Preserve Our Future!

The surprising discoveries made in Nigeria in the past weeks have left a lot of people - at least, Nigerians - in shock from which they have not recovered.

It is not the discovery of new oil wells worth billions of Dollars, neither is it the discovery of vaccine or cure for a debilitating disease, rather, it is the discovery of millions of Dollars and Naira locked in well-secured fireproof vaults in apartments and shops belonging to certain elites.

From basic knowledge of Economics, one will quickly know that withdrawing cash from the economy is bound to cause problems. Money is meant to move from hand to hand as payment for service rendered or value created. To selfishly take such huge cash out of this cycle is to hamper the economy. That means we can as well all go to the banks, collect and keep our monies at home.

It has become glaring that the Dollar scarcity and the challenges that trailed it are the resultant effects of the activities of certain people who wanted to save for themselves and their children in the most callous way possible.

It is not out of place to believe that these huge cash - and many more undiscovered - have hampered the Nigerian economy, almost grinding it to a halt in 2016. Dollar became so scarce, manufacturers could not import machineries and raw materials,  international travels also experienced a record-low. Infact, the Naira fell relative to the dollar, to as low as N500/$. This was of course greeted by a rise in prices - evidenced by inflation figures -  considering this is an import-dependent economy.

These chain of events played out because lots of local and foreign currencies (in cash) were withdrawn from the economy without generating value or moving from hand to hand. The Nigerian economy has since not recovered from the humongous sums that were withdrawn from the national purse in the past few years especially during the last election.

The perpetrators of these acts need to know that beyond the present damage done to the economy, the future of Nigerians yet unborn is gradually being savaged. I imagine the cash found in Osborne Towers, Ikoyi is about the worth of the company where I am currently employed. This is an organization that employs about 150 people directly and many more indirectly.

Our politicians - and others who head agencies, ministries and whatever government institution - must realize they are only filling those various capacities for a time. Public trust must not be seen as something insignificant. Use those funds to develop infrastructure: industries that employ the young population, good roads, health facilities, constant power-supply, potable water and a peaceful environment.

After you have bought the houses in Abuja,  Lekki or Ikoyi, purchased a private jet, sent your children to the best schools in Europe and achieved many other good things in life, you will still never feel satisfied, because, a man's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses (Luke 12:15 paraphrased).

Live to preserve our future.
Let the coming generation remember us and call us blessed.
Live and Let's Live!

What's Your Excuse?

Image Credit: www.daimanuel.com

These days, I find many obstacles in the way of executing some of my plans, desires and goals.

I can give you many reasons why I can not take that online course because I am working. I spend my productive hours at work and get home very tired most of the time.

I can not learn programming or web app development because I have never written a line of code. All the platforms from which I can learn online require me to commit as long as 8 hours per week. Weekends would have been a good time but I also go to work on Saturdays even though I leave much earlier compared to other days in the week.

I can not study and pray every morning because I have to wake up very early if I must catch the staff bus. Remember, I have to prepare breakfast. I also  cannot afford to leave my room in a mess!

Don't expect me to fast! Do you know how much energy I expend at work? If you have ever worked in a factory, you will readily understand that the noise and heat generated are enough to leave you lethargic after few hours. Yet you want me to stay without food from morning to evening? No way!

I want to start a small business as a side hustle. I am not sure I will be able to meet all of my needs and live a more comfortable life if I continue earning this low on my current job.

You know what? I need a grant or at worst, a loan. The power situation in my flat is so bad, in fact, it is country-wide. Yet, I need to power my laptop so I can write and submit the business plan in the next available application for entrepreneurs seeking funding.

Image Credit: ryanmarciniak.com

These and many more are reasons why I might never make any move at all because my eyes are fixed on the impediments.

Usually, we think everyone who has made a mark or achieved whatever goal had all things in his favour. How deceptive! It's easy to think; so and so place does not lack electricity, internet connection and a host of other things that make life comfortable. We remain oblivious of their challenges.

How about the temptation of staying online all day, spending quality time on irrelevant stuff, or playing video games because there is constant power supply, the tendency to spend countless hours on social media following the latest rumours and news that gives just information without knowledge?

If you must achieve your goals, you must look beyond those roadblocks. Don't give excuses! You will achieve nothing by doing so.

Contribute those few minutes, hours and days to that big dream.  Sure, it will take time, but you must start now! Let those few chances you have contribute to a line of code, another sentence of that article on your mind, a page of that business plan!

Make every moment count!

Stop giving excuses.

What Happened to The Naira?

I still remember clearly where mum drops the two pieces of coins (Two Naira) for each of us kids so we can buy Sugar and Groundnut for our 'lunch'. Gradually, I noticed it became four coins each, later Five Naira notes, and the rest is history. I am not sure what the five Naira note can buy in the present day Nigeria.

In my short life, I have seen the Naira experience staggering decline in value. Just about a month ago, it got so bad a Thousand Dollars was worth half a Million Naira!

More bothering is the fact that the Naira is also very dependent on the Dollar. Lamido Sanusi, Former CBN Governor - now Emir of Kano - once said Nigeria is the country with the largest Dollar imports. The way the Dollar is referenced in Nigeria leaves me wondering what our official currency really is, Naira or Dollar? It will not be out of place to think that the country with the most Dollars in circulation apart from the US is Nigeria.

Photo Credit: Nigerian Tribune

Dollar increase affects the price of everything from mobile phones, electronics, wheat, sachet water, rice and even common foods like Garri (cassava flour) and palm oil. Do we also import these too?

This only shows how well we have built our economy around importation, especially of the Dollar! Our politicians are also known to cart away plenty of this foreign currency so they can spend during elections, or should we say, save for their generation yet unborn. What other reason will explain why a single individual would have more than  9 Million Dollars Cash! In the same country where the Dollar is in so scarce supply, so much so the margin between the official and parallel market rates is sadly expansive.

The solution however, stare us in the face, everyday. We must consciously develop the local economy. An economy not dependent on others for everything it consumes. Below are points we should give serious consideration:

1. Agriculture
Government must aggressively develop the agricultural sector. There is no doubt Nigeria is capable of producing - in substantial quantities - the staple foods most consumed in the nation; rice, beans, wheat(for bread), cassava and yam. As a result, government must support local farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, latest technology, soft loans and the education needed to achieve good yield.

More partnerships - like the Lagos-Kebbi partnership for rice production must be encouraged. Government must also be prepared to subsidize the produce (at the early stage) so the farmers do not have to compete with imported produces before they begin to enjoy economies of scale.

2. Infrastructural Development
Government must urgently develop basic infrastructures. For example, Nigerians still depend on imported generators to provide their own power. Most surviving industries also spend a great deal just so they can run 24hrs uninterrupted, on diesel generators.

Therefore, a move at providing stable electricity will greatly boost investor confidence and those of Nigerians who are interested in starting cottage industries.

Considerable funding in the health sector, aimed at building ultramodern hospitals and provision of adequate world-class facilities at existing hospitals will also discourage health tourism. Countless Nigerians spend bogus amounts - not because most can afford it - on medical treatments outside the country. Only until our hospitals and other medical outfits are made competitive with those in other climes will people begin to entrust their health (invariably, their life) to local medical personnel, since the issue is not a dearth of competent and trained personnel but of outdated and inadequate facilities.

The nation's refineries must also be made fully functional. We will retain more money in the economy if the crude is majorly refined locally. The byproducts from crude oil - wax, bitumen, kerosene and much more will serve as raw materials for other indutries thereby creating more jobs. Functional refineries will also eliminate the need for subsidies which Nigeria pays to import oil products.

We could go on and on citing industries/sectors - say, transportation, tourism and housing - that could open up more businesses, create more jobs and ultimately boost the economy if fully developed.

3. Buy Made in Nigeria
This has become inevitable and can only be achieved by concerted efforts from both the citizens (consumers) and the government. Strict measures must be enforced at the borders to avoid proliferation of imported products, mostly substandard, that compete with those made in Nigeria. Heavy duties must be placed on products that can equally be produced in substantial quantities in the local economy, same for luxury items.

Nigerians must begin to buy locally made products - shoes, clothes, rice, poultry and other consumer goods. The little improvements made in producing these goods, year-in, year-out will lead to standardization, until we are able to meet local consumption and then move on to exportation, since nobody will buy substandard products or food items with poor packaging or questionable hygiene.

4. Diversified Economy
The Nigerian economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas sector. This leaves the economy subject to the boom and burst cycles that determine oil prices.

We must develop other key sectors that drive our economy. Agriculture (as stated above), mining, manufacturing, transportation and  technology if given more focused attention are able to open up numerous opportunities for business and employment, thereby attracting investors. A robust public - private partnership will make this quickly achievable, as government can not do it alone.

The above will not be possible unless there are favourable policies which the  government must demonstrate strong will to enforce.

This is how the Naira can regain its lost value and the economy less dependent on Dollar availability or scarcity.

Lessons From My Writathon - 21 Days Writing Challenge

I usually wonder why I don't possess this special ability like my friends who write awesome articles. As an avid reader, I had always thought some people have special talent to turn out those numerous books, articles and posts that keep us glued to a paper, mobile or computer screen. My Writathon experience sufficiently confounded the veracity of this claim.

I have learnt in this writing challenge the pragmatic approach to becoming a prolific writer whose works will inspire millions.

One of such is to write consistently. No one becomes an excellent writer by mere serendipity. I have to write always, if possible, everyday.  I have learnt how I can avoid brain-drain by consciously examining my daily experiences; encounters at work, on the bus, at a store or any other place. Most renown writers share profound lessons from situations they encounter everyday.

It is impossible to circumvent this process of growing from a budding writer to that of prominence. I now feel empathy with writers who churn out volumes with thousands of words and how they got that far. Not necessarily because they are garrulous, but they gradually evolved from writing tersely to producing exorbitant ones.

I have learnt that I might not feel like writing every time, just as I don't feel like rising from bed on some mornings - a feeling not unique to me. However, same way I still have to go about my daily activities and be successful at them, I must also be belligerent to overcome the inertia that keeps me from filling my paper with ink. This is one major breakthrough I have had as a result of joining the writing challenge.

Beyond writing consistently, I have learnt useful ingredients of excellent writing. I have been empowered to keep my reader hypnotized by using active words that show I am in control. This is how illustrious writers spur their audience to action.

The right application of punctuation marks that indicate breaks and stops will also keep my writing from being soporific so the reader does not get lost amidst my plethora of words. It will set the mood and safely convey the right emotions  the piece should arouse - anger, surprise, intrigues and so on. Poor punctuation is noticeable to whoever sets out to read, not only to the astute observer.

The writing challenge has also boost my confidence in my writing. I used to think my articles must be 'widely acceptable', now I have learnt they should reflect my convictions and eccentricity; my writing must reflect my persuasion about the subject matter. Without sounding egocentric, I must write, first, to please myself before I please the audience. That is not to overrule the decorous standards of writing.

Finally, Writathon has increased my consciousness when I read. I now observe the styles used by other writers and how they have succeeded in the art. Ultimately, I will build  a more panoramic view of life.

Since I joined the challenge, I have seen perceptible improvements in my writing. My hitherto, worn writing skills have now been made resplendent.  I am now better equipped to traverse the tempestuous journey of becoming an excellent writer.

The Things For Which I am Grateful

Many have tried to express it in words, some have gone the extra mile to demonstrate how far they can go to prove their love for a friend, spouse or relative, but I have found a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

"Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die," but I have found love when I was not looking for love, when I was no better than a rebel.

I have found him that did not ask for my life, but first gave me his as a demonstration of love. Only in his life did I find life. Life began to make sense after I received his life. I am now so overwhelmed I can give my life, having found true love. This is the love of God demonstrated to me when he asked Jesus to take my place.

He asked him to be Sin, so I can be declared Saint, he made him guilty while I was discharged and acquitted of long-standing charges. I am thankful for the love of Christ in me.

I am thankful for the wisdom I have received to skillfully combine letters into words; a well of inspiration many can constantly draw from with the assurance that they will find a word tailored for every season, words that free them from the shackles of mediocrity and impossibility.

I thankful I have in my circle men on whose backs I have ridden these past years. Those through whose eyes I have seen the different shades of our world. I have been privileged to meet great men who have challenged what I deemed success as just the beginning of another phase if I would dare to push myself beyond borders.

I have noticed with awe how God places me in the right place per time. From my encounters with men - both short-term and those that lasted for years, I have built lifelong relationships that are yielding excellent fruits. I have someone to talk to every time a new situation arises that confounds my experience.

Issues ranging from choices, purpose, talent development and many more have been addressed by men and women whose lives, words are inadequate to describe.

I am indeed grateful for my family. The warmth I experience during times spent with these ones leave me nostalgic every time I'm away. Imagine having someone who will go any mile just to get you what you want, even if it is not comfortable. That will describe who I have as my mother.

Her selflessness, industry and aura that constantly oozes sometimes  leaves me feeling...'do I really deserve love this much', so much that I question if I will be able to go this length for anyone else. She has done all that is practicable under heaven to provide me with the very best within her capacity.

Finally, I am grateful for the many books, articles, quotes and words churned out by  men, most of whom cannot quantify the reach of their efforts. I read from such men in the corners of my room thousands of miles away from where they are. Thank you for not keeping those words to yourself. You are a blessing to our world!

Scripture quoted from Romans 5:7 (Amplified Version)

My Passion

After spending days and countless hours poring over numerous articles about the development of the technologies we celebrate today, I came up with a piece I considered worthy of publication in a magazine with a huge potential reach; Niger Kopa - A publication by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)  Niger state, Nigeria.

I had ventured into researching the advent of technology dating as far back as the stone age down to the industrial revolution of the 1700s up until most recent 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. I made my readers appreciate how far we have come as humans and how far generation after generation have pushed the limits of invention and innovation.

This experience perhaps made me  further realize an area where I have developed a lot strength, and that is research. I have an almost unquenchable thirst for technological research, especially examining those who have churned out excellent products and services that have greatly changed the world; by improving the quality of human lives, revolutionizing businesses and totally disrupting entire industries. Several names; Henry Ford, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and Elon Musk come to the fore.

I am passionate about reading and writing about people like these, some not even on the big-screens who have deployed their skills, followed their passion and doggedly pursued a course they believe will changed the lives of other people for the better, right from unknown communities in Kenya, Nigeria to the more popular places like Silicon Valley.

This way, I can encourage someone to  invest his energy and resources in a course he hitherto felt was unprofitable. I am passionate about encouraging those who will dare to traverse uncharted territories.

I have a penchant for excellence. I like to write, just so my words will spur my reader to action. I want my words to appear to my reader, only to hear him scream... 'This is what I have been waiting for!'

I love to write about personal development. How you can develop more and more skills and talent, and release more and more of your potential by following in the foot steps of men who have done the same.

My passion is to challenge people both with spoken and written words, how they can despise the odds, develop the energy to break through when they have been  pushed to the wall and not just describe how insurmountable the obstacles are.

In my reading, I want to learn -  drink from the deep reservoirs of knowledge; men who have changed the world in their own rights so I can develop strength to do the same.

In my writing, I want to share my wisdom - encourage millions out there who will encounter my works which will release another rush of energy to pursue their dreams already battered by the waves of procrastination, inferiority and complacency.

This is what keeps me awake, and cause me to experience many 'light-bulb' moments.

Why I Love Agriculture

"Cars run on gas, machineries are powered by electricity, but food is the fuel of the body." - Kehinde Odubela

"A hungry nation is an angry nation; a healthy nation will abound in prosperity."

The 2015 food shortage in Venezuela, a major oil producer denegerated into serious social problems; smuggling, looting, protests that soon led to shootings and a near economic shutdown.

"Hundreds of people waited in line to buy food at a grocery store in Catia, a slum in western Caracas on June 11. Some arrived as early as 3 a.m. and waited more than eight hours before being told there was no more food available," The New York Times reported.

A woman with four of her five children standing by their broken refrigerator which contained their last food: a bag of corn flour and a bottle of vinegar. Photo credit: The New York Times.

This is what happens when we do not pay attention to the production and sustenance of an indispensable factor in our lives; food.

Agriculture - the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products (Merriam-Webster) is the only solution to unavailability of food in every village, city and nations of the world.

This is why I love agriculture, a major contributor to the well-being of any society. Any society with little or no food will ultimately produce hungry people who are predisposed to all kinds of diseases. When there is scarcity of food, even hospitals are filled with people who need to use their medication but cannot get food for the drug to react on. The citizens are weak and unproductive.

The economy also will not be left out. Venezuela - in 2015 and beyond - experienced rampant inflation amidst lower oil prices and a recession which was heightened by the restriction on Dollar imports. It suggests the nation had not developed its agricultural sector well enough to produce her own food.

Nigerians have recently seen staggering food price increase, owing majorly to factors closely related to what played out in Venezuela. The oil boom of the 1970s shifted government focus from the sector that had for a long time driven the wheels of its economy. Oil prices have plummeted and the nation now has to revert to agriculture and other sectors for economic diversification.

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote recently stated that Nigeria consumes 6.5 million tonnes of rice which costs over $2bn annually. The most part, however, comes through imports. Nigeria can keep this much in her economy if the government develops the agricultural sector. Private sector participation in this industry - like Dangote has decided to do - will also greatly improve the economy. Farmers will be largely profitable as their produce do not have to compete with imported ones.

Prosperous nations that are highly sought after are known to invest heavily in agriculture. They provide farmers with improved seeds, sponsor the latest technology and even subsidize staple foods. Food banks are also available to keep surplus food which are given to citizens for free.

I decided to invest in agriculture so I can play my part in fighting hunger, poverty, improve standard of living and tackle the spread of diseases. Cash crops will also improve foreign exchange when my produce are exported to be transformed into useful products.

More participation in this sector will greatly grow the local economy and possibly discourage dependence on the fast depleting oil reserves.

Our nations are blessed with fertile soils suitable for agriculture, agile men and women who can raise livestock, and the technology that can preserve the proceeds of our farms. You and I can stop world hunger.

This is why I love agriculture.