| [NVS@5] The Journey So Far…... |
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| Wednesday, 16 April 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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[5 Years Anniversary] The NVS Journey So Far…. Dear Villagers,
As many of you know, NVS was established to play the role of a virtual watering hole and a forum for free intellectual expression for Nigerians and friends of Nigeria across the earth. Through discussions and reviews about political events, The Square has built up its reputation, over the last three years, as an authoritative source of up-to- date news, commentary and rich interchange of ideas for Nigerians. The Square has also become one of the most active Internet sites devoted to matters of relevance to Nigeria and Nigerians. Just this past weekend, one of Nigerians foremose opinion leaders, Dr Reuben Abati wrote in his column that the NVS is “ the most active and the most interactive being in my estimation”. Its not surprising that these days, more and more opinion leaders are gracing the pages of NVS to test their ideas. From the co-founders who started this journey with me 5 years ago to the newest JJC today, I say, THANK YOU for sustaining a mere dream and making it our reality. Thank you for creating the NVS. Thank you for the trust you have in us as custodian of the culture of free speech and positive activism that has guided us from day one. Where we have been While we are proud to provide a forum for Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to share ideas, it is clear from our history that we are not only content with providing this forum. We actually have sought and still seek to make a difference in our country and our world. Over the past 5 years, in the course of our interactions, members of the site have identified and rallied around causes in the realms of charitable contributions, political activism, social sensitization and popular education. On this occasion, I thought I’ll share a few words on our vision and our journey so far Impact on Society
Uche Nworah and Ahaoma Kanu presenting $1200 to Aikpitanhi family on behalf of NVS Dr Abati and NVS members donating $6000 on behalf of NVS members to Baby Andrew
Our socio-political activism, both on the individual and collective levels have not gone unnoticed by the powers-that-be. I personally know the kind of pressure being brought to bear on the NVS each time a national issue takes centre-stage on its pages. But we’ve always been consistent in our response to those who complain from behind the scenes. We’ve always said our forum is an equal opportunity canvass. We allow anyone with a view to paint whatever picture they want in the name of responsible free speech and we leave it to the people to decide what view to accept. So, those in Abuja and our state capitals who think we are too critical of the establishment need to understand this. Our pages are open to them as well and at no cost. If you’re a government official, political or social commentator or just an ordinary citizen who has a view or disagree with a view, whether or not expressed at the NVS, you’re welcome to say your bit, as far as you express those views responsibly. Charity Work Over the past 5 years, members of the NVS have showed themselves as caring citizens by supporting various charitable causes through financial and moral support. Indeed, this charitable streak predates the very formation of the NVS, as those who championed its formation have engaged in such endeavors while at Nigeriaworld. In that era, the support we gave the Lagos bomb and fire victims and the reward we gave to an exceptionally honest minibus driver come to mind. However, members of the NVS themselves have carried on and indeed deepened the practice of donating their widow’s mite to help fellow citizens. Examples of our past initiatives in this area include:
Youth Empowerment As part of our contribution to education and youth development, the NVS instituted a National Youth Essay Contest, the first of which was organized in the summer of 2006 under the title, My Place of Happiness. Halima Mamud, Dr Reuben Abati and Col Abubakar Umar presented the cash prizes of 10,000 naira, a book by Professor Wole Soyinka, You Must Set Forth at Dawn and a recognition certificate to the winners Fatima Ibrahim, Zynat Sani Alhassan and Adeniji Tolulope in Nigeria. Podcasts and Forward looking Ideas Apart from building up a reputation over the past five years as an authoritative source of informed commentaries on Nigeria, the NVS has posited itself in the forefront of internet technology through its introduction of its user-friendly interactive format, video on the web and podcasts. The NVS podcast is Nigeria's premier podcast service with a worldwide audience, including Nigerian opinion leaders across the globe. The podcasts are intended to educate, inform, entertain and enlighten. Recent guests include Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Governor Chris Ngige, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Honourable Sola Adeyeye, Barrister Femi Falana, amongst others. The NVS has also championed popular culture through our cutting-edge music database, artiste showcase and book review section. Medium Term Projects (April 2008 – April 2009)
In the coming years, it is our intention to continue to attract Nigerians from all walks of life to our forums. We believe our salvation lies in continued dialogue and insistence on pursuing the democratic path. We’ll continue to support responsible free speech, the rule of law and good governance in Nigeria. What we have here is not an empire, but a national institution that is a testament to the Nigerian can-do spirit. It is our hope that we will continue to grow this forum for our benefit and the benefit of generations yet unborn. Naturally, we will like to see many aspects of the NVS evolve beyond the cyber sphere in such a way as to allow people of like minds to go beyond debating issues and to be in position to practically implement projects that can actually make a difference in people's lives. It is our vision that the membership of the NVS should be able to prepare people for selfless and purposeful service to Nigeria. We want a situation where people will feel improved as professionals and as human beings as a result of their interaction as members of this forum. Our nation cries out for heroes and we are prepared to groom them here! It is our hope that in a few years from now we will have many more reasons to celebrate our modest contributions to national development. On occasions like this, it all feels worthwhile and it is indeed worthwhile! As I look forward to our future at the NVS together, I thank you all once again for your support. I thank you most especially for having faith in what we are doing here. Thank you!
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 April 2008 ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Please allow me to congratulate you all on the fifth anniversary
of Nigerian Village Square (NVS or “The Square”) which comes
up today April 16th 2008. As I write, “villagers” in Abuja and London have already held get-togethers to
mark this occasion, while efforts are underway by those in the United States and Lagos meet the high standards set by
these two. I congratulate every one of you that graced the occasions. Thank
you. 
Uche Nworah (left) and Wale Akin (right) presenting to Abiodun Ade, a check of
330 pounds raised by NVS members in support of the kids left behind by Ese
Alabi, who died while denied medical attention by the UK Government
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Posted by admin_old| 16.04.2008 00:33