20-year-old Nigerian sets record; graduates as youngest commercial licence pilot

Favour Odozor…Pilot in Command

A 20-year-old Nigerian, Favour Odozor, has emerged as the youngest with the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in both Nigeria and South Africa.

Favour Odozor

Mr. Odozor who graduated alongside 15 other trained pilots at the Afrika Union Aviation Academy (AUAA), Mafikeng, South Africa on Saturday was described as the new hope of the African aviation industry.

Capt. Allan Roebuck, Director of AUAA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg that Mr. Odozor completed all the 37 flying procedures in record time.

“The academy is proud of this young Nigerian, with the award of licence and certificate to him. Today, I can say he is the youngest commercial licence pilot in both Nigeria and South Africa.

“I cannot say now if he is the youngest African to attain that record, but I’m sure he is the youngest in South Africa and Nigeria,’’ he said.

The AUAA director noted that it requires a lot of hard work, focus, punctuality and discipline to be trained as a commercial pilot.

“It is not enough to be academically sound to be a good pilot. It requires focus, punctuality, and  discipline to get the commercial licence and certificate.

“It has been a long road for the group of qualified pilots to obtain their licences. With the award of certificate, they can fly commercial planes,’’ Mr. Roebuck said.

He said the new pilots underwent two years of rigorous training and 37 flying procedures.

Favour Odozor (right) with colleagues in training

On his part, Mr. Odozor said he had always dreamt of becoming a pilot.

“Flying a plane has been my childhood dream, and I am happy today that I’m a licensed commercial pilot at the age of 20.

“I never expected myself to be the youngest Nigerian to get the commercial pilot licence, not to talk about in an advanced country like South Africa. I was just pursuing my childhood dream of being a pilot.

“But I thank God that I have now made history, as a record licensed commercial pilot in both Nigeria and South Africa,’’ Mr. Odozor said.

He said his immediate plan was to go for his instrument type and rating courses.

“Aviation training is very wide. This is just the beginning. My immediate plan is to enrol for my instrument type rating and Boeing 737 training courses,’’ Mr. Odozor said.

Mr. Odozor has equalled the record set by Ed Gardner, a Briton, who obtained  his commercial pilot licence at the age of 20 in 2008.

Before heading for South Africa for training, the Nigerian attended Uchenna Secondary School in Owerri, the Imo State capital, graduating in 2009.

LOVING IS SERVING by Pastor Kenny Folarin

Luke 10: 25-37

We are created for service and ministry. Each one of us is a minister of the full gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were created by God to serve Him, to serve humanity and to be a blessing. We all have specific responsibilities and roles to play on earth. We are God’s workmanship created for good works (Ephesians 2: 10). Your life will have more meaning when you stop trying to survive and live for yourself.. The most powerful force on earth is God’s love but this love will not be seen and experienced if we do not express it through serving others. Many people know the historical aspect of Jesus’ death and resurrection but do not have a personal knowledge of the strength of His love. We are God’s human representatives and the only way that people can experience His love is through our lives and the things we do. God will not come physically to the earth to serve people.

In our text, the traveller had been robbed and left for dead by the roadside. Two other travellers – a priest and a Levite (religious men) crossed to the other side to avoid the injured man. It was a Samaritan who was considered, in Bible times, to be a sinner who was sensitive to the injured man’s needs and helped him. The Samaritan noticed someone in need, had compassion and did all he could to ensure that the man received the necessary medical treatment. Today, look around you because there are many people who need your help. Our Christianity will not be real if we ignore those in need around us. Do not avoid helping people because you feel that a lot of people are out to cheat others. The Samaritan was on his own journey but he put his own schedule on hold to help the injured man. Always remember that every human being you meet is an extension of God and the way you treat each person is the same way you are treating God. Since the Samaritan had compassion, God gave him the capacity to give aid to the man (Luke 10: 25-37).

Jesus has paid the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf; what sacrifice are you willing to make so you can be a blessing to someone else? If you are going to be a true Christian, it will cost you (James 2:14-18).  You must be willing to serve other people with your time, energy, talents, material and financial resources (Matt 25: 31- 41). True godliness is only expressed through practical acts which meet others’ needs (James 1:26-27; Acts 2:44-47; 4: 32-35). Whatever God has blessed you with has been given to serve humanity. God wants us to live selfless, Christian lives so we can build a successful community and nation. We can change this world, one person at a time and God needs you to achieve that goal. Let God use you to be a part of someone’s success story.

What have you recently given away to add value or to touch someone else’s life and to meet a need? Remember that the liberal soul will always be made fat (Proverbs 11:24-25).

Lynxxx, Omawumi, Tiwa Savage, Flavor, MI, Naeto C to be confirmed as new Glo ambassadors

I'm sure these celebrities will be wondering how I know this. Hehe. It was done very codedly through out last week...but like I always say, I have peeps everywhere...lol.

So here's the scoop. Lynxxx, Omawumi, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, MI, Bez, Naeto C, Chidynma (The Voice), and Lagbaja will soon be announced as the new ambassadors for telecoms giant, Globacom. The music stars or their reps met with the management of Glo at the conference room of Eko Hotel from Monday to Friday last week.

According to the inside gist I gathered, Glo is planning to cut down on the number of old Nollywood stars who are currently their ambassadors (I know some of the ones that will be dropped but let me not announce it here because they are yet to informed), and replace them with young, vibrant music stars. I hear the next phase will be comedians.

The new ambassadors have been interviewed, they have also negotiated the cost of engagement for a period of two years (They each will be getting between N10m/N20m annually). They have also agreed to terms and conditions for the engagement.

Will the Next Google Science Wiz Come from Africa? | Enter the Google Science Fair 2013 Today

The Google Science Fair is an online science competition open to all students aged 13 to 18 from around the world and all you need to get started is a Google account! The entry closes on the 30th of April 2013.
What exactly is a ‘science project’?
A science project is an in-depth investigation of a scientific question that involves forming a hypothesis, testing your hypothesis with an experiment, making your observations, drawing conclusions and presenting the findings.
Like many science fair competitions, the Google Science Fair asks students to approach their science projects using the steps of the scientific method: a useful framework that helps structure scientific inquiry by breaking down the process into manageable steps.
How To Enter
How to enter is as simple as A-B-C-D
Is there a registration fee?
No. The Google Science Fair is completely free to enter.
The Grand Prize Package
The Grand Prize includes a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions and $50,000 in scholarship funding . It is intended to be used towards the Grand Prize winner’s further education costs. If the Grand Prize is won by a team, the value of the scholarship will be split equally between team members. The Grand Prize winner will have first choice of a hands-on experience at one of the following partner organizations: LEGO | CERN | GOOGLE. Also, the winner gets a personal LEGO colour mosaic (one for each team member, to build her/himself) and 1 set of LEGO MINDSTORMS signed by the design team of LEGO MINDSTORMS, the CEO and the owner of LEGO. The winner’s school will enjoy digital access for one full year.

New Video: Onyeka Onwenu – Onye Bu Nwannem

There’s not much to say to introduce a Nigerian legend such as Onyeka Onwenu that hasn’t already been said before multiple times over. So, without further ado, here’s the Akin Alabi-directed video for her single, “Onye Bu Nwannem” which is off her ‘‘The Legend Reloaded’‘ album compilation.

Check on it!

R.Kelly the Greatest Musical Genius Since 1993 says VIBE Magazine

In their '20 Greatest Musical Geniuses Since 1993' list which was released this week, Vibe Magazine gave R.Kelly the number spot. See the top 10 below and tell us if you agree...

10. Missy Elliot
9. RZA
8. Thom Yorke
7. Timbaland
6. Jay Z
5. Notorious B.I.G
4. Diddy
3. Dr Dre
2. Kanye West
1. R. Kelly

Rick Ross offers formal apology

After being dropped from a lucrative endorsement deal with Reebok over his date rape lyrics; “Put molly all in her champagne, she aint even know it, I took her home and I enjoyed that, she aint even know it,", Rick Ross finally offers a real apology...

“Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets. As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words. But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize. I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence. To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it’s wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it.”

–William Roberts (a.k.a “Rick Ross”)

Music Premiere: Nikki Laoye – Only You

Nikki Laoye returns to BN this 2013 with a brand new single, “Only You” produced byRotimiKeys. Written by Nikki and her close friend, Nelson Ekperi, “Only You” is an expression of love, confidence and a celebration of a Father’s Love.

Enjoy!

Play Nikki Laoye – Only You

Download

Insolence?? The letter Madonna sent to the president of Malawi

Madonna, who's currently in Malawi to visit the schools she funded, sent a letter to Malawi president, Joyce Banda, asking to meet her. The letter made the president mad. To understand why, you have to read the letter yourself. 

The letter was written on rough paper and was riddled with misspellings. President Banda blasted Madonna, claiming that the 54year old pop star reneged on her promise to build a $15 million academy for girls. They say she's only building classrooms and not entire schools

First female UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

Former British Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher died this morning at the age of 87 after suffering a massive stroke. Mrs Thatcher was UK's first female Prime Minister, serving from 1979 to 1990,the longest run by any 20th century prime minister. 

Her spokesman Lord Bell said: 'It is with great sadness that Mark and Carol Thatcher announced that their mother Baroness Thatcher died peacefully following a stroke this morning.'. May her soul rest in peace...amen.

Actress Kate Henshaw covers April issue of WOW! magazine

For a woman over 40, Ms Henshaw, all I can say is WOW!!

Rapper Eva Alordiah and business partner/manager battle on Twitter

Their Tweets explain what's going on between them...

 

Eva Tweeted - The people I wrote Mercy for finally caught their sub" and “Remember what they say about people who run their mouth first? What we do? Denge pose. Silence”. She has since deleted her Tweets. 

See more after the cut

EME Presents Shaydee’s Debut Single – “O Poju”

Shaydee is EME’s most recent ensign, who along with sultry songstress Niyola, joined the camp just before the release of their collaboration album, “Empire Mates State of Mind”. 

Having won himself some fans off the effort, the ‘fresh boy’ crooner is ready to make his debut with thisSagzy-produced Afro Pop/R&B jump, “O Poju”. Enjoy!

Play Shaydee – O Poju

Download

Another R2Bees & Wizkid Collaboration! Listen to “Slow Down”

“Dance” by R2Bees featuring Wizkid is still a massive club-rocking tune to this day.

But, in an unusual turn of events, on this new cut, “Slow Down”, off R2Bees new album, the workingGhana-Naija formula is used on a love ballad which is just as sweet.

Play R2Bees Feat. Wizkid – Slow Down

Download

Famous Evangelist Rick Warren's Son Commits Suicide

The youngest son of Saddleback Valley Community Church pastor Rick Warren has committed suicide after a long battle with mental illness. Rick Warren, the head pastor of the 8th largest church in the U.S made the announcement today Saturday April 6th at his church in Lake Forest, CA.

Rick Warren told members of his congregation that his son took his own life Friday night after battling with mental illness for years which resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Matthew Warren (pictured right) was 27.

Rick is the author of numerous Christian books, including "The Purpose Driven Life," which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. 

We pray God strengthens his family through this trying period.

Ray J taunts Kanye West in new single, 'I Hit It First'

RAYJ VIA INSTAGRAM; INFPHOTO.COM

Left, the just-released album cover for Ray J’s 'I Hit It First.' At right, the original photo of Kim Kardashian at the beach in Miami, Florida, on November 16, 2008.

Ray J is set to release new single taking a jab at fellow singer Kanye West, who now dates his ex, Kim Kardashian.

The R&B singer who infamously filmed a sex tape in 2007 with the now reality superstar Kardashian, announced Friday he is dropping a new track April 9 entitled "I Hit It First."

Ekiti State deputy governor, Funmilayo Olayinka, dies of cancer at 52

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, has died of cancer. The 52 year old banker turned politician lost her battle with cancer today in Lagos. She's survived by her husband and three kids. May her soul rest in peace...Amen.

CHANGING LIVES IS WISDOM by Pastor Sam Adeyemi

Proverbs 11:30

One of the basic attributes of wisdom is foresight. Foresight gives you the right perspective in any situation and thus you are enabled to make the right decisions now. On the flip side is hindsight – being able to look at the past or to spot patterns and then use them to project. In Luke 16: 1-9, Jesus tells the story of a corrupt and wasteful servant who was about to be sacked. The servant then called his master’s debtors and decided to reduce their debts so that after he’s sacked, they would owe him favours. Up until that time, he had failed to plan ahead. Another parable with which Jesus illustrates the importance of foresight is when He spoke about the five wise and the five foolish virgins.

Most people make the mistake of thinking that their seed is their harvest. Foolishness always has an excuse for not planning (Proverbs 21:20).An empirically proven law is the Law of Time Perspective which states that the longer the time you take into consideration while making your plans and decisions, the higher you rise. The person who plans five years ahead will always rise higher than the one planning for five weeks or even five months. When you think long-term, you learn to invest, not spend, all your resources. As a Christian, you need to think beyond death. Your goals should not terminate on this side of eternity. If all you’re thinking about are the harvests you will reap in this life, then your goals are too short-term and you have short-changed yourself for eternity because your spirit and soul will live forever. Death for a Christian is not a termination, it is a transition. This life is only a preparation for eternity (Matthew 6: 19-20). In the story of Lazarus and the wealthy man, Jesus was not saying that if you are comfortable on the earth, then you will go to hell or if you suffer here, you will go to heaven. For you to make heaven, you need to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour (Luke 16: 19-31). When we die, we cannot take any possessions; we can only take our relationships into eternity. How are you using your relationships to influence others? Realise that the greatest investments you will ever have are those you make in people’s lives (Daniel 12:3 AMP). This is wisdom! You will not live on earth forever and there is nothing new under the sun. When you leave this earth, your memories will go with you to remind you that, while on earth, you either added value to people’s lives or you led them the wrong way.

This month is dedicated to soul winning. God has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to become His witnesses and for the salvation of people’s souls. The power of God is not for the fringe benefits of cars, spouses, financial and professional breakthroughs etc. Our major assignment is The Great Commission. We are to preach the gospel to everyone (Mark 16: 15-18). Let this perspective of eternity influence every area of your life. Do not go to heaven alone! Reach out to someone this week!