AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN?

Hello my people, it’s a great day! It’s good to back after a loooong break. And I hope you will not forget to appraise your performance for the out-going week, its necessary you do that as this will enable you to know how you have fared this week. 

How big is your "HOW" ?

Happy New Year good people, its been a while. It's all to the praise of His name. As you continue to pray for the peace of our nation Nigeria, i wouldn't want you to loose sight of your aspirations, vision and dreams in 2012. All is well with Nigeria!

You might be asking how corruption will end in Nigeria, how possible will it be to have constant power supply in Nigeria, can we ever have generator free nation? the questions are endless, but the answers are imminent.

Many times in our lives, we are faced with the big question “HOW’’? How will this happen, how possible is this and that… Especially now that you you have put down your goals, dreams and vision in black and white. Guess you might have plans to get married this year, but you don’t even have a date, and you are asking yourself, how will this happen? You are hoping to move into a new apartment this year, but you don’t have a job, how will this happen? You are hoping to travel out this year but you have been denied visa several times, your wishes and aspirations might be numerous and one question you keep asking yourself is HOW WILL THEY HAPPEN?

If you have you have put them down in black and white, the next thing to do is to take action, start making some necessary moves that will bring those aspiration into reality. Besides this I have another view to all of these. I want you to believe in your heart that IT IS POSSIBLE!

When the Angel appeared to Mary to deliver the good tiding about the birth of Jesus Christ, it was not easy to convince a virgin who knew no man yet that she was going to have a baby. She also asked the how question. Peter indirectly asked Jesus the “How” Question when Jesus asked him to launch out into the deep. He said master “We’ve toiled all day long and caught nothing” he must be saying I wonder how you want to do it, but because you said so, I will obey and you know the rest of the story.

Sarah laughed when she was told that she would have a baby at her old age, an impossible situation, how can a woman who has reached her menopausal age conceive? The “how” question also showed up here.

We have several examples and situations when the ‘how’ question came up in the scripture, but they all got answers. I don’t know that particular situation in your life that has kept you asking the How question, I don’t know how big your “HOW” is. I have good news for you. Because those instances in the scripture got answers; yours will too. The same God is alive today and He is still in the business of working wonders. Just one day is enough for God to turn things around for you, He is God of all flesh and nothing is too difficult for him.

Cheer up cos all is well!

God bless Nigeria!

Have a wonderful 2012!

The man in the Mirror

Happy Independence day compatriots. Trust you are great, its been a while, i ve been hooked up with a whole lot lately, but its all for good. I was looking for one of my write ups to edit and put up for this month being our national birth month. But while checking my achieves, i came across a note i had posted earlier, but reading it all over again made me feel like sharing it again as it captures what was/is on my mind to share.

So i titled it : The man in the Mirror. If you want to see Nigeria transform into a great nation in all ramifications, it all begins with man in the mirror, and that man is you. You have to lead the CHANGE!

While reading one of my role model’s book- Winning with people -John Maxwell. I came across something that resonates with me. He said that if I want to win with people, make a difference, that I need to examine myself first-the first person I must change is my self.

“If I ever think I’ve finished growing, then I’m in trouble” Maxwell wrote. Anyways one remarkable story he shared in the book reads:

In the crypts of Westminster Abbey, the following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican bishop who lived in the eleventh century:

“When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew in my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realized: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows; I may have even changed my world.”

The bottom line here is that change begins with us. If you become a better you, you will then be able to encourage someone out there to become a better person as well, and it grows that way. We are naturally quick at judging people around without examining ourselves first. If you must make a difference in this world, you must take responsibility.

I was tempted to throw a used recharge card on the road few days back, but on a second thought, I felt I would be contravening what I have always preached against, I thought that if I throw this on the road, and some other person does that and another person does the same thing, everywhere will be obviously littered with dirt. I would have contributed to the nuisance we all are trying to curb. So I decided to keep the used card and trashed it on getting home.

Don’t think that, that seemingly little ‘good’ you are doing to keep our environment clean by not littering the environment with dirt is insignificant, if everybody will do the little within our powers we will achieve much and by so doing we would have made a significant impact in the lives of people and our country as well.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIA!

Change begins with you!

THE MAN WITH A DIFFERENT SPIRIT

Hi, its been a while, trust you are holding on, working and believing that this second part of the year will be greater than the first. For the benefit of those who are yet to buy my book but will buy eventually, this is a review of the book, just for you.

Author: Favour Erebosi

Reviewer: Emmanuel Effiong-Bright

The 156 page book - The man with a different spirit, defying the status quo written by Favour Erebosi, copyright 2011 and published by Fempact, is an instructional and inspirational body of work that aptly fits into the genre of self development. The subject matter rests on the need for change as a necessary cure for self-inflicted backwardness. The therapeutic possibilities inherent in this must read is evident in the beautiful cover, page texture, illustrative graphics and qualitatively researched content. The book bears the ISBN tag 978 978 912 8310.

The book, basically, introduces the reader to the latent and change ordering potential resident in him or her. It establishes in many contexts the paths and rewards of those who dare to make a difference in our world. The author’s audience would therefore include everyone; lower-class, middle-class, upper-class, students, employees, entrepreneurs etc. The author’s style though understandably formal has for the sake of its wide audience base, great fusions of buoyancy and breeziness. The writing style is highly coherent, fluid and concise. Though one would expect a great dose of lingo from the author’s industry, again her careful choice of words betray her effort and commitment to be understood by all. Her style therefore suits her audience.

A quick look at the table of content would show a sequence leading the reader to the ultimate goal of the book. Set in 11 chapters, its listing in proper order is:

- The making of a man

- Meet an overcomer

- Insanity redefined

- Anatomy of a man with a different spirit

- Speaking your way to the peak

- Choices and consequences: The Siamese twins

- Tomorrow is now

- The man with a different spirit

- You have no excuse

- The world waits to celebrate the man

- Take charge!

The making of a man 1

Seeks to establish the uniqueness of individuals and the creator’s expectations. This is well captured in Eleanor Powell’s quote, “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God”. In chapter one, the author strives and successfully establishes the transition from child to man and the power interactions that makes this possibility. In the chapter, the author amongst other ways shows how common adjectives and perceptions shape our personality.

Meet an over comer 2

Overcoming challenges is at the core of this chapter. Here the author enrolls in the school of thought that views challenges as an inevitable and fast-track dimension to growth. She extracts examples from the Holy Book to make her case. The reader would find interesting, The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary definition of the word ‘challenge’. OALD defines challenge as “a new or difficult task that tests somebody’s ability and skill.” She sums up the chapter with the ‘rise to fame story’ of Ibukun Awosika, Nigerias indefatigable business amazon.

Insanity redefined 3

“Have dominion and multiply the earth” Gods instruction to man takes a revelatory dimension in chapter 3 when the writer asserts it is the Creator’s way of encouraging his creation to defy status quo. It’s brilliant. The chapter attemps to link a thread in the characteristics of mad people and the sane who would rather stick to tradition than break out of the box. It encourages employees to help their organizations achieve against odds rather than complain about the things that don’t work. Obama’s intruiging life story finds a home in this chapter.

Anatomy of a man with a different spirit 4

Chapter four introduces the man with a different spirit as a dreamer. A catalogue of names both historical and present pegs this thought to the ground. Henry Ford and Joseph, the Bible character lead the list of dreamers. The author also declaratively makes a case for self definition and its impact on performance. She makes the reader to observe the fact that even the people we look up to as heroes, are only heroes because they overcame challenges. The chapter goes ahead to list attributes of the dreamer, among them, the fact that dreamers are not afraid of the unknown.

Speaking your way to the peak 5

If this chapter were to be summed up in one sentence, “a closed mouth is a closed destiny”, a quote attributed to Bishop David Oyedopo would be fitting. In this chapter we are encouraged to keep speaking until we see the reality of our words. These speeches or words, if you rather, should not be restricted to our persons but deliberately extended to our country of birth. Here, we are re-introduced to the second stanza of our national anthem –which is actually a prayer for the wellbeing of our nation, leaders and citizens. The power of thinking is given a good mention in this chapter.

Choices and consequences: The Siamese twins 6

It’s instructive to know or be reminded that the former president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, would have been a jazz musician but for his chance meeting with John F. Kennedy. While not demeaning the importance of musicians in our society, this count introduces the reader to the importance of choices in life. “Choice is an everyday occurrence”, says the author, “from the time we wake up to the time we go back to the spot from which we awoke.” Not to be left in a pure state of motivation, the author goes ahead to list steps to maximizing our choices in life.

Tomorrow is now 7

The message of urgency rings aloud for all to hear in this chapter. Visualization is not enough we must follow through to implementation and on time, too.

The man with a different spirit 8

This is the heart of the subject. It is the nucleus from which the book derives its guts. Governor Babatunde Fashola and his achievements in Lagos State get a standing or do we say a reading ovation in this section. By doing the impossible, Fashola is honored with the tag, a man with a different spirit. Same goes for Stevie ‘the blind’ Wonder who still serenades our lives with hit tunes, the likes that have won him 30 U.S. top hits, 22 Grammy awards (a record for a solo artist) just to mention a few. Cosmos Maduka’s hilarious but serious life story, not less important, gives us a ‘local’ dimension to the man with a different spirit.

You have no excuse 9

The world waits to celebrate the man 10

Take charge 11

I crave your indulgence as I have taken the liberty to summarize and weave the titles of these three chapter into one sentence, one sentence I hope will remain in the hearts of all those who’ll read this book i.e.

“You have no excuse because the world earnestly waits to celebrate those that take charge”

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ll like to say, even though I am privileged to be exposed to this kind of books by virtue of my profession, I am impressed by the author’s attention to researching the subject matter. I however must say that no book is ever in its perfect state, hence the need for further review by the author. When this is given its proper place, authors will attest to the fact that it births the second, third, fourth editions and so on. My advice to the brilliant author is same as I have offered over the years, a quote attributed to a great man, “the greatest room in the world is the room for improvement. It’s a great book, in my opinion, one worth reading. Thank you!

The unveiling of the Man

More picture of the book launch.

Why People Don't Change -- 3 Reasons and 5 Things You Can Do - By Debbie Roberts & Werner Hofstatter

I subscribed to one online selfgrowth website, i really learn so much from different articles and newsletters they send me.

I have decided to share this wonderful article on CHANGE with you, please read and be inspired.

Dealing with difficult people can be extremely frustrating. Trying to change them can be even worse. Understanding why people find it so difficult to change can provide some insight and relief. Although changing another person is out of your control there are some things you can do that can help. This may be absolutely necessary if the difficult person in your life is your spouse, your child, your boss, or anyone else who you have close contact with every day.

Understanding why people find it so difficult to change is the first step. Here are three things you should know.

1) What we see in other people is very obvious because we can observe it objectively. This perspective is huge. Understanding that what we see is not as obvious to them is vital. Communicating our perception in a fair manner is the first step.

2) We have all been "programmed". A lot of our emotional habits are formed in early childhood. It took us a long time to perfect these habits, so to just "change them" permanently is not always easy. If you have ever tried to quit a bad physical habit like smoking, eating sweets or biting your nails, you'll know that at first it is really hard to just stop. Emotional habits are even more difficult because they are not as obvious. Self-awareness is the key.

3) Sometimes people are aware of their annoying habit or behavior but still don't change. This happens when the "payoff" for staying the same is higher than benefit of changing. Think about the person who is notoriously late. What kind of payoff can someone get from being late all the time? Here are a few payoffs that may be keeping them stuck. "I can get a lot more things done during the time I could be early or on time". "I feel in control". "Being late is fashionable, I wouldn't want to appear over anxious or too eager". "If I'm early I may have to wait for someone else". Although these payoffs are double standards they are often

overwhelming. The obvious positive payoffs that we may perceive, like "appearing more professional", "improved relationships" and "reduced stress levels" may not even cross their mind.

So what can you do? Here are some tips to making lasting changes:

1. Change yourself first but state your needs clearly and respectfully. You can only change yourself. This may include letting others know that your needs are not being met and telling them what you require from them. You can say something like, "I have to let you know that when you are late I feel disrespected. My time is important too. In the future, I require that you be on-time or let me know in advance that you'll be late. Is that something you can do?"

2. Get some perspective. Self-awareness is the key to change. You can't change what you can't see. If you require a new perspective on yourself take a look at your life and see what's not working for you. Then, with the help of some objective and truthful friends, ask them what they think you're doing to create this situation. If someone else seems to be unaware of a behaviour that is affecting others, ask a specific question like, "Are you aware that when you ________ it is hurtful?"

3. Uncover your history to discover your current mystery. Patterns and habits can be deep. Look at your early childhood experiences. Are you a people pleaser? Why? How did this start? Are you shy and withdrawn? How did this start? Finding the root of your emotional habits will equip you to make different choices. Conscious choice is incredibly empowering.

4. Figure out the "payoff". Leverage is needed to change a habit. There has to be a bigger reason to change than to stay the same. Looking deeper is often the key. Honestly list all the reasons why you may be unconsciously resisting change. Then list the benefits of changing. Seeing both sides of the picture is the only way to "get it". If you are dealing with another person ask them why they think they don't change. This will help them process why they may be stuck.

5. Do the "21-day habit change". By changing an emotional habit for 21 days you will be well on your way to permanent change. Just 21 days. Track it, journal it or create a spreadsheet. If you can get through that the rest will be a breeze.

Hang in there!

The launch in Pix

Left to right- Emmanuel Bright of Emmagination Consulting; Niyi Adesanya of Fifth Gear Consulting; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Former Attorney general and commissioner for Justice Lagos state; the author, Favour Erebosi and SACO, the MC and comedian.

I almost forgot

Hi Friends,

Whatever happened to my manners, how can i forget to invite you to the public presentation of my first inspirational book titled: THE MAN WITH A DIFFERENT SPIRIT- defying the status quo.

Please forgive me. You are specially invited to the formal launch of my book. Venue: Adebola House, Opebi. Ikeja. Lagos
Time: 12noon prompt.
Date: 30th April, 2011

I will expecting you!

Achieve the extra ordinary, It's in you!

1000 Points of Light.

I had the privilege of being part of a revolutionary program put together by the Daniels Generation, a revolutionary youth arm of RCCG Olive tree assembly. Banana Island, Ikoyi.

The program was tagged Conversation to change the Nation- 1000 points of light. The objective was to light up 1000 participants that will contagiously light up others to positively advance the nation. It was an avenue for youths to ask the leaders some questions that have been bothering them over time concerning the state of the nation.

We had several seasoned speakers like His Excellency, Governor Babbtunde Raji Fashola, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Leke Alder, Soji Apampa, Bode Agusto, Yemi Adelekan, Olayemi, Cardaso and a host of others.

In order to give you an insight into what we learnt, I have decided to give you some bullet points of what the first speaker spoke on. They resonate with me; I want to believe it should do same with you.

The governor was the first to speak, he started by saying that there is nothing wrong with Nigeria, that if we resolve that this is what we want as a nation and collectively adhere to set standards, we will thrive.

• This country is not a lost cause
• We live in a country where we make more babies without corresponding Hospitals to take care of these babies
• Buy more cars without building new roads- The last major road constructed in Lagos was the third main land bridge.
• The more people who try to access limited resources, the more frustrated they become… We live in country where more people are struggling to have access to limited resources…
• Infrastructural renewal is one of our core goals in developmental plans
• A greener and cleaner environment is a healthy environment
• The measure of progress in any state is whether or not your government is responsive.
• We must imbibe the right attitude that nothing is impossible
• An attitude that only us can limit us
• This is the attitude needed for change
• We must re-examine our values, without the right values, everything built will collapse.
• Nothing can stand in our way with proper values, right attitude and belief, nothing is impossible.
• IT IS POSSIBLE.

That was the closing charge. IT IS POSSIBLE.

Be and lead d change!

Make up Your Mind

We are already five days into the second month of the year, and I won’t be surprised that some people are yet to kick start what they have planned to do this year. I want to believe that you are familiar with the popular quote that “All objects remain in a state of rest until a force is applied” Did I get the quote well? Anyways, I am sure you understand where I am driving at. It is very important to note that nothing happens without a push. I love the woman with the issue of blood in the scriptures, I am not being pastoral here because I am not one, but I want use a popular illustration. She did one thing and that was “She made up her mind” that she was going to touch Jesus on the set day she got her healing.

Remember she had the crowd to contend with, I guess most people who also wanted to get Jesus’s attention would have cajoled and made fun of her to move away for “better and healthy people” to see the master. Their discouraging acts did not deter her, because her mind was made up. She was ready to surmount all obstacles just to touch the master.

You might as well call the write up ‘The power of determination’ the simple message here is that nothing is going happen until you make it happen, let me also say here that it is not enough to make up your mind, action must accompany your determination.

May be you have so many projects lined up for the year, but you haven’t started working on any for fear of completion and obstacles, kindly borrow from the woman with issue of blood, she didn’t care about the obstacles, she wanted something, she went for it, surmounting all obstacles and got what she wanted. It’s possible you are yet to make up your mind to begin. My advice, if you have them all well outlined, please run with it, because that vision is for an appointed time. But you must RUN with it. Meaning you can’t fold your hands and wait for things to happen, please make them happen. You’ve got all it takes.

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Leave the workability with God, just make up your mind today and ACT.

Achieve the extra- ordinary… It’s in you!

Take Charge!

Corruption is not our Problem

Happy New Year, good and great people of this great nation, hope goals have been set and plans to achieve them properly put in place. Not to worry, everything will be ok, if you play your part well, God will definitely surprise you pleasantly.

The crux of the matter today is that corruption is not our problem… “Favour, what are you talking about’? Someone must be saying, never mind just read through. We are quick to blame the underdevelopment of the nation on bad leadership and corruption. I am not refuting the fact that these things are part of the problem, but lamenting on them without necessary action is actually the major problem we have in this nation. Nigeria suffers more from our continued inaction than from the problems.

We suffer more of inaction in this nation than anything else. If you say leadership is the problem, what are we doing to solve the problem or is it just about talking and writing about them on the pages of newspaper? I don’t think so. If you say corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of this nation, what have we done to curb it? Why do we spend so much time on talking than acting? We are of no doubt known to make noise about bad situations than proffering solutions to them.

The election is around the corner, if you want to stop bad leadership and corruption, it’s time you stood up and allow your vote count. We encourage bad leadership when we fold our hands at election times when we are supposed to determine who takes the mantle of leadership. Prayer is key to success no doubt, but even the good book said “ Faith without work is dead” For our religious brothers who have been praying and are still praying for the forth coming election, I would advise that while we pray, we should also be part of a defining moment that confronts us. We are not saying that you should stop praying; we are only pleading that you should come out and cast your vote.

Pessimists would not show up at the polls, no doubt, those who think that the status quo remains, who think strongly that the election would be rigged may not bother showing up. But let me remind us that such mindset would not take us anywhere. When we keep thinking that things will never get better we prolong the realization of our dreams as a nation. When we think Nigeria should sort herself out of her woes, we are not been patriotic. When we think ethnicity should determine who leads, we need to reconsider unity.

Until we see the growth and development of this nation as a collective responsibility, it might not be easy for us to attain the height we have always wanted.

Corruption is just a noun, and it functions where you allow it to, besides. It’s found in almost all the nations of the world in different degrees. But we can decide to erase it from our system, if only you will do the right thing at the right time not minding who is doing the wrong thing. If we say the system is totally corrupt, do something to salvage the system, your vote is your voice and your power that no one can take away from you. Use it wisely this time around, and help fight the so called corruption and bad leadership.

Apart from voting the right people into position of leadership, let’s remind ourselves that we are saddled with the responsibility of making their job easier by being good citizens that will discharge their civic responsibilities with a sense of patriotism. Don’t sit and wait for things to happen, make them happen.

Remember Andrew lack’s word, “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Change begins with you!

Re-branding a Nation

Hi friends! Trust your week has been great! I took some time out to deal with some urgent matters, but i ve returned and you will be hearing from me often as it used be.

Somehow i felt like voicing my opinion on the Re-branding process going on in the nation, though not so much has been heard about it lately. Please read thru:

Re-branding is the act of repackaging a product, it’s usually an improvement on what already exist; there could be name or content change, it could just be external change only, re- branding takes place after you have scanned the market and found a need to. I know this question is rhetorical; do we need re branding in Nigeria? Is it outward or inward re branding? When I say outward, I mean, beautification of streets, improved transportation and social amenities? Without mincing word, outward re branding is good, it will create a good environment for investors, but the simple truth is we need more than just outward re branding.

“Rebranding” a nation begins first in the minds, paradigms and value systems of the people before the external approach. What we need urgently in this nation is inward re branding, this can start with you. My point is simple, if we must witness developmental change, we would need to work on ourselves and this can begin by purging ourselves of those vices we practice everyday, in leadership position, as traders, artisans, graduates, undergraduates, lecturers, editors, etc. in whatever position or state you are right now. You need to realize that a huge responsibility is upon you as to how this nation develops.

We need character re branding, we need to look inward and check those things we do that we always say, “don’t really matter”, “everyone is doing it” but in one way or the other affect your neighbour and invariably the nation; we need to purge ourselves of all corrupt practices no matter how little we think they are. Giving and receiving bribe, alteration of figures for personal aggrandizement, sexual abuse and harassments, the list goes on. We also need to drop some social vices like, , religious intolerance, youth restiveness, kidnapping and militancy, public officials looting the Treasury, people driving against traffic, littering the environment with dirt, throwing dirt out of the car. These are little foxes that spoil the vine.

When we have purged ourselves of these things and so many more not mentioned here, then the re branding we are talking about will be a success. Re branding starts by imbibing and acting on those values that that we are known by. Values like: honesty, communal love, unity, resilience, justice, hard work and truth. These values have been with us, but we act like they don’t exist.

Let me also point out here that re branding is not a spontaneous thing, its gradual, but must be consistent. If each week you pick up one of the values and decide to uphold and act on it, and your friend or neighbour picks one as well and act on it, with consistency, we will achieve our dream of a nation with “Good people, Great nation”. It is not so difficult if you see yourself as an integral part of the process of the re branding. But it’s going to be difficult if we stand aloof and expect the people who initiated the scheme to do it all alone.

You have a part to play in the re branding process, we all have parts to play. Let us put our heads and hands together in presenting this country as “GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT NATION” to the world!

Change begins with you!

Custodian or Citizen

Hello, its been a while, trust you are doing great and getting ready for your voice to be heard through your vote, remember no apathy for a change agent. Anyways let's get down to the business of the day: Custodian or Citizen. Which one are you?

I checked my Encarta Dictionary to find out more on what Custodian really means and here are definitions by Encarta: Person responsible for something valuable: somebody responsible for holding or looking after valuable property on behalf of a company or another person (2) Upholder of something valuable: a protector and upholder of something seen as valuable and endangered such as traditions or moral values. I will stick with the second definition. I see a custodian as an upholder and protector of moral values.

I just put the definition down to enable us have an understanding of who a custodian is. So who is a citizen? My Encarta also puts it this way: Legal resident of country: somebody who has the right to live in a country because he or she was born there or has been legally accepted as a permanent resident. From the two definitions, we can comfortably define which one we are. So I am asking you, are you a custodian or citizen?

It’s not difficult to identify where you belong, I can tell you that, you know why? Because you know yourself, you know what you do everyday. You know if you are a citizen and a custodian of this nation when you ensure that moral values you have learnt over the years are upheld by you and yours, when you try everything within your powers to protect your integrity knowing that it will invariably rob off on the nation at large, when you speak the truth at all times not minding the consequences, when you preach and encourage unity in all fronts, when you are eager to show love to your neighbour, when you are ready to give your all towards a good course, when your heart bleeds on the news of kidnapping, looting of public treasury and robbery.

You are a citizen and a custodian when your passion is on national transformation, when you will do everything to improve the lives of people around you, when your heart bleeds because your nation is topping the list of corrupt nations in the world, and the passion to have that impression corrected eats you up. You are a custodian when you are selfless in your service to your nation; you don’t see leadership position as a means of enriching your life but an opportunity to be a servant leader, one who can stand for integrity no matter what.

You are a custodian and a citizen when you always pray for the peace of your country, when you carry out your civic responsibility without apathy. Election is around the corner, a custodian and a citizen will not stand aloof and watch corrupt leaders take over the mantle of leadership when he understands the important role his vote will play.

But you are just a citizen when you are legal resident of this country, pay your tax, utility bills, have a good job, you are not bothered about political or economic condition of the country, what is important to you is your life, family and work. Every other thing as to what happens to the country where you are resident does not bother you. So many of us fall under this category, some belong here because they have given up on this nation and the leaders, they have concluded that nothing good is going to happen, so what’s the point in disturbing their lives over values and concerns for the nation.

I have an advice for you, come join us, as a custodians, we don’t give up hope, we don’t give up the fight for our right. We have learnt lessons from people and nations who never gave up and won the battle in the long run, we will keep protecting our nation, upholding our moral values until victory is achieved. President Barrack Obama captured my thought well during his inauguration, hear him “"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task".

Nigeria suffers more from our continued inaction than from the problems, fellow Custodians, don’t give up, quitters never win and winners don’t quit, I know what you think, the situation seems gloomier than ever, but remember that the darkest night is close to the day. Nigeria will get there as a nation, but not without you!

Change begins with you!

ZONING SAGA AND NIGERIA’S POLITICAL FUTURE

Hi Friends,

Trust you are great, just want say thank you for always taking time out to read my posts. It's quite encouraging to get commendation from everyone.

I just had the article below posted on my facebook, so i felt i should do same here. The article was published in Financial Standard Newspaper on 12th and 19th of July 2010. It's my comment on the current current Zoning saga.

Please read thru:

First it was all about our then ailing president, everyone wanted to know where he was, what happened to him and there was so much distraction at the hem of affairs. While all these were happening, our northern brothers kept buttressing the fact that whatever happens, the leadership of this nation would rest on their shoulders for another 4 years based on a political party’s consensus. And for a while now, Zoning has been the crux of the matter. It baffles me on how people are so concerned about their selfish interest than the well being of the entire nation. I don’t think we should allow this zoning thing distract us from what is important, which is setting agenda for national development and working towards attaining greatness for this nation.

It is not constitutional; therefore debating it is not so important. Be it as it may, it would be great to remind the perpetrators that the interest of the entire nation supersedes that of a political party or region.

If you ask me, participation in governance by every part of the country should not be the criteria for electing a leader. Nigerians should be free to elect a leader with tested and proven record of good leadership abilities or potentials. Agreed, that the zoning was borne out of sentiments to stop complaints on marginalization, but like the first PDP national Chairman, Chief Solomon Lar said “But zoning is not permanent. It is temporary” even as PDP plans to do something with the zoning theory; I would love to remind them that true and effective leadership is not based on zoning.

Status quo is the mess we are in, according to Ronald Reagan, a former American president. The earlier we discover that we owe posterities a lasting legacy and foundation on which they can confidently build on, the better for us.

The interest of the people should be considered ahead of tribe and sentiments in leadership. As election draws near, it would be a great delight for every one to participate. The constitution allows every legible Nigerian to participate in the election of anyone they find suitable to lead them. Why should some political party restrict us to a particular region? Leaders that should keep themselves busy with setting agenda for national development are busy clamouring for regional leadership while some are busy fighting in the house over allowances and personal benefits.

A group of prominent Northern politicians in the ruling people’s Democratic party recently met in Abuja to map out strategies aimed at stopping Jonathan from contesting the presidential poll next year, insisting that their region should produce the president in the next dispensation. Sincerely the interest of the nation should be of major importance and not region. Let us remind these leaders that the foundation they build today is what posterity will build on.

Does it really matter if one region leads for several years if the leadership is born out of the interest of the people and not for regional or political interest? I personally don’t have a problem with the presidency coming from the north or any other region for 20 consecutive years if development is even and equally distributed across the nation. I don’t agree with the arrangement of insisting that presidency must come from a particular region because a political party said so.

The political party can go on to nominate, but the people who are aware of the political situation of this country and the dire need for national transformation in every facet of this great country should not be bought over by some sect who think posterity will forgive them for their selfish arrangement to trade the nation’s interest for their selfish and political ambition.

I believe we are going to have a credible election in 2011, but the people must come out to vote for the candidate they know will bring about the change we need. it has absolutely nothing to do with colour, race, region. If politics was based on this premise, I don’t think President Obama of the United States of America would have had a chance.

Americans stood up for change, because they were tired of status quo. The good people of this nation are tired of status quo- the way things are. We need change and that, we will get, but there is a price to it. We must all stand up for it.

We can’t jeopardize the future of this nation because of some selfish people who only think about party and not the interest of the nation at large. Let me say this to my fellow custodian of this great nation. Political parties will definitely lure you to dance to their tune with so much money. But while you take that money, remember you are trading the future of this nation and posterity for selfish gains.

Nigerians should be allowed to make their choice of a president in a free and fair election.

Let us take a stand against selfishness. Stand up for equity and justice. Think more of the people, less about ourselves make the right decisions, and take the right and necessary steps towards achieving greatness for this nation. It’s a price we must all pay to attain greatness. NIGERIA, GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT NATION!

Take Charge!

Favour.

Published in Financial Standard Newspaper-12th and 19th of July 2010.

YOU CAN LEAD THE CHANGE

I am very optimistic that the “New Nigeria Project-Dream” as we call it, is a reality. Don’t crucify me yet if you feel that the problematic leadership situation in the country would never allow the realization of such dream. The fact remains that a dream goes through processes which, in most cases, are quite unpleasant especially where the dreamer is not strong-willed enough to get to the end of the processes. But be that as it may, I am confident that what is happening in this nation is a phase in the processes, and we are getting over it soon.

My confidence stems from the fact that Nigeria still has some credible leaders who are willing to serve the nation selflessly. Such leaders have demonstrated over time that their character and fortitude are unadulterated and indisputable. The Minister of Communication and Information, Professor Dora Akunyili is a handy example. Starting with her tenure as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) she has exhibited an unflinching spirit of patriotism and doggedness.

At NAFDAC, she escaped several assassination attempts but this has not deterred her from providing selfless and first-grade service to her nation. And her stance during the recent saga of the ailing president as it concerns the interest of the nation further buttresses her selfless approach to leadership. No doubt, her courageous intervention roused other members of the Federal Executive Council from their slumber. Today, the country is on the move again under the leadership of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.

I must say here that leadership is about being able to tow a different path from others when it matters most. Indeed, it is not easy to take a stand that will bring about a positive change when you are surrounded by people who share a different view. Leadership is not just about being in power or enjoying the benefits attached to the position, it is a responsibility that comes with accountability.

This is why I insist that the dream is a reality because we only need few people like Akunyili to get to the critical number of people that can take this great country to where it deserves to be. If you can take a stand today against corruption and other social vices, whether in public service or private business then the change that we crave for is here. We don’t need too many people.

The panacea we need for change is simply that of promotion of the consciousness of the common good over the consciousness of self or personal gains. If I may ask, how many leaders in this generation are ready to give up their prejudices, personal comfort and self-indulgence just to serve their fathers’ land? Are there men who will risk their lives just for the good of the people of their nation without thinking about personal gain or glory? George Washington, the first American president provides a very good example of a leader who laid the foundation of greatness for his country through selfless service.

The 1^st United States Congress voted to pay Washington a salary of $25,000 a year - a large sum in 1789. Washington, already wealthy, declined the salary, to demonstrate that he valued his image as a selfless public servant. At the urging of Congress, however, he ultimately accepted the payment to avoid setting a precedent whereby the presidency would be perceived as limited only to independently wealthy individuals who could serve without any salary. Washington attended carefully to the pomp and ceremony of office. He made sure that the titles and trappings were suitably republican and never emulated European royal courts. To that end, he preferred the title of "Mr. President" to other more majestic names that were suggested.

Washington proved an able administrator. An excellent judge of talent and character, he held regular cabinet meetings to debate issues before making a final decision. In handling routine tasks, he was "systematic, orderly, energetic, and solicitous of the opinion of others but decisive, intent upon general goals and the consistency of particular actions with them.

Washington reluctantly served a second term as president. He refused to run for a third, establishing the customary policy of a maximum of two terms for a president which later became law in the 22^nd amendment to the American constitution. George Washington saw leadership as a responsibility to selflessly serve the public and not a permanent position to siphon public wealth.

Why is he officially honoured in his country as the “Father of the nation” and why is his October 2 birthday commemorated in his country as a national holiday and worldwide as the International day of non-violence? It is because he inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. I am talking about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi of India. In a bid to ease poverty, expand women's rights, build religious and ethnic amity, and increase economic self-reliance and above all, achieve the independence of India from foreign domination; Gandhi spent a number of years in jail in both South Africa and India. He was a learned fellow who felt that the best thing he could do for his people and posterity was to stand for the truth and the freedom of his people. And denying himself of so much comfort just to achieve these was the best option.

He has inspired several leaders and social reformers by his selfless service in India, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama etc drew inspiration from Gandhi. We are all aware of the impact the above leaders made/make in their respective countries just to bring about change that has inspired the world.

Imagine this post (online) on our ailing president which I came across some days ago. The exasperated commentator who is obviously a Nigerian wrote - “How does a country change when everybody is a thief and a liar? And I mean from top to bottom. Not one single person living in Nigeria keeps their word. There is no hope.” My take on this is that the comment lacks merit. I totally disagree with those statements, first because there is hope for this nation and because we still have God-fearing people who keep to their word, value integrity and see themselves as custodians of Nigeria. A custodian is considered as someone in whose care something important is entrusted for a specific time.

There is hope because no matter how appalling the state of affairs in the energy and power sector or other sectors of the economy may seem at the moment, it is all a phase in the processes to greatness. Let me also state here that the responsibility of bringing about the desired change does not solely rest on those occupying one leadership position or the other. And if each of us can resolve to uphold integrity as an integral part of principles that guide our daily lives, we are sure close to the change we desire.

As much as we look up to those in positions of authority to make a positive leadership impact, we also have the responsibility of championing positive change wherever we find ourselves. It was Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America who, in his inaugural speech said that “Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task".

And I put it this way - the panacea we need for change in this nation is within each of us. All we need is the recognition on the part of every Nigerian that we have duties not just to ourselves alone, but to our nation and the world - duties that we seize gladly when we see ourselves beyond mere citizens but custodians who are ready to do everything within our powers to ensure that this nation reaches the height it is destined to reach.

We can achieve so much when we put Nigeria’s interest first at all times, keep to our word – integrity. Do the right thing irrespective of who is doing the wrong thing and be a solution to a problem and not a problem to solutions. You too can make a difference no matter how little it may seem; it would go a long way. You can lead the change.

Lead D Change!

Favour Erebosi