Making America Great Again: The dangers of Trump going it alone

President Donald Trump

Until President Donald Trump sees Americans as key to achieving his vision for America, his precocious beginning may soon turn out a disaster, reports JAMES OJO.

When On Friday, January 20th, 2017, President Donald Trump stood tall on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. to give his inaugural speech as the 45th President of unarguably, one of the most powerful nations in the world, many, if not all, Americans at least, were thrilled by his promise of taking the country to Eldorado. Their joy, if not for anything, was borne out of the fact that Americans would be an integral part of realizing the dream. His campaign slogan: ‘Make America Great Again,’ raised less doubt and above all, the reality America for Americans, as promised was mind-blowing.

“What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer,” Trump had said in his inaugural speech.

Welcome to Trump’s dream America!

From the outset, Trump appeared keen to sticking it out his promise of making America great again, but so far, it seems the president has forgotten the greatest arsenal to achieve this: collective efforts of Americans. And about eight months into his administration, it appears the feeling of collectiveness that earlier heralded the Trump’s Presidency is on the wane.

Hiring and firing

One of the criticisms of Trump is his penchant for arbitrarily sacking appointed members of his cabinet. On May 9, James Comey, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was giving the boot by Trump over his investigation of Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential Election for alleged incompetency. Since then, the list of those fired from the White House has continued to grow. Sean Spicer, Sally Yates, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, Reince Priebus among others have all quitted either willingly-through resignation- or forcefully the vision they were once committed to for some reasons.

In each of these instances, Trump, in his seemingly unguarded utterances and actions, appeared not to have fully defined Americans’ role in his new vision for the United States. In the first place, the rate at which he has been firing his aides has continued to raise concerns over his managerial acumen, leadership-cum-administrative proficiency and level of team spirit required to steer US to the dream land.

Also, Whether or not patriotism, loyalty and the needed dedication that could spur Trump America’s dream is achievable on the part of the newly appointed aides, is an issue staring many in the face, as many of them would hardly commit themselves to the president's long term vision.  After all, who knows who is next to be fired?

Such fear-enveloped atmosphere is no doubt, in sharp contrast to the collectiveness the president had earlier canvassed for. In an America meant for and governed solely by Americans, the leaders and led should have unity of purpose, driven by team spirit and collectively work in the overall interest of the country without giving room for rift of any sort. Even if disagreement arises due to variegated interests, swift measures should be in place to amicably resolve it. But the Trump presidency seems to be failing in this regard.

The Trump’s Presidency challenge

At the moment, there are lots of issues confronting the Trump Presidency. The tension between US and North Korea is going through the roof over the latter’s nuclear programme, with many predicting World War Three. His administration’s battle with the media has not backed down. He has also been in the eyes of the storm over some of his executive orders- that of immigration for instance. However, of all these, Trump’s major challenge now should be how to jack up and sustain the public trust Americans had earlier reposed in him by demonstrating the place of their efforts in achieving the America dream from time to time. This is the only way his administration can achieve the dream of making America great again. #Trump #MakeAmericaGreatAgain #Collectiveness.

Nigeria goes to Polls

By James Ojo

credits:BBC

Nigerians will today go to poll to elect their next president - an
election many pundits predict to be the toughest in Nigeria's
political history.

BBC's Will Ross had in Lagos said: "This election is likely to be a
tight race, especially if the opposition manages to stay united behind
one candidate".

Today's Presidential election is obviously a two-horse race between
PDP's  President Goodluck Jonathan and APC's Mohammadu Buhari (rtd).

Having defeated Mr. Atiku Abubakar his closest rival in the APC's
primaries, Buhari is now set to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan -
a repeat of 2011 poll.

In the previous election, Jonathan recorded a landslide victory over
Buhari, winning with almost 59% of the votes against 32%,
sparking widespread unrest in Northern areas which backed Mr. Buhari.
More than 500 people were killed and thousands of people were forced
out of their homes.

Amidst of the insecurity tussle in the Country, the APC's chosen
candidate, Buhari, has vowed to leave no stone unturned in
tackling the country's insecurity saga if elected.

Real Madrid ran riot without Ronaldo, Chelsea, Man City Struggle

By James Ojo

As football action resumed  on Saturday, some clubs were
without their key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Costa, Cecs
Fabregas and Yaya were all out of action for their respective clubs.

Real Madrid ran riot on Saturday against Real Sociedad as they made
light of them 4-1 to maintain their lead on top of La Liga without
their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was handed a two- match ban
last weekend.

Ronaldo was red carded for misconduct against a Cordoba defender,
Edimar last weekend. But goals from James Rodriquez, Sergio Ramos
and a brace from prolific Kareem Benzema ensured a deserved victory
for the Blancos.

Carlo Ancelloti's men will now shift attention to Wednesday's clash
against Sevilla without Ronaldo before their crunch tie against city rival,
Athletico Madrid on February 7- a match that will feature Ronaldo.

Else where in the Barclay's Premier League, Chelsea and Manchester
City both struggled for a win in the absence of some key players.
Manchester City have not been convincing enough on the pitch since the
departure of ace Midfielder, Yaya Toure, for the African Cup of Nations
in Equitorial Guinea. Pellegrini's men have not tasted victory in
their last four suffering 2-0 defeats in a league match against
Arsenal and Middlesbrough in the FA.

With Toure, Manchester City have won 14 of their last18 Premier League
fixtures losing one and drawing three of the four games without him.
And a draw on Saturday with Chelsea leave them five points adrift of
League leaders thanks to David Silva who rooted Sergio Aguero's
powerful shot into the net in the 45th minute to take them level after
Remy had given Chelsea the lead in the 41st minute.

The absence of Diego Costa and Cecs Fabregas made life difficult for
the blues as they were almost caged in their own half against City in
a pulsating encounter that ended 1-1 on Saturday.

Costa received a three-match ban following his misconduct in their win
against Liverpool in FA last week and the Striker was forced to the
bench alongside Fabregas who did not look fit enough for the game.

While some clubs dazzled the world without their star men,
others struggled to create clear cut chances.

UNN SUG ELECTION: Thrills, Reactions, Expectations as Winners Emerge

By James Ojo, Izukanne Dorathy,and Gideon Arinze

Considering the relevance of student unionism to the growth of any
academic institution, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, had on the
29th of January, gone to  poll to elect new executive members of the
Student Union Government of the institution.

However, excitements, reactions and expectations have trailed the
conduct of the election which saw Orji Peter Ekene, popularly known
as Pedro, a 400-Level student of Veterinary Medicine, as the newly
elected president of the union.

The results of the election, which was announced at the Students
Affairs Department by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka's Electoral
Commission(UNECO), at about 9:30 pm, saw Orji Peter Ekene emerge the
President with a landslide victory polling 1289 votes to defeat his
closest rivals Ejike Celestine Amaechi, a 200-Level of Biochemistry
who polled 966 votes, Nwancha Precious C., who had 951 votes and Eze
Stanley with 805 votes.

In other elections conducted,  Nneka Peace emerged the Vice-President
with a total of 1802 votes to defeat her closest opponent Nebo and
Ugwu Rosemary who trailed her with 1778 and 543 votes respectively.
In the same vein, Onah Chibuzo emerged the Secretary General with 1397
votes, Ezea Sunday as Assistant Secretary General with 1055 votes,
Okeke Chibueze as Director of Transport with 811 votes, Anyanwu
Maximus as Director of Information, Ugwu Orji Henry as Director of
Socials with 1950 votes, Chinonye Noble as Director of Welfare with
888 votes, and others which include: the office of the Treasurer and
Director of Welfare whose winners cannot be ascertained at the time of
filing this report.

Before the election day, elections into House of Senate and House of
Representatives were held in the respective faculties of the
institution. This was followed by the candidates manifestoes where
each of the candidates unveiled his or her plans to leapfrog UNN's SUG
to eldorado if elected.

Following the announcement of the results, some students who could not
hide their feelings expressed their excitement and reactions to the conduct
and results and their expectations of the new administration an interview
with our correspondent.

According to a student identified as Ugwu Chidi, 'to a large extent, I
would say it was free and fair election' and that 'at least, those who
had voted had their votes actually counted,' he said. In his
assessment of the newly elected president, Chidi noted he is the right
candidate for the office as 'for now, I know Pedro(the president). I
believe that he has the ability and capacity to carry the SUG. I
believe he will do well,' he added.

To another student identified as Okonkwo Ernest, 'It is very orderly
and for me, it is free and fair. They(officials) kept to the rules and
regulations of the election' And 'security men were on ground'.

He however decried the low turn out of students for the election and
suggested that, 'They(students) need to be enlightened on the need to
come out and vote their candidates into office' as 'It is very
important for their welfare and well-being,' he said.

Also, electoral official identified as George Ugwu, also asserted that
the election went on a smooth ride as he had 'not observed any
misconduct' during the election.

In an interview, the newly elected SUG  President Orji Peter Ekene,
has reiterated his commitment to promotes the welfare as  his
administration is bent on walking the walk, 'Coming in with a lot of
transportation agenda' which entails improving the University's
'transportation network, a consolidated water supply and a conducive
environment for learning'. As a leader driven by a ferocious
determination to better the lots of his people, he remained unmoved,
cocksure that 'when all these things are put together, it would go
a very long way to absolutely define what student unionis should be
and not what it seems'.

Unveiling some strategies to achieve his plans, Peter said: 'I promise
that am going to work with all my team mates to see that the dreams
come through' as he determined not to let his foot off the gas to 'see
them actualised'.

To Pedro whose name has set UNN aglow after the election, polling
1289 votes and becoming the SUG President is not only a thing of joy
but also an uphill task. "I feel so happy and at the same time, I see it
as a very big task and a challenge,' he said.

This year's SUG election was keenly contested by many candidates. In
comparison to last year's election, there were few candidates and Agwu
Christian was the clear favourite to win the election - which he
eventually did.

Real Madrid Set to Rule the world

By James Ojo

credits: coyotechronicle.net

Call them the European and world champions, you have got it right.
Real Madrid are battle ready not to take their foot off the gas as
they aim to dominate all fronts in the new year, after a scintilating
run in the first half of the 2014-2015 season.

With a tip-top form in year 2014, the Blancos have nothing to worry
about after they clinched the Club World Cup in December to end an
emphatic 12 months winning the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and
set a new record for consecutive victories.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are on top of La Liga and are one of the clear
favourites to win other major trophies in Europe including the UEFA
Champions League and are auspiciously set to dominate Europe in
subsequent years.

Interestingly, they have little or nothing to worry about cosidering
some factors which gave them an edge over other teams in the world.

In the first place, Real Madrid parades one of the strongest attack in
the world with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as
their deadliest arsenal  against their opponents. Adding to this are
hosts of other best players in the world with new world cup signings:
James Rodriquez and Kroos, making the team a more formidable one.

More to this is the coach who is a man with wealth of football
experiences. As a coach, he had  enjoyed a good career  having won may
titles with his previous clubs. For instance, he had won domestic
league titles in Italy with AC Millan, in England with Chelsea, and in
France with Paris Saint-German and recently in December, he had bagged
the 2014 coach of the year award at the Globe Soccer Awards, held in
Dubai, and penned down his name among the league of best coaches in the
world. To him, life at the spanish capital was easy because, "we have
many great players and wonderful staff which makes it a lot easier to
coach Real Madrid than other clubs"; and he believed they have the
most formidable team branding his squad the "strongest in the world".

Indeed, Ancelotti is not far from the truth as their win over San
Lorenzo in the final of the Club World Cup extended their winning
streak in competitive action to 22 matches. Not satisfied with these
landslide achievements, the coach said, "In 2015, we want to compete
in every competition and we have the confidence to compete for
everything" on Madrid's official Website.

 He is therefore cock-sure that task  the will not be a daunting one
and that the Blancos are on the path of history as in which they "had
to work and fight in order to try and win again".

Sharing the same point of view with Ancelotti, Real Madrid's captain
and No1. goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, describing their prolifacy
noted that, "we are talking about a team that is now experienced, that
started out young but is now mature insisting they have "high
expectations to achieve everything possible" and that they can
"compete for everything given that we are such a competitive team".

All they want therefore according to Sergio Ramos is for their fans
"to keep supporting us as they have done" on their official website.

Considering wealth of titles, Real Madrid are undoubtedly one of most
successful club in Europe wiinning: 1 best club of the 20th century
FIFA Trophy, 10 European Cups, 3 Intercontinental cups, 19 Copa del
Rey, 32 Ligas, 2 UEFA cups, 2 European Super Cups, 2 Latin Cups,  2
small world cups, 1 League Cup, 9 Spanish Super Cups, 18 Regional
Championship and 5 Mancomunados Trophies to their credit.
Source:www.Realmadrid/../football

From the foregoing, the Blancos are nothing but a side to reckon with
in 2015 as they get set to gun all European cups with  one of the
deadliest squad in the world.

The War against the Pen

By James Ojo

credits: gbcghana.com

Undoubtedly, the might of the pen had enjoyed a good reputation of

mythological proportion as Agbese rightly said.

But it is rather pathetic and catastrophic to note that the recent

attacks being launched against journalists all over the world has gone

through the roofs in recent time and thus requires serious attention

to rescue the deteriorating situation. According to Irina Bokova,

director general of UNESCO,"The threat is grave. On average, one

journalist is killed per week and while fatalities include foreign

correspondents, the vast majority of victims are local, covering local

stories, living in a climate of impunity."

Agbese, a mogul and foremost Nigerian Journalist once said, "All

societies need the reporter, not usually for what he is but what he

does and what is does is giving information".

Imagine our society without journalists to keep us abreast of events?

Imagine our society without the reporters to keep the governments on

their toes as Dimgba Igwe noted? Imagine...? Yet, journalists are

being massacred, killed, tortured and jailed at will in the course of

discharging their duties.

The worst part of this horrible trend is that most of these

perpetrators are hardly brought to book and according to Anna Paolini,

UNESCO regional director  "The fact that anyone who kills a journalist

can get away with it is unacceptable."

The International Federation of Journalists reported that in 2014,

Pakistan was the deadliest country with 14 journalists killed,

followed by 12 dead in Syria and nine each in Afghanistan and the

Palestinian territories.

The report showed that 118 journalists and media

staff were killed around the world in 2014.

According to the report, among those killed, 13 more than in 2013,

were either targeted for their work or caught in the cross-fire while

another 17 died in accidents or natural disasters while on assignment;

prompting the IFJ president to charge the government to "make the

protection of journalists their priority". As journalists are

"targeted not only to restrict the free flow of information, but

increasingly as leverage to secure huge ransoms and political

concessions through sheer violence."

Considering this fact, should media organisations stop the trend of

sending their reporters to places of war, there would "be poorer for

lack of independent witnesses" as the IFJ president said.

From the foregoing, Journalists contribution to the society cannot be

quantified and as such requires all hands to be on deck to go to 'war'

against the surge. The people of our world need the pen to give them the truth. They

need the pen to act as the voice of the voiceless, they need the pen

to serve as a check on government activities among other things. Thus,

the journalists role is all encompassing and as such, laws should be

enforced to protect them in the discharge of their duty.

Enyeama rivals Toure, Aubameyang for 2014 African Player of the Year Awards

By James Ojo

credits: cafonline.com

Nigeria's Vincent Enyeama rivals  Cote d'Ivoire's Yaya Toure, current
African Footballer of the year, and Gabonnese striker Pierre-Emerick,
for the African Player of the Year Award showdown slated to hold on
the 8th of January, 2015, in Lagos.

The trio made the final cut in a list released by the Confederation of
African Football after their tip-top form for both their country and
their clubs.


Twenty-five players were initially shortlisted some weeks ago
including Nigeria's Ahmed Musa before it was narrowed down to ten then
later five through voting from members of the Technical& Development
and the Media Committees.

The Head Coaches of the National Associations affiliated to Caf will
vote in their order of preference to decide on who the best player in
Africa is.

 The winners would be announced at the Glo-CAF Awards Gala slated  for
Thursday, January 8, 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria.

FINAL SHORTLISTS:

Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire , Manchester City)

Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria, LOSC Lille)

 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon, Borussia Dortmund).

Nigerians remain in the dark over 2015

...call for good governance after a turbulent 2014.

By James Ojo, Eze Chukwudera and Elom Sunday

credits: modernghana.com

In spite of President Goodluck Jonathan's plegde to better the lots of
Nigerians in his new year broadcast, some Nigerians remain in the dark
as to what 2015 has in stock for them after an enduring 2014.

They made this known in a cross-section of interviews with our
correspondents in Enugu and Asaba, Delta state, in the early hours of
Thursday.

According to Miss. Iroegbu Nkechinyere Oluchi, a graduate of mass communication,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, year 2014 has not been a good year
considering the records of unrest and insurgency in the country which
has not been curbed till date.

She however committed 2015 into God's hand noting that the right
leader should emerge at the end of the poll.

"2015 is in the hands of God. Whoever God wants to be at the
helm of affairs in this country, will be. In all, I'm expecting a year
of amazing grace in all ramification"  she said.

Similarly, Mr. Michael Chukwudi Okeh, a lecturer in a  University
expressed his joy at seeing another year and looked forward for a
better year ahead after a turbulent 2014.

In his assessment of the previous year, Mr. Okeh said:

"2014 is the year that closes the year of amalgamation of Nigeria
which took place in 1914. The year witnessed a lot of challenges,
insurgency and lots of trying times. Also the year the defending
champion did not qualify for the African cup of Nations due to the
storms".

While explaining the fate of Nigeria in 2015, he believes that Nigeria
while overcome despite all odds.

"The president is being optimistic. Watching the antecedent of what
happened in the past, where some people after the election made some
felonious statements that Nigeria will be ungovernable. Walking down
the memory lane, it was after the 2011 election that Nigeria started
experiencing bombing and killing. On that note, the president is sounding
a note of warning that it will not be a business as usual,"  he said.

 He therefore enjoined Nigerians to be patriotic and security
conscious about our environment, arguing that this would go a long way
in curbing insecurity in Nigeria.

In the same vein, Dr.Fidelis Emeka, in his assessment said,

 "2014 was a year of turbulence. Reasons being that a lot of Nigerians
including the leaders, do not believe in God. This has led to the
unrest and insurgencies in the country", he said.

 While explaining the fate of Nigeria and the electorates in performing
their obligation in the forthcoming general election, Dr. Emeka said,

 "People in the northern part of the country may not turn out in mass
to exercise their right because of the insurgency. Then coming to the
South and other parts of the country, people will turn out to vote for
their candidates, but the fear is that some political parties might try
to manipulate the vote".

Explaining his expectations for Nigeria in 2015, he noted that Nigeria
would divide in 2015, owing to the  various predictions of American
government in 2011.

On their part, Mr.Stephen and Mr. Abednego noted that their
expectations this year was to accomplished some plans which they
couldn't achieve in the previous year.

President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his commitment to the
developement of Nigeria and the fight against terrorism in his new
year broadcast to Nigerains on Thursday.

 "We have done a lot of painstaking planing in resolving the security
challenge in the country", he said.

While highlighting some his achievement in the last four years
President Goodluck Jonathan noted that he had recorded a landslide
feat in areas  like:

Rehabilitation and expansion of rail transportation network;privatization of
power; significantly reformed and increased local participation in oil and
gas industry; Improved nationl wide asses of portable water from
fifty-seven percent in 2010 to seventy percent at present; Significant
progress in improving asses to primary, secondary and tertiary
education by building and equipping the schools; National economy,
maintains a steady growth.

Kane Stars as Tottenham humbled Chelsea 5-3

By James Ojo

credits: bbc.co.uk

Chelsea kicked-off their 2015 title campaign on a sad note after
suffering their worst defeat of the season to Tottenham in a pulsating
5-3 encounter on Thursday night.

The Blues took the lead in the 18th minute when Diego Costa fired home
a pass from Oscar before Harry Kane who put up a scintilating display
on Thursday night scored in the 30th minute to take Tottenham level.

In another quick session, Danny Rose netted to give the host the lead
in the 44th minute before Andros Townsend fired home in a penalty
during additional time to give the Spurs a comfortable 3-1 lead into the
half-time.

Few minutes into the second half, Harry Kane scored again in the
52th minute to record a brace before Nacer Chadli scored in the 78th
minute to hand the Spurs a comfortable 5-3 victory in their first game
of 2015.

Eden Hazard's 61th minute and John Terry 87th minute strikes were
not enough to earn Jose Mourinho's men a point.

Meanwhile Manchester City recorded a 3-2 victory over Sunderland
thanks to Frank Lampard's late goal in a match earlier in the day to
level up with Chelsea on top of the table with 46 points.

The other results from matches played yesterday are as follows:

Stoke City 1 - 1 Manchester United

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Crystal Palace

Hull 2 - 0 Everton

Liverpool 2 - 2 Leicester

Man City 3 - 2 Sunderland

Newcastle United 3 - 3nBurnley

QPR 1 - 1 Swansea City

Southampton 2 - 0 Arsenal

West Ham United 1 - 1 West Brom

2015: New Year, New Expectations

By James Ojo, Elom Sunday

As Nigeria move away from her centenary ''celebration'' in year 2014 -
something that calls for joy, but whose joy was hampered by her
enormous challenges, Nigerians remain optimistic as year 2015 unfolds,
with the hope of a better tomorrow.

Going down the memory lane, the amalgamation of the Southern and
Northen Protectorates in 1914 brought about the current state called
Nigeria. Since then, challenges had been her hallmarks, perhaps due to
what many called ''a forceful marriage''.

This sprout questions like: Are we really one Nigeria? Is there unity
in our land? As the case may be , it is a fact that Nigeria does
not really live in unity as we claimed to be. Nevertheless, it boils
down to what unity meant to us.

This reminds me of Odewale's words in the popular drama, ''They Gods are
not to blame'' written by a literary mogul, Rotimi Olawale.
It reads: ''The monkey and gorilla may claim oneness but monkey is
monkey and gorilla is gorilla''.

Amidst our religious, ethnic and tribal turbulence, it is obvious that
each tribe has attempted to pay more loyalty to their ethnicity than
to the central government - a bane to our so called ''federal system of
government''. Despite this we claim to be one, operating under the notion of
 unity in diversity.

Hunred years of ''togetherness''! How has the journey been so far?

An analysis
Year 2014 undoubtedly was characterised by so many unmitigated disasters
especially those posed by the deadly militant Islamic sect Boko Haram.

At the outset their mission seems known to everybody as - ''war against
western education and creation of islamic state'', but in the long run,
they are fast turning into a religious-cum-political tool.

While many Nigerians became hopeless in 2014, thousands were killed,
thousands injured and many others in great trauma, nuturing the stigma
inflicted on them by these the Boko Haram.

Our over 250 Chibok girls taken captive would forever linger in our
memory. Our brothers killed at the Iyanya blast and many others killed
in the North remains indellible in the anals of Nigeria history.

However the future might looked unhappy but to resign oneself to it is
to be crippled fast. To this end Nigerians must move on. Moving on
with faith, with hope and with expectations.

We must borrow a leaf from USA who had once been in a tussle like this
but never relent. Today, other countries of the world look up to them
for various aids.

Giving Nigeria more expections and making more committments for 2015, President
Goodluck Jonathan on his first day of the year, made an address to Nigerians,
ensuring them of a better future, a better tomorrow. Parts of
his speech reads:

"Great People of our nation.

"I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the New Year today.
As we mark the beginning of this New Year, 2015, a new nation is being
born.  A new nation is being born because of the foundations we have
all laid, working together for the good and progress of our dear
fatherland.

" I join you all in thanking God Almighty who has brought us this far,
for continually bestowing His Grace upon us and for guiding our great
nation safely through all the challenges of the past year.

"This year, as in the year past, I reaffirm my commitment to work to
ensure a secure future for our dear country and the generations yet
unborn.

"Last year, we celebrated our hundredth year of nationhood. The year
brought us further progress, challenges and fresh opportunities.

" We have contended with the normal challenges of nation-building and
the unusual challenges of terrorism.

"But we have continued to vigorously confront those who seek to
destroy the bonds of unity that hold us together.
communities, driving them into exile.

" I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with
their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed. As
President, I feel the pain of all affected communities and families. I
hear their cries and share their sorrow and pain.

" We will not forget; we will not look the other way.''

Ancelloti bags Coah of the Year Award

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: sports.ndtv.com

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelloti has bagged the best coach of 2014
at the Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on Monday night, after
enjoying a successful campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu.

After ending the year in a tip-top form currently sitting on top of La
Liga and clear favourites of more titles to come, the ace football
manager saw off Madrid to a 4-1 victory in Libson over one of their
arch-rivals; Atletico Madrid to claim the long awaited La Decima and
also won the Copa Del Rey in his first season in charge of the club.

Carlo Ancelloti has enjoined a good coaching career winning many
domestic league titles in Italy with AC Milan, England with Chelsea
and France with Paris Saint- German.

Ancelloti parades a host of best players in the world with Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gareth Bale making the team more formidable for other
European clubs. New signings James Rodriguez and Kroos have also added
strenght to his team.

Speaking in an interview after the award, Ancelloti said: "Life is
because we have many great players and wonderful staff which makes it
a lot easier to coach Real Madrid than other clubs".

Marriage on Campus: Prospects, Challenges, Expectations

From time immemorial, marriage has been a respected institution in the
in the nooks and crannies of the world. Apart from ensuring the
continuity of life, it is also an avowal of loveb- the proof of true
love.

In an African context, marriage is held in high esteem. To Africans,
a married man is a complete man. Thus marriage goes as far as
determining a man's integrity, prestige, office among others in the
society. This stems out of Afican beliefs and cultures.

Thus when a man or lady has come of age to get married, families,
friends and and the entire community come together to celebrate in
high spirit their about to married child.

However, with our world fast becoming a global village, it has left
behind some attendant effects as  changes are being afooted. Today,
our society is making nonsense of this noble institution due to an
acclaimed 'civilisation'.

This as we all no has gone viral among the youths of today, especially
those in the universities.

Among these group of youths, there exists different kinds of
relationships. While some are bent on co-existience; the process
whereby a male and a female live under the same roof, others opt for
boyfriend and girlfriend relationships.

Wothy of note in the university and other institutions of learning is
students marrying while still on campus. As the popular dictum goes:
"one man's food is another man's poison" Marriage on campus means
different thing to different people. As the case may,
both side have its own strenghts and weakenesses.

To a lady who marries while still on campus, she have to battle with
the responsibility of pursuing her academics as well as seeing to the
well being of her family. Undoubtedly, such would be a daunting task
to her.

Apart from this, she might also endure isolation from her friends  who
may see her as out-of-date.

In the same vein, the stress of combining pregnancy with academic
stress might be challenging.

On the other hand, marriage on campus could afford a lady the sense of
maturity when compared to other spinsters on campus.

Similarly, marriage on campus could earn the lady more respect both from
her mates and lectuers.

Defying the challenge of combining academics with marriage, Hope
Chinweoke Omeje, a 200-level student of mass communication took to
alter recently.

The atmosphere was high at New St. Paul Catheral Church, Nsukka
on Saturday, 27th December, 2014, as the world gathered to celebrate with
the families of Mr. Asogwa Emmanuel and Elder Apollos Omeje for the
wedding ceremony of their children; Hope Chinwoke Omeje a 200-level
student of mass communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Gospel
Sunday Ezinwa.

Before this very August day, the traditional marriage had taken place
at Mr. Appolos Omeje's (the bride's father) compound in Ogbu-Eke village,
Alor-Ulo, Nsukka 5:18pm on Friday. On that faithful day, the
atmosphere was calm and high with irresistible aromas coming from well
prepared meals, the trees waved , the sun sparkled, camera men
struggled for a shot of the gorgeously dressed couple, men and women
trooped and out of the compound at the epoch-making event.

Indeed, it was a celebration of love. A day that would linger in
the history of Ogbu-Eke village.

On her wedding gown, sparkling as light, the bride together with the groom
marched onto the altar to recieve their marriage certificate officially.
Shortly after this, they danced to tunes booming from the bands.

In this interview with our correspondent after the wedding, Hope, who
could not hide her joy expressed their feelings, challenges and
expectations of their marriage, had this to say.
Excerpts:

How do you feel celeberating your wedding today?

Am so happy and more than happy. What makes me happy is that I
amleaving the stage of a Miss to a Mrs. I am leaving my family
to establish my own.

What qualities do you see in him that made you fall in love with him?

He is a man of vision, goal and he is also a man that fears God. That
is number one thing.

Pandemonium in Indonesia over missing Air Plane

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: nypost.com

Pandemonium broke out when an Indonesia AirAsia flight with
162 people aboard, most of them Indonesians, disappeared in the
early hours of Sunday over the Java Sea, triggering a search involving
several Southeast Asian nations.

According to an Associated Press(AP) report, Contact with Flight 8501
was lost about 42 minutes after the single-aisle, twin-engine A320-200
jet took off from Surabaya airport in Indonesia for Singapore.

It was not immediately clear whether it had any satellite tracking
devices on board.

Malaysia-based AirAsia, owned by Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes,
has dominated cheap travel in the region for years. AirAsia Malaysia
owns 49 percent of its subsidiary, AirAsia Indonesia. It said the
plane was on the submitted flight plan route when the pilots requested
deviation due to weather before communication was lost.

AirAsia, which has a presence in most of Southeast Asia and recently
in India, has never lost a plane before and has a good safety track
record.

The missing flight is the third malaysia-linked inccident in 2014
after two has been repotedly  missing in the year.

EPL: Harvest of Goals on a Drammatic Boxing Day

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: wallpicshd.com

There was an harvest of goals in the Barclays Premier League
matches played on Friday, boxing day, with Chelsea, Manchester City,
Manchester United, among others recording victories.

Chelsea continue their stunning form this season under Jose Mourinho
after nailing West Ham United 2-0 to maintain their three ponits lead
over their fiercest rival, Manchester City. Though the Chelsea boss
has noted in their last match that they have the toughest fixtures
ahead this festive period; the Blues are taking no chances to extend
their dominance on top of the League.

Similarly, Manchester City hammered West Brom 3-1 to  mount more
pressure on league leaders Chelsea.

In another cracker, Manchester United continue their scintillating run
of the season and also revive their title hope after they white-washed
Newcastle United 3-1 thanks to Wayne Rooney's brace and another
strike by Robin Vanpersie to make it seven wins out of eight games for
the reds. A late consolation goal from Cisse was not enough to earn a
point for the helpless Magpies.

However, Louis Vangaal remains in the dark over the inury of United's
talisman, Angel Dimaria who suffered an injury on christmas day during
a trainning session.

Arsene Wenger's ten-man team also recorded a deserved victory after
defeating QPR 2-1 with Oliver Giround earning a red card. Goals from
skipper Alexis Sanchez and Rosicky was enough to earn the Gunners the
needed three points.

Liverpool aslo returned to winning ways after defeating struggling
Burnley 1-0; while Southampton humbled  Crystal Palace 3-1

Tottenham  also defeated Leceister city 2-1 while Stoke City made
light of Everton by defeating them 1-0

A detailed  Barclay's Premier League results on Boxing are as follows:

Full time Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham United
Full time Burnley 0 - 1 Liverpool

Full time Crystal Palace 1 - 3 Southampton

Full time Everton 0 - 1 Stoke City

Full time Leicester 1 - 2 Tottenham

Full timeManchester United 3 - 1 Newcastle United

Full timeSunderland 1 - 3 Hull

Full timeSwansea City 1 - 0 Aston Villa

Full timeWest Brom 1 - 3 Man City

Full timeArsenal 2 - 1 QPR

More to follow

China: Christains celebrate Christmas amidst fear

...Worship under a cross-less roof.

By James Ojo, UNN

Credits: pressherald.com

Christains in the city of Wenzhou in Beijing, China, have expressed fear
over this year's Christmas celebration with many of them worshipping under
a cross-less roof.

According to an Associated Press (AP) report, members of a rural
christain congregation in the eastern city of Wenzhou wielded some
pieces of metal into a cross and hoisted it onto the top of their
worship hall to replace the one that was forcibly removed in October.

However, some township officials and uniformed men trooped onto the
church ground and brought down the cross.

In an interview with AP correspondent on Tuesday, a church official
who spoke on condition of anonimity because of fear of government
retaliation said: "They keep a very close watch on us, and there is
nothing we can do".

"The situation is not good as any attempt to re-erect the cross will
be stopped," he added.

Many Christians in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, will
worship this Christmas under a cross-less roof. Provincial authorities
have toppled crosses from more than 400 churches, and even razed some
worship halls in a province-wide crackdown on building code
violations.

Many Christians say their faith has been singled out because
authorities, wary of its rapid growth, are seeking to curb its spread
in a campaign that has targeted China's most thriving Christian
communities.

Estimates of the number of Christians in China range from the
conservative official figure of 23 million to as many as 100 million
by independent scholars, raising the possibility that Christians may
rival in size the 85 million members of the ruling Communist Party.

In August, Beijing rounded up Christian pastors and religious scholars
in a national seminar with the edict that the Christian faith must be
free of foreign influence but "adapt to China," a euphemism for
obeying the Communist Party's rule.

This week, authorities in Wenzhou — known as China's Jerusalem because
it has half of the province's 4,000 churches — have banned all
Christmas celebrations or related activities in the city's
kindergartens and grade schools.

"We had guidance on foreign holidays such as Christmas in the past,
but this year marks the first time we issued a clearer notice," an
education official was quoted as saying in a local, government-run
newspaper on Wednesday.

Churches in Wenzhou and elsewhere in Zhejiang were first told last
year to turn off any spotlights shining on their crosses at night. A
few months later, the congregations were ordered to remove the crosses
or face forced demolitions.

Resistance by local Christians has led to violent protests, bloody
clashes and arrests of pastors and church goers. At least two people —
one pastor and one church goer — remain in police custody for their
acts to defend the cross, said Zhang Kai, a Christian rights lawyer.

When one rural village re-erected a cross in the summer, authorities
put it under a 24-hour watch, which has now gone on for nearly five
months.

"This year's Christmas has been exceptional, as a group of uniformed
men have been helping us move tables, direct traffic, and guard
holiday decorations as well as the front door, the back door, the
warehouse and the sanctuary," church pastor Tao Chongyin wrote on a
social media site.

Hike in Prices of commodities over Christmas Celebration

By James Ojo, UNN

With celebration of Christmas at it's peak, prices of some commodities have
gone through the roof, making things difficult for average Nigerians in their
bid to buy food items for their families.

Our correspondent, who visited Ogige market in Nsukka Local Government Area
of Enugu State in the early hours of Thursday discoverd that the prices food
items like rice, crayfish, onions and tomatoes among others  have increased
drastically.

Speaking with our correspondent in an interview, Mr. Clement, a resident of
Nsukka, disclosed that the prices of some commodities have truly increased due
to the Christmas period. According to him, food items like Broiler which
are being sold for #1,000 before is now #3,000.

He however noted that only the prices of onions and meat remained
constant as at the time of the filling of this report.

When asked what could be responsible for the  increase in prices of
commodities, Mr. Clement said: " Nothing is responsible but christmas.
The demand is very high than supply".

He however noted that the increase in prices of commodities would not
affect Nigerians because it is a matter of time when every parents are
eager to satisfy their children.

"I don't think it would affect people because it a question of time,
and parents are very to satisfy their children," he added.

On her part, Mrs. Sharon attributed the hike to the high cost of fuel
in the country. "I think it is because of high cost of fuel," she
said. According to her, Royal rice which is sold for #2,300 is
now #2,700.

In the same vein, Mrs. Blessing opined that Tomatoes which sells for
#1,000 before is  now #1,250.

Another person who pleaded anonimity noted that the hike in prices of
commodities would make things difficult for average Nigerians who
could not afford such price.

Today, the 25th of Decembet, Nigerian Christian faithfuls join other Christians
 in the world to mark the birth of Jesus Christ their Saviour.

Blazing Chelsea dismantles Stoke

...As Terry and Fabregas strikes ensure three points clear of title rivals.

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: santabay.com

Chelsea continues their dominance at the top of the Barclays Premier
League after defeating Stoke City 2-0 on Monday to stay three points
clear of their fiercest title rivals, Manchester City.

Goals from Chelsea's skipper John Terry, and Cesc Fabregas ensured a  a
deserved win over the Potters.

Manchester City had levelled points with Chelsea after wipping Crystal
Palace 3-0 on Saturday, but the League leaders maintained their lead
on Monday night till  Christmas.

Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho has admitted they had the toughest
fixtures ahead this December when compared to that of their title
rival, Manchester City.

However, the Chelsea boss refused to be carried away by their vicory
over Stoke.

"In my opinion we were the best team until this day - that's why we
are top of the league.

"We start this period of Christmas knowing that our fixtures are more
difficult than any other ones - three matches away: Stoke, Southampton
and Tottenham.

"One match at home against big West Ham, because big West Ham - Big
Sam - they are doing amazingly well this season.

"We know our opponents, they have different kind of fixtures, so for
us it was very important to win tonight." he told Goal.

AFCON exit:Stephen Keshi on Fire

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: bbc.co.uk

Call him the 'BIG BOSS', he is Stephen Keshi - the out-of-favour,
out-of-contract and most controversial Nigerian Super Eagles Coach.

He is best Known for two major exploits- winning the African Cup of
Nations and and taking Nigeria's Team B to a third place at CHAN for
the first time in Nigeria's history. A  feat achieved only  by Clemens
Westerhof, whom many believed to be Nigeria's most prolific football
manager.

Born on May 3, 1940, in Beek, Gelderland, Westerhof took
Nigeria to African Cup of Nations glory in 1994 and qualified Nigeria
for the second round of the FIFA world Cup that same year. He also
worked in various football positions on the African Continent since
1989.

Undoubtedly, his sprit has reincarnated into Stepnen Keshi, the
Westerhof of our time.

However, those are past glories. A refined and complete man should
never live on past glories. Many have lashed out at Stephen Keshi
particularly after failing to qualify the defending champions for the
most prestigious football showpiece in the continent.

After taking Nigeria to an enduring Brazil 2014, Nigerians trust in
the Eagles handler suffered a big blow.

If there is something to know about football fans in Nigeria, then it
is nothing more than getting results. Nigerian  football fans are
pragmatists who believes in the dictum - "the end justifies the means".

They believe not just in theories but workable theories. Perhaps, it
is because Nigerians are no failures. Should they lash out at Keshi's
incompetency to qualify Nigeria for AFCON, it means  Keshi has proved
'a failure' in that regard.

While Keshi seems unperturbed  by these criticisms, Nigerians  never
mind expressing their dissapointments in him.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Shaibu Amodu has advised Keshi following
his shortfallings to stop begging for the job like a 'beggar'.

According to him:
"Stephen Keshi alone will decide if he has a reputation or not. If he
has a reputation he will walk out of the job, if he does not have, he
should stay like a beggar."

Similarly, Ex-Nigerian forward, Victor Ikpeba has  rubbished Keshi's
ideology of escaping blames and "building-the- team-mentality".

“For how long will Keshi build the Eagles?,” Ikpeba who won the
African Player of the Year award in 1997 asked in a Vanguard
interview.

“He has been building this team since 2012 and still wants to continue
building in 2014. No. What type of builder is he? His success in South
Africa where he won the Nations Cup was a collective effort.

“He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations
Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he
has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi
needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

“He is either blaming the players or attacking even ex-internationals
who criticize him.

"He has invited rookies to the national team. He is busy excluding the
best players because of his personal interest. My brother, Keshi has
lost it,” Ikpeba said.

Among his greatest critics was a former Nigerian international and
Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Garbal Lawal. The list continues to
infinity. Has Keshi really lost it? Should he call time on his career
as the Super Eagles handler? What is  next for Stephen Keshi?...?

These are questions in search of answers. As the case may be, the
out-of-contract and out-of-favour coach should not only  reignite his
lost tactics should he continues as the Super Eagles manager but also
restore Nigerians trust and confidence he was once awashed with.

2015: Two-Horse Race, Two Parties

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: vanguardngr.com

After many have described the 2011 general elections as the best in
Nigeria's history, the countdown to 2015 poll continues as the stage
gets set for the make or mar presidential election.

 On radio, television, newspapers, magazines, internet... Its all about 2015.

This time around, it is a two way process involving two parties - INEC
and Nigerians, two major contenders - Buhari and Jonathan.

In any democratic setting, it is believed that the electorate wields
the highest power. In other words, power resides in the electorate.
The electorate are to determine who gets to power and the collective
future of a nation. Nigeria is not an exception. And the time is
now when we are expected to determine who wields Nigeria's
political power for the next four years. To achieve this, Nigerians
must vote right. Not votes inluenced by ethnicity, religion,
propaganda, bribery, political sentiments, stereotype and impunity of
any sort, but a vote from the heart which is motivated by
efficiency, charisma and goodwill of their preferred candidates.

On the other hand, the Inedependent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has a daunting task to execute if truly Nigeria would conduct a
credible election. The efficiency of INEC would again be put to test.

To do this the security agencies have to be on their foot. How would
the electorate vote willingly when there is anxiety and tension in the
air? Impossible!

From the foregoing, INEC and Nigerian security agencies must work hand
in hand to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming poll.

Furthermore, politicians must do away with the existing do-or-die
syndrome of our politicians. True legitimacy in democracy is never
obtained by force. To this end, there must be a violence free
atmosphere if we are to to conduct a free and fair election.

Speaking on this, the Chief  Press Secetary to the INEC Chairman, Mr.
Kayode Idowu said: "...politicians should ensure that 2015 elections are devoid of
violence. If they do, we are coasting home with the desired results.”

Nigeria has practised almost fifteen years of interrupted democracy
since the military-democracy transition in 1999 which brought Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo to power. Since then it has been democracy all the
way, and Nigerians hope to extend that come 2015.

The forthcoming election appears to be a two-horse race with General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and  President Goodluck
Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Road to Olympiastadion

...As Europe's elite clubs eye victory.

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: sportskeeda.com

As the Champions League gets to the round of 16, hopes and aspirations
of clubs are going though the roof to win the prestigious  European
elite league- The UEFA Champions League Cup.

At this stage of the competiton, war, rivalry, celebration, victory,
depression, defeats... are its hallmark. Real Madrid emerged winners
of the competiton last season after a  pulsating encounter with their
city rivals, Atletico Madrid, and look favourites this season after
ending this year with another World Club Cup.

As usual one would have tipped teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid,
Bayern Munich, among others to emerge possible winners. However, in
football, you can't take anything away from any team, anytime, anyday.

Lets  take a look at the Round of 16 draw and the toughest so far.

PSG vs Chelsea

Basel vs Porto

Schalke vs Real Madrid

Manchester City vs Bercelona

Juventus vs Dortmund

Bayern Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid

Arsenal vs Monaco

From the pairing above, Manhester City-Barcelona and
Juventus-Dortmund  appears the toughest. Who shall be crowned
winners this season? The battle continues...
The round of 16 kicks off from 17-25 February, 2011.