Tribute to our Nation's Heroes By Fahad Garba

Nigeria is famously renowned (unfortunately so) as a country where we celebrate and shower accolades, honorary doctorate degrees, and national honors on the totally undeserving. A nation where we immortalize the same group of people that put us in the mess we are in today. We revere and worship those highly placed in society and subconsciously consider them to be our heroes. But are they truly the heroes of our beloved nation?

The answer is simple. The real and true heroes of our nation are the brave men and women that put themselves in harm’s way everyday for our sake. However, we do not celebrate and honor them enough as a nation; so I would like to use this medium to do just that.

The insurgency in Nigeria has claimed thousands of innocent lives, destroyed cities and is threatening the unity of our nation. The insurgents do as they please and the government, politicians and we, the citizens, play the blame game on who is responsible and who sponsors the terrorists, instead of gearing our efforts towards finding a lasting solution. Among all the madness and imprudence going on, the brave military personnel are in the frontlines battling to defend and protect us.

I want use this opportunity to thank the courageous military men and women for fighting to protect our country’s future and unity everyday. We honor and salute you for securing our future and the future of generations to come.

On December 17th 2014 we lost a hero in Major SK Umaru during a battle with Boko Haram. He was my Camp Commandant when I was doing my NYSC in 2010 at Jigawa State. I had not maintained contact with him since leaving camp but I remember clearly how kind-hearted and approachable he was. He was always smiling and trying to get to know us as friends even though he was the Camp Commandant. Major SK Umaru, you are gone but will never be forgotten.

I believe as Nigerians, we have been de-sensitized to a dangerous level. I can’t start to imagine what it feels like knowing your loved ones are in harm’s way for our country, knowing fully well that they can be killed anytime in the line of duty. To the heroes we lost and the families that have lost a loved one in line of duty for our country; we appreciate and applaud the sacrifice you have made for our dear nation. 

Accordingly, we remember Major SK Umaru, Captain Kenneth Onubah, Lieutenant Shitu Kyom Leo, Lance Corporal David Usman, Major Samuel Jega, Major Abdullahi Kanoma, Staff Sergeant Keku Adebayo, Corporal Ahmed Usman, Corporal Matthew Ade, Lance Corporal Adamu Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Suleiman Gimba, Lance Corporal Saduaki Salisu, Lance Corporal Olusola Ajani, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima, Colonel Kabiru Salisu and others we lost. I pray Almighty Allah have mercy on their souls and may He give their families the fortitude to bear the loss (rest assured its not a personal loss but a nation’s loss). 

“They are dead; but they live in each Patriot’s breast,

And their names are engraved on honor’s bright crest.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

To those still serving and their families, our gratitude and admiration of your courage and bravery knows no bound. We say a big thank you for your continuous sacrifice to our fatherland. Those that have served us well and are retired now; we thank you for your service and role you played in keep our country united and free.

How often do we appreciate what our men and women in uniform are doing to secure our lives and properties? The sacrifices they make so that Nigeria will remain one, indivisible country. It's about time we start recognising these gallant soldiers. Next time you see a soldier, tell him/her THANK YOU.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Fahad Garba Aliyu

San Francisco, United States.

@fahadaliyu

fahadaliyu@gmail.com

Fahad Garba is a Hult Global Ambassador and 2015 MBA candidate from Hult International Business School San Francisco. 

SABALI FASHION SHOW 2015

WHAT TO EXPECT

"Creativity. Natural talent. We are going to the roots to get natural talent. It’s fashion at its peak. It’s the type of fashion show you’ll see in places like Paris, Rome, London to see but we are doing it in Nigeria now. We have not achieved that before. We have done good shows you know for the Nigerian standard but now we are thinking out of the box. We are thinking internationally. It is a different ball game entirely." MUNIR YAKUBU (Co Founder Sabali fashion)

MEN AND THE CLASSES OF FOOD

Remember when you where first introduced to the classes of nutrients? Either in your science or home economics class And you had to memorize it. Good old day.
Let’s see how this classes best describe men.


The protein Dude

They are the closest you can get to finding the perfect man physically. they’ve got the look, the attitude, and swag. The thing about them is, they know you want them, in some cases need them and this makes majority of them errr… what’s the perfect word? “Shallow”? “vain”? they’ll hardly come chasing after any girl because majority want them. which is not totally a bad thing,It could be considered a turn on though. They can’t  help but gloat, most times unintentionally. If you eventually get lucky and get him to put his ego aside, then bless you. But still,you would really want to hold on tight because it just might be a bumpy ride.

The carbohydrate Bloke.

Well,well,well . We are all aware that carbohydrates are the main source of energy in the body and without them,the body wouldn't function properly. We also know how deadly it is to have excess of it. Well this type of blokes are instant charmers, they are totally lovable and hardly resistable. You know they are good for you and you want to keep them around for a very long time. But then you don’t want to take advantage of them because things could turn out pretty bad.

The fat Guy:
They are really attractive and smooth talker’s, they are the Casanovas. You know you Dont want them around, you know they are no good for you,but resisting them is almost impossible. They are really seductive and sometimes irresistible. But if you are lucky enough to tame them down and clip their wild wings then its all smooth sailing.

The vitamin lad:

They are usually the tamed ones, they keep you at your best behavior all the time and are quite strict. Bear in mind that they have their wild side and all you need to do, is get comfortable around them and just maybe, you could get them to open up to you.

The mineral honk:

They require a lot of work, only the patient and attentive can get to know them. You need to be around them, know their likes and dislikes. They tend to be a little weird, patience is required and  most importantly you have to understand them before you can even be friends.

The water man

They are the happiest and most down to earth. They are free spirited and hardly get upset. I mean they have no reason to feel sad or depressed, they shake off whatever tends to make them sad. They are the best type of lovers and friends. They rarely hurt anyone,You just can’t get enough of them.

Bonus.
The Fiber Geezer’s.

They are not exactly the love at first sight type of dude,they Dont scream “I’m a Brad Pitt wanna be”. They mostly lack those physical features that make you drool. They are supper smart though, and once you let them in, you tend to realize how sweet they are, their chances of hurting you are pretty slim and most importantly they ain’t going nowhere if you treat them right. But be warned; they have a pretty nasty side if you push them to the edge.

DARKPRINCE Photography

I am Ibrahim Ibrahim Tijjani, I attained a bachelor’s degree in Information technology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. I am currently halfway through my MSc in Information Systems, also the founder of Darkprince Concepts and Designs.

My photography journey started when I was in junior secondary school (Nurul-bayan International Academy) where at the end of almost every term I go to school with an analog camera to take pictures with/of friends and family. Back in the day we didn’t get the privilege of having printers all over the place, so we had to take the film containing the pictures to be developed at a studio. Looking at those pictures always put a smile on my face and that was when I fell in love with photography. After the spread of camera phones, I substituted the analog camera with a smart phone and so it continued and I later got my 1^st point and shoot camera around 2009 or 2010. I don’t see myself as just a regular photographer out there, I see myself as an artist. 

The people that influence my photography the most are David Zinyama a UK based photographer and graphic artist, Aziz Al-Duwisan a Kuwaiti based photographer and our very own Simi Vijay a Nigerian photographer who I see as an elder brother and a source of inspiration. In the next 5 years I hope to be better than the people I mentioned above and also to be mentioned as one of the best in the game.

The challenges faced by many upcoming photography enthusiasts, are mostly financially related because the equipment needed are quite expensive and many can’t afford them.

 My advice to others like me is to always stay focused, never get carried away, always try and be as original as possible and also don’t lose yourself in trying to imitate what others do. Bring out your style and let the creative genius in you take control.

Contact details:

Facebook.com/darkprinceCnD

Instagram: @iamdarkprince

Twitter: @iamdarkprince

Email: darkprinceconcepts@gmail.com

Accessorize Your Life By Maryam Isa

Without accessories, your get up is incomplete. It looks like you just woke up from bed, donned some clothes, and rushed out of the house. With the perfect accessory however, you can look extra stylish.  Here are six must have accessories trending this season. 

Umbrella: Who said umbrellas aren’t fashionable? Rainy season has slowly crept up- without warning if we may add- and as much as we love the cool weather and the constant shade from the clouds, the umbrella is the one thing that can get you from your home to the office or market in dry condition. Check out these colorful, durable umbrellas on Konga.com

Wrist Watch: We love timepieces! First of all, they look great on any wrist. Secondly, they’re the one reason we don’t have to check and recheck our phones every now and then- even when we don’t want to know what time it is. Take a look at one of Laura Ahman’s time pieces. They’re trendy and stylish. 

Clutch Bag: Tote bags are in, but so are clutches. Albeit tiny, they somehow hold in your money, keys, and lipstick all at the same time. Check out riverisland.com, they do worldwide delivery.

Bracelets: Stack bracelets are in this season, and GogoLush.com is in the lead with creative bracelets. Buy one for yourself, and another for your BFF. Have a look! 

Neckpiece: Zara slays when it comes to creating the chicest necklaces. This geometric metallic plate necklace will go with any outfit, at any event. 

Scarves: If you’re the kind who cares for colorful print hijabs, why not take a look at @thatbavagal’s Instagram page for a hot collection of veils? Bava is a haven for hijab lovers. Their veils are tres affordable, light, and the prints are to die for.

Happy shopping!