Long Awaited Death

Death is the zenith of the worst assumed to ever happen to humans… probably. This is because it ends the entire drama that constitutes the life of a human. There goes all aspiration and dreams locked up in undying sleep. A reflection on that statement; it means that is it; there is nothing more left to collect or give (Datz all).

On a more serious note, everything in its entirety ends here on earth after death. It is a wrap up of existence that can never repeat or happen again (I don’t believe in reincarnation). Again, death is taking a bow out of life’s theatre and that ends everything for the dead whether what they have left means something or doesn't.

Now I’m almost sounding like a PR officer of death or a Merriam Webster for death so I’ll try to point out what this post is about.

Nelson Mandela, who I prefer to call Madiba is dead and like his popularity, it is obviously no news. I honestly sighed, “FINALLY” when I saw the news flash on TV and a rush feeling of relief, peace and happiness took me over.

The maverick freedom fighter has been on life support for about 7 months if I’m correct and several times I watched him shaking as he walked, sometimes with people supporting him.

Admittedly, Madiba has done what only 3 people do in a century (I mean that). He gave not just South Africa but the whole of Africa a heads up and the guts to raise shoulders. He struggled not only for freedom, but a clear definition of who the Black African is to the rest of the world. He has done his bid and is excused because he played his part with a score rate of a 101%.

My joy is this; Madiba overfeed from the tables of age as a natural corridor leading to death. Yes it wasn't the jail term or a white man’s bullet killed him… He wasn't killed, he died and I tell you why.

Madiba was a living struggle carrying a heart of gold whose pure intentions gave Africa what no other African may ever give. Our freedom and so called democracy came on a platter of gold, but birth out of an intense travail by one man; Madiba. Travails that can only be said with his lips and understood within his heart.

Of course we won’t understand the pain he felt while he fought because Africa was given a struggled freedom to end up doing nothing but flaunt an array of corrupt leaders, hate fueled by terrorism, intensified capitalism and sheer impiety and evil. Shame on us.

Others have earned freedom to give freedom but we did not even earn it, it was given and all we can give back is oppression, exploitation and cruelty.

Thank God Madiba didn’t die for trash but he died because time was due and only God knows the hurt his heart piled up seeing the Continent he almost gave his life for turn to become. There will be no reincarnated Mandela, he has played his part and is gone. We are either left to continue messing things up or fix’em. (ended with a hiss).   

Children for Marriage

The mention of Child Bride/ Marriage from countries of the West or their counterparts would ordinarily interest and win the approval of many Child Right advocates. But no, the case is different in this part of our world.

The reality being that it was not photoshop in motion; rather, our Lawmakers actually sat to ponder the issue of marrying the girl child off. Well it all started with a constitutional amendment concerned with defining the conventional age of majority as 18 and amending the clause that indicated the consideration of females as fully aged not minding their real age if they are married. This however pricked the curiosity of a husband to a child, the Honourable Senator Yerima.

Yes, remember when he brought in a budding teenager from Egypt to put a ring on it? Well that is just the peak of the ice because children may soon be leaving school to become house wives and frankly that might be the terrifying thought that made furious Stella Damasus’ viral video, aside other more concerted reactions.

But wait, let’s stare reality at the face. Are we denying the fact that child marriage hasn't been more like one of our dirty linens as a country? Are we just coming to the realization that children are actually given away for old men to keep as wives? Or are we just speaking out now because it is being brought to national front? Statistics by UNICEF provides that 39% of Nigerians girls are at the moment married before their 18^thbirthday.

So suddenly we are up and doing with the likes of #ChildNotBride on social media to oppose the actions of the senate on child marriage, when the act is actually being done almost on a daily basis.  

Aside other laws that Nigeria and her leaders have violated, the God given right of a child is one of them. Though Child marriage is banned under the Nigerian law, one wonders why that constitutional clause exists in the first place. 

Music gone Mad

“Arise from your sleep Africa,

 Arise from your sleep America,

There’s work to be done Africa,

There’s work to be done America.

If we unite… We will be free, so long

For too long… So long, for too long…”

A portion from a song I grew up listening and as I grew older I realized how much I liked not just the melody but also appreciate the message contained in that music. How often I listen and a sigh of “now that’s music, good music” comes as a confirmation of the satisfaction it brings.

Now if you don’t agree or worse, don’t even know the song; then don’t bother reading through the blog. I’m writing with slight cut of hurt in between my heart because this guy on the spotlight is a living manifestation of his former glory.

And so it was on that day I read through a publication titled “Fame to Shame: The Many Faces of Majek Fashek” and right below the publication is the picture of him; an extremely “beautiful” man.

Majek Fahek is among the iconic Nigerian musicians to have attained international fame and success. For a testament, his songs have stood the test of time and are forever young in the minds of those who knew and appreciated his music. Sadly, the owner of such inspiration and quality is far from the fountain of youth. The Majek Fashek of now is a joke compared to the physical Majek Fashek of the “Send Down the Rain” days; thanks to drugs or whatever it is that is eating this man up.

However, the irony of this all is the fact that talent like his which made good music is in desperate need of rehabilitation, while the sane Nigerian talents of today are making songs that need rehabilitation.

“Caro your body necessary… ah necessary,

 Caro carry leave story… ah leave story,

 Caro dey make my head dey turn,

 Caro dey make me wan dey loose am,

 Caro dey make my head dey bang,

 Caro dey make my head dey scatter…”

Truth be told, I have this song on my playlist and I listen to it every day. Well yes, the melody and beat and of course, the sound of Wizkid on it killed it. Until my 6 year old nephew who was also listening along side with me asked, “Aunty, what is Caro giving without getting tired?” (From the line, “Caro dey give she no dey taya”). I didn’t bother to offer an explanation because it dawned on me that the kid is not stupid to have kept quiet till that line. That was enough evidence that the kid was not just hearing but listening. And please, let’s not begin with the “censorship” crap because most of these Nigerian dance tracks will end up with just the instrumental and a few verbs if they radio edit them.

Good songs for our hearing pleasure and bullshit for the minds of many young ones who hum to the tune of almost every song on radio. “Give it to me”, are the most common lines used and these kids who have an exceptionally curious mind that wants to know what is being given. Ok how about,

“Take banana till you go yo! The dude actually says it 16 times in every chorus and we assume these kids see a real yellow banana in their heads?

Word is out, the secular Nigerian music industry needs not just censorship but rehabilitation and I don’t even want to discuss about the videos.

 Back then my elder ones played songs without my presence freaking them out but reverse is the case now as musicians narrate their crazy fantasies with music in the background.

 As if it wasn’t enough as regards to my nephew’s question, I received another BC on my phone and behold it was a link containing a mix tape of which I did not bother to open, talk less of listening. But then somehow one day, I mistakenly opened the link and the music played.

As a trained communicator, I was taught to converse in simple and straight forward vocabulary and language. Applying this now, open the link below and maybe you’ll breathe a sigh of relief that among the many insane music content, there is hope for the industry.

Privatization Trending

Privatize Federal Universities

A blog about the ASUU strike was what I effortlessly tried to avoid. The state of Federal Universities in this country is so shameful that an analysis that makes emphasis on the situation is pointless. The whole nonsense brewing between the FG and ASUU is so annoying and heart stabbing and I just hope these guys are not delaying Great Nigerian Students to satisfy their theatrical crave. In essence, I am finding it hard to believe that they are not staging a play.

Also, it is of no use to throw blames on both parties because it will not resume schools’ session. And it is equally of no use to try to justify the actions of both parties considering the excuses they are presenting. FG said there is money (in billions) sleeping in one account, next they say they don’t have any money and the next day they claim that ASUU’s action has a political undertone. ASUU on the other hand is standing on the grounds of poor infrastructure and a face lift of the Federal Universities but they forget that time is not waiting for these young Nigerians (some already ageing), whose academic ambition is at a standstill. Besides, why do students pay 10 thousand Naira development levy each session?  

That’s by the way as FG keeps showing complete unconcern and incompetence to the matter and ASUU is refusing to dance to their tune, encouraging other associations to join the strike. How many times has this strike tactic worked? The answer is NO TIME.

Let’s look at the truth in the face. Our federal tertiary educational system is failing and falling by the day. There is even a rumour about a prophecy informing us that the strike will last till 2017. Haba???

Now if FG was brave enough to admit that the power sector was a large cake for them to chew by letting go of it to the private business boys, why can’t they just do same to the Federal Universities? (Was simply talking my thoughts.)

But then maybe, school will be a rich man’s kids’ privilege and any other kid can learn trade or acquire skill. Most of these big names in politics already know what is required of a good University because they own some and most of their children have not even come close to the walls of any university below standard, i.e the Federal Universities . It therefore causes my heart to bleed that nobody gives a raindrop care of what will happen to these students who have already paid fees and are deliberately being delayed. I even feel guilty for graduating because I would not want my worst enemy to be caught in a situation like this.

But as the old saying goes, “When two Elephants fight, the grasses suffer”. And now my last word to the Great Nigerian Student (intentionally not in plural), choose not to be the grass. Do not allow these ruthless people limit you. Find the spark within you and explode to greatness. Besides there are many who have succeeded in life without a University paper, I mean certificate. So keep calm and make the best out of ASUU strike that is a 100 and plus old already.

PDP Umbrella

The Umbrella that Covers its Own

Observing the very talked about PDP National Convention 2013 assembled various disputing or rather indifferent feelings. One of which was very forthright was the feeling of disgust.

Now, analysing party politics can be very tricky, considering truths about such politics being that, a house party can put up a play or a make believe act for the public to assume otherwise, whereas the party has an aim for motivating such theatrical performances.

However, a critique’s missile cannot be held back when a gathering of these calibre celebrate their said accomplishments. And so the President counted their blessings which were more like a clear representation of what they have achieved as a party and not about the party’s impact on national development. 

PDP hasn’t changed name since 1998… so? How does this affect the Great Nigerian Students who do not even know when they will commence their academic session?

They claim economy in the telecoms, agriculture, aviation, transportation, roads, water resources, education sectors, among others has been transformed and one is left to wonder how?

Well this is the logic; the telecoms economy is assumed to fatten their pockets, while it robs common Nigerians bit by bit. Or was it not in this country that a 22-year-old plane was flying notwithstanding Nigeria's ban on airliners older than 20 years, which eventually led to Nigeria’s worst plane crash ever? It is also no news that the PDP administration is mostly familiar with the habit of hiking fuel price in an oil producing country, thus one stands to honestly ponder why they were dancing etighi at the Eagle Square.

Conversely, one cannot completely deny that the Umbrella has shielded the nation from both the scourging sunbeams and dense rain. Yes, it shields its own, because only a PDP beneficiary can testify of the abundance that this nation has to offer.

A candid advice to all Nigerians, do not be distracted by the supposed crisis within the party PDP. These guys have only succeeded in enjoying a buffet of power to only a category of people, which is themselves and certainly there is no assurance that the aggrieved guys will guarantee giving “Voice to the People”.  One thing is certain though, most of our politicians are just the same but they come with different names, faces and parties.

Until Nigerians are able to disregard religious and ethnic sentiments as requirements to elect a Leader, these politicians will continue to play with our heads , leaving us to worry about their supposed torn umbrella rather than the plights of common Nigerians.  

White Collar gods

The Job..., Your Esteem

Recently I was cornered in a rather tricky position or situation. Got a job offer, paying good cash but expecting about half of my life in return. It was not only time consuming but tormented my psychological state, plus it was almost impossible, considering the target required of me on a daily basis. In essence, these guys gave “ordinary” me a hard task expecting a million dollar worth performance; so I gave it a shot. During the course of time, I realized this was slightly almost impossible and I quit. The boss be like, “knew you weren't cut out for this” and I felt limited. But the disappointment within challenged me to try again and I did, but it was just another reminder of how I was simply trying to bend a dry stick without breaking it.

Yes my intelligence woke and felt the burden of a failing company on my shoulder. These guys actually missed it big time somewhere, somehow and I get to fill in their extremely wide loopholes with an enticing, but rather small salary.

That revelation also reminded me of what Someone, who really means the whole world to me, told me how I am beyond magical. That same person told me never to use the word “hustle” because royalty don’t hustle. Things just happen or get done. I was told of how positivity can organize events to fall in place in my favour and how nothing under the sun is unachievable.

Then the big question came, “why don’t you channel that energy for that job on something you can create?” So I quit the second time and offered to finish the month’s job without a salary. Yes, I walked away from and cash and gained experience. The experience that re illuminated my young mind to doing something of my own creation.

Most young people are deceived into thinking that working for someone is the first step to becoming somebody. A humble beginning they say, but of a truth, it is modern slavery. You sacrifice your time and energy, both physically and mentally and what do you get? 1 percent of your work’s worth.

Your mind is the god you are. You are creating something. But the worst thing to happen to any human to live another man’s dream by building his empire and letting weed grow on your plot. Listen to your mind and be the creator you are. 

And so they make life look like a rat race. The white collar jobs make you assume you are in competition, but know this; the only person you are to compete with in life is none other than your very own self.  

Old African Men and Power

It is no story that most African Leaders love power and won’t mind holding a tight grip of it till they die. Gaddafi of Libya preferred an embarrassing death show than a peaceful quit or handover, aside others who sat in power for decades and were excused by death’s natural cause.

And again, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is President. Well it doesn't really sound alien for those who know him as president of Zimbabwe for a whopping 31 years.

Yes, he was voted again or rather, re-elected for yet another 5 year tenure not minding the fact that this guy is already 89 years old.

When the issue of governance is taken with grave seriousness in other parts of the world, it is simply a hobby to rule for some in our very own continent. Well it has become very obvious that most of these leaders are immune to being governed and thus prefer to remain in power till death takes them away.

 President Robert Mugabe is the oldest African leader existing and doesn't look like he is ready to retire from his service to his Fatherland. This same guy has never lost an election since he assumed office in 1987 and is about to run his 6^th tenure. This relay of power to none other than himself may continue in 2019 as long as the State of Zimbabwe keeps re- electing their beloved president, considering the magic he has performed to their national economy.

In 2009, Zimbabwe demonetized for the second time within 6 months, changing 1 Trillion old Zimbabwean Dollar to 1 new Zimbabwean Dollar.  Economic growth however is being recorded from 2011 till 2012 and maybe, just maybe Mugabe’s re- election is a selfless martyrdomic service to resurrect the reserve bank and help the economy. Let’s just hope he doesn't die in the process. 

Some Negative Vibes Though...

"You can't eat your cake and still have it"... (Like all the bakeries in the entire world decided to stop baking after you had the last one). That quote is among the many quotes that have been fashioned to spread the values and beliefs of pessimists, who are either frustrated or tired. While you read, have it at the back of your mind that this is a persuasive post that intends to flush out any form of negativity from your mind. You can thank me later.

Well, cake was used as a metaphor in the quote to refer to real life experiences. But if the world cannot run out of cake (the metaphor), then we can never run out of chances in life.

“Opportunity comes but once”… (This one annoys m­­e). Haba!  Who says so? An opportunity lost is an open door to many better and improved opportunities. Lost opportunities are also free lessons that are meant to make us wiser and keep us at the defense against the next experience. Fortunes come as many times as misfortune. People who believe in the above quote are just lazy asses who are afraid to try again. Trust me, an honorable house member who has been in public office for several years will tell you that there are zillions of opportunities.

Another quote is “Crying over Spilled Milk”… (Go buy another bloody milk jor).

Point is, we live in a world that is UNLIMITED! Nothing can ever be exhausted. (Kindly correct me if you find anything that can be exhausted and good luck on that).

NOTHING is irreplaceable and NOTHING is Impossible.

All these annoying quotes are words from the lips of disappointed and unproductive people who could not even invent the light bulb or anything. Because almost everything we enjoy as products of technology are made from men whose cakes finished and they got more or asked for more. These are the people who bought more milk when the previous spilled. These are people who chew words like, “I CAN”, “I MUST”, “TRY AGAIN”….

It finally all about choice sha o; because your life is a reflection of your words and the Philosophies you permit to guide you.