How time flies! I can’t believe my humble self will be twenty six years old tomorrow. It’s amazing what the Lord has done and I would remain grateful (even tho I get picture of wetin man for don achieve or wetin for be!) .
First and foremost, I will use this medium to say ‘Happy birthday’ to all born in the month of July.
What actually struck my mind this morning was that I was born in the year 1984, when the Disciplinarian and Creator of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) General Muhammad Buhari was in power and twenty three years later, He contested the Presidential elections under the aegis of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and lost. By next year- twenty seven years later, he would most likely contest the same Presidential elections under a new political party he founded. I am not bothered about his ambitions, Abraham Lincoln- a onetime President of US suffered many political setbacks and I quite agree with his loyalists that he did a good job during his reign as PTF Chairman and the fact that he has got something to offer (Every Politician has something to offer, if not there would be no speeches or manifesto, no be so)! My grouse is that He should be an elder statesman after all these years and having tasted the power at the top, himself and his fellow General – the maverick, self styled “Evil Genius”. They should learn to leave a political ideology and terrain for upcoming YOUTHS.
I was in Primary school during the 1993 general elections when we sang in the streets of Eko (Lagos state) “On the march again…looking for the Man to lead-M.K.O is the Man O!” Even if my good friend Barr. Eyo disagrees with the idea of celebrating “This Pillar”, the fact remains that the struggle for democracy by those who even came before MKO yielded dividends which we are enjoying albeit in drops!
Lucky Me! It was in the year 2000 (Y2K) that I wrote and passed my Senior Secondary Certificate Exams (SSCE) at Hope Bay College; that fateful year when the Millennium bug chose to conquer computers Worldwide. This fact made Nigerians become aware of the internet and World Wide Web (www.com) despite the fact that our contemporaries in America, Europe and some other parts of the World had been enjoying the service since 1994. Also, with the myriad of opportunities that came our way courtesy of this oyinbo wonder, came that societal malady that has defied cure and changed the life of our youths forever…YAHOO- YAHOO!
I got admitted into the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe Univesity, Awka to study Medicine in 2001. This was after seeking admission in Great IFE the previous year, got Biochemistry but was told to come back after one year because of the Ife-Modakeke crisis and as usual…Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) brouhaha (I no fit wait, na im I take another JAMB enter school wey dey on session.una dey laff!). It was in 2004, sometime in October that after all the jolly time, jacking Last’s anatomy, sketching drawings from Grant’s atlas of Human Anatomy, Guyton( Physiology) and cramming metabolic pathways from Lehninger and Hackers(Human biochemistry), dissecting a correct male, fat cadaver (laffs-where you wan see female, or who go donate? Na half yansh we dey use 4 exam and studies! ), writing the MBBS and repeating a year…I still failed o. (0/3 twice! Imagine me na olodo I be? Dem lie no be small! I com discover say crookere dey med schl-I even see opportunity but dey form say nothin…abi na some Doctor’s children and their wayo, yansh magic.4get!) Some worked hard and deserved their success and are currently Doctors but more annoyingly and painfully too, some (myself excluded cos there’s no excuse for failure) who deserved to be there were shown the door and…WELLA, CHUCK.D (RIP) and many others who may yet find their feet. For those who were undeserving or who reaped where they did not sow, their theartre(ic) future will judge. I rose from my fall, headed back to Awka from Nnewi.
In 2005, after so much stress, fortunately my change of course form-from Medicine and Surgery to Economics was approved by the Senate. I picked up the ashes of defeat and used them to plant the seed of demand and supply and as fate would have it, after four years I graduated with a Second Class Division honors( no be beans, though e no izy eee).
I am currently serving the Country for the mandatory one year National Youth Service scheme in F.C.T. Abuja. My employers being the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)… (before u talk, no bi we dey chop the oil money biko. Aka m di ocha-my hands are clean.na only normal pay and settle from Ogas na im I dey chop).
All in all, I have met numerous people and have travelled( been) to places like Oyo-Ibadan, Enugu-(Ebe an a ataa abacha, nkwobi, okpa di oku,gi tinye ya mmanya ocha-palm wine and several fun-seeking places in town,Osun-Ife, Akwa Ibom-Uyo, Mbo, Akia-Atti, Udesi, Adamawa-Yola, Cross Rivers-PH, Abia-Aba and not forgetting my hood in Eko/Lasgidi: Olodi-Apapa, Anambra-Awka, Nnewi,Osha-Fegge(sanko),Nteje, Awkuzu-JONEB of doz days, Awka Etiti, Nimo and my beloved and backward State-Imo-Owerri.
I have been assisted by childhood friends from lasgidi, friends from Nnewi, Awka and presently by some folks in ABJ! You all know yourselves, I am using this medium to say thanks for being there-gals and guys (I no be womanizer or homo! laffs).
To all those Relatives and Family friends that helped in one form or the other and still throw their weight to support me whenever I call on them…thanks(e go reach my turn).
Presently, its less than twenty-four hours to my birthday and unfortunately, there’s no bash or visit to the Orphanage. Good news is that since I am a night crawler, shyo go start by 8pm at a joint (control me 4 venue).After the brew, na one/more of the clubs man go end up. Financial contributions and logistic support will be highly appreciated (if na Baba Iyabo library, no be people go dey rush to donate 250M?). Warri man say dem no dey try pass try…even if I spend 1 million-na still try dem go say I try!).
Baba God, all POWER belongs to you (me and u go do our own foreign for church on Sunday)! Help us to achieve all that we want to achieve by the riches of your glory (tho u no b MTN).
Hope this musing wasn’t boring.luv to read your comments. Be a Victor and don’t have a vision 2010 or 2020 without laying adequate plans…that future is already here! Have a lovely weekend!
Missing those who are far away…
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Screwing government (joke)
A little boy goes to his dad and asks, "What are Politcs?" Dad says "Well son, let me try to explain it this way:
..1. Im the head of the family, so call me the president
..2. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so we call her the Government
..3. We're here to take care of your needs, so we'll call you the People.
..4. The nanny, we'll consider her the Working class.
..5. And your baby brother, we'll call him the future."Now think about that and see if it makes sense."
So, the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said.Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severly soiled his diaper So, the little boy goes to his parents room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nannys room.Finding the door locked, he looks in the peephole and sees his father in bed with the nanny.He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to his father, "Dad i think i understand the concept of politics now:The father says "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about"The little boy replies, "The president is screwing the working class, while the government is sound asleep. The people are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit".
..1. Im the head of the family, so call me the president
..2. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so we call her the Government
..3. We're here to take care of your needs, so we'll call you the People.
..4. The nanny, we'll consider her the Working class.
..5. And your baby brother, we'll call him the future."Now think about that and see if it makes sense."
So, the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said.Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severly soiled his diaper So, the little boy goes to his parents room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nannys room.Finding the door locked, he looks in the peephole and sees his father in bed with the nanny.He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to his father, "Dad i think i understand the concept of politics now:The father says "Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about"The little boy replies, "The president is screwing the working class, while the government is sound asleep. The people are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit".
Pharmacist
A young man goes into a pharmacy and says to the pharmacist, "Hello, could you give me a condom. I'm going to my girlfriend's home for dinner and I think I may be in with a chance!"The pharmacist gives him the condom and as the young man is going out; he returns and says, "Give me another condom because my girlfriend's sister is very cute too. She always crosses her legs in a provocative manner when she sees me and I think I might strike it lucky there too."The pharmacist gives him a second condom and as the boy is leaving he turns back and says, "Go on, give me one more condom because my girlfriend's mum is still pretty cute and when she sees me she always makes eyes, and since she invited me for dinner, I think she is expecting me to make a move!
During dinner, the young man is sitting with his girlfriend on his left, the sister on his right and the mum facing him. When the dad gets there, the boy lowers his head and starts praying, "Dear Lord, bless this dinner and Thank you for all you give us."A minute later the boy is still praying; "Thank you Lord for your kindness."
Ten minutes go by and the boy is still praying, keeping his head down. The others look at each other surprised and his girlfriend is even more surprised than the others. She gets close to the boy and says in his ear, "
I didn't know you were so religious."The boy replies, "I didn't know your dad was a pharmacist!"
During dinner, the young man is sitting with his girlfriend on his left, the sister on his right and the mum facing him. When the dad gets there, the boy lowers his head and starts praying, "Dear Lord, bless this dinner and Thank you for all you give us."A minute later the boy is still praying; "Thank you Lord for your kindness."
Ten minutes go by and the boy is still praying, keeping his head down. The others look at each other surprised and his girlfriend is even more surprised than the others. She gets close to the boy and says in his ear, "
I didn't know you were so religious."The boy replies, "I didn't know your dad was a pharmacist!"
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Get Rich-Quick Syndrome and Nigerians
Nigerians are known to be industrious, disciplined, intelligent and nice naturally. However, current events in our National life seem to suggest that we as a Nation have derailed. Nigerians are being viewed with suspicion both home and abroad. In the recent past, it was not uncommon to see admonitions by Foreign Governments that their Nationals should not do any business with Nigerians. Even the way we are frisked at the International airports left a lot to be desired and our case was not helped by the attempted bombing of a US bound airline last year December by a young Nigerian Al Multallab. We are known as scammers, robbers, drug peddlers, assassins and dishonest people.
Here at home, the case is not different. The British (I guess for their selfish reasons) amalgamated the North and South, with diverse cultural, religious and historical differences in 1914. This is one of their greatest undoing .The military take-over post Independence and the coup of 1966 and its consequences especially for the Igbos (the vanquished)especially after the Civil war of 1967-70 heralded the birth of hate, mistrust and a sense of fore-boding of our respective cultures. Despite the introduction of the National Youth Corps Scheme (NYSC) in 1973 by the General Gowon led leadership, integration and social tolerance for each other has become an illusion and one offered with theatrics.
The irresponsibility and corruption of our leaders past and present both during the Military and Civilian dispensation has left our Country in quagmire…the Manufacturing sector is comatose, the Agricultural sector is on a sick bed, with foodstuffs being imported, The Power sector is still a puzzle that defies practical solutions (even when we know a feasible solution is realistic if we really need change) and the Educational sector is critically ill churning out graduates, many of whom are unemployed; the story is same for other sectors. Change is inevitable but we still fold our hands or aspire to join the bandwagon of an elite political class that has held the nation to ransom.
A little over 5% of the Nation’s population amassing quite a huge amount of money personally that is meant for the infrastructural development of our Country. Their children schooling abroad, they attending health checkups and treatment overseas while our Health institutions are possessing obsolete equipments, their acquisition of gigantic properties here and overseas, acquiring a fleet of State- of –the art cars that leave the youths stupefied. Federal jobs have become juicier jobs because they present an opportunity for less work and greater access to Federal and Local Government finances. Dignity in labor is no longer respected and thus we arrived at this junction of woes and acquired the illness- The Get Rich Quick Syndrome (GRQS). A disease that makes Youths give in to yahoo-yahoo business, rituals, murder, armed robbery and kidnapping which is notoriously becoming lucrative by the day, to mention some of the nefarious activities.
Every young Man wants to drive a jeep without sweating for it, the ladies would say dem no dey chop love and go into prostitution-Corporate and personal to be embellished in the latest fashion fad in town. Power emanating from such wealth have been known to subjugate the efficacy and independence of the Judiciary from the Executive such that if one is privileged, he/she can do anything and get away with it.
All these will take us nowhere! We are not meant to serve our Nation for what we can gain but the service our Nation would gain from us. Someone told me last week that the youths are to be blamed for allegedly selling their ‘birthrights’ to the ‘Old Breed’ of politicians who shortchange them and shut the doors on them after the ‘election business’ is over. It was the retired General Babangida (the acclaimed evil-genius) who asserted sometime ago the irrelevance of the Youths in today’s politics. He should take a look at the cabinet and staff of the US President Obama and he would realize how young and vibrant they are.
The relevance of the Youth in our National growth cannot be over –emphasized. The immediate contributions Prof. Mrs Dora Akunyili- the current Minister of Information, the erstwhile Minister of Education Dr .Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Okonjo Iweala, AIG of Police retired Nuhu Ribadu and others to mention a few have left golden footprints and still continue to leave a mark in the sands of time.
A re-orientation has to be put in place for the Youths, self-employment encouraged with capital loans and financing, Government agencies have to be encouraged and urged to go about their job diligently and the Judiciary has to prosecute defaulters and corrupt civil service workers no matter how coveted or high-ranking they may be. Also Prof. Attahiru Jega the newly appointed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman has to prove that he can be an activist even in politics by ensuring the quick and effective registration of voters and conduct of credible elections come next year. Nigeria must not be a failed State! Rather than become dysfunctional, I would say lets break up for our good (no one should misunderstand me) but if we must forge ahead as one, then we should break those barriers of religion and learn to tolerate one another and also give a chance to merit rather than mediocrity or connection to get the right jobs and contracts.
Fast money vanishes through the fast lane!
Here at home, the case is not different. The British (I guess for their selfish reasons) amalgamated the North and South, with diverse cultural, religious and historical differences in 1914. This is one of their greatest undoing .The military take-over post Independence and the coup of 1966 and its consequences especially for the Igbos (the vanquished)especially after the Civil war of 1967-70 heralded the birth of hate, mistrust and a sense of fore-boding of our respective cultures. Despite the introduction of the National Youth Corps Scheme (NYSC) in 1973 by the General Gowon led leadership, integration and social tolerance for each other has become an illusion and one offered with theatrics.
The irresponsibility and corruption of our leaders past and present both during the Military and Civilian dispensation has left our Country in quagmire…the Manufacturing sector is comatose, the Agricultural sector is on a sick bed, with foodstuffs being imported, The Power sector is still a puzzle that defies practical solutions (even when we know a feasible solution is realistic if we really need change) and the Educational sector is critically ill churning out graduates, many of whom are unemployed; the story is same for other sectors. Change is inevitable but we still fold our hands or aspire to join the bandwagon of an elite political class that has held the nation to ransom.
A little over 5% of the Nation’s population amassing quite a huge amount of money personally that is meant for the infrastructural development of our Country. Their children schooling abroad, they attending health checkups and treatment overseas while our Health institutions are possessing obsolete equipments, their acquisition of gigantic properties here and overseas, acquiring a fleet of State- of –the art cars that leave the youths stupefied. Federal jobs have become juicier jobs because they present an opportunity for less work and greater access to Federal and Local Government finances. Dignity in labor is no longer respected and thus we arrived at this junction of woes and acquired the illness- The Get Rich Quick Syndrome (GRQS). A disease that makes Youths give in to yahoo-yahoo business, rituals, murder, armed robbery and kidnapping which is notoriously becoming lucrative by the day, to mention some of the nefarious activities.
Every young Man wants to drive a jeep without sweating for it, the ladies would say dem no dey chop love and go into prostitution-Corporate and personal to be embellished in the latest fashion fad in town. Power emanating from such wealth have been known to subjugate the efficacy and independence of the Judiciary from the Executive such that if one is privileged, he/she can do anything and get away with it.
All these will take us nowhere! We are not meant to serve our Nation for what we can gain but the service our Nation would gain from us. Someone told me last week that the youths are to be blamed for allegedly selling their ‘birthrights’ to the ‘Old Breed’ of politicians who shortchange them and shut the doors on them after the ‘election business’ is over. It was the retired General Babangida (the acclaimed evil-genius) who asserted sometime ago the irrelevance of the Youths in today’s politics. He should take a look at the cabinet and staff of the US President Obama and he would realize how young and vibrant they are.
The relevance of the Youth in our National growth cannot be over –emphasized. The immediate contributions Prof. Mrs Dora Akunyili- the current Minister of Information, the erstwhile Minister of Education Dr .Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, Dr Okonjo Iweala, AIG of Police retired Nuhu Ribadu and others to mention a few have left golden footprints and still continue to leave a mark in the sands of time.
A re-orientation has to be put in place for the Youths, self-employment encouraged with capital loans and financing, Government agencies have to be encouraged and urged to go about their job diligently and the Judiciary has to prosecute defaulters and corrupt civil service workers no matter how coveted or high-ranking they may be. Also Prof. Attahiru Jega the newly appointed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman has to prove that he can be an activist even in politics by ensuring the quick and effective registration of voters and conduct of credible elections come next year. Nigeria must not be a failed State! Rather than become dysfunctional, I would say lets break up for our good (no one should misunderstand me) but if we must forge ahead as one, then we should break those barriers of religion and learn to tolerate one another and also give a chance to merit rather than mediocrity or connection to get the right jobs and contracts.
Fast money vanishes through the fast lane!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Spring in the Desert
I have sank deep into despair, the brunt of my troubles have taken me captive. I am incarcerated in a gaol with no light to differentiate night and day. I wonder when I would see the light again and my exhausted shoulders sag in resignation to fate- the events of the now.
When my eyes fluttered open from slumber, I pondered on the journey to my present destination. Survival? , a word that I come across daily, will be my mantra that I shall sing to stay strong, awake and alive!
No one to hold my hands, no one to pour my heart to and no one to tell me ‘’it’s going to be okay”. I bear my cross alone like Jesus the Savior. Will there be a Simon to help me carry my cross? It’s in my mind that I am incarcerated, where I hear the echo of my broken voiceless voice and where I calm the machinations of my aura and appearance.
Like a man in the desert, not a pitcher of water to quench my thirst. My feet so bruised, my clothes so haggard while my hair grows its style. Then I saw a gazelle run past me with outstretched fingers pointing…I followed obediently till I saw a new side to the desert, an awesome sight beneath a pyramid of sand. I saw a spring’ its water cascading down the rocks, fruits flourishing, birds squeaking in delight and other animals taking a rest.
I see a lovely sunrise over the top of a mountain. I go down in my knees in thanksgiving to God who has deemed it fit to bring a smile to my sorrow-filled life. Alas I see hope, future and when I bathed from the stream, how refreshed I felt. There was indeed an end to all the suffering. Heaven and hell could be felt on Earth but as they say, “He who has never tasted the cup of sorrow will not appreciate it when honey is dropped at the tip of his tongue”.
No matter what the World throws at me. I will stand tall and rise from my fall. It’s a new beginning and I would remain a Victor and survivor!
When my eyes fluttered open from slumber, I pondered on the journey to my present destination. Survival? , a word that I come across daily, will be my mantra that I shall sing to stay strong, awake and alive!
No one to hold my hands, no one to pour my heart to and no one to tell me ‘’it’s going to be okay”. I bear my cross alone like Jesus the Savior. Will there be a Simon to help me carry my cross? It’s in my mind that I am incarcerated, where I hear the echo of my broken voiceless voice and where I calm the machinations of my aura and appearance.
Like a man in the desert, not a pitcher of water to quench my thirst. My feet so bruised, my clothes so haggard while my hair grows its style. Then I saw a gazelle run past me with outstretched fingers pointing…I followed obediently till I saw a new side to the desert, an awesome sight beneath a pyramid of sand. I saw a spring’ its water cascading down the rocks, fruits flourishing, birds squeaking in delight and other animals taking a rest.
I see a lovely sunrise over the top of a mountain. I go down in my knees in thanksgiving to God who has deemed it fit to bring a smile to my sorrow-filled life. Alas I see hope, future and when I bathed from the stream, how refreshed I felt. There was indeed an end to all the suffering. Heaven and hell could be felt on Earth but as they say, “He who has never tasted the cup of sorrow will not appreciate it when honey is dropped at the tip of his tongue”.
No matter what the World throws at me. I will stand tall and rise from my fall. It’s a new beginning and I would remain a Victor and survivor!
Friday, July 16, 2010
To Mama ( Nne oma)
When the world turns me down,
I seem to know and go nowhere
In your bosom, I find comfort
You are my anchor I hold unto
Against drowning in a world
Filled with hatred, bias and sorrows
Who else could fill your void
I can't thank you enough
You will always have a big space in my heart
No One like You!
I seem to know and go nowhere
In your bosom, I find comfort
You are my anchor I hold unto
Against drowning in a world
Filled with hatred, bias and sorrows
Who else could fill your void
I can't thank you enough
You will always have a big space in my heart
No One like You!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The inevitable end called Death
Death is an inevitable end that faces all humans. Today, marks the twenty-sixth post humous birthday of a friend. One who it took so long to impress and make an avid reader of my works. I remember Chuck-D, his nickname when he rapped, the soccer matches he played, the times he borrowed me money and how shy he used to be with regards to expressing himself to the gals. However, when the news of his demise filtered into the then medical campus (in Nnewi-Anambra state-Nigeria), those same gals cried more...the vanity of life.
I wonder if some of his friends remember him. He was the closest person to me that has passed away. His death brought to reality the fact of human wickedness and the fact that i could die anytime and in an unthinkable circumstance, asn he died at twenty. Its six years, and I have left the medical school-withdrawn! I however have graduated with honors in the field of Economics with a second class upper division (not a big deal as some would say) and I am currently serving my country in the National Youth Service Corps scheme (NYSC).
I look at the pomp and grandeur that accompanies some burials in this part of the world and I shake my head in agony, Why? I live each day of my life as the last and I live life in the moment albeit with a conscience. Its not how long one lives that matter but what legacies and how one has influenced the lives of those around you. how has the world become a better place because you once lived? how many people smiled or breathed easier because you lived? These are some of the questions that trouble my mind.
When i die, tears would be inevitable not because I am so unique, but because human emotions shall run their course...its permitted. I would love to be cremated and my ashes spread about or kept in an urn as the case may be. All in all, in death or in living I want to be remembered and thought of as a humble, honest and philanthropic person.
May the soul of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.Amen!
I wonder if some of his friends remember him. He was the closest person to me that has passed away. His death brought to reality the fact of human wickedness and the fact that i could die anytime and in an unthinkable circumstance, asn he died at twenty. Its six years, and I have left the medical school-withdrawn! I however have graduated with honors in the field of Economics with a second class upper division (not a big deal as some would say) and I am currently serving my country in the National Youth Service Corps scheme (NYSC).
I look at the pomp and grandeur that accompanies some burials in this part of the world and I shake my head in agony, Why? I live each day of my life as the last and I live life in the moment albeit with a conscience. Its not how long one lives that matter but what legacies and how one has influenced the lives of those around you. how has the world become a better place because you once lived? how many people smiled or breathed easier because you lived? These are some of the questions that trouble my mind.
When i die, tears would be inevitable not because I am so unique, but because human emotions shall run their course...its permitted. I would love to be cremated and my ashes spread about or kept in an urn as the case may be. All in all, in death or in living I want to be remembered and thought of as a humble, honest and philanthropic person.
May the soul of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.Amen!
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