So I discovered that I first rinsed the last plate that I washed while doing the dishes yesterday morning. To me, it's as normal as combing my hair before going out. However, I learned a lesson from that rather insignificant act.
My dear, life is not really about who started a process first. It is not about how early one began. The winner of a race is never determined by who took up first after the gunshot. That reminds me...
Back in my elder brother's secondary school days. The young me was still in Comfort Nursery and Primary School but was opportuned to go see his school's Inter-House Sports Competition Grand Finale due to the proximity of the two schools. He was one of the two Sprinters for his Yellow House (Up Green House! *winks*).
They were all set after the command but all except my brother took off after the whistle (the school couldn't afford a gun. Poor CGS!). He thought they would be called back but surprisingly, there weren't!
So he joined and before you know it he overtook one athlete and then another. At the point where he was fourth, everyone; I mean even people in other houses were already cheering him. It was a miracle! Fourth! Wasn't that a great position to finish with considering his start-up circumstance?
Well, you're in for a shocker. Before everyone recovered he was already at par with his house mate, "Odeyemi Nimbe" (in Amiko's voice) who was leading. Guess what? His body touched the ribbon first! Yes, he won!
My head had so swollen that I began to cry. Sincerely, I've never seen a moment like that where even the opponents cheered alongside the athlete's house members. Off course, Yellow House was the overall first that year...
Having a great and rapid start does not in anyway guarantee a finish ahead of those who were still planning to start. Neither do an early rise connote a quick accomplishment.
Delays in commencement are sometimes for a more outstanding finish. Hence, do not let your delay deny you of the success that await you. Don't give up cos you are in for a record breaking breakthrough.
Look, you may end up welcoming those who seemed to have gone far ahead!
Thursday 4 June 2015
Monday 5 January 2015
mY hEART bLEEDS
The first glance at the breakdown of school fees payable by students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure aroused my 'gratitude hormone'. I was happy that I was not part of the newly admitted crop of student for if I was, I will have no option than to defer my admission. You sure will not understand what I mean but I bet you will reason with me.
Looking back home, I see my weak and old septuagenarian father who eventhough is long due for retirement, still works on the peasant farm with which he has thus far raised his children. My mother; a co-workaholic with his husband, is a farming trader. She will be 60 this year but still in active service! My five elder siblings (all graduates) are not all gainfully employed and the one under the payroll of the Government has not been paid November salary! Don't ask me about any of my Uncles, Aunts or relatives because they are all more "humble" than us. Besides, my Dad is the Head of the Family!
With this 'tushed up' picture of my background, please tell me sir, how do you think I will be able to raise N45,000 or N55,000 Acceptance Fee + N83, 900 School Fee? How? 'Biko gwa m'. That alone is N128,900 or N138,900 depending on your batch of admission. Please note that this do not include accomodation, books, and other learning materials.
So, I was grateful for coming in earlier until I discovered that I am such a GREAT FOOL! I am a suspected idiot for having the gut to take a sigh of relief after passing through a door that has just been shut against thousands of my less privileged colleagues. How was I so selfish and inconsiderate? These people deserve to enter too! Yes, they deserve education!
Hmm! It's such a pity that we have a once-upon-a-time shoeless man who bagged a PhD and also got himself a good job at the Presidential villa but is now far less concerned even if the children of the average men can no longer afford the benefit he enjoyed freely as a poor boy. "Dia ris God!" 'Dia rin't He?'
Prof AGD sir, how far? How come you -a professor of Agricultural Economics, do not know that the Nigerian economy is not Agriculture friendly? Sir, the Economists that I've known so far are very frugal and prudent to fault. They manage and reduce cost. But we have seen you over the last three years increased the school fees from N23,900 to N48,900. It stood at that amount for the second year and now, it is N83,900! 'Maka why' sir?
Sir, each student of the last two sets were made to pay "Developmental Fee" of N25,000 but we have not experienced any development. Except that the Shuttle buses' route was changed when you can no longer bear their presence near your ofice, I can't point out any development. Same lecture theatres that accomodates 1,750 students eventhough it is a 750 capacity hall. Same old structures -now getting more dilapidated due to over usage. The laboratories are ill equiped. The library is more of a museum that holds a collection of old books.
Bravo! You completed the 2,500 capacity Auditorium started by your predecessor, built a new Senate Building, built a centre for entreprneur and skill acquisition, went into international partnership that gives a 'scholarship' that enables students of some department continue their study abroad, renovated roads, what else? Yes, you've done a lot but all these could have been done with the FGN allocation and the school's IGR without the students having to pay through their noses!
Sir, I hereby challenge you to:
*publish the school's statements of account in a recognised newspaper before the end of the first quarter of 2015 to assure us that our parents' hard earned money were properly spent! If not, we all have the right to believe that you are milking us dry!
*build more lecture theatres, renovate the old ones, equip the laboratories and library, renovate the halls of residence (especially Akindeko), provide enabling environment for learning and re-orientate your members of staff to stop treating Futarians like Nursery School pupils.
*encourage entrepreneurship for real rather than hypocritically shout "technology for self reliance" with nothing to show for it.
Oh, I'm aware of the FUTA-Branded China made iPad that is to be given to the freshmen. It is indeed a good one sir! They will be better able to learn with it. They will also be updated and informed. Great idea, I must confess. Good as the idea seems, I have issues with it.
1. Internet Access: let me first say "thank you!" for making all FUTA powered websites free with wireless connection. A good number of Futarians are better able to access our websites without having to pay. But sir, learning is subjective and wild. Everything needed for comprehensive learning can therefore not be on our website hence the need to make reference to other websites. How do you intend to cater for the purposeful browsing need of those who acquire this device?
2. Ours -as you may have known, is a generation that has an insatiable appetite for the media and insaparable bond with social networks and to a large extent, the advantages are at par with the disadvantages -all things being equal. Unfortunately, majority of the young folks as you may have noticed also, are either addicted or semi-addicted to social networks and the media. These have made the balance between merit and demerit of internet usage swing towards the demerit. I therefore state with all conviction that the iPad will stand as their worst distraction point. What has been or will be put in place to checkmate the excesses?
3. N35,000 is such a whooping amount of money to 6 out of every 10 Nigerians! With the poverty line stamped at 60.9%, only 36.1% of the Nigerian populace will spend same amount or more in a year! Sir, won't it be rather inconsiderate to ask for the "annual budget allocation" of a whole family for the purpose of giving just one of them a device?
4. Why was the device made compulsory when such things are -as at last check, regarded as luxurious products? I sincerely think the decision to acquire such device should be left in the hands of parents or guardian who are to pay for it.
On a final note sir, I will have you know that these issues raised are in no attempt to disrespect you, but a cry from a bleeding heart of a poor farmer's son. Please do the needful and on time.
Thanks
UDEH Caleb Ifeanyi KOH,
Food Science and Technology Department.
#OpenLettertoFUTAVCbyIfeanyiKOH
Looking back home, I see my weak and old septuagenarian father who eventhough is long due for retirement, still works on the peasant farm with which he has thus far raised his children. My mother; a co-workaholic with his husband, is a farming trader. She will be 60 this year but still in active service! My five elder siblings (all graduates) are not all gainfully employed and the one under the payroll of the Government has not been paid November salary! Don't ask me about any of my Uncles, Aunts or relatives because they are all more "humble" than us. Besides, my Dad is the Head of the Family!
With this 'tushed up' picture of my background, please tell me sir, how do you think I will be able to raise N45,000 or N55,000 Acceptance Fee + N83, 900 School Fee? How? 'Biko gwa m'. That alone is N128,900 or N138,900 depending on your batch of admission. Please note that this do not include accomodation, books, and other learning materials.
So, I was grateful for coming in earlier until I discovered that I am such a GREAT FOOL! I am a suspected idiot for having the gut to take a sigh of relief after passing through a door that has just been shut against thousands of my less privileged colleagues. How was I so selfish and inconsiderate? These people deserve to enter too! Yes, they deserve education!
Hmm! It's such a pity that we have a once-upon-a-time shoeless man who bagged a PhD and also got himself a good job at the Presidential villa but is now far less concerned even if the children of the average men can no longer afford the benefit he enjoyed freely as a poor boy. "Dia ris God!" 'Dia rin't He?'
Prof AGD sir, how far? How come you -a professor of Agricultural Economics, do not know that the Nigerian economy is not Agriculture friendly? Sir, the Economists that I've known so far are very frugal and prudent to fault. They manage and reduce cost. But we have seen you over the last three years increased the school fees from N23,900 to N48,900. It stood at that amount for the second year and now, it is N83,900! 'Maka why' sir?
Sir, each student of the last two sets were made to pay "Developmental Fee" of N25,000 but we have not experienced any development. Except that the Shuttle buses' route was changed when you can no longer bear their presence near your ofice, I can't point out any development. Same lecture theatres that accomodates 1,750 students eventhough it is a 750 capacity hall. Same old structures -now getting more dilapidated due to over usage. The laboratories are ill equiped. The library is more of a museum that holds a collection of old books.
Bravo! You completed the 2,500 capacity Auditorium started by your predecessor, built a new Senate Building, built a centre for entreprneur and skill acquisition, went into international partnership that gives a 'scholarship' that enables students of some department continue their study abroad, renovated roads, what else? Yes, you've done a lot but all these could have been done with the FGN allocation and the school's IGR without the students having to pay through their noses!
Sir, I hereby challenge you to:
*publish the school's statements of account in a recognised newspaper before the end of the first quarter of 2015 to assure us that our parents' hard earned money were properly spent! If not, we all have the right to believe that you are milking us dry!
*build more lecture theatres, renovate the old ones, equip the laboratories and library, renovate the halls of residence (especially Akindeko), provide enabling environment for learning and re-orientate your members of staff to stop treating Futarians like Nursery School pupils.
*encourage entrepreneurship for real rather than hypocritically shout "technology for self reliance" with nothing to show for it.
Oh, I'm aware of the FUTA-Branded China made iPad that is to be given to the freshmen. It is indeed a good one sir! They will be better able to learn with it. They will also be updated and informed. Great idea, I must confess. Good as the idea seems, I have issues with it.
1. Internet Access: let me first say "thank you!" for making all FUTA powered websites free with wireless connection. A good number of Futarians are better able to access our websites without having to pay. But sir, learning is subjective and wild. Everything needed for comprehensive learning can therefore not be on our website hence the need to make reference to other websites. How do you intend to cater for the purposeful browsing need of those who acquire this device?
2. Ours -as you may have known, is a generation that has an insatiable appetite for the media and insaparable bond with social networks and to a large extent, the advantages are at par with the disadvantages -all things being equal. Unfortunately, majority of the young folks as you may have noticed also, are either addicted or semi-addicted to social networks and the media. These have made the balance between merit and demerit of internet usage swing towards the demerit. I therefore state with all conviction that the iPad will stand as their worst distraction point. What has been or will be put in place to checkmate the excesses?
3. N35,000 is such a whooping amount of money to 6 out of every 10 Nigerians! With the poverty line stamped at 60.9%, only 36.1% of the Nigerian populace will spend same amount or more in a year! Sir, won't it be rather inconsiderate to ask for the "annual budget allocation" of a whole family for the purpose of giving just one of them a device?
4. Why was the device made compulsory when such things are -as at last check, regarded as luxurious products? I sincerely think the decision to acquire such device should be left in the hands of parents or guardian who are to pay for it.
On a final note sir, I will have you know that these issues raised are in no attempt to disrespect you, but a cry from a bleeding heart of a poor farmer's son. Please do the needful and on time.
Thanks
UDEH Caleb Ifeanyi KOH,
Food Science and Technology Department.
#OpenLettertoFUTAVCbyIfeanyiKOH
Thursday 1 January 2015
"Happy New Year" in 15 International Languages from and by Ifeanyi KOH
Here is Ifeanyi KOH Saying "Happy New Year" in 15 Different International Languages!
Arabic - عام جديد سعيد
Bulgarian - Честита Нова година
Chinese - Xin Nian Kuai Le
Dutch - Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
French - Bonne année
German - Frohes neues Jahr
Hebrew - שנה טובה
Italian - Felice Anno Nuovo
Latin - Annum Faustum
Malay - Selamat Tahun Baru
Norwegian - Godt nytt år
Portugese - Feliz Ano Novo
Rusian - С Новым годом
Spanish - Feliz Año Nuevo
Welsh - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
As an Igbo Man, I'll specially wish you "añuli arö öfüü!" Now wish me "Happy New Year" in your language [mother/father tongue, dialet, vernacular or whichever language(s)]!
#iKOHCares #TelliKOH Now Official!
Arabic - عام جديد سعيد
Bulgarian - Честита Нова година
Chinese - Xin Nian Kuai Le
Dutch - Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
French - Bonne année
German - Frohes neues Jahr
Hebrew - שנה טובה
Italian - Felice Anno Nuovo
Latin - Annum Faustum
Malay - Selamat Tahun Baru
Norwegian - Godt nytt år
Portugese - Feliz Ano Novo
Rusian - С Новым годом
Spanish - Feliz Año Nuevo
Welsh - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
As an Igbo Man, I'll specially wish you "añuli arö öfüü!" Now wish me "Happy New Year" in your language [mother/father tongue, dialet, vernacular or whichever language(s)]!
#iKOHCares #TelliKOH Now Official!
Tuesday 16 December 2014
Why PRESIDENCY?
My facebook friend -Ugbade Anthony Emeka wrote and I quote
"Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Sir, let us examine your service records. Because with what I read, I consider your generation a very privileged one, indeed. In 1975 at the age of 33, you were appointed the Military Governor of the North-Eastern State, present day Borno & Yobe States. In 1976 at the age of 34 you became the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources. In 1978 at the age of 36 you became the Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Today the reverse is the case. Most Nigerians at age of 35 are still unemployed and still living with parents. Many are still not married. During your time you were already Governor at this age. One major reason for this unfortunate turn of events is that many elders like you have refused to voluntarily handover the baton to the next generation. Life should be a relay race where one runs his race and hands over to the next. In Nigeria many elders like you have run their races and are still holding on tenaciously to the baton. But Sir, I have an important question here for you. The question is simple, MUST YOU SERVE NIGERIA AS A PRESIDENT ONLY? IS THERE NO OTHER CAPACITY YOU CAN SERVE US EXCEPT THE PRESIDENCY?
It is very erroneous to imagine that you can only serve Nigeria only in one capacity. During the regime of late General Sani Abacha, you accepted the appointment to serve as the Chairman of the then Petroleum Trust Fund PTF. The general opinion was that you served faithfully in this capacity. Well done Sir! But you never asked Abacha to vacate office for you as your former subordinate in the army. Never! In fact that would have been a dangerous move, if not suicidal. Rather you served faithfully under your former junior in the army.
Sir, imagine if you take on another job like the Chairman of EFCC or ICPC or NDLEA. Nigerians actually need you to serve in one of these capacities much more than they need you in the Presidency. Mere mentioning your name as Chairman of EFCC would drive many corrupt men underground. But you wouldn’t."
Now to MY RESPONSE as "incited" by Olivia Chinyere Nzurumike:
Dear Mr Ugbade,
I must sincerely appreciate these wonderful suggestions your brought to bear. You (in my opinion) possess a quality that every young Nigerian should have. Rather than join the uninformed and sycophantic youths of this age in shouting down the person and gesture of Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari, you have profered a "better" platform for service. Thank you a million times.
However, I will have you know a few reasons why your suggestions may not work in a society such as ours. For the sake of clarity, I will itemise them.
1. Just as you have rightly pointed out in your post, the generation that has young people (in their thirties) at the helms of affairs is indeed a PRIVILEGED one. Although, it is not supposed to turn out that way but a society with complacent, myopic and inexperienced young generation can not but have our aged generation in the helms of affair. Human beings are naturally prone to sit tight. It is therefore up to the youths to unsit the elders. As it stands, I don't see that happening in 2015.
2. You have also admitted that most of our youths are unemployed and grounded. This is very correct and its courtesy those who have so far ruled or lead us especially in recent times. Since our return to democracy, we have (to say the truth) experienced developments and forward movement in certain areas and to certain degrees. But Heavens bear me witness that those development can not be rated to be equivalent to our resources by any standards. It is as though, we take a step forward and two steps barkward.
We have tried the same thing for four good times and have obviously failed. And as insinuated by Albert Einstein, only insanity will see us try it again and expect different result this time. It is therefore high time we tried a different person on a different platform.
3. "MUST YOU SERVE NIGERIA AS A PRESIDENT ONLY?" Even if I can not satisfactorily answer this question as the person it is directed to would have done, I will make attempt at it.
3a. It will be a great waste of human resource and an embarrassment on intellectual capacity if you; Mr Ugbaje is appointed the head boy of a secondary school just because you believe and support young leadership. So will it be when you ask GMB to do stuffs that berate his capacity.
3b. Are you aware that positions such as you suggested are appointive positions? They are directly accountable to the President and the President dictates to a large extent the tune their pipe should play. We all knew what happened to the likes of Prof Dora, Mallam Sanusi when they towed the path of truth in disobedience to their boss.
3c. The President is the number one citizen on whose shoulder the responsibility of every other citizens lie. Such position requires someone with the strength that you ascribed to GMB... Settling for anything less will be an act of concentrated cowardice, sumptuous selfishness and lethal laziness.
Conclusively, going by the few service records you stated, no other Presidential aspirant have equalled his antecedents let alone better it. We should therefore let go of sentiments and have a grip on the truth!
Major General Muhammadu Buhari is the right person for the Nigerian 001 job...#saiBuhari9ja #iKOHrepsGMB
Thanks!
t
"Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Sir, let us examine your service records. Because with what I read, I consider your generation a very privileged one, indeed. In 1975 at the age of 33, you were appointed the Military Governor of the North-Eastern State, present day Borno & Yobe States. In 1976 at the age of 34 you became the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources. In 1978 at the age of 36 you became the Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Today the reverse is the case. Most Nigerians at age of 35 are still unemployed and still living with parents. Many are still not married. During your time you were already Governor at this age. One major reason for this unfortunate turn of events is that many elders like you have refused to voluntarily handover the baton to the next generation. Life should be a relay race where one runs his race and hands over to the next. In Nigeria many elders like you have run their races and are still holding on tenaciously to the baton. But Sir, I have an important question here for you. The question is simple, MUST YOU SERVE NIGERIA AS A PRESIDENT ONLY? IS THERE NO OTHER CAPACITY YOU CAN SERVE US EXCEPT THE PRESIDENCY?
It is very erroneous to imagine that you can only serve Nigeria only in one capacity. During the regime of late General Sani Abacha, you accepted the appointment to serve as the Chairman of the then Petroleum Trust Fund PTF. The general opinion was that you served faithfully in this capacity. Well done Sir! But you never asked Abacha to vacate office for you as your former subordinate in the army. Never! In fact that would have been a dangerous move, if not suicidal. Rather you served faithfully under your former junior in the army.
Sir, imagine if you take on another job like the Chairman of EFCC or ICPC or NDLEA. Nigerians actually need you to serve in one of these capacities much more than they need you in the Presidency. Mere mentioning your name as Chairman of EFCC would drive many corrupt men underground. But you wouldn’t."
Now to MY RESPONSE as "incited" by Olivia Chinyere Nzurumike:
Dear Mr Ugbade,
I must sincerely appreciate these wonderful suggestions your brought to bear. You (in my opinion) possess a quality that every young Nigerian should have. Rather than join the uninformed and sycophantic youths of this age in shouting down the person and gesture of Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari, you have profered a "better" platform for service. Thank you a million times.
However, I will have you know a few reasons why your suggestions may not work in a society such as ours. For the sake of clarity, I will itemise them.
1. Just as you have rightly pointed out in your post, the generation that has young people (in their thirties) at the helms of affairs is indeed a PRIVILEGED one. Although, it is not supposed to turn out that way but a society with complacent, myopic and inexperienced young generation can not but have our aged generation in the helms of affair. Human beings are naturally prone to sit tight. It is therefore up to the youths to unsit the elders. As it stands, I don't see that happening in 2015.
2. You have also admitted that most of our youths are unemployed and grounded. This is very correct and its courtesy those who have so far ruled or lead us especially in recent times. Since our return to democracy, we have (to say the truth) experienced developments and forward movement in certain areas and to certain degrees. But Heavens bear me witness that those development can not be rated to be equivalent to our resources by any standards. It is as though, we take a step forward and two steps barkward.
We have tried the same thing for four good times and have obviously failed. And as insinuated by Albert Einstein, only insanity will see us try it again and expect different result this time. It is therefore high time we tried a different person on a different platform.
3. "MUST YOU SERVE NIGERIA AS A PRESIDENT ONLY?" Even if I can not satisfactorily answer this question as the person it is directed to would have done, I will make attempt at it.
3a. It will be a great waste of human resource and an embarrassment on intellectual capacity if you; Mr Ugbaje is appointed the head boy of a secondary school just because you believe and support young leadership. So will it be when you ask GMB to do stuffs that berate his capacity.
3b. Are you aware that positions such as you suggested are appointive positions? They are directly accountable to the President and the President dictates to a large extent the tune their pipe should play. We all knew what happened to the likes of Prof Dora, Mallam Sanusi when they towed the path of truth in disobedience to their boss.
3c. The President is the number one citizen on whose shoulder the responsibility of every other citizens lie. Such position requires someone with the strength that you ascribed to GMB... Settling for anything less will be an act of concentrated cowardice, sumptuous selfishness and lethal laziness.
Conclusively, going by the few service records you stated, no other Presidential aspirant have equalled his antecedents let alone better it. We should therefore let go of sentiments and have a grip on the truth!
Major General Muhammadu Buhari is the right person for the Nigerian 001 job...#saiBuhari9ja #iKOHrepsGMB
Thanks!
t
Tuesday 9 December 2014
RIP, OMAR!!!
"You are not serious, KOH" was what she said to me the most. Very simple, easy-going, gentle, delicate yet brave at heart, crafty and frank with words. She was afraid of nobody but was very respectful. She loved everyone but kept very few friends. Young in age but matured and experienced.
Me: Omar! (an arabic name)
Rita: KOH, I will break your head oh! My name is not Omar, it is OMAR.
Me: Oga, get used to it or call your police.
*she then chased me to deliver a spank on my naughty self but couldn't catch up*
That, is one of our many quarelsome dialogues I can't forget. Olayinka Matilda Aina Rita was not just a departmental and level mate, she was a friend, a sister and a business partner...
The day I bluntly asked her "Are you an SS" marked the beginning of our friendship. As expected, she looked away indifferently and answered with a question. "How did you know?" Of course, she looked very healthy that only very few people will notice her health status. When I did, I kind of became interested in her and went close but she's built a wall around her to avoid unnecessary pity. So, I needed to show her how much I believe in her mental capabilities, her bravery and ingenuity rather than show frivolous sympathy.
She hated to be pitied. Very independent and self reliant a lady. Did I tell you she's from a well to do home? You can hardly see her flaunt her parents' wealth cos she believed in her ability to make it without really relying on parental influence. She did most of her chores herself. She passed through MEE 101/102, GNS 102, CSP 210, Practicals and other notorious FUTA troubles just like everyone else.
Although a slow learner; she was intelligent and almost a perfectionist. I dubbed assignments from her a number of times *winks*. Guess what? She's in 2.1 (Second Class Upper Division).
She's beautiful, slim, tall, elegant and graceful. She believes "true beauty lies within" and I tell you, "OMAR cares to bring out the best in you" through her make up profession. She can finish you with her mouth so don't dare her in a word fight.
She's chaste and last I checked, was a VIRGIN. "I no get time for boys jare" A devout Catholic always with a Mary-embedded ring on her left fore finger. A member of the choir. Hardly missed Mass and other church services week in, week out...
We only get to chat most often cos I later earned myself her confidence that she tells me everything she can put in writing. Through this, I got to know a few things about her family and many other things as it concerns her.
On Sunday, 7th December, 2014; I got the shock of my life when I saw RIP on OMAR's picture. It was a devastation! I didn't cry immediately after the death of my eldest sister like I did that Sunday. Food became less of my worries. "I thought she has escaped" was what kept recurring to me. Alas, Rita is gone!
The fact that she was born on Saturday and she died on that same day of the week reminded me of our CSP 210 days. She'll often call me on Friday to remind me and sometimes threaten me to come pick her the next day. "If dem born you well, no come carry me and Ese tomorrow morning o"
On Monday, we went for her burial. There I got the chance to see her beautiful face again but for the last time. Dressed in a snow white gown which I wish was for the purpose of her wedding...
*goes on my knees* At this junction, I'll both sound a note of warnining plus beg, plead and solicit a favour from the young unmarried individuals. PLEASE KNOW YOUR GENOTYPE AND YOUR COMPATIBILITY AND BE SURE OF THAT OF YOUR FUTURE PARTNER BEFORE ASKING "WILL YOU MARRY ME" OR BEFORE SAYING "YES, I WILL MARRY YOU". *sits back up*
Compatible Genotypes for Marriage
The the best compatible match is AA and AA. By that, your children will be spared the worry of who is compatible and who is not.
AA can also marry an AS. The resultant children will be AA and AS which is fair enough.
An SS has no option than to marry an AA.
AS and AS is biologically forbidden in marriage.
Neither should it cross the mind of an AS to marry an SS.
Finally, birds of a feather, flock together but never in the case of SS and SS marriage. Don't even imagine it, 'biko nu'!
After much thought, after thinking of what I can do in my capacity to retain the good name made by Rita, I have decided to continue the company she founded; OMAR BEAUTY HOME it is.
She has great dreams for her company and I was so fortunate to have her share some of them with me before her departure. She might be gone in person but her legacy must not go with her.
I therefore call on everyone who loves Rita and what she stood for. I call on family and friends of Rita. I beckon to anyone who has ever lost a loved one. I call on everyone who believes in a future where there will be no sickle cell patients. To arise for this noble course. *Details soon
To the memory of my late friend, sister, departmental and level mate and business partner -Miss Rita Olayinka Ogidan (Saturday, 30th March, 1991 - Saturday, 6th December, 2014).
RIP (Return If Possible), OMAR!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
#
Me: Omar! (an arabic name)
Rita: KOH, I will break your head oh! My name is not Omar, it is OMAR.
Me: Oga, get used to it or call your police.
*she then chased me to deliver a spank on my naughty self but couldn't catch up*
That, is one of our many quarelsome dialogues I can't forget. Olayinka Matilda Aina Rita was not just a departmental and level mate, she was a friend, a sister and a business partner...
The day I bluntly asked her "Are you an SS" marked the beginning of our friendship. As expected, she looked away indifferently and answered with a question. "How did you know?" Of course, she looked very healthy that only very few people will notice her health status. When I did, I kind of became interested in her and went close but she's built a wall around her to avoid unnecessary pity. So, I needed to show her how much I believe in her mental capabilities, her bravery and ingenuity rather than show frivolous sympathy.
She hated to be pitied. Very independent and self reliant a lady. Did I tell you she's from a well to do home? You can hardly see her flaunt her parents' wealth cos she believed in her ability to make it without really relying on parental influence. She did most of her chores herself. She passed through MEE 101/102, GNS 102, CSP 210, Practicals and other notorious FUTA troubles just like everyone else.
Although a slow learner; she was intelligent and almost a perfectionist. I dubbed assignments from her a number of times *winks*. Guess what? She's in 2.1 (Second Class Upper Division).
She's beautiful, slim, tall, elegant and graceful. She believes "true beauty lies within" and I tell you, "OMAR cares to bring out the best in you" through her make up profession. She can finish you with her mouth so don't dare her in a word fight.
She's chaste and last I checked, was a VIRGIN. "I no get time for boys jare" A devout Catholic always with a Mary-embedded ring on her left fore finger. A member of the choir. Hardly missed Mass and other church services week in, week out...
We only get to chat most often cos I later earned myself her confidence that she tells me everything she can put in writing. Through this, I got to know a few things about her family and many other things as it concerns her.
On Sunday, 7th December, 2014; I got the shock of my life when I saw RIP on OMAR's picture. It was a devastation! I didn't cry immediately after the death of my eldest sister like I did that Sunday. Food became less of my worries. "I thought she has escaped" was what kept recurring to me. Alas, Rita is gone!
The fact that she was born on Saturday and she died on that same day of the week reminded me of our CSP 210 days. She'll often call me on Friday to remind me and sometimes threaten me to come pick her the next day. "If dem born you well, no come carry me and Ese tomorrow morning o"
On Monday, we went for her burial. There I got the chance to see her beautiful face again but for the last time. Dressed in a snow white gown which I wish was for the purpose of her wedding...
*goes on my knees* At this junction, I'll both sound a note of warnining plus beg, plead and solicit a favour from the young unmarried individuals. PLEASE KNOW YOUR GENOTYPE AND YOUR COMPATIBILITY AND BE SURE OF THAT OF YOUR FUTURE PARTNER BEFORE ASKING "WILL YOU MARRY ME" OR BEFORE SAYING "YES, I WILL MARRY YOU". *sits back up*
Compatible Genotypes for Marriage
The the best compatible match is AA and AA. By that, your children will be spared the worry of who is compatible and who is not.
AA can also marry an AS. The resultant children will be AA and AS which is fair enough.
An SS has no option than to marry an AA.
AS and AS is biologically forbidden in marriage.
Neither should it cross the mind of an AS to marry an SS.
Finally, birds of a feather, flock together but never in the case of SS and SS marriage. Don't even imagine it, 'biko nu'!
After much thought, after thinking of what I can do in my capacity to retain the good name made by Rita, I have decided to continue the company she founded; OMAR BEAUTY HOME it is.
She has great dreams for her company and I was so fortunate to have her share some of them with me before her departure. She might be gone in person but her legacy must not go with her.
I therefore call on everyone who loves Rita and what she stood for. I call on family and friends of Rita. I beckon to anyone who has ever lost a loved one. I call on everyone who believes in a future where there will be no sickle cell patients. To arise for this noble course. *Details soon
To the memory of my late friend, sister, departmental and level mate and business partner -Miss Rita Olayinka Ogidan (Saturday, 30th March, 1991 - Saturday, 6th December, 2014).
RIP (Return If Possible), OMAR!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
#
Saturday 29 November 2014
If you've got it; Flaunt it!
Have you ever seen a cock crowing with it's head hung downwards?
Have you ever seen a non-catwalking duck?
Have you ever seen a hop-a-little fly-a-bit eagle?
Have you ever seen a dog barking in with a bedroom voice?
Have you ever seen, heard or read of a lion that roars in whispers?
Have you ever seen a healthy crawling cheetah?
Have you ever seen a non-luminous Sun?
Have you ever run short of air to breathe for a second?
Have you ever tasted a non salty ocean?
Nay, you definitely haven't and may never have an experience of such and that is because each cited example is known for showcasing what it has with pride -all things being equal.
Each being has a unique feature, an inborn trait, a distinctive quality on the inside. To every individual being, such character is instinctive and natural but for human being who has will and the power of choice, it must be exhibited deliberately and in deliberacy.
Shun pride for what you've hitherto neglected for its humble and lowly status. Suspend humility and hold your shoulders high for a good and honourable course. Don't cover up your potential with career. Never forgo your ingenuity for adaptability. Refine your divine ability, establish a quest to be the best and then advertise your expertise.
You have answers to people's questions. You have what people desire and will always long for . You have solutions to people's problems. You have impacts to make in people's lives. You have faces to brighten up with laughter.
It ranges from cute physical features to outstanding intellectual capability. From spiritual competence to moral up rightness. From good political governance to impeccable leadership quality. From academic excellence to economic breakthrough... Come on, if you've got it; flaunt it!
DISCLAIMER
This is not an endorsement for indecent exposure of physical endowments and exorbitant display of pride. Moderacy and decency should be installed and kept running.
NB: #SaveSeyanu text CLINIC to 32285 for NGN30t
Have you ever seen a non-catwalking duck?
Have you ever seen a hop-a-little fly-a-bit eagle?
Have you ever seen a dog barking in with a bedroom voice?
Have you ever seen, heard or read of a lion that roars in whispers?
Have you ever seen a healthy crawling cheetah?
Have you ever seen a non-luminous Sun?
Have you ever run short of air to breathe for a second?
Have you ever tasted a non salty ocean?
Nay, you definitely haven't and may never have an experience of such and that is because each cited example is known for showcasing what it has with pride -all things being equal.
Each being has a unique feature, an inborn trait, a distinctive quality on the inside. To every individual being, such character is instinctive and natural but for human being who has will and the power of choice, it must be exhibited deliberately and in deliberacy.
Shun pride for what you've hitherto neglected for its humble and lowly status. Suspend humility and hold your shoulders high for a good and honourable course. Don't cover up your potential with career. Never forgo your ingenuity for adaptability. Refine your divine ability, establish a quest to be the best and then advertise your expertise.
You have answers to people's questions. You have what people desire and will always long for . You have solutions to people's problems. You have impacts to make in people's lives. You have faces to brighten up with laughter.
It ranges from cute physical features to outstanding intellectual capability. From spiritual competence to moral up rightness. From good political governance to impeccable leadership quality. From academic excellence to economic breakthrough... Come on, if you've got it; flaunt it!
DISCLAIMER
This is not an endorsement for indecent exposure of physical endowments and exorbitant display of pride. Moderacy and decency should be installed and kept running.
NB: #SaveSeyanu text CLINIC to 32285 for NGN30t
Thursday 27 November 2014
Prayer for Nigeria
Dear Lord,
I want to -on behalf of our great nation Nigeria, thank you for thus far you've helped us.
Colonial masters have come and gone.
Civil war too came and we were not all consumed.
Several bloody and few peaceful elections have we experienced and to none did we loose our nationhood.
The military have shown us what they've got through their unbendable rules and Rule yet we're still standing tall.
There had been plane crashes, rail accidents, shipwrecks, and innumerable road accidents but none resulted to the death of our dear country.
Famine came but could not starve us of our natural and human resources.
Flood and other natural disasters did their worst but we were not swept away.
SARS, Ebola and other deadly diseases have paid their uncourtesy visits and we showed them the back of our hands.
Militants emerged with bitterness and we led them straight to where they can be made better.
Boko Haram seems to have come to stay but we're sure to only hear about them in books of history soon.
For our amiable President -Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I pray;
that you strengthen him at this point when all odds are up against him.
that you endow him with much more godly wisdom and knowledge.
that you direct him in the way he should go and guide him in the manner he should act.
that you grant him the ability to say NO when that is the most appropriate answer and YES when inappropriate NOs is the majority.
that you give love, honesty, selflessness, compassion and several other leadership qualities in abundance.
that you bestow on him discerning spirit so as to know the intent of those around him.
For my fellow countrymen, I pray;
that you drench us with heavy rain of love until we become a fountain thereof
that you make us ooze forgiveness in our every breath.
that you help us to respect and put in high esteem the very essence of our livelihood.
that you give us the grace to live among ourselves without strife and jealousy.
that you strengthen our cord of unity and oneness.
that you teach us to respect, support and cooperate with our leaders.
that you rebuke us when we err and go astray.
that you enable us do the right thing at the right time frame...
I'm assured of your continued care for Nigeria and for that I'm grateful.
God bless Federal republic of nigeria!!!
I want to -on behalf of our great nation Nigeria, thank you for thus far you've helped us.
Colonial masters have come and gone.
Civil war too came and we were not all consumed.
Several bloody and few peaceful elections have we experienced and to none did we loose our nationhood.
The military have shown us what they've got through their unbendable rules and Rule yet we're still standing tall.
There had been plane crashes, rail accidents, shipwrecks, and innumerable road accidents but none resulted to the death of our dear country.
Famine came but could not starve us of our natural and human resources.
Flood and other natural disasters did their worst but we were not swept away.
SARS, Ebola and other deadly diseases have paid their uncourtesy visits and we showed them the back of our hands.
Militants emerged with bitterness and we led them straight to where they can be made better.
Boko Haram seems to have come to stay but we're sure to only hear about them in books of history soon.
For our amiable President -Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I pray;
that you strengthen him at this point when all odds are up against him.
that you endow him with much more godly wisdom and knowledge.
that you direct him in the way he should go and guide him in the manner he should act.
that you grant him the ability to say NO when that is the most appropriate answer and YES when inappropriate NOs is the majority.
that you give love, honesty, selflessness, compassion and several other leadership qualities in abundance.
that you bestow on him discerning spirit so as to know the intent of those around him.
For my fellow countrymen, I pray;
that you drench us with heavy rain of love until we become a fountain thereof
that you make us ooze forgiveness in our every breath.
that you help us to respect and put in high esteem the very essence of our livelihood.
that you give us the grace to live among ourselves without strife and jealousy.
that you strengthen our cord of unity and oneness.
that you teach us to respect, support and cooperate with our leaders.
that you rebuke us when we err and go astray.
that you enable us do the right thing at the right time frame...
I'm assured of your continued care for Nigeria and for that I'm grateful.
God bless Federal republic of nigeria!!!
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Childlike Love...
Whenever I see a simple, intuitive, innocent, forgiving, unsuspicious and adventurous child, I wish he never grow into this complexity called adulthood.
A child who told "I won't play with you again" some five minutes ago for denying him a certain thing is now all over you; crying for a piggyback ride. I tell you, he definitely meant it when he "threatened" to stop playing with you. That threat could not just stand the test of love he has for you.
One amazing thing however is that this attitude is common to all children. I then begin to wonder and ask myself "since everyone was once a kid, when exactly did we run out of these enviable characters?" When did stop forgiving the ill meted out to us? When did we start suspecting our neighbours' every move?
I can't satisfactorily answer these seemingly rhetoric questions myself but I can at least inculcate some of these character even as an adult.
#Forgiveness #Love
A child who told "I won't play with you again" some five minutes ago for denying him a certain thing is now all over you; crying for a piggyback ride. I tell you, he definitely meant it when he "threatened" to stop playing with you. That threat could not just stand the test of love he has for you.
One amazing thing however is that this attitude is common to all children. I then begin to wonder and ask myself "since everyone was once a kid, when exactly did we run out of these enviable characters?" When did stop forgiving the ill meted out to us? When did we start suspecting our neighbours' every move?
I can't satisfactorily answer these seemingly rhetoric questions myself but I can at least inculcate some of these character even as an adult.
#Forgiveness #Love
#PleaseSaveAgricultureNow
Take it or leave it; farming in Nigeria has been largely left in the hands of our village dwellers. Worst still, only the old and very few young folks venture into this legendary career often as a last resort.
Yesterday evening, I had a one-on-one discussion with a young farmer friend and when I said I'm proud to be a farmer, he spatted "God forbid! I rebuke it for you" before I could utter a word from my surprise cum laughter ridden ajar lips, he added this amazing prayer "You'll never be so reduced as coming down to the village to farm". Issokay!
Later that evening another friend whose first farm experience was a stereotyped compulsory university practical course could not hold her disdain to herself when I told her farming is a constituent of my daily activities. All my attempts to make her understand that farming is not really bad got this polite "whatever" conclusion: "you may like farming but I don't like it AT ALL".
If you ask my candid opinion, I'll justify these my friends' reactions oh. You know why? Fine!
#Status
A farmer by Nigerians' standard, is a poor and dirty village man who produces crops. Those into animal production are rarely seen as farmers. The mental picture of a farmer that has been thus far drawn is demeaning and unattractive. They've been stigmatised far more than any other occupation (only teachers can boast to be anywhere near farmers' social status).
#Technicality
No other occupation is as demanding as farming. None other requires hard work as much too. God help you if you're into non-mechanised system of farming!
#Income
*On Monday, my mum wanted to go to the market with ten very big tubers of yam so I asked "Mma, how much do you intend to sell these?" She said "N3000 hopefully". She later sold it for N2500.
*A basin of Garri goes for N800!
I would have loved to give more instances of ridiculous food prices but let's restrict it to these two.
#Prospect
The only known occupation with the day of death of a worker as its official retirement day is farming. Nigerian farmers do not retire. There is therefore no such thing as pension. Insurance cover is more than just a luxury.
These been said, who will in his right state of mind venture into farming? Who will wish friend or family such an occupation? Who would be proud to be associated with such a low classed occupation?
But wait oh, I was told Nigeria's economy once thrived on Agriculture. Whatever happened to the cocoa plantations? Why exactly has the groundnut pyramid turn to cups and bags of groundnut? Tell me, where was the yam barns relocated to? Should I assume our palm trees were felled for their fronds? (our party members must hold brooms now). Has the cattle, goats, sheep, chicken gone wild and to the forests return? Where [I pray] can I find the mules, donkeys, oxen and the sorts?
Why has the pride of owning a small/large parcel of farmland evaporated to? Where is the honour of a husbandman whose glory is in his flock? How did the joy and savour of being a farmer go this sour? Where did we get it wrong?
Subsequent government administrations have highly rated the importance of agriculture. Economic experts are of the opinion that Agricultural sector is better able to generate revenue for the country if properly harnessed than any other sector. Nature has favourably and freely thrown itself to us with readiness to cooperate with our agricultural practices...
to be concluded later.
Yesterday evening, I had a one-on-one discussion with a young farmer friend and when I said I'm proud to be a farmer, he spatted "God forbid! I rebuke it for you" before I could utter a word from my surprise cum laughter ridden ajar lips, he added this amazing prayer "You'll never be so reduced as coming down to the village to farm". Issokay!
Later that evening another friend whose first farm experience was a stereotyped compulsory university practical course could not hold her disdain to herself when I told her farming is a constituent of my daily activities. All my attempts to make her understand that farming is not really bad got this polite "whatever" conclusion: "you may like farming but I don't like it AT ALL".
If you ask my candid opinion, I'll justify these my friends' reactions oh. You know why? Fine!
#Status
A farmer by Nigerians' standard, is a poor and dirty village man who produces crops. Those into animal production are rarely seen as farmers. The mental picture of a farmer that has been thus far drawn is demeaning and unattractive. They've been stigmatised far more than any other occupation (only teachers can boast to be anywhere near farmers' social status).
#Technicality
No other occupation is as demanding as farming. None other requires hard work as much too. God help you if you're into non-mechanised system of farming!
#Income
*On Monday, my mum wanted to go to the market with ten very big tubers of yam so I asked "Mma, how much do you intend to sell these?" She said "N3000 hopefully". She later sold it for N2500.
*A basin of Garri goes for N800!
I would have loved to give more instances of ridiculous food prices but let's restrict it to these two.
#Prospect
The only known occupation with the day of death of a worker as its official retirement day is farming. Nigerian farmers do not retire. There is therefore no such thing as pension. Insurance cover is more than just a luxury.
These been said, who will in his right state of mind venture into farming? Who will wish friend or family such an occupation? Who would be proud to be associated with such a low classed occupation?
But wait oh, I was told Nigeria's economy once thrived on Agriculture. Whatever happened to the cocoa plantations? Why exactly has the groundnut pyramid turn to cups and bags of groundnut? Tell me, where was the yam barns relocated to? Should I assume our palm trees were felled for their fronds? (our party members must hold brooms now). Has the cattle, goats, sheep, chicken gone wild and to the forests return? Where [I pray] can I find the mules, donkeys, oxen and the sorts?
Why has the pride of owning a small/large parcel of farmland evaporated to? Where is the honour of a husbandman whose glory is in his flock? How did the joy and savour of being a farmer go this sour? Where did we get it wrong?
Subsequent government administrations have highly rated the importance of agriculture. Economic experts are of the opinion that Agricultural sector is better able to generate revenue for the country if properly harnessed than any other sector. Nature has favourably and freely thrown itself to us with readiness to cooperate with our agricultural practices...
to be concluded later.
Sunday 16 November 2014
Boko Haram; Likely Possibilities
Okay,
I think I've been a bit too sentimental and judgemental about this Boko
Haram issue but for peace, unity and progress sake, let's talk it out.
Personally, I have been able to critically identify four likely possibilities and they are as follow:
1. Boko Haram is sponsored by power drunk individuals (opposition you may call them) to discredit, frustrate and destabilise the present administration so as to gain public support and finally get into power.
2. Boko Haram is financed by corrupt government to help rubbish and torment the stronghold of the opposition thereby getting public sympathy and support so as to prolong its stay in power.
3. Boko Haram is powered by an international intruder who feels Nigeria must experience a proportionate quota of insurgency just like most countries world over.
4. Boko Haram is self reliant and doing the bidding of an illtranslated religious tenets.
It's an opinion pool so, set aside sentiment, ethnicity, religion or any dividing factor -be objective!
Thanks
Personally, I have been able to critically identify four likely possibilities and they are as follow:
1. Boko Haram is sponsored by power drunk individuals (opposition you may call them) to discredit, frustrate and destabilise the present administration so as to gain public support and finally get into power.
2. Boko Haram is financed by corrupt government to help rubbish and torment the stronghold of the opposition thereby getting public sympathy and support so as to prolong its stay in power.
3. Boko Haram is powered by an international intruder who feels Nigeria must experience a proportionate quota of insurgency just like most countries world over.
4. Boko Haram is self reliant and doing the bidding of an illtranslated religious tenets.
It's an opinion pool so, set aside sentiment, ethnicity, religion or any dividing factor -be objective!
Thanks
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