Sometimes all we can do is just pray.
Pray for the sick and poor. I see them all around me. May God have mercy on us all.
Pray for our leaders. Whenever you get fed up with all their thoughtlessness and evil doings...just pray.
Pray for our youth. It ain't easy to be all you were meant to be in todays Nigeria...but with prayers, doors will open for you and me.
Pray for widows and orphans...may God's mercy and grace shield them from harsh society.
Pray for better roads, better power supply, better hospitals...better society.
Pray for Naija...Why? because God does answer prayers.
Sometimes, it's the only thing left to do!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
AGAINST ALL ODDS!
The time is 10: 20 pm. I’m just finishing a plate of spaghetti when I look up and see the opening montage of a new programme, (at least one I’d never watched before) being run on AIT. It’s titled “Against All Odds”. It turns out to be a programme highlighting the travails and sufferings of certain Nigerians and how they coped and survived against all odds.
Particularly moving was the story of one Chuks. He was born with a physical disability which effectively left him with what I could describe as half of an arm. That is to say, the right arm is just a few inches long; his left arm is missing the whole upper arm. Every other part of his body is apparently normal.
Indeed the sight of him is sure to provoke some concoction of emotion. However one just needs to hear him speak. The eloquence and intelligence his speech exuded was in stark contrast to the appearance of his body. In fact I was taken aback and had to put aside my nearly finished plate of food. This was really interesting. Not only did he sound so intelligent, he also sounded so confident, so full of life and so devoid of the self pity that one would expect.
This young man, it was subsequently revealed, had lived his life like any other normal human being. As a child he would run around with his mates, play football, stomp around in puddles. His disability left him wanting in the coordination and balance required for such activities, so he was always falling. And those falls were really bad for he had no hands to break his fall.
Yet, surviving a very transient period of depression, he went on to attend mainstream schools like Yaba tech, Unilag, pursuing and completing courses in Fine and Applied Arts, and Urban and Regional Planning. He didn’t stop there but decided to go beyond the bounds of his academic achievements and really pursue his dreams.
Today this young man hosts his own TV show that focuses on the challenges the disabled face in Nigerian society. This is a very remarkable and indeed inspiring story. I mean I had to take a good look at myself and see how I had so far under achieved by comparison. I had to ask myself, “What are my perceived disabilities?” - A chronic lack of funds? If my young man (just a year older than me actually), could overcome the lack of two good hands, then, my dear reader, I have no excuse. Neither do you. Mind you overcoming his disability doesn’t mean he got his two hands back. But rather that in spite of being handicapped, he was living a life of achievement and fulfillment.
Therefore stand up today and be determined to survive against all odds!
Particularly moving was the story of one Chuks. He was born with a physical disability which effectively left him with what I could describe as half of an arm. That is to say, the right arm is just a few inches long; his left arm is missing the whole upper arm. Every other part of his body is apparently normal.
Indeed the sight of him is sure to provoke some concoction of emotion. However one just needs to hear him speak. The eloquence and intelligence his speech exuded was in stark contrast to the appearance of his body. In fact I was taken aback and had to put aside my nearly finished plate of food. This was really interesting. Not only did he sound so intelligent, he also sounded so confident, so full of life and so devoid of the self pity that one would expect.
This young man, it was subsequently revealed, had lived his life like any other normal human being. As a child he would run around with his mates, play football, stomp around in puddles. His disability left him wanting in the coordination and balance required for such activities, so he was always falling. And those falls were really bad for he had no hands to break his fall.
Yet, surviving a very transient period of depression, he went on to attend mainstream schools like Yaba tech, Unilag, pursuing and completing courses in Fine and Applied Arts, and Urban and Regional Planning. He didn’t stop there but decided to go beyond the bounds of his academic achievements and really pursue his dreams.
Today this young man hosts his own TV show that focuses on the challenges the disabled face in Nigerian society. This is a very remarkable and indeed inspiring story. I mean I had to take a good look at myself and see how I had so far under achieved by comparison. I had to ask myself, “What are my perceived disabilities?” - A chronic lack of funds? If my young man (just a year older than me actually), could overcome the lack of two good hands, then, my dear reader, I have no excuse. Neither do you. Mind you overcoming his disability doesn’t mean he got his two hands back. But rather that in spite of being handicapped, he was living a life of achievement and fulfillment.
Therefore stand up today and be determined to survive against all odds!
Friday, September 12, 2008
The reality of the NIGER-DELTA!
Guys you just have to check out this site. Dont wanna break any copyright laws otherwise I'd have posted pictures for you to see Niger Delta as it really is. Awesome pictures I must tell you. But, you will see them for yourself. Enjoy.
What is education?
I noticed an interesting trend on the poll I created, about what Nigeria's main problem is and I couldn't pass up making a comment or two. Education(or the lack of it) seems to be winning all the votes.
Though its still early, and not so many votes have been cast since it was created, I must say it's hard to argue with that point. It has been said, "the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Indeed a hell of a lot of Nigerians haven't had the priviledge of a good education, while some simply refuse it, probably cos they dont know its value.
However I will also pose this question and I hope someone will have a suitable answer. What is good education? How is it that some of our so called 'elite' are the very perpetrators of the decay and corruption we see in today's Nigeria? Is it enough to just go to school, get a master's degree and start a life/career? I mean some folks are not illiterate but with all their qualifications and degrees, they aint contributing nothing! Does going to the best schools guarantee that one will make the kind of decisions that will benefit society?
I'm not trying to say education isn't important. but I just wonder if there isn't something more crucial. Well don't mind me and my curious mind. If anyone reads through and has more light to shed on this issue please don't hesitate. I have a feeling something good is bound to come out of this discussion. If we get all the facts straight, one day we might be able to argue our points on a stage that will not fail to get the attention of one or two folks who can really influence the way things are happening in our beloved naija. You dig?!
And please, keep voting!
Though its still early, and not so many votes have been cast since it was created, I must say it's hard to argue with that point. It has been said, "the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Indeed a hell of a lot of Nigerians haven't had the priviledge of a good education, while some simply refuse it, probably cos they dont know its value.
However I will also pose this question and I hope someone will have a suitable answer. What is good education? How is it that some of our so called 'elite' are the very perpetrators of the decay and corruption we see in today's Nigeria? Is it enough to just go to school, get a master's degree and start a life/career? I mean some folks are not illiterate but with all their qualifications and degrees, they aint contributing nothing! Does going to the best schools guarantee that one will make the kind of decisions that will benefit society?
I'm not trying to say education isn't important. but I just wonder if there isn't something more crucial. Well don't mind me and my curious mind. If anyone reads through and has more light to shed on this issue please don't hesitate. I have a feeling something good is bound to come out of this discussion. If we get all the facts straight, one day we might be able to argue our points on a stage that will not fail to get the attention of one or two folks who can really influence the way things are happening in our beloved naija. You dig?!
And please, keep voting!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
MOTHER IS CRYING...(1)
She wails as though mortally wounded
Tears of blood flow from her sad eyes
Her neigbors watch, all confounded
But they can not hear her sad cries
Dignity is gone, beauty is lost
Her face turned towards the skies
Her children have left her dark and desolate
What shall we do? Mother Africa cries
© Shawn A, 2008
Everyone knows the value of a good mother. And every good child knows that whatever good fortune he achieves in life, tribute must go back to the hands that fed him when he was small and insignificant.
For as many who recieved their nature and nurture from the bosom of the dark continent, and for as many whose origins can be traced to Africa, it is only right that honor be given to whom honor is due. What manner of offspring would, in the time of his prosperity, forget the home he came from and spend his fortune for a foreigner? Imagine a daughter spending her earnings only on the family of her husband, neglecting the needs of her own people. Such a one would be attracting a curse. Abi I lie?
Specifically today, I'm talking about the societal phenomenon popularly called "Brain Drain", the migration (loss is a word I'd rather use) of Africa's intellectual resources to other countries.
“The emigration of African professionals to the West is one of the greatest obstacles to Africa ‘s development". United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
“By failing to offer greener pastures for its own intelligentsia, [Africa] is committing suicide.” Professor Edward Ofori-Sarpong Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana at Legon
The problem of brain drain has reached quite disturbing proportions in certain African countries with Ethiopia ranked first in the continent in terms of rate of loss of human capital, followed by Nigeria and Ghana.
Over the past 10-15 years, about 50% of Ethiopians who went abroad for training did not return after completing their studies. According to the IOM, Ethiopia lost about 74.6% of its human capital from various institutions between 1980 and 1991. While Ethiopia has 1 full-time economics professor, there are more than 100 Ethiopian economists in the United States.
According to the estimates of the Presidential Committee on Brain Drain set up in 1988 by the Babangida administration, Nigeria, between 1986 and 1990, lost over 10,000 academics from tertiary education institutions alone. Total estimates, including those who left public, industrial and private organizations are over 30,000. 64% of Nigerians in the United States aged 25 and older have at least a bachelor’s degree.
In 1997 only, more than 1,000 professionals left Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Association of Social Workers estimates that 1,500 of the country’s 3,000 trained social workers left for the United Kingdom over the past 10 years.
Basically. African countries are funding the education of their nationals only to see them end up contributing to the growth of developed countries with little or no return on their investments.
See the rest of this document-http://web.ncf.ca/cp129/factsandfigures.pdf
Also check out-http://www.emeagwali.com/interviews/brain-drain/education-in-africa-brain-drain-problem-worldnet-africa-journal.html
Lack of adequate and skilled human resources has been identified as a major barrier to effectively tackling the heavy burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in African countries. In the health facility where I work for instance, we barely manage to get by on the grossly inadequate numbers of staff we have presently. How easier it would have been to achieve our targets, and deliver optimum quality healthcare to our HIV positive clients if skilled hands in adequate numbers were on deck.
Of course we cannot ignore the issues that underlie this phenomenon. Mother Africa is bedevilled with problems that make "staying at home"very unattractive for those who have the will and the means to escape to greener pastures. Various factors are responsible, such as poor wages, unsatisfactory living condition, under-utilization of qualified personnel, discrimination in appointments (as seen in african countries) as opposed to better working conditions and career opportunities, sufficient funds and support for research, higher standards of living and political stability (in more advanced countries), to mention a few.
These are heavy issues that cannot be ignored. However the question then should be not how to stop the brain drain, but how to turn its effects in favor of Mother Africa.("then it should no more be called brain drain but brain gain")
I have very recently being conducting a personal study on human resources strategies for attracting and retaining suitably qualified personnel in the public sector of african countries. Details of the study will be published in subsequent posts( so help me God).
However I would like responses to the question of human resources and brain drain as a factor in the development of various sectors of our existence. Is the trend irreversible? How can we alter the effects of this drain?
How can we console Mother Africa, wipe away her tears and restore her dignity and beauty?
Tears of blood flow from her sad eyes
Her neigbors watch, all confounded
But they can not hear her sad cries
Dignity is gone, beauty is lost
Her face turned towards the skies
Her children have left her dark and desolate
What shall we do? Mother Africa cries
© Shawn A, 2008
Everyone knows the value of a good mother. And every good child knows that whatever good fortune he achieves in life, tribute must go back to the hands that fed him when he was small and insignificant.
For as many who recieved their nature and nurture from the bosom of the dark continent, and for as many whose origins can be traced to Africa, it is only right that honor be given to whom honor is due. What manner of offspring would, in the time of his prosperity, forget the home he came from and spend his fortune for a foreigner? Imagine a daughter spending her earnings only on the family of her husband, neglecting the needs of her own people. Such a one would be attracting a curse. Abi I lie?
Specifically today, I'm talking about the societal phenomenon popularly called "Brain Drain", the migration (loss is a word I'd rather use) of Africa's intellectual resources to other countries.
“The emigration of African professionals to the West is one of the greatest obstacles to Africa ‘s development". United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
“By failing to offer greener pastures for its own intelligentsia, [Africa] is committing suicide.” Professor Edward Ofori-Sarpong Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana at Legon
The problem of brain drain has reached quite disturbing proportions in certain African countries with Ethiopia ranked first in the continent in terms of rate of loss of human capital, followed by Nigeria and Ghana.
Over the past 10-15 years, about 50% of Ethiopians who went abroad for training did not return after completing their studies. According to the IOM, Ethiopia lost about 74.6% of its human capital from various institutions between 1980 and 1991. While Ethiopia has 1 full-time economics professor, there are more than 100 Ethiopian economists in the United States.
According to the estimates of the Presidential Committee on Brain Drain set up in 1988 by the Babangida administration, Nigeria, between 1986 and 1990, lost over 10,000 academics from tertiary education institutions alone. Total estimates, including those who left public, industrial and private organizations are over 30,000. 64% of Nigerians in the United States aged 25 and older have at least a bachelor’s degree.
In 1997 only, more than 1,000 professionals left Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Association of Social Workers estimates that 1,500 of the country’s 3,000 trained social workers left for the United Kingdom over the past 10 years.
Basically. African countries are funding the education of their nationals only to see them end up contributing to the growth of developed countries with little or no return on their investments.
See the rest of this document-http://web.ncf.ca/cp129/factsandfigures.pdf
Also check out-http://www.emeagwali.com/interviews/brain-drain/education-in-africa-brain-drain-problem-worldnet-africa-journal.html
Lack of adequate and skilled human resources has been identified as a major barrier to effectively tackling the heavy burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in African countries. In the health facility where I work for instance, we barely manage to get by on the grossly inadequate numbers of staff we have presently. How easier it would have been to achieve our targets, and deliver optimum quality healthcare to our HIV positive clients if skilled hands in adequate numbers were on deck.
Of course we cannot ignore the issues that underlie this phenomenon. Mother Africa is bedevilled with problems that make "staying at home"very unattractive for those who have the will and the means to escape to greener pastures. Various factors are responsible, such as poor wages, unsatisfactory living condition, under-utilization of qualified personnel, discrimination in appointments (as seen in african countries) as opposed to better working conditions and career opportunities, sufficient funds and support for research, higher standards of living and political stability (in more advanced countries), to mention a few.
These are heavy issues that cannot be ignored. However the question then should be not how to stop the brain drain, but how to turn its effects in favor of Mother Africa.("then it should no more be called brain drain but brain gain")
I have very recently being conducting a personal study on human resources strategies for attracting and retaining suitably qualified personnel in the public sector of african countries. Details of the study will be published in subsequent posts( so help me God).
However I would like responses to the question of human resources and brain drain as a factor in the development of various sectors of our existence. Is the trend irreversible? How can we alter the effects of this drain?
How can we console Mother Africa, wipe away her tears and restore her dignity and beauty?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
THE NIGERIAN SPIRIT
“All my country has is spirit. We don’t have petroleum dollars...or great wealth in the ground...or the support of a worldwide opinion that looks favorably on us. All Israel has is the spirit of its people. And if the people lose their spirits, even the United States of America cannot save us”- Golda Meir, former Israeli prime minister.
The will to succeed is many times the single most important factor in the success stories we read about today. Thomas Edison was said to have made an astounding ten thousand attempts to create the filament light bulb. He didn’t allow the evidences of his failure to discourage him or else I wonder where we would be today without the electric light bulb.
The will to succeed is many times the single most important factor in the success stories we read about today. Thomas Edison was said to have made an astounding ten thousand attempts to create the filament light bulb. He didn’t allow the evidences of his failure to discourage him or else I wonder where we would be today without the electric light bulb.
In today’s Nigeria, there are so many proofs of a failed political and economic machinery- corruption in high and low places; a police force that has virtually become a terrorist entity; poverty and unemployment; rising crime rates; the ‘Never-Expect-Power-Always’ phenomenon; pothole-ridden roads that are guaranteed to wreck your new shock-absorbers, ethno-religious fracas etc.
Across the seas, Nigerians have earned themselves the image of a corrupt, dubious and conniving people. Two years ago, a report by the Merchant Risk Council(MRC), a coalition of over 200 leading online merchants around the world placed Nigeria second on the global electronic fraud list behind Yugoslavia, thanks to our zealous credit card schemers and online crooks. No, Nigeria is surely not the worst or most sinful nation on earth, but in our case, our misdeeds have cast a shadow over the more commendable and decorous things about us.
Looking beyond our failings, we see Nigerians making exemplary achievements both at home and abroad. We have produced great mathematicians, literary giants and renowned artists. In the music industry, we have the likes of Sade Adu, Seal, Fela Anikulapo-kuti etc. In the area of sports, we have distinguished ourselves by a unique flavor of football that is at best times, a delight to watch. Nigerians can be found everywhere great things are being done. There is a certain Remi Adefarasin making a name for himself in the esteemed American movie industry. Our own Agbani Darego brought the Miss World crown to Africa for the first time in the history of the competition. And now Nigeria can boast of her own GSM telecommunications outfit- Globacom, comparable to any other telecoms giant in the world.
This is the message: there is a Nigerian spirit that is better than what people have said it is. We have something within us that is greater than the ignominy that we have earned over the years. For too long we have allowed that spirit to be corrupted by the spirits of selfishness, greed and corruption. We have permitted negativity to influence our hearts and minds.
The spirit of a people is the mind of the people. What is the popular mindset of the Nigerian people? Edmund Burke said, “Tell me what are the prevailing statements that occupy the minds of young men and I will tell you what is to be the character of your next generation”
For so long we have allowed our minds to play host to the notion that we are a corrupt people, devious and full of greed. Indeed that may be the picture we see around us, but change can only come if we renew our minds about our country.
Let me use the fine art artist to illustrate my point. The average artist duplicates what he sees in his environment. On the other hand, a very creative artist can create something out of nothing, beauty out of ugliness. All he needs is a brush and a blank canvas. It is evident that Nigerians are among other things a creative people. Together we can create a better Nigeria out of the ugly one we have now. It will surely take time. Nevertheless, we can succeed. Forget about those people presently corrupting and looting this country. Their generation will soon pass away and the baton of responsibility will be passed to you. What will thou do with it? Will you allow the prevalent spirit of corruption and selfishness consume you too? Or will you permit that creative, indomitable and excellent Nigerian spirit within you manifest for your good and the good of all Nigerians?
The choice is yours!
Rising Above Limitations
Sometimes we are weighed down by perceived limitations. They may be real or imagined, great or small. Grand ideas and glorious dreams are stifled by inner doubts, lack of confidence and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
This writer knows what it means to live beneath the dark clouds of apparent limitations. For years I saw myself as being hindered by finances, family, lack of opportunity and exposure. But when I heard of Cohbams Asuquo one day, I had to ask myself, “What could be more limiting than the lack of sight?”
Blind from birth, located somewhere in the vivacious city of Lagos, Nigeria, this chap has evolved to become an acclaimed and sought-after music producer and song-writer, comparable in many respects to the great Stevie Wonder. I mean you’ve gotta wonder how a blind guy manages to play the guitar and keyboard so well, or work on a laptop computer or music editing console, chunking out mega hits on the daily, for groups like Maintain and Rooftop MC’s.
And just listen to him speak. In spite of the inability to read by sight, he sounds more eloquent, more put together and more intelligent than brothers who got four eyes in front of them. Obviously this guy has been ‘seeing’ things. Now he lives the kind of well-oiled life that others envy.
So tell me, are there any limitations in life? Are they really real or all in your mind? Consider the likes of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Bill Gates etcetera. Their stories are bound to inspire you and make you see that your present circumstances and limitations are only very illusory. They grew up in dearth and suffered fiery opposition from men. But they considered these mere phantasms, mirages that were bound to vanish and wilt under the force of their dreams.
I have to conclude at this point that the only restrictions we have are the ones we acknowledge in our minds. Nothing is impossible. All things are possible to him that believes and to him that is willing to persevere until his change comes. And it will surely come because no condition is permanent. Where you are today is where you thought you’ll never be. Tough times never last, but tough people do.
This writer knows what it means to live beneath the dark clouds of apparent limitations. For years I saw myself as being hindered by finances, family, lack of opportunity and exposure. But when I heard of Cohbams Asuquo one day, I had to ask myself, “What could be more limiting than the lack of sight?”
Blind from birth, located somewhere in the vivacious city of Lagos, Nigeria, this chap has evolved to become an acclaimed and sought-after music producer and song-writer, comparable in many respects to the great Stevie Wonder. I mean you’ve gotta wonder how a blind guy manages to play the guitar and keyboard so well, or work on a laptop computer or music editing console, chunking out mega hits on the daily, for groups like Maintain and Rooftop MC’s.
And just listen to him speak. In spite of the inability to read by sight, he sounds more eloquent, more put together and more intelligent than brothers who got four eyes in front of them. Obviously this guy has been ‘seeing’ things. Now he lives the kind of well-oiled life that others envy.
So tell me, are there any limitations in life? Are they really real or all in your mind? Consider the likes of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Bill Gates etcetera. Their stories are bound to inspire you and make you see that your present circumstances and limitations are only very illusory. They grew up in dearth and suffered fiery opposition from men. But they considered these mere phantasms, mirages that were bound to vanish and wilt under the force of their dreams.
I have to conclude at this point that the only restrictions we have are the ones we acknowledge in our minds. Nothing is impossible. All things are possible to him that believes and to him that is willing to persevere until his change comes. And it will surely come because no condition is permanent. Where you are today is where you thought you’ll never be. Tough times never last, but tough people do.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Do it for the children
The only thing Africa has left is the future.
Marita Golden (1950 - )
U.S. writer and teacher.
A Woman's Place
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Children, they say, are the future. Because the future belongs to them. However they can only grow up to meet whatever we leave behind for them when we die.
The decisions we make today determine the future we meet tomorrow. In a certain movie I watched recently, a profound statement was made- “there is no such thing as fate. Only choices…” In other words, the real issue is not what is meant to be (fate), but the decisions we make. The choices we make today determine our fate. But not only ours, but the fate of our children also. We have all heard of parents leaving behind for their children either great wealth, or conversely, great debt.
Many of us grew up to live with the consequences of our fathers’ irresponsible lifestyles. Or our mothers neglect. It is indeed a thing of sorrow to see our children suffer because we made wrong decisions.
This calls for us as members of this present generation to begin to build a better Nigeria for our children to enjoy. Let them grow up to meet a better socioeconomic system that guarantees a better standard of living.
Marita Golden (1950 - )
U.S. writer and teacher.
A Woman's Place
Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. © 1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Children, they say, are the future. Because the future belongs to them. However they can only grow up to meet whatever we leave behind for them when we die.
The decisions we make today determine the future we meet tomorrow. In a certain movie I watched recently, a profound statement was made- “there is no such thing as fate. Only choices…” In other words, the real issue is not what is meant to be (fate), but the decisions we make. The choices we make today determine our fate. But not only ours, but the fate of our children also. We have all heard of parents leaving behind for their children either great wealth, or conversely, great debt.
Many of us grew up to live with the consequences of our fathers’ irresponsible lifestyles. Or our mothers neglect. It is indeed a thing of sorrow to see our children suffer because we made wrong decisions.
This calls for us as members of this present generation to begin to build a better Nigeria for our children to enjoy. Let them grow up to meet a better socioeconomic system that guarantees a better standard of living.
Talking about health for instance, in particular HIV, how pitiful it will be to have children born with the deadly virus. But that will be the case if we do not take heed to the clarion call for responsible sexuality.
For those of us clamoring for a revolution in Nigeria, the benefit of succeeding in such a revolution is not just a better life for ourselves but also for our unborn seeds.
So if your life is just the way you want it right now and you find yourself being dulled into complacency and nonchalance about the current state of Nigerian affairs, well, I urge you to wake up. Do something to make things better. At least do it for the children.
ARISE O COMPATRIOTS!
A palpable darkness seeks to engulf the entire nation of Nigeria. This is evident in the reign of fear and pessimism that pervades the land. The spate of ethno-religious violence, ritualistic and occultic carnage and armed robbery that assails the country gives credence to the fact that Nigeria as a nation is on the verge of calamity. Corruption and injustice are twin evils that clog our wheels on the ride to economic revival and social transformation. The foundation of politics in Nigeria is for the most part occultic and opposed to righteousness. How then can our political leaders lead us out of the quagmire in to the bright light of national prosperity?
No section of our nation has functioned optimally in the last twenty years, be it economy, education, politics etc. Just take some time to peruse the newspapers, there you’ll get the full gist of what I’m trying to pass across. Yes, there have been some good and positive changes in the area of telecommunications, information technology etc. but there still remains a lot of decay that should not even be because Nigeria is one of the most endowed nations on the face of the earth. Other countries can only envy the variety of resources that God has deposited within our geographical borders. Yet we have not yielded the commensurate fruit. We have not shown gratitude and loyalty to God. Rather we have squandered our resources and opportunities.
In the light of the above, we cannot continue with business as usual, or think the responsibility to pray for and change Nigeria belongs to any special groups. If this country disintegrates into anarchy and chaos, we are the ones who stand to lose, not the Americans or the Japanese. We! Us! Even if you are a Nigerian abroad, you will not be able to raise your head with pride if our nation succumbs to the destructive forces operating within it today.
We all have a collective stake in the peace and well-being of our nation. This message is addressed to the youth of this present generation. Among us are the future presidents and ministers of Nigeria. We are the PHCN (formerly NEPA) officials and state governors of tomorrow. We are the future of this nation.
Let us not be overwhelmed by the present state of affairs in this country. Only let us not be partakers of the evil going on. Let us stand firmly in the belief that Nigeria can be all that she has the potential to be. PHCN can work, our roads can be better. Our police force can be agents of justice and order, poverty can be reduced, unemployment can be limited and the general standard of living can be improved. However, this can only be if we decide to make it happen.
Indeed, those of us who believe in a better and brighter Nigeria may only be a minority. But look through history and you will see that great change and invention has never been the offspring of the majority. If the majority had always had its way in time past, there would be no aeroplanes, telephones or space travel today. Helen Keller said once, “I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Ella Willer Wilcox said, “Upon the wreckage of thy yesterday, design thy structure of tomorrow...”
You can make a difference in your own small way. Do something about the poor in your neighborhood; help the helpless in the hospital wards. That huge sum of money you are about to spend on a luxury can save a life in need of medical help. If you have no money, you can pray. Pray for our leaders do not curse them. Choose to live up to high moral standards. Read this article once more, spread the message- Nigeria can, and will be great. You and I can make it happen. It is all for our own good.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A POLITICIAN FOR THE PEOPLE
Professor Pat Utomi is a man I have come to respect so much. A political economist, management lecturer, entrepreneur, societal role model and recently, Nigerian presidential aspirant. He represents a breed of Nigerians that, if permitted, will serve as much needed medicine for our present day ill-plagued society. Not that he needs our permission anyway. One look at his resume will tell you that.
He has served on various boards in government, private sector and in academia. He is a role model to young people like myself who have a burden to see a better and greater Nigeria (named Societal Role Model in pioneer awards by the Nigerian Tribune in 2001)
In his article, POLITICS WITHOUT THE PEOPLE, (http://www.dawodu.com/utomi8.htm), he made the following observation:
Nigeria lies prostrate because in Nigerian politics people do not really matter. Just look at the things we assume about Nigerian politics. They all seem to discount the Nigerian people. Look at the undemocratic nature of the processes of our political parties; the assumption by most Nigerians that voting is pointless because elections are rigged by a political class that think nothing of the weight of the voice of the people; the mindless corruption that leaves the state treasury empty even as the Governors pour the fortune of the common wealth into their private quests for political bounty as aspirants for the presidency. How did we get it so wrong.
Indeed, how did we? I believe that the very definition of "Bad Governance" is governance that is not people-centered. At this point, I am reminded of the chorus in one of Micheal Jackson's popular songs- "all I wanna say is that they don't really care about us!" Our rulers don't really care about us. How else would you explain why they amass stupendous wealth while the people that voted them in live in abject poverty and disease?
What we need in Nigeria are compassionate leaders who give a damn about the common man; leaders who will deny themselves of even sleep; not to hatch evil plans on how to obtain and retain power and wealth, but rather staying up to devise strategies to reduce poverty and make life better for the masses.
We need leaders with a vision for our country.
"....my vision of a new Nigeria is a country of people of industry and integrity who live in harmony and prosperity with one another, inspiring an African renaissance in which the dignity of the human person is at the centre of all public choice..." Pat Utomi http://www.dawodu.com/utomi8.htm
What Nigeria needs are politicians who ARE FOR the people.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
THE REAL VICTIMS
On my way to work this morning I was struck my a pathetic site. Pathetic in the sense that it was a sad deviation from the norm. Just as I was negotiating a bend in a crowded marketplace, there stood a little child by the road. He couldn't have been older than 4. He stood in his tiny green checkered uniform, arms spread out, gesticulating like a traffic warden, and a broad grin on his face. It was 9 am in the morning and the traffic was heavy.
What struck me was that at 9 am in the morning, when little kids are supposed to be in school, here was this kid playing around by a busy road. Plus, he was barefoot.
It got me thinking- who are the real victims of our malfunctioning society? What are little children who are supposed to be in school doing roaming the streets aimlessly? Their parents are too busy struggling to make a decent living. The result? Undue exposure. Child abuse, rape, child trafficking, juvenile deliquency. Etcetera etcetera.
There's much to say about this but for now i'll say, the children are enough reason for us as Nigerians to look into making our society a better place. Selah
To be continued...
Monday, September 1, 2008
30 million a day?
Was just wondering...apart from chicken farming by presidents, what legitimate business could earn you that huge amount of money. In Nigeria.
Make 30 million naira a day from chicken farming
Telegraph.co.uk
President comes clean to fight corruption crackdown
By David Blair, Africa Correspondent(Filed: 25/11/2004)
Nigeria sought to draw a line under decades of corruption yesterday when President Olusegun Obasanjo declared his private income, disclosing that he makes £140,000 a month from a chicken farm.
Mr Obasanjo, the first Nigerian leader to declare his assets, told a bemused nation that his farm in Otta state yields annual profits approaching £1.7 million.The president's spokesman, said his declaration was part of a government campaign to clean up Nigeria.
The farm also stocks ostriches, pigs and fish and boasts a conference centre where Mr Obasanjo hosts regional summits.Previous Nigerian leaders gloried in looting their country's oil wealth. Gen Sani Abacha, the military dictator who died in 1998, stole between £1 billion and £3 billion. Despite scouring the world for his assets, the government has recovered less than £500 million.Despite the crackdown, official corruption continues on a wide scale. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer, earning about 95 per cent of its hard currency from daily exports of two million barrels. But about 50,000 barrels are stolen every day and sold for huge profits.
http://nigerianmuse.com/important_documents/Obasanjo_farm_wealth.htm
Forgive me if i sound like an ignoramus when it comes to agricultural matters but can anyone please explain to me how one earns over 30 million naira each month from an animal farm??@#$$
President comes clean to fight corruption crackdown
By David Blair, Africa Correspondent(Filed: 25/11/2004)
Nigeria sought to draw a line under decades of corruption yesterday when President Olusegun Obasanjo declared his private income, disclosing that he makes £140,000 a month from a chicken farm.
Mr Obasanjo, the first Nigerian leader to declare his assets, told a bemused nation that his farm in Otta state yields annual profits approaching £1.7 million.The president's spokesman, said his declaration was part of a government campaign to clean up Nigeria.
The farm also stocks ostriches, pigs and fish and boasts a conference centre where Mr Obasanjo hosts regional summits.Previous Nigerian leaders gloried in looting their country's oil wealth. Gen Sani Abacha, the military dictator who died in 1998, stole between £1 billion and £3 billion. Despite scouring the world for his assets, the government has recovered less than £500 million.Despite the crackdown, official corruption continues on a wide scale. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer, earning about 95 per cent of its hard currency from daily exports of two million barrels. But about 50,000 barrels are stolen every day and sold for huge profits.
http://nigerianmuse.com/important_documents/Obasanjo_farm_wealth.htm
Forgive me if i sound like an ignoramus when it comes to agricultural matters but can anyone please explain to me how one earns over 30 million naira each month from an animal farm??@#$$
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)