http://pmax83.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/373671
It was great seeing the invite for the second National CLCWA conference that was to hold in Kano. I missed the first conference and this second one I was really excited about it since I heard a lot of Good reports from the first conference.
My journey from Warri to Kano ws a long one I had to cut it down so It will not be so tiring, I left Warri for Kaduna and from there moved to Zamafara state where I stayed in our family house (NCCF- Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship) where I served as the Bible study secretary in 2006 Bach B in the one year compulsory youths service after graduation.
On arriving Kano I was picked up by my very good friend and comrade in development Emmanuel Gabari, who took me to the Kano State Broadcasting Corporation, I saw the studios and some of the facilities it was my first time in a radio station.
The second day I went in to the ECWA guest house where I got to meet the National Director-Jerry and other team members, Esther, Leke, Emeka and Chinonso .
The summit started later that day, with some presentations and speeches. But the turning f the event for me what made the whole event worth attending was the arrival of Victor Gotevbe, he later became the anchor, motivator of the programme and it was really good having him, we chatted at Night and I got motivated and inspired
By the way I met some old folks there Chisomanga, Washington Dick (the ever present development guy), Umaru Rabiu Maska ( my brother from Katsina), Abdiel my roommate, Purpose Osa from Benin, Sarah Mba, award winning Kabari from Port-Harcourt and a whole lot of folks I may not be able to mention.
I learnt quite a few lessons and made some observations

OBSERVATIONS
1 The organization of CLCWA conferences need to be improved
2. A lot of people involved in development need to be HUMBLE knowing that development work is all about SERVICE and not show off (I cant forget in a hurry the humility of Gbenga Sesan when I hosted in Warri Last August looking forward to this years edition sir)
Henry Ekwuruke, whom I met at the Nigeria Youth Forum in Abuja is another exceptional humble guy. He taught me all night and help to type and arrange my TIG Blog profile. You can’t even ask some people questions without them trying to tell you what they have achieved and where they have been to

LESSONS LEARNT
1. Its possible to achieve a new detribalized Nigeria, we were all from different places but there was genuine harmony ( I key into the New Nigeria Dream of 2025 of Fela Durotoye)
2. From Victor chat all genuine development work will be rewarded and the need to relax and just let things work out
3. From National coordinator you need to have three V’s to succeed, Volunteer, Vision and be Visible. It was a profound motivational piece.
4. Kano is a great place, but they need to wake up early to pen the stores o,k, just joking.

My Kano experience will ever remain in my memory and I will not fail to appreciate Umaru, for the books he gave me at the conference and all those that made it worth attending, thanks to OSIWA for the funding at least 60% of my fare was covered. B the way my roommates were exceptional thanks to the rearrangement of yinka the on ground coordinator.
By the way the conference helped me to build a very strong network. I met some people I really needed to met, Shola was great in given me some good contacts concerning stand up. Then Afolabi the contact of Junior Achievement an organization I had always wanted to volunteer for. Victor finally I joined the NiPRO mailing list, Abdiel sent a good article on making your dream come true and promise to be at Dare 2 ream this year looking forward to seeing you in Warri o.k., Hey Umaru looking forward to seeing you too.
Lastly, Victor what you did to me in the conference motivationally remains eternal. Fro the Kano conference, I got three people in my network that will be in Warri this August for the 2nd Edition of Dare 2 Dream Youth Initiative.
]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 07:19:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/373671 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/373669
It was great seeing the invite for the second National CLCWA conference that was to hold in Kano. I missed the first conference and this second one I was really excited about it since I heard a lot of Good reports from the first conference.
My journey from Warri to Kano ws a long one I had to cut it down so It will not be so tiring, I left Warri for Kaduna and from there moved to Zamafara state where I stayed in our family house (NCCF- Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship) where I served as the Bible study secretary in 2006 Bach B in the one year compulsory youths service after graduation.
On arriving Kano I was picked up by my very good friend and comrade in development Emmanuel Gabari, who took me to the Kano State Broadcasting Corporation, I saw the studios and some of the facilities it was my first time in a radio station.
The second day I went in to the ECWA guest house where I got to meet the National Director-Jerry and other team members, Esther, Leke, Emeka and Chinonso .
The summit started later that day, with some presentations and speeches. But the turning f the event for me what made the whole event worth attending was the arrival of Victor Gotevbe, he later became the anchor, motivator of the programme and it was really good having him, we chatted at Night and I got motivated and inspired
By the way I met some old folks there Chisomanga, Washington Dick (the ever present development guy), Umaru Rabiu Maska ( my brother from Katsina), Abdiel my roommate, Purpose Osa from Benin, Sarah Mba, award winning Kabari from Port-Harcourt and a whole lot of folks I may not be able to mention.
I learnt quite a few lessons and made some observations

OBSERVATIONS
1 The organization of CLCWA conferences need to be improved
2. A lot of people involved in development need to be HUMBLE knowing that development work is all about SERVICE and not show off (I cant forget in a hurry the humility of Gbenga Sesan when I hosted in Warri Last August looking forward to this years edition sir)
Henry Ekwuruke, whom I met at the Nigeria Youth Forum in Abuja is another exceptional humble guy. He taught me all night and help to type and arrange my TIG Blog profile. You can’t even ask some people questions without them trying to tell you what they have achieved and where they have been to

LESSONS LEARNT
1. Its possible to achieve a new detribalized Nigeria, we were all from different places but there was genuine harmony ( I key into the New Nigeria Dream of 2025 of Fela Durotoye)
2. From Victor chat all genuine development work will be rewarded and the need to relax and just let things work out
3. From National coordinator you need to have three V’s to succeed, Volunteer, Vision and be Visible. It was a profound motivational piece.
4. Kano is a great place, but they need to wake up early to pen the stores o,k, just joking.

My Kano experience will ever remain in my memory and I will not fail to appreciate Umaru, for the books he gave me at the conference and all those that made it worth attending, thanks to OSIWA for the funding at least 60% of my fare was covered. B the way my roommates were exceptional thanks to the rearrangement of yinka the on ground coordinator.
By the way the conference helped me to build a very strong network. I met some people I really needed to met, Shola was great in given me some good contacts concerning stand up. Then Afolabi the contact of Junior Achievement an organization I had always wanted to volunteer for. Victor finally I joined the NiPRO mailing list, Abdiel sent a good article on making your dream come true and promise to be at Dare 2 ream this year looking forward to seeing you in Warri o.k., Hey Umaru looking forward to seeing you too.
Lastly, Victor what you did to me in the conference motivationally remains eternal. Fro the Kano conference, I got three people in my network that will be in Warri this August for the 2nd Edition of Dare 2 Dream Youth Initiative.
]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 07:15:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/373669 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/371641
This is to inform everyone who attended any of the ST.
LOUIS SCHOOLS institutions in NIGERIA, that there will
be an important meeting in preparation for the take
off of SLOSA (ST LOUIS OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION)and to
also celebrate 60 years of ST. LOUIS in Nigeria.

DATE MAY 17TH, 2008 VENUE TIME 10AM
*SLOSA AKURE AREA - ST LOUIS GRAMMER SCHOOL AKURE

* SLOSA ONDO AREA - ST LOUIS GRAMMAR SCHOOL ONDO

* SLOSA IKARE/OKA AREA - MOUNT CARMEL GIRLS SEC SCHL
IKARE

* SLOSA ADO-EKITI AREA - ST LOUIS NURPRY SCHL IKERE
* SLOSA LAGOS AREA - ST AGNES' CATHOLIC CHURCH,
MARYLAND, LAGOS
* SLOSA IBADAN AREA - ST LOUIS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, MOKOLA,
IBADAN


DATE MAY 24TH, 2008 VENUE TIME 10.00AM
* SLOSA KANO - ST LOUIS SECONDARY SCHOOL, KANO
* SLOSA ABUJA - REGINA PACIS SCHOOL, ABUJA
* SLOSA KADUNA - ST ANN'S NUR/PRY SCHOOL KADUNA
* SLOSA JOS - ST LOUIS CHURCH, JOS
* SLOSA EDO/DELTA - OLA SCHOOL, ASABA
* SLOSA PORT HARCOURT - MRS ANNMARY AMENE'S HOUSE,
OROMA ESTATE 75 OKPORO ROAD
RUMUDARA, PORTHARCOURT

For further enquiries, pls contact:
SR JUSTINA IHECHERE SSL
080 34092132
080 36571901

Please ensure that you tell someone you know that
attended any of the St Louis institutions, as very
importants issues will be discussed.

Please read and send to someone too, that way the
message will get faster to an old student of ST LOUIS.

Thanks.

Emmanuel Gabari
Radio Kano Fm
www.emmanuelgabari.com
www.nigeriafilms.com
080 36791020


Emmanuel Gabari,
No. 2 Ashton Road,
Kano Nigeria 700001
Tel: 2348054383460
2348036791020
23464977215

]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 07:37:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/371641 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/368151 Thu, 08 May 2008 12:10:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/368151 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/357331 the guys and girls are Enthusiatic and there are great potentials for Sapele youths, you get more details as we progress, but tell you what.CLCWA Delta state is working.]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:11:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/357331 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/350035 I was watching the news some few days ago and saw some ministers resign to give way for them to be probed; I want to say this is a good omen for the nation. The fear of probe is now the beginning of wisdom. I just pray that those who are found guilty are duly prosecuted within the limits and the provisions of the law. The time has come for every one to know that for once we are serious about this nation.
I even heard that BABA has been invited and his probe will soon commence, after all this, I want to see the probe get to the level of even the secondary school teachers who collect so much fees in a FREE EDUCATION system and the illegal schools (private) that we have all over the nation. I believe we put our hearts to apply the basics of rule of law, we would have a sane country, development is not far fetched from a people who are serious about it, we have all been hearing about from third world to first world, the Singapore story, Malaysia is there and our brother Ghana is on the road to greatness. Sometimes the giant has to stoop to learn, this is our time and our season
Nigeria and Africa will once more be great again and the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.
]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:10:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/350035 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/349837 I had succeeded in raising funds for the trip through a marine company who agreed to sponsor my trip to Canada.
The next process was to submit my visa application forms with the NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, kept to all the picture specification and all the requirements, and yesterday while in the Youngsters office in Jos volunteering the bombshell was delivered, you have been denied visa for the following reasons no strong ties to make you return to Nigeria ( even thought I am married), you do not have enough financial backing and your salary structure…that, this, that. Not knowing that I spend more time volunteering for the development of my nation than trying to get a paid Job with a FAT BANK ACCOUNT.
It was disappointing but I began to ask myself, what actually is wrong? That young Nigerians who are committed to development and the New Nigeria dream will be denied visa just because some one thinks that they will probably not return to the nation, I figured out probably because of those who have gone before us and have given this country a bad name. And so every young Nigerian is seen as someone who wants to use every single opportunity to RUN AWAY to where the pasture is GREENER (lol). I am glad to SHOUT IT ON THE HILLTOP........NIGERIA IS GREEN
I share the same vision with men like Gbenga Sesan, Niyi Adesanya, Fela durotoye, Kingsley Bangwell that by 2025 Nigeria will be one of the most desirable countries to live, by then I believe the several world youth congress would hold in this nation and I believe men from the west will apply to come to Nigeria, then they too will feel what I feel.
Young Nigerians need to arise and see what we can do to build this great nation and make it the pride of AFRICA once more, that people will desire to come to our nation and then we can begging to ask WHO WANTS TO LEAVE NIGERIA? the answer to that question is NOBODY. because just as Naomi return to Bethlehem when the time of farming was over because she heard that bread has return and the famine was over, so many will return for goodness shall come again (Thanks Aniechebe for coming to give us a goal against South Africa so Siasia and his boys could get to Beijing Olympics you could have chosen England you are a model) and many shall yet return, like Martin Luther King Jnr I have been to the mountain top and I have seen the goodness of the Lord.
Like Kingsley Bangwell the Founder of Youngstars will always say. Good things are happening to me! And Wise men are looking for me!
I was born a Nigerian, will leave a Nigerian and die a Nigerian-Ogaga Maxwell
]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:51:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/349837 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/349715 The Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Forum – ABUJA 2008
Nigeria Youth Decide
The Nigeria Youth Forum, a project of Youngstars Development Initiative, Jos in partnership with British Council, Nigeria held a 4 days Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Forum at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja from Tuesday 18th to Friday 22nd, March 2008. The event was a follow up of a four week online Nigeria Youth e-Forum on the 7-point Agenda of President Yar’Adua, during which over 600 young Nigerian in and outside the country participated. The Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Forum had about 60 young Nigerian citizens from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
The forum commenced with a formal opening ceremony graced by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation represented by Mr. Ibrahim Aminu Gaye, Hon. Minister of Youth Development represented by D S Kigbu, Hon. Speaker, House of Representative, represented by Hon. Obinna Chidoka and in addition there were representatives from State Security Service (– The Presidency) and Chairman BOT Youngstars Development Initiative- Mr. Bulus Dabit and Mr. Adesina Fagbenro, Governance Adviser DFID. Earlier, in the day the British Council Country Director, Mr. Peter Upton, Executive Director Youngstars Kingsley NT Bangwell and Miss Briggs Okorite – a participant of the forum were on AM Express an NTA network Breakfast Television show to talk about the forum extensively.




The NYSF- Abuja 2008
The Nigeria Youth Stakeholder Forum 2008 provided a rare but strategic platform for Young Nigerian citizens to critically examine the policy focus of government, determine how these policies can impact young citizens and also formulate strategies for mainstreaming active youth participation in the policy process and implementation of the 7-point Agenda in 2008.
Outcomes for Action
At the end of the highly interactive 4 days forum the following outcomes were arrived at:
(a) Young citizens agreed to continue to engage government primarily from the policy level both at the state and national levels beginning from 2008 on youth development issues.
(b) The Nigeria Youth Forum shall focus on 2 Agenda of the government as strategic entry points for engagement, the 2 agenda are; Agenda 2 “Food Security Agriculture” and Agenda 3 “Wealth Creation Employment” and The Niger Delta, as a special focus in 2008.
(c) An “Action Plan for Engagement” on the government Agenda and policy was developed and is being formulated and shall be presented on the Nigeria Youth E-Forum for further review before finally adopted as “ The Nigeria Youth Manifesto 2008”
(d) As a strategy for continued engagement, Action Groups were constituted comprising participants of the forum, the action groups are – Niger Delta Action Group, Grassroot Mobilization Action Group, Anti-Corruption Budget Tracking Action Group, Policy Research Action Group, Media Action Group and Monitoring Evaluation Action Group. Each Action Group has articulated a work plan for action to facilitate the general goals of the forum.
(e) It was also agreed that in order to ensure that young citizens at the grassroots are carried along, state forum and activities are being formulated to be implemented by members of the Nigeria Youth Forum.
In conclusion, the Nigeria Youth Stakeholders Forum has by virtue of its national composition, policy focus and pragmatic approach ushered in a new level of youth organizing for development in Nigeria . It offers a paradigm shift in youth activism where partnership with government is the key philosophy. The Nigeria Youths have decided that as stakeholders, we have real contributions to make in the nation-state process. We will not stop until we see the Nigeria of our dream.
Signed
NYF Media Team
info@youngstarsfoundation.org
nyfmediateam@yahoo.com
+234-703-812-8910
]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:32:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/349715 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/346515
No 2 Ekah Close,

Ugboroke, Along Airport Rd,

Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

+2348034810869, +23450637252

ecygwarri@gmail.com

www.earthcharter.org

www.maxogaga.blogspot.com


Project Concept:

The vision of warri Earth Charter Youth Group is “ fostering and networking together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace” Working with the perspective that social, economic and environmental issues are interconnected and interdependent.


The areas we want to focus on in are:

Environment:

Climate change issues

Culture of peace

Sustainable democracy and non-violence

Debates

Warri been an urban city with a lot of industries is still dirty and it is largely affected by environmental issues. We want to use this group to advocate for the environment (sensitize young ones on current environmental issues) and participate actively as youths volunteering to bring forth the needed change.

We want to build the capacity of youths in the secondary schools and interested youths to be part of this project. Warri been a city of violence, it is time o raise the culture of peace in this city. We believe what American Anthropologist Margaret mead said “Never doubt what a small group of committed, thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”


1st Phase: Conduct sensitization workshops in schools in all local government in warri


2nd Phase: hold Earth Charter Environment Summit/Inaugurate Earth Charter Volunteer Youth Group


3rd Phase: start “KEEP MY SCHOOL GREEN CAMPAIGN/ KEEP WARRI GREEN CAMPAIGN.


1st UVWIE SECONDARY SCHOOL EARTH CHARTER WORKSHOP

This is get secondary school student sensitize and involved in environmental issues.

10 schools will be selected 5 private schools and 5 public schools. The selection will be done randomly, until the schools in the local government are covered.

The workshop is intended for 60 participants. The choice will be 6 students from each school (SS1 AND SS2).

The workshop will involve drama presentation and feature talks on the major areas of Earth Charter Vision and also sensitization by qualified professionals and stake holders in environment issues and other areas covered.

Date: May 30-31st 2008

Debate topic: Warri can be clean again

Presentation / poems / painting: Why we should protect our environment



Workshop Topics:

The benefit of having a clean environment
Environmental Pollution: Causes, effects and prevention
Managing Renewable resources of our community
Reproductive Health and responsible reproduction
Youth’s role in Democracy, Nonviolence, and peace.


Ogaga E. Maxwell

Team Leader, Earth Charter

Warri.
]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:25:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/346515 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/345479 by the way that is something we must all bear in mind the greates startegy of the hour for sustainable development is PARTNERSHIP.]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:54:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/345479 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/336485 I love Nigeria]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:24:00 EST http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/336485 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/325219 (Ethics, Values and Morals)

I write this not from a professional sense, but from the point of a passion, but as someone driven by passion to see Nigeria amongst the top twenty countries in the world. This might seem a tall order against the back drop of the dipping of our socio-cultural ethics, virtues and values but I believe that together we can work hard to make Nigeria great. It is a clarion call to the youths of this nation to rise up so that together we can make Nigeria the country of our dream. I share the New Nigerian dream of great and committed minds like Fela Durotoye, Gbenga Sesan, Niyi Adesanya, Sam Adeyemi, David Babale, timothy ogene,Washington Dic, Emmanuel Gabari and host of others.

The hosting of the Delta Youth Summit in the state capital provided us the opportunity to come together for developmental networking, but most importantly the coming together of youths gives us a premonition that this is a significant time. unlike what you know as significant time, I would want to use the definitions of Dr Iyayi of significant times during his address at the Benin National Merit Award held at the National Museun Kings Square Benin, Dr Iyayi says “Significant times are when man tales a leap forward, when history is made because a world standing on its head is overturned so it is now standing on its feet. It is that moment when we wake up from that is darkened by sleep are startled by the brightness of the clouds outside. it is the time in our lives when we have hope because there is honor, justice, truth and integrity in our lives” while he has this to say about insignificant times ‘Insignificant times, however, are when the word and world are standing on their heads and history is being unmade. It is when the lie is painted as black and dressed as the truth. It is when those who seek justice, honor, integrity and truth are perceived s mad men and women who are destined for asylum” (emphasis added mine).This was published in the Vanguard Newspaper, Monday 7, 2008 page 31.
In line with what Dr Iyayi said we the youths of this great nation having been living in insignificant times but NOW is the time of significance, THIS is the place where significance begins.

What is the New Nigeria?
The New Nigeria from my perspective is:

A Nigeria where Peace, Justice and Equity will reign
A Nigeria where you are not judged by your tribe but by your
character and values
A Nigeria where her citizenry are committed to the nation and
productive individually
A Nigeria that will produce role model servant leaders for the
world to emulate
A Nigeria where the labours of our heroes past shall not be in
vain
A Nigeria that will be safe and be a peaceful habitation for all.
A Nigeria where corruption and violence will be the thing of the
past

For the avoidance of doubt, the above is a reflection of our ideal. The
description and coloration of what constitutes a great nation may be put
differently, the concept and meaning remain basically the same. Permit me
therefore, to put some of those reflections on the marble.

A GREAT NATION IS MADE NOT BORN
I would want to point out that no nation is born great but every great
nation is made great, even the Holy Scriptures rightly noted “is a nation
born in a day”. The nation is not the land mass but her citizens.
Corruption, injustice, tribalism, is not present in the Nigerian landmass
but in he people. And this is as a result of our negative value system.
Very few African nations are on their journey to the top. An example of
this great stride is Ghana. It is instructive to note that what has kept us
in this valley is not because of the colour of our skin but because
of our character, attitude and orientation. So, if we must make the
greatness we anticipate come true then the youths must shift their paradigm
because it cannot be business as usual. Dr Festus iyayi said this “the quality of our lives is determined not only by what happens to us but more so by what we make happen. The more the content of our lives has honour, justice, intergrity , truth and meaning by the interaction of what we make happen and what happens to us, then the more significant our lives”

THE BALLON STORY…what is inside Nigerians?
The story have been said of a man who was selling balloons in the beach
and when sales are running dry he would release a coloured balloon, a negro
boy was standing very close by. After a while, the boy asked the sales man
if a black balloon could also fly, the sales man told him it was not the
colour of the balloon that made it to fly but what was inside. Which means
a black balloon can also fly...
The moral lesson to learn from this story is that we can be great if we
care to have the air “virtue and character” in us. We might not be able to
change the entire Nigerian populace at once but we can incrementally do
this by being responsive to the New Nigeria dream as individuals wherever
we find ourselves in service.
I want to briefly highlight few of the virtues that we must all imbibe,
which will be the compass that will direct our movement towards our New
Nigeria dream and change our direction for good. This is not the time to
tag along but to move up stream away from the current of injustice,
corruption, bribery, tribalism. Violence e.t.c

WE MUST VALUE MERIT
We must all come to the place where all appointments will be based on
merit and not tribalism,e.tc. This will motivate everyone to work hard for
the upliftment of our country. We must move away from the era of getting to
a particular level because of who one knows instead of one's worth.
Cultivating and encouraging the "who you know" attitude to progress breeds
laziness and disregard to due process. But putting square pegs in square
holes releases the inate energy and innovation in people to continue to
work for the greatness of a particular group.

ENVIRONMENT
one of marked differences between the developed nations and the third
world nations is the environment. The New Nigeria must of necessity value
the need for CLEANINESS. It is a common to see people litter their
environments. We must begin to discourage the thrashing of dirts on path,
roads and hall ways. We should stop the habit of throwing papers, water
sachets, cigarette butts from buses and cars. We must all begin to take
care of our environment. We must all start maintaining a clean environment
starting from our homes and offices. The goal should be cleaning the nation
from the inside.

TRIBAL DIFFERENCES
This is going to be a major issue, but if we must advance on the road to
the New Nigeria then we must jettison tribalism and begin to see ourselves
as NIGERIANS. Our tribal differences were not to create division but to
create the needed variety to make Nigeria a habitable place. Although we
are from different tribes, our tribes should not come before our nation;
our allegiance should be foremost to NIGERIA. This is the path of honour
that other great nations have taken to greatness.

WEALTH BY HARDWORK
It is a known fact that Nigerians celebrate wealth in no small measure.
We must change our attitude of eulogizing richness without knowing the
sources of such riches. We should put more efforts of tracing the sources
of our wealthy citizens. You can hardly hear of the Millionaires and
Billionaires in other parts of the globe being involved advanced fee fraud.
even at that, they are not worshipped the way we do hear.

INFORMATION
The growth of any nation is dependent on the information base of her
citizens. We must develop the attitude of getting the right information and
sincere reading culture. Our libraries must not become museums and
monuments. Every one of us must seek the right information in our various
fields in other to increase our personal effectiveness. We must all move
towards the areas of digitalizing our libraries and move from the manual
catalogue system. Government and private companies as part of their social
responsibilities should establish ICT resource centers.

ATTITUDE TO PUBLIC PROPERTY
In primary school we were taught to take care of “government” property.
Instead of calling them government properties, we are to should “public
property” because they are our properties. While would a Nigeria steal PHCN
cables, street lights e.t.c and put other people in darkness, it is not
because of poverty but rather because he assumes that the property is not
his or ours but that of the government and so to pay government back for so
called neglect he has to take what belongs to the government since he
cannot readily access government treasury. Our attitude must change towards
these properties they are ours and we must protect them.

BELIEF IN THE NATION
A lot has happened since our independence which has made us to lose our
belief in the nation. But if we are to develop we have to start believing
in the nation again. This belief must be rooted in the understanding that
if we all do what is right Nigeria will definitely be great. “No president,
no leader, no king, no emperor...nobody can change a country, except the
people!”
That is what Lenny Kravitz said "we the people of Nigeria have to stand
up and begin to push for a change which must start from a mental note first
of all" this is the paradigm shift I referred to earlier.

Three emerging words in the New Nigeria
In the Nigeria of our dream these three words will matter to all and sundry, from those in leadership positions to those been served (lead).these words are virtue, ethics and morals.
Ethics: moral principles that control or influence a person’s behaviour.
Morals: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviour.
Values: belief about what is right or wrong and what is most important in life.



“I was born a Nigerian, I will live a Nigerian and I will Die a Nigeria” Ogaga Maxwell


By December 31, 2025 Nigeria will become, undoubtedly,
the world’s most desirable nation to live in. Fela Durotoye

OGAGA E. Maxwel is a dynamic young man committed to youth and national development. An award recipient at the Delta Youth Summit in recognition as “an agent of change and sustainable development in the community”. He is currently on part time basis with Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative (PAFPI) as a project officer in Youth capacity building and development, seeing to the alleviation of poverty in rural communities in Delta state through agro-income generating initiatives, infrastructural development and capacity building workshops. He is deeply committed to God and works full time as a specialized minister in Divine Encounter Ministries where he is in charge of Training, Development and Administration. He is the Team Leader Dare 2 Dream Youth Initiative (The New Nigeria Dream Project) which holds the annual Nigerian Dream summit in warri, Delta State. He is currently working on the renovation of a school building in Egbo-uhurie community in Ughelli.
He can be reached @ 08034810869, 08050637252, d2dyi@yahoo.com
© 2007, All rights reserved
]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:56:00 EST http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/325219 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/242791 we are learing to embrace ICT
we are asuuming responsibility
we now know there is an internal solution to the home grown problem
i see a NEW AFRICA
let us all join hands and build thiss New Continent,it starts with our mind..the change is fist internal before external
God Bless Africa]]> Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:46:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/242791 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/241541 This august we had Gbenga sesan as a one of our faculty and also Dr Brown Ogeifun, on the summit day on our way to the house for lunch we were driving with Gbenga and my Dad who was one of the lecturers, right in front of us there was a classy jeep and it was the kind every one would want to ride in, you know what I mean.
A drama unfolded in front of us that made me have a second thought if I would actually ride on that car or with the occupants, obviously they have been eating inside the car, before we could say jack Robinson one of the occupants of the car threw the remains of what they have been eating outside on the dual carriage tarred road.
It is expected that we that level of wealth, the basic ethics of throwing things at the right place would have been imbibed, but that was not the case.
This Nigeria is internal poor, poor in terms of character, virtues and values that would build a GREAT nation
The wealth we would be celebrating in the next few years in Nigeria will be based on internal characteristics not what you are riding on or wearing or “spraying” at parties
Can I ask you a question? Are you a wealthy Nigerian? If you ride inside a worn out taxi cab but you put on the torn seat beat and dispose dirt properly then you are, but if you ride in a Lincoln Navigator and dispose things on the road with your seat belt of then you are a poor Nigerian.
This will turn and wealth will move into the hands of the right people. People with the right values. Do the right thing even when no one is watching.
God Bless Nigeria

]]> Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:13:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/241541 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/240709 Motivation, Leadership, National development and ICT

In the midst of major world challenges, something profound is being reborn—a recognition that ordinary people with concern, vision and commitment can make significant contributions to transforming the planet. That is what D2DYI is all about, a coming together of youths that believe in self motivation, value based leadership, the New Nigeria Dream and the on going digital revolution.(ICT4D)

We agree with Margaret Mead that you “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.
Some men see things as they are and say, ‘why?” I dream of the things that never were and say, ‘why not?”. George Bernard Shaw. We see a New Nigeria and we are committed to seeing it come to pass.
We are steeping above the limitations of our environment, we are daring to dream, knowing that in the dream of a better tomorrow lies the very future we hope for.

The meeting objective is to

1. Inspire and motivate youths towards self-realization and actualization

2. To make youths see that we could have a new Nigeria, having a dream that could create the future (A new paradigm
3. The place of ICT and the youths in National development

4. The role and duties of the youths in National development
5. Help youths to take their rightful place as contributors to a new enlightened world.

6.Engage and empower beach other to be truly motivated to work in the coming years in respect to Nigeria and the world at large via Information technology (ICT4D) what we refer to in D2DYI as the Digital revolution.


VENUE: PEGGY HOTEL HALL
Opp Delta Careers College
Along Airport Rd

DATE: Saturday, 11th August,2007


TOPICS

IN YOUR HANDS: Deciding the next few years of your life
Today Tomorrow: My Life, My choice and my nation’s future…
ICT and youth development
Our Dream For A Greater Nigeria: Challenges, Issues and Imperatives
The power of Self Discovery



Faculty:
Gbenga Sessan
Social entrepreneur Information Society researcher
Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador

Dr Brown Ogbeifun
Former PENGASSAN President

Ogaga David
Advisor, D2DYI
International Conference Speaker

ICT and Youth Development



COURTESY
OGAGA E. MAXWELL
Team Leader,
DARE 2 DREAM YOUTH INITIATIVE
Greater Self, Greater Nation, Greater Future
D2dyi@yahoo.com






]]> Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:01:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/240709 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/220967 The help the international community needs to offer to africa are in the areas of LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RESOUCE MANAGEMNET, CAPACITY BUILDING, PROJECT MANAGEMNET AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT.
The mind of the average African needs to be changed and a new paradigm will bring about great development
do you agree?]]> Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:56:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/220967 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/220975 The New Nigeria in my perspective is:
A Nigeria where Peace, Justice and Equity will reign
A Nigeria where you are not judged by your tribe but by your character and values
A Nigeria where her citizenry are committed to the nation and productive individually
A Nigeria that will produce role models, servant- leaders for the world to emulate
A Nigeria where the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain
A Nigeria that will be safe and be a peaceful habitation for all.
ANigeria where corruption and violence will be the thing of the past
This is the Nigeria we will live in.We are not prisoners of the past,but piooners of the FUTURE.

If not You, Then Who? If not Now, Then When?
God Bless Nigeria!
Ogaga E. Maxwell

]]> Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:56:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/220975 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/197609 François Grignon in allAfrica.com
17 April 2007
allAfrica.com



The month of April 2007 once seemed to hold great historic promise for Nigeria. The general elections offered a possibility for the country to experience its first ever transition of power from one civilian leadership to another. So far, however, it only seems to be an unfolding disaster.



The process was marred from the start: preparations for the elections produced dubious and shoddy voter registration lists; the parties' primaries selected candidates using stolen state funds and violence; and the campaign itself was the most violent in the country's 47-year history, devoid of any new ideas for improving governance.



Things went from bad to worse during the first phase of actual voting, the elections for governorships and state assemblies, held on 14 April. Three areas of vital weakness were revealed.



First, the elections demonstrated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) -- always uncomfortably close to President Olusegun Obasanjo -- cannot meet the organisational and logistical challenges it faces. In most parts of the country, election officers and materials did not arrive in time, leading to delayed voting or no voting at all. In some areas, Commission officials simply failed to turn up or materials ran out before all voters had cast their ballots. One community within the Federal Capital territory, Kuchingoro, had no list of voters at all.



On account of these lapses, even some senior government officials, such as Senate President Ken Nnamani and Anambra state governor Peter Obi, were unable to vote in their states. Both have judged the elections unfair and have called for the polls to be cancelled and held afresh in Enugu and Anambra states respectively. Similar protests and calls for the cancellation of the elections have been made by candidates in other states, because their photographs or names were omitted on the ballot papers.



Second, credibly independent monitoring of the elections was so hampered on 14 April that few in the country will see the results as legitimate. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), widely acknowledged as the leading election watchdog in the country, was largely denied accreditation and virtually barred from monitoring the exercise. While the TMG mobilised over 10,000 members to observe the voting in all 36 states, the INEC provided less than 1,000 identification badges for them.



In Lagos, for instance, with a population variously estimated at 9 to 17 million, the INEC provided only 20 identification badges for the group's monitors. This suggests a worrying level of either incompetence or malice: either the INEC or the UN Development Programme which was contracted to produce the materials under a joint donor arrangement were simply unable to do so, or this was part of a wider INEC design to keep local monitors from witnessing expected irregularities.



The third, and most serious, problem of the first round of voting was the widespread violence and insecurity. Reports from virtually every state speak of electoral materials being stolen in transit, polling stations invaded and ballots seized. And despite the government's arrangements for the massive deployment of the police, army and state security services, the elections left a number of people dead even before the vote-counting began, sometimes even before any votes were cast.



In Port Harcourt two major police stations were attacked a few hours before the elections and burnt down by youths screaming that there would be no poll. Seven policemen were killed. It was hardly an isolated incident: collecting reports from several states, it appears at least 60 people were killed and as many wounded in election-related violence on 14 April. About half of the deaths occurred in three states in particular: Rivers, Delta and Edo, all in the Niger Delta region. And these figures are in addition to those, estimated at nearly 100 people, killed across Nigeria during the campaign.



While it is too early to make any generalisations about the perpetrators of the violence, it can at the very least be said that the elections were conducted in an atmosphere of voter insecurity and fear in many areas, and were therefore not free and fair in those parts of the country. The electoral commission concedes that its arrangements for security of materials did not anticipate that ballot boxes could be attacked and stolen even before the votes were cast -- yet further evidence of the INEC's poor preparation.



The Commission's reported electoral results are also causing concern. Of the sixteen states for which results had been announced by Sunday night, Obasanjo's PDP claimed thirteen, with one victory for the main opposition All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), one for Action Congress (AC) and one also for the Progressive People's Alliance. If this trend leads to a landslide victory for the PDP, it would run very much contrary to public sentiments, thus confirming in the public's mind that there must have been large-scale rigging. Violent responses to these results have already been reported in such states as Delta, Bauchi and Benue.



How the INEC treats protests and disputes will also be critical to public reaction. Initial signs are not encouraging. On Sunday, citing electoral irregularities and violence, it cancelled the governorship elections held in Imo state, where a candidate recently expelled from the PDP could have won. At the same time, it upheld the votes for the assembly elections in the same state, and has allowed results in some other states where the exercise was even more controversial. This seemingly pro-PDP pattern of response to disputed polls will seriously undermine whatever is left of the credibility of the elections.



Political leaders are trying to spin the weekend's events their way. President Obasanjo has applauded the 14 April exercise, a judgment predictably echoed by the chair of the electoral commission, Professor Maurice Iwu. But few Nigerians share that view, and they are joined even by some senior members of the ruling PDP.



Muhammadu Buhari, the opposition ANPP presidential candidate, has expressed serious misgivings about the credibility of the election and the acceptability of its final results. The Action Congress (AC) of Vice President, Atiku Abubakar -- whom Obasanjo has tried to keep off the presidential ballot by every conceivable means, including selective corruption charges -- has alleged that many of the results being announced are merely "concocted" by the INEC under heavy influence from Obasanjo and his PDP. In Rivers State, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), the umbrella militant group which includes the insurgent Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has denounced the elections as "a sham... the worst in the history of Black Africa." It has threatened to "unleash terror in infinite terms" in response.



Explosive tensions are now mounting, especially between supporters of Obasanjo, Abubakar and Buhari, as this Saturday's presidential election approaches. Clearly, a repeat of last weekend's lapses would spark further violence and deepen the crisis of legitimacy for whoever is elected. What can be done to improve the situation in the few short days remaining is clearly limited, but there are some urgent steps that can and should be undertaken.



First, the INEC needs to address its serious organisational lapses. One simple -- even if partial -- solution to some logistical problems would be for the INEC to use vehicles of other government departments that have large pools available, such as the National Population Commission, to facilitate the movement of election staff and materials.



The INEC, working with the UNDP, should also allow the accreditation of much larger numbers of independent election monitors from the TMG in order to ensure effective monitoring of the polls, and thus the credibility of results. The Commission also needs to show full transparency and impartiality in addressing the many controversies that are arising from the voting.



Second, the police and other security agencies must act more pro-actively to pre-empt or contain violence, especially in the Niger Delta region, but also in all states that are on the INEC's security watchlist. Those responsible for violence over the weekend should be arrested and prosecuted speedily, impartially and transparently. Police and army authorities should also direct their personnel to respond to post-election protests with restraint so as not to exacerbate the situation.



Third, the feud between Obasanjo and Abubakar needs to be dealt with right away. The Supreme Court ruled on Monday to allow Abubakar to run for the presidential elections, and while this may defuse some tensions, it could easily spark others. The Court's decision essentially undermined the role of the INEC in determining who can stand, calling into question some of the Commission's earlier moves and thus handing the opposition a strong argument to challenge many election results. In any case, the logistical hurdle of getting new presidential ballots printed and delivered to polling stations in just a few days may be insurmountable.



Nigeria's international partners -- particularly the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States -- have to engage immediately to mediate the Obasanjo-Abubakar conflict. The governments of the United States, the European Union and the Commonwealth could also help by making it absolutely clear that presidential elections as deeply flawed as those of last Saturday will have severe repercussions on their future relations, including Nigeria's quest for a stronger voice at the United Nations.



Nigeria's elections and Obasanjo's coveted reputation as a champion of democracy are greatly endangered. But the country's stability and democracy, as well as Obasanjo's reputation and legacy, can still be rescued if quick action is taken.



François Grignon is Africa Director of the International Crisis Group, www.crisisgroup.org
thought this would help those who check out my blog]]> Sat, 05 May 2007 03:40:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/197609 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/188587


Those who use their brains travel faster through life than those who use their physical energy. We must be determined to improve mentally, morally and spiritually to meet the basic needs in our society. We must develop a creative society, a creative culture. We are used in our environment to living with our problems; we believe life is overwhelming that the forces that control this earth are overwhelming, that there is no point in solving some of the problems we have around us. You and I must resolve to wipe out mass ignorance, our leaders must teach and inspire masses to wipe out mass ignorance. Let it begin with you; take a course, read a book.
got this on my mail from a Nigeria Pastor Sam Adeyemi i thougth to post it to all men of African descent and all my white brothers and youths passionate for LEADERSHIP DEVLOPMENT,
SUCCCESS IS IN THE MIND

]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:40:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/188587 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/186821 “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Albert Einstein. It is time to do something
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke
Let the few good youths stand up


]]> Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:29:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/186821 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/185813 George Bernard Shaw).
I know most Africans hurt because no matter where you go you are a second citizen even if you talk like a white a black man is always a black man, take the case of Senator Barak Obama that had to return to Africa.
When you watch CNN anything Africa, they have this dilapidate pictures they always show it grief’s our heart, no body sees the develop world and doesn’t like his country to be like that.
Most of leaders travel abroad and yet to come back and pretend as if all is well, it most be noted that except for few leaders in Africa, we don’t have any positive role model leaders, they are all DEMOCRATIC DICTATORS fighting against the development of this great continent.
And for those who are abroad all Africans in Diaspora please Endeavour to make sure that you contribute your quota to the development back home, don’t get lost in a foreign land. Develop genuine partnerships instead of sending money home send BOOKS, COMPUTERS, home. Do not go abroad and send fishes back home teach us HOW TO FISH and let not your commitment to your country stop with you family (Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.
Calvin Coolidge) that is too short sighted live for POSTERITY maybe this philosopher (Pablo) would help me put it right" The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?
Pablo Casals
Let us put our HANDS together and see the NEW AFRICA, for all young Africans
WE ARE NOT PRISONERS OF THE PAST BUT PIONEERS OF THE FUTURE
We must know that this not just a short journey but a marathon, “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. “ Adlai E. Stevenson.
AFRICA AND ALL THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES SHALL RISE UP AND BE GREAT, THAT IS THE NEXT WONDER !!!!
]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:33:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/185813 http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/185689 in my area there was no voting at all (Ugoroke,Warri,Delta State),the only electoral offices that came,came empty hended without ballot boxes. it is quite clear that the masses were not pleased by the results of the elections.
until our leaders recognise the need for corrupt free elections, appointments and contracts the greatness of Nigera cannot be unveiled, it griefs my heart to see that in a nation as rich as nigeria i have to still pay to browse the internet at exhorbitant price, for me to own my own computer will cost me 50,000 naira minimum, when fuel prices are up and my take home pay is 8,000 naira as a B.Sc Degree holder , when will i get the money to get a cmputer? Light is not stable i have to get fuel for generator so as to have acess to light,and fuel is expensive?
when will our leaders learn? Nigeria is at it again?
i must say here that i think Nigeria didnt have a chance to vote,we fifnt jave an election we had SELECTIONS by the powers that be,i conclude by quoting confucius “Confucius said: ‘When the Empire is well governed, ceremonies and music and warlike operations are controlled by the Son of Heaven. When the Empire is in disorder, these things are controlled by the feudal princes, and will seldom outlast ten generations.’]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:31:00 EDT http://pmax83.tigblog.org/post/185689