My people, yes oh, I have been following this news in the last few days and it was announced yesterday that Zuma is the new ANC party leader. Of course, it is a fascinating story, ‘cos he was the former vice president, under Mbeki and was fired ‘cos of the corruption allegations and a rape charge. He is likely to become the next South African president. I need South Africans to explain to me what he was elected; apart from the fact that he is charismatic and he connects with the heart of the people. I am watching this space and keeping my eyes firmly on South Africa’s democracy, ‘cos it is the beacon of hope for the rest of Africa on governance.
Lets get into the festive mood, I have a lot to me thankful for, as this year comes to an end and I am counting my blessing one by one.
I am thankful…
I am thankful for my marriage, my hubby. It is our 1st year anniversary soon and we are growing stronger and both enjoying our marriage
I am thankful for my hubby, he got himself a wonderful job and I believe that God is moving him to new heights in his career and opening doors for him.
I am thankful for my sisters and my mum. Mum is 50 this year; my sister will be adding another beautiful to the family in few months. The other will be graduating in a year.
I am thankful for my health; I had a slight scare, with it turned out to be nothing that an exercise and gym will not take care of.
I am thankful for my friends, I have made new ones, some got married this year, had babies, some got new and exciting jobs and some went back to school.
I am thankful for my friend that died this year, ‘cos I know that he has gone to a better place and left the pains of this world
I am thankful for my job, I love it, and it is opening more opportunities for me to do new things and moving me into bigger things and interests.
I am thankful that I have not been broke this year; no credit cards or loans and I have invested at home and aboard.
I am thankful, that I have given something back into my home country. I am working together with some wonderful people to donate to less privilege children in Nigeria.
I am thankful that I have finally started my business in my home country, made wonderful business contacts, made profit and building on the successes for next year.
I am thankful for my career progressions, the professional exams I passed this year, the ones I have in the pipeline.
I am thankful that a new year is approaching, with many opportunities that have my name on it.
Role model for other people
Last night, I had dinner with one of my best friends; we grew apart about 2 years ago. I had been thinking about our friendship for the last six months and trying to understand what went wrong. Anyway, I sent her an offline message on face book (thanks for facebook oh) and we met up to talk about things. What she said shocked me, she said it all started when I moved in with my boyfriend, now hubby 2 years ago and she was very disappointed, ‘cos I was like a sister to her and a kind of role model(did not use these exact words). She was very shocked, ‘cos of our similar Christian and moral beliefs. After she said this, I was also disappointed in myself, ‘cos I have never really thought of myself as a role model to anyone and what the responsibility are, when seen as one by others. It really got me thinking of things I take for granted… my life and the decisions I make, always believing that it is my own to make and not thinking about the effect it will have on those close to me. So I ask you, what are the responsibilities of a role model, to other?
P.S: I really don’t have this blog so that I can get comments, which will be great as well, but this is an online diary for me, to capture my thoughts and maybe in the process use it to improve my writing skills!
I am loving it! playing with colours today
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
As predicted
I was reading through the financial times this morning and the UN secretary general, Ban Ki Moon is saying that the agreement in Bali, by all participants for a roadmap process for “Kyoto 2” brings business opportunities; carbon trading. The financial sector is bussing and carbon traders are smiling and scheming! Of course this will only be realised if a meaningful target for carbon emission is set by countries, a deep cut reduction is being discussed -20-40%, with the developed countries, taking this target reduction.
The biggest challenge is not limiting the carbon change, because the cost is still manageable, but actually cutting the gas emission by 2050 to reach the very ambitious targets discussed, would be equivalent to global growth slowing by 0.1% pr year, through to 2050.
The biggest challenge is not limiting the carbon change, because the cost is still manageable, but actually cutting the gas emission by 2050 to reach the very ambitious targets discussed, would be equivalent to global growth slowing by 0.1% pr year, through to 2050.
Monday, 17 December 2007
Climate change... we need to all wake up
Very exciting times. The Kyoto protocol expiries in 2012 and the over 180 countries were gathered in Bali in the last week to trash out some principles for “Kyoto 2”, due to come into force in 2012. The process and the framework to be agreed by 2009.The nations of the world are finally realising that climate change is real, we must redress the way we use our planet, we need to preserve it for future generation, if not there will be nothing left!
A lot of rumbling is going on; the developed countries are refusing to take the lead on this, specifically the US. The new treaty will require all signatories to set specific targets, in terms of greenhouse gas emission, which causes climate change. We need a new international climate change deal and the Bali meeting aims to set this process and negotiations in place.
The US is not very happy about it, there are asking that developing countries to take some stick for this, e.g. China, but how can you have the same target for a developed nation like the US and UK and then impede the growth of China, Africa or the Asia countries? The general gist of the whole thing is that the Kyoto treaty previously signed requires all developed nations to set target to reduce greenhouse emission targets and report on it, but the developing countries are not required to do either, as they need to develop., however, they are required to participate in initiatives to curtail green gas emission.
At lot of pressure on the developed counties to reduce greenhouse emission, of course these comes with a lot of responsibility, less petrol, less industrialisation, less deforestation, less development, more and expensive research into alternative fuels etc.
I am watching the drama unfold... What is Nigeria and Africa’s take on this? Of course, I am thinking about carbon trading scheme, carbon off-setting. Latin America, Asia and China are in the thick of it all.
A lot of rumbling is going on; the developed countries are refusing to take the lead on this, specifically the US. The new treaty will require all signatories to set specific targets, in terms of greenhouse gas emission, which causes climate change. We need a new international climate change deal and the Bali meeting aims to set this process and negotiations in place.
The US is not very happy about it, there are asking that developing countries to take some stick for this, e.g. China, but how can you have the same target for a developed nation like the US and UK and then impede the growth of China, Africa or the Asia countries? The general gist of the whole thing is that the Kyoto treaty previously signed requires all developed nations to set target to reduce greenhouse emission targets and report on it, but the developing countries are not required to do either, as they need to develop., however, they are required to participate in initiatives to curtail green gas emission.
At lot of pressure on the developed counties to reduce greenhouse emission, of course these comes with a lot of responsibility, less petrol, less industrialisation, less deforestation, less development, more and expensive research into alternative fuels etc.
I am watching the drama unfold... What is Nigeria and Africa’s take on this? Of course, I am thinking about carbon trading scheme, carbon off-setting. Latin America, Asia and China are in the thick of it all.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Yummy... what a man
Guys,I don't mean to thick or anything but I saw something absolutely beautiful that caught my eyes this morning, on my way to work. It was absolutely beautiful, yummy and completely drove me to .... ( my hubby must not hear this). It is my one and only african brother: Djimon Hounsou in the latest Calvin klein advert. Shouldn't all men look like this?
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Mugabe... what is your legacy?
Who are my readers?
Thanks to everyone that has visisted my site and I just to say I get really excited when I see the neo counter on the right, with the countries and numbers of visits. It really get me thinking. Are they all nigerians or africans? I would love to hear from you all, for those that drop comments, thanks alot,for those that haven't, let me know how rubbish my blog is.LOL
Mugabe
I really have a problem with african leaders, wanting to hold on to power for so long. What else does Mugabe have to offer after 27 years of being in power ! I just heard that the ruling party have endorsed him, as the next presidential candidate. It is sheer madness! Does this mean that he is the only person in the party and country fit to rule Zimbabwe? His legacy, his freedom fighting and independence for Zimbabwe has all gone to the dogs. The only reason why the west is so concerned and british prime minister brown recently boycotting the EU & African leaders summit is 'cos lands have been taken off the "whites". They west is only concerned when they are affected!. It is really pathetic. A few weeks ago, the same brown was talking about "British jobs for british people". I don't see any reason why" black lands for black people" should not be the same".
Anyway, I am against Mugabe and all power drunk leaders in African holding on to power until they become a nuisance. Mugabe, will not be remembered for his freedom fights, he will be remembered for destroying his country's economy and thus, becoming a laughing stock of not just Africa, but the rest of the world.
When will africans stand up for themselves?... Pharoah let my people go
Thanks to everyone that has visisted my site and I just to say I get really excited when I see the neo counter on the right, with the countries and numbers of visits. It really get me thinking. Are they all nigerians or africans? I would love to hear from you all, for those that drop comments, thanks alot,for those that haven't, let me know how rubbish my blog is.LOL
Mugabe
I really have a problem with african leaders, wanting to hold on to power for so long. What else does Mugabe have to offer after 27 years of being in power ! I just heard that the ruling party have endorsed him, as the next presidential candidate. It is sheer madness! Does this mean that he is the only person in the party and country fit to rule Zimbabwe? His legacy, his freedom fighting and independence for Zimbabwe has all gone to the dogs. The only reason why the west is so concerned and british prime minister brown recently boycotting the EU & African leaders summit is 'cos lands have been taken off the "whites". They west is only concerned when they are affected!. It is really pathetic. A few weeks ago, the same brown was talking about "British jobs for british people". I don't see any reason why" black lands for black people" should not be the same".
Anyway, I am against Mugabe and all power drunk leaders in African holding on to power until they become a nuisance. Mugabe, will not be remembered for his freedom fights, he will be remembered for destroying his country's economy and thus, becoming a laughing stock of not just Africa, but the rest of the world.
When will africans stand up for themselves?... Pharoah let my people go
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Re: Will no one speak for Africa...?
I am carrying my placard today for something that I read on Omodudu's blog and white African on this one computer per child in Africa initiative. Echoing all the comments from these blogs, I am tired of the west and non-Africans at the centre of this debate, deliberating and arguing weather it is best to provide $100 computers to every child or provide food & drink. It is no longer possible for the west to keep categorising Africa as one country! The problems in Nigeria are very different from the problems in South Africa. Sudan and Egypt are different and hence needs a different approach to poverty and many other things. People are asking for African leaders to stand up, speak and debate on this issue, but take Nigeria for example. How is this possible? Most ministers are busy stealing from the public coffers to worry about policy development. Ministers are just figure heads.
I met someone recently, that works for the UN and he said one of the things he struggles to understand is the sheer incompetence and lack of preparation of Nigerian’s present ministers(Yaradua's government) when they attend international meetings. They are more worried about staying in the best hotels in Geneva and where to find $10,000 wrist watches and Louis Vuitton bags for their wives, than they are about making meaningful contributions. With many years of holding several political positions, they still lack any concrete intelligence.
But they are so many young Nigerians and Africans at home and abroad with blogs that the quality of their entries, debates and comments speak for itself. Who will speak for this continent? I will speak for my country- Nigeria. Anyone else will join me?
I met someone recently, that works for the UN and he said one of the things he struggles to understand is the sheer incompetence and lack of preparation of Nigerian’s present ministers(Yaradua's government) when they attend international meetings. They are more worried about staying in the best hotels in Geneva and where to find $10,000 wrist watches and Louis Vuitton bags for their wives, than they are about making meaningful contributions. With many years of holding several political positions, they still lack any concrete intelligence.
But they are so many young Nigerians and Africans at home and abroad with blogs that the quality of their entries, debates and comments speak for itself. Who will speak for this continent? I will speak for my country- Nigeria. Anyone else will join me?
Monday, 10 December 2007
ICT in Nigeria/Africa - The risks and issues
I am carrying my placard today, for how Nigeria and the rest of Africa can harness the fantastic use of ICT and the Internet and also address all the “eSafety” issues associated with this technology. The promotion of this fantastic technology, as a driver for the development of Nigeria and Africa, comes with a lot of responsibility and needs to be addressed as part of its promotion.
I read with a lot of admiration, Gbenga Sesan , singing the song of ICT and its vital place in the development of Africa, an emerging continent, rich with milk and honey etc. I am very impressed, infact, I believe he is preaching the right sermon, but I also concerned about the minorities in Africa, especially Nigeria who use the Internet inappropriately, for fraud aka 149, locally known as “yahoo yahoo boys”. 10 years after the wide use of the Internet, with 60-80% of the West European population, connected to the Internet at home, school and work place, the West is beginning to address the “eSafety”, “ safe use of Internet and all related technologies”, “child protection” etc. - they are called different thing.s A minority are using the Internet for inappropriate things e.g. cyberbullying, Identity fraud, credit card frauds, child grooming, child porn etc. These issue has even become more increasingly important in the last 3years, with the promise of Internet on mobiles actually happening. Take for example Vodaphone’s latest slogan “Internet is now mobile”, O2’s iphone and all the latest sophisticated handset with high speed internet access. It is a lot more difficult for children and young people to be supervised and the risks are a lot more difficult to manage by adults, parents and carers.
As Africa is always catching up on all emerging technologies, what is Africa doing about inappropriate use of the Internet? Fortunately, we are not seeing the issues mentioned above, because of cultural difference, but Fraud, 419 and yahoo yahoo” is very prevalent in Africa, especially Nigeria. Unfortunately, these have very serious consequences on our reputation, western perception of doing business in Nigeria and with Nigerians, which is met with very serious caution.This is not doing us any favours. Foreign investment is adversely affected with the mistrust of Nigerians and doing business in Nigeria. Experts say that it is costing Nigeria millions in dollars in foreign investment. I read with a lot of dismay when I open my yahoo inbox, to find a lot of scams from Nigerians, asking for bank accounts for some “ ex-dictator’s loot”. This is just one of many things these fraudsters are dishonestly take money off people; they are also using chatrooms, children adoption, recruitment etc. I was at work one day when one of my colleagues received an email, referring to the CV she posted on monsterjobs, with a potential job offer in Nigeria, asking her to pay £2k to obtain work permit in Nigeria for a £200k a year job. Imagine that. With no job interview. We can no longer sit on the fence and say it is the west’s fault for falling for these scams. How can you not fall for a job offer? a promise of a child up for adoption? Or even a lonely heart in a chatroom looking for a soul mate?
How do we learn from the West, on inappropriate use of the Internet? I recently read, with a lot of joy the massive increase in the number of mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria, about 35M active subscribers but I am also very worried about the emergence of sophisticated handsets that make internet browsing easy on mobiles. If we can not control “yahoo yahoo boys” and 419 in Internet cafes, how do we plan to address accessible Internet on mobile? An average Nigerian living in Nigeria carries at least 3 mobile phones at any point in time.
I am not a doomsayer so I have a few things in mind, to help address these issues. Experience in the West has shown that eSafety is a wholistic approach; it affects everyone and should be taken seriously in a sphere of the society. It starts with the Government. The government needs to commission research looking at how This technology is being used by all and how consumers, children and young people can be protected from the risk of the using the Internet, namely contact (grooming, bullying etc), content (adult content) commerce (advertising, privacy etc.). Policies, regulations and acts needs to be put in place, to ensure that ISP, service providers, Internet and mobile operators can operate within the confines of esafety when developing propositions. Self regulation is also effective, let the operators fund, setup and agree code of conducts on how these risks and issues are addressed. Let them commit to development of tools and resources for the consumers, so that they can protect themselves and their family. Let “eSafety” be central to their entire proposition and an integral part of their services and offers. In the Uk and the rest of Europe, there are plans to integrate eSafety in the school curriculum and lesson plans are being created by NGO, education and corporate bodies for trainee teachers and teachers, to equip them with the necessary skills to educate children in the classrooms. The parents and carers are not left out of this. There is a drive for operators and service providers to effectively communicate to this group the risks and issues associated with using their services and more importantly, how to protect themselves and their families.
P.S: What the heck is wrong with Nigeria and company registration? I am trying to register a consulting company in Nigeria and I have been told I need to have a postgraduate degree, because “consulting is a specialist area”. I was gobsmacked at the rubbishness (Is this a word?) of the whole thing. You can register any company in the UK in 5mins on the frecking Internet, without even any GCSE grades.
To make the 75th anniversary of the BBC, a number of articles are being published on the theme" Freedom of speech" and Wole Soyinka's article of on.
I read with a lot of admiration, Gbenga Sesan , singing the song of ICT and its vital place in the development of Africa, an emerging continent, rich with milk and honey etc. I am very impressed, infact, I believe he is preaching the right sermon, but I also concerned about the minorities in Africa, especially Nigeria who use the Internet inappropriately, for fraud aka 149, locally known as “yahoo yahoo boys”. 10 years after the wide use of the Internet, with 60-80% of the West European population, connected to the Internet at home, school and work place, the West is beginning to address the “eSafety”, “ safe use of Internet and all related technologies”, “child protection” etc. - they are called different thing.s A minority are using the Internet for inappropriate things e.g. cyberbullying, Identity fraud, credit card frauds, child grooming, child porn etc. These issue has even become more increasingly important in the last 3years, with the promise of Internet on mobiles actually happening. Take for example Vodaphone’s latest slogan “Internet is now mobile”, O2’s iphone and all the latest sophisticated handset with high speed internet access. It is a lot more difficult for children and young people to be supervised and the risks are a lot more difficult to manage by adults, parents and carers.
As Africa is always catching up on all emerging technologies, what is Africa doing about inappropriate use of the Internet? Fortunately, we are not seeing the issues mentioned above, because of cultural difference, but Fraud, 419 and yahoo yahoo” is very prevalent in Africa, especially Nigeria. Unfortunately, these have very serious consequences on our reputation, western perception of doing business in Nigeria and with Nigerians, which is met with very serious caution.This is not doing us any favours. Foreign investment is adversely affected with the mistrust of Nigerians and doing business in Nigeria. Experts say that it is costing Nigeria millions in dollars in foreign investment. I read with a lot of dismay when I open my yahoo inbox, to find a lot of scams from Nigerians, asking for bank accounts for some “ ex-dictator’s loot”. This is just one of many things these fraudsters are dishonestly take money off people; they are also using chatrooms, children adoption, recruitment etc. I was at work one day when one of my colleagues received an email, referring to the CV she posted on monsterjobs, with a potential job offer in Nigeria, asking her to pay £2k to obtain work permit in Nigeria for a £200k a year job. Imagine that. With no job interview. We can no longer sit on the fence and say it is the west’s fault for falling for these scams. How can you not fall for a job offer? a promise of a child up for adoption? Or even a lonely heart in a chatroom looking for a soul mate?
How do we learn from the West, on inappropriate use of the Internet? I recently read, with a lot of joy the massive increase in the number of mobile phone subscribers in Nigeria, about 35M active subscribers but I am also very worried about the emergence of sophisticated handsets that make internet browsing easy on mobiles. If we can not control “yahoo yahoo boys” and 419 in Internet cafes, how do we plan to address accessible Internet on mobile? An average Nigerian living in Nigeria carries at least 3 mobile phones at any point in time.
I am not a doomsayer so I have a few things in mind, to help address these issues. Experience in the West has shown that eSafety is a wholistic approach; it affects everyone and should be taken seriously in a sphere of the society. It starts with the Government. The government needs to commission research looking at how This technology is being used by all and how consumers, children and young people can be protected from the risk of the using the Internet, namely contact (grooming, bullying etc), content (adult content) commerce (advertising, privacy etc.). Policies, regulations and acts needs to be put in place, to ensure that ISP, service providers, Internet and mobile operators can operate within the confines of esafety when developing propositions. Self regulation is also effective, let the operators fund, setup and agree code of conducts on how these risks and issues are addressed. Let them commit to development of tools and resources for the consumers, so that they can protect themselves and their family. Let “eSafety” be central to their entire proposition and an integral part of their services and offers. In the Uk and the rest of Europe, there are plans to integrate eSafety in the school curriculum and lesson plans are being created by NGO, education and corporate bodies for trainee teachers and teachers, to equip them with the necessary skills to educate children in the classrooms. The parents and carers are not left out of this. There is a drive for operators and service providers to effectively communicate to this group the risks and issues associated with using their services and more importantly, how to protect themselves and their families.
P.S: What the heck is wrong with Nigeria and company registration? I am trying to register a consulting company in Nigeria and I have been told I need to have a postgraduate degree, because “consulting is a specialist area”. I was gobsmacked at the rubbishness (Is this a word?) of the whole thing. You can register any company in the UK in 5mins on the frecking Internet, without even any GCSE grades.
To make the 75th anniversary of the BBC, a number of articles are being published on the theme" Freedom of speech" and Wole Soyinka's article of on.
Friday, 7 December 2007
Friday... random nothing
Hey people,
I am so happy today. I finally took out my hair extension and guess what? I hair has actually gown 3inches! I am so pleased. I can now do "bay parking" I finished my driving lessons today with a big smile on my face. 5yrs of driving lessons and thousands of pounds, I finally worked out how to reserve in a parkign bar, between two cars. Hurry, driving test here I come!
I am heading back to the gym next week. I am fat!
Christmas shopping beckons. I have a number of things to presents to buy this week. A few things for myself, office shirts, pants etc. I need to get presents for my god son and one of our friend’s 2yr old daughter. A few things for hubby too. I hope he likes them; the bobo does not like the idea of me buying his clothes at all. Don’t get me wrong, my bubby is really old fashioned oh! Shop in Zara ke?, you are asking him to look like P. Piddy? Anyway, I am getting him some nice sweaters. I remember the jacket I got him for his birthday. The guy refused to wear it for 3week oh! Too trendy he said, until he tried it one day and one of our very good friends said “ you look 10ys younger”. I laughed when he told me. So, hence, hubby is now wearing the trendy jacket.
Merry Christmas everyone. I will be thinking of Naija, ‘cos I really hate Christmas in this country. Lonely, boring and NOT Nigeria.
I have started reflecting on the next year and I am planning to do some serious professional courses. It is not even the reading that scares me, it is the cost of all these training. I have just booked myself to course in February for £2,000… I know people, it is really crazy. I got the invoice through the post today and sho, it was for £2k. The website said £1,650 but VAT got added and I am stuck!. I am finally starting my French classes next year. I booked myself on the 13 weeks course in January. I am hoping to be able to converse fluently and write basic French at the end of the 13weeks
Another thing is this NYSC. Hubby and I have decided that it is best I go and do this 3 weeks programme in March, ‘cos me I have political ambitions and there are some issues with not doing it, before one is 30.I have another big training next, in the U.S. I will keep you all posted if I get on the training course. It is going to cost £5K. So far, I have counted 8K and there are still a few more things in the pipeline. Wish me luck, but these trainings are all necessary. I must to stand out… twice as good, I am a black woman with an African accent!!!!!!!!
A lot of rubbish nothing going on in naija now. Nothing worth carrying my placard for. I found this blog about an Iragi woman and it is really cool. Really opened my eyes to what is happening in Iraq.
I am so happy today. I finally took out my hair extension and guess what? I hair has actually gown 3inches! I am so pleased. I can now do "bay parking" I finished my driving lessons today with a big smile on my face. 5yrs of driving lessons and thousands of pounds, I finally worked out how to reserve in a parkign bar, between two cars. Hurry, driving test here I come!
I am heading back to the gym next week. I am fat!
Christmas shopping beckons. I have a number of things to presents to buy this week. A few things for myself, office shirts, pants etc. I need to get presents for my god son and one of our friend’s 2yr old daughter. A few things for hubby too. I hope he likes them; the bobo does not like the idea of me buying his clothes at all. Don’t get me wrong, my bubby is really old fashioned oh! Shop in Zara ke?, you are asking him to look like P. Piddy? Anyway, I am getting him some nice sweaters. I remember the jacket I got him for his birthday. The guy refused to wear it for 3week oh! Too trendy he said, until he tried it one day and one of our very good friends said “ you look 10ys younger”. I laughed when he told me. So, hence, hubby is now wearing the trendy jacket.
Merry Christmas everyone. I will be thinking of Naija, ‘cos I really hate Christmas in this country. Lonely, boring and NOT Nigeria.
I have started reflecting on the next year and I am planning to do some serious professional courses. It is not even the reading that scares me, it is the cost of all these training. I have just booked myself to course in February for £2,000… I know people, it is really crazy. I got the invoice through the post today and sho, it was for £2k. The website said £1,650 but VAT got added and I am stuck!. I am finally starting my French classes next year. I booked myself on the 13 weeks course in January. I am hoping to be able to converse fluently and write basic French at the end of the 13weeks
Another thing is this NYSC. Hubby and I have decided that it is best I go and do this 3 weeks programme in March, ‘cos me I have political ambitions and there are some issues with not doing it, before one is 30.I have another big training next, in the U.S. I will keep you all posted if I get on the training course. It is going to cost £5K. So far, I have counted 8K and there are still a few more things in the pipeline. Wish me luck, but these trainings are all necessary. I must to stand out… twice as good, I am a black woman with an African accent!!!!!!!!
A lot of rubbish nothing going on in naija now. Nothing worth carrying my placard for. I found this blog about an Iragi woman and it is really cool. Really opened my eyes to what is happening in Iraq.
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Pictures from Switzerland. Enjoy!
This is a beautiful picture from our hotel room. Ferries take you straight to France from Lausanne.
I particularly love my boots. Not a flattering picture of my face!
Lausanne. Heading to the IMD graduation. I love my gloves. I have always wanted to get leather gloves and this is my very first one.
Akin is still in my thoughts. I still feel very sad when I think about him. I have decided to make up some of my friends that I have fallen of with. Life is too short and I can't imagine losing any of them.
The UK interest rate has been reduced. I am so pleased. It means that myself and at least 1M other’s mortgage repayments will be reduced. We were beginning to feel the credit crunch in the UK. House prices are slowing down and even dropping in some parts of the country. It takes down my monthly payment to £75 less than what I am already paying. Thank Gordon Brown!
The missing man: This story is really funny. This man went missing for 5yrs and he was resumed dead. In the meantime, his wife claimed on his life insurance and recently moved to Panama, and then the man walked into the police station. One of the notorious British newspapers found a picture of him with his wife in Panama last year. Anyway, the woman has now confessed to seeing him. I can only smell fraud here! Missing man and his lying wife are due to a visit to “her majesty service” very soon!
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Na wa oh.... orisirisi
Nigerians and their "white is best mentality".
I was reading Jeremy’s blog today about someone running Project Management workshops in naija and one of his public sector client in the audience stood up to ask " where are the white trainers". Can you believe it? In this age and time, some people still have this mentality that anything good has to come from oversees and must be white. This is a slavery mentality, Inferiority complex and a complete mockery of what being Nigerian and black is all about. When would Nigerians begin to support and trust their own? Let the trainer's handiwork speak for itself. You only need 5mins to decide weather the person in front of you is any good. These are trainers that have worked aboard, with several multinationals and even trained this same "white people". This mentality has nothing to do with illiteracy, 'cos these are educated people and infact; if you dig deeper, you will find out that they studied abroad. I found this quite interesting 'cos myself and a partner plan to do run similar workshops in naija next year and this is one area we have been debating on and how to move forward with this expectation. Any ideas?
Infidelity - our naija men
I am not in anyway, saying all naija men are cheats here; this is just something that I have been thinking about, since I spoke to a very good friend of mine over the weekend. About a year ago, she broke up with her boyfriend of 5yrs, but she never really gave me all the dirty stories behind it. Apparently, she stopped trusting the guy. She has never caught him cheating, but there have been several rumours of him cheating with many girls behind her back. The bobo keeps denying it, each time she confronts him and she has never had any evidence to support the allegations. Anyway, the last straw was when he found out that he has dabbling in illegal activities, known as "olodu". She just could not handle it. Anyway, this brings me to my ex-boyfriend, who I dated before I met my now husband. This guy cheated on me, told me and then expected me take part responsibility for it. Firstly, I was too in love with him to believe he cheated on me, but worse was he expecting me to take responsibility for it. My people, I did not get it, and I still don't get it. I was so mad. Fortunately for him, it was a long distance relationship, I lived in the UK and he lived in America, I would have slapped his dirty mouth a few times. ( I am not a violent person, but heart break can invoke anything). I have never loved anyone like this guy, I cried so much, I nearly passed out. I remember going to work everyday and coming back home, sit in front of my TV, playing some really sad songs and cried and cried. I nearly died. I could not tell confide in anyone. I was always known as the hard one, the sensible one that takes no nonsense. I could not just admit that I have been fooled. On one of my very low days, a hosted a bridal shower in my flat and we started talking about infidelity, together with about 15 female friends and one of them said " infidelity is not enough reason to leave a man" I was so shocked, I could not believe that in this day and age, a young 24-25yrs girl will stick to a boyfriend after he had cheated. What is there to work out? How do you move on? How can you trust him? Can you ever be happy? Is love really forgiving?
Anyway, you want to know what I did. I found out who the girl was, went on a naija social networking site, which I knew she was registered and dropped a few messages for her. The annoying thing was that the girl knew I was in the picture. She even pretended she was pregnant for my ex-, which is why I heard about the whole thing. The sad thing was that my ex- big sister knew about the affair. The encouraged him, ‘cos according to him, she said “her parents are rich and she is an American citizen”. You know what, this drove me mad. I am glad I did not stick with him. His sisters is a real loser for saying such a thing and imagine having her for a sister in-law. I can’t even imagine what his mother will say if his sister can say such a thing. Anyway, my friend that said infidelity was not enough to leave a man, I just concluded that she was either a razz, insecure or her family background is just messed up. I mentally kept my distance from her. Obirin ti o ro ara re pin( a woman with low self-esteem).
I also told mum about the whole thing, I mean the boyfriend cheating and all she said was that I trust that I was smart enough to make the right decision. I have never felt so close to my mum.
If you ever stuck to a man after he cheated on you, please I want to hear from you. I don't believe it is possible to be happy in such a relationship, but I beg to be proven wrong.
I was reading Jeremy’s blog today about someone running Project Management workshops in naija and one of his public sector client in the audience stood up to ask " where are the white trainers". Can you believe it? In this age and time, some people still have this mentality that anything good has to come from oversees and must be white. This is a slavery mentality, Inferiority complex and a complete mockery of what being Nigerian and black is all about. When would Nigerians begin to support and trust their own? Let the trainer's handiwork speak for itself. You only need 5mins to decide weather the person in front of you is any good. These are trainers that have worked aboard, with several multinationals and even trained this same "white people". This mentality has nothing to do with illiteracy, 'cos these are educated people and infact; if you dig deeper, you will find out that they studied abroad. I found this quite interesting 'cos myself and a partner plan to do run similar workshops in naija next year and this is one area we have been debating on and how to move forward with this expectation. Any ideas?
Infidelity - our naija men
I am not in anyway, saying all naija men are cheats here; this is just something that I have been thinking about, since I spoke to a very good friend of mine over the weekend. About a year ago, she broke up with her boyfriend of 5yrs, but she never really gave me all the dirty stories behind it. Apparently, she stopped trusting the guy. She has never caught him cheating, but there have been several rumours of him cheating with many girls behind her back. The bobo keeps denying it, each time she confronts him and she has never had any evidence to support the allegations. Anyway, the last straw was when he found out that he has dabbling in illegal activities, known as "olodu". She just could not handle it. Anyway, this brings me to my ex-boyfriend, who I dated before I met my now husband. This guy cheated on me, told me and then expected me take part responsibility for it. Firstly, I was too in love with him to believe he cheated on me, but worse was he expecting me to take responsibility for it. My people, I did not get it, and I still don't get it. I was so mad. Fortunately for him, it was a long distance relationship, I lived in the UK and he lived in America, I would have slapped his dirty mouth a few times. ( I am not a violent person, but heart break can invoke anything). I have never loved anyone like this guy, I cried so much, I nearly passed out. I remember going to work everyday and coming back home, sit in front of my TV, playing some really sad songs and cried and cried. I nearly died. I could not tell confide in anyone. I was always known as the hard one, the sensible one that takes no nonsense. I could not just admit that I have been fooled. On one of my very low days, a hosted a bridal shower in my flat and we started talking about infidelity, together with about 15 female friends and one of them said " infidelity is not enough reason to leave a man" I was so shocked, I could not believe that in this day and age, a young 24-25yrs girl will stick to a boyfriend after he had cheated. What is there to work out? How do you move on? How can you trust him? Can you ever be happy? Is love really forgiving?
Anyway, you want to know what I did. I found out who the girl was, went on a naija social networking site, which I knew she was registered and dropped a few messages for her. The annoying thing was that the girl knew I was in the picture. She even pretended she was pregnant for my ex-, which is why I heard about the whole thing. The sad thing was that my ex- big sister knew about the affair. The encouraged him, ‘cos according to him, she said “her parents are rich and she is an American citizen”. You know what, this drove me mad. I am glad I did not stick with him. His sisters is a real loser for saying such a thing and imagine having her for a sister in-law. I can’t even imagine what his mother will say if his sister can say such a thing. Anyway, my friend that said infidelity was not enough to leave a man, I just concluded that she was either a razz, insecure or her family background is just messed up. I mentally kept my distance from her. Obirin ti o ro ara re pin( a woman with low self-esteem).
I also told mum about the whole thing, I mean the boyfriend cheating and all she said was that I trust that I was smart enough to make the right decision. I have never felt so close to my mum.
If you ever stuck to a man after he cheated on you, please I want to hear from you. I don't believe it is possible to be happy in such a relationship, but I beg to be proven wrong.
Monday, 3 December 2007
Akin is gone...
A friend of my mine died last Monday. I still can’t believe it. He still dropped me an offline message a few weeks ago, he just updated his Facebook pictures and I only just found out that he added a picture we took together in 2004.
Akin was a great guy, a fine young man, with a lot of things going for him. He just graduated from law school and started his career. I am still in shock! I keep going to his facebook page, to look at his pictures; he was so full of life. I remember when I first met his; he just walked up to me and we started chatting, right in the middle of campus. We talked a lot about his family, his sisters, his mum, his nieces and nephews. He told me about his nephew- Shine. He used to fancy me, but nothing ever happened between us. He added up being friends for a long time. I remember the last time I saw him, in 2004, when he came to my house with his best friend – Muyiwa. He had a really good time together, just talking about old times, his future plans etc.
Life is so unfair. How can such a much loved guy like Akin died; just like that. How can his mission on earth be completed, just after he is 30 yrs old. Is his purpose on earth fulfilled?, or the devil just decided to cut his life short? How can God-the creator of all things, who knows best, let this happen? There was no notice, no warning, it just happened. His family and friends just lost a beautiful soul!
Akin, I remember your lovely smile, the way you always smiled at me and how we spent ages, taking about our dreams the world was your oyster, and you were one of those people that grabbed life with both your hands. I remember how you always spoke of your love for your mum, how precious you were to her, how you could not leave her in Ogbomosho, ‘cos your sisters had all left home and you had to be there for her.
I remember when we met at the Lagbaja show in Ibadan, you promised to introduce me to Lagbaja, ‘cos he was your uncle, but there was a huge crowd and we just could not get through. Many years from then, I still think about how close I was to meeting Lagbaja. I remember your red car, how you used to cruise it around Ogbomosho. I remember your incident with the cult boys, how they “obtained” your belt, ‘cos the logo on it resembled the “aka cult”. I remember when Dupe was heart broken by Dapo and you called me to come and get her, and how we all walked back to the hostel together, comforting Dupe.
I still can’t cry, ‘cos I don’t believe you are gone. I was waiting to speak to your best friend – Muyiwa, maybe he will tell me it was all a big mistake. That you are still alive and kicking, with your cheeky smile. I want to hear your voice again, I want to laugh at all the stupid memories and talk about our future plans, your latest girlfriend or even your wedding. I want to ask after Shine, find out what he is up to the U.S, even though I have never met him. Also ask about your niece (Shine’ sister). All I can think about is that:
“Akin, you lived your life like a candle in the wind, but the candle burned out long before the legend ever live”
Akin was a great guy, a fine young man, with a lot of things going for him. He just graduated from law school and started his career. I am still in shock! I keep going to his facebook page, to look at his pictures; he was so full of life. I remember when I first met his; he just walked up to me and we started chatting, right in the middle of campus. We talked a lot about his family, his sisters, his mum, his nieces and nephews. He told me about his nephew- Shine. He used to fancy me, but nothing ever happened between us. He added up being friends for a long time. I remember the last time I saw him, in 2004, when he came to my house with his best friend – Muyiwa. He had a really good time together, just talking about old times, his future plans etc.
Life is so unfair. How can such a much loved guy like Akin died; just like that. How can his mission on earth be completed, just after he is 30 yrs old. Is his purpose on earth fulfilled?, or the devil just decided to cut his life short? How can God-the creator of all things, who knows best, let this happen? There was no notice, no warning, it just happened. His family and friends just lost a beautiful soul!
Akin, I remember your lovely smile, the way you always smiled at me and how we spent ages, taking about our dreams the world was your oyster, and you were one of those people that grabbed life with both your hands. I remember how you always spoke of your love for your mum, how precious you were to her, how you could not leave her in Ogbomosho, ‘cos your sisters had all left home and you had to be there for her.
I remember when we met at the Lagbaja show in Ibadan, you promised to introduce me to Lagbaja, ‘cos he was your uncle, but there was a huge crowd and we just could not get through. Many years from then, I still think about how close I was to meeting Lagbaja. I remember your red car, how you used to cruise it around Ogbomosho. I remember your incident with the cult boys, how they “obtained” your belt, ‘cos the logo on it resembled the “aka cult”. I remember when Dupe was heart broken by Dapo and you called me to come and get her, and how we all walked back to the hostel together, comforting Dupe.
I still can’t cry, ‘cos I don’t believe you are gone. I was waiting to speak to your best friend – Muyiwa, maybe he will tell me it was all a big mistake. That you are still alive and kicking, with your cheeky smile. I want to hear your voice again, I want to laugh at all the stupid memories and talk about our future plans, your latest girlfriend or even your wedding. I want to ask after Shine, find out what he is up to the U.S, even though I have never met him. Also ask about your niece (Shine’ sister). All I can think about is that:
“Akin, you lived your life like a candle in the wind, but the candle burned out long before the legend ever live”
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