works together. Is customer service missing opportunities to communicate upsell opportunities to the sales team? Are delays in fulfillment creating double work for customer service?
4.0]Tap your resources
Often, it’s the people closest to the day-to-day operation of a business that can be your best waste-reducing advocates.
Regardless of the size of your business, seek input from staff at all levels as you work to refine your budget and reduce unnecessary expenses. Reward employees who have the best suggestions for streamlining processes.
5.0]Formalize efficiency reviews
Businesses are constantly changing and evolving. So it's important to continuously review how things are done and how things can be done better, smarter and faster. Consider scheduling a periodic efficiency audit or creating a permanent team that is tasked with identifying and reducing waste on an ongoing basis. But watch out that your efficiency committee doesn’t become a source of inefficiency itself. Look for concrete results, and empower committee members to review and vet each new opportunity to curb waste and bring only the best options to you for final approval.
Return on investment, or ROI, isn’t just for the big stuff like marketing and technology. It’s time to rethink the return on investment for every expense your business incurs.
For this step, it often helps to think of your business as a brand new enterprise. If you were launching your business today, what would you change? What long-term commitments or contracts are working against you, and is there room to renegotiate or reinvent a few things and save some dollars in the process? What would you lease instead of buy, buy instead of lease?
2.0] Avoid death by a thousand cuts.
Take a look at all levels of your business in your effort to reduce waste. Can you refine your marketing strategies to reach a more targeted audience? Are you communicating with your customers too much and not optimizing each message? How can you deliver your product more efficiently? Are you paying too much for office space or paying for space you don’t maximize? This soup-to-nuts approach can help reduce incremental expenses and catch operational inefficiencies that add up to big dollars over time.
3.0]Look for repetition, redundancies and communication gaps
Examine the entire lifecycle of your operations to see if there are redundancies or unnecessary repetition and replication of duties.
Often, the view from ten thousand feet can reveal clear opportunities to streamline workflow, better divide tasks, eliminate unproductive steps and ultimately save money. Pay close attention to what consumes the largest amount of time in your business, like sourcing products, manufacturing, sales, fulfillment or customer service. Take a critical look at each phase independently to see what can be done better, and then examine how each phase works together. Is customer service missing opportunities to communicate upsell opportunities to the sales team? Are delays in fulfillment creating double work for customer service?
4.0]Tap your resources
Often, it’s the people closest to the day-to-day operation of a business that can be your best waste-reducing advocates.
Regardless of the size of your business, seek input from staff at all levels as you work to refine your budget and reduce unnecessary expenses. Reward employees who have the best suggestions for streamlining processes.
5.0]Formalize efficiency reviews
Businesses are constantly changing and evolving. So it's important to continuously review how things are done and how things can be done better, smarter and faster. Consider scheduling a periodic efficiency audit or creating a permanent team that is tasked with identifying and reducing waste on an ongoing basis. But watch out that your efficiency committee doesn’t become a source of inefficiency itself. Look for concrete results, and empower committee members to review and vet each new opportunity to curb waste and bring only the best options to you for final approval.
5 Essential Characteristics Of The Entrepreneurial Mind
Essential characteristics of the Entrepreneurial mind control are as follows:
1. Creativity
The seed of entrepreneurship is the ability to see things differently. Whether it's with new products or new processes, entrepreneurs are driven by the uncanny knack to see holes in the marketplace and devise innovations to fill them. Though it’s not the only essential quality to success, creativity may be the foundational mental skill. Entrepreneurs ask the “what ifs” that drive inquisitiveness, and they’re able to let go of what they already know to source fresh information and new ways of thinking about a problem.
2. Suspicion of predictors
Entrepreneurs tend not to labor under the assumption that data is the sole predictor of an outcome. Especially in new markets and with new products where data is largely interpretive or extrapolated, entrepreneurs are undaunted by the typical predictors that may put off fainter hearts. One study by Inc. magazine found that nearly 60 percent of Inc. 500 CEOs had not written business plans prior to the launch of their companies, and only 12 percent had done market research. These entrepreneurs realize that creating something new is a heated evolutionary contest, and no one can know the outcome with any amount of certainty. It’s as if their thinking, freed from the “no’s” of the data, can begin to build, test and refine.
3. Comfort with uncertainty
Similarly, a distrust of prediction and analysis creates an atmosphere where uncertainty rules. Indeed, uncertainty is the very essence of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are comfortable existing in that space between raw idea and successful product, and they tend to thrive in the wide middle ground of experimentation, revision and testing.
4. Openness to experimentation
A comfort with experimentation goes beyond educated trial and error. The ability to experiment with products, processes and outcomes, no matter where the results may lead, is the key element of this quality. It’s difficult to fully appreciate how much of what we call “experimental” is actually quite predictable. Most people are comfortable testing new products or systems with a range of one or two possible outcomes. When the results fall nicely within the range, we move on to the next step. But for entrepreneurs who are bringing something new and novel to the marketplace, experimentation can be truly…experimental. Removing expectations and letting the results lead you in completely new directions is the attribute that marks a truly entrepreneurial mind.
5. Functional humility
Egos can destroy the very best ideas. Entrepreneurs who are committed to solving a business problem or reinventing a product or service display a functional humility. They understand that their egos are only useful in moving the idea forward, not dictating outcomes or wrestling to make results conform to a preconceived notion. The very best entrepreneurs may constantly generate and promote their own ideas, but they think and act collaboratively and are staunchly solutions-focused.
So can everyone have an entrepreneurial mind? Probably not. But with time and practice, we can begin to think more like entrepreneurs. We can start to make subtle shifts in old, reflexive thinking that keeps us from exploring a new idea or taking the leap and launching our own business. Entrepreneurial thinking may be less of a destination and more of a journey as we push our own boundaries and explore exactly what we’re capable of. There are few things more elemental than how we think. What kind of beneficial chaos could we create if we began to think differently?
1. Creativity
The seed of entrepreneurship is the ability to see things differently. Whether it's with new products or new processes, entrepreneurs are driven by the uncanny knack to see holes in the marketplace and devise innovations to fill them. Though it’s not the only essential quality to success, creativity may be the foundational mental skill. Entrepreneurs ask the “what ifs” that drive inquisitiveness, and they’re able to let go of what they already know to source fresh information and new ways of thinking about a problem.
2. Suspicion of predictors
Entrepreneurs tend not to labor under the assumption that data is the sole predictor of an outcome. Especially in new markets and with new products where data is largely interpretive or extrapolated, entrepreneurs are undaunted by the typical predictors that may put off fainter hearts. One study by Inc. magazine found that nearly 60 percent of Inc. 500 CEOs had not written business plans prior to the launch of their companies, and only 12 percent had done market research. These entrepreneurs realize that creating something new is a heated evolutionary contest, and no one can know the outcome with any amount of certainty. It’s as if their thinking, freed from the “no’s” of the data, can begin to build, test and refine.
3. Comfort with uncertainty
Similarly, a distrust of prediction and analysis creates an atmosphere where uncertainty rules. Indeed, uncertainty is the very essence of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are comfortable existing in that space between raw idea and successful product, and they tend to thrive in the wide middle ground of experimentation, revision and testing.
4. Openness to experimentation
A comfort with experimentation goes beyond educated trial and error. The ability to experiment with products, processes and outcomes, no matter where the results may lead, is the key element of this quality. It’s difficult to fully appreciate how much of what we call “experimental” is actually quite predictable. Most people are comfortable testing new products or systems with a range of one or two possible outcomes. When the results fall nicely within the range, we move on to the next step. But for entrepreneurs who are bringing something new and novel to the marketplace, experimentation can be truly…experimental. Removing expectations and letting the results lead you in completely new directions is the attribute that marks a truly entrepreneurial mind.
5. Functional humility
Egos can destroy the very best ideas. Entrepreneurs who are committed to solving a business problem or reinventing a product or service display a functional humility. They understand that their egos are only useful in moving the idea forward, not dictating outcomes or wrestling to make results conform to a preconceived notion. The very best entrepreneurs may constantly generate and promote their own ideas, but they think and act collaboratively and are staunchly solutions-focused.
So can everyone have an entrepreneurial mind? Probably not. But with time and practice, we can begin to think more like entrepreneurs. We can start to make subtle shifts in old, reflexive thinking that keeps us from exploring a new idea or taking the leap and launching our own business. Entrepreneurial thinking may be less of a destination and more of a journey as we push our own boundaries and explore exactly what we’re capable of. There are few things more elemental than how we think. What kind of beneficial chaos could we create if we began to think differently?
Nigeria Needs Immediate Action on Financial Strategy’
The World Bank has said that for Nigeria to achieve its Financial System Strategy 2020, it must begin immediate action to achieve this feat.
Lead Economist, World Bank, Ismail Radwan, said that Nigeria must use 2011 as a start off point to achieve FSS 2020
Radwan, who spoke during a book launch titled ‘Achieving Nigeria’s Financial System Strategy 2020’, said there is the need to improve access to finance and the great potential to develop Nigeria’s dormant insurance industry by strengthening re-insurance, improving transparency, updating the legal framework and cracking down on fake insurance companies.
He said that according to a report ‘Making Finance Work for Nigeria’ that accumulating assets could be used to finance long term liabilities such as infrastructure or housing finance. “This can be achieved through the creation of a liquidity facility that could act as a bridge between the primary mortgage institutions and the corporate bond market,” the report said.
He said in 2006, and within the rubric of vision 2020, the CBN outlined a bold strategy for improving Nigeria’s financial sector, the Financial System Strategy 2020 (FSS2020).
Lead Economist, World Bank, Ismail Radwan, said that Nigeria must use 2011 as a start off point to achieve FSS 2020
Radwan, who spoke during a book launch titled ‘Achieving Nigeria’s Financial System Strategy 2020’, said there is the need to improve access to finance and the great potential to develop Nigeria’s dormant insurance industry by strengthening re-insurance, improving transparency, updating the legal framework and cracking down on fake insurance companies.
He said that according to a report ‘Making Finance Work for Nigeria’ that accumulating assets could be used to finance long term liabilities such as infrastructure or housing finance. “This can be achieved through the creation of a liquidity facility that could act as a bridge between the primary mortgage institutions and the corporate bond market,” the report said.
He said in 2006, and within the rubric of vision 2020, the CBN outlined a bold strategy for improving Nigeria’s financial sector, the Financial System Strategy 2020 (FSS2020).
Reflection on How The Presidential Candidates Fared
Jonathan
Won in: 23 states, including 16 out of 17 southern states and seven Northern states (Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa and Taraba), plus FCT
Scored 25% or more in: 32 states and FCT
Scored less than 25% in: 4 states (Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Yobe)
Polled highest votes in: Rivers (1,817,762)
Buhari
Won in: 12 states—all in the North (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Jigawa, Kebbi and Sokoto)
Scored 25% or more in: 11 states (Nasarawa and Taraba inclusive)
Scored less than 25% in: 24 states, including all Southern states and Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Plateau in the North
Polled highest votes in: Kano (1,624,354)
Ribadu
Won in: Osun
Scored 25% or more in: Three states—all in the South-west
Scored less than 25% in: 33 states and FCT
Polled highest votes in: Osun (427,000)
Shekarau
Won in: Zero State
Scored 25% or more in: Zero State
Scored less than 25% in: 36 states and FCT
Polled highest votes in: Kano (526,310)
Lets be fair in our voting character.
Curtesy- - Engr.Felix Asibor
Won in: 23 states, including 16 out of 17 southern states and seven Northern states (Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa and Taraba), plus FCT
Scored 25% or more in: 32 states and FCT
Scored less than 25% in: 4 states (Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Yobe)
Polled highest votes in: Rivers (1,817,762)
Buhari
Won in: 12 states—all in the North (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Jigawa, Kebbi and Sokoto)
Scored 25% or more in: 11 states (Nasarawa and Taraba inclusive)
Scored less than 25% in: 24 states, including all Southern states and Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Plateau in the North
Polled highest votes in: Kano (1,624,354)
Ribadu
Won in: Osun
Scored 25% or more in: Three states—all in the South-west
Scored less than 25% in: 33 states and FCT
Polled highest votes in: Osun (427,000)
Shekarau
Won in: Zero State
Scored 25% or more in: Zero State
Scored less than 25% in: 36 states and FCT
Polled highest votes in: Kano (526,310)
Lets be fair in our voting character.
Curtesy- - Engr.Felix Asibor
Jonathan: We Must Create Jobs or Risk Revolution
President Goodluck Jonathan Monday admonished public office holders to bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians or risk what he called possible youth revolt in the country.
“In the coming years, youths will revolt against any president or state government if we do not come up with policies that will create jobs,” he said.
Jonathan gave the admonition in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the grand finale of the rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the governorship election taking place in the state on Saturday.
The president challenged public office holders at all levels of government to ensure that policies that would multiply jobs for the youths were implemented.
He said: “There are a number of things that must be done to make our economy multiply.”
He also said the paramount among such things, “is to create jobs for the teeming youths,” failure of which he said, the youths could embark on revolution against governments at all levels.
He added that his government at the federal level was hoping to work with those he had appointed to facilitate the transformation agenda, especially provision of jobs for youths, even at the state level, saying: "We do not want selfish leaders."
The president, however, expressed optimism that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr. Idris Wada, and his running mate, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, would translate the Federal Government's development programmes in the state.
He noted that Awoniyi was one of the 16 persons engaged by his government to highlight the needs of the states and as such, would be able to narrow such down to Kogi State to ensure rapid development.
Jonathan also appealed to politicians to desist from shedding blood and killing in the name of election.
He warned: "Our aspiration is not worth the life of anyone," stressing that, "our election will not be entertained with violence and that is why if we win elections and some people go to court, they are just going to fulfill all righteousness”.
“In the coming years, youths will revolt against any president or state government if we do not come up with policies that will create jobs,” he said.
Jonathan gave the admonition in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the grand finale of the rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the governorship election taking place in the state on Saturday.
The president challenged public office holders at all levels of government to ensure that policies that would multiply jobs for the youths were implemented.
He said: “There are a number of things that must be done to make our economy multiply.”
He also said the paramount among such things, “is to create jobs for the teeming youths,” failure of which he said, the youths could embark on revolution against governments at all levels.
He added that his government at the federal level was hoping to work with those he had appointed to facilitate the transformation agenda, especially provision of jobs for youths, even at the state level, saying: "We do not want selfish leaders."
The president, however, expressed optimism that the governorship candidate of the PDP, Mr. Idris Wada, and his running mate, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, would translate the Federal Government's development programmes in the state.
He noted that Awoniyi was one of the 16 persons engaged by his government to highlight the needs of the states and as such, would be able to narrow such down to Kogi State to ensure rapid development.
Jonathan also appealed to politicians to desist from shedding blood and killing in the name of election.
He warned: "Our aspiration is not worth the life of anyone," stressing that, "our election will not be entertained with violence and that is why if we win elections and some people go to court, they are just going to fulfill all righteousness”.
I I Chief Chukwuemeka Odemegwu-Ojukwu passes away. I Saw My Husband Through Bad Times, Says Bianca
•South-east Govs, MASSOB hold prayers Dec 1 •Oshiomhole, Uba, Saraki, Clark, Chukwumerije, others react
As tributes continued to pour in torrents yesterday, for the late Biafra leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odemegwu-Ojukwu, who died in a London hospital, over the weekend, after a protracted battle against stroke, his wife, Bianca has said she was grateful to God to have been able to see her husband through “his very bad times and life challenges.”
She spoke in London,when she received the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, who led senior officials of the mission on a condolence visit to the family.
“Like other times, I will always say I have seen him through very bad times,'' the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Bianca as saying. “When the doctors would tell us he wouldn't make it to morning, but he would always struggle and in the morning he would still be there. But this time, he didn't struggle; he went peacefully,” she said.
Recalling Ojukwu's last days, Bianca said he had just been discharged from the hospital and was doing very well.
“I have never seen him look so well. He was interactive, very alert and aware, and we will sing him songs, cracked jokes. Very surprisingly, his situation which we thought had improved remarkably, suddenly took a turn for the worse. I remember I was saying to him, it is getting very cold in this country and we must go home. Are we going to go home? He would nod very emphatically, but he never did make it home. Nobody asks God what his intentions are, but we would have preferred he stayed on. I cannot ask God why at this time,” she said.
South-east Govs, MASSOB Hold Prayers Dec 1
Governors of the South-east zone yesterday endorsed the directive by the Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike, that Igbos at home and in Diaspora should observe a seven-day prayer in honour of Odumegwu-Ojukwu with effect from December 1.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after signing the condolence register at the Enugu residence of the departed Igbo leader, Chairman of the South-east Governors’ Forum and Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, said: “We are all in a mourning mood, Igbo land is mourning and Nigerians are mourning. Uwazurike declared for prayers, we need prayers and we are asking our people, especially Igbos all over the world should be part of the seven-day prayer.”
Uwazuruike: The Struggle Continues
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday said it would not abandon its struggle for an independent Biafra despite the death of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, while speaking at Freedom House at Okwe in Okigwe Local Government Area, said:
“We are going to continue the struggle until those things he lived, fought and died for are realised. There is no going back on the struggle. In fact, we are more emboldened now more than ever before. We are not going to stop.”
An Advocate for Equity, Says Oshiomhole
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said with the death of Ojukwu, Nigeria has lost a major personality and “an advocate for distributive equity” in the governance of the nation.
In a condolence letter to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I wish to commiserate with Your Excellency and the good people of Anambra State over the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Andy Uba: Great Patriot
The Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Dr. Andy Uba, expressing shock over the demise of the Ikemba Nnewi who hailed from his zone.
Senator Uba, in a statement issued yesterday, described Ikemba’s death as a great loss to Nigeria.
“He was a great patriot and embodiment of unity among the Ibos and a rally point for all committed patriots,” he declared.
Uba said Nigeria has indeed by Ikemba’s death lost a legend. “We would continue to remember him for his valuable contribution to the country,” he said.
Clark, Chukwumerije Eulogise
Leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark, and Senator Uche Chukwumerije, yesterday joined millions of Nigerians in eulogising the Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu.
In a statement, Clark said: “The death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu came to me as a rude shock. This is another loss to the nation of a man who could be described as an activist and foremost nationalist, who hates oppression and injustice, the voice of the voiceless, a courageous and credible man whose ideologies transcends monumentally.”
In his tribute titled ‘Our Sun Will Never Set’, Chukwumerije said Ojukwu saw the path to unity with the clarity of a child’s eyes and the innocence of a saint.
“It is a tribute to the poignancy of Ojukwu’s prophetic voice that History has to resort to a re-surge of sectionalist challenges to the stunted growth and self-dehydration of the Federation to remind the nation of the self-contradictions that still clog her path to unity, creative growth and strength.
Saraki: Painful Loss
Former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, has described the death of Ojukwu as painful and a great loss to Nigeria.
In his condolence message to the late Chief Ojukwu family on Monday and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, said there was no doubt that the people of the country would surely miss him.
The statement described the war lord as a man of honour, who lived a life of integrity and honesty in service to his country.
Musdapher: Longest Surviving Illustrious Sons
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has commiserated with Nigeria and Nigerians on the passing away of Odimegwu-Ojukwu.
In two separate letters, each to the bereaved family and the government and people of Anambra state, Justice Musdapher observed said Ojukwu’s death is a major landmark in the country’s history, as he was one of Nigeria’s longest surviving illustrious sons.
A statement signed his Media Adviser, Mohammed Adamu, Musdapher said late Ojukwu would be greatly missed by Nigerians not only for his love of country and for his pride in the tradition, culture and heritage of his people.
According him, "when, even as a scion of the noblest aristocracy of his days and to whom joining the military was an aberration, the young Ojukwu selflessly put his life on the line by joining the Nigerian Army to serve his country. Although the collapse of military esprit de corps and the failure of geo-politics regrettably resulted in Ojukwu taking up arms against his fatherland, his rebellion was no less motivated by patriotism than the action of patriots who rose to quell it was. Thus the post-war declaration of ‘no victor no vanquished’ was equally an affirmation of ‘no hero, no villain’.”
Musdapher: Longest Surviving Illustrious Sons
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has commiserated with Nigeria and Nigerians on the passing away of the Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.
In two separate letters, each to the bereaved family and the government and people of Anambra state, Justice Musdapher observed said Ojukwu’s death is a major landmark in the country’s history, as he was one of Nigeria’s longest surviving illustrious sons.
A statement signed his Media Adviser, Mohammed Adamu, Musdapher said late Ojukwu would be greatly missed by Nigerians not only for his love of country and for his pride in the tradition, culture and heritage of his people. According him, "when, even as a scion of the noblest aristocracy of his days and to whom joining the military was an aberration, the young Ojukwu selflessly put his life on the line by joining the Nigerian Army to serve his country. Although the collapse of military esprit de corps and the failure of geo-politics regrettably resulted in Ojukwu taking up arms against his fatherland, his rebellion was no less motivated by patriotism than the action of patriots who rose to quell it was. Thus the post-war declaration of ‘no victor no vanquished’ was equally an affirmation of ‘no hero, no villain’.”
Ikuforiji Bemoans Ojukwu
Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji yesterday commiserated with the family of the former Biafran warlord, during the official opening of a five-day budget retreat for members and staff of the state assembly at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Lagos.
The retreat, which was also attended by lawmakers from other state Houses of Assembly across the federation, has the theme: “Good Governance through Legislative Performance and Effective Budget.”
Speaking on the issue of training, Ikuforiji said: “It is very unfortunate that though Nigeria’s democracy is growing, having been allowed to run freely for the past 12 years, yet there is acute scarcity of those skilled in legislative business to train and retrain legislators and their aides. And this poses a great danger to the development of the nation’s young democracy.”
NASSI Mourns Him
National President of National Association Small Scale Industries (NASSI), Chief Chuku Wachuku has said that Nigeria should mourn Ojukwu, whom he described as a true patriot.
He said the late Ikemba Nnewi had an unwavering commitment to issues that bordered on equal rights of all citizens, adding that though he was “a much misunderstood man in his later years Nigeria will celebrate him in future as a man of vision.”
...Ubani Too
Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Don Ubani, in a statement said Ojukwu’s death has once again proved that death is no respecter of persons, adding that it was a very unfortunate and regrettable episode in the nation’s history.
‘Ojukwu Died That Ndigbo May Live’
The governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the April elections Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba has recalled his last visit to Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu at Casa Bianca lodge, describing him as a patriot and quintessential leader who “died that Ibos may live.”
During the visit, Ufomba recalled that he rhetorically asked: "biakene nwokem, ichoro ibu govano ndi APGA ka ichoro ibu govano Nwafo IGBO? Translated, “Do you want to be governor of APGA or governor as a true Igbo son?”
“His death has brought an era to a close, and has indeed left a yawning gap very difficult to fill, not only in Iboland but in the African continent,” Ufomba said.
He disclosed that as a mark of respect a condolence register has been opened at APGA campaign Office 108 Aba Road, Umuahia, Abia State.
PAC, PPA Mourn Ikemba Nnewi
The Progressive Action Congress (PAC) on Monday condoled with the family of late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu over the loss of their beloved son.
National Chairman of PAC, Chief Charles Nwodo, made the remark in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja .
Nwodo, who described Ojukwu’s death as a big loss to his family and the entire nation, said Ojukwu was a warrior who fought gallantly "even on the road to death."
“This was a man who was ahead of his generation, that saw tomorrow but was misconstrued by majority of Nigerians. We have lost a blunt speaker who stood by the truth knowing how bitter it was even though he was being criticised,” he said.
On his part, the National Chairman, Progressive Peoples’ Alliance (PPA), Chief Sam Nkire said Ojukwu’s death called for a sober reflection and not mourning, adding that "this is because Ojukwu died for good governance, equity and justice for all.”
Nkire pointed out that Ojukwu would have been a wealthier man if he had joined his wealthy father in business, but that he went into the military and public service to ensure good governance and justice for the down trodden.
The Chairman of PPA regretted the present situation where a few Nigerian leaders lived a life of affluence at the expense of the masses.
He urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the example of the late Ikemba, whom, he said, was born into affluence but chose to live and die for the poor.
As tributes continued to pour in torrents yesterday, for the late Biafra leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odemegwu-Ojukwu, who died in a London hospital, over the weekend, after a protracted battle against stroke, his wife, Bianca has said she was grateful to God to have been able to see her husband through “his very bad times and life challenges.”
She spoke in London,when she received the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, who led senior officials of the mission on a condolence visit to the family.
“Like other times, I will always say I have seen him through very bad times,'' the Europe Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Bianca as saying. “When the doctors would tell us he wouldn't make it to morning, but he would always struggle and in the morning he would still be there. But this time, he didn't struggle; he went peacefully,” she said.
Recalling Ojukwu's last days, Bianca said he had just been discharged from the hospital and was doing very well.
“I have never seen him look so well. He was interactive, very alert and aware, and we will sing him songs, cracked jokes. Very surprisingly, his situation which we thought had improved remarkably, suddenly took a turn for the worse. I remember I was saying to him, it is getting very cold in this country and we must go home. Are we going to go home? He would nod very emphatically, but he never did make it home. Nobody asks God what his intentions are, but we would have preferred he stayed on. I cannot ask God why at this time,” she said.
South-east Govs, MASSOB Hold Prayers Dec 1
Governors of the South-east zone yesterday endorsed the directive by the Leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike, that Igbos at home and in Diaspora should observe a seven-day prayer in honour of Odumegwu-Ojukwu with effect from December 1.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after signing the condolence register at the Enugu residence of the departed Igbo leader, Chairman of the South-east Governors’ Forum and Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, said: “We are all in a mourning mood, Igbo land is mourning and Nigerians are mourning. Uwazurike declared for prayers, we need prayers and we are asking our people, especially Igbos all over the world should be part of the seven-day prayer.”
Uwazuruike: The Struggle Continues
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday said it would not abandon its struggle for an independent Biafra despite the death of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, while speaking at Freedom House at Okwe in Okigwe Local Government Area, said:
“We are going to continue the struggle until those things he lived, fought and died for are realised. There is no going back on the struggle. In fact, we are more emboldened now more than ever before. We are not going to stop.”
An Advocate for Equity, Says Oshiomhole
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said with the death of Ojukwu, Nigeria has lost a major personality and “an advocate for distributive equity” in the governance of the nation.
In a condolence letter to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Oshiomhole said: “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I wish to commiserate with Your Excellency and the good people of Anambra State over the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Andy Uba: Great Patriot
The Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Dr. Andy Uba, expressing shock over the demise of the Ikemba Nnewi who hailed from his zone.
Senator Uba, in a statement issued yesterday, described Ikemba’s death as a great loss to Nigeria.
“He was a great patriot and embodiment of unity among the Ibos and a rally point for all committed patriots,” he declared.
Uba said Nigeria has indeed by Ikemba’s death lost a legend. “We would continue to remember him for his valuable contribution to the country,” he said.
Clark, Chukwumerije Eulogise
Leader of the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark, and Senator Uche Chukwumerije, yesterday joined millions of Nigerians in eulogising the Biafran leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu.
In a statement, Clark said: “The death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu came to me as a rude shock. This is another loss to the nation of a man who could be described as an activist and foremost nationalist, who hates oppression and injustice, the voice of the voiceless, a courageous and credible man whose ideologies transcends monumentally.”
In his tribute titled ‘Our Sun Will Never Set’, Chukwumerije said Ojukwu saw the path to unity with the clarity of a child’s eyes and the innocence of a saint.
“It is a tribute to the poignancy of Ojukwu’s prophetic voice that History has to resort to a re-surge of sectionalist challenges to the stunted growth and self-dehydration of the Federation to remind the nation of the self-contradictions that still clog her path to unity, creative growth and strength.
Saraki: Painful Loss
Former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, has described the death of Ojukwu as painful and a great loss to Nigeria.
In his condolence message to the late Chief Ojukwu family on Monday and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, said there was no doubt that the people of the country would surely miss him.
The statement described the war lord as a man of honour, who lived a life of integrity and honesty in service to his country.
Musdapher: Longest Surviving Illustrious Sons
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has commiserated with Nigeria and Nigerians on the passing away of Odimegwu-Ojukwu.
In two separate letters, each to the bereaved family and the government and people of Anambra state, Justice Musdapher observed said Ojukwu’s death is a major landmark in the country’s history, as he was one of Nigeria’s longest surviving illustrious sons.
A statement signed his Media Adviser, Mohammed Adamu, Musdapher said late Ojukwu would be greatly missed by Nigerians not only for his love of country and for his pride in the tradition, culture and heritage of his people.
According him, "when, even as a scion of the noblest aristocracy of his days and to whom joining the military was an aberration, the young Ojukwu selflessly put his life on the line by joining the Nigerian Army to serve his country. Although the collapse of military esprit de corps and the failure of geo-politics regrettably resulted in Ojukwu taking up arms against his fatherland, his rebellion was no less motivated by patriotism than the action of patriots who rose to quell it was. Thus the post-war declaration of ‘no victor no vanquished’ was equally an affirmation of ‘no hero, no villain’.”
Musdapher: Longest Surviving Illustrious Sons
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has commiserated with Nigeria and Nigerians on the passing away of the Ikemba of Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.
In two separate letters, each to the bereaved family and the government and people of Anambra state, Justice Musdapher observed said Ojukwu’s death is a major landmark in the country’s history, as he was one of Nigeria’s longest surviving illustrious sons.
A statement signed his Media Adviser, Mohammed Adamu, Musdapher said late Ojukwu would be greatly missed by Nigerians not only for his love of country and for his pride in the tradition, culture and heritage of his people. According him, "when, even as a scion of the noblest aristocracy of his days and to whom joining the military was an aberration, the young Ojukwu selflessly put his life on the line by joining the Nigerian Army to serve his country. Although the collapse of military esprit de corps and the failure of geo-politics regrettably resulted in Ojukwu taking up arms against his fatherland, his rebellion was no less motivated by patriotism than the action of patriots who rose to quell it was. Thus the post-war declaration of ‘no victor no vanquished’ was equally an affirmation of ‘no hero, no villain’.”
Ikuforiji Bemoans Ojukwu
Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji yesterday commiserated with the family of the former Biafran warlord, during the official opening of a five-day budget retreat for members and staff of the state assembly at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Lagos.
The retreat, which was also attended by lawmakers from other state Houses of Assembly across the federation, has the theme: “Good Governance through Legislative Performance and Effective Budget.”
Speaking on the issue of training, Ikuforiji said: “It is very unfortunate that though Nigeria’s democracy is growing, having been allowed to run freely for the past 12 years, yet there is acute scarcity of those skilled in legislative business to train and retrain legislators and their aides. And this poses a great danger to the development of the nation’s young democracy.”
NASSI Mourns Him
National President of National Association Small Scale Industries (NASSI), Chief Chuku Wachuku has said that Nigeria should mourn Ojukwu, whom he described as a true patriot.
He said the late Ikemba Nnewi had an unwavering commitment to issues that bordered on equal rights of all citizens, adding that though he was “a much misunderstood man in his later years Nigeria will celebrate him in future as a man of vision.”
...Ubani Too
Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Don Ubani, in a statement said Ojukwu’s death has once again proved that death is no respecter of persons, adding that it was a very unfortunate and regrettable episode in the nation’s history.
‘Ojukwu Died That Ndigbo May Live’
The governorship candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the April elections Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba has recalled his last visit to Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu at Casa Bianca lodge, describing him as a patriot and quintessential leader who “died that Ibos may live.”
During the visit, Ufomba recalled that he rhetorically asked: "biakene nwokem, ichoro ibu govano ndi APGA ka ichoro ibu govano Nwafo IGBO? Translated, “Do you want to be governor of APGA or governor as a true Igbo son?”
“His death has brought an era to a close, and has indeed left a yawning gap very difficult to fill, not only in Iboland but in the African continent,” Ufomba said.
He disclosed that as a mark of respect a condolence register has been opened at APGA campaign Office 108 Aba Road, Umuahia, Abia State.
PAC, PPA Mourn Ikemba Nnewi
The Progressive Action Congress (PAC) on Monday condoled with the family of late Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu over the loss of their beloved son.
National Chairman of PAC, Chief Charles Nwodo, made the remark in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja .
Nwodo, who described Ojukwu’s death as a big loss to his family and the entire nation, said Ojukwu was a warrior who fought gallantly "even on the road to death."
“This was a man who was ahead of his generation, that saw tomorrow but was misconstrued by majority of Nigerians. We have lost a blunt speaker who stood by the truth knowing how bitter it was even though he was being criticised,” he said.
On his part, the National Chairman, Progressive Peoples’ Alliance (PPA), Chief Sam Nkire said Ojukwu’s death called for a sober reflection and not mourning, adding that "this is because Ojukwu died for good governance, equity and justice for all.”
Nkire pointed out that Ojukwu would have been a wealthier man if he had joined his wealthy father in business, but that he went into the military and public service to ensure good governance and justice for the down trodden.
The Chairman of PPA regretted the present situation where a few Nigerian leaders lived a life of affluence at the expense of the masses.
He urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the example of the late Ikemba, whom, he said, was born into affluence but chose to live and die for the poor.
ASUU suspends proposed strike
The Academic StaffUnion of Universities (ASUU) has put on hold its planned nationwide indefinite strike action.
The decision to suspend the proposed industrial action, according to ASUU, followed the recent talks held between the union and the Federal Government in the wake of its last month one week warning strike.
ASUU, in a statement issued in Yenagoa by the Niger Delta University (NDU) Chapter and signed by its chairman, Dr. Beke Sese, said the union wants to give the government a benefit of doubt and believes that it will implement the agreements reached in the renewed talks.
Sese said, “As a noble and patriotic Union, ASUU decided at its emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held on the 15th October, 2011 at the University of Abuja, to reconsider its resolve to declare a nationwide total and indefinite strike action, and give government the benefit of doubt, believing fervently that government would fully abide by our signed memorandum of understanding.”
The decision to suspend the proposed industrial action, according to ASUU, followed the recent talks held between the union and the Federal Government in the wake of its last month one week warning strike.
ASUU, in a statement issued in Yenagoa by the Niger Delta University (NDU) Chapter and signed by its chairman, Dr. Beke Sese, said the union wants to give the government a benefit of doubt and believes that it will implement the agreements reached in the renewed talks.
Sese said, “As a noble and patriotic Union, ASUU decided at its emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held on the 15th October, 2011 at the University of Abuja, to reconsider its resolve to declare a nationwide total and indefinite strike action, and give government the benefit of doubt, believing fervently that government would fully abide by our signed memorandum of understanding.”
Gaddafi captured and killed in Sirte
Libya's National Transitional Council claim to have captured and killed Colonel Gaddafi in the town of Sirte. The Country's former leader has died as a result of wounds suffered during his capture.
"He's captured. He's wounded in both legs ... He's been taken away by ambulance," the senior NTC military official told Reuters by telephone. However this was later updated, saying that he had died of his wounds.
There are scenes of jubilation in towns across Libya as NTC fighters celebrate.
However,Gaddafi's capture or death has not been confirmed by the US state department.
.
"He's captured. He's wounded in both legs ... He's been taken away by ambulance," the senior NTC military official told Reuters by telephone. However this was later updated, saying that he had died of his wounds.
There are scenes of jubilation in towns across Libya as NTC fighters celebrate.
However,Gaddafi's capture or death has not been confirmed by the US state department.
.
ECOWAS:Stalemate on Choice of Leader
Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Tuesday could not agree on whom to select as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission to replace Ambassador James Victor Gbeho. The position has been zoned to either Burkina Faso or Republic of Benin.
Briefing journalists after the meeting at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja Tuesday, the current ECOWAS Commission President, Gbeho, said the chairman of the body would hold further consultations with the two countries before any announcement could be made about where the position would go.
An ad hoc committee headed by Sierra Leonean President Bai Ernest Koroma had been constituted in March 2011 to draw up modalities for the smooth exchange and distribution of offices among member states of the regional body.
Koroma submitted the committee’s report Tuesday and it was deliberated upon.
According to Gbeho, “The meeting today received the report prepared by the ad hoc committee that deliberated about it. The Heads of State in particular deliberated on the principles enunciated in that report that should guide ECOWAS in determining the positions in the commission for an equitable, transparent and predictable basis.
“In that respect, they accepted all the principles that were enunciated by the committee as well as the recommendations made as to which post should go to which country. They agreed on all except the position of President of the ECOWAS Commission because there was difficulty in agreeing as to whether to give it to the Republic of Benin or to Burkina Faso. So the chairman of the authority will hold talks with the president of the two countries with a view to breaking the logjam that has developed.
“He has to do it this way because you know that Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso unfortunately could not attend today’s meeting and therefore before a final decision is made on that. The chairman wants to satisfy himself that he has consulted the two of them totally before announcing what will be the results.
“I will then go on to enumerate for you the countries that will handle the leadership of ECOWAS as soon as the new commissioners are candidly appointed. The post of vice-president will go to the Republic of Liberia; the rest of the post of commissioners will be as follows: Macro-economic policy will go to Mali; Political Affairs, Peace and Security will go to Nigeria; Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources will go to Togo; Administration and Finance will go to Sierra Leone; Customs, Trade, Industry and Free Movement will go to Niger; Infrastructure will go to The Gambia; and as you know, Senegal will continue to occupy the position of Human Development and gender until 2012 and therefore there will be no change as far as that position is concerned.”
He said the countries where the post of commissioners had been zoned to would forward three candidates each; the candidates would be interviewed and those who are successful would be presented for screening.
In what appeared as a move to placate some members who have been grumbling for their not being given positions in the commission, he said that a review of the duties of the commissioners would be made with a view to unburdening those who were saddled with too many responsibilities.
Briefing journalists after the meeting at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja Tuesday, the current ECOWAS Commission President, Gbeho, said the chairman of the body would hold further consultations with the two countries before any announcement could be made about where the position would go.
An ad hoc committee headed by Sierra Leonean President Bai Ernest Koroma had been constituted in March 2011 to draw up modalities for the smooth exchange and distribution of offices among member states of the regional body.
Koroma submitted the committee’s report Tuesday and it was deliberated upon.
According to Gbeho, “The meeting today received the report prepared by the ad hoc committee that deliberated about it. The Heads of State in particular deliberated on the principles enunciated in that report that should guide ECOWAS in determining the positions in the commission for an equitable, transparent and predictable basis.
“In that respect, they accepted all the principles that were enunciated by the committee as well as the recommendations made as to which post should go to which country. They agreed on all except the position of President of the ECOWAS Commission because there was difficulty in agreeing as to whether to give it to the Republic of Benin or to Burkina Faso. So the chairman of the authority will hold talks with the president of the two countries with a view to breaking the logjam that has developed.
“He has to do it this way because you know that Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso unfortunately could not attend today’s meeting and therefore before a final decision is made on that. The chairman wants to satisfy himself that he has consulted the two of them totally before announcing what will be the results.
“I will then go on to enumerate for you the countries that will handle the leadership of ECOWAS as soon as the new commissioners are candidly appointed. The post of vice-president will go to the Republic of Liberia; the rest of the post of commissioners will be as follows: Macro-economic policy will go to Mali; Political Affairs, Peace and Security will go to Nigeria; Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources will go to Togo; Administration and Finance will go to Sierra Leone; Customs, Trade, Industry and Free Movement will go to Niger; Infrastructure will go to The Gambia; and as you know, Senegal will continue to occupy the position of Human Development and gender until 2012 and therefore there will be no change as far as that position is concerned.”
He said the countries where the post of commissioners had been zoned to would forward three candidates each; the candidates would be interviewed and those who are successful would be presented for screening.
In what appeared as a move to placate some members who have been grumbling for their not being given positions in the commission, he said that a review of the duties of the commissioners would be made with a view to unburdening those who were saddled with too many responsibilities.
FG at war over allocation ..N15bn fraud: Court remands Doma, 8 others in EFCC custody
ABUJA—
A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has ordered a former governor of the state, Aliyu Akwe Doma and eight other accused persons arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over money laundering charges to be remanded in the commission’s custody till tomorrow.
The order by the court, presided over by Justice Marcel Awokulehin, followed bail applications filed by counsel to all the accused and the counter- application filed by lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposing the bail bid.
The former Nasarawa governor was docked, Tuesday, on a 17-count charge of laundering stolen state funds totalling over N15 billion. He was arraigned with Senator John Dangoyi, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, Timothy Anthony Anjide, Dauda Egwa, Suleiman Ibrahim, Broworks Ltd and Green Forest Investment Ltd while charges filed against two other accused, John Aigbakhode and Incapint Nig Ltd, who are still at large, were stepped down.
At 9.30 a.m, the accused, who were brought in from Abuja under heavy security by EFCC operatives, were called into the dock to take their plea. One after the other, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges after which the defence team led by Lateef Fagbemi, Charles Edomosoran and M.I. Ameh, informed the court of their pending applications for bail for the accused.
*Doma outside the court room.
In his response, the prosecution counsel, Pinheiro, informed the court that he was served 10 applications between Monday and yesterday, and as such would need the court to adjourn for three hours to enable him file his response opposing all the bail applications.
Gentlemen, can you all see the gross corruption practice in Nigeria of Today. The Nigeria president has alot to do in this regards.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has ordered a former governor of the state, Aliyu Akwe Doma and eight other accused persons arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over money laundering charges to be remanded in the commission’s custody till tomorrow.
The order by the court, presided over by Justice Marcel Awokulehin, followed bail applications filed by counsel to all the accused and the counter- application filed by lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposing the bail bid.
The former Nasarawa governor was docked, Tuesday, on a 17-count charge of laundering stolen state funds totalling over N15 billion. He was arraigned with Senator John Dangoyi, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, Timothy Anthony Anjide, Dauda Egwa, Suleiman Ibrahim, Broworks Ltd and Green Forest Investment Ltd while charges filed against two other accused, John Aigbakhode and Incapint Nig Ltd, who are still at large, were stepped down.
At 9.30 a.m, the accused, who were brought in from Abuja under heavy security by EFCC operatives, were called into the dock to take their plea. One after the other, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges after which the defence team led by Lateef Fagbemi, Charles Edomosoran and M.I. Ameh, informed the court of their pending applications for bail for the accused.
*Doma outside the court room.
In his response, the prosecution counsel, Pinheiro, informed the court that he was served 10 applications between Monday and yesterday, and as such would need the court to adjourn for three hours to enable him file his response opposing all the bail applications.
Gentlemen, can you all see the gross corruption practice in Nigeria of Today. The Nigeria president has alot to do in this regards.
Why FG restructured works ministry – Minister
THE Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememen, has cautioned officials of the Federal Ministry of Works against practices capable of tarnishing the image of the ministry, stating that the ministry can no longer play “Father Christmas” under the new dispensation.
According to a statement signed by the media assistant to the minister, Tony Ikpasaja, after the inspection of some Federal Government roads in the South-south, the minister said the decision to restructure the ministry was as a result of the report by the Architect Bunu-led Presidential Projects Assessment Committee to Federal Government.
Onolememen noted that because of Mr. President’s “strong passion for visible changes in road infrastructural development across the nation, the restructuring became inevitable so as to enhance service delivery and accountability.”
He then advised the Zonal Directors “to regularly inspect projects within their areas while directing the engineers to live in areas where their sites are situated for effective supervision”.
The minister urged the officials of the ministry to always do the right thing instead of colluding with contractors and came down heavily on engineers, saying most of the street light projects by the ministry were becoming embarrassing.
Onolemenmen promised to set up proper design office for road and bridges where engineers and consultants will be constantly trained. He disclosed that Mr. President had approved the recruitment of 562 young engineers and technicians into the ministry of works to boost its capacity.
As part of the new mechanism being put in place to ensure quality jobs, he ordered that all projects must, from now, have laboratories, to determine the quality and standard of materials used by contractors.
According to a statement signed by the media assistant to the minister, Tony Ikpasaja, after the inspection of some Federal Government roads in the South-south, the minister said the decision to restructure the ministry was as a result of the report by the Architect Bunu-led Presidential Projects Assessment Committee to Federal Government.
Onolememen noted that because of Mr. President’s “strong passion for visible changes in road infrastructural development across the nation, the restructuring became inevitable so as to enhance service delivery and accountability.”
He then advised the Zonal Directors “to regularly inspect projects within their areas while directing the engineers to live in areas where their sites are situated for effective supervision”.
The minister urged the officials of the ministry to always do the right thing instead of colluding with contractors and came down heavily on engineers, saying most of the street light projects by the ministry were becoming embarrassing.
Onolemenmen promised to set up proper design office for road and bridges where engineers and consultants will be constantly trained. He disclosed that Mr. President had approved the recruitment of 562 young engineers and technicians into the ministry of works to boost its capacity.
As part of the new mechanism being put in place to ensure quality jobs, he ordered that all projects must, from now, have laboratories, to determine the quality and standard of materials used by contractors.
How To Tackle Corruption In Nigeria
FORMER Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, has advocated an all-inclusive approach to the fight against corruption. Kolade, who spoke recently at the signing ceremony of Guinness Nigeria Plc to The Convention on Business Integrity (CBi) in Lagos last week, charged corporate entities to imbibe good values, standards and discipline, if they must be part of the crusade against corruption.
“The task of making the Nigerian society a place of loftier standards and discipline must involve all who are in positions from which they can make viable inputs to the process and the journey.” The virus of corruption has eaten deep into most daily interactions that irregular behaviour has become the norm for many players in the Nigerian economy. Hence, it is important for individuals, enterprises and institutions to acknowledge the need for definite changes in the ways we operate and manage our business activities,” he said.
“The task of making the Nigerian society a place of loftier standards and discipline must involve all who are in positions from which they can make viable inputs to the process and the journey.” The virus of corruption has eaten deep into most daily interactions that irregular behaviour has become the norm for many players in the Nigerian economy. Hence, it is important for individuals, enterprises and institutions to acknowledge the need for definite changes in the ways we operate and manage our business activities,” he said.
Jonathan to meet world leaders at UN .
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will begin a five-day trip to New York today to participate in activities marking the 66th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
President Jonathan who will be accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Health, Justice, Petroleum and Power, is also scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on desertification, land degradation and drought.
The session will be hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati, also said that “the President will deliver his statement to the General Assembly on Wednesday and confer with several world leaders on the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and their countries.
“In addition to attending a reception to be hosted by President Barack Obama of the United States in New York, he is scheduled to meet with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, President Sebastian Pinera of Chile, President Mahinda Rajapaska of Sri Lanka, President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic, President Pal Schmitt of Hungary, President Mikhail Shaskashvili of Georgia and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, as well as Prime Minister Pedro Coelho of Portugal and Japan’s new Prime Minister, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda.
Stop destroying Nigeria hard earned wealth via Bombing.Nigeria belongs to all of us.Let us build it together.
Cheers
President Jonathan who will be accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Health, Justice, Petroleum and Power, is also scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on desertification, land degradation and drought.
The session will be hosted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati, also said that “the President will deliver his statement to the General Assembly on Wednesday and confer with several world leaders on the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and their countries.
“In addition to attending a reception to be hosted by President Barack Obama of the United States in New York, he is scheduled to meet with President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, President Sebastian Pinera of Chile, President Mahinda Rajapaska of Sri Lanka, President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic, President Pal Schmitt of Hungary, President Mikhail Shaskashvili of Georgia and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, as well as Prime Minister Pedro Coelho of Portugal and Japan’s new Prime Minister, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda.
Stop destroying Nigeria hard earned wealth via Bombing.Nigeria belongs to all of us.Let us build it together.
Cheers
UN HOUSE BLAST: SSS places N25m reward on Mamman Nur
Mamman Nur, the wanted mastermind of the United Nations’ House bombing in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, last August, is said to be behind the killing of Mallam Babakura Fugu.
Nur, who was declared wanted by the Directorate of State Service, DSS, is said to harbour another faction of the dreaded Ahlan Sunnah Lid Da’waati wal Jihad Yaanaa (brothers), popularly known as the Boko Haram sect.
Lets collective stop the act of illegal bombing of our structures.Nigeria belongs to all of us.
Cheers.
Nur, who was declared wanted by the Directorate of State Service, DSS, is said to harbour another faction of the dreaded Ahlan Sunnah Lid Da’waati wal Jihad Yaanaa (brothers), popularly known as the Boko Haram sect.
Lets collective stop the act of illegal bombing of our structures.Nigeria belongs to all of us.
Cheers.
Ovia, Otteh, Otedola Added to Jonathan`s Economic Team
President Goodluck Jonathan has expanded the membership of the National Economic Management Team (NEMT) with the inclusion of the Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mrs. Arunma Otteh; former Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Oviah; and businessman, Femi Otedola are the new team members.
President Jonathan also unveiled a roadmap to attain food security and generate nearly 3.5 million jobs by 2015.
Mr president appears to be on the right path in moving Nigeria forward, we pray all Nigerians will give him the support because he cannot do it alone.
Nigerians need to be well secured also.
Cheers.
President Jonathan also unveiled a roadmap to attain food security and generate nearly 3.5 million jobs by 2015.
Mr president appears to be on the right path in moving Nigeria forward, we pray all Nigerians will give him the support because he cannot do it alone.
Nigerians need to be well secured also.
Cheers.
Obama begins fight to sell pivotal plan
Facing a battle from Congress to approve his $447 billion jobs package, President Obama will visit Virginia to tout the bill.
The proposals, heavily weighted toward tax cuts for workers and businesses, were carefully crafted to appeal to middle-class voters who gravitate toward the political center.
TAX CUTS YES, INFRASTRUCTURE NO
FEARS OF RECESSION
The unexpectedly large $447 billion price tag for Obama's jobs plan was welcomed by powerful constituencies such as labor unions whose support Obama needs in his re-election drive.
Thanks and cheers
The proposals, heavily weighted toward tax cuts for workers and businesses, were carefully crafted to appeal to middle-class voters who gravitate toward the political center.
TAX CUTS YES, INFRASTRUCTURE NO
FEARS OF RECESSION
The unexpectedly large $447 billion price tag for Obama's jobs plan was welcomed by powerful constituencies such as labor unions whose support Obama needs in his re-election drive.
Thanks and cheers
Bomb scare: Lagos beefs up security at state secretariat
The Lagos State Government, Thursday, beefed up security at the state Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, following a bomb scare. It also ordered the closure of the gate leading to the Deputy governor’s office.
Civil servants who were returning from the Eid-el-Fitri holiday and visitors driving into the secretariat through the Deputy Governor’s gate were diverted to the main-gate where their vehicles were subjected to security check.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO THE SAME THING. WHAT? I say Beef up security nation wide.
Civil servants who were returning from the Eid-el-Fitri holiday and visitors driving into the secretariat through the Deputy Governor’s gate were diverted to the main-gate where their vehicles were subjected to security check.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO THE SAME THING. WHAT? I say Beef up security nation wide.
Jos killings continue three days after
Tension continued to mount in Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday, after last Monday’s mayhem which claimed 20 lives, 50 vehicles and 100 motorcycles as both Muslim and Christian youths mobilised against each other in different parts of the state capital.
This was in apparent reprisals for silent killings from both sides. Places like Dogon Karfe, Abattoir, and Massalanci Juma’at Road were enveloped by tension for hours in the morning as security men battled to prevent any clash.
A man and his wife were said to have been stabbed and killed by hoodlums around the railway crossing around Dogon Karfe a development which angered the local youths who mobilized for a reprisal. Word soon got to those in nearby Abattoir area who also trooped out in their numbers ready for a fight.
Religious Bruhaha. What is the solution to all these HORSE PLAY BY NIGERIANS?
ARE WE SAFE, MR PRESIDENT?
This was in apparent reprisals for silent killings from both sides. Places like Dogon Karfe, Abattoir, and Massalanci Juma’at Road were enveloped by tension for hours in the morning as security men battled to prevent any clash.
A man and his wife were said to have been stabbed and killed by hoodlums around the railway crossing around Dogon Karfe a development which angered the local youths who mobilized for a reprisal. Word soon got to those in nearby Abattoir area who also trooped out in their numbers ready for a fight.
Religious Bruhaha. What is the solution to all these HORSE PLAY BY NIGERIANS?
ARE WE SAFE, MR PRESIDENT?
Bomb explodes in ex-minister's property
A bomb was thrown onto the property of Nigeria's ex-police minister, but it exploded without wounding anyone, police said on Monday, just days after a suicide attack at UN headquarters in Abuja.
The incident occurred in the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi and targeted the home of Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, who was police affairs minister during an uprising by Islamist sect Boko Haram in 2009.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for Friday's suicide attack against the UN in the capital Abuja, but investigators were considering several possibilities.
Boko Haram operates mostly in northe astern Nigeria.
There is security lapse in NIGERIA, yes or no?
The incident occurred in the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi and targeted the home of Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, who was police affairs minister during an uprising by Islamist sect Boko Haram in 2009.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for Friday's suicide attack against the UN in the capital Abuja, but investigators were considering several possibilities.
Boko Haram operates mostly in northe astern Nigeria.
There is security lapse in NIGERIA, yes or no?
Jonathan: No Going Back on Recognition of New Govt in Libya
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said he still stands by the recognition accorded the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya saying that Nigeria’s foreign policy would not be dictated to her by the government, party or opinion of another country.
Jonathan, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, dismissed the reported position of a South African, saying it was the view of an individual member of a party and not the position of the South African government.
Briefing State House Correspondents on the performance of his principal in the first 100 days in office, Abati said the promise not to let Nigerians down was vigorously being pursued and implemented in a way that foreign ratings have put Nigeria on the path of overtaking South Africa to be the continent’s number one investment destination.
Abati defended Nigeria’s position on Libya, pointing out that the government had already advised the Transitional Council to ensure that the interests of the people were protected, and for them to quickly institute multi-party democracy, ensure reconciliation and reconstruction of the country.
“So the position of an ANC member does not really amount to the position of the South African government. However, let this be clear, Nigeria has every right as a sovereign entity to take a position on any international issue. It is not a question of one country holding a higher moral ground than the other. Each country has its own foreign policy ideals and objectives and it is completely beside the point to say that one country is criticising the position held by the other. Nigeria's position is very clear and is consistent and it is principled,” he said.
Experts find way to make mosquitoes dengue-free
Injecting a bacteria into mosquitoes can block them from transmitting the dengue virus and help control the spread of a disease that kills 20,000 annually in more than 100 countries, scientists said.
In two papers published in the journal Nature on Thursday, researchers in Australia showed how female mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria passed the bug easily to their offspring, making them all dengue-free.
They said such infected mosquitoes should be released into the wild, so that the spread of dengue to people may be reduced.
"The main feature we saw was their ability to reduce dengue transmission," said Professor Scott O'Neill, lead author and science faculty dean at Monash University. "It almost completely abolished dengue virus in the body of the mosquito."
In two papers published in the journal Nature on Thursday, researchers in Australia showed how female mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria passed the bug easily to their offspring, making them all dengue-free.
They said such infected mosquitoes should be released into the wild, so that the spread of dengue to people may be reduced.
"The main feature we saw was their ability to reduce dengue transmission," said Professor Scott O'Neill, lead author and science faculty dean at Monash University. "It almost completely abolished dengue virus in the body of the mosquito."
Say goodbye to cavities: New gel could help your teeth fix themselves
.........Say goodbye to cavities: New gel could help your teeth fix themselves
Advanced dental liquid may spell the end of painful drilling
Being told you have a cavity is one of the most cringe-worthy bits of information that could ever grace your ears. Going under the dentist's drill to have a pearly white repaired is expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes painful, but that may soon change thanks to researchers at the University of Leeds' School of Chemistry. A high-tech fluid is being developed there that could help your teeth repair themselves before they ever become a problem.
When the liquid comes into contact with a decaying tooth, it penetrates the microscopic pores on the tooth's surface and forms a gel. This gel acts like a calcium magnet, drawing precious minerals into the offending tooth and repairing it from the inside out. Early testing at the University suggests that the new technology has a bright future, and the advanced liquid appears to be doing just what it was designed to do.
Professor Jennifer Kirkham of the Leeds Dental Institute is understandably excited, stating, "This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too." Indeed, it does sound too good to be true, but if the magical tooth-regenerating serum ends up gracing your local dentist, it just might take the sting out of your next visit.
(Source)
Advanced dental liquid may spell the end of painful drilling
Being told you have a cavity is one of the most cringe-worthy bits of information that could ever grace your ears. Going under the dentist's drill to have a pearly white repaired is expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes painful, but that may soon change thanks to researchers at the University of Leeds' School of Chemistry. A high-tech fluid is being developed there that could help your teeth repair themselves before they ever become a problem.
When the liquid comes into contact with a decaying tooth, it penetrates the microscopic pores on the tooth's surface and forms a gel. This gel acts like a calcium magnet, drawing precious minerals into the offending tooth and repairing it from the inside out. Early testing at the University suggests that the new technology has a bright future, and the advanced liquid appears to be doing just what it was designed to do.
Professor Jennifer Kirkham of the Leeds Dental Institute is understandably excited, stating, "This may sound too good to be true, but we are essentially helping acid-damaged teeth to regenerate themselves. It is a totally natural non-surgical repair process and is entirely pain-free too." Indeed, it does sound too good to be true, but if the magical tooth-regenerating serum ends up gracing your local dentist, it just might take the sting out of your next visit.
(Source)
Rebels send in special forces to hunt for Gaddafi
Libyan rebels said they were sending in special forces units in their hunt for fugitive strongman Muammar Gaddafi, whose supporters are now pinned down in pockets of resistance in the capital, Tripoli.
The rebel leadership announced it was planning to move from the eastern city of Benghazi, where the revolution to topple Gaddafi began six months ago, to govern the country from Tripoli.
Rumors of Gaddafi or his sons being cornered or sighted, swirled among excitable rebel fighters engaged in heavy machinegun and rocket exchanges. But even after his compound was overrun on Tuesday, hopes of a swift end to the war were still being frustrated by fierce rearguard actions.
The rebel leadership announced it was planning to move from the eastern city of Benghazi, where the revolution to topple Gaddafi began six months ago, to govern the country from Tripoli.
Rumors of Gaddafi or his sons being cornered or sighted, swirled among excitable rebel fighters engaged in heavy machinegun and rocket exchanges. But even after his compound was overrun on Tuesday, hopes of a swift end to the war were still being frustrated by fierce rearguard actions.
Nigerian state-firm to guarantee power suppliers
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced on Tuesday a new state company that will guarantee to pay for power generated in Africa's most populous nation, potentially opening the way for billions of dollars of investment.
Nigeria has the world's seventh-largest natural gas reserves, yet is blighted by persistent electricity outages which force businesses and individuals who can afford them to rely on diesel generators.
furthermore, "Bulk Trader" to ensure payment for power produced
* World Bank to provide partial risk guarantee
* Okonjo-Iweala heads company board, broadens scope (Adds quotes, detail, background)
We pray it works this time. We welcome continuous power supply without failure in Nigeria.
Nigeria has the world's seventh-largest natural gas reserves, yet is blighted by persistent electricity outages which force businesses and individuals who can afford them to rely on diesel generators.
furthermore, "Bulk Trader" to ensure payment for power produced
* World Bank to provide partial risk guarantee
* Okonjo-Iweala heads company board, broadens scope (Adds quotes, detail, background)
We pray it works this time. We welcome continuous power supply without failure in Nigeria.
Gaddafi, son for trial as 42-year-old regime crumbles .
AS the 42-year-old regime of Muammar Gaddafi totters towards end, the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday said it has begun move to ensure prosecution of the Libyan leader and one of his sons, Saif al-Islam, on charges of war crimes.
A report by Reuters quoted the ICC as saying that it was in talks with the Libyan rebels about the potential transfer of Saif al-Islam to the war crimes court in The Hague. “We are in discussions with the Libyan council about the surrender of Saif al-Islam,” ICC official Fadi el-Abdallah said. “It is simply too early to talk about details of those discussions or time-frames. The situation is not fully clear or stable in Tripoli so that might take some time.”
Abdallah, who is the spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit at the International Court, said the court was also seeking arrest of Gaddafi and the head of the Libyan intelligence service, Abdullah al-Sanussi.
Libyan government tanks and snipers put up scattered, last-ditch resistance in Tripoli yesterday after rebels swept into the heart of the capital, cheered on by crowds hailing the end of Gaddafi’s 42 years in power.
The 69-year-old Gaddafi, urging civilians to take up arms against rebel “rats”, said in an audio broadcast that he was in the city and would be “with you until the end”. But there was little sign of popular opposition to the rebel offensive, two of Gaddafi’s sons were seized and it was unclear where he was.
What's next in Libya key to US politics, economy
The dramatic advance of Libyan rebels over the forces of longtime strongman Moammar Gadhafi offers vindication, at least for now, for President Barack Obama's decision to refrain from using U.S. troops on Libyan soil and to let NATO take the lead in degrading Gadhafi's military power. But there are still hazards for the White House.
How the country moves from turmoil to stability presents a new challenge for Obama and could determine how the public views not only his foreign policy, but in some measure the economy as well.
Yet, the news for Obama on Monday could not have been better. The Libyan street was euphoric, Gadhafi was in hiding and the price of oil — a contributor to dangerous economic lethargy — was dropping.
"The Libyan intervention demonstrates what the international community can achieve when we stand together as one," Obama said at his vacation retreat in Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
How the country moves from turmoil to stability presents a new challenge for Obama and could determine how the public views not only his foreign policy, but in some measure the economy as well.
Yet, the news for Obama on Monday could not have been better. The Libyan street was euphoric, Gadhafi was in hiding and the price of oil — a contributor to dangerous economic lethargy — was dropping.
"The Libyan intervention demonstrates what the international community can achieve when we stand together as one," Obama said at his vacation retreat in Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
Lets Pray For Our Leaders
We in Nigeria need to pray for our leaders because in first TIMOTHY 2:1-2 [NASB]it is written and i quote:
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers,
petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
From above you can see that Praying for our leaders is not a useless ritual. God would not tell us to do something in His Word, unless it would make a
difference.
Sometimes, when bad things happen, people ask why God allowed
them to happen. But we should be asking ourselves why we
allowed them to happen: by not obeying God and praying.
If believers are praying as we ought, we can expect many bad
things and difficult times to be avoided.
Since God told us to pray for our leaders, it is our
responsibility.
Of course, we shouldn't limit ourselves to praying only for our
leaders. We should pray for all people. And not just when we face difficult
times, either.
SAY THIS: Father, I pray that you would give our leaders
wisdom, understanding, and insight into all the situations that we face, and the courage to do what is right in Jesus name .Amen..
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers,
petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
From above you can see that Praying for our leaders is not a useless ritual. God would not tell us to do something in His Word, unless it would make a
difference.
Sometimes, when bad things happen, people ask why God allowed
them to happen. But we should be asking ourselves why we
allowed them to happen: by not obeying God and praying.
If believers are praying as we ought, we can expect many bad
things and difficult times to be avoided.
Since God told us to pray for our leaders, it is our
responsibility.
Of course, we shouldn't limit ourselves to praying only for our
leaders. We should pray for all people. And not just when we face difficult
times, either.
SAY THIS: Father, I pray that you would give our leaders
wisdom, understanding, and insight into all the situations that we face, and the courage to do what is right in Jesus name .Amen..
The Good Life: Saving for Your Dreams
1. Make a Plan
"[People] wing it when it comes to either their day to day investments and even retirement. If you are a couple looking to retire together, make sure you sit down and talk about it together," said Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab & Co.
2. Follow the 4 Percent Rule
Retirement Trend: Separated Marriages Watch Video
Baby Boomers Retiring to Texas Watch Video
Baby Boomers' Retirement Uncertain Watch Video
Calculate what you think you need for one year of retirement, multiply that by 25 and withdraw 4 percent of the total each year to live on.
3. Don't Take Social Security Too Soon
Seventy-five percent of baby boomers claim Social Security before they turn 65, even though the math does not work in their favor. If you are 62 years old earning $60,000 a year, you'd get $1,126 a month from Social Security, but if you wait until you are 70 you'd receive $2,123 a month.You can also calculate what you will get in your country. Its cool.
"[People] wing it when it comes to either their day to day investments and even retirement. If you are a couple looking to retire together, make sure you sit down and talk about it together," said Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab & Co.
2. Follow the 4 Percent Rule
Retirement Trend: Separated Marriages Watch Video
Baby Boomers Retiring to Texas Watch Video
Baby Boomers' Retirement Uncertain Watch Video
Calculate what you think you need for one year of retirement, multiply that by 25 and withdraw 4 percent of the total each year to live on.
3. Don't Take Social Security Too Soon
Seventy-five percent of baby boomers claim Social Security before they turn 65, even though the math does not work in their favor. If you are 62 years old earning $60,000 a year, you'd get $1,126 a month from Social Security, but if you wait until you are 70 you'd receive $2,123 a month.You can also calculate what you will get in your country. Its cool.
Live Long And Strong
DEUTERONOMY 34:7 NIV
7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet
his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.
Old age should not be a time to dread. We can look to God and
receive strength, health, and provision for a full and
enjoyable life.
God's plan for you is NOT an old age full of sickness, poverty,
and loneliness.
Moses and Caleb are examples for us.
JOSHUA 14:10-11 NKJ
10 "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said,
these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to
Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I
am this day, eighty-five years old.
11 "As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses
sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength
for war, both for going out and for coming in.
GALATIANS 3:13-14 NKJ
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having
become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone
who hangs on a tree"),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in
Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith.
Galatians 3 tells us we are to receive the blessing of Abraham
-- through faith -- because of what Jesus has done. Now, read
the following verses about Abraham.
GENESIS 13:2 NKJ
2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
GENESIS 25:8 NASB
8 And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an
old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his
people.
Because Jesus has redeemed us from the curse, we also should
believe God for a long, enjoyable, and productive life. And we
should resist the devil who would try to steal it away from us.
We have the promise of God that He will satisfy us with life.
(If you are not satisfied with your life, make some changes.
God intends for you to be satisfied.)
PSALM 91:16 NKJ
16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My
salvation."
PSALM 103:5 NKJ
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth
is renewed like the eagle's.
God made our bodies to repair and renew themselves. As we walk
and talk in faith, looking to the promises of God, the life of
God will renew our bodies. (We should also allow God to guide
us in the things we take into our bodies -- only putting good
things into our mouths.)
PSALM 92:14 NKJ
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh
and flourishing,
ISAIAH 46:4 NIV
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will
sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will
sustain you and I will rescue you.
God is faithful. He will always be our wonderful Father, our
great Provider, Helper, and Healer -- no matter how old we are,
or what we face.
SAY THIS: Jesus redeemed me from the curse, so I will live a
long, enjoyable life to the glory of God.Amen.
7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet
his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.
Old age should not be a time to dread. We can look to God and
receive strength, health, and provision for a full and
enjoyable life.
God's plan for you is NOT an old age full of sickness, poverty,
and loneliness.
Moses and Caleb are examples for us.
JOSHUA 14:10-11 NKJ
10 "And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said,
these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to
Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I
am this day, eighty-five years old.
11 "As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses
sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength
for war, both for going out and for coming in.
GALATIANS 3:13-14 NKJ
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having
become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone
who hangs on a tree"),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in
Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith.
Galatians 3 tells us we are to receive the blessing of Abraham
-- through faith -- because of what Jesus has done. Now, read
the following verses about Abraham.
GENESIS 13:2 NKJ
2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
GENESIS 25:8 NASB
8 And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an
old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his
people.
Because Jesus has redeemed us from the curse, we also should
believe God for a long, enjoyable, and productive life. And we
should resist the devil who would try to steal it away from us.
We have the promise of God that He will satisfy us with life.
(If you are not satisfied with your life, make some changes.
God intends for you to be satisfied.)
PSALM 91:16 NKJ
16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My
salvation."
PSALM 103:5 NKJ
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth
is renewed like the eagle's.
God made our bodies to repair and renew themselves. As we walk
and talk in faith, looking to the promises of God, the life of
God will renew our bodies. (We should also allow God to guide
us in the things we take into our bodies -- only putting good
things into our mouths.)
PSALM 92:14 NKJ
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh
and flourishing,
ISAIAH 46:4 NIV
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will
sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will
sustain you and I will rescue you.
God is faithful. He will always be our wonderful Father, our
great Provider, Helper, and Healer -- no matter how old we are,
or what we face.
SAY THIS: Jesus redeemed me from the curse, so I will live a
long, enjoyable life to the glory of God.Amen.
Drowning in Debt? 7 Steps to Climb Out
Step 1: Gather Information
Before forming a debt-reduction plan, you must gather all your financial information and records so you can form a solid picture of your monetary situation. While the picture might not be pretty, careful preparation can lead to more solutions for shedding the debt.
Here's what you need to gather:
• Account information on all credit cards, accounts and loans that include debtor, amount owed, date of last payment, minimum payment, interest rate charged, address and telephone number.
• Asset information on all family holdings including type of holding or property, current value, rate of return, maturity dates, cost/tax basis.
• Monthly living expenses: Categorize all expenditures and try to avoid the use of "miscellaneous" as a catchall for unmonitored spending.
• Insurance coverage including individual and employee benefits and detail the type(s) of policy, cost, coverage and rationale behind whether or not to continue coverage.
Step 2: Develop a Bare Bones Budget
Once you have a sense of all the debts, create a realistic budget to live on that eliminates all frivolous spending. Be sure to include spouses and family members when forming the budget to enhance the likelihood of cooperation and success.
Create new spending habits that include:
• Making a list of what is needed before going shopping
• Tracking monthly expenditures on a regular basis
• Reconciling the checkbook monthly
• Recording or saving receipts for all cash purchases
• Using the payroll deduction option to bolster monthly payments and savings
Step 3: Make It a Family Affair
Be sure to write down all the new spending habits and establish target dates to savings goals.
Meet with your spouse and family members regularly to evaluate progress, identify any weak areas and plan for upcoming events that may require a change to the budget.
It's also a good idea to write down all the money coming in and going out to make it easy to identify unnecessary spending. Try and cut back visits to the ATM—this source of cash is often abused and is more difficult to track than check writing. If you do not know where the money is going, you cannot plug the leaks.
Step 4: Contact Creditors
Once you have identified your debts, it is a good idea to contact creditors to set up payment plans that reduce your payments to a more manageable level.
Step 5: Look for Debt-Reduction Sources
Next, brainstorm a way to shore up any monies available to quickly reduce as much debt as possible so you aren't losing so much money to interest charges.
Here are some common sources of funds:
• Analyze net monthly income and make adjustments: Alter the number of exemptions claimed, automatic deductions, 401(k) contributions, savings bond purchases, etc...
• Review assets and re-allocate to create liquidity: When interest charges are in excess of earnings on invested monies, check to see if you qualify for tax deductions.
• Consider a temporary second job to increase income; a non-working spouse or other non-working family members could also be encouraged to seek outside employment.
• Secure a loan from a family member. The loan could be repaid at an interest rate far less than the credit card or other loan interest rates, but still higher than the family member would be earning on certificates of deposit or money market accounts.
Step 6: Develop Emergency Cash Reserves
It's important to create a rainy day fund to cover any unexpected expenditures; commit to stashing away a realistic amount of money every month and slowly increase the amount each month. The end goal is to accumulate three to six months of living expenses.
You may need to refer back to your bare-bones budget in order to set your goal.
Step 7: Plan Mid-Term and Long-Term Financial Goals
As you continue to pay down debt and begin to feel more optimistic about your finances, start detailing your long-term goals and develop plans on how to achieve them on your new financial diet.
Before forming a debt-reduction plan, you must gather all your financial information and records so you can form a solid picture of your monetary situation. While the picture might not be pretty, careful preparation can lead to more solutions for shedding the debt.
Here's what you need to gather:
• Account information on all credit cards, accounts and loans that include debtor, amount owed, date of last payment, minimum payment, interest rate charged, address and telephone number.
• Asset information on all family holdings including type of holding or property, current value, rate of return, maturity dates, cost/tax basis.
• Monthly living expenses: Categorize all expenditures and try to avoid the use of "miscellaneous" as a catchall for unmonitored spending.
• Insurance coverage including individual and employee benefits and detail the type(s) of policy, cost, coverage and rationale behind whether or not to continue coverage.
Step 2: Develop a Bare Bones Budget
Once you have a sense of all the debts, create a realistic budget to live on that eliminates all frivolous spending. Be sure to include spouses and family members when forming the budget to enhance the likelihood of cooperation and success.
Create new spending habits that include:
• Making a list of what is needed before going shopping
• Tracking monthly expenditures on a regular basis
• Reconciling the checkbook monthly
• Recording or saving receipts for all cash purchases
• Using the payroll deduction option to bolster monthly payments and savings
Step 3: Make It a Family Affair
Be sure to write down all the new spending habits and establish target dates to savings goals.
Meet with your spouse and family members regularly to evaluate progress, identify any weak areas and plan for upcoming events that may require a change to the budget.
It's also a good idea to write down all the money coming in and going out to make it easy to identify unnecessary spending. Try and cut back visits to the ATM—this source of cash is often abused and is more difficult to track than check writing. If you do not know where the money is going, you cannot plug the leaks.
Step 4: Contact Creditors
Once you have identified your debts, it is a good idea to contact creditors to set up payment plans that reduce your payments to a more manageable level.
Step 5: Look for Debt-Reduction Sources
Next, brainstorm a way to shore up any monies available to quickly reduce as much debt as possible so you aren't losing so much money to interest charges.
Here are some common sources of funds:
• Analyze net monthly income and make adjustments: Alter the number of exemptions claimed, automatic deductions, 401(k) contributions, savings bond purchases, etc...
• Review assets and re-allocate to create liquidity: When interest charges are in excess of earnings on invested monies, check to see if you qualify for tax deductions.
• Consider a temporary second job to increase income; a non-working spouse or other non-working family members could also be encouraged to seek outside employment.
• Secure a loan from a family member. The loan could be repaid at an interest rate far less than the credit card or other loan interest rates, but still higher than the family member would be earning on certificates of deposit or money market accounts.
Step 6: Develop Emergency Cash Reserves
It's important to create a rainy day fund to cover any unexpected expenditures; commit to stashing away a realistic amount of money every month and slowly increase the amount each month. The end goal is to accumulate three to six months of living expenses.
You may need to refer back to your bare-bones budget in order to set your goal.
Step 7: Plan Mid-Term and Long-Term Financial Goals
As you continue to pay down debt and begin to feel more optimistic about your finances, start detailing your long-term goals and develop plans on how to achieve them on your new financial diet.
'My Biggest Money Mistake'
Everybody has messed up at some point. These folks share their biggest goofs, but are now on the right path.
Bought a Vacation Home as an Investment
Christine Flood, 37
Software engineer
Denver, Colorado
Courtesy: Christine Flood
"I have been in the rental market since I was in college and thought owning a ski condo would be a good idea. What I didn't know is that vacation rentals are a whole new beast that I didn't understand.
The operational costs differ greatly -- for example, you need to hire a management company for guest services and housekeeping. That's 30% to 50% of your gross rents. And my vacation home is now worth $30,000 less than when I bought it."
My fix: "My dad told me vacation homes are a rich man's game -- I should have believed him. When the market turns around, I am going to sell this baby as quickly as possible and settle with a traditional rental."
Courtesy: Daniel C.
Kept Too Much Money in Employer's Stock
Daniel C., 52
Engineer and consultant
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
"I had over 10% of my net worth in a single equity -- my employer's stock, and held on to it even when the market went south. I held on to it out of sentiment because it was my own company. In 2010, $50,000 worth of stock turned into a $27,000 tax loss."
My fix: "I know not to invest with sentimentality, and I pay more attention to my portfolio."
Courtesy: Phyllis Goodman
Trusted a Pro's Picks and Ignored Fund Fees
Phyllis Goodman, 63
Retired
Fort Worth, Texas
"After retiring, I rolled my 401(k) over to the company that had serviced my insurance needs for more than 30 years and blindly took the agent's recommendations without researching management fees or the funds. I lost money and was charged a great deal."
My fix: "I withdrew the money, started doing research on my own, and invested at Vanguard and T. Rowe Price. I manage my own accounts, insist on diversity, and do everything I can to stay up to date."
Courtesy: Sin Hang Lai
Too Risk-Averse for My Age
Sin Hang Lai, 33
Project manager
Cos Cob, Connecticut
"When I quit my job in 2002, I converted my 401(k) into a IRA at a brokerage and left it in cash for the next seven years. I wish I had invested that money during the strong post-dotcom recovery. It wasn't until after 2008 that I thought about what to do with my savings, and then I stupidly tried to trade and lost money."
My fix: "I regret not having a personal finance education, either formally or through friends and family, so now I read, observe, and carefully manage my own money. I've opened a Roth IRA and an individual account I play with -- I let myself get creative with that account."
Courtesy: Paul Jarvis
Put Short-Term Savings into Growth Stocks
Paul Jarvis, 29
Money manager
Fargo, North Dakota
"I was 16 when my father passed away nearly 15 years ago. I inherited the house and a life insurance policy, which combined would have been enough for college and hopefully a payment. I followed my broker's advice and invested the life insurance money in a growth portfolio. The market dropped substantially over the next year, and while it eventually came up, I needed the money for tuition and couldn't afford market fluctuations."
My fix: "I think about my short-term needs and balance that with long-term money, which can take additional risk. I rebalance my portfolio in large market declines, as well as cut extraneous expenses and save aggressively."
Bought a Vacation Home as an Investment
Christine Flood, 37
Software engineer
Denver, Colorado
Courtesy: Christine Flood
"I have been in the rental market since I was in college and thought owning a ski condo would be a good idea. What I didn't know is that vacation rentals are a whole new beast that I didn't understand.
The operational costs differ greatly -- for example, you need to hire a management company for guest services and housekeeping. That's 30% to 50% of your gross rents. And my vacation home is now worth $30,000 less than when I bought it."
My fix: "My dad told me vacation homes are a rich man's game -- I should have believed him. When the market turns around, I am going to sell this baby as quickly as possible and settle with a traditional rental."
Courtesy: Daniel C.
Kept Too Much Money in Employer's Stock
Daniel C., 52
Engineer and consultant
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
"I had over 10% of my net worth in a single equity -- my employer's stock, and held on to it even when the market went south. I held on to it out of sentiment because it was my own company. In 2010, $50,000 worth of stock turned into a $27,000 tax loss."
My fix: "I know not to invest with sentimentality, and I pay more attention to my portfolio."
Courtesy: Phyllis Goodman
Trusted a Pro's Picks and Ignored Fund Fees
Phyllis Goodman, 63
Retired
Fort Worth, Texas
"After retiring, I rolled my 401(k) over to the company that had serviced my insurance needs for more than 30 years and blindly took the agent's recommendations without researching management fees or the funds. I lost money and was charged a great deal."
My fix: "I withdrew the money, started doing research on my own, and invested at Vanguard and T. Rowe Price. I manage my own accounts, insist on diversity, and do everything I can to stay up to date."
Courtesy: Sin Hang Lai
Too Risk-Averse for My Age
Sin Hang Lai, 33
Project manager
Cos Cob, Connecticut
"When I quit my job in 2002, I converted my 401(k) into a IRA at a brokerage and left it in cash for the next seven years. I wish I had invested that money during the strong post-dotcom recovery. It wasn't until after 2008 that I thought about what to do with my savings, and then I stupidly tried to trade and lost money."
My fix: "I regret not having a personal finance education, either formally or through friends and family, so now I read, observe, and carefully manage my own money. I've opened a Roth IRA and an individual account I play with -- I let myself get creative with that account."
Courtesy: Paul Jarvis
Put Short-Term Savings into Growth Stocks
Paul Jarvis, 29
Money manager
Fargo, North Dakota
"I was 16 when my father passed away nearly 15 years ago. I inherited the house and a life insurance policy, which combined would have been enough for college and hopefully a payment. I followed my broker's advice and invested the life insurance money in a growth portfolio. The market dropped substantially over the next year, and while it eventually came up, I needed the money for tuition and couldn't afford market fluctuations."
My fix: "I think about my short-term needs and balance that with long-term money, which can take additional risk. I rebalance my portfolio in large market declines, as well as cut extraneous expenses and save aggressively."
Things Your Neighbors Won't Tell You
The people living next door aren't who you think they are.
1. "Complaining will cost you dearly."
When Richard Laermer and his partner moved into a Manhattan co-op, his next door neighbor invited them over to dinner. "We had a lovely wine-infused time," recalls Laermer, a PR executive. But those good times didn't last. A few short weeks after breaking bread, Laermer left a Post-It note on the neighbor's door asking if her kids could be quieter in the mornings. The neighbor responded by cutting off all contact.
2. "I will use your Wi-Fi -- and get you arrested."
Nearly one-third of Americans admit to using their neighbor's Internet service, nearly double the number from two years ago, according to a national survey by the non-profit Wifi Alliance Trade Alliance. Such thieving can push your data usage above its monthly limit and increase your Wi-Fi bill, says McCall Butler, a spokeswoman for AT&T, who recommends that customers protect their Wi-Fi network with a password and change it regularly. Worse, there's no controlling what Wi-Fi thieves do with your signal, and if what they're doing is illegal, you could be in hot water.
3. "Good luck blocking out our din."
Unofficially, the biggest complaint people have about their neighbors is noise, says Bob Borzotta, who has conducted online polls on the issue at his website NeighborsFromHell.com. That includes barking dogs, loud music, car and house alarms and domestic arguments. And these aren't the constant complaints of a neighborhood killjoy. "I know two people who ended up having intestinal surgery because of anxiety related to long-running disputes with neighbors over noise," Borzotta says. Lost sleep and noisy neighbors can mean hefty doctor's bills to deal with anxiety and stress. People who suffer from psychological distress spend an average of $1,735 more on health care each year than lower-stress folks, according to research published last month by researchers at the Medical University at South Carolina. Another option -- soundproofing -- can cost $200 for one wall between you and the noisy neighbor and $300 for the ceiling, according to Ted White, president of the Michigan-based Soundproofing Company. Soundproof Windows range from $350 to $900 per window, according to Reno, Nevada-based Soundproof Windows Inc.
4. "I'm a registered sex offender."
For obvious reasons, this may be the last thing in the world your neighbor will tell you, but it's important, even for people who don't have children. Thanks to the Sexual Offender Act of 1994, also called "Megan's Law," people convicted of sex crimes must notify local law enforcement of any change of address or employment post-prison. That information is then made public, via the National Sex Offender Registry. And as would-be home buyers use these tools right along with Zillow to evaluate their future neighborhoods, the presence of a convicted sex-offender can hurt property values. A study by the researchers in Longwood College and Longwood University in Virginia said that registered sex offenders living nearby can reduce your home's value by 9% and homes near registered sex offenders can take over 70% longer to sell.
5. "We're ripping up the flower beds and planting corn."
Forget Farmville. About 43 million Americans now grow their own fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs, according to a 2009 National Gardening Association report, up 19% over the previous year. But what's good for the farmer isn't necessarily so good for his neighbors. A Virginia Tech study from 2009 suggested that landscaping and pristine lawns help increase property values by an average of 7.5%. A home valued at $150,000 with no landscaping could be worth up to from $8,000 to $19,000 more with a sophisticated landscape with color and large plants, the study said: "Relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape."
6. "My apartment has bed bugs."
It only takes one embarrassed and silent neighbor with a mattress full of bed bugs to infect an entire apartment building. In one recent study, the arrival of a single suspected bedbug resulted in infestation in 45% of the units in a 233-unit apartment building within three years. Getting rid of the pests is hard -- it may take several cycles of extreme extermination, and around $550 for a typical one-bedroom apartment, according to San Francisco-based exterminator Dan Fitzsimmons.
1. "Complaining will cost you dearly."
When Richard Laermer and his partner moved into a Manhattan co-op, his next door neighbor invited them over to dinner. "We had a lovely wine-infused time," recalls Laermer, a PR executive. But those good times didn't last. A few short weeks after breaking bread, Laermer left a Post-It note on the neighbor's door asking if her kids could be quieter in the mornings. The neighbor responded by cutting off all contact.
2. "I will use your Wi-Fi -- and get you arrested."
Nearly one-third of Americans admit to using their neighbor's Internet service, nearly double the number from two years ago, according to a national survey by the non-profit Wifi Alliance Trade Alliance. Such thieving can push your data usage above its monthly limit and increase your Wi-Fi bill, says McCall Butler, a spokeswoman for AT&T, who recommends that customers protect their Wi-Fi network with a password and change it regularly. Worse, there's no controlling what Wi-Fi thieves do with your signal, and if what they're doing is illegal, you could be in hot water.
3. "Good luck blocking out our din."
Unofficially, the biggest complaint people have about their neighbors is noise, says Bob Borzotta, who has conducted online polls on the issue at his website NeighborsFromHell.com. That includes barking dogs, loud music, car and house alarms and domestic arguments. And these aren't the constant complaints of a neighborhood killjoy. "I know two people who ended up having intestinal surgery because of anxiety related to long-running disputes with neighbors over noise," Borzotta says. Lost sleep and noisy neighbors can mean hefty doctor's bills to deal with anxiety and stress. People who suffer from psychological distress spend an average of $1,735 more on health care each year than lower-stress folks, according to research published last month by researchers at the Medical University at South Carolina. Another option -- soundproofing -- can cost $200 for one wall between you and the noisy neighbor and $300 for the ceiling, according to Ted White, president of the Michigan-based Soundproofing Company. Soundproof Windows range from $350 to $900 per window, according to Reno, Nevada-based Soundproof Windows Inc.
4. "I'm a registered sex offender."
For obvious reasons, this may be the last thing in the world your neighbor will tell you, but it's important, even for people who don't have children. Thanks to the Sexual Offender Act of 1994, also called "Megan's Law," people convicted of sex crimes must notify local law enforcement of any change of address or employment post-prison. That information is then made public, via the National Sex Offender Registry. And as would-be home buyers use these tools right along with Zillow to evaluate their future neighborhoods, the presence of a convicted sex-offender can hurt property values. A study by the researchers in Longwood College and Longwood University in Virginia said that registered sex offenders living nearby can reduce your home's value by 9% and homes near registered sex offenders can take over 70% longer to sell.
5. "We're ripping up the flower beds and planting corn."
Forget Farmville. About 43 million Americans now grow their own fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs, according to a 2009 National Gardening Association report, up 19% over the previous year. But what's good for the farmer isn't necessarily so good for his neighbors. A Virginia Tech study from 2009 suggested that landscaping and pristine lawns help increase property values by an average of 7.5%. A home valued at $150,000 with no landscaping could be worth up to from $8,000 to $19,000 more with a sophisticated landscape with color and large plants, the study said: "Relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape."
6. "My apartment has bed bugs."
It only takes one embarrassed and silent neighbor with a mattress full of bed bugs to infect an entire apartment building. In one recent study, the arrival of a single suspected bedbug resulted in infestation in 45% of the units in a 233-unit apartment building within three years. Getting rid of the pests is hard -- it may take several cycles of extreme extermination, and around $550 for a typical one-bedroom apartment, according to San Francisco-based exterminator Dan Fitzsimmons.
7 Real-Life Ways To Become A Billionaire
Becoming a billionaire seems like a great goal, but unfortunately it's only a dream for most of us. The thing is, many billionaires didn't start out as such. Some certainly had economic and educational advantages, but even without those, their smart decisions and business choices, plus a few characteristics that can't be overlooked, led them from Point A to Point B (Billionaire). So, what can we learn about our own real-life options for becoming billionaires? (More than 70 years after his death, this man remains one of the great figures of Wall Street. See J.D. Rockefeller: From Oil Baron To Billionaire.)
First things first: find a way to make money. Four of the most oft-methods of money making in the world of billionaires are inventing, investing, innovating and being an entrepreneur, but remember that how you pursue your billions is just as important as what you do to get them.
TUTORIAL: Starting A Small Business Tutorial
Do This: Invent
Inventing is a tough road to take, but if you've got the smarts to successfully create, patent, produce and market a product that people need (and thus, will buy in droves), you can build your future billionaire life on it. Successful inventions aren't necessarily complicated or high-tech items, either; James Dyson invented a better vacuum cleaner, and Gianfranco Zaccai invented a better mop, the Swiffer. Seems like things that help people clean more efficiently might be a good market to pursue.
Do This: Innovate
Innovation is the fine art of considering a current mainstream market and finding a creative way to improve the current offering. Successful innovators will identify the real needs behind customer demands, and will meet them with a smarter, better, more efficient product, or with a service that provides more than its competitors, or with a business that works in a way just different enough to stand out from the rest. IKEA founder is a great example of innovation leading to billions; furniture doesn't seem like a very exciting market, but his approach of providing modular, economical pieces with a modern flair from Sweden and other European designers and manufacturers to a global market has taken him all the way.
Don't Do This: Think You Know It All
The moment you think you have nothing left to learn is the moment you kill your potential for becoming a billionaire. Especially if you're interested in building your wealth through inventing or innovating, you have to be curious, open-minded and always learning. Those qualities allow you to look at old things in a new way, to see the potential for change and profit where others see only what already had been done.
Do This: Invest
Warren Buffett, the self-made billionaire, is famous for his frugal ways and for his smart investments. Investing, of course, requires a little seed money and some accurate insight into what investments are smart and what are a waste of money. If you can follow in the footsteps of billionaire investors like Buffett, then this might be the route for you.
Don't Do This: Make Flashy Investments
The latest and greatest is always fun to talk about, and one of the pitfalls of would-be billionaires is to jump in on the "next big thing" which doesn't always turn out to be so big. Investors who make billions from their investments avoid flashy, fun and high-risk picks and instead choose those with long-term potential to provide great returns. Real estate, energy, steel, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and energy are among the picks, while high-tech and intriguing but risky options may go either way.
Do This: Be an Entrepreneur
The third option for becoming a billionaire is in the time-honored tradition of entrepreneurial pursuits. Starting a business and taking it to success isn't always easy, but for those with good business sense and the ability to spot start-ups that have potential to be great, entrepreneurship can be the vehicle to great wealth. Billionaire entrepreneurs might work in one of two ways: either by coming up with a great idea and taking it all the way, as in the case of Bill Gates and Microsoft. Or by spotting someone else's good idea and investing in it early on, helping to carry it to huge success. Both are viable ways to reach success that can get you into the billions of dollars when it comes to your own net worth. (Quit your job; be your own boss and earn a paycheck. Find out what to do to make it happen, in Start Your Own Small Business.)
TUTORIAL: Estate Planning Basics
Don't Do This: Quit Too Soon
Entrepreneurial types who succeed must realize that success rarely comes overnight. One business idea might not pay off, but the next might. Or your company might hit a low point, and you have to make the choice to hang on with it and bring it back or let your dream die and your debt increase. It's not easy to build something from scratch, especially when your something is a fortune of billions. Time is on your side, if you don't rush it.
The Bottom Line
Of course, luck has something to do with success; it helps to be in the right place at the right time. However, if you don't know what to do when you're there, luck won't help you out much. Smart choices, smart investments and long-term learning and growing will however; once you hit that first billion, remember you heard it here.
First things first: find a way to make money. Four of the most oft-methods of money making in the world of billionaires are inventing, investing, innovating and being an entrepreneur, but remember that how you pursue your billions is just as important as what you do to get them.
TUTORIAL: Starting A Small Business Tutorial
Do This: Invent
Inventing is a tough road to take, but if you've got the smarts to successfully create, patent, produce and market a product that people need (and thus, will buy in droves), you can build your future billionaire life on it. Successful inventions aren't necessarily complicated or high-tech items, either; James Dyson invented a better vacuum cleaner, and Gianfranco Zaccai invented a better mop, the Swiffer. Seems like things that help people clean more efficiently might be a good market to pursue.
Do This: Innovate
Innovation is the fine art of considering a current mainstream market and finding a creative way to improve the current offering. Successful innovators will identify the real needs behind customer demands, and will meet them with a smarter, better, more efficient product, or with a service that provides more than its competitors, or with a business that works in a way just different enough to stand out from the rest. IKEA founder is a great example of innovation leading to billions; furniture doesn't seem like a very exciting market, but his approach of providing modular, economical pieces with a modern flair from Sweden and other European designers and manufacturers to a global market has taken him all the way.
Don't Do This: Think You Know It All
The moment you think you have nothing left to learn is the moment you kill your potential for becoming a billionaire. Especially if you're interested in building your wealth through inventing or innovating, you have to be curious, open-minded and always learning. Those qualities allow you to look at old things in a new way, to see the potential for change and profit where others see only what already had been done.
Do This: Invest
Warren Buffett, the self-made billionaire, is famous for his frugal ways and for his smart investments. Investing, of course, requires a little seed money and some accurate insight into what investments are smart and what are a waste of money. If you can follow in the footsteps of billionaire investors like Buffett, then this might be the route for you.
Don't Do This: Make Flashy Investments
The latest and greatest is always fun to talk about, and one of the pitfalls of would-be billionaires is to jump in on the "next big thing" which doesn't always turn out to be so big. Investors who make billions from their investments avoid flashy, fun and high-risk picks and instead choose those with long-term potential to provide great returns. Real estate, energy, steel, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and energy are among the picks, while high-tech and intriguing but risky options may go either way.
Do This: Be an Entrepreneur
The third option for becoming a billionaire is in the time-honored tradition of entrepreneurial pursuits. Starting a business and taking it to success isn't always easy, but for those with good business sense and the ability to spot start-ups that have potential to be great, entrepreneurship can be the vehicle to great wealth. Billionaire entrepreneurs might work in one of two ways: either by coming up with a great idea and taking it all the way, as in the case of Bill Gates and Microsoft. Or by spotting someone else's good idea and investing in it early on, helping to carry it to huge success. Both are viable ways to reach success that can get you into the billions of dollars when it comes to your own net worth. (Quit your job; be your own boss and earn a paycheck. Find out what to do to make it happen, in Start Your Own Small Business.)
TUTORIAL: Estate Planning Basics
Don't Do This: Quit Too Soon
Entrepreneurial types who succeed must realize that success rarely comes overnight. One business idea might not pay off, but the next might. Or your company might hit a low point, and you have to make the choice to hang on with it and bring it back or let your dream die and your debt increase. It's not easy to build something from scratch, especially when your something is a fortune of billions. Time is on your side, if you don't rush it.
The Bottom Line
Of course, luck has something to do with success; it helps to be in the right place at the right time. However, if you don't know what to do when you're there, luck won't help you out much. Smart choices, smart investments and long-term learning and growing will however; once you hit that first billion, remember you heard it here.
5 Easy Steps to Becoming a Millionaire
Who wouldn't want to be worth a million dollars? Many of us dream of achieving this goal, more often than not for the sake of the freedom financial stability would bring. So how can we get there? The answers are actually much easier than you might expect. Here are several easy steps to get you into the millionaires' club. (With a little discipline and the help of some powerful savings vehicles, anyone can hit this mark.)
1. Only Marry Once
According to "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D and William D. Danko, Ph.D, the average millionaire is married with three children. The wives of these millionaires are good budgeters and most often described as even more frugal than their husbands. Interestingly, according to Stanley and Danko's survey, half of these wives do no work outside the home and of those who do, they are most likely teachers.
One upside of only marrying once is avoiding the costs of divorce and of subsequent weddings. The cost of a divorce depends on many factors including income, attorney fees, court fees, and the assets a couple has and how they are divided. The average wedding cost in the United States in 2010, according to The Wedding Report.com, was $24,070.
2. Live Off One Income
One of the advantages of having a life partner is the potential to pull in two incomes. If you are able, consider structuring your set expenses based on only one income, and save what comes in from the other income. Doing so strengthens your financial position in two ways: In case of an emergency or if one partner loses their job, you will not only have less set expenses to cover, but you will also have built up your net worth as a safety measure.
3. Choose the Right Career
According to The Millionaire Next Door, "self-employed people make up less than 20% of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires." The book goes on to list an average of 45 to 55 hours spent working per week, so by no means is this the self-employed fantasy of playing golf while your business grows.
The idea of the "right" career can encompass a myriad of factors. Ideally, this would be a career you enjoy, otherwise you likely won't be putting in the dedication required to be successful. The right career would also coincide with overall working trends, or at least not work directly against them. For example, starting a career in typewriter manufacturing may be something you are passionate about, but it would likely suffer due to the current technological trends.
4. Put Your Money in Appreciating Assets
According to Stanley and Danko, the millionaires in their survey invested nearly 20% of their realized household income each year. Nearly 20% of the household's wealth is held in "transaction securities such as publicly traded stocks and mutual funds" and the millionaires tended to rarely sell their equities. Only a very small number of the millionaires surveyed had ever leased a car; few even drove the current year model. Half of those surveyed had lived in their homes for more than 20 years, which, as the authors point out, means they have likely enjoyed "significant increases in the value of their homes."
The end result? These people put a financial priority on assets that will make them money, from their homes to their businesses.
5. Don't Live the Millionaire Lifestyle
Warren Buffett's frugal lifestyle (especially relative to his net worth) is the go-to example for this point. The average value of the surveyed millionaires' homes was $320,000. The bottom line is, those who spend their money on non-appreciating assets cannot put that same money in an asset that will net them a return and increase their wealth. If it is important to you to build your financial worth, stop spending it on new cars, toys and clothes. (The Oracle of Omaha has a net worth in the billions, but his lifestyle is not as rich as you may think.)
The Bottom Line
Becoming a millionaire is easier than ever. While this is a dream that will take work and discipline to achieve, it isn't as far out of reach as you might think. Be smart with your money and before you know it, you'll be able to count yourself among the world's wealthier citizens.
1. Only Marry Once
According to "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D and William D. Danko, Ph.D, the average millionaire is married with three children. The wives of these millionaires are good budgeters and most often described as even more frugal than their husbands. Interestingly, according to Stanley and Danko's survey, half of these wives do no work outside the home and of those who do, they are most likely teachers.
One upside of only marrying once is avoiding the costs of divorce and of subsequent weddings. The cost of a divorce depends on many factors including income, attorney fees, court fees, and the assets a couple has and how they are divided. The average wedding cost in the United States in 2010, according to The Wedding Report.com, was $24,070.
2. Live Off One Income
One of the advantages of having a life partner is the potential to pull in two incomes. If you are able, consider structuring your set expenses based on only one income, and save what comes in from the other income. Doing so strengthens your financial position in two ways: In case of an emergency or if one partner loses their job, you will not only have less set expenses to cover, but you will also have built up your net worth as a safety measure.
3. Choose the Right Career
According to The Millionaire Next Door, "self-employed people make up less than 20% of the workers in America but account for two-thirds of the millionaires." The book goes on to list an average of 45 to 55 hours spent working per week, so by no means is this the self-employed fantasy of playing golf while your business grows.
The idea of the "right" career can encompass a myriad of factors. Ideally, this would be a career you enjoy, otherwise you likely won't be putting in the dedication required to be successful. The right career would also coincide with overall working trends, or at least not work directly against them. For example, starting a career in typewriter manufacturing may be something you are passionate about, but it would likely suffer due to the current technological trends.
4. Put Your Money in Appreciating Assets
According to Stanley and Danko, the millionaires in their survey invested nearly 20% of their realized household income each year. Nearly 20% of the household's wealth is held in "transaction securities such as publicly traded stocks and mutual funds" and the millionaires tended to rarely sell their equities. Only a very small number of the millionaires surveyed had ever leased a car; few even drove the current year model. Half of those surveyed had lived in their homes for more than 20 years, which, as the authors point out, means they have likely enjoyed "significant increases in the value of their homes."
The end result? These people put a financial priority on assets that will make them money, from their homes to their businesses.
5. Don't Live the Millionaire Lifestyle
Warren Buffett's frugal lifestyle (especially relative to his net worth) is the go-to example for this point. The average value of the surveyed millionaires' homes was $320,000. The bottom line is, those who spend their money on non-appreciating assets cannot put that same money in an asset that will net them a return and increase their wealth. If it is important to you to build your financial worth, stop spending it on new cars, toys and clothes. (The Oracle of Omaha has a net worth in the billions, but his lifestyle is not as rich as you may think.)
The Bottom Line
Becoming a millionaire is easier than ever. While this is a dream that will take work and discipline to achieve, it isn't as far out of reach as you might think. Be smart with your money and before you know it, you'll be able to count yourself among the world's wealthier citizens.
Zambia congratulates Nigeria's President Jonathan
The Zambian government has congratulated Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on his election as Nigerian President in the April 16, 2011 polls.
Chief government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha says President Jonathan is a good and wonderful choice for Nigerian people who will propel that country to greatness.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha , who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister , described the Nigerian President as a God fearing person who will lead the oil rich country well.
He also congratulated the Nigerian government and people for conducting what he desrcibed as a free and fair election.
The Minister was speaking when he officially opened the 12th Annual Iron Men Conference organized by the Living Waters Church International in Lusaka.
Nigerians went to the polls on 16th April to elect a new leader following the demise of late President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010 in which President Goodluck Jonathan emerged victorious.
Chief government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha says President Jonathan is a good and wonderful choice for Nigerian people who will propel that country to greatness.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha , who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister , described the Nigerian President as a God fearing person who will lead the oil rich country well.
He also congratulated the Nigerian government and people for conducting what he desrcibed as a free and fair election.
The Minister was speaking when he officially opened the 12th Annual Iron Men Conference organized by the Living Waters Church International in Lusaka.
Nigerians went to the polls on 16th April to elect a new leader following the demise of late President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 5, 2010 in which President Goodluck Jonathan emerged victorious.
Overcomers Impress God
REVELATION 21:7 NKJ
7 "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his
God and he shall be My son.
You face problems. Sometimes you struggle and wonder why God
doesn't "just do something."
God is giving you an opportunity to impress Him!
God is your audience -- rooting for you. He is thrilled when
you overcome. Just like an earthly parent is thrilled when
their child excels.
God still LOVES you even if you fail. You just miss the
opportunity to thrill Him by not overcoming. (But what could be
a more worthy goal than to thrill God?)
"OK, I would like to impress God. How do I 'overcome'?"
1 JOHN 5:4-5 NKJ
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is
the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that
Jesus is the Son of God?
Overcoming is clearly something achieved by believing -- not by
other means.
Further light on this comes in Revelation 12:11.
REVELATION 12:11 NKJ
11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the
word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to
the death.
Because of the redemption obtained by the sacrificial death of
our Lord, and our agreement with it, expressed through words of
faith, we overcome. In short: expressing our faith in Jesus and
what He did.
Another key is mentioned: commitment -- even to death. We must
be resolute and determined, no matter what the cost, to fully
and finally overcome.
Eight times in Revelation great promises are made to those who
overcome. (Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21, 21:7.)
Our Lord's intention in giving these promises was certainly not
to make us feel guilty, or inadequate, but to spur us on to
victory.
God is cheering you on to victory! He believes you can overcome
(with His help)!
SAY THIS: God made me an overcomer, so I will overcome!
7 "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his
God and he shall be My son.
You face problems. Sometimes you struggle and wonder why God
doesn't "just do something."
God is giving you an opportunity to impress Him!
God is your audience -- rooting for you. He is thrilled when
you overcome. Just like an earthly parent is thrilled when
their child excels.
God still LOVES you even if you fail. You just miss the
opportunity to thrill Him by not overcoming. (But what could be
a more worthy goal than to thrill God?)
"OK, I would like to impress God. How do I 'overcome'?"
1 JOHN 5:4-5 NKJ
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is
the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that
Jesus is the Son of God?
Overcoming is clearly something achieved by believing -- not by
other means.
Further light on this comes in Revelation 12:11.
REVELATION 12:11 NKJ
11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the
word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to
the death.
Because of the redemption obtained by the sacrificial death of
our Lord, and our agreement with it, expressed through words of
faith, we overcome. In short: expressing our faith in Jesus and
what He did.
Another key is mentioned: commitment -- even to death. We must
be resolute and determined, no matter what the cost, to fully
and finally overcome.
Eight times in Revelation great promises are made to those who
overcome. (Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21, 21:7.)
Our Lord's intention in giving these promises was certainly not
to make us feel guilty, or inadequate, but to spur us on to
victory.
God is cheering you on to victory! He believes you can overcome
(with His help)!
SAY THIS: God made me an overcomer, so I will overcome!
We Must Be Thankful
Oh, we give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy
endures forever.
It seems the more people have the less thankful they become.
Today complaints are abundant, but thank you's are few.
COLOSSIANS 3:15 NKJ
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also
you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Being thankful is not a choice for a Christian. If it was
impossible, God would not have told us to do it.
So, why are people not thankful?
Gratitude is a mark of maturity. Ingratitude is a mark of
immaturity. Babies are never thankful.
Neither are proud people thankful. Why? Because their mindset
is that they deserve not just everything they have, but even
better. "Why be thankful for something less than what you
deserve?" describes their thinking.
A funny thing you will notice if you consider it: unthankful
people are never happy. In fact, the more thankful a person is,
the happier he is.
(This is an example of how acting on God's Word is for our
benefit. God didn't invent commands just to be bossy.)
You will not be bothered with depression if you act on the
Word of God and "be thankful." The cure for unhappiness is
being thankful. Try it.
But how can you overcome the bad habit of ingratitude? Only by
changing your core beliefs. As long as you believe you are
getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never
become a thankful person.
But if you realize that you deserved punishment and eternal
separation from God -- yet in His mercy God instead gave you
what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- including every
breath you breathe -- is a gift -- then you will become a
thankful person.
SAY THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS WEBSITE: I give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever. I will be thankful for all God does for
me.
endures forever.
It seems the more people have the less thankful they become.
Today complaints are abundant, but thank you's are few.
COLOSSIANS 3:15 NKJ
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also
you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Being thankful is not a choice for a Christian. If it was
impossible, God would not have told us to do it.
So, why are people not thankful?
Gratitude is a mark of maturity. Ingratitude is a mark of
immaturity. Babies are never thankful.
Neither are proud people thankful. Why? Because their mindset
is that they deserve not just everything they have, but even
better. "Why be thankful for something less than what you
deserve?" describes their thinking.
A funny thing you will notice if you consider it: unthankful
people are never happy. In fact, the more thankful a person is,
the happier he is.
(This is an example of how acting on God's Word is for our
benefit. God didn't invent commands just to be bossy.)
You will not be bothered with depression if you act on the
Word of God and "be thankful." The cure for unhappiness is
being thankful. Try it.
But how can you overcome the bad habit of ingratitude? Only by
changing your core beliefs. As long as you believe you are
getting a raw deal, or less than you deserve, you will never
become a thankful person.
But if you realize that you deserved punishment and eternal
separation from God -- yet in His mercy God instead gave you
what He deserved, and EVERYTHING you have -- including every
breath you breathe -- is a gift -- then you will become a
thankful person.
SAY THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS WEBSITE: I give thanks to the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever. I will be thankful for all God does for
me.
Pray For Those In Authority
TIMOTHY 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers,
petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Believers have a responsibility to pray for their leaders.
If you live in a country where you have the privilege of voting
on your leaders, then you need to take that responsibility
seriously, be informed and vote as the Lord directs you.
Don't allow yourself to be swayed by the emotional tactics used
in political campaigns, or vote based on your selfish
interests. Vote as you believe the Lord would have you to vote.
Vote for godly leadership.
But don't stop at voting. Pray for public officials, especially
those in high office whose decisions affect many people's
lives.
PROVERBS 29:2 LB
With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the
wicked in power, they groan.
SAY THIS: Father, I pray for godly leaders in our country NIGERIA, and
for your blessing on them.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers,
petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Believers have a responsibility to pray for their leaders.
If you live in a country where you have the privilege of voting
on your leaders, then you need to take that responsibility
seriously, be informed and vote as the Lord directs you.
Don't allow yourself to be swayed by the emotional tactics used
in political campaigns, or vote based on your selfish
interests. Vote as you believe the Lord would have you to vote.
Vote for godly leadership.
But don't stop at voting. Pray for public officials, especially
those in high office whose decisions affect many people's
lives.
PROVERBS 29:2 LB
With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the
wicked in power, they groan.
SAY THIS: Father, I pray for godly leaders in our country NIGERIA, and
for your blessing on them.
Afghan police: At least 30 killed in suicide blast
KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to an Afghan government office Monday, killing at least 30 people — many who were waiting in line to obtain government identification cards, police said.
The attack occurred around noon in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province in northern Afghanistan where there has been a sharp slide in security in recent months, said district police chief Abdul Qayum Ebrahimi. At least 40 people were wounded in the blast, he said.
"We were in a meeting. It was a very powerful explosion," said Ebrahimi, who works in the district police office next door to the blast site. "People had gathered in the front of the department to get identification cards."
The attack occurred around noon in Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province in northern Afghanistan where there has been a sharp slide in security in recent months, said district police chief Abdul Qayum Ebrahimi. At least 40 people were wounded in the blast, he said.
"We were in a meeting. It was a very powerful explosion," said Ebrahimi, who works in the district police office next door to the blast site. "People had gathered in the front of the department to get identification cards."
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