ÒDODO

2008-03-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I'm glad to inform all my readers that i now have my own domain. Read up my newest articles by visiting www.topeakinyemi.com

See you there!

2008-02-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

THE PLUS FACTOR

Over time, I started reading many books but am yet to finish some of them. Yesterday, I started reading "Power of the Plus Factor" by Norman Vincent Peale and so far, it's been an interesting experience. I'll be sharing with all summarily, the lessons learnt from the book, I guess it will help me finish reading it. Pls come along with me.

There's a force, a power, an energy (invisible, intangible, but completely real) within everyone that has the capacity to make him/her extraordinary, stronger, more confident, better balanced, more energetic, more resilient and more capable of coping. That force lies very deep within, it's latent, and is present in its potential form; it needs to be understood, then activated.

There are 4 preliminary things to do to make this factor to be activated in you:

1) Discover that the Plus factor is no myth, no abstraction but a reality that has been recognised and used by wise men and women for centuries.

2) Accept that the Plus factor is already planted inside of you, waiting to be released.

3) Decide you want it to become operative. You must want it intensely, urgently, ardently, and you must want it NOW!

4) Know that the Plus factor makes its appearance in a person's life in proportion as that person is in harmony with God and His universal laws.

I look forward to learning and sharing more with you.

Enjoy your day!

2008-02-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

The Burden of Freedom

This is the title of a book I read some years ago written by Dr Myles Munroe. This post is just an introduction; we'll talk more about it in subsequent posts.

I remember when I was much younger and very much under my parents, I was 'denied' of certain things and I had restrictions as to where to go, what to do with my time, etc, then I always told myself that soon, I would be free. I looked forward to the day I would own my home, make my decisions, and just do what I liked.

When I became 'free' after I got married and had a family, I discovered that there was more to life than doing what I liked. RESPONSIBILITY was the key word that stood me in the face, making decisions of various degrees and magnitudes and facing the consequences of those decisions for new home were things I had to face.

There is indeed a burden in being free..... more gist to come.

2008-01-31T00:58:00.001-08:00

TO DO LIST!

This is the current craze in my organization. Every member of staff is expected to send in his/her to in before a particular time daily. It has clearly increased individual as well as overall organizational effectiveness right from the day we started it.

If you often struggle with staying on task, one way of combating this is by making lists. This article lists 7 things to remember about to-do lists. I know you’ve heard time and time again that you need to make lists. Here’s why it’s important to have a to do list.

1. It will help you to remember what you have to do today.

Because it is documented, it becomes a reference tool and one hardly forgets what one is expected to do in the course of the day.

2. A to do list keeps you on task.

Sometimes you get distracted by things such as forums, games, or chatting when you’re supposed to be finishing a project.
One surefire way to combat that is to keep that to do list in front of you to serve as a gentle reminder before you go to that non business related/personal forum and spend hours reading the posts.

3. When you complete the items on your to do list you feel a sense of accomplishment.

I don’t know about you, but I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I can tick items off of the to-do list.
Even when I have completed a "small" task it makes me feel good to know that there’s one less thing that I have to do.

4. A to do list should be recorded somewhere. It doesn’t count if the list exists in your head. You are guaranteed to forget something.

Write it down, put it on your pda, use outlook, do whatever you have to do to get your to do list recorded.

5. A to do list is never set in stone.

It’s just a guide for the day, week, month or year. You should always allow room for the unexpected to happen. You could get sick or there could be a dire emergency with one of your clients. You may have to work overtime on your job. You could get stuck in traffic. Always allow a cushion for these sort of things.

6. Your to do list should be realistic.

If you work a full time job and are running a business, don’t put too many things on your daily to do list or you’ll feel discouraged when you don’t get all of the things accomplished on your list.

7. Make sure to include some time for fun in your to-do list.

You should always schedule at least one hour of "me time" on your to do list. This could be your time to exercise, read or write in your journal/blog. It’s important to have down time so you don’t get stressed out.

These are just a few ways to manage your time better. I hope you find them useful especially at this time of the year that you're full of energy and revving to go as far as achieving your goals is concerned.

All the best!

2008-01-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Power of Association

" Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits."- I cor 15:33

Associations are so powerful. I am a product of associations which i've been involved with over the years. I've met with people who started out with wrong associations but by conscious endeavour, took their future in their hands and changed their circle of influence by changing their friends. A man can extrapolate where his life is going by merely looking at the people he constantly spends time with. An association one gets involved with without one's choice is the family to which one is born and raised; and it goes a long way in determining one's core personality. I was raised by strict parents, but it paid off.

Within my immediate family, I had my elder sister whose life modelled what I unconsciously followed, we attended the same primary, secondary and University; we shared our victories, triumphs, failures and challenges. Our friendship affected my way of thinking and so influenced my choice of friends as I grew up.

I acknowledge as I thankfully remember a special group of friends I had in my University days, we called ourselves "GPs"; we were in the same class, shared the same values, had discussions as well as prayer meetings together. We also helped each other to see the picture of our desired future. We regularly spent time speaking into existence our desired future. Today, we're all happily married, doing well in our careers and not far from what we saw ourselves as haven achieved by now - Funto Olude, Sunkanmi Dele-Ojomo, Titi Adeyemo, Jumoke Adams, Yetunde
Adigun, Foluso Ilevbare and Gbemi Olaniyan. You ladies made my stay in Pharmacy school enjoyable. I also have some friends who mean so much to me - the Ogunfayos, Mogajis and Asaolus; you are real friends. I appreciate you.

I've been opportuned to be associated with people who have challenged me to improve myself, to be dissatisfied with the status quo; Chief among them is my Sweetheart, lover, husband, father of my children and best friend, Adeolu; He's been my friend since I was in Secondary School, he has played the greatest human role in my life. He listened, he smiled, he believed in me when I didn't even know our friendship was going to be 'upgraded'. He took and still takes my friends as his own. He's got such a contagious, not forceful influence on anyone he's associated with.

Lastly, to Jehovah who rules and reigns in the affairs of men. My association with Him is the reason why i see a flash of light in my path whenever i'm about entering a pit. He so amazes me with the way he orchestrates man's life to meet certain people at some time, to narrowly miss some and to severe relationships with some others when that chapter is due for closure. He's the master planner who had our lives all worked out before we were all born.

2008-01-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU MET HIM?

He's the youngest, cutest and finest boy in the Akinyemi family.

His names? Araoluwa (God's Wonder), Aminoluwa (God's Sign), Obaloluwa (God is king).....etc

Born on October 1, 2007, his birth is a testimony.

We prayed for him to come and God celebrated his coming to the earth.

God gave our country hope and a physical confirmation of the inevitability of the birth of a new Nigeria (www.newnigeriaclub.net/beulah)

I pray that this new year, God will answer your prayers with resounding testimonies.

Enjoy!

2008-01-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

DO IT EARLY!

It's indeed important to follow one's passion. Late last year, my parents came over to Lagos for a wedding and as usual, I had a “gisting” session with my Dad. I asked him questions about his work and he went ahead to tell me about his "latest love - farming", he had recently made some hundreds of thousands of naira on farming within a short while. In order to give us a background, my Dad is a Medical Doctor, a Specialist Pediatrician who has been practicing for well over 30 years. He's been really committed to it over the years and has gotten several awards, locally and nationally. He has also been running his own private practice for over 20 years and it's obvious he's very good in Medicine. His hospital is located in his home town and most of the work he does is humanitarian, everybody knows and claims to be related to him, so he doesn't get to make much money from Medical practice. However, he has always loved farming but didn't visualize possibilities of making it big in it, now, he sees the possibilities, but he's in his sixties, and I’m sure he would be thinking, "if only I had blown this bigger much earlier".

I was reminded again of a lesson I’d learnt before which I’ll like to share with all.

Knowing your passion is one thing; following it early is another. Looking back now, I can say he had always loved farming; he has a small poultry, a snailry, a plantain, banana and cocoa plantation, all these have never been for commercial purposes, he enjoyed doing them, it was obvious anytime he talked about it; his face lit anytime he spoke about farming; only recently did he think of employing people to run it for commercial purposes.

When one has a passion or an interest and follows it, there will be a time to derive economic value for it; there’s no phase of human endeavor that one can’t money from doing. There’s no use pushing what comes naturally to you till later, you might not see now how you’ll make money from it; all I’ll say is “Keep doing it!”

2008-01-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

HE KEPT ME!!!

It happened to me in September, 2002....

I've been toying with the idea of writing this article since I started this blog but I kept pushing it until we had a sex pure centric meeting with Praise Fowowe a few days ago and then, that was it! I knew that nothing just happens, sharing it might help someone.

I finished from UI as a pharmacist in 2001 and had my 1yr internship programme in Military hospital, Yaba; by September, I was meant to have rounded up and go for NYSC but I had been involved with Forever Living Products business a few months before then; I was doing very well and had gotten bonuses and promotions; at that time, I was really close to another level of promotion but it had to do with a summation of purchases made by myself and my down lines; I had spoken to my down lines and they had given me the worth of purchases made but I needed to collate their receipts to ensure that I had the required points. I had a down line in Mende who I had spoken with earlier in the day who had told me she would be home for 7pm, I had to make it to her place that night else I would lose the promotion and benefits. You won’t believe I got to her house and didn’t meet her. I left very upset as I headed for the nearest cab that took me out of Mende.

I got down from the cab (harbor works bus stop), considered the option of crossing the pedestrian bridge but decided against it cos it was getting late, then moved forward and made to cross the express when a guy grabbed my arm from behind and dragged me to a shed (looked like a vulcanizer's shed). I prayed very loudly, they tried shutting me up, I didn't budge, I got there to discover that he had a partner, they took my phone (then, na Samsung blue eye dey reign) and threw the SIM away, (un)fortunately, I forgot to take some money with me when I left home that morning so I barely had any money on me. Then they told me to take off my clothes!! That was it; at that point, I knew that that was one thing I would not do. SEX before marriage? Forget it! God had kept me for 24years and I had a few months to my wedding; I wasn’t ready to lose my virginity just yet. I screamed out loudly and pleaded with them not to destroy my life; because my voice was so loud, one of them had to move towards the main road so as not to attract the attention of passersby. So, I had one person to contend with, then he threatened to tear my clothes (I had a long top and skirt on), when I wasn't cooperating, he started beating me. My God! He gave me some deafening and resounding slaps and beat me mercilessly. He pulled my feet off the ground and hit me badly; his plan was to beat me to submission. At that point, I told myself that this couldn't be happening to me. I then remembered something I had learnt from my fiancé and that was, ‘what’s the worst that can happen in this situation?’ To me, rape was not an option, death was the worst and I braced myself for it. I asked him if he had a knife or a gun and if he did; he should just use it on me because I was ready to die there and then rather than be violated. I had already pictured my obituary in the papers and felt that if my family mourned me for a while, they would recover. He was as determined in having his way as I was in my effort to resist him.

Suddenly, he stopped. I jumped on my feet. He then asked if I was married, I said NO but that my wedding was some months away. Thinking aloud, he said he didn’t believe he wasn’t going to have his way with me. He then said I should go give a testimony in church cos it seemed really strange to him. He helped me with my bag and shoes which had flown in different directions. I ran on barefoot towards the next stop and took a cab to the apartment which I shared with my elder sister. I went straight to my wardrobe (after mumbling a greeting to my sister) to get money to pay the cab guy when she saw the back of my clothes (very dirty and slightly torn), she screamed, asking me what happened to me. It was at that point that the thoughts came rushing through my mind afresh; how close I had come, to rape, to death. At that point, I broke down and wept profusely, my body shaking very visibly. She held me and comforted me. After that, I took a bath and TRIED to sleep.

I didn’t feel the physical effect of the experience until the next morning when I could hardly get up from bed: I had aches, pains and bruises all over my body. I couldn’t go anywhere for a whole week, but during that week, different scary thoughts flowed through my mind, like, ‘what if the second guy was with him and I had been overpowered? What if I had been shot dead and everyone was looking for me and my dead body had been found under the bridge? I was at a loss for words as I gave God thanks.

I wondered at how persistent I was in protecting my ‘valuables’ against defilement, even to the point that I was willing to give up my life, I never thought I could be that assertive in the face of ‘blows’; I believe God honored this decision I made to keep myself till I married by stepping in on my behalf.

Of course, I did give my testimony in Church because God kept me!

Lessons I learnt from the experience

• Values are things about you that will not change irrespective of price or condition (good or adverse)
• If you believe, you will not be ashamed
• You are a lot stronger (within and without) than you think
• Never give up in the face of adversity
• Until you are willing to die for something, you are not worthy to live for anything.

I’d like to have your comments on what you learnt from my story, it will help someone.

2008-01-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

SURROUNDED!

I believe strongly and it’s happening already, that this year is going to be one of my busiest so far. Right from Jan 1 when we had the New Naija launch till date, everyday has been eventful.

I thought of what title to give this post, had a couple of options, till I decided to choose ‘Surrounded’. Indeed, I’M SURROUNDED!!!

On Saturday, I was home all day, had to do some house cleaning, change my hairstyle….. My husband had one or two meetings during the day but got back around past 6pm. My hairdresser was scheduled to come and braid my hair for 2pm, but didn’t show up until 4.30pm and lasted till after 9pm. At about 7.30pm, a cousin of mine rushed in to tell us that armed robbers were inside our estate and they were currently ‘operating’ on the block opposite ours. Immediately, I muttered a prayer, reminding myself that I’m God’s child with a covenant of protection, and that we dwell in the SECRET PLACE of the most high where no robber can locate us. Shortly after, they left the estate after making away with mobile phones, money, and jewelry from some flats. Nobody in the estate was hurt. There were security men on duty at the gate who were hit with a gun as they gained access into the estate. Hmmm…..”Except the Lord watches over a house, the watchmen watch in vain”.

Yesterday morning, I had an appointment in Ikoyi to take pictures for International passport and had to go with my daughter and son. We finished and headed for home. As we turned in at the major junction towards berger from the express, we came face to face with about 4 armed robbers in a car who were shooting in the air and coming towards us; almost immediately, a bike man signaled to my driver who made a quick U turn, moved forward and parked off the express. They moved in the same direction as us, but soon drove past us. It was like a movie; things could have turned out much differently, those bullets being shot in the air could have hit anyone; they were facing us but we were not hurt.

I also heard about a junior friend who boarded a bus occupied by ritualists but they dropped her off when they saw her with a bible.

I got home and recounted these events and knew better than to say ‘why all these?’ I rejoiced and reminded myself, that as for me, my family and everyone that is linked to me in anyway, and you……..yes, you, are SURROUNDED!

2008-01-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Encouragement for the week!

I sat on my desk today as i thought of what i could write on, my day had been extremely busy and my thoughts were far from flowing. But here's a little something for us for the new week.

Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life that continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, are too judgmental, have different values and don't give their backing during difficult times...that is not a friend.

To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals, interests and lifestyle.

When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends that enrich my life.

At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while new people show up in your life that make your life so much sweeter and easier to endure.

Remember what your elders used to say, “Birds of a feather flock together. If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can’t Fly!

Have a fulfilled week!

2008-01-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

BUT WHY?

Why in God's name will a man raise his hands to beat his wife? It's a regular feature in some homes. Some people are quick though to raise the point that wife battering is common in men who get drunk regularly. But I think it's not very true.

While growing up, I had a neighbor who had regular episodes of beating his wife every other day. I remember vividly one morning when i was neatly dressed in my school uniform and headed for my dad's car (was in primary school then), I saw my neighbor’s wife run out of the house in her panties only! The husband was hot on her heels ready to really beat her up seriously. Almost immediately after, their four children came out arguing and taking sides, ready to fight too. It was an ugly sight, looking back now; my heart bleeds for the children, two of which later became victims of teenage pregnancy.

A number of people have anger problem and very few have been able to manage the problem. Self control is a strong virtue which every man who will lead or head a home must possess. A very interesting and encouraging point is that self control can be learnt and developed. I know one person who used to be so hot tempered that his younger ones dared not stand within a short radius from him whenever he was angry because he would ‘land’ them hot slaps! Without a willingness to change followed by corresponding actions, the wife would today be his punching bag. In my University days, I once saw one of the hottest ‘chics’ on campus one day as she was led to her room by a few friends; she was a sorry sight – bloodshot eyes, swollen face….. I later learnt that she was beaten by her boyfriend and that it was a regular occurrence but that it had never been as bad as it was that day. She was reported to have sworn that she would never go back to the guy again. To my surprise, the week after, they were back together again. Na wah o, I wondered why the guy constantly beat the girl and why she always went back to him. They were not married ke, so why could she not walk away finally? It’s rather appalling.

I believe strongly that no man has an excuse for beating his wife, or are some men truly justified for this action? Some women are reputed for constantly provoking and infuriating their husbands by using cutting remarks and statements on them (verbal weapon) while the husbands handle them physically. I’ve heard a marriage counselor say that you can know a man who is likely to beat his wife by the way he treats animals or even inanimate objects when he’s angry. Ladies, don’t let love blind you to those aggressive tendencies, shine your eyes!

Like I usually tell my younger friends, I’ll end this by saying, “May you marry your own!”

2007-12-07T11:16:00.001-08:00

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Hi all! It’s really been a while i wrote an article on this blog and i can say certainly that it’s for good. My life has been full of a lot of events and not being a natural at writing, i found it difficult to juggle writing with my schedule.

A quick recap on 2007 fills me with awe and appreciation to God for making this year a year of years for me and my family, nuclear and extended. We increased financially, had weddings, birthdays and were blessed with the gift of a bouncing baby boy, Araoluwa (meaning God’s wonder), who was born on October 1. God is indeed crowning our year with goodies and he isn’t through with us yet, we’ve still got 25 days to go.

I have a personal tradition of writing down my goals at the beginning of every year; this year as i write, every goal i wrote down has become reality. Last year was almost an exact opposite but i didn’t give up, i took my pen and wrote again, and now, i’m glad i kept on. Now, it was not only writing that did it, it took me applying myself to ensuring that i achieved them all; of course with God's grace; i encountered times when i was justified to give up on some things, but i refused to give myself excuses; i didn’t spare myself and i thank God that now, i can smile.

There’s a saying that he who gives thanks for yesterday will receive more. I’m counting my blessings, and i know this is the lowest i’ll ever be.

I won’t be away for this long anymore, promise!

Ciao!

2007-07-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

MONEY VS INFLUENCE

“A leak of gold in the desert sand is less than a cool fresh spring and to one lost sheep a shepherd boy is greater than the richest king”

Prince of Egypt (Original Soundtrack)

Money, from our economics class is a legal tender with which we exchange for goods and services. This definition seems so mild that it doesn’t seem to carry as much weight as it practically does. But you and I know that people have lost valuable relationships, property and lives as a result of money related issues. It’s so amazing and almost scary at times how much power and effect money has caused overtime and is wielding. A regular relationship becomes sensitive and the atmosphere, tense when money comes into the picture. You hear some people tell close family and friends categorically that they don’t joke with money issues. Some people start making money and their attitudes change. But, do their attitudes really change or actually come to the surface?

Money is powerful. It has tremendous capacity to resolve seemingly tough and impossible issues. When you have money, you reduce the stress you would normally go through in making purchases, you bargain less, or for some people, not at all; you can get anything done whenever you want it. Take Nigeria for example, someone who’s rich in Nigeria will get anything he/she wants – from houses and cars of your choice to a gatekeeper, a compound tender, a chef, laundry man, generator man (NEPA outage must never be noticeable, so his station is at the generator), house keepers, drivers…. the list is endless; in Naija, you can enjoy your money, my elder sister came over from the UK and acknowledged that Naija is sweet and the best place to enjoy your money; people respect you more and your money speaks for you. I went to visit a rich uncle of mine and was in his living room where he was gisting with some of his friends when one of them was citing a time when he went to visit one of his friends. He got there and noticed young men and ladies cladded in suits seated in the man’s waiting area. He got to his friend and asked who those people were. He laughed and replied ‘don’t mind them; they’re bankers from different banks wanting me to open accounts with their banks’. He told his friend to accompany him to see them.

As soon as they stepped into the waiting area, they all jumped on their feet. There were Branch Managers and Managers in different levels among them. The man turned to his friend and gave him a knowing smile, full of confidence. His money was speaking. He was having fun; the bankers were not, their jobs (target/next promotion) were on the line. Before now, banks had a minimum amount for account opening, below which they treated walk-in customers like beggars. Five years ago, I walked into a bank with over a hundred thousand naira to open an account that I wanted to use strictly for business. The lady that attended to me simply told me the minimum was 200k and got back to work. I felt horrible. Today, staff from that bank come begging me to open an account with them. If I had the money then, I would’ve gotten the account opened immediately with good customer service; hmmm… funny how people are sized up and some receive preferential treatment.

For influence, there are people within and outside this nation who are not rich but wield tremendous influence in different aspects of life; they are icons of strong values which they’ve stood for over the years that have made them achieve significance. People mention their names, read about them and are motivated to live purposeful, impactful lives. E.g. Wole Soyinka, Martin Luther King Jr., etc

But is it possible to achieve being wealthy and being strongly influential? Within my few years on earth so far, I’ve discovered that few people really desire to be wealthy; many can’t manage the status because it could mar their goals of living for what’s right and achieving true significance. So, the people in this class will rather be quite comfortable and still influence lives positively. The other class see money as a tool and they believe they can’t be too rich to lose their heads; they channel the money as it comes in, e.g. Bill Gates. Recently, Warren Buffet gave 80% of his money to Bill Gates because it was clear what he was doing with money. I believe that a life without a purpose and assignment to help others will end up being confused. That’s why there are a lot of rich people who have no clue what to do with money.

In summary, I believe strongly that not all will be wealthy, but all can influence lives. We all have an assignment, which is not short of good works, which God created us to do.

2007-06-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

HOW WILL YOU HANDLE IT?

Hi peeps, hope your weekend was good. Mine was great and i'm facing this week with a bang. It's really going to be a busy one for me. Here's a story i felt i should share and get advice for you from.

A younger close friend of mine spoke with me sometime ago about an issue that has been a source of worry and concern to her. Her father does not trust her. She has really been worried about it and has been wondering what could be responsible since she does not have a history of wrongdoings or anything she did to warrant this distrust from her father. Her father works and lives in the northern part of the country while the family resides in Lagos; fortunately, she got a job immediately after graduation that she loves which sometimes makes her close late or work on weekends but her dad even wondered ‘how’ she got the job before her youth service in the first place. Her father calls the family every evening and ensures he speaks especially to her to ensure that she’s either back home early or will be spending the night at home. She even got a job offer outside Lagos (Abuja) but her dad kicked against it, saying he didn’t want her to go and work where there are much older men with ‘prying eyes’ and he does not like the way they look at single girls.

I asked why she never confronted this mindset and express how this distrust makes her feel. This young lady responded by saying she really respects her dad and hates to hurt him. I asked her if she preferred to be hurt instead, then tried to tell her that she had held back from speaking up out of fear. She disagreed.

This lady is the first of three children; she has two younger brothers who don’t experience this constant scrutiny and bouts of distrust. I then wondered if it’s because she’s female. Her dad told her at some point to stop this job she enjoys when she had to sleep at a female colleague’s place on an occasion that she closed late; he blamed the mother for not been able to manage things in his absence.

My people, I gave this lady my honest opinion but I really want to read from you, how you would handle things if you were in this lady’s shoes, or what you will advice her to do. Comments? Advice? I’m waiting….

2007-05-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi People, long time no write. Here's an article i started writing sometime ago but never got around to finishing it. Finally, thank goodness, here we are!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

I’ve been faced with this question at different times in my life and at some points when I had to make major decisions pertaining to giving a name, changing names, different levels of information and awareness influenced my eventual decision.

I remember with great amusement when I was an adolescent in boarding school and I had a discussion with a group of friends about names, especially about English names; everybody took turns in mentioning her English name, would you believe that I cooked up an English name for myself at that instant? I look back now and laugh. I remember then blaming my parents silently under my breath for not giving me an English name. It was the in-thing then to sound ‘tush’ and ‘classy’. My parents never gave any of us an English name; they felt the native names held deeper and more profound meanings which now, i agree with. Also, after watching ‘ROOTS’ and seeing how Kunta Kinte was beaten to submission and told to take up an identity that was not alien to his, I learnt to cherish my roots and appreciate the value of our native language and the myriads of options available as far as names are concerned. These days, I hear some names and I give a meaningful sigh of appreciation; some of them are so meaningful that the full names are a phrase or sentence long .e.g. IGBEKELEOLUWAMUNRO (Trust in God makes me stand firm), OLUWASEUNBABARALAYEMI (God has done awesome things in my life)

On the other hand, some people give themselves or their children names that have absolutely no meaning. I met a couple about two years ago who just had a new baby, and while admiring the baby asked for the name. The name I was told sounded like an English nickname, so I asked what it meant, I was told it was a combination of the first three letters of the parents’ names. So? I wondered. So, what does it mean? Nothing! In this age? Sincerely, I wasn’t happy. I felt they didn’t utilize a lifelong opportunity to give the child a name that will, everyday it’s called, act as seeds that will grow into a great future. I was also gisting with a newly wed couple and discovered the lady was not from the part of the country I thought she came from. I expressed surprise and asked for her maiden name; her countenance changed and she responded emphatically that she wasn’t going to tell me, she later said she couldn’t and didn’t want to remember it! Meanwhile, she had been married for only a few months!!! I wondered what the meaning of that name could be and why she hated the name so much. It then hit me afresh how much impact a name could have on the bearer.

Whenever a person’s name is called and the person responds, he/she identifies with the meaning and influence behind the name. No wonder some people change their names after they have become full grown adults, they feel bound by the meanings of those names. So, am I telling you to change your name? Not necessarily, a truly liberated person will not be bound by a name which he/she was not party to giving to him/herself. I just think information about the importance of words should make us more careful about the names we give our new born children or even names that we just call people carelessly.

Words are Seeds, Names are Seeds. Think deeply before you give or identify with that name.

My name? TEMITOPE (My case deserves that I be thankful). What’s yours?

2007-04-24T04:19:00.002-07:00

HEALTH TIPS

There's a general belief that if you don't experience serious breakdown in your health, you're good to go. But that is very far from the truth. There are certain signs that show you that you're on your way to some serious health conditions if they're not properly managed or corrected. Here are the warning signs:

1) You get tired easily and run out of breath on little physical exertion. This happens mostly to people who sit at their desk all day and then go home. Such people need to take a few minutes in the course of the day to walk around. Some people get dizzy on climbing a single flight of stairs. You need to register in a gym and resume aerobics classes. If the symptoms persist, you might need to visit the doctor who 'll take your blood pressure and might recommend you do an ECG test to check the condition of your heart.

2) You don't empty your bowels daily, and when you do, it's every other day, twice a week and with much difficulty. This shows you need to take fruits and vegetables at least every other day to enable your bowels move more easily. This definitely makes you feel lighter and healthier. Also, practice water therapy! For more information on this, check out my article on water therapy. Let me share a friend's experience on water therapy. There's an expected amount of water that should be taken first thing in the morning. This friend of mine took over and above the required quantity and drove to work in her brand new ride. Unfortunately, she was stuck in traffic and this lasted a while. You guessed right, she became really pressed and had to pack her ride and find a nearest house to obey the call of nature. O gosh! sure she has stopped it for a while now. Do, don't overdo!

3) You worry a lot. You seemed to be overwhelmed by your workload in the office, your project in your masters’ programme, your difficult spouse or child, etc. You need to take a deep breath and note that it’s grossly unwise to worry over something you don’t have control over. Prioritize. Listen to music, sing to yourself (don’t worry; nobody is listening, in case your voice is awful).

4) You can't remember the last time you had a good, hearty laugh. Most times, you even catch yourself frowning, a dose of good laugh is sure needed to relax your facial and body muscles and live longer. You can read my article titled, ‘on a light note’. On days that I’m stressed out, i look out for jokes that can ease the tension.

5) It’s been ages since you ate breakfast. Many people in the working class are guilty of this. Eating breakfast helps to keep off hunger pangs that are usually present by lunch time for non-breakfast people, this makes the body hold on to every calorie of food taken during lunch.

6) You don't usually have a good sleep or feel rested by the time you wake up in the morning. Try a cold bath before you sleep at night and ensure your sleep clothes are as free on you as possible. If the weather is really hot, do you have to sleep with clothes on?

7) You're hardly ever alert these days, especially mentally. Take a vacation. There's a saying, 'Rest or be laid to rest'. Some people call it the law of Sabbath. You're of better use to yourself and others when you're refreshed. Opportunities are on the increase on several top vacation spots/resort centers in the world and how you can access them at almost no cost. I'm ready to go for mine anytime i choose in the course of the year. You can make money and have a luxury vacation as well. Check out the article at deoluakinyemi.com if you want to know how!

I'll be back later with more tips. Do have a great day!

2007-04-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

SLOWLY BUT SURELY

Last weekend was a very interesting one, saturday was particularly interesting for me because it was the first time in my life i was voting! I made up my mind that i was going to, come what may. As i entered the school compound which served as the polling centre and made my way to the queue, a middle aged man approached me and asked to see the code on my voters' card so he could help me locate the exact queue i was to join. I told him not to bother and that i could read and find my way around. I then realized he and many of his guys had offered to help others and of course, had the illiterates and oldies as their target, they even told them exactly what spot on the ballot paper to thumbprint! I looked around and saw that majority of the people at that polling centre were unread (maybe it also has to do with the area where i live o!), the INEC officials didn't look happy doing the work and looked far from being comfortable, they were definitely broke and would jump at any opportunity to make some money. Some people beside me started arguing at a point and the supervising INEC official told everyone to pack up and go home, meanwhile, there were policemen around who were gisting at a distance. You could see indifference in everyone. No one cared if things went well. I saw how much poverty and deprivation had eaten into their thinking, it's a mindset that doesn't think long term and it will take years to change. I sometimes catch myself thinking some thoughts which i know are not products of a liberated mind. Nigeria has a long way to go and slowly but surely, we'll get there. When our minds are liberated, then we can make accurate decisions.

I went to visit a friend yesterday who told me that at her own polling centre, someone's ballot paper was snatched from him by an INEC official and dropped into the ballot box because he was making to thumbprint a party which was against what he favoured. I was enraged! I thought INEC was meant to take a neutral stand in this process. The results of the Governorship election for my state is yet to be out because of attempts to rig it, they decided to make it a do or die affair. Several people have been killed. But generally, i'm encouraged. We're gradually migrating from having touts as leaders, i'm sure more intelligent leaders with proven experience in managing people and resources will step out to contest in the next election. Some people said the elections were rigged. Is it possible to have a leader in power when God has not put him there? even if He gets there, he'll be out before you know it, all God needs to do is snap a finger!

Have a great week!

2007-04-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

A PERSONAL LESSON FROM EASTER

Easter season is about the most powerful season within the calendar year. It’s a season in which the events that made it to be depict the highest expression of love; it gives hope and confidence in the sacrifice of the only begotten son of God – in our place! I believe the season gives meaning to the essence of life.

An incident occurred yesterday that drove home more to me, the importance of Easter. I sent my daughter my only begotten (for now) to my parents-in-law to spend a week; they live a couple of hours away from us. Parting with her was a lot harder than I thought; a family member took her down. I waved to her till the car was out of sight, called several times during the journey and questioned if it was a good idea after all. I could not help but laugh at how fretful I became, I had to caution myself not to call too often because I didn’t want to create the impression that I didn’t trust my daughter with them.

I got home to miss her usual warm, hearty welcome and her incessant disturbances about everything. I assured myself it was only for a week. I actually could not help but laugh at how I had suddenly become.

I wondered and tried to imagine how much it must have cost God to give up his son to die for a people who he had not guarantee were going to accept this huge sacrifice. He watched his son die when He had the power to reverse things, this was because he knew better, that Jesus had to die for their to be redemption from eternal damnation. He gave us hope and he gave us life for death. This is the highest show of love.

Happy Easter!

2007-03-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hi People, hope you had a great week. Here's a write up i read and i thought to share it with my readers, it really got me thinking about what the real essence of life should be and to be grateful for the gift of life.....

LIFE IS A GIFT

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one Maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And fulfill it.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

2007-03-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

On a light note!

Here's a joke i read and i felt i should share it with you all. Here...

A man bought a donkey from a preacher. The preacher told the man that this donkey had been trained in a very unique way (being the donkey of a preacher). The only way to make the donkey go, is to say, "Hallelujah!" The only way to make the donkey stop, is to say, "Amen!" The man was pleased with his purchase and immediately got on the animal to try out the preacher's instructions. "Hallelujah!" shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. "Amen!" shouted the man. The donkey stopped immediately. "This is great!" said the man. With a "Hallelujah" he rode off, very proud of his new purchase.

The man traveled for a long time through the mountains. As he headed towards a cliff, he tried to remember the word to make the donkey stop. "Stop," said the man. "Halt!" he cried. The donkey just kept going. "Oh, no..." "Bible...Church!... Please! Stop!!" shouted the man. The donkey just began to trot faster. He was getting closer and closer to the edge of the cliff. Finally, in desperation, the man said a prayer... "Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, AMEN." The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff. Hallelujah!" the man shouted.......

Have a great week guys full of joy and fulfillment. Ciao!

2007-03-06T01:38:00.000-08:00

CHILD SUICIDE?!!

Hi People,

Hope you had a nice weekend. I had to rest on Sunday after a full week and a whole day in school on Saturday. Yes, my MMP programme is going on well.

I heard of an incident about 2 weeks ago and will like to share it with you and have your thoughts on it. A neighbour hitched a ride with me on a wednesday morning when he told me this: His wife, currently running her NYSC programme, works in a high class Nursery/Primary School in one of the choicest parts of Lagos; of course, the pupils are children of the very rich and the school runs an American curriculum (don't ask me for the name pls!)

One of the primary school pupils reportedly committed suicide because his friends and classmates had been consistently making fun of him about an obvious shortcoming he had, "what shortcoming? you might ask, the shortcoming was that his friends travelled to the UK for vacation that year and he didn't! It apparently had become unbearable for him, so he decided to put an end to his life since his parents didn't deem it proper to take him for vacation; he just couldn't handle the 'humiliation from his friends'. Can you imagine that?

I was dumbfounded for lack of a better word to describe how shocked i was at what i had just heard. I thought to myself; afterall, this particular action is the norm and typical of the system they emulate. I was really sad, i thought of the parents of the child, no action of theirs could have brought the boy back, they would have been full of regrets and deep, deep sorrow.

I already had a little background about the school that made me wonder how possible it is for discipline to be upheld within the system. There was no school uniform, everybody came to school in mofty; i heard recently that they have a uniform now; my neighbor even told me that his wife doesn't intend to work there after her NYSC because she said teachers were not well treated especially by the parents who feel they put food on their tables, they humiliate teachers who try to 'discipline' their children.

Westernization is good, early exposure for children is good; but shouldn't it be healthy for the children, especially on the long run? Is this not doing more harm than good? For a primary school child to go as far as taking his life is extremely scary and saddening for me. I heard of another school that does not hold lectures on Valentine's day, the whole school is heavily decorated with love colours and all students are compelled to bring and exchange gifts. I think instilling sound values into these children is the best thing we can do for them, when they're not properly trained, their values are weak and they become very vain, counting nothing as really valuable.

All said, i just want to close with this question: Do we leave the training of our children in the hands of a school whose value systems we're not totally proud of? I really need your comments on this.

Catch ya later, have a great week!

2007-02-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

NOT A CARE

I really wonder what life will be without little children, they almost always make one see the bright side of things. Having children around helps a great deal in relieving stress and worry and beyond this, remind us of how we should approach life's challenges. Have you ever noticed that the face of an average adult lights up at the sight of a little child, especially cheerful, cute ones like this babe here....

For example, i have to constantly think of getting all i have to do done, and in good time. I need to think about ensuring my term paper write-up is ready, that i'm not late to school/work, that there's food at home...etc. My daughter's not even bothered if she doesn't do her homework, who cares, she just feels that life is beautiful and that Mum & Dad are cool. So when i'm worked up or a little anxious, she walks up to me and asks, "Mummy, how are you?". That question relaxes me, i always respond with a smile and tell her i'm fine.

The bible admonishes us not to worry but we should cast our cares on God cos he cares for us. Anytime my daughter is in some form of discomfort, i don't need anyone to tell me she's my responsibility, i don't relax until she's been fully attended to. God in the same vein is responsible for us and assures us of his ever abiding presence.

My encouragement to you all is to choose not to worry even in the face of visible reasons to, it paralyzes initiative and makes one unproductive, moreso, the issue doesn't get resolved. So, why worry? If i were you, i'll start to consciously worry less.

Akuna matata, Have a problem-free philosophy

2007-02-16T05:53:00.001-08:00

Hmmm... this phrase has formed some of my thoughts for about a week now. In a bid to seek greener pastures and increase their income base, married couples live seperately and rarely see each other. Across the ocean addresses couples who're thousand of miles apart, some for periods ranging from between 3-10 years.

The question i never fail to ask myself is " To what end?" The plan to raise funds for the family by this means is at the expense of building the family unit and making it stronger. No one is better for it.

I know an old family couple with a similar experience. The father left the country while the children were still in primary school and never came home until they were out of the University. However, he made money while overseas, he sent money, cars, everything to his wife and children. They had every material thing but the love of a father and the presence of a father figure was missing. The mother was the pillar for the family, she was there for the children. When their father came back after several years, it was clear they could do without him; they had done without him for this long anyway. Now the family relationship is strained and every man is to himself, the man never really networked with his friends while outside the country, so on his final return,he was alone.

I guess the above story was an extreme one, though it happened live o, but couples that seperate for not that long still get their relationship affected. Some women/men want to travel out for their masters or get a juicy job offer and they just want to do their thing/live their lives even if it means relocating. The result isn't eventually really worth it.

Love across the ocean? What do you think?

2007-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Peeps!

I told myself i had to update this blog before going home today, not after the link after the link went down the first time as soon as i clicked 'publish'. I hadn't saved, so i had to do this again. I've got a full year ahead of me, it's great cos it shows that i'm taking steps that will ensure that i achieve my goals.

I commenced lectures at Unilag where i registered for Masters in Managerial Psychology last week. This course is going to span 2 years and 4 days per week. It's going to be tasking but i'm determined to give it my best shot. Saturday engagements, choir rehearsals and some weekend engagements will have to be on hold for now. But i know it will be worth it. I registered for this same course last year but i felt i wouldn't be able to cope, but this year, no way to giving up!

What about you? Have you started ticking off your goals' to do list' for 2007? Don't forget to keep those goals within your view so you can take steps needed to achieve them. There's a great feeling of satisfaction that comes with making measurable progress.

So, i look forward to your comments, i need to how far with you and those powerful words you carefully, thoughtfully drafted out on paper at the beginning of this year. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.

All the best!

2007-01-12T04:47:00.000-08:00

MAMA SANTA!!!

Yeah, that's me! I was supposed to have posted this article, and this picture particularly much earlier. But it ain't a bad note to end a week on, thank God it's Friday!

I sang at my church carol which held a week to xmas, it was an event we had spent weeks preparing for. We rehearsed so much that i lost my voice about 3 days to the carol. So i had to keep mute or just mouth the songs all through the last set of rehearsals; i got my voice back, though not fully by the D-day. In all, it went well; i tried not to sing too loudly so my voice wouldn't crack .

I heaved a sigh of relief after the programme, finally it was over. But there's a message i'll like us all to take with us this new year, that's to carry what we call the message of xmas beyond the season throughout the new year. Let's live our lives this year beyond ourselves, let's love, give and share.

Happy new year!

2007-01-05T04:01:00.000-08:00

2007 GOALS

Happy new year folks! I guess the festive season was wonderful with lots to eat and drink; for my partners in the exercise, hope your water therapy didn't suffer a set-back:-)). I'm sure we're all prepared to face the new year with determination to achieve our goals.

Now, talking about goals, where i worship, we're usually encouraged to come for the watchnight service with our written goals so they can be prayed over and we can be encouraged on how we can make our goals happen.

Towards the end of 2006, i went to get the book where i had my goals written and i discovered that in the course of the year, i hardly went over those goals to check how i was doing and that some of those goals were not achieved simply because i did not keep them in view, they slipped away from my memory. I had some practical, workable goals which didn't materialize due to lack of tracking.

So i made a decision to write my goals in a diary which i take to work and open everyday. In that way, i'm more likely to keep them before my eyes. I recommend we find what works for us and stay with it. I wish you all the best as you aspire to achieve your desire! May God help us.

2006-12-22T03:33:00.000-08:00

BOY OR GIRL?

Hmmm...In Africa, this question has become the most popular question asked as soon as the birth of a new born is announced. There's usually great excitement when the answer is "it's a boy!" and 'ooh' when it's a girl most times. I really wonder why.

I met a woman my mum's age at a friend's wedding sometime ago who prayed for me that God will make my wedding soon, i told her i was married and had a child, immediately she asked for the sex and i told her it's a beautiful baby girl, she said ooh, don't worry, God will make the next one a boy. I was angry and wondered at her thinking. Thoughts then flashed accross my mind of an old couple who their wife after several years of trying to have a boy, gave her husband a young girl to "give him a male child". I became thoroughly sorry for women whose security is based on their ability to bear their husband a male child. Some even put themselves under pressure when they don't have a male child. It's rather worrisome. There's a mentality that the female gender isn't quite as good as the male.Hence we see mothers making their male children enjoy priviledges that the females are not given.

I was at a carol over the weekend and there was a ballet dance presentation by a group of little girls of btw 3-6 years old. It was a beautiful sight to behold. I was excited cos i had just enrolled my daughter for ballet lessons. I've got so many plans for her God willing, she will live a full fulfilled feminine life.

The proof or test of a fulfilled life is not linked to one's gender, but to the quality of life lived.

It's great to have desires, but let it not be due to societal or family pressure. Nothing just happens. There's a higher force that ensures we have what's best for us per time. Be Happy - It's a choice.

2006-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hi People!

Compliments of the season to you all. Christmas is a season for giving and sharing and more importantly, a time to celebrate friendship. I've been reading up some quotes on friendship which i'll like to share with you all.

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed."

"You Can Make More Friends In Two Months By Becoming Interested In Other People Than You Can In Two Years By Trying To Get Other People Interested In You."

"When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends."

"Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it."

"The shift of fortune tests the reliability of friends."

"It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanisms of friendship."

"Have friends not equal to yourself."

"Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends."

"Never explain--your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway."

"Nothing changes your opinion of a friend as surely as success - yours or his."

"A good friend can tell you what the matter with you is in a minute. He may not seem such a good friend after telling."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation."

"All people want is someone to listen."

"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love."

"Go through your phone book, call people and ask them to drive you to the airport. The ones who will drive you are your true friends. The rest aren't bad people; they're just acquaintances."

"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us; In Adversity We Know Our Friends."

"Adversity does teach who your real friends are."

"If you make it plain you like people, it's hard for them to resist liking you back."

"It’s the friends you can call up at four a.m. that matter."

Read these quotes, think deeply and choose to celebrate in your own unique way, the friends who have been friends INDEED. Show some love, give, there's no loving without giving.

Enjoy the season!

2006-12-15T02:24:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU REGISTERED?!
Hi people,
I was supposed to have written about this for some time now. I've read and heard so much about people's comments and views about recent happenings in the political scene in Nigeria, especially as the 2007 elections draw very close. People have talked and analyzed, it's the topic of discussion at almost every informed/educated gathering. The discussions are usually laden with passion and hope or otherwise at the possible turn out of events.

But I really need to ask, How many people have registered? I put this question to every undergraduate and working class individual who have been actively involved in analyzing our nation.

Let us put our votes where our mouths are o. Let's make things work. For your information, i registered almost 2 weeks ago. It wasn't convenient but i made a sacrifice to do it. The people i was on queue with were old women and men, some of who didn't know their ages, artisans, street boys and some public school teachers. They don't know what you and i know as the learned but they have registered and will cast their votes for "whoever settles them, or whoever they're told to vote for", which mostly likely will not be the right people. Some aspiring councillors were even hanging around to help the old men and women with their registration, they obviously appreciated the gesture and could listen to these aspirants' advice on which party to vote for. They're vulnerable because they're not informed.

I head a house fellowship group. I mandated them all to be registered before showing up for last sunday's meeting. They ALL came, registered! This group is made up of working class people like you and I. Some of them registered just before the meeting. Oh Yes! registration takes place on sundays as well, so, your excuse???

I'll round up this post with this saying:

"When an educated man vacates his right to choose his own leader the punishment that life offers him is to have stupid people rule over him”

A society deserves the leader they get(by voting or deciding not to vote!)

I'll be excited to get comments from people telling me, "I've registered!"

Have a great weekend!
TGIF!

2006-12-11T06:43:00.000-08:00

DON'T FALL IN!

Hi all,
The weekend was a busy one for me, a friend got married on saturday. The church service took place in an orthodox church. It took forever - choruses spanned through almost 2 hours after a 30 minute prayer time. As soon as i spotted the bride and groom, i went outside the church auditorium to congratulate them, hung around for a few more minutes and zapped! I headed straight for carol rehearsal/end of year party for my choir - it went well and lasted till about 7pm.

On my way home, my mind flashed back to the happenings of the day as i remembered the bride's wedding gown, it was simply lovely, she definitely must have bought it from one of the big bridal houses in town. Then i remembered how lovely my dress looked on me when i got married. I thought, Oh God, the dress is hanging idly in a box,same with my native engagement attire as well as my husband's. It cost us some money and the most painful part of this is that, none of those clothes has been worn after the ceremonies, was it not a waste? I am an advocate of looking good in quality costumes, so if i were to make those same decisions again, they wouldn't change much. I'm disciplined as well when it comes to spending. But i really think there must be a way around having huge wedding expenses in this part of the world. What do you think?

My heart goes out particularly to young men who are under tremendous pressure to drop huge amounts of money in the name of wedding expenses, this is not to say you should be tightfisted, but have an agreed budget with your fiancee and stick to it.From experience, i think the wedding rings should take a high priority,don't compromise the quality, it will save you the money you will need to get a replacement 1-2 years down the line if you buy cheap, low quality ones. Meanwhile, it's about the only accessory that will remain in use for years after the wedding. As for the others, you could work around a moderate budget; afterall, people forget about most of those things that cost one an arm and a leg.

So keep the expenses slim, same with this xmas season; so many people spend so much that they're dead broke all through January. You really don't need to find yourself in this trap. Planning and wise spending pay off. Give, but do things reasonably.

2006-12-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

OLOPA KE?

I studied pharmacy in the University and did very well, I was however faced after school with the reality of the fact that there was no field of pharmacy practice that appealed to me.

I had few options if i was going to practice the profession in Nigeria - It was either i went ahead to be a medical rep, in which case, i would have a brand new official car to move around 'hawking drugs'and earn a paltry pay, be a hospital pharmacist (sit in a cubicle in a hospital and dispense drugs to patients), go back to academics to become Mrs Lecturer or set up a private community practice in which case i would sell drugs, this is one thing that some of our Eastern brothers have made to be far from appealing. I had my 1 year internship and NYSC in government hospitals (Military and then Police Hospitals) cos i was going to have ample time for business and myself (9am-2pm working hours) and the pay was far better than private hospitals.

I finished these two programmes and barely a month after, got married. All the while, i had done a self assessment and knew that the probability of my practising pharmacy was very low. I got a few job offers but they weren't quite what i wanted, so i went to french school, picked up my beadmaking business which i had neglected for a while and generally got busy.

Along the line, vacancies were sent out at Police Medical Services where i served for Doctors, Pharmacists, etc . I never considered applying cos i thought, 'Olopa ke? i.e. "Me, go do police?" As far as i was concerned, the police was stigmatised and i didn't want to be a part of the mess. I thought of what my friends who worked in big, nice sounding companies would say, it was for sure they would be amused, how relevant would i still be among my professional friends?...and so on. As i was telling myself no way for police, another thought came to my mind. It was the picture of Dora and the impact she was making in NAFDAC as a pharmacist. I then reconsidered things and told myself i would join the force and make a difference, the decision gave me a good feeling but police? Naa; coupled with this however, i got serious encouragements from my parents, my boss who supervised me during NYSC there and colleagues; they highlighted the benefits of the job especially the 'job security'and the fact that i could do without coming to work in the 'black and black' uniform so most people don't need to know i work with the police! (A typical case of eating my cake and having it!), moreso, jobs were scarce. I got convinced and picked the form and waited.

Summarily, i'll say that the interviews spanned through 1 whole year (about 4 of them) and they all took place in Abuja. Eventually, i made the final list and was told to come for an accreditation exercise to confirm my data and get an official code. This exercise was scheduled to take place on the due delivery date of my little angel, so i didn't go.It took place in Kano and my younger sister offered to go there to fix things for me. She got back and said we should expect a message on when we'll commence work. I went to the Lagos office some months later but was told things were on hold. It's been over 2 years now and nobody that went through the process has resumed (little wonder we haven't resolved many of the killing cases). Fortunately for me though, i changed jobs recently and i'm doing something i'm passionate about, i'm having fun.

Last week Friday while i was at work, i got a call from a lady who we served together at the Police hospital saying that forms were out for the same positions as the ones we had applied for and done interviews for, over 2 years ago! Registration was meant to be on-line and i checked their website as soon as i dropped her call- it was under maintenance. She called me about 3 times within 5 minutes to find out if i had downloaded the forms and printed them out.I was shocked and couldn't believe that this lady would still consider going through another round of stress, risk and uncertainty. It's so glaring to me that it wasn't worth it afterall, i would rather do what i enjoy than enter a system cos it promises security. Are they worth it? Do you think it makes sense to pick up my plan of making a difference in the force? I bet i have every reason to say again today, 'OLOPA KE?' No way o!

2006-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

WATER THERAPY

Hi Friends,

How has the week been? Mine has been full and exciting. I just want to share something i started practising a few days ago and the benefits.

"Water therapy" is not strange to most people, but how many practice it?

Required daily water intake - 6 glasses of water (1.5 litres)

God has given us plenty and free water. Without spending on medicine, tablets, injections, diagnosis, Doctor fees, etc., just by drinking pure water, research shows that the following diseases will be cured: Headache, Blood, Pressure/Hyper Tension, Anemia, Rheumatism,General Paralysis, Obesity, Arthritis,Sinusitis, Tachycardia, Giddiness, Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pulmonary Tuberculosis(T.B.), Meningitis, Kidney stones, Hyperacidity, Gastro-enteritis, Dysentary, Constipation, Diabetes, Eye diseases, Ophthalmic Hemorrhage & Opthalmia (reddish eye), Irregular Menstruation, Leukemia, Uterine cancer, Breast cancer,Laryngitis, etc. Haba! i can hear someone say. Let's see how water works in the body system.

Consuming ordinary drinking water by the right method purifies human body. It renders the colon (large intestine) more effective by forming new fresh blood, known in medical terms as Haematopaises.

If the colon is cleaned then the nutrients of the food taken several times a day will be absorbed and by the action of the mucousal folds (of the colon), they are turned into fresh blood.

The blood is all important in curing ailments and restoring health, and for this water should be consumed in a regular pattern.

How can this water therapy be done?

1) Early morning after you get up from bed (without even brushing your teeth:-), drink 1.50 litres of water i.e., 5 to 6 glasses.

2) Here it is very essential to note that nothing else - neither drinks nor solid food of any sort should be taken within 1 hour before and after drinking this 1.50 litres of water.

3) It is also to be strictly observed that no Alcoholic drinks should be taken the previous night.

4) If required, boiled and filtered water may be used for this purpose.

To the average working class person who counts it luxury to take a soft drink with every meal, easy o! keep your system waterfull. Join me in the water therapy exercise, i want to run it through the whole of December, i've started with 2-3 glasses first thing every morning, i'll then move gradually till i get to 6. I must agree with you that December ain't the best month to do this when juice and drinks will flow like water.

Let's value our health, have a timetable and stick to it; ultimately, you'll sure be glad you did.

Pls feel free to send in comments as you notice changes in the course of practising water therapy.

So here's to your health.

Cheers!!!

Glug . . . . . . . . . . Glug . . . . . . . . . Glug . . . . .!

2006-11-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

Two days ago, after a full day at work, i ate dinner and decided to relax a bit in the living room before retiring for the night. Just as i started reflecting on how the day went, a male junior friend who was around for the night came to meet me and he asked how the day went, that question eventually ended up being an interview/counselling session.

He gave me a run down of his relationships with ladies and how all his attempts so far at sustaining a serious relationship have been far from being successful. The one relationship which kicked off was according to him 'called off abruptly' . This guy really wants to have an early relationship now that he's 'nobody' so that he can be sure that Miss Right will say Yes for the right reasons. This guy still has 2 years to go in the University but while in school, he has started and achieved success in various small businesses, he has investments and is very serious about being very successful. The lady that left him for a business associate of his did so giving the excuse that he wasn't there when she needed him most. This last statement is what makes it so painful for him. In fact, he feels he's unlucky about getting the right girl. Also, he doesn't attend a campus fellowship but a church in which he's one of the youngest, so he feels his options are limited and he wants to have a relationship with someone he knows well enough. He has role model couples that he looks up to (of course, i'm one of them ke!) and his desire, of course, is to be like them, or better!

The first thing i told him was that i didn't have the full picture especially of the incident with the girl who left him for a colleague. Definitely, if i meet the lady now, i'll get a different perspective. Anyways, i asked him a few questions and gave him my advice.

Before i spill it out, i'll want to take a few opinions and advice for this brother of mine. Is he too serious and needs to unwind a bit? Does he need to chill or what? I'm more than excited to take your comments.

Till then, keep it real!

2006-11-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

Listening is rare. There are certain people to whom we feel we can talk because they have such a deep capacity for hearing, not just our words, but hearing us as a person. They enable us to communicate on a level we've never reached before. They enable us to be as we've never been before.

We will never truly know ourselves unless we find people who can listen, who can enable us to emerge, to come out of ourselves, to discover who we are. We cannot discover ourselves by ourselves.

" Note the words "there are certain people… who enable us to be as we have never been before." Those are the people we need most.

Consider these questions: Who coaches you? What older, wiser, and more experienced person stands on the sidelines of your life and watches with the big picture in mind? A coach doesn't try to run the race for you. No, he sets the standard for the race and makes a judgment on your performance. Who does this for you? Who stretches your mind? Who makes you wince as they expose the many faces of your ignorance?; who will not let you get away with Spiritual and intellectual superficiality? Who listens to and encourages your dreams? Dreams are not intellectual propositions that must be proven. They are the work of visionaries; they are out-of-the-box, frequently awful and occasionally good. These are the folks who, when others laugh and say you're trying to build castles in the air, remind you that God "calls those things which be not, as though they are" These are the people you need.

A very important question, it is great to have people who can listen to you, but do you give a listening ear? Are you there for someone? Live to Give.

If you don't have people around you who motivate you in the direction of your dreams and believe in you, then your so called 'desire' will remain a wish. Let us cultivate the Art of Listening.

2006-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hi People, I believe we had a great weekend. Mine was nice, though full of activities ranging from meetings to a birthday party i had to take my daughter for.

In my former blog which i mistakenly deleted, i wrote an article titled, "ember months syndrome" in which i wrote about the general belief that evils abound more towards the end of the year due to increase in the activities of witches and evil forces who are "in a hurry to meet their yearly target".

I look back now and wonder what coincidence lies in 3 air crashes that have occured in this nation within 1 year in October, December (2005) and October (2006) respectively. Countless road accidents have occured as well, did the spirits make our roads bad as well or did they withold the hands of the government from releasing funds already allocated for road maintainance thereby taking responsibility for the lives of its citizens? This syndrome seems to be a no miss in our dear country these days.

I need no one to tell me that these events are mere leaves of a fundamental problem of our dear nation and recent items that have made news these days like impeachment and co have been attempts to distract us from seeing the things that demand attention.

We know better now than to blame some mysterious spirits for our carelessness and excusiologism. Let's change what we can by starting with ourselves. let's become the change we desire to see.Let's register to vote, it's our right, our power. Let's obey the laws of the nation and support people who are bringing in reforms that will birth change, let's do it right, at least, we'll be sure by then that we've done our part, leaving God to help us begin from where our strength ends and make us impenetrable to "evil spirits who are on target meeting rampage!"

2006-11-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there!
I told myself that i must post something on my blog today. Men! it's been a week! I've still got a pile of work to do and it's 3 hours past closing time.

Remember, 'As a man thinks in his heart, so is he'. Keep your mind on the path of possibilities. You will achieve your desire. Stay on top!

2006-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's great to be back again! Men, it's not been encouraging developing my blog a third time. Did i hear someone say,'So? Do you want to compare yourself to Thomas Eddison?' Abi o!

I've come to discover that my resolve not to easily give up has increased greatly especially in the past one year. Don't give up, get a grip of your desires and aspirations, don't let them slip away. I have a clearer picture of my tomorrow now than i did before. I won't take things as they come, i'll work things out with God's ultimate wisdom which i have. If things don't work according to my plan or desire this time, i'll find out why and try again.

Summarily, i'll say no one has an excuse not to make things work. Believe, then ACT. Get a grip!