Bookish

Monday 24 December 2012

Merry Christmas


I can't thank God enough for seeing another Christmas, it's a rear privilege “if one can look back since January” - all the blessings from Him. It has been terrific moments.
To all my friends who have made this year 2012 a race worth running , kindly accept a token of my love and kisses.

This moment is special to me because it’s a time to be with your love ones, friends and plenty of chicken and rice to eat and share.

For all my friends whom cold and ice is like your second skin at this joyous season, I hope you're not missing home too much? Remember you're always in our thoughts we love you always especially Omotola, TY, Gboy and Abby my love.
 I wish you all my beautiful friends around the world merry Christmas. To all my acquaintances and my unknowns friends who have been visiting this page since inception I wish you all Merrier Christmas and I hope we’ll do it together next year God’s willing.
 
Kk, thank you for making this year love filled 'cos without you it could have been really really boring, I truly love you.
 
Je vous aime!

Wednesday 28 November 2012

I'm thankful!

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.” –Unknown

My family, friends and colleagues showed this yesterday (oh it was my birthday, I’m sure you remember I told you that I love November dearly) by their numerous messages and best wishes that they all sent to me from far and near, special songs birthday songs especially the one from Pupa Orits Williki, cakes, lunch orders, my picture display on the timelines and blackberries’ DPs, the gifts especially the chocolates and the cake.

 I love that cake, thank you Darling I TRULY LOVE YOU.

This means so much to me.

What more can I say that I’m humbled by all your love towards me and I mean this “I love all from the very depth of my heart”.
  

To the generous minds the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.”- Benjamin Franklin

I can’t ask for a better family, friends and colleagues from God than these beautiful people He has already given and surrounded me with. Baba God you are simply too much, I’m thankful for this!

I hope I will (Retaliate) soonest!

Kisses.

Thursday 22 November 2012

Quote of the Week!

 "Resentment is like drinking poison and hope it will kill your enemies."      Nelson Mandela



At one time or the other of our lives we've had issues with people or better still they've also had problems with us and we resented them with every energy in us. I know how painful it could be to be badly hurt by the ones you truly love.
 
It doesn’t matter who was wrong or right or who caused the issues. People, I think in the spirit of the season we are about to enter let’s get out there to make up with the people who we’ve resented in this past few months of the year.
If we don’t stop the fights now, so when do we come back to fight another day.
The beauty of friendship sometime is found in the small fights we usually have with our friends especially when will settle our differences over lunch or dinner quaffing coffee or tea.
For me it is TJ and Bicci, my gals where are thou please let meet at our usual amala junction? I love you both and I can wait to hear your baby voices when Bicci is playing the smart one over our Ogunfe meat.
Bisous.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

A Night with the Jailer

I have listened to Asa’s music “Jailer” many times, each time I listened to it I get goose pimples all over my body but I have never been anywhere near jail but the way she intelligently painted the picture and analyzed the relationship between a Jailer and a Prisoner will make you realize that the relationship between the two is most times not convivial. 
Reading Nelson Mandela autobiography “Long Road to Freedom” also gave me a clearer understanding that Jailers anywhere and everywhere are almost the same especially when the SYSTEM is fighting you or vice a visa. Their psychology approach towards prisoners is the same and this treatment transcends culture, colour and languages.
Jailers sometimes lose their civility and most times throw away all their profession ethics, they forget that first and foremost the prisoners are also human beings. I’m sure you are wondering “wetin concern agbero with overload- what concerns her with jail matter”. The late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and most of the activists jailed during the Abacha’s era all saw the very bad side of these errand men whom Fela (Baba 70) referred to as Zombies because even when they know the truth and their conscience is not settle about the treatments they melted on the prisoners they can’t definitely go against their bosses who most time dictate the tunes of their operandi from their Palais de chef.
 
I love my job with every blood in my system, meeting the stars which people pay a lot of money to watch.  My job has given me the opportunity to see them not only as stars but to see them at the early stage of their career, trust me this is a fantastic feeling.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Zombies at work

 
On Tuesday, September18, 2012 at about 11.00am eight men including a camera man, a middle aged woman and 15 fully armed police officers stormed our office located at No. 6, Olaribiro Street, off Allen Avenue, Lagos; ignoring our security personnel, they walked directly to the reception area. In a stern voice, a man who I later learnt is Mathew Ojo and leader of the team, demanded to see Mr. Mayo Ayilaran, our Chief Executive Officer/Director General.

When I informed him that he was yet to resume for the day, he asked who was next in hierarchy. Sensing that something must be amiss, I asked him what I could do to help. It was at this point that he flashed his identification card of Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, adding for effect that they were in the office to see our top executives.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

How much are you worths?




In marketing up till today I still marvel on how the marketing grandmasters come to conclusion on what a premium or low end brands should be and how they also managed to place values on such products.

Another one that always dazzles me is how God Almighty made such a fantastic decision on making most things like the air we breathe that should ordinarily cost us zillions of dollars and made them absolutely free for humanity. He made sure that valuable resources are not just where they will be seeing and touched just by anybody. 

If you want diamond or petrol for instance you just don’t dig the ground as if you want ordinary water from borehole or well which you can get in some area with about 900meters below the sea level.

For you to get these valuables which are placed within the premium products by God and men, you have to use high end technologies and machines to drill most times 5000 meters below the sea level and they must also be refined with high technological processes. 

The high premium brands can not be found ordinary street shops but in high end and sophisticated classy stores for the few people who put so much attention on details who can afford the premium brands created by God and reshaped by man.

Thursday 1 November 2012

I Love the Eleventh Month

 
Happy New Month friends.
 
November is the eleventh month of the year and I love this special month.
 
This month is so special to me because I was born on the eleventh month of the year, my special baby brother was also born in November;  it is also the thankgiving month in some country; this special month is always a reminder that the year is rolling to an end and viola, christmas is around the corner.

Holiday is always on my mind from November, so let's meet on the west coast in December.
 

November is all I know, and all I ever wanna know.  To all the November babies out there I wish you all happy birthday in advance.

Je vous aime!

Thursday 25 October 2012

Eid Mubarak to you

From me to millions of  my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world I wish all EID MUBARAK!

I pray that may the  blessings and mercies of Almighty Allah will be with us in Dunya and Hereafter.

As we celebrate this great Eid ul-'Adha I implore you to remember how our noble Mohammad (SAW) celebrated it. We should share and give because this is one of the many good deeds a good Muslim and Muslimah should imbibe.

Give to the less privileged in your community, society and also share with your love ones.

The festival is synonymous to giving  and sharing from Allah's mercy with mankind, that is why it's call Feast of the Sacrifice.
"And whatever of good you give, be assured that Allah knows well." -Quran 2:273
 "Whatever of good you give in benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so seeking the 'Face' of Allah. Whatever good you give, shall be rendered back to you shall not be dealt with unjustly." -Quran 2:272

Wednesday 24 October 2012

The QUEEN of May Flower Schools

Mrs. Solarin with Queen Elizabeth 11
Just some few days to Salah, I've decided much earlier not to blog today because I need to have enough rest for this special festival but here I am now writing about a woman who has inspired at least five generations of Nigerians. Many of my friends are product of May Flower School, Ikenne and they proudly call themselves Ex-Mays.

You will not totally blame me if I’m doing this because May Flower school in the 90's in Ogun State  was like the British International School or American International School of today amongst secondary schools in the state; it was a dream school for most pupils furthering their secondary school education. May Flower school's uniform (Short and top for both sexes) is totally different from all the school uniforms I've seen.

My parents will not forget in a hurry the pestering I gave them about going to May Flower School but trust my father he was smarter than me in.

I've to thank my friend Moyo Osifodunrin (he inspired this special piece because of her picture  he used on his  timeline, ore oooose "friend thanks"). Moyo is an ex-may and he wrote this about  the May Flower's QUEEN -Mrs. SHEILA SOLARIN
"The queen shaking the legend without gloves whilst knighting her as a Dame."

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Les Rois de la rue de Lagos

 Okada, the kings of Lagos Road!


 
Okada, Les Rois de la route de Lagos. Okada, the kings of Lagos Road!
 
Okada (Commercial motorcycle) which is known with its different names like Acahaba (northern Nigeria), Okada (western Nigeria), Going (plateau, Nigeria), Zemijan (Cotonou, Benin). It's actually got this name from a defunct airline named Okada Air which was owned by Esama of Benin chief Gabriel Igbinedion who hailed from Okada village in Edo State. Okada is Known with speed and it does not waste time waiting for full passengers on board; sometimes it could fly to the passengers' destination without much delay.
 
Since the ban of commercial motorcycles in Lagos I have decided not contribute to this sensitive issue (on either side of the government or the cyclists) because some of my friends who knew my position about this means of transportation will think I'm prejudice against this trade; I have had my own share of their reckless riding. (The rider hung me on a moving vehicle, but I'm sure you don't want to imagine what went through my mind!).

Monday 22 October 2012

FAAN Award for DANA Air, this must be a JOKE


Following the ill fated crash of June 13, 2012 Dana Boeing MD-83 plane, a lot of agitations have trailed the company on their best practices on safety.

Some of the Customers flying Dana flights said safety was a major challenge; Governor Goodwill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom categorically said "he called the attention of Dana authority to the airworthiness of their airplanes so as not to endanger the lives of Nigerians". This was a call he made to the airline authority after his experience when Dana aircraft enroute Lagos from Uyo had technical problems that led to it hovering for hours before finally landed.
 
The petitions (I signed one written by Late Levi Ajunoma's son) and uproars from the families of victims is still very fresh in our memories following the given back of Dana's license that was early revoked by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) just immediately after the crash.
 
The compensation issues has not been totally resolved, the legal tussle on the coroner's inquest is still pending in court.
 
I woke up this early Monday morning to read in all major newspapers available that FAAN last weekend awarded Dana airline the best domestic carrier for 2011. (Just thinking this must be some sort of joke!) I hope this is not April fool in October.
 
If this is real, I think one need to sincerely ask the authority in FAAN the following questions:
-What is the yardstick for an airline to deserve this prestigious award? (#mywish)
-Who are the panelists for this award?
-What are the pedigrees of the members on this panel?
-What is their (panelists) training and where are they trained?
-Does the customers flying the local carriers have a say in this awards or are they giving voting option?
 
-Is this award made public so as to have their opinion on this award? (I might be rambling)
 
 
You'll probably be wondering if I’m cross examining the FAAN authority? I should state here that I'm confused like most Nigerians on this award and the factors that led to it given.
 
Having read what the Regional General Manager of FAAN, Mr. Christopher Batoure said that the airline excelled amongst all domestic carriers in 2011 hence they need to encourage them.
 
Batoure said, “They were selected as the best considering their passenger load, the frequency of their landings and take offs and their response to payment of bills in 2011. They had the best volume, they were punctual in their operations and they had an excellent service discharge.” (at least we now know that safety measure is not part of  the criteria used for this award)
 
One might be confuse that is there any moral justification on the part of FAAN on given this award which is some sort of node of well done to Dana or that, should Dana airline have shown some respect and empathy to the dead  by rejecting this awards even if they truly deserve it?
 
I will finally ask; are the authorities using this strategy to launch DANA back into business? (Anything happens in Naija)
 
I know that Nigerians and the rest of the world are watching. Definitely this might not be the end of this twist.
 
Happy New Week Peeps!
 

Friday 19 October 2012

Quote of the week!

"I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I’ve learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. And it's not the end of the world." - By Unknown

Me think this is very, very, very, true. Do have a great weekend peeps!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

A lesson from American Polities

Republican candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama at presidential debate
 
Polities and electioneering in America is a big business and it is taken serious by everybody involved, events of the past weeks has shown that an average American is interested in what their leaders have to offer.

Contestants are well groomed, they deal with issues and they sell their parties ideology to the voters using all avenues and channels accepted by the system.

But what we have at home is far less than what is done in the america’s presidential debates, I can remember vividly during the 2011 elections in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan boycotted one of the presidential debates to have a presidential chat with D'banj. (Till now I can't figure out the correlation).

Our ruling class must learn from this and we the voters must also hold the politicians responsible so that they don't take us for granted. They must come and explain what values they will add to governance in other to improve the lots of an average Nigerian in the south, north, west or east.

 Governance is not only about lucky, it requires adequate strategic planning.

God bless America and also bless my nation "Nigeria".

I hope my candidate win this election, please don't ask me who he is because I guess you should know where I’m pitching my tent.

 

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Book of the Month- The Mystery of Capital

 
The events of past few weeks has made the reading of this interesting book draged for awhile but I finally finished reading it and I'm to happy to share my thoughts on it.
This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in property ownership and whoever is keen in ending poverty chain. In a simple language it showcased how an average person can use their properties to generate further wealth.
Mr. Hernando De Soto analyzed the problems associated with lands in the third world, the solutions to end this from the part of government, the developed nations and the citizens themselves.

He honestly described how many nations especially third world like Nigeria can improve the lots of the poor by creating an enabling environment and policies that will help them in upholding private properties.

He sincerely answered some of the critical questions on why capitalism triumph in the west but failed almost everywhere, he wasn’t afraid to draw our attention to the Peru’s land property situation (his home country).
This book contains seven incisive chapters which drew my attention to some of the things I never knew that could cause turmoil to peace and prosperity even in the developed world.

My memorable moments(issues) in the book
“Since the nineteenth century, nations have been copying the laws of the west t give citizens the institutional framework to produce wealth. They continue to copy such laws today, and, obviously, it doesn’t work. Most citizens still cannot use the law to convert their saving into capital. Why this is so and what is needed the law work remain a mystery” –page 13

Lesson learnt-don’t follow the trend apply your solutions to fix your peculiar issues”




Wednesday 10 October 2012

Au Revoir, the Ogbuefi of the Universe

Late Amadi Ogbonna, former group entertainment editor of Vanguard Newspaper
Forever will this charming smile on your face be in my memory; you were a premium brand in an outstanding small package. Mr. Amadin this was my usual way of calling your name, to others you were simply Amadi Ogbonna.
 
 On my birthday November 27 in 2005, that day was the first time I met you, you came in to my office in your usually bubbling way, you exchanged pleasantries with my other colleagues who were all hailing you name. You finally came to me and said "damsel won't you say Hi to your darling you're seeing for the first time" in your voice you told me your name "I'm Amadi Ogbonnaya, the Guru". There and there you became my friend, you ordered snacks and drinks for me on my day.
 
 You became my mentor and a big brother, you saw the talent that was hidden in me and you encouraged me to pursue the dream I never saw. I can still remember when you called me and said "Bibi, why don't you go to Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and register for the their profession exams, I'm very sure you will do well" I had my doubts but because I have taken you as a confidant, mentor and a wonderful brother, I weighed the possibilities and keyed into the vision, boss today it has paid off.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Jungle Justice

 
The slain four Uniport Undergraduates in Aluu village, River state
"if any one slew a person....it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if any one saved a person, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity". -unknown

Since this story of the inhuman treatment that led to the death of these young men broke out, my heart bleeds for my dear nation. What is our generation turning into? With all our acclaimed civility we still behave like animals in banana republic.

I ask myself what can these boys do that led to the unfortunate incident that happened to them, can’t they be hand over to police for thorough investigation? or can't we allow the court of law do its statutory duty of legally prosecuting them without taking them through this gory experience. Oh my God, animal shouldn't be treated this way.

These promising young men (Tekena, Ugonna, Chidiaka and Lloyd) could have been my or your brothers, nephews or cousins, they were cut down in their prime age by these set of lawlessness fellows.

The only thing that the government and people of Rivers state can do for the families is to see that justice is done and the perpetrators of this barbaric act are all brought to book.

As I write this, I pray that you all find eternal peace with your Creator, may the Lord Almighty grant your families and love ones the fortitude to bear this great loss.

I also call on every soul that knows the faces of the perpetrators of this evil in the video to speak up and expose them so that we don’t obstruct justice, so that the families of the stars will get justice.

Adieu Aluu4.

Monday 8 October 2012

Be Breast Aware!

October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month




Breast cancer is a type of cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk.  Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas. Breast cancer occurs in humans and other mammals. While the overwhelming majority of human cases occur in women, male breast cancer can also occur. –Wikipedia
The month of October is earmarked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so my people (women, men, old and young); please let support this great cause. Early detention is key to survival.
So spread the awareness, my male friends you can support by checking for your partners, encouraging to go for test or do self-examination.

Friday 5 October 2012

Happy Teachers' Day!

To our TEACHERS, You're our true HEROS.
 
Every first friday in October of every year is marked as World Teachers' Day.
 “One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” -Carl Jung
  As we remember these great men and women of good character and charisman that have shapen our lives and inspire our journey to greatness. 
 
 
To all the good teachers of the world, I say thank you for moulding the destines of millions of your past and present students.
 
“Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest award.”
 -William Prince

 
Happy Teachers' Day!

Friday 7 September 2012

Picture of the week


Former President Bill Clinton bows as President Barack Obama walks on stage after Clinton's address to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012.

Food for thought, my people around here we say "Oyinbo no get respect" the west do not have respect. Former President Bill Clinton has just proved us all wrong.

Former president of South African Nelson Mandela also did it for his Former President Thabo Mbeki. He patiently waited for President Mbeki during the celebration of his birthday and rose in honour of a man that headed the government of the Republic of South Africa.

Respect transcends culture, boundaries and the colour of our skin.

Our leaders must learn from this, we the followers must also pick something from here too.

Bill Clinton is a rear leader.

 

Hero of the week

Michelle Obama

Mrs. Michelle Obama does not see herself only as the American first lady but she always describe herself first and foremost as Maila and Sasha’s mom.
But before she was a mother -- or a wife, lawyer or public servant -- she was Fraser and Marian Robinson's daughter.
The Robinsons lived in a brick bungalow on the South Side of Chicago. 
Fraser was a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department and Marian stayed at home mother who raised Michelle and her older brother Craig together with her husband.

Friday 31 August 2012

True Heroes!

In a country where young people hardly find real people who they could call HERO, but today am glad that we probably have to change our direction and look into different arena away from the so call cabals and elites to found our true heroes who could inspire and mentor us to greatness.
 
At the just concluded London 2012 Olympic Games, millions of Nigerians like myeslf were all disspointed that our athletes did not win any single medal at the outing.
 
I'm proud to be a Nigerian once again with the oustanding performance of one Nigerian which many will have written off but Yakubu Adesokan has proven the doubting Thomases wrong by winning the first gold for Nigeria at the ongoing London 2012 Paralympic games which started yesteray, he also shattered the Olympic's record. Oh, he is a World Record Holder (WRO).

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Professor Barth Nnaji in EPOH's hall of fame

Prof. Barth Nnaji, former Nigeria power minister
Professor Barth Nnaji the former power minister has just joined my list of Elite Public Office Holders (EPOH) in Naija.

EPOH might not make any sense to you now but let me analysis it maybe after my explanation it will be clearer.

E pronounce as erh in Yoruba language is used as first person singular YOU. It a word used for an elderly person and to show respect, POH is a street language that has somehow found its way into Yoruba lexicon and it is used to describe people with class and swaggering attitude. EPOH in Yoruba literarily means “You are swaggering”.


Prof. Jaja Wachukwu
Dr. Jaja Wachukwu the then aviation minister was the first minister to resign in Nigeria under Sir Tafawa Balewa after sacking Mr. Blankson who by pass his authority. He was asked to recall Blankson but he tendered his resignation letter.

Dr. Rilwan Lukman also resigned his appointment as petroleum minister under President Jonathan due to his frosty relationship with the president because some quarters believe he was one of  late president Umar Yar'dua loyalists.

Prof. Okonjo Iweala also resigned as a finance minister under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo regime

Dr.Adenike Grange a former health minister also resigned following an allegation of corruption on her in 2008.

Now in 2012, it's Prof Barth .Nnaji. This is the afthermath following the recent crisis that enveloped the ministry of power due to the ongoing privatization of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which the staff said that their interests were not well protected in  the exercise and it's also ot transparent. Oh, this is could be one of the gains of democracy. Power of freedom of expression and rejection (mywish).

Resignation of public office holders is not a common thing in Nigeria, public officers see public services as stay-till- die attitude until they're pushed out by authorities above or by natural death.
Scandals and public agitations against their policies and ideas are most times not enough reasons for them to toll this path of honour, at least we all saw the former attorney general of the federation Mr. Michael Aondoakaa.

I did not want to put any emphasis on the cause of his resignation but with this new development, this has shown that there is hope for our great nation.

I join our president Mr. Jonathan to thank the former minister for his services to the country and wished him well in his future endeavour.

But if there is any need for the EEFC or ICPC to call him in the future, I hope he will honour them.

 

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Happy birthday to my Super GALS

True friends are rear to come by but over the years you both have shown friends are worth having.

"A friend should be one in whose understanding and virtue we can equally confide, and whose opinion we can value at once for its justness and its sincerity."  -Robert Hall

I remember meeting my girls in APCON class in 2007, will I say it's by chance or God's destiny because I'm sure He knows I will later need you both at all points and curves of my life.
Olabimpe

Olabimpe ore mi owon, your creative mind is second to none, your sincerity to God is what I always admire.

How do I apology for not remembering this special day, August 27. This is a day in every year  that together with other great people we put smiles on over 1000 peoples faces.

Oh baby I'm deeply sorry, I hope I can make it up to you because no busyness  is worth an excuse for forgetting a true HEROIN like you.

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy birthday my wiffy, God bless you!


 Olashile

Olashile omo Adesegun aya Adediran, today August 28 is your special day.
I'm truly bless to have you in my life. You're sunlight and  you brighten all nature that you come across . 

Thank you for chosen me as your friend.
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." -Henri Nouwen 

Happy birthday my sister from another mother.
Olashile and Olabimpe.........the priceless gifts from God.

Olashile and Olabimpe you both are born with wealth and you have shared the wealth of friendship with me without boundaries , girls I can never trade you for any other precious gems.
"A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeable. " William Penn