Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's Light Up Lagos Project is a laudable and relevant one. Lagos economy and night life no doubt are better for it.

However, the state government should consider the use of renewable energy like solar subsequently to power the street lights instead of spending fortune fuelling the generators, repairing them and emitting carbon.

The biggest success of this project is not in erecting poles in every nook and cranny of Lagos, but in instituting a culture of maintenance and repairs of the facility.

Already, a couple of the poles have fallen and some of the bulbs don't come on. The pictures here are taken at the Berger - Ogba road on the Lagos mainland.

Looking forward to the days streets in Lagos will be lit by energy and cost saving intelligent street lighting with cameras.

Eko o ni baje o!

While addressing Newsmen after a reconciliation meeting at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose and the former PDP secretary in Ekiti State, Dr Tope Aluko both announced to the world they are letting go of the past and moving forward.

Dr Aluko, who looked exceptionally sober, said the reconciliation is a product of efforts by well-meaning Nigerians which had achieved peace between the duo. Governor Fayose, standing next to him, said Aluko is his brother and son, adding that if he leaves him now no one in the world will be with him.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWpFCtbTiX8 

You will recall however, that Dr Tope Aluko had appeared on Channels TV less than three months ago, where he made damning allegations that the 2014 Governorship Election in Ekiti State was rigged in favour of the PDP candidate now Governor, Ayodele Fayose, months after testifying in court that the poll was free, fair and credible.

During the interview, he gave credence to an highly controversial audio recording of a meeting of PDP chieftains and Military officers a night before the polls leaked by one Captain Sagir Koli.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff72mv53BQU 

They are heard on tape discussing the use of the Nigerian military to assist in electoral manipulation. The content include very incriminating details like the creation of a list of APC members to arrest, the use of stickers to be used to identify persons not to be detained by the Army Deployment of “Special Team” including a “Strike Force” among others.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs2MD9AC4iA

Months after the development, little have been heard about investigating the authenticity of the rather convincing audio recording, let alone prosecuting the parties allegedly involved. However, the loudest public concern has been what happens to the Man who recently willingly testified to being a part of rigging process on National TV?

Strangely, the APC did not tender the leaked audio recording as evidence at the election petition tribunal for reasons best known to them. It's either it wasn't admissible or they are convinced the loss at the polls stemmed from factors other than an alleged plot to rig.
In an interview with Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC Spokesman, at the wake of the leak, he chose to emphasize the moral injustice of the leaked audio recording than its huge relevance at the court of law.

Close to a year after the controversial leaked tape, the Nigerian Army Council retired Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh, and other officers - an action considered a slap on the wrist, in connection with the recommendations of the panel set up by the Army authorities to look into allegations of professional misconduct against military personnel during the polls.


Captain Sagir Koli, the whistle blower who leaked the audio recording is reportedly back from exile and was recently praised by the Nigerian Army.
Now that Dr Tope Aluko has recanted the reconciliation talk less than 24 hours after the Eko Hotel Press interview, claiming he was tricked by Governor Fayose, it further confirms the level of decadence the Nigerian political society is made of and the apparent disregard for broad day evidence that indicts a group of people of Electoral malpractice.

Like many other cases, his pending prosecution for perjury at a magistrate court in Ado Ekiti is expected to die a natural death. And Just as the perpetrators of the recent violence in the rivers state re-run election which killed a corps member are not likely to be prosecuted, the biggest evidence of Electoral fraud in Nigeria's modern democracy is also being flushed down historic drain.

Apparently, nothing is really CHANGING. Well, hopefully not yet. My best guess however is that just like previous elections, the 2019 polls will not fair any better if evidences of Electoral malpractice and violence are not properly investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

Bearing in mind however that future election riggers are watching this melodrama of political Reunion that can be best titled; HOW TO GET AWAY WITH RIGGING!


Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist
nifemioguntoye@yahoo.com

The first time I tried knuckle rings, then it was less of a big deal than it is now, one of my sisters starred at my fingers for a long time , then told me I ought to give the rings to her daughter since it was obviously too small for my fingers.

Knuckle rings are designed to occupy the space between the base of the fingernails and the knuckle joint. They are absolutely feminine; knuckle rings can make almost any finger look dainty. I love rings, knuckle rings especially and even though trends are fickle, they come and go, the knuckle ring is one trend that I wish will stay in style forever, …. And ever.

THE BEST WAYS TO WEAR YOUR KNUCKLE RINGS ARE:
READ MORE http://convergencemakeovers.com/knuckle-rings/

@expressglory. Dr Tope Aluko recanting the reconciliation talk less than 24 hours after the Eko Hotel Press interview, claiming he was tricked by Governor Fayose, further shows the level of decadence the Nigerian political society is made of. 

The import of the story however is the apparent disregard for broad day evidence that indicts a group of people of Electoral malpractice.

Thank you.

While addressing Newsmen after a reconciliation meeting at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose and the former PDP secretary in Ekiti State, Dr Tope Aluko both announced to the world they are letting go of the past and moving forward.

Dr Aluko, who looked exceptionally sober, said the reconciliation is a product of efforts by well-meaning Nigerians which had achieved peace between the duo. Governor Fayose, standing next to him, said Aluko is his brother and son, adding that if he leaves him now no one in the world will be with him.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWpFCtbTiX8

You will recall however, that Dr Tope Aluko had appeared on Channels TV less than three months ago, where he made damning allegations that the 2014 Governorship Election in Ekiti State was rigged in favour of the PDP candidate now Governor, Ayodele Fayose, months after testifying in court that the poll was free, fair and credible.

During the interview, he gave credence to an highly controversial audio recording of a meeting of PDP chieftains and Military officers a night before the polls leaked by one Captain Sagir Koli.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff72mv53BQU

They are heard on tape discussing the use of the Nigerian military to assist in electoral manipulation. The content include very incriminating details like the creation of a list of APC members to arrest, the use of stickers to be used to identify persons not to be detained by the Army Deployment of “Special Team” including a “Strike Force” among others.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs2MD9AC4iA

Months after the development, little have been heard about investigating the authenticity of the rather convincing audio recording, let alone prosecuting the parties allegedly involved. However, the loudest public concern has been what happens to the Man who recently willingly testified to being a part of rigging process on National TV?

Strangely, the APC did not tender the leaked audio recording as evidence at the election petition tribunal for reasons best known to them. It's either it wasn't admissible or they are convinced the loss at the polls stemmed from factors other than an alleged plot to rig.
In an interview with Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC Spokesman, at the wake of the leak, he chose to emphasize the moral injustice of the leaked audio recording than its huge relevance at the court of law.

Close to a year after the controversial leaked tape, the Nigerian Army Council retired Brig. Gen. Aliyu Momoh, and other officers - an action considered a slap on the wrist, in connection with the recommendations of the panel set up by the Army authorities to look into allegations of professional misconduct against military personnel during the polls.


Captain Sagir Koli, the whistle blower who leaked the audio recording is reportedly back from exile and was recently praised by the Nigerian Army.

With Dr Tope Aluko purportedly recanting the reconciliation talk less than 24 hours after the Eko Hotel Press interview, claiming he was tricked by Governor Fayose, it shows the level of decadence the Nigerian society made up.

Just as the perpetrators of the recent violence in the rivers state re-run election which killed a corps member are not likely to be prosecuted, the biggest evidence of Electoral fraud in Nigeria's modern democracy is also being flushed down historic drain.

Apparently, nothing is really CHANGING. Well, hopefully not yet. My best guess however is that just like previous elections, the 2019 polls will not fair any better if evidences of Electoral malpractice and violence are not properly investigated and the culprits prosecuted.

Bearing in mind that the future election riggers are watching this melodrama of political Reunion that can be best titled; HOW TO GET AWAY WITH RIGGING!

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist
nifemioguntoye@yahoo.com

Iro and Buba used to be the stuff my nightmares were made of. Growing up, I wouldn’t want to be caught dead in one, I felt it was for the old, aged and ……. (fill in the gap).

Well, maybe the reason I was not particularly impressed was the way it was worn back in the days, you know, the combination of the iro, Buba, Iborun, ipele, and gele.

It all seemed like too much of a burden, but trust the 21st century ladies to turn the story around.....

Read more with pictures here: http://convergencemakeovers.com/iro-buba-evergreen/

Muhammodu Buhari is perhaps the first non-accidental Nigeria's President of the fourth republic who had a prior intention to lead.

However, For those who won't shy away from the truth, it is obvious that the overwhelming support that brought him to power is not unconnected to an ethnic based obsession to rule.

Nigeria's biggest problem is deeply rooted in its fundamental ethnic divisions.

Nigeria needs to heal its ethnic wounds, unite along tribal and religious lines and implement equity and justice for all. Equity is not in making appointments using the federal character, it is in providing welfare, security and genuine governance for every Nigerian across board.

It will require a selfless, national oriented and non-ethnic biased leadership to permanently resolve the Fulani/Farmers crisis and it's senseless killings, the renewed agitation for secession, and the percieved alienation of a part of the country from power.

Strangely, the war against corruption, efforts to diversify the economy, end the perpetual fuel crises and redeem Nigeria's image outside can only succeed when and if we unite along ethno-political lines and accept that we are FIRST NIGERIANS!

The End.

Kindly check my posts for the preceding episodes.

Soon after the civil war came the oil boom of the 1970s. Prior to this time, the economy had been solely powered by agriculture but as oil revenue rose, the government became increasingly dependent on it for budgetary and economic needs.

It neglected other sources of the economy required for stability. The loudest concern then was the possibility of the oil well drying up. No one knew that some day, not faraway, the global price of oil would fall.

The Oil boom largely contributed to making the Federal Government and the oil producing states the centre of political struggle they are today. This energized the desperation of military juntas and politicians to hold on to power.

At the wake of the second republic in 1979 when Gen. Obasanjo transferred power to the civilian regime of Shehu Shagari, corruption had taken a new dimension.

The military coup of Muhammadu Buhari that followed the regime's fraudulent re-election in 1984 was welcomed with open arms. However, Nigeria would require a more notorious military leadership to plunge her into an abysmal fall.

Fondly called Maradona, Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda (IBB), and his successor Sani Abacha's tenures between 1985-1998 were considered the most corrupt, and largely responsible for the culture of corruption in Nigeria.

Abacha's regime for instance ended in 1998 after a mysterious death while in office. But it would take the Swiss government ten years to refund 723 million dollars to Nigeria as part of his loot excluding the 321 million dollars expected this year.

Though the news of his death was received with wild jubilation by many, little did they know it was only the foundation laying phase for corruption in the country. Years later, Abacha would reincarnate through democratically elected politicians to re-loot his bounty!

To be continued...

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist/Compere
nifemioguntoye@yahoo.com

---

One would have thought that after Nigeria became a republic, the political elites would review the amalgamation process which was mainly an economic affair and also query the Berlin Conference of 1884 that formalized the conquest and merger of pre-colonial territories.

Perhaps they decided to move on or were swayed by the euphoria of Independence. But after the bloody military coups of 1966 that marred the first republic and the persecution that followed, the Igbos have had enough of the selective amnesia.

They returned enmasse to the east. Running for dear life, they massively united along historically fragmented communities to form the independent state of Biafra in May 1967.

Deep at the root of the civil war were unresolved ethno-political, cultural and religious conflicts that preceded independence.

What was presumed will be a wake up call to other ethnic nationalities did not succeed. It appeared Nigeria is worth protecting after all or perhaps some had suddenly realize it is richer keeping a collective purse.

In fact it was worth the lives of two million people, women and children inclusive. It was another World War. Only this time the battlefield was the new Nigeria. World powers took sides, supplied weapons and showed selective solidarity.

The war would later become the model for the world powers' intrusion into third world countries, saving the big theatrics for Syria.

Two million people were sacrificed for Nigeria to survive. The people beating the drums of war now should better dance to their own music. We have learnt from history! We have come to stay!

Abi no be so?

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist/Compere

The show of shame at the Rivers State Re-run elections reminds us that it is not yet 'uhuru' for Democracy in Nigeria. Deep at the root of electoral violence is an age long system of impunity that can be traced back to days before the country's independence.

When Nigeria emerged from British colonial rule in the 19th century things were no longer the same. In 1914, Southern Nigeria was joined with Northern Nigeria Protectorate to form a single colony.

Strangely, Nigeria was formed for mainly economic reasons. Here's the shocking story: Northern Nigeria Protectorate had a budget deficit; and the colonial administration sought to use the budget surpluses in Southern Nigeria to offset this deficit. Hence, Nigeria was formed!

The British then set up administrative and legal structures while practising indirect rule. A system whereby they controlled the daily administration of areas, both small and large, through pre-existing local power structures and a couple of European advisers overseeing them.

Each traditional ruler was busy, in some cases, ruthlessly outdoing one another to impress the new masters at the expense of the people. It is that survival instinct that still powers corruption today in the country.

The colonial masters are gone yet their legacy lives on.
Decades after decades while the imperialists arrogantly plunder Nigeria, observant political elites had also learnt the lesson. You can plunder a nation with absolute impunity to prosper and go Scot free! Just keep the people ignorant and you can easily further your course. Does that not sound familiar today?

Electoral gimmicks became handy to select leaders who in real sense represent a minority of individual, ethnic or religious sentiments. In cases where gimmicks fail it becomes bloody. A do-or-die affair!

These sentiments over the decades formed the basis for Godfatherism, Electoral Malpractices, Bigotry, Nepotism, Reckless Impunity and World Class Corruption in Nigeria.

To be continued...

This article was preceded by "A Story Of Nigeria Before British Imperialism" click link to read. https://www./article/story-nigeria-before-whites-came-echoes-from-past2-nifemi-oguntoye/edit

Pre-colonial territories that occupied modern-day Nigeria recorded huge historic feats that are scarcely known today. The Benin Empire located in today's southern Nigeria, for instance, was arguably the oldest and most developed African state about a millennium ago at a time London was notorious for theft and murder.

The Benin walls are considered the largest man-made structure in the world and the world's largest earthwork prior to the mechanical age. This amazing monument according to New Scientist's Fred Pierce, was at a point “four times longer than the Great Wall of China, and consumed a hundred times more material than the Great Pyramid of Giza”. According to Pierce, they are perhaps the largest single archaeological phenomenon on the planet.

The 'Benin Massacre' in the late December of 1896 is popular for perhaps the most brutal defeat suffered by a British-led invasion force in Africa which had left all but two men dead.

Many still eulogize the enormous potential of these empires had the whites not invaded. Others doubt their chances of survival without an interaction with western education and it's perceived superior technology.

They cite instances like the barbaric taboo killings of twins in the east before the whites came and the north's reluctance to outlaw slavery until 1936 even after the colonial masters had abolished it. This is considered a fallout of the North's resistance to western education which partly had culminated into Nigeria's worst nightmare.

However, What certainly remains enviable from the pre-colonial nations is their system of government that ensured security and public prosperity with limited resources and technology.

Do you think pre-colonial west African empires like Oyo, Benin, Ashanti and others would have fared better today if they were not invaded by Europe?

Although Nigeria had gained independence from Britain on October 1st, 1960, the freedom was only partial as it remained a commonwealth realm under the constitutional monarchy of the Queen of England.

It was not until 1963 when the Declaration of Independence was signed that Nigeria became 'totally independent'. However, Total Independence as a political and economic reality is a topic that would remain debatable in social discourse over five decades after.

The debate is not only limited to how politically and economically vibrant we have become since the first republic, but whether the Federal Republic of Nigeria is truly a nation or what some have loosely coined  'confederation of nations'.

According to the first Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his book, 'Path to Nigeria's Freedom' published in 1947, he stated that "Nigeria is not a nation; it is a mere geographical expression".

" There are no ‘Nigerians’ in the same sense as there are ‘English,’ ‘Welsh,’ or ‘French’, the word ‘Nigeria’ is a mere distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who do not". Obafemi Awolowo 1947

Although he later played a major role in preserving the federation, his position of Nigeria as 'no nation' still echoes through the continued ethnic conflicts and renewed agitation for secession in parts of the country today.

In case you are in doubt about what a nation is, Oxford dictionary defines it as a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular state or territory.

Is Nigeria really a nation?
To be continued.
Watch this space for "A Story Of Nigeria Before The Whites Came"

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist and Compere

The first time I saw a lady wearing a nose ring I was young and naive. Then, Nose Piercing was completely strange to me. I had touched my nose unknowingly and wondered how she pierced through the nose bones, what I would later learn to be the nose cartilage.

My younger sisters didn’t even have their ear lobes pierced as babies. So you can understand my conservative background and genuine worries for the poor lady.

Now that Nose piercing is the second most common variety of body piercing in the world, I guess I have seen enough to douse my nervousness. However, its origin, processes and health risks still prickle my curiosity.

I made some amazing Discoveries. Read more here with pictures. http://convergencemakeovers.com/nose-piercing/

I had an interview recently where I couldn't answer a few questions on the history of Nigeria. It made me study more and the discoveries are amazing!

I'm starting a series of short stories on social media titled 'Echoes From The Past'. It features historic events that are scarcely known today.

These events reveal the reason for our predicaments as a country, while also highlighting the very unpopular but proven solutions.

Watch this space and kindly encourage a broadcast journalist by dropping your comments and sharing the links.

Looking forward to our conversations.

Thank you.

#EchoesFromThePast
#HistoryOfNigeria
#SuperStory

For years there's been a debate as to the significance of wearing the anklet whether on the right or left leg.

While some believe wearing it on the left means you are single and open to sexual relationships others consider it a symbol of a wife that is unfaithful to her husband and advertising herself to men to have an affair.

Find out our amazing Discoveries! Click on the link below to read with pictures.

http://convergencemakeovers.com/anklets/

Even though they say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, there has always been a perception of what a beautiful woman should look like across the world. The idea today is that of a slender, feminine physique with a small waist and little body fat.

Amazingly, the beauty of a woman used to be measured some millennia ago in the pounds of flesh and fat she has.

The discovery is amazing. Read more with pictures on the link below :

http://convergencemakeovers.com/definition-of-beauty/

Wifey and i had argued whether certain kids are born with dreadlocks. While she’s of the opinion that every child with dreads simply didn’t have their hair combed and shaved for a long time, i disagreed choosing to believe the Yorubas.

According to the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria, Dada is the name given to a child born with naturally matted or locked hair that cannot be combed.

So in a bid to win the argument, i interviewed a medical doctor friend and some folks who attend white garment churches where perhaps you see the highest number of kids with dreads. My discovery was shocking! Read more and see pictures on this link

http://convergencemakeovers.com/are-kids-born-with-dreadlocks/

Wifey and i had argued whether certain kids are born with dreadlocks. While she’s of the opinion that every child with dreads simply didn’t have their hair combed and shaved for a long time, i disagreed choosing to believe the Yorubas.

According to the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria, Dada is the name given to a child born with naturally matted or locked hair that cannot be combed.

So in a bid to win the argument, i interviewed a medical doctor friend and some folks who attend white garment churches where perhaps you see the highest number of kids with dreads. My discovery was shocking! Read more and see pictures on this link

http://convergencemakeovers.com/are-kids-born-with-dreadlocks/

I LOVE OXFORD SHOES, Personally I prefer the big heavy ones that make me look like a construction worker (just in case you are wondering, I do not own a pair, I just imagine myself in them all the time). My imaginary oxford shoe is bulky as well as sexy, a symbol of strength as well as feminity, I feel like the boss every single time I imagine myself in them.

I am about to make my imagination real, yay, I am getting myself a pair of oxfords, or two or maybe three and I have been thinking and analyzing the different ways I can pair them up with the different clothings items I have in my wardrobe, we might as well make the journey together and save you the stress of analyzing your wardrobe all by yourself. One thing about fashion and fashion trends is that some people have worn it and worn it right while some have worn it wrong, we can as well take a clue from them and outshine them all.

Men became fond of the oxfords before the women adopted the style but as you all know naaa, when the women snatch the style we always wear it better. Oxfords today are not what they used to be, they have gone through a lot of transformation, and the modernized oxfords can be with all sorts of attire.

Find out more on how to rock the oford shoes with pictures on the link
http://convergencemakeovers.com/oxford-shoes/

Have you wondered what would happen if you leave your hair unkempt, not brushing or combing it for like say a year, just allowing it grow of its own accord? Your guess is as good as mine. Uneven ropes and matted coils of hair called Dreadlocks or ‘Dada’ in local parlance.

Sadly, our streets are flooded with unintended experiments of dreadlocks that have become the emblem of insanity. Not much of a pleasant sight to behold.

Do you keep dreads or you know someone who does? The revelation in this article will shock you! Read more on the link below:
http://convergencemakeovers.com/dreadlocks/

Wearing torn jeans is perhaps the weirdest fashion trend in history. Traditionally, when a cloth is old and ripped, you simply fix or replace it. But that was when fashion was both conventional and logical, now new cloths come looking worn out with trademark tears.

So How did torn clothes become fashionable? Find out its amazing history with the poor. It will blow your mind!
Read more @ http://convergencemakeovers.com/how-torn-jeans-became-a-fashionable/

Waist beads, also known as belly chains were common sight growing up in the 90s in southwest Nigeria.

Commonly called ‘ileke idi’ in Yoruba, it adorned women’s backside across ages. From newborns to teenagers and even grey heads. This sexy African lingerie however  keeps fading into oblivion.


The culture of adorning waists with beads probably began in ancient Egypt where they were called “girdles” and were worn by women as a status symbol. In West Africa, the tradition was made popular by the Yorubas who wore beads for various reasons.

Why African Women Wore Waist Today, ladies that wear waist beads are generally referred to as wayward or fetish. Decades ago it wasn’t so!

Why African Women Wore Waist BeadsPuberty

Waist beads, also known as belly chains were common sight growing up in the 90s in southwest Nigeria.

Commonly called ‘ileke idi’ in Yoruba, it adorned women’s backside across ages. From newborns to teenagers and even grey heads. This sexy African lingerie however  keeps fading into oblivion.

Today, ladies that wear waist beads are generally referred to as wayward or fetish. Decades ago it wasn’t so!

The culture of adorning waists with beads probably began in ancient Egypt where they were called “girdles” and were worn by women as a status symbol. In West Africa, the tradition was made popular by the Yorubas who wore beads for various reasons.

Why African Women Wore Waist Beads

Puberty

Krobo girl dressed for her puberty rite ceremony (dipo).

Because waist bead was a regular feature in the adornment of the African women, it helped indicate how they have grown and matured per time. Mothers often adorned their daughters with waist beads during their first menstruation as a rite of passage into womanhood.

In Eastern Ghana, young girls from the Krobo ethnic group undergo a series of rituals through which they leave childhood behind.

The rituals, locally called dipo, were originally reserved to teenage girls and indicated they were ready to take a husband.

In recent years, human rights groups and parents alike have objected to the requirement for dipo initiates to go bare-breasted for part of the rituals.

As a result, girls no older than 3-4 years of age now undergo the process – as it is arguably less shocking for a young child to walk around naked than it is for a teenage girl.

Erotic Appeal

The most popular perception of waist beads is its sex appeal. It is said that wives often lured their husbands with the rattle of beads or use them to communicate their fertility at certain times of the month.

Senegalese and Yoruba women, in particular, stepped up the game with the sweetly perfumed tiny bead strands worn around the waist underneath their clothing.

Sexy is sexier when there’s a lot for the mind to imagine.

Sadly, I wasn’t old enough then to have perceived it that way and unfortunately wifey doesn’t wear one now so there’s no way I can tell. Lol

This practice though now less popular, is perceived to be a major reason some women wear them.

Body Weighing / Waist Trainer

African women, prior to the advent of scales, used waist beads as a means to measure their body weight. It was also crudely instructive on body weight as a result of pregnancy.

Since beads don’t stretch like clothes do, they roll down the waist when weight is lost and becomes tighter or higher on the waist in weight gain.

It was also believed that beads help to cultivate a well rounded hips and buttocks. It is why mothers wear them for their little baby girls.

Charms

Growing up, we were told tales of women who laced beads with charms and fragrances that made them irresistible to the opposite sex.

Certain women were famous for their charmed waist beads. These charms are believed to possess the powers to entice and entrap the opposite sex and even improve their sexual prowess.

This attribute no doubt contributes primarily to the negativity associated with waist beads.

Culture and Beauty

Ghana is regarded as the Bead Production Capital of the World perhaps because of the cultural relevance of beads to her people.

Like other west african countries, women have held a long fascination with beads, as symbolic and cultural ornaments of womanhood, sexuality, fertility, spirituality and wealth.

Traditionally, a set of beads for the wrists, neck, ankles, arms and waist formed part of culturally accepted feminine beauty and adornment for the african society.

Waist beads used to be an important part of the dowry a man pays for an impending wife.

The Yoruba proverb, “One does not, because one’s child’s waist is too fat, put waist beads around the waist of another person’s child” attests to the purely aesthetic function of the waist beads in early times.

Chastity

In West Africa, the tradition became such that a lady wears multiple strings of beads around her waist; and the only person allowed to remove them was her husband on her wedding night.

Then wedding ceremonies used to be more symbolic than it is now. The Yorubas particularly, would ask the couple to consumate their marriage on a bed laid with white clothing and show a blood stained fabric as proof that the lady was a virgin.

A stainless white cloth comes with a deluge of shame not only for the lady but her entire family.

In other culture, the beads were adorned with bells, which was a signal to let a partner know that the woman was clean- meaning she is at the proper stage where sexual intercourse is allowed.

It’s only now that waist beads are becoming visible. They used to be considered as underwears exclusively worn under garments in Africa.

There is an amazing beauty and history behind waist beads. They are more than mere fetish objects of old fables. Each string of beads holds with it the values, beauty and amusing story of the African people.

So do you consider the waist beads charming?  Love to hear from you. Kindly drop a comment.

Read more at www.convergencemakeovers.com

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist and Compere

The recent twitter craze about a controversial new law in Eritrea that featured mock pictures of Nigerians travelling to the country to marry new wives and people tweeting links to the Eritrea's visa application documents is another reflection of the untold rot that social media breeds in the African society.

The story which was first published online on a Kenyan news site called Crazy Monday said that to make up for the shortage of men in the country, following the civil war with Ethiopia from 1998-2000, every man must marry at least two women or face imprisonment.

It turned out that the story which had gained prominence and suggested to be true in African countries like Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa was a hoax.

In a tweet, Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel said "the story illustrates [the] vileness of the dark forces of disinformation and proclivity of others to readily embrace the negative narrative on Eritrea"

As digital transformation continues to alter virtually every aspect of broadcast journalism in Africa and across the globe, the biggest challenge of the Internet media among others is its lack of credibility.

Unlike the traditional media, very few blogs and websites painstakingly confirm and balance their stories before publishing. The unchecked and speedy consumption of these junks also reflect the intellectual soundness of the growing users of the internet in Africa.

Access to the social media via increasing internet connection and the introduction of digital Pay TV with wider range of channels no doubt have exposed the African audience to an exceptional great volume of information, making them active members of the global community.

This new exposure has also significantly changed the way the public obtains its news and information, and has deprived the mass media its traditional monopoly in Africa.

Perhaps the high point of digital transformation is the amazing public participation in news gathering, reportage and analysis that inspires the new trend of citizen journalism.

It is however yet to be determined whether the African audience now make better judgment of national development and political assessment of their countries via the social media.

The role social media like Facebook and twitter played in Nigeria’s general election in 2015 for instance, cannot be ignored both in sensitizing the electoral populace on the need to vote and the many electioneering thoughts that shaped the outcome of the election.

The dearth of quality control and the seeming ease with which social media administrators manipulate the public with false content and screaming headlines is no doubt the growing concern for advocates of balanced, credible and investigative work of broadcast journalism in Africa.

The last time the Nigerian senate deliberated on moderating the reckless abandon with which bloggers in the country make unconfirmed and false claims about public figures, it generated a public protest against what was termed a proposed infringement on the freedom of speech.

I understand that sometimes it’s hard to trust the integrity and motive behind such proposals by our lawmakers given their antecedents but we must also be reminded that power is nothing without control.

Recently, an English weekly newspaper, The Economist, referred to a former Nigerian President as “an ineffectual buffoon”. And in case you are in doubt, the Merriam Webster dictionary defines buffoon as a stupid or foolish person who tries to be funny. Doesn’t that sound like an expression inspired by the regular unprofessional Nigerian blogger?

And it’s possible you laughed the first time you heard it or even nodded in approval. It doesn’t matter which side of the political divide you belong, I consider it 'unafrican' and indeed a national insult to have made such remarks about an ex Nigerian President.

As breaking the news becomes the hallmark of modern day broadcasting which happens to be the cutting edge of the new media, the traditional mass media is being challenged by the popularity and coverage of a new generation of broadcast journalism evolving on the social media space.

However, as mass media evolve and digital transformation takes its toll, one thing will surely remain. It is called Journalism; the passionate dissemination of factual, balanced, well written and credible news that is timely and relevant.

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist/Compere

Close your eyes and imagine a world without bras. Weird! isn’t it? It’s exactly the way i felt writing this piece.

Weird because the woman’s breast is supposed to be sacred. And for crying out loud I have no business discussing them. Even though you can’t but bump into a couple of pairs that awkwardly stare at you in broad daylight these days.

Read the weird article my wife made me write on her blog:
http://convergencemakeovers.com/imagine-a-world-without-bras/

I had once told wifey we won’t kiss on our wedding day if she wore a lipstick. The fear was I didn’t want to end up swallowing most of the ‘paints’. Well, the day came and she had her lips painted. Of course I don’t need to tell you........

Read more @http://convergencemakeovers.com/the-5000-year-old-lipstick/

Benin City, the Edo State capital is a foster home for me. She opened her arms when I was a corps member searching for green pasture and gave an amazing audience to my young voice on Radio and Television. So years after leaving in search of gold in Lasgidi, I still get called once in a while to compere shows and events in the Heartbeat City. However the last time I visited something unusual caught my attention.

It was earlier this year and a drive across the Oba market close to the king's square at ring road was an eye sore. The beauty and order on the walkway that used to hallmark Oshio Baba's achievements among others had vanished.

Sometimes in November 2013, Gov Oshiomole had angrily and I believe harmlessly asked a Widow to 'go and die' for selling on the walk way. The scene was just few meters away from the picture above.

The Governor would later invite the widow and her son for breakfast where he gave her two million naira and assigned her Special Assistant to the Governor on Environmental issues. Of course the state PDP had earlier offered to give the widow some 250,000 naira as compensation for what they called an insult from the Governor. It was later reported that she turned it down. You can imagine how interesting news analysis and reportage was on Television that year.

Sadly, Less than three years down the line and months to another gubernatorial election, the mess is back on the streets.
It must be that the SA to the Governor on Environmental issues has been overwhelmed or the people who had severally defaulted Government's directive are to be blamed for this development.

Another thing that comes to mind however is to ask where the drive with which the Comrade Governor enforced sanity on the street is? or where is the drive the Ministry of Environment used to sanction defaulters ? Perhaps it's gradually becoming obvious there are better ways to change the people's mindset and way of life.

It will amaze you that several shops right in the market complex are locked. They have been either bought over by those who don't need them or the owners are right on the street where the traffic is higher.

Back in Lagos where I worked as Reporter and Anchor of TV Programmes during the last election. You would wonder if BRF had suddenly lifted the ban on Okada riders just before the elections. The case was similar in other states where lawlessness immediately takes over before elections.

It's important that leadership creates sustainable systems and structures for development. Politics or electioneering should not affect Government policies and programmes geared toward improving the quality of life of the people.

It is at times like this that one considers the six year single term tenure for political leaders proposed by Former President Goodluck Jonathan in order to keep the fire and zeal of leadership alive.

Abi na same tin? Wetin you tink?

Tonight will not pass
Without a poem for you
The day won't break
Without a word or two.
No, not when you have touched me
In that soft place that tickles the most.

I heard a nigtingale sing at midnight
From the pinnacle where her cradle rests
She sings a medley in parables,
A song that beats my heart like a talking drum.

She sings of you,
Your romance with life
And rumours of the babies you bore.
How you sheltered wandering souls
Nurtured them, Nursed them
Even traded a part of your soul.

Unlike the trust you offered
They raided you,
Stole from you,
Took away the petals of your youth
And called it's value vain.

Yet, Your heart remains pure
Though your body's hot
You melt me in every smile
Like ice left out in summer.

Your charm is mesmerising,
Your tongue must be tantalising
You scare me to death Angel
With your immortal and magnanimous beauty
Now you stupefy me and render me speechless
As I wander in the garden of fantasies

So come, Let us rewrite history
And let it be told to a thousand generations

More wierd than Romeo and Juliet,
Notorius than Bonnie amd Clyde
Famous than Obama and Michelle,
Dramatic than Jonathan and Patience
Romantic than Tristan and Iseulte....

Nifemi Oguntoye
Broadcast Journalist/Compere

THOUGHTS ON THE 45% ELECTRICITY TARIFF INCREASE.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola recently said the increase is a bitter pill Nigerians must swallow. He wondered why the previous government did not increase the tarrif prior to this time.

The last time I paid my electricity bills the vendor mockingly said "if only you guys knew, you wouldn't have protested the fixed charge, now you will pay through your nose"

While the labour unions are out there protesting, I'm of the opinion that it's high time we started facing the realities of the time while being realistic in our demands.

Apart from the fact that Nigeria is battling the worst economic crisis in over four decades, the journey to constant power supply is capital intensive anywhere in the world.

It's only unfortunate that not many Nigerians have enjoyed the nation's resources enough to understand the need for sacrifice at such a time as this.

Having said that, I expect that Government should consider, at this time, it's priority of providing security and welfare for its people.

While we do not encourage another mysterious seasons of 'subsidy', the Ministry of power can do lots more than its offer of a bitter pill.

The government should be a bit more explicit on why citizens should pay more and also be forthcoming in her plans to ease the burden over time.

I am grossly disappointed however that not much is seen being done in the area of alternative source of Power supply like solar and wind energy.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nifemi Oguntoye

Fourty eight years after the Nigerian civil war that lasted two years, six months, one week and two days, where about one million civilians reportedly died of starvation and diseases, the agitation for the republic of Biafra is reborn in eastern Nigeria.

For those of us who were not privileged to see things for ourselves in the late 60s, we are grateful to amazing authors like Chimanda Ngozi Adiche who wrote in a language we understand 'Half of a Yellow Sun', an emotion laden story of the civil war.

And to late Chinua Achebe whose highly controversial book 'There Was A Country' provided politico-historical evidence that courageously challenged the pre-existing documented accounts of the historic war.

Opinions and thoughts about the civil war have been shaped by different versions of history over the years. Many of which have been amplified through publications, arts and the social media. The fall out, sadly, is a skewed knowledge and often biased interpretation of the story.

No matter how elaborate and seemingly acceptable, History is as imperfect as the history teller.

The events, discourse and reactions that have unfolded aftermath inauguration of the new administration in Nigeria further attest to the poverty of knowledge among the younger generation and selective amnesia on the part of our elders about the civil war.

While the debate is ongoing as regards which version of history is true? Who's to be blamed for such massacre of innocent souls? The warlords on both sides or the international communities that equipped them to kill and maim? How thorough the Government's Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction programme of the 1970s was?

One thing is common in all the versions of history. Not only did the war lead to the death of thousands of innocent people including women and children, it has set Nigeria back economically and politically as the country continues to manage the post-war syndromes till date.

Although President Muhammodu Buhari has been criticized of ethnic bias in his appointments, he passionately denied such while even mentioning a handful of appointees with eastern origin during his maiden media chat.

Whether you agree with his critics or not, you might find this opinion of Chief Emeka Ojukwu, leader of the defunct breakaway republic of Biafra instructive. Speaking to the BBC 30 years after the war, "he remained concerned that since the war, Ibos have been largely excluded from power, which could cause instability in the future"

In another interview, Ojukwu said although he proudly led the first war, he believes a second war is unnecessary and would be a mistake. We should have learnt from the first one, He added.

I had written late last year on the maiden Presidential media chat where I expressed caution about Mr President's reaction to the perceived disrespect of the DSS for court orders. Given its sensitivity, the federal government must be law abiding in the prosecution of the case against Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu.

It is also a reminder that the war against any form of lawlessness cannot be won without the evolution of a corrupt free, credible and timely justice dispensing judiciary and a government that obeys its decisions.

While it is important that the civil war is not swept under historic carpet and younger Nigerians told the complete and true version of the story, not much of secession will be coveted in a nation where equity, fairness and unity are not just slogans but the driving force of government policies and systems.

The fact that both the majority and minority in this renewed agitation for secession have sympathizers and a growing number of disciples should be enough concern for students of history and lovers of peace.

We should be particularly concerned about the drumbeats and threats of war. Did someone suddenly wipe off our sacred dignity for human life? Or have we gotten so used to the endless loss of innocent lives to terrorism that we have lost our minds? About one million people, if not more, died in this country for goodness sake!

To my brothers who are battle ready, to those who believe true revolution is born in violence. The world is full of examples to learn from. Take a trip to Syria where innocent women and children are killed daily. Take a cue from African nation's like Central African Republic and South Sudan and evaluate the cost of war.

The African warlords and their political strategists don't die in their wars, only their foolish soldiers do. Some live long enough to win elections, others become elder statesmen highly esteemed and ranked in the social class.

In the words of Performance Poet and Songwriter, Beautiful Nubia, "When they come preaching hatred, anger, destruction, a new world order. There's only one answer for them: Find other means to solve the problems. Do not send my sons to war!"

So this is the Biafra I believe in. Not an independent territorial entity but an independent financial mindset. The business talent and drive of my eastern friends, their loyalty to family, their friendly abilities and can-do spirit to thrive far away from home.

Really, How many Ibo beggars have you seen on the streets?

The link below is a TV discussion  i had with Rtd Col Hassan Stan-Labo, Barrister Fred Okey Nzeako and Chijioke Ezeh on the Renewed Agitation For Biafra. It has over 12,000 views already, you might find it worth watching.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4BbzhO3U3E?t=285

Nifemi Oguntoye