THE THIN LINE BETWEEN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

THE THIN LINE BETWEEN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

For sometimes now I have witness few political dispensations characterized by bad governance and poor delivery of dividends of democracy making so many people lose interest in democracy.
Now, another chance has come for us in Nigeria to chose new set of leaders who will lead us for the next four years.
The politicians, electorate and the general public needs to be educated and enlightened on the difference between politics and governance. Politics is defined as the activities concerned with governing a country or an area. Politics gurantees governance but how well one understands and plays politics also guarantees how good the governance will be.
Politics should be played and allowed to end after elections while governance should start from there.
I advise all politicians and electorates to be good ambassadors of there party in politics and be a good representative of there people in governance forgeting the pains, grudges and enemities of politics so that we can have a good governance and reap the dividends of democracy.
Come April 2nd, 9th and 19th vote rightly, vote for integrity and shun violent…
GOD BLESS NIGERIA!

AN ODE TO MY MOTHER

25th March every year is day to remember. Its a day of joy, a day of blessing and I day of happiness. Each time i remember this I smile and thank God and wish i could do more...
25th March is the day heavens gave the earth one of its most valuable asset- the inestimable treasure of the jewel.
I wonder if a day like this had never come would I be living? Even if i would be, will I have the privilege of coming through you?
Mummy, you best thing any creature can wish for, you are the best can ever happen to anyone on earth! I wonder where i would have been if not for you and God, maybe somewhere roaming the streets! Would I even go to school talkless of being what i am today.
Mummy your birthday means so much to just as you do. You legacies and teachings have brought me this far, you have make my life meaningful and worthy of living and i hope and pray for a wife like you.
You are my best friend, my playmate, my sister, my pal and my rescuer. I pray to God to grant you long life in good health so can reap the fruits of your labour.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! LONG LIFE AND PROSPERITY. I LOVE YOU MUM...

Song for Dare- 'Kemi Esther

God said i should tell you dat,
you are born for greatness,
so he has placed the right people,
In the right place to place to help at the right time,
so don't worry you are unique oh, oh, oh

I just want to know you more,
because there is something great about you,
all you got to do is to have great faith,
believe in yourself,
just love yourself,
and be a person of integrity,
'cos you are going far more than you can ever imagine...

Life…

Life…
a mixture of tendencies, characterized by circumstances,
filled with struggles to earn a living and strives for adaptation and survival with the certainity of unending tommorrows,
day after days, its tommorrow never die…

The same life that gives you happiness today may give to you sadness tommorrow
it may give to you beauty and brightness of the sun in the morning which will fade away by darkness of the night,
its beauty is not constant…

Life may put to smiles to your face and turn it to crying the next minute,
it’s filled with suprises, miracles, the unexpected, adventures and illusions…
Life’s where you see young ones dying while the old live,
you see the rich crying bitterly for help while the poor live happily,
you see the mighty ones falling…

What then is this life? I look around and conclude that,
it’s all vanity upon vanities!
There is nothing it gives to you that it will not take from you!
Life is vanity with opportunities…

We Must Nurture Politics of Ideas

We Must Nurture Politics of Ideas
By Ibrahim Babangida
An invitation to participate in an event that is associated with any of our founding fathers is for me not only a call to duty; but, indeed a quick summons. This is because, despite our imperfections as a nation, the idea of Nigeria as the single largest federation of black people remains one of the boldest socio-political projects upon which the black man has embarked in recent history. Therefore, to those whose dreams and efforts gave us the Federal Republic of Nigeria, our founding fathers, we must remain eternally grateful.
In the case of the late great nationalist and stateman, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa), the duty becomes a compulsion. Ordinarily, my assignment on this occasion would be simple. As an indigene of Niger State, I would merely savour the singular privilege of being invited to deliver a goodwill message from the state where Zik was born to this august gathering. But this is no ordinary occasion. And Zik is no ordinary person. You must permit me the immodesty of claiming that Niger State is no ordinary state either!
In many ways, Nigerian history and providence have been quite generous to Niger State. Indeed, there would seem to be a rather symbolic significance in the relationship between Niger State and the Nigerian Nation in terms of leadership. Because Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and myself happen to hail from Niger State, the state is regarded as a leadership factory.
This is of course fortuitous and clearly an unitended consequence of our historical evolution. But if we add the fact that Zik, who is perhaps the greatest nationalist and patriot that our country has known, was born and had his early childhood in Zungeru, Niger State, then the significance and unique contributions of Niger State to our country becomes even more striking. I am not about to inaugurate a national contest between Niger State and Ogun State on this matter!
Over and above everything else, I would in fact argue that Niger State is seen as 'the power state' more on account of Zik's origin in the state than anything that happened subsequently. It is perhaps more appropriate then to say that the great Zik was delivered in Zungeru and bestowed on Nigeria.
And yet, we must go beyond the symbolism of Zungeru and the central position of Niger State in our leadership culture in order to fully appreciate the decisive import of the great Zik of Africa for our national project. I imagine that the erudite scholars that have been gathered for this event will x-ray the multi-dimensional contributions of Zik to African renaissance and Nigerian nationalism in his time. I am more inclined to share my thoughts on the contemporary significance of Zik as both an idealist and realist with you.
With the return of elective democracy to our country, I remain convinced the great Zik was a visionary in the sense that there is hardly any of our present difficulties that he did not prefigure in his writings and ideas. And yet he cherished and championed a higher vision of a united Nigeria governed by the rule of law in which ethnics and divisive factors played little or no role in determining the opportunities open to the individual Nigerian.
In his multiple undertakings and multi-faceted engagements, Zik was the quintessential humanist, the classical Renaissance man, a man of many parts. He was at home in the football pitch as in the newsroom, at home among the eminent and in solidarity with the ordinary folk. Knowledgeable in philosophy, law, politics ethnography, religion etc. Above everything else he possessed that single most essential ingredient which most successful leaders benefit immensely from: personal charm and charisma. His presence was electrifying as his oratory was captivating and informed. His aura inspired a tradition of mystique and myths woven around his name, thus amplifying his already immense capabilities.
For me as a person and as someone who has sustained an interest in the plight and direction of our national project, the great Zik remains an irresistible fascination and a formidable influence.
In periods of national upheaval and in times of political difficulty, we have drawn inspirations from what I may describe as the Zik spirit. In my view, the essence of that spirit is the spirit of irrevocable commitment to the ideal of one nation under a constitution. A nation in which the rule of law guided by an appropriate constitution is supreme, a nation in which individual Nigerians are free to ply their trade in any and every part of the federation without fear of discrimination and harm. Zik believed in a nation in which people are free to practice their faith without losing faith in our common patrimony, a nation of proud men and women able to hold their heads high among humanity because as Africans they possess a certain dignity.
At the tactical level, his belief in compromise meant that he survived major political battles in order to fight the next battle.
With regard to the evolution of democracy in our country, our present experience can benefit immensely from politics as it was played by Zik and his contemporaries. In this regard, one thing that marks out men like Zik, the late Sardauna of Sokoto and Chief Obafemi Awolowo is that they believe in something. Their political activities were informed by certain core values which subsequently grew into a body of beliefs which largely inspired their politics. Those who followed them understood that they had to abide by those beliefs. In other words, the politics of ideals and ideas were the guiding principles of our founding fathers. In the case of the great Zik, it became fashionable among his adherents and supporters to be a Zikist. But interestingly, Zikism was not synonymous with an ethnic ideology nor did it a divisive cause. Instead, Zikism was more an ideology for African reniascence emphasizing the restoration of the dignity of the black man after centuries of colonial imposition and exploitation.
It sought to empower the black man in general and the Nigerian in particular to attain great heights especially in the pursuit of knowledge which, for Zik, was critical to the emancipation of the black man. Yet Zikism did not degenerate to the level of a theology for a personality cult. This in fact is one of the refreshing and intriguing facets of Zik's political legacy.
In terms of his approach to politics and the practical application of Zikism to power and politics in pre and post colonial Nigeria, what stands out is the adherence to the rule of the game. Constitutionalism, due process, parliamentary decorum and procedure were all followed. Because Zik saw Nigeria as one and indivisible, he regarded the entire nation as his political canvass and demonstrated that belief by being politically at home in all parts of the country. He made alliances in the North and across the nation, stood for election in Lagos and the West, addressed campaign rallies as much in English as in Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.
There is therefore a great deal that the present generation of political actors, and indeed the entire political process needs to learn from our founding fathers in general and Zikism in particular. In this regard, I feel this is an appropriate venue to appeal to the present generation of our political actors to avoid trends and tendencies in the present political atmosphere that could betray the vision of the founding fathers and endanger the Nigerian nation. 14. First is the easy recourse to primordial ethnic and sectional feelings to advance private political interests and aspirations. Political aspirants, when they cannot fund a homogenous ethnic base now appeal to the solidarity of their geo-political zone. As an unwholesome addition to this ugly trend, politicians are encouraging the strengthening of ethnic associations for the purpose of getting their endorsement in contests for national office.
There is also the rise of politics of means to the detriment of conviction politics. I believe that while democracy should empower all to aspire to public office, the business of governance is far too serious a business to be entrusted in the hands of novices or persons with questionable character and track record.
Appeals by politicians to less than noble issues and sentiments cannot make up for a lack of ideas. Our politics needs to nurture a truly democratic culture. Those who aspire to high political office must found their aspirations on concrete philosophical approaches to reality. This should inform the policies and programmes on the basis of which individuals contestants for public office canvass for popular support.
In my view, the starting point for the enthronement of politics of ideas is the party. Our parties must begin the process of founding themselves on definable ideas.
Human history is far too advanced for the business of state to be done in an ideological vacuum. Nigeria is too important in the African world and in fact in the march of human civilization to be governed by rule of thumb. Where our parties fail to rise to the occasion of graduating to the politics of ideas, the vacuum will be filled by the personal beliefs and whims of individual politicians. The result would be a certain inconsistency of policy and orientation that will continue to subject our polity to all too frequent shocks. Too many policy shocks are not conducive to the process of nation building in a diverse polity that is already lagging behind its peers in matter of development. 18. As we contemplate the enduring legacies of the great Zik of Africa, I leave you to ponder these modest observations. Our nation has a rich history. This generation of Nigerian leaders is blessed with the benefit of this rich past.
We must now begin to distil from that historical treasure the ingredients for our social and political progress and for the fulfillment of the most fundamental needs of all our peoples.
A goodwill message from Niger State, delivered by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR at Zik Foundation Colloquium 2003 in Abuja, last week.

101 ROMANTIC IDEAs

IDEA # 1
If your partner is going away for a few days, tell her that you are worried about her so you have organized a bodyguard to look after her. Then give her a small teddy bear.
IDEA # 2
Buy a packet of glow in the dark stars and stick the stars on the roof above your bed to spell out a message such as "I Love You" When the lights go down, your message will be revealed!
IDEA # 3
On a special occasion, buy your partner eleven real red roses and one artificial red rose. Place the artificial rose in the center of the bouquet.
Attach a card that says:
“I will love you until the last rose fades.”
IDEA # 4
Buy the domain name of your partner's name if it is available for example www.TanyaJohnston.com. Create a web page containing a romantic poem and a picture of a rose. When your partner is surfing the web, casually ask whether she has ever checked to see whether her domain name is taken. Let her type it in to discover her page.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 5
Buy a stylish hand mirror and give it to your partner as a gift. Include a card in the box saying
“In this mirror you will see the image of
the most beautiful woman in the world.”
IDEA # 6
Take a book that your partner is reading and using a pencil, underline letters in a section of the book she has yet to read to spell out a love letter. For example in the following exert from a novel, the underlined letters come together to spell out the secret message "I love you"
The palace was a labyrinth, their passage through it tortuous and interminable. Initially they passed from building to building under the sodden sky. Steve's feet ached; he might have laughed at himself, the tireless traveler, grown too soft from his months in the city to walk any proper distance. Abruptly the guards halted.
The underlined letters will make your partner curious and with a bit of luck she will write them down. Spend time to encode a proper message such as "Dear Belinda, I love you honey"
IDEA # 7
Have flowers delivered to your partner's workplace. She will not only enjoy the flowers but will also receive comments and attention from her office mates which will add to her enjoyment.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 8
While walking with your partner on a weekend getaway, pick up a smooth stone and say that you're going to keep it as a special memento of your trip. Later, have a message such as
"I Love Rebecca"
engraved into the stone by a jeweler and give it to your partner.
IDEA # 9
Drive into the country, find a grassy hill and lie with your partner and look up at the clouds.
Play the kid’s game of looking for shapes in the cloud formations.
IDEA # 10
Get a piece of paper and some crayons. Draw a bright childlike picture with a smiley sun and two stick figures holding hands. Add labels with your two names pointing to the stick figures. Write "I Love You" inside a heart.
Next get a large formal envelope. Place your drawing inside and type up a formal address label of your partner's work such as:
For the immediate and urgent attention of:
Rebecca Jones
Level 20
Collins & Smith Solicitors
New York
Mail it to your partner so she receives it in the middle of a busy day.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 11
Memorize one of Shakespeare's love sonnets and recite it to your partner when you are in a romantic setting like a botanical garden. Don't just suddenly start reciting poetry as this will just sound corny.
While you are cuddling your partner, ask in a joking manner, "So is now a good time to recite a love poem to you?" She will probably say yes, expecting you to come up with something of the "Roses are Red..." variety.
Instead, look into her eyes, smile and recite the sonnet while you gently stroke her face. Try the sonnet below. If this is too long, just memorize the first four lines and the last two.
Shakespeare Love Sonnet 18
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed,
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimmed.
But thy eternal summer shall not fade,
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest,
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st.
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 12
If your partner has to work late, take a lunch box and fill it with some of her favorite things such as chocolates, herbal tea, cookies, a small teddy bear.
Next, get a piece of paper and write
"Michelle's Late Night Survival Pack"
Draw a big red cross below this and stick the paper to the top of the box. Tell your partner to open the box when things get really tough.
IDEA # 13
If you are walking by a park, visit the swings and give your partner a ride. This will often bring back happy memories from her childhood.
IDEA # 14
Leave a long stem rose where your partner will find it with a note on it saying:
"Thank you for coming into my life."
IDEA # 15
If your partner is starting a new job, buy a copy of "The Sound Of Music" sound track. Tape the song, "I Have Confidence" onto a tape and add your own message at the end of the song saying,
"Good Luck honey, I have confidence in you."
Give the tape to your partner to play on the way to work in the car.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 16
Buy a small decorated cardboard box, a sheet of colored tissue paper, some massage oil and a blank card.
Line the box with the tissue paper. Place the massage oil in the box and write the following message on the card:
I know a great Masseur.
For an appointment ring:
(Your Phone Number)
IDEA # 17
When your spouse has had a really long hard day, run a hot bath for her. Pour some fragrant bath oil into the tub and gently bathe her from head to toe. Carry her into the bedroom. Gently towel her dry and tuck her into a freshly made bed with a kiss on the forehead.
IDEA # 18
For this idea you will need a portable CD player. If you and your partner have a favorite song, get a copy of it on CD and take it with you when you go away for a romantic weekend.
When you are in a romantic spot, ask your partner if she would like to dance. Place one earpiece in her ear and one in your own and enjoy your private dance floor.
This technique is particularly effective if the romantic spot you have chosen is somewhere where people would not normally dance, for example, the top of the Empire State building at sunset or on top of a mountain during a camping trip.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 19
If your partner has a pet that she adores, at Christmas, in addition to buying a gift for your partner, buy a small present for her pet.
IDEA # 20
Go for a walk on the beach. Trace out the shape of a large love heart in the sand. Sit inside the heart and cuddle your partner as you watch the sun go down.
IDEA # 21
Invite your partner to go for a walk. Get a back pack and pack the following items: A picnic blanket, a selection of fruit in small containers eg. strawberries, grapes, watermelon and kiwi fruit. Some cheese and crackers. Some sandwiches. A small tin of caviar. A half bottle of champagne and two plastic champagne glasses. If your partner asks what's in the backpack, just say a jacket and some lunch.
When you find a romantic spot, ask if she would like to stop for a bite to eat. Open your pack and remove the items one by one to set up your picnic. The last item you remove should be the glasses and champagne.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 22
If you play a musical instrument, create a romantic environment in which to play for your partner. For example, let's say you play the saxophone. Contact your partner's roommate and arrange for her to make sure that your partner steps out onto the balcony of their apartment at exactly 9.30pm.
Drive to her apartment and set up before hand. Place a large sparkler in the music holder of your sax and light it as your partner steps on to the balcony. Play something slow and romantic.
IDEA # 23
Use this idea if your partner is going to work and you are staying at home for some reason (Perhaps you are sick or are working from home).
Say goodbye to her at the front door and then immediately send an email to her work address. The email should simply say,
"Miss you already".
The email will be in her in-box when she does her morning email check.
IDEA # 24
If your partner has long hair, take the time to brush it using long slow strokes. This is particularly effective after she has had a shower or when she is getting ready for bed.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 25
On a special occasion like your partner's birthday, plan a treasure hunt for her. The fun begins when you suggest going for a walk on the beach.
When you get to the beach, carry a small bag with you. The bag contains a bottle that you prepared earlier. Inside the bottle is a treasure map. To make the treasure map look authentic, burn the edges with a match.
As you are walking, slip the bottle out of your bag and let it drop to the sand near the water's edge. You may have to pause and kiss your partner to do this unnoticed. Walk a little further up the beach then turn around and retrace your steps to 'discover' the bottle.
On the map have a dotted line leading from the beach to a nearby cafe. At the cafe, your partner won't know what to look for so suggest that you just sit down and have a cup of coffee.
When the waitress delivers the coffee, she suggests to your partner that she might find what she is looking for under the coaster. When your partner turns over the coaster she finds a key taped to the bottom. Obviously you will have to set this up before hand with the waitress. Most waitresses will be happy to help a romantic guy out with this type of thing.
At the next stop on the map, your partner finds or is given a spade. Then at the last stop on the map your partner finds a large 'X' made up of two crossed sticks. She digs and discovers a locked box. The key unlocks the box to reveal her present.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 26
Invite your partner on a date by sending her a plain brown envelope containing a tape. On the tape, record the Mission Impossible sound track and then record yourself saying, “Your mission if you choose to accept it is to make your way to Café Venoli, 123 Park Lane at 18.30 Eastern Standard Time. There you will rendezvous with a stunningly attractive man wearing a red carnation. The future of the free world is now in your hands. This tape will self destruct in five seconds.” Then record ten beeps from a stopwatch and record yourself saying, “Would you believe ten seconds…” Its corny but it usually gets a laugh!
IDEA # 27
Contact your partner's family and ask if there was anything she always wanted when she was a little girl.
For example if she always wanted a porcelain doll, buy one for her birthday. She will not only appreciate the gift but also the fact that you were thoughtful enough to find out what she always wanted.
IDEA # 28
Organize a professional photo shoot to obtain a portrait of the two of you as a couple. Frame the picture and put it somewhere prominent. Remember to make sure you give your partner plenty of notice so that she can get ready.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 29
Write a note saying
"I thought of you today, and it made me smile."
Leave the note somewhere where your partner is sure to find it.
IDEA # 30
For Valentines Day, buy your partner a charm bracelet with at least 14 charms.
Remove all the charms and let your partner 'find' one charm each day for the first fourteen days of February. On Valentines Day give her the bracelet and any remaining charms.
IDEA # 31
When you and your partner are in a shopping center or airport, stop at one of those booths that allow you to take an instant photo and print them out as stickers.
Choose a romantic background and kiss your partner while the photo is being taken.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 32
If your partner has voice mail at work or on her mobile, leave a message saying
"Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you."
She will appreciate this anytime but especially when she is going through a rough period.
IDEA # 33
Organize a mystery trip for you and your partner. Some travel agents will organize mystery packages where the destination of the trip is kept secret until you are actually on the plane or arrive at the destination.
IDEA # 34
Buy some rose petals and place them behind the sun visor on the passenger side of your car. Take a post it note and write, "I Love You" on it and stick it to the back of the sun visor.
As you are driving to a romantic destination, look at your partner and tell her she has a mark on her cheek. She will pull down the sun visor to use the mirror and be showered in rose petals and see your note.
IDEA # 35
If your partner is going on a trip, pack a small present into the corner of her suitcase that she will find when she is away.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 36
When you and your partner are having an anniversary, buy two champagne glasses and get them engraved with your names and the date, for example:
Mal and Kate
7 May 2002
Go to the restaurant where you have made your reservations and request that when you and your partner arrive that your champagne be served in your special glasses. This will be a great surprise for your partner and a wonderful keepsake for you both.
IDEA # 37
On a special occasion such as your partner's birthday, buy twenty-four red roses. Arrange to meet her at a specific spot in a shopping mall before going out for dinner. Get to the shopping mall early and position yourself around the corner from your meeting spot.
Ask a guy who is walking by whether he would mind helping you out. Give him a rose, point out your partner and ask him to walk up to her and say, "Happy Birthday Meagan" and give her the rose and then walk away. Repeat this with eleven other guys. Choose guys who are not too good looking and choose guys of different ages. A nice touch is to have the last rose delivered by a small child who could even by accompanied by his parents.
After the first twelve flowers have been delivered, approach your partner with the twelve remaining roses.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 38
Always listen for things that your partner reminisces about and jot them down somewhere. For example, perhaps she talks about the ice cream that she had from a particular shop when she was a little girl.
When a special occasion comes along, check your list of things that your partner talks about and try to recreate one of them, for example, visit the shop and buy a tub of ice cream making sure that the name of the shop is on the container.
IDEA # 39
Create a love montage by collecting some photographs of you and your partner, some ticket stubs of places you have visited and any other small odds and ends that have special meaning to you both.
Take these items and get them professionally framed in a three dimensional montage. Alternatively, buy a frame and create a simple montage yourself.
IDEA # 40
Buy an ornately carved wooden box which is lined with green or red felt. Find an old fashioned key and place it in the box.
Next, get a small gold plaque and have it engraved with the words
The Key To My Heart
Fix the plaque to the inside of the top of the box so that it can be read when the box is opened.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 41
Buy a tree with your partner and plant it in a special spot. Each year on your anniversary, have a glass of champagne next to your tree and talk about how your love and the tree have grown.
IDEA # 42
If you shower first in the morning. Steam up the bathroom and write a message such as "Pete Loves Kathy" on the mirror for your partner to read when she uses the bathroom. This also works on car windows when it's cold.
IDEA # 43
As a special gift, name a Star after your partner. A number of astronomical agencies allow individuals to name stars and you receive formal documentation identifying the star that you have named. See the following website for details:
http://www.theromantic.com/gifts.htm
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 44
Find a comic strip that relates to something that you and your partner have shared together, for example perhaps you both work in the same office and you find a Dilbert cartoon that relates to the politics at your workplace.
Enlarge the cartoon using a photocopier and use white-out to cover the cartoon text. Type up your own text that relates to you and your partner and paste it in the appropriate places and then photocopy the cartoon again so that it looks like your text was the actual text of the cartoon.
For an added touch, get your customized cartoon laminated before giving it to your partner.
IDEA # 45
When you and your partner are enjoying a restful time away, organize to wake up early one morning and go to a scenic spot to watch the sun rise.
This may seem difficult but it is something which is definitely worth doing at least once. Seeing a new day being born is something really special to share with your partner.
IDEA # 46
When you have access to a spa, create a romantic atmosphere by placing some candles around the tub and some rose petals floating on the surface of the water.
As your partner enjoys the water, serve champagne and chocolate covered strawberries before joining her.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 47
Create some love coupons that your partner can exchange for romantic favors.
For example you could have a coupon that reads
This coupon entitles the bearer to:
One Foot Massage.
Use by 07/08/2045
Use a date many years in the future if you want to suggest that you and your partner will always be together. Get 50 love coupons at this site: http://www.theromantic.com/lovecoupons.htm
IDEA # 48
On a warm summers night, organize a backyard picnic. Spread a picnic blanket on the ground and get together some snacks, chocolates and champagne. Lie down on the blanket with your partner and gaze up at the stars together.
IDEA # 49
Next time it is raining really heavily, go for a walk with your partner. Forget the umbrellas and the raincoats. Run through the streets together, jump in puddles and get totally saturated.
Pick her up, twirl her around and kiss her while the rain falls. Taste the water off her face and hold her close.
When you get back home have a hot shower and then share a warm drink preferably in front of an open fire.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 50
Organize a hot air ballooning trip as a special surprise. Most trips begin with a glass of champagne before you float over the countryside with your partner.
IDEA # 51
When your partner is sitting at a table or desk, come up behind him or her and give her a back, shoulder and head massage. Finish with a gentle kiss on the cheek.
IDEA # 52
Place an ad in the paper on a normal day saying something like:
Dear Amanda,
With you by my side, everyday
feels like Valentines Day.
Thank you for being you.
Love,
Graham
IDEA # 53
Buy a book that you and your partner are both interested in reading.
Read one chapter each night in bed with each of you taking turns to read out loud.
This can be a great alternative to television.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 54
When your partner is having a shower or bath, take her towel and place it in the dryer to make it really warm and then wrap her up in it when she is done.
IDEA # 55
Photocopy your hand and fax a copy of it to your partner with a message saying, "Do ya wanna hold hands?"
IDEA # 56
Next time you order a pizza, ask to have it cut into a heart shape before it is delivered to your home.
IDEA # 57
Buy a box of chocolates and very carefully open one side of the plastic wrap so that you can gently slide the box out. Open the box and place a love note inside. Then slide the box back into its plastic wrap and reseal it.
IDEA # 58
Rent a tandem bike and go for a ride with your partner. At the end of your ride have a picnic in the park.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 59
If you are away on a business trip, document a day in your life for your partner. For example:
'A Day In The Life Of Mark'
6am: Just woke up and thought of you - Wish you were laying next to me. Well, I better get ready for work.
7am: Am on the train. It's crowded; everyone looks like they are half dead. I miss ya heaps.
8.30am: Have just organized my day, it's going to be a busy one.
9.30am: Am in the middle of a really boring meeting. I am trying to concentrate on this months sales figures but I keep thinking of your beautiful eyes.
...
6.30pm: Thank goodness the day is over. I am counting the days until we’re together again.
Send your letter to your partner. This is a wonderful way to tell your partner how often you think about her during the day and to share your life with her in a special way.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 60
Speak to your partner's family and find out what her favorite book was when she was a little girl.
Buy a copy of the book and read it to her in bed.
IDEA # 61
Write an email story with your partner. Start the ball rolling with an email that says something like:
Chapter 1:
This is the story of Pete and Kate who met at a friend's engagement party one summer afternoon.
The email can then continue to develop the beginnings of a story which can be completely fictitious or a combination of fiction and reality.
Finish your email by saying, "And now for Chapter 2, its over to you..."
IDEA # 62
Buy a kite and on a windy day find a park and fly the kite with your partner.
If you can afford it, buy a large kite that you control with two hand lines. These kites are great fun.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 63
When you and your partner are planning to go out for dinner, suggest that you have an 'Adventure Dinner'. Here's how it works
Set the timer on your stopwatch to count down twenty minutes. Next, ask your partner to choose a number between 5 and 10. Lets say she chooses 7.
Give your partner a coin and tell her that at every 7th intersection, she has to flip the coin. If it is heads you will turn left. If it is tails you will turn right. When your watch timer goes off you have to both keep a look out for the nearest place to eat.
This is a fun way to get out and about and try new places to eat.
IDEA # 64
When you and your partner are going somewhere special, get your camera, buy a new roll of film and wait for her to come out of the house.
When she appears, act like a professional photographer and go wild taking pictures of her with the flash. While you are taking photos, bombard her with questions as though she was a famous actress and you are trying to get a scoop for the magazine you represent.
Not only is this fun but you will also get some great photos to look back on together.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 65
When your partner is sick at home, take a day off to look after her.
Rent some videos, make her some soup, wrap her up in a blanket and just be with her.
IDEA # 66
When you are having dinner one night, ask your partner about the things she has always wanted to do.
Later on, write these things down so you don't forget them and over time try and help make them happen. For example she may say that one thing she has always wanted to do is swim with dolphins. Find out where she can do this and organize it for her as a special surprise.
IDEA # 67
Rent the video, "An Affair To Remember". Buy some popcorn, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and have a special film night at home.
IDEA # 68
Go to the drive in but instead of sitting in the car, spread a picnic blanket on the ground. Light a candle and buy popcorn. Cuddle your partner and enjoy the film.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 69
Create a personalized magazine cover for your partner. To do this, get hold of a good quality photo of her and a copy of a popular entertainment magazine.
Take these two items to a print shop or graphic design agency. Ask them to scan your partner's photo and develop a magazine cover with the lead story being, "The 30 most beautiful women of 2003".
When you get the cover, stick it on the front of a real magazine and ask your local shop owner whether you can place it in the magazine rack. Organize to meet your partner at the shop before going out. When she arrives, tell her that you are just looking for a magazine. Let her browse the rack and discover her magazine.
IDEA # 70
Fill the trunk of your car with helium balloons. Drive to a romantic spot in the country to go for a walk. The ideal spot is somewhere up high with a clear view of the surrounding countryside.
Get out of the car and act as though you are about to set off for your walk. Make sure your partner is closer to the car than you and then throw her the keys and ask if she can get your jacket from the trunk while you tie your shoelace.
When she opens the boot the balloons will be released. You can also place a sign saying, "I Love You" on the inside of the trunk so that it will be revealed when the trunk opens.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 71
On a special occasion create a unique present for your partner by buying two white t-shirts and some fabric paint. Draw half a heart and the letters LO on one t-shirt and the half a heart and the letters VE on the other t-shirt.
When you walk down the street holding each other close, the heart will be made whole and your message of love revealed.
An example is shown below.
IDEA # 72
On a hot summers day, buy two large water pistols and take them to the beach with you.
Pull them out and throw one to your partner and then have a huge water fight.
IDEA # 73
Share your food with your partner. When you go out for a meal, hold a forkful up to her mouth and say, "You've got to try this."
Sharing your food and even feeding each other is a great way to become closer as a couple.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 74
Compliment your partner in public. If you are talking in a group and it is appropriate to the conversation say something like, "Kate makes the most incredible roast." Squeeze her hand while you are talking about her.
IDEA # 75
Arrange a special day off from work. Start with breakfast, go for a walk in the park, go shopping, have afternoon tea in a cozy cafe and finish off with a romantic dinner.
IDEA # 76
Buy a gift voucher for a facial at a local beauty clinic and place it in a card accompanied by the message,
A special treat for
someone special
IDEA # 77
Even if you are just going down the road to buy some milk, act as though you are returning home after a major adventure.
Say something like, "Well it was touch and go there for a while with the snow and the wolves but I made it!" and then give your partner a huge bear hug.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 78
Send your partner a thank-you note. For example:
Dear Bec,
Thanks for helping me move house.
Having you there made a huge difference.
I really appreciate your help and your love.
Tim
IDEA # 79
If you have kids, organize for them to stay at their grandparents for the weekend.
On Friday evening, announce that the weekend is yours and start planning how you are going to spend your special time together.
IDEA # 80
Give your partner a magic gift box. Every month, place a new small gift in the box for her to discover.
IDEA # 81
Research your partner's favorite hobby and identify a gift that is really useful for her. The more specialized the gift the more impact it will have. Talk to her friends and family and use the Net to find the information you need.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 82
Go to a masquerade ball. Send an invitation to your partner telling her to meet you at a specific spot at the stroke of eight.
Wear a mask and when you meet her, don't say a word. Just take her hand and lead her on to the dance floor.
IDEA # 83
On Thursday, ask your partner to pack a bag for the weekend. Tell her she'll need casual clothes and walking shoes but don't tell her what you have got planned.
Pick her up after work on Friday and drive to a romantic bed and breakfast for a romantic weekend of relaxation.
IDEA # 84
When you are relaxing at home one night, take two large sheets of paper and some pencils or crayons. On each piece of paper, draw the outline of a large crystal ball sitting on a stand.
Tell your partner to look into her crystal ball and draw what she sees five years in the future. Do the same thing yourself and then come together to share and discuss your drawings.
IDEA # 85
Create a loving nickname for your partner. This could be the name she was called by her family when she was a little girl or something that is special just for the two of you.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 86
If you are musically inclined, write a love song for your partner. Call it something like "Natasha's Song".
Produce a professional looking manuscript, print it out and get it framed. Record your song onto CD and take a photo of your partner and get a print shop to create a CD cover if you can’t create one on your computer.
Place the framed manuscript and the CD in a box and give it to your partner as a special gift.
IDEA # 87
Pick your partner up for a date and blindfold her before driving to a special destination.
Try to make the destination something really unexpected like a table set up at the top of a cliff or a dinner on a boat or old-fashioned ship. It needs to be something that will have an impact when she removes the blindfold.
IDEA # 88
Have a really big pillow fight. Set up for it by buying two pillows that are filled with feathers. Put holes in the pillows so the feathers will start to fly and then attack your partner when you feel the time is right.
IDEA # 89
Get out into the great outdoors. After a day of hiking, build an open fire. Sit by the fire with your partner, toast marshmallows and watch as the embers of the fire climb into the night sky.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 90
If your partner uses a computer, take a photo of the two of you and get it scanned at a print shop (or scan it at home) and store it on disk as a .bmp file.
Transfer the file onto your partner's computer and set the image as the computer's wallpaper.
To do this on a Windows machine, select Start / Settings / Control Panel / Display. Choose the Background tab and click the Browse button to find your .bmp file.
IDEA # 91
If you are artistically inclined, do a life drawing course, practice until you are confident and then ask your partner to pose for you.
IDEA # 92
Take your partner to a carnival or festival. Try the following:
(1) Food festival
(2) Jazz festival
(3) Wine festival
(4) Music festival
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 93
Develop a video time capsule. Start with the two of you sitting together on a couch introducing the video. Say something like, "It is currently July 14th 2002. We have decided to make this video so that we can watch it together on our 25th wedding anniversary."
Then have a section where you talk to the camera by yourself, telling the camera how you feel about your partner and why you love her. Get her to do the same thing. When you are done, place the video in a bank vault and on your 25th wedding anniversary you will be able to look back in time and reminisce about everything that you have shared.
IDEA # 94
If you are in a secluded spot near a beach or lake and the weather is warm, go for an impromptu skinny dip with your partner.
IDEA # 95
This one is great for long distance relationships. It takes a bit of organization but if you can pull it off, it is sure to be a surprise that your partner will never forget. Organize to catch up with her regularly over the internet using either a chat room or an Instant Messenger program. Then arrange a secret trip to meet her without telling her that you’re coming.
When it comes time for your usual chat over the Net, arrange for a close friend back home to log on using your nickname while you position yourself outside her door. Phone your friend on your mobile and be speaking to him in real time. Tell him to type in the following sentence, “I really miss you honey, I wish I could be there and just reach out and knock on your door.” As soon as he has sent the message, knock on the door!
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 96
Buy your partner a gold fish in a bowl and give it to her with a card saying,
“Of all the fish in the sea,
you're the fish for me!”
IDEA # 97
Go for a drive either early in the morning or at dusk. Get a CD/tape that contains sounds of nature such as Sounds Of the Rainforest and play it as you hold your partner's hand and drive.
IDEA # 98
The day before your partner's birthday buy some helium balloons, streamers and flowers and hide them in a closet.
When your partner has fallen asleep, string the streamers around the room and bring out the balloons and flowers. Place them around the bed so that your partner wakes up to a real birthday surprise.
IDEA # 99
Spend a leisurely afternoon with your partner in a large book shop such as Borders where you can browse the shelves, share a coffee and sit down to peruse your purchases.
IDEA # 100
If you can afford it, hire a sports car for a weekend. Pick up your partner and give her a long white cashmere scarf to wear with her sunglasses. Go for a drive along the coast with the top down.
TheRomantic.com 101 Romantic Ideas
IDEA # 101
Serve your partner breakfast in bed. Try the following:
(1) A poached egg in the shape of a heart - you can pick up a heart shaped poacher at most shops that sell kitchen wares.
(2) French toast with cinnamon and maple syrup.
(3) Cereal.
(4) Fruit juice.
(5) A fresh flower.
Books By Michael Webb:
What you ABSOLUTELY MUST know about the person you are with. This ebook also comes with a free 300 Days of Questions e-course. www.questionsforcouples.com
Have you ever had a dull date? No more. This book features nearly 6 years worth of creative date nights. Tips on first dates and asking someone out for a date too. www.300creativedates.com

The enemy called DISTRACTION (Prt 1)

Our present day society and generation is alarming, all we need is a change! We live in a generation that is technologically sound, an advantage generations ahead of us which are characterized by ignorance does not have, yet this generation has chosen to be distracted even with every of the advantages we have!Its so sadden and heart breaking to see people who are destined to be doctors working in banks, lawyers in hospitals, farmers on the wheels (driving), great engineers in court and the likes!The question i ask most times is: where did it all go wrong? And the answer i often get is: the inability to discover one's self caused majorly by distraction and the love of money and fame!Many doctors are ending up as banker due to distractions while many would-be pastors have left there place of calling only to be runing after white collar-jobs all because of their inability to discover themselves.My question to you readers is very simple: have u discover your mandate? And are you fulfiling it? Are you fulfiled and satisfied serving this mandate? Lastly, how sure are you that you are keeping focus and not being distracted?

YOUR DUTY AND CONTRIBUTION TO MAKING NIGERIA GREAT (1).

I was going through the headlines of some local and international newspapers some few days ago and i was touched and a bit ashamed of the way some Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora are doing. While some are doing greatly fine and everything possible to see to the betterment of Nigeria, majority are still not helping the situation. Some Nigerians assault and assasinate our dear nation with there mouth seeing no good of Nigeria.

I will like at this junction to let every Nigerians realize the truth and the fact that the lands, cars, houses, e.t.c are not the real Nigeria we are talking about, the real Nigeria are the people (the you and I) living inside and constitute the nation either by birth, marriage, e.t.c and that is why we are called Nigerians...

It is true that since independence some 50years ago, our Nation has been struggling for survival but the truth be told, the generations ahead of us marred by ignorance has made so much mistakes that is costing us our present situations and I believe this generation can turn the table. All we need is focus and stop being distracted.

I offer the following tips as the duty every true Nigerians seeking the greatness of this nation must invive;

1. Every Nigerians must make it a duty to pray at least once daily (if only God bless Nigeria) for the betterment of this nation and our leaders and stop cursing or prophesing the present hard situation. Many Nigerians don't even know we have a national prayer in a song writen as the second stanza of our National Anthem;

Oh God of creation....

Direct our noble course,

Guide our leaders right,

Help our youths the truth to know,

in love and honesty to grow,

And living  just and truth,

Great lofty height attain,

To build a nation where justice shall reign...

2. In making this nation great, every Nigerians have to accept responsibility and stop depending on Government for everything. Though it is our civic right but we also have to understand that we are the government! It starts from the four walls of your room...

I discovered recently that almost 6 out of every 10 houses have at least one electric power generating set which require an average of #200-#500 daily for fueling in some cases while in some cases, it is about a minimum of #1,000-#5,000 daily. Just do the calculation yourself for a period of 365 days in a year. While a street, even a town or a state can come together and independently generate electric power cheaply or even boost/support the production of electricity! Yet we all sit down in our houses/offices raining curses and abusive words on Government and PHCN while we waist much resources and cause for ourselves environmental hazards...

3. Every Nigerians seeking her greatness has to be creative and stay focused. It is a sad occurence that the value of the Nigerian education sector has fallen down beyond a reasonable doubt, almost everybody wants to be a celebrity suddenly. Entertainment and pleasure has taken over all around towns, people either wants to sing, movie star, footballer, model e.t.c and that explains why reality shows, lotteries, lottos,and the likes is now the dream of an average nigerian while our education sector, research and technology has fallen short. It is time we Nigerians arise to the tasks and start been creative. We have to revive our cultures, value our education sector and Empower youths.

TO BE CONTINUED...

POVERTY

I have read so much about this poverty, heard so much about it, seen so many people living it but I have not yet seen anybody who prays or is proud of it, even the bible says ‘it’s a cures’.

Over the years, there has been many definitions of poverty some of which includes; ‘the state of being poor’, some said it is ‘lack or scarcity of a quality’, to some it is ‘having little or no money’ and the likes. All of this are true and very correct but digging deep, poverty is more that!

What then is poverty?

I define poverty simply as ‘the inability to have/get ideas’ or better still I will say ‘poverty is lack of ideas not money’. One of the major reasons why most of the present day generation is subjected to poverty is because we run after money instead of ideas that can bring money. Money do not just come, it is earned and worked for except in the case of stealing. Being a thief is even work though not legal!

The question now is why do we run after money instead of ideas? One of the things we fail to understand is that everything on earth today is created due to some people’s idea. Human beings are ideas of God, somebody got the idea to develop electricity, the cars, cloths, televisions, radios, computers etc. that we use today are developed based on someone’s idea. The good news is that every idea you have is enough to make you multi-millionaire. I discover of recent that most of the world’s leading rich men are people of great ideas, so what do they do to get money? The answer is that; they identify problem(s) and got the right idea(s) to solve them. ‘People don’t pay for the problems you create, the pay for the ones you are able to solve…

Instead of praying for money to come down from heaven, why not pray for ideas? Instead of going desperate and wild for the sake of money, why not identify a problem in your generation and look up to God to give you idea(s) to proffer solution to such problem? Knowing fully well that you will be paid for every problem you are able to solve and through this you will break the jinx and yoke of poverty.

Conclusively, I will like to say idea is the antidote of poverty…

MY DREAM NIGERIA

Nigeria, my dearest nation, rich in oil and mineral resources, free of natural disasters, regarded as the giant of Africa with over 150million people and approximately 500 languages and ethnic cultures, blessed by God with good soil rich in manure for agriculture.

It’s been 50years since independence yet my dearest nation is still very much dependent! A nation too blessed to be poor is still characterized by abject poverty. A nation which is suppose to be independent still depends on European nations even ones that are not as blessed as my dearest Nigeria for feeding and clothing to mention a few and even importation of petroleum products which we are richly endowed by God.

Oh God! I dream of a new Nigeria where peace, love and unity shall reign.

I dream of a new Nigeria where humiliation, oppression, domination and rulership will be a thing of history, a new Nigeria where the voice of the masses will be heard and there pains felt, that is a Nigeria of good governance not the present hard rulership.

I dream a new Nigeria, where electoral malpractices and rigging will be a thing of the past, where our leaders will be elected based on MANIFESTATIONS not MANIFESTOS, a Nigeria where leaders will serve the masses not there pockets!

I dream a new Nigeria where youths will be empowered to become EMPLOYERS instead of EMPLOYEES. A productive Nigeria where nobody will have to queue at offices for job interviews…

I dream a new Nigeria where schooling/studentship will no more be an occupation, a vision oriented Nigeria where every Nigerians can boast of there own…

I dream a new Nigeria where pupils and students will no more be taught under tree sheds or dilapidated classroom buildings. A Nigeria where every one will go to school…

I dream a new Nigeria where poor transportation networks will be a thing of history. A Nigeria where patched-pot-hole road networks are no more, a Nigeria where rail and aero plane are not for the rich alone but affordable to the masses, I am talking of a Nigeria where every state can boast of airports and aeroplanes…

I dream a new Nigeria which is the world’s economic giant. A Nigeria where crude oil are refined locally and exported for sale in other nations of the world, I am talking of the Nigeria where a litre of petrol will be sold for #5 (five Naira), a Nigeria where #1 is equivalent to 1USD, A Nigeria where agricultural and textile materials are of popular and high demand in the international market!

I dream a new Nigeria whose technology and health sector is the best in the world. A Nigeria where electric power failure will be a thing of history.

Oh God, my dream of a new Nigeria goes on and on even to a new Nigeria free of war, corruption, crime, injustice, e.t.c, a Nigeria where laws and constitutions of the land can take its course…

This and many more I dream for my dearest great Nigeria.

Arise O’compatriots…!! Let’s join hands together and realize this dream Nigeria! Let’s come together and heal Nigeria and make her the paradise on earth. Remember, we are the ones to make better days, so let’s start giving…

Join us at the Nigeria Agents of Positive Change (NAPOC) and let’s start building our dear Nigeria: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=149625945079991&refid=5

GOD BLESS AND HEAL NIGERIA OUR EARTHLY PARADISE.





Yours in Service,

Ambassador Olagoke-Adaramoye, Dare

Chief Executive / Initiator,

Trailblazer Initiatives Nigeria.

Ag. Amb. In Charge, Counselling, Administration, and Rehabilitation Department,

Nations For Less Privilege.

+2348032386064