TIGblogs - Standtall's TIGBlog http://Standtall.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us New Dreams! Breeze,Thoughts and Confidence http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/7126125
Air in my lung
Breeze on my face
Smiles on my cheeks
Thoughts in my head
Confidence in my voice
Great purpose in my walk
I stroll on the boulevard of new dreams
I don't have to walk, smile or think alone
]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:02:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/7126125 The Bright Sky http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/5007957
Cloud dissipation,
the herculean task of the mind
Dark clouds away,
the bright sky is taking charge
]]> Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:09:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/5007957 Ty Bello - The Future (We are Nigeria) http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4554193 ]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:04:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4554193 African Leadership Centre Fellows present Documenting Women's Experience in Peace and Security at the CSW New York on 2nd March, 2011 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4414417
]]> Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:02:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4414417 Men are stronger than women? by Rachael Uwah http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/3382039

Men are stronger than women? Oh Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Can you bleed for a week and survive?

Can you squeeze a 14 inch baby from a 9 cm hole?

Can you carry a 7 pound baby in your stomach for 9months amp; @ the same time carry other heavy things like 20litres of water on ur head etc?

Can you take care of a child, cook,clean, and talk on the phone @ once?

Can you carry a 108 pound shopping bag?

Can you go a week only eating salad?

Can you face heartbreak?

Can you watch the love of your life be with someone else?

Can you accept lies then smile like you have heard the best truth in your lifetime?

Can you hurt your fingers while cooking and all you get is horrible comments like Its salty, Tasteless...?

Can you burn your forehead with a straightener amp; not complain cus u just want 2 look beautiful for someone?

Can you walk all day on 6 inch stilettos?

Can you cry all night then get up the next morning like everything is OK?

OF COURSE NOT!

WOMEN ROCK!!!


Note: this is not my work but Rachael Uwah's who has agreed that I share this.
]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:11:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/3382039 SAY NO TO CRIME http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/2603361
]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:09:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/2603361 Stop! You don't have to say yes! http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/2301579 Caught in the web of family expectation, this young woman of twenty is about to throw her education away and get married to a man she barely knows. This man in question was introduced to her by her elder and married sister, who then told the mother about the man’s intention to marry the younger sister, a twenty year old geology student at a Malian University.


My concern in this very matter is how things like this happen to young women all over the world, where their guardians or even parents from their societal understanding tried vehemently to explain to the girls how they will not find any other man as good as the one they are pushing forth, if they girl should say NO. They are quick to remind these young confused minds on how Ms. P was unable to get a man after she has used all her life to acquire education and they quickly want these girls to stop in their track, if they do not want to be met with the same fate. On and on the brainwashing goes, till the victim eventually throws away her education, her aspiration to cliff with a man she barely knows!

At least, it is a duty one owes oneself to have a deep awareness of the life ahead. To be able to make the choice convincingly whether good or bad that this is the way I want to go, this is what I want to do and my life will not cease to be meaningful if I toll the path of my dream. But if your life has taken the wrong turn before you are even aware of the disservice you are doing yourself, then by the time of awakening, you are far gone in the game! I am sad that I do not speak the language of this young lady of twenty that I met through one of my housemates in Mali who asked me not to mention to her that he told me the story. Even if I had wanted to betray the trust, my French and Bamba’a are both not good enough to hold a conversation with her. And the very person that can be our intermediary has since sworn me into secrecy!

The few worlds I need to say if I have the chance is for her to be sure of her choice. For her to take a deep breath, close her eyes and imagine what she can achieve as a person and not as a married woman. To imagine what difference her life would make if she chooses to finish her education and pursue her dream (if any). To seriously think if there will never be any man as good as the one she barely even know but judging from the point of view of her sister and mother… all these and more I would like to share with this young woman of twenty who wants to get married to a man she does not even know all because she was told that he is working and she might not get the same gold mine if this one passes her by.

]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 05:09:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/2301579 Duped in Kenya? http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4338529 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 I was going to blog about the overwhelming findings about Eritrea after reading Michela Wrong " I didn't do it for you" book on her findings about this peculiar history of Eritrea that many people don't know about if at all they have ever heard of this very country that have being through a lot! I will have to deal with this another time after getting this other pressing issue off my chest.





I am currently in Kenya for the launch of African Leadership Centre, a centre that will henceforth handle peace and security fellowship for African women and men. I arrived safely but not before I took a bottle of white wine which I kinda drained to get rid of my flight turbulence anxiety. I kinda got drunk and I wrote to God in the plane. I said to God " God, now that I am drunk (forgive me), it is now easier to cope with this turbulence. Yeah, I wrote that.





We got to Nairobi and I had to get a visa at the point of entry. I found out after the deed had be done and I have being burned - I will soon get to the story- that Nigerians no longer need a visa to enter Kenya. Is this true anyone? I have not come across this information anywhere. Back to how I got burnt or duped, I queued to get the visa, got to the visa lady only to learn she would not accept my ATM card, I had to withdraw Kenya Shilling using the ATM machine and paid her. This was fine. I left promptly to do so after asking her how much this would cost in Kenya Shilling as people normally pay in dollars or pounds. This would normally be $25 or £20.





I am always in touch with currency exchange rate and all but this time, I asked how much I needed to pay and went to get the money without giving a thought to the currency exchange rate. How was I to know that I am dealing with a dishonest person, sitting and with a warm and friendly smile on her face? She told me the equivalent of $25 dollars would be 3,000 Kenya Shiiling. I got the money, paid and left. I was already out of the Airport before I found out I have paid Kenya Shilling worth of $40 dollars for a $25 dollars visa! WTF? Do I really have to be suspicious of people all the time? Is this really a good image to give your country? I thought people generally believe this can only happen in Nigeria. Gaddemmit!





I am still very pained by this and could not find a justification for this dishonesty and frudulent act. Gaining $15 off me? Tell me how this experience will not have a cautionary and " do not trust no one ever" effect on me? I am sitting here thinking of what to do. Should I go and report this to the authority at the airport and make the lady face the music and prevent future occurence of this act? Should I just forget this, write it off as a bad experience that I have learnt greatly from? Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirate of Carieabean said " a dishonest person will always be dishonest...", I am finding this to be so true. If this individual has any dignity, this would not have happened. I am not going to blame myself for trusting this individual but this has produced a kind of " put Nigeria on the security watch list, whether this is the first time the country produced a suicide bomber or not or whether or not the father reported to secret agents or even worst whether or not the boy was trained in the UK" effect on how I deal and relate with people of any country, colour and nationality!





I am still thinking of how to handle this fraudulent person and her dishonest act. Suggestions anyone? Yeah, to move to another important event. I was in Nigeria briefly 2 weeks ago and I had to get to Lome by road to leave back for Mali. At the Nigerian border ( anyone can see the difference in the atmosphere on how the Naija border officers conduct their affairs. Man, these guys can be annoying and incompetent!), an NDLEA officer stopped our car to search us in case we carry hard drugs. When it was my turn, this guy asked me if I was a Nigerian, I answered. Where (the state) in Nigeria I came from, I answered. Which town I came from. I asked how relevant that was to his search. He said it was within his jurisdiction. I answered. Then he asked if I speak my dialect? WTF somebody? Seriously? What kind of jurisdiction is this? What this guy just being stupid or what? That is the story of this African queen at the moment...





]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/4338529 Photo speak - Women E-Campaigners http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1978299 Technology is for us all, we all own it, we all need to use it optimally. Very interesting training!

It will be done, we need to strategize, own the knowledge and use the knowledge.

We are all saying, we will keep campaigning, keep working together until all forms of discrimination and heal treatment of women stop all over the world.
]]> Sat, 12 Jun 2010 10:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1978299 I am going for the Kill... http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1864395 I have being trying to clear the logjam in my head and on my desk for a while now and since that seem impossible, I am having a detour plan. To listen to these music I am liking at the moment and I am going to put a few of them up here for your weekend pleasure with the hope that we gonna have same taste in music.

That said, I will go and watch Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief at the cinema this evening and perhaps The Werewolf will follow tomorrow or Precious. I will visit Funland for bowling, car riding, horse riding etc. Did I say I have seen Avatar and that I loved it, yeah just said that!!! So, do have a lovely weekend and enjoy these music. I will be off to Brussels for a week starting from Monday with other fellows to visit the European Union and learn from their system...










HAPPY WEEKEND YA ALL!!!
]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:02:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1864395 I am going in for the Kill... http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1865947 I have being trying to clear the logjam in my head and on my desk for a while now and since that seem impossible, I am having a detour plan. To listen to these songs I am liking at the moment and I am going to put a few of them up here for your weekend pleasure with the hope that we gonna have same taste in music.

That said, I will go and watch Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief at the cinema this evening and perhaps The Wolfman will follow tomorrow or Precious. I will visit Funland for bowling, car riding, horse riding etc. Did I say I have seen Avatar and that I loved it? Yeah just said that!!! So, do have a lovely weekend and enjoy these music. I will be off to Brussels for a week starting from Monday with other fellows to visit the European Union and learn from their system...










HAPPY WEEKEND YA ALL!!!
]]> Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:02:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1865947 Finding my footing- My first post in London http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1349589
To say that I am overwhelmed will be an understatement. What with missing 2 weeks of lecture and orientation due to visa issue. Now, I am here in London rushing through everything and trying my best to acclimatise.


The weather isn't friendly to me as I am perptually cold. I was warned to expect the worst in January! Well, God, help me. I must survive. The cold aint the only thing I am worried about, I am worried about having much to do and thinking I have not even started!


I worried about always missing my ways to classes since I have lectures at King's College and London School of Economic [LSE]. I am always going the wrong direction when alone and not with the other fellows [ well, it will be fun to mention that some of the fellows too make same mistake]. I get lost contantly, I take the wrong buses a lot since I usually take the one going to the wrong direction as well. My fault, if only I can take time to study the bus map and direction and as questions!


I never have issues with the train though, I got good orientation with the trains both overground and underground with a friend. I am grateful for this. Yeah back to missing my ways to classes, it's funny how I will go round and round King's College basment in search of a class that is right in front of me! Well, it's actually not funny.


I am not sure that I miss Nigeria but I do miss my partner, my cats and my friends. They have got all sorts of stores that sell Nigeria food here so, I am not going to miss Nigerian food. I can't wait to grab some indomie noodles soon...


I am running off to outline my reading activities for this weekend and to see also the topic I am going to pick on my first essay of 5,000 words that is due for Submission on December 15th. One interesting mentoring session I had with the other fellows has to do with understanding security and what it means to us as individual and as citizens of our various countries. This was an interesting exercise as it gave me a new perspective about "security". I must now put it to you all. What does "security" mean to you?
]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:11:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1349589 Finding my footing- My first post in London http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1352265
To say that I am overwhelmed will be an understatement. What with missing 2 weeks of lecture and orientation due to visa issue. Now, I am here in London rushing through everything and trying my best to acclimatise.


The weather isn't friendly to me as I am perptually cold. I was warned to expect the worst in January! Well, God, help me. I must survive. The cold aint the only thing I am worried about, I am worried about having much to do and thinking I have not even started!


I worried about always missing my ways to classes since I have lectures at King's College and London School of Economic [LSE]. I am always going the wrong direction when alone and not with the other fellows [ well, it will be fun to mention that some of the fellows too make same mistake]. I get lost contantly, I take the wrong buses a lot since I usually take the one going to the wrong direction as well. My fault, if only I can take time to study the bus map and direction and as questions!


I never have issues with the train though, I got good orientation with the trains both overground and underground with a friend. I am grateful for this. Yeah back to missing my ways to classes, it's funny how I will go round and round King's College basment in search of a class that is right in front of me! Well, it's actually not funny.


I am not sure that I miss Nigeria but I do miss my partner, my cats and my friends. They have got all sorts of stores that sell Nigeria food here so, I am not going to miss Nigerian food. I can't wait to grab some indomie noodles soon...


I am running off to outline my reading activities for this weekend and to see also the topic I am going to pick on my first essay of 5,000 words that is due for Submission on December 15th. One interesting mentoring session I had with the other fellows has to do with understanding security and what it means to us as individual and as citizens of our various countries. This was an interesting exercise as it gave me a new perspective about "security". I must now put it to you all. What does "security" mean to you?
]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:11:00 -0500 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/1352265 The Start of a New Era http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/892445
It's imperative that I inform you all that I may not update my blog for a while. This might be less than 2 weeks though just bear with me. This is due to the fact that I begin my fellowship on Peace and Security for Africa women at King's College, London. I will be travelling and settling down in London in the next few days.

I will be in this fellowship with 7 other wonderful women from Sierra-Lone, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. I will be in this fellowship for one year and trust me on updates... you shall all know how I am progressing with my study.

Wish me luck dears.....
]]> Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:10:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/892445 SLK-DARLING http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/888661 I am so impressed by this song. It's so unique and powerful! I am hoping that SLK- the singer will come up with more beautiful songs in the future. This is very impressive!

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:10:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/888661 Interview Thursday: Standtall in Print! http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/830913 Bookaholic had captured Standtall read handed! How? Where? When? She got her interviewed! This is not an online interview this time but a print interview in TRUE LOVE West Africa magazine where for the first time Standtall real name was mention as well as her picture shown!


nbsp;Am not advertising for True Love but if you want to have a feel of the interview, grab the copy of True Love magazine and flip quickly to page 75!
]]> Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:09:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/830913 W.TEC 2009 Girls Technology Camp kicked of. http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/752851

















Here I am with our new 15 amazing girls at the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre 2009 Girls Technology Camp. They are here to learn, we are here to learn together we grow stronger in knowledge and committment to the change we want to see in our lives.

Now you know why I haven't done by blog rounds. I apologise and I will get to all my fav blogs ASAP.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:08:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/752851 W.TEC 2009 Girls Technology Camp kicked off. http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/753891

















Here I am with our new 15 amazing girls at the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre 2009 Girls Technology Camp. They are here to learn, we are here to learn together we grow stronger in knowledge and committment to the change we want to see in our lives.

Now you know why I haven't done by blog rounds. I apologise and I will get to all my fav blogs ASAP.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:08:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/753891 Cats on Tuesday- " I need a friend" http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/719475

"I am alone, with no home with a man that will sooner get ready of me. Yes, I am crying out for adoption. Please rescue me. I need a home, I need a friend and I will be a good friend to you" from a lonely kitten





I would have loved to rescue this cat from where he is not being treated right but to drink milk once in a while from the man who believe he's doing the poor kitten a favour. I don't think he's a cat lover and unfortunately I have got my hands full. I plead for this cat to be rescued. If you are a cat lover and will not mind to have one to be your friend and make you happy, kindly let me know. Let's give a good home to this gorgeous!


]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/719475 The Future of Nigeria Child… http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/720367

The was my view on the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Ms. Adebisi Sosan's post to the Punch Newspaper. It was an addendum and I hope Punch got it.


The deputy governor of Lagos State government Ms. Adebisi Sosan made me proud. And and she convinced me that she is a working leader when I read her column on Viewpoint of Punch, Monday June 8, 2008 on page 96.

She spoke like a true leader she is and she was able to nail the problem that we have in raising focused, patriotic and diligent children that will take over the mantle of power in the future. God knows we need to resuscitate the voluntary organisations like girls guide, red cross and boys scout. We need to start all over again in the area of instilling the right positive values in the heart of the Nigerians children.

We need as a matter of urgency to let the parents know that it’s not acceptable for them to neglect their children while making ends meets. It’s all inclusive; the struggle for wealth as well as raising the kids in the right path. The only solution or only remedy that is tolerated will be “not to have them if you can be there for them”. This goes for father’s and mothers.

I wonder though if these will be enough in the long wrong if we don’t stop to tackle the real issue first. The real problem, that led to the lost of our values, the lost of our selfless service and the lost of our patriotism, the lost of believing in Nigeria as a nation.

It’s occurred to me over a period of a decade that we have declined in so many things as a nation. We all need reorientation at one point or the other because it’s so sad that the role models to look up to and emulate are fast going into extinction. Majority of our people clearly have corrupt mindsets born of years of corrupt leadership. It is still a system that people believe in enriching themselves and forgetting the purpose of true – transformational leadership.

The followers in so many instances are not fairing better in the sense that we all have our own corrupt practices that will make it difficult for a Nigerian child to grow up with deep positive values if we continue the way we are doing. It will be difficult for a Nigeria child in the long run to appreciate the fact that the parents are there for her while she was growing up if they fail to set good example for her.

I believe that the context of positive values include selfless service, respect for law and order, respect for human rights, accountability, diligent in labour and commitment to improving our country. There are lot of parents, teachers, guardians that have since thrown their values into the wind a long time ago. They are the ones that will lie while telling the children that it’s not good to do so, they will be the first to litter the street, and they will lead in smoking like chimney and drinking like fish in front of these children. So, what value are they growing up with? Do we forget how fast it is for children to emulate?

Changing of mindsets is a very important task in Nigeria. I remember talking to some people about the fact that Governor Fashola’s administration has succeeded in changing my mind about the fact that there is no hope for Nigeria and I was shocked to be informed that they will embezzle money nonetheless. I was enraged by this as I don’t understand why we have to delude our minds so much. That it’s so hard to appreciate good work without remembering that they are doing it to embezzle money. There had being leaders that achieved nothing and siphoned all our money. Here is a working governor that we need to support and wait till the end of his tenure to see if he will be chased by the EFCC or not.


What I am saying in essence is, we need to be focused, we need to start having the right mentality, we need to start changing our mindset and help raise the Nigerian children in a way that they will uphold positive values and have the right mentality about building Nigeria and not destroying it.

Reviving the “Schools” voluntary organizations by the state government will go a long way to help in shaping the future of the Nigeria children when the right people are given the power to coordinate those organizations. Lagos state government has the task to see to that.

]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/720367 Interview Thursday-"What struck me first about Chari was his charm" - Buttercup. "Sincerely, I really can't imagine being with anyone else" - Chari http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/714949 They are the duo admired by all, run and maintains a blog as a friend and as a lover. They are the inseparable love of blogsville/blogsphere. They are the inspiration of true love and friendship. I present with joy in my heart our dearest Buttercup and Chari!


I like about Buttercup her ability to be friendly and kind to everyone even as we all meet online, how do you do this?
BUTTERCUP: LOL. There's no 'way' I do this. It really just comes naturally. I treat people how I want to be treated and in most cases, the treatment gets reciprocated. :)


Does this say anything about Buttercup Personality?
BUTTERCUP: Yes, it does. Buttercup on blogville is Buttercup in reality..much more quiet and shy though..lol..


How does this personality add to your relationship with Chari?
BUTTERCUP: I think it makes it quite easy for him to relate to and talk to me about anything. I can't speak for him but I want to believe I'm very approachable and quite the listener too..lol..


Can you give insight into who Chari is?
BUTTERCUP: Hmm..where do I start? What struck me first about Chari was his charm. One can't help but respond and be drawn to him. He's very witty, intelligent, focused and driven. He just makes me want to do more. Chari has a way of making a person feel very much at ease; you won't realize when you start pouring out to him everything you thought was dead and buried. He's the sweetest guy I know, gosh..you really don't want me getting mushy here..lol. He makes me feel like the most beautiful and intelligent woman. He's very protective of those he holds dear. In summary, he's a very wonderful young man who has the brightest future I can see. :D


Chari, can you say a few things you admire about Buttercup?
CHARI: *sigh...I admire her ability to be trusting and understanding. Its something I admire and sometimes it scares as well as challenges me to have more faith in people despite my experiences [hello anyone? I grew in Lagos; Center for Mago-mago]


Your relationship is long distance, how are you both coping?
CHARI: Dang...like Brandy said..this long distance is killing...but hey each day is a struggle...Its hard most of the time, especially when you're an agony uncle to your friends who have petty fights with their bfs when all you wana do is just to have the pleasure of holding the one you and crave for. There are nights when I sleep fitfully cuz I feel I would sleep better with her warm body next to me. I get called a fool often, cuz unilag people can hardly phantom that you would want to stay committed to someone who's miles away. But, through it all we remain strong TOGETHER. We help each other up and encourage ourselves with a promise of a future together.


Can we expect this to lead to Marriage?
CHARI: Sincerely, I really can't imagine being with anyone else...so yeah God willing yeah...Free Aso Ebi for you, for asking...


Well, I am loving this relationship but I will like to ask an odd question, will it be easy for both of you to be back as friends if this doesn't work? Buttercup? Chari?
BUTTERCUP: I've thought about this often. I know it would be utterly difficult in the early stages. I might have to totally refrain from talking to and seeing him for months but I think it could be possible to go back to being just best friends..I'd just have to make sure he never tells me about any girl he's developing an interest in..lol!

CHARI: Would it? hmmn...I don't see any reason why not seeing as she was first my best friend before she became my lover. I can't deny that it would not hurt having her with someone else [the though itself gaan hurts] as far as we have come but I'd suck it in like a man.


Chari, you organised SBR 2008, what inspired you and are we looking forward to another one in 2009?
CHARI: LOL...Mehn...all props to Princesa ..cuz the truth is: I am more of a conceptualizing person and less of a planner so yeah...she did most if not all masef the planning...2009? who knows? maybe!


What can Buttercup say about the blogsville/blogpshere and it's people?
BUTTERCUP: Hmm don't get me started on this incredibly awesome place called blogville! I've come across the funniest, sweetest and most intelligent people here. I've read numerous posts that have made me smile, laugh and cry. I've learned so much from a lot of bloggers. I've even gotten spiritual help here too. I've read a lot of posts I can personally relate to and it feels very good knowing that I'm not alone in some particular situations. It feels like one huge family here..I can safely call it home. :)


]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/714949 Interview Thursday: Celebrating a martyr of democracy- Alhaja Kudirat Abiola http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/688099 She believed in justice. She knew something has to be done for the winner of June 12, 1993 election to be announced. She joined the likes of Anthony Ehahoro, Wole Soyinka to say no to the annulment of June 12 election where it was clear that her late husband, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) was the winner. The military led goverment of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) annuled June 12,1993 election.



In 1994, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the unannounced president - elect of Nigeria rose to defend and fight for democracy when her late husband was incarcerated and kept in solitary confinement for claiming his presidential mandate. She stepped forward in bravery, she was convinced that the military actions amounted to a violation of fundamental human rights of Nigerians to elect their government.


She joined the pro-democracy groups that marched for freedom in Lagos in December 1995 amongst other brave steps she took to rally for support for the release of her husband as well as the announcement of June 12 presidential election winner.


She never lived to see the daylight of democracy. She never lived to see victory as she was brutality murdered on June 4th, 1996 a few days to the anniversary of June 12, a commemorative date when Nigerians resolved to vote out the military dictatorship. Her life was brutality ended by assassin's bullets. The assassins of the then goverment, the assassins that paid to destroy the dream of democracy.


But Alhaja Kudirat Abiola lived on. He daughter Hafsat Abiola-Costello started an organisation in the name of her late mother called Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) in January 1998. KIND was launched in USA in 1998 where it joined other organisations in the Nigerian pro-democracy movement to end military rule in Nigeria.


KIND (www.kind.org) was established in Nigeria in 1999 following the restoration of democracy. And since inseption KIND has provided opportunities for the Nigerian girls and women to be full participants in the continent's social, economic and political development. Amongst KIND programs are Make Women Safe Campaign: V-Monologue play for violence against women awareness and eradication, KUDRA Leadership Programme and Junior Kudra.


13 years gone by, but she has become a legend, a heroine, she has inspired a lot of Nigerians, she has helped a lot of women and girls live their dreams via KIND. Rest in peace Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. You live on...


During the interview that Hafsat Abiola Funke Olaode published in ThisDay feb 19 2006 has published by Naijablog, she had these to say about KIND, V-Monologue and others:

What is the link between KIND and V-Monologues?
KIND is an organisation which works to promote women and democracy in Africa. Our focus is really on young women because we found that young women and women generally in the Nigerian society go underground when they face any kind of violence. And when they face any kind of violence they become frightened. Because we want to empower women, we have to address some of the obstacles facing in the society. The major obstacle is violence and KIND has set out to address it. You know many NGOs hold rallies, lectures and so on which KIND does regularly. But we continue to look for instruments/vehicles that we can still use to pass the massage across more effectively. That is why we are bringing V-Monologues here. It is part of our culture in Nigeria to gather and listen to stories (tales by moonlight) in our villages. It is also part of our culture to gather and watch plays. It is interesting and beautiful when Africans are watching play. As the play is being performed, you can gauge their response with everyone singing, talking shouting at the same time. I realise that people get involved in plays and I felt that instead of organising a lecture where as many as half of the audience would fall asleep, it would be better to do something that is dynamic, engaging, interesting, and exciting. That is why we are bringing the play V-Monologues.


KIND was established after you mum’s death 10 years ago. Are the aims and objectives of setting up the organisation being achieved?
Well, 10 years is a good time to reflect and say how much KIND has done. I feel happy to say that KIND has achieved a lot in the last 10 years. We did a lot to immortalise my mother, Kudriat Abiola’s name; From the street-naming that we did in New York to efforts within Nigeria to promote young women’s leadership. This year, our leadership programme for young women is expanding because of the support from the European Union and COIDAID. CODIDAID is a Dutch foundation. The two of them are funding us to reach about 1,300 women over the next two years. We are really excited because it brings KIND programmes to a new level. And with this expansion, KIND as an NGO would be the largest trainer of young women in the country. It is wonderful and if my mum were alive, she would be happy to see us training young people in entrepreneurship, financial management, leadership skills, genital and women’s right.



LONG LIVE KIND, REST IN PEACE OUR HEROINE.
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:06:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/688099 Interview Thursday: ...no one is going to give you all the things you want, you’re just going to have to reach out and grab it- Woomie O http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/681815 My guest for this week, is young, is an achiever, is a leader, is a writer and is a cheeky pretty lady. Woomie O a blogger and facebook{er} agreed to tell us more about her career and life. Welcome on board my lady.
A pciture of Woomie and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
********************************************************************************

Who is Woomie?
This is the all encompassing question that I’ve always feared. I’m still struggling to find out who I am, I only know that I am Cecilia’s granddaughter…I am clueless about the rest


For someone so young so passionate and so intelligent, how has life being for you in General?
Maybe no different than it has been for the average Nigerian child. Passion and intelligence have helped, but only a bit, what I think is the most important thing I’ve learned about life is that no one is going to give you all the things you want, you’re just going to have to reach out and grab it.


You often partake in Writer Anonymous, are you planning to be a writer?
Writers Anonymous is a wonderful platform for people seeking to express their thoughts and feelings. I won’t say I am ‘planning’ because I haven’t taken the necessary steps, but someday, before I die, I will put something in a book that everyone can read and enjoy. Amen.


Can you tell us about your work and how you are making impact?
Well, I work in consulting (the king of all slave-drivers. lol.) and so far, I’ve been having a ball. What we basically do is put ourselves in your shoes, feel where it pinches and help you fix your shoes, your feet or maybe help you buy new shoes.


Where will you want to be in the next 5 years?
The first and most important thing I want is to be alive. Not necessarily in Eldorado, but hopefully, I wish to at least be living my dreams. To have a main squeeze…maybe two out of my 6 girls…and a red Range Rover 2014 edition. Basically, to be in a place where there are really few unanswered questions, nothing good is lacking and all is bliss.


SBR Faces
What would you want to have achieved in the next 5 years?
To be done with school and reading and exams!!!! Most important achievement! Then I hope that in 5 years, I would have built my career to a certain desired level. And maybe just maybe, I will have written that book we talked about.


Can you list 5 people/bloggers that have impacted in you and how they have?
First, I will have to say Laspapi, he made me start blogging, funny how he just led me here and left me to sort myself out.

Second, Chronicles of a Soldier, she’s stopped blogging but she was really good…she had/has what a real blog is. She also encouraged me to open a blog, was tired of anonymous comments.

Third will be PoeticallyTinted, she helps, she encourages, she listens…at one time – when it mattered most – she gave a voice to the screams within me.

Fourth…Laide XSN, she inspires me to be crazy, to basically express myself to the fullest. I love her.

Fifth person that comes to mind will have to be Vera, she cracks me up for good.

Having said that, I admire everyone, every mind, every heart in blogville, the things they say almost always make sense because this is the one place we can be 100% honest with ourselves.


Do you see the Nigerian youth making huge difference in our country?
Of course sis, we’re the only hope this country has got left. I can already see the visions of the youth manifesting – positively. All the changes there are to be made can ONLY be done by the youth, we feel the pain! We know the cure! Time will tell.



Do you have any particular youth that has made a difference that you will like to talk about?
Well, that would have to be my friend Lawunmi. So simple and so complex, maybe she hasn’t made a difference in Nigeria, but she has made a difference in my life, in her life and maybe our families, that to me is the most important. She is the epitome of reach-out-and-grab-it, never-give-up syndrome, she hasn’t taken NO for answer, not from life, not from God and least of all, not from people. I admire her excellent drive a great deal.


Any last word
Thank you Standtall for this interview, it’s a wonderful idea. I say it helps us know some of our favorite bloggers better…maybe someday we can turn the tables and have interviews with more intimate questions. lol. Here’s to a kiss for you *muah*

You are welcome my lady.

]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 04:05:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/681815 Cats On Tuesdays: I bruise easily http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/679273

CATS ON TUESDAY is a group of cat lovers
who share pictures and/or stories about their cats once a week,
hosted by Gattina.




On like Molly that went to the roof and never came back, my 3 other cats namely Scofield, Garfield and Smallville would go out, have fun and come back with Garfield and Smallville visiting the roof at the back of our compound and coming back. Scofield is big and I think too lazy to go on the roof until recently when he was begging Smallville to please come down and come back home.


Just like Molly, Smaville her son bruises easily but not with me. Standtall hubby was a disciplinarian of Molly and I thought that was why she left the first time. We got her back but in love and care under my own very nose, she left home again...



Now Smallville breaking all rules, he would defecate in wrong places, he would always scratch the litter box and wake us up; hubby would ask him to stop and spanked him at times, so he has being taking these personally just like Molly his mother. He defecated on our window last week and hubby and I got angry and spanked him, with me spanking him the most but guess what? He took it out on Standtall hubby and would snare at him any chance he got. He then escaped to the roof and never wanted to come down hence Scofield rescue mission which has yielded good result twice because Smallville is home with us.



But I worry that one day soon, he will go and never come back like Molly. I hope he will not do that because it's tough out there and I don't want him to go and put himself in danger. Scofield good job! Smallville stay put. Garfield thanks for not taking anything personally like your sister did. Keep being a mother to the spoilt Smallville who bruises so easily.


PS: Read War against the people - truths and untruths a Niger Delta story on Sokari's blog

]]> Tue, 26 May 2009 05:05:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/679273 Another Face of Brutality http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/670581
As if I did not have enough to worry or get upset about already.
work has being more difficult since the beginning of this Month. I get to work late everyday, get home late at night everyday because of the incessant and unfathomabble traffic and fuel scarcity.

My family (majorly half -older-brothers) that suddenly sprang up after years of neglect to take over part of my property without my consent or knowledge and had the gut to tell me that "the family had decided" ( well, I will see them in court) and some friends that are worried I should leave them be so they won't do juju ( supernatural stuff) to me. I just wonder what our value system is all about. If we have to be afraid to challenge injustice because we fear they will have us killed spiritually or otherwise.


Whatever, I will see them in court if they don't back down. Fuel scarcity, power failure, my inablility to go to Shoprite to get cats food for my feline kids... etc


Then, I was on my way to work on this very day and there in the Molue "masses bus" that I entered since I did not want to sleep at the bus stop was this guy that had a disagreement over the fare with the conductor. They dragged themselves down and started fighting. There was a police officer in the vehicle and he got down, I thought to settle the fight but no, he took side with the conductor and started dishing out hot slaps on the passenger. He beat him till he ran!


What? Why would he do this? He has no right to but he did. He was satisfied with himself. He was carried in the vehicle for free as is the case with uniform people in Lagos. They ride for free and do all sort of favours for the motorists at the moment. They throw the dignity of labour and service to the people away so many times for freebies. They perpetrate injustice on inoccent citizens no one stopping them.


Not that I have a solution to this because I don't. It became my fight when I told the officer that it was enough. The driver took it up with me and called me a crazy woman for carrying dreadlocks and an idiot for not minding my business. Well, I am not so mad on that remarks because the drivers and the conductors too can be victims of brutality the next day.


I don't know how we are going to do it but we have got to restore justice, selfless service and respect for human lives into our value sytems.
]]> Sun, 17 May 2009 06:05:00 -0400 http://Standtall.tigblog.org/post/670581