tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69631662024-02-19T15:59:44.079+01:00Trae DaysA diary of the days (thoughts and opinions) of Trae; mainly as concerns Technology, Writing, Public Speaking, Football, Music, Chess, Fitness, Liberalism and Afrocentrism.Trae Zeeoforhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00621767088492244982noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-35431832110764461302017-09-01T13:28:00.000+01:002017-09-01T14:15:05.807+01:00I would have studied Computer Science as my first degreeIn an age where Personal Domain Names, are fast losing popularity to Social Media Handles, traedays.com is almost clocking 12 years.<br />
<br />
At times, I wonder why I bother, being that Facebook and Twitter are where my online presence is best felt. Nonetheless like an abusive relationship I still remain. <br />
<br />
“Laughs”. Anyway, here’s some fresh material. Transcript to an interview I granted weeks back. It’s for the 9-5. <br />
<br />
I’ve performed some edits for privacy sake, put enjoy all the same.<br />
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<strong>Know your Colleague; 25 August 2017</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
In this edition, we stepped up our game by interviewing one of our staff from the Upcountry. His name is Trae Zeeofor<br />
<br />
Trae Zeeofor joined The Sales Department in the Abuja Hub as a Sales Team Lead in 2016. In this interview, he makes a lot of interesting revelations about his career and lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<strong>Interview caption: ‘I would have studied Computer Science as my first degree’</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BOdBpjizkCYxkBJwYuUmv3UV9aw86q4tTuFqyOrQbEuOSLpIdU3hMG3HRXA3CRDiASPHVETvjbaPFGMHbQL_jPrcfSMKGjeEgfx7szUVfkNWRX0jJa-8ljtGGbH0V0LUd30T/s1600/20368843_10155091205593218_6558919795042373191_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="972" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BOdBpjizkCYxkBJwYuUmv3UV9aw86q4tTuFqyOrQbEuOSLpIdU3hMG3HRXA3CRDiASPHVETvjbaPFGMHbQL_jPrcfSMKGjeEgfx7szUVfkNWRX0jJa-8ljtGGbH0V0LUd30T/s400/20368843_10155091205593218_6558919795042373191_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Tell us about yourself</strong><br />
I’m better known by my initials (Trae) by friends. I’m proudly Nigerian and very passionate about all things technology, writing, football, music, liberalism and Afrocentrism.<br />
<br />
<strong>What was your growing up like?</strong><br />
Growing up, there was nothing spectacular. It was a regular middleclass upbringing. I was born in Lagos, rooted in Anambra and grew up in Abuja.<br />
<br />
<strong>Describe your typical day at work as an employee.</strong><br />
It’s busy as usual. Helping customers meet their needs, motivating my team towards performance and making sure company goals are met. Also answering lots of calls and customer enquiries; plus fulfilling administrative tasks in that regard.<br />
<br />
<strong>What has challenged you the most at your job?</strong><br />
That would be multi-tasking to meet deliverables. On the good side, it ensures I’m always on my toes, as slacking will instantly double work load.<br />
<br />
<strong>Please share one of your most memorable experiences as an employee.</strong><br />
It would be whenever my team members get alert for incentive. Thankfully, of late that has been happening much more frequently.<br />
<br />
<strong>Where do you see yourself in the next five years?</strong><br />
(Thinking) Hmmm, taking on more responsibilities for the company. Otherwise if focus and determination allows, making steady progress in the IT and programming field.<br />
<br />
<strong>What inspires you at work?</strong><br />
It is the dream of the long run elevation. Thus, I’m constantly reminded to keep building my competencies, capabilities and brand.<br />
<br />
<strong>When would you say was your happiest day?</strong><br />
They are so many. But I would say whenever my team members get alert for incentive.<br />
<br />
<strong>When would you say was your saddest day?</strong><br />
It was when it was confirmed that Nigeria missed qualification for the African Nations’ Cup. This happened in 2014 and again in 2016.<br />
<br />
<strong>In spite of your busy schedule, do you still have time to relax?</strong><br />
Yes, I do. Mostly on weekends and public holidays, when I try to avoid work as much as possible.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your likes and dislikes?</strong> <br />
I’m not a big fan of organized religion.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your hobbies?</strong><br />
Like all Nigerian men: football! (smiles)<br />
<br />
<strong>What is your best food?</strong><br />
Ah, I love pounded yam and egusi.<br />
<br />
<strong>What do you do for fun?</strong><br />
I surf the web/internet.<br />
<br />
<strong>What dictates your fashion sense?</strong><br />
I like to think I’m very simple. I just keep it smart and comfortable.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are those things that you cannot do without, that you are so attached to?</strong><br />
I absolutely can’t do without the internet; thus, my phone and laptop are my most prized possessions.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can you tell us the most interesting place you have visited?</strong><br />
I have been privileged to visit over half of the Nigerian States. I have a soft spot for Makurdi, Jos and Ilorin; the other places I’ve lived and worked extensively.<br />
<br />
<strong>If you could change things about yourself, what would they be?</strong><br />
I would have studied Computer Science as my first degree.<br />
<br />
<strong>What helpful advice would you give to your colleagues?</strong><br />
Love your job and love yourself; you’ll be fine.<br />
<br />
<strong>Final words?</strong><br />
The opportunity to be here is well appreciated. Warmest regards.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-48917820827254489192016-06-05T20:43:00.000+01:002016-06-06T22:06:44.904+01:00How to get a Nigerian (International e-) Passport; the common sense approach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsxmZJ86axoL7U6Aj_e8qhWlxzaJ2JVVkp0yMtdF5VPcss52P09FKu_OifSSNsoF89N3fHOBXnYXkR2aMcyIlDyeVu0-aaxX38EvL9heSsgJUoXNYNaStGFWrJ9-_4Q9igWz4/s1600/Nigerian-International-ePassport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsxmZJ86axoL7U6Aj_e8qhWlxzaJ2JVVkp0yMtdF5VPcss52P09FKu_OifSSNsoF89N3fHOBXnYXkR2aMcyIlDyeVu0-aaxX38EvL9heSsgJUoXNYNaStGFWrJ9-_4Q9igWz4/s1600/Nigerian-International-ePassport.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello, interested in getting/renewing your Nigerian passport without paying any extra charges? Then you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy reading this do-it-yourself guide. Thank me later!<br />
<br />
I’ll teach this class drawing from my experience obtaining the passport in 2008, and renewing it in 2016. <br />
<br />
For adults aged 18-59, the passport costs only N15,000 for the 32-page booklet type or N20,000 for the 64-page booklet type. The only other additional money to be spent is N2,000 for address verification and N600 service charge. That’s a total of only N17,600 or N22,600 depending on booklet type. All payable online.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Requirements for renewals:</u></strong><br />
A) Duly completed application form<br />
B) Passport payment slip<br />
C) Passport acknowledgment slip<br />
D) Application letter for extension of validity of e-passport<br />
<br />
First go here <a href="https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport">https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport</a> and fill the application form. Do make sure you print the form upon completion.<br />
<br />
When you’re done filling the form, make payment with your bank Naira debit Visa or MasterCard. Print out the payment slip and acknowledgment slip when you’re done paying.<br />
<br />
Pen your application letter for extension of validity of e-passport. Address it to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service and be sure to quote your passport number and expiry date.<br />
<br />
Interview dates…dates for photo capture are no longer given (you might be given an interview date in 2020! Lols), so proceed to the nearest Immigrations office of your choice for photo capture. Go with your expired passport and all documents listed above.<br />
<br />
When you get to the Immigrations office, there’s a lobby where applicants sit and are addressed before 9am. Sit there and inquire from the officer in charge how to go about the photo capture. In my case he was genuinely surprised I did everything myself without going through a third party. And in the Buhari anti-corruption spirit (in his own words), he helped me put my file together and quickly ushered me to the photo capture room.<br />
<br />
Photo capture is free. When you’re done you’ll be given a date for passport pick up. Mine was 7 working days later.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Requirements for first issue:</u></strong><br />
This requires more work but is really nothing to be afraid of.<br />
A) Duly completed application form<br />
B) Passport payment slip<br />
C) Passport acknowledgment slip<br />
D) Guarantor's form sworn before a commissioner of Oaths/Magistrate or High Court Judge. (Attach a photocopy of your guarantor's Nigerian Passport Data page. And either his/her Driving License or National Identity Card. As well as 1 colour passport photograph of guarantor)<br />
E) State/Local Government letter of identification<br />
F) Birth certificate/age declaration<br />
G) 2 recent colour passport photographs<br />
H) Marriage certificate where applicable<br />
<br />
The process is the same as cases for reissue. But the guarantor’s form can only be printed after filling the application form. Click here for the guarantor’s form <a href="https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/PassportGuarantor">https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/PassportGuarantor</a> . Take the completed guarantor’s form to the court for stamping/swearing. It costs only N500. <br />
<br />
You don't need to travel home to get the State/Local Government letter of identification. It can be issued to you at your State's Liaison Office in any State of your residence. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. Click here for official guidelines <a href="https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/passportguidelines">https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/passportguidelines</a> and here to get to the passport application start page <a href="https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/welcome">https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/pages/welcome</a> . Cheers!trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-17714937531293412362015-11-20T04:50:00.000+01:002015-11-22T05:54:13.125+01:00The Ambassador; An autobiography of CRE - Forward by Trae<b>Update!:</b> Thanks to my friends: my crowed-sourced editorial team, this foreword (yes, i now know the correct spelling) was eventually put right! :-)<br /><br />This is my draft forward to my Dad's upcoming autobiography. Feedback please after reading. Thanks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGRVY6a_xxPleJlM2zbiHjUvEcBffO6XSmapXI7gSZMGaFDvT01nqiQoSO8E4w93US0cCYq3yg81SyzIwmzlU_TXh_eqsOOQhr8HxeCBnM5QBwZWhcygYOTXX6aI5mtKxNjXu/s1600/DadCallToBar-14.02.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGRVY6a_xxPleJlM2zbiHjUvEcBffO6XSmapXI7gSZMGaFDvT01nqiQoSO8E4w93US0cCYq3yg81SyzIwmzlU_TXh_eqsOOQhr8HxeCBnM5QBwZWhcygYOTXX6aI5mtKxNjXu/s1600/DadCallToBar-14.02.12.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my big sister Cle at Dad's Call to Bar; 14 Feb 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was the great Bob Marley in his song “No woman, no cry” who sang the world famous lyrics: “In this great future you can’t forget your past”. A phrase, testament to the fact that in this constantly evolving wonderful world, a thorough understanding of the past is essential in navigating the future.<br />
<br />
Chikwado Raphael Ezeokafor, my father…my dad, knowing that, and inspired by several other autobiographies birthed this book you now have in your hands at the ripe old age of 77. Those who know him like I do would not at all be surprised, being a man with a knack for documenting and analyzing every single step of his life, every blessed day.<br />
<br />
A quite amusing but at the same time invaluable trait. A trait which I have grown to greatly appreciate as being amongst the later issues of his offspring born in two batches-a decade apart, this body of work is an excellent historical tool for my young mind as can ever be. <br />
<br />
This book is also an invaluable tool for any reader, as a dig through its pages teaches the lesson that hard work pays. And that success is inevitably the end result when opportunity/luck meets preparation.<br />
<br />
It chronicles the life of “The Ambassador” as he is affectionately called as he struggles despite all odds to get an education, rides on the back of his scholarliness surviving the Biafran war all the way to a job in the Nigerian Civil Service and is eventually singled out to work internationally rendering over a decade of service to the Nigerian High Commission London-UK and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Uganda. Topping it all with a call to the Nigerian Bar at over 70 years of age.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this autobiography and hope it inspires, particularly my countrymen Nigeria in these perilous times of ours and motivates who ever reads it for excellence such that in our old age we would also have such great stories to pass across to the generation ahead.<br />
<br />
Much peace, love and respect as always.<br />
<br />
Tochukwu R. Ezeokafor <br />
(Trae Zeeofor/@trae_z)<br />
Benue State, Nigeria<br />
November 2015trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-55759041043937971732015-06-14T11:25:00.000+01:002015-06-14T21:56:02.744+01:00Nigerian Driving License Renewal/Re-Issue; the practical experience<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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</div>
This piece is particularly meant for people renewing (DL expired)
or getting a re-issue (DL missing) of their driving license. For fresh
applicants you just might have to bow to the Nigerian God.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Most times in this country of ours things are never what
they seem … no thanks to graft. And thus one can sadly often not prepare for a
task based simply on laid down guide lines. I pen this thus to give a realistic
view of what happens nowadays when one attempts to renew or get a re-Issue of
his/her Nigerian Driving License. I do this drawing from my experiences getting
a re-issue in 2012 at Osogbo, Osun State and a renewal in 2015 at Mabushi, FCT Abuja.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Having good relational skills aside the only two prerequisites
you need to attempt this task are 1) Open your head 2) open your computer. Yes,
use your brain and familiarize yourself with website of the body in charge.
Ensure you understand the guidelines (<a href="https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/">https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/</a>), fulfill
all and ask questions where you don’t (google any difficulties-nothing is new
under the sun, ask friends who’ve done such before and ask officials if you
know any). These things are actually much easier than we think; the process has
been refined severally towards perfection that you really don’t need a
middleman. Learn to do-it-yourself or you may end up being the frustrated Nigerian
who goes abroad to find out there are no maids and that he’s condemned to use a
map and his mobile phone to navigate his way around. I applied and got my
passport on my own in 2008; for visas and college admission this rule still
applies.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Nigerian Driving License costs only N6,350. But due
to ignorance a lot of people end up paying almost twice the amount going through
middlemen. And yet there is no significant difference in time spent processing.
The only actual additional cost doing it yourself is that you may end up giving
a little tip here or there (N200, N500) just to get the officials to DO THEIR
JOB! Nigeria we hail thee! The process is so automated that “runs” is only
possible before the capture stage. Once you’ve reached the capture stage you’re
home and dry. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<b> <u>Re-issue</u></b><br />
1] I had to get a police report or court affidavit showing my driving license was missing. I chose the courts. The payment for the stamping is suppose to be at the bank into government coffers but trust the corrupt clerk to claim bank confirmation takes weeks and to insist you pay directly to her.<br />
2] Fill the form on the website and pay online or at the bank. Easy; I made payment using my bank debit card and printed out the necessary confirmation.<br />
3] Get the Board of Internal Revenue to give you confirmatory receipt. Not so difficult, just had to wait a little for the staff in question to be on her seat back from whatever duty (official or not) she went for.<br />
4] Get the VIO (Vehicle Inspection officer) to certify you fit for driving. Easy; the guy asked a few Highway Code questions and signed my form expecting me to shake body. I smiled, thanked him and went on my way.<br />
5] Presented myself and necessary forms for capture. Given an appointment date and 30 days after that I picked up the original.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Renewal</u></b></div>
1] Filled the form on the website and paid using my bank debit card. Made sure to print out the necessary confirmation.<br />
2] Went to the VIO office at Mabushi to enquire about Board of Internal Revenue receipts confirmation. VIO officer told me to first come forward for testing instead. Tried to cower me into fear by dazzling me with Highway Code questions but after finding out I had already made payment and thus graft impossible he signed my papers and asked for a N500 tip instead.<br />
3] Presented myself for capture the next day, given temporal driving license and told to check back in 60 days for permanent. I hear you can text “NDL STATUS LICENSE-NUMBER” to 33811 to confirm readiness. LICENSE-NUMBER being your actual license number; in my case something like BWX1234XX5.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b><u>N/B:</u></b><br />From the Federal Road Safety Corps Facebook page these are the officials steps to take towards drivers licence renewal and obtaining a new driver’s licence:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Drivers License Renewal</u></b></div>
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STEP 1: Apply online at <a href="https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org/">https://www.nigeriadriverslicence.org</a>, print out the form after filling the required fields and also print out the payment form</div>
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Step 2: Pay the License fee online or at the Designated Bank</div>
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Step 3: Present your form to the Board of internal Revenue Officer or VIO at the DLC for endorsement</div>
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Step 4: Proceed to the Federal Road Safety Corps Officer at the DLC for Biometric Data Capturing</div>
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Step 5: You will be given a temporary drivers license that is valid for 60 days</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>Obtaining New Driver’s License</u></b></div>
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Step 1: Attend training at accredited driving school</div>
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Step 2: The Driving school will present you to the VIO for driving test</div>
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Step 3: Pass the driving test and the VIO will issue you a Certificate of Proficiency</div>
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Step 4: Apply in person at Driver's License Centre (DLC)</div>
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Step 5: Pay the License fee online or at the Designated Banks</div>
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Step 6: Present your form to the Board of internal Revenue Officer or VIO at the DLC for endorsement</div>
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Step 7: Proceed to the Federal Road Safety Corps Officer at the DLC for Biometric Data Capturing</div>
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Step 8: You will be given a temporary drivers license that is valid for 60 days.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-20255402908857904202014-02-13T08:37:00.001+01:002014-02-13T08:37:42.194+01:00On a personal high<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="usercontent">So yesterday evening I somehow found
myself at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre. And after all said and done I
can't but stand with Karl Marx that religion is the opium of the masses. It's a
really strong drug that mammoth of Nigerians are addicted to. A drug which in
itself does nothing for the society but to take the inhaler on a personal high.
It's a drug people go to extremes to get th</span><span class="textexposedshow">eir
daily dosage of, even if it means shoving and fighting each other to get into
the auditorium. People just want to be "in his presence", sing, speak
in tongues and shit. And when service is over it's back to the rat race.
Government workers, politicians and everybody else shortchanging the system,
yet still wondering why Nigeria's not working, and playing the American Visa
Lottery like our lives depended on it. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Nigeria we truly hail thee!</span></div>
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trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-17569195922667456272014-02-05T05:56:00.003+01:002014-02-05T06:01:25.825+01:00Through the trees for the wood<b>Preface:</b> “Wood for the trees” as an idiom means not seeing the big picture (woods…aka forest) because you pay so much attention to the little details (trees). Barzini was probably right in quoting the opposite “the trees for the wood” as it implies seeing through the big picture/Western propaganda to understand the little detail that matters, how Western powers are innocuously using brain psychology to make us believe Africa is doomed and salvation comes only from the white man’s intervention.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcqG1p4jl1oqnsTynQS9xRHLQqkUVJ4lsITam069Vnzer_HIw_aWnkNCZRtK_9_God9XYrCEqIHV33FXF6J6JQuxUDJIhBsCzhJpfuSiBgVEV-EMG2APTPUjQGdYJrE_VTa5T/s1600/through-the-trees-for-the-wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcqG1p4jl1oqnsTynQS9xRHLQqkUVJ4lsITam069Vnzer_HIw_aWnkNCZRtK_9_God9XYrCEqIHV33FXF6J6JQuxUDJIhBsCzhJpfuSiBgVEV-EMG2APTPUjQGdYJrE_VTa5T/s1600/through-the-trees-for-the-wood.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Like the world of virtual reality goes <b>Sylvester Bane Barzini</b> was but my Facebook friend. We had about ten mutual friends between us and so he cropped up while looking for cool people to connect with. Had all the qualities I liked in the online crowd of people I positioned myself to associate with: great sense of humour, intelligence and originality in ideas. And so I sent the friend request in October, he accepted and the rest was history. <br />
<br />
Wouldn’t be eulogizing this but for the fact that he just passed, having failed to recover following a supposed terrible road accident a week or so ago while on the job. Remembering my own very similar ordeal in July 2012 and how being God’s son I pulled through, I sigh. It’s a horrible, horrible thing when the good and interesting are gone too soon. More so being he just got married over a month ago it’s even crazier; my condolences to his loved ones. Barzini I pour libation to the gods on your behalf; thanks for everything, see you on the other side while I remember <a href="https://www.facebook.com/traez/posts/10202660488820911" target="_blank">our last Facebook contact</a> from January 27th:<br />
<br />
<b>Trae Zeeofor:</b><br />
Re: The macabre sex chamber of Libya's Colonel Gaddafi Uncovered; where he raped girls and boys as young as 14<br />
<br />
In honesty I took the article with a pinch of salt. Could very well be true as absolute power corrupts absolutely. But I'm quite sure the whole story carries much more allegations than fact. And that the whole stuff has just being blown out of proportion in the way Oyibos like to do; painting Africans black and keeping mute on their own atrocities.<br />
<br />
Read in between the lines. It's Gaddafi today, it could be any other African leader past or present tomorrow. But in the eyes of Oyibo's, all Western leaders past and present are angels.<br />
<br />
Down with colonialism and media control. Up with Afrocentrism; let's learn to love our own!<br />
<br />
<b>Sylvester Bane Barzini:</b><br />
You see through the trees for the wood brother. Many Africans decide to obliterate their mental faculties for the calumny of western propaganda.<br />
Colonel Gaddafi (may his soul rest in peace) was summarily executed but that was fair trade for the West. Their treachery has turned a once peaceful State into an enclave for terrorist, rather than question their wicked deeds they seek to push the limits of sanity by digging into the past of a man they assassinated in his homeland.<br />
I found the piece sullenly vindictive and without place in the land of humans.<br />
A time cometh, when the tragedy would be at the doorstep of every foreign soul that conspired to throw that African state into anarchy. A time comes.... and it comes soon. It would wake them in the morning and cover them when they sleep at dusk.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-30254886108198961482014-01-13T06:27:00.000+01:002014-01-13T08:08:29.787+01:00Usernames and passwords; a personal history<br />
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<br />
So my mind went wandering (as its’ naturally want to do) as I was jamming and doing my laundry Saturday morning, and I tried to take stock of the various online aliases and passwords I’ve used in my life’s journey through the internet high way. In the end twas a sweet reminisce which eventually led me making new decisions. Below though is the reminisce reproduced in print just for the fun of it.<br />
<br />
The first 5 variables are passwords used, with only the base word of the password given. Actual password used is usually a corrupt alteration. The remaining 5 variables are usernames, with only the first 3 letters given. The rest are asterisked for security reasons, lols. Top marks to you if able to guess correctly.<br />
<br />
<b>lovemedo</b><br />
This was actually my first password ever. Chosen back in 2001 in my first or second year at the University when the internet bug finally reached Nsukka. Love me do was the title of a song by The Beatles. Back then I was a skinny little 17 or 18 year old with delayed puberty who didn’t have many friends. One of the things I liked to do in my spare time was go to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library (as it was in its’ old form behind the present building) and read up books on sociology, psychology or the arts. Which back then consisted largely of old books from 70s, 80s and 90s America/Europe. It was during one of such visits I took an interest in the Beatles whom I had heard of as a child, read up a lot of their memorabilia. So when password choice time came I wanted something personal to me and lovemedo it was cos back then I really just wanted to be loved.<br />
<br />
<b>1enugu1</b><br />
This has become my standard initial password used (lest I forget) before changing to something else when a firm decision is reached. I think it started on my first job when instructed by the IT guy Yinka to choose a number and letter password combination I went with the familiar. Enugu, the State I schooled in at University, and the 1 at the front and back to make it harder to guess. Lols.<br />
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<b>shakaraINC</b><br />
Madonna was the only other girl ever I had made a firm choice about and would have married at the drop of a hat. Met her at work in Makurdi in 2008 and kept on and off on her case through Jos, Abuja and the South West up until 2012. I finally dropped out of the chase when the “she’s just not into you” message finally sunk in. Shorty got married last year to some other lucky guy though. Shakara because of the challenge it was to me which in its’ whole form was heavy an institution like “Murder INC” was when Ja Rule ruled the hip hop air waves.<br />
<br />
<b>illbliss</b><br />
This was chosen as my first portable Wi-Fi hotspot password in 2012 when I went totally Android mad. Illbliss because the semantics is just totally cool in a Hip Hop sense. And Illbliss because the Nigerian rapper who goes by the moniker is an Igbo brother whose flow I totally respect and feel.<br />
<br />
<b>liquiddeep</b><br />
This is my present day Wi-Fi hotspot password. Top hats to you if you find yourself surfing beside me when I’m on my phone or laptop. Liquiddeep because I totally adore the South African band and isha Allah will have them play their hit track “still” at my wedding.<br />
<br />
<b>Sal*****</b><br />
We used to have Tom and Jerry, The Two Mouseketeers episode as a child which I loved watching. Towards the end of the episode after Tom is executed, Nibbles (Jerry’s nephew) exclaims in French: "C'est la guerre", meaning “that’s war”. This username was my interpretation of the spelling of that phrase. A phrase I was very fond of quoting as a child while playing with friends.<br />
<br />
<b>Sor*****</b><br />
This username also goes back to my first or second year at the university. My roommate then Chike used to have this Sony CD player, which was the student rave of the moment at that period. And it so happened then that Wyclef Jean’s “guantanamera” was one of the favourite tracks we loved playing on repeat. Wyclef’s love interest in the song goes “Soy una mujer, sincera” which in Spanish means “I am a sincere woman” to which Wyclef responds “Do you speak English”? This username was my roommate Chike’s attempt at mimicking “Soy una mujer, sincera” which became a common alias we started referring to ourselves as at the time.<br />
<br />
<b>Nwo******</b><br />
This one was pure vendetta like shit. The Facebook moniker of some fake ass dude who cramped my hustle a few years ago. The moniker, in my opinion a funkifysation of an Igbo name. A funkifysation I found very cool and eventually found myself using. I also used this as a password at some time.<br />
<br />
<b>Kwa******</b><br />
This one came about from my first visit to Kano. An impromptu unexpected life lesson learning visit. It’s a combination of two words. One the Hausa word for an Islamic rite, and the other the Hausa word for a common fast food up North. This name packs so much meaning to me and is a constant reminder of times past.<br />
<br />
<b>Ken*******</b><br />
This word was born in my consciousness at the end of the Westgate shopping mall attack in Kenya, September 2013. When the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the press. Such eloquence, clear thought, calmness, passion and charisma won me over totally and got me wishing I could feel such pride in our own president, Goodluck Jonathan for even a day, **sighs and resigns to fate**.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-25608409705111059482013-11-17T00:24:00.003+01:002013-12-31T11:53:47.558+01:00A beautiful story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRWljCUlwVIYjl9Qp89uxOILzWVg5xk1eoYKTp81MPVNC4X6_uvZuIYs5un0U1FbMiLLSqhZF4tCqu5d0vHk9mALbMS-LP5YQpj0PL8IxMAoHarvmJPrgXMvZtqnywY9Ddo26/s1600/IMG_7989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRWljCUlwVIYjl9Qp89uxOILzWVg5xk1eoYKTp81MPVNC4X6_uvZuIYs5un0U1FbMiLLSqhZF4tCqu5d0vHk9mALbMS-LP5YQpj0PL8IxMAoHarvmJPrgXMvZtqnywY9Ddo26/s400/IMG_7989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Giving the toast <br />
<br />
So I had my first ever best man gig yesterday. Would have been the second but for my car accident last year (Long story short: broke my leg in July, missed out on the wedding in November). Twas my immediate elder brother's (Ebele) wedding; twas fun and I think I pretty much performed my duties satisfactorily. Here's the skeletal of my toast speech presented below to add to the body of work already available on the subject matter; hehehe. Smoothly scripting it over the weeks to deadline, but despite that still immensely grateful to my big sis Cle for chipping in a bunch of suggestions that polished off the work. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
-Good day every one; you could be anywhere in the world today but you’re here with us; thank you for making this happen.<br />
<br />
-My name is Tochukwu, a lot of you know me as Trae; I’m the younger brother to Ebele.<br />
<br />
-There’s a popular saying about chess; that it takes a day to learn, but a lifetime to master! Trust me on that! I learnt to play chess over 10 years ago but my play today is still very much like a beginner. This can be compared to relationships and marriage. Like chess you could meet someone new today and fall in love in a couple of hours, butterflies in your stomach and all what not. But for you to decide that you want to spend the rest of your life with the person requires months of getting to know and understand each other just like with chess. So I’m glad ladies and gentlemen that this is what we’re seeing today with Andrea and Ebele after about three years. Theirs like their program brochure is themed has been “a beautiful story”.<br />
<br />
-One great thing about Ebele is that he has always been a dependable fellow and someone you can always count on. There are numerous times while growing up that he has been there for me in many ways than one. I remembered being flat broke and knocked out in Jos some years back and he coming to my rescue to pay my rent. Ebele is simply reliable! Likewise Andrea is a very good hearted and likeable person, and I’ve always felt that way right from the first day I knew her. Together they’re two of the best people I’ve ever known.<br />
<br />
-On that note I'll like us to raise our glasses to the bride and groom. Andrea and Ebele these are my wishes for you, and I’m sure in doing so I speak the mind of everyone here. Wishing you prosperity, a lifetime of happiness, lot of babies and may this your beautiful story be ever alive. To the bride and the groom!!!</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUtUO4G_jP2L7JKKOMasu-QXcA1Wio94tRGa2vDUErV4Gcow0n3TmCQXvuUVrCvuiONzkuIorunzowaK42atcjmeD0AbXGs-e8ClGwjAqn3h6nC2YrXJXz-Lh-p228bJxYTbR/s1600/a-beautiful-story.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUtUO4G_jP2L7JKKOMasu-QXcA1Wio94tRGa2vDUErV4Gcow0n3TmCQXvuUVrCvuiONzkuIorunzowaK42atcjmeD0AbXGs-e8ClGwjAqn3h6nC2YrXJXz-Lh-p228bJxYTbR/s1600/a-beautiful-story.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
With the little bride trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-36593749186480285722013-10-15T12:49:00.000+01:002013-12-31T12:19:41.179+01:00Moment of clarity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLeNIhg0DoqFyDVzLfWJFdniTFa5lr0LRacZ3eqN2nfe9TmrkbACRbBcgsl2hcCoTITi3KbiIxZlig6glBgJ0gJuNvq4YqhQe2B6G2xuOBOZh-M80PNQeLLnz5OLH7Zdl1O4v/s1600/MomentOfclarity.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLeNIhg0DoqFyDVzLfWJFdniTFa5lr0LRacZ3eqN2nfe9TmrkbACRbBcgsl2hcCoTITi3KbiIxZlig6glBgJ0gJuNvq4YqhQe2B6G2xuOBOZh-M80PNQeLLnz5OLH7Zdl1O4v/s1600/MomentOfclarity.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The closing words <a href="http://www.techcabal.com/you-can-now-send-send-dms-to-people-who-dont-follow-you-on-twitter/">here</a> of Techcabal’s Bankole Oluwafemi inspired this:<br />
<br />
<i>“PS: I don’t care about how many people I’m following, and hardly unfollow people because I stopped reading my timeline a long time ago. Created an ultra curated list for my sanity ages ago.”</i><br />
<br />
1. If we love ourselves we must kill our inner narcissism. Following so many people so they can follow you back and you can grow your followers list… #TeamFollowBack things is so not cool. Really what does it profit you to follow so many people on Twitter yet at the end being scared of reading your own timeline? <br />
<br />
2. I don’t want to have to go secondary and use lists just to enjoy Twitter. It's like downloading an app to get the best out of your mobile phone battery instead of going all out to get a phone with great battery life from start. Like the alpha male would say "what’s the point of marrying a wife when there’s no food on the table at the close of work and you still have to subject yourself to eating out on the regular"? Go for the best from the start so you don’t have to force yourself to adapt to mediocrity.<br />
<br />
3. On social media I don’t do the follow back shit. I let it be my prerogative alone to choose my friends. Fake things (not being real to oneself) to me are having like over 1,000 Facebook friends, over 500 connections on LinkedIn, following over 500 on Twitter etc. I don’t make friends for making sake…or to grow my digits. If I dig you on social media (want to call you my friend) I want to be able to get a steady stream of your thoughts on a regular basis and be happy while doing so. Truth is, time is money and in this internet age we really need to embrace those habits which will help us guard our sanity and prevent information overload.<br />
<br />
4. Real recognize real and the sooner we start to understand that the better for us. Like they say bull shit might get you to the top but it won’t keep you there. Real staying power or popularity on social media is not dubious; it’s saying or doing stuff that makes sense to others.<br />
<br />
5. If your excuse is that you’re popular you still don’t have to let your fans overwhelm you. On Facebook for one you could activate the subscriber feature, accepting only people you consider your friends and letting all others be subscribers. Plus for private stuff you could limit the view of such posts to only friends and all other stuff to the public or friends of friends as the case may be.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-55838151839175674452013-09-01T02:22:00.000+01:002013-09-30T17:00:49.114+01:00Eventually, nothing surprises you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZq5IA0CwOl6aG3w9yODQbwoImFE-TzJ0bbv7SgTQIQLlxB9YjFquABRqob8uhpXCMx-Jb-vmsbAaa7WCw1ElqCpcGrnkUoAQ5_USxuFyqXpvKY6lGNs-dIsSKCzLypZeD1Gd/s1600/Eventually_nothing_surprises_you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZq5IA0CwOl6aG3w9yODQbwoImFE-TzJ0bbv7SgTQIQLlxB9YjFquABRqob8uhpXCMx-Jb-vmsbAaa7WCw1ElqCpcGrnkUoAQ5_USxuFyqXpvKY6lGNs-dIsSKCzLypZeD1Gd/s1600/Eventually_nothing_surprises_you.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So I spent some time in the police station last week and at the end of the episode I just shook my head and wept dry tears for my Country Nigeria. The whole place stunk of corruption; and the sad part was that it was seemingly impossible to distance one’s self once you stayed affiliated. It was a total disgrace and reminded me of all the reasons I hated my country.<br />
<br />
As Tim Newman the British expatriate who recently completed a job stint over here said in his article -The End Of An Assignment In Nigeria- “The corruption, theft, and graft can take many forms...the list is literally endless. There is no beginning or end to corruption in Nigeria, it is a permanent fixture...You name the scam, it is being done in Nigeria. Eventually, nothing surprises you.”<br />
<br />
Nothing truly surprises anymore. <br />
<br />
-From the Yar’adua Part 2 drama series playing out in Taraba staring Danbaba Suntai.<br />
-To friends and associates celebrating in absentia in Delta State UK-jailed convicted criminal James Ibori’s birthday.<br />
-To the ignorant Rivers State lawmaker Evans Bipi calling his unlearned colleague Mrs. Patience Jonathan his “Jesus Christ on earth".<br />
-To the hypocritical Governor of Plateau State Jonah Jang claiming electoral victory despite polling 16 votes as against his opponent’s 19. <br />
<br />
All these phenomena, fanatical Christian youths are want to term “end time things”.<br />
<br />
In the midst of the madness what has always kept me sane is clinging to any sense of intelligence and reason. A development that might have adversely affected my social and work life as I don’t go beyond acquaintances in many cases and keep my circle of friends compact in the virtual Facebook world and in reality. Little wonder I stuck to my guns and went all out becoming the only voter that casted a ballot for Ibrahim Shekarau at my polling unit during the last presidential elections in 2011.<br />
<br />
I constantly get lost in the world wide web and on occasions when I stream clips of past leaders like Odumegwu Ojukwu, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr. etc. feeling the raw intellect hit me and comparing with our present day Ogas-at-the-top like the NSCDC’s Shem Obafaiye I get enraged at the now prevailing mediocrity. The difference is akin to comparing night to day. That’s why I fantasize that if I should ever orchestrate a coup these are the following policy decisions I will immediately implement: <br />
<br />
1) Free and compulsory education up until SSS3 for all children. Education is the stepping stone we need to get kicking in the third world and any Guardian whose ward(s) are found to be going against this decree will be immediately jailed.<br />
<br />
2) Making queuing/lining up sacrosanct. Possibly it’s poverty fucking with our minds but our people (…when in Nigeria) have lost all sense of decorum and transfer same to our kids. From sharing food at weddings up until buying kerosene at the filling stations. When I’m Head of State everyone must compulsorily form queues and line up. Everything must be done on a first-come-first-served basis. Going against that earns you jail time and community service instantly.<br />
<br />
3) Entrenching a culture of merit. All employments must be deserved and man-know-man influences immediately eradicated. Application fees for employment into government jobs; State of Origin and Federal Character policy immediately cancelled. Federal Character will be considered only for deployment (of resources) and not for (work) engagement. Also on the road of return to civilian rule consensus candidature and godfatherism will be eliminated as public debates for aspiring politicians will become compulsory under a system of one-man-one-vote.<br />
<br />
4) Starting a Two Child population control policy akin to China’s. This is self-explanatory. We need to make much better use of our human resources.<br />
<br />
5) Immediate ban on State sponsoring of religious pilgrimages. Government expenses must be of immediate benefit. If self-actualization for you is only found overseas then you should put your money where your mouth is and sponsor the trip to Mecca, Jerusalem, India or Syria yourself.<br />
<br />
6) Strict execution of our secular state ideals. Reason and rationale will be the only grounds for formulating laws. So cases akin to permitting child marriages on religious grounds will never arise. Opening and closing prayers at government functions will also be frowned upon. It’s like we have substituted our brains as a people in exchange for a book of Bible stories or its’ equivalent. Our conscience must be nurtured by reason…always!<br />
<br />
7) Cost cutting in government expenses. This will be of very high priority as salaries of legislators and office holders will be drastically cut while salaries of men of the armed forces will be increased to raise work morale. Consequently banning of check points and reorienting their minds away from bribe collection will also be done. Perpetuators of revenue leakages (kickbacks etc.) will also be decisively dealt with as a secret shopper system will be set up and any offender will immediately forfeit such ill-gotten wealth to the State. Finally all agencies with duplication of functions will be merged into one. Example: The Police, FRSC and Civil Defence will become one entity. Many special advisor roles will become deprecated as well as many groups, societies, associations, and unions by executive fiat etc.<br />
<br />
8) Entrenchment of tenancy laws. Possibly because we are our own government providing many basic needs/amenities ourselves the rent is too damn high! And so we’re living a dog–eat-dog world (especially in places like Abuja), moving about in a vicious cycle. But in my reign a policy akin to the Lagos State Tenancy Law will be drafted, assented to and vigorously implemented. Offenders forfeiting their property to the State for a period of 5 years!trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-83521364723174707892013-08-08T00:10:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:55:19.606+01:00Ada Chinedu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WoF2_ACpCAK_GoDpnOz_WGTvFEzqIuzpHzJegdQIDCLq91KgAm21R25FOD8J5UKmYfxMlifiaFphXOgbKWsMN0DHQaWzFFnYuzSgmmMRIyofT9Mw4pQPmpSqueTUMzgW9vDY/s1600/AdaChinedu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WoF2_ACpCAK_GoDpnOz_WGTvFEzqIuzpHzJegdQIDCLq91KgAm21R25FOD8J5UKmYfxMlifiaFphXOgbKWsMN0DHQaWzFFnYuzSgmmMRIyofT9Mw4pQPmpSqueTUMzgW9vDY/s1600/AdaChinedu.jpg" /></a></div>Ada Chinedu once upon a time ... Circa 1990<br />
<br />
Lost my eldest sister… “Ada Chinedu” as Dad liked to call her on July 30th <br />
<br />
Had a seizure and passed away, though she hadn’t been too strong these past few years. <br />
<br />
Always was a quiet one, even prior to ill health, not asking for much but giving out a lot when she could.<br />
<br />
True she had been occasionally erratic during the same period but one can only function so well at half strength.<br />
<br />
Unlike my mum, I feel so bad our last interactions weren’t the most pleasant of memories. Couldn’t give her a ride on July 6th when I briefly visited ABJ. I was raised and self-taught to be extremely great at lending a helping hand (…what more to one of the same blood); and that has never departed me. My hands were tied then…forgive me.<br />
<br />
I’m immensely grateful to her for her enormous contribution to my minding amongst a million other stuff. Wouldn’t be me today if she didn’t play her bit.<br />
<br />
Thanks for everything; see you on the other side. Adios!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9-Zp3PegSH6iEs2Eopxa0sJQZyN_gBHncqNctPsa5pzYgrZSZIwPVkXuL38eYewNwGg2_wI8b4gG8BHf4p_JP3epsWHrDMZDHAKkZr7rmSbFUPTuo_hNKidA7uzlZWXk236g/s1600/ChineduVom171010-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9-Zp3PegSH6iEs2Eopxa0sJQZyN_gBHncqNctPsa5pzYgrZSZIwPVkXuL38eYewNwGg2_wI8b4gG8BHf4p_JP3epsWHrDMZDHAKkZr7rmSbFUPTuo_hNKidA7uzlZWXk236g/s1600/ChineduVom171010-07.jpg" /></a></div>With Chinedu at the Vom Christian Hospital in Jos where she was for a while in 2010.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-58790714758303106912012-12-19T12:13:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:49:04.986+01:00Rehab DiariesSomeone once said "cherish all of your memories for they are the experiences that mould you”. And rightly so I’ve always been one for mementos; keeping a journal of key dates on my route to recovery post my car accident of July 15th. Glancing at the run down I’m ultimately filled with gratitude and just thought to share. Everyone’s rehab is not the same but this might just come in handy for someone someday. <br />
<br />
<b>A-July 15th 2012</b>. Driving a Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck I survived a head on collision road accident with an empty tank truck. The fallouts were a comminuted fracture in the mid segment of my right femur (thigh bone), a transverse fracture around my left ulna (left wrist) and sixth nerve palsy in my left eye.<br />
<br />
<b>B-July 19th 2012</b>. Had surgeries for my fractures. Intramedullary rod inserted into the femur and external fixation done for the wrist.<br />
<br />
<b>C-August 2nd 2012</b>. External fixation removed from the wrist and replaced with orthopedic cast (plaster of paris cast…POP).<br />
<br />
<b>D-August 6th 2012</b>. Discharged from the hospital in a wheel chair as my left wrist was too weak to use crutches.<br />
<br />
<b>E-September 10th 2012</b>. Orthopedic cast (POP) removed.<br />
<br />
<b>F-September 17th 2012</b>. CT scan of the head done and first appointment with an Ophthalmologist. Siddon look approach adopted for the eye.<br />
<br />
<b>G-September 19th 2012</b>. Started noticing greater flexibility in my left wrist. I.e.: started feeling like I had two hands again.<br />
<br />
<b>H-October 19th 2012</b>. Dumped the wheelchair and started using crutches. Injured right leg suspended and hopping on the good left leg.<br />
<br />
<b>I-October 21st 2012</b>. Confirmed the sixth nerve palsy 95% gone and vision almost back to normal.<br />
<br />
<b>J-November 17th 2012</b>. Stopped hopping on crutches and started partial weight bearing on my right foot.<br />
<br />
<b>K-December 7th 2012</b>. 3 days post first physiotherapy session. Started using only a single crutch.<br />
<br />
<b>L-December 14th 2012</b>. Dropped crutches all together and started walking unaided; though limping.<br />
<br />
I now hope to stop limping in the coming weeks as the muscles in the right leg strengthen. So a time cap would be that recovery took six months. But complete recovery with running and a return to full physical fitness post the accident usually takes anywhere between 12 to 18 months. Insha Allah 2013 is definitely the year for me though. Peace and be inspired!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLENNeQsoYkJGFTLpSNLvKLw85In_7RCqtBUNLfSKhr6svJhJYFUQmzaBU2fzJ5dgLrpb0xcJjymzE8aYZ1uagRqJuOlVNiAc0SlEK1gzPbqo-WFcfUjkg3pBn2jpHi88EPlK/s1600/first-test-drive-091212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLENNeQsoYkJGFTLpSNLvKLw85In_7RCqtBUNLfSKhr6svJhJYFUQmzaBU2fzJ5dgLrpb0xcJjymzE8aYZ1uagRqJuOlVNiAc0SlEK1gzPbqo-WFcfUjkg3pBn2jpHi88EPlK/s1600/first-test-drive-091212.jpg" /></a></div>December 9th 2012. Feeling on the sexy steering; first test drive since my accident.<br />
<br />
<b>Update</b>: <br />
<b>M-January 6th 2013</b>. Right leg started feeling normal again, limping drastically reduced and mobility almost as before.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-67902944781179657632012-11-17T16:47:00.000+01:002013-09-30T17:08:56.418+01:00The NYSC year: memories of pricing geisha and the need for closureSo feeling lonely with my girlfriend away at her place of primary assignment, Sugabelly the returnee from the US grumbling about her orientation camp, Asteroid the entertainer finally happy to be mobilized for NYSC and Temidayo influencing her posting to Oyo State for fear of Boko Haram; I couldn’t but reminisce about my own corper days.<br />
<br />
Upon finally securing release from an extended stay at UNN I was posted to Benue State to serve my country for the duration of a year starting from September 2006 till August 2007.<br />
<br />
Camp at the Government Secondary School Gboko (…or was it Government Girls?) as I’ve said so many times before was all fun. I like to consider it one of the best three weeks of my entire life. Melting pot of culture, meeting people from all over the nation and all what not.<br />
<br />
When the magic of camp ended I was posted to Ukum Local Government Area to teach, at a newly established catholic boys secondary school called Holy Ghost College Sankara. The school was a humble setup, though impressive and promising. It was founded by a returnee reverend father. I think I was carefully selected to be posted there being that I was catholic (funny thing is that I consider myself agnostic these days), along with a quiet Port Harcourt chick called Kome.<br />
<br />
I initially looked forward to the experience but on learning that there was no GSM network coverage yet at Sankara (as at then) and that our accommodation was piss poor and far off from the school premises and from most other corps members serving in the local government area I contrived to get myself rejected and moved down to Zaki-Biam (the main town in Ukum LGA) to see what I could do with myself for the next 11 or so months.<br />
<br />
The proprietor of the school wasn’t happy at all and reported me to the NYSC office at Makurdi. After a summoning there and some motherly advice from the NYSC official in charge I returned back to Holy Ghost College Sankara.<br />
<br />
The high point of my stay working at Holy Ghost College was an excursion with the boys to different places in Benue. We visited a farm run by an Irish or so reverend father who had lived in Nigeria for over two decades, we also visited the state run radio station at Makurdi. And it was great seeing the excitement in the boys’ eyes most of whom had never set foot outside Ukum LGA. But sadly as the young and heady days of Trae often went I fell out with the proprietor over salary issues as he didn’t want to pay up all that was due. I couldn’t care less and moved back to Zaki-Biam with all pleasure to stay with my guys there.<br />
<br />
Sankara was a bordering town to Taraba State, Wukari Local Government Area in particular. Wukari being much more developed than Ukum and nearer than Makurdi I planned a visit there with Kome for sightseeing purposes and to be able to browse the internet. Yes, those were the days cyber cafes held sway before the profligation of 3G services. <br />
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I still won’t ever forget calling my mum (or was it she calling me?) at the Zaki-Biam market right after we came back from our Wukari trip. It was about 2 weeks or so to Christmas and it was fun speaking to her and prepping up for the holidays. That was the last I was to ever hear from her as she died on the 15th of December. It was a car accident very similar to the one I survived four months back. She was going to Gwagwalada in Abuja and had a head on collision with a tanker near Giri. I got out of mine with fractures and a temporal dysfunction to my eye…but she never made hers. Rest in peace ma; love you forever!<br />
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The burial followed in the East in January. After that the rest of my service year was basically on-site ghosting and community development work. I found myself on the road a lot and visited Abakaliki in Ebonyi state to see a dear friend. I also hanged back in Abuja for a while cutting my teeth in the job search game.<br />
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Still I was in love with Benue and came back where I immersed myself studying for the NIM exams with Chimezie, making all night calls to my phone buddy Bendra and generally having fun with the guys.<br />
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The POP passing out parade was fixed for august and we all said good bye to Ukum LGA and relocated to Makurdi. The final days left a tear in my eye, after collecting my discharge certificate I couldn’t but hug all my close buddies wishing them well in the future as we didn’t know if we’d ever see each other again.<br />
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On the night of my discharge I hung out with my man Kelechi; our then senior corper as he was privileged to serve and be retained by Ecobank. I also drank my first full bottle of Star that night and got slightly tipsy. Yes I was a good boy like that.<br />
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The closure part is that someday in my lifetime I want to return to Holy Ghost College Sankara, see what it has become and make amends, putting in back my 2 cents in cash or kind. Jah bless everyone! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfq7jQs9G5Ldqee7WI4AkI4YN3RNDhvAa-9_mdwatVX8fLxn3Tk1vxbRzEvp4g-7BNsijqgRJK8EP4_55UVFsBD3JCwWmgQ7cAHGdIgf8nn57kcEhN-OaJ1HHQ3K12qlB4oKF/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfq7jQs9G5Ldqee7WI4AkI4YN3RNDhvAa-9_mdwatVX8fLxn3Tk1vxbRzEvp4g-7BNsijqgRJK8EP4_55UVFsBD3JCwWmgQ7cAHGdIgf8nn57kcEhN-OaJ1HHQ3K12qlB4oKF/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-0.jpg" /></a></div>Parade ground posing with Miss NYSC and Osowo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eZFbKzOZ-jycaEvUANTbASpXmcX3AoBlJK5JJ8Y4jDLY6wvlL50uNFOHKt9CZLSw9IEOUfH3tc-xr8LP3EJYU2e5bwDzfHJv1Mu7g9-VMMw_9ow5haxwvWFAsopinFm8OL-k/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eZFbKzOZ-jycaEvUANTbASpXmcX3AoBlJK5JJ8Y4jDLY6wvlL50uNFOHKt9CZLSw9IEOUfH3tc-xr8LP3EJYU2e5bwDzfHJv1Mu7g9-VMMw_9ow5haxwvWFAsopinFm8OL-k/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-1.jpg" /></a></div>With Dupe, Bukky and the Covenant University crowd at Mammy market<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHJkuHpAgeKowkEkGPXsto8DBgDTmm_3W5EGdlHFtPxG0LMW0Km6gv18REeQn46xA0R_5KOQ2RvvSjXSZlYbRQKu4PhaMg6WZEbLIGWYYkPSiGZN3mBABtyM96zdB_HhYfR3X/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHJkuHpAgeKowkEkGPXsto8DBgDTmm_3W5EGdlHFtPxG0LMW0Km6gv18REeQn46xA0R_5KOQ2RvvSjXSZlYbRQKu4PhaMg6WZEbLIGWYYkPSiGZN3mBABtyM96zdB_HhYfR3X/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-2.jpg" /></a></div>Beautiful people. With Ngozi and Michael<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wMUcek-AtWGSTHzggpChp30Q8YYMZg-y1iDuRFTW_uvKVWM4R_2dVd95dAk7XGKKr3Ci5E7bP06WMIZscKkzZjbEcLkE_MwTQCGpy8GoddkALyI7wBsXZm3e0ITa1Og68AX0/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wMUcek-AtWGSTHzggpChp30Q8YYMZg-y1iDuRFTW_uvKVWM4R_2dVd95dAk7XGKKr3Ci5E7bP06WMIZscKkzZjbEcLkE_MwTQCGpy8GoddkALyI7wBsXZm3e0ITa1Og68AX0/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-3.jpg" /></a></div>Niggies! Osowo, Dude, Candid and I<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXUXM9lmIaPgB95sJStJjJd7udSK9sRg80QRcQf1yfNRiXFHsPFvDYjiL5osH9uVHTn51YLyKsQTCjniGjLPohweEu6A5Gu-Iuv5fOMtqDnR6dHu6vSY9R1gcosTvXpNsSOh-/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXUXM9lmIaPgB95sJStJjJd7udSK9sRg80QRcQf1yfNRiXFHsPFvDYjiL5osH9uVHTn51YLyKsQTCjniGjLPohweEu6A5Gu-Iuv5fOMtqDnR6dHu6vSY9R1gcosTvXpNsSOh-/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-4.jpg" /></a></div>Endurance trek movement with Osowo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl6C00j2o2X2PiXaltCr4hEFHHczCxzjxjL6IInXEnltVdWDUKmJKQ-yAEccYOJblM3SMjUhKBcsgntmsLHg3__a6BjdZjKweVxCOASNVgMbS0sRZkrzQgv1B_-7TnrQqLYUt/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl6C00j2o2X2PiXaltCr4hEFHHczCxzjxjL6IInXEnltVdWDUKmJKQ-yAEccYOJblM3SMjUhKBcsgntmsLHg3__a6BjdZjKweVxCOASNVgMbS0sRZkrzQgv1B_-7TnrQqLYUt/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-5.JPG" /></a></div>Loving the NYSC flag at Mount Mkar #EnduranceTrek<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0IOhyphenhyphenQfcDD9HqEtZFZP4b-71SK8zxMA-1rVqH5sxEN2JMkJGrXnqzob8uHrPjkISRy_iBFMf0DD18E_pnDlp8DkuavMPfsrZfaYtJQv3JAvUuXSfMNnPabH8B15wmUJp1pLV/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0IOhyphenhyphenQfcDD9HqEtZFZP4b-71SK8zxMA-1rVqH5sxEN2JMkJGrXnqzob8uHrPjkISRy_iBFMf0DD18E_pnDlp8DkuavMPfsrZfaYtJQv3JAvUuXSfMNnPabH8B15wmUJp1pLV/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-6.jpg" /></a></div>Chilling with the guys after CDS. Trae, Abayomi, Chimezie, Oteiku<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1_7nzg5aW4M4hkk0OEAGU27noC3Q5VtUOq-26Mji2gj9aVtUEnV5M9rVtJoinU7AQShP-FkPWdK4gVrWzRGikaDCMBLmansdIRYuBA6VQk6WMo9Wg2QURSo4FFOm-L59kCuv/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1_7nzg5aW4M4hkk0OEAGU27noC3Q5VtUOq-26Mji2gj9aVtUEnV5M9rVtJoinU7AQShP-FkPWdK4gVrWzRGikaDCMBLmansdIRYuBA6VQk6WMo9Wg2QURSo4FFOm-L59kCuv/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-7.JPG" /></a></div>POP day, with my orientation camp crush Abiola<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2chV9vGkVpev2D7rUkcRjA-ZVGVwZ4cNG2SX5tfdpurMiXvXsPkYmjH6UhKJJAulQhgNj0rvTXD7jasMsSeU0rKcamgEThmLmho54XyYvJNHf2Dzb8lE89RmN8DgHTBz6_l_q/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2chV9vGkVpev2D7rUkcRjA-ZVGVwZ4cNG2SX5tfdpurMiXvXsPkYmjH6UhKJJAulQhgNj0rvTXD7jasMsSeU0rKcamgEThmLmho54XyYvJNHf2Dzb8lE89RmN8DgHTBz6_l_q/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-8.jpg" /></a></div>POP day, Ukum LGA guys with our ZI<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVhpu01srEMQK0cqZp7kHIHcw1dhFNVZ9zEo2LJ1O9BaS7m79KkAUqZ-40w3NpEZwMLnRmflqUhDq6yge-vy1YvRraWKGMEsuwLCvr-qDqpBcScQfEsKvrTOPkriaiPkXahPJ/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVhpu01srEMQK0cqZp7kHIHcw1dhFNVZ9zEo2LJ1O9BaS7m79KkAUqZ-40w3NpEZwMLnRmflqUhDq6yge-vy1YvRraWKGMEsuwLCvr-qDqpBcScQfEsKvrTOPkriaiPkXahPJ/s1600/NYSC-Bn0607B-9.jpg" /></a></div>POP day, posing with the Covenant University and friends crowdtrae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-66115689421017699712012-10-25T06:41:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:44:39.315+01:00Album review: “Life + Times Of Ervin Ejango” by Suranu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe47mTqZwK8Gnoa4PJqwhyH_06Mw6bYMjPubj175wngSiYWoPoG-OfexqI_NlbzMVuwATX8tM9BosQiRgjOeBRG1CMihcvqe8UY8JckXebGgPhKlhEkUsDpzerMkubvxiZ8Ts/s1600/Suranu-LifeTimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe47mTqZwK8Gnoa4PJqwhyH_06Mw6bYMjPubj175wngSiYWoPoG-OfexqI_NlbzMVuwATX8tM9BosQiRgjOeBRG1CMihcvqe8UY8JckXebGgPhKlhEkUsDpzerMkubvxiZ8Ts/s1600/Suranu-LifeTimes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So my man ODC (aka CJ Stevens) from back in my rhyme slinging days in the university had been on my case about this new artist he’s now managing called Suranu. I’d heard…in fact still have on my laptop a track he’d done with the dude before and in my present recovery mode…not going anywhere fast I downloaded the album and gave it a listen.<br />
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It’s a mixtape, the second in 3 years by Suranu, who this time is being motivated by Erving Ejango, his alter ego. No doubt about it the kid can rhyme flawlessly. And with a tight supporting cast of managers and producers the Life + Times Of Ervin Ejango is a decent effort. A brief bio on Suranu can be found “<a href="http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/suranu-the-next-big-thing-from-j-town/71878/">here</a>”.<br />
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<b>Favourite tracks:</b> From the mixtape the tracks “<b>Charlie What Da Happen</b>” featuring Maytronomy and Jesse Jagz and “<b>Oversabi Girls</b>” are being heavily promoted. But personally the tracks suiting my taste which are all round complete and are constantly on repeat on my present playlist are “<b>Here We Go Again</b>” featuring Charlie X, “<b>Not Good Enough</b>” featuring or sampling Ellie Goulding’s cover of a song called “Heartbeats” and “<b>Angels</b>” featuring or sampling Lissie’s “Everywhere I Go”.<br />
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“Here We Go Again” is a tight jam reflecting on a painful break up and promising to turn a new leaf to restart a relationship. With an excellent chorus Charlie X co-stars to murder the beat. “Angels” literally takes you to heaven and back in a hip hop Adele-like chant chariot, while “Not Good Enough” acknowledges one’s inadequacies but resolve to strive on a soft rock meets hip hop background.<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> My rating for the album on a scale of 5 is 3.5<br />
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<b>Album Details</b><br />
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<b>Original Release Date:</b> October 2012<br />
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<b>Genres:</b> Hip hop<br />
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<b>Production:</b> Charles "Charlie X" Ita, Emmanuel "Ekelly" Nwosu and Makan "Sizzle Pro" King David<br />
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<b>Track list:</b><br />
1. Intro <br />
2. Here We Go Again ft. Charlie X <br />
3. Still I Raise ft. Maya Angelou <br />
4. Misunderstood <br />
5. No Solution by Yemi Alade <br />
6. Unconsolable ft. Zee <br />
7. Oversabi Girls <br />
8. Love Me x 3 [Tiwa Savage Cover] by Danny Gomez<br />
9. Awa Ni ft. Minus2<br />
10. Innocent <br />
11. Catharsis <br />
12. Going Down ft. Charlie X <br />
13. Not Good Enough ft. Elli Goulding<br />
14. Zambuluwai ft. Rexx <br />
15. State Of Mind <br />
16. Raw ft. Butta <br />
17. Time ft. ODC, Mr Hudson <br />
18. Little Brother<br />
19. Push ft. Rexx, Sean Stan <br />
20. Angels ft. Lissie <br />
21. Charlie What Da Happen ft. Maytronomy, Jesse Jagz <br />
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<b>Links:</b> Download the full album here: <a href="http://www.hulkshare.com/bcdswswxmk8w">http://www.hulkshare.com/bcdswswxmk8w</a> <br />
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<b>Sample:</b> <br />
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Listen to “<a href="http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/w2v4u6jn6n7k/02_Here_We_Go_Again_ft.%20charlie%20x?d=1">Here We Go Again</a>” featuring Charlie X <br />
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Listen to “<a href="http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/h9whi8s64ydc/?d=1">Not Good Enough</a>” featuring Ellie Goulding<br />
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Listen to “<a href="http://www.hulkshare.com/dl/vwmmgcy9jcow/?d=1">Angels</a>” featuring Lissietrae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-8698563730980588772012-10-21T14:53:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:43:36.854+01:00Sixth nerve palsy and Trae ZeeoforI think I’ll start off this article here. <br />
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Gennaro Gattuso had been experiencing vision problems in early September 2011, a few days before the season kicked off. On 9 September 2011, Gattuso clashed with team-mate Alessandro Nesta whilst playing against Lazio in AC Milan's opening Serie A game of the 2011-12 season. He was substituted off directly afterwards (in the 20th minute) and diagnosed with paralysis of the sixth cranial nerve, resulting in diplopia in Gattuso's left eye. He later revealed that he had seen team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic in four different positions during the opening stages of the match, and was unable to see Nesta, resulting in the pair's clash. The condition kept him out of most of the 2011/2012 season but he has since gone on (June 2012 precisely) to agree a two-year deal with Swiss side FC Sion.<br />
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Sixth nerve palsy, or abducens nerve palsy, is a disorder associated with dysfunction of cranial nerve VI (the abducens nerve). It’s a weakness of the sixth nerve, the nerve that innervates the lateral rectus muscle that pulls the eye away from the nose. When this nerve is weak, the eye turns inward toward the nose (esotropia) and can't look outwards towards the ears; it may turn inward when people look straight ahead. Double vision (diplopia) is the most common symptom, producing a side-by-side image with both eyes open. Such people usually engage in head-turns to maintain binocularity and binocular fusion and to minimize diplopia. <br />
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Multiple events can cause sixth nerve palsy; head trauma being one of such events. The amount of resolution of 6th cranial nerve palsy primarily depends on the cause. Most cases improve within three months after onset and many resolve by six months. Temporary solutions might include an eye patch or use of prism eyeglasses. After observation for improvement (usually six months) surgery can be performed to maximize eye alignment.<br />
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Yes friends apart from multiple fractures this is what I had to deal with in my left eye following my motor accident of 15th July 2012. Take a look at the picture below taken on August 6th the day I was discharged from the hospital to see what I mean.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZoqnkPSrw0VDYf3NDpOX7wz9N9hFwO9VZch-aatBi3YaVmfqUdMnTI8X5SCI7daUtOXZFFTQsGAFqRvKhGeUPe5cT13j2-miuzZwy7NKyMKLtjJ0TakDqSe4wJWnKC2AZ64h/s1600/SixthNervePalsy-BalmDischarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZoqnkPSrw0VDYf3NDpOX7wz9N9hFwO9VZch-aatBi3YaVmfqUdMnTI8X5SCI7daUtOXZFFTQsGAFqRvKhGeUPe5cT13j2-miuzZwy7NKyMKLtjJ0TakDqSe4wJWnKC2AZ64h/s1600/SixthNervePalsy-BalmDischarge.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10fH8WmVJpG5mUrKYvIg10HbKg6Hv014l76rhfHP1Q5a2kE8sNhb_fMOYYKhsr0ta068IeUCA4xLGjsYUMl-sH3NQAQE6v7WYIHDNij7u868eLf1IDgscFi7XhGY7mmRX1W0-/s1600/Sixth-Nerve-Palsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10fH8WmVJpG5mUrKYvIg10HbKg6Hv014l76rhfHP1Q5a2kE8sNhb_fMOYYKhsr0ta068IeUCA4xLGjsYUMl-sH3NQAQE6v7WYIHDNij7u868eLf1IDgscFi7XhGY7mmRX1W0-/s1600/Sixth-Nerve-Palsy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I was taken to Lagos for a checkup about a month ago and my consultations with the doctor confirmed most of the stuff I’d already researched online. I was told I should be good in 6 months or less. And now three months down the line from July 15th I’m happy to announce that in my estimations I’m about 90% done with the disorder.<br />
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Yes as I like to say I’m a lucky bastard; all the fallouts of my accident were non devastating. More so in my case my employers were supportive and put me on sick leave, so I spent my time rejuvenating and waiting on my fractures to heal. Thus preventing me from running mad as you might do if sixth nerve palsy besets you while you’re in perfectly good health and in the course of accomplishing your dreams. Yes I didn’t run mad, I handled it like it was one of Tom’s Scavo numerous fads on Desperate Housewives that was bound to go someday.<br />
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I’m just grateful to God for this day. All the time I’d have to close my left eye so I could read stuff properly on my laptop screen or generally when I wanted to focus. Or all those times I couldn’t look people properly in the face when talking to them as the nasty double vision was taking its’ toll. Or sitting in the car being taking across town to the hospital and everywhere looking crazy in double vision…two by twos. You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. I’m glad to be getting back to my eagle eye excellent vision. Ain’t never use glasses and ain’t never will. Oluwa is fully involved!trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-23135486217026211632012-10-17T23:14:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:41:54.063+01:00Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jkMsH0NHXJ7zjrAnbQkkNq7APHeQDOSagEkwD9MiMh5jWPPx0qRyiO5AQs4EG-mPpGdErIzQBcN6RbRIRif2bsHShIGJPXdN3TvU7uUxtDYjfSuyRkEys3QVAdr0cwNA7Tft/s1600/thegoodthingaboutscience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jkMsH0NHXJ7zjrAnbQkkNq7APHeQDOSagEkwD9MiMh5jWPPx0qRyiO5AQs4EG-mPpGdErIzQBcN6RbRIRif2bsHShIGJPXdN3TvU7uUxtDYjfSuyRkEys3QVAdr0cwNA7Tft/s1600/thegoodthingaboutscience.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I made this post on Facebook today:<br />
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“So about two months back some chick I used to know threatened me that if I didn't give my life to Christ that the bad luck of my losing my first banking job and been involved in a car accident would continue. I cut off and unfriended the dumb bitch right away. And now recently some chick I’ve become good friends with in the past four years judges me that I’m a bad person and ungrateful to God for surviving my accident because I don't speak in tongues, read the bible, attend night vigils and pay tithes. As if that's the only measure of a good person. Abeg beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here!”</blockquote>
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And one of the comments in reply read in quote: “I guess the part that gets me is the constantly implied drivel that somehow being agnostic correlates with increased level of intelligence”.<br />
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I think I should give instances why agnostics reason better and are generally more intelligent than people who steadfastly affirm to a religion. It’s for you to read the examples and put two and two together. So here goes.<br />
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1) If I put a bowl in front of your door at night with such items like an egg, a white feather, a white cloth, sprinkled blood, a chicken head and a bead, nine out of ten people wouldn’t use that exit in the morning. They’d call some sort of pastor or priest which would indirectly cost them at least a thousand Naira; who would pray for at least 5 minutes, sprinkle holy water around and set fire to the bowl. All this taking at least an hour and distracting you from the job of the day. An agnostic would throw the bowl in the dustbin and immediately be off to work.<br />
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2) When the infamous slapping by David Oyedepo of a girl who claimed to be a winch for Jesus came to the fore nine out of ten people defended him. In accordance to the “do you know who I am” creed they opined she was evil and came to disrespect and tempt the Bishop. Very few saw it as child abuse…battery, and as an instance of a mentally disturbed girl who found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. <br />
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3) Work real hard, have lots of skill and some luck and meteorically find yourself in the limelight as a music star. Don’t kill anyone, don’t steal, don’t cheat, don’t commit any crime against humanity just be popular. And you can be rest assured that somewhere in Ajegunle in the slums, two boys over a bottle of beer…or in Victoria Island, two ladies while fixing their hair attachments in the salon are bantering over the conspiracy theory that you’re a member of the Illuminati Cult. Their discussion will not change the price of garri in the market but they’ll argue and deride you all the same.<br />
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4) When I was in the university in my third year one of my roommates and his twin brother were Seventh Day Adventists in their first year studying medicine. During exam time one of their papers; a core course was rescheduled for Saturday. They never did write that paper preferring instead to worship at church. Subsequently down the years they had academic problems. Their status as medical students was not tenable and they never did graduate as Doctors. Stuff along similar lines is still happening today in Nigeria.<br />
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5) When adults my age were kids…and I’m sure even till date, if you grew up in a Christian home and had Muslims as neighbours you were never allowed to eat the meat given to you as gifts during Sallah celebrations. Such meat always ended up in the dustbin. The only consolation being offered by parents being that God forbids you contaminate yourself with food offered to foreign gods. Yes, Nigeria was a green land and food was never our problem.<br />
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6) Islam is the dominant religion of Northern Nigeria. And one day should an unidentified person use a torn page from the Quran to wipe his bum after defecating be rest assured that the religious clerics there will easily mobilize more than five million devotees to wreck havoc on all Igbo traders within reach. Yes Allahu Akbar, God is great. And suicide bombings and killings against Americans while exclaiming Allahu Akbar is a manifestation of such greatness.<br />
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7) Islam is for the pious. Dutifully all women should compulsory wear the hijab and if possible cover their whole body in black cloth. Men are weak spirited and should not be tempted. A woman’s body is the sole property of her husband and should be kept so. Men on the other hand were created in God’s own image and likeness and should enjoy the sunlight and be proud to display their bodies in various attire as a tribute to the Most High who created them.<br />
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8) Allahu Akbar; God is great and we must raise our young ones to know so. Our young boys should be sent away to indoctrinate this religious education into them at a tender age in informal Almajiri institutions. They should roam the street and beg to imbibe the culture of meekness. Forget that it breeds poverty and illiteracy as other skills are not imparted into the kids, at least they can always live a righteous life as sugar cane sellers, security men, bread and tea kiosk owners or manicure and pedicure experts.<br />
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9) Finally a look at the world map shows Nigeria is at the center of the world. Yes we are God’s own nation and as such our Government should continue to lavish billions of Nairas each year sponsoring Hajjs to Mecca and Pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Forget that there is no direct or indirect benefit of such expeditions on our GDP or standard of living; we must just continue to do it. As Femi Fani-Kayode, then Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo often said when rebuking Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe “we are not ashamed of that fact that we are a nation of believers...we believe that God rules in the affairs of men”. Yes what distinguishes us from other people is that we are a praying nation, little wonder we’re recognized as the most religious and happiest nation in the world. How wonderful!<br />
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<b>Update:</b> I think my line of argument in this post was misunderstood. I was not saying that being outstanding intellectually is directly proportional to being atheist/agnostic. I was saying you stand a higher chance of success at tackling many problems of the world if you approached it from the agnostic front...the rational front. Hence my listing 9 typical everyday challenges.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-16721823147561005332012-10-02T19:35:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:36:52.873+01:00Thank God I ain't too cool for the safe beltStill high off <a href="http://www.traedays.com/blog/2012/09/how-to-survive-a-road-accident-2/">my last post</a> I learnt about this today: <a href="http://imgur.com/a/n4c0a">“A Love Story in 22 Pictures”</a> and it almost brought tears to my eyes.<br />
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It’s a very close reminder of my own situation. Yes, If you could feel how my face felt, you would know how Mase felt/Thank God I ain't too cool for the safe belt/. All other things could be equal…pari passu but having someone to love, spend time with and clean up after you is such a big part of a successful recovery. Great relationships are not a bed of roses, no one knows tomorrow, but even if shit happens, I really do cherish and will continue to cherish this moment. I’m in a safe place right now. Yes, she was with me before the deal, she’s been trying to be mine/she a Delta so she been throwing that Dynasty sign/.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFAKLUNwVYOvc94sFO0V0mz8PaQzHEGWGWvx56bqWkClEsXE0jbK7-vk6p42eAyTKqBcgYnKn6OsA0lix186tctiqH-kfDtrgu4bwgNJwKOOu1M9_9KH-CIFX-zVo3BcsJcN/s1600/ALSI22P5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MFAKLUNwVYOvc94sFO0V0mz8PaQzHEGWGWvx56bqWkClEsXE0jbK7-vk6p42eAyTKqBcgYnKn6OsA0lix186tctiqH-kfDtrgu4bwgNJwKOOu1M9_9KH-CIFX-zVo3BcsJcN/s1600/ALSI22P5.jpg" /></a></div>Luckiest man on earth with the loveliest gem to be unearth. 30.09.12.<br />
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Kanye West’s debut album “The College Dropout” is one of my all time favourite rap albums. And now more than ever before Kanye’s life inspires me. <a href="http://rapgenius.com/Kanye-west-through-the-wire-lyrics">“Through the wire”</a> being key. I can see a bit of my life in some of him. From dropping out of school, being a struggling producer, surviving a bad car crash, getting signed to a major label and staying relevant for almost a decade in the rap scene; that’s history right there. Yes, this was just a small post dedicated to her…The best I’ve ever had. That’s all folks.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-48656901207880886592012-09-20T17:52:00.000+01:002013-09-30T16:28:32.585+01:00How to survive a road accident 2But I can't complain what the accident did to my left eye/<br />
Cause look what an accident did to Left Eye/<br />
First Aaliyah now Romeo must die?/<br />
I know I got angels watching me from the other side/<br />
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Kanye West in “never let me down” featuring Jay-Z from the album “The College Dropout”<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT_CxiyHArG38JlEdqhdaxyvec59Nl1bYzYWFg6lqvM-yX-CgOvEGwJ_1g2hghjeEUGaC2ro5SGt1FsyrdvfOe3ovkoty8tnhmM1wyPKpftTxnzE3hiU9k6KHczkrj0WQdjTO/s1600/my_accidented_truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT_CxiyHArG38JlEdqhdaxyvec59Nl1bYzYWFg6lqvM-yX-CgOvEGwJ_1g2hghjeEUGaC2ro5SGt1FsyrdvfOe3ovkoty8tnhmM1wyPKpftTxnzE3hiU9k6KHczkrj0WQdjTO/s1600/my_accidented_truck.jpg" /></a></div>My accidented truck<br />
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In the light of satirical writer Elnathan John’s latest piece "How to survive a road accident" (<a href="http://dailytimes.com.ng/opinion/how-survive-road-accident">available here</a>) I decided to work up my injured wrist, summon whatever little writing skill I had left and pen this…or is it type this. This part of the essay particularly inspired me: “This is how to survive a road accident in Nigeria: Pray. Pray that someone with quick thinking and hospital contacts runs into you. Do not expect the police to know what to do. Do not expect emergency services. Just pray.”<br />
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Some four years back living the fresh graduate dream of working as a banker I would probably agree with you that I was in a tasking profession and that finding time to do anything on this job was a miracle and as such Friday nights and weekends were heaven. But two months back, July 14th 2012 to be precise I would probably tell you that working in sales in FMCG was second only to sitting in GEJ’s hot seat as commander in chief. I was up late into the night, continuing early the next morning finishing a report whose submission deadline had just expired. I slept at Ade’s for company and to take advantage of his stand by generator. The next morning Sunday the 15th I loaded up my MP3 player with songs to help me get by the long journey, dashed home to get some gear and hit the road for a 5 hour trip (to and fro though). The company was about to launch the redesigned Star bottle and we had to redistribute the old Star stocked in a warehouse in a neighbouring town to ensure quick depletion before the planned new launch. With my boss and 2 colleagues of mine we were to drive in a convoy, but sensing they weren’t yet ready I passed by our meet up spot and hit the road early so I could make it back by midday to do other stuff.<br />
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And that was all I remembered. Word was that 45 minutes into my journey I had a head on collision with an empty fuel tanker. Being the careful driver I’ve always been I’m still stunned as to how that ever happened. The good or great thing though is that like Elnathan advised the lines fell unto me in pleasant places. After I left Boss and my colleagues followed me up shortly. At my accident scene the typical Naija crowd was forming with shouts of “mo gbe” and all what not but no one really doing anything. Boss soon caught up with me, dialed his hospital contacts prepping them for my arrival, lifted me up into his passenger seat with me clutching my broken wrist and sped the 45 minutes or so journey back to Ilorin.<br />
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Two months later, many plates of food from Boss wife after, and visits, love and care from family and friends I’m sitting at home. Luckily having to contend only with a fracture at the left wrist and right femur, and six nerve palsy in my left eye. How I survived it all I don’t know, I’m God’s son. But working for a great company, generous enough to put me on 4 months sick leave, expend on me and transport me to Lagos for a checkup is definitely a saving grace. To top it all up like Lisa’s Dad exclaimed in “Coming to America” I really did do it this time; I hit the jackpot. I couldn’t have come thus far without my girlfriend AyoB catering to me all the way. Always knew she was the complete package right from the start but if I ever did need any confirmation I’ve gotten it. My Chukwuemeka Ike Toads for Supper inter-tribal dreams are coming true. And so now you know the answer to the question "who do I want to spend the rest of my life with".trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-63584289719722873022011-09-25T14:31:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:42:18.109+01:00Trae’s guide to surviving detention in Nigeria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XrAJDb1Mc1jlPwbqrnv_qVdaMWK8RwDQwEWzLX9tMv0hROXcVOlNekylWIJ4zjSwaFAi3ouE4Jy8rOhzaAEpyEjG0eH93z7MizKEtbpRFgiC5lvbsaIw2sX8IVIvg2vdjbVF/s1600/surviving-detention-hands-down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XrAJDb1Mc1jlPwbqrnv_qVdaMWK8RwDQwEWzLX9tMv0hROXcVOlNekylWIJ4zjSwaFAi3ouE4Jy8rOhzaAEpyEjG0eH93z7MizKEtbpRFgiC5lvbsaIw2sX8IVIvg2vdjbVF/s1600/surviving-detention-hands-down.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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So you’ve heard and read it all: the execution of Troy Davies in Georgia USA, The release by Iran of the US spies/hikers and the arrest of the British-Ghanaian banker Kweku Adoboli plus tons others. In all the common denominator I’m interested in at the moment is detention as a result of an alleged crime. What are some of the tips you’re better off knowing as a Nigerian male who’s expected to be a man in all situations, and if by chance you find yourself locked down how do you cope. <br />
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1) The first rule of being a Master Mind is to not get caught, yes as incompetent as the Nigerian security agencies are you still need to cover your tracks. The odds are stacked against you though cos in most cases somehow somehow fowl nyash dey open, but the smart will know how to lay low after a hit with making it in the long run in mind. But truth be told despite the thrill of a misdemeanor, and in a lot of cases trying to prove a point because you’re aggrieved ultimately there’s nothing as good as having peace of mind. The benefits of going legit cannot be overstated; your people need you and you can’t afford to let them down. Like Osaze, Enyeama and MySpace.com you're not indispensable and people tend to forget you when you go down. But form is temporal and class is permanent; try to be spotless and excel in your own field so that when your name is mentioned people remember you for the positive effect you had on their life.<br />
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2) For the most part infrastructure wise Nigeria can be a very horrible place. Thus if you find yourself in police detention be prepared for the worst. The EFCC net though is notches up that ladder possible because of the higher standing of the institute and inmates thus in many more ways its sanity friendly and assault and homosexuality free. Both ways though when the desirable is not available the available becomes desirable. Little things like pillows, bed space near exits become coveted and your animal survival instincts will come to play but your ability to be amiable will keep you in the good books of all. Detention will take away your freedom, you’ll dream not of driving a good car but of just being able to take a walk in the park. And not going anywhere fast you’ll think your whole life like reading the Bible start to finish many times over. Fear not though because whatever comes to a man is equal to a man. Stick with the happy crowd, there'll be lots of laughs to share and try to engage yourself productively. Stay healthy and body build when possible; also learn as many skills as you’ll be exposed to that’ll raise your value in the job market when you’re out. Personally I advise against getting your mind twisted with the Bible or religious stuff as it only serves to give you hope of a lazy kind with lots of man hours waste in tow. It’s like getting addicted to gambling instead of seeing how you can go one step better than chance/luck to seize control of your universe. In all try to keep a positive mind; worthy of note: The Shawshank Redemption.<br />
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3) Success has many fathers but failure is an orphan. This idiom will come to play in your detention experience. I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime that I can authoritatively tell you that very few will be willing and able to sacrifice time and money to help you when you’re down. Some will sympathize from afar but for most life just goes on. Your 100% bet of people that’ll come get you out or run around to meet your bail conditions is your family, possibly because blood is thicker than water and people feel naturally drawn to help their own. Other than that this is when you’ll know your true/real friends. Forget about how much of the guy or popular you think you are now, detention and down times reveal the big picture. You’ll do well to reanalyze and balance out your relationships now knowing where the people in your life stand so as to avoid a shock therapy in future. On a lighter scale “thank God you’re not an Americans”, in the West its stuff like this that renders people homeless but you’re Nigerian and should make sure you have a healthy support system by your good deeds now that you’re on top.<br />
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4) Finally a note for government and anyone entrusted with leadership position over others. People just want to work and be happy (gainful employment), make an honest living and be able to splurge once in a while. Not worrying about where the next meal will come from and where to lay their head at night. To dissuade people from committing crime you’ve got to work your social security system, create jobs, pay a living wage and make available the necessary infrastructure. Humanity starts with you and me and realizing in our every action that we’re all brothers and everyone has the right to live and not just exist. It’s either that or the words of Tupac Amaru Shakur will forever reign true: “I ain’t guilty cos even though I sell rocks/it feels good putting money in your mail box/”.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-1477243644664751542011-04-06T05:14:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:28:56.255+01:00Jega’s INEC goof and why I am voting Ibrahim Shekarau for President in2011Anyone who’s been following my Facebook rants knows I am totally appalled by INEC chairman Professor Attahiru Jega recent goofs that led to the double postponements /rescheduling of the national Assembly elections. Strongly sharing the sentiments of Rhythm 93.7 Jos election day studio guest (his name slips my mind) it is a crying shame that after 4 years of preparations we’re nowhere better than we were the last time general elections were conducted. Same old story and excuses. What shocks me even more is seeing people give him the thumbs up despite this fiasco; that what he did was brave. It goes to show how low we’ve set our standards as a nation that we should celebrate mediocrity as if we don’t deserve better. <br />
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Proactiveness would have prevented all this. And taking a decision to postpone the elections the first time around is not rocket science; for Christ’s sake that’s the logical move going by the electoral act. Giving the position of things that afternoon anyone (even a 10 year old) in Jega’s shoes would have done the same thing. Sacking Jega now is not an option being that we’re at the peak of operations but if we must progress as a nation then we must be disciplined and strive for excellence. Encouraging people to do right and when they do right and duly applying penalties when things go wrong to ensure everyone steps up their game. <br />
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I’ll tell you a story; when I was in banking, to enable checks and balances we had a practice of rotating duties as to which pair of staff were the custodian of the branch keys weekly. It so happened that on one faithful day a staff on duty due to one reason or the other was late to work and forgot the branch keys at home. The consequence was that the branch missed clearing at CBN for that day. In the Nigerian context clearing is an activity mediated by the Central bank in which different banks come together to net off or settle their trades, transactions and interbank cheques. Such dealings often run into millions if not billions of Nairas and determines when customers get value for cheques deposited into their accounts. For such an error which adversely affected the bank in its intent to meet its service level agreement with its customers, the said staff was suspended without pay for one month as a disciplinary measure. Now think about what Jega did and the adverse effects it had financially, logistically and psychologically on the total mass of 150 million Nigerians and tell me why actions shouldn’t be taken against the INEC staff responsible for letting the nation down. Personally I’d like to see some months of working suspension without pay imposed as a deterrent against such behaviour ever again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYglNSgDMkBxQDiRH5yqpeOm25g9cqIHmEEFY711Q34ooiY1HKgx0MkZtC3GScSBVknKSLOWKzTrURoYRwo8fJvAuvkeC4SNvs31abklaaCJOlACtpOqAlBp6aEbUIVaNsB4o/s1600/HotNCold-JegaJEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYglNSgDMkBxQDiRH5yqpeOm25g9cqIHmEEFY711Q34ooiY1HKgx0MkZtC3GScSBVknKSLOWKzTrURoYRwo8fJvAuvkeC4SNvs31abklaaCJOlACtpOqAlBp6aEbUIVaNsB4o/s1600/HotNCold-JegaJEG.jpg" /></a></div>Let's say no to mediocrity in Naija; we deserve better! (Art wise this is not the most professional of jobs but you can get where I'm driving at right?)<br />
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My colleagues and followers of my rants on Facebook alike also know I am an ardent supporter of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau’s cause to be elected president this year. And so recently I was asked why I take such a stand and being one to stand on the path of reason I did so as follows. <br />
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1) He has the necessary political experience being a two term Governor of a state as important as Kano.<br />
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2) He is intelligent, cool, calm, collected and has the leadership charisma. He’s the kind of person you’ll be bold/proud to point out as your president. As was seen at the recent Presidential debates he was the only candidate that addressed the issues sensibly. Showing within those hours that he was a candidate with a clear thought mission, well informed of our national challenges and realistically having ideas on how to tackle them. Contrast this to Nuhu Ribadu who debated exuberantly like a school boy Student Union President, Buhari who had his head in the clouds or President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (JEG) who kept on riding his luck and failing to inspire confidence.<br />
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3) He is a fine gentleman devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments who in the past 8 years has been able to greatly ensure peace and stability in Kano as diverse as it is.<br />
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4) He is a sound policy maker, who does his homework well and consults extensively before swinging into action. Agreed there might have been a few contentious issues but all said and done Governor Ibrahim Shekarau’s is an honest, hardworking, modest and incorrupt leader who did a fair job in Kano State. <br />
5) He is a humble man; you can’t but be enthralled if you read up on his rise to the post of Governor from being a mere civil servant. He also is very diplomatic, and few exist who can objectively speak badly of him.<br />
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6) Real recognizes real; no wonder Pat Utomi also endorses him.<br />
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7) Compared to the competition, he is the best choice. Buhari truncated democracy in the past and has no moral right to aspire to be President. Nuhu is simply not up to standard and inexperienced. Jonathan is not his own man and doesn’t have the mettle of a president.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-63184797662511517592011-02-17T18:01:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:36:23.012+01:00Mobility restored; lessons learnt the hard wayTony Tetuila’s “hit my car” track from about 10 years back was just a song to me, not until it was dramatised in my life a little over eight months ago. Sadly the culprit wasn’t anyone at all in the mould of Tinubu which would have got me prostrating in hope of better things to come. The culprit wasn’t even on Eedris levels, in which case the fear of shame and face saving would have settled everything. The culprit was like me a bloody commoner and frustrating as the whole experience was, mobility was finally restored with me learning my lessons the hard way.<br />
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June 12th was the day. Much like it symbolizes for us in our national consciousness: good turned bad, turned good again; it was for me sort of like the gift and the curse. Some stuff I was pursuing finally materialised on that day but sadly my car was also involved in a crash. The reason being that out of trust built up over some months I had turned a blind eye to the fact that my repaired car would stay overnight in my mechanic’s care. And as fate would have it the worst happened, the car got hit pretty badly and my mechanic sustained injuries, though not too severe. All this left me as confused as Nigerians after The Eagles’ one nil loss to Argentina; hoping for the best but expecting the worst.<br />
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What follows are some of the lessons learnt in my eight month ordeal. These are all purely from the Nigerian experience, though first time car owners wherever might still be able to learn a thing or two.<br />
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The chief of this is that there’s no substitute for family. Like Baz Luhrmann implied in “everybody's free to wear sunscreen” they’re the ones that will always have your back. My father was immense in this regard. Demoralized, confused and low on cash my Dad encouraged me greatly and we decided against the use of force/courts because face it all lawyers and the police are really interested in Naija style is money. Funds were sourced for the repair to commence, which all in all cost about one third the original purchase price of the car. The agreement reached with my mechanic being he’d take responsibility and pay back in instalments till the refund was achieved.<br />
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Naturally the repair was in trusted in the hands of mechanic and his associates. The procedure being body work (panel beating), engineering (mechanical) and then electricals. The basics being done I had to take the car to a different workshop where it’ll be worked on with much more seriousness to take care of the finishing. Because as expected my mechanic just wanted to do the bare minimal and get the load off his chest once and for all. Ideally with money and man power on call this repair could be concluded in a month, but realistically it’s worth noting that after an accident and repairs Naija style the car will never be the same. Like they say there might be forgiveness but the scars will always remain.<br />
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A major tip when dealing with car matters is that no matter how busy you are it really helps if you can monitor your mechanic when carrying out repairs. That way you learn more about your car, you protect yourself from the fallouts of a shoddy job and you decrease the turnaround time. Significantly too you potentially cut the cost of repairs down by at least 30% as you get to join in the bargaining (pricing) of spare parts. Note: people will always try to game you if you allow them! Following through on this when it comes to registering or renewing your car particulars it’s best to ditch the Nigerian mentality of always aiming to cut corners. The official way is actually stress free and more economical!<br />
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Another tip is that modus operandi wise mechanics like doctors deal with difficult problems by using the same method of diagnosing via a process of elimination. The downside is that this can be costly and futile if the mechanic is inexperienced. You need to watch out for the countenance of a mechanic when at work. A bad workman quarrels with his tools and frowns a lot. A good craftsman on the other hand knows with much greater certainty what needs to be done and does so. Thus as a rule of thumb much older mechanics with years of experience are often better.<br />
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Lastly with all certainty I’ve come to realise that mobility is a necessity not an extravagance; it greatly enhances efficiency. The loss of mobility for me was tough to adjust to and bear and it adversely affected my self-esteem. Shout outs to all the commercial riders/drivers. Drive safe people; you might want to interpret this as drive slow and not by faith (hitting on 140 km/hr when you can’t be certain of the condition of the road a kilometre away) to avoid “speaking grammar”, throwing money down the drain and Inconveniencing yourself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PwYBSASPG1-rU93RZRdl6rDlvxuHC_WHs0_bB3racctG4DlYtNgrkuE6v_0jPcDzG3s8A_GIExktnJPjsnkGhOhMmrNotr85bAx867oU75dp7nU14MCzRgSbmGZhjprL1Snt/s1600/bullet030809-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PwYBSASPG1-rU93RZRdl6rDlvxuHC_WHs0_bB3racctG4DlYtNgrkuE6v_0jPcDzG3s8A_GIExktnJPjsnkGhOhMmrNotr85bAx867oU75dp7nU14MCzRgSbmGZhjprL1Snt/s1600/bullet030809-1.jpg" /></a></div>August 3rd 2009. My car when it just came through, courtesy the happy people of Intercontinental Bank and the good people of Mubi, Adamawa State.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneoNAvMxytvd8mFW9wNxcN7b2xG_h3F6sLEzepNsj5LPUeOycwuWfELywHm-9d6XmE5zbXz5rz99Ro395ocC4_ul36Ir5M7Rk8Iq7A7D2C2G6LDG8TFJ5E1ymU9o8drQLYvro/s1600/crash200610-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneoNAvMxytvd8mFW9wNxcN7b2xG_h3F6sLEzepNsj5LPUeOycwuWfELywHm-9d6XmE5zbXz5rz99Ro395ocC4_ul36Ir5M7Rk8Iq7A7D2C2G6LDG8TFJ5E1ymU9o8drQLYvro/s1600/crash200610-2.jpg" /></a></div>June 20th 2010. Some days after the gift and the curse. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFwUx7Jw9bOsVoFG5y0r89JrQA7QrJQKtR0LsXAvDmEAzYccq75QOIm7fRY6fsAxeCHaMKmA_P3lvq6MLTSK3jymM0CMRtD9KNx1eQWpUpJN99-Qq8TjCw0HSAoZCgMZnFCfg/s1600/crash031110-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFwUx7Jw9bOsVoFG5y0r89JrQA7QrJQKtR0LsXAvDmEAzYccq75QOIm7fRY6fsAxeCHaMKmA_P3lvq6MLTSK3jymM0CMRtD9KNx1eQWpUpJN99-Qq8TjCw0HSAoZCgMZnFCfg/s1600/crash031110-3.jpg" /></a></div>November 3rd 2010. Surgery commences.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UE4zI9jdyI1oqBcGTQnbt-6JCENXV7Lx1xZdZWUWWoWH3MjhrxaX-UQ1TCNGNHcFNI_Aebz_JIqTdfCIT4mgiamqz9TJGtSI0zHz_yt728gOYdx_u36MC7w-Qlv3sl_1T8Ma/s1600/crash141210_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UE4zI9jdyI1oqBcGTQnbt-6JCENXV7Lx1xZdZWUWWoWH3MjhrxaX-UQ1TCNGNHcFNI_Aebz_JIqTdfCIT4mgiamqz9TJGtSI0zHz_yt728gOYdx_u36MC7w-Qlv3sl_1T8Ma/s1600/crash141210_4.jpg" /></a></div>December 14th 2010. Surgery in progress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUfY1mQ0TAnbymOht9E8_qOnwUDskbWOtM8kqw8SMeSCOQrInceTkt7T-C-Xhgg2CDqz6X4fjcHHVw0HxmyWOfCI_yiFqZHCW-WNWXD5DF0C3wC2VzTTN20C4YP4QUuYc4mSX/s1600/crash120111_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUfY1mQ0TAnbymOht9E8_qOnwUDskbWOtM8kqw8SMeSCOQrInceTkt7T-C-Xhgg2CDqz6X4fjcHHVw0HxmyWOfCI_yiFqZHCW-WNWXD5DF0C3wC2VzTTN20C4YP4QUuYc4mSX/s1600/crash120111_5.jpg" /></a></div>January 12th 2011. Surgery near completion.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-947968892612111142011-01-31T02:08:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:05:45.938+01:00Why can’t we all just fucking get along?Like many others I’m been a Lil Wayne fan; in my case since first hearing him many years back on “young n blues”. So while I had my playlist on shuffle/random some days back his “Mrs. Officer” song came up. Instantly being reminded of how much I love the track I subsequently chopped and screwed it for my cell phone ring tone. Banging out a 30 seconds piece predominantly featuring the “Rodney King baby, yeah i beat it like a Cop” line I particularly like. Being who I am, some research minutes later I was schooled on the “why can’t we all get along” line that had been hibernating in my mind for years now.<br />
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And so I ask why can’t my people in Jos fucking get along?! Why the insanity with the weekly vicious cycle of killings, burnings and assault? Mere mortals we all are, our skin colour is all the same so why allow our ethnic differences to divide us? More ridiculously why act on hate in the name of religion when most of us are only but Sunday Sunday/Friday Friday worshippers? Why allow religion to fuck with our minds to the extent we can’t think logically anymore? <br />
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Being in an election period and so extending this to our politicians why can’t they just fucking carry us along and stop being so self-centered? GamineGirlie <a href="http://teanni.blogspot.com/2011/01/11111.html">wrote an article</a> weeks back about how she thinks <a href="http://www.enoughisenoughnigeria.com/">the energy expounded by concerned Nigerians</a> primarily via social media networks on the need to take the voters registration dead serious is misplaced. Her argument is that everybody’s talking about voting but nobody’s talking about making sure we have credible candidates to vote in the first place. And she does have a point; made all the more obvious by politicians like Kwara state Governor Bukola Saraki.<br />
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The idea that Nigerian politics is devoid of ideals and is basically a “I chop you chop” system is demonstrated so vivaciously and most recently <a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/01/saraki-wins-pdp-ticket-for-kwara-central-senatorial-district/">by his (Bukola Saraki) actions</a>. Here was a man that only months ago appeared visionary and wanted to <a href="http://www.abubakarbukolasaraki.com/my-plan">best the works of GEJ</a> (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) as President come May 2011. All of a sudden after changes in the power games of his party the PDP at national level and at the state level he’s swiftly humbled his ambition so much so that overnight he declared for, poached, contested and won a senatorial seat nomination. That my friend is a man who doesn’t give a fuck about your welfare but is merely seeking to maintain a steady flow of income for himself. Like the chameleon he’ll change his spots as many times as he has to; survival is after all the name of the game.<br />
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You want more examples to buttress the point? Gladly; Abubakar Olusola Saraki, who assumes he’s some sort of indispensable figure in Kwara state to the extent that all governors must breathe through him. His idea of kwara state progressing is having all leadership within his blood line. Another popular example is the God father of Amala politics the Late Lamidi Adedibu who believed the job of efficiently running a state was only possible after all parties had partaken in a meal of hot amala served from his kitchen funded solely from the state's allocation. Other example include but are not restricted to Governor/Senator (either or both titles would do) George Akume, Ahmad Sani Yerima, Ahmed Makarfi and Chimaroke Nnamani. Nigeria we hail thee!trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-85182357290087565642011-01-05T23:49:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:05:43.437+01:00Album review: “beautiful imperfection” by Asa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PBwzbQ5gj88YjOvNNUXYvD_3_pLMv0gWrp78O81qOwJVHQblJReGyUd2FbJzjD0guD51waU6FXgaZedqz1unTvEvX2mKyPMGWL-1wXSJ3ICmYY9IhuqEKj8EAsa_3xv3wKjA/s1600/AshaAsaBeautifulImperfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PBwzbQ5gj88YjOvNNUXYvD_3_pLMv0gWrp78O81qOwJVHQblJReGyUd2FbJzjD0guD51waU6FXgaZedqz1unTvEvX2mKyPMGWL-1wXSJ3ICmYY9IhuqEKj8EAsa_3xv3wKjA/s1600/AshaAsaBeautifulImperfection.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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On December 30th I updated my Facebook profile thus: “A tale of two over hyped sophomores: Asa’s “beautiful imperfection” and M.I.’s “MI2”. Just bought the former/proceeding to play for what should be an uncountable number/… (Of times)”. Sadly it wasn’t to be.<br />
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Asa returns three years after an outstanding debut with an album that in my opinion has very few real beauties and by her standard a lot of imperfections. As they say repeating a great feat is never easy. <br />
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Some of the changes responsible for this include the production. On her debut “asha”, her chemistry with her erstwhile producer Cobhams Asuquo was orgasmic. Till this day “Jailer”, "360", "Bibanke", "Subway", "Fire on the Mountain" and "No One Knows" are still on heavy rotation on my playlist. Benjamin Constant stepping up to be sole producer on this LP just didn’t do it for me.<br />
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I kind of get the feeling her artistic direction and style was directed at being more western mainstream like; exemplified by the lead single “be my man”. There’s also a slight rock feel to some of the songs. Well when a foreign label takes on a Nigerian act for this length of time I guess it’s sooner or later expected. <br />
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Despite making a string of guest appearances on other Nigerian artist songs in the past few years she kept to her no guest appearances/features stance on BI (beautiful imperfection), to belt out in over 40 minutes the kind of album a lot of people might not be big on but will still go ahead and play in the office to kill the dead of silence and appear like some mature minded music listener.<br />
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The songs not being overtly Naija themed like in asha I like to feel this album lost the local touch or identity. Despite hardly understanding much of the Yoruba when it was used particularly in “bimpe” I still stand by this opinion. Perhaps one of the things that does really tickle my fancy in BI is the album sleeve art work. Simplistically really cool and for an admirer of natural hair wearing chicks I couldn’t but be impressed.<br />
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<b>Favourite tracks:</b> <br />
You’ll have to listen to this album yourself to form your own opinions being that I’ve not made much of an effort to dissect the songs individually but an opinion I can make for you is that <b>“may be”</b> and <b>“baby gone”</b> are the absolute stand out tracks of BI. <b>“May be”</b> is melodiously socially conscious while <b>“baby gone”</b> is a heartfelt ballad about lost love.<br />
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<b>Rating:</b> My rating for the album on a scale of 5 is 2.5<br />
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<b>Album Details</b><br />
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<b>Original Release Date:</b> October 25, 2010<br />
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<b>Genres:</b> Soul, jazz<br />
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<b>Label:</b> Naive<br />
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<b>Production:</b> Benjamin Constant<br />
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<b>Track list:</b> <br />
1. Why Can’t We<br />
2. Maybe<br />
3. Be My Man<br />
4. Preacher Man<br />
5. Bimpé<br />
6. The Way I Feel<br />
7. OK OK<br />
8. Dreamer Girl<br />
9. Oré<br />
10. Baby Gone<br />
11. Broda Olé<br />
12. Questions<br />
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Links: More info on the album available at <a href="http://www.asa-official.com/2010/10/beautifull-imperfection/">http://www.asa-official.com/2010/10/beautifull-imperfection/</a>trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-82838767739140876942010-12-27T08:06:00.000+01:002013-09-30T15:02:43.800+01:00Aftermath of Christmas Eve bombings: Gada Biu; 7.30am, Dec 25th 2010I had originally put these pictures up on my facebook profile on Christmas day and I’m sure this is no more new news to most people. Anyways a recap can be found <a href="http://carmenmccain.wordpress.com/2010/12/26/christmas-eve-bombing-jos-nigeria-24-december-2010/">here</a> and <a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201012250002.html">here</a><br />
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I had found myself in the Gada Biu area on the morning of the 25th as I had to pass through on my way home. The night before I had received a call from family asking about my safety and it was only then I knew I was sadly finally going to get a taste of Jos crises, having by incidents of fate had my previous “residency” between the crises of December 2008 and January 2010.<br />
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The story was that on Christmas Eve at about 7.30 pm several bombs had gone off in Angwan Rukuba and Gada Biu areas of Jos, both predominantly Christian areas killing a number of people and injuring many others. Everybody was shocked considering the relative peace of the Jos metropolis in the past 12 months. Equally many people were angry, mainly made up of the natives and resident Igbo settlers who felt the attacks were targeted against them and sadly retaliation started. That was what I witnessed that morning as youths in annoyance burnt a truck filled with washing powder and some other small vehicles, all allegedly being driven by Muslims and battered small supposedly Muslim owned stalls. I even saw a man wearing a kaftan's dead body in the gutter. <br />
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I left the area in a hurry and by 1.30pm when I passed through the area again in my bid to spend Christmas at my friends I saw that things had stabilized with security agents everywhere. Sadly though it became a very quiet Christmas in Jos as most people decided to stay indoors. Businesses were locked up and the streets were devoid of cars with most people trekking their way to their various destinations. <br />
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Rest in peace to those who lost their lives for merely being in the wrong place at the wrong time and I can only hope that things pick up in the coming days and restore itself to the state it was pre the bombings: I had gone for a little shopping at the Terminus market on the evening of the 24th around 5pm and the place was jam packed with everybody gearing up for Christmas day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY8Aj6KnDnMPTFDgVq62E5vvMPPqnEy5eFnxkAWa0sB73xdW_-ztpYQ7AivZkRQUiaCkuTL8lF-B5_Dlf8AOqrqu7KI9jSN1fKzCM7Zi-ROjNeo2uIXkoCO5vJyl5a2obbN3K/s1600/GadaBiu251210-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwY8Aj6KnDnMPTFDgVq62E5vvMPPqnEy5eFnxkAWa0sB73xdW_-ztpYQ7AivZkRQUiaCkuTL8lF-B5_Dlf8AOqrqu7KI9jSN1fKzCM7Zi-ROjNeo2uIXkoCO5vJyl5a2obbN3K/s1600/GadaBiu251210-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdDP4-yGu2Y52DeupXJr8v4zlvjH3tXIIrcXhJmxiCvYGLV1uFp2HaBOsW66lv69sAjyPEEpIr6mRsrg1_WhIlsSjXDDT2Esshu3sSCLROvkyLdEmAsvXT7LENi_Fhy2VjWiF/s1600/GadaBiu251210-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdDP4-yGu2Y52DeupXJr8v4zlvjH3tXIIrcXhJmxiCvYGLV1uFp2HaBOsW66lv69sAjyPEEpIr6mRsrg1_WhIlsSjXDDT2Esshu3sSCLROvkyLdEmAsvXT7LENi_Fhy2VjWiF/s1600/GadaBiu251210-1.jpg" /></a></div>trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6963166.post-28243261278140535742010-11-07T19:46:00.000+01:002013-09-30T14:54:50.615+01:00Songs about Jane's love for social engineering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67JfwA9oER__c9oYEU-l6nSPDHjpbv0Z0Jkhgi32-77Mcf8ByzsoLbNHrzbqSPzcgndkd5W_EqwigAL3Hl6J9jrof1hUjWWCYkBiKEvKg3MWayOk7x8R5-QW0TPK1nkQtL4ph/s1600/songsaboutjane-socialEnginering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67JfwA9oER__c9oYEU-l6nSPDHjpbv0Z0Jkhgi32-77Mcf8ByzsoLbNHrzbqSPzcgndkd5W_EqwigAL3Hl6J9jrof1hUjWWCYkBiKEvKg3MWayOk7x8R5-QW0TPK1nkQtL4ph/s1600/songsaboutjane-socialEnginering.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Songs about Jane, rants about love and marriage. Sort of a time induced sequel to my <a href="http://www.traedays.com/blog/2006/05/lets-talk-about-girls-kids-and-favourite-teams/">“Let’s talk about girls, kids and favourite teams”</a> post of May 2006. Social engineering, a recent love interest of mine after pondering the recent <a href="http://www.kickoff.com/news/18659/amos-adamus-email-account-hacked.php">Amos Adamu</a> and the slightly older Sarah Palin email hack. So here goes <br />
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8] So I’m at the stage of life where my mates are starting to tie the knots one by one or bullshit aside working seriously towards that. And in a couple of cases where both parties work in the same office a party has resigned for the other in order not to fall foul of HR laws. Worse still that party remained jobless after the ceremonies with the income of the union now tied to one source. My opinion: big mistake. Could be really pretty risky especially as in many regards money is the fuel which sustains love. This is backed by test number 12 from “Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships” by Chip Ingram (adapted from “marriage for moderns” by Henry Bowman". Available for download <a href="http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-102172.0.html">here</a>).<br />
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<i>A couple that is genuinely in love and not infatuated do not feel an almost irresistible drive towards haste. Infatuated couples tend to feel an urge towards getting married. Postponement is intolerable to them and they interpret it as deprivation rather than preparation.</i><br />
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When it comes to marriage I’m pro long courtship. I believe it should be about genuinely time tested and trusted best friends wanting to commit together. All other reasons for commitment are not really healthy. Especially in a society like Nigeria where government social support is nonexistent and insurance is bullocks, it’s best to play into the hand of someone that’ll stand by you if shit should ever hit the fan. Stall the wedding date till the other party can fix up another source of income; what will be will be.<br />
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9] After reading an article online about a wedding called off due to astronomical student debts owed by the bride, I’ve come to ever more realize that marriage in reality is like a business deal which makes the best sense if it’s mutual benefiting. No one goes into business with the aim of making looses. Everyone wants to enhance his or her portfolio, which in many regards is expressed in monetary terms. One party coming through packing debts or obligations which become overbearing with time should be a big no no. Both parties should endeavour to review their financial positions and possible outlook before doing the do.<br />
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10] Coming down home we as Nigerians would be better off if we learnt to treat marriage like we treat our homes; the Inside clean and the outside dirty is the best balance. Nigerians are selfish like that, we go to great deals to pimp up our homes but don’t care much about our collective surroundings. Likewise if we (hint...ladies) cared more about keeping our relationships alive and less about showing off with big weddings and bragging about our marital status we could actually be better off.<br />
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11] As above in tune with keeping your marriage as comfortable as possible keep the conceptions down, in line with your income to maintain an above average standard of living. A family holiday every year should not be a pipe dream or something you just watch in movies. The creator put man on earth to conquer and explore not to spend a life time living from hand to mouth.<br />
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12] Finally on a parting note I think I’m now seriously pro natural hair and would go to any lengths to support and convince my girl (girl in this case means one of my own race) to carry such. Nappy headz rule!<br />
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Social engineering is when an attacker/hacker uses human interaction (manipulation via social skills) to obtain or compromise information about a person, an organization or its computer systems. As earlier mentioned I got researching on this after actively pondering the Amos Adamu and Sarah Palin incidents. In the end I was able to successfully hack two email addresses and got pass the first question of many a friend's Yahoo! Mail Forgot Password feature. <a href="http://blogs.sans.org/appsecstreetfighter/2010/03/02/following-a-trail-of-breadcrumbs-%E2%80%93-a-design-flaw-in-yahoo-mail/">This article</a> will bring you up to speed on the technique I used to take advantage of <a href="http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/edit/id_password/edit-20.html">Yahoo’s decision</a> to cut customer service costs associated with attending to password recovery queries. Yes people yet another reason to choose <a href="http://www.labnol.org/internet/gmail-and-google-apps-hacked/11799/">Gmail</a> over <a href="http://www.monirulislam.com/general-web-desktop-application-security-news/how-to-recover-your-hacked-yahoo-account/">Yahoo</a>. <br />
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<b>Update!</b>: Please see <a href="http://www.traedays.com/blog/2010/12/yahoo-password-helper-this-is-not-my-question/">this post</a> for a follow up on the Yahoo password recovery process as regards to social engineering.trae_zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05194647452131921352noreply@blogger.com10