Fair Is Fair: The Missing Yet Needed Nigerian Narrative || By Adedoja Tosin

Everyone loves a witch hunt as long as it is someone else’s witch that’s being hunted. – Walter Krin

The 2015 general elections have come and gone but we all would no doubt agree that the drama and intrigues which the election was fraught with left some indelible memories in our collective minds. We were dealt a blow I hope we would recover from, and very soon I pray for sanity and posterity’s sake. The walter Krin’s profound comment which preluded this article becomes even more relevant in the wake of the demise of the former Governor of Bayelsa of state, DPR Diepreye Alameisieyagha who until his death was a wanted man in faraway UK over allegations of money laundering. So grave were these allegations that he subsequently had to disguise as a woman and flee the UK to evade capture in a move that put his bail in jeopardy. However sad the reality of his passing was for very many reasons across variegated lines of socio-political interests, it nonetheless opened the core of our national existence for all to take a look, and what an ugly sight it was.

From late September last year when the change mantra that brought in the ruling government into power after an interplay of political forces, and most importantly the will of the people of Nigeria to effect a change in the Nigerian political narrative, I thought we were in a for a swell time as Nigerians, because unprecedentedly,  I saw a crop of young men and women like me voice out their concerns about how badly we have had it leadership wise as a country post military era. Not only were they justifiably concerned, they had summoned the zeal to get involved politically, and placed their bet on General Muhammadu Buhari. But to my utmost consternation, we seem to be getting it all wrong all over again and I’m afraid this time it will be more terrible. While I’m totally in for an anti-corruption battle that rids this nation of the bad name that our leaders have christened us by their deeds and most importantly our own lackadaisical attitude towards events around us, I just certainly will not dim my searchlight when it is the turn to look inward into people who championed the cause with me irrespective of how much I would be hurt for this country’s sake.

In light of President Buhari’s unveiling of his would be ministers, there have been various substantial and heart rending allegations of financial recklessness, embezzlement, and inflation of contract sums against beloved generals of the change march that brought in our much loved president when they held sway in office in various capacities. Even though the authenticity of the corruption allegations leveled against the likes of Fashola and Amachie have not been affirmed by the pronouncement of any competent court, they still have the rupple effect of casting doubts on the anti-corruption battle supposedly embarked upon by the incumbent administration. What further beats me is that, it seems to me that there is no excuse left in the world that has not been deployed in the defence of these individuals by their admirers (of which I’m one), while conveniently burying the real allegations by burying them under utter balderdash and illogical logics while ironically on the other hand dealing heavy criticism and sometimes curses on anyone caught in the same web of allegations within the same scenario frame; Diezani Madueke and host of other political appointees of the immediate past administration being typical examples of scapegoats for offences we could drag many more big fishes on both sides of the divide into. Such hypocrisy!

The foregoing then raises the elusive question: what do Nigerians hate exactly? Corruption itself or its agent(s)? If you ask me, I’d go for the latter as evident in the manner in which so called youths defend the nefarious, padded, perfidious and praetorian profiteering of these supposed leaders who probably do not even know they exist. Like Noam Chomsky, one whose teachings I have come to appreciate over the years said, “corruption discourse have been relegated to this,  For the powerful, and one who has a strong voice enough to condemn,  Crimes are those others we don’t agree with commit”. In recent times, hypocrisy have, by our actions and defence of who belongs to our tribe or alliances, when caught doing something you would naturally lampoon anyone on another side of the divide for, been added to the kitty of the moral burdens we carry as a nation.

Inspite of the foregoing however, I’m hopeful that one day, as recently posited by Pius Adesanmi at this year’s edition of ‘’The Platform’’ we will define corruption as it is supposed to be defined without any tribal or political prejudice that we have come used to. So that when it is the turn of your witch to be hunted, you won’t resort to  rhetorics and utter malarkey for an excuse.  And that Sulaiman will for once know that when he was handed 10 years imprisonment for stealing a Goat, the Judge was fair on sighting a rich popular thief becoming his new neighbour.

God Bless Nigeria! Say no to injustice, Fair is Fair!!

ADEDOJA TOSIN,

2015

★★★★★

Adedoja Tosin is a passionate young Nigerian most concerned about the need for Nigeria to up her ante in every sector of life. He is a speaker, freelance writer and retailer of clothing items. Top of it all, he is a lover of God.

You can follow Tosin on Twitter: @iamTROL

★★★★★

Would you like your article to be featured on this blog? Contact me on Twitter @Orifunke Add me on Facebook Orifunke Lawal or send an email to lawalorifunke@yahoo.com

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Emmanuel Faith’s Story || The Improvement Challenge #TIC21

Remember The Improvement Challenge? Last month, I started and ended an Improvement Challenge that lasted for twenty-one days. For more information, click. Emmanuel Faith joined in the Challenge (albeit he didn’t inform me) and he sent me his Improvement Challenge story and how it has helped him. Do enjoy!

*****

              

Our mind is like a rubber band, the more it stretches, the more its effectiveness        
John Maxwell

                                               

      I was captivated by my beloved friend’s status which read “21 days improvement challenge”. My adventurous mind pushed me to making some inquisitive enquiry and with few words of persuasion, I was convinced to join this “movement”. Dont mind me, I particularly love puzzles, mental tasks and challenges.

      “What do I want to do consistently for 21 days?” I asked myself. Different ideas flowed through my mind as my thoughts tussled to and fro. After ruminating for a while, I decided to write a poem daily and read a chapter from the book of Proverbs.

       I missed my quill that spilled God’s will, and mine too. With vivid vivacity, I picked up my pen and made it dance heartily, scribbling my first poem titled “Black and White” which was dedicated to all my friends who are barristers in the making.

  Dedicating an hour daily to my newly found quotidian adventure, I wore the clothe of consistency until laziness paid me a visit bringing procrastination along. There was nobody to monitor or check on me (Next time, I suggest we  do this with an accountability partner). I lost my zeal and momentum. However, like Thomas Edison said, “You are not a failure until you fail to try again”, I sent laziness packing and continued with a stronger zeal and guess what! In the span of twenty one days, I wrote twelve poems, two essays and three articles, not forgetting the book of proverbs which I read up to chapter twenty four.

I derived maximum benefit from this challenge and I encourage mental tasks like this often.
                                                                                                  Emmanuel Faith  

*****

Thank you very much, Emmanuel.

Did you join in the 21-day Improvement Challenge? How did it help you? Please send your stories to: lawalorifunke@yahoo.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

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Lessons Learnt From The Improvement Challenge- Day 21

Some weeks ago, the idea of having a challenge for twenty-one days that would help me improve in certain vital areas of my life crossed my mind. It sounded like a much better idea when I thought of the fact that I could also involve other people who needed to improve themselves also. So, after much deliberation, I embarked on #TIC21 which stands for The Improvement Challenge of 21 days. Today is Day 21 of #TIC21 and I am happy, thankful and fulfilled that I made it to the end. I would be sharing with you how The Improvement Challenge has helped me.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done”- Nelson Mandela

Yes, that’s the first lesson I learnt. Nothing will be possible, or seem possible, until somebody actually does it. About to start the challenge, I had a whole lot of reservations and questions.  It was my first project of its kind and I didn’t know how to start.  I didn’t know what people would think and if they would want to join in the Challenge. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it till the twenty-first day. I feared that I would start and not be able to finish. Man, I had so much worries! However, I decided that I was going to do it whether it seemed possible or not, whether people joined in or not. I just did it. I knew that even if I failed at it, I would have learnt a lesson or two from it. I also knew that I had nothing to lose if I started it. The success of #TIC21 has made me see that I could do whatever I set out to do. It has inspired me to dream of bigger challenges. It has taught me better ways of doing stuff like this.  I am the only limitation that I have. People aren’t my limitation. Money isn’t. I am my own limitation.

How #TIC21 helped me.
I am of the belief that everybody must work hard to improve themselves.  Being contented with who you are and where you are is a sign of mediocrity. You might be doing so well at a particular thing but the truly successful people never get satisfied with wherever they are. There is ALWAYS a need to improve. #TIC21 made me constantly remember the need for improvement. There were times when I was tired but I knew I had to keep improving myself. I built the habit of writing, reading everyday and now that I am through with the challenge, I see no reason why I should stop writing everyday or why I should stop reading everyday. I know I am a better writer than I was twenty-one days ago. Albeit I am not where I want to be, I see this as a good start for me.

#TIC21 taught me commitment, not just commitment to improvement, but commitment to people. I knew I couldn’t stop halfway because there were people always asking how the Improvement Challenge was going. There were people who wanted to see me end well and so I just couldn’t stop till I got to the end.

GRATITUDE
I am grateful to everybody who saw the possibility of this when I was not even sure about it; Tolulope Ahmed, Abraham Ologundudu, Samuel Akinlotan, Adebayo Michael Em.A, and those that space will not permit me to mention- Thank you so much. Also, Thanks to those who kept sending in their encouragement messages. To a very wonderful set of people I can not but acknowledge, those who joined in the Challenge. Thank you for seeing this as a worthy cause to join in. Thank you for working everyday to be better. Thank you for making this journey worthwhile. Keep growing. Keep improving. You are your only limitation.

And that’s it, folks! #TIC21 has come to an end. Watch this space for further challenges.  *winks*

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#teamOAU Why You Should Be Grateful For The NASU Strike

I could give you reasons why we really shouldn’t be happy about the NASU strike but that would only be me reopening closed wounds (or, almost closed wounds). I know you hate to have to go home as a result of a struggle that has nothing to do with you. I do, too, but then I have just learnt to see the bright side of things even in the darkest of days. I mean, there is always a silver lining in every cloud. So, amidst a thousand reasons to be sad and disappointed about the issue of the school closure, let’s find a reason to be happy about it.

You know, what if this is an opportunity for you to develop yourself regarding the activities that really matter to you? What if this break is an avenue for you to grow, to improve? The reason a lot of students give for not improving at what they would like to improve at is lack of sufficient time due to the need to study hard, attend classes, group discussions et al. And of course, that is so understandable. But now, there are no classes to attend, no group discussions, no notes to write. This is the best time for you to learn that skill, read that book, take that course, and whatever else it is that you would love to do. I have learnt from bitter experience that you don’t expect OAU to resume one week after a strike or even, a legitimate holiday. They would most likely spend a month or two or even three! Don’t sleep away and be patiently waiting for OAU to resume whilst doing nothing worthwhile with your life.

I have a suggestion for you as you start your break; PLAN! Really, plan! Most of us are home now without knowing the next step to take. For a lot, this break will not be wasted not because you don’t want to make optimum use of it but because you have no definite plan for it. Don’t tell me you want to improve at this and that. Show me HOW! Set goals! Show me how you want to achieve these goals.  Write your plan down so it is possible for you to follow up with it. If you want to work, for instance, write the type of work you would like to do, how long you would like to work there. If you want to learn a skill, write down the skill,  how do you want to learn it? Who do you want to teach you? If you want to read books, what type of books do you want to read? For how long do you want to read a book? What do you want to have achieved after reading each book? Our problems can be solved by asking the right questions and by planning to solve them.

I hope this has helped you. Any questions? Or is there any way I could help you achieve your goals this break? Please feel free to mail me at lawalorifunke@yahoo.com

Today is Day 13 of the Improvement Challenge.  The Improvement Challenge (#TIC21) is an initiative aimed at helping people improve at things that they do and would like to improve at. Learn more about the Improvement Challenge HERE. You could also view previous posts:

The Improvement Challenge – Day 2
On Leadership : The Improvement Challenge – Day 3
Isn’t Wanting to be Perfect a Waste of Time? #TIC21 Day 5
The Improvement Challenge – Day 7

Thank you for reading. Please share your thoughts as they are very valuable to me. Thanks!

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The Improvement Challenge- Day 7

Say “Yeah Yeahhh!”

It’s the 7th day of #TIC21 and I feel really fulfilled about that. It’s been a long,  not-so-easy challenge mehn. The uncertainty that stared me in the eyes while starting the challenge could have made me decide not to go on. I am grateful for those who believed in me and in my ability to do this. And I am really grateful for those who joined in the challenge right from Day 1 and those who joined along the line. It is Day 7 and even though this is just a fraction of the whole program,  I do believe it is worth celebrating.

When we take up responsibilities that seem very enormous and we succeed at them, we’re motivated and convinced that we can keep doing great things.  The second part of this challenge would be greater than the former in Jesus’ name.  If you’re wondering what the Improvement Challenge is all about, your answer is here

You will also be blessed by previous posts that have been posted in the past days of the Improvement Challenge:

The Improvement Challenge – Day 2
On Leadership : The Improvement Challenge – Day 3
Isn’t Wanting to be Perfect a Waste of Time? #TIC21 Day 5

You could share your experiences with us on Twitter using the hashtag #TIC21.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Orifunke Lawal
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