Life threw stone, I turned it to coldstone! My story of resilience

The years 2015 to 2019 were dark year in my diaries. In the spate of those years, I lost my jobs, Lost almost four businesses, lost my land in a prime place in Lagos, health deteriorated, almost lost my heart; and all of that…

In all, three things were standing very firm – My faith, My energy, My marriage.

LOST OF JOB

I had been in a well paying job, having left my struggling, but well packaged life of an insurance sales man. I had done this for over 5 years, making a modest and honest living from my well-pride trade. Less than 2 years on my new job, the company was going through some crises, and mass downsize. Not wanting to get the bitter pill of a job sack on my resume, I threw in my resignation and decided to pursue a personal journey of entrepreneurship – My long life ambition. The first port of call was to set up a school. I couldn’t have thought of a better thing to start with at that time, owing to some facts. My wife is a trained teacher who was working at Chrisland schools – one of the best rated schools in Nigeria at the time. Before venturing into corporate environment, I had been a teacher myself for nearly four years, with laurels and testimonies to attest to my brilliance in the field. These were eras when teaching was an easy stop gap hustle for me as I struggled through my higher education. With these, I thought that it makes sense to start out with a school set up. Once this survives, I could live my wife in charge of my booming school (so, I had projected) and continue with another business conquest. Alas! the journey was rougher than I ever imagined. This is a story for another day.

BACK TO unCOPORATE WORLD

Seeing that succeeding as a school owner (or any business for that matter) wasn’t as rosy as it seems, I had to opt for another (corporate) job, leaving my wife to hold forth that baton, while I keep on injecting the required energy, fund and corporate direction our business needs. Getting another job was the only option available in the face of mounting bills, family demands, basic home provisions, land lord wahala, and all of that. I must confess, this face was tough, and there was no end in sight. It almost as if the world will collapse on me. My wife carried the burden with me like a colossus. We never loose our minds, and somehow, we manage to throw all manners of smiles to family and friends, so much that a lot still dream to be like what we looked at that time.

It is worthy of mention that the new job wasn’t paying well. Simply put, the corporate job wasn’t cooperating for an odindin MBA holder and CEO like me. The pay cheque could barely keep us from dieing in the struggle, especially as we still had to support our business with the meagre amount. Within these periods, we had trimmed down our life style and finance so much. I had resulted to using my car for transport business on weekends, plying Lagos to Abeokuta and having to cope with the Agberos wahala in both states. Had Uber, Bolt and all these bus hailing app been available at that time, I would have pass this face of my life with swag! But no, NURTW, RTEAN, and other touting colleague were calling the shots for an homeboy like me. There were so much drama on this mission that, all the eyes, saw, the tongue cannot tell. So, this part is better left to be told in a series.

IN SEARCH OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE

My job not paying well, bill mounting, business crumbling, family growing, health concerns, and all…. I had to search for another job, then another, then another.

In the midst of all these, another business idea struck, birthed from one of the challenges in my school (and several other school at the time).

I identified a peculiar problem affecting more school owners like myself.

Sourcing for good books for student towards resumption on time can be a very daunting task for school owners. Quality books, with good content, at best price and delivered at the right time; were rare possibilities. Most time, schools had to settle for the books their supplier-agents introduce to them. Books publishers too, were groaning in the pains of redundant stocks, returned stocks, poor inventory systems, poors books supply chain, collapse bookshops in the country and all of that.

I found a solution! Books and Sundries Limited (My registered, trading name) was Birthed!

I launched a website http://www.nigeriabooksonline (now shut down), where all the aforementioned challenges were effectively addressed. The whole idea was to create a platform where schools order school books online, get instant notifications for publishers, get the books delivered to them at the comfort of their schools (and to parents homes) through 3rd part logistics, etc.

After several months of strategies and implementations, some major book publishing companies were signed on my platform. These include the Legendary Lantern books (Litramed Publishers), PAN African University Press, Bookcrafts Limited, among others. over 2,000 books titles were already listed within 6 months. Several other publishers were on our waiting list as they prefer to join when the site has attracted enough acceptability. The actual target was to enlist 10,000 books within first year of launching the site. So, the likes of WABP Limited, Evans publishers, Melrose publishers, Textworths, Rasmed publishers, Learn Africa Publishers, etc. were on the sure wait list.

Within this period, I had coopted 2 other partners to make the project a 3-man co-founder, get partnership sign up of some giants publishers in the industry, sign up partnership with 3rd party logistic companies like Deliverybros.ng, and GIG; completed partnership with Nipost ecommerce for Nationwide delivery; attended some national exhibitions, and all.

Business was looking so good and about to become the biggest thing in Nigeria Book Tech industry. With partnership support, some money was raised to execute this venture as another rounds of my lifetime savings sunk into this project…. Behold another round of disappointments. Project failed! Story of how and why this project failed is better told in another forum. Lessons learnt from this venture has proven very useful in my subsequent dealings. They will also be useful for aspiring entrepreneurs. Plenty Pain, Plenty gist!

BOUNCING BACK

Remember, all through my misadventures, my school still stands! In fact, it has always been my last result when any of my told and untold ventures failed. So, anytime I go on any finger burning endeavours, I come home to lick my wounds and thank God that my first love (school) still stands. My wife, in the middle of it all would help nurse my wounds and urge me on, bearing the direct effect of my faux pas.

All the while, I kept my head straight, keeping eyes on the ball, in pursuit of excellence. Again, I changed Job, re-located my school business from Ogun State to Lagos as the slow growth of the school in Ogun state was having a bad turn on my business. Redrafted my strategies, relaunch another business, DE-FEEK CARRIERS, a logistics operation positioned for big gigs. We keep up the struggle, as we progress in search of the golden fleece. Full stories on this will be told once pepper don rest well.

SUICIDE THOUGHT?

Never!

My religion forbids this, You had to stay strong and be hopeful in the face of adversity.

My self believe is too strong to allow any doubt to succeed and my humble beginning has taught me that, life couldn’t be as hard as I was raised… So, I have practically seen the worst while growing up, seeing my mother bear it all. And to cap it all, My wife remains a strong pillar that could bend 360⁰. There are more to tell on these. We are both committed to my success, Our success!

Good news – Road don dey clear….

MY ADVICE

When Life throws you lemon, try turn it to lemonade. Never give up as all clouds has a silver linings. It will never be dark forever. Keep strong, keep your head straight, seek help where necessary, and change strategies when your magic wand becomes impotent.

Firm up, you can do it!

IF I WERE FANI-KAYODE, I WON’T TAKE THIS NONSENSE FROM JUBRIL!

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As a fine lawyer, a brilliant writer, an activist, a leading opposition figure and one of the most important stakeholders in the Nigeria project, I won’t take all these nonsense from Jubril from Sudan. Since before now, I have complained, I have yelled and challenged the Presidential handlers and queried their audacity to make a […]

Want to explore the world? Start from USA

 

I am an African, of Nigeria origin, I see the coast beyond the Africa continent as another world, where things happen differently. I always feel the urge to travel and seek the fun, endure the stress and enjoy the pleasure. On occasions where my travel desires have been satisfied, I get to know that human being (irrespective of barriers, cultural differences, values, language, etc) have as much familiarity as the differences. The world can be new with new experiences, meeting new people and places, crossing boundaries of cultures, believes and practices.

I am of the strong believe that travel can be fun, junketing around the world for whatever purpose can be superimposing, costly, daunting, yet, revealing. It is worth the while. So you junket to where you care, your experience will not be reach enough if you did not visit the right place.

I am a strong advocate of travelers visiting America to explore the beauty of human existence, the essentialities of human freedom, the creativity in human intellect, the perfection of God’s creation, the plurality of human nature, the beauty of nature itself and human unhindered access to God’s creations and the possibilities of human coexistence in diversity. That is the beauty of United States of America. This beauty is seen in its religious, cultural and political diversity. A visit to United States of America will arrest you to beautiful sites that will make your world new with experience of pleasure. The top places that have got high rates of reviews among travelers and fun lovers will catch your fancies. Places like Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast which houses one of the world’s largest art competition, with its impressive winery and Surfing; The Boston, MA, where the U.S. Olympics team is determined. Attention of World sport fans are turned to Boston Marathon at spring time.

If you are a lover of beach, you’ll get more than you itch for as you explore the happiest seaside life. For instance, you can have a feel of the Hemosa beach in California, with its unique blend of home and business life, located along Pacific Coast Highway. Portland Maine is another beautiful sea side to behold! This site epitomizes beauty, high tech and creative economy. It bubbles with art and culture. It is filled with historic beam and stone architecture. What about the Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. The small community with masterpiece historic charm and beauty that arrests the sites and mind.

If you are like me, a lover of art craft and cultural riches, your choice might fall around areas like New York City which houses the Statue of Liberty, Empire state building, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum, and site of Ground Zero. Another interesting site is The Washington, which is perhaps the most political city in the world. The entire U.S. History can be captured at the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian institution, Capitol Hill, and the White House. Toronto, Ontario is another big theater of arts and culture. From museum to galleries, orchestras, bands, and seemingly endless cultural festivals, you can’t get too much of cultural vibes in this spirited city.

Everyday and every cities in U.S. feels like new. It’s such a place where you can spend 50 years and still feel you’ve not had enough.
With these beauties, USA attracts over 40 million visitors annually, making it one of the most traveled destination in the world.

Traveling to the U.S., you need to get familiar with the travel procedures, way your options, apply for your visa and follow all necessary procedures. A business or pleasure seeking traveler from Visa Waiver Programme countries can apply for ESTA. ESTA is an acronym for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, issued to Visa waiver Programme countries. Your eligibility for ESTA visa depends on whether you are a citizen or national of an ESTA Waiver Visa Program country, or currently not holding a USA ESTA’S visitors visa. There are other important requirements available on U.S. official website.

VOTE OR NOT, YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

This is 2015, and the clock is ticking towards the February general elections where Nigerians are faced with a make or break decision about who steers the ship of the country in the next four years. Nigeria has had bad dates with history as far as leadership issue is concern. So, this time, we all must stand up and perform about the only task that concerns us in the democratic process of choosing our leaders.

We must make a choice. We are going to decide what will happen to the country in the next four years. Like we have done in the past, we are about to make another choice on what happens to the mirage of problems confronting our dear country. We will choose whether to continue managing our epileptic power supply and keep sleeping in darkness after years of promises and hope. We will choose whether to keep hoping and managing our mono-economic approach and live with crude oil serving as 95% of our foreign exchange earnings, thereby leaving our economy at the mercy of international crude oil dictate. Our country groans in poor physical infrastructure, yet over 90% of our budget is directed to recurrent expenditure while a meager 9% (part of which may still be looted) is dedicated to capital projects. We will decide whether to keep our sick ones away from quality healthcare and watch them die of minor ailments, due to the sorry state of our hospitals. Insecurity has remained unchecked from the menace of Boko Haram and other brigands. Our Chibok Girls have not return, yet we helplessly watch our brothers and sisters in the North being bombed away in their tens almost on a daily basis, then pray and hope (or even wait) till the bomb happens in our corridor. God forbid! We have a choice to make.

We are going to make a choice whether or not we are happy that our collective resources that should ordinarily serve common good for the nation and recreate more wealth for the country, for the good of posterity, should be plunged away by the very few privileged political class. We are going to make a choice on the effect of the looting spree that has become a common place in our national and political life. In the international community, we are going to prove to the world that the best of us is what they are seeing in government circles and they can continue to treat us in such scornful and disrespect. We will choose to change or keep our present sleeping giant status within the African continent and thus remain the wild dog that cannot bite; the most populous black Nation on earth. Our public schools have, long before this administration, lost their pride while all our public institutions are in comatose. Unemployment in the country is rising by the day while our higher institutions of learning are turning out half-baked graduate year in, year out.

Our choice is either to go out and vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to these issues.

Let nobody tell me that election is none of his business, and therefore, it is not his bid to vote. For such stance, we are going to live by the outcome of such decision in another four years. Unfortunately, things are so bad right now that we cannot afford that luxury of maintaining the status quo. Come February 2015, we are going to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the present state of affairs. The truth of the matter is that we are all going to make a choice. Whether we choose to vote or not, our result will be written boldly.

I completely share the views of Sola Olumehse in his article on Sahara Reporters titled “No fence to sit on”. There, he opines that “…You may not even have a vote.  The least you can do is pronounced that those who inflicted the wounds of the past 15 years cannot be expected to be the doctors of the next four.” …But then, you cannot afford to sit on the fence.

As the days draw nearer, some people, out of the INEC/ Voters card frustration, Social political sentiments and even carefree attitude are thinking of sitting back on election day to watch their favorite movies, take tea and coffee, sleep all day or get engaged in anything other than the election. I beg such person to have a re-think. You only take tea and watch movie if you are still buoyant enough for such. Your favorite movie can only be interesting if you are not lying on an empty stomach or being pursued by Boko Haram bomb.

If you decide to vote for your choice candidate, you are saying “yes” or “no” to the status quo. You may choose to vote for General Buhari or cast your vote for Goodluck Jonathan or any other, it matters less. You may even decide to stay at home. In any case, you are making a choice and your vote will likely be part of the counts. The simple reasoning is that you are either less concern about the outcome of the election, or you are directly endorsing whoever emerges winner, rigged or not rigged, in which case, you are making a choice.

In a clime ruled by desperation to take power or to retain power, the least that we can do is to face the reality that there are ground plot to rig the election. And all of us have to resolve to frustrate their plan in our own little way because the easiest way to give way to rigging successfully in the forthcoming election is to sit down at home, not voting

Democracy is all about people and a game of numbers. People must conduct elections, people must contest, people must vote, people must canvass for votes, campaign, sensitize and educate. People will plan to rig for people, and people must be ready to defend their votes without recourse to violence.

Rigging however will only be easier when the atmosphere gives room for it. For instance, in a polling unit of 100,000 registered voters, if about 90-95 people choose to come out to vote and monitor the votes, the effect of rigging, though possible, will be minimal. In such scenario, the rigging margin has been so close that the best they can rig or add to the number is 5-10 votes which may not make a back-breaking effect depending on where the choice of the larger majority swing. Electoral apathy here is however so high that only about 50% of registered voters normally turn out for voting. So, if you (or larger percentage of other people) decide to stay back from the polls, you are making it possible for your ‘slot’ to be useful for electoral fraud and manipulations. In the end, you have to live with the wound and shut up from complaining against government inaction and bad governance.

Defining His Legacy– Review of Obasanjo’s ‘My Watch’

President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR … please permit me to stand on existing protocols.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Patrick O. Okigbo III and I am the Principal

Partner at Nextier Advisory, a multi-competency public sector advisory firm.

Life is definitely full of its mysteries as I consider myself the most unlikely reviewer of President Obasanjo’s memoirs. Back in 2006, when I still lived in the United States, I was the Coordinator of “Nigerians United for Democracy and Development”, one of the nine pro-democracy groups that signed a petition to the government of the United States opposing President Obasanjo’s purported “third term” agenda. Furthermore, we demonstrated in front of The White House during one of his visits to the United States. You can imagine my surprise when I was informed that President Obasanjo request that I should review his book. Yet, I can understand it. True to President Obasanjo’s character, he is one who is forthright in his say-it-as-it-is fashion and is willing to engage in rigorous debates irrespective of your political leanings, ethnic group or personal convictions. We have had our debates. We agreed on a few issues and disagreed on most of the other issues. But one thing we agree on (and that we should all be grateful for) is that he had the discipline and commitment to write this very important book (especially for posterity). Ladies and gentlemen, I crave your indulgence to give about 20 minutes of your time to present my review of “My Watch”

Defining His Legacy

Obasanjo’s Campaign to Situate His Place in History

By Patrick O. Okigbo III, Principal Partner, Nextier ( info@nextierlimited.com)

“My Watch” by Olusegun Obasanjo (Kachifo – Prestige)

Let me start with a biblical quote that is presented in all three volumes of the memoir.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways that wicked person will die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.” – Ezekiel 33:7- 9 New International Version

This biblical quote probably best summarises President Olusegun Obasanjo’s perception of his place and role in Nigeria.

At the deepest level of conviction, President Olusegun Obasanjo believes that he is

God’s Watchman over Nigeria and probably the father of modern Nigeria. This biblical fervour has guided most of his actions since he came to national prominence as Commander of Nigeria’s Third Marine Commandos who eventually accepted the surrender from breakaway Biafra in 1970. In the ensuing five decades, he has bestridden Nigeria’s military and political landscape as military president and a two term civilian president – the only Nigerian to achieve this feat by the way. Even in the intervening years when he was out of office, he has engaged actively at various levels in attempting to shape governance in Nigeria. President Obasanjo has become famous for his “open letters” to all the presidents who have assumed office starting from President Shehu Shagari in 1979 through to the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. He has corrected, cajoled and encouraged them, almost like a headmaster, to properly administer the affairs of state. It was one of such commentaries that irked the late General Sani Abacha into incarcerating President Obasanjo; a journey he wasn’t supposed to return from alive but then saw he return to the presidential villa.

“My Watch”, which runs in three volumes and at 1,572 pages, will leave readers confounded as to whether to classify it as a memoir, a historical document, or both. There are hundreds of pages of documents and private correspondences between the author and many of the leading political figures of our time. Clearly, these documents were included to validate and refute claims. However, there true value is in the substance they provide to serious students of contemporary Nigerian political science, and indeed, African history. Scholars would pore over these notes for decades to properly position the actions and inactions of our various political rulers. This book is very important because it may motivate the various political actors who have been taciturn in the inner workings of government to defend their integrity, explain their actions, and provide context. Readers should eagerly await the subsequent dialogue that is sure to ensue.

In terms of structure, the memoir, which is written in chronological order, is in three parts. The 500-page Volume One (Early Life and The Military) traces President Obasanjo’s early childhood from his birth on an “Ifo market day” (which is the only fact he knows about his real birth date) through his journey from the village to the city and then to the military. The man who gave Nigerians phrases such as “I dey kampe” and “I jus dey laugh” delivers this Volume One with great humour. Chapter 5 introduces another phrase “lofely” which was his mangled Yoruba-English description of travelling free of charge (“lofe”) on a public transport vehicle from his school back to his village in his early years.

Childhood scenes in memoirs are usually quite endearing as they show the now swashbuckling character in their most vulnerable stage. Even the most virulent of opponents find it difficult to dislike a vulnerable kid. Yet most of the fruits that are manifested in later life are sown in these early days. How much of the Obasanjo we know today was created in this childhood set in the idyllic Iwo on the outskirts of Abeokuta where the author’s greatest aspiration was to be a mechanic? Many readers would gain a deeper understanding of President Obasanjo after reading this Volume of the three volume memoirs.

Part II of Volume One chronicles the start of his military career, combat operations in the Congo, the first military coup, his close friendship with Chukwuma Nzeogwu – the leader of the 1966 coup, his command during the Nigerian Civil War, and his first time as military head of state. Those who have read his other books, “My Command” (1980), “Nzeogwu” (1987), “Not My Will” (1990), may recognise some of the stories. The benefit of the two and half decades since the last book is that he has used “My Watch” to update and address questions raised since their publication.

Part III of Volume One chronicles his life after the military administration up to and including his prison experience that yielded the book, “An Animal Called Man” (1998). Many Nigerians, especially in the younger generation, will enjoy Volume One because of its chronicle of the key events in Nigeria from independence to 1998. Some of these events predisposed Nigeria to the current state of the country.

The 672-page Volume Two of “My Watch” (Political and Public Affairs) covers the years from his release from prison in 1998 through to the end of his second term as civilian president of Nigeria in 2007. Most readers interested in Nigeria’s efforts at democracy and development will find this Volume to be a treasure trove of facts and data. It reads like a fast-paced documentary with a full cast of characters known to anyone who has been remotely interested in modern Nigeria.

So what kind of man do we find in these pages? Probably the same Obasanjo you already know. A charming storyteller with a lot of humour and, in the same breathe, a dogged fighter who will uphold his convictions irrespective of negative or positive sentiment. How do you make enmity with a man who believes he is on watch for God over his and God’s people?

The author, in his watchman role, does not fail to name and shame those he considers to have worked against the progress of Nigeria. No one is beyond reproach. No character too big to be cast in what he sees to be their true image, which, in most cases, are contemptible. Do not be surprised if there are a few reverberating earthquakes after this book is in public circulation. Some personalities who have presented themselves as leaders and reformists will have to present counter-evidence to defend their reputation: Abubakar Atiku, Bola Tinubu, Tony Anenih, Nasir El Rufai, and many others. In the book, their characters are presented as defective as their personas are large. President Obasanjo described Vice President Abubakar Atiku as a “blatant and shameless liar”. Nasir El Rufai is described as “a brilliant man, economical with truth”. He was not much kinder to some Yoruba chieftains who he described as preferring rather to be “rulers in hell, if they cannot be rulers in heaven”. He described Chief Bola Tinubu as “definitely one of the worst cases” in terms of corruption. He is much kinder to General Mohammadu Buhari who he concludes “would not be a good economic manager” though he would be “a strong, almost inflexible, courageous and firm leader”.Obasanjo-My Watch by OBJ -jide-salu

The Volume Two is the main effort of the author to situate his legacy. The author outlines his credo before delving into a chest-thumping discussion of the various reform efforts of his administration: economic, financial management, social welfare, civil service, administrative enhancement, fuel, energy and power reforms, conflict resolution, and the truth and reconciliation commission. Even his most malicious opponents would grudgingly concede that Obasanjo’s administration brought vision and energy to the reform process, especially in the second term from 2003 to 2007.

Where this book wins the most is in the evidence provided by the author to validate each of his pronouncements. Scholars and students of contemporary Nigerian history and politics will find this book as a catalyst to needed documentation of the Nigerian narrative especially on the inner workings of government. The hope is that this book will serve as a red flag to a bull. The expectation is that Obasanjo’s opponents will be incensed enough to provide counter-evidence to refute the claims he has made in this book.

The 400-pages Volume Three of “My Watch”, which looks at “now and thereafter”, belies the size of the punch the author has packed within the pages. The author decided that the Nigerian attitude of “siddon look” (wait and see) should not apply to one who has a divine calling to oversee the affairs of his people, whether in office or not. As such, he takes to task the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and unflinchingly says that the president has failed Nigerians. This Volume presents a chronicle of what he believes are President Jonathan’s missed, missing and lost chances. He leaves no one in doubt that he considers the current administration inept and a colossal failure and wishes to see some significant changes. As is characteristic in the memoir, the author exonerates himself from any responsibility or blame for the failed leadership despite the fact that he was the principal architect of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan presidency that resulted in the current administration. Rather, still on the mission as “watchman”, he is again speaking out so as not to suffer the fate advocated in the biblical quote from Ezekiel 33: 7-9.

What most readers will enjoy about this book is that, true to his character, President Obasanjo did not shy away from addressing any of the more public episodes in his long public career. Like a good trial lawyer, he weaves a good narrative that absolves him of any blame while providing evidence to show where the blames should go. For the benefit of Nigerians and posterity, those the author has accused of wrongdoing should provide rebuttals supported with evidence. This anticipated exchange will help Nigerians connect the dots, see the true picture of what has transpired, and learn whatever lessons there may be from these earlier mistakes. It is, however, instructive, that the more personal, family scandals such as the allegations made by his first wife or daughter, are dismissed as personal issues that are being handled within the family.

The “Third Term” saga, which many would consider the major dent to Obasanjo’s global image as a leader with impeccable democratic credentials, is addressed in the book as well. The author presents annotated evidence to show that he had no desire to extend his tenure; rather, that it was the “monumental mischief” of his detractors and their co-travellers in the media that turned an effort at constitutional reform into a myopic argument about tenure elongation. He provides documentary evidence where those who should know (Senators Hambagda, Ibrahim Mantu and Florence Ita Giwa) exonerated him from such an agenda. He, however, accuses Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the one “who was behind the whole episode of turning wholesome constitutional amendment efforts of the National Assembly to a futile exercise and as a means of riding on its ashes to be a Nigerian President”.

So is President Obasanjo a saint or a sinner? Readers of the book will have to decide for themselves. However, one thing is for sure, the author is charming and his arguments and documentary evidence can be the “burning platform” for Nigerians to dig deeper and demand more answers. So this question may be irrelevant. What is therefore important is that he has written a book from his perspective and he has not pulled any punches. How great it would be for those who he has indicted in this book to provide their own version of events and present documented evidence to refute his conclusions. It is in the expected exchange that students of Nigerian history can learn what transpired and transpires in those corridors of power.

So what is his legacy? I suspect that as one of the most prominent leaders in Nigeria’s modern history, President Obasanjo’s accomplishments and failures will be debated and researched for decades to come and, as is to be expected of this type of leadership, the divergent views will continue for some time. However, one thing that most people will agree on is that President Olusegun Obasanjo brought energy, passion, and vision to the various roles he has held in Nigeria over the last 50 years. Being human, he had his virtues and foibles that played out on our public stage. However, the results of his reforms will be remembered as some of the flashes of brilliance in a nation that has not enjoyed so many of such; yet, the failure to entrench them will also be blamed as some of his failings as well.

In all, and probably most importantly, we must be thankful to President Olusegun Obasanjo for the discipline and commitment it took to put this history on paper. At least, we now have one side of the story. And that side is vicious enough that it should prompt a response from many quarters.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your kind attention.

Written by PATRICK OKIGBO

[Via Metropole]
Culed from Jide-Salu’s Blog

THE GOLDEN, OLDEN DAYS

can stock photo

Those days, golden days
When men were innocent
We jump and walk at will.
Move and groove without fear
Our wares on the streets
As we stare at the enclave,
rides on the camel and move at our space.
No break, No brake.

Today is oyster, old, not golden
As our knowledge as guided us,
All we can, less we have
Yet our energy weans away
Our wares within, our eyes without.
The golden olden days is gone.

Those days, the golden olden days,
Within our communal enclave,
Our voice, hold within reach
Our world small, Our heart, Large
Although we see lesser neighbour, our world hold more peace.
We make no gain, we make less loss, We nurse no regrets.

These days, our world is large,
Our hearth is small.
We see all our neighbour, our world knows no peace,
With our gains, we make less loss.
We nurse more regrets.

This days, our world is large,
Our hearth is small.
We see all our neighbour, our worlds knows no peace.
With our gain, we make large loss
What a world we live in!

The golden olden days,
My father, who is the friend of your father
is the brother of your Aunt, the sister of your uncle,
Who happens to be the niece of your cousin
Which is a friend of your neighbour,
That lives next door, still the member of my family.

The era is gone, this era is different.
My mum: my neighbour who has no friend.
My heart: My family, only whom I trust.

What if today were made yesterday,
The future becomes further away, We will know lesser world,
but we will no lesser war…

2014

DEAR GOVERNOR AMBODE, LAGOS MUST KEEP MOVING!

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I am almost certain that wherever you are right now, you are smiling. First, at the title of my article; and most importantly, the outcome of the last primary election that produced you as the flag bearer of your party, APC.

I chose the above caption because most of us know the antecedent of Lagos state in Electioneering activities and we understand that it will only take miracle for PDP to win the state. Unfortunatley, the party of does not seems worthy of any miracle of such. They will only struggle in vain. Permit me to add: That does not however mean that the race will be an easy ride!

I followed the primary religiously and I must commend the helms men in the Lagos APC for a job well done. The result of the election goes to confirm the creativity of your campaign and the dexterity at which it’s been executed. Anointed or no anointed, you were very serious with your intent since the word go! And you put everything that is needed into it. Then, providence favoured you.

Congratulations sir!

It is a point of note that although the dynamics of Lagos (and indeed Southwest) Politics transcends religion and needless social sentiments; I must again congratulate you for being most likely the first democratically elected Governor of Lagos State in the present republic. Of course, this will silence the grudge about a Christian candidacy, gathering momentum. This we know is a machination of some lazy minded politician and mischief makers.

That said, I will however like to charge you in few areas which I think are pertinent to Lagos Progress and which are important to Lagosians now and in the future.

Lagos has always known to be progressive. In upholding that tenet, we must commend Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who has proved beyond reasonable doubts that Government Business is a serious business. Lagosians simply passed a vote of confidence on him when over 80% of Lagosians endorsed him for second term in 2011. I am sure you know that the election outcome was based on pure trust and merit of BRF. The hope would most likely be transferred to you come 2015 General Elections. I hope you will shine out as an astute administrator rather than a politician.

I however had to remind you of the very Lagos dream. The dream we had and are willing to live to enjoy. Governor Fashola has been a purposeful leader while Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been a promising visionary. We want to live in the dream created by these progressive leaders.

We enjoyed accountability, progressive infrastructural development and urban renewal, improved health services, better faces of our public schools, massive employment generation, etc. Governor Babatunde Fashola has done his bid in placing his name in Golden book in the annals of Lagos history. While I am not in any way trying to compere you with Fashola, Just as I cannot compare him with Asiwaju, I’m just trying to remind you that these men have set different standards in which to measure Governance. We just want the standard to be raised for the purpose of a better Lagos.

We simply want to relive their dream in you. In Lagos, we have an eye for the best and we know too quickly when a leader is weakling, clueless and have no purpose. As everyday will begin to count for you from May, 2015, we are watching. We are set to Scale your achievements and measure you in terms of the existing standards. We simply want you to outperform the existing records.

I especially urge you to look into the growth of the less urban and rural areas in terms of infrastructural development, one that will encourage the industrialization of the less developed part of Lagos. We expect this to be done with the intent of decongesting the over concentration of urban Lagos. You will agree with me that Lagosians spend several productive hours in traffic. These hours can prolong the lives of Lagosians and even increase the fortune of Lagos if better utilized. While doing this. We want our urban area to keep growing and keep getting better.

Inspite of Governor Fashola’s Giant strides in Education, our public school needs even more attention. I suggest an unscheduled visit to Public schools in Agege, Ikorodu, Agbado, Alimosho, etc. Such visit will give you firsthand information and make you understand the areas to improve upon. We really want to be proud of our public school once again.

We know and understand that Lagos is economically the largest state in Nigeria. No doubt Lagos is getting far better; Our Lagos dream is to compete among the cities in the world. Being the 4th worst City in the world presently, we are not favorably ranked. We need better Lagos as we progress gradually towards a Mega city.

Our bus stops and public garages are still full of productive young men and women who pose as touts. They are still posing threats to the state and National security. From Oshodi, to Isale Eko, Yaba, Mushin, Alagbado, Agege, Fadeyi and almost every other part of Lagos, you meet them, living a care-free life. We want these guys to be productively engaged, following the footprints of Governor Fashola Human capital development. I understand you know, but for the purpose of emphasis, we really need the productive energy of these people to keep building the Lagos of our dream, while we, taking care of the Security challenges these set of people can pose.

As we approach the General election with much attention and anxiety, Lagosians are really hoping for a good outing that will produce the best of men that will steer the ship of our noble Lagos. This state is a work in Progress, and we are working so hard to build the state and a country of our dream.

Fagbemi Taofeek Owolabi.

Over the edge…

I read This from Chritian Mihai, and I found it thoughtful.

SANGO, DEITY IN FLESH

shango statue http://www.blackethics.com

Prrraaaahhhh!!!…..
Ooose o! Aaara o! Saango o!
It is my flesh in deity
It is their flesh in deity
Not the one of gaiety
But the one, faulty.

It is simply a deity in flesh

Iiinaa o!!!
It hurts
It faults
Arsoner, murderer, slaughter, or burner.
To you or to them that are faulty
Their brunt on their chest as they lay like a log.
Until when I experience it, I know not him that
It is a deity.

Like Ogun, Oya, Shanponan,…
Like the sixteen.
I mean the merindilogun of Ife land
That strike and save.

It is a deity in flesh.

He pours from our womb
He grew from our dumb
He was crowned with our thumbs
He eats, drinks, talks and….
As we do.

Really a deity in flesh.

he sprout, When he roared,
When he sees within and in the rear,
Even when he calls thunder
To form a cave or make a save
To strike the hill and level the valley
To pick the gay and beat the thief
He did and does that at will.

Really deity in flesh.

He has igbale, a shrine which is mobile
He has Ose, a wand which is moveable,
He has his own eyes which sees beyond your boundary.
Oh! And my boundary.

Sango is a deity in flesh

Taofeek 2005

Shango also pronounced Changó is a god of thunder in the Yoruba (Western-Africa, Nigeria) tradition. He is worshiped by the traditionalist in Nigeria and some part of the Northern America. The poet was struck by the live experience of seeing thunder crushing down a thief and his conspirators. This thunder strike was believed to have been caused by Shango – A yoruba King who lived and died since the middle ages but due to his magical prowess, he is been deified and consequently worshiped by several adherents. Read more @ http://www.wikipedia.org

LIFE

Oh Life!

You are the bearer of birth
The doctor of existence
The Father of death

The mother of pains
The master of gains
The driver of fate

Life that has a thousand faces

While some sees you as trauma
Other see you as a Merry
Some believe you as a vanity
While some says you are bounty.

Some lament: Oh! thou is cruel b’cos
Though is short and unaccomplished

Oh Life!
You are really an Echo
Thou bounce on man exactly
The way thou is perceived.