http://brosko.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/606025
Originally posted here: http://www.vanguardngr.com/content/view/30163/51/.

A batch A 2008 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mr. Oluwakorede Asuni has successfully launched the first public high school web portal in Niger State - www.GovernmentSecondarySchoolMX.org.

The system, which was created for the Government Secondary School Minna Niger State, where Mr. Asuni is completing his primary community service assignment, will serve a number of purposes for not only the staff and students of the school, but also the general public and a broader worldwide audience.

These purposes include:

• An online billboard – making the school accessible to a worldwide audience;

• A means of internal communications (for staff and students) – allowing teachers to leave home work for their students, for example;

• A central source of information for internal and external use _ divided into two major sections: public or general area and member area which requires registration;

• And a custom email system.

At the launch event on Thursday 19th February 2009, the school management, led by the Rev. Fr. J. D. O’Connell (MFR) was positive about the project, which he described as something long in the making.

He thanked Mr. Asuni for taking time out to design, implement and train teachers and students to manage the system, which will be in place well after he has completed his one year community service as a part of the NYSC.

Jummai Umar_Ajijola, Citizenship Manager for Microsoft Nigeria who was represented at the event by Nana Mintah Adjooh, citizenship co_ordinator, said that the strides that Mr. Asuni has taken regarding the empowerment of the state’s youth to participate in the emerging knowledge economy serves as an example of the positive change that locally_relevant and meaningful technology can bring about.

“There is a clear need for multi_stakeholder partnerships to ensure the entrenchment and continued utilisation of technology in Nigeria’s Education system,” Hajia Umar_Ajijola said.

“Microsoft Nigeria has many partnerships with Government and other stakeholders involved with education – all of which aim to empower teachers and students in Nigeria to take advantage of the vast resource base that comprises Microsoft for Education.”

The school’s old boys association’s delegation _ some of whom had travelled down from their bases outside the country have pledged to take over all financial responsibilities for the school’s web portal _ to cater for any upgrades that may have to be undertaken after the first two years that have been funded by Mr. Asuni.

Mr. Abubakar Salisu, director of the Department of ICT in the ministry of Science and Technology for Niger State, speaking on behalf of the ministry’s commissioner, has lauded the project, which he described as a positive pre_emption of the state government’s plan to create a central school web_portal for all schools in Niger State.

“The ministry pledges continued support from the government for such initiatives, which aim to improve the way that teachers and students interact with each other and the inter_connected world outside of the school’s boundaries.

“Mr. Asuni is very driven, energetic and a positive optimist who other young people should emulate for the general betterment of Nigeria as one of Africa’s most technologically_progressive countries,” he said.

The portal, which is built on Microsoft technology, can be supported from virtually anywhere in the world, which makes Mr. Asuni’s commitment to the school even greater.

As part of his commitment, Mr. Asuni, who is also an Anti_Cyber Crime ambassador for Microsoft, will also spend a few days annually in the school helping out with other engagements that can help the school develop its students’ technology capabilities and prepare them adequately for the challenges they may face in a world of evolving technology.

”I am beginning work to create similar systems for other educational institutions in Nigeria, utilising a social enterprise business model, which entails cost_effectively delivering important services not necessarily for financial returns,” Mr Asuni said.

”These efforts are in line with my commitments to engaging young people positively in the use of technology and creating alternative channels away from the menace of cyber_crime, which plagues our country’s youth and tarnishes the country’s image everywhere,” he added.

“It is critically important that in today’s modern society, we promote access to technology for Nigeria’s youth. It is very necessary to help them prepare for a place of relevance in the emerging knowledge economy, and the earlier we do this in their education, the more experience they will gain when the time comes to enter the working world,” Mr. Asuni concluded.]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:10:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/606025 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/587497
Please read on:

Understanding Representation: Legislative, people, power and participation

———————————–

The 4th Global Youth Conference 2009 tagged “Understanding

Representation: Legislative, people, power and participation” is scheduled to hold between the 2nd and the 3rd of March 2009 at the British Council Abuja.

The 4th Edition is proudly being organized in conjunction with Young People We Care, Ghana. Young People We Care (YPWC) is a youth led and youth focused organization that is headquartered in Ghana and has satellite offies in the UK, USA and Canada. The organization is operated by young people (ages 15–30) and adult allies working on youth and development related issues worldwide. Further details on YPWC can be found on www.ypwc.org

Youth for Transparency International (YTI), the 2008 CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel innovation awards winner, is the major organizer of the event after three successful hosting of the previous editions.

YTI is an international non-governmental, non – profit organization established in January 1998 by Theodore Ogbonna.


YTI is dedicated to contributing innovatively to the task of nation building through promoting democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights, equitable sustainable development, ICT education, human capital development, and ethics in corporate governance. YTI hosted the 3rd Global Conference on Democracy Political participation 20th -22nd Feb 2007 at the British Council Lagos, Theme: Accountability:

Achieving participatory governance – From the foregoing we have moved ahead to consolidate on our Programmes on Democracy and Political Participation to further organize subsequent Programmes that seeks to bring out critical issues on good governance in Nigeria.

The 4th Edition is aimed at:

• Aacquainting participants with the elements of a good governance and civic responsibility • Equipping participants with the understanding of the roles that governments, Non Governmental Organisations and citizens can play in good governance • Building youth capacity as a means of preparing the youths to assume leadership roles as positive change agents in their community • Equipping participants with alternative leadership programme in response to declining quality and content of our leadership culture in term of widening gap between the governed and the governors.

Pedagogy

This conference will provide an opportunity for focal discussion on the critical issues of enhancing greater understanding of democracy and representation by the people themselves for better public policy and practice.

The conference will critical highlight key constraints faced by the citizens and civil society in engaging with government for effective participation and explore ways in which to overcome some of these challenges. By focusing on participatory governance at the local level we are more likely to achieve a better democracy.

It will be a public event based on open interactive sharing and learning through presentations

Expected result:

The first major impact we expect is that, participants will acquire a better understanding of legislation and new leadership culture based on pragmatic servant leadership, enhance participatory governance and civic responsibility, encourage local development driven through transparency, accountability, inclusion and collective responsibility.

It is also expected that participants will be inspired to become agents of change in fostering good governance, considering the new challenges that maybe thrown up in the intervening years with our emerging democracy and political trends development in Nigeria.

Speakers expected include:

1. Adam Giambrone - Former President New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP), Chair - Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), - International Guest Speaker.

2. Hon. ‘Femi Gbajabiamila- Minority Leader, Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, Nigeria.

3. Mr. Michael Boampong- Executive Director, Young People We Care Ghana

…and a host of others.]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:24:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/587497 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/561833 I am grateful and pray the good Lord continue to bless you and your family.
I wish you the very best of this year (2009) and look forward to the coming year.
Thank you all.]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:42:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/561833 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/547233
How much longer will we live together
Yet harbour so much indignation
And prepare to maim and murder each other at the slightest provocation

How much longer will we secretly sharpen our knifes
And charge our arrows
In preparation for war with people we open profess our brothers

How much longer will we defy the logic of peaceful co habitation and refuse to eat from its fruit of prosperity and promotion

How much longer will perpetrate evil in the name of God and in the service of man
Without questioning if violence is ordained by God
Or if violence is any good to humanity

How much longer will we allow ourselves the men and women on the street instruments of evil
In the hands of the pervert politician and
Religious macho

How much longer I ask?
Nigerians, How much Longer?

]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/547233 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/541803
In the thirty years of her existence she had moved from organising the most ‘cheated in’ tests to one that is most feared by students and parents and wished by many to go away.

I don’t have access to a TV here in Minna and I am sure to have missed the pomp and pageantry at the celebrations which must have taken the dimensions of a national celebration. But I witnessed the sensitization campaign part of the activities marking the institution’s anniversary when the Minna train hit my school, Government Secondary School, Minna. Led by her state Director Mallam A. G. Abubakar, the team enjoined students to prepare well for the exams stressing that the tests were designed to be passed, and all went well until the director and his train struk a low point by declaring of the one million plus expected to write the Universities Matriculation Exam this year only a tenth will eventually secure admission.

The factors responsible for this will the subject of a future blog post.

That JAMB celebrated thirty years of existence is considered by many as a miracle borne out unchanging policies in the education sector of this country. That it will mark another thirty is an issue of great speculation at best and worst a non-possibility. Evidence that the mammoth examining body has over stayed her welcome is obvious in many universities finding a way of admitting students outside the JAMB provision and more recently legalising university based entry qualification exams meaning that each admission candidate will write two entry exams, first the JAMB UME and then the individual school moderated tests popularly referred to as post JAMB tests.

Long before post JAMB many universities created many sub degree programs (Remedial School, Pre-Degree Science, Foundation Degree program etc), admissions into this program were not monitored by JAMB in any way and upon completion of this programs students who excel are offered admissions by the university into their choice degree programs leaving only a handful of places for JAMB candidates to fill. It was not long before students realised the best way to get into a degree program in the country is to go the sub-degree route…and in no time people just wrote JAMB for the sake of it and just in case.

Then came post JAMB tests that allows universities set their own admission standards oblivious of JAMB-so to speak.

The grouse in many quarters is that JAMB makes a lot of money from organising the exams/tests and does not nothing to really justify the ‘huge’ fees charged candidates’. It has been argued in some quarters that this funds if earned by the universities may go a long way in helping to fund their activities. And some people just believe JAMB should go! And Universities should be allowed to manage their admission processes and procedures themselves like it was in the ‘good old days’, the argument that the o’level exams that candidates seeking admission must pass is standardized and the need for subsequent tests is unnecessary.

Whilst I have experienced insensitivities of JAMB to the many woes of students and candidates who form a base of her customers, I will not advocate that we throw the baby away with the bath water, rather, a think-tank comprising some of those who should know in this country should be convene and empowered to determine a responsible and sustainable future for the examining body.

And in the interim, students should get as much resources as possible to help them prepare for the tests and do their very best at the tests, who knows they may form the crux of tenth.

Long Live Nigeria!

*Oluwakorede Asuni author of the Students’ Survival Kit- a performance guide for undergraduates studying in Nigerian Universities, is completing his one year National Youth Service in Niger State. ‘Korede as he is fondly called by friends and associate maintains a personal website at: www.OluwakoredeAsuni.com.]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:04:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/541803 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/530553 From Guanzi
“Duties of the Student”
Attributed to Guan Zhong
The teacher presents his teachings; students take them as their standards.
By being docile and reverential, and keeping their minds completely open, their learning is maximized.
On seeing goodness, they follow it; on hearing of righteousness, they submit to it.
Docile and compliant, filial and respectful toward their elders, they never display arrogance or resort to physical force.
Never false or depraved in purpose, their conduct is certain to be correct and straightforward.
Observing constant standards whether abroad or at home, they are certain to seek out those who are virtuous.
Their features being well composed, their inner thoughts are certain to be exemplary in their correctness.
Though they awaken early and go to bed late, their dress is certain to be tidy.
Mornings being devoted to enhancing their learning and evenings to practicing what they have learned, they are ever cautious of doing anything wrong.
Being ever diligent in concentrating on these things, such are the standards for study.
Young students in rendering service are late to bed and early to rise.
When sweeping the floor in front of the teaching mat, washing their hands, and rinsing their mouths, they conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
Once they have finished dressing and prepared the wash-basin for the teacher, he also rises.
When he has completed his toilet, the students remove the basin, sprinkle and sweep the floor, and adjust the teacher's mat.
The teacher then seats himself, and the students in going out or coming in are as respectful as if they were greeting guests.
They sit in a dignified manner facing the master, their features composed and never changing.
For receiving instruction, there are guidelines:
The eldest student must come first.
The first time around, it is like this, but thereafter it is not.
The first time students recite their lessons, they must stand, but thereafter they do not.
If a student arrives late, his fellow students on either side will stand.
Should there appear a guest,
A student will immediately arise.
Since a guest cannot be denied,
The student will welcome him and hurry to carry out his wishes,
Rushing to the teacher for instruction.
Even though the person the guest seeks is not there, the student will still report back to him.
He then returns to his seat and resumes his studies.
If a student has a question,
He will raise his hand to ask it.
When the master leaves, everyone stands.
In his every word and action, the student takes moderation as his guide.
Those who were to flourish in the past were certain to begin like this.
At mealtimes, when the teacher is about to eat, a student prepares food for him.
Having pulled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and rinsed his mouth, the server then kneels down to present the food.
When the sauces, grain, and various dishes are set forth, it must be done in an orderly fashion.
Vegetable stews are served before dishes of fowl, meat, fish, or turtle.
Both the stews and sliced meat dishes are placed in the middle but kept separate.
Meat dishes having been placed in front of the sauces, the entire setting forms a square.
The grain is served last; on the left is the wine, on the right is the soy.
Having reported that everything is ready, the student withdraws and, cupping his hands before him in obeisance, stands to one side.
The normal meal consists of three servings of grain and two dippers of wine,
The student holds in his left hand a pottery serving dish, in his right chopsticks or a ladle.
He refills the various dishes in order as soon as he sees they are becoming empty.
If two dishes become empty at the same time, he refills them in the order they were originally served.
Having refilled all the dishes, he begins the cycle again.
Since his serving implement has a foot-long handle, he does not need to kneel. Such are the guidelines for making refills.
When the teacher has finished eating, the student clears everything away,
And hastens to bring in a basin for the teacher to rinse his mouth, sweeps the floor in front of the mat, and gathers together the sacrificial utensils.
Once the teacher gives the order, the students then begin their meal.
They arrange themselves properly according to age, and are certain to sit at the very front of the mat.
Grain must be picked up and eaten with the fingers, but stews are not eaten with the hands.
It is permissible for them to rest their hands on their knees, but not to lean on their elbows.
Having eaten to the full, they should cup their hands and touch the edges of their mouths to see if any food particles remain there,
Shake their skirts to get rid of any food crumbs, brush them off the mat, and having completed their meal, rise from their places.
Gathering up their clothing, they step down from the mat and turn to face it.
Each person then clears away the remains of his food as though he were a guest.
Having cleared the food, they put away the utensils,
And then return to their positions before the mat.
Whenever sweeping the floor in front of the teaching mat, students should use the following method:
They should fill a basin with water and roll up their sleeves to the elbow.
In a large hall, they may sprinkle the water by tossing it widely about; in a small room, they should sprinkle by taking only a little in their hands.
When holding the dustpan, the tongue should be pointed toward the sweeper; in the middle is placed the broom.
The sweeper, on entering the door, stands for a while to make sure his demeanor is without fault.
He holds the broom in his hand, and lowers the dustpan, leaning it against the doorjamb.
For sweeping in front of the teaching mat, there are guidelines:
The sweeper must begin with the southwest corner;
Moving back and forth with his back bent in the shape of a bent chime,
He makes certain that he does not knock into anything;
From the front of the room, he works backward,
Collecting the dirt just inside the door.
Then squatting down, he gathers up the dirt by pushing it into the dustpan with his hand.
He points the tongue of the dustpan toward himself and places the broom across it.
Should the teacher rise from his place on the mat, the sweeper will straighten up and excuse himself.
Then, after squatting down to grasp the dustpan and broom, he reassumes a standing position and proceeds to remove them.
Having finished with his sweeping, the sweeper then returns to his position—this all being in accord with the object of his studies.
During the evening meal, the students repeat the morning's ritual.
At dusk they light the torches, in each corner sitting and holding them.
The method for placing the faggots is to lay them crosswise to the torch holder's sitting position.
When the torch has burned down to an appropriate length, he lights a new one by pacing it at right angles to the old one like a carpenter's square.
He leaves a faggot's width between them, the one that is already burning being just below the one being lit.
At the same time he holds up a basin to catch falling embers.
Then with his right hand grasping the old torch,
He trims the burning end with his left, but should any embers be about to drop, another student will replace him in holding the torch.
When exchanging seats, students must not turn their backs on those who hold positions of honor.
Subsequently, the burned ends are taken out and discarded.
When the teacher is about to retire, the students all stand.
They respectfully present him with his pillow and mat, and ask him where he would like to place his feet.
The first time they arrange his sleeping mat, they request this information, but once the pattern has been established, they do not.
After the teacher has retired, each student seeks out his friends;
Dissecting and polishing,
Each one strengthens his arguments.
The day's routine having been completed, the next day it begins anew.
Such are the guidelines for students.
Translated by W. Allyn Rickett.
Source: Victor Mair, ed. The Columbia Anthology of Traditional Chinese Literature. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994.
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2008. © 1993-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:40:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/530553 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/506131
Both events held in Minna the capital city of the Niger state and the home of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Both events were planned to inform young people of the MDGs, the journey so far and what we as a nation must do to achieve that these set of goals which many has rightfully described as minimum developmental goals must be achieved on or before the agreed deadline of 2015, but also ensure we surpass them in the years following the deadline.

At both meetings young people were charged to contribute their best to the development of their immediate community and encourage their friends, peers and allies to do same because this way and this way only can we gradually but eventually spread development across the geography of our nation.
Having identified that Governments control the most resources and can be the most effective in initiating, sustaining and ensuring development of any country, state r people and bearing in Mind that they were our representatives who dreamed up and accented to the MDGs in 2000, young people signed a petition asking our leaders to commit to the MDGs and ensure they are achieved by the target dates. Participants also pledged their support to their leaders in actualising the MDGs.

For me it was a wholesome experience as I saw young people enthusiastically pick interest in the MDGs (some were obviously hearing for the first time about these goals) and resolving to reach out to their communities contributing several man hours in the areas of their expertise to the development of their people.

Though numbers fell short of my anticipations, I was quite fulfilled that those who participated each event returned to their various homes with a quite resolve to make the world better. I have commenced plans for follow up events that will keep attendees fired up for a long time thus ensure they act out their commitment while I also continue to use resources at my disposal to ensure many more commit to the collective tasks of achieving the goals.

Oluwakorede Asuni,
Oluwakorede Asuni is an author, a Youth Empowerment Advocate, he lives in Minna where he is currently completing a one year national youth service. He believes in the resourcefulness of young people and notes that if properly guided they can make the much needed difference between where we are and where we want to be.
He is very optimistic about of the future!
____
Links to my events on the Stand Against poverty website:
Engage I: http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/en/node/894
Engage II: http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/en/node/3185
]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:49:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/506131 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/500283
A short lecture on the MDGs: by Mr. Oluwakorede Asuni, focusing on the History of the MDGs, local accomplishments in Nigeria, and what we will benefit if the MDGs are achieved.

A video showing extreme poverty

Circulation of a leaflet highlighting and advocating the attainments of the goals. This document will be written in English, Hausa, Gwari and Nupe —the last three being the local languages of the community.

Collection of 500 or more signatures of participats for a petition asking all stakeholders — Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger State Government, Local Government, Local Education Authority etc.—to work hard and accomplish the gooals on time.

Event Goal: Is to obtain 500 signatures or more of young people who want their leaders to commit to achieving the MDGs, on or before the deadline.

Date of Event: Oct 17 2008 10:20am - 11:00am

Event Host Organization: I (Oluwakorede Asuni) am hosting this event with moral and organisational support from: Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA), International Young Proffessionals Foundation (IYPF) -- all of whom I have enjoyed affiliations with over the last 12 -36 months.]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:11:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/500283 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/498899 Was never really out though.

I have only been in the background for a while trying hard to make meaning of certain things.

Not that I have answers to my many questions yet, but the need to live seems insurmountable and
above all to do those little things that make sense to me.
I am in the next couple of weeks revamping OluwakoredeAsuni.com, TheStudentSurvivalKit.com, building a website for the school where I work as part of my service to my country, organise a standup and take action against poverty event in the same school--sometimes I wonder what this kids can really do to stop poverty!

Watch this space ...I may need your help!!!
]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:47:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/498899 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/386537
I returned to the classroom as a student earlier today- though I made an earlier return a few days back, as teacher at the Government Secondary School, Minna where I am carrying out my primary assignment as a Youth Corps member.

Now I have experienced firsthand what ‘Gbenga Sesan - one of mentors - felt when he had to return to the classroom in April at the Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

For me returning to the classroom nearly two years after I left it – as student - is a commitment to one of the prongs in my multiple prongs approach to improving self – body, soul and spirit. I resolved at the commencement of the National Youth Service Year for me to maximize the opportunities the period will afford and I have decided on the following:

Serve God: Really Return to the Roots. I should have taken a cue when in Januart ‘Gbenga, One of my mentors and the same mentioned above declared in a meeting January that this year was his year of returning to the roots, I had laughed and wished the best thinking to myself that I have all he is missing and do not need to go back to any roots or retrace any steps. Today however, everything around me points at the emptiness I feel deep within and the need for me to go back to God - seek him out, learn his ways again and put his valued principles to work again in my life - has become imminent. God please help me.

I honestly feel a void deep within and have lost appreciation for a lot of things for which I have had so much value in the past.

God, please, accept m back, I am a prodigal SON come home.

Serve others: I have decided to seize the opportunity of the service year to increase my service to my fellow man; thus the conception of the ICTs Schools Project (ICTsSP), a project designed to take ICTs to children in underserved communities with the goals of (1) creating a thirst for further ICTs knowledge amongst the children; (2) attract Government and donor agencies attention to the need for ICTs based activities at community levels and; (3) above all equipping people who otherwise would not have had the privileged to improve their livelihoods by plugging into the various opportunities ICTs afford.

Service is the whole essence of the NYSC, though largely abused in some quarters with some corps employers seeing the pool of corpers as cheap labour and treating them as such and most corps members seeing the whole program as a waste of time - boy I had a similar opinion until recently.

In serving others, I have resolved to carry work further on the Students’ Survival Kit project, which is a performance enhancement program for undergraduates in Nigerian universities and those willing to study in a Nigerian university (you can read more about the project here, here, and here)

Learn: yeah increase my knowledge base and improve my skill sets. I have itemised my areas of competence and interests and have resolved to improve on my competence by seeking formal education, learning and certification opportunities. While I will seek additional information on all areas of interests to in other to identify their consonance with my life’s goal; which can be simply summarised as: making meaning of life, for me and others.

ASPIRE: Articulate and actualise my aspirations and dreams. Stop the talk and start the walk

Thus far I have made considerable progress on the LEARN point by enrolling with Broad spectrum Synergies Ltd, an Abuja based training consultancy for an eight week formal training in Project Management based on PMI’s PMBOK guide and will prepare me for the certification process by the PMI. And that was the classroom I returned to today as a student.

I will give regular updates on my activities here and more specifically at www.oluwakoredeasuni.com/reflections]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:27:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/386537 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/386535
Originally posted in Ejowewe

We all know now that’s a winning line :). Over the past year and a half, the phrase has been sounded by a single man as a message of change, of hope rising… Last Tuesday we saw that hope begin to take on the semblance of reality, as Senator Barack Obama became the first African-American in history to lead a U.S. major-party ticket when he claimed the Presidential nomination for the Democratic Party. I’m happy for America. But this is entirely about Nigeria.
If you’re a Nigerian like me, how many times have you wished there was something you could do to change your country? Most of us are eager for change, but all too often that enthusiasm is quickly dampened by a feeling of helplessness over not being able to make a difference from where we are. Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) is a non-profit organisation that has refused to be bound by the limits and, as the name suggests, has consistently worked to create a new paradigm among Nigerians. Realising that the promise of Nigeria is in her people, PIN works with government, civil society, private institutions and international organisations to connect Nigerian youth with brighter futures via Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). For thousands of Nigerians, PIN’s work makes the difference between mediocrity and significance, between poverty and sufficiency, between destitution and hope. PIN’s objective is to change the future of Nigeria, one person at a time.

Since its days as an online network in 2001, PIN has successfully executed several projects, details of which can be found at www.pin.org.ng/old/index.php. More recently, PIN began a revolutionary project called Ajegunle.org (see www.ajegunle.org), a relay training programme in which young people from Ajegunle (yes, Ajegunle!) are empowered with ICT and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them break the cycle of poverty in which they’re enmeshed. Ajegunle.org has received tremendous media coverage and has been presented in various fora across the world (Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, United Kingdom and Switzerland) as a case study on how ICTs can be used to aid development in under-served communities. For more insight into the success story of Ajegunle.org, please visit http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-14359 to watch a brief descriptive documentary courtesy of Nigeria International.

You can support the awesome work PIN is doing by making a financial contribution via debit or credit card at www.pin.org.ng. With the click of a button, you can begin to change Nigeria one life at a time. You can also make donations by cheque, if that’s a more convenient means for you. Please make all cheques payable to Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, and send to any one of the addresses below:
Attn: ‘Gbenga Sesan
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
18 Akinbola Street
Ilupeju 100252
Lagos,
Nigeria.

Friends of PIN UK
c/o Temilade Agbaje
Institute for Science and Society
Law and Social Sciences Building
University of Nottingham NG7 2RD
United Kingdom. If you prefer to pay by cash, please send an email stating your intention to laxta1@nottingham.ac.uk, and payment details will be sent to you.

As a Friend of PIN, I have witnessed first-hand lives being transformed for good through initiatives like Ajegunle.org. Working as a volunteer with the first set of Ajegunle youth in August 2007, I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse into the hopes and dreams of those young Nigerians. Speaking with them, I discovered they all had lofty ambitions buried deep within them; ambitions their circumstances had erstwhile forbidden them to pursue. The coming of Ajegunle.org re-ignited their buried dreams, causing them to dare to hope again, to believe that they can be whatever they want to be. A certain young man on the programme told me that he saw in me what he’s always wanted to be, and to this day I have the honour of being a mentor to him.

The Ajegunle.org experience made me realise that change in Nigeria against all odds is indeed possible. It made me realise that change in Nigeria against all odds depends on me. Can you be part of this change? Yes, you can. Will you be?
]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:19:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/386535 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/346065




http://www.nnngo.org/sg_images2/PIN.jpg
http://www.nnngo.org/sg_images2/logo.gif

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
Nigeria Network of NGOs

Present

Non-Profit Employee Motivation Program (NEMP)

A capacity building program for staff of non-profit organisations in Nigeria

Targeted audience

Employees of Non-Profits in Nigeria

Fresh graduates seeking career direction

Others seeking a move into the Non-Profit sector

Modules

Choosing a Non-Profit Career; Understanding the Non-Profit Space; Personal
Growth for Non-Profit Actors; Improving Organizational Efficiency; Managers,
Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs; Becoming Glocal Players



Facilitators


http://www.nnngo.org/sg_images2/001Sesan_r1_c1.jpg

'Gbenga Sesan


http://www.nnngo.org/sg_images2/Official-compressed_r1_c1_r1_c1.jpg

'Niyi Adesanya




'Gbenga Sesan is a social entrepreneur and Nigeria's first IT Youth
Ambassador. His research experience includes assignments completed for
Harvard University, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Res
Publica, International Telecommunications Union and Computer Aid
International. 'Gbenga has spoken to over 400 audiences in 23 countries, he
is a member of the Nigerian Presidential Task Force on ICT Restructuring,
and was the Vice Chair of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's
African Technical Advisory Committee. He serves on the Board of a number of
non-profit and private sector institutions, and is the Executive Director of
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria. A multiple award winner who has been profiled
as one of the 35 Icons of ICT in Nigeria, 'Gbenga is a 2007 Archbishop Tutu
Leadership Fellow - and he maintains his personal website at
www.gbengasesan.com.



A human capital advisor, public speaker, trainer and expert on the subject
of leadership Niyi is a personified leader and inspiration to many. He is
Managing Consultant, FifthGear Consulting, a firm poised with the vision to
help organizations be their best at building and sustaining a culture of
leadership that can maximize productivity, engender growth and promote
harmony. He is one of the brains behind the Alliance of Change Empowerment
Speakers (ACES) - a high profile network of public speakers, professionals
and human resource development experts. He also is the President, 'Niyi
Adesanya Mass Empowerment Initiative; NAME-IT', a body which is geared
towards promoting and empowering entrepreneurship and business success; and
a member of faculty at the prestigious Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA). He
has personally coached many high profiled personalities which include a
State Governor, Corporate Executives, Entrepreneurs, Pastors and Public
office holders.



Date

Friday 25th April 2008

Venue

Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos

Registration

Registration attracts a fee of N 37,000 (thirty seven thousand naira only)
per participant and a 5% group discount for groups of 5 or more.

Download registration forms here

Scholarship

NNNGO is offering a limited number of N20,000 scholarships to help intending
participants toward paying full training tuition of N37,000. Please contact
Oluseyi Oyebisi (seyi@nnngo.org) for more information, now.

To Register

Send your completed registration form as an attachment to nemp@pin.org.ng on
or before the 15/03/ 2008. You will be advised on the status of your
registration within 72 hours and you will receive payment details
afterwards.

For enquiries, indications of interest etc. eMail The Program Manager, NEMP:
nemp@pin.org.ng.

Act now, to secure a seat.








]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:35:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/346065 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/342821 Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) and Nigeria Network of NGOs are set to host a session of NEMP.
This event will come up between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Friday 25th April, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos .
NEMP is short for Non-Profit Employee Motivation Program, a capacity enhancement program for:
• staff of non-profit organisations and other actors in the Non-profit sector
• those who are considering a career change to the non-profit sector and;
• fresh graduates seeking career direction.
Facilitators will include:
'Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.
'Gbenga has spoken to over 400 audiences in 23 countries, he is a member of the Presidential Task Force on ICT Restructuring, and was Vice Chair of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's African Technical Advisory Committee. He serves on the Board of a number of non-profit and private institutions.
'Niyi Adesanya, Managing Consultant, Fifthgear consulting Lagos.
'Niyi is a human capital advisor, public speaker, trainer and expert on the subject of leadership. He is a member of faculty at the prestigious Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA), Lagos, and has personally coached many high profile personalities including a state governor in Nigeria, Corporate Executives, Entrepreneurs, Pastors and public office holders.
It is hoped that among other things the program will:
• equip participants for optimal performance on their jobs
• help participants clarify "career" and "job", with a view to encourage participants to seek long term career interests rather than pursue immediate gains
• provide participants with tools for evaluating if the non-profit sector is it for them or not
• help participants return to their duty posts refreshed and prepared to deliver their targets ahead of deadline.
This session which is priced at N37,000 per participant has only twenty seats available. However, NNNGO has concluded arrangements to provide a limited number of N20,000 scholarships for those with demonstrable interest to enroll in the training program and but without a means to pay full registration cost. To apply for the scholarship, eMail The Secretary, NNNGO: seyi[at]nnngo.org, on/before Saturday 15th March 2008 stating why you should be considered for a scholarship.
Click here to download the registration form for this program.
All completed applications must reach nemp[at]pin.org.ng on/before the 31st March, 2008, but for those applying for scholarships their application must reach the given address before the 15th of March, 2008. You will be advised on the status of your registration within 72 hours of receipt of your application and get payment details afterwards.
Thank you.
Oluwakorede Asuni
Program Manager|CaneVillage.com, NEMP
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria,
18, Akinbola street,
Ilupeju,
Lagos,
Nigeria

t:+234 (1) 741 5625
e:nemp[at]pin.org.ng
u:www.pin.org.ng


]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:22:00 EDT http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/342821 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/330251 I have never engaged in any high risk behaviour.

For the lab technologists, taking the required samples and specimen was
routine-I am sure announcing the result of this test will neither draw a
smile or a frown from them too.

I returned two days later for the result of the test and that was for me,
the real test. Questions raged in my heart, what if the doctor was right and
I had the virus, what if it is really true that it is the virus that has
made me resistant to the several anti malaria drugs, what if my body has
been home to the dreaded disease. My thoughts flew to the beautiful plans I
have drawn for the future-even though I know that not all plans work out, I
have not contemplated that this HIV/AIDS thing will be atom to scatter the
gamma rays.
Mr.Asuni.my name was announced and as I stepped forward to collect the
result, I resolved to live with whatever the result says.

Once again I searched the attendant's face for hint of the news contained in
the folded and stapled sheet of paper she handed me .and nothing.

I walked out of the laboratory with my legs threatening to collapse under
me. Under a nearby tree, I tore open the paper and .the result:

Tested Negative for HIV antibodies.

Thank God, I am HIV negative.

Are you?

Find out your status today, it pays to know.

originally penned: 31/01/08






]]> Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:20:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/330251 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/328399
1.Enterpreneur Of The Year

2.Most Innovative Business Concept

3.Business Idea Of The Year



RELIGION

1.Religios Leader Of The Year

2.Outstanding Christian Personality Of The Year

3.Outstanding Muslim Personality Of The Year

4.Islamic Society Of The Year

5.Christian Society Of The Year



LEADERSHIP

1.Student Association Of The Year

2.Students Politician Of The Year

3.Best Student Leader Of The Year



ACADEMICS

1.Overall Best Male Student Of The Year

2.Overall Best Female Student Of The Year

3.Best Student In Each Faculty (10 Faculty)



CREATIVITY/ GOOD USE OF TALENT

1.Best Use Of Talent

2.Best Student Writer Of The Year

3.Best Student Tv/movie Personality Of The Year

4.Best Student Actor/actress Of The Year



SOCIALS/DEVELOPMENT

1.Club Of The Year

2.Club Part Of The Year

3.Best Social Service



STAFF/ MANAGEMENT

1.Male Staff Of The Year

2.Female Staff Of The Year

3.Best Lecturer Of The Year

4.Best Student Friendly Staff Of The Year



PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

1.I Survived Project

2.Youth Of The Year


]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:49:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/328399 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/327525
‘Gbenga Sesan: Work! work!! Work!!! and Plaaaaaaaaaaay!!! But whatever you do focus on the movie not the snap shot- look beyond now always.

Dayo Alao: find excitement in all you do.

Apostle Asuni: Do well whatever deserves to be done.

Deoluakinyemi: the Iceberg theory.

‘Biola: Be eccentric, it is the best thing ythat can happen to you.

‘Tutu: Live your life,make God happy.

Omolara: drink ‘cola only lazy people drink orange]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:10:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/327525 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/323975
The Olabisi Onabajo University Achivers’ Awards (OOUAA) is aimed at rewarding excellence in several areas of endeavour amongst undergraduates at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. It is the brain child of Dreamakers’ Int’l-a social enterprise seeking to walk the talk of providing solutions to the developmental needs of young people in Nigeria.

The OOUAA, is first in a series of Achivers’ Awards to be held in the coming months. It is an attempt at rewarding excellence and creativity amongst members of communities comprising mostly of young people, it is hoped that by rewarding those doing positively well in a world that mostly celebrates the odd and wrong, others may be prompted to do some good too, and those with great ideas may be encouraged to bring forth their ideas into reality.

The OOUAA, which is billed to hold, in march 2008, will feature the following award categories and in all reward 101 outstanding individuals :

* Entreprise
* Leadership
* Academics
* Creativity/good use of talent
* Personal growth
* Socials/Development

Nominations will open soon, my advice is: watch this space.
]]> Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:17:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/323975 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/318665 No doubt the year 2007 was a good one.
Perhaps I should say that the year was for me, a huge experiment, I took time off testing several of the theories I have gathered over a period.
The year had its ups and off course its terrible and painful downs-I burnt my fingers and my fingers got burnt too! But over all I thank God the year was.
Some of the theories I tried out was to plan ahead, anticipate the future and prepare for it, so that when chance comes it does not catch you napping.
In the course of putting to use this theory for which several techniques are available, I learnt the vital lesson not to go to sleep on ones plans, rather one should follow with heart, mind and passion what one has planned to achieve, in-spite of the odds-which definitely are there. Only then will your plans hold out and your dreams come real. It is also of note that not all I planned for worked out despite working hard at some of them, but at the end of the year, I was able to asses my progress, identified distractions and weak points and can now re-strategize to make things happen better this year. Guess I will have continued merry-go-rounding and not have the quality of focus my life has today but for planning.
The moral’s that while all plans don’t work the process of drawing them and working at them let’s you know your real limits, identify what you can and cannot do better and possible encourage you to build capacity for better performance.
In that same year I employed Leaping before you look as against looking before you leap: I challenged logic and imbibed some bit of insanity by investing a lot of resources- mine and others – in a venture that seem too good to be real and which eventually turned out so (don’t ask me what it is). While this proved a bad decision- which I greatly regret too- my thought is sometimes one need to take a measure of calculated risk which may or may not defy logic, so one does not sit and get passed by opportunities which as you must have guessed does not often come labeled.
What you apply your heart to you master, in the course of the year, I took a step in the direction of setting apart some of my weaknesses. I applied my heart to the acquisition of certain skills that will enable me actualize some of my dreams and also make me less dependent on others-not that dependence is bad in itself, but I mean the type of dependence that consumes ones feeling of self worth!
In the same year I took the bold step of moving closer to some of my mentors and as it is I am most thankful to God for that inspiration.
In another post, I will describe my experiences with this young people and the lessons I learnt from the mutually benefiting interactions.
Perhaps the year 2007 was the best in my life so far.

]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:58:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/318665 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/317485
The year began with a decision
And continued with hope
Help was evident with our work
Because you believe in our dreams

PIN, driven by a passion for change
You, our partners, fuel this passion
Not only because you support us
But because you believe in us!

From all of us at Paradigm Initiative Nigeria,
This holiday season…
We wish you pleasant moments
Now, and even in the new year.

Season’s Greetings…


… from all of us at Paradigm Initiative Nigeria. ]]> Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:30:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/317485 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/310501

It is not uncommon for freshmen to be carried away by the ‘NOW AM FREE’ feeling upon admission into University. It is also not rare for one to be worn down by the challenges that the new environment presents.
Hence there is a need for a guide to prepare prospective students/undergraduates adequately for the University career.
Such an appropriate guide is the Students’ Survival Kit, which will not only prepare one for the several challenges ahead but also, serve as a reference material throughout one’s period of study.
Made up of 14 chapters, Students’ Survival Kit is written in simple English and it is presented in an easy to read format, it goes a mile further to share with the reader some of the author’s experiences (and those of some other freshmen).
The book has at its core the following objectives:
Objectives

• To introduce a typical FRESHMAN/FRESHER to the University environment and culture
• To provide tips for good academic performance of students
• To promote a vibrant and non-violent campus culture on all university campuses in Nigeria
• To empower students, to know their rights and duties and learn how to pursue these rights without violence.
• To express the community and larger societies’ expectation of the students and to
• Generally, help students overcome the challenges of CAMPUS life.


The Book at a Glance

The book ddresses the basic needs and challenges of the average freshman as follows:

FOREWORD: Dr. Mrs. E. A. Ogunsanya
Director, Prof. Olubi Sodipo Counseling centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Chapter 1: The University in Nigeria
The book opens with a brief but concise description of the evolution of the university system of tertiary education in Nigeria.
Chapter2: University administration
A detailed description of officers and processes that ensures the smooth running of the university
Chapter 3: Important terms
There are several jargons that stare a new comer in the face upon arrival at the university and in this chapter I attempt an explanation of all of such terms and by so doing introduce the typical reader to the university. The chapter closes with a tale of my confusion with some of these terms when I arrived at the university newly.
Chapter 4: Personal study habits
In this chapter I introduce and describe my adaptation of the traditional SQ3R method of studying, favored by educators and educational psychologists the world over.
In line with my general objective of presenting contents in sizeable chunks the chapter is divided into 3 Units thus:
Unit 1: Guidelines to effective personal study(an adaptation of the traditional SQ3R reading method)
Unit 2: The traditional SQ3R reading method
Unit 3: Taking notes from a text book.
Chapter 5: Tips for studying in groups (group dynamics)
Having noted that it is common for students to study and undertake several academic activities in groups, I have in this chapter shared my experiences on what makes such endeavors a success. The chapter is broken into two sizable chunks thus:
Unit 1: General tit bits
Unit 2: Factors that contribute to a good study group.
Chapter 6: Location of study
In this chapter I dwell on factors that affect the location of one’s study such that studying there can be a delightful and exciting experience. I also highlighted the need to use the Library and emphasized the role of proper conduct in using the library and library resources.
This chapter is divided into two units thus:
Unit 1: The essentials
Unit 2: Using the Library.
Chapter7: Time management and Study
Here I explained the fundamental fact that time is a limited resource that must be put into meaningful use for any one to achieve success in any endeavor.
I described my experiences at arriving at time schedules each semester to allow for a productive time (and indeed other resources).
I also expressed the need to prioritize and shared tips I have found useful in arriving at an effective personal time plan.
Chapter 8: Taking Examinations
Examinations are probably the scariest events on campus. They need not be though.
In this chapter I suggested tips for preparing for and passing examinations.
I also examined the several erroneous approaches to examinations, popular amongst students with a view to discourage those practices.
Chapter 9: Calculating your G.P.A. and C.G.P.A
Here I disclosed the rudiments of calculating the GPA and the CGPA.
I disclosed the relation of these measuring tools to the final grade of degree obtainable in the university-so students can monitor their academic standing as they progress in their study.
Chapter10: Managing your finances
This chapter exposes the typical freshman to some of the financial commitments and traps on the university campus viz:
Unit 1: Meeting living costs
Unit 2: The habit of saving
Unit 3: Raising extra cash
Chapter 11: Managing your health
How do I handle ailments?
Where do I go to get medical attention?
What do I do to prevent me from taking ill?
I attempted to answer these and many other questions relating to an undergraduates health issues.
I close the chapter with a story from my early days in the university that chronicles the need to report sickness to the right authorities.

Chapter 12: Socials
Described the social setting of the university and I identified the need for moderation.
This chapter is broken into sizable units thus:
Unit 1: The SUG and other associations
Unit 2: Clubs and partying
Unit 3: On dressing well
Chapter 13: Cultism
Cultism -the ugly evil- on campus is stripped and the activities and methods of its perpetrators exposed so as to help freshmen avoid these nefarious groups and thus not get tangled in the messy cobweb of failure that cultism is.
Chapter 14: The final word
A series of general advice for the “freshman” and “stalite” alike, further marshalling the overall aims of the book

Conclusion
The book priced at five hundred naira (N500) is available in selected book stores in Nigeria, and will be available online soon.
For a list of locations where it be purchased send an eMail with the title: Where Can I buy, to ask@thestudentsurvivalkit.com.
I am convinced that the future is ours, let us approach it prepared.
Oluwakorede Asuni


]]> Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:43:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/310501 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/310097 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:41:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/310097 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/300579
The January session of the Non-Profit Employee Motivation Program (NEMP) a capacity building program for staff of non-profits in Nigeria, will hold on the 11th and 12th January 2008, in Lagos.

Registration deadlines are:
Early bird: 10th December, 2007
Regular : 24th December, 2007
Late: 2nd January, 2008

Detailed information about the program and registration fees will be made available upon request.

Thank you.


Oluwakorede Asuni
Program Manager, NEMP
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria,
Lagos.

nemp[at]pin.org.ng
]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:58:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/300579 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/292387
“To achieve success in Life you need more than can be seen”

My mentor believes strongly that all skills in ones possession is but about 15% of the necessity for success in any particular endeavor, and the rest ingredients are the silent, unconscious, usually indiscernible part of us, residing in the deep recess of our personalities which oftentimes we are not aware of.

The first book of peter states clearly that

“…do not let your adornment be merely outward –arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart …”

Thus reechoing the arguments of the two sources I have cited, I posit as follows:

Build your inner person: first you need to look deeper into yourself and identify the real you. Not the made up –perfumed, “lipsticked” and dressed up you- but the real you...
click here to read more www.guidenotes.wordpress.com]]> Sun, 25 Nov 2007 14:57:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/292387 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/281273
* To motivate employees for better organizational productivity;
* To motivate employees towards Personal Development within organization’s career space;
* To introduce employees to the win-win scenario in organizational growth;
* To encourage employees to move from local actors to glocal (think global, act local) players
* To give maximum value to donor funding and organizational capacity building

The program has become necessary after our evaluation of the Non Profit space in Nigeria revealed that:

* Most non-profits are worried that staff are not motivated
* Budget constraints and organizational models often mean low pay
* Organization leaders wish that employees will have their own kind of passion and ignore limiting conditions
* It’s not about the money or any other thing, its about the value of people and their attitude to work
* Organizations wish to increase employee efficiency with minimal budget growth
* Every organization would love to grow in reach (to become global)
* Every donor will like to see their grantees become increasingly better and global
* Every NGO network will like to see members improve in capacity

The program will have at its core the following courses to be delivered by experienced facilitators:

* Choosing a Non-Profit Career
* Understanding the Non-Profit Space
* Personal Growth for Non-Profit Actors
* Improving Organizational Efficiency
* Managers, Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs
* Becoming Glocal Players

Note however, that the trainings can be tailor made to suit your organizations specific needs. Charges for the program are moderate considering the nature of our targeted audience, but will depend largely on the preferred method of delivery (in your office or in a retreat setting, staff strength and location). Please let us know what you think and we’ll take things from there. Looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Oluwakorede Asuni
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
18 Akinbola Street
Ilupeju 100252
Lagos
Nigeria
+234 805 624 9391
korede.asuni [at] canevillage.com ]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:58:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/281273 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556 http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/278275 I have admired some people, all my life.

They are accomplished old men and women who no doubt spent their youthful energy not upon trivialities, but invested in the future, our common future.

The fruit of their youthful toil, we are all witnesses of today ( and even beneficiaries of). That grey hairs has replaced the black of youthfulness can not take away from them the astounding successes they have achieved working hard and not seeking fraudulent short cuts.

They are to me the constant northern star beckoning us constantly to excel.

They are Africans, distinguished and exemplary.

In the next few weeks, I will chronicle these men and women of whom this generation should be proud of, men and women who have pursued excellence tirelessly and whose life is a testimony of credible human achievements.

]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2007 03:42:00 EST http://brosko.tigblog.org/post/278275 6.5091667 3.35805566.50916673.3580556