12 WAYS TO MAKE NIGERIA A BETTER PLACE
(PART 1)

In indentifying the way forward for our dear nation, it is necessary that whilst avoiding the extremes of optimism and pessimism, we begin to look at practical and realistic pathways to go forward. These pathways would entail taking initiative rather than passing the buck and looking inwards to think creatively rather than soliciting help from where a positive response is unlikely especially because of selfish interests and in the face of public corruption.
It makes sense to posit that if public officials are indeed corrupt, the answer to the nation’s problems especially from a radical and rapid point of view is most likely not with them. This is not because they lack the basic knowledge needed to bring about positive change but because they lack the moral and political will to do so. He who has soiled his hands cannot wash a dirty garment without making it worse. I am sure you know at least one or two individuals that have not only soiled their hands but have also soiled their hitherto upheld and good names. We sure cannot trust these ones with the much needed change we so much desire.

This article is not for them. It is for a set of people that are different and committed to the cleansing work. By being prodded, encouraged, informed, directed and empowered, this crop of people can represent the change that our nation cries out for. I only hope that by reading this piece you would join that group and quickly too. I really would love to drive to work from the Mainland to the Island in less than 30 minutes, to never set my eyes on a generator apart from in a national museum and not bother about travelling abroad for a degree because universities at home can compete with any all over the world. I have identified a couple of ways by which Nigeria can become a better place. I hope that you would be responsible for at least one of them.

Promoting alternative sources of energy: It is time we promote alternative sources of energy for our nation. Despite the change of name PHCN has remained a mess. Over 2 decades of living in the nation, I am yet to see 24 hours of electricity. For those who understand change, it only comes when something changes. With the wave of corruption going higher, leaving the wave of change to corrupt officials could only prove futile. It would be better to produce that change ourselves or source for it elsewhere. Solar and wind energy are alternative sources of electricity that could provide useful alternatives. With these sources of energy, power generation, supply and distribution can shift from corrupt hands to sincere ones. It would shift from public office to private companies and individual homes.
 It would be helpful if banks can help relieve the burden of paying for these sources of energy by having payment plans that cover a convenient stretch of time for end users. It would also be helpful if engineers and entrepreneurs can provide these alternatives and products at an attractive cost for residential and commercial purposes. If engineers can design more affordable cars, laptops, phones and homes, I am certain that they can apply their knowledge to sourcing alternative cost effective sources of energy for the majority of Nigerians.   

Promoting Entrepreneurship:  One of the reasons behind civil unrest, unemployment and insecurity is the lack of employment opportunities. Though employment creation is dependent on investor attraction and local production, present day economic realities such as rural-urban migration, population density and failure of government show the need for more creative thinking. In truth, the underlying philosophy of education as a route for employment and employment as a route for wealth has been shown to be faulty.
Entrepreneurship on the other hand, holds the promise of both self employment and job creation providing solutions and opportunities for wealth. It would afford youths better use of hitherto wasted years sourcing admission to tertiary institutions to no end. It would help youths maximize the time lost whilst waiting for youth service posting or spent roaming the streets for dream jobs that never seem to come or come too few for the masses in search of them. 

Soliciting the help of the Diaspora: If Nigerian professionals are recording exploits all over the world, similar results can be made at home. Though local situations and environments can be challenging and frustrating, the Diaspora must recognize that nothing significant can be achieved on the platform of convenience. The idea that there would always be greener pastures to run to in the face of challenging situations at home is indeed not sustainable. Though love might seem to abound, when space or provision becomes unavailable, it becomes easy to differentiate a stranger from a resident. The assumed perpetual encouraging environment in other countries has been shown to be under pressure with the global economic meltdown across America and Europe.
With an untapped market and a huge market base, Nigeria on the other hand provides a ground for useful intervention and collaborative effort in terms of education, healthcare, car assembly, power generation and local production economic opportunities.  One of the first set of people that should realize this and indeed first of all benefit from these is the Diaspora. If MTN, DSTV and Kentucky Fried Chicken can be positive and enterprising, why can’t we?

Sourcing alternatives to national revenue: The discovery of crude oil in Nigeria amongst its benefits has exposed the rot within our public sector and the lack of creativity to create other sources of revenue. Though oil wealth has its merits, it can lead to a drop in development indexes as machinery replaces human personnel and when monies realized are diverted as in our nation’s case it leads to a downward trend. On the other hand, countries that parade several products and revenue channels are more equipped to rise to global prominence. In no particular order United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Brazil, China, India and South Africa are a few examples.  Having more reliable means of income is always better than having less. 

In Nigeria, tourism, arts and culture, agriculture, manufacturing, fashion and sports are all areas of attention that can make the nation proud and her citizens happy. Asides asking for government intervention or assistance, for instance can’t we come together and strategically by becoming solution providers put a stop to the importation of rice? Can we not develop tourist spots that can favourably outclass the Gambias, Ghanas and South Africas of this world? South Africa for instance is home to high levels of crime but still attracts a mammoth crowd in terms of business and tourism. 

The question is not “Can’t we?” but “Why haven’t we?” Tinapa is a beauty to behold. Lagos is surrounded by beaches. Anambra and Aba are booming with business prospects that can go a step higher with more coordination and partnership. With all the unrest, corruption, pollution and the threat of lower levels of demand because of emerging energy alternatives, I think it is time we started looking elsewhere. Part of that elsewhere is looking away from government as in truth the government represents just a little portion of us. If so, we the rest and majority can do something much better. At least as hitherto complaint experts hopefully turned solution providers would at the end of this change be better for it. 

DEMOCRACY OR DEMOCRAZY, A SYNONYM OR A GAME OF NUMBERS?

Democracy has always been a game of numbers. The way that the numbers are used however stand it out as a failed democracy or a thriving one. Democracy has since been widely defined as the rule of the people by the people and for the interest of the people. The people being referred to are the majority of the people and not just a few. The majority carries the vote and where the opposite holds sway, one has to critically reexamine the nation’s operational values.

Looking closely at the Nigerian context, we seem to either be practicing an aberration of the fundamentals of democracy or deliberately abusing its application. Drawing from recent and recurring happenings, it seems that we might be lost in the synonym of democracy, popularly called democrazy by the late Fela Kuti connoting a demonstration of craziness.

At the start of the year and as a national New Year gift across board, the Federal Government announced a hike in the pump price of petrol, a product which is derived from our major source of income as a nation and puts us in ranking amongst the top ten producers of crude oil. Despite widespread protests across the nation, the government did not heed to the numbers and refused to revert to the initial pump price of petrol before the hike. In a strategic game of numbers, the price was reduced slightly which action some as considered as the intended negotiation point.

More recently in a newspaper report in Punch newspapers, it was stated that from a budget of N240 billion, fuel subsidy payments (defrauding Nigerians for government’s inefficiency in not making our refineries work) took a gigantic leap to a sum ten times more to about N2.4 trillion. With our legislators (who have done very little by way of meaningful legislation) earning what represents 25 percent of our national budget, one wonders what is left for national and economic development after corruption has taken its share. It is once again a game of numbers.

Despite the woeful performance of the nation’s present youths in WAEC and NECO exams, one can see across board that of the 150 million people (our actual figure we still do not know because there has been a game of numbers with the census figures), the people that would represent a hindrance to our nation’s development would not be up to 5million, a very generous figure to say the least. 

How come then, that in the true spirit of democracy the aspiration of these few people overrides that of the 145 million? I beg your pardon? Maybe we are all profiting from the “system”. Maybe we all have relatives that diet on the national cake. Maybe Abuja is so far from the enlightened masses that can put up a fight and say no to the demonstration of craziness. Maybe everyone is so tolerant or people are comfortable and tend to adjust at every point in time. 

They adapt to change but cannot change and become change agents. Maybe. Just maybe because even in the analysis of the maybes we have been playing with numbers whilst others have been working tirelessly playing against us. 

The President, who seems not to be presiding over the nation’s affairs made allusion to a “cabal”. One hopes that the companies found guilty of sharp practices as revealed in the fuel subsidy report would at least be “uncabalised” so that the percentage impact of the nation’s budget would at least make sense for the greater percentage of Nigerians with the specific permission of corruption. 

It seems the cabal is made up just a few numbers. Why haven’t we done something about just the few who have messed things up for the much more significant in numbers? And some public officers seem just to be representing or misrepresenting themselves. Someone said he collected money and not bribe. Alas, the game has shifted from numbers, now it is even words!

Can we not all refuse to go to work, march to the local, state and federal government offices and hold down our feet till our numbers are respected and indeed hold sway? Maybe we are still calculating what we might lose temporarily (maybe a month’s pay or income or a few others) whilst we lose much more by keeping quiet and allowing undeserving individuals number our voices as too insignificant whilst their little presence is more deserving.

 You might be asking. How many people are in the security forces? Are they up to 10 million? Can they stand 135 million people? How many people will opt out maybe 80 million, but cant 55 million people drive out bad leadership and foster better change than was recorded in driving out Gaddafi or bringing in Obama into the forefront of American political office? Is it not possible? It very much is. Can our refineries work? I say a big yes. It happens not too far from us in the same Africa. Can we have 24 hours power supply? Can we have educational and health institutions that are standard and reliable? Yes and many more numbers of yes. 

It just depends on the numbers that you are looking at. The numbers of people that stand up to say no to what is wrong and yes to what is right. No to what is obtainable and yes to what is possible. It just depends which group you want to belong. The desire for positive change is still very high and that desire is recruiting change agents across board. The question just remains “Will you stand up to be numbered?”

CRUDE EXCESSES IN THE MIDST OF ABUNDANCE OF CRUDE

Recent developments have left me startled. The quest to increase the pump price of petroleum to about N140 per litre is one of them. Of course, I have taken that claim as an unserious comment. Some one must be joking somewhere. If that suggestion came from someone with a tint of good luck in his name, he should either wear his hat or remove it. If it came on the other hand from a lady popularly known as Ngozi, she possibly wasn’t in the best of moods or possibly did not have her spectacles on. With several increases in the pump price of petroleum in the last decade for virtually unjustifiable and unbeneficial reasons, there would be no cogent reason this recent intention. The product under focus had jumped over time from N22 to N65. The reason being touted for the intended increase this time around is known as the removal of fuel subsidy.

Fuel subsidy in practical sense is the transference to the public or the public expenditure the consequences of the inefficiency of not refining petroleum products by government. Let me explain. When petrol is imported, because of the fluctuation in exchange rates, multiple issues with the conveyance of the product on the sea shore and non-dredging of the nation’s shores, added costs are incurred. These added costs are then subsidized by government to make the price of petrol reasonable and affordable. It seems however that some individuals have utilized this loop hole to smile to the bank the same number of times it takes for one to wink in a day.

For one, Nigeria happens to be the only oil producing nation that is still grappling with the problem of importing petroleum products from other nations. An easy connection with this is her rating as one of the most corrupt nations in the world. The nation’s refineries have refused to “turn around” after multiple turn around maintenance operations. It is possible that the turning around manual was erroneously placed in the anti clockwise mode by some benefiting individuals. If crude oil can be successfully extracted and then exported, the technological know how and infrastructure should also be readily available to ensure that it is adequately refined in commercial quantities.

It smacks of hypocrisy when one finds out that the recent intentions of government to place a hike on the price of petroleum products comes at the same time when recurrent expenditure is over 70 percent. Added to this is an overshot in expenditure from a budgeted N250 billion naira for fuel subsidy to an expended N1.7 trillion. If government wants to avoid unnecessary expenses, it should begin to look first at itself. Looking at antecedents on ground amidst startling revelations, tackling corruption effectively is sure to give tourism or agriculture a run for their monies as a generator of national income!

This unwholesome pronouncement about fuel price hike is also coming at a time when citizens that steal goats are locked up in prison whilst corrupt public officials gallivant the nation’s hotspots as if immune from punishment. It is interesting to note that no stiff penalty such as life imprisonment has been meted out to corrupt officials of government ever since our return to democracy. By commensurate application, if theft of a goat valued at N8,000 could land one a 3 month’s sentence for instance if one is found guilty, a N2billion thief should land a 10,000 years’ life sentence if only if he or she could live that long. In the absence of that death by hanging, shooting or life imprisonment should suffice. The theft of public fund is somewhat similar to murder and manslaughter in that it is partly responsible for accidents on roads and the, death of patients because of poorly equipped hospitals. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

The increment in the pump price of petroleum is also supposed to be coming at a time when PHCN has increased its tariff for another time running without guaranteeing commensurate increment in its service delivery. With all the monies paid the corporation even when electricity supply remains pathetic amongst income gathered from reconnection fees, one would expect by now, an excess electricity account. Yes, since every thing in Nigeria seems excess asides the prosperity of her very own citizens. People, resources, wonderful weather, oil and gas reserves, crude oil and government budgets, etc. Everything apart from good roads, health care, qualitative education, pipe borne water, infrastructure and quality of life. Every thing else has remained excess and suffice to say, the quest for a N140 pump price of petrol is also excess and should feature high up on the list.

SANUSI, IT HAS COME THIS FAR

THE ANTECEDENTS

When I heard about the appointment of Mallam Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of Central Bank, I immediately wondered why a former director of First Bank should be given such a sensitive appointment in view of the tendencies he could be biased whilst performing his job. I later dismissed that possibility with the appointment of former Shell staff, Mrs. Madueke as the Minister for Petroleum. That made it seem like it was common practice. I however cannot exempt her from being biased as well. I do not know all the details so I can’t say more. Whilst not pushing the case further, I laid the matter to rest hoping like many Nigerians for the best. It seems that the hope I had has since been dashed. At the time, in this state of hope, I hoped that Sanusi’s being a former bank director could help in tackling banking related issues on the CBN job. This one expectation I now admit was in fact sky rocketed. Looking at his profile at the time however, something that was difficult to dismiss was his subject of post graduate study being Sharia. What does Sharia have to do with a Central Bank job I wondered? Events that were to unfold, would tell, I hoped.

Sanusi had been appointed by late Yar Adua who seemed to be the Northern region’s pawn at the time for holding the entire country to ransom. This was evident in incidents that surrounded his bout of illness and rumours have it that Turai, his wife also had her fair share of influencing the entire nation’s scheme of things. Yar Adua’s successor, Jonathan though quite healthy seems to be a continuation of those attempts to curtail the interests of the nation because of personal ones. After spending a fortune on his presidential campaign, the aftermath of his ascendancy to the throne has not been commendable. Like his namesake in Jewish kingship and family history, Jonathan no matter his proclaimed good intentions and gentle mien seems to have no major grip on the throne. He seems to be a puppet and in absolutely no control of the affairs of the nation which he oversees as the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic. In truth, he has commanded little or no republic in the last few months!

Under his reign, we have had over 25 bombings in the nation across different parts of the country. Majority of these have been in the Northern region with some notable bombings being in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory where he resides! The number of bombs from the Dele Giwa incident till now is actually not as much. Jonathan therefore is a trend setter. Whilst this is happening, we are expected not to be afraid. He would bring the perpetrators to book. We are still waiting. He said in his campaign “I will not let you down.” “I am one of you”. Not the bombers I hope. That would be disastrous.

THEN, JONATHAN DROPPED A BATON...

It is said that he that pays the piper dictates the tune. With the President, it seems that saying has no relevance. With the uncontrolled high handedness and undue outbursts from the Central Bank Governor, I expected him to have waded in with positive outcomes for all to see. This has not been forthcoming and it seems Sanusi’s scourge has not had its last punch yet.

AND SANUSI FLARED TO LIFE…

Since his appointment, Sanusi has assumed a status larger than life. In a sensitive sector where what you plan, project, say and do are all essential, Sanusi has played the part of a no holds barred de facto policy maker and dictator. One is not sure whether this approach came after he won the award of Best Governor of the Year Award and like PHCN or the national football team when praised it got to his head or it had strategically been waiting for an ideal time to manifest. Since the onset of the year, Nigerians have been bombarded with different policies and pronouncements that have triggered off alarms and caused concerns for individuals, investors and businesses. Though some of these directives have good intentions, the communication style has been extremely poor.

ALL AT ONCE?

The directive to unify bank account numbers was followed by the imposition of limits on cash withdrawals with extra charges for big sums. Despite a poor publicity campaign about the new directive, reports already have it that the cashless banking approach would soon commence in Lagos. This is so despite a segment of the population being either illiterate or not being Information technology savy. Certain banks laden with deposits and savings of members of the public were also said to face the threat of liquidation and/ or nationalization. All these within seven months and in a sector very much sensitive. As if that was not enough, he came up with the term “Islamic banking”. Between his study of Sharia and his emergence as CBN Governor, I now begin to see a connection. In an ideal sense, what business has Islamic banking in a secular state? The term non interest banking is more than preferable. Alhaji Dangote, also a Muslim teamed up with the Bank of Industry to set up an Enterprise Fund and there was nothing Islamic about it. Should the apex bank Governor with wider industry knowledge and responsibilities do the opposite? Rather talks have begun with interested parties. As if there is something bad in back tracking a bad policy after public outcry. When is enough going to be enough?

IN A SECTOR WITH A HISTORY OF DECADENCE?

Indeed, the Nigerian financial sector has experienced jeopardy over the past few years. There was the threat of thriving of wonder banks to banking deposits and bank sustainability as well as the loss of revenue by millions of Nigerian in these investment schemes after government stepped in. For some, these schemes were reported as being credible whilst others stand in doubt. The role of government in allowing the schemes to thrive only for the public to buy in and loose money after government intervention is highly questionable. We are however in Nigeria, where for some, anything goes.

This same financial sector witnessed the 25 billion naira capitalization project for the banks some years ago only for the irreconcilable report that some banks now need emergency capital injection once again. What is being done to the wealthy individuals who have defaulted loan payments or the suitable punishments for erring former Bank MDs? Nobody has an answer till date. In other countries, the matter would have been properly dealt with. Rather than abating the matter, the CBN Governor has made it even worse. His provoking statements and threats of liquidation targeted at these deficient banks allowed their share prices to drop and motivated formerly loyal customers to throng the banks for emergency withdrawals. All appeals from the banks to customers met deaf ears. Several jobs were lost in the aftermath of the capitalization and bank merger process years ago and unemployment or job losses increased with the global economic meltdown and its attendant effects. Several jobs would also be lost now. All because of one man’s unguarded tongue. I thought deliberations and problem solving were still viable options. Not so for the “distinguished scholar”.

In a country where the bad news of post electoral violence and an unchecked spate of bombings have signaled to foreign investors to either pull out or limit investments, the Central Bank Governor, Sanusi has just now punched below the belt!

A KNOCK OUT!

Saturday morning, 6^th August 2011 brought the news that Bank PHB, Afribank and Spring Bank have all been taken over by government. I thought Bank PHB was in talks with some foreign investors. I knew that Afribank had policy regulator issues with Vine Capital, intending investors but in a sector which is responsible for a major stake in trading figures in the Nigerian Stock Exchange I expected the CBN Governor to come up with a more beneficial and sustainable solution. It does not seem that Sanusi has one or even thought in that direction. He seems to be happy at his alarm bell ringer role just like the town crier in the nearest village. This will definitely not get him any honours this year. Dr. Okonjo- Iweala wiped off the nation’s debt without this kind of hullabaloo.

REPERCUSSIONS

Stock prices are going to drop. The banking sector should brace up for some challenging times. The Stock Exchange and stock broking firms should look for either aggressive marketers who also have a tendency to lie or liaise with advance fee fraud experts and corrupt politicians to consider investing their stolen funds. Jobs would be lost. Unemployment will increase. Bank confidence would drop. People will start keeping money at home. Sanusi should be happy now as obviously there would be no need for big cash withdrawals now.

WHEN IS ENOUGH GOING TO BE ENOUGH?

In the midst of this, I wonder what would happen next. If labour could threaten to shut the nation down for compulsory holidays some weeks ago because of demands for minimum wage and abandon their threat hours later, I believe this presents a worthy cause for us to make good that threat. If Nigerians could go out en masse to ensure voting for good governance, I believe we can also stand up and fight for that good cause that we voted for. Unlike the title of Michael Jackson’s last album “This is not it”.

We also can turn deaf ears. No. This one has broken the camel’s back. I just do not know if the Nigerian camel has the guts to stand up for what is hers. She just seems happy having to get by. I just don’t want to get by. I want to get there. There is where I want to be. There is where I think is best for me and my country. There is where people in offices work for the good of people that put them there. I just do not care how it happens, because like the American film I have asked the question for decades when a new government comes in “Are we there yet?” to no avail. I heard that a little spark can cause a fire. I also heard that it does not take a tree to make a forest. I extend the call for action to others as well. I heard that sane people can indeed get mad. Mad about issues, mad about unperforming government and mad for positive change. Will we get up and create the change? I do not know. Living in a country where people have a poor sense of history, a high sense of political apathy, individualism and a record of constantly excusing and forgiving government, I really and sincerely, just do not know. Maybe you do.

UPTURNING THE NIGERIAN EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

UPTURNING THE NIGERIAN EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

Nigeria is the largest black nation in the world and with a population of over 110 million people; it is time we start using that to our advantage. Though the nation’s educational sector unwittingly emphasizes quantity rather than quality with the end products usually not attractive in a competitive labour market but there’s still something we can do about it. At least that is why we all went to school: to be problem solvers and that is just the point. Our educational curriculum is reported to have been structured to meet the needs of the colonial administration’s manpower needs. It thus fosters the job seeker mindset rather than that of a job creator but there is still something we can still do about it. In truth, the graduate employability problem is not limited to a lack of requisite skills and insufficient employment opportunities. It is also and more importantly a problem with the prevailing mindset.

A lot of graduates throng the streets looking for the big time jobs in the banks, telecom and oil &gas companies. A lot of them are in for the big bucks. Some of them have abandoned career and self fulfillment as a result. Like the dangerous Machiavellian philosophy, in this prevailing mindset, the end justifies the means and hence money is what matters. In truth money matters but not at the expense of fulfillment and there are other ways to hit a jackpot without getting sadder. For instance, I am yet to see a multi billionaire on the Forbes list that made it all from a glorious career. Most of them were entrepreneurs/ job creators who set about pursuing what they loved, creating value for people and getting value for it. If we the intent is to acquire riches, there are other means to accomplish that objective without looking good on the outside but sick and remorse on the inside.

Whilst it is true that in most cases business management and enterprise skills are not taught in schools, there are several non-governmental organizations that provide training in the field. A lot can also be learnt by reading management and enterprise related books, whilst mentoring and personal experience can also prove very useful. With all the learning, the best learning experience is harnessed when you step out. You can never learn enough but a lot of individuals practice too little. In the hearts of several stay at home whilst looking for work job seekers are creative ideas that can give the Dangotes a run for their money. All they need to do is to step out!

Digging further, a lot Nigerian job seekers are in the hunt for a dream job but have not realized the old saying that nothing goes for nothing. Yes, we realize the harsh economic realities that Nigerians face and the many problems that money would solve or help alleviate. However, there is a need for a value exchange. Many third tier graduates are asking for first class salaries. Very few people have developed themselves to actually bring positive change to the environments that they find themselves. Too many are exclusively concerned of what they would get. Ever heard of the word parasites? There are parasites in the labour market as well. Ever heard a friend that only took from you and never gave back? The same feeling of resentment and disapproval you must have unleashed is obtainable in the labour market. When next you see a graduate who has been a job seeker for years, it is time to ask certain questions. What skills do you have? What are you doing with your time? What books have you read recently? What are your plans for the future? What is your career objective? Have you identified the potential you have on the inside? Have you really discovered yourself? What happened at your last place of work? Are you still waiting for that big job? Why don’t you consider alternatives?

In conclusion, some words on marble. In an ideal sense, there is no big or small job. It all depends on what you do with it. It is all about seizing opportunity. We only hope that it comes many times more than once. Whether once, twice or thrice, when it comes to seizing the opportunity, the buck stops with you. The question just is “What are you going to do with it?”

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT BEING NIGERIAN?
Sometimes I wonder why I was born a Nigerian. But is there really any thing that can change that? Maybe if my parents had gone on a honey moon out of country before my birth (like is common nowadays), I would have been born in Germany, Alaska, United Kingdom, Russia or Ottawa. I would have been a confirmed “butty” or “ajebutter”. Since they preferred to focus on “local content”, I was born in Naija! Even if I renounce and change my nationality, it would not cut off the links I have with my paternal and maternal fore fathers or the Nigerian blood that flows in my veins. It would not quench the desire for fufu, pounded yam, fried rice, akara, moin moin and Sunday afternoon rice and stew. I have been living in this country for over 27 years. So at least having not eloped like not a few, I should at least have a basic idea of what living in Nigeria is and possibly too, what it ought to be. I have been robbed some minutes to 7am on my street on the way to work with people passing by. My neighbour and another friend recently joined the list and in a country where it is said that the police is your friend, this seems to be a regular occurrence. The Police is your friend? Maybe? Especially when you are not driving with your driver’s license or your fire extinguisher is conspicuously absent from your car. In most cases in fact, it seems your friend shows up several moments after harm has been done. I have heard several other cries early in the morning of people being robbed. A lot of victims are either afraid or not confident of reporting to the Police. In most robbery incidents they seem to come very much later after the harm has been done. They are usually more effective in checking who has his papers complete by noon day when fewer of the crimes are committed. (At least with the exception of traffic crimes). At major bus stops crime could be worse. Area boys at Oshodi, touts at Computer village, robbers along Apongbon and others along the Badagry Express way. I keep hearing about societal change, national development and Visions 2000, 2010, 2025 and more but the average “agbero” still seems to be very much active and busy on the road. At times I do not blame the Police as I wonder why in a country with so much resources, our Policemen’s artillery in most cases cannot compete with that of Bank or highway robbers or prominent cult groups in our tertiary institutions. In small discussion groups, it seems in the home of every Nigerian is one solution provider for one or more of our nation’s myriad of problems. The problems are said to be so much and at times intertwined. But at least we must gradually start from somewhere. If the average Police Officer for instance earns at least Forty Thousand Naira monthly, the kind of human resources that would be drawn to the Police Force would be quite qualitative. Just think about what it would be with graduates of Law, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology and Criminology in the Police Force! When merit and academic distinction are upheld as a basis for induction into the Force all sections of the country would have to sit up to enjoy sizable representation and this would enhance literacy and productivity in the nation as a whole. The government should help with the street lighting too. Lack of it enhances crime. Lagos State Government must be commended for her wonderful initiatives as regards street lighting as well as the high technology security mechanisms like cameras to help check crime. Some of these issues however need federal involvement. There had been a state of emergency on the power sector at the federal level but even as NEPA’s name was changed to PHCN it seemed to degenerate from poor to worse. It is so bad that certain households rely on generators to iron their clothes. Some others that wait for PHCN to perform her duties, at times hold boxing matches or athletic events to determine who gets the first chance to iron 1 week’s set of clothes. Several experts have given their opinion. Options are enormous. Solar energy for one is an option. Though analysts have mentioned that it is capital intensive, in the long term it seems suitable. Leasing institutions and banks could include it into their 12 month installment consumer products for customers to help out. They seem to focus rather on luxury items or not o essential goods. It seems the issue of non availability of power goes far beyond knowledge of what to do. Some are wont to believe that it is a fall out of a sabotage effort. There are several billions strolling around in the generator sales, repair and servicing industry. If PHCN does her work well, there would be no need for this problem solving industry. But if PHCN does her work well, what would happen to it? Extinction? The answer derived here is why several have listed insincerity of those in power and corruption as one of our greatest problems. But are people so corrupt? Would people rather live to see others die than sacrifice personal gains for the common good? When will this stop? Will it ever stop? Whilst I do not think I will join the wagon of those who have escaped, there are several things that point to a bright side of our nation’s development. Though in most cases their scripts and story lines are predictable, our movies are coming up on the international arena. They also provide employment to quite a number of people. Though the music industry is plagued by piracy that results in original cds coming in less qualitative packages than our foreign counterparts, it is enjoying a major boom, experiencing highly remunerated artistes and an encouragement for upcoming talent. Football and sports in general are huge streams of income for some families and a means of Western Union Foreign exchange for some families. Though currently hit possibly by the global financial crisis, the stock market last year for some wise investors brought forth some good returns. For some I said. It is hoped however that the price slide reverse this year to the encouragement and relief of not a few who partook in the stock wagon attempt especially in the banking and insurance sectors. The Banking consolidation has however done well for the economy by increasing depositor’s confidence, improving efficiency and of course creating employment.
Private universities are springing up and it is believed that the standards of education are improving to those who can afford it however. Democracy has brought about positive change in Lagos, Ogun and Cross River States for instance in infrastructure, housing, transport and tourism. It is expected that more would shuffle in and across other states too. Though for many investors Transcorp was a terrible experience, the deregulation of the telecommunications industry for instance has offered attractive employment to many. Not to mention the introduction of Etisalat and Visafone as well.
What can be done about being Nigerian? A change of attitudes for the better, a conviction that all is well, a never die spirit, seeing opportunities where others see adversities and taking practical and pragmatic effort rather than moaning, nagging and bewailing one’s fate.

At least when there is life there is hope। At least we are not being bombarded by air bombs and rockets। We are not experiencing tsunamis, terrorist attacks or earthquakes. If I have complained, I am just human but more importantly with an optimistic yet realistic and pragmatic look I make bold to say that for me (as it is a matter of choice not of imposition) the future is bright and needless to say- I am proudly Nigerian.

kehindeakintobi@yahoo।com

Tips to fulfilling your God given vision

“Be ye Followers of them” Series
Lessons from the life of Joseph Continued- Tips to fulfilling your God given dream

1.You need to have a God given dream:
Joseph succeeded because he had a God given dream. Numbers 23:19 tells us that “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” and Habbakuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry”. To live a life of accomplishment, you need to have a God given dream.

2.You need to have a God based relationship
Psalms 146:8 “the LORD loveth the righteous:”, James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you”. Dwelling in the will of God is one way of attracting God’s intervention in every area of your life. Joseph feared God and hence things went well for him. Genesis 39:2-3 “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man;.. and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand”.

3. You need to know who you are:
Identifying who you are is vital to fulfilling your God given dream/ vision. Joseph identified and realised his natural ability for administration at an early age. He also knew he could by God’s enablement interpret dreams. This became a stepping-stone for him. What makes you different from others? Take time to find it.

4. You need help from God
For any God given dream, you cannot rely on the human flesh to fulfil it. You need help from God. James 4:10 “ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up”.
Genesis 41:16 “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace ”. When you get help from God, you get astounding results. When Joseph got help through God’s counsel and direction, his promotion was inevitable. Genesis 41:37-38 “And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?”

5. You need to acquire training, skill and experience
You need to build momentum. From feeding the flocks, Joseph gathered the skill, training and experience he needed the climb upwards to higher positions to Potiphar’s house, to the King’s Prison and then the Palace. The earlier you learn to use the sling stone, the easier it is to kill Goliath. The earlier you discover and maximise your God given abilities and skills and make the best of them through training and gathering experience, the closer you are to the Palace!!!

6. You need to have and maintain purposeful relationships
There are certain people that God has placed in your life to be a springboard for your accomplishing your God given dream/ vision. Joseph’s father observed Joseph’s sayings and took note of them. Consciously or unconsciously he gave Joseph instructions that took him into the place of purpose. Genesis 37;13-14 “And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem” It was obedience to this instruction that saw Joseph exported to Egypt. Recognising God based relationships is a platform for fulfilling a God given dream/ vision. Recognise those that are playing a God sent role in your life and hold fast to them.



7. Get help from others
Do not be too proud to ask for help. Joseph asked for help. Genesis 37:15-16 “And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.” For him to get the passport into Egypt, he needed to fulfil his father’s assignment. When he faced challenges in doing this, he asked for help and got back on track. You do not know it all. If Moses, the anointed prophet of God received wise counsel from Jethro, his non-prophet father in law how much more you? (Exodus 18:13-26)

8. Take action and seize initiative
It is one thing to have a God given dream, it’s another thing to work towards it. Joseph took initiative. We were not told that God appeared to Joseph and told him to ask the butler and the baker why they were sad. He took initiative. Pharoah’s selection of Joseph as Prime Minister came because of this trait- He only asked Joseph to interpret his dreams but Joseph took initiative, went a step ahead and also gave him God inspired counsel. You market yourself by taking initiative. Pharoah did not know before then that Joseph was the wisest man in Egypt until Joseph gave him the wise counsel. Don’t wait to be told, do what you know is right! Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”

9. Be a Problem Solver
The size of your reward depends on the size of the problem you solve. Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh and became his second in command. He gave counsel useful for a whole nation and became a Prime Minister. As Joseph solved more problems the higher he went up in life. Genesis 40:8 “And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you”.

10. Be committed to serve
Most people want to hit it big by starting big. If you want to be a Master, you first have to serve. For one no matter how talented, anointed and skilled you are, your path to success can be cut short if you do not respect God’s ordained and constituted authority. Joseph obeyed his father’s instructions and got a passport to the land of his assignment- Egypt. He served God and God made things in his hand to flourish when he served under Potiphar. Because he served God and God honours those who serve Him, Joseph’s denial of Potiphar’s wife carnal desires gave him a passport into the prison. When Joseph served the Captain of the Guard and attended to the butler and the baker as he was assigned, he drew nearer to his greatness.
The pathway to greatness is first by way of service. Matthew 20: 26-27 “but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:”

11. Don’t ever, ever , ever give up
Galatians 6:9 “ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. Joseph faced opposition from his brethren but he did not give up. He faced opposition from his environment but he still did not give up. He faced opposition from challenging circumstances and situations but he still did not give up. Giving up can cut off the joy of harvest. Learn to make the best of every situation. Adverse Circumstances are platforms for you to experience the grace of God. It only began to be mentioned that God was with Joseph when he started to suffer- in Potiphar’s house and in the prison. Falling into sin, submitting to temptation, loosing faith in God are all signs of giving up. People who accomplish are people who overcome. Proverbs 24:10 “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small”. Hold on to your belief. Hold on to your values. Don’t loose faith for even in the darkest night joy cometh in the morning!! John 11:40 “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
See you in the Palace!!!



Kehinde Akintobi
Churchonthenet004@yahoo.co.uk
234 08060631373