Preserve my Saltiness: Love Notes. Comments. Reviews

Poetry Reading at Atlas Service Corps Gathering, Washington DC

First a wonderful presentation, from the very beginning. The preface, dedication, all of it. From 'an idle heart' to "under the shadow of the almighty' you captivated me. Your passion, desire, and love you have for the written word is demonstrated beyond the readers imagination. It lifts ones heart and takes us on a journey that only one can do when they have been blessed with a talent that only our Lord can give. And blessed are we the readers for you answering his call! This book is amazing and Jenifer I will highly recommend to anyone."  - Shannon Wendler, Writer and Poet- Founder of  www.Poetryclub.com

I was going to wait until I had read through it to send you a note so I could comment at the same time.  That was a mistake.  After taking a couple opportunities over the weekend to read into it, I realize this is a book not to consume, but to savor.  The individual pieces demand reflection, which requires a quiet time and full attention…Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and others, through this special book.” John

In this book I see that Jennifer has wrangled in the electrifying bull of creativity to possess her words in a way that will speak to others deeply. She speaks to you in these pages from a place of strength and the calm assuredness that this is exactly what she would like to say. I hope you listen. Because by recording her truth, she has recorded our truth. So, take a moment and learn of your soul as you read the poetry of hers. Jennifer, you speak truth in a way that seems as though you are a hundred years old and have lived the lives of many. Your truth is unforgivingly raw, uncut crystal - like all truth that is worth telling. Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry with the world. Because, as we know, the world needs it. My favorite poem is My Brothers Wrestle.” --Jess Rimington, One World Youth Project

As a writer, I have carefully looked at these poems and believe that you will enjoy reading Preserve My Saltiness. You will enjoy reflecting on the threads of meaningful didactic and philosophical images, which help to enhance the encoded meanings. These poetic thoughts could only emanate from one who stayed close to grandma, picking eternal words of wisdom; I bet Jennifer did, as shown in these poems which are all her original pieces.” Isi Agboaye, Editor, Step Out Creatives

THE BOOK

·      Author: Jennifer Ehidiamen

·      Paperback: 81 pages

·      Publisher: Step Out Creatives Publications U.K; First Edition edition (20 Feb 2011)

·      Language English

·      ISBN-10: 1906963266

·      ISBN-13: 978-1906963262

Preserve My Saltiness by Jennifer Ehidiamen is a collection of poems, featuring various topics. You will enjoy reflecting on the threads of meaningful didactic and philosophical images, which help to enhance the encoded meanings. Copies are now available in some local bookstores in Lagos-

To buy your copies, please visit:

1. Naija-Sistas Book-stop- Henry Nelson Consulting, 26 Festival Road off Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
2. Terra Kulture (Bookshop) Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street Victoria Island Lagos. 
3. Florence & Lambard Publisher and Booksellers 202-204 Ikorodu road, Palm Grove, Lagos.
4. Latter Rain Assembly Bookshop: Plot 4 Akilo Road Ogba, off Oba Akran Avenue Ikeja Lagos Nigeria

Don’t forget to share your comments after reading! THANK YOU!

Want to start up a Business? Get your idea funded!

“We should not be afraid of failure but see it as opportunity to do better.”

I was speaking recently to a young Entrepreneur who started his first company during his NYSC and presently partnering with other entrepreneurs to launch a digital marketing company- in three different African countries. I guess this re-affirms NYSC is not a total waste of time? Some youths actually discover themselves during that one-year of service.

Drawing from his experience of starting up a company from scratch in a rather harsh economy (as Nigeria’s), this young entrepreneur says youth can reach their dream:
·      If they can create new opportunities (most people often think opportunities always have to come knocking on their door- sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone or oppressive zone to create the environment that will allow us thrive).
·      If they don't think they can make million the first day (our over-ambitiousness often make us think we have to start out with a huge budget and hit millions afterwards).
·       It doesn't take money to start a business; it takes your mind (the priority is set at- Idea, people then money).
·      If you have idea and you refuse to go out and mix with the right people that can project you, then the idea is as good as no idea! (People, the right people are great resource to a new business venture.)
·      If you know your onions, life is interesting.

This entrepreneur’s passion is different from what he studied in school- so he focused on making his passion a profession/career. “I read books a lot, not novels- Investment books.” He studied Business Education but today is an expert in digital marketing. On the opinion that Nigeria has a harsh economy thus preventing people from thriving, he said it’s a flimsy excuse youth give... We eat, recharge our phones, buy latest designers wears etc and yet say the economy is harsh? “The economy might be harsh but that's not a factor not to start something.”

Meanwhile, if you are a young budding entrepreneur with a business proposal that needs investment from N50k to N200k, send mail to jackobzn@yahoo.com for an opportunity to pitch your idea and get funded! An example is a true-life story of a National Diploma graduate that had no employment for 2 years. He gave a proposal a month ago that he needed N250k to start a Cyber Café. Today, he has a cafe with 10 computers and 2 play stations. He also employed an attendant. He makes over five thousand-naira daily.

The last time I checked, the statistics read Nigeria has over 43million unemployed youth. With universities and colleges churning out graduates every year, the queue is getting longer. Thus, the earlier we all embrace the era of entrepreneurship, the better. If we all can support each other, things would be fine in Nigeria!


"Raising money is the second hardest part of starting a startup. The hardest part is making something people want: most startups that die, die because they didn’t do that. But the second biggest cause of death is probably the difficulty of raising money. Fundraising is brutal." PaulGraham.com

Checkout these relevant info on starting up:

• What to consider when raising money
• How to raise money from VCs
• Term sheet terms – what they mean
• How to find Angel Investors
• Business models that work
• The Pitch – How to write an effective presentation
• Writing a Business Plan
• Creating a Financial Model

An emerging Nigerian artist’s new release titled "Gracias, O se, Merci" (Free Download available!)

 MAYOWA ADEBAJO, popularly known as "eMJOY", is an artist, songwriter and performer of primarily gospel music in the HipHop genre. He has been performing to a small group of family since a young age but had his first concert stage performance in High school at the age of 15, which opened up more opportunities to perform.

eMJOY has performed across Toronto, Canada, including during Jesus Family Church events, RCCG Covenant Chapel youth events, Haiti Community, Worship 4 Life Concerts, Emua Fashion Show 2010, York University NSA (Nigerian Students Association) Gala 2011, etc.

He currently lives in Toronto where he is also studying for Higher Education. He says “My vision in the music industry is to make beautiful, classic-lasting music for the world that should draw us all nearer to the mind-blowing Love of God. Through the good news of Jesus Christ, I should expectedly bring glory to my nation Nigeria, and Africa, at large.”

Listen to the new reverberating track and download for free following this link here http://emjoy.bandcamp.com/track/gracias-o-se-merci

"New Nigeria Spirit" is another tune released earlier this year, which captures the spirit of new Nigeria and can be found at http://emjoy.bandcamp.com/ along with other music by eMJOY.

Connect with eMJOY: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emjoy/210761992295549

Blog: yesgodmusic.tumblr.com

To invite eMJOY to perform at your event, you can contact his manager through: victorehikwe@yahoo.com

For media interviews or features, email dotmayo@yahoo.com

Watch out for more releases from eMJOY!

The Dancing flood...

When it rains very hard,
making loud crack crack sound
like broken beads falling on our roof,
Every movement cease on our street.

It is raining hard today,
Our street lies desolate
The only movement in sight,
is the flood dancing its way
to the gutter
That separates my street from yours.

The flood dancing its way,
In twist and turns,
into the gutter
that is already vomiting water.

Houses are squeezed here and there
No room for the flood to pass or rest.
Baba Ali’s unpolished building
sway left and right like a drunk,
His foundation was built on mere sand.
The Dancing flood...

(c)Jennifer Ehidiamen
culled from "Preserve my Saltiness"


To buy your copies, please visit:

Naija-Sistas Book-stop- Henry Nelson Consulting
26 Festival Road off Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island
Lagos

Terra Kulture (Bookshop) Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street Victoria Island Lagos.

Florence & Lambard Publisher and Booksellers 202-204 Ikorodu road, Palm Grove, Lagos.

Preserve my Saltiness
•    Author: Jennifer Ehidiamen
•    Paperback: 81 pages
•    Publisher: Step Out Creatives Publications U.K; First Edition edition (20 Feb 2011)
•    Language English
•    ISBN-10: 1906963266
•    ISBN-13: 978-1906963262


Preserve My Saltiness is a collection of poems, featuring various topics. You will enjoy reflecting on the threads of meaningful didactic and philosophical images, which help to enhance the encoded meanings. These poetic thoughts could only emanate from one who stayed close to grandma, picking eternal words of wisdom; I bet Jennifer did, as shown in these poems which are all her original pieces. Copies are available on www.amazon.co.uk and or your local bookstore in Lagos- Terra Kulture, Florence and Lambard, Naija-Sista Bookstop etc. (see list below)

Review
In this book I see that Jennifer has wrangled in the electrifying bull of creativity to possess her words in a way that will speak to others deeply. She speaks to you in these pages from a place of strength and the calm assuredness that this is exactly what she would like to say. I hope you listen. Because by recording her truth, she has recorded our truth. So, take a moment and learn of your soul as you read the poetry of hers. Jennifer, you speak truth in a way that seems as though you are a hundred years old and have lived the lives of many. Your truth is unforgivingly raw, uncut crystal - like all truth that is worth telling. Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry with the world. Because, as we know, the world needs it. My favorite poem is My Brothers Wrestle. --Jess Rimington, One World Youth Project

As a writer, I have carefully looked at these poems and believe that you will enjoy reading Preserve My Saltiness. You will enjoy reflecting on the threads of meaningful didactic and philosophical images, which help to enhance the encoded meanings. These poetic thoughts could only emanate from one who stayed close to grandma, picking eternal words of wisdom; I bet Jennifer did, as shown in these poems which are all her original pieces. --Isi Agboaye, Editor

Global Youth Summit 2011

2007 Summit

In November 2011, the sixth Global Youth Summit will take place in the UK, bringing together social entrepreneurs, community activists and volunteers aged 16-19 from around the world. During the summit, the new Changemakers will be exchanging best practices and developing action plans for projects that tackle issues ranging from AIDS/HIV and corruption to education and human rights. Register on the site today so you can be the first to learn how to apply.
The call for applications for the Global Youth Summit will go live on 4 July 2011 and will end on 24 July 2011.
Download the Global Youth Summit 2011 one-pager (PDF) for more information.

Lessons from “Aramotu”

The movie depicts a lot of social-economic elements present in our society today. Aramotu (Idiat Sobande) represents a powerful woman. Yes, like today’s 21^st career woman active in the boardroom as well as the bedroom and kitchen. She is an epitome of beauty, brain and charisma. But the movie is not just about one woman, women liberation or a voice to project the importance of women empowerment.  You have to read between the lines and dissect every bit of it to get the full message.

 

As the plot unfolded, I began to compare Agesi Village to our present day Nigeria. Except, the movie is too deep to be seen as a satire. There is no difference between our greedy politicians today and the greedy and manipulative leaders, especially Chief Olookanda (Ayo Olabiyi) who was willing to do anything just to get the lands of his subjects and egoistic Iyalode (Ireti Osayemi) who was more concern about materialism than tackling the real issues affecting the women she claimed to represent.

It is no longer news that as Agesi Village was freed from the shackles of confused, greedy and manipulative leaders; Nigeria is also on its way to being free! Maybe we need an Aramotu to rise against the tradition and move our Nation selflessly to development. We do not just need women liberation; we need a collective human liberation.

 

Enough of the suffering and smiling- we must hold our leaders accountable to ensure they represent the interest of the people. And maybe sweep out all the corrupt and hypocritical leaders (at all levels) into exile. That part of the movie was very hilarious- the people used brooms and leaves to sweep out the greedy elders from Agesi Village.

Aramotu was a trader who traveled to other parts to sell her goods- it was through her experiences that she was able to dream and aspire for a better life for her village. She became a pillar of strength in her household and community. Yet she remained humble. The world is too round for each of us to just sit silently in a corner. Nigeria is a big country, if you have not started traveling yet, hope you take up the challenge- travel, broaden your horizon and allow yourselves to see and do more. The movie sure reminded us of the importance of traveling and interacting with others.

It is no surprise that Aramotu, produced by Yinka Kolapo, and directed by Niji Akanni, won the Best Nigerian Film and Best Costume Design at the just concluded African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The movie is epic. Right from the minute the movie started playing on the screen, I knew I was about to watch something exceptional. It was worth the N1,000 (N500 discount with my student ID) I paid at the Silverbird Cinema last weekend. If you have not seen it yet, please go and give yourself a treat and come back to share your experience! Even if you don't understand yoruba, you will be able to follow the story line via English subtitles, laugh at the rich humor in the movie and maybe shed some tears at the tragic-happy ending.

The kidnapped corpers, Olumide & the 4 ladies have been released!

The kidnapped corpers, Olumide & the 4 ladies have been released...!

Thank God who moved our government leaders and the hearts of the kidnappers.

Life Lesson: The hearts of the Kings are in God's hands. The hearts of brutal kidnappers are in God's hands.

God heard our long list of why Olumide Yusuf and the four ladies must be released, but at the end of it all, it is His mercy and grace that prevailed. To Him alone be all the glory.

Hallelujah! May God continue to protect us all. May He remain the covering of our heads in the day of battle. 

GOD BLESS NIGERIA. 

Kidnapped corps members regain freedom in Rivers

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME,

News

 PORT HARCOURT- FIVE corps members kidnapped two weeks ago in Rivers state have regained their freedom, says the Rivers state Police Command.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Ben Ugwuegbulam, said they were freed, Sunday night, at Ama, Omoku in Rivers state.
According to him, they were rescued by Mobile Policemen on Stop and search Operations  at Omerenu checkpoint on Port Harcourt-Owerri road. Adding that they have since been handed over to the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General M.I. Tsiga.

His words, “Release and rescue of five kidnapped corpers. While Police SOS and Anti kidnapping teams supported by DPO Omoku were making efforts to rescue the mother of Chief Okoroma kidnapped on 17/6/11 at Obrikom, that effort not only led to the rescue of the old woman at about 15 hours today 19/6/11 at Ama Omoku, it also added to pressure sustained on the kidnappers of the corpers by the Police, State Security and the military since the 14/6/11 incident. “
“Thus, at about 1930 hours the five kidnapped corpers were sighted and rescued by Mobile Policemen conducting stop and search at Omerenu along Port Harcourt-Owerri road.
The victims have been handed over to the highly delighted Director General NYSC, Brigadier General M I Tsiga in good state of health. Investigation to arrest all the culprits continues please”.

It would be recalled that the corps members were kidnapped two weeks ago at Omademe on their way from a school in the community where they had gone to commission a library project, built as part of their community development service.
The released hostages were four females and a male.