tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81473368246969261812024-03-14T00:23:21.836+01:00Straight from The Revolutionist's PenDeclaring The Changes We Desperately Need In Nigeria And In The World At Large.....Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-91431343360784714562012-09-01T21:56:00.000+01:002012-09-01T21:56:39.882+01:00The Future I Desire....Featured Author: Ochanya Amuta<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKTsTe3KqzZlcCx6_ychQX2v3SyvoeMs-iDLhEWfr7scq8_0BoojNcOeiUCXSAChgaHYU09IupH2D2yJ5LONd-7l-nzDabnQ3BwTGkH8LeRmeutDXaOEGEbpKwVGFntpvAL4nkzHnCOat/s1600/DSC02808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKTsTe3KqzZlcCx6_ychQX2v3SyvoeMs-iDLhEWfr7scq8_0BoojNcOeiUCXSAChgaHYU09IupH2D2yJ5LONd-7l-nzDabnQ3BwTGkH8LeRmeutDXaOEGEbpKwVGFntpvAL4nkzHnCOat/s320/DSC02808.JPG" width="320" /></a>Due to laxity, I feel or should I say I fear that I would lose it all. If the birds in their nature are certain that every day comes with benefits and challenges; how much more I with the certainty of salvation fear the greatness of my great tomorrow.<br />
The fate of uncertainty almost beclouded my sense of possibility and the grace on an envious tomorrow. However, I am built to discover and understand that the wind that blows the rain to shower is meant to grow my seedlings and I am sure of my roof tomorrow.<br />
It was the rat that advised me and said where you ate yesterday might be your trap today. As such, I knew that in fulfilling my desires of yester years, daily discoveries as regards my future is inevitable. I refer to the future where beggars would ride on horses and princes beg bread.<br />
If the Almighty book refers you to learn from the ant, it therefore concludes this article that the future I desire is a makeup of how well I maximize the advice of today and manage the criticism of tomorrow.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">My future is bright and I must get there!!!</span></div>
Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-25302883051608857252012-08-23T16:48:00.000+01:002012-08-23T16:48:02.919+01:00Intense Amnesia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0PFW9jPlo-KdKjXXGWe46NnVxkB-48VEiEiseBXgkQoClJoBHQd9zCv_QIli5oVJ6u0EiUim8JL-cKUvy-rlmlhrHi0J47TDc3HHpx043wT7mfj9R5n2QcwHhKypTS1G-TqTgJppYBRK/s1600/Nigeria-Coat-Of-Arms-psd19573.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0PFW9jPlo-KdKjXXGWe46NnVxkB-48VEiEiseBXgkQoClJoBHQd9zCv_QIli5oVJ6u0EiUim8JL-cKUvy-rlmlhrHi0J47TDc3HHpx043wT7mfj9R5n2QcwHhKypTS1G-TqTgJppYBRK/s200/Nigeria-Coat-Of-Arms-psd19573.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Recently while reading a piece of information, I stumbled upon the National Coat of Arms with its shield, the eagle, the horses, rivers Niger and river Benue and then most importantly the motto: "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress". As I stare at our coat of arms i say to myself that it is actually one of quality with its various components and meanings having deep significance. It was at that point that I realized that Nigeria has suffered from an acute loss of memory. How is it possible that we forget the tenets upon which this nation was founded and yet we expect to survive, thrive and prosper? The moment we let unity suffer a blow, the moment we began to let doubt take a foothold; it was in that moment, at that point that we began to sacrifice our great country on the altar of forgetfulness and neglect. How dare we ignore and then forget what our founding fathers envisioned and fought for - That our unity, our togetherness and unflinching belief in the future of our country would bring us to a state of peace and continuous progress. We've forgotten, this is why this two terms 'Peace and Progress' remain mere adjectives which are hardly applicable in the Nigerian Situation except when we speak them in faith. This is why at this time when the whole-nation state of Nigeria yearns for a revolution, for the emergence and manifestation of a committed set of redeemers that I pursue an awakening. The surgeons and specialists must stimulate the sleeping minds of the Nigerian citizens. Unity (a collective sense of purpose) and Faith (an unflinching belief in the future of our great country) are the starting point of the list of factors that will lead to the emergence of a great nation. WE must make our diversity work for us, for with God nothing is impossible! They say Nigerians continue to smile in the midst of the sufferings, we must bring that sort of tenacity to developing our nation; we must believe even when all avenues to engender belief seem like they are gone----- Unity and Faith are two factors we cannot afford to overlook!Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-48607718916558110722012-06-04T17:39:00.000+01:002012-06-04T17:40:16.870+01:00Through It All....These are trying times for Nigeria and Nigerians. So many lives have been lost, so many destinies, so many seeds of greatness dug out before their maturity. To those who have lost a dear one in these tragedies my heart goes out to you; I cannot say I understand because I don't really think I will be able to. But through it all I would say hold on tight to hope; cry, mourn but do not mourn as those who have no hope. God is bringing us through it all.....and when we look back on the history of this great country in a few years to come we would see these events as part of those that opened our eyes to wisdom, led us back to the ancient paths which we forsook and in all built us up. To those who mourn, I mourn with you and I am continuing in prayer with you....Stand Strong!Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-26391070684758961792012-03-03T19:15:00.002+01:002012-03-03T19:20:39.687+01:00The Change We Want, The Change We Desire, The Change We Must Have<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKFu1_-hOj_cJOLJqo9JbMe2l19Iq9kMBxVSyp2_peK7mw42jCmt2imBtBbyIJJc76YssiDjYxRyvSvGd5XZ4YwHgag4OVym_Fg28t6E7rsXYy7tKYM5s7ungYyVWnFm8VTSdUC7Wb9BG/s1600/wonders-and-woes-of-change.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKFu1_-hOj_cJOLJqo9JbMe2l19Iq9kMBxVSyp2_peK7mw42jCmt2imBtBbyIJJc76YssiDjYxRyvSvGd5XZ4YwHgag4OVym_Fg28t6E7rsXYy7tKYM5s7ungYyVWnFm8VTSdUC7Wb9BG/s320/wonders-and-woes-of-change.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: Brainleadersandlearners.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am writing another piece on "change", "change" but as I think on the subject matter, I ask myself: We've all being talking about change, but where is the change? I ask myself: Am I just doodling or do my words (do our words) have any impact, WHERE IS THE CHANGE?? But as I think some more I realize that I cannot afford to stop writing, I cannot afford to stop talking about this change. Martin Luther King Jr. fought to vanquish racism and restore the dignity of the black man in the United States and it is reported that he gave about 350 speeches in his lifetime. I happen to have seen a compilation of Martin Luther King's speeches and writings in the bookstore one day and I cannot help but think: "That book is almost as big as my Development Economics textbook (if not bigger)! I cannot afford to stop writing and talking about this change which I want to see; my words have great power and eventually will have the desired effect! You can't afford to stop talking and writing about this change. Together we are gonna make it happen, Stay Connected!!Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-38911708918229464312012-03-03T18:44:00.001+01:002012-06-03T06:11:51.703+01:00The Bravery Of Our Fathers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnliGfnzC_bPaT_J_-fp8CZiz-2zGY0KyMwi26oXrHWej2K1qZVarjoi4reSRBUvYsevVTSAeyS7Ld2cbHF4HySLj6U90Z_PvxkBmUIIatcqQB4tl7RUKFM-PdJwAbK6UsPDMdXFi4nWE/s1600/awolowo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnliGfnzC_bPaT_J_-fp8CZiz-2zGY0KyMwi26oXrHWej2K1qZVarjoi4reSRBUvYsevVTSAeyS7Ld2cbHF4HySLj6U90Z_PvxkBmUIIatcqQB4tl7RUKFM-PdJwAbK6UsPDMdXFi4nWE/s200/awolowo.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: Saharareporters.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I picked this up while surfing the net of late. Its called <a href="http://www.dawodu.com/awolowo6.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Obafemi Awolowo's Allocutus</span></a> from <a href="http://dawodu.com/"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Dawodu.com</span></a>. The words reached deep down and connected with my soul, especially the paths I highlighted. I believe its a message for the now irrespective of the circumstances in which the speech was given.... reminisce and meditate on these words; contact something!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In "Adventures in Power Book One: My March through Prison" by<br />
Obafemi Awolowo [Macmillan Nigeria Publishers, 1985]; pp. 198 ff.<br />
<br />
I must say, and this may have to be taken up with a higher tribunal,<br />
that I do not agree with your Lordship's verdict, and the premises on<br />
which it is based.<br />
For upwards of 30 years, I have been in politics in Nigeria; during<br />
this period I have operated in various important theatres in the life<br />
of this great Federation. I have, with others, fought against<br />
British imperialism with all my might, and with all the talents that<br />
it pleased God to give me.<br />
<br />
Together with other nationalists, some of whom are with me and many<br />
of whom are not with me here, we have successfully thrown out British<br />
imperialism and enthroned Africans in positions which, 20 or more<br />
years ago, they never dreamt of occupying.<br />
<br />
I have been an unyielding advocate of a Federal Constitution forNigeria. I have all along, with other leaders of this country, been<br />
a very active and constructive participant in all the constitutional<br />
conferences which have taken place since 1953, and which have<br />
culminated not only in the attainment of independence but in the<br />
production of a Constitution of which Nigerians are very proud.<br />
<br />
This Constitution is now being gradually violated.<br />
<br />
I have also fought against anything which savours of injustice. It<br />
is thus an irony of history that, as one of the architects ofNigeria's independence, I have spent almost half of Nigeria's three<br />
years of independence under one form of confinement or another.<br />
Since 1957 I have fought, as your Lordship remarked, with vigour<br />
against the feudal system in the Northern Region and for its<br />
eradication. I have also fought to prevent the spread of this evil<br />
political system to other parts of Nigeria.<br />
During the same period I have strongly advocated the breaking up of<br />
Northern Region into more states in order to have true federation in<br />
Nigeria, to preclude the permanent subservience of the people of<br />
Nigeria to the autocratic ruling caste in the North, and to preserve<br />
peace and unity in the country.<br />
In short,<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">I have always fought for what I believe, without relenting</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">and regardless of consequences to myself</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">.</span> I have no doubt, and I say<br />
this without any spirit of immodesty, that in the course of my<br />
political career, I have rendered services to this country which<br />
historians and the coming generations will certainly regard as<br />
imperishable.<br />
Naturally, Sir, in the course of my long, turbulent and active<br />
political life, I have attracted to myself a sizeable crop of<br />
detractors and political adversaries. Similarly, I have in the<br />
course of this long career seen both triumphs and set-backs; and I<br />
have met them with equal mind.<br />
<br />
Peter, not Peter the Apostle, but Peter the hero of Hugh Walpole's<br />
novel entitled "Fortitude" said: "<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">t isn't life that matters but the</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">courage you bring to it."</span><br />
After life had done terrible things to Peter he heard a voice that<br />
said to him, among other things,<span style="color: #f1c232;"> "Blessed be all sorrow, hardships</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">and endurance that demand courage. Blessed be these things: for of</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">these things cometh the making of a man."</span><br />
<br />
In the words of Peter, therefore, my Lord, I declare (not that I have<br />
heard a voice): Blessed be your verdict; and I say in advance,<br />
blessed be the sentence which your Lordship may pass on me.<br />
<br />
I personally welcome any sentence you may impose upon me. <span style="color: #f1c232;">At this</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">moment my only concern is not for myself, but that my imprisonment</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">might do harm to Nigeria for three reasons.</span><br />
First, the invaluable services which I have hitherto rendered and<br />
which I can still render will be lost to the country – at least for a<br />
season.<br />
<br />
Second, there might be a heightening of the present tension which has<br />
lasted 15 months, and has done incalculable injuries to the economy<br />
of the country.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Thirdly, for some time to come, the present twilight of democracy,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">individual freedom and the rule of law, will change or might change</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">into utter darkness. But after darkness – and this is a commonplace –comes a glorious dawn.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">It is, therefore, with a brave heart, with confident hope, and with</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">faith in my unalterable destiny, that I go from this twilight into</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">the darkness, unshaken in my trust in the Providence of God that a</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">glorious dawn will come on the morrow.</span><br />
<br />
My adversaries might say who am I to think that if I am imprisoned<br />
the country might suffer? What if I died?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The point, of course, is that I am still alive and will not die in</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">prison. Furthermore, the spirit of man knows no barrier, never dies,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">and can be projected to any part of the world.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">This being so I am confident that the ideals of social justice and</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">individual liberty which I hold dear will continue to be projected</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">beyond the prison walls and bars until they are realized in our</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">lifetime.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">In this connection, I must stress that in this very court room,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">indeed in this dock and in the entire Federation of Nigeria, the</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">spirit of a new Nigeria is already active and at work. This spirit,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">working through constitutional means which I have spent the whole of</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">my lifetime to advocate, is sure to prevail, before very long, to the</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">delight, freedom and prosperity of all and sundry.</span>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-64673774180075632012012-02-24T23:46:00.000+01:002012-06-03T06:05:23.751+01:00The Coin......(featured Writer: Ochy Amuta)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHDxluji2w_kH5ACIRILqTkcUJfME5wIw7GOFtfxDkdU36MKuOQuBDrNsydIEr6cUKKaXCuFBrI9T7mf8gaaQQVu2Exx-eAToU8Wrh3sHWjrUGtcO0Nqhkaf1L55ZHYFRGI5AhlxN0pog/s1600/6a0120a676ca4e970b0148c671d723970c-800wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHDxluji2w_kH5ACIRILqTkcUJfME5wIw7GOFtfxDkdU36MKuOQuBDrNsydIEr6cUKKaXCuFBrI9T7mf8gaaQQVu2Exx-eAToU8Wrh3sHWjrUGtcO0Nqhkaf1L55ZHYFRGI5AhlxN0pog/s200/6a0120a676ca4e970b0148c671d723970c-800wi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every coin has two sides; the head and the tail.... once the coin is tossed what ever comes up is what is declared................ Permit me to relate this to a life of chance. Sometimes i choose to think that this is how people of this generation live:'whatever tomorrow offers......, we embrace' mentality.<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">the demand side of life :</span></b><br />
there is no such thing as............<br />
............has never existed before....<br />
i am the only one going through this.....<br />
nobody can just understand.......<br />
the earth has been unfair........<br />
i have no friends...........<br />
betrayal has been my middle name and loneliness, my surname...<br />
in fact, i'm all alone<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">the supply side of life :</span></b><br />
i have everything i want<br />
i can always rise after i fall<br />
i'm not alone in this boat<br />
the strength that functions in my within and reflects on my outside is supernatural<br />
everything favors me<br />
people love me<br />
i'm not in this alone...........<br />
<br />
for every question that seems like an unanswered question, have you taken out time to think and ask the author of wisdom for the answer...<br />
remember; he makes all things beautiful in his time and the time to favor you is now.....<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">get tired of the rig marolliing feeling</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">get tired of self pity..........</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">get tired of living a life of uncertainty......</span></b><br />
<br />
embrace hope and keep confessing what your creator says and disregard what other creations say......<br />
i think its time to look inwards............Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-63067707777030609132012-01-26T23:20:00.000+01:002012-06-03T06:12:25.032+01:00The Ideal Nigerian Leader:Becoming a person<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv6HtqGrCT5pbnPDlLwE5NTEiyIAJdl_U-lrDS8Frir5oKwv9aQjjmWHFXRlDNZq8_9Z4fjuPQxZ_sQk8HjsfNwii1QfrEwne9LJH3eJLNJGxpWxy5HBlw4huzczVYz90OJCPpe_YVVYd/s1600/beamsofintegrity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtv6HtqGrCT5pbnPDlLwE5NTEiyIAJdl_U-lrDS8Frir5oKwv9aQjjmWHFXRlDNZq8_9Z4fjuPQxZ_sQk8HjsfNwii1QfrEwne9LJH3eJLNJGxpWxy5HBlw4huzczVYz90OJCPpe_YVVYd/s200/beamsofintegrity.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: <a href="http://savvydaddy.cm/">savvydaddy.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently while Dr. David Oyedepo was speaking, I picked up a statement he said. He said "What we lack in Nigeria are not qualifications but persons." What may cross your mind would be thoughts such as "but there are persons in Nigeria!!'.... But thinking some more on that statement I realize in Nigeria today, we do have a dearth of persons. This sad phenomenon can only be what explains why Nigeria (and indeed Nigerians) are seen as a highly corrupt people. Your person is made of two main pillars: Character and Capacity; Capacity makes up 25% of your person while your character makes up a solid 75% of your person. This simply means: No character, No person! - Your capacity may get you to a certain point but its only your character that will sustain you there and enable you make a lasting impact. Any person that you find in the front-lines who is still there today has been sustained by character, any project that still stands and is as good as it was, as at the time of establishment is there because of character.<br />
Why is that after about 53 years of oil exploration, production and exportation we are yet to own well-functioning refineries; no one can say that the idea to fund and build refineries has not been on the drawing board, however monies allocated to such projects have gone down <strike>certain deep pockets</strike> the drain because character is lacking. I do not know how many of you saw Fela Durotoye's heart-cry on Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/feladurotoye/posts/10150532218308340" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Fela's heart-cry</span></a> concerning the fuel subsidy saga and the leaders that will birth the Nigerian Spring in 2015. Well these leaders wherever you may be right now, I put it to you that character is indispensable, otherwise we're back to square one!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Cultivate Character</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">!</span><br />
<br />
You can't pray character down, you can't wish it, neither can you pay for it.....it requires a continuous process of consistent development. I have said to myself and I have written it down : "I am bringing character and capacity together to instigate a change and make an impact anyway I can in my country - My character is a preservative tool for this nation - I am working on myself!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">This is the only way out; this is our only way out!</span>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-29348200869041189942012-01-26T23:17:00.003+01:002012-06-03T06:14:17.971+01:00BAM!! Back and Better!BAM! I'm back and better! I'm sorry for leaving you guys hanging for that long. The extra burden of examinations, taking out time to review last year and project on this new year, spiritual commitments....kept me intensely occupied. Anyways, I'm back now...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (I know its not too late) I hope we've all been able to reflect on the past year and on this year. I want you all to know that the night seasons only last for awhile, the morning will always break forth. Take out time to pray against the forces that are seeking to hold Nigeria down; God is angry with the wicked everyday (Psalm 7:11) and He will cut them off from the earth (Proverbs 2:22).<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Keep praying, Remain Connected, I Love You All.....</span>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-53291800854626742522011-12-15T14:37:00.001+01:002011-12-18T13:10:21.876+01:001000th Blog GiveawayYay! we have been able to attain the milestone of 1000 views on this blog, its a very "small" achievement but anyways I just want to appreciate everyone who has visited this blog accidentally, purposefully, or forcefully.....THANK YOU!. As a token of my appreciation I just have this little gift to give out, its something that totally (and I mean totally) changed my life; I hope it changes yours too. All you have to do is to drop your e-mail address as a comment, and then you are privy to this gift! Once again...Thank You!!!Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-14660716270503837992011-12-09T23:11:00.001+01:002012-06-03T06:27:53.581+01:00Purposive In The Midst Of Being Busy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne06SHljmMKukRZNj_CVm62vjLTbdR9VA197FHK3gdyD4we9Wcz8_aG2tU3I4Yqw5VYTp2vFY_CEN_A4w1wSiJQXJZb06DHN_1slhBu7Ql9c0q3BCHuIjDpEtNJKImOcmawvshomQJJlm/s1600/socrates-busy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne06SHljmMKukRZNj_CVm62vjLTbdR9VA197FHK3gdyD4we9Wcz8_aG2tU3I4Yqw5VYTp2vFY_CEN_A4w1wSiJQXJZb06DHN_1slhBu7Ql9c0q3BCHuIjDpEtNJKImOcmawvshomQJJlm/s200/socrates-busy.jpg" width="200" /></a>Its been awhile....I hope someone missed me. The past few weeks have been hectic with a capital H....one assignment after another, tests, tests and tests, project....even now that school has closed I still find myself being beyond busy. In the midst of all of this "busyness" something dawned on me....and that is:<span style="color: #f1c232;"> the importance of being purposive in all of your actions</span>. Don't let the tyranny of the urgent catch up with you; let your eye be single (focused on that thing which you consider most important) and then your whole life will be filled with light and clarity. In Nigeria it is particularly difficult to focus, but focus anyways.<br />
And then for some contrast, I think you guys should learn to do some random but productive thinking and walking...helps take off the load sometimes in the midst of the busyness. As Socrates put it..."Beware the barrenness of a busy life"Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-44603039076451723742011-11-12T01:55:00.001+01:002012-06-03T06:28:37.125+01:00The Danger Of A Single Story...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/D9Ihs241zeg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Truth be told I just wanted to post something on 11/11/11, but it didn't work out as planned. After trying time and time again to post this video directly from my system with no success, I gave up and slept off. Well I'm awake now trying to do some other stuff and then it hit me: "post this video from YouTube". I did so and it worked, Yay! It's technically no longer 11/11/11 but the message is still the same... Here, <span style="color: #f1c232;">Chimamanda</span> is talking about the dangers of seeing things from just a single viewpoint, the dangers of limiting Nigeria to just a single story. Watch it to the end, Download it if you need to and Enjoy!!<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Speaking Engagement: TED Global 2009</span>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-60617581888370803922011-11-04T13:40:00.001+01:002011-11-04T13:40:43.641+01:00Education....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jn4enDwCO4Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Okay I stumbled upon this video by Fela Durotoye, a couple of days ago
while rearranging my files and well the video struck a chord especially
towards the end. I also found kinship wih the part where he spoke about
great teachers, do you have any great teachers?....I think I do. While
deciding to post Fela's video, I suddenly remembered this video by Sir
Ken Robinson, in it he talks about education too (He's is quite
hilarious especially the part where he's talking about the 36-month old
child with no achievements. I hope as you watch you'll get some
ideas....Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="526" height="374" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2010/Blank/SirKenRobinson_2010-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/SirKenRobinson-2010.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=865&lang=eng&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution;year=2010;theme=master_storytellers;theme=the_rise_of_collaboration;theme=whipsmart_comedy;theme=how_we_learn;theme=the_creative_spark;theme=a_taste_of_ted2010;theme=how_the_mind_works;event=TED2010;tag=children;tag=creativity;tag=education;tag=invention;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"></embed></object>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-91646272320235605452011-11-02T15:57:00.001+01:002012-06-03T06:12:46.626+01:00Freedom From Self<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrfQX4DhXvev-ULrXoklj-sz_nMeQkRSqNdcHymZ3R_5BGO1mUshJz6tc-2VvXW6Zb3RgL6O9lBLkgCxdiFKFR24XaF0eBP3oGH9a2NZYHO42bIpEnk-EFjJmoaVTxqIap-150Li3RIOu/s1600/Freedom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrfQX4DhXvev-ULrXoklj-sz_nMeQkRSqNdcHymZ3R_5BGO1mUshJz6tc-2VvXW6Zb3RgL6O9lBLkgCxdiFKFR24XaF0eBP3oGH9a2NZYHO42bIpEnk-EFjJmoaVTxqIap-150Li3RIOu/s200/Freedom1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It’s a
privilege to share my thoughts in this honourable blog to individuals that have
braced up to join this young great revolutionist in this seemingly unending
subject matter, ‘NIGERIA’. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was
recently involved in a really informative debate. The debate was on the
subject: <span style="color: purple;">agriculture and oi</span>l. I debated for agriculture and from that debate the
subject matter, <span style="color: purple;">freedom from self</span> was born. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before
independence, Nigeria desired independence....after independence we celebrated
independence and now we do not know what exactly we are seeking for but all we
know is that we are seeking something. I’m sure that I’m speaking with
inquisitive minds right now and as such I choose to believe that you must have
asked yourself why Nigeria desired to get her independence. A very common
answer is that they desired freedom. After independence while trying to
celebrate this new achievement, the same need before 1960 was not met, this is
freedom!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You might
actually be wondering right now what this analyst is talking about........I
request that you still borrow me some seconds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The basic
truth and need that Nigerians have been seeking for before and after
independence is freedom from self. This is as a result of having little or no
iota of belief in oneself not to think about the entire nation. It is a
struggle between self. Nigeria is a coming together of persons. Until these
persons break free from this self freedom mentality...then it remains the
unsolvable need. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I end with a
proposition to Nigerians that believe there is no future for Nigeria.... try
thinking about yourself as though you alone make up Nigeria. What would you do
to make yourself satisfied and happy....think the same thing for
5...10...20...persons.....you’d see that Nigeria still has a future and then
you would agree with me that its a battle of self freedom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To the
others who are on the same page with me guess what.......it would soon be count
down to the Nigeria of our dreams...............</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My last
words on this, ‘ignore that you have a leader....lead yourself as you are the
government....would you allow your territory fail?’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Ochy</span></i> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-71390869272044726342011-11-01T15:45:00.001+01:002011-12-18T13:12:03.349+01:00Time Is Of The Essence<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> When I picked up my pen to write this
particular piece, I was weak.....it had been a long day, I had classes from
8am-7pm, had a meeting that was supposed to hold for 8pm and it was already 9pm
and there was no sign of life to indicate that the meeting was going to start
anytime soon, and sincerely I was not particularly glad. That was when this
subject matter came to me....the essence of time in initiating the change we
must see in Nigeria. I was chatting with a colleague earlier today and he was like....
“The future of Nigeria that we envision is not gonna happen in the next 10,
next 15 years”. And I don’t know about you but I want to see this change happen
in my time, the Nigerian system we operate today is very fragile, the room can
come crashing down around our ears anytime. That’s why I feel the urgency to
reiterate this message today (my friend Ochy has written on something
similar).....TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The change we seek is not in the saying but
in the doing; we can’t keep talking about this change, we have to make it
happen .The individuals in key positions may not see the need for this change
or they may not be willing to see it happen, probably they have so much to lose
if this corrupt system sees its end. But I see the need for this change; I hope
you can see it too. I’m doing what I can from my end, what about you? This
change is going to come and I have made up my mind that I’m not just going to
stay put saying something like: “Na so dem dey talk am since”. I am going to
play my part and I want you to do the same, I implore you to the same; there is
a way to initiate this change from your end, all you have to do is to search
for it and you’ll find it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy new month to y'all, I wish you speed and strength even as you go about your duties this month....Take Charge</div>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-62189610434697365912011-10-26T12:04:00.000+01:002011-10-26T12:27:42.948+01:00Ochy's Phone Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWiBx9qBQABWb7J54nUnNnGGGgNqIXCLFR8V9qpHuy1lrlxlkD85qI5YdUyDPOLBC65p33ajuDwozO0jC9r8FoWjfVHPQ6ZsH8vTWfioB-h5Fmwb-buAacJ64x8Z0Uz-aTwcArPNSsCOT/s1600/telephone+ringing+twn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWiBx9qBQABWb7J54nUnNnGGGgNqIXCLFR8V9qpHuy1lrlxlkD85qI5YdUyDPOLBC65p33ajuDwozO0jC9r8FoWjfVHPQ6ZsH8vTWfioB-h5Fmwb-buAacJ64x8Z0Uz-aTwcArPNSsCOT/s200/telephone+ringing+twn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
NIGERIA.............</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first year in secondary school at Ibadan, the second line
of the school’s anthem called the school a citadel of learning. Its of great
honour and privilege that I call Nigeria a citadel of responsibility. Before
you cast your stones, listen and understand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The state of Nigeria is bad and nonfunctional and as such it has built a sense of responsibility to make
things work and happen this is why privatization surfaces today. If the
irresponsibility of the government has given a wake up call for the citizens
then I think NIGERIA is such that still has a future. Remember that the palm
tree that seemed like it refused to grow, when its due season came the ground
couldn’t hold it anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My message for
Nigerians is this, the sector in which you belong to, make it work in your own
capacity. Corruption might not be totally eradicated but it can be drastically
reduced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am asking Nigerians today, GIVE CHANGE A
CHANCE...............GIVE NIGERIA A FUTURE!!</div>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-58508426967074256392011-10-20T21:04:00.000+01:002011-11-01T15:42:33.028+01:00One Lovely Blog and Versatile Blogger Awards<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSk7cTK13_cRIm_400M1UDsm3dtn6_3aXplCOcGOfguwNvkzhMPDjABuAvewO4GLJq2MpRGqvNKuG53L1vatwaX_f0f9V1DWYov1oIPs9CeE2KkpgKZ4Dt92SMBkwTtue_jZGOOw-vibk/s1600/VersatileBloggerAward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSk7cTK13_cRIm_400M1UDsm3dtn6_3aXplCOcGOfguwNvkzhMPDjABuAvewO4GLJq2MpRGqvNKuG53L1vatwaX_f0f9V1DWYov1oIPs9CeE2KkpgKZ4Dt92SMBkwTtue_jZGOOw-vibk/s200/VersatileBloggerAward.jpg" width="200" /></a>Yay!! I was tagged. Okay, I've been tagged for the one lovely blog and versatile blogger awards. I would like to send a big shout-out to <a href="http://apenandaheart.blogspot.com/">Naija4life</a>, good to have you back bro, and thanks for tagging me for the one lovely blog award. And also to <a href="http://relentlessbuilder.blogspot.com/">Relentless</a>, your support is constantly appreciated, thanks for tagging me for the versatile blogger award...God bless ya both.. I also just want to send a big shout to whoever started this award thingy, more than the award it is a way of strengthening the bond here in blogsville and letting bloggers who might not have felt appreciated know that their work is being recognized, thumbs up to the main originators.<br />
I will just take a cue from <a href="http://thespringinmysteps.blogspot.com/">stelzz</a> and combine the answers to the questions in just this one post, since the rules are basically the same.<br />
One Lovely Blog rules: <br />
<ul>
<li>Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award</li>
<li>Answer the questions below</li>
<li>Tell seven random things about yourself</li>
<li>Pass the award to 15 recently discovered blogs</li>
</ul>
Versatile Blogger rules:<br />
<ul>
<li>Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award</li>
<li>Share seven random things about yourself</li>
<li>Pass the award on to 15 recently discovered blogs</li>
</ul>
Lovely Blog Award Questions<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Favourite colour</b>: Let’s see.... my favourite colour would
have to be blue, deep blue to be precise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Favourite Song</b>: More like favourite artiste. I love(not
like) <a href="http://hillsongunited.com/">Hillsong</a>; the tone, the message in their songs is JUST IT....If you haven’t
heard any hillsong track before I suggest you Google hillsong now now!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Favourite Dessert: </b>Nada, I'm proudly naija...I don't really do desserts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What puts you off:</b> I detest pride, people who are proud can
hardly see beyond themselves. I also believe that if you are going to do
something do it well, if not don’t bother.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Your Favourite pet:</b> I think I like dogs....I’ve never had
one so I can’t really say for sure. I just like the sight of them (the fine ones, anyway!!!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Black or White</b>: Black, Hands down!! I don’t know I’m kinda
scared of white; I would have to ask myself what this white trouser will go with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You Biggest fear</b>: I seriously can't think of any..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Everyday Attitude</b>: Hurry up, time is going....( I'm always in a hurry).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Your best feature</b>: My eyes... they are big and round, not in
a gorky kind of way though and sometimes I think they could just draw you in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What is perfection</b>: Heaven is perfection! There is no
sickness, no death, no pain, no lack; all tears are forever wiped away. The streets
are paved with gold (yes, literally) all the desires of our heart are met and seriously
I can’t think of anything more perfect!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Guilty pleasure</b>: I have a thing for electronic gadgets
irrespective of what the use may be, in 3
years I have spent a substantial amount of money on music players and men! I'm yet to get over the regret . I also like to collect books, I may have read the book but still I
would like to own my own copy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Seven random things about me</b>:</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>I think people who wear glasses are cool<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>My handwriting is quite small<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>I love watching soccer</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"></span></span>I love Max Lucado, and I would love to write the
way he does<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>I have read the entire “Left Behind” collection (there are 13 in all)<span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"></span></span>I can be very emotional (but I prefer to keep it
all on the inside) </li>
<li> I would rather take an injection rather than pills.... anytime, anyday.</li>
</ol>
<b>15 Recently Discovered Blogs</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://thespringinmysteps.blogspot.com/">The Spring in my Steps</a> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.mak2chi.com/">Ginger's blog</a> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://afrosays.wordpress.com/">Afrosays to me</a> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://lowladee.com/">Lowladee</a> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://temiville.wordpress.com/">Musings of a caramel latte addict</a> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://apenandaheart.blogspot.com/">A pen and a heart</a> </b> <br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span> <a href="http://www.lightherlamp.com/">Light-A-Lamp</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<a href="http://spekkyforspectacular.blogspot.com/"> Spekky for Spectacular</a><br />
<a href="http://phessayur.blogspot.com/"> moi</a><br />
<a href="http://lightfortoday.blogspot.com/"> Daily Light For the Journey</a><br />
<a href="http://lighttoday.blogspot.com/">Light Today</a><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br />Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-86828689678220431772011-10-10T16:48:00.000+01:002011-12-18T13:12:34.275+01:00Tales By Ochy's Light.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K5pGkSgawej_uKy0aGkVM1kDuAVTn6zvXEO_8wWyrwaA-dyBh5v8vmfS9HYi-4DoOnGL_B7EoTfJ-bqzox7NCocUKAzDDhzp8DkoIzqJSJLPXKZP04QGl1q96Ix-Ypz_-7tQhnXuzIE_/s1600/Photo0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K5pGkSgawej_uKy0aGkVM1kDuAVTn6zvXEO_8wWyrwaA-dyBh5v8vmfS9HYi-4DoOnGL_B7EoTfJ-bqzox7NCocUKAzDDhzp8DkoIzqJSJLPXKZP04QGl1q96Ix-Ypz_-7tQhnXuzIE_/s1600/Photo0450.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Today is a special day in my friend's life and I've allowed her post a little something something, enjoy.....</i><br />
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<i>So many years ago, folktales were told not necessarily because
these tales actually happened but because lessons should be learnt from them.
In my thoughtful moment I imagined telling a tale about Fildei Tobar........ so
many people would begin to wonder: who is this? But when I tell a story, a legendary
story about Fildei, you the reader would want to be like him. Guess what he
only lives in my imagination, he is not real but yet could be celebrated.</i></div>
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<i>Today, the story is different. It’s not about my imaginary Fildei
Tobar but about one that was actually conceived and born by a woman: “My father”.
In a land where water was as gold, clothing as diamond and housing as sapphire,
somebody still emerged with a drive for success and great achievements. Not to wonder
today I celebrate such a man who traded sachet water for his children to have
ice-cream, a pair of rubber slippers for his children to have leather shoes. This
is no folktale neither is it tales by moonlight but tales by Ochy’s light.
Happy birthday to my unique friend and Father!!</i></div>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-80849182883089674752011-10-05T13:59:00.000+01:002011-10-05T14:01:43.293+01:00TICK.....TICK, says the clock..... (Featured writer: Ochy Amuta)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil60_uqvwMMo7qHjuIaLezc0oMK4MPzs5_guIhWV2cNqocjElpiFbWXrCG4NWRjviE23EnPRSEwKveERIxQs4rVciroF7AtfA2uiQXe8Q8-reaFV09IQzDVqATsV4E6kRGMCxQ_pAiQdAf/s1600/Photo0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil60_uqvwMMo7qHjuIaLezc0oMK4MPzs5_guIhWV2cNqocjElpiFbWXrCG4NWRjviE23EnPRSEwKveERIxQs4rVciroF7AtfA2uiQXe8Q8-reaFV09IQzDVqATsV4E6kRGMCxQ_pAiQdAf/s200/Photo0295.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: blue;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ochy Amuta</td></tr>
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My tomorrow never came..........<br />
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so many say this even before experiencing a today<br />
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and forgetting or letting go of their yesterday.<br />
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i have a proposal for a man of today living in the world of yesterday....<br />
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........grow up!!!</div>
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i also have one for you living in the today and ignoring the tomorrow......<br />
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<div style="color: red;">
............wise up!!!</div>
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there are others who are so concerned of the tomorrow that the today lacks its right treatment <br />
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....................wisdom is freely given, ask of Him, THE AUTHOR. </div>
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i refuse to call u guys the last category,<br />
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but for some that are scared of tomorrow and leaving it all today...............<br />
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............it starts with a plan.</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: blue;">LETS ACT ON THIS..............REMEMBER...ONE STEP AT A TIME!</span>!</span><br />
<br />Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-16309876527858960912011-10-01T10:11:00.000+01:002011-10-01T15:56:51.973+01:00Happy Birthday Naija: YOU ARE NIGERIA!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzrbh4WrBJTF8yiH4kMAlaN2XQs5bkuUORPJb_TLRINMmc7Eoa0lklKPsDVGQEIC_YrMFXcmPiC7V4sVIWb7V05JUJpAIYf4wcy9b2LHIL0IsR9A7ba2w6MB4Q4_zyyDnWVpOc84E_5Vi/s1600/nigeria+flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzrbh4WrBJTF8yiH4kMAlaN2XQs5bkuUORPJb_TLRINMmc7Eoa0lklKPsDVGQEIC_YrMFXcmPiC7V4sVIWb7V05JUJpAIYf4wcy9b2LHIL0IsR9A7ba2w6MB4Q4_zyyDnWVpOc84E_5Vi/s200/nigeria+flag.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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Happy Birthday Naija!!!! I consider that the sufferings of
this present time are nothing to be compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in us. So today on Nigeria’s
birthday and I’m going to be taking a different tone. Normally I would write on
Nigeria, her problems and a few solutions; however, a few days ago while
reading a material titled “A Balanced Life” by Brian Tracy, I suddenly realized
that I’m Nigeria, if I’m not good enough, Nigeria can never be good enough.
Nigeria can never be the most desirable nation by 2025 if its filled with
millions of undesirable Nigerians. So today the challenge I’ll throw to YOU is
to endeavor to make YOU more desirable with each passing day, find ways to make YOU more valuable and I know will all be the better for it. Here is a video by Fela Durotoye, the visioner of GEMSTONE 2025. Enjoy!!!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ul1vPmZTv0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-20927040181608104862011-09-16T23:30:00.000+01:002011-09-16T23:35:13.086+01:00The Ideal Nigerian Leader: Integrity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCPhS4Vc7GHhUCoVbflGZ-uw4ccTyfxeOhhM_hQl6r1zaUdkKatQ9V4nuk8uBbUdg55g6Ec2o35Cmucckzpf7j8aZprLP6Mx8zWGNUzs1E3zI2ufYL6dFU_Ex5-yvSAszF_taCZSqzOjo/s1600/a_true_leader_t_shirt-p235232248175700249y3vy_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCPhS4Vc7GHhUCoVbflGZ-uw4ccTyfxeOhhM_hQl6r1zaUdkKatQ9V4nuk8uBbUdg55g6Ec2o35Cmucckzpf7j8aZprLP6Mx8zWGNUzs1E3zI2ufYL6dFU_Ex5-yvSAszF_taCZSqzOjo/s200/a_true_leader_t_shirt-p235232248175700249y3vy_400.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture obtained from Zazzle.ca</td></tr>
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I remember an
incident that occurred during my secondary school days. That particular day, I
climbed a chair and began writing on the board: “Vote for me and I will give
you gari and water every day, Vote for me and I will make sure that you work on
your legs while my family members and I use limousines, Vote for me….” One of
my teachers, Mr. Oyenuga saw me and he asked: “So you want to be president? I
couldn’t proffer an answer but since that day, we’ve had a better
teacher-student relationship. Thinking back on that day I can only laugh and
wonder “what sort of manifesto is that?” and what sort of electorate would vote
for an individual bearing such manifesto. But then thinking about that incident
again, isn’t it true that hundreds of Nigerians starve while our leaders and
their entourage feed fat on government money. Their manifestos may seem all
prim and proper but in the end when the veil is lifted, their promises are in
its crudest sense just like those I wrote on the board back in secondary
school. Given the fact that the world today and indeed Nigeria has had its fair
share of deceptive, selfish and corrupt leaders and the fact that in the
timeline of history today; Nigeria is facing its most damaging challenges and
yet we still have the opportunity to launch ourselves into the limelight we
must ask ourselves: “Who is the Ideal Nigerian Leader?” (Or rather what sort of
distinguishing qualities must the leader who will launch Nigeria into all of
her glory and splendor possess?)</div>
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So what sort of
qualities should the ideal Nigerian leader possess? Should he be extra rich so
that when he ascends political office, the multiple zero figures dancing in
front of his eyes wouldn’t be a source of temptation, or should he be average,
not-too rich because a rich person might only to seek to promote interests that
will increase his wealth while an average person who understands the pains of
not having enough might feel for the plight of his former not very well to-do
compatriots and maybe (just maybe) will
promote interests that will better their lives. Or should this leader possess
just an ordinary school leaving certificate or should he be a well renowned
Prof.? The questions posed above are basically ethical questions and the task
of proffering answers would not be one that can be carried out with ease.
However, I can identify certain must-have qualities which every leader who can
and will lead Nigeria and Nigerians into the Promised Land must possess. </div>
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The first and most
important quality which any leader must possess is <span style="color: #e06666;">INTEGRITY</span>. Without integrity
you can never be a better person talk less of a better leader. If as a leader
the people (your followers) cannot take you at your word then all hope is lost.
When deceit, lies begin to permeate the leader-follower relationship and
integrity begins to seep out of the relationship, the bond between the leaders
and the followers is broken and the eventual result of such an occurrence,
would be that such a leader will not be able to achieve any meaningful change
whatsoever with his followers or amongst his followers. Any leader who can
secure the trust of his followers will be able to get them to believe his
vision will get them to run with it. A leader full of integrity will be able to
say to his followers: “Follow me into the fire and I promise you we’ll come out
unscathed on the other side” and his followers will without hesitation follow, because
they trust him and believe in him. A leader without integrity on the other hand
will say to his followers: “Follow me into the fire and I promise we’ll come
out unscathed on the other side” and his followers with much hesitation will
reply with something like: “Go on and let us see you come out on the other side
FIRST, who says if we follow you in; you wouldn’t turn your back on us the
first chance you get.” I have of recent being reading the book <span style="color: #3d85c6;">“Everyone
communicates, Few Connect” </span>by <span style="color: #3d85c6;">John Maxwell</span> and it he shares a word from <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Presidential
Historian Robert Dallek</span> who insists that successful presidents exhibit five
qualities that enable them to achieve things that others don’t, these qualities
include: vision, pragmatism, consensus building, charisma and <u style="color: #e06666;">trustworthiness
</u>(integrity). The above thus
evidences the fact that for the Nigerian leader who will be successful and who
will lead a successful nation, integrity is paramount; integrity is utmost;
integrity is important….in fact integrity is everything!!<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">P.S. To be continued </span> </div>
Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-56809310602890737572011-09-12T10:58:00.000+01:002012-06-03T06:23:34.828+01:00September 11 prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViv9f9futHPbMjhiE7UTUEBMAzH7t6gikqwDt2rdVYXnzu-Go2GNC-EYkDSCA4zqSFh_9IqL1ZN3eswfunInbX_F2IMosa8AEU1kcu0wHEnndqPxejGBzxxbC5V5l7sAcKtF5n_WoVFp/s1600/kneeling+prayer+of+kid.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRViv9f9futHPbMjhiE7UTUEBMAzH7t6gikqwDt2rdVYXnzu-Go2GNC-EYkDSCA4zqSFh_9IqL1ZN3eswfunInbX_F2IMosa8AEU1kcu0wHEnndqPxejGBzxxbC5V5l7sAcKtF5n_WoVFp/s200/kneeling+prayer+of+kid.png" width="179" /></a></div>
I went back to school yesterday and it was hectic, tough and my feet are still aching, after walking about for 5 hours or maybe even more, I can only hope that the dust will settle soon. Anyways, I was checking my mail today and I saw this prayer by Max Lucado in remembrance of 9/11, and I thought it fitting to post it here. So here it is:<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/bya3yjyto0iq58h/lucado%20september%2011%20prayer.pdf"><span style="color: #f1c232;">The Lucado Prayer</span></a> </span><br />
<br />Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-78551588277621034722011-08-22T20:00:00.006+01:002012-06-03T06:23:01.598+01:00Oil and Nigeria (Part 2)<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvNaKaPQkF9TpJzk3X-MOfB_6IUkDqQY0CL8ILVoPKNtdPkJhB2rCs9PEK1aLaw93juu744ypAv9uvsF1wT5Na320F0dJLlOO9wEniFsgNrzut1rn2_GuuNSWMoaISQVxZNmbH8CKOYbG/s1600/nigerian-oil-hdr-615.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643776715332413778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvNaKaPQkF9TpJzk3X-MOfB_6IUkDqQY0CL8ILVoPKNtdPkJhB2rCs9PEK1aLaw93juu744ypAv9uvsF1wT5Na320F0dJLlOO9wEniFsgNrzut1rn2_GuuNSWMoaISQVxZNmbH8CKOYbG/s200/nigerian-oil-hdr-615.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 132px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><b><i><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Irony of Oil</span></u></i></b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 100%; line-height: 115%;">Particularly peculiar to oil-rich nations is the irony of the situation in which such countries find themselves. Despite enormous riches that accrue from oil year in-year out such countries still remain relatively poor. Nigeria has caught cheaply the Dutch Disease that is commonplace amongst oil-rich nations (The Dutch Disease is a global acronym for nations whose rich natural resource endowment paralyze their production potentials turning them paradoxically to poor underdeveloped nations because they lost the motivation, discipline and capacity for self-development, self reliance and sustainable growth). Despite our oil riches, over 64% of our people live below the internationally recognized poverty line of $1.25 per day. Our saddening condition can be largely attributed to the corrupt nature of the Nigerian society; corrupt officials within the Nigerian society can't seem to let the oil money do what it ought to do (such as: build schools and health care facilities, repair roads, provide job opportunities e.t.c.) Rather they continue to ship these riches in large quantities for their personal gain. As observed in The New York Times in its edition of 1st August 2000: "if oil revenue is managed well, it can educate, heal and provide jobs for the people. But oil brings risks as well as benefits. Rarely have developing countries used oil money to improve the lives of the majority of citizens or bring steady economic growth. More often oil revenues have caused crippling economic distortions and been spent on showy projects, weapons and Paris shopping trips for government officials”.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; line-height: 115%;"> As aptly put by Bishop David Oyedepo: "With such enormous resources (obtained from our oil reserves) we had all the opportunity to develop our infrastructures but our leaders chose rather to sell the future of an entire nation to selfishness on the altar of corruption"</span></div>
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More pitiful is the situation in which the oil producing regions in Nigeria find themselves, they more than anyone else have suffered the most at the hands of a resource which ought to be a blessing. And "As people and transnational oil corporations have been fighting over this "dark nectar" in the delta region, immense poverty and environmental destruction have resulted"..<span style="font-size: 85%;">.the Niger Delta people have been robbed and have been left standing out naked in the cold</span>. <span style="font-size: 100%; line-height: 115%;">One would ordinarily expect that the Niger Delta region would be the foremost beneficiaries of the riches accruing from oil but this has not been the case as the region is being plunged deeper and deeper into a state of despair and hopelessness as their oil-attached dreams and hopes are being crushed year after year. Quoting the BBC news article: <span style="color: #f1c232;">"<span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7840310.stm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;">The day oil was first discovered in Nigeria</span></a>"</span></span> in which they interviewed Chief Sunday Inegite who had this to say as regards the excitement the day oil was discovered in Oloibiri: "They made us be happy and clap like fools, dance as if we were trained monkeys". However, today nobody is dancing....and with all such frustration, no wonder the Niger Delta youths took up arms.</span></div>
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</div>Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-21193024864594160092011-08-19T18:25:00.001+01:002011-08-22T20:09:54.239+01:00Oil and Nigeria (Part 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOcJxeneN7_B91sPlqhnvZx0fIT7d2sfr6HWpDEKJJ1S0szlXojvURHOCfBRj1u3a60F8zVUXmQJhzN9okqjiC0JPloLC2-0jkQLYRWvdX-auQk7FfRSbwT7cN_12C7xmoL6xUbNWvLfL/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOcJxeneN7_B91sPlqhnvZx0fIT7d2sfr6HWpDEKJJ1S0szlXojvURHOCfBRj1u3a60F8zVUXmQJhzN9okqjiC0JPloLC2-0jkQLYRWvdX-auQk7FfRSbwT7cN_12C7xmoL6xUbNWvLfL/s200/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642658557949174130" border="0" /></a>
<br />Oil was first discovered at Oloibiri in 1958 in commercial quantities after several exploration efforts which began way back in 1908. Then it was as if the heavens had suddenly smiled down on us; our turn to shine had come and nothing was going to stop us. But looking back over 54 years of oil rigging and exporting in Nigeria we begin to wonder: Where are all the schools that the oil money ought to have built? How come our roads look fairly the same, I thought the oil money was supposed to take care of that! How come our per capita income is not so far away from where we left it at independence? What of the oil-producing states I mean since the oil is located in their terrain one would expect them to have become mega-cities by now, what happened? All of the dreams and hopes that had suddenly become ours with the discovery of oil have over the years eluded us. In the following sections, I'll just do a casual analysis of oil in Nigeria and what it has meant to us.
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The Rise of Oil</span>
<br />Back in secondary school, I chose History as one of my elective subjects and in our history classes we were always talking about the rise of this leader or that empire : The rise of Ibn Khaldum, the rise of Shaka de Zulu, the rise of the Kanem Borno empire and so on and so forth. So also the discovery of oil in 1956 and the turnout of events in the years following paved the way for "The Rise of Oil"
<br />Actual oil production began in Oloibiri in 1958 with an initial production rate of 5100 barrels of crude oil per day, and then in 1972 production rate climbed to 2.0 million barrels per day and eventually in 1979 oil production peaked at 2.4 million barrels per day. From 1965-1975, the nation's annual revenue witnessed a tremendous increase from $295 million to $2.5 billion with much of the increase coming from oil. Because of this tremendous increase we took the easy way out focusing all of our energies on the exploration of our bountiful oil reserves and its attendant benefits; thus neglecting other sectors of the economy especially the agricultural sector, as oil revenues increased, agricultural production and revenue plummeted. From 1970-1982 around the time of the oil boom production of groundnuts fell by 64%, Cocoa 43%, Rubber 29% and Cotton by 65%. Oil came on the scene took center stage and knocked every other "performer" off the scene. Today statistics tell us that about 80% of our revenues are obtained from crude oil; it makes you wonder if "the oil empire" collapses (like the kanem borno empire collapsed) what would happen to we who are so intimately attached to it.
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">P.S.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> To be continued....</span>
<br />Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-25139380072738800682011-08-09T20:37:00.001+01:002011-08-22T20:22:20.653+01:00Save our Country<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzO4LGzLEjDNTjub0H8zo6TTHTHDJpZ1PCVmv0RCEaFE0iSa2iRP1sadXgCTEwLGE2ZqMXq3tii1ELgdyw3NK2mvgYZa1hy_39LRWGFoNjpkF0qTLnGe2aGND8yF1oMXTd4lFJm3yIRQ1/s1600/pen+and+paper.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzO4LGzLEjDNTjub0H8zo6TTHTHDJpZ1PCVmv0RCEaFE0iSa2iRP1sadXgCTEwLGE2ZqMXq3tii1ELgdyw3NK2mvgYZa1hy_39LRWGFoNjpkF0qTLnGe2aGND8yF1oMXTd4lFJm3yIRQ1/s200/pen+and+paper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638946130762881346" border="0" /></a>
<br />I wrote this essay in school recently and well....the results of the essay competition was not announced; logistic reasons maybe. Anyways I decided to post it here; soooo here it is, it is titled "Save Our Country"
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<br />Nigeria! The 8th most populous country in the world with an enviable supply of natural resources yet she remains a substantial member of the less developed countries (LDCs) category. Unemployment rates keep taking an upward turn, the standard of living is one of the poorest in the world, income per capita is considerably low and constant power supply has continually eluded us. Our technological base is definitely not one to be envied, abandoned projects trail the Nigerian experience, corruption has eaten deep into the society both at the higher and lower levels and the list goes on and on. However, as the economic adviser to Mr. President, I recommend the following economic principles which I am sure single out facets of the problems that plague this country and also provide solutions to these problems. These recommendations if implemented will set Nigeria on the path toward being one of the most desired countries to live in by the year 2025.
<br />The quantity and quality of a nation’s labour force is one very crucial factor that contributes to permanent economic growth. Here in Nigeria, we have the quantity but we need to enhance the quality of the available quantity. For Nigeria to excel, she has to discipline herself and engage aggressively in investment as it regards the development of human capital. Education in Nigeria has been described as being “dysfunctional” largely because of the decaying infrastructures in the educational sector; the nation should therefore channel a reasonable proportion of public expenditure towards correcting this problem. Countries like China have taken advantage of their surplus labour and are engaging in numerous productive ventures, other nations even flock to their terrain to take advantage of the quantity and quality of their labour force, there is the fact that Chinese workers were able to build a 15-story hotel in just six days. Nigeria should not be left out of the league of countries that are making waves with their surplus labour force: we should improve human capital, remembering that “The most valuable of all capital is that invested in human beings” – Alfred Marshall
<br />Corruption! Corruption is one of the major diseases affecting virtually all countries in the LDC category. There is corruption in our schools, in our offices, in the government houses, on our roads, in our homes; corruption has become an integral part of the Nigerian society. Emphasizing more on the mammoth place of corruption in Nigerian politics, I propose that one can hinge the corrupt nature of Nigerian government officials on their future expectations. Future expectations simply mean that individuals behave a certain way because of what they expect to happen in the near future. Evidence shows that large-scale corruption began with the oil boom in 1970; Nigerian government officials knowing that in the near future, revenue from the export of oil will no longer accrue to them decide to take the share of the oil wealth that belongs to them and their family (immediate and extended families) while they can. I remember seeing a cartoon in the newspaper; the cartoonist was exposing the sort of dysfunctional reasoning that Nigerian leaders possess. The politician that the cartoonist drew was shown insisting that until he and his family had taken their share of the national cake there was no way he was going to relinquish power. You may ask: How do these, politicians take their so-called share of the national cake? Well, some of them channel huge amounts of money into projects that exist only on paper, others do not even bother to cover their tracks, and they just ship the money in large amounts overseas contributing to the development of other countries while the citizens they swore to serve continue to wallow in abject poverty. During elections these supposed reformers come forward with captivating manifestos, however when they occupy office all of these promises are forgotten in the euphoria of the benefits of such an office and any of them (if any) who may still have good intentions upon occupying office are overwhelmed as they realize that they are not equipped, not prepared for such a position, and that they lack feasible and logical means of carrying out their intentions or plans. This should not be so; I propose that Nigerian leaders should have credible accolades that signal to the market, which is the electorate that they are capable of handling the job assigned to them and the demands of the office they intend to occupy, Job Market Signaling should become an integral part of the electoral process here in Nigeria. Also for development to take place corruption has to be eradicated, if not all of the increase in growth will still not translate to the grassroots and the standard of living will remain poor.
<br />Furthermore, let us look closely at the concept of the invisible hand and the free market system in economic theory. These two concepts propose that individuals seek to fulfill private interest and in so doing social interest will also be fulfilled via the invisible hand mechanism. If as individual Nigerians we seek to develop ourselves; and by developing ourselves I mean developing our personalities, expanding our knowledge base, breaking new grounds, we would individually contribute to societal development. If we develop ourselves well enough, along the line we would also be developing our society. Let us remember that the developed countries are not necessarily developed because their economic policies are better than ours, no; their development can be traced to the large number of developed minds existent in their societies, in America there are over five million self-made millionaires, self-made in the sense that their wealth was not inherited or transferred via won competitions and the like, these people worked for what they have and their wealth is reflective in the society as a whole. In order to develop Nigeria into the Nigeria of our dreams we must channel our private interests toward the fulfillment of societal interests.
<br />Economic Planning, planning is a crucial factor for success be it individual success or collective success, success is a function of strategic planning. For Nigeria to be tagged as desirable to live in we must not neglect the important role that economic planning has to play. Economic planning is simply the mobilization of resources toward achieving well-defined goals, economic planning in Nigeria has largely been unsuccessful due to many factors including corruption, bureaucracy, lack of professional economic planners and so on and so forth. Despite the long trail of abandoned plans and projects trailing the Nigerian experience I believe that there is hope for planning in Nigeria, we should not simply adopt economic planning but strategic economic planning, which is economic planning that is characterized by milestones, commitment, transparency and continuity. There should be physical evidence that the plan is being carried out; this will boost the confidence of the electorate in the government, it will also induce private companies to participate in the development process.
<br />In all, for Nigeria to be the one of the most desirable countries to live in by 2025, each and every Nigerian should be ready to shoulder some responsibility. We should hold our leaders accountable and ensure that those who are elected into office are those who have signaled that they can take on the job, we should consciously channel our private interests toward the fulfillment of societal interest and in all we must believe strongly that Nigeria has the capability to develop, remembering that “Development is impossible if it does not first take place in the minds of men” – Carnicross
<br />Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8147336824696926181.post-13409082841856935272011-07-27T21:39:00.000+01:002011-07-30T10:30:12.846+01:00Corruption<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKuZ9M9Y2U4D7avslbrgpDOxNAhGlCgwUyyYVXjOfbBmxIX1TIw0rUNVgXdxjpDMaf8Af5jbFr70ijIGl2xEIAG3_1h-EKLKlK4zJy0u1xQuaQSwnvG9yxJl1v1ZwjPb9DmYW3Hobcahc/s1600/1307769_370.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKuZ9M9Y2U4D7avslbrgpDOxNAhGlCgwUyyYVXjOfbBmxIX1TIw0rUNVgXdxjpDMaf8Af5jbFr70ijIGl2xEIAG3_1h-EKLKlK4zJy0u1xQuaQSwnvG9yxJl1v1ZwjPb9DmYW3Hobcahc/s200/1307769_370.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634150908953746786" /></a><br /> Corruption has become the very heartbeat of the Nigerian nation, without corruption Nigeria is not Nigeria as we know it and hardly will anyone argue that corruption is not the root cause of the problems prevalent in the Nigerian society. The Nigerian society has become the festering ground for seeds of corruption; the political leaders are corrupt, the civil servants are corrupt, the leaders and schoolteachers are corrupt, the law enforcement agents are corrupt, our parents are corrupt, the children are corrupt and even the unborn babies in the Nigerian society bear traits of corruption. Every society bears little traces of corruption here and there but for the Nigerian society it has become an epidemic, it is EVERYWHERE! In Africa, once one mentions corruption the first thought goes to Nigeria, not necessarily because we are the most corrupt African nation but because we are relatively the richest African nation (in terms of natural resources) with the least evidence to show for the natural riches God has bequeathed us. Corruption has diverted a large portion of the riches abounding in this nation to the great unknown.<br /> During one of my ECO 323 classes, our lecturer told us a story about this respectable professor and his politician friend and what had transpired between them, I’ll just describe it in dialogue form as I imagined it.<br /> Politician Johnny comes to visit Professor John (Politician Johnny was one of the irresponsible ones back in the university days and now he occupies a privileged position in the government). Politician Johnny arrives with a convoy of cars; the cars looking like they just got off the assembly line and bodyguards that look like they had conducted personal training sessions with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Professor John is standing in front of the faculty building and as Politician Johnny approaches students stare with their mouths hanging open and fingers pointing and I bet some of them are already thinking: “I’ll be willing to do anything for him and others: “How I wish I was in his shoes”<br />Johnny: John!!how far? Long time no see….where u dey since?<br />John: I’m fine, thank you. How is the family?<br />Johnny: Family dey jor (Johnny whispers: But dat my wife don dey tire me sef)<br />John: Okay<br />Johnny (all smiles, waving his hands at the bodyguards and the cars): See wetin I don get and u know wetin happen…opportunity dey wey u fit use get ur own.<br />John: Johnny, I can see what you have but the question I will pose to you today is whose money has been used to procure these items; yours or that of the electorate?<br />Johnny: Na who e concern ehn?<br />John: IT CONCERNS ME! (Johnny flinches) It concerns the Nigerian electorate that voted you into office; it concerns the underprivileged in the Nigerian society, IT CONCERNS NIGERIA! You’re a lying, thieving, corrupt individual and I insist that I will not join you and your pack of scavenging wolves to commit such outrageous sins.<br /> Johnny’s mouth is wide open, he cannot understand some of the words that just came out of John’s mouth but that is not the problem, it is just that he was expecting a handshake, a pat on the back, something like: “Johnny! You don hammer”. So Johnny takes the only feasible option that is available to him; tuck tail and run. John does not approve, he'd rather go find someone else who approves, at least: "unlike birds do not flock together"<br /> Let's boil this down to the Nigerian situation, imagine that 99% of Nigerians were like Professor John; they see evil and they speak out against it we'd gradually be saying goodbye to corruption by now. However, this is not the case, most Nigerians prefer to be indifferent and some even wish they were in the shoes of the individuals perpetuating evil in our society. To solve the problem of corruption in our nation, we should take a cue from 1 Thessalonians <br />5:22 which says "Throw out anything tainted with evil" (MESSAGE translation). In place of evil let's substitute corruption; shun, speak out against and expose all vices of corruption that are prevalent around you; treat anyone who perpetuates corrupt activities at the expense of his/her nation as an outcast and I'm sure we'll start to see some change. Once we begin to publicly (not privately) disapprove of the activities of our politicians they'll have no other choice but to change or run; and since it is said that a leopard cannot change it's spots, they just might have to run, thus paving the way for sincere, change-hungry citizens to populate the corridors of power.Uzoma Ikechukwuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12715296891578339560noreply@blogger.com1