Thoughts From A Funeral

Note: I originally wrote the following post on June 15, 2012. While driving home today, I started to think about the many ways to 'die' in Nigeria - a thought brought about by news of the death of Yakowa and Azazi... I thought to share the following again:

I like cemeteries.

I like to walk amidst the graves and calculate the ages at which the buried died. I like to read the epitaphs: poems, bible verses, and sometimes prose that family and friends write in honor of the dead. I like the quiet: the rustle of dry leaves underfoot, the sound of birds singing, the distant look of a mourner who has come to honor the memory of a relative long dead.

I cry. I always cry when I visit a cemetery, or attend a funeral.

Sometimes I cry quietly. At other times, I wail noisily. I leave sad. I always leave sad. But I leave more grateful for my life, for my friends and family, and for the opportunities I have.

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of Sanmi Awodogan, a young and promising man who lost his life in the Dana air crash. As always, I spent an hour walking round the graves - lost in thought. I will now share those thoughts with you:

NYSC Orientation Camp - Updates and Random Thoughts

I have been away from here for so long, and there is so much to talk about... I will build it up slowly, a little here and a little there... I will use sections to arrange my thoughts... I will paint a mosaic, and hopefully convey meaning... It might be quite long, but I wrote this for you - as much as it is for me - please read on.

I have spent the past 15 days (give or take one or two days) in the NYSC camp, and no two days have been entirely the same. I have met foreign-trained Corps members who share an undying love for the Fatherland and domestic-trained Corps members who couldn't be bothered to build Nigeria; I have met Corps members who would engage Soyinka in conversation and not miss a beat and I have met Corps members who cannot speak a sentence in complete English.

I fear for Nigerian education, but then I get ahead of myself.

******

My arguments about the relevance of the NYSC scheme have varied in the past. I have gone from supporting the scheme and propounding its merits to condemning it and arguing that it be scraped. On many of these occasions, critics of my thoughts and writing have argued that I should go through the scheme before setting forth such arguments... Enter this section:

While it may be too early to form definitive opinions, and conscious as I am that a great deal of money is spent on the NYSC under its present form - sitting on the parade ground right now with my new Moslem acquaintance from Gombe and an avowed Sango worshiper from Oyo - I would shoot anyone who suggests that the NYSC be scrapped.

Did I feel that way when I spent 13 hours on a queue trying to complete my registration? No. Did I feel that way when I received my Kit and experienced firsthand its poor quality? No. Do I feel that way in the mornings when I brave the filth of the bathrooms to scrub my body? No. Do I feel that way when I skip meals and make up my energy requirements from Energy drinks in order to avoid using the toilets? No.

Will I still feel this way about the NYSC in another 11 months? I don't know.

What I know is that the Camp Officials here have been nice and friendly. In many ways, they have proved themselves different from your average Nigerian Civil Servant. The State Coordinator of the NYSC has proved to be a natural leader, an imposing figure, a larger-than-life madam... She inspires even me.

It is difficult to impress me.

I have been impressed.

******

"Eh eh eh eh, yahwa go gas (2ce), if allawee no dey, yahwa go gas; if allawee no dey, yahwa go gas"...

I enjoy the morning drills. While I have temporarily ceased to wake at 2am, my ears have become finely attuned to the sound of the bugle. The sleep clears from my eyes and my heart thumps as I make my way to the grounds. Unlike my friends in other camps, our morning drills are done in step to music blasting from loudspeakers. I have discovered new music such as "Ihe Neme" by Tu Face, "Your Waist" by Iyanya, etc etc... I have found a new and fun way to exercise.

I participate in ALL the drills, savoring the almost-taste of being in the military. I love the military. I love my RSM. I love the 21 year old female soldier attached to my platoon. In the past few days, I have asked myself severally what would change about my life if I chose a career in the army. I like order and regimentation, but then at this stage - the price to pay would be too great. I'll pass on that choice...

I enjoy the Man-O-War gyrations. Blood races through my body when I hear the sounds of their songs, and my limbs move of their own accord...

"Hold something, hold something... Grab something, grab something".

******

Temilolu Kumapayi once told me point-blank that she reckons relationships somewhat more serious after the concerned parties have survived NYSC postings to separate states.

I have always wondered what exactly about the 3 weeks of camp turns peoples' heads and triggers break-ups and make-ups. I have always wondered how guys can fall head-over-heels in love with a girl they have spent only 21 days with. Now I no longer wonder; I know.

I am tempted to expound on my findings, but I will not. I have decided it is best expressed in a fictional account, and I will get to work on that when I leave camp. I am excited about that story already. Be sure to read it when I post it. :)

******

Nigerian graduates are an interesting sort. One of my primary objectives when coming into camp was to meet new people, and I have made lots of friends. Enter Lola who studied Human Resource Management at Manchester, Omolayo from Redeemers, Vicar from Imo State University, Barrister Bukola from OOU, Fisayo and Ronke from Babcock, Zulfah from some Moslem University in Ilorin, Ibrahim and Sarah from Gombe State University, Lekan Adebesin from UNAAB, Ore from Imperial College... The list could go on for pages.

These are all people that I would never have met in my day-day life... People that ordinarily do not run in the same social circles as I do... All of us brought together under the same roof, wearing the same clothes, and eating the same food - thanks to the NYSC.

It is just 15 days gone, but there is a lot more diversity in my life, thinking, and appreciation of Nigeria's varied cultures than there was before I stepped into this camp. If nothing else, the NYSC does very well at this!

******

Did I mention that I can now roll perfect spring-rolls and make Samosa? Oooo yes! I was told the lectures were boring, which has been largely true - but I totally enjoy the Skill Acquisition Program powered by SAED. I don't know if it is a Lagos thing (Corps members in other camps can jump in here), but mehn - it works!

I look forward to feeding my daughters fat on small chops when their mother goes for a night with the "girls"... *doing asko*

******

Is this all? No. Will I continue in a separate post? Yes. Is this representative of my writing? I leave you to judge. Was it worth your time? Well, yes.

******

Thank you for stopping by. You make it a joy to type out such long articles on my tiny phone keyboard. I love you, yes you.

Koye.

NYSC Day Three - Random Thoughts

Today was the longest day of my life.

I slept for three hours nine minutes, exactly a minute less than I slept the previous night (Tuesday - Wednesday), and went through the entire day in a half-daze.

Eager to march, but kit-less, I donned my white/white and participated in morning drills - but found my way off the parade ground once rehearsals for the Swearing-In parade began.

I then returned to my platoon's registration tent, and in Ife style - took total responsibility for starting and maintaining the queue. I arranged the table, got the Inspector a chair, carried her stuff - all in a bid to complete my registration. Of course, it paid off. It always works. Finally that phase is done and I can focus on something else. Problem is I am not sure what the something else is.

Kits are finished, and that is awesome news! Swearing-In was a lot more fun as I relaxed under the tent (in my Kit-less state) while the early-birds/original Otondos paraded for about three hours. I hope we don't get the kits till next week! *straight face*

I discovered awesome white rubber shoes that are very low maintenance, and I advise that all intending Corps members buy these jor. The shoes don't stain, don't retain water, and are ANNOYINGLY easy to clean. Now I am no longer afraid of people stepping on me, water spilling on my shoes etc... Off with my "tush" sneakers!

I don't know what I was thinking at the moment, but today I volunteered to work on the Maintenance & Utilities committee. I'm still amazed. I really wanted to do something, and OBS insisted on auditioning me - a total no-go area as I don't "act" well... This is practically the first time since Ife that I will do anything related to Engineering, and I sure look forward to the experience. I should also mention that every time I mention I studied Mechanical Engineering from "Ife", I get the respect I deserve... Even the Imperial College grads respect us!

I had a long and emotional call with my manager today...and I realize that I have been so busy that I have not missed my life at P&G - at least, not very much. Now that I think of it, I really miss Carole, 'Nosen & Grace - and I hope I see them really soon :) I miss my triple Managers!

This is becoming too long (hopefully not so difficult to read), so lemme provide teasers:

1. Today, I discovered the fun side of the Mammy market :)... This is very long already and I want to make sure you come back tomorrow, so I'll tell you about my Mammy market foray in my next post. In advance, just know I was there for hours!

2. Girls... Of course there's an update, but I hear the bugle already... I'll talk this in the next post also.

Onto the parade ground... *wipes sweat*

Koye.

NYSC Day Two - Random Thoughts

If there was an award for "Most Disorganized Platoon in NYSC Batch C, 2012", my Platoon would easily win it. Other than that, I don't see us winning anything. We can't form and maintain a queue, we have the highest allocation of pregnant women in this camp, and the few guys we have are more interested in chasing girls and talking football. :D

This morning/afternoon/evening, about fifty of us have spent well over 11 hours TRYING to get our kits. Except for pregnant women (of whom there seems to be no end) - and of whom I have no count, only about TEN of us have actually gotten any kits here. Crazy, isn't it?

In typical Koye fashion, I got angry after (wait for this) about 4 hours and took a 1 hour break to cool off... Of course, I came back to meet them on the queue - in the same exact spot I left!

Separately, before I go on speaking my mind in various posts - I need to understand if any laws guide what I am allowed to say as a serving Corps member. The last thing I would want is to have my "stay" extended because I pulled no punches in a blog entry. If you're aware of any such restrictions, please holla ASAP!

In other news, I saw today what it meant to "serve" under the sun and in the rain. While we waited on the queue for our kits, the early-birds marched UNDER the most scorching sun I have experienced in a couple of years. It was so scorching, I still feel pain on my neck from exposure to the sun rays. Amazingly, fast-forward a few minutes, and it was raining cats & dogs!

It is well o. I was not going to do a count-down before, but now I must. It helps my spirit to remember that I won't be here forever...that when I wake up tomorrow, there will be only 19 days to go.

Also, I repent of laughing at Busola for using Sunscreen, and I swear I must get me some ASAP!

LASTLY, couple of guys who know Busola and are looking out for us have been asking me about the girls... So lemme share my two favorite stories so far:

1. I met Ada (not real name), whose idea of a conversation was to talk non-stop for 13 minutes (I used a stop-watch after a couple of minutes were past) - and who was completely insensitive to every "I'm not listening" sign under the sun. Of course, I'm gonna avoid her like the plague!

2. I met Yemi (not real name) who fawned over me from the exact moment when she helped gather my spilled wallet and happened on my P&G Call Card. She volunteered to wait with me for three hours (after getting her own stuff) - and disappeared a few minutes after scoping my Date of Birth from my Biodata form. :D

Gotta run now... Be right back ;)

Koye.

PS: Apologies for the quality of this work. Typing long notes on my BB isn't so easy. Mwah!

NYSC Day One - Random Thoughts

Wow.

I wish I could show you how many thoughts and emotions are represented in that one word - "wow".

Before coming into the Iyana Ipaja camp of the NYSC yesterday - I had read lots and lots of blogs, but nothing prepared me for the magnitude of the filth, disorderliness, and desperation I have observed and experienced between yesterday and today.

Is it the fact that young Nigerian graduates from all Universities cannot form and maintain an orderly queue - even when it is plainly the only way for anybody to get anything done? Is it the fact that Corps members that "know" people walked right through the gates & headed for registration centers while the rest of us sat under the scorching sun for hours? I could go on and on, but then...

Having realized the only way to get anything done is to blatantly disregard the rules (and queues) - I decided to play the Game the Health Sciences way (holla if you went to Ife and you know what I mean) - and actually got some stuff done.

Now it's 4am, and I'm back on a queue to continue (and hopefully finish my registration).

A couple of other random thoughts I'd like to mention:

1. If you're a prospective Corps member reading this, don't bother packing so many books to camp. I did, and now I'm actively looking for someone to visit me on Sunday and pack them back.

2. I totally hate the fact that I can see bathing ladies from my bathroom (and vice-versa). I have to scout the other bathrooms later today for a 'solution' to this problem.

3. Camp is a lot more fun when you're with friends (from University). Yesterday was dreary, long and boring until I met up with Wale and Atiku (classmates from OAU Mech). Of course I plan to make friends later on, but old faces are always good for comfort & reassurance.

4. Camp is even more fun when you're bunking with friends. I got bounced from my original bunk by 4 friends from the same University, but that's a story for another day. I moved in with Wale & Atiku - and so far it's total bliss.

5. Having discovered "Iya Anambra" yesterday, I now see why I should not have bothered to pack a cooler. Whoever visits me on Sunday will take that back also. Saves me the stress of having to wash plates etc.

6. Thanks to Ayt (Ilesanmi) for the heads up - it's a lot more convenient to charge my phone with the Mammy guys than in my room. Plus a lil BB advert - I have the new Curve 9320 & while the battery is not as good as they say - it manages to last about 18 hours on one charge.

I gotta focus on hustling to complete my registration now, and I'll be back (hopefully) later... These blog posts are an attempt to document my experiences - largely for myself, & largely for my many friends that want to know "how it's going"... Saves me from many BB chats :)

Talk to y'all later!

Koye.

Transcript of the Final Presidential Debate between Obama and Romney

"You mentioned the Navy, for example, and that we have fewer ships than we did in 1916. Well, Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because the nature of our military's changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers, where planes land on them. We have these ships that go underwater, nuclear submarines.: - Barack Obama.

Obama really killed this one... Follow the link to read the full debate.

Listen to the BBC interview the fathers of the ALUU4

Tough interview. Tough questions. Tough answers.
Listen to it, or download it here.

I'll put up a summary for those who cannot listen/download it later.

:(

#RantAlert: The Killing of the UNIPORT FOUR

I have tried hard to keep from saying anything on this subject, but it keeps coming back to me – so I’ll just have a go at it.

I am a proud alumnus of OAU: the quality of the students, the beauty of the buildings and the landscape, the safety the OAU10 gave their lives for, and the systems the Students Union put in place to maintain that safety guarantee that basic moral standards were maintained.

We had the SMS, Scientific Maximum Shishi, a public beating that was meted out to thieves, cultists (and sometimes rapists – I remember one incident when I was in Part One and Pre-Degree students in Ipetumodu were raped) – with two aims: correcting the ‘sinner’, and deterring ‘wanna-be’ thieves from trying.

Such thieves would be beaten, stripped, and paraded round hostels – kept safe from further beating by the same students who had beat them in the first place. I know one of such guys, who left school because of the shame following from the public disgrace, but turning so ‘straight’ that he traces a marked improvement in the quality of his life to that beating.

Sadly, the same motivations cannot be said for the evil people who took the life of the UNIPORT FOUR.

For a fact, we will never know whether those four were guilty as charged, or innocent – as they no longer live to tell their side of the story – ripped, as it were, from this life by an angry mob.

This is not the first time mobs will lynch people in Nigeria, and sadly - this will not be the last. People do not trust the police to keep them safe, and have taken the responsibility to keep the law upon themselves. Sadly, we could not be more wrong.

We beat and kill those who steal our blackberry phones, often without bothering to check the facts – and hail those who steal millions – from us and from our future. We throw tires round the necks of promising youth who need ‘corrective action’ and ‘help’, and run after the cars of fools who steal the money that would empower our police and keep our youth employed.

The truth remains that action must be taken. The Government MUST do something! I have not seen the video – I do not have the stomach for such violence – but I saw the pictures, and I know the perpetrators are identifiable. They must be arrested, and charged for the murder of those four students.

Even if those guys stole a car, they did not deserve to be killed!

We don’t want a committee set up to “look into this”. We want arrests to be made. We want people to be charged for murder – or manslaughter as the case may be. We want (heavy) sentences to be handed down.

#RantOver. What do you think?

If you have the stomach to watch the video, go here.

Updates:

Ibim Semenitari is the Commissioner for Information (Rivers State)

According to Linda, some arrests have been made (the chief of Aluu community, and 12 other people)... Will keep y'all posted.

Beyonce - I Was Here...

Okay... So everybody officially  has to see this video... (And yeah, I know I'm a last carrier)

Yes I'm very emotional, but this video brought tears to my eyes...

We're all gonna die someday... and when I die I want to know I lived my life to the full and did all I could to touch the lives around me and generally make the world a better place...

Download the mp3 format here...
Lyrics after the cut:

Do You Have a Good Name?

This got me thinking today.

Do I have a good name?

So now I'm asking you too... Do you have a good name?

What comes to mind when people think of you? Failed promises, debt, lies? Or Integrity, strong values?

Do people in a relationship have the right to go through each other's phones?

Now trending on my BB: "Wanna know if your girl is cheating? Snatch her phone and run away. If she beats Usain Bolt's record (while trying to get her phone back from you)... GUY, take heart - you're single!"

I have been thinking about this for some time now, and thought to hear what your thoughts are... What do you think?

Do people in a relationship have the right to go through each other's phones (mails, chats, facebook messages, texts, call records)?

The Real Genius of Steve Jobs

Insightful article by Malcolm Gladwell... Excerpts below:


The idea for the iPad came from an engineer at Microsoft, who was married to a friend of the Jobs family, and who invited Jobs to his fiftieth-birthday party. As Jobs tells Isaacson: "This guy badgered me about how Microsoft was going to completely change the world with this tablet PC software and eliminate all notebook computers, and Apple ought to license his Microsoft software. But he was doing the device all wrong. It had a stylus. As soon as you have a stylus, you’re dead. This dinner was like the tenth time he talked to me about it, and I was so sick of it that I came home and said, “Fuck this, let’s show him what a tablet can really be.”

********

In the nineteen-eighties, Jobs reacted the same way when Microsoft came out with Windows. It used the same graphical user interface—icons and mouse—as the Macintosh. Jobs was outraged and summoned Gates from Seattle to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters. “They met in Jobs’s conference room, where Gates found himself surrounded by ten Apple employees who were eager to watch their boss assail him,” Isaacson writes. “Jobs didn’t disappoint his troops. ‘You’re ripping us off!’ he shouted. ‘I trusted you, and now you’re stealing from us!’ ”

Gates looked back at Jobs calmly. Everyone knew where the windows and the icons came from. “Well, Steve,” Gates responded. “I think there’s more than one way of looking at it. I think it’s more like we both had this rich neighbor named Xerox and I broke into his house to steal the TV set and found out that you had already stolen it.”

********

Read the full article on the New Yorker online here...

Word for Today - Translated

I get these devotionals in my email on a daily basis, and this one really touched me - so I thought to share it here... Read and be blessed:

Translated

Who hath...translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. Colossians 1:13

The Bible says Jesus has 'delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of [God's] dear Son.' The New King James Bible says, 'He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son.' In one version it says we were 'conveyed,' in the other it says we were 'translated.' Both translations are correct; each just gives us a different slant on the truth.

Let's look at each:

The Man named Koye - by Tosin Akingbulu

This is the picture Tosin refers to in this post :)

So, one of the best young writers I know - Tosin Akingbulu - wrote this for me on my birthday yesterday... I'm positively blushing!

"Koye-Ladele Mogbekeloluwa.

I hear his name called and I know it's the sound of greatness. The singsongness of it. But it's not just about the name, it's more about the man that bears it. He speaks wise, walks with confident strides, smiles bright.

I've only known Koye for a short while. Two years, at most. And he only became my friend few months ago. I don't know him well enough. I haven't had much interaction with him. By some folks' standard, I do not qualify to write stuff about him. But then, we get inspired even in the briefness of a comet's flash. The encounter, though brief, lingers long in one's mind. I have been inspired by the man named Koye and I would like to write about it.

Koye loves who he is. Everything about him. There is this photo of himself he uses as a display picture on his Blackberry phone. His hair is uncombed, his exposed teeth probably unbrushed - looks like he just woke up from a nap. But then he loves it. I have thus learned to stop hiding the terrible pictures I took in secondary school, where we carried buckets on our heads and wore oversized pinafores. He has taught me to love who I am, completely, without reserve.

Koye loves intensely. You need to see the way he carries on about his girl. Like she's the only girl in the world. He isn't fearful of the drills of loving a girl, the complications, the conflicts. He has opened up his heart, and exposed, taken a deep plunge into the depths of this phenomenon we call love, where only the brave dare to explore.

Koye loves people. He meets you with a charming smile and steals your heart. You just have to love who he is. High-spirited, a good conversationist, he is a great fellow.

And Koye loves God. I believe so. It's only when you love God that you can love who you are, and love others too. Agape things... He is a love being. He is someone who inspires me. He is a Zion breed. The man named Koye."

Awwww... Don't I just feel so loved right now? Thanks Tosin!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Oya everybody should read and wish me happy birthday o!!!

**** 1 ****

I clearly remember my birthday in 2001. My joy turned to sadness as I pondered – innocently – why terrorists had chosen my birthday to wreak havoc on the United States. It was inconceivable to my young mind that I could celebrate life while others mourned loved ones – so I put away all thoughts of my birthday, and cried long and hard for people I did not even know.

On that day, eleven years ago – I suddenly knew what I wanted to do with my life was make the world a better place. Since that day, my thinking has been influenced – largely – by a strong sense of empathy. Michael Jackson could not have said it any better: Heal the world, make it a better place.

I look back today and know that I have come a long way since then – but the ‘what’ I happened upon that day has stayed constant over the years. While I now understand that this world will by nature tend towards evil, I believe strongly that there is yet a lot of good that can be done.

**** 2 ****

It's my Birthday Tomorrow!!!

Yaaaaay!!!

So it is my birthday tomorrow!!!

*dancing and shaking bombom*

We know what tomorrow holds...

Someone dropped a comment on an earlier post asking for the full words to this song, so I thought to provide it here... I can't find a link to download it, or I would add that too... Read, and be blessed! :)


Very much within me
Is the presence of the Lord
I can face anything
That ever comes my way
My light is bright and clear
I'm living by His Word
I know I can not fail

Tomorrow holds for me
Better things I know
(His) light is shinning on my path
I will rise and shine
(For) I have got the Light
Jesus is my light.

Ramblings on my Birthday

It is my birthday in another four days...and I thought to share the article I wrote for my birthday last year... Alert: every sentence is worth your time!

"It would be easy for my facebook friends who finished from Ife and were fellowship executive members to understand the thoughts that run through my mind as I write this.

There is this cornucopia of emotions that fills me to the brim and threatens to spill over, but I understand all this as being part of a 'transitional process' - one that has the capacity to launch me on a path to further greatness in God if 'optimized'.

Will Michelle Obama's Speech Change History?

If Barack Obama is re-elected on November 6, he will owe more to his first lady than any president ever to win a second term.

On Tuesday night in Charlotte, North Carolina, Michelle Obama gave one of the finest speeches ever delivered at a national political convention. More important, it could have more impact on the immediate future of the country than her husband's celebrated 2004 keynote.


Her speech tied the Obamas' personal stories directly to the lives of millions of voters struggling not to be the first generation of Americans unable to offer hope of greater opportunities to their children than they had, thus drawing a contrast with Mitt Romney as an unnamed but unmistakable caricature of privilege without shading her talk with negativity or animosity.

In fact the overall emotion, and there was far more real as opposed to rhetorical emotion than any speech at this level in memory, was a feeling rarely conveyed in our political language today -- love...


Read the full article here.

Boko-Haram destroys MTN and Airtel Masts

I read only today that Boko-Haram destroyed MTN and Airtel Masts in some parts of the North.

I'm struggling to understand the thinking behind these actions... Would someone please explain? Any one?

Word for the Week: As we go to work...

This morning, I read the most amazing passage of scripture during my devotion. I am a big fan of 'Our Daily Bread', as I grew up on a diet of the Word that revolved round them - and I have recently subscribed to receive daily devotionals by email.

If you have been to a Nigerian Civil Service office before, you can identify with the following scene:

It is 11am on a Monday. Members of staff are gathered in clusters, discussing the events of the past weekend - weddings, burials, football games. Others are eating from coolers, and yet others are reading newspapers. People from the public who need their services are outside in the reception, looking very frustrated - because you have to beg this breed of employees to do their own job!

The Bible says in Ephesians 6: 6, 7: not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart...with good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men

It turns out that God is interested in the quality of our service, whether it is work we're doing in the church, in a Bank, or in the Civil Service.

In words taken from the devotional: "no matter who signs your paycheck, you are really working for God."

Have a wonderful week people!

Mitt Romney's insensitive statement on Black people and Slavery

Er, did Mitt Romney really say this:

"I understand how difficult it can be for an African-American in today’s society. In fact, I can relate to black people very well indeed. My ancestors once owned slaves, and it is in my lineage to work closely with the black community. However, just because they were freed over a century ago doesn’t mean they can now be freeloaders. They need to be told to work hard, and the incentives just aren’t there for them anymore. When I’m president I plan to work closely with the black community to bring a sense of pride and work ethic back into view for them."

Source: Daily Post

If he did, then someone needs to shut his mouth for him.

Insights about Nollywood Movies, Funny...

Discovered the following insights about Nollywood movies somewhere online... Thought to share...


1. An actress can wear the same hair-do for more than a year, even in flashbacks.
2. In every romance movie, someone must die...
3. It is possible to hit a person without actually touching them!
4. Anyone who gets hit by a car dies immediately.
5. Poisoned food always tastes better.

A Handbook for Fuel Subsidy Thieves

So Salisu Suleiman has again crafted a great article, A Handbook for Fuel Subsidy Thieves...

"Why are Nigerians outraged at the unraveling fuel subsidy scandal and the monumental fraud that characterized the entire process? Why should we feel betrayed when people we trusted to probe the fraud also ended up in the belly of the monster? Incidentally, how many people still remember the original sin: that Nigerians may have been defrauded up to N2.6 trillion in the name of fuel subsidies? 

We should not be surprised because most of the indicted firms and individuals have close ties to the Peoples Democratic Party. After all, what should we expect when Olusegun Obasanjo, Tony Anenih, Ibrahim Babangida, Jerry Gana, Atiku Abubakar, Depreiye Alamiesegha, James Ibori, Peter Odili, Adamu Ciroma, Alao Arishekola, Ahmadu Ali, Bamanga Tukur, Doyin Okupe and others gather under a single umbrella? 

If a list of 100 were to be compiled, with the names of people that have pauperized Nigeria and reduced the country to a theatre of unending tragicomedy, 80 of the names would probably be PDP top shots. And the remaining 20 would be ex-members who were forced out of the party."

Go here to read the full article...

Random Thoughts on the N5000 note

The perennial problem with my phone's keypad is here again, so blogging on the go has become difficult - but let us see how this goes.

One of the most discussed and debated items of news online recently is the CBN's proposal to introduce N5000 notes, and convert denominations from N50 downward to coins. Me too I wee now say my own:

There are no two ways to it: this move does not make sense. I'll share some reasons, and you can feel free to add more in the comments section...

So We Do Not Forget: A Father's Love (inspired by the Dana Air crash)

I lean back in my seat as the plane taxis off the runway and sigh loudly – drawing stares from other passengers. The past two days have been hectic, packed full with dancing, drinking, and non-stop partying. Sadly, weekends always come to an end, and now I am on my way back to the hustle and bustle of Lagos.

Out of habit, I start to compose a text to my dad – to let him know the plane is on its way – but then stop myself. I have led my parents to think I am spending the weekend with Toye in Ogudu GRA. Instead, I caught a ride with a colleague who was dropping off a car for his wife in Abuja and spent a wild weekend with Niyi.

*******

Word for the Week: Living Consciously, Making the most of every Opportunity

Good morning, world.

First of all, I apologize for discontinuing the Steve Harvey series. I got a sternly worded email backing the copyright and threatening to take action. I guess everyone wanting to learn from Steve will have to buy the book - or see the movie.

Secondly, I would like to share a thought that has been paramount on my mind the past few days... Enter Ephesians 6 vs. 15-16:

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

(I like to read the NIV because the English is very plain. The truth is clearly stated, and there is little room for conjecture. I also like the NLT.)

It has been long said that the difference between successful people and unsuccessful ones is what they do with their time. We all have the gift of 24 hours a day, and differences in our lives steadily build up as a result of what we do with our time. The Bible here asks that we live very carefully, very consciously; that we live not as unwise men, but as wise ones. Remember, life has a practice of living you - if you do not live it.

We are also asked to make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil... Linking into the parable of the talents (which I will talk about some other day) - the Bible is big on maximizing the opportunities that come your way... Make the most of the present, as your faithfulness in what you do today determines how much more you will do tomorrow...

In summary, this week: live more consciously, and make the most of every opportunity!

Have fun!

The problem with wooing foreign investors

This morning, I read the following tweet:

"@NigeriaNewsdesk: Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and some officials of the Ministry will today embark on a foreign investment drive to woo foreign investors."

This is plain wrong. These fellows should rather say they need a vacation, or could use some estacode.

Very simply put, embarking on trips does not woo foreign investors. Investors are smart business-men, they don't think with their behinds.

1 in every 4 black Africans is Nigerian. We have a rapidly growing population, and according to data I obtained a few months ago - an average of 6.1 babies per woman. That is something. Every investor wants a piece of that.

Compared to developing markets where companies record single digit growth, many times below 5% - established FMCGs record up to 35% growth in Nigeria - year on year for multiple years!

These investors are not dumb, they want to come. The problem is the cost of doing business.

Rather than spend taxpayer's money (well, it's really Crude Oil money they're spending - so they don't feel accountable to us) travelling round the globe and 'wooing' investors that will turn around and laugh at you - how about driving the cost of doing business down?

All we need is a focused leadership, to create realistic visions and glide-paths - and challenge the people to believe again. Fix the rot in the power sector, unclog the ports, fix transportation, take a strong stand against corruption, etc etc...

And watch foreign investors come running to woo us instead!

Mr. Right won't make everything alright...

Great article by Omoelle on why relationships crash...

"I have seen many great relationships crash simply because neither party was interested in listening to the other. I have listened to couples bicker over the smallest things; while in the university my boyfriend and I didn’t speak with each other for 2 weeks because he said the beans mixture used for Akara should be turned clock-wisely while I believed it should be anti-clockwise."

Read the full article here.

The five questions every woman should ask before she gets in too deep: 3. What are your views on relationships?

While I await a response from Steve/Harper, I thought to share one more excerpt from the book... I am presently sharing five questions ladies should be asking from their 'guys', of course - with my comments in bold and italics :D Enjoy...

Now this one is a multiple-part question that sizes up how a man feels about a gamut of relationships—from how he feels about his parents and kids to his connection with God. Each answer will reveal a lot more about him—whether he's serious about commitment, the kind of household in which he was raised, what kind of father and husband he might be, whether he knows the Lord, all of that. And the only way you'll find out the answers to these questions is to ask. Don't assume! Do it before you kiss this man, maybe even before you agree to go on a date with him—this is a great phone conversation, for sure. And don't be shy or nervous about asking these questions, either, because what are you supposed to be doing with this man if not talking to him? If he has a problem talking about this right here, then something's wrong. Run, and never look back.

First, find out how he feels about family. What are his views on it? Does he want a family? If he doesn't want one, then you know better than to hang around. How does he feel about children? If you have a child, tell your man about him or her—I have a friend who hid the fact that she had a son from her boyfriend for two years, and of course he broke up on finding out. Not because she had a kid, but because she lied to him for that long. It is his business to know, but more important, it's your business to find out if he sees himself being a father. If he doesn't want kids and you do, then you can stop all of this right now. (Please know that if a man says he doesn't want kids, he's probably not going to change his mind, regardless of the intensity of his feelings for you.) Moreover, if he doesn't like kids and you already have them, where, exactly, is this relationship going? You're headed for the rocks, baby!

The five questions every woman should ask before she gets in too deep: 2. What are your long-term goals?

While I await a response from Steve/Harper, I thought to share one more excerpt from the book... I am presently sharing five questions ladies should be asking from their 'guys', of course - with my comments in bold and italics :D Enjoy...

Trust me on this: a man who really has a vision for where he wants to see himself in ten years has looked into his future and seriously considered what it'll take for him to get there. It means he has foresight, and he's plotting out the steps to his future. If he says something silly like "I'm just trying to make it day by day," or he sings "I've got something on my mind, I want to jaye all night o" run. If his long-term plan is the same as his short-term plan, get out - immediately. Because his answer tells you that he hasn't thought his life through, or he doesn't see you in it and so he has no reason to divulge the details to you. All he's got for you is game. If he doesn't have a plan, why do you want him to stick around, anyway? Well, except you don't have a plan too!

The five questions every woman should ask before she gets in too deep: 1. What are your short-term goals?

While I await a response from Steve/Harper, I thought to share one more excerpt from the book... Over the next five days, I will share five questions ladies should be asking from their 'guys', of course - with my comments in bold and italics :D Enjoy

If you're going to get into a serious relationship with a man, you should know what his plans are and how they fit into the key elements that make a man - who he is, what he does, and how much he makes. These three things are extremely important to any mature, grown man, and  you have every right to know what he's doing right now and what he's planning over the next three to five years, to be the real, grown man he wants to be. His answer will also help you determine whether you want to be a part of that plan or not. You'll know to damn your emotions and throw up your much-needed red flag if he doesn't have a plan at all.

If he's got a plan, well great. Act like you're super interested and ask follow-up questions—be the inquisitive, enthusiastic detective that you are. Men love to talk about themselves. We do this because we know that in order to catch you, we have to impress you. So allow us to impress. The more inquisitive and interested you are, the more information he'll give you. Say things like, "Wow, how did you get into that field?" or "How interesting—what does it take to make that successful?" And listen carefully.

What Job Are You Suited For?

I managed to end up as a CEO? (Please don't ask me if I cheat on tests o!)

What job suits YOU?

Ghana President Mills dead - Presidential Statement

(Reuters) - Ghana's President John Atta Mills has died unexpectedly, a presidential statement said, and an aide said his death occurred on Tuesday after he took ill on Monday night.

The death of the president of the world's No. 2 cocoa grower comes months before Mills was due to stand for re-election at the helm of the West African country that posted double-digit growth in 2011 and has been praised for its strong democracy in a turbulent region.

"It is with a heavy heart...that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the Republic of Ghana," a statement sent to Reuters by the president's office said.

It said that Mills, 68, died a few hours after being taken ill but no further details were given.

A presidential aide, who asked not to be named, said the president had complained of pains on Monday evening and died early on Tuesday afternoon when his condition worsened.

Mills, who oversaw the start of oil production in Ghana, returned from medical checks in the United States several weeks ago.

Source: Reuters
(Reporting by Kwassi Kpodo; Writing by David Lewis; Editing by Michael Roddy)

On Anxiety and Worry

This morning, I woke up to the words of an old hymn playing in my head...

"O, what peace we often forfeit;
O, what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry,
everything to God in prayer".

It seems human to worry. There are so many variables we encounter in the course of a day that we are often left with no option than to move out in blind faith, or obsess about the myriad of things that could go wrong.

I take that one step further, sometimes. I seem to have a problem with obsessing about the future. One would think the problems of the present are enough, but no - poor Koye must worry his head about the many variables that could potentially impact my life months down the road.

I see why God sent me a choir of angels to serenade me with that song as I awakened today. I am reminded of the words of Paul in Phil. 4.
"Do not be anxious about anything. But in everything, by prayer and supplication - with thanksgiving - make your requests known to God. And then the peace of God - which transcends all understanding - shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus".

Those words were for me this morning, and I thought to share them with you.

God is still in the business of watching out for us.

Introducing: Distorted, a Comic for (Young) Adults

Distorted tells the thrilling story of life's puzzles through a young man eyes - Jasper Alison.   Born to a Nigerian father and an American mother, he is the first child  out of three children. Jasper's life is full of contradictions; he  seeks answers to questions. His life takes a turn for the worst when  his mother dies during the birth of his younger brother. Jasper's father- Otunba Alison turns to politics to feel the vacuum created by his wife's loss. Politics becomes an obsession for him; his children discover different obsessions.

With no parental guidance, life becomes an experiment for the children. Jasper, in his inquisitive nature continually asks- what is the essence of family? Without a response, he loses all sense of belonging to the family which he searched for and found in a cult--the Brotherhood of the Black Star.

He meets George, an extremely cunning friend from a broken home, they become best of friends. The cord of friendship  becomes strained when George starts developing interest in Louise, Jasper's sister. Jasper knew how dangerous his friend was and did not want his sister anywhere near him. However, after much pressure and manipulation, Jasper bows to pressure from George. He helps him woo his sister.  
     

Ayo Makinde, the author

George gang rapes Jasper's sister and dumps her unconscious body in a lagoon on campus. Louise survives the rape episode, but her life is  shattered by deep emotional scars. Jasper avenges the dastard act. But with consequences.  The Brotherhood of the Black Star! It is a taboo in the brotherhood for a member to get even with another member. The consequence? Death.

Jasper finds himself in a battle, not just to save his own life but to save his entire family from being wiped out. A stage is set for a breathtaking battle of wits and survival. Jasper's battle for survival leads him like a endless vicious cycle, into the heart of a conspiracy too distorted to untie.  Distorted is action packed, and can be read by both young and old, as there is something for everyone in its colourful pages.

The comic is distributed across  Nigeria by Magazine Circulation Nigeria Ltd. You can also buy copies  from Terrakulture, Debonair Bookstores and the Hub Media Stores, Palms Shopping Mall, Lagos.

The eternal battle between Procter & Gamble and Unilever is intensifying in the developing world

Some interesting perspective from The Economist on the 'eternal' battle between Procter & Gamble and Unilever... A must-read if you are interested in the dynamics of FMCG business on a multi-national scale.

"The sense that Unilever is on the up, whereas P&G is in trouble, is the latest swing of a pendulum that only five years ago saw Unilever struggling as P&G soared. The slow economic recovery in America and the deteriorating economic situation in Europe have hit P&G harder, because it earns a greater share of its revenues in those developed markets and its brands tend to be more expensive than Unilever's—and thus more likely to be sacrificed by consumers who are being forced to count the pennies.


Mr McDonald's promise to make P&G's pricing more competitive, and his plan to cut costs by $10 billion, could, if delivered, help to restore P&G's fortunes in these markets at the expense of Unilever and other consumer-goods firms. But the biggest questions concern how P&G can improve its performance in the developing economies on which both it and Unilever depend for long-term growth."


Read the full article here.

#RantAlert; More Thoughts on the Dana Plane Crash

Today in church, I listened to someone who lost 2 cousins in the Dana Air Crash talk about how that loss has impacted his life.

They were age-mates, three of them sharing ambitious plans to touch and improve lives and bring change to their world - and now two of them are gone. Just like that.

They did not have a chance to document their plans for someone else to execute. They did not touch lives on as grand a scale as they would have desired. They did not build the corporations and businesses they planned to.

The acceptable time is NOW. Make impact, furiously. Soak in every moment, every experience. Have fun. Laugh. Cry. Live, love, learn!

Sent from my mobile device.

#RantAlert: Random Thoughts on the Colorado Massacre

This is eerie, very - very eerie!

Jessica Redfield, one of the 14 people who lost their lives during the Colorado Massacre yesterday, only narrowly escaped a shooting at the Eaton Center a month ago (June 5, 2012).

She wrote a blogpost about it:

"My receipt shows my purchase was made at 6:20 pm. After that purchase I said I felt funny. It wasn’t the kind of funny you feel after spending money you know you shouldn’t have spent. It was almost a panicky feeling that left my chest feeling like something was missing. A feeling that was overwhelming enough to lead me to head outside in the rain to get fresh air instead of continuing back into the food court to go shopping at SportChek. The gunshots rung out at 6:23. Had I not gone outside, I would’ve been in the midst of gunfire.

My Problem with Death; New Post by Lanre Fatokun on losing wife and both children during the DANA Air Crash

You remember the first post I put up about Lanre Fatokun (who lost his wife and both children during the Dana Air Crash)? Read it here if you don't...

This guy has to be one of the most courageous I know.

Now he has written a new post in his quest to find meaning...

"It’s been a shearing and gruelling time for me to keep on after the departure of my wife, son and daughter.
I think words from my mouth have been few on this issue.


A friend wrote me and I had this to tell her:
“I found out that my supposedly deep faith was insufficiently convinced about life after death.”


For about a week, my weeping was about what my trio might have gone through before the eventual demise..."

Strong man! Read the full article here.

Patience Jonathan Appointed Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State

Dame Patience Jonathan, professor of Spoken English, made history yesterday by becoming the first First Lady of Nigeria to be appointed Permanent Secretary in a State civil service. 


Explaining their reason for the appointment, the senior special assistant to the governor on media affairs, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said that the First Lady was a teacher in the state’s civil service and has been on leave of absence since 1999 to join her  husband in his political service; first as a deputy governor, governor, vice president, then president. If not for the leave of absence, according to him, Mrs Jonathan would have risen to the status of a permanent secretary by now.

All Most Nigerian Governors are clowns!!! I mean, what kind of thinking was responsible for this action?

Win A Blackberry Playbook

Reminder...

Short story writer, editor and author of  the short story collection, The Son of your Father’s concubine, ‘Seun Salami, is proud to announce his first writing competition – End the Story.

The winner of the competition wins a BlackBerry Playbook, 3 books from Bookvine, an autographed copy of The Son of your Father’s concubine, an evening with ‘Seun Salami and another Bookvine author as well as first consideration for a Bookvine publishing deal.

The competition which is proudly supported by Bookvine, publishers of ‘Seun’s book, is basically aimed at challenging the creativity of young Writers of African origin in order to improve their art.

Participants are expected to provide a conclusion (of not more than 500 words) to one of Seun’s most popular stories first published on YNaija.com, titled, The Sex life of a Lagos mad woman. It must be a creative and logical conclusion to the story.

The original story of 1,347 words is available at

1. SeunWrites.com http://seunwrites.com/2012/06/04/the-sex-life-of-a-lagos-mad-woman/ or

2. YNaija.com http://ynaija.com/short-story-the-sex-life-of-a-lagos-mad-woman/

The competition opens on July 2, 2012 and entries close on July 15. It is open to all writers of African origin regardless of age and current location.

Unemployment: The Ticking Time-Bomb

Nice article by Salisu Suleiman:


How many people have paused to reflect on the frustration of millions of Nigerians who have no idea where and when their next meals will come from? Can one truly appreciate the angst of millions of Nigerians in their 20s and 30s who have no jobs, no prospects and no hopes?

While all attention has been focused on Boko Haram, it is easy to forget the more deadly existential threat that is primed and ticking towards a massive detonation. But the coming explosion will not be restricted to the north: it will shake all of Nigeria: That is the danger of having 20 million youth with nothing to do.

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, recently admitted that 20 million Nigerian youth were unemployed. Other observers believe the figure is higher, especially in the north. In all, some estimates suggest that Nigeria has about 90 million people who are willing and able to work, but about 70 million have no productive employment. Whatever the actual figures may be, the truth is that unemployment is a major challenge to Nigeria’s growth and stability and is the reason why over 100 million Nigerians live in poverty.


Read the rest of the article here.

#RantAlert; Abbreviations and Capitalizations

When I have not written in quite a while, I find it difficult to start again. This time, I have decided to re-start with a rant... :)

Today, I want to complain about my longtime friend and loyal reader - Mr. X - who always abbreviates in emails and text messages, and spells his name with small caps.

In an online world where there is so much that screams for my attention, I hardly have the time - or patience, to decipher abbreviations. I abs h8 it whn ppl cnt write perfect Eng. in emails, on fb, & evn all d tym in txt msgs. I h8 it! It slows my reading down, greatly, and so far as I am concerned simply does not speak well!

I mean, when you're Zuckerberg or Gates - you can afford to write however you want... but so long as you're a client of mine or a friend seeking a favor - please know that I do not like poor English!

And whatever you do - do NOT spell your name in small caps if you're mailing me!!! Little red lights go off in my head when I get to the end of an email and see: mr. x. I mean!!! Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well... If you must write your name, write it properly!!!

Aaaaaaaaargh!

koye-ladele mogbekeloluwa :)

NUC Suspends Operational License of 7 Universities (5 Church Universities)

Something is terribly wrong with Nigerian education.

When President Goodluck promised to establish a Federal University in every state (including building specialist Almajiri schools) - I was not taken in, unlike many other Nigerians.

I have always been of the opinion that the rot in the existing Universities needs to be fixed before we even begin to think of building new ones. Our existing Universities are underfunded, understaffed, and the rot looks set to continue. In an earlier post on facebook, I talked about how I could not properly test my project (a solar powered refrigerator) because my department (Mechanical Engineering, OAU) did not have the necessary equipment (thermocouples, etc).

At least one Federal Agency seems to be taking their oversight duties seriously. This morning, I read that the NUC has suspended the operational licenses of the following private universities for violating its guidelines in physical facilities and academic programs:

• Achievers.
• Caritas.
• Joseph Ayo Babalola.
• Lead City.
• Madonna.
• Obong.
• Tansian.

It is interesting that five (5) of these seven universities are owned/run/founded by churches.

Read my earlier thoughts on church universities on the Daily Times blog.

Reps stop NYSC from posting Corpers to Volatile States

Only yesterday I wrote about a friend who will not be joining the NYSC because he was posted to Plateau.

Now, it appears there might be hope for him - and other corpers posted to the North; the House of Reps has directed the NYSC to stop posting mobilized corpers to volatile states in the North... :)

This was a direct response to the protests which held in Abuja yesterday... Read more on the Channels TV blog here.

One thing I need to understand: does the House of Reps have the authority to direct/order the NYSC?

On Stupid Blackberry Broadcasts...

I know so many posts have been written about 'not-so-wise' Blackberry broadcasts, but I will go on to add one more to the fray... :)

Yesterday, I received the following broadcast from a friend on BBM, a graduate o... I was super-shocked!

"BBM is shutting down today at 12.00pm tonight if you don't broadcast this you'll loose your contacts Sorry guys Apparently it is true, cause it happened to certain people already, so I'm not taking any chances !! Message from Jim Balsamic (CEO of RIM Blackberry) we have had an over usage of user names on Blackberry Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list. If you do not forward this message, we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours. Please DO NOT ignore this message or blackberry will no longer recognise your pin. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of $25.00 will be added to your monthly bill. We are also aware of the issue involving the pictures updates not showing. We are working diligently at fixing this problem and it will be up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation... by the way this will be the last Broadcast from us VSFTBC"

What kind of graduate believes these things and forwards this kind of BC?

MTN: Maximum Thievery Nationwide!

Is it too much to ask for decent network from a company that claims to be everywhere you go?

I have tried hard not to make this post, but it just sucks that I cannot make a call or send a text from my MTN phone - which by the way I have downgraded to 'second phone status'.

And I'm not taking any PR nonsense about this starting "two days ago". This has been on for five days!

Epic fail, MTN. Epic fail!

NYSC; Corpers posted to the North; Rantings

I have a friend who will not be joining the Batch B of the NYSC in camp today, because he was posted to Plateau State.

Being the last born child, his entire family was aligned that he delay his service by 4 months - till November - in the hope that he will be posted to a more peaceful state. Hence, my friend will join the rest of us - who were not mobilized by OAU because of a delay in processing our five month old results - in awaiting the Batch C postings.

All day, I have wondered why NYSC continues to post Corpers to troubled states such as Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and the likes... I have not found answers that work yet.

Does Nigeria have any regard for the life of her youth, her future?

When Goodluck is Sober

Great article by Salisu Suleiman!


In the run-up to last year’s presidential election, President Goodluck Jonathan made a campaign trip to the South-west to seek support and votes. In classic Jonathanian fashion, the moment he went off the script, he dropped a bolt from the blue by saying that the South-west was too sophisticated to be run by ‘rogues and rascals’.

In a swift response, the perceived target of the barb, former Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu, hit back to the effect that the current tenant of Aso Villa was basically a ‘drunken fisherman’. The exchange provided comic relief to an otherwise drab and colourless campaign.

However, as soon as the PDP machinery ‘shocked and awed’ Nigerian voters into retaining the presidency, rumours of drunken revelries at the Villa began to emerge. Any thoughts that the indulgencies were merely to celebrate a hard bought victory vanished when persistent leaks about presidential inebriation continued to come out.

Continue to read the full article on his blog...

How I Fell in Love with Two Women (Final Episode)

This story is continued from part six here...

My mind went blank and time seemed to stop. I would not have been more shocked if an embalmed monkey had climbed into the bus and taken a seat next to me.

‘Sayo was equally shocked. Here she was, presumably going to obtain some exotic ingredient from a market in town – and the object of all her ‘work’ was off on a trip with some other girl?

I tried to speak, but the words would not form. There was nothing to say: no lie or excuse; no hurriedly concocted fib with the slightest chance to save my sorry ass. I was caught, not red-handed – but pants down!

How I Fell in Love with Two Women (Six)

I let out a little yelp, and my roommates gathered around me immediately. Dumb stricken, I let the phone fall from my hand – and someone picked it up and read the text out loud. They all went quiet for a while, and then started to talk all at once. Everyone had an idea on how to save the day, and each person felt their idea was best.

After a few minutes of hullaballoo, someone suggested that I dash out of the room immediately, meet ‘Tomi on the way, and head for the palace; I would turn my phones off, and explain to ‘Sayo on returning that I had to do something for someone urgently. They all went quiet, and then started to talk all at once again - everyone claiming the idea was originally theirs.

It seemed to make sense, so I picked my phones and wallet and left the room. As I descended the stairs, I called ‘Tomi to say I had gotten tired of waiting and had left my room – so we would meet halfway. She was already at the hostel gates by this time, and so said she would return to the bus-stop. It was still early in the morning and buses were coming into hostel areas to drop off students coming from Ife town. My plan was to take a bus from the Fajuyi Hall bus-stop, so doing reduce the risk of inadvertently running into ‘Sayo while walking to the main bus-stop at the Students Union Building.

A Game That Heals; Jane McGonigal at TEDGlobal 2012

The first time I listened to Jane McGonigal speak, I was dumbstruck by her argument: she proposes that all of mankind spend 21 billion hours a week playing games!!! Yes, you read that right! 21 BILLION HOURS!

I mean... We're talking about what is really important in life - and this woman is here asking us to spend more time playing "Angry Birds'???

Turns out there's some logic to her argument...

Now, read more about how a game saved her own life at the Ted blog.

The 10 Greatest Social Entrepreneurs of All Time

In the end, it falls to us all to transmit this world not only better - but also more beautiful - than it was transmitted to us...

While it is admirable to build a successful business of any kind, some entrepreneurs do more than just make a profit with the fruits of their labor. Some actually help others, bringing resources, opportunities, training, and other assets to those who need them most.

The Online College has put together a list of the 10 greatest social entrepreneurs of all time... Read all about them and their work here.

How I Fell in Love with Two Women (Five)

This is continued from part four here...

Within one week of seeing that play, I re-discovered passions and hobbies I had thought lost forever. I would dream up some exotic activity in the morning and send texts to both of them – inviting them to ‘trip’ with me. Inevitably, ‘Tomi would say no – and in fairness to her, suggest some other activity that she preferred. ‘Sayo on the other hand seemed to exist for me, and so we did all sorts together.

We saw plays and attended book-reading events. We explored the Natural History museum and got lost walking around the Staff Quarters. I began to spend less and less time with ‘Tomi. In the past, I would plead with her when she refused to do something with me – and still hang out with her regardless of her decision. Now, all that had passed. I had an option, and a beautiful one at that. My heart would sometimes revolt, but inevitably acquiesce – after all, it felt good to finally do the things I wanted.

I had the best of both worlds. At least so I thought until it all came undone.

9 Beliefs of Remarkably Successful People

The most successful people in business approach their work differently than most. See how they think--and why it works...


I'm fortunate enough to know a number of remarkably successful people. Regardless of industry or profession, they all share the same perspectives and beliefs.

And they act on those beliefs:

1. Time doesn't fill me. I fill time.

Deadlines and time frames establish parameters, but typically not in a good way. The average person who is given two weeks to complete a task will instinctively adjust his effort so it actually takes two weeks.

Forget deadlines, at least as a way to manage your activity. Tasks should only take as long as they need to take. Do everything as quickly and effectively as you can. Then use your "free" time to get other things done just as quickly and effectively.

Average people allow time to impose its will on them; remarkable people impose their will on their time...

Great article on www.inc.com, read the rest here...