In Time

Yesterday, I saw the movie 'In Time' staring Justin Timberlake and Olivia Wilde for the first time. I mention 'first time' explicitly, because I plan to see it again.

I am fascinated by the central plot of the movie, a world where the currency for everyday transactions is 'time'. For example, a cup of coffee costs 4 minutes in the movie, literally reducing your life expectancy by 4 minutes everytime you buy one.

What I find particularly fascinating in the plot is the idea that we trade time for all our activities. While the movie might take that concept to an outrageous level, the truth remains that the plot is basically true. All our activities have bearings on the amount of time we have left to spend here.

I woke up this morning grateful that I didn't have to go out and hustle for more 'time' - literally. However, I also woke up with the consciousness that there's a need to be grateful for every day I wake up to.

There is a need to maximize time, to maximize the opportunities that life brings our way. To choose what we do with the time we have - when we can, and to make the most of what we have, when we can't.

I spent eight minutes waiting for my coffee to boil this morning. Gotta make a mental note to get a coffee maker. :D. Choose wisely.

Statement from Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke in regards of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal

Please find here the release by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke on the actions she has taken following the widespread protests that followed the fuel subsidy removal.

Bridging The Chasm Between The Government and The Governed

Many brilliant essays have been written on the matter of Goodluck Jonathan’s abilities as President and the removal of the fuel subsidy; so many that all this while I have deemed it unnecessary to contribute ‘another’ one to the fray. However, for a number of reasons – one of which is posterity – I have decided to craft this.

The Nigerian State is presently plagued by a number of evils – all of which seek immediate attention. From terrorist attacks by Boko Haram to ethnic cleansings in parts of the North; from a long brewing secessionist movement to the fear of reprisal killings in the South, and from a nationwide distrust of government to the ongoing #OccupyNigeria protests and general strike – the very existence of the Nigerian State has not been more threatened in my lifetime.

A variety of opinions exist that seek to provide explanations for these happenings. One could fill many books with academic descriptions of the widespread differences in tongue and thought between Nigeria’s various ethnic groups – and show how they fuel ‘native vs. settler’ ethnic battles – never mind that we are ALL settlers on this planet. Over the past few weeks, compelling economic arguments have been presented by the ‘government side’ – telling a single, unemotional story of the oil subsidy and how it will eventually land us in debt – never mind that the majority of the populace is already grossly indebted.

I think it odd that in this age and time, we still find innovative ways to pass the buck rather than find proactive solutions to these evils. In the past few days, I have watched sadly as the Nigerian President – one of the most powerful in the world by constitutional definition – has helplessly attributed corruption in the ‘subsidy regime’ to a cabal. Even more sadly, he only recently ‘confirmed’ the infiltration of the executive arm of his government by members of the Boko Haram sect – an arm of government that he put together by himself!

While I do not seek to belittle the enormous challenges that confront the Nigerian President and indeed our leaders at various levels in the discharge of their duties – I find that all of ‘these’ may still be ascribed to a lack of political will, a failure of leadership across levels.

There exists a great disconnect between the governed and the government, a result of the failure of the ‘social contract’ that ordinarily exists between a government and her citizenry. The Nigerian government, largely relying on monies sourced from fuel exports to run itself – has little need for individual taxes and the likes – hence its running as an entity separate from the people. The citizenry, apathetic in her outlook until recent, has largely proceeded to ‘govern’ herself – tarring her own roads, providing her own electricity, water supply, and even security – making a life despite the government.

Such issues as the ill-timed removal of the fuel subsidy without attendant moves to cut government waste and police brutality on unarmed protesters are as a result of this ‘disconnect’.

Rather than impose any more hardship on an already impoverished populace, the Nigerian government must be made to lead by example – to start by pruning down the cost of governance itself. Our leaders must learn to live as ‘public servants’, and not as exalted demigods earning obscene allowances. Family heads and tribal leaders must help their people to see beyond the superficial differences that exist between various ethnic groups. Visionary leaders, men who by their very presence inspire hope for the future must arise and build an enabling economic environment and strong democratic institutions.

It remains to be seen whether the Nigerian citizenry will remain resolute in her drive to reclaim the polity from the many cabals who dot her political landscape.

We can do this!

Of Christians, The Kingdom Economy, and Oil Subsidy Removal

In many ways, this article flouts the motley collection of rules that usually guide my style of writing.

It is unusual that I start a post from the middle, write the beginning, and then proceed to the end. However, I intend to do just that in this post. After all, writing is in art – which in my world translates to a field without clearly defined guiding principles.

I start with the class of people on my facebook and twitter timelines who deeply believe the mantra that ‘this world is not my home’. I have seen posts stating that: as lions ‘we’ will not eat grass no matter the economy of the jungle; that no matter the economy of the country, ‘we’ cannot suffer because we run the economy of heaven; that Jehovah Jireh will subsidize us if the Federal Government removes oil subsidy etc. Many of the time, these posts end with the statement “it is not pride, it is just who I am”.

I have also heard clergymen take prayers entreating God to raise the income of their church members to levels where they can conveniently afford the widespread increase in prices occasioned as a result of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

I wonder what ideology gives raise to such posts and prayers, but I get ahead of myself.

I believe in everyone’s right to their own opinion – no matter how much such opinions are at variance with mine, and like I have stated severally – I never try to force my values on others. I do not write this in a bid to convert anyone to my school of thought; I write to posit my own opinion – peradventure something in here might cause someone out there to thoroughly evaluate their perspective and re-consider their stand.

When I speak to Christian gatherings on such matters as these, I often try to draw a parallel between the ideal perspective of a Christian and the Bible’s injunction to Israelite exiles in Babylon as contained in Jeremiah 29: 7. "Make yourselves at home there and work for the country's welfare. Pray for Babylon's well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you”.

My understanding of Christianity involves a great deal of social relevance, of being a shining light in the darkness of a confused world, of speaking out for the less-privileged, and of taking a strong stand against oppression.

That stated, I am of the opinion that prayers such as described above – relevant though they may be – are an abrogation of the church’s social responsibility. In fact, it may be argued that they are attempts to transfer the responsibility for the removal of the oil subsidy as a result of human corruption to God.

In my perspective, such thoughts and prayers try to isolate the success of the ‘believer’ from the economic environment of the nation they live in – an act that is clearly impossible. The Bible states unequivocally, “if things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you”.

In a later post, I will state my stand on the removal of the oil subsidy – and explain why I stand where I do.

If you have thoughts at variance with those I have expressed here, please feel free to drop a comment. We could get a nice discussion going.

#OccupyNigeria in #Ife : Photonews

The move to #occupyNigeria in Ile- #Ife started with a mass movement from the Modakeke market.

Plans were initially to block the Ife-Ibadan expressway, and it was briefly considered to block the Ibadan-Akure expressway that leads on to Abuja so that the movement would have a widely noticeable effect.

In the long run, it was decided to postpone plans to lockdown the expressway to next week while we went around sensitizing people in Ile-Ife town today...

Below are some pictures from the #occupyNigeria movement in #Ife today.

PS:

I would like to see the Industrial Court stop market women, bus drivers, and angry students - everyday people - from getting on the streets and demanding their rights from an insensitive government!

Market women

 Market women

 Dr. Ife Adewunmi - Chairman of ASUU addressing the crowd

  Dr. Ife Adewunmi - Chairman of ASUU addressing the crowd

 Myself and Professor Ogbimi, author of the book 'Solution to Mass Unemployment in Nigeria'

  Dr. Ife Adewunmi - Chairman of ASUU addressing the crowd

My Thoughts On The Increments in LASU Fees

As much as I am of the opinion that quality education costs a lot more than currently obtains in Nigeria, I must say that the LASU model is idealistic - so idealistic that it may be termed 'insane'.
Quality education is the only way to truly transform Nigeria over the long run, and it needs to be made as affordable as possible so that we can reach a wider base of people... Think Awo and free education, and how that has put the South West on an educational advantage relative to the rest of the country.
Before you go on and make Universities an elitist institution, there needs to be adequate funding and representation for various technical colleges, polytechnics, and schools of Agriculture - with an attendant rise in the standard of living of graduates of such institutions.
An artisan, such as a Carpenter, should be able to afford a good life - live in a good house, send their kids to a good school etc. As long as Nigerians are of the opinion that it takes a University degree to make anything out of life, there will be an undue strain on the University system.
In this particular case, I think the administration is being too hurried in their drive to revolutionize the school. You cannot take a 'LASU', and expect to turn it into an 'OAU' or a 'UI' in one day, or one year - even when you throw money at it. Achieving lasting greatness takes time.
The fees should have been increased gradually and in small increments. For every increment, students and their parents should be made to see the direct consequences of their paying more. That way, it becomes easier to want to pay the next increment.
Just my thoughts though... I am not the Governor of Lagos State - but if I were...

A Last Word From A Class Representative

In retrospect, one of the most important decisions I made in Ife was choose to run for Class Representative.

Over the past three years – since taking over from Henry, I have been privileged to work with and represent some of Ife’s finest – courageous, strong, disciplined, and talented young men and (two) women.

As I write this, memories stream through my mind. The fun we had, the many joys we shared, the seasons in the sun. Different scenarios struggle for first-place in my mind: the mid-night (8pm – 4am) AutoCAD classes in Part Three; shouts of “what did you do, what did you do... you know how to weld?”; “Young man, I’m afraid! ...you want to eat your pounded yam as yam”; “Ah! You must learn all these diagrams fa!”

From the impish behaviour of Shegzy to the seeming care-freeness of La Face (Kunle Aminu); from shouts of “Players wait behind” and diagrams of our 4-3-3 formation by Coach to shouts of “One thousand five hundred naira” by Erons – this class has been a fun place for me – a home of sorts. As I do not believe in coincidence – I would say this was a class assembled in heaven.

Also strong on my mind is the realization that this phase – fun though it was – has come to an end. I will never again ask you to please wait behind after a class, or send you a bulk SMS reminding you of an assignment deadline. There will be no going to ‘Subsidy’, no mass protests against assignments we deem unfair. There will be no classes in MDL, no stories of a certain Ibidun who did not wear makeup and who wore slippers to class – presumably because she had no shoes.

Life.

In the long run, these memories will be all we have left of this time – and then even they will fade from constant re-use. We will move on, make new friends where we go, and make the most of our lives – I believe.

In the end – Subsidy, MDL, Whitehouse, Spider – the specifics of what we did in Ife will not matter as much as what we learnt here. Mostly, our day-to-day experiences will not matter as much as the courage, strength, and discipline Ife brought out in us.

I have read many books professing to contain keys to success – some of them one, others as many as 21. However, I have come to learn that achieving success basically comes down to getting out there and ‘just doing it’ – taking care to take along with you the courage to make tough decisions, the strength to stand by them, and the discipline to keep going through difficult times. AND like I said during our last prayer meeting as a class, learning to hear God is the sure way to find out what the ‘it’ is.

I have no doubts that we will do great in life, but I must stress something here. Do not allow yourself to ‘settle down’ into a good life when you can have a great one. We all have the potential to achieve greatness, if only we are willing to go that extra mile that differentiates ‘great’ from ‘good’.

We might never be complete in one place again (even at our convocation, or at my wedding... LOL); we will never experience the thrill of eking out a win over Chemical Engineering’s football team again, and we will never sit down together in CEGLT and laugh at Igwe’s (Falade Oyewale) imitation of a lecturer – but as we go on, we will remember all the times we shared together.

Lastly, I ask that you try to stay in touch – knowing that this will get harder with time. The older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young. Remember MESA/NiMechE, and be nice enough to give them money when they bring proposals for MESA week to your office down the line – because they will. Certain lecturers have touched us and changed our lives – for me, Dr. Koya comes to mind – come back when you can and show some love.

My strength fails, tears fill my eyes. What more can I say?

Congratulations, my colleague and friend.

God be with you till we meet again.

Habitual Thought and Greatness

Yesterday, I was at yet another training seminar where the facilitator spoke about "your background not having a right to put your back on the ground".

I have often refrained from joining discussions centered around this statement, for the simple reason that I try to avoid cliches. I do not like to dwell on, or even use, words or statements that have been used so frequently that they seem to have lost their meanings. However, I have decided to write about this - because it is true.

In the 1911 classic, Science of Being Great, Wallace Wattles posits that "habitual thought, and not environment or circumstance has made you what you are". I do not think there is a more fitting way to put it than that.

In fact, I would say that a major difference between someone who comes from a 'rich' background and one who comes from a 'humble' one lies in the difference between their perspectives i.e. habitual thought. Both parties find it natural to adopt the 'thought patterns' and 'mindsets' that created their environments - often shaping their own lives in the same pattern as a result of thinking those thoughts.

Very often, we 'externalize' - attributing the underlying factors and causes for our inadequacies or 'failures' to factors outside of ourselves and beyond our control - a point of view which is easy to take, but which fails to deliver necessary change and growth.

The opposing point of thought would be to 'internalize' - taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences, and engaging in a rigorous improvement process based on feedback from said consequences.

Today, make a decision to be responsible for your thoughts, the actions that arise from them, and their consequences. Make an effort to think certain thoughts consciously. Attract thoughts of greatness, and hold them in your mind; allow them to govern your actions. Refuse to give the lazy excuse of environment, background, or any such external constraint... and watch your life gradually grow and develop.

In the words of Barack Obama, "if we work hard and take responsibility, we will have a chance for a great life".

Let's do this, shall we?

G2G: Empathy

This morning, I was brought face to face with a reality that I often pay lip-service to, but which has not managed to sink into my heart yet...

Over the course of my short stay on earth, I have found that it is especially easy for humans to be very self-centered... Even when we try to get things from others, we seldom consider what they have to gain (or lose) by granting our desires - and focus only on what we stand to gain...

Also, we find it extremely easy to criticize other's positions, not stopping to think whether we would do better if we were in their shoes... Or stopping to think if we were any better when we were in their shoes in the past...

Bottomline: emphatize, put yourself in other people's shoes... Remember, to criticize is easy - to do better may be difficult...

For The Love of Nigeria

This is the second year running that I find it impossible to write an Independence Day post...

Sadly (although I'm not exactly sad), I find that I have to resort to the post I wrote back in 2009, when we were 'nacking' 49...

Please find the post here...

Remember to share your thoughts.