TODAY WE ARE, TOMORROW WE MIGHT NOT BE!

My day started on a brighter note and everything seemed to go well.

Throughout the day, it was work, work work then the day ended.

I got back home, took my mandatory 45 minutes back rest nap then I got a call from a good friend.

As usual his calls gives us the opportunity to talk on various subjects relating to family, work, plans and all.

This particular call wasn't one of such. After the usual pleasantries, he went like, bro " I should have called you a few weeks back but didn't know how to break this news to you". 

I went like oh, what dey happen? Then he broke the news to me " Hmm chale your paddy go oo, your paddy *Twilight*(for the purpose of this post) pass on oo". 

Suddenly my whole mood changed. A few comments between the both of us ensued for a while then the call ended.

My mood changed and suddenly, sadness engulfed me.

We weren't that close as friends but from afar, this person lived her life. She was a very happy person and opened to conversations. Paramount of all was her love for GOD. She will show it no matter where she found herself.

My takeouts as thoughts run through my head all night after hearing the unfortunate news,

Folks today we are, tomorrow we might not be, Life is so uncertain we never know when and at what time we might not be.

Love God, fix your relationships, drop hate, aspire to achieve your dreams and of all be thankful to your maker for the gift of life!!

To my late buddy, rest well, may the good Lord keep your soul.

Just Learn!

This morning, I woke up thinking about how I was going to sort this printer issue out at the office.

I had a lot of data capturing and image documentation jobs to finish up and print them out entirely for my pending management meeting.

Trying to get the printer fixing person wasn't happening after countless efforts towards getting him over to the office to fix it.

After all the daily wahala and getting my trucks on the road for their various deliveries as well as pick up assignments, I got myself some good Ghanaian food to eat and relax. Thereafter, I decided to attempt fixing this thing by myself ready to face any consequence should any arise.

I picked up my phone and started to read along on what was to be fixed.

I got some level of knowledge on that but still felt I wasn't going to be able to fix the problem.

I later dropped my phone, did some data capturing manually then I decided to let me hit the internet once again if I'd be lucky to get some step by step information.

YouTube did the trick. I had to go through quite a number of videos where I had to skew my search keywords to be able to attract those exact, videos to guide me.

I got a few and they seemed interesting but I still told myself, guy, chill oo what if this thing is damaged, you'll be asked to respond to a query and attest to an incident report form.

So for a minute, I stopped and attended to other office duties. As time went by, it came back to me that I also needed the printer to get those other jobs done immediately. I came back to the desk to attempt sorting it out. My search couldn't get me the exact product but there was a twin product for which the same issue had a video tutorial on.

I watched for said video repeatedly for four times and decided no I'll do this.

Step by step, I tried this fix it issue on the printer.
Along the line, I had a few steps escaping me and had to return to the video to guide me through.

Eventually, I succeeded in solving the issue and the printer was back to its best performance.

The motive for this post isn't to tell anyone about being smart but to always approach solving problems by taking your time and learning. Learning doesn't end, it is a continuous act that one must always be ready to fall on when it is needed. Even when it isn't needed, you can learn something new to keep your brain active.

Also, there are many platforms you must recognize is available to use. With this one, YouTube helped me.

Cheers.

Summer Of Solutions - Pick Your Challenge

The "Summer Of Solutions" is a call for applications from young people around the world to create innovative technology-based solutions to global challenges.


This is a new initiative launched by the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, in partnership with the United Nations Technology and Innovation Labs, United Nations Development Programme, the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Unite Ideas.


The 2019 #SummerOfSolutions aims to solve climate challenges:

#OpenCI Platform Challenge: develop an information systems solution that can serve as a platform to enhance the access of localized climate and market information.


#CircularEconomy Challenge: present ideas for ICT tools and business process innovations that are related to the Circular Economy and can result in rapid and far-reaching improvements for society.


#EthicalFashion Challenge: present ideas for ICT tools and business process innovations that are related to Ethical Fashion & Textiles, which can result in rapid and far-reaching improvements for society.


Selected participants and their ideas will be showcased at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in
New York City in September 2019.


Pick your challenge, get involved and help change the world!

Have The Best Of 2019

Dear friends,

I know it has been ages when you last read something from my space here on blogger.

Lately I have been caught up in a lot of things for which I had to put my blogging on hold for sometime. These other ventures has been eventful and a lot of experiences learnt.

This post isn't actually one for which I will type out a long piece. This is just to encourage and wish you the best of the new year 2019.

As always, when a new year sets in, a lot of resolutions, hopes, targets and likes are either written down or kept in memory. For all that you've wished for yourselves, I wish you well and hope they're fulfilled by the time set against them.

From the photo attached to this post, I wish you the best and hope you all become a success story.

I happened to have joined this passenger mini bus on my way back to the office after a meet up with a client.

Immediately I got unto the bus, the conductors attire drew my attention and for a minute, I said amen to that. I then took out my phone to capture it.

Believe in yourself, work towards all your goals, pray about it and 2019 will be a good one for us all.

Cheers to 2019 fam!

THE CASE OF SOLAR ENERGY - MY PERSPECTIVE

When you mention solar energy, why do people only think you are talking about bulk infrastructure?

Solar is more than that. Solar is modern technology driven by local innovation.

In fact, the solar revolution in Africa today is driven by small solar lighting solutions wired to Pay As You Go (PAYG) software and hardware. It has less or 'nothing' to do with bulk infrastructure!!!

First and foremost, nobody pays for it, it’s just there and for the next ten billion years humans can and will be able to tap it. Interestingly, developing solar energy may seem like a no brainier but there are legitimate concerns when it comes to the capabilities of it and its implementation.

Photo Credit : Google

Over the years, there have been a lot of arguments concerning solar energy which ranges from the cost involved where the general notion is that it’s too high when adopted. But from further readings and research, it has been identified that, there are different ways for calculating costs and the alternative methods also doesn’t compare easily to each other.

There’s also been the case of how feasible it is to generate power when the sun shines on them. Other factors such as its storage, its accompanying environmental costs are all valid points in the argument for and against the case of solar energy but in my opinion, I believe the positives outweighs the negatives.

The Government of Ghana and for that matter most African governments in my opinion doesn't believe in solar energy, it is rather the citizens who do.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective April 1, 2018, banks, the Passport Office, the DVLA, the Registrar General’s Department, among other offices will not transact business with any individual who does not have a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is because the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be enforcing the implementation of the policy from April to allow taxpayers comply with the directive. According to the GRA, ample time has been given to allow individuals acquire a TIN. The TIN is a unique Identification Number issued to taxpayers for official transactions. The GRA is using it as a tool to broaden the country’s tax net which is the number of persons who are entitled to pay tax.



“So the Commissioner General of Ghana Revenue Authority, is sending out a message that all tax payers and potential tax payers who don’t have their Tax Identification Numbers should get to the nearest GRA office and have them generated”.

“It has become very necessary in accordance with the provision of the Revenue Administration Act which requires all persons who do business in this country, tax payers and potential tax payers should have their TINs to be able to conduct official business in this country,” he stressed.

Issuance of TIN
All persons liable to pay tax, or from whom taxes are withheld at source by employers or agents through payroll deductions and /or other business transactions under any enactment are required to register.

Application for Issue of TIN
Every person liable to pay tax or required to withhold tax at source under any enactment shall apply in a form prescribed by the designated Public Office.

Specified transactions that require TIN

A person shall not be permitted to undertake the under listed activities without use of a TIN

(a) to clear any goods in commercial quantities from any port or factory
(b) to register any title to land, interest in land or any document affecting land
(c) to obtain any Tax Clearance Certificate from the internal Revenue Service, Customs Excise and Preventive Service or the Value Added Tax Service.
(d) to obtain a Certificate to commence business or a business permit issued by the Registrar-General or a District Assembly
(e) to receive payment from the Controller and Accountant General or a District Assembly in respect of a contract for the supply of any goods or provision of any services.


The Commissioner General of Ghana Revenue Authority said it is illegal to acquire two TIN numbers and persons who do so will be dealt with according to the law.

“It is an offense for a person to be able to generate more than a TIN because the law says that every person should have one TIN, there is a specific section under the law says that you are providing the Commissioner General with false and misleading information if you have two TIN numbers”.

 Photo Credit: GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY (GRA) 

I SEE LIFE, WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Often to get inspired, you need to remind yourself of the end-results of your labors. When it comes to working out, you need to see what the end-results of your healthy self are going to look like.

One Saturday, I woke up and prepared for my weekend walk/run up. Honestly this particular day was a tough one for me because the previous day had been a hectic one. At one point, I decided not to even go for the run up. After wondering around in the room for a while, I gathered all the energy and motivation to go.

I then set my steps calculator target to challenge myself for the results I was looking at over the period set. Now I get out of my room and hit the road. With my headphones intact and music playlist set, I was ready to make those steps count.

Photo Credit : BraQwophi

Now let me get to the theme of my post. During the walk, I was still keeping tabs on the target set. along the line, something caught my attention. Initially it didn't trigger to me but something pricked me to stop and take a few steps back to confirm what i had briefly seen.

So I obeyed the voice and boom there it was. I am sure you might have asked yourself, what the photo attached to this post was meant for? Well that actually sums up this short post and main theme.

From the title, I SEE LIFE, I continued to ask the question, What Do You See? Most often than not, things around us in one way or the other tell and teaches us about how life should be or is in order to continue living ours especially where you are thinking of giving up at a point.

This tree which bears oranges may seem to be dead to the eyes when you pass by it. It had no leaves and it looked more of a dead tree than a living one. I am sure a few of you reading might be alluding it to some scientific backing and all but for me, I chose to see it from a different point of life.

What did it teach me? It taught me to see life even in the most dead situations you can think of and continue to bear your fruits. Give yourself the extra push till you know your body cant hold you any longer. That is why I captioned this post about this photo about me seeing life.

Back to my walk, the target set eventually was met and even exceeded it to my amazement. I felt the pain and all but gradually, I am working the body to the best of my abilities. Self motivation on any day is key in keeping fit.

Cheers and thanks for passing by.

Wildlife Photography 2017 Finalists Announced

The Natural History Museum in London has kindly released the 13 finalist images for the 2017 Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, in advance of the October announcement of the competition’s winners. Now in its 53rd year, this year’s competition received almost 50,000 entries from 92 different countries. Imagine how difficult it would be to choose the winner from among these photos!

Bold Eagle: After several days of constant rain, the bald eagle was soaked to the skin. Named after its conspicuous but fully-feathered white head (bald derives from an old word for white), it is an opportunist, eating various prey – captured, scavenged or stolen – with a preference for fish. At Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island in Alaska, USA, bald eagles gather to take advantage of the fishing industry’s leftovers. Used to people, the birds are bold. “I lay on my belly on the beach surrounded by eagles,” says photographer Klaus Nigge. “I got to know individuals, and they got to trust me.”

Sewage Surfer: Seahorses hitch rides on the currents by grabbing floating objects such as seaweed with their delicate prehensile tails. Photographer Justin Hofman watched with delight as this tiny estuary seahorse “almost hopped” from one bit of bouncing natural debris to the next, bobbing around near the surface on a reef near Sumbawa Island, Indonesia. But as the tide started to come in, the mood changed. The water contained more and more decidedly unnatural objects – mainly bits of plastic – and a film of sewage sludge covered the surface, all sluicing towards the shore. The seahorse let go of a piece of seagrass and seized a long, wispy piece of clear plastic. As a brisk wind at the surface picked up, making conditions bumpier, the seahorse took advantage of something that offered a more stable raft: a waterlogged plastic cottonbud. Not having a macro lens for the shot ended up being fortuitous, both because of the strengthening current and because it meant that Justin decided to frame the whole scene, sewage bits and all. As Justin, the seahorse and the cottonbud spun through the ocean together, waves splashed into Justin’s snorkel. The next day, he fell ill. Indonesia has the world’s highest levels of marine biodiversity but is second only to China as a contributor to marine plastic debris – debris forecast to outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050. On the other hand, Indonesia has pledged to reduce by 70 per cent the amount of waste it discharges into the ocean.

Winter Pause: The red squirrel closed its eyes for just a moment, paws together, fur fluffed, then resumed its search for food. Winter is a tough time for northern animals. Some hibernate to escape its rigors, but not red squirrels. Photographer Mats Andersson walks every day in the forest near his home in southern Sweden, often stopping to watch the squirrels foraging in the spruce trees. Though their mainly vegetarian diet is varied, their winter survival is linked to a good crop of spruce cones, and they favor woodland with conifers. They also store food to help see them through lean times. On this cold, February morning, the squirrel’s demeanor encapsulated the spirit of winter, captured by Mats using the soft-light grain of black and white.

Saguaro Twist: A band of ancient giants commands the expansive arid landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert National Monument in the U.S. These emblematic saguaro cacti – up to 200 years old – may tower at more than 12 meters (40 feet) but are very slow growing, some sprouting upwardly curved branches as they mature. The roots – aside from one deep tap – weave a maze just below the surface, radiating as far as the plant is tall, to absorb precious rainfall. Most water is stored in sponge-like tissue, defended by hard external spines and a waxy-coated skin to reduce water loss. The surface pleats expand like accordions as the cactus swells, its burgeoning weight supported by woody ribs running along the folds. But the saturated limbs are vulnerable to hard frost – their flesh may freeze and crack, while the mighty arms twist down under their loads. A lifetime of searching out victims near his desert home led photographer Jack Dyckinga to know several that promised interesting compositions. “This one allowed me to get right inside its limbs,” he says. As the gentle dawn light bathed the saguaro’s contorted form, Jack’s wide angle revealed its furrowed arms, perfectly framing its neighbours before the distant Sand Tank Mountains.

Arctic Treasure:Carrying its trophy from a raid on a snow goose nest, an Arctic fox heads for a suitable burial spot. This is June and bonanza time for the foxes of Wrangel Island in the Russian Far East. Lemmings are the basic diet for Arctic foxes, but Wrangel suffers long, harsh winters and is ice-bound for much of the year, making it a permanent source of stored food for these opportunist animals. The food convoys arrive at the end of May. Over just a few days, vast flocks of snow geese descend on the tundra of this remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, traveling from wintering grounds some 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles) away in British Columbia and California. Not only is this the biggest breeding colony of snow geese in the world, and the only remaining one in Asia, but it is also growing: from 160,000 geese in 2011 to about 300,000 by 2016. The Arctic foxes catch any weak or sick birds, but what they feast on are the goose eggs, laid in early June in open nests on the tundra. Though the pairs of snow geese actively defend their nests, a fox may still manage to steal up to 40 eggs a day, harassing the geese until there’s a chance to nip in and grab an egg. Most of the eggs are then cached, buried in shallow holes in the tundra, where the soil stays as cold as a refrigerator. These eggs will remain edible long after the brief Arctic summer is over and the geese have migrated south again. And when the new generation of young foxes begins to explore, they too will benefit from the hidden treasures. Photo by Sergey Gorshkov.

Glimpse of a Lynx:
Photographer Laura Albiac Vilas had seen many of Spain’s wild animals, but never the illusive Iberian lynx, an endangered cat found only in two small populations in southern Spain. Unlike the larger European lynx, the Iberian lynx feeds almost entirely on rabbits. So a disease that wipes out the rabbit population can be catastrophic. They also need a particular blend of open scrub and natural cavities for natal dens. Laura’s family travelled to the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park in search of the lynx – and struck lucky on their second day – a pair were relaxing not far from the road. There were many photographers there but an atmosphere of ‘respect’. Laura watched for an hour and a half, the only sound being the whirr of cameras if a cat glanced in their direction. “The animals’ attitude surprised me. They weren’t scared of people – they simply ignored us,” says Laura. “I felt so emotional to be so close to them.”

Bear Hug: After fishing for clams at low tide, this mother brown bear was leading her young spring cubs back across the beach to the nearby meadow. But one young cub just wanted to stay and play. It was the moment photographer Ashleigh Scully had been waiting for. She had come to Alaska’s Lake Clark National Park intent on photographing the family life of brown bears. This rich estuary environment provides a buffet for bears: grasses in the meadows, salmon in the river and clams on the shore. A large number of families spend their summers here, and with plentiful food, they are tolerant of each other (though wary of males) and of people. “I fell in love with brown bears,” says Ashleigh, “and their personalities… This young cub seemed to think that it was big enough to wrestle mum to the sand. As always, she played along, firm, but patient.” The result is a cameo of brown bear family life.

Saved but Caged:

A back leg of this six-month-old Sumatran tiger cub was so badly mangled by a snare that it had to be amputated. He was lucky to survive at all, having been trapped for four days before being discovered in a rainforest in Aceh Province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The likelihood is that the snare was set by oil-palm plantation workers to catch bushmeat (though tigers are also deliberately snared). The workers are migrants who have been given small plots to grow their own oil palms but who have to work on the big plantations for about five years until their own crops generate a return. To feed their families, they have to hunt, and this cub’s bones would have fetched a good price on the black market. The population of Sumatran tigers, a subspecies, is as low as 400–500 (the world population of all wild tigers is no more than than 3,200) – the result of poaching to fuel the illegal trade in tiger parts for the Chinese-medicine market. Anti-poaching forest patrols are helping to stem the killing, partly by locating and removing snares (now illegal), which is how this cub came to be rescued. The cub, however, will spend the rest of his life in a cage in a Javan zoo. Today, there are probably more Sumatran tigers in zoos than there are left in the wild. Photo by Steve Winter.

Swim Gym: “We were still a few meters from the surface, when I heard the strange noises,” says photographer Laurent Ballesta. Suspecting Weddell seals – known for their repertoire of at least 34 different underwater call types – he approached slowly. It was early spring in east Antarctica, and a mother was introducing her pup to the icy water. The world’s most southerly breeding mammal, a Weddell seal gives birth on the ice and takes her pup swimming after a week or two. The pair, unbothered by Laurent’s presence, slid effortlessly between the sheets of the frozen labyrinth. Adults are accomplished divers, reaching depths of more than 600 meters (1,970 feet) and submerging for up to 82 minutes. “They looked so at ease, where I felt so inappropriate,” says Laurent. Relying on light through the ice above, he captured the curious gaze of the pup, the arc of its body mirroring that of its watchful mother.

The Insiders: The bulbous tips of the aptly named magnificent anemone’s tentacles contain cells that sting most fish. But the clown anemonefish goes unharmed thanks to mucus secreted over its skin, which tricks the anemone into thinking it is brushing against itself. Both species benefit. The anemonefish gains protection from its predators, which daren’t risk being stung, and it also feeds on parasites and debris among the tentacles; at the same time, it improves water circulation (fanning its fins as it swims), scares away the anemone’s predators and may even lure in prey for it. While diving in the Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, photographer Qing Lin noticed something strange about this particular cohabiting group. Each anemonefish had an extra pair of eyes inside its mouth – those of a parasitic isopod (a crustacean related to woodlice). An isopod enters a fish as a larva, via its gills, moves to the fish’s mouth and attaches with its legs to the base of the tongue. As the parasite sucks its host’s blood, the tongue withers, leaving the isopod attached in its place, where it may remain for several years. With great patience and a little luck – the fish darted around unpredictably – Qing captured these three rather curious individuals momentarily lined up, eyes front, mouths open and parasites peeping out.

Resplendent Delivery: Photographer Tyohar Kastiel watched the pair of resplendent quetzals from dawn to dusk for more than a week as they delivered fruits and the occasional insect or lizard to their two chicks. Resplendent quetzals usually nest in thicker forest, but this pair had picked a tree in a partly logged area in the Costa Rican cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota. The additional light made it easier for Tyohar to catch the iridescent color of the male’s dazzling emerald and crimson body plumage and tail streamers, despite his fast, erratic flight pattern. But the light also made it easier for the birds to see Tyohar. So he would arrive before dawn, sit in the same place and wear the same jacket, with the result that the pair accepted his presence and continued to stuff food into their chicks’ beaks every hour or so. On the eighth day, the parents fed the chicks at dawn as usual but then didn’t return for several hours. By 10 a.m., the chicks were calling ravenously, and Tyohar began to worry. Then something wonderful happened. The male arrived with a wild avocado in his beak. He landed on a nearby branch, scanned around, and then flew to the nest. But instead of feeding the chicks, he flew back to his branch, the avocado still in his beak. Within seconds, one chick hopped out to the nearest perch and was rewarded. Moments later the female appeared and did exactly the same thing, and the second chick jumped out. The family then flew off together into the rainforest, leaving Tyohar bereft – and thrilled.

Romance Among the Angels: Photographer Andrey Narchuk was on an expedition to the Sea of Okhotsk in the Russian Far East, and his intention on this day was to photograph salmon. But as soon as he jumped into the water, he found himself surrounded by thousands of mating sea angels. Quickly swapping to his macro equipment, he began photographing the pairs, 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long and swirling around in the current. Sea angels are molluscks related to slugs and snails, without shells and with wing-like lobes used as swimming paddles. They hunt sea butterflies – swimming sea snails – using specialized feeding parts to prise them from their shells. Each individual is both male and female, and here they are getting ready to insert their copulatory organs into each other to transfer sperm in synchrony. One is slightly smaller than the other, as was the case with most of the couples Andrey observed, and they remained joined for 20 minutes. Both would go on to lay 30–40 tiny eggs after fertilization. It was late summer and peak phytoplankton time, so there would be abundant food for the resulting larvae. To photograph them mating, Andrey had to battle against strong currents and avoid a wall of gill netting, and when he was swept into the net and his equipment became snared, he was forced to make an emergency ascent – but not before he had got his shot. The following day, there wasn’t a single angel to be seen.

The Power of the Matriarch: At dusk, in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, photographer David Lloyd waited for the herd of elephants on their evening trek to a waterhole. As they got closer to his vehicle, he could see that the mellow light from the fast-setting sun was emphasizing every wrinkle and hair. For a photographer who enjoys working with texture, this was a gift. When they were just a few meters away, he could see the different qualities of different parts of their bodies – the deep ridges of their trunks, the mud-caked ears and the patina of dried dirt on their tusks. The elephants ambled by in near silence, peaceful and relaxed. The female leading the dozen-strong herd – probably the matriarch – looked straight at him, her eye a glowing amber dot in the heavy folds of skin. Her gaze was, he says, full of respect and intelligence – the essence of sentience.

International Consumer Electronics Fair 2017

Today’s life affords people very little time to go around shopping for various items from various places or even the opportunity to properly compare prices and even test the durability of the product or see if it adequately performs its functions as advertised.

  

Background

The International Consumer Electronics Fair 2017 is intended to provide and answer this gap in the market. A creation of RESNOVAE Communications,  it is meant to bring all consumer electronics brands together under one roof and provide the most prominent and eclectic display of electronic goods for consumers.

 
A mega market of consumer electronics goods that will stock all available brands of electronic devices and offer consumers the chance to sample, tryout, experience and compare what is on display to get value for money whilst shopping in convenience.

Objectives

The International Consumer Electronics Fair is being organized with the following main objectives:

 
• To provide Ghana’s first Consumer Electronic Fair which will offer the largest and widest display of goods available.

 
• This show will afford the consumer the opportunity to sample as much as they need to and come up with their best decision based on information.

 
• It is intended to give both product owners and consumers a plethora of opportunities for engagement and interaction.

Industry Focus 

• Consumer Electronics
• Home Appliances
• Audio – visual industry
• Information Technology / Communication Technology
• Web and Software Development
• Mobile App Developers
• Power and Electronics Industry
• Automotive electronics
• Lighting
• Security Monitoring
• Gaming
• Finance

What to expect 

4 days and 4 nights filled with various activities: 

• Product launches
• Product exhibitions
• Sponsors / Brand of the days
• Heavily discounted sales
• Personal selling and customer engagement opportunities
• Networking opportunities
• Product trials and sampling
• Gaming Corner
• Movie zone (3D experience)
• Lucky dips / Raffle draw
• Food courts


Target Audience 

The ICEF is for everyone. Young and old will have various reasons why they will like to come back again and again. There will be something for everyone at this event. 

• Business people
• Homeowners
• Workers
• Homemakers
• Students
• Gamers
• Electronic goods retailers

See you there and remember to tell a friend, sibling, girlfriend, dad, mom, boyfriend and all your networks about this great event.

Cheers !!!!

Good Old Friends, The Real Deal

Life in its entirety is about making the best out of every situation. One other facet of it is the meeting of people from all walks of life and getting to know them the best way you can.

Some people come into your life I diverse ways, different circumstances but in all it comes together to make this thing called life a beautiful one. Obviously there are those situations where meeting people might have caused some troubles, and the likes but irrespective of every thing, it should help us grow as a people.

Over the weekend, I received a phone call from an untagged number. Initially I was adamant in picking the call but after a few rings, I chose to pick up the call. And to my surprise, it was from an old friend and a very cherished one at that. Two more years and our friendship will be hitting 20 years.

We met in high school as classmates but were not the best of friends ( I will keep the story for another day). We later became very very good friends and we've seen no turning back. Never have we quarrelled nor had any misunderstanding whatsoever.

She happened to check into town and since she knew I was based here now, she decided to check up on me as it had been a while not seeing each other. I later arranged a meet up so we could catch up on all that was going on in our lives.

PHOTO : GOOGLE

Later that evening, I picked her up at her hotel and we went out to grab some bites. It was as if we never had some distance and time apart as friends. It picked up immediately and the conversation kept flowing and flowing. We talked about a lot of things, some advises were shared, some problems in our lives came up and we talked about virtually everything, her children, work, plans and all.

At a point the hangout joint we were sitting at, had to close and we were not even half way our conversation. We later checked the time and it was some few minutes to midnight. The question she asked was, 'where did the time run to Kofi?' We later then decided to take a long walk to her hotel since it wasn't that far from where we hanged out.

There the other chats that were left off came up. A very refreshing moment we had that we had not had in a long time. It was just as our friendship began. Up until our meet up, I will get back from work and head straight to my my room and just cool off, well I got a query for that and I was tasked to step out a little to wind down. I think I will take that bit and see how that goes.

As always as I told her, I cherish every moment we get to link up and just talk. I also took one thing out from our meetup. If you make even just one true friend, try all you can to keep it no matter the status each and everyone finds him or herself in at any point in life. Also never forget to check up on people you've known in your life's journey.

Pick that phone and five that old friend a call and say hi.

Once again, thanks for passing by my blog. Cheers everyone!!

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! ENJOY IT, APPRECIATE IT and LOVE IT!!

MY BANK HAS TIME FOR ME

Last week, a friend posted on his Facebook wall on why he was giving that particular Bank a thumbs up. He expressed how he had moved from one bank to the other for various reason and as to how come he had to settle with this current and particular branch he was applauding.

Scrolling down on my Facebook timeline, I saw his post and immediately I got identified with what he had posted just because I also saved with that particular bank. Usually, I wouldn’t have read through that quite a long post but for this I decided to read till the last word.

In one of the paragraphs, he mentioned something with reference to the bank assigning him a relationship manager on standby should any issue relating to his account come up. This paragraph drew my mind back to an email I also received from this same bank sharing contact details of who my relationship managers were with specific details to the branch I was having my account with.

I applied for a renewal of my visa international card which had expired some months back and I was called it had been done so I needed to come pick it up. I ask if the card could be sent to my current location since I had relocated to a new city. It was agreed on and in a couple of days it arrived at the branch I asked it be sent to. Card was pick and necessary documentations were done and was alerted that I could activate and use my card after thirty minutes.

Later that weekend I had to make a trip down south for an important engagement. Knowing I had the card activated, and of course cash in my account balance, I wasn’t bothered because I knew I could fall on my card should the need arose for any withdrawal on my account. Now to the moment of truth, it was at one point in one of my hangouts, I decided to go withdraw some cash to hold on to and some for my return back to base. My first two attempts proved futile. Disappointment was written all over my face but I had no option than to just put my card in my pocket and head home straight.

The next day was a Sunday and had to go to church. I woke up and made preparations and off I was on my way to church. All along I still had some cash on me that could take me through the day. My only worry was what was going to take me back to base and as usual on the road chop buying. I then remembered with reference to my friend’s post that, I had received an email a few weeks back from my bank introducing to me some contact details of my branch’s relationship manager and some other branches. I took out my phone, went straight into my mail, scrolled through and voila, I found that email. Quite sceptic as I was then, I decided to test the system.

I picked the number specific to my branch and called one of the numbers. And oh yes on a Sunday afternoon. The call went through, ringed a few times and it was picked. This relationship manager sold some quality phone etiquette and desire to hear me out. One question after the other, I was been briefed what the problem could be, this relationship manager of a person, took me through various steps in trying to help me out. Unluckily for both of us, it wasn’t working so my bank details and other details were taken. I was asked to be given a few minutes and I was assured I was going to be sorted out whatever the problem. I agreed and held on patiently.

Then the call came, “hello Kofi, I think we have identified the problem and our card unit has fixed it and you can go ahead to use your card. Sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused you”. I was overly impressed and actually really appreciated the time and effort I was provided and to think it was a Sunday and everything was left behind for my ’little’ problem to be solved, is what amazed me.

Well I am sure you’ll be wondering or as well yearning to know which bank I am talking about, don’t worry, I am about telling you. It is GUARANTY TRUST BANK affectionately known as GT Bank. This bank over the period I have had an account with, has always tried to be innovative to be ahead of the park and for some of these little things, I applaud them. Maybe you might want to join them and as well patronize their services. No wonder why I won’t hesitate to ask that question, ‘WHY WONT YOU RATHER BANK WITH THEM?’

WHEN BEING TRUTHFUL TURNS SOUR

I can remember from one of my few Sunday school sessions' teachings telling us when we were young to always uphold the case of truthfulness.

The good book as well admonished each and every one to speak the truth at all times and the truth shall set us free.

This in some cases doesn't bind considering the human facet of life where at certain points, the lie will rather exonerate you out of a situation that should have been worse if the truth had been said.

Life as always has it's own way of teaching is lessons to build our stature as human beings. Experiences on the other hand, is the documentary tool for which we fall on when we need some form of reference.

I am sure you'll be wondering what I am driving at at all? Well full details to me won't be of much relevance to this post.

One will then ask, what then is the relevance for this post? BE TRUTHFUL in all dealings even if it'll cost you your job, salary, etc. especially when there is a clear conscience towards what you're doing or who you're dealing with.

Another experience of life made me to appreciate life in another state. I helped a friend and something arose, in reporting, I chose the truth for which superiors escalated what wasn't supposed to be an issue in the first place to be a third world war brouhaha.

Sometime down the line, I was vindicated and all along, the friend who actually lost it all because of me choosing the truth, was actually backing me and was wishing I wasn't affected in anyway.

Immediately I arranged a meet up, and we reconnected. We have been more closer than before and life goes on.

I know I hardly share personal digs of my life around but I thought I shared this to I hope inspire someone.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. See you later when I have another thing interesting to post.

A very lazy blogger like me so kindly bare with me. Lol !!!

Cheers!!

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS : COUNTRY AMBASSADOR

Opportunities Knock Your Door (OKYD) is seeking applications for “Global Ambassadors Program” as a Country Ambassador.

Country Ambassador is an elite position awarded to passionate individuals from all over the world to share opportunities, promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), write articles on youth and culture.

Objectives

The Global Ambassador Program is a 6 month intensive program that aims to:

Connect youths to the right opportunities that facilitate their growth and experiences.
Create a platform of articles on a range of topics for youths to learn about other regions/current issues.
Educate youths on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Inspire youths to contribute to the SDGs by organising events.

Benefits

Knowledge and experience working with a start up organization run solely by young people

Leadership and organizational skills

A powerful network of ambassadors from all over the world

Experience writing articles

Online mentoring on all ambassador reports

Social media skills

Electronic promotional goods for effective SDG related campaigns to be planned and executed by an ‘Ambassador’

E-certificate on successful completion of Ambassador term

E-reference letter to exceptional Country Ambassadors

Recognition of the “Best Ambassador of the term” shall be given to 1 (One) ‘Ambassador’ who shows the most passionate and active social accomplishments as well as organizing events of Opportunities Knock Your Door.

A certificate and souvenir will be given to the Best Country Ambassador at the end of the term. The process and final decision on the selection shall be planned and confirmed by Opportunities Knock Your Door team.

Eligibility Criteria;

Applicants can be of any age

Applicants must be passionate about youth, social engagement and Sustainable Development Goals

Applicants must have a desire to change the world

Responsibilities:

Posting opportunities on our website

Writing articles and blogs

Recruiting City Ambassadors as a part of 1 Million Impact campaign

Organizing in-person events to promote UN Sustainable Development Goals

Striking partnerships with companies or startups that want publicity for their opportunities or events.

Advocating OKYD as a brand

Sharing content to your social networks

Providing regional insight and feedback

Creating a stronger regional presence for OKYD

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via given website.

For more information, visit http://www.opportunitiesknockyourdoor.com/global-ambassadors-program/

Plastic Usage Ban in France

Well if you don't know, then this is it!

France has also become the first country to ban the usage of plastic plates and cutlery.

France has started to take measures to slowly get rid of those plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives and food containers, with the exceptions to this rule being, biodegradable or compost-material plastic.

As part of the new Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, a new law which also made the usage of plastic bags illegal in department and grocery markets very recently. Although, some countries such as the US, already outlawed plastic bags, France’s new no-plastic rule seems to be gaining momentum.

Those behind making this law a reality say that this is a follow-up on last year’s conference held in Paris regarding curbing global warming and enabling a recycled economy, from product design to waste disposal to recycling and repeat.

Besides the obvious knowledge about plastic and the environment, which is that plastic is not biodegradable, hence turning into smaller particles which then threaten wildlife, especially in oceans, as animals do not know that plastic cannot be consumed. More often than not, it has harmed and even killed these poor creatures.

Moreover, gallons of oil are being used every year to produce these plastic utensils, bags and the like, which environmental specialists have warned is a major player in climate change.

French President, François Hollande said that the plastic ban is a piece in a much larger puzzle, which is to make France a global role-model by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for the usage of new energy models with renewable energy substitutes.

The first step to the plastic ban would be the usage and distribution of plastic cutlery in fast-food places including beverage cups from vending machines. However, there are some that still frown upon this movement, such as Brussels, that sees this new law as something that is going against the European Union legislation on free movement of goods and defending the rights of manufacturers.

Beyond the brainchild behind escargot, making their trademark with navy and white striped tops and berets, or even being bold about women not having to shave, France has become the first country to ban the usage of plastic plates and cutlery.

Yes, France has started to take measures to slowly get rid of those plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives and food containers, with the exceptions to this rule being, biodegradable or compost-material plastic.

As part of the new Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, a new law which also made the usage of plastic bags illegal in department and grocery markets very recently. Although, some countries such as the US, already outlawed plastic bags, France’s new no-plastic rule seems to be gaining momentum.

Those behind making this law a reality say that this is a follow-up on last year’s conference held in Paris regarding curbing global warming and enabling a recycled economy, from product design to waste disposal to recycling and repeat.

Besides the obvious knowledge about plastic and the environment, which is that plastic is not biodegradable, hence turning into smaller particles which then threaten wildlife, especially in oceans, as animals do not know that plastic cannot be consumed. More often than not, it has harmed and even killed these poor creatures.

Moreover, gallons of oil are being used every year to produce these plastic utensils, bags and the like, which environmental specialists have warned is a major player in climate change.

French President, François Hollande said that the plastic ban is a piece in a much larger puzzle, which is to make France a global role-model by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for the usage of new energy models with renewable energy substitutes.

The first step to the plastic ban would be the usage and distribution of plastic cutlery in fast-food places including beverage cups from vending machines.

However, there are some that still frown upon this movement, such as Brussels, that sees this new law as something that is going against the European Union legislation on free movement of goods and defending the rights of manufacturers.

One such example is Eamonn Bates, the secretary general of Pack2Go Europe, which is a company based in Brussels. He said he will challenge France’s no-plastic law based on infringement of the European Commission laws and will be representing those in favor of using plastic utensils in Europe.

On the flip side, those in favor of the law want an earlier introduction to France, maybe even by 2017. However, the French Environment Minister, Ségolène Royal, said this would not do because, it will be at the cost of those in the low-income bracket of the society, who depend on plastic utensil usage.

Therefore, the ban will be in effect as of 2020.

Considering the rate at which Earth is deteriorating, it is a wonder if anything can be salvaged with France’s movement alone, or if this law will prove to be redundant by 2020, if the environment has reached its threshold and become irreparable, by then.

Story Credit : CureJoy App

LOCS4Africa 2017: Water & Climate Congress

The Local Climate Solutions for Africa (LOCS4Africa) Congress series is Africa’s leading platform on local climate action for cities and other sub-national governments across the continent.

It connects business and industry, investors, scientists, technical experts, development partners, national governments and civil society with Africa’s cities and urban networks. LOCS4Africa offers opportunity for direct engagement and strategic discussions around current local solutions and emerging trends relating to urban resilience and low-carbon development in Africa.

It is a well-established pan-African bi-annual congress, each with a strategic theme critical to urban sustainable development, in line with emerging global trends. The congress places strong emphasis on local leadership and innovative approaches to sustainable development in Africa's urban context.

If you will want to be a part of this congress happening in South Africa from 20th March - 23 rd March of 2017, take a look at the attached document below to know who qualifies to be a part of this wonderful congress.

See you there in March !!

Njeri appointed as Greenpeace Africa Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

Kenyan born Njeri Kabeberi, has been named as Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa after an extensive search for a combination of skills required to drive the organisation towards a people powered movement.

According to the Greenpeace Africa Board, Africans are hungry for a new story, one with a better take on nature, on humanity, their livelihoods, their future and their connection to the earth. “It was critical to find someone who embodies passion, activism and understands the context of environmental justice in Africa and we are confident that Njeri represents that” said Greenpeace Africa Board Chair Brian Kagoro.

Greenpeace currently runs campaigns on four key issues on the continent, to protect the Congo Basin from large scale deforestation, stop overfishing in West Africa, promote ecological farming in the horn of Africa as well as demand a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in South Africa in order to reverse the impacts of climate change.

With a long history in human rights activism, Njeri will be leading Greenpeace Africa into a new wave of environmental justice for Africans by Africans.

“We will continue to work on our flagship campaigns but more so, we shall be working closely with communities to ensure that our campaigns speak to the local realities on the continent and can effect change in the day to day life of our people” said newly appointed Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi.

“Africa has a major role to play in the global efforts to reverse climate change, protecting its vast natural forest and safeguarding its rich ocean resources is centre to the continent’s contribution in averting the catastrophic effects of climate change. It is important that the continent works together to push for an end to illegal logging, unsustainable fishing and a shift from industrial agriculture to ecological farming to ensure that our biodiversity is protected” added Njeri.

Njeri joins Greenpeace after serving as CEO of the Civil Society Reference Group and as the immediate former Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.  She is also a member of the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and chairs the board of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict.

  

Njeri is passionate about social justice and women’s rights, and in 2010, amongst others, received the ILO Wedge Award.  She also has extensive INGO leadership and management experience and was on the Board of the Kenya Human Rights Commission for many years.  

WHEN IT MATTERED MOST, WE FAILED!!

Over the years, there's been the case of remembrance or celebration and when appropriate it should be done. Different schools of thought have either stated it to be before or after and at large defending their stance.

A little under a week ago, Ghana lost one of its illustrious football icon in Coach E. K. Afranie affectionately called Coach Hene after a short illness. The sports fraternity was saddened by his demise and a lot of condolences were sent to his surviving family and loved ones.

THE LATE COACH E. K. AFRANIE

A few days into his demise, the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars had a game to be fulfilled in their quest for a fourth FIFA world cup appearance against Egypt. Fast forward to the match day and some of us if not most of us spectators were expecting the entire team to show their utmost respect or remembrance to this icon of a coach.

Ironically, almost all if not all of the players that featured had been trained or developed by this man who was no more. It would have been prudent and in line to at least wear the black armband as a sign of remembrance to him. Nothing of that sort was done and I don't know who to put the blame on as I post this piece.

Did the management team of the Black Stars ever think about this?

Did the FA ever think about honouring coach Hene at any point prior to the game?

How about the playing body themselves? Did they project it, if they did was it rejected? If it was why and who rejected the proposal?

I am tempted to draw in the Sports ministry but on this day I feel they won't be an appropriate case to attack.

As a case of fact, nothing like this was done and as a nation circled down to the football loving arena must bow their heads in shame why?

Because when it mattered most, we failed as a group in honouring a son of the land who gave his all to serves in that small capacity and you can't deny the fact that he succeeded in that field for the nation.

World Climate Event

They say opportunity comes but once and when it comes your way, you must grab it with both hands and that is what I did when the call came to be a part of the World Climate Simulation event. To know briefly what transpired and the role I played at the event, kindly read further.

The World Climate simulation event gives people a taste of what it is like to be a negotiator at the UN climate change negotiations. World Climate was developed by Climate Interactive, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Climate change Initiative.

The event which was organized by Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) with support from Climate Interactive and the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco at the Kumasi Hive, Kentinkrono-Kumasi granted me the opportunity to be a part as an Activist/Journalist where my role was to set the minds of negotiators on the importance of the day. Seemingly I had to counter directives that were proposed to the fund seeking delegates to be circumspect of accepting any conditions looking at their countries resources and it's eventual effect on their environment.

I had the final say, by closing the event with my observations and remarks and one thing was obvious, the mindset to which some of our developing country's attend such negotiation events is sad.

Also I explained why the case of climate change research and activism was important for which negotiators should take note in their dealings with developed partners should another opportunity presented itself.

At the end of the two sections, the nation’s decisions were fed into C-ROADS software to calculate if the goal of groups to limit global warming to “well below 2˚C” compared to preindustrial levels was met.

The results from the computer showed the nations have only limited global warming to 2.3˚C which means more intensive actions have to take place to reach the 2˚C goal.

Grateful to the GAYO team for the opportunity they granted me to be a part of this event and I learnt a lot for which the experience gained is still very much valued.

See you soon at another climate related event. When you see me just give me a wave.

Act on Climate!!!

PHOTO CREDIT : Green Africa Youth Organisation