How I Battled With Failures, By Linda Ikeji

August 17, 2020

“Let me tell you a bit of my own story. I started my hustle very young, just fresh out of secondary school. I started modelling even before I got into the university.
At the university, I also continued my modelling career and I also started organizing beauty pageants,
I organized Miss University of Lagos for three consecutive years and in 2003, I decided that I want to contest in a beauty pageant.
I contested in Miss Nigeria 2003, and I failed.
I finished university, and I started my own company; a Modelling and Events Company. I hustled a lot back then to keep my company afloat.
When the money wasn’t coming in as I had hoped, I decided to put my hands in other businesses. So I started a magazine. I failed at it.
I started a Marketing and Public Relations Company. I failed at it.
I started a TV Modelling Show. I failed at it.
I attempted to start a Reality TV Modelling Competition. I failed at it.
I did an Annual Fashion Show for 7 years, I didn’t succeed at it. I didn’t make money.
And then I wrote a book, I didn’t sell up to five hundred copies. I failed. I failed so many times.
In fact 13 years after I have started my hustle, I was still broke, I was still struggling, I was still trying to find my way.
Some days I would lay on my bed, and I would cry my eyes out. I would get up, work, fail and then, I would cry some more.
I would ask, God, why?
I worked so hard since I was young for so many years, why have You refused to bless me?
There were days I would leave my house, very early, very, very early; enter my car, and drive around Lagos, from morning, till evening. I would go from one company to the other, from Ikeja to Mile II, from Yaba to Lagos Island, with proposals in hand, asking for sponsorship, asking for someone to hear me out, begging for someone to believe in me.
99% of the time, I went home empty.
Nobody tried to help,
But you see, no matter how bad it got, no matter how many doors were slammed in my face, no matter how many times I fell, I never stayed down. I never gave up. I never stopped working. I never stopped praying. I never stopped believing in myself.
In fact, giving up was never an option for me. I was going to continue to work until I got my breakthrough.
If I had given up, I won’t be standing here right now talking to you.
But, what I didn’t realize when I was crying my eyes out and calling myself a failure, was that God had already put something in my life a few years back that would change everything.
As you all know, I’m a blogger and before I had my breakthrough in blogging, I blogged for 4 years passionately without making any money.
Those days, I would beg for 100 naira to pay for browsing time at the cyber café, but then in 2011, everything changed. Companies started to pay me for something I had nurtured with love.
And just 6 years later, haa…
You may not fail as many times as I did. Or maybe you may fail more times than I did.
But you have to remember that failure is part of success.
If you never fail, how are you ever going to learn?
The only true failure in life, is when you stop trying, when you give up
No matter how many times you fall, you have to get up and you have to keep going.
There is something amazing waiting for you at the finish line.
Listen to me and listen very carefully.
You have a purpose in this life.
You were created by God for a reason.
Find your purpose.
Believe in your purpose.
Live your purpose.
You can give yourself the life of your dreams. There is something amazing waiting for you at the finish line.
You have a purpose in this life.
You were created by God for a reason.
Find your purpose.
Believe in your purpose.
Live your purpose.
You can give yourself the life of your dreams.
You can achieve success beyond your wildest imagination. It’s up to you.
In this journey of life, you are the master of your fate.
The captain of your soul. You are responsible for the choices you make in your life. So make the right ones.
Please, I beg you, believe in yourself.
Believe in your dreams. Surround yourself with people who share the same vision with you.
People who support you. Never ever let anyone tell you, you cannot do anything.
Work hard, work smart, and remember there is no testimony without struggle.
I wish you all the very best.”
~ Linda Ikeji
Footnote: Despite all the struggles, today Linda Ikeji has an estimated net worth of over $10,000,000 (over N3.7 billion) and had received so many awards both in Nigeria and Beyond, including recognition from Forbes Magazine.
Once again…
Believe in yourself.
Be Inspired.

Re-Introduction Of History In Schools: We Must Know Where We Are Coming From – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

August 17, 2020

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has made it clear that the reintroduction of history into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools across Nigeria last year by the Federal Government was aimed at making us to know where we are coming from as a people.

He stressed that the re-introduction of the subject was in recognition of its contribution to the socio-political, economic and cultural development of Nigeria.

Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today, August 17, at the inauguration of the Nigeria History Fund by the James Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation, said: “when the Federal Government decided to reintroduce history into the curriculum across primary and secondary schools last year, it was a decision borne out of the recognition that first our children must know where they are coming from and have an understanding of the life that preceded them.

“History is far too essential for us to deprioritise. It encourages us as individuals to not restrict ourselves to thinking in the short-term, but to remember that we too are living histories.”
Professor Osinbajo said that Nigeria cannot chart a course forward without understanding “where we are coming from.

“Vision is important but so too is memory. Nation building requires us to develop both faculties of imagination and remembrance. Indeed, this stewardship of national memory is a cardinal civic obligation.
“The future of a Nigeria that works for all of us, regardless of religion or ethnicity, depends on a full and accurate knowledge of our histories.”
The Vice President said that the nation’s diversity as a unique strength for promoting national development would not be realized without a thorough understanding of its different cultural practices and social norms which are embedded in history.
“We are blessed to belong to a nation that possesses such a rich history of art, technology, trade, metallurgy, political administration among many fields of human endeavour but this bountiful inheritance is often underexplored and underappreciated.
“History is a vast reservoir of cultural, spiritual and social capital waiting to be mined by a generation that will not neglect the ancient landmarks of our odyssey as a people.
“Whilst our ethnic diversity is a great strength, one of the biggest challenges to nation-building is this same ethno-religious diversity which can also engender detrimental social conflict.”
Professor Osinbajo described the Nigeria History Fund as a befitting tribute to the late historian, James Adekunle Ojelabi, saying: “as black people, as Africans, as Nigerians, we must reclaim our histories and nurture academic environments that make that possible.”
He commended the late historian, Prof. Osinbajo who he said was someone for whom so much of his life was dedicated to ensuring that the stories of our past were given the attention they rightfully deserve.

He said that supporting history students with a scholarship scheme is a thoughtful tribute to his legacy.

“I am also delighted to hear that the fund will keep conversations alive about the importance of history for modern day Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House, Lagos, who was Guest Speaker at the occasion, underscored the importance of history in the development and affirmation of people and their communities.
The event which coincided with the first anniversary of the James Adekunle Ojelabi Foundation, featured presentation of awards to deserving individuals, including notable historians, like Prof. Bolanle Awe, Prof. Banji Akintoye among others.

Losing APC Chairmanship Does Not Make Me Jobless – Oshiomhole

Editorial staff

August 17, 2020

Immediate past national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that he is not jobless by the fact that he had lost out through judicial processes.

Oshiomhole, who spoke to newsmen today, August 17, shortly after a private audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, said that he did need APC’s chairmanship to continue to shine in all other aspects of life.

Reacting to those he called “pig” with whom he would not like to glorify by exchanging words, the former chairman said:”you want me to engage in a fight with a pig? (referring to the Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum). If you engage in a fight with a pig, the pig already is stained by its nature and you will smear your white garment, and in my own case, kaaki, to go and wrestle with a pig? I will not.

“You see, when I was removed as national chairman, Edo was APC. So do I have to win a Edo to become the chairman? Do I look so unemployed? I’m 68. So, what they don’t understand is that, it is not the office of chairman that made me who I am. It is my pedigree from my days as labourer in the textile industry to be the general secretary of textile workers all over Nigeria and becoming the president of NLC.

“There is no village I go to that people do not know me and it is this that I used to override the Godfathers in Edo State for two consecutive terms and even got the governor elected through elections. There was no violence before becoming the national chairman.

“So, if you remove the office…is like our president now, though I cannot compare myself to him, but it is like President Muhammadu Buhari. By 2023, when his tenure would have lapsed as President, those who believe in him, in 2024 and beyond, each time they see him, that trust they have in him will always be there.

“He bonds with the people. That bond was not created by the fact that he is the president. In fact, he became the president because of that bond.

“So, it takes an empty brain to suggest that I only want to stage a come back to become the national chairman. For what? To go and do a reset?

“So, my attitude is not to reply the noise and it is coming from somebody who says he is an employee and appointee of Progressives Governors Forum. He is just like the cowards that are using him that are not able to come out. “Otherwise, you should ask this guy, who is now an election expert. He contested for senate against Makarfi, he lost. He even contested against governor El-Rufai during the primaries and he lost, before Fayemi unilaterally appointed him the DG.

“So, if he is now the spokesman abusing me and all of that, you want to drag me to his level? “No! A gentleman does not wrestle with a pig. If you do, you will always be stained and I don’t want to get into that.”

Presidency To Bishop Oyedepo: We’ll Not Tolerate Lawlessness

Editorial staff

August 17, 2020

The presidency has made it clear to the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo that the government will not tolerate his penchant for breaking the laws of the land.

Reacting to Oyedepo’s comments regarding the new Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA(, 2020, which was recently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, a Presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, insisted that the Bishop must obey the laws instead of trying to circumvent them.

Oyedepo had reacted to the new legal status by cautioning the federal government against meddling in the affairs of churches, saying: “don’t try it when this crude prophet is alive.”

In his sermon yesterday, August 16, Oyedepo expressed concern that the government could someday appoint occultists into those positions to oversee church affairs.

And in a tweet today, August 17, Lauretta Onochie asked Oyedepo to either live by the laws governing the country or he should create his own country.

“Oyedepo will have to manufacture his own country and live by his own laws.

“As long as he lives and operates within the entity called Nigeria, he will live by Nigerian rules and laws. He will do as he’s told by the law. Enough of the lawlessness in this country.”

Provisions in the new regulations for religious institutions in the country include that religious and charity organisations would henceforth be regulated by a supervising minister and the registrar-general of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Ohanaeze Endorses Buhari’s Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu, For 2023 Igbo Presidency

Greenbarge Reporters

August 17, 2020

A coalition of Igbo youth groups and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (ONYC), has endorsed the current minister of Science and Technology in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu for the 2023 presidency of Nigeria.
The group, whose members met in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi state capital at the weekend, also picked the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi as another possible material for the same position.
A statement emanating from the meeting, said that both Onu and Umahi are transparent in governance in addition to having proven track records of achievements.
The Igbo group described Dr. Onu as an experienced politician who played a key role in the merger of three political parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It said that the minister has good leadership qualities, is tested and trusted, a great Nigerian patriot without any trace of corruption allegations.
This was even as it extolled Governor Umahi as the best performing governor in the southeast region with evidence of infrastructural development in Ebonyi state.
“These are the best presidential materials and candidates Igbo youths present to Nigerians at the moment.”
The group said that other more qualified Igbo politicians who are capable of contesting for the presidency are either facing corruption charges or lack the structure to actualize their ambitions.

BREAKING: ANDP Exclusion: Court Nullifies Diri’s Election As Bayelsa Governor

Greenbarge Reporters

August 17, 2020

Lawyers at the Presidential election tribunal

Bayelsa Gubernatorial Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, based on a petition by the Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP), complaining that it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the election.

The three-member panel held that the election was unlawful due to the exclusion of Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) and its candidate, King George from the November 16, 2019 governorship election.
The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye election within 90 days
The tribunal’s ruling, which was delivered today, August 17, is however, subject to appeal at the appeal court.

DSS Did Not Invite Ghali Na-Abba Because Of His Attention-Seeking Comments On Buhari – Presidency

Greenbarge Reporters

August 16, 2020

The presidency has said that the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na-Abba was not invited for interrogation by the Department of State Service (DSS) based on his recent comments which it described as irresponsible and attention-seeking, against President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a late night statement, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the “irresponsible comments” on Buhari by Ghali Na-Abba did not get the attention of the presidency.
“The presidency urges the general public to ignore as a publicity stunt publicity, the widely circulated reports alleging that former Speaker Umar Ghali Na-Abbah has been invited by the Department of State Service, DSS over his alledged comments on President Buhari.
“Our findings have revealed that his invitation has nothing to do with the alledged irresponsible utterances by Umar Ghali Na-Abbah, which in any case, did not catch the attention of the Presidency, or of any serious politician for that matter.
“There are serious politicians who talk, and the Presidency responds because such politicians throw jibes which must get attention. Flash in the pan politicians and those who fabricate political relevance don’t bother anyone.
“We advise Na’Abba to distance the presidency from the situation he has found himself and sort himself out accordingly.”

Nigerians Will Continue To Remember Your Services, Buhari Tells Babangida

Editorial staff

August 16, 2020

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd)

President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded the former military President, rtd General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida that Nigerians will continue to remember his services to the country.

In a terse statement today, August 16, in solidarity as the retired General celebrates his 79th birthday tomorrow, August 17, President Buhari “believes his services to the country will always be remembered.”

The statement, issued by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, did not however elaborate on the kind of services Babangida rendered for which he would be remembered.

In the three paragraph statement, Buhari joined family, friends and associates to celebrate Babangida whom he described as “elder statesman.”

He prayed that God will continually strengthen Babangida, “grant him good health and longer life.”

Somalian President In Physical Fight With His Deputy

Editorial staff

August 15, 2020

Somali president fight with his deputy live on air | Photo credit: Signature Tv

An unexpected drama played out today, August 15, when the President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and his deputy exchanged physical blows to the point of wrestling to the ground.

Report said that they sat close to each other in what seemed like a press briefing but suddenly began to exchange blows without any idea as to what caused the fight.

In the video that has gone viral, it took efforts of a handful of men to separate the two who were busy tearing each other apart.

Those who watched the video described the incident as not only embarrassing but also a very bad example from the people who should be preaching peace and acting as good role models to the entire country.

“They should put their pride aside and apologize to their citizens to ensure that the country remains united.”

Watch the video below:

Amaechi Pleads With NASS To Approve $5.3 Billion China Loan For Ibadan-Kano Rail Line

Editorial staff

August 15, 2020

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has appealed to the National Assembly to approve the $5.3 billion loan request from China to enable the government to execute the Ibadan-Kano Standard Gauge rail line.

The minister, who spoke today, August 15, at the construction site of the Ibadan Train Station, after a joint inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Project with his Transportation Counterpart, minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that $1.6 billion is being expended on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail line and the stations, with $200-$300 million counterpart funds from the Federal Government.

The ministers had inspected the gigantic Ebute Meta Railway Station Building and yard construction work; Apapa Railway Station; Dockyard Station as well as Agege; Kajola; Papalanto; Abeokuta and Ibadan Train Stations, which are at various stages of completion.

This was as the information minister made it clear that the loans being taken from China and elsewhere, are being utilized for infrastructural development to create jobs and provide the basis for economic development.

“There is no better way to answer Nigerians as to what we have done with the money we have borrowed than this trip.”

Lai Mohammed said that there is nothing bad in borrowing, provided the funds are invested in infrastructure rather than services or consumption.

“We didn’t borrow money for services or overhead expenditure. We borrowed money for capital projects: rail; roads; bridges; power – infrastructure generally.”

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