I am thinking about Nigeria

The Half Man, Half Transformer..

2009-03-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Has finally transformed...

This extremely long (and slightly boring) post of mine was the tipping point.

In that post, I expressed every strong opinion I had regarding Nigeria. It was an attempt (not sure how successful it was) at linking every single aspect of our lives together in order to come up with a unified conclusion on how things completely fell apart.With these words, every idea of mine was fused to voice my present thoughts (at that time) on this shared inheritance (the space called Nigeria).

My conclusion is our future lies in the hands of God.

Projections and forecast hold no ground during this current global economic turmoil, so it is a waste of precious brain cells trying to figure out a way using these techniques. But one thing remains for sure: Nigerians are a resilient bunch. Our environment has made us ready to push on, even if with all the obstacles in our way. Our weakness in management and greed may hold us, but in time, all will be perfect. We (Nigerians hustling and bustling all around the world) are just part of a process that will usher in a new generational order. It is the speed at the thoroughness at which we take decisions will determine when our evolution will commence. But it definitely will. And that realization implies many things.

The role I play in the mind of my readers is now vacant (whew!! I don't have to worry about what I am going to post next month.lol. Yeah I know I was slow to update, but you gats to admit, this blog dealt with some pretty fundamental issues; at least these issues were deep to me at the time of writing).
I can now explore the direction of my transformation.

This transformation is geared towards a wavelength where my state of mind determines my experience (Good or bad, nice or sad). With the realization that you are simply part of a pre-defined process comes the understanding that life is what you make of it. And with that, the thinker transforms to become another being; a being that appreciates the beauty in life and the fullness of it.
That in mind made a paradigm shift in content of my post, from the traditional change Nigeria blog to a new horizon that exploring the mysteries in all things/issues I encounter. I have noticed a shift in my post since the beginning of the year and concluded that the focus of this blog is not deep enough to accomodate this new ideal and re-branding will just not work; thus Mr C evolves to become the aspiring poet (Yes, I know, I should have used wordpress abi?)

I enjoyed the ride thinking about Nigeria. The efforts put into my 38 posts, was rewarded with 121 comments, approximately 3,430 captured hits, some form of recognition (here & here), and a mental experience unmatched.

I may still drop some line here. But as I bow out, I will be looking forward to my next 'role'. The objective is unknown but with God's guidiance, that experience would be the reward; which would be priceless.

Looking forward to sharing my experiences and I thank your time spent reading. I remain faithfully yours truly,

Seyi Osinowo - Mr C (Half Man, Half Transformer)

The Mating Call

2009-03-16T02:39:00.000-07:00

“There are three things which are wonderful; the fourth which I cannot understand.

The way of an eagle in the air
The way of a serpent upon the rocks
The way of a ship in the midst of a sea
The ways of a man & his maid”

-----------------Proverb 30: 18-19

She noticed as he pass by. Pin strip suit, shirt, tie with even the scent to match. He's got it all. But she wasn't noticed. And it was not in her to make the first move.

Bisi sought for age old tactics to get his attention from her friends, as it is known that amidst the chatter and gossip, the gathering of women (usually in salons; that is possibly why they spend so much time doing their hair) contains the way. Yemi suggestion lacked substance “Just walk up to him and say you like him. Dress seductively-Let something show; he will drop after that day". Too cheap, she thought. I will speak to the elder (Her manicurist). The strategies of old had this subtle strike to it. She knew it would work.

Six month later, somewhere in Gbagada, there was Fred lying in bed next to Bisi trying to figure out what he had just done. He knows how office relationships end in scandals. And that could be his job!!

But this attraction was more than he could resist; it was like ants to sugar. This Bisi….
Fred recently joined the branch in Ketu. This was a man in his mid thirties could be classified as charismatic, a highflyer and quite well to do. He was received warmly and enjoyed the admiration and side comments even from Branch beauty queen, pretty Miss Ronke. But he stuck to his principle. At least for the first two weeks….
He was casually introduced to Bisi during his induction. He never considered her as attractive (at least from his standards and that of the bank).
He felt her stare anytime he passes by. When he looked back, she turned away. He thought it was innocent. Maybe, there was a stain or something like his tie not matching with his colour scheme, or body odour. His continual effort to redress or clean up led him deeper into the trap, by causing more stares. This seemingly innocent game of 'look' only made him gaze back for more. As days passed, Fred began to look forward to the time he could play 'look' with Bisi. He noticed her different outfits, her sway and grace. Her dimples were admirable. He began to notice what could make her attractive. This led him to ask “would she think me the same way?” His wonders lured him to spend more time around her desk carrying files (just trying to look busy) with the hope that the opportunity would arise when he can talk to her informally. She played her own part by consistently making mistakes anytime he is around with the hope that he would play ‘the knight in shinning armor’ and rescues her (which he did). At first, all effort to take her out was met with resistance.
Not until last night; all on his bill…

There is sophistication in the ways of a lady; methods that took years of nurturing to develop and handed down through generation. By these subtle gestures, body movement, women have been known to make men act without full understanding of their primary intention; taking decision that goes against their core beliefs.….

And all this starts with a mating call.

Top 100 blog for learning about Africa

2009-02-03T16:48:00.001-08:00

I got informed via some email sent to my inbox. Apparently,this article commends yours truly for providing posts that "offer a very real sense of what it’s like to live as a Nigerian with topics including politics, life, culture, and economy" (see no 37).

Agreed this is no Oscar award but it does feel good to get some form of recognition/commendation. I truly appreciate that someone thinks that my internal conversations (conversations to decide between natural or nutural responses) provides material on the Nigerian experience. I must be doing something worthwhile.

I am still a bit curious on the criteria used in evaluating and arriving at the conclusions stated.

Lagos Na wa!

2009-02-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Lagos is the craziest place I have ever been to.
MarianaVanZeller

A video that explores the Lagos experience.
http://current.com/items/89199577/lagos_la_vida_still_loca.htm
I must admit, her analysis of Lagos was thorough and unbiased but there are some two minor details that weren't quite true.

Lagos definitely has a population and housing problem but people identified that live in shackles over swamp are rural poor that originate from Riverine areas. The lack of adequate housing is not the reason why those structure exist. The settlers are used to that kind of living.
Environmental sanitation was not introduced 3 years ago. It has always being a form of unspoken policy as long as I can remember (was taught about it in primary school and groomed to do it throughout my life). Maybe it was re-introduced 3 years ago, but the fact remains that it has always been there.

This blogger's desire

2009-02-03T13:57:00.001-08:00

One desire I have is to be renowned as a provider of art. The medium or the type of art is not clear but the focus remain; that message must come forth. A message that preaches fairness with equality and gets people to act in truth with one another.
But such message does not come out of thin air. It must be embodied in our understanding of individual daily rituals packaged in an artistic form; a form that capture imagination whilst allowing the message retain its purity. Thus, I am taking up the tasks of the medieval craftsman with the use of words:

* By capturing thoughts and giving insight into ideas people have overlooked.
* By preserving rare moments like the first kiss of a lady, or jokes shared by age old friends and merging it with the logic of a tale.

Such goes beyond the simple use of words and music but also it comes by the creator thinking in a realm where words are refined and become life. The creator must work as a craftsman, refining his thoughts, digesting specific moments and then searching for a medium that can adequately express the message in a way that can be appreciated.

It is something I desire to do. Making the tears flow, charging the atmosphere to release that euphoric feeling through the spines of my audience, and creating lasting moments that they can always identify with.
This might be my most noble act to humanity. Changing myself, to change the world.

Myths about Them

2009-01-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

I saw it happen!!
It was about four second viewing but the context in which it happened, made the images stick.Just getting off the bridge that links the Ojota end of Ikorodu Road to Lagos Ibadan expressway. It was about 10pm at night and there was me, driving listening to music. Music playing was "Shooters" by Lil Wayne ft Robin Thicke. Just as the lyrics go "mama, hey mama, I think they want me to surrender" I see something lurking in the dark. When it becomes clearer, there were images of a man struggling with two young boys (ages between 21 and 23). As he struggled, they kept on unrelenting as they carried him to the other side of the road (the side where you have Motorways and Seven Up). A big tussle took place in the middle of the road and I think the one carrying his legs dragged off his trouser, slung it on his shoulders, and got back to carrying their victim to the destination, wherever that maybe.

In one way the scenario was like a modern interpretation of natives carrying their victim for ritual sacrifice. But also, it seemed like a choreographic imitation of vultures as they attack their prey.Of all things that blew my mind about the situation, and I think also made it stick, was the fact that I could not understand what I saw as there was no way the motives of the attackers made sense. Their antics had no similarities to anything I understood as human and this was the first time I came face to face with such encounters.It is easy to believe that my concern is in vain but that inability to relate to their experiences echoes a flaw in how our society is organized especially when these breed of people are pushing for the majority. High unemployment and incomprehensible growth in the economy has lead to an "unevolution" of the society's lower class as the weak, strong and wise, quest for ways to survive within harsh economic conditions that benefits only a few.

But what does it mean to unevolve? For context, unevolution would take place when there is a decline in the use of civil means expected in people's interaction and negotiation ethics with one another or strangers. The result would be everyone being suspicion on every encounter with every other person, as the former unconsciously make inquiries on indicators the describes their current realities of the latter.
Without insight, both parties are defensive and would hold no common/friendship grounds in negotiations unless some ice breaker is successful in brokering a peaceful union.All these results from lack of understanding who we are. Unlocking that requires detailed day to day narration of our lives in our environment the way it is, and communication that image in ways people can assimilate and get the information right. Art (in form of music, paintings, documentaries and drama) usually attempts to do that by providing us with a mirror from where we can look at ourselves and make adjustments where necessary. Such medium provide the platform where belief systems can be updated and people can now engage in more intimate conversations.Our arts and all information we collate about our society appear to exclude a growing aggressive attitude we have one with another. Though Nigerian music, art and Nollywood are getting increase global recognition, no one seems to be drawing any picture of the real issues.

No one is speaking on the university graduate driving Okada for a living
I have never come across a story on young Nigerians as they migrate Lagos in search of greener pastures
There is nothing done (even loosely) around how people rent apartment on shift basis
We don't see any intelligently constructed play that show how criminal operations are planned from scratch to finish.
Or do we see dramas narrating the life of doctors in a Nigerian teaching hospital?

With art that fails to describe, people are left with no other choice than to ascribe flawed characteristics on the next man. Without any assurance of the capability of the other person, there are limits to how much plans can be made that will truly be meaningful. In a society where everyone is skeptical about the next man there will always be higher than average need for caution and suspicion in basic dealings. Aggression will reign during transactions and violence will be more fatal.

Myths will guide as most people will never clearly get the true picture of the person in question.

About You

2008-12-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

“Speech and action… are the modes in which human beings appear to each other, not indeed as physical objects, but qua men. This appearance, are distinguished by mere bodily existence, rests on initiative, but it is an initiative from which no human being can refrain and still be human”..........“The Human Condition” Hannah Arendt

Have you ever heard a story about you? Have you ever stumbled upon people having that discussion? You will be startled as you observe the perception other people hold.

Let me first say one thing. Everybody talks. One form of entertainment we all engage in. Most actions we take spurs from that singular act as it is a primary source of individual information on what's happening. The medium of expression is a person, with a different perception of life and what it all entails. That perception, mixed with a sense of humor, style of speech, behavioral patterns, and the petty things unique to that individual (those things that he/she considers important) leaves an impression on the descriptions, the final output, the story and invariably the concept of that person called YOU .

So when someone says that story, the person being described will not be who you perceive yourself to be. And what’s amusing is another person's story might be a completely different version depending on how distant the story tellers are mentally.

Amazing isn’t it?

Cult of Amateurs

2008-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

(This title was dubbed from the book by Andrew Keen with the same name)

It is official!

Nigeria is the safest economy to invest in. Using some ratings, the experts at Merrill Lynch have come to that conclusion.
I take this news with mixed feeling.

On the bright side, it shows that all our shrewd, trust lacking, cash & carry business principles is the way to go. Knowing we are at the fore front of this "cutting edge" management practice, we are better positioned to establish our self as a force to reckon with in the emerging new world order.

But on another note, is this report saying that the actions by modern economies are not in tuned to what's in? Another interpretation of this article implies that the step by step, meticulous approach applied by developing countries (like Malaysia or Singapore) in making their economy a foreign direct investment attraction does not exactly do what is says on the tin. On a lighter note, if this interpretation is the way society responds to this report, then one can say that mob mentality and chaos as business strategies would be principles the London Business School of Economics must adopted as it trains the next world thinkers (Maybe they would be better trained in Nigeria).
What we are reading is stating that the responsibility of safeguarding the world's future should be left to the hands of quacks, depth-lacking policy makers & rent seeking professionals; in other words I refer to the component of our amateur managed economy.

This world economy downturn is worst than I thought.

The Career Quandary

2008-11-29T10:40:00.000-08:00

This article (by Phyllis Moen), is a must read for anyone interested in how traditional career path templates are not aligned with the ongoing economic change.

In simple term, the present career path is "a lock-step, full-time march to a one-way, one-time retirement" based on the idea that the man is the breadwinner of the household. The pressure of the new economy requires both men and women to work hand in hand to provide for the household.

But expectations and the way organizations are structured different. Older women are working longer in societies that are stuck in the stereotype idea that they should be homemakers (thus having higher expectations that they can deliver). The result a one size fit all career path that subjects the working force to a life vulnerable to overload and burnout, and places his/her productivity, family life, and the next generation being groom risk.

Mind blowing analysis. Just wish Nigeria companies would start taking environment factors into consideration (like time spent in traffic, epileptic utility supply, work-life balance and the harsh social condition experience when conduction transactions) when planning the career of the staff they would employ.

Customer Service 101 (Zain & Multilink University for Service Quality)

2008-11-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

I finally decided to get myself a new phone, after a year of battling with my Nokia 6280 (the phone was so run down that at a point I used transparent cello-tape to attach the back of the phone to its body. A paper wedge was also used to lift the battery up so that it could touch the phone's terminals. It was that bad)
I wasn't cash strapped in anyway. It was out of principle; a phone's use is optimized if it lasts for 5 years. If everyone thinks that way, maybe the crisis in Congo will reduce (as people will demand less of new mobile phone, thus mobile phone companies will requires less coltane; my little act of random kindness to save the world).

So I decided to get a new phone. Specification: The phone must email (POP, IMAP & SMTP) compatible (that’s so IN these days!!). The Blackberry would have done the trick, but I was told that blackberries don’t have user-friendly data transfer mechanism; thus contact entries must be transfered manually.
So I took some money and got myself the Nokia E71.

So what’s my problem? Well Zain is actually. Customer service doesn’t exactly suck. It just doesn’t help.

If I decide to go into the shop next door, it might 45 minutes before I am attended to (unless of course, I am paying my phone bill). The high rate of telephone theft as made SIM replacement a recurring issue. I would expect that the company by now would think of an automated way of replacing SIMs that excludes human interaction.
When I get attended to, the person on sit (already so tired) would provide quick fix advice to what he/she assumed he understand as my problem (which usually isn't). The easiest way they discard the customer (who will not be provided with a reference/tracking number) is by saying “the problem will be sorted in 24 hours” . So an encounter with another adviser (or even the same adviser who will act like he/she has forgotten your face) will mean that you start narrating your story all over again (and the customer service operator (CSO) will provide the same phrase that they are taught in prep school “the problem will be sorted in 24hours”) (I still don’t have internet GPRS connection, 4 days later)
It is not that bad if you are doing it over the phone. Except the fact that you might end up spending about 30 minutes on the phone waiting to be attended to after which you are either suddenly disconnected or you speak to a CSO that is either trying to sell you blackberries (And I am screaming, I already told you I have an E71),or tell you that "the problem will be sorted in 24hours".

I must say that they are definitely much better than Multilinks. Multilink telecommunication service works most of the time but when it falters, it is better you wait for them to fix it. Hasn’t anyone advised them that a Barry White sounding male on the phone (if you successfully get through) saying “Welcome to multilink, how may I help you?” does not exactly work well in this industry? When the CSO finds out that the customer’s voice is not as deep as his, bullying starts. Some of them hang up on customers. I have experienced a CSO say “my friend, please just go and load this card” (which I had done about, five times; for emphasis, the use of “my friend” is a polite way to stress how irritated the speaker is). Another one has warned me not annoy him.
(Please forget the office oh! It looks like Muritala Muhammed Airport or one of those Nigeria’s 1^st generation banks (in the 1^st generation)).

That is something that does not sit well with me. When it comes to marketing or buying you in, you get a different picture.

On the corporate level, you meet pretty (curvy) ladies on 9 inches high heel shoes running up and down your office with lovely smiles (their antics can make you believe they don’t use the toilet).
For the general public, a branded bus is parked at a busy place (e.g.bus stop, or car park); current MTV hits blasting with some deluded athletic young dancers gyrating to the tunes (how that is able to convince the average man is something I am yet to find out).
But to deal with problematic issues, you either get big boned/pregnant ladies eating beans and moi-moi while attending to you (women you are instinctively led to call “aunty”, if you were raised in Nigeria) or men with deep baritone voices.

So much for customer service!!

How do things fall apart?

2008-10-21T05:44:00.001-07:00

"Let us start going oh!" That was Buky's call. We walked to the junction to take a bus. Our house at that time was on Agbaoku Street (opposite the Chrisland School in Opebi).
"Ikeja, Ikeja. Enter with you =N=10 change! No change oh!" The bus conductor shouted.
The bus picked us up and moved in the direction of Allen Avenue. As we approached the junction that linked Allen Avenue to Obafemi Awolowo road, a police officer stopped the vehicle. He complained about the overload and was serious about impounding the vehicle. The conductor stylishly handed the officer =N=20. You could see the fright in his (the police officers) face as he collected the money off the hand of the conductor. People in the vehicle could not believe what they saw. As we moved, they hissed, were swearing in pidgin, complained bitterly about Nigeria and the remaining reminisced about the good old days. You could see the officer stare at the van as it moved, wondering what he had done and trying to figure out how to manage the situation.

That was 1993.

Fast forward, to the 21st of August 2008. Around Surulere, my driver takes an "illegal" turning (All turnings are both legal and illegal depending on the negotiating skills of the parties involved, knowledge of rights, time of day and access to guns). The police stopped our vehicle. Knowing the time it would cost me (I was on my way to a meeting and lets not even deliberate about the madness of Lagos traffic here), I assumed the role. Came out of my car, they spoke about how serious the "offense" I had committed is (there are options for my next action: interrupt, keep quiet or fight back. For this crucial time, I knew to keep quiet and apologize was the best option). They went on and talked about impounding the vehicle and taking it to the police station (Now, my next action is to negotiate and give them a reasonable offer where we can negotiate from; which I did.). With my offer proposed, I turned round to talk to my driver (I could hear whispers "this na Akata. He fit drop more").5 minutes of negotiation, I was in my car =N=3,000 poorer, on the way to my meeting; an average day in the life of a Lagosian.
A lot has changed in Nigerian within the past 15 years.

I recently saw the play on Chinua Achebe's masterpiece on Okonkwo. The story (from my interpretation) focuses on a society with laws and order and its own ways of doing things. The missionaries came and their introduction was instrumental in the crumble of every value the society held dear to its existence; an action personified with Okonkwo hanging himself. This is when "things began to fall apart".

This takes me back to the police case. What could remove decency from becoming a watch word? How did a seemingly contented set of people become rent seekers with no regard for how the society runs? I don't think I am on to anything new here.

I cannot attribute the Nigerian case to the "resource curse"; if I did then I must explain the case of the rich economies of the middle east whose status have been fueled by oil earning.
Nor will I attribute it to the activities of the military; if the military can overthrow a president at will, then why didn't they (for example in America) plot a coup to topple George Bush as he experimented with policies that have no basis and created a worldwide recession? The fundamental problem is we lack policies useful in upholding our ways of life and ensuring a saner Nigerian experience. In simple terms, what we need to run our society is simple not there. I will explain.

Let me run through my ideology on how a society function and what can spark up a change within it.
Every society evolves because individual citizens cannot provide all he/she requires. This mass collaboration of people require a mix of people with different skills to support it existence. These skills could be banded into professionals that are social, economic and legal agents.

Unit individual take simple actions towards improving the quality and quantity of their lives. This could be in the form of till the land, or cleaning their house. With increase in specialism on a specific task, they build capacity to add value and therefore become suitably positioned to request earning from people requiring such services (because those people have to focus on doing something else). Slowly economic agents emerge that create structures, policies and framework to ensure the work is done while optimizing resource use.
In order for people to invest and continue what they are doing in a sustainable manner, some sort of legal agents are required to prevent the strong from inflicting harsh experiences on those not capable of protecting themselves.
All the above agents require a platform to interact; a platform upon which people can be sensitized; a platform that social priorities are established; one which enables an ecosystem where the balance of production is distributed amongst economic & public goods. These social agents are manned by the roles of politicians, lobbyist, socialites and other professionals who earn "based on association". The value they add to a system can not be undermined. Their presences provide character to the economic activities of the other agents and also act as cohesion to of all roles in that environment. In developed societies, these roles are usually left for the old and (or) the wise.

Now how can a change occur and influence the order of things?
The simplest benchmark for measuring a civilization is a place where the children rebel against the norm. A child will revolt against the establishment that supports the cultural fabric of the society because the instruction pass down does not sit well with his/her evolving personal belief. If there was no civilization, then any stance against authority will simple trickle into the mainstream (as no establishment has been empowered to uphold the values that has been passed down for generation). If the general way proposed does not agree with a significant number of the younger generation, a revolution might take place. The impact of that revolution can go in three ways.

If the revolution actually tackles a growing concern emerging from changing circumstances, the establishment might accommodate the ideologies and slowly the proposed way will trickle into the main stream. (Example: The founding fathers of Nigeria (Awolowo, Azikiwe & Tafa Balewa) were youth that joined forcing in pushing for the independence of the Federal republic of Nigeria. The establishment at that time stood against such act. But as they were at the "tipping point', such act of unity was strong enough to create a order and make way for an entirely new ways in which people within our land space are organized).
The revolution might have no impact on anything if the legal agents are strong enough to cripple any uprising (example: Student riot in 1986 was not able to change the status quo at that time that upheld General Babangida in the seat of power).
The revolution might not be strong enough to unseat the establishment, but it can instill new orders and patterns. (Example: The Nigeria Civil war was able to mentally create a division between the three main Nigerian tribes. Though the vision of the Biafran state did not materialize, the impact of that war was able to create a sort of Biafran mentality; one that created room for the marginalization of the Ibos the beginning of tribal politics).This new order puts a crack in the hold of the establishment on the people, influences their perception; here things begin to fall apart.

What makes the Nigerian institutions weak?
This article of William Lynch Let's make a slave provides strategies to make and manage slaves. It simple states that the basic way of creating a slave involves destroying every image of strength in the mind of the future generation, then going further to destroy the concept of identity. Such action will eventually create a self propelling slave producing race of people; which every subsequent generation more confused that the other.
My mission is not to spark up ideas of a black movement calling for reparations (To be very honest, with the right conditions, any of us could have been William Lynch if such action would guarantee survival). I am just trying to provide answers to these questions.

Why is the black race (Nigeria as the point of reference) at the bottom of the food chain?
What insight can we get that will enable us know how to run our civilization, especially at a time when it looks like African is the only way out of the world's financial crisis ?

Nigeria is in this situation because we found ourselves in positions we could not handle. Slavery has always being a normal part of human civilization; but not as a part of some business process that promotes the free market ideologies and preaches expansion and sustainability. The black traders of those days did not know what they were dealing with. In an environment where everything is traded (and slaves are made), this act of slave trading was able to change the perception of a black man (as one with physical strength, high libido and a race always in continual struggle) to everyone that he/she came across.
That initial crack in the societal culture was transferred to the mainland Africans by colonization. The general code of conduct that had being established during Lynch's time (on how to make and manage slaves) was the guide used in defining the ways and manners of Nigeria's colonial master related to us, designed our schools (and trained our youths), and created our socio-political industrial complex. This subtle act led to:

A destruction of our core values and cultural ways of life (an act perpetrated by setting up schools that removed the speaking of our mother tongue, branded the behaviours of our ancestors as primitive and institutionalized ways that are uphold the constitution of the United Kingdom)
Creating transport networks that focus on the movement of raw materials out of Nigeria of processing (that underlying structure encourages heavy importation of finished goods to the detriment of local industries)
Establishing an economic system that is completely dependent on the "mental" capacity of the Western economies and the physical strength of Africa

The result was a race of Nigerians with no identity and a people that lacked the core skills required to compete in an economic system alien to them. Thus, even though the founding father gathered to build, the people they built for had no allegiance to the land. The reality is evident as millions of Nigerians fled immediately the military came to power because there was nothing in the land that reminded them that Nigeria is their.(If you look at individual nations as family unit, the whole picture will look different to you. Nobody will leave his fathers house because his brothers are misbehaving).
The slave mentality (embedded in our post colonial human systems) awoke and drones of us flocked into the same countries our fore fathers sold slaves to, to become servants, students and trainees. The quest remains the same, to get a better life. This option of traveling is mostly not out of choice, but lack of alternatives; out of the fact that our nation is not capable of making the best use of our its own resources.

This weak government institutions are not assisted by the family institutions as both genders in actualizing the Nigeria dream or adding to its cause. The dream is one of "freedom, peace and unity"; what we recite in the national anthem. The words are not strong enough to send down euphoric feelings in the hearts of those that sing the anthem (as the mere man cannot relate any of the words to his condition). Besides, the environment and personal experiences do not equip the average person with what is needed to make choices that would move reality closer to the already abstract dream.

The Nigerian dream is managed within a rent-seeking culture (it is customary for all subordinate to expect "something" for trivial occasions like weekend, traveling, purchase of new vehicle, or just simply because of that time. This "something" is the most significant motivating factor used to encourage staff to "work", even if they generally don’t pro actively do much). It is one where the people barely have time to stop to reflect. This over pressured life forces them to take solitude in religious engagement and quest for pleasure that excludes mental engagement. Their self-improvement strategy is more often than not is a product of the crowd's wisdom (example: his decision to invest in stocks or real estate or travel abroad to study petroleum engineering is because everyone says "there is money to be made there"). The "crowd" advice usually tends to skew the distribution of supply of services; as services they reckon with are skewed towards brokering or roles that returns on investment with minimum effort(thus you have period of over supply of diesel merchants or real estate brokers).
The average man within the culture is one with a slight drinking problem with a minimum of two extra marital affairs. He works hard to furnish his life with the "good thing" (imported branded items like cars, expensive suits, watches and electronic gadgets). The issue he monitors daily encompasses every aspect of his life (crime, housing, utilities, and unhealthy work-life balance).
The average woman is one that consistently works towards fitting her life into the stereotypical ideology of who she should be (in terms of weight, marital & financial status). She also is interested in the good things (traveling, imported dressing accessories).Of the two sexes, she is the one most likely to be found neck deep into religious rituals; an act she holds on to dearly for protection of everything she holds on to.
The average youth just wishes he was somewhere/someone else (as far away from anything Nigeria)

Considering our weak family units and incapable government, our quality of life can only deteriorate. The weakness of these institutions exposes the young ones opened to contamination from alien behaviours (as they have no one to rebel against, they instantly take up all ideals available online and transfer on to the mainstream); ways that can further dilute our culture and cripple our capabilities to function as a people. In this state, things will continually crumble and the younger ones will have tougher challenges to deal with. With such trends and decreasing capacity to function, the future Nigeria might be a refugee state as the virtual growth (created by booming prices of raw materials) and stability fade away. By that time, culling from Chinua Achebe's masterpiece, Okonkwo would have hung himself.

I think the time as come for the youth to begin to take things into their hands. Our present ways are wasteful and counterproductive in itself. The young must evolve its own agents of change (social, economic and legal agents) using religious organization as platforms where ideologies are converted from visions to personal next step and transferred into our own homegrown techniques. Techniques that focuses on how we, Nigerians can build Nigeria, for Nigerians, together.
The historian must develop for us an identity that we can be proud of; one that we believe in, and one that is true (we can start by changing that national anthem. It holds no depth capable of steering people to act in oneness). The tipping point is near. We need is that collective spark. We have the resources and the human capacity. Then we steering all these resources to the right direction.
Our government has failed us; not because they are wanted to but because they are not equipped to deal with the falling Nigeria. If nothing changes, our children will may never forgive us.

It is our duty to prevent it all from falling apart. That is what we were born to do.

What are they up to?

2008-10-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

The American congress responded with a $700 billion rescue package that will prevent the total collapse of their financial system. This is definitely the beginning of the end of capitalism. It is becoming more evident that the forces of demand and supply are not enough in optimal allocation of resources amongst people in a confined space. Collective action, embodied as a government must participate or else....

I see a new world order is emerging.

Somewhere on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, just above the equator in a land referred to as Nigeria, though its the Security and Exchange Commission is not in full support of the move because they believe the market has strong fundamental, Nigerian banks are hustling to join in the =N=600 billion stock market bail out plan. The NSE backs this move to create market makers as it could help draw back foreign investors and boost liquidity in the stock market.

I will not claim to be a financial expert but I don't necessarily see what they are driving at with the bail out plan. It might just be end up creating power brokers and enable a few dictate prices and earn off the market at will.

There is little emphasis on how that money would be injected and the implication (one has to be careful of this altruistic act with bankers; they always have the small print).

Yes America needs it but, NO, I don't see what a bail out plan is needed for in the Nigerian stock market. The wiping out of over 30% from stock value resulted from excess liquidity over supply of stock (over valuation of share prices) and the market trying to regulate itself (who can justify the impact of a $85 billion market capitalisation on our real economy? Or am I asking the wrong questions?). The continual bearish nature reflects the drop in confidence, which could be restored by the floated companies ACTUALLY doing something significant that reflects the value of their share prices. In the American case, such action can be barely executed as there is limited flow of credit finance within their eco-system; thus the government must inject value if any steps are to be considered.

Market makers might just be successful in creating artificial boom that can attract investors but is not sustainable.

That is my opinion and I stand to be corrected.

A call to all Diasporans: Nigeria is changing

2008-09-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

This post tells me something; there is still hope for Nigeria.

The normal expectation of society is that a government will develop policies and platforms upon which the business opportunities will emerge, jobs opportunities will be created, needs will be met, and everybody will live happily ever after. But when you consider that our government is one of kidney failures (I know, my what you're thinking "very funny, Mr. C" (in a sarcastic way) !!), nepotism, quick win and a baseless vison 2020, you begin to wonder, will things get better? My own opinion is our evolution will be different.Nigeria might evolve under the ideolgies of Wikinomics; mass collaboration changing everything.

The initial flow of these foreign based Nigeria (Nigeria expatriates or whatever you want to call them) will target the established institutions of commerce (banks, oil firms and telecoms companies). Presently, (in my opinion) the roles in these institutions are filled up by HR policies with 'connection' undertone and warped methods of determining remuneration. In simple term, salaries and positions are a reflection of who you know, and what or where you studied as opposed to what you can do. Obvious the industry has not developed yet to a stage where a more complex system of human capital management is required. But that evolution is on the way.

Individual response to that will be to enroll for courses they think the industries would demand for. This would make, for example, people to rush into petroleum engineering, project management, ACCA and other cliché degrees and certifications that they believe will look attractive to the employing institution.

The remuneration will start looking less attractive as the staff get promoted, the supply begin to exceed the demand for foreign trained Nigerian graduates, and employers begin to see the need to critically look at their internal onboarding & recruitment policies. Also, those employed in the established institution, who are traditional not passionate about their present role and are frustrated about their work/life balance (fueled by crazy traffic, outrageously expensive cost of goods and service and high crime rate), would start exploring self employment opportunities that would align with their self-actualization plans. This could lead to growth in other sectors of the economy and slowly changes the scheme of things when you take into account the entrepreneurial Nigerian spirit (think of the Nigerian entertainment industry, how it was (and is still being) revolutionized by the influx of adequate human capital. The industry has so far been successful in developing awareness of its existence amongst the global community, and a platform upon which those who have some form of passion for entertainment can showcase their skills. There is now the need to develop more interactive content, cause in my opinion the output on average is wack).

Even with the crisis faced, the option of moving back abroad will start losing it allure as most will have their lives completely ingrained in the Nigerian system and the thought of starting all over again will look less like a good idea. This critical mass of Nigerians educated at home and abroad engaged in legitimate sources of employment, will begin to question every policy that govern their lives and create platforms upon which they can influence things for the good of their business. They would begin to push for better public policies and transparency in government. All these could lead to more jobs, more needs met, and everyone living happily every after.

The next couple of years in going to be exciting. There will be winners and losers, successes and failures. But the fact remains, NIGERIA WILL CHANGE.

Never have I been so glad that I moved back!!!!

I thought this was funny.....

2008-09-23T07:07:00.001-07:00

Before the marriage:

He: Yes. At last! It was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: NO! Don't even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: NO! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Yes!
She: Will you hit me?
He: No way! I'm not such kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Dear!!

Now, after the marriage - you can read it from the bottom upwards!!

Reflections of a one year Old Blogger!!

2008-09-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

It only starts with a match and fire. Before you know it , everything will burn.

One of the greatest changes to my thinking resulted from a discussion with the boys last weekend.What we chatted about could be summarized into this sentence: If my reality is a product of the blood and dreams of those that came before me, what can I do for those that will come after? Of all the ideas discussed, none was as captivating as the belief that some difference would not be possible unless we say so..
Thinking further about that statement made me aware of how much impact I can make to the world around me, without even knowing it. But why a change? Our experiences are metamorphosing at a rate faster than our society's capabilities. To prevent chaos we must transfer these changes to the world around us (a catalyst that makes this vicious cycle continues, until we evolve to a point where our collective mental state is at par with the environment around us).
I question my position in the grand scheme of things, and I realize how insignificant I am; I am referring to me, a product of the net generation. This is reflected in how different my perspectives is to those that dictate the harmony of my life. And I am not alone in this internal crisis.
Most Western economies,for example were built on a foundation of racial hatred ("our leaders must be protestant, white, heterosexual males"). African on the other hand, has a foundation where economic policies are influenced by politics and selfish interest. But we, the emerging product of a new world order, are different. There is something similar in how we speak; a similarity reflected in our writings. Passion, and a desire for something we cannot see, yet.

I didn't know what a blog was until June 2007. My first conscious encounter with one was with that of Jeremy. (Before then, I had probably seen some very disjointed stories and wondered what magazine the person worked for; I thought all writers were either established journalists or freelance writers) .A friend sent me an article that we found interesting. I read it and took no serious thoughts about who the dude was (till we met at a friend's place and struck me I had seen his face before). My clicking on the long forgotten bookmark is how my journey started. I observed the content of the articles and after a few days, I noticed a link called 'comments'. From this I came across the blogs of the in my head and around me lady and a weird bloke who named his blog Unaked Soul. Through this network, I also came across the writings of Good Nigerian Girl and the blogs of Vera (that babe don kolo since....LOL ).

To be honest, this type of writing is something I am new to; the art of 'expressive' writing. I termed it such because, the writer is required to use words as a medium in describing his opinion and personal conviction on an issue. My profession as a Management Analyst has put in place the discipline of unbiased opinion on external issues, business report writing style, and a step by step approach to reporting; thus makes this very hard to write in a fluid manner (I sometimes can be found demonstrating my idea with hand movements as I try to write sentences that makes cognate sense and is aligned with my personal compass, at the same time goes along with the story). Article of this kind could take me two straight hours of uninterrupted thinking (a rare instance for me in these "dark" NEPA days) to write and express something that will engage reader.
Arriving at present state was the result of continual transformation. The name, for example, has been changing. Previously, this blog was called:

The world as I see it (burrowed from Albert Einstein book of the same name)
Blogging my mind (from the previous url name which was www.bloggingmymind.blogspot.com)
Thinking Far>>>>

The concept and style of writing kept changing also. Since I don't have the time to do my own research, I use people's blog to determine my benchmark. I am super at look at things from a first principle basis then linking that idea with a critical issue under review; thus most of my post will try to relate the issues to fundamental units that everyone can relate with. Units that identifies cost/benefits. I have used other blogs to help refine the medium through which my concept is expressed

Jeremy's blog was helpful in pointing me out to contemporary Nigerian issues, as he effortless dug out articles from archives that I am still baffled how he found them out
I use the style of 'in my head and around me' to test how fluid my sentences are. I still haven't got her style yet but I am now falling in love with that of Vera.
Naked Soul's use of quote at the beginning of every new post is brilliant (which I adopted)
I am using GNG's rambles to develop my "Internal conversations**" (statements labeled in red) (**Internal conversations are meant to uphold my opinion of the idea with a comment that doesn't fit into the structure of the sentence in consideration. This word should be in Wikipedia if it doesn't exist as something else already.lol)

As I try to redefine better ways to express myself, I cannot help but notice that although all blogs seem to explain personal stories, there is always something this undertone that questions the norm. There is like this silent revolt against all that the establishment stand for. Institution that are not evolving rapidly enough to deal with our changing ideals and perceptions of the world around us.
It have been tolling with the idea of a wiki-blog, after I came across this blog. If a mega blog is built that any registered blogger can edit, how powerful would that idea be if all our skills are channeled towards one single idea? The impact of that can be so overwhelming that it could set the right energy in motion capable of engaging policy makers and project managers towards implementing the issues being deliberated about. This could be a thesis more powerful than what is present being pushed out of the ivory towers today. An idea backed with a passion, loads of humour, well-researched articles and a proposed practical solution can be a platform upon which academic ideologies can be transfered to the way our society runs. With passion, people in the corridors of power,NGO will discover practical ways to manage ideas they believe in (and edited) to develop and execute work plans. As people see the impact of their work in action, they get motivated to work more and with more peer to peer softwares available, the idea will spread like wildfire with everyone contributing their own conclusions and suggestions; no one can ignore the power to a concept something as little as a 'comma' can do.

We are all striving to achieve something. It might be on a very subliminal level but being every article, blog, comment writeup, there is this drive to change something no matter how mundane. It might be the mood of a reader, someone perception of us or an issue, or to draw our support a particular notion. Once we know our capabilities and strength and focus on it, we would be capable of making the change that replicate our vision. With an idea, the right skills and passion, the mind of the world remains the conquest we must dominate.

Versions.

2008-09-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

She studied History in university.
Bright student, I must say. Intended on studying law, but ended up with something else.
Never did I realize how important her profession was until we had that heart to heart conversation.
Historians do change the world also. They interpret the world that came before us, which helps us shape our perception of things.

Think of this; do you see facebook (and other social network sites) playing any role in communicating our ways of living to other generations? With the present trend of things, facebook will possible contain pictures of all your life experiences and expressions. It might even contain the day of death (enabled by some application an MIT nerd comes up with). The profile will be archived for public domain viewing (or maybe the deceased’s next of kin will determine how much of the profile is sharable).

Wow!
We are making history.

Strange innit?

I wrote this poem....

2008-09-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

..at one point in time. I wrote it to encourage myself. A message of hope, believing that as one day, we as a people will moving forward.
This nation does frustrate, but I think with persistence and the bold daring, we might make something new.

Lands are tilled with many hands,
But it is the product of vision of one,
Someone courageous enough to push forward an idea,
which becomes a spark,
then a flame,
afterward it consumes everything in this path,
till a new order is formed,
new ways and a new future. Just like a fire
I am not sure of our heritage,
but I can guess our origins,
somewhere in forest,
amongst plants and wild beast,
fertile land and a lovely weather,
the till of the land is consumed before it is ripe,
by the harvester sent to pick,
the people are relentless and say the must survive.
Our foundation made us strong,
resilience made us multiply,
giving us the seed we scattered across the earth.
Similar yet different, charming yet unattractive. But a desire to survive
No order of formation, but our place on the earth is known.
In the right season wherever we touch will be conquered
a plantation will evolve consuming what exist on our path
till the whole world see that what we fought for was a battle to stand the test of time.

This will be our way.
We are Nigerians, the children of the corn.

Do you qualify?

2008-08-21T05:34:00.001-07:00

This poem was sent to me by a friend way back in 2004.
I thought it was brilliant.
Thanks Ekanem.

A Sista's Poem and a Brother's Response

Do you qualify to be the man I need you to be?
Will you be able to recognize the things you
need to see? Will you be able to understand, that
I'm a good woman and in my life I need a good man?
Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to fertilize my unproduced seeds?
Can you fulfill, as I can, all of our needs?
Can you put me in my place if you see I am slippin?
Can you talk to me, wholeheartedly, not
constantly trippin??
Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be called all mine?
Can you leave the other women and temptations
behind? Can you come to me with your problems and
not wait until it's too late?
Can you stand up and admit if you made a mistake?
Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be the honest ebony man I
would want you to be?
Would you be able to look me in my eyes and
admit your feelings to me?
Could you take me in your arms and make love to
me all night long?
Can you be sensitive and still be strong?
Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be my friend as well as my
lover? Can you put our love before any other?
Can you cherish me as if I were Diamonds &
Gold? Can you make me feel like I'm the last
woman you'll ever hold?
Do you qualify?

Do you qualify to be called a good man?
If I have doubts can you reassure me and understand?
Can your love intoxicate me as if I were High?
To be in my life, I need to know,
DO YOU QUALIFY?

The Brother's Response:

You ask, do I qualify.
Can I fulfill your needs and become the man you need me to be?
My sister, are you prepared for what you've asked for?
Can you handle the responsibility?
Can you accept that, by GOD, I am the chosen?
one, the authority, the comforter, and the head?
Will you submit and willingly follow my path?
Or will you fight with me instead?

If I am your King, will you treat me as such?
Will I get the best of your beauty and poise?
Or will I be subjected to an appearance
neglected, and checked with some serious noise?
When I talk, will you listen?
I mean whole heartedly and feel me?
Or will you rush me just to make your point too?
Can I be the man at all times? Even when it hurts?
Or is it just when it's convenient for you?

Can you love me for me, and not who you wish I could be?
Will you see the strong Black Man within?
Or will you always remind me of the all
the past brothers behind me and make me pay for their sins?
If I don't send you flowers the day your co-worker
received some, will you know that I love you still?
Or will my good name be uttered along with those other doggish brothers?
Will you question if my commitment is real?

Will you be patient and teach me to understand you,
and allow my knowledge of your needs to grow?
Or will you shut me out when I ask, Baby
what's wrong?
Or will you respond with, "Well a REAL man would know!"

When we first met, what was it that caught your
eye? Was it my mind, my heart, my personality?
Or was it my suit, or my job, or do you love
what I drive, instead of what's driving me?

Yes I can, and I will, make love to you from midnight to the dawning of the sun.
But, if I tell you I'm tired, will you trust
I'm sincere or believe that there must be another one?
My sister, I love you and my heart can be yours. No woman could lead me astray.
But like you, I have needs, so I beg of you, please, in this love thang meet me half way.

In life's tough times I'll hold you, in the rough times I'll mold you;
your simplest wish will be my command.
My life is yours if need be.
Yes you can fully bleed me, and when hell comes, in your place, I'll stand.
A good relationship is a powerful institution that must be built on a foundation of two.
So to answer your question,

YES sister, I do qualify.

What Lord Lugard thought about Nigerians

2008-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I came across this article here. Quite annoying (though it sounds a bit true).

"In character and temperament, the typical African of this race-type is a happy, thriftless, excitable person. Lacking in self control, discipline, and foresight. Naturally courageous, and naturally courteous and polite, full of personal vanity, with little sense of veracity, fond of music and loving weapons as an oriental loves jewellery. His thoughts are concentrated on the events and feelings of the moment, and he suffers little from the apprehension for the future, or grief for the past. His mind is far nearer to the animal world than that of the European or Asiatic, and exhibits something of the animals’ placidity and want of desire to rise beyond the State he has reached. Through the ages the African appears to have evolved no organized religious creed, and though some tribes appear to believe in a deity, the religious sense seldom rises above pantheistic animalism and seems more often to take the form of a vague dread of the supernatural"

“He lacks the power of organization, and is conspicuously deficient in the management and control alike of men or business. He loves the display of power, but fails to realize its responsibility ....he will work hard with a less incentive than most races. He has the courage of the fighting animal, an instinct rather than a moral virtue...... In brief, the virtues and defects of this race-type are those of attractive children, whose confidence when it is won is given ungrudgingly as to an older and wiser superior and without envy.......Perhaps the two traits which have impressed me as those most characteristic of the African native are his lack of apprehension and his lack of ability to visualize the future."

---Lord Frederick John Dealty Lugard, The Dual Mandate, pg.70 (1926)"

The people we don't know about.

2008-07-10T15:50:00.001-07:00

I think I need to go out more.

The speed of the internet here is so freaking slow. (sometimes I think it might be faster actually flying to yahoo or wherever, to get the email yourself; hardcopy that is) I have tried a couple of providers. I recently got XXX over starcomm (I am not about to reveal and do cheap publicity for the my provider; before you know it, their network is clogged and I am back to a life without the internet); a decision I have not regretted(at least for the past three weeks since I got it) .

But thats not the point of this post. Waiting for the page to load gave me time to look around for things on the screen of my laptop that could interest me; then it pops out "AVG Anti-virus Network Edition has successfully update". I tend to think I know people, but who actually knows anyone that works in a company that makes anti-virus softwares?

Day to day, I receive updates on virus definitions, malwares and some complex stuff that i don't have any interest in understanding. And I am like, the developers of these virus definition, what do they do in the office everyday?

I secretly (it is no more a secret anymore) believe that anti-virus developers, in their spare time, create the viruses themselves. But do they have staff meeting, normal office politics and stuff? What do you see on their business cards? ( "I am a virus expert"). When the anti-virus specialist, meet a virus developer, do the have physical fights (you know like police and thief), or do they laugh at all "the gentiles who have to use our softwares, hahaha"

But I do need to go out more. Hopefully, I will meet someone that actually develops viruses.

Finally, it is loading.

What is the point?

2008-07-09T02:03:00.000-07:00

An unexamined life is not worth living......Socrates.

No one has attained perfection yet. We are always on a quest for it. But at all point in our evolution, it is always essential to look back and critically evaluate the actions we take, the reason behind the action, and finally, how it all fits into our whole life objective goals and general direction. A clearer understanding of that is useful in enabling us know, if our directions have meaning. Accumulated knowledge of this form is wealth for the next generation.

I am still thinking about Nigeria. I look at some of our rituals daily, and I cannot help asking myself, what is the point of it all?

What is the point of our Nigeria ego? Our educational system does not produce graduates that are (on average) useful to the demands of corporate Nigeria. We train our enlightened abroad and they are of little use to the masses.

What is the point of Tinapa? We build a mini-Dubai and came up with policies that ensured it cannot function.

What is the point in Abuja Boulevard, Eko city on the Atlantic, the Lagos beautification project? People are starving, infrastructures are run down, and we barely have public supply of electricity.

What is the point of the Megabanks consolidation? They seem more interested in branches and making profit than kick starting the economic engine.

What is the point of the Nigerian stock market? Their stocks appreciate in all sectors yet the economy does not experience any noticeable change.

What is the point of the seven point agenda? Yar' Adua stated electricity was a "state of emergency" (if he had not said that, maybe the situation would have been worse).

What is the point of all these elections? We all know who is going to win anyways.

What is the point of the probes? All those investigated will be granted bail later on, the case slowly forgotten the accused are free to do whatever they want.

What is the point of the clamour for foreign investors? We already have the money (it just appears we do not know what better to do with it, that purchase houses in Bishop avenue or South Kensington, London).

What is the point of Nollywood? Most of the movies on review reflect no semblance with reality. Dialog, relationship chemistry, effective police officers

What is the point of aso-ebi in wedding? I mean, really what’s the point?

What is the point of ….….. I think I have run out of issues for now. Might as well go get some work done.

Children of the corn

2008-06-17T10:32:00.001-07:00

A society will stand if fairness and equality is promoted in a stable environment governed by the enlightened.... Mr C

Roads in Lagos State reflect the state of the Nigerian society. A typical Lagos drive is characterized by:

Decent drivers (like you and me, the enlightened ones) with neat car and windows up , air conditioner in full blast ("we cannot afford to share the air with those mad Nigerians")
Dare-devil Okada riders involved in some life threatening stunts (I wonder who thought these people how to ride. Possibly the =N=250, 25 in one DVDs expose them to impressions they cannot handle. Those buffoons just don't realize that there is no director on alert to shout "cut" )
Yellow rickety vans (officially called Danfo) broken down, trying to pick passengers or reversing on the highway (the only qualification to become a danfo driver is to be certified mad).
Reckless drivers in vehicles with sirens who drive above the "law" (because they are "big boys", they have the right to go pass traffic-light and scare mere mortal (normal drivers) to make way in crazy traffic situations)
On-the-go services "professionals" (law enforcement (woefully dressed) ~~criminals~~ officers, part-time/full time beggars, car washers, hawkers, trainee armed robbers, armed robbers, and mad men/women)

And every one meets in Traffic!!

The most crazy traffic are in t-junctions; Poor coordination in planning, positions two opposing lanes (going in the same direction) to meet at the same time point at the same time.
A lot of psychology goes into determining who goes first and why. All the thinking takes place within a span of 1 to 2 seconds.

Everyone believes their issues are more urgent than the other so rush to the lane, Adrenaline pumped!!
Manners of reckless driving should convince the other driver of a lack in vehicle control and that the driver will not stop.
The more experienced driver have tactics in vehicle positioning that can prevent the next driver from being able to go ahead before his/her.
But before they make that move, time is spent to evaluate the next man; what is the worse that can happen if I position my car in front of his/her? Will the person scatter my headlamps? If the person does, can he/she pay for it? Do I have the time to prove my right? Am I dealing with a human being here?

A gridlock emerges. Then some danfo drivers (concerned about the time wasted) send their conductors to clear the traffic. Three to four hooligans gather to manage the situation. The decent drivers (you and I) sit back to watch as hooligans and street boys decide "how we go forward".

This is Nigeria!!

Daily the enlightened ones fill the newspaper with conferences and workshop on "how to move Nigeria forward". We receive/give awards for all forms of distinguished actions towards apparent steps aimed at "promoting the well being of the Nigerian populace".
It is not uncommon to see discussions that make a mockery of the current system and the incapability of errand staff and the service industry. Yet we fail to see that we are actually making a mockery of ourselves. I believe that the beauty of quality education and enlightenment is that it increases the probability that the individual, who possesses it, imbibes some form of order in how he/she does his/her thing. Without order in thinking, vision lacks depth and rational basis. When the enlightened remove themselves from leadership, according to Wole Soyinka, “The man dies”. What we create is a vacuum that leaves room for the type of leaders Nigeria has today; leaves room for Nigeria to have its first graduate president 47 years after independence.

I have a personal conviction that I have let this country down. It invested in providing me with the best training the world has to offer abroad. On my return back, my focus has been to make money. We have made the money and used it to create barriers between the enlightened and the average Nigerians. Their jealousy is evident in the ferocity used to conduct criminal operations. But the truth is, they need jobs. And we have not been able to create it for them. While we enjoy 24 hour local supply of electricity (thanks to Mikano (generators) and Zenon (diesel)) amongst other things, they ponder in the heat and curse the day they were born.
Like most young Nigerian around my age, we are perfecting plans on foreign countries with easy naturalization process to aid our children later on in life (Issues that spurs us to think that way:what will happen if we (Nigeria) falls into war? Which university, ABROAD, can I send my child to school in, so they can have a upper hand?), instead of focusing on how to develop this nation and create opportunities where they can effectively functions and add value.
I think we need to create groups charged towards making a change (not focusing only on criticizing the government, but also developing and implementing ideas that should change our socio-economic-political environment). Our media needs to work on collating ideas that can make a difference and channeling it to those can implement. There should be more volunteer organizations tasked with empowering the youth with skills.
Maybe I am not well informed, but most group that have such "drive" in present day Nigeria are usually elitist and filled with so much politics. The participants are either too sophisticated to assist the Nigerian case (the most evident I know of, from my opinion, are participants that are lost in developing irrelevant art on the issue or some form of awareness that does not in anyway affect the people they are fighting for) or big-bellied politicians (who are just looking for some naive girls/guys to sleep with).

I strongly believe that Nigerians await the coming the enlightened into the scheme of things. They are tired of looter and the present crop of politicians (with no proven track record in other endeavors or personal conscience). They need those who can see beyond what the human eyes permits; who can develop vision that coordinates the personal aspiration of its citizens towards a greater good.

Till my conscience takes over and forces me to do something, I will sit back in my car, in this crazy traffic. My ipod will have Asa's "fire on the mountain" playing with all my window up, as hooligans and street boys decide "how we go forward".

Wrong application of Salt

2008-04-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men. Matthew 5:13

I presently advise the management body of a distribution firm on issues in their processes. Due to turnover and growth, a core operational aspect requires recruitment on a day to day basis. I make frequent attempts to review the employee evaluation processes (which requires that the candidates take a test). To fit in, my dress sense will give any onlooker that I am some university graduate or an aspiring yahoo yahoo guru.
An interview just finished ten minutes before I started writing this blog. I noticed these two men passing about papers during the exam and exchanging ideas. Immediately the exam was over, the older one bowed his head and offered a prayer, clearly for success. After which he made the sign of the cross and left the examination hall.
What do you think about that?
First lets get this straight; Facts about me:

I come from a Christian family. Most of my friends are Christians also.
I practice Christianity (not necessarily to the level at which i can be considered "born again" but I think I can be classified a "good" person (by standards))
I encourage Christianity and believe it provides a sustainable way to life long happiness

One aspect of my philosophy on life, looks at value and systems. I believe we are all working together for our perception of a greater good. Due to the complexities of our society, one individual is not equipped enough to produce everything he/she requires for survival.So some form of batter trading takes place. And this value is stored in the form of cash/money.
I generate money from the value I add by providing analytical services to interested clients. This earnings is diverted to meet my wants & needs (as I do not have the time or expertise to do that, and at the same time, focus on meeting the needs of others). While I focus on writing this blog (for example) , Acer can focus on building better laptops. In the general case, some groups focus on tilling the land for our needs (food, oil and mineral resources)some other modify what has been tilled, others apply it, while another are bungled up with the task of deciding what to do with the produce. That is how it works.
Those that work are those that can eat!!
I tend to believe that institutions within a society are employed to add value and earnings for such, reflects the amount they add. To falter would mean certain aspect of societal living will be affect. Different institutions have been employed to review different aspect of living. They are either based on governmental nomination or voluntary mandate. The government delegates ministries to create/maintain infrastructures and (depending on the level of development in that society) provide social goods. The people nominate religion to help provide a conscience/essence to living. It objectively should instill a universal truth; a truth that will be acceptable across all social segments. It should be an institution managing an aspect of the society that both government/private institutions are not capable of handling; the state of the human mind. I am talking about putting the right control mechanism in place to prevent the powerful from inflicting extreme social experiences on the weak. As this position of power in this institution links its congregation closer to God, the the seat of power enjoys immunity.

The Nigerian church can be estimated to be a $19.14 billion industry (Estimation is based assuming annual GDP at PPP of $191.4 billion (source wikipedia April 2008) that is evenly distributed, and Christians are 50% of the population; they all pay their tithe, which is 10% of their income and pay an extra 10% on pledges, building fund, church offering and thanksgivings).There is a balanced distribution of both the rich and the poor but a similar clamour seem to be fueling their desire to "invest" more in the church; change. People are fed up with epileptic electricity situation, bad road, corruption in government, high crime rate, and a general decay in the social fabric that lies underneath the structure of our society. I don't think our religious engagement will be this high if Nigeria functioned better.
I cannot help but voice out my perception on the whole thing. Agreed the bible says:
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness" 1st Corinthians 3:19.
For all I know, there might be aspects that I overlooked or am not capable of analyzing. But the bible also says:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" 2nd Chronicles 7:14
Statistics at one time ranked Nigeria has the country with the 2nd highest number of churches per people (Jamaica was ranked first).
In line with my thinking, the church revenue along with the above statistics do not give any indication of the value it adds to our well being.
The media publishes daily news on:

Corruption cases against almost all governors, minister and governor over allegedly siphoning money (papers as at time of writing are filled with the case of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello and the N300 million health ministry scandal)
Death from preventable diseases are on the increase
Rising crime rate levels
Soaring unemployment rate
Crisis in the Niger Delta
Traffic in Lagos
Increasing brain drain

At the same time, we hear news on night vigils are becoming society events that attract the rich and mighty (Ex president Olusegun Obasanjo, was a regular at the redemption Camp along with a host of other governors to include Chief Gbenga Daniel).

I might be wrong but I believe that the church should be a more pivotal role in deciding how this society should function.

The church should have a laid out plan on how it intends to ingrain discipline in the mind of the youth. Although it has not been completely successful, I think introduction of private universities by some churches are a step in the right direction (I am not completely convinced that shielding them totally from the evils of the world would make them become good Christians; how do you what is right, when you don't know what is wrong?).They should also be active in developing survival strategies for its youths that will enable them function in a society like this and still maintain their faith.
They should also be effective in ensuring that the law rewards and punishes fairly. These institutions should be out there making comments on government policies and effects on the grassroots, designing better ones and constructively criticizing the government's negative actions.
The church should be heavily involved in charity work and welfare services. (not by donating one bore-hole and organizing a ceremony to do that; I am referring to welfare packages that will ensure the individual comes out better off at the other end).

I believe the issues the church should deal with must reflect the challenges the society faces at that time. The missionaries who came from the West (before the colonisation of Africa) required expanding the gospel at that time because that was the major challenge they faced. Societal values functioned better and people barely knew what they know now. So unrest was not like it is now. The major issue then could include convincing new convert that they are doing the right thing (as the religion seemed to be gaining ground elsewhere). I am not critizing any expansion strategy but I don't think it is a priority (especially when you are expanding in the same location). Our challenges as a society go deeper than make more money, kill all enemies or building bigger churches. They are more fundamental (that is why we now have pastors who roam about with siren vehicles and security guards).

The amount is of salt applied to food is usually very little (compared to the volume and quantity of the food and other items in the pot). Yet, there is always a difference. I think the question we need to be asking is if the salt is wrongly applied or simple has lost its savour.
Whatever the case maybe, something definitely is not right.

Vantage Point

2008-04-11T09:23:00.001-07:00

I heard this story when I was much younger. It was meant to be a joke (it was funny to us geeks then, but now I take it more like a story). The movie "Vantage Point" reminds me of the joke.
I modified it a lot to make it sound more realistic. Here it goes.

Four men and two ladies arrived at the gate of heaven. The angel of at the gate asked them how they got there.

Man one: " I live on the ground floor of Missionary Rise of 3rd close. Tola came to my house this evening looking really worried. We discussed over a bottle on his worries. " I think Simi is cheating on me. She has been hanging around with Fisayo lately. I don't think it is good a newly wedded lady be found around a harlot" He said. "Don't say that" I replied and said without thinking "She was with Kunle (the finance guy) this morning". "WHAT? That B*tch? So she is still seeing her ex-boyfriend? What is wrong with ladies of today? I am going to kill that girl". I immediately rushed out in a bid to stop him (knowing the type of animal an ex-military man can become when provoked). He entered the lift and shut the door before I could stop him. Since he lives on the 5th floor, there was no need stopping him. I ran to the staircase but it was locked. Then the call came in. I had to rush back into my flat to take the call "This dude has lost it. You need to see this" I said and hung up. Out of options, I ran back out, stood by the balcony and just kept screaming "Tola" at the top of my voice. It was dark and I couldn't see so when but all I remember was something inaudible sound, a loud crash, before you know it, I find myself here."

Man 2: " I came back from work a bit early today. Not a very exciting day at work really. The boss had been stressing about the compliance report for a long time. I needed some facts to finish it off. So I called up Kunle (the accounts manager) who told me to follow meet him up at a party in Missionary Rise. On getting to there. I was not so shocked to see Kunle with his usual handbag (Taiwo); that means we are getting no work done. True to my word, Kunle was off. " I should be in downstairs. Taiwo & I are going to Kemi's flat, (which is right beneath).I should be back in a bit". Bored to my head I go to the balcony to hang out. "Taiwo would look good naked" I thought. I tried to peep into the kemi's flat by leaning over the balcony, hoping I would see something "NICE". FREAKS!. They were actually doing it right next to the balcony. I could see everything. And Taiwo was looking.... (let me spare the details). Suddenly, I heard someone scream "TOLA! TOLA!!!" Out of shock I tripped and fell. Luckily, the railings of Kemi's balcony was on my way. So I held on to it for my dear life. Suddenly, this huge man comes from no where and starts stepping on my fingers (hoping I fall off). The man was so filled with rage, that he grabbed something huge and slammed it on my head. That is all I remember".

Man 3: (stark naked): " Today, started. Taiwo kept telling me I need to come over to see her. She said she has something special to show me. I just flew back to town after the long conference on finance compliance. Everyone had been putting pressure on me; the 2008 audit was coming and everyone had to be up to scratch. She invited me over to her new flat on the 5th floor of Missionary Rise at 3rd close. For some reason, SHE WAS LOOKING HOTT!!!! "Let me show you something down stairs". Downstairs has dual meaning. I thought, with that sheepish grin. This dude with ill-fitting suit is calling again. "Yes. upstair". This dude should get a life. He comes in and starts blabbing about the compliance and process alignment. We will talk about that later; I really need to get laid now.I thought. After 2 minutes of chatting (and seeing that the silly man could not deduce from my hints), I interrupted his conversation by telling him I need to go to Kemi's flat. Before we entered, I pounced on her and started ripping her clothes apart. I have missed my baby purring at my manliness. It was sweet to touch her again. Suddenly, we heard knocks on the door. "KEMI OPEN THE DOOR!!!! YOU AND FISAYO WANT TO RUIN MY LIFE. AND THIS IS JUST THE FIRST MONTH OF MARRIAGE! I WONT LET THIS HAPPEN"!! The shock of hearing that made us trip and we fell together. Taiwo rushed to wear her clothes. The maniac batched the door opened. I hid behind the couch. Immediately, the guy saw her he grabbed her by the neck."WHY??!!!" He screamed into her face. Is there something I don't know? I was so frightened by the whole thing that I rushed into the fridge to hide. In no time I felt the fridge being lifted. After a heavy fall, I found myself here".

Man 4: "It has been hard to get a date. After my stint in the military kept a lot of girls from me when I moved back to countryside. I met a girl online called Simi. Darling beauty. We kept in touch for months before we finally met. She came to see me in December. On seeing her, I knew she was the one for me. She stayed over for two weeks. I actually proposed to her on the day she wanted to leave. She accepted on the condition her move to her area which was on 3rd Close (that is about two hours away from the Bridge). I finally accepted. We came over two weeks later and we got married. We moved over to 3rd Close after the wedding. We got a place on the 5th floor of Missionary Rise. The landlord (Jide) took a liking for me. We hit it off and became good friends. While trying to settle down in the house, I noticed she had pictures of herself and a guy called Kunle on which she wrote "the love of my life". I also saw pictures of a friend of hers Kemi and Fisayo. She always goes to see Kemi (who lives just beneath). I was so angered by that because those girl where single. They will make a b*tch out of my baby.
Tired and frustrated, I decide to hang out with last Jide night, when I got back home. He seems to agree that Simi was cheating on me. Although he didn't want to tell me outrightly. Then the word came out of his mouth "KUNLE". I rushed out of his flat. The lift to odd numbers was not working so I took the other one and stopped on the 4th floor. Dashed to the stairs but the door was locked. Struggling with the door I looked to my left and saw a jacket on the floor "This looks like Simi's". I remember clearly that was the blue jacket she wore on the first day we met. And it was right in front of Kemi's flat. I banged at the door. At first I didn't hear a sound. After a while I heard some shuffling. I banged opened the door to see my Simi naked. The pain was too much for me to bear so I strangled her to death. But where is the man. I thought I saw him a minute ago. "TOLA! TOLA!!" I heard Jide calling. I then saw the bastard hanging by the railings of the balcony. Jide is hinting me of where the f*cker was hiding I thought. I tried stepping on his feet but the guy had some strong grip. I looked for something to throw him off. Nothing seemed movable except the fridge which I carried and slammed on his head. The fridge pushed him down and he fell. But the fridge's wire caught my leg and pulled me along. That was how I fell, died and found myself here".

Lady 1:" I have been dating Kunle for about a year. He is the sexiest guy alive and I could not get my hands off him. He was away for about three months due to the conference he had. I had some other commitment so I was out of town for a while. Finally moved to the 5th floor of Missionary Rise on 3rd Close I wanted him to come and see me there and know that we "have arrived". This flat was massive with a whooping four rooms (getting such on high street is difficult these days). On seeing him, I wanted to rip him out and touch every part of his body. But i couldn't. Besides for decency sake, this geek kept standing around asking silly questions. " I should be in downstairs. Taiwo & I are going to Kemi's flat, (which is right beneath(Kunle pointed).I should be back in a bit". That was how we escaped. Getting down to it suddenly we heard a scream. Some man was shouting about what Kemi and Fisayo did. He banged opened the door and strangled me to death. That is how I got here".

Lady 2: " After my breakup with Folarin, I decided that men in this town where not good enough. So I went online and met a marine officer called Tola. He was huge. But very calm but he seemed to have a temper that he has successfully been able to control. We got married after sooner than normal and I forced him to move over to Missionary Rise. We got a spot on the 5th floor. Since the beginning of the week,I noticed there was something bothering him so I decided that maybe I should cheer him up with a small party. We locked the lift on the 5th floor and also all the fire exits (that led to the stair case). This is to prevent children from running out of the building because all their parents where in the party. We had intended to give Tola all the surprises so the plan was that Jide hangs out with him and brings him up later. When I called Jide and he said "This dude has lost it. You need to see this", I was petrified. So I rushed down stairs only to see a fridge on Jide with Tola on it and Kunle lying out of it (the fridge had burst open on impact). I was collapsed and that was how I got here".
"What was the surprise you wanted to show him?" The angel asked. "It is a secret I had always kept from him. I share everything with her. And people get us confused. We are identical twins. My name is Kehinde. People call me Simi".

ki eran ma jé ilẹ

2008-03-27T02:46:00.000-07:00

We had many house-helps when we were younger. Precious, was one of them. Her favourite pasttime was sleeping (even with all the work load she had waiting). Anytime my mum came home and met her sleeping, she always says "we leave you in the house ki eran ma jé ilẹ". The English translation of that sentence is "So that the cow/ram/goat does not eat what we have in the house" (Just think, a gate could do the job).
That statement did not make much sense. Till now.

I left the house pretty early today. Had every intention of watching the movie "10,000 BC" on cinema. So while I drive through Lagos traffic, I like to plan my day because I know I am in for it, if I mess up for a split second. My present office is in Osborne Estate, Lagos (very residential area with no office infrastructure; going into why they allow an office there would be a book on its own). The nearest ATM from my office (Awolowo Road) is a drive that could range from 10 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. (Don't even ask about strolling or public transport; na beans?) As always, it gets very hectic in the office.If i decide to wait till later, the ATMs might have run out of cash.
The earlier the better.

Drive into UBA (Isheri Road), slot my card in, then make a request for =N=10,000. Just as the money was about to come, NEPA takes light. The machine keeps trying to reset so I go to the next bank and check my balance. =N=10,000 less. So where is my money?
Go back to the bank and spend about 5 minutes listening to the security guard and one dude with extremely brown teeth explain to me how the problem can be managed by the correct people responsible, operations.
"The system should automatically reset in twenty four hours. If it does not (resets), you need to fill out a cash retraction form with your local bank. After which it might take another two to three day (actually I know he meant months there) before you get your money back. I just know all this information because it happened to my friend. I work in marketing". I'm standing there thinking, WTF?

Got in touch with my local bank (Sterling Bank. Yes I know, it is like they compete to wear the most ill fitted suits. That is one bank I believe they don't do marketing).
"Hello" The 'Operator' said.
" You need to speak to HOP to sort it out"
" What is that?"
" Head of Operations, Now" (you know when someone shouts 'now', it means you are stressing them; so much for customer service).
Then the pause. The baffoon expects me to know (after I asked her to define HOP). I had to no other choice but to juggle her memory.
Finally speaks to HOP who starts trying to complicate the situation more by explaining what journal papers and complex banking processes. She tells me to get in touch with UBA. That I go and do.Called in their customer service department (UBA) up and spoke to a lovely chap who tried to turn the conversation around and sell me UBA credit cards. 12 minutes on the phone (at a rate equivalent to world's oil price) nothing has change.
Where is my money?Really i don't give a flying monkey if this process is managed by the medicals department of the bank. Why can't they just at least help me identify it? Right now, I am even afraid of withdrawing (even as I don't have liquid cash on hand) because these people could get confused by two transaction!!

I wonder how all these banks make their profit. It is likely the complicated errors (with the even more confused staff).
My business partner almost lost some money to an error by her bank. The bank normally calls her to confirm cheques. The person who enters details of the cheque into the system made a typo. If the bank had not called her (like they are meant to do for me, but never), she might have to fight the case in court dealing with people who can barely communicate and very complex bank processes.

ki eran ma jé ilẹ: engaging the youths in valueless and unnecessary roles because they have nothing better to do.

Experience, makes the proverbs of the old, clearer.