We can blend bata drum into hip hop - SOJ Bata

It is uncommon for a young person to opt for bata drumming amongst the various sophisticated instruments around but Oluwatisomiji Ojo Aladegoroye learnt and it with dexterity which betrays his passion for his choice of profession.
He holds a degree in computer science from Lagos State Polytechnic (Laspotech) and also have the highest certificate (General HSE) from the Nigerian Institute Of Safety Professionals immediately he finished from Nigerian Institute Of Information Technology.
Popularly known as SOJ bata, he describes himself as a freelance bata drummer as he aspires to assemble a bata based percussion group.
In this interview with Seyi Eretan, SOJ bata speaks passionately about bata drumming, his experience and the belief that bata can blend into other genres.

Journey into bata drumming
Sincerely, I would say its curiosity first then interest and passion because I was not born into a drumming family, infact my parents have nothing to do with drums. I attended the same elementary school where my mummy taught (she is dead now) and was opportune to be tutored by one Mrs. Bakare as a subject teacher. She was the one that fuelled my interest in Yoruba language: the culture, ways, values and how to appreciate yourself as a Yoruba.
Meanwhile, my mother was then the choir mistress of our church (Celestial Church of Christ Agege Parish 1), so we the children just graduated from the junior choir to the adult choir. As at that time, I played other types of drums like Alumole and Conga but I felt I needed to graduate to something more glorious.
There was a particular day the choir has an outing around Mowe, Ogun State in 2001 and there was no space for the Conga drum in the bus so the choirmaster had to drop the drum. It was very painful because my mummy didn’t allow me to go with them and I had stay in the church premises till they get back the next day. That singular event further made me resolve to learn something else that is more traditional than conga, so I chose bata.

Why Bata?
I actually started with the talking drum (Gangan). There was a guy called Tayo, the first talking drum player for Lanre Teriba, who agreed to teach me. I go to his house every morning for practice but he noticed I was not really excited about the drum, so he offered a solution.
 
Apprenticeship
He took me to Mr. Lateef also known as Baba Ruka, who comes from a lineage of bata drummers. He is the first bata drummer in Lagbaja’s band, his younger (Razak) took over while their father (Baba Ayankola) was the first bata drummer of Hubert Ogunde. I learnt Baba Ayankola’s Bata band in Iseyin, Oyo State normally go to the palace of Alaafin of Oyo anytime the king has any function.  I met him once at the National Theatre but he died in 2006,
When I told Mr. Lateef that I am from Ondo State, he said it doesn’t matter so long as I am serious and have interest in learning. To test my level of seriousness, he told me to get a bata drum for myself which I did and he took me and other four guys in. I spent one and a half years learning the rudiments of bata drumming.
I told him I prefer Omele bata to Iya bata which is the bigger size. I chose Omele bata because it is very handy and much more in demand than the Iya bata which is majorly for cultural purposes.
 
Unforgettable experience
There is a Awori Ota Igunnuko masquerade coven, led by an ex-military officer called General, beside my boss’ house in Ifako Agege.  Anytime we start rehearsal, General and some other adherents would come to observe and even buy drinks which I don’t partake in as I don’t drink. Whenever they have events, my boss would be invited to play so I had to be there.
There was a day the Olota of Ota wanted egungun masquerade festival, General as one of the palace subject had move his own egungun masquerade from Agege to the king’s palace. He gave my boss the task of assembling the best bata drummers in Agege and its environs to accompany him and his entourage of egunguns to Ota.
As an apprentice, you will not believe this, I had to join them to walk barefooted as we played from Eyiowuawi Street in Agege to the front of Olota’s palace. It was in the day time.
I did it for three reasons: I was an apprentice, I can’t let my boss down and I saw it as an opportunity for me to meet with the Olota.
 
Lessons learnt from the experience
Growing up, we usually had to pass through the masquerade gatherings on our way to church without any disturbance from them. That was the closest contact I had with them until I did my apprenticeship.
Although I couldn’t sleep well for about three days after the Ota experience, I still came out with one or two lessons. I learnt more about the Yoruba tradition and Ota people. Professionally as a bata drummer, you dare not criticize, don’t be sentimental and don’t let tribal issues get into your head.
 
First time on stage
I got a job to play with Prince Bode’s band where my boss used to play. Due to one thing or the other, my boss couldn’t play that day so he told me to get on stage with the band. At first, I was shy but after about 20 minutes I blended in perfectly. That first performance fetched me N3000.
 
Fulfillment in the profession
To some extent, I can say it is fulfilling but it can be better. All the same, I give God the glory. Bata drumming has taken me to some West African countries like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic when I was with Atunda Entertainment.
When Ara who used to be the face of Atunda left, we needed to rebrand. We had a three-month rehearsal and toured the Nigeria for three months to rebrand.
 
Infusion of Bata into hip hop music
It is very possible. Lagbaja is doing it. I see 2face and D’banj as excellent performers who can control the stage perfectly and willing to diversify. Infusing Bata into hip hop music depends on the artist if he knows what he is doing.
Most artists now depend on the hype that comes from their beat and not the lyrics. This is the more reason people like 2face will continue to drop hits upon hits.

Let’s do Naija’s Ice Bucket Challenge

What is with the Ice Bucket Challenge (ICB)? I would have simply overlooked it as one of those ‘oyinbo crazy show offs’ but I was fascinated because as ridiculous as it sounds, it is serving a very good purpose.
From what I learnt, also called ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, this activity which viral early this year involves dumping a bucket of ice water on one's head or donating to the ALS Association in the United States.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement thus leading to paralysis and may result in death. If you cannot take up the challenge of the ice water, you simply donate to the ALS association in the US.
Personally, I support the version of the challenge that states that participants donate $10 if they have poured the ice water over their head and donate $100 if they have not as against the other one of dumping the ice water over the participant's head in lieu of any donation.
Before the popularity of the Challenge, levels of awareness, fundraising, research dollars, and overall public support for ALS were extremely low but within a month of going viral, ALS received $15.6 million in donations from both existing donors and 307,598 new donors to the Association.
Trust Naija! We no dey carry last! It came and our celebrities latched on to it with Mavin boss, Don Jazzy, taking the challenge first. He equally nominated some celebrities to do same. Even though a common stipulation of the challenge is that nominated people have 24 hours to comply or forfeit by way of a charitable financial donation, we are yet to hear from some of them (aside Davido and Iyanya) in terms of either taking the water or donating.
Whether he takes up the challenge or not, the Don Jazzy we know is a philanthropist and he will pay just as others who take it up within the stipulated time.
Now, my questions: Is the money not going to the rich country of the United States? Can’t our celebrities do same for the myriad of issues we have in this country?
Let us do our own challenge instead of sending money to US. People in United Kingdom are already doing the challenge for the Motor Neurone Disease Association which is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There also the Macmillan Ice Bucket Challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Naija Ice Bucket Challenge could be in the area of health, education or youth empowerment.
Working with government-approved associations, they can come up with a challenge to raise awareness and support for a specified ailment, public school or vocational training in the country. I am sure, if done properly, some other public figures will partake in the challenge and enough money would be realized.
In order to gather a substantial amount of money for whatever cause they hope to pursue, whether you take up the challenge or not, donations should be made. The donation disparity between opting out and taking it up should not be too much to encourage participation.
We can do it but it should be taken serious just like the ALS Challenge where US president, Barak Obama, donated instead of taking up the challenge.

ALBUM REVIEW: 2face Idibia's Ascension album

2face Idibia's Ascension album reviewed by former TV personality and host of Nigeria's first ever music video countdown, Emmanuel Ugolee. Read below...

I was going to take my time and digest "The Ascension" but then the news that the 2 week (or so) old album had broken an African billboard record would not let me. I was in a mad hurry to see what content had pulled that feat.

Just before I took to dissecting, I cautioned myself about:

a) Comparing the album to the prevalent sound of buzzing music today since I had immense disregard for the yardstick of its acceptance (melody and lyrics alike) and ...

b) Making comparison with the "face 2 face" album as every great act gets to deal with the curse of an early great outing in his career. Micheal Jackson chased "Thriller" with every effort till he died. He never touched it for many, if not all of us. Seems same for 9ice, Snoop Doggy Dog, Asa, Bobby Brown, MajekFasheketc

So the basis for judgment fair and square had to be : How much of the man we love, could i feel in this album? Did he "fall" the proverbial hand? Would I find home grown and universal appeal worthy of Africa's biggest act of this generation? Can I relate to the sense or nonsense he made? Would I be proud to be a fan when I am done?

Now that my head was clear on the basis for a standard analysis, it was time to press play on track 1

1) Go ftMachelMontano :  Trying to stay still without rhythmically moving body parts to this song is sheer punishment. Your classic party jam which I think was a strategically smart move to appeal to the critical under 25 audience. Typical plot of a girl in the club pulling all the attention by doing her thing. He also communicated in a language they know so well eg "blow my mind, way you whine, carry go". Glad though that he observed the limits, leaving Hennessey, Ferrari and Versace alone.

Then next to Patoranking, can't wait to hear a Machel Montano album. Awesome delivery on this track he served. Great blend with 2face. Generally, a good feel good song.

2) #Aproko : I've noticed 2face's music is influenced by romantic love, governance, human inter-relationships and his personal experiences. #aproko is a clear mix of the last two.

For years, I have known Dr Sid to be mild tempered but the only time I've seen the beast in him awaken was because of twitter. Someone had the nerve to tell a man hurt over his dad's demise to "stop ranting and give us hits joor". Like Peter Okoye, 2face got the same medium used to have his family disrespected. Banky's head has had countless trending hash tags. Can you imagine how that must hurt?

Well the agony is felt in #aproko. Strong words unveil the disgust 2face feels in his stomach about the trend. Describing the pitiable, backwardfocused, idle state of the cyber bully as unworthy of sleepless nights. He however urges victims to dust shoulders and ignore them because they are just words that shouldn't get to them, even when the words kiss their a**es. Great lesson for all but a celebrities favorite you can bet.

This message is served with a warlike sound from Leriq.  Not a song for all but on point with content.

3) Holiday! A second feel good song with a little extra ginger. David Guetta and Calvin Harris were the names to pop into my head as I followed the changing drum sequence. The message reminds you of Will Smith's 'Welcome to Miami'. No stress, no work, no worries. Just have fun.  This song would effortlessly slide into any house music DJ's mix. While the clubs @ okoko would gladly skip this song, this is heaven for the table top dancing, PiccoloMondo, Caliente going, Ajebur kids and all their action replicating wannabe's.

My advice sha is to constantly check your account balance as you swipe your card listening to this song because of its power to inspire flow of Shayo. A good attempt to cater for house music's loving global fans

4) Can't hear you ftVector : Turn up sound for the youngsters.  Close your eyes to the beat and you'll see YMCM and YBNL. Now music that be bumping with today's hippies.The kind of sound that extends his life span with the Y generation.Nicely produced.

Lyrically, he was just letting personal stuff off his chest. I didn't work too hard to connect but I wasn't sure I could say the same for the average listener because you had to be in his shoes to relate to the pain of having someone always trying to famz with irrelevant topics even when you are just trying to have a good time. Sounds like he gets that a lot in the club. Only money talk would not be bother at that time he says. Vector flawlessly drove the point home with a memorable rhyme scheme and trademark clarity only wished he sounded more personal along the line of 2face's expression. He sounded like the beat was sent to him to voice in a different studio armed only with the topic.

5) The best I can be ft iceberg slim and Rock steady : This sound made me want to do two miles an hour in a convertible with everyone who has ever put me in undue stress without a clue of my personal struggle, watching me roll. Vintage 2face, still on that "I am not perfect, I can only be me, I no send you, I no holy pass" tip. He stresses also on his realness chopping some kpanla aka okporoko and didn't forget to talk about a failing government. Too many messages for one song if you ask me.

Iceberg slim slayed his verse even though he had a forth element of flossing added to it. "Do me like masturbation' is not only unoriginal but tired. Rappers should please leave that line alone. Outside that one line, Iceberg was remarkable. Rock steady stuck more to the theme but disappointingly with what was clearly a freestyle verse. If he wrote that, then he should loose his hyperteck jersey. Overall, it was cool

6) Let somebody love you ft Bridget Kelly: 32yrs and above please. Just skip if you started appreciating music from the Terry G, Limpopo era. 90's R&B reborn. Wow! It was refreshing and definitely international stuff right there.

Oh Bridget my dear Bridget. Thank you. All I got to say to you for the quality of the blessing you put on this track. Voice control and texture, lyrics, delivery. Thank you. Bridge, I hope they explained to you what it meant to let somebody. "Take You"? No be to take you out o! If you let that happen with Innocent, there's only one possible outcome o! Juorkwaajuju o.

2face didn't fall short at all on all parameters on this superbly produced sound.

7) Kiss of Life: Ok the lover boy is let loose. Brilliant writing.The mature audience still having a ball on this track. Kiss of life is that movie soundtrack that forces you to reach for your partners hand in the cinema.  This song would touch you if you've ever had difficulty express love to a crush. Great way with words, lovely midtempo melody. I loved it

8) Hate what you do to me. My favorite song on the album for the following reasons. I haven't heard any song so romantically constructed with such ruthless depth and creativity in the last 10years. Sweet Jesus, this boy outdid himself this time. Then the hook was of the hook. Simple and Sweet. Please tell me that was Carlos Santana on those strings that were pushing me to the brink of sheer madness. No man or woman who has loved an imperfect person can resist feeling this song. "When you are not here there is peace and then, dam! I wanna share it (the peace) with you." The irony in this song is tangible. Heavenly production. Sure winner.

9) Confessions ft Rock steady and DammyKrane : Ok someone call 2face back to 2014. Now he takes us to the Caribbean’s and Jamaica when Chaka Dimus and Pliers reigned. The best for me was the hook. Don't think this was the best song to use to show what Dammy could do. Rock Steady was more at home here but clearly now needs a ghost writer. His strength is with his awesome voice and melodic delivery.

I enjoyed the memory lane jogg and I am sure many would.

10) Close to where you are: I would have made this a bonus track. Not very striking with the cords of interest it hits. He is however outstanding with the use of words to paint a picture. "Its like no tracks under a train" he goes. Guess 2face has finally settled the issues about his writing contributions to plantation boys. Outside that, the song was just there

11) International loving ftAlmarcha : Clearly for the east African market and the francophone countries but might favorably compete with the dim dimgbamgbam sound in Naija. Personally this was the only song I didn't give a second listen to for the sake of its alien feel to my ears but I am sure lovers of French creole would think me mad. Almarcha rode the beat pretty well.

Track 12 (BouleyBouleyftShurwayme) and Track 13 (Diaspora Woman ftFallyIpupa) I would gladly put in the same basket as 11 with the non Nigerian appeal but its got proper production for whom it may concern. Sorry, we gotta deal with it, he is no longer a local star. His market demands this and I am proud of how at home he is with the music. Fally on point as usual

Track 14) JeJe : Ehen, where ma shrine regulars at? Super Afro beat undying sound. This had to be Egypt 80.

Are they still making that movie on Fela? Somebody give them a chance to have the coolest non Fela soundtrack. Diverse dude, this 2face guy. Appropriately, spat all the way in pidginEnglish. The harmonies were rendered by true professionals; they sank and got mixed perfectly with the instruments. As regards the content? 2face again reminding us how much better it is to do your thing and let others do theirs. Maintain your lane jeje.Jeje did it for me.

15) LessePasseft Sir Victor Uwaifo. Ok under 38years of age, please sit down abeg. This one is stuck with the brand of highlife around in the 70's. The funk and groove that tries to make it escape to our new era of high life were arrested by the masterfully played guitar of Sir Uwaifo. You just had to remember the music of yesteryears. While popsie may wave his head to Wizboy, this would awaken  his spirit.

16) Ife Dinmaft Tony One week. Jolly party jam that did Tony more good. Proof that he still in form. For 2baba, don't think the impact would be as strong outside the East and South/South of Nigeria. And yea! A song you can "shokie" to. The upbeat tempo and attempt to cut the vocal cord would require full party mode to enjoy.

17) Not a surprise: An extended skit designed to remind us that 2baba's core constituency is reggea, ragga, dance hall and all. Feels like that "let's jubilate" filler. "The Album is done." This is no sarcasm. The song is actually 2mins 38sec long so....

In general, with the Ascension, I was impressed by the fact that he retained his identity. “There are still 7thousand that didn't bow down to Baal”. Thank you 2face for not jumping on the band wagon with the urge to make sales by going with thetimes. Thank you for making content a primary point of focus in making this album. Thank you for exploiting the power of music beyond pleasure for a few months after which comes the irreversible glide to oblivion. No wonder at below 40, you are almost 20years old in a business where many have lasted for 8months

Great attempt to have something for everybody but beware of the Jack of all trades.

With no fear or favor I would give the Ascension 3 and a half stars of 5.XXXx

Angela Davies wins award

Angela Davies, blogger and a style journalist with New Telegraph, was presented with the award of Style Writer of the year by Classic International Magazine organizers of Classic Africa Merit Awards, CAMA.
The event, which held on Sunday, August 10 at 10 Degrees event center, Oregun. was the fourth edition and five years existence of the magazine.
More ink to your pen! 

Butafly drops Gbalaga ft DJ Humility, Splash & Brown Shuga

 

After a successful mixtape release, Butafly is back to our playlists with a hot new offering titled 'Gbalaga'. The mid-tempo song features the renowned, Incredible DJ Humility, fast rising indegenious female rapper Splash and multi talented reggae crooner, Brown Shuga.

Gbalaga is the Ibo word for 'run away' and on this song, we hear Butafly use playful bars to deliver memorable verses on an afro-beat fused with reggae instrumental produced by Prolishey. Plans are ongoing to release the visuals for the single soon as subsequent weeks would see her fans get treated to viral videos of some tracks off her BRT Mixtape.

 

STREAM/DOWNLOAD

STREAM DIRECTLY: http://old.hulkshare.com/z6w6743ztbsw

DOWNLOAD DIRECTLY: http://bit.ly/1r4hVTW

Romeo is out with Booty Near You

Romeo is with Now Muzik and this is his first single since his going solo after the release of  Elevated album with the Crystal band (Star Quest) in 2012.

 

With relatable lyrics, metaphors and brilliant word play, the Spyke-produced song is in appreciation of the unique figure of the African woman.

Romeo is also a member of the Loos Kollectiv, a hip hop ensemble with an affiliation to Now Muzik, their first single Take Over was released last week to great reception.

Now Muzik is home to other great and talented artistes like 2face, Tony Oneweek, Naeto C, Rocksteady, RIghteousman, Efa, K Slim, and Loos Kollectiv.

NEA 2014: Vote Efe Omorogbe

Now Muzik’s outstanding place in the entertainment industry was further enhanced with the nomination of its chief strategist, Efe Omorogbe, in the upcoming Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

He was nominated in the Entertainment Executive of the Year category for the 9^th edition of the prestigious award which will hold on Sunday, August 31, 2014 in New York, USA.

He was nominated alongside EMoney, illbliss, Okwudili, Steve X3m, Ayo Animashaun and Don Jazzy.

Voting has started.

Now Muzik’s Loos Kollectiv is out with Take Over

Loos Kollectiv, a hip hop ensemble on the label of Now Muzik, is set to take over the airwaves with its new single aptly titled Take Over.

Take Over is full of metaphors and wordplays. The well crafted hook of the J Sleek produced song is sure to excite fans of Hip Hop music in Nigeria. Hip Hop is a very competitive genre and with four rappers on one track the competition was fierce (although friendly), each rapper brought their own unique flow and delivery to the song.

Loos Kollectiv is a hip hop ensemble consisting of rappers, producers, writers, singers, poets, B-Boys and Deejays working directly or indirectly with Now Muzik in management, label or allied scenarios. On this track you have a lyrical onslaught from Jayce, PKD, Romeo and Butafly.

Jayce (Mafoitan Oladipupo) is a wiz with indigenous Yoruba rap. The Business Administration undergraduate of Yaba College of Technology’s love for music and entertainment has seen him go on to become a social director in his department, affording him opportunities to perform and win fans across campuses in Lagos.

Ever since wining 2011 Star Quest with his group, Crystals wherein they dropped their Elevated album a year later, Romeo (Romeo Ugwudike) has garnered enough recording and performance experiences to make pursue a solo career under Now Muzik. The energetic performer gave his all in this new single.

PKD (Perekeme Dubre) is a Warri born and bred rapper with a unique voice and style of rap which blends Warri Pidgin with English. PKD was an opening act in 2Face Idibia’s Campus Connect Tour, he appeared on the Million Voices For Peace song (Break The Silence) which also features 2Face Idibia, Sound Sultan, Rigtheousman, Jo El, Ferre Galo and Samini. PKD is also a writer and content creator.

 Lois Osuoha aka Butafly is a femcee with a vicious delivery, her debut mixtape Butafly Rap Trap (BRT) in which she featured MI, Terry Tha Rapman, Godwon and Koffi was released last year and enjoys massive airplay even as she is working on a new single.

 

Lambo Leads Dignitaries to Ogidi Day

 Former Health Minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo will lead dignitaries from across the country to this year’s Ogidi Day holding in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Saturday, June 21.

 Lambo, who will be the chairman of the occasion, will be joined by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade as royal father of the day and Kogi State Deputy Governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi as Chief Guest of Honour.

 Ogidi Day which commemorates the community’s new yam festival holds every June and it features a colourful parade of cultural groups including the famous Olaga (maidens) dance.

 Chairman, Ogidi Day Central Planning Committee, Mr. Ibrahim Allah, in a statement said an appeal fund would be launched at this year’s event to finance the re-development of the community’s markets and to procure equipment for the newly completed Ogidi Cottage Hospital.

  Renowned batik artist and the community’s prominent daughter, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery, Lagos will be the mother of the day at the show which will also be graced by cultural troupes from Niger, Lagos, Anambra and Osun States.

 Prominent son of Igbominaland and Executive Director (Marketing), News Agency of Nigeria, Otunba Jide Adebayo and his wife will be installed as the Maiyegun and Yeye Maiyegun of Ogidi while Chief Alfred Ibikunle, Local Government Treasurer, Okehi Local Government, Kogi State and his wife will be made the Tadese and Yeye Tadese of Ogidi.

National President, Okun Development Association, Ambassador Babatunde Fadumiyo is billed to be the Father of the Day while the Ciroman Nupe, Arc Usman Manko Babayitso, frontline Abuja entrepreneur and Amowomoni of Ogidi, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, Member representing Bunu/Ijumu/Kabba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, his predecessor, Otunba Dino Melaye and former Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chief Bamidele Suru will serve as special guests of honour.

scriptorialpr: 2face to hold special weekend on HipTv

scriptorialpr: 2face to hold special weekend on HipTv: You can get exclusive and first hand peep into the life of Africa’s biggest export, 2Face Idibia, and his soon to be released album The ...

Cancer: Osarere Idiagbonya is a survivor

 Sometimes in 2012, Osarere Idiagbonya's pictures flooded the social media soliciting for funds to battle cancer of the breast. As God would have it, she is a survivor as cancer has no hold on her.
Here are recent pictures of our dear Osarere Idiagbonya.

Customs Boss Dikko Inde Threatens To Dismiss Acid Attacker Nwaeze From Service | Sahara Reporters#.U3ycHJF0AjY.facebook

Customs Boss Dikko Inde Threatens To Dismiss Acid Attacker Nwaeze From Service | Sahara Reporters#.U3ycHJF0AjY.facebook

School lunch from different countries of the world!

A plate containing an empanada of meat, milanesa (meat covered with egg and bread), and potato is set on a table where children ages two to five years old have lunch at a school in Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

A school lunch at El Caminet del Besos kindergarten is pictured in Barcelona, Spain, is composed of cream of vegetable soup, pan-fried breast of veal with salad, a piece of bread, an orange or banana and water

Milagro Ramos, a student at the Angela Landa elementary school, spoons up rice from her lunch tray, which also contains a chicken croquette, a piece of taro root and yellow pea soup in Old Havana, Cuba

A student's lunch box brought from home sits on display at an elementary school in Quito, Ecuador. The lunch consists of a sandwich of ham, cheese, tomato and lettuce, a boxed oatmeal drink, and an apple

A meal of rice, salmon, ratatouille, a slice of bread, a salad with celery and carrots, and an orange and donut at the Anne Franck school in Lambersart, northern France.

Fhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2621741/PICTURED-A-taste-school-lunches-world.htmllatbread, a turnip dish and mangoes, at a school in Jammu, India.

This Indonesian lunch consists of rice, meatball soup, tofu and vegetables

Two lunch trays at a primary school in London. The meal at right consists of pasta with broccoli and slices of bread, and fruit. At left are vegetable chili with rice and broccoli, sponge cake with custard, and a banana

Mamadou Diagana shows his fried donuts as he makes his way to school in Bamako, Mali. In Maliís capital, most students go to schools and return home from noon to 3pm so they can eat lunch with their families. The they then return to class until 5pm

Palestinian students hold up their sandwiches of pita bread stuffed with olive oil and zaatar, a mixture of herbs and spices, brought from home, during their half-hour mid-day break in the West Bank city of Nablus

Bowls of salad are ready to be served at Delcare Edu Center, a local kindergarten and child care center in the business district of Singapore

A school lunch salad entree option featuring low-sodium chicken, a whole-grain roll, fresh red peppers, and cilantro dressing is assembled in a lunch basket at Mirror Lake Elementary School in Federal Way, Washington.

Reasons You Should Start Eating Cucumber

Cucumber rehydrates body

If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water lost.

Cucumber fights heat inside and out

Eating cucumber will get your body relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin and you will get relief from sunburn.

Cucumber eliminates toxins

All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your body. With regular eating, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

Cucumber replenishes daily vitamins

Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. A B and C, which boost your immune system keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance.

http://www.fitnea.com/14-reasons-you-should-start-eating-cucumber/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral

Unbelievable! See a Nigerian Police Station!

Parrot helps solve murder case that puzzled police

Neelam Sharma, wife of the editor of a Hindi daily newspaper, was killed in her home in Agra, 200 km from New Delhi, together with her pet dog. The police had no initial leads on the murder, until the parrot, named Hercule, provided a key clue.
Vijay Sharma, Neelam’s husband, picked up on the fact that whenever his nephew visited, Hercule would start screeching. The parrot would even respond when the nephew’s name ‘Ashutosh’ was mentioned in conversation. Sharma alerted the police to his suspicions, who interrogated the newly found suspect. Ashutosh confessed, telling the police he had entered the home with an accomplice in order to steal money and valuables and had been caught in the act by his aunt. Afraid that she would recognise him, he stabbed her to death. He also stabbed and killed her dog, which wouldn’t stop barking.
Unfortunately for him, he didn’t take the parrot into account. Hercule had kept his mouth wisely shut during the murder, only to open it later to reveal the truth.
•Text courtesy Independent (London).

Terror attacks won’t stop us –1 GAME

1 GAME Founder, Philip Obaji on
Wednesday assured that no act of
terrorism will stop the organization’s
humanitarian work.

Obaji said the recently introduced 1
GAME: Off The Streets project in Borno will continue as designed, despite continued terrorist attacks on
communities in the state, with the
most recent occurring last weekend in Baga and Izghe villages in Kukawa and Gwoza Local Government Areas.

At least 106 people were killed in both villages after gunmen attacked
residents on Saturday night, the police and witnesses said.

The attack came days after gunmen
killed 43 people in two separate
incidents near Maiduguri.

Speaking on the attacks, Obaji said:
“it's a despicable attack on innocent
people and the entire 1 GAME
Movement joins in utterly condemning the act.”

"1 GAME remains committed to
supporting the people of Borno State in their struggle to stop the abhorrent
actions of terrorist groups, and as such would continue its programs geared towards combating violence and ignorance in the state through
education."

Obaji said he's had many messages and declarations of support and solidarity for the ongoing Off The Streets project to keep running.

The 1 GAME Campaign introduced Off The Streets in December 2013. The initiative is a community project
working for Almajiri children in Borno
State who are facing challenges of
exclusion from school, ignorance,
recruitment into insurgent groups,
neglect and abuse.
The project supports these children by catering for them through the provision of food and clothing and at the same time prepares them for western education through its mentoring program.

Borno community vows to embrace western education as pupils get free books, pens

 

 

Leaders of Gamboru Ward in Maiduguri, Borno State have promised to mobilize the indigenes to embrace western education and have taken the responsibility of moving from house to house to ensure that every child returns to school for the second term.

 

Leader of the Ward, Alhaji Bukar Kolo Tobaco, said this when the 1 GAME Campaign got to their village to distribute branded 1 GAME Exercise Books and Pens to the community pupils.

 

“This move is very important for us. It will help children, help families and help the entire community,” he explained. “As leaders it’s our responsibility to ensure that our children are educated, and we’ll get everyone in this community involved. We want all our children to be educated.”

 

Speaking at a meeting with the leadres, Agafi Kunduli, 1 GAME Campaign Project Development Coordinator, said the road map for improving the lives of Gamboru’s children is a humanitarian issue, and must involve everyone’s participation and commitment.

 

He said the first step towards involvement is to agree to push every child back to school for the new term — and then to talk to others about getting involved at mosque, church, work and home.

 

“In order for us to move the needle in the right direction, we have to have solidarity,” Kunduli said. “It’s going to take time, it’s going to take volunteers, it’s going to take a commitment on the part of this entire community.”

 

Kunduli who showed samples of branded 1 GAME Exercise Books and Pens to the community leaders, said children who agree to return to school will get books and pens from 1 GAME Campaign to assist them in learning.

 

 The 1 GAME Campaign is currently working to improve school enrolment and access to learning materials for kids in Borno State where only 28% of school-age children attend school.

LAGOS REWARDS BEST TEACHERS

Secretary to Lagos State government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule and Gov. Babatunde Fashola

 

Teachers’ reward is no longer in heaven as demonstrated by Lagos State government as two teachers in the state received brand new cars for their sterling performance.

Mrs. Mosunmola Tolu-Alalade of Community Senior High School, Surulere and Mr. Ganiyu Johnson Alawiye of Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Mushin, were adjudged the best teachers in the Secondary School and Primary School categories respectively at the state Annual Education Merit Award.

Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, pointed out that the award is intended to not just recognize but also to motivate and appreciate teachers’ contribution to education development in Lagos State.

Other awardees include Mr. Abiodun Aiyerin of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye as Best Principal in the Senior Secondary School category, Mr. Emmanuel Adebiyi of Iju Junior Grammar School, Iju as the Best Principal in the Junior Secondary School category and Mr. A. O. Ambali of St Georges Nursery and Primary School, Falomo as the best Head Teacher.

 

1 GAME Campaign hits Port Harcourt

The 1 GAME Campaign is continuing in its drive to support kids in school and encourage vulnerable children to embrace primary education.

In its latest push to make learning easy for school children, the campaign has been donating books and pens to schools in Port Harcourt. One of those schools that received the donations is our Lady of Help Model School located in Rumuosi slightly in the outskirt of Port Harcourt.

1 GAME Special Projects Coordinator (Rivers State), Chuma Nnoli who made the donation to the school on behalf of the campaign, said the gesture which formed part of the 1 GAME: 1 Book, 1 Pen initiative was aimed at making learning easy and encouraging other vulnerable children to enroll into school.

He said: “We are fully aware of the challenges children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds face while in school. This action is aimed at ensuring that every child in this area who has decided to attend school has the basic tool he or she needs to achieve a good education.

Proprietress of the School Mrs. Ndefo Mary-Rose could not hide her gratitude for the gifts saying that it will be used as incentive for children who excel in the school. Mrs. Ngofa went on to urge the 1 Game Campaign to take the message to every parent so they can see the need to send their Children to School.

“I must commend you for the laudable initiative you have put together and I’ll like you to take the message to the parents in the villages because they have the final say as regards their children or wards going to school,” she said.

The donations in Port Harcourt is a phase in the 1 Book, 1 Pen programme aimed at ensuring that every child in school has at least a book and pen.