ALAS!The plane is yet to be found. the earlier announcement was based on misleading information

kuwena:

AlfaPrime, you are very perceptive about our leaders. If I were to analyze the situation, this would be my submission: while they were struggling to leave the poverty of the hood, the would-be Nigerian leaders were thinking of throwing back the 'oppression' of mediocrity into the faces of their fellows. They were not thinking of turning their situations into good for other people. They were simply thinking of overcoming poverty to impress those around them, and show their people that they had arrived, and amass for themselves and family everything they could at the expense of others. Soyinka put it ever so beautifully in his book, The Lion and the Jewel: 'Progress makes every homestead look the same.' This was Baroka's rejoinder to the accusation that he was a clog in the wheel of the general progress. Which he was, indeed.

Many Nigerian leaders want there always to be the greater portion of the population deprived and looking up to them, the privileged ones, as some sort of messiahs, and ogling, and fawning, and ogling and fawning. These people are not leaders at all! Real leaders like Mandela suffered 28 or more years for their country, but after only five years gave leadership up for others. Records also show that a man like George Washington was tempted to become a life-long ruler, but he refused, in the interests of America. I could go on and on. Bottom line is, like I said before, we are surfeit with inferior people in this nation. There are too many of them! Just too many! Too many inferior people around. Too many! Phew!

People going around thinking only one thing: I, and 'I will show them.' Phew! Phew, phew phew! PHEW!!!

Methinks you're right, Kuwena. Even though, the post was not really to castigate the leaders or rulers (past or present). It's also sobering to note that hardly any of them set out to become what they ended up becoming. at the beginning of their tenures or regimes, they all set out to bring good and achieve progress for the country. And it was confirmed that there were actually positive developments in the early days of their tenures, but before u knew it, some fundamental derailing always occured. That's y I said it calls for some soul-searching to ensure that whatever caused them to miss it does not affect us in our resolve to do better today. Such history should not repeat itself. When we see then fall out of favour with each other and turn around to expose one another's evil deeds against NIgerians, may we see it as hard proof that ultimately, the masses will be vindicated in this internecine conflict.

Here's wishing all of us a splendid week ahead. Anyone with authentic info about the actual public holidays coming up this week?

aniffy4eva:

Are those 2 days really "your own"? Well, if you are married, they are most likely not. Even if you are single sef, you are probably investing it , somewhere, OR nurturing an existing commitment.

Anyways, i spend mine doing some things i love, e.g. blogging, reading, relaxing, meditation, I guess it prepares me for the following week ahead. i also have spurts of spontaneity sometimes , so i get caught up in one humdrum cycle.

@annify
You just confirmed it, by the last paragraph, You know. Maybe we should define days that are your own as days on which You can "spend time doing some things that You love". Certainly you don't own all the time on weekends as free time, but the beauty of it is that you get to take your mind off your mainstream job functions for several hours ( if you choose to!) while concentrating on other things. Little wonder some experts have defined relaxation not necessarily as being idle or unoccupied, but being in a state of mind devoid of the tension and intense concentration (or formality) that are usually associated with the work place. Time management is still important on weekends, too. On more than one occasion, I've gone on activities full-blast all through the weekend only to end up returning to work on Monday even more tired than I was on Friday! Bottom line is, in my opinion, getting to rest/relax both physically and mentally. Let's watch out for this!

@Kuwena
You know, your literary skills always seem to surface, even when You didn't set out for a lenghty post. I appreciate. The uneven distribution of wealth is an cold fact of life that all should have gotten accostomed to.Maybe I would say that part of what has helped me adjust to this was the way my parents brought us up at home. They were not in the habit of buying things equally for us the kids at the same time. Rather, we got used to seeing one of us While I can't exactly say now if it was deliberate or largely circumstantial, this seems to go against the traditional African belief that a child is usually happy when given equal treatment with his peers; but it taught us the very important lesson early enough in life, that while life does not treat us similarly, every dog has his day. And that when I see another rejoicing, my best bet is to rejoice with him because my own breakthrough is also on the way.

lots of people actualy grow from nothing to become something. In fact, one of the appaling facts about Nigeria's struggle with endemic corruption is that very few, if any, of our corrupt rulers were born with a silver spoon! Nearly all of them had very very humble backgrounds and were brought up by strict disciplinarian parents. Many of them attended village primary schools, trekking for miles, had to farm, hawk or rear cattle after school hours to eke out a living, and generally had to work while studying. Nearly all of them who went abroad to study went on scholarships, as their parents or guardians certainly could not have afforded to sponsor them there. So where did they miss it? How come they turned so callous and unfeeling towards the masses who now pass through similar if not worse conditions? If our rulers grew up in the pre-electricity darkness of  the village, is that not enough reason to ensure that Nigerians of this generation are not denied an efficient power supply system? This issue never ceases to baffle me whenever I ponder it, and that's why I said earlier that am not in a hurry to forget some of the challenges I went through while getting to this phase of life. Perhaps the transient nature of human memory has played a fast one on our leaders in Africa, in which case we must make sure that history does not repeat itself.

God bless You for extending some help to those lovely but unfortunate kids in Festac, Kuwena, You may be surprised to discover how well-placed in life they may be by now, and chances are that they may never have forgotten that gesture. A senior colleague of mine at work told me recently of how, barely a few years ago, he was so impoverished while on campus that his grades were affected and he missed a first class. In fact, at the tail end of  his university career, he had no money to eat, how much less to print his final year thesis! He had to obtain a promisory note from some one to enable him approach the photocopier lady for "credit facilities"; but here he is today, barely 8 years later, a millionaire in the same country, with bright prospects ahead of him. Funny enough, he's still in regular contact with the photocopier lady, and told me that he not only later sent the money for that project job she did for him on credit, but has also consistently sent several monetary gifts to her through someone known to they both. Meanwhile, the other person who wrote the note that enabled him get the credit, has since travelled out of Nigeria on Visa lottery.

Such is life. Important thing isn't what happens to anyone, but what he does with what happens to him.

              We may not be accountable for our circumstances,
                But we certainly are accountable for our response to our circumstances.
                Again, we have a choice of actions in life, but alas! We have no power to choose
                The consequences of our actions.
                If we did, the prisons would be empty, Cos people would commit and transgress
But choose not to face the music!



Pause and ponder.

pak:



Wonders shall never end !!!

I thought 'Come and see. . . American wonder' ended in the '80s

@Pak
At least, this is better than some scams that ask hapless unemployed youths to bring money from their meager resources for "jobsearch services".

Happy weekend everyone! Thank God it's (almost)Friday again! Thought I once asked for suggestions on the best (most effective, that is) ways of spending those 2 days of the week that you could call "your own"?

Looking forward to the short Easter break. I wish everyone on this thread happy hols in advance. Remember, the only effective way to work, is to work hard and smart, so you can trully earn your hols when it comes.

Cheers!

aniffy4eva:


Everyone has touched on it, one way or the other. I got to my current view, based on experience.

Way back, i thought it was about money, you know, " with money, you can change the world", etc, this was until i made some myself and was around people that had made much more. I heard them speak and watched them live. i then asked myself if i wanted to end up like them. My answer was a resounding "No". I don't want to make money at the expense of other individuals. i now looked at lives of people around me, and i thought about it. Why don't i affect lives positively? with what i have and where i am,

In my honest opinion, wealth is the abundance of life, first and foremost spiritually (putting a BIG smile of joy on God's face with my life), plus a family (loving wife and children), plus being financially independent alongside making other financially indepepndent.

Success, which, IMHO, is a little different from wealth, is more of focussing on the spiritual angle. I believe putting a BIG smile on God's face usually comes as a result of fulfilling your purpose, affecting your generation and the people around you. One misconception i notice is that, people believe we are all supposed to be known around the world, by everyone else, well i don't think so. Some will definitely be known around the world, no doubt, but for some, their purpose may just be to convert one soul, write one book, encourage one person etc. Once i focus on that angle of fulfilling God's purpose, all other things i need to do this will be added unto me. At the end of it all, what i want is after death (or rapture), when i get to heaven, i want Jesus to hug me and say " Welcome home folayemi, you did me proud", So i really don't care how people define success, or if people think i was successful or not, as long as the end result is what He says when i go home.

Touche! Annify, I think You just got it right on the spot. Wealth defined as abundance of life. Hm. Remember You also asked about how much wealth would one consider to be enough? How does that match up with this definition, could you say? In other words, how could one ever get (and know that one has got) abundance of life? A matter that should gainfully occupy our waking thoughts.

It's good you discovered by experience that having lots of money in itself is not fulfilling. I have also "interacted with" some millioniares myself, and bottom line is, minus God, they're not much different from the rest of the Nigerian "masses". The same selfish, greedy tendencies are there, the same reluctance to part with money except when it boosts the ego, etc. However, I wouldn't want to ever discourage anyone from aspiring to make as much money as possible, because you may never realise the emptiness of purposeless wealth until you get there and find yourself wondering, "what next?"

It's good to have some of the conveniences and good things of life, certainly; but please, let's bear in mind that these things easily get a tough grip on an unguarded heart and affections, and before you know it, you're in a mad race for more and more while appreciating God less and less for other gracious, priceless blessings of His upon your life. Could we do well to ponder on these matters?

kenosky:

[size=13pt]

[size=13pt]someone asked mi a question yesterday thatz got mi thinking. Whatz your take on it? 'HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND YOU?'[/size]

@Kenosky
That's really a thought-provoking question, but also one that is a "doing" question, if you get what I mean. It could be very tempting to philosophise about changing the world around me without ever getting to do so. The answer would vary from person to person, because we're in various parts and areas of the same world that we're all trying to change (change positively, of course!) You can change the world around you most effectively by influencing those around you, which brings us to the follow-up question: How then do I influence the people around me? Simply by starting with myself. The easiest person you could change in the whole wide world is yourself, and you'd sooner realise that changing/improving on (some aspects of) yourself may well be the key to changing whoever or whatever else you strongly desire to change around you.
Strong, world-wide visions always start with the inwards effect, for
a man cannot creditably and credibly present to the world,
Any idea that he has not first tried on himself with convincing success.
Cheers,

kenosky:

[color=#000099][size=13pt]niyoo, i hail your courage- it takes a great man to say 'i am sorry!', indeed, u must be udeme

U're right, Kennosky!

@Niyoo

Man! Niyoo, I doff my hat (and heart, too!) for the appology and explanations. You can already see the effect it's having on even Kuwena, who has also appologised to all

@Kuwena

Good to receive your appology with all humility. I suggest let the past be past. U still have a great future ahead of you, which I'm very sure some of the very helpful postings on this thread will help make even greater. A number of intellectual issues have been raised here of late, (mostly geared towards improving our own Nigeria) and we're yet to fully close out on many of them. Could we now join hands and heads for some more brainstorming on this golden thread?

@Annify4eva

U asked a question which has been roundly replied to by several contributors on the thread. We're somehow awaiting your own take on the definition of wealth and indices for measuring a successful life. Welcome to your internet connectivity, too.

@Kuwena
I've gone thru your post on religion and I think I must say a few things here by way of advice. Good U started by admitting that U are not an expert in religion. I don't know for how long U were a Christian, but I only wonder if ever had a personal relationship with God. How could U say that to live the life of the Lord Jesus on earth is impossible? Have U not heard of the Holy Spirit? If you were to address the actual, final reason of your turning your back on Christianity, would it only be related to some major disappointments you suffered in life?

The questions could go on and on, but suffice to say here also, that Christian life is NOT an emotional response in anyway. It is NOT based on feelings or emotions. If it were, many of us would have given up on it especialy when we passed through several shockers and let-downs in life. But thank God, it is based on faith! Being confident of what U have not yet seen, because of whom U have believed.

The Jewish religion did not favour any section of the society against another. It didn't favour the rich against the poor at all; what happened during Jesus' time on earth was that the elders and scribes of the present day had derailed so much, and were substituting their own commandments for the true Jewish law of God.That was precisely what Jesus condemned. Do you recall that He expressly said that He didn't come to abolish the law, but to fulfil it? By the way, Jesus lived and practiced the Jewish law all through His life. Of course, He was quick to bring out the real essence of the law, and not the external peripheries. Forgive me for not giving the scriptural references now, but I also recall when the rich young ruler came to enquire of Jesus the way of life, hear His reply, before He talked about giving away riches: What does the law say, and how do you read?"

It's not accurate to think that giving away of riches would automatically buy anyone eternal life or salvation; Salvation through Christ is FREE, paid for by His blood. Jesus, by the way, was and is NOT a radical social reformer. He was and is the Son of God and savior of the world.

@Kuwena
Do you really feel that there are people who think you are proud? What could have led to that, if so?

@Others
Wishing us all a successful, blissful and fulfilling week!

The Fight is Over.Samuel Peter wins in 6th round Technical Knock Out. Confirmed at last, the interim is dropped. Kudos to Nigeria, Africa and the black race.

Kudos, Man!

Hi everybody! Hope the weekend is going fine and giving us lots of time for rest. I recently discovered that "Thank God it's Friday (TGIF)" does not in anyway connote laziness. Even the most diligent and loyal worker still looks forward to weekends. Or how do you consider this rider: If you don't look forward to Fridays, then how can You look forward eagerly to retirement?" This is for those who plan to work till when they have to retire, of course.
I look forward to our sharing with one another on this thread, some of the best preferred ways of spending these 2 days in a week that you could call your own. appologies to those who have to work some weekends. I did myself, today, though it wasn't compulsorily.

kuwena:

'Konwa, the bible names you mentioned as being rich were all old testament characters. I'm sorry, my dear; but could you mention some from the New Testament?

@Kuwena
The Bible specifically tells us that multitudes believed in the gospel and joined the church in the early days of the church. I'm sure that you are not by any means suggesting that of all those multitudes, thousands of people who believed (in some verses it was specifically stated, 3000 people in one day alone, etc) none was qualified to be called rich? Do you really believe all of them were paupers? I don't think so. But if You want some names from the new testament, here goes:
1. the rich Joseph, who was a disciple of Jesus and collected and buried His body in his (Joseph's) own new tomb (Matt. 27:17)

2. Lydia, the seller of Purple, in Thyatira, who undertook to take care of the apostles (Acts. 16: 14-15)

3. Barnabas, one of the believers, who owned but sold his piece of land and submitted the money at the feet of the apostles. (Acts 4:36, 37)
The list goes on and on. Check many of the epistles (such as the Book of James) and You'll see whole verses dedicated to admonishing the rich ones in the Church on how to use their wealth to the glory of God and for the benefit of the general good. The apostle Paul himself might have been rich, had he not spent all his money realised through his tentmaking efforts on the ministry of the gospel. At times, he had to also spend his own money on some of the Churches (study 2nd Corinthians), even when he was a missionary with no fixed human sponsor!

Actually, I must say that u wouldn't see so many names mentioned is a testimony to the fact that the rich members of the early church did not count their wealth as anything. the practice then was rather to place whatever and all that you possessed at the disposal of the Church. Every thing was then shared out according to the varying degrees of need of the different members. That could possibly be why some people think that they were all poor. Like I noted in an earlier post on this thread, a measure of your wealth could be, not in how much you own, but in how much You give out; this largely seems to have been the case in the early Church. Once again, it boils down to your value system. How much attention do You pay to your (pursuit of) wealth. Some people's wealth won't allow them a moment of rest, while yet others plague themselves with stress about how to make so much money, when they don't even know what they intend to do with such wealth.

@Kuwena
Again, wishing You all the best in your visa interview

@Kenosky
When are You going to fill in the thread on some of your trainings and experiences over there?

Ups!

skeelo:

@ niyoooo
u try well with your epistle
first where u from show come?
where u dey all this while?
why na now u surface again?
if person vex u, kip your vexation inside u, we no dey share vexation for this trend, na views and advice we dey share
if i don vex u, me self i apologize, take am easy, mr niyyyyoooo

make nobody vex because of Mr niyooo, let the trend continue as usual

@Skeelo
That's quite a beautiful and strong statement to make about this thread. I like the sound of it: We share views and advice here, not vexation. Great! I think everyone has got that message now

@Others
here's also something I got courtesy of "The Word For Today" email service. It's the devotional for today and it seems they just knew by inspiration what we were discussing about wealth (and by implication, money) on this thread.


[b]Make Your Money - His Servant!

Whoever loves money never has money enough. - Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV



If your goal is to prosper in order to fulfil God's purposes, God will bless you. If it's just to be rich, you're on
your own!


Notice: (1) Money will buy people, but not true friends. Christina Onassis, one of the richest women in the world,
had to hire someone to play tennis with her and go to supper with her. She had so much money she couldn't spend it
all, yet she lived an empty, lonely life. Yes, money will buy people, but not true friends. They'll be takers but
not givers, and as soon as your money is gone they will be too.
(2) Money will buy books, but not brains. In his
book The Seven Secrets, John Hagee writes: "A beautiful prayer tower was erected in the centre of Trinity
University. Every day the chimes echoed across the campus. But that prayer tower had to be locked with an iron gate.
Why? Because some students who could not achieve the academic dreams of their wealthy fathers climbed the stairs of
the prayer tower to leap to their deaths." Yes, money will buy books, but not brains.
(3) Money will buy food, but
not a healthy appetite. Ever thought of an empty plate as beautiful? An empty plate becomes beautiful when you have
a sick loved one with a deadly disease. You prepare the finest foods only to watch them push it away, nauseated by
the sight. Next time you see a dirty plate on your table, thank God for the food He has given you and the appetite
to want it. Money can't buy that.


Bottom line: make Jesus Lord of your life, and make your money - His servant!


SoulFood Bible Readings: Ge 47-49, Mt 25:1-13, Ps 112, Pr 7:6-9
[/b]

Goes to also guide us in our definition of wealth. Money is limited in many ways. That's why money may not always be equated to wealth. The old saying has it that health is wealth, not that health is money or stocks!

@Aniffy
I think I'd borrow or adopt Pak's definition of prosperity, except to add that prosperity is also like an innate quality. In order words, a prosperous person causes whatever he is involved in to prosper. Regardless of whether he is in a pit, prison or palace, he makes the most of his situation (cf Joseph in the Bible - Gen. Chapter 37) and always brings progress and effectiveness to any venture.

On wealth, I'd say that it's definition is sort of relative. You see, what one may consider to be wealth may not even be valuable to another. Then You have the issue of changing values, social status symbols, and relative world views. For instance, someone may have several cars, mansions, and clothes, while another lives very simply, having only what he really needs, yet this second person has vast acres of lands and a huge bank balance. We would say the first is wealthier, because we can see the evidence of his wealth, whereas the latter may actually be the richer! I once saw a quote somewhere where someone said, , " I am rich: I spend less than I have, and yet I can afford to buy all that I desire, so who says I am not rich?" See what I mean, yet this fellow hasn't told us how much he spends and how much his desires are really worth. The lesson here is that You may never see yourself as being rich unless You learn to be content with what You have, and have a grateful heart. Not that You will stop exercising upward mobility (progress ,that is), but one must know when to say NO to the pressures of the rat race. The winner of the rat race (if ever there was one) is still only a RAT.

There goes! Hope it has addressed the question. I believe also that another indicator of wealth is how much you are able to give out to others, not just how much you have saved or stashed away.  

@Kuwena, niyooo

I wish we wouldn't attack one another's persons so viciously on this thread. We're only exchanging ideas. Kuwena, by now you must have felt the pulse of the generality of Nairalanders on your frequently expressed views of Nigeria. You know this thread is open to all who can log into the internet, from whatever part of the world. Please do not let out your disenchantment with Nigeria during your visa interview, because it's almost sure to cost you your entry to that land. The US. consulate is always wary of such people who come to them vowing love for America and hatred for their own fatherland. Tell You why? Their reasoning is very simple, if you cannot be a lover of your own country at heart, how then could you be a loyal citizen, and how also could you be depended on to be a law abiding resident of the US. They always want to know that You have a country to return to after your studies, too. One of the staff of the US embassy in Nigeria once jokingly told us of how they usually deliberately refuse to grant visas to those who come all dressed out in "yoppie" american style, because "they have already practised America more than the Americans" and so are probably suspect. Beware!

Niyoo, You know the funny thing about rebuking others is that before u know it, You almost fall guilty of the very same vice You set out to condemn. Are we justified to vilify Kuwena with just the same harsh tone that he used to describe his pains about Nigeria? I feel You, man, but there are better ways! Anyway, you've already appologised.

@Pak
We know where we meet, now!

@Skeelo
Man, this poem of yours is a great piece. If people could implement half of it, we would have divorce rates slashed by perhaps 60%. Keep it up, and make sure You practise what You've preached when You get married!

@Others
Keep the posts flying in. Cheerio.

@aniffy4eva
I'll get to answer your questions by tomorrow, sorry I can't take it up now. The subject of a precise and accurate definition of wealth is really a most interesting one. This is hoping the entire forum will do justice to it.

@Opoks
U've really shown from Ur posts to Kuwena on religion, that U're truly not after making much money just for the heck of it. but as an instrument for service. Highly commendable. Don't b too hard on Kuwena, however. He's writing based on his personal experience in life, and also his worldview, Most of his posts on this issue seem to be more like questions from a mind that is seeking justification for continued belief in God, for which there are plenty.

@Kuwena
I understand. Opoks raised a lot of issues in his post that U would do well to consider. God has been good to you. He's still the creator of even the whiteman, anyway. And speaking of the whiteman, like Opoks said, they're fully humans like us. I once asked my uncle who is a University prof in New York whether his students have ever cheated in class exams. hear him: "O, cheating is a universal phenomenon. Sure, I've caught some cheating, " One of my classmates came to the point where he believed that he would amount to a failure except he left Nigeria for good. Those of us who didn't think that way with him, are not failures today. Again, in a high tech software training class that I was once privileged to attend, one of my coursemates complained to our expartriate Indian instructor that there were no jobs in Nigeria. Hear the Indian's reply: "Then what am I doing here in Nigeria, if there are no jobs?"

See what I mean? Success is what U decide to make of your life!

opokonwa:



I found out that a good number of my entrepreneur role models, whom I had acquired books on their lives and success stories were either occultists or athiests.
Not all but a good number of them (both blacks and whites).
A sour point in my research on wealthy people, wealth creation and notable names in various fields of endeavour.
This is aside from them being very hardworking and highly-driven people

Some of them were bold enough to declare it in their books.
Others I discovered by researching some notable occult websites that had links to them and filtered the names of some their influential members.

It got to a point, some of those groups offered me membership in return for stupendous wealth.
They encountered 'the wrong candidate'.
I dropped my curiosity there and then.

Reminds me of the 'selling my soul to the devil' cry from Kuwena.

However, I believe that Christ is the head of all principalities and powers as declared in the Bible, precisely in Colossians 1:16
I also reasoned that if those peeps could trade their own souls to these 'principalities and powers' just to gain immense wealth and indomitable influence in their respective industries and trades,
Then, why shouldn't I trade my own soul to the Head of them all; Christ, who can do better?

If their own god can guarantee them immense wealth and 'success' as the world sees it. _{in place of their own souls}
Then mine should be able to do better, being the Head of them all.

Besides, my soul will be with me.
I do not need to lose it.

I only need to understand how to follow HIM
And what my purpose in life is.

Then I will get to where the farthest man or woman ever got to.
That process is part of what I am going through now.

@Opoks
You simply hit the nail on the head here. What those sources (books and occultic web pages) may not have bothered to tell us is what finally became of those members of theirs who were seemingly "rich, successful, wealthy, " The devil's gift is never free, and he always ends up taking back much more that what he "gave". Chips down, I would never really consider a man as successful, who did not identify himself with God and serve Him while on earth. The Bible is fundamentally clear on what happens to a nation that forgets God (Ps. 9:17, and Prov. 14:34), how much more a man who turns his back on his very Creator. What is the whole essence of life anyway? Is it just to make wealth? Could a man who has lost his own inner peace still add meaning to other lives?

@Kuwena
There's actually no contradiction with what the preacher woman said. Jesus was not actually poor, the Bible says, rather, that although He was rich, He was made poor, so that we, through His poverty, could be made rich. (2Cor 8:9). In other words,
1. He was made poor, but was not innately poor. His poverty was His free choice to which He consented
2. His poverty was with a purpose: So that we, His followers and worshippers, could be made rich.

But as His followers, also, His values should be our values. So, we're going to frequently choose to be poor so that others can be rich. The problem comes when many people (Preacher and parishioner alike) mistake wealth for materialism. Paul made it clearer when he stated that, though poor, they were making others rich. A Christian who has not handled wealth may never be sure how he would behave if he were to be rich. But one who has been blessed by God and yet has not allowed himself to be carried away with the riches, has maintained a simple lifestyle, content with what he needs and more interested in being useful to others on earth, has proven himself faithful.

I actually don't know from where the concept of religion being synonymous with poverty came from. Could it be because Jesus talked of preaching the good news "to the poor"? Or might it be because over the ages, the poor and oppressed have usually found solace in the hope of a better life in the hereafter? Well,,  even religious leaders have also oppressed their members wrongly, feeding themselves fat and not caring about the welfare of the flock, but Christianity is NOT a religion. It's a relationship with God, a walk with the Lord Jesus. It's God looking for man, as against all the religions of the earth that teach various ways by which man may look for God.

Kuwena, You may have passed through some fires in life, but I offered you some 2 keys a few days ago. have You really sat to consider them? You were maltreated by your uncle, and you complained of rejection, now you are being admired and reverred by colleagues at work, and you still complain of being in the limelight? Can't You see that God is the One ordering your steps to the point where You can fulfil His plans for your life? You are not the first to have turned your back on God, anyway, and may not be the last. Guess what? Even in the Bible, when people like Elijah, Jeremiah and Jonah felt like shouting at God (and actually did!) He didn't strike them dead instantly, but lovingly guided them through that crisis phase of their lives.

I advise you to retrace your steps and return to Him, you need His peace in your heart.


@Others
We're really getting down to some great ideas across board here. The brainstorming sessions are already on, and am sure others will be coming up with brainwaves as we go along. Opoks, what did You finally conclude with that former classmate of yours?

@Tommyex

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
It's so great to add another year to your life, you know. Hope You took out some time to meditate on your progress in life so far and set goals/strategise for the the coming years,

@Annify4eva
Thanks so much for streamlining the intellectual discussions to a discernible 3-pronged head, namely:
1. Restoration of effective leadership across board
2. Agressive (Am sure Opoks would agree with this adjective) enterpreneurship drive towards financial independence, and
3. Positively affecting Nigerians of our generation, starting in whatever capacity we can, at whatever corner we find ourselves, determined to make a difference in our own way,  Nigeria's greatest natural resource is obviously not oil, but her people; anyone who helps Nigerians in Nigeria has helped Nigeria!

There would be other angles and phases to this, for sure, which I believe chaps on this forum would be highlighting as we progress. Some people are already making marks where they are, and I believe they'll do well to give us updates on their progress, as well as (most importantly), some of the challenges they may encounter in these noble tasks.

aniffy4eva:

@ Opoks!

the desire to be free (financially) is innate in every individual, it just happens that as we grow older, most of us allow circumstances and the society to enslave us. The sad part is that, a vast majority tend to start liking the enslavement and they get used to it. I often tell people that, to attain financial independence, the first ingredient you need is STRONG desire, which i see is evident in you,

Speaking of economic liberaion, one strong weapon for combating poverty and attaining financial independence is having an efficient budget system. A personal budget, rather than limit you, actually empowers you to determine how and where your money goes. I have also discovered that you may face a crisis of values whenever you find yourself in a situation where You can afford something which you don't really need. A lot of people, in attempting to join the craze, end up spending money (which they may not have) on unnecessary things (which they don't need), all in a bid to impress people (who don't care, anyway!)

I've come to quietly discover that, even for the rich, a conservative lifestyle, as against a flamboyant one, may actually be wisdom in itself. That You can afford it, afterall, may not be a very good reason to spend your resources which could be better channeled towards improving lives somewhere.

@Opoks
I feel you, and understand your desire to be self-dependent. Trully, if your job does not engross you enough to make you forget payday, awaiting the salary could really be boring! But I'd suggest you replace your vision of making more money with that of becoming an employer of labour in the long run. That, You know, could actually be a more objective and inspiring vision. Making money in itself is not usually a satisfying end.

@ Kuwena et al
Thanks for your numerous commendations. I feel humbled. Like I said earlier, I was a (mostly silent)  visitor on "Which Way Nlng" from page 1, following discussions on the thread with keen interest. When all the hullaballoo about the recruitment was over and this thread persisted, I told myself, "here is a crop of Nigerians who are really patriotic but may not realise it, who really care about this country, who could network and achieve so much without having to attend any public rally or noisy assembly. Why not share some ideas with these great minds?, " and so I began to write,  So I think, the greater credit goes to all those of us who have kept this thread a must-read with their objective contributions.

pak:

@Alfaprime
That line of reasoning, the writing style, the expressions all sound very very familiar. . ,

Are You sure?

Cheers, all!

@Uche7869

I believe you must be a very patriotic Nigerian, and you raised the need for us to imbibe that quality. Agreed. One thing every great nationalist knows, however, is that no member of a country is ever labelled as "un-needed" or irrelevant,

Kuwena may have had some issues with the poor treatment and letdown he got from this country, but I think he has shown himself, though almost disillusioned by disappointment, to be a Nigerian at heart. How do we know? He has brought his matters openly to this forum, made up of Nigerians like U and I; he has told us his story, and submitted himself to a cross-section of our opinions, whether pleasant or not to his ears; he has even dropped several lines from his autobiography, revealing tremendous talent. I know U also mean good for him, but let's take another look at the means of conveyance, so that U don't end up passing across a scathing attack when U only wanted to reawaken national consciousness. Let's try and encourage ourselves, especially those who are hurting.

@Kuwena
And we trust that U won't swallow the bait to allow another verbal war to begin on this honourable thread. Let's keep to the objective issues currently being thrashed, right? Cheers, Have a great week, all!

@Kuwena

I know U mean well for Nigeria. You've said as such severally and we believe you. Also wouldn't want you to think that I'm attempting to trivialise your astonishing experiences at the hands of your "uncle". They're profound and really dwarf what some others have seen so far. But I bet you, take another look at yourself and you'll spot out several personal qualities that got shapened and sharpened as a result of your peculiar past.

And did I say, I'm actually looking forward to laying my hands on that Autobiography. Kudos. It's a great achievement.


@Opokonwa

Uhuru indeed to practice what we preach. I intend to set up small scholarship scheme for my alma maters. But I have to make sure it goes only to those who really need it. I think, with a little effort and effective budgeting on my part, my paypacket should be able to amongst other things, bring joy and laughter to some people somewhere. Other Landers on this thread could come up with useful and pragmatic suggestions on the go-forward plan for Nigeria, from our standpoint as youths in the workforce. You know, the title of this thread reminds one so much of that old song, "Which Way Nigeria?", A title that literally calls for practical solutions,

@Others
I strongly believe that bringing out some minutes to share objective, analytical ideas on this thread as many of us have been doing, is also a great service to Nigeria. It all started because we wanted at some point in time to work for the Nigerian government via NLNG, anyway!

@Kenosky

Frankly speaking, I admire the way U took another look at my contributions, almost phrase by phrase; I think it shows a highly analytical mind, and this is something I've found to be true of a good number of educated Nigerians.

Actually, it's not easy to answer the question about what became of idealistic revolutionaries of the yore, because change, like we all know, is gradual and progressive. Even the most radical of all change agents certainly stood on the shoulders of their preceeding comrades and continued from where they stopped, until they achieved the struggle. I think it pays to stick to what U know to be right, Kenosky. Again, we may have had knowledge of our problems in the past, but U'd also agree with me that it's only of recent that it's getting so clear now, to what extent we sunk in the quagmire. That's what I meant.

I also appreciate the further homourous side U injected into the lecturer's anecdote I shared. We should learn to laugh at our challenges without necesarily accepting our our shortcomings as inherent or "the Nigerian factor".

@Others
I didn't actually claim to have a master key to the problems of Nigeria. Like Kenosky pointed out, the matters are so complex that an allen key or perhaps a computer key would be required to unlock all the deadlocks! So those of us who suggested various keys are probably all right. The key I meant was that which would help Kuwena make the most of his present opportunities. I've followed this thread from page 1 and am quite conversant with several personal challenges he shared with us here.

Kuwena, like I said earlier, you're a potential high-flier, symbolised by your innate abilities to forge ahead each time it seemed fate played a cruel one on you; but I must say, your first point of starting is ,

Counting your blessings

NOT counting, as in numbering them, but counting as in regarding and valuing them, esteeming and appreciating them. U can't make much of a situation if you're not firstly grateful for all the circumstances that culminated in your finding yourself there. If you find it hard to appreciate the things you've received, how about being thankful to God for at least, the evils you escaped?I think we need to start there. A good degree, excellent credentials, challenging family background, good job, natural intelligence, , etc the list runs endlessly for you and for the rest of us on this thread, Kuwena. U'll agree that not every intelligent candidate who sat for the same Intercontinental test as you did passed, or scaled through the rigorous interview stage. U know your history better than anyone else, and you alone can adequately thank God for your life. And can I tell you what, the blessings U've seen so far are simply nothing compared to where God is taking you in life. How do I know? Simple: Your background.

The finest leaders are made and tested in the crucibles of hard, real-time suffering, and no kidding about this. U know it's very difficult for an empty sack to stand upright, right? So, those of us who passed through hell on earth when it seemed we had nothing to offer, can see now that we were not actually empty back then like we thought, but were filled with innate survival instincts, and some of the finest qualities of personality.

The second tip I'd like to share with you, may not be so pleasant. I wish there were a better forum to tell you this than over the open thread like this, but I still think it would help many more of us, ,
Kuwena, the true and final test of greatness is in your ability to freely forgive those who did their [/i] [s]best worst to prevent U from becoming what U were destined to become in life. [/s]

For instance, if I may give U some food for thought, that Uncle of yours, at whose hands U went through so much, when U get the golden fleece from 21st centuty America tomorrow, will you be willing to train his kids (or grandkids) in school, if such a need arose? U may never need to, but would U be [i]willing to do so if U had to? That's the crux of the matter. Because there is a limit to the amount of resources and opportunities that can be committed to a man who harbours wrongs done against him. Such a person would not make a good leader in the first place, because

A man under the influence of a prejudice (even a justifiable one)
Hardly makes the best decisions;
And leadership is a lot about making decisions.

You would also agree with me, that in order to belittle, one has to be little. That should explain why some people did all in their power to put U down perpetually. Great men don't waste their brain power and memory in keeping record of wrongs.

Do consider these words. I have some past experiences which I may not be able to share in this post, where I had to give up hurts, in order to rise to the next level in life. It may not be easy, but it's gains are tremendous. The man who forgives freely releases someone from a bondage: Himself.

Don't wait till U achieve greatness before U realise that family is important, even if your own extended family did U several bad turns and never cared to know if you survived. As you make it in life, they're going to come running back to identify with you, and U must have it in your mind already to forgive and spread out your wings of success as a shade for them. Not that U should naively let down all your guard, of course! But, I know U perfectly understand.

So that's it about the vital key(s) for Kuwena's go-forward plans, chaps. The weekend is not yet yet over, Landers; I still wish us a fulfilling Sunday.

Ups!

[/quote][quote author=speak2me link=topic=116721.msg2012344#msg2012344 date=1204385082]
thanks a lot,

wuld be doing that ryt about NOW,

thanks also

@tommyex

Funny enough, this intellectual contest, as you call it, can only do us a world of good. U see, radical revolutionaries always started as idealists who began by envisioning a better world around them. They then took up the gauntlet and stepped out for a change.

@Opokonwa

I say touche to your post. The change in Nigeria starts with us. In fact, with me. Let me recall an experience we had while in school. A lecturer shared with us in class, how a student of his in a senior level to ours once approached him after an exam result was released, complaining that his result was missing. The lecturer was surprised and asked the student how this could have possibly happend, and if he was sure he actually sat for the exam in question. Eventually, under intense interrogation, the boy confessed that he didn't actually write the exam, but had hoped he could con the university don into awarding him a grade. The lecturer then paused and made a profound statement to us in the class: He said something like this: " If as a student, you ask for grades for exam u never wrote, then as a local govt chairman, you will commision roads that you did not build!" The class roared with laughter, while some one impishly chipped in: ", and build bridges where actually, no river exists!

But, I'm sure we get the point here. It starts with me and you. In this regard, I'd say that one reason Nigeria stands out from other corrupt countries right now is that there is both official and general condemnation of the trend. For one, we know that we are corrupt. Though we may disagree about the best way to fight it, we are at least, willing to talk about it, opening ourselves up to the world, and assessing ourselves on our anti-corruption strides.

@Kuwena
You are very correct about the cause of not just Nigeria, but Africa's present state of backwardness: Leadership. But it depends on your definition of leadership. I don't just mean political leadership. I mean a collective and cummulative failure of leadership at the Federal level, State level, local level, family level, and curiously but surely, the INDIVIDUAL level. Do you remember the Biblical quotation that "he who has rule over his spirit is better than he that taketh a city?", because some of us really, can't govern ourselves yet.

I don't mean to sound despondent or preachy of course, cos there's actually a lot of hope for us. We may not realise it now, but the truth is that things may never have been this hopeful for us in our history as a nation, NOT because things are good right now (in fact, they're actually in their worst state) but because we NOW KNOW OUR TRUE SORRY STATE AS A NATION, and are desirous of change. Ignorance is the worst killer.

@Kuwena

Pls don't think that because of my juicy job, I don't know suffering. Yes, things are reasonably easier for me now, but I have had my fair share of suffering in life, which I'm not in a hurry to forget. From having to trek miles to primary school on an empty stomach, to surviving for days in University on just garri and water, to being abandoned when it mattered most, by trusted and well-to-do relatives who my father had done much for,, name it. And today, when I sit in an airconditioned vehicle going to and from the office, I look out at the sweating, trudging masses struggling for their daily bread, and tell myself silently
"From poverty in Nigeria, none is free,
Until all is free"

Doubt me? Ask an armed robbery or fraud victim.

Many of us on Nairaland have seen the worst side of life in Nigeria, but have not allowed it to turn us against the country. Because the country is simply U and I.

But U know the key to forging ahead? Kuwena, I'll share this key with U in my next post, for our collective benefit. it will help U as U progress to your next level in life. You've got all the trappings of a successful high-flier, but this key is so vital, U need to have it as you progress.

Cheerio!Happy weekend.

I thank you all. When I was a Christian, one of the psalms I loved was Psalm 131. In the first part of that psalm, the songist said: 'Yahweh, I am not proud!' I second him. Indeed, I am not proud.

I have got admission to do a master's in the course I love best, in a standard American school (name of school deliberately withheld), and am being offered a GTA; but what if I package the admission letter, and the I-20, and my transcript, and all what not, and go to the Embassy and they see all these documents, and still deny me a visa? What then? I would still be back to square one. So I know it is not yet uhuru. NLNG has taught me certain things: Do not count your chicks before they are hatched. And I will not do so. I will patiently begin to plan my embassy interview, with my fingers crossed.

The reason I went all emotional and started saying I would give my life for the USA and all what not is simple. I had just received the letter, and I was ecstatic; but now that I have allowed sufficient time to pass, I can reflect. What touched me about Professor Pat's letter was the language she used. For someone that has just been rejected by NLNG, words like: your credentials are very impressive; you will add greatly to our graduate community here; I look forward to seeing you; you are admitted on full graduate standing; welcome to the Graduate school, and all what not, simply made me feel wanted. I had felt rejected in my own country, and the USA seemed to be welcoming me with open arms; an orphan boy like me. How could I not feel love for them?

Anyway, I know it is not yet Uhuru. I know this too well. Let's see how the big one goes, the embassy battle. That is the big one. The real maccoy!





@Kuwena,

U said, "when U were a Christian", may I ask what U are now?

Am also happy for u that u've calmed down and allowed commonsense to prevail after your initial near-hysteric excitement over the admission. It never ceases to make me wonder silently whenever I see people so excited about leaving our country Nigeria for greener pastures abroad. Guys, my prayer for us all is that we come to the point where travelling to the US or anywhere else will be normal and usual, like a pasttime, not a thing to break our heads over. When I got my letter informing me that I had passed the NLNG test, I injured myself with excitement and nearly lost my life, but it taught me sober lessons. When God in his infinite mercy later blessed me with a much more expensive multi-million naira job, I was much calmer, cos I had realised by then that His plans for me are much greater than even my greatest hopes and dreams. He's indeed a loving God and a great Father!

ANother thing I must say here, Kuwena, (and to all landers) is that we must have a positive attitude to Nigeria. mark my words, and go confirm them on the net, there is NO CRIME, MISFORTUNE, CORRUPTION OR DISCOMFORT that U see in this country, that does not much more abound in the USA. from violent robbery/crime, rape, car-snatching, , name it! I have seen riots and mob action happening on the streets on US (in this 21st century!) over a hit and run driver, it's just that, the truth remains, the system there works far better than our system here, because nearly everyone behaves themselves and respects the rule of law. So please, we still have a future and a hope here. I work with Americans in my company, and many of them have a deep respect for this country, despite the fact that it's obvious our leaders have shortchanged us. One of them once told me quite frankly, that he thinks the NYSC scheme is one thing that makes Nigeria so great and unique. Imagine!

Finally, remain blessed all. Prepare very well for your Visa interview, Kuwena. U may wish to visit the USIS at Broad Street, Lagos, to acquaint yourself on what is required for a successful interview. I want to believe that it's a credible school that's offering the admission, cos, funny enof, there are some American schools whose admission and even scholarship CANNOT get u a scholarship.

Up Landers!!!

@Kobojunkie
U know, Kobo and Mariory, this is my greatest headache in the whole saga. How then do we know which laws have to be infringed before an election can be annuled? If such a serious flaw as using un-serialised ballot papers could not warrant annulment, then what could??

Sad, sad, sad.

Well, Kalu has been fond of throwing such challenges to others. I expect him to rise to this occasion, even tho the very challenge itself seems a big insult.
Actually, Orji Uzor's command of the English language improved tremendously while he was in office. if u heard him speak in 2000 and heard him in 2007 or today, U'd surely agree with this. not forgetting also, his famed university career at ABSU while in office as executive governor.

Omo Ibo, Biko! Let nobody trivialise issues here, pls. Face the facts, not the hear-say.

To say am shocked is an understatement. Well, I feel for reasonable and honorable nigerians like SkyBlue and Jibitoye who are as dismayed as I was at the ruling. I only pity everyone who played a role in this mess. they will surely reap the rewards. Told a friend with all certainty this evening, that many people WHO ARE PRESENTLY REJOICING OVER TODAY'S RULING WILL BEFORE LONG, WEEP FROM THE AFTERMATHS. Not a curse, but a people always end up with the sort of leaders they deserve.

the worst part is that regardless of teh so-called "paucity of evidence" as claimed by the tribunal, even where there was incontovertible evidence of non-compliance to the electoral act, what we're being told is that "it was not sufficient to warrant annuling the election"

Shame on all the un-learned judges who attempted to justify and legitimize the sham of last year

Shame on Yar Adua and his cohorts, who preach rule of law yet had their election rigged for them, and are smiling home with a stolen mandate;

Shame on those of us on this forum who, instead of standing by truth at all times, are now so warped and "povertised" in our mentality that we are consoling ourselves that it was done in the best interest of national peace and security

Shame on the police who arrest and condemn armed robbers, yet guarded and stood by, and in some cases even participated, while broad daylight rigging went on

Shame on Yar' Adua, who admitted to the whole world during his swearing indeed, the process that brought him in was flawed, and that he would do something about it. U better go and disband that electoral reform panel u constituted, cos there's nothing for them to reform, since the election that brought u in has been shown to be "credible"!

Shame on OBJ, who cannot be exonorated in anyway from all this. As surely as Justice is sure, he will see his eventual state in all this.

Shame on those, who would use this as a licence to go all out for rigging and corruption in all works of life, since they have seen the scarcity of justice where it mattered most.

yeah, U guys did a great job bringing it to this 100th page. Congrats to all in the house. I also hope by now that all who were around as at page 1 are now employed in one place or the other. otherwise, pls Kuwena, start another thread titled "WHICH WAY, UNEMPLOYED ONES?"

LOL!

Ho- Ha!
We cannot support a government hearded by Onyema Ugochukwu, cos he did not win the election that even the tribunal agreed was free and fair and won by TA Orji. Truth remains that Orji is more popular, more decent, humane, and selfless than Onyema. Onyema was a product of OBJ's self-styled leadership which hinged on personal vendetta that saw TA Orji incarcerated for long months leading to the guber elections. shame on Onyema who is coming to reap where he did not sow. OBJ was in Abia 2ce to campaign yet his party could not win a free and fair election.

may the Appeal court upturn this verdict. Amen

@Almondjoy

why should someone like U who hates NIgerians find yourself on nairaland, which is a forum dedicated to Nigerians and friends of Nigerians? Or are U also a hypocrite?

Quite sad if Mc Cain actually said that, I mean, he shd be able to condemn Castro's excesses and ideas without necessarily wishing him dead. I hope his campaign team quickly deals with this b4 it becomes a minus for him, for he's trully a popular candidate.

@Kobojunkie
No, not against freedom of speech at all, just that we should also learn to appreciate good things when they eventually happen. though am very far from being a politician, one thing av realised about the game is that they don't usually wait for anyone to blow their trumpet for them, they must blow it themselves. Take a look at the American politics, they're still arguing about shameful things like health policies and slum landlords and all. If dirty environment is a problem in Aba and a gov is now tackling it and decides to make it breaking news, then so be it!

Cheers.

no, i dont for now. but keep watching the thread and nairaland in general.