Respect or Hypocrisy

Whenever and wherever I see people work or serve I am often more interested in what motivates them. I was in a particular gathering recently when this taught kept craving for my attention and I had no choice but “give in” to the pressure. I think we often mistake hypocrisy for loyalty and respect. A lot of subordinates, who claim to respect and be loyal to their boss, are nothing but hypocrites.

Nigerians, the Problem of Nigeria

 

Still in the atmosphere of the 52nd independence anniversary, while on my way from Lagos to Kwara state, while reading a book and listening to music and MP3 messages from my phone with the earphone glued to my ears. I spared some moment thinking about my beloved country, Nigerian and her journey so far. For a country that is blessed with wonderful resources in human, material and natural resources and yet things are not in proper shape in the midst of the ‘abundance’. It is the conviction of many that Nigeria has problem(s) or better still Nigeria is not operating at the level she ought to as an independent nation. A 52year old for that matter! I choose not to belong to such school of thought that Nigeria has problem(s). I belong to a different school of thought which believes that Nigeria does not have problems. But Nigerians have problems and have successfully infected the innocent Nigeria with their problems. And as a result of this, Nigeria has become a victim of Nigerians problems. It is a sorry state to be in such a predicament caused by the inhabitants of such a blessed land- blessed with all kinds of resources in abundance. But due to the short-sightedness of the people the abundance resources have become scarce and this confirms the saying that, what a man sees determines (to a large extent) how he behaves and relates to live. I will discuss about 5 to 6 of the so called problems attached to Nigeria by her citizens or inhabitants. 
 

1. Corruption: You’ll agree with me that the number one problem on the lips of most people if asked what the major problem of 'Nigeria' is, corruption would be the response of well over 80%. It is a terrible situation/experience- where things are not done in the normal way, the absence of integrity in dealing with people and situations, not being straight in dealing with people. It's difficult where to get something done you would have to 'tip' the person who is in position in order to get such thing done. What a pity state. And as a result, Nigeria is regarded as one of the most corrupt nation in the world, no thanks to Nigerians.

2. Lack of Maintenance Culture: I was left disappointed when I saw the pictures (slides) of the current state of the National Stadium (Abuja)...I learnt the stadium was built with about N50 billion just about 9years ago precisely in 2003 for the 2003 all Africa games hosted by Nigeria... and to put it back in a 'proper shape' for football matches it’ll cost about N100 million....when are we going to stop wasting money and resources…It's a sad story. If the stadium had been properly maintained, there wouldn't have been need to waste tax-payers’ money to put it back in good condition. This is just one among many facilities that have fallen victim of the Nigerian lack of maintenance attitude which is doing us more harm than good. 
 

3. Selfishness: Stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others. Nigeria has suffered a lot in the hands of selfish individuals who proclaim themselves as leaders. Leaders who have done nothing but enrich their pocket at the expense of those they claim to be representing (serving). Leaders and individuals who are concerned about nobody will never heed to the needs of the masses. This is the reason you'll see a public servant diverting the public fund into his personal account.
 

 4. Hypocrisy: My dictionary defines hypocrisy as, insincerity by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have. This is another peculiar characteristic of Nigerians especially those who claim to be spiritual leaders, it's a pity most of them have sold their conscience for a piece of meat. Those who are meant to talk senses into the “heads” of this bunch of selfish Nigerians who have turned themselves to ‘god’ forgetting the fact that “nothing lasts forever”. Isn’t a man of integrity supposed to speak and act what he says?
 

 5. Bad Leadership: In the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, 'everything rises and falls on leadership', Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries on planet earth when it comes to human resources. But it is a pity that she's suffered from one succession of bad administration to another since 1960 (when she became an independent state). In spite of the abundance of human resources, Nigeria has suffered greatly in the hands of people who know little or nothing about leadership- individuals who think leadership is all about oppressing the masses and leaders having their way. On the contrary, the best way to lead is to serve; a leader is expected to represent the public and not his personal interest. 
I suggest that any candidate vying for any political office or appointed to occupy any office should undergo a compulsory school of leadership-where such person will be taught what leadership is all about. Rather than coming up and abusing power and position, not having any idea of what he/she is supposed to do as a leader. Having said all these, there is no hopeless situation except for the lifeless. In as much as there is life, all hope is not yet lost. A change of attitude is therefore demanded from us as individuals and fellow countrymen. Let us change our disposition towards our country and approach national issues with zeal and patriotism just like our heroes past. And above all, let the fear of GOD guide our hearts in whatever we do. A man who fears God will not treat another man badly and will not hesitate to do what he’s elected or appointed to do. And I must stress at this point that, all Nigerians have a part to play in this fight and the reclaiming the lost pride and dignity of our beloved country, Nigeria. God Bless Nigeria! 

+Adeolu Akinyemi +Richard Ugbede Ali   +Ifueko Alile +Olusegun Ayoade +Olumide Emmanuel 

MY BELOVED Country

The quality of a life those not consist in the material possession someone has been able to acquire during his life-time. Living a life of impact means a lot than having houses in every major city around the globe and using the latest cars in town. It is a pity that the priority of the younger generation has been corrupted and re-ordered and is heading towards the negative and destructive path. The once promising generation is fast disappearing from the list of relevance, the once zealous and determined have become lackadaisical and discouraged as events unfold each day. Their hearts have been corrupted and battered, they have been disappointed and betrayed times without numbers, but on this occasion, it’s as if the final punch has been released on their face as the once zealous has become so discouraged and have lost self belief. Who should be blamed for such an unfortunate scene?

The society has become such that a shadow of what she should be- overwhelmed by corruption and selfishness and the name of our beloved nation has become the best friend of the mod and have become the laughing stock of many nations. The so-called giant of Africa has lost her pride, dignity and throne. Bombing and killing of the innocent all in the name of making our point has become a hobby. The creation of the Almighty has become nothing to us because of our personal and selfish motive. A country where the rich cares about nothing but how fast the account grows. The rich are becoming richer as the hand of the clock ticks while the poor are left at the mercy of an uncertain miracle.

Nigeria, a land filled with milk and honey has become her opposite. A land blessed by the Almighty with both human and natural resources in abundance but has been robbed by selfishness and corruption. The future of our nation has become so bleak, no thanks to our attitude and lack of patriotisms. We are all to blame, YES… we have all contributed to the state we are. I look around and see a group of betrayed and wounded younger generation who seek nothing but an opportunity to get to a leadership position and avenge… all they do is seek for an opportunity to exploit others to enrich their pockets as their ‘predecessors’ have taught them. What a legacy to leave behind by a bunch of selfish individuals called leaders. I look back to the days when our heroes and nationalist fought for the birth of a nation with potential and promise… what about those potentials and promises? A giant in words and no action to show, rich in human resources yet no result to support- just numbers without result, no impact. Our beloved leaders, what about the promises you made before your election- perhaps, just another script in action, just meant to be read? Tears unstoppable flow from my helpless eyes as I string these words together, what a state that we are- a toothless dog, the king of the jungle that has lost his kingdom and lost his grip, authority and has become nothing but a figure-head. When are we going to stop going back to the drawing board, for goodness sake, it’s computer age!! The minors are now dictating the pace of the game…what a pity state.

Arise O Compatriot! Let’s lift the name of our nation high. Let’s forgive the errors and childish disposition of our leaders, the ball is now in our court let’s make things right… they’ve disappointed us for too long and we can’t allow ourselves to continue to be victims of their inhumane actions. They won’t make our future for us, we’ve got the pen in our hands tore-write history and correct things. There might be no immediate financial reward but we’ve got our names to write on the stones of time just like our heroes did. We have a choice to make- go for the fame or the name, building a castle or a legacy? God Bless Nigeria!!!

+Paul Oakenfold +Paul-Kayode Joash +Kenny Hopkins +faith dan adegboye +deola kayoed +Deolu Oniranu +Adekunle Alashi 

We’ve Got Our Identity

Far away from home, lost in another man’s land
All in search for a treasure
And in the midst of my search
I became a victim of my fate, what a pity.

Mystery has overtaken me and regret has claimed lord over me
Wandering like a man from no man’s land
Comfort has become a treasure to the wanderer
And regret has become a favorite song.

I can’t take this no more, I’ve to retrace my steps
“ti ‘waju o ba se lo, eyin a se pada si”
Why settle for a lower class when the better is within reach
I deserve something better than this.

Home is home regardless.
Fellow countrymen, let’s go back to our fatherland
“I prefer to live as a king in the jungle than like a lion in the city”
Arise my people arise, arise and let’s go claim our territory.

Let’s make the labor of our heroes count
Enough of waiting for crumbs
Let’s go for something better
We aren’t slaves, why should we be treated as one.

Arise, o compatriot
Let’s claim our land of birth
Let’s uphold our flag of birth
And leave behind a lasting legacy.

This is our land
This is our territory
May our upcoming be proud about us
And our names rent their lips.

Oh, home sweet home I can say at last
With our banners raised and with songs of victory
Now we have our sovereignty, thanks to patriotism
At last we can say, “We’ve got our identity”.

A Nation at Fifty

On the 1st of October 1960 the whole world stood still because a giant was birth. Nigerian became an independent nation and we gained political independence from our colonial masters thanks to the nationalists who fought with the whole of their hearts. Nigeria our beloved country gained her independence and this year, the “giant of Africa” will be celebrating her 50th birthday. I have taken my time to look at the journey of our beloved country since independence and I ask, how far have we gone as a country?
This question is not a question that I expect us to give an immediate response to. Personally for moments I was thinking about this question and will encourage you to do the same looking at every area of that make up Nigeria as a country. I ask again has the dreams of our heroes past seen the light of day, how well have we journeyed the last fifty years as an independent country. With patriotism and enthusiasm our founding fathers charted a course for the greatness of this country refusing to be discouraged until they saw the birth of their dream. But the key question remains, have we kept the dream alive.
In the academic sector have we made our founding fathers proud of us, have we kept their dream alive. What is the standard of our education after fifty years of independence compared to other countries of the world? Several years back our standard of education was ranked 6th in the world but today sorry is the case, we have half baked graduate; graduate who cannot defend their certificate not talk of contending with their peers from other parts of the world.
We have graduate roaming the streets in search of job after spending years in the university and other tertiary institutions. Unlike what we had years back where federal government jobs would have been waiting begging for them to accept but the situation is not the same today. The number of graduate is far more than the jobs available, while the number of graduate is increasing at geometric progression; job vacancy is increasing at the speed of a snail.
In the economic sector have we made our heroes proud or have we fallen their hands and have killed their dreams. According to an online report on Nigeria’s national flag (www.Nigeria-planet.com), the white stripe in the center signifies peace; the green stands for agriculture, which remains the backbone of the national economy. Fifty years after independence we have succeeded in abusing the intent of the national flag the I ask, where is our pride in the national flag? The focus of our economy has totally shifted to petroleum and instead of building a multi-dimensional economy system; we have succeeded in focusing one and have successfully become a mono-economy independent state. Agriculture our initial economy pride has fallen to the background and has faded what a pity!
Our leaders are concerned about nothing but their pockets, all they want to do is enrich the masses and enrich their pocket. We no longer have leaders of the masses but leaders with selfish interest have you not made the labor of our heroes past be in vain? The national treasure has now become a personal treasure meant to enrich the pockets of selfish public holders what a pity and the I ask again, is this what it means to be fifty years old?
How well have we upheld peace? The resent Jos crises has done no good to our beloved country it has along with other crises making us one of the countries on the terror list, is that what fifty years is all about? Abia state has become the headquarters of kidnappers what a pity for the giant of Africa at fity. Is this the kind of dream our founding fathers had for at independence, have we made their dreams a true dream or a nightmare?
The power sector is a no go area, it has become a situation of fetching water in to a basket. All effort to resuscitate the power sector has yielded no positive result instead it keeps getting worse and just like a friend once said,” the federal government should sell the power sector and distribute the money realized from the sale to all citizen to do whatever they like with their share”. A giant at fifty that we can’t boast of fifty days of uninterrupted power supply. This is the journey of fifty years.
We keep claiming to be the giant of Africa yet the humble ones have overtaken the self acclaimed giant. In football we claim to have attained the height no African country has attained. At the recently concluded world cup in South Africa, we could not go past the first round what an unfortunate experience. Apart from football let’s look at other sports; we use to be a force to reckon with.
Political instability has been another greatest undoing for us in the last five decade impacting us negatively on institutional development, which is necessary for advancement. Our structure of governance had barely been developed when we ran into series of political obstacles shortly after independence which consequently resulted in the unfortunate 30-month civil war which is certainly not the dream of those who fought for the independence, our heroes past; we have no doubt disappointed you in the first fifty years after independence.
However, my fellow compatriot, the journey of another fifty years has just begun. The opportunity for us to correct our mistakes and focus on how to wipe away the tears of our founding fathers that are definitely not happy with what we have done in the last fifty years. We have to come together and focus on the strength in our diversity, let’s focus more on our strength and pay less attention on our mistakes and weaknesses.
The journey to another fifty years has just started and how well we will fare depends a lot on what we start doing now, all hand must be on deck and we must come together with one purpose in mind which is how to make Nigeria the country everybody around the world wants to be. In the next fifty years we should be happy that we made mistakes and have learned from them and have become better. We should stop apportioning blame and pointing accusing fingers. We should have renewal of heart and attitude towards national issues and make Nigeria the pride of our founding fathers in the world beyond.
Regarding the power sector which is very key to national development, we should seek the hand of foreign experts that will help improve the power supply in Nigeria. It should however be noted that the coming of foreigners does not automatically guarantee the improvement hence, we must all work together to make the situation by contributing our individual quota to improve the present situation.
Let’s begin to see and focus on the strength in our diversity and put a stop to this inhuman act of killing one another all in the name of religion and tribe. Nigerians are known as people with uncommon strength and hardworking let’s focus on this positive attributes and make Nigeria the pride and giant of Africa in deed and just like Obama’s slogan, “yes we can”.
And just like the president said on the 1st of October during his independence/jubilee speech, “the greatest resource we have is the youth; we have the greatest stake in transforming our nation. It is time for us to answer the call and contribute to Nigeria’s foundation of freedom. This is how this generation will make its mark. This is how we will make the most of these opportunities. This is how we will ensure that five decades from now, as our children and grand children celebrate our nation’s independence centenary, we will be remembered as having contributed to the great history of Nigeria.
Personally I commit myself to this course of nation building and making our founding fathers proud of what they fought for. The journey begins now so let’s start work, God bless Nigeria.