Happy New year

Wishing you all the best in the year 2009!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!!!!! I wish you all the good things you wish for yourself. Have a fantastic day!!!

Happy Holidays

I feel so great knowing the holidays is by the corner. I can have few days of just relaxing and reflecting on what I have done in the past 11 months. I am not going to bring my self down if I have not achieved much. At least I am still alive and very healthy so there is hope that I will do better next year. I appreciate all the good things that has come my way this year, I am thankful to God for the life, the health and the success that have come my way.

I hope to be praying for people who do not have anyone to spend the Christmas period with, I will be praying for families who need any sort of help from God, I will also be praying for Africa that next year will be a year of turn around. I despair of what is going on in Zimbabwe and other African nations.

I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. May the new year bring God's blessings in our lives. Have a fantastic celebrations!!!!!

Lovely surprise

Hello everyone, I have been busy with my research and also trying to get ideas what to do next. I am bored at the moment with working on my research but I have this burning determination to finish and just move unto the next level. I was going through some blogs and came across this one: http:www.blackfemaleinterracialmarriage.com. I love the way she blogs and I find her site quite interesting. Have fun and enjoy.

Today

I woke up this morning with this tingling cough. The weather has been so cold and everyone is just coughing and sneezing. I hate getting cough or cold. It irritates me and makes me feel down. It doesn't help that it gets dark here around 3.30 in the afternoon. I am at university now and seriously thinking of different things I can be doing now. I was supposed to go to London last week but missed my train by just 6 minutes. I was not angry because I missed the train, I was mad because of how much I have spent on my train ticket. I mean, the tickets are non refundable and non amendable. The lady at the Virgin train customer service said I had to buy another ticket to London. Where on earth do they think the money is coming from? I had to swallow my pride and buy another ticket for next month as I really need to get down to London to collect my passport from the Nigerian high commission. I wish they can post my passport to me so I do not have to spend money going through and fro London.

I am also so bored with facebook at the moment. In fact, I have deleted some people from my friends list as they are not contributing anything to my life. Some people just want to know how you are progressing in life which is not bad at all if they share theirs with you. But to hide your pictures and any details and have the freedom to browse mine is unacceptable. So all those "friends" who think they are not going to share their pictures or details with me should get off from my list. I mean who needs that in their life now?

Anyway, I have started swimming and I feel absolutely great. I am planning on going back to the gym to be healthier. I sleep well and feel great after exercising. I hope you all are doing great and in good health? My love to you all.

Animal behaviour

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HqjfOV4vAcw


I was on YouTube watching the incident that happened with Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade, who apparently is the head, logistics command and his boys. If you are not aware of the incident, the 'animals' in uniform violated and beat up this young girl called Uzoma Okere going home from work. The poor girl just wanted to get home after a hard day's work and her crime was not getting her car out of the way and fast enough for these 'animals' in uniform to pass. Honestly, when the developed countries look at this and call Africans barbaric I must agree. How on earth should/can this happen? Honestly, I am so disappointed and so disgusted that this can happen. As a leader, should your people not come first? what will someone do to deserve such a treatment? She was treated worse than she will ever be treated in any other country. May God help the Masses in Africa!!!!!

When leaders behave like animals

One thing I know about the way leaders in Africa treat their citizens is one of total neglect. One of the major reasons why Africa has remained the way it is up till today is the manner in which leaders see their people and treat their people. This attitude now creeps to other services and day-to-day activities in the continent. Therefore, simple things are made rather difficult. I remember my first-degree days at university in Nigeria. Simple registration will take sweat, sleepless nights, weeks to complete. I was in London this Monday. I went to the Nigerian high commission to get my E-passport as the pages of my old one has been exhausted. The problem I encountered with the Nigerian high commission website is nothing compared to the treatment I got at the commission. I could not believe that I was in a developed country once I went into the high commission. As a Nigerian, I felt embarrassed with the service others and I received there. First of all, there was no process, procedure or formalities. There was no enquiry desk and anyone one tries to ask a question, what one gets is quick push away.

My greatest shock was when one official started shouting at me. I was just numb. I had to storm out of the building in tears. I just could not believe the way I was treated by my own people. The second day was something else. The man at the counter I was speaking to was busy answering his mobile phone. As I was waiting for my turn, a young lady had her pictures taken, her fingertips and index all taken. She was shown her data to confirm her details were all correct. Meanwhile, the man taking the photo had his mobile on and was sending text messages. The other man was eating an apple and going up and down. Anyway, he showed this young lady her data and guess what? The lady said “but I am not…..” she called out my name and I screamed where I was. He had been putting this girl’s detail, her picture, fingertips etc on my data, my name!!!!! I was so shocked at this mistake. I cannot say more. The service was disgraceful for a high commission in a developed country. It should learn from the services they receive on day-to-day life here in the UK. If administrative work seems too chaotic for them, they should get an expert to help. Citizens should not be made to go to Internet café to print stuff. There should be Internet connection and all our data should be stored in there so when one comes to the commission all they have to do is bring up data on the system.











On another note, I was reading the paper how Rear Admiral Arogundade’s naval ratings jumped down from his car with a horse whip and ordered other road users to get off the road to allow his boss move smoothly to his house. Unfortunately for Ms. Okere and three of her colleagues who were held up in a traffic jam did not move fast enough according to this officer and what happened next was this officer dragged her out of her car and gave her the beating of her life with the lashes of the horse whip. That not being enough, the Naval men replaced their horsewhips with their guns, using the butt of the gun on the lady, stripped her naked, battered her face, handcuffed her before abducting her and taking her into the Rear Admiral’s house where she was detained. I have no words to use to describe my disgust at such behaviour of someone who has let power get into their head. Because they have the gun, they have power. Because they wear the uniform, they think they can treat their fellow humans like animals. That behaviour is uncivilised and all in power should denounce his behaviour. It is a shame and I hope the young lady and her friends are given counselling to go through this traumatic experience. This attitude of leaders or those who have power in Africa just makes me despair the fate of that continent.

Yes we can!!!!!!

Oh what a great day for the world. I was just filled with emotions when Obama was elected the next president of the United States of America. I must say that in the beginning of his campaign, I never knew what the outcome would be. I was a bit sceptical that America will let this young mixed race man enter the white house. But as days passed, and more and more people were taken by this young charismatic man, I started paying more attention to this young man who everyone is talking about.

People came out in their millions to vote. I must say that I am extremely so proud of the Americans. They have shown that they are truly a great nation. There is no doubt about this mighty nation being one of the best in the world.

For me, this gives me hope (Not that I want to go to the white house). But it gives me hope that in whatever I want to do or become, I can achieve that through hard work and dedication.

Another great inspiration is that of Lewis Hamilton. This is a young man who was called names by small-minded people. He put his eyes on the prize and through hard work and dedication won the grand prix. What a victory! What a way to shut up and shame little minded people who do not see beyond the skin colour.

This is also for all those gangsters who have nothing better to do with their lives. Who carry a chip on their shoulders how they have been done wrong etc etc. pull those baggy trouser of yours and go back to school. Go get an education and make a difference for your own generation.

For all those African government who have looted and destroyed the wealth of their people, shame on you all. Africa needs a president like Obama to bring change to that continent. Every African state can do with an Obama now. What a shame what is going on in Congo in this century. When nations are building their countries, Africa is regressing and tearing theirs apart. Like one professor said, the natural resources of Africa will destroy that continent if they do not revert to knowledge-based economy. God has blessed the continent with all manner of natural resources but what we do is kill one another because of greed. Seat tight in power just to loot wealth. I hope this win for Barak Obama inspires African leaders and other corrupt government in the world to be like America. God bless America

Health

I have been thinking of lately about life. I love life. I have so much I want to accomplish and I hope God gives me the opportunity to do so. I have been feeling unwell for some time now. I had this burning pain in my chest. I always feel weak and tired also. I went to the doctors and my doctor said it was gastritis. She gave me some medication and said that should help. After some months, the same burning sensation came back and this time, I had to do some blood tests. The first test showed there were some bacterial that was also causing a lot of acid in my gut. I was given antibiotic to take care of that. They also noticed my blood level was low. So they called me back for another test, it showed that my white blood count was slightly low. I was called for yet another test and it showed the same. The doctor booked a telephone consultation for me. She said it is nothing to worry about and that it might be the way God has created me. Sometimes, it can be just the way a particular ethnicity is just made. She now referred me to a haematologist to rule out any disorders. I feel great now. I am thankful to God for keeping me alive and healthy. I hope someone with the same symptoms will benefit from this post. I have to get a dietician to help me with my diet so I can eat healthily. Have a lovely weekend and God bless.

Horror

I was deep in thought after watching the movie ‘hostel’. It was really graphic and just played with my emotions. I watched it with a friend and I asked if this could be happening in real life. In a nutshell, the movie is about the rich indulging in their fantasies by killing humans through which means they want. Innocent girls or boys are lured by sex or fun and they get killed off by these wealthy individuals. Any way, I was just thinking if something like this goes on in developing countries. We got into this debate and it occurred that in my very own experience it goes on in developing countries like Nigeria. We have all heard horror stories of people being kidnapped and parts of their bodies taken for ritual or for other purposes. I know for one that God save my family from such horror as my younger sister was almost kidnapped just in front of our house in Nigeria. She ran as she was being chased by these two men in the car, they tried hitting her with the car until God brought help for her (I will ask her to write that story).

Many people would tell the same stories of how they escaped from being killed or used for rituals. The kidnappers are normally paid by wealthy individuals to get specific kinds of people. Some months ago, I read in a Nigerian newspaper how a pastor escaped from being killed by these individuals. He was kidnapped, taken to this remote village; he witnessed the people that were on the same bus he was kidnapped killed off. Their body parts were to be sold of to individuals with money according to his report.


Today on the papers, I read of a baby farm found in Enugu state in the eastern region of Nigeria. I read with horror as I took the bus to city centre. Newborns are sold for £72.00. The newborns are either sold to traffickers who would move them on to prostitution or used as slaves. These types of stories happen to real people and thank God they have been found out on this occasion. I hope other remote places that such horror happens will be found out and necessary action taken. I hope the government will make a strong stance against such atrocities. Better life, good jobs and development in general should be government’s priority to curb this atrocity.

Happy Independence day to Nigeria

I was talking to a close friend of mine that Nigerians will be celebrating their independence on the 1^st of October and my friend asked whom Nigerians are celebrating independence from. I said from the British colony. He went ahead to ask me if it is something really to celebrate since the country has not done much better since the end of colonialism. Well, I answered it is a big thing to celebrate. Freedom is a huge thing to celebrate. We may not have done much better since the end of colonialism but we have come a long way. Think of the ills of colonialism, I mean the whole of Africa is still suffering from the ills of that era. It will take time and dedication from every African to deal with the ills of colonialism but the truth is that Africans have no other choice but to progress. To all Nigerians out there; enjoy the Independence Day.

Tribute to my wonderful daddy

It has been four years since my wonderful dad went to be with the lord. I miss him every day and I wish he was still here with us. I cannot even begin to understand how all of a sudden I no longer have my dad to call and tell him of all my achievements. I loved making my parents proud and with his continual encouragement for self-development, I could put my heart to do anything and strive to succeed just to see him proud of me. I really miss my daddy. For those of you who still have your daddies please appreciate them as I wish mine was still here.

To my dearest daddy, I miss you so very much. Words cannot begin to express how much it hurts that you are not here with us. I know you are in a better place and you are resting perfectly in peace. I wish you are here to see all the wonderful things happening to us. I know you are aware of them as God shows you all the things he is doing for us. God has been true to his word and he has taken the role of taking care of us and making sure we are perfectly fine. I still remember all the wonderful times we spent together, all the love, all the cuddles and all the tears. I love you very much, daddy. Rest in perfect peace.

corruption deal

I was reading the papers today and came across a section that goes Nigeria and Britain discuss trial of politicians over money laundering. It is in corrupt countries like Nigeria that such type of thing happens. I mean, Nigerian politicians ought to be ashamed of them selves if they are known for their corrupt nature and not for the work they should be doing for their country. Our national treasure has become personal accounts to these politicians and the citizens have little choice than to be ass lickers. Does anyone remember the case of Bayelsa governor who was caught with hundreds of millions? When he got home after being held here in the UK, he received a hero’s welcome (wonders shall never end) from his people. How do these individuals have the heart to take money that should be used to develop the country to put in their personal accounts in developed countries? Has anyone seen the condition in the Niger delta? Or how many children die every day in the country because of lack of food, shelter, or even access to hospital treatments?

When President Yaradua was ill, he went to Saudi to get treatment. When the top politicians are ill, they go abroad to have treatments. Why can’t they back the hospitals in the country to be of the same standard? Or do people in Saudi and developed countries have 3 heads? When these top politicians want to go for holidays, they travel to developed countries; they see the wonders that human beings have done for their lives to be heaven on earth. They come home and nothing is changed. No one will come and repair your house if you do not keep it in order. My prayer is that each and everyone in the country raise their children with integrity and respect as they are the hope for the country.

Hope for Nigeria

My sister and I were talking about how things are going in Nigeria and she said that when she went home in Kaduna, the trains were working and now taking passengers from one town to the other. I was just amazed to hear that. I was filled with so much excitement. It is not a big deal for those in developed countries but for those in developing countries like Nigeria were all the infrastructure has been let to rot, such is great news.

I believe change is incremental and it will surely happen for not only Nigerians but for all Africans. I also hope that our leaders will have the focus to drive that country towards development. Our children's children should see only a world equal to that of the developed nation.

August Greetings

Hello everyone, sorry I have not blogged for a long while. I have been busy with my research work. I will be back to normal blogging soon. I hope August has been a wonderful month for you? For those who the month has not been good for, God is in control and for those the month has been a blessing to, continue to give thanks to God. love you all and will be back with fabulous new stuff.

My thoughts

I was just wondering why some countries have pulled through and are doing great and some are not. China and India are just great examples. Their determination and strive to be developed has just paid off. Now they are respected and given great status in the international scene. Africa I believe has refused to make any progress. What the leaders seem to be interested in is their selves. The natural resource God has blessed that continent with is now a curse. Many of the wars in Africa are just because of who wants to control the resources (greedy lot). It is not about how to developed and leave a better country for our children. Africa is rich in material resources but poor in human resources (in my own opinion). Imagine a president or head of state impoverishing, maltreating, exploiting his own people. Imagine people on the top level of government squandering wealth and bringing it to developed countries that already have plenty. Even now the developed world does not want to be part of any of those dirty money.

When these so greedy monsters come to developed countries, they go back not making any changes to the already deteriorating state of affairs in their home country. My prayers is that God will have mercy and bring good leaders, good policies and good initiatives that will help establish Africa as one of the leading continents in the world.

Too Bad

Sometimes, when I read certain things in the paper about Nigeria, it is like there is no hope left for that country. I was just going through the papers and I read that gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped the elder brother of Nigerian and Everton football star Joseph Yobo. Norum Yobo was kidnapped from his hotel in Port Harcourt. I honestly feel saddened that this case of kidnapping and causing unnecessary pain to innocent citizens is still ongoing in Nigeria. I mean it is a crime in the first place to violate another person's freedom. I feel so ashamed that not only is this a criminal offence but an act that puts everyone from Nigeria in a bad light. Nigerian government have done wrong not only to the Niger-deltans but to all. Everybody wants a piece of the national cake but only few want to contribute any positive thing to the nation. God has given Africans all the necessary resources to live a good life but we are under utilising all our resources. I pray for the family of Norum and also for Norum himself. Only God knows what the man is going through.

Prague the beautiful city

These Pictures where taken in Prague. It is such a beautiful country. I hope and wish Nigeria will one day be known for the lovely cities and beautiful people that make it rather than the likes of Nigerians such as John Wilmots who tried to pocket £17.5million in a fraudulent manner even though he is a barrister and could easily live confortable from his wages. Anyhow please enjoy the photos and have a lovely day.

Racism v tribalism

I was in Prague last week and I was so amazed at how people in the country were staring at me as if they have not yet come in contact with a black person. The first night there, the looks I was getting began to make me nervous. Some one said to me not to worry that they were admiring me. I carried on, saying to myself that I should just relax and maybe they are admiring me or they have not truly been exposed to many black people. The second day, I still got lots of stares, I mean these stares where just like some one ripping your clothes off and just looking at every single part of your body. They never took their eyes off me even when I stared back. The third day I was getting irritated and annoyed by this behaviour I considered rude. I started feeling low, and I started feeling like something was wrong with me. Why will they not stop staring at me? I mean even though they have not seen black people on the streets surely they have seen movie stars and musicians who were black on TV? What broke my heart was that the children who were supposed to be innocent stared at me in the same manner as the grown up. I loved the country. It was such a beautiful country with lots of historic buildings and places to go to. I loved the summer weather. It was just as hot as in Africa. But all these beauty, I couldn’t wait to go back home. I just wanted to leave and not have people stare at me as if I was a creature from space. It may not have been a racist look, it may have just been curiosity and just sheer amazement at another human being with another colour but for me, it felt really scary. No one came to me or said any profanities but the looks I got, I did not like it. It made me feel for one minute that before they even got to know me, I have been stereotyped because of the colour of my skin. I may be wrong in my analysis. It may just be me and my paranoia but I have never gotten such stares in my life before.

Well with all that gone now, please do visit Prague. It is such a lovely and beautiful country. I will put some pictures later. I was discussing this incidence with a friend of mine and he said well anywhere one goes especially if it is not your country, one will get such feelings. He now said to me, which is worst, Racism or tribalism? God help me in this world!

exposure

I could not help laughing after I read this. This is a must to share with you all. The title of what I read in Nigerian Vanguard is "Senate seeks public views on three-month jail term for indecently-dressed ladies". I was just dumb founded that Nigerian senators have the time to let ladies dress wear take center attention and sideline other issues such as poverty and how to deal with the root cause of poverty, robbery, and the negative image of the country etc.

Anyway, to continue with this ridiculous story, Senator Ekaette’s bill defines public nudity as

a. State of nakedness in the public or open;

b. State of indecent dressing which expose in the public or in the open any of the following parts of the human body:

i. The breast of a female above the age of 14 years;

ii. The laps of a female above the age of 14 years;

iii. The belly and or waist of a female above the age of 14 years;

iv. Any part of the body from two (2) inches below the shoulders downwards to the knee of a female person above the age of 14 years;

v. Any part of the body of the male person above the age of 14 years from the waist to the knee;

c. Any form of dressing with a transparent cloth or clothing in the public or the open which exposes any part of the body from two inches below the shoulders level downward to the knee of a female person above the age of 14 years; provided that exposure of the hands of the female person above the age of 14 years shall not be construed as public nudity.

d. Any form of dressing with a transparent cloth or clothing which exposes any part of the body of the male person above the age of 14 years from the waist to the knee in the public or open.

I cannot fathom this honestly. On the same paper, there was a report that armed men killed more than 10 people in a raid. What are the senators doing about this? Why should innocent citizens die just going about their business? What happened to comforting the broken, those who lost their loved ones in such attack. What happened to promises made during election campaign? How important is what a lady wears to issues on the ground? This is just a good case of Black man and what he prioritizes. Have a lovely day!!!!!

But why?

I was in London yesterday and I must say, the whole place was bubbling with different ethnic group, you can literally see the wealth these people bring into the country. People come from all over the world to see some historic land marks in London. I must say I am not a huge fan of London. I find the place not friendly and it doesn't help with the huge crowd every where. I was just thinking to myself as I was walking around London yesterday that my country can be like this if we are serious about development. God has blessed us with everything from the weather to the natural resources. We have the land, the beaches, the seaside, the culture name it we all have it.

My problem is that we have leaders who constantly travel abroad, they see all these wonders in the world and when they come back home, their great idea is to loot the money to already rich countries. Niger Delta area in Nigeria could be a big money maker, with the sea they are blessed with, the oil etc. The governors need not wait for federal government for money. They could generate big money through tourism and give that area and its people good life. Same thing goes for other states and areas in Nigeria.

I dream of a day that we all (not only Nigerian but Africans in whole) will wake up and start rebuilding this great land.

Meanwhile some stories from the newspaper, this lady was sent to jail for fraudulently claiming benefit and then buying houses with it with her daughter. I really don't understand why some people cannot hold on to their integrity.

what has race got to do with love

Another weekend is here. Here is wishing you all a fantastic weekend. I was going through my mail and got this article about race and inter-racial relationship. Many of my friends have different views on it but I believe everyone should just be open to where love comes from. What are the great things about inter-racial relationships and what are the not so great things about it? Is it not the same issues that affect same race relationships? Have a fantastic weekend.

Hip hop to blame?

I hope you all had a lovely weekend? A lot has happened over the weekend. In London there was the tragic murder of Rob Knox. The 18-year-old died when he and four friends became involved in a fight with a man armed with two knives outside the Metro Bar in Sidcup. One newspaper said 2 black men got out of the car and went straight to them in the bar Rob and his friends where relaxing.

Today’s paper said hip hop is to be blamed. Some say these young kids need role models etc. Hip hop, role models are just not the underpinning causes of gangster culture or knife culture. These barbaric animals that carry knives and guns and kill innocent citizens are the outcome of their own lack of integrity. Some are so quick to blame institutions, racism, poverty for the rise in gang culture but I believe the power of change is in every one’s hand. You make your destiny what it is. What stops a child from getting educated especially in the UK? What stops them from learning a trade or being busy doing something, thinking up new ideas, working on ideas? If these stupid boys who are busy doing nothing had been busy, they would not have the time to carry guns and knives looking for people to kill.

It seems people have forgotten the supreme nature of the human soul and think they have the power to take it away from others anytime their anger rises. I know what it is like to be attacked. I have been in a situation where two Nigerian guys attacked me on the bus in Manchester. It was an unprovoked attack. These idiots look for ways to bully one or make one react so they can have an excuse to use their weapons. I have no regards for those people who do not respect human lives. May God give Rob’s family the strength to bear the loss. Amen.

NGO information

Hello people,I really need you all to help with my research. I need to speak to NGOs and communities in Nigeria. I found some articles on the eco village in Odi in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. I need to hear from members of that community. So if anyone of you is from that area or you know someone from there, I would appreciate any contact information. Common people, Lily needs your help. I want to know what the people of Odi think of NGO work in their communities. That would help my research. If anyone of you knows of any community that NGOs have built houses can you please let me know? A friend has referred me to habitat for humanities which I plan to use for my case study but now I need the members of the communities. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. God bless

Culture shock

I know many people in Africa believe in witchcraft and believe that it exists. Many people believe that witches are the source of evil in either their homes or communities. I am sure if we dig deep even the so called posh Africans would name witches in their hometowns or families. Well, everyone is free to believe in what they want but it is unacceptable when they take the law into their hands and start killing people just because they suspect them of witchcraft. This is what happened in Kisii region in Kenya’s capital near Nairobi. The newspaper reported that at least 11 people were burned alive by a crowd after being accused of witchcraft. The victims include eight women and three men with age ranging from between 70 and 96. Doesn’t this sound barbaric? How can a group of people just kill people just because they believe they are witches? I do not understand the logic of some people honestly. How is the killing going to help improve their standard of living? I always say these culprits have nothing to do and do not want to use their minds and innovate new things. I hope justice prevails and these hooligans locked up for life as they are no longer humans and would kill again. At the end of the day, they showed they are more evil than the innocent people that they killed. Who gave them the power to kill and in whose name did they kill for?

What a shame

Is it me or is anyone thinking the same thoughts as to what is happening in South Africa? I was just ashamed of what is going on there and I cannot but feel sorry for the poor ‘immigrants’ that have lost their lives to these animals that go about killing their fellow human beings. I was horrified that a group of South Africans took upon themselves to kill immigrants that are taking away their so called jobs from them. Some of these immigrants are people who have fled Zimbabwe because of the harsh economic and political environment. Instead of these hooligans to seat down and innovate ways of bringing money into their economy, they took to the streets. What a shame that African will rise up and destroy their fellow brothers and sisters. Look at the picture of these people who do not know the benefits of immigration. What if their fellow country people go through the same treatment elsewhere in the world? These so called jobs they are talking about, who owns them? I bet these jobs have nothing to do with their innovative minds. If these hooligans where innovative, they could make money from the growing number of immigrants in the country. It only concurs with theory that the black man does not have a high level of intelligence. Who is to blame? Is it the government that has left these people to become who they are or does the blame go to each individual person for not using common sense? Blacks in Africa should learn to give positive image about themselves. No need to take up arms and start killing your fellow human being when things do not go your way.

God I need some answers

Is it possible for one to believe in God and then question his existence when hard/difficult time comes and we want Him to show himself? I have been bombarded with images of destruction, pain, and mourning. The images on TV just make me want to speak to God and know why so many people are dying or have to die. I know God’s ways are not our ways and our ways not his. Thousands died in Burma and another in China. Let’s not even go to how many souls that dies on a daily basis in Africa. I love GOD, I seek to be close to him yet I am not too sure if he will be happy with my questioning why things are happening.

Information on NGOs

Hello all, I am sorry I have not been able to publish any posts for sometime now. I have been very busy with presentations at different conferences. I hope you all have a lovely week and just before you leave, I would love to know what you think of non governmental organisations (NGOs) as a mechanism for technology transfer. My dear Comrade left me a well written reply of what he thinks of them. I think he has got some point there. I will examine his views and compare it with that of literature. NGO is my area of interest and I find it really interesting that we have over 2000 NGOs in Nigeria. So if you know of any NGOs involved in technology transfer, I would be happy to have some contact details so I can interview them or get some documents from them. Thanks all and I will be waiting for all your information. I don’t mind if the NGO is international or local just as long they are involved in technology transfer. Have a lovely weekend.

The way I see it

Zimbabwe’s ruling party has been confirmed as the winner of the first of 23 constituencies. So, after not bringing any tangible benefit to the people he ruled for more than two decade, this man does not want to let his people be? How heartless can one be? We have seen and heard how the poor people in Zimbabwe are suffering, how scared they are to live life. Oh my God, save Africans from themselves. How can one not want to bring change to the people one serves? I always said the leaders in Africa have a lot to account for. Greed, selfishness, love of power, lack of intelligence are some factors that stop these leaders thinking straight. My prayers are with the poor masses who have to suffer the brunt of all these.


Meanwhile in another part of the continent, an estimated 300,000 people may have died as a result of the Darfur conflict. That is a lot of souls isn’t it? The conflict has gone on for a very long time and it gets to a time when every one will get tired of hearing the same story over and over again. How can there be development when the people don’t want to develop? How can there be development when the people despise their land and the fellow people in it?


On another news, the Federal Government on Wednesday initiated discussions with the United Kingdom on ways and means to repatriate over 1,600 Nigerian prisoners in British prisons. Do we need these criminals to add to the problems of Nigeria? These people left the shores of Africa, came to a land where they could have made a difference to their families and be good ambassadors, instead, they chose to live up to the stereotype. 1,600 is an awful amount of criminals. I am tired of people who make being Nigeria a shameful thing. The country is a fantastic country with wonderful people of integrity. It’s only a shame the ones we see or hear about are the ones who tarnish the good image.

I hope you are all having a lovely week? Do take care.

Et toi Alicia

Sometimes, it is good to be vocal about things one stands for but sometimes, strong consideration need to be given before one opens their mouth to say anything that will damage or cause discomfort to the general public. There are issues that need to be carefully thought of, especially issues such as race religion and sexuality before opening ones mouth to declare something that will be regretted later. Alicia did make one of those statements that ordinary wouldn’t have caused mayhem but the nature of it has raised a lot of criticisms. I for one can understand when she said she didn’t mean harm in what she said and her words were construed to mean what she actually didn’t mean and put in a manner in which she didn’t mean it to.

People are so quick to call her names. it makes me really laugh when people call mixed race people racists. How can one justify that? Can one hate anything that they are part of? I believe it is the racists that call mixed race people racists (whether black or white). It takes one to know one. Why must everything be about race in the first place?

Secondly, taking up her hilarious conspiracy theory about the US government creating gangsta rap as "a ploy to convince black people to kill each other"; made me really laugh and at the same time question my self. Well as a researcher, I seek to know where Gangsta rap originated from. I used to think it was from the black community (but maybe Alicia knows what I do not (LOL). Also, the black communities that take up guns, knives and kill themselves or others, are they fools? In the first place, when one allows themselves to be manipulated, the manipulator (if there is a word like that) becomes the smart one and the manipulated foolish for being manipulated.

It is the same story with Africa during slave trade and even now. Show them a mirror and their long throat gets longer in fact that is enough for them to sell all their naughty children. Doubt me, read Walter Rodney’s book and other researched works on slave trade. Many slaves were sold by their own families. Anyway, talking about greed, selfishness, hatred those are root causes of many problems in Africa. Today’s news shows how a ship loaded with weapons is heading for Zimbabwe. What are they going to do with that entire weapon? The answer is to kill one another. I believe the choice for development is right in front of us. But development is refused for some silly personal reasons. Mbeki said that Zimbabwe is perfectly ok and that there are no problems there. Hmnnnn lets take a look at the number of people dying of hunger, political violence etc. That is the attitude of African leaders, they watch their people suffer and die without dealing with the root cause of the problems. Some African government are simply not committed to helping its citizens or should we call that another conspiracy theory?

Some house cleaning

I was just wondering to myself how I would feel when after cleaning my house, some stranger comes in it and destroys or messes things up for me. I would feel really angry if after putting all that sweat to making my home beautiful and nice for me and my family, someone comes in and disrespects it and disrespects all the sweat I put into it and wants to claim the same rights as those I sweated to make my house clean for. So where I am coming from, take homes as countries, some people have sweated, fought, died to make their country what it is today. They did it for their children and generations to come. They made sure their children’s future is secured. They get angry when what they fought for is not respected or what their fathers died for seems to be taken for granted.

If you take a look at Africa or any land where you have blacks or black leaders, there is not much to say about it. Africa has become a laughing stock and no leader cares and neither do the citizens see any need to lobby or advocate for a change. It seems everyone is just seating down and waiting for some sort of miracle to happen. The citizen’s blame the leaders blame and the leaders blame the west or any person that they can use as escape goats. You find poverty in its extreme in Africa. Forget the few privileged you see in glamour magazines or on TV. You ask yourself, can’t they (we) help themselves (ourselves). Why is there no innovation going on in Africa or why is it being suppressed? Why cant the people stand and make a difference? It is all so alarming.

I read on the papers last week of a man suffering from Aids that is being deported to Africa and human rights activist are running up and down to stop the deportation as it is certain that when he gets to which ever African country he comes from, he will surely die. Where will he get the drugs from and which expert will look after him and give him the level of care he is receiving in the UK? The lady that was deported some months ago, died in Africa. There was a documentary of HIV/Aids in Africa I saw and I just wept. How come this diseases has spread this much? What happened? Poverty does not mean that the people’s souls are also in poverty or does it?
We blame colonialism for every ill in Africa and maybe it did have some role (a big one) in it but why can we all not push and push for a change at least for the sake of our children.

So does it mean that after we have finished destroying a land given to us by God then we carry our baggage to another man’s country and expect them to give us the same rights as those they have fought for? How do we expect the West to keep helping Africa, how long will they keep giving aid to Africa? It gets to a time that everyone says let them all kill themselves. Let them starve to death. Africans, if you want change, development, respect, it is time for serious house cleaning. Stop killing yourselves and come together and make a change.

Need to make a change

Sad story here, Gloria Taylor, 57, The mother of murdered London schoolboy Damilola Taylor has collapsed and died while out walking. for those who are not familiar with the story of Damilola, he was a nine-year-old boy, who died after being attacked with a glass bottle while on his way home from Peckham Library in 2000.Gloria was left devastated by the murder of her son. I pray God gives the family the strength to bear the loss and may her soul rest in peace. She will be reunited with her son now. May God be with this family as they go through this time of mourning.



On another matter, I was going through some papers some days ago and came across this shocking article. A British Airways captain ordered 136 passengers off his plane. The reason being that they where distressed by the manner in which a man being deported to Nigeria was handled. Mr. Ayodeji Omotade (trying to be good Samaritan) who obviously was touched by this scene spoke up on this man’s behalf as the guy being deported was allegedly said to be crying out “ I go die”. Before any one knew what was happening, 5 police officers came and arrested Mr. Omotade. Mr. Omotade’s crime was that he spoke up on behalf of the man being deported. According to Mr. Omotade who was on his way to Lagos for a wedding (which he eventually missed), just pleaded with the officers not to kill the man they were deporting. This story is painfully true. It hurts so much that this type of behaviour is meted out to Africans. They were all treated as shit because of the colour of their skin. Had it been a white guy that spoke up for this man, I don’t think he will be treated as Mr. Omotade. This man who did not commit any crime was not only handcuffed and kept in police custody for eight hours after his arrest, he was also banned for life from travelling with BA. God have mercy I say.

Respect will be given to the black man once they themselves start respecting themselves. When we respect ourselves, others will respect us. When you look at gun crime, young black boys commit this crime against their fellow human beings. I know we have a lot of positive stuff happening in Africa and among black people but also there are a lot of alarmingly shameful stuff too that needs to be addressed.

Look at the continent of Africa especially the sub Saharan parts, if it is not war, it is poverty, disease etc. The leaders are just not interested in development. They are interested in money and power. They have got no clues and the people help keep themselves in poverty. Other countries are making discoveries that will help cure diseases, help give their children a better life, Africans are there killing themselves over who controls money, natural resources, power and it is not always for the good of their people, it is always mostly for selfish reasons “me me me me me!!!!!!!!. If things don’t go their way, it is an opportunity to kill off those who do not support their evil ways. Look at Zimbabwe, look at how the country is fast going down, people dying of hunger, poverty, disease and yet, there are some showing support for the evil going on there. Another example is Kenya; look at what happened there. You would think that these so called leaders fighting and shedding blood want to get in power to make their countries better. Most is always for selfish reasons as history has shown. So as long people are not happy, they will always want to go to other countries as refugee, asylum seekers etc. how long will Africa not learn? I think Africa needs all the prayers in the world.

Importance of Health and safety measures

26 people where killed as a Nigerian bridal party's canoe capsizes.This tragedy happened at Kano and it is so sad that health and safety measures are ignored by people who should know better. More care could have been taken to avert such unnecessary calamity. The canoe was packed with wedding guests escorting a bride to her new husband. It capsized, leaving at least 26 passengers dead. In a bid to maximise profits, boats are often packed beyond capacity by captains. What a waste of life. Some people do not have respect for the lives of people or their safety or well being especially in Africa where health and safety is taken less seriously and until every life is taken to be worth living and respected in Africa by Africans themselves, other races will continue to disrespect us.

And my prayer also goes to the Zimbabweans who are helpless in what happens to be a mockery of the democratic system in Africa. I hope that God brings a saviour for the common man there as enough is enough of innocent citizens suffering just because of some greedy corrupt leaders.

Big for nothing

I was going through an article written by Emeka E, Okafor and I came across a sentence that really amazed me. It goes that Nigeria is a country which has everything and produces nothing, and Japan is a country which has nothing and produces everything. Indeed he has hit a nerve. He is absolutely right. In terms of natural and human resources, Nigeria tops other African countries. And we can very well say that Nigeria is one of the richest in Africa also. One just has to go through records to know the amount we earn every single day from petroleum. To get a little idea, Nigeria is the sixth largest exporter of crude oil and has extensive reserves of natural gas, solid minerals and forest resources. In terms of human resources, well the population is almost hitting 180 million. So among this 180 million, where are all our scientists, innovators, etc? Why are we ranked among poor countries with all these resources? Who is to blame? The leaders, citizens, the land itself? Is it a cause that we cannot change our destiny in that continent for better?

My friend just came back from Nigeria and was sharing with me how he was amazed at the display of wealth in Abuja. He said he saw a young girl driving the latest Mercedes Benz that is yet to be released. Indeed there is wealth but only a few control and have this wealth. I think it is disgraceful for our leaders to let this trend continue. The wealth should be adequately used so that none will lack any necessary social amenities or infrastructure. Why will young university boys and girls be happy when they see some people display wealth and know that they will never have the same chance only through crime and corruption?

Mind your language

I was sat on the bus yesterday on my way home after spending few hours at university trying to get some inspiration for my theses. I always see different characters on the bus. Sometimes, I even think it is just dangerous to look at anyone on the bus in case they get/have a different idea on their mind. So I always carry a newspaper to bury my head in it. Like I have written some time ago, I have been a victim of unprovoked attack on the bus some months ago (by my fellow Nigerians!!!! Can you imagine)? I have been traumatised by that event. I even had to get counselling as I found it difficult to understand why my fellow Nigerians will attack me. I came to a conclusion that they must have been high on drugs. No other explanation befits such an attack.

So I am always weary when I see young black boys on the bus because of their erratic behaviours. So yesterday, these two scruffy looking boys got on the bus, before they even sat down, they were (mind my French) efing and swearing. The language they were using was just shameful. They were not different from the boys that attacked me, so again, I buried my head on a paper so I don’t get noticed (as some of them are so chicken to pick on boys, so they chose a very fragile person to attack). These black boys continued swearing, using languages that should not be used in public. You could see the disapproving looks on people on the bus. I started to wonder to myself, if these boys want to make it in life and come out of the stereotype associated with young black males. Why can’t they get education? After all it is free for them in this country. Why can’t they take advantage of what is there for them? Every time we hear how young black people say they are not given equal opportunities, they are not considered for good jobs etc. My take on that is why should you be considered if you do not work extra hard to get it? Why should you be considered if you are not good enough? How can such boys on the bus get good jobs if they cannot make simple sentence in English without efing and swearing? It really baffles me why some black people carry a chip on their shoulders blaming others for the misadventure in life. If you want it, work for it, if you want it, strive for it. Don’t live up to your stereotype which is what many do. Why be a gangster? Why kill? Why not make a difference? I may be naïve about events on the streets but I really believe that if change needs to be made in black communities, certain changes needs to be made in personal lives. Go get an education, go to school, read books, research, go that extra mile, work hard for what you want, live a good life. Many of us do so why can’t we all do it?

Reflection

Sometimes we seat and reflect on our lives, our achievements, disappointments, and what we want out of life. Sometimes I do ask myself what is my role here on earth? I really want to get down and achieve what God wants me to do. In the course of living life, we go through happy times and not so happy times. We meet people who will do anything to help us get there and people who will want to destroy that dream through any means. We sometimes go through pains, disappointments, betrayal and sometimes joy, happiness and a feeling of achievement in the course of just being alive. We love, admire, lust, brave, hate and go through all the emotions that we do go through in life.

Life is great. But some might say for a few. Why must we think it is great for a few? Why not for all? Well, some might say if it was that great, why do some people commit suicide? Why do some of our loved ones have to die? Why is it I am not among the rich? Why am I not married? Why don’t I have children? Why does my children hate me and do things that bring shame to me? Why are blacks so hated? Why is Africa still backward? Why are there many people dying of hunger, HIV, pain etc? Why do we go to war? why is there poverty?

These questions are sometimes and most times not easy to answer. When my most precious dad went to be with the lord, I couldn't ask the question why? I was too afraid of what God would think of me. I was afraid because everyone said to me in everything, give glory to God. I couldn't really mourn cause I was so afraid that God would be angry with me. I would cry but when I think of how God sees me, I dry my eyes and continue to have faith in HIM because he said he is now my father and would take care of me. Sometimes, I would pray so hard for something and really have faith and then, I don’t get what I have prayed for. I get really down and inside me, I would want to ask God, well you said you’ll give me what I want, so where are you? I must confess there was a period I hated God. I couldn't’t bear to pray to him cause I thought if he was so great, why am I in pain. But one thing that keeps me so grounded in God is that when all my hopes are gone, he comes through and you know that prayer that I thought he didn’t answer me comes to pass. I can say there is no prayer I have prayed that God has not answered me. It might not be in the moment I wanted it but it sure does come through and at the right time.

So now, I have learnt from experience, God never never deserts his children. When we think we cannot go through with life, when we think the pain is just too much for us to bear, when we think all hope is gone and there cannot be a miracle in this world to see us through, God comes through.

It is Good Friday, I am reflecting on God’s amazing love for me. I am reflecting on this man that loves me so much that he gave his only son Jesus to die for me so that I can be save, so I can be healed, so I can live life and live it abundantly, so that I can achieve my dreams and bring glory to him. It is a love so unconditional. I am not perfect, I might not be the best looking girl in the world, but this man loves me just the way I am, he says to me everyday how beautiful I am, he shows me love by protecting me, by giving me good health, by protecting my family and those I love. He loves me even when I disappoint him over and over again, even when I am being bad, even when I said I will not pray to him again, he forgave me, brought me closer to him and whispered to me, “I still love you”. Doesn’t it bring tears to your eyes?

Just like we think our dreams have died or when we think of giving up, just remember Jesus died too and just as He rose on the third day, so will our dreams, our passions and our visions. Our dreams will rise again, our hopes will rise again and as long there is life, our faith in ourselves, what we do, our dreams etc will live again. For those who are Christians, have a wonderful Easter and for those who are not, I hope you enjoyed the write-up and can understand where I am coming with my faith. To you all have a brilliant weekend. Life is really great, don’t you think so?

Matters arising

Our very own African princess Lindi Mngaza will be among the latest apprentices hoping to be hired by Sir Alan Sugar. Lindi I hope you make us proud. Now that you are on TV, you are the ambassador people are seeing. Represent us well. I hope you show what a brilliant person you are and what a great personality you have. Shouting, fighting and being arrogant will not take you anywhere as a young black woman rather wisdom and sensibility is what you need to succeed. All the best girl.

Going to other matters, illegal immigrant david Ayinde is jailed for rape and attack on a young prostitute. He raped this girl who has been living a desperate life and left her to seek help naked on Manchester streets. This heartless man has been jailed for six and a half years. Do you know I wonder why a well abled man, will leave his country for whatever reason and say that his new job is to commit crimes. Rape is such a horrible experience that no one should be wished to experience it. Now the judge also wants this horrible monster to be deported back to a country that can do away with another hardened criminal. Why cant we just send him somewhere? Now he will go back to Nigeria raping and terrorizing other innocent citizens. Men like him give black people a bad name (though that should not be the case). He is a stereotype and has lived up to his title. I hate the fact that he is from Nigeria. Nigeria has gone through a lot of bad press that all we need now are good citizens and ambassadors.

latest apprentices

Our very own African princess Lindi Mngaza will be among the latest apprentices hoping to be hired by Sir Alan Sugar. Lindi I hope you make us proud. Now that you are on TV, you are the ambassador people are seeing. Represent us well. I hope you show what a brilliant person you are and what a great personality you have. Shouting, fighting and being arrogant will not take you anywhere as a young black woman rather wisdom and sensibility is what you need to succeed. All the best girl.

The sleeping giant

I honestly love reading and getting myself acquainted with events in Nigeria. I also enjoy reading articles by Dele Momodu and Simon kolawole. Infact they have just written amazing articles on the way Nigeria is. The fact is that this sleeping giant needs everything to make it wake up and take its position in African matters. I was in Nigeria some months ago and the same issues still existed. There was no constant supply of electricity, the roads were just horrible with pot holes (in fact one cannot call it road anymore). There were stories of how armed robbers cause mayhem to families and the story goes on and on. And did I make mention of the driving there? Some people were driving like animals. I think there should be a legislation on which people are allowed to drive on the road for the safety of the innocent pedestrian or well trained driver. All these problems have been laid on our leaders for failing to steer the country into development path.

When people tell me that they are having fun in Nigeria, I really marvel at how we still have that positive attitude in us to still laugh when all things around us seems to go on the negative path. There are Nigerians who are so hard working and talented. I am really proud of those but there are some, whose fathers, brothers, mothers, aunties, sister’s name it have contributed in bringing this wonderful country down. For public money stolen, these thieves bear the loss of a child on their head that could not eat, go to hospital with up to date equipment. I even think these corrupt individuals do not have any shame at all. they have the best houses, their children go to the best schools, they travel all over the world and one thing you can still smell in them is their mediocrity outlook on life.

I also think that something needs to be done about the population of that country. Why keep increasing when the means to support is limited? I hope and pray that Nigeria wakes up. I pray that the whole of Africa will stand up and take their position in world affairs.

Ignorance, race and so what I am black?

I watched this program yesterday on BBC called all white in Barking. Wow! What an eye-opening program. I found it very intriguing yet extremely disturbing. This program brought out a fear in me of the human nature. It is a program about the disturbing nature of integration and racism in modern day, multi cultural Britain. I fear for all those who think coming to the UK or any other developed country is the answer. Many of us left our countries for different reasons. Some left for further education, others for jobs, better life etc. No matter the reason, we all have one thing in common which is the fact that we are all considered as immigrants. One of the most disturbing comments by one of the people interviewed on the program is their description or perception of the African person. In light of this, one cannot help but see their ignorance. To one family, every black person is Nigerian and because of the way “Africans” are perceived, they would not want any Africans to stay in UK but would rather prefer Eastern Europeans because they are more of their own. Ignorance exhibits itself in that they cannot even differentiate that Africa is made of different countries and even the Nigeria they talk about is made up of different ethnicities, colours, beliefs and customs. One tends to overlook the fact that some of these ignorant xenophobic people who talk about immigration and how their country is been flooded by immigrants forget that their country contributed to the way Africa is now (please read how Europe underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney). I will not go into that topic now. They forgot that we tolerated slave trade; we tolerated colonialism, all our goods, raw materials etc was used to develop their precious country of today. Our men even fought in the wars for their country.

I can understand one of the interviewees’ anger with Nigerians. His daughter’s boyfriend and father of his grandchild beat and abused his daughter. No one supports an abusive man no matter what colour. Some of the interviewees said that Africans are arrogant, well so are some English people and people from other nationalities. I mean what does he expect? Blacks are also humans free to be whoever they want to be. Should blacks live just to please “some people”? Where was it written? Who says one race is more superior to the other? I believe we should all respect other peoples way of life, belief etc. some have conducted experiments to rubbish the black race, well, that is their own cup of tea. I believe I am who God says I am. Made in his Image, destined for great things so who is it that shall say otherwise? I love who I am. I am not like any white person neither am I like any black person. We are all different in who we all are.

One of the participants in the program said he did not believe in the mixture of races. That Whites should be with their own and black with theirs. I say totally rubbish. Who does he think he is? I respect his opinion. He can be with whom he wants to. To my opinion he is out of date and time. People of mixed marriages and mixed parentage have come a long way and do love who they are and accept who they are.

My happiness is that these people making most of these traumatizing comments are getting old. I am happy the younger generation are more tolerant and open minded than some of these old people. I have some of the most wonderful friends in the UK who are English. I am so happy with my life and the beautiful people around me who are of different ethnicities, races and countries. I believe the younger generation will have a better life without such hatred and ignorance around.

For every program like this, it annoys me when I see pictures or videos of African children on TV channels raising funds for African children. Some times I ask if they are patronising us Africans. Sometimes I am like are they mocking us by showing these pictures and videos of children in poverty. I know some might mean well but I think it is high time such cliché clips end.

The only way out of this misrepresentation and false impression is for Africa to get up and develop it self. It has everything, human, material resources. Use it then. Shame how we leave our children to starve, shame other countries has to show horrible pictures of our children to raise funds for their survival. What are we going to do? Well, be the best in anything you do. If you are in education, excel, if you are into science and technology, excel, no matter what you are doing, excel in it and tomorrow we will make a difference one way or the other.
Hope you had a lovely weekend?

Accomplishment

I would like to share with you that I have gotten my 25 meters swimming badge. I am so excited. I could not swim some few weeks ago but now, I have done 25 meters. My next goal is to achieve the 50 meters and then start swimming properly as a form of relaxation. I was so proud of myself and had this feeling that I have accomplished something. I never really feel something is too big for me to achieve. I put all my heart into something if I want to achieve it. My friend always says I have got this determination about me and I really see it in every thing I do.

From determination to articles I love to read and you may find interesting. See Dele Momodu’s write up on Why Nigeria Must be Rescued Fast: The Pendulum also Simon Kolawole’s writ up on Who’ll Tame These Armed Robbers? http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=105382. I really enjoyed each article and really hope our leaders do read some of the brilliant write ups by our very talented writers.
Hope you are having a lovely week? God bless

Fair Play?

Hello everyone, hope you are having a very relaxed weekend? I was going through some articles in the Nigerian newspaper and saw some stories that really made me ask what type of mind do some people have? This particular story is about Miss Sandra Iwu who is Miss Galaxy Beauty. This story is over her unpaid entitlements and rights. She apparently said that she was deprived her entitlements which included a car, travel expenses, payment of salary and basic support she needed during her rein as queen.

The article did not cover the other side’s story but I think that young girls who are trying to make it in the fashion world or any other sector should be supported and encouraged to achieve their dreams. No dream is irrelevant and if she was crowned miss galaxy, then she deserves every entitlement due to her and she has every right to make complaints and be sad about this. The lady miss Iwu has just spoken about ought to put reports right and prove that she has got integrity and is trustworthy as a businesswoman. Her attitude proves why many people are a bit sceptical dealing with “some” Nigerian so called business people.
Still talking about business people, our own business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is the world’s 334th richest man. This was published by Forbes, an American magazine which lists 1,000 billionaires across the globe. Dangote is said to be worth $3.3 billion. He is said to be the only Nigerian on the list and the first time a Nigerian is making the (dollar) billionaire club. He is one of the seven Africans listed.
A big congratulation to Nigeria for that. We have the capability to do more, to make more impact in the world. It is good news someone from Nigeria made it. I am very proud of the country for this and I hope there will be many more Nigerian billionaires published next time on Forbes (A big Amen to that). I hope that people in Nigeria begin to see the need to support small enterprises, support our own local industries. It will help create jobs, incomes, facilities, innovation name it… we can definitely make it. Don’t you think? Have a lovely day.

Non governmental Organisations

Hello all, I have written another piece on Non governmental organisations. I would like your thoughts on it.
NGOs’ play a momentous and influential role in almost all sectors of African issues. Their functions extends from natural disaster participation to proposing projects and schemes to aid poorer and marginalised groups in society. They have fought against harmful customs like the female genital mutilation, helped bring awareness on issues of HIV/AIDS, and awareness to the events in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. In Nigeria, NGOs’ are performing activities that might have been well performed in their absence by government, especially those activities aimed at improving the welfare of the people (Igoe, 2005).
Do you agree? I would like to have your views on this. Have a lovely day.

Abstract

Hello all, I have managed to write my dissertation abstract and I wanted to share it with you all for comments on what to add and what to take off. Is it too broad, do you have any information on NGOs involved in construction in Nigeria? Any information will help me. Thanks all.

Abstract

Technology is acknowledged as one of the major determinants of economic growth, and technological deliberation in any given economy plays a vital role in the progress of that nation (Radosevic, 1999). Community based activities permeate into the activities of Non Governmental Organisations (NGO). Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are known for their community development activities like building schools, hospitals, water facilities, road facilities. The objective of this research is to examine the process of technology transfer through NGO’s community development activities. Data used is mostly qualitative from academic journal articles, conference papers, government reports, development magazines and NGO websites. The purpose of the research is to explore links between technology transfer within the context of NGO’s activities and its application in the construction industry in Nigeria. There is a dearth of literature investigating how Non governmental Organisations through community development activities contribute to technology transfer.

Facts about Nigeria

Hello everyone, today I am busy writing some paper for a conference in Prague. I came across some data on Nigeria and decided to share it. Do you know that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of about 128.7 million people (World Bank, 2007)? According to the World Bank 2007 report, Nigeria has the second largest economy, with a GDP of US$51.7 billion that is behind South Africa, which has the biggest economy with a real GDP of US$152.3 billion (2004). With huge amount of human, natural and mineral resources, Nigeria possesses the potential to join the worlds growing economies like China and India. The country’s economic advancement is partly hindered by over dependence on oil and traditional sectors, such as agriculture and services. Nigeria’s economic structure remains undiversified. Oil exports account for 95 percent of total exports, while manufacturing accounts for less than 1 percent (World Bank, 2005). Small and medium-size enterprises have suffered due to Lack of demand for their products and services. There are ineffective linkages between industry and research institutes and universities. The relationship between universities and government remains strained over implementation of agreement. As a result of this strain, the unnecessary strikes by university academic and non academic staff; therefore crippling the educational system. The lack of political will and technical know-how to translate raw materials into finished goods and maintain existing machinery combine to hinder economic growth despite being blessed with untapped resources including oil wealth.

Despite the fact that Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of petroleum exporting countries and is the sixth largest oil producer in OPEC (Madujibeya, 1976), the country is ranked as the twenty sixth poorest in terms of human poverty (Elijah & Uffort, 2007; Madujibeya, 1976; report, 2007/2008; UNDP, 2007/2008). World Bank (World Bank, 2005) reported that in 1980s and 1990s, Per capita GDP in Nigeria was among the lowest in the world costing it decades of development. It was estimated in 1980 that 27 percent of Nigerians lived in poverty.

I hope this information builds some desire for Nigerians all over the world to help steer that country towards greater heights. It has got the potentials. The data is there to support this but some aspect of our culture, beliefs and orientation needs to be changed in order to get to where we want to (DEVELOPMENT). I hope this article gives you information on what a great country Nigeria is but crippled by the greed and corruption of a shameless few.

Mother's day

Hello Everyone, Hope you all had a lovely weekend rest? I pray this new month and the rest of the following months bring you all the good things you wish yourself. Today is mother’s day. I hope all you mums had a wonderful day and your children spoilt you all rotten? I got my mum a bouquet of flower, non-alcoholic wine, and a card. She really did love it. In this time that we give our mum’s all the love, I hope we remember those who need some love, those mums whose children don’t care for them, those who a text message will make their day. I have a very lovely lady that I love very much too. She lost her beautiful daughter to sickle cell. I will be sending her a text and telling her that I do love her and have her in mind. She really does appreciate it. Africa needs to appreciate the mothers and what they do for the continent. They really contribute in their little way. Mind you that women (mothers) are the mum’s of our future leaders.

Achievement

When can one say that they have achieved what they wanted in life? What is achievement and by what standards can it be measured. Some say they have achieved when they have completed their education, some say they have achieved when they have met Mr. Right. Others believe achievement has to be something grand. Well, I do not think any one is wrong with their definition or views on achievement. I wanted to talk on this topic because there was a dialogue that just went on with a mate on How “Abuja babes” are making it. Such stories are not my cup of tea but it seems to be just the normal gist of babes who maybe “envy such a lifestyle or want similar life style. The story goes on about how these “big chicks” make their money. I hate such stories and I think without proof, there is no need to indulge in such fantasy stories. For all we know, these “bigger babes” might just be hard working and earning a decent living. And if a man decides to spoil them rotten, take them abroad, buy houses for them and big car then Hi five to them after all it is not easy and not all babes who indulge in same business get anything tangible from it.

Second story was about a mutual mate getting married to a member of “who is who” in Nigeria. Again, such issues do not rock my boat. If one meets a good man, fantastic but a man does not determine who one is or does it?

Again, to be an ass licker is not what I admire in people in fact I cannot stand such people. They lick the ass of any rich person, any person they can gain from, and any person with big names etc just to feel among. Such people I am even scared of as they will do anything to be accepted in “the fold”. They will back stab, gossip, even plan evil for one. I say this because I have had an experience where people would back stab in a second just to use one to make friends with so called (to their standard) “high class” people.

Anyway, the crux of this write up is that some people see achievement as any of these, making friends with important names, marrying into rich homes or famous people, etc. but for me, achievement means that one is constantly challenging one’s self to improve, to make it, to be a better person, to touch lives positively. It means more than just personal gratification. To me, it means that lives are also touched with my achievement and not just me. I am extremely proud of my self, where I have come from and where I am today. I am extremely optimistic about the future because with what I have invested today and with the love of family and few great friends, tomorrow will be fantastic. My sweat, my self, that is what I base achievement on.

Life appreciated

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a very lovely day and looking forward to spoiling your mums this mother's day. I am down because I can’t get time off work to go to church with my mum but never the less that will not stop me giving her a fantastic day. I have been busy with my research work. I need to send a paper for publication. I am also doing other things by the side like learning how to swim. I am really loving it. I managed to do another 10 meters. Small steps I say make the big changes.

Yesterday about past 1.00am I felt the whole house shaking. I woke up so shocked as to the reason of such a tremor. I woke up and ready to get out of the house cause this particular shaking I have never felt. It felt like the house was going to cave in but that feeling didn't last for long. I went back to sleep. I woke up to the news that an earthquake hit Britain at the same time. The same shaking and movements was felt by many. Well I have every reason to give thanks to God Almighty. Anything could have happened but he didn't let the enemy succeed. When you think of it, you'll realise that nothing makes us more special than those who died in the tsunami tragedy or other natural disaster.

From me, have a brilliant day.

Mother's day comments

Evelyn said...
To me,every day should be mothers day.Mother's Day is a great day to show your mum what she means to you,to give her back as much love as you can ,which can never equal the one she has always had for you.
on that day,I will sleep on the same bed with my mum and hold her so close to my heart,and pet her and kiss her.She is my Best friend,and she knows it,cos we agree and disagree,but then still,our love is stronger.
What will i do for my mum on that day,well will try my best to Please her and make her happy and do all the things she tells me to do.
Come to think of it Lily,we have the same mother,so let's put our heads together and make it a day to remember for her,a Blessed day and a Wonderful day.
My mother has always been there for me,through good and bad times,she has always been besides me,i cant forget her,never.I love her.

Thanks Eve for a very touching comment. I have published it as promised. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend?

Accomplishment

Hello all, I have been having a fantastic week. I have got my Little sister with me and my beautiful mum is also here to spend some wonderful time with me. I have been also going for swimming lessons and I am having a fantastic time. I got my first badge for 10 meters and hopefully will get another for 25 meters. I will keep going until I can swim properly and then raise some funds for some development projects in Nigeria. In all we do, we have to think of ways we can contribute to making our country great wherever in the World we are. I cannot really wait for the day when my impact will begin to be felt in Africa.

Hope you are having the time of your life if not make it happen. Do something for yourself, pamper yourself or just go out and enjoy the sunshine (If you are where there is one LOL). Praise yourself, smile and give to those who do not have. Life is great and should be enjoyed. Have a lovely day and a fantastic weekend. Still waiting for articles to be published in praise to our wonderful MUMs. Much love, Lily

Mother's day

Hello everyone, Guess you know Sunday the 2nd of March is mother's day. Well, I have lots of plans for my Mum. I hope to spend some quality time with her, tell her how much I love her and appreciate all the things she has done for us (her Children). I cannot begin to say how fantastic my mum is. She has contributed immensely in making me who I am today. She has pushed us to God, she always prayed and fasted for us. One day when I become a mother,I'll see my self showing such unconditional love to my children because such love was shown to me.

What will you be doing for your mum this mother's day? How has your mum touched your life? From this week, I will be publishing comments on what you'll be doing for your mum this mother's day. If you have poems, songs, articles please do not hesitate to share them with me. Our mothers do deserve them. And to all mums out there, you truly deserve this day. You are deeply loved and appreciated. God bless you mums.