MOSQUITOES' PLANET.

His head was bowed and his hands folded behind his back. In one moment, he reached his hands down into his pocket and brought out a white handkerchief, ran it across his face and remained calm. “Don’t worry, this is a small case. We are on top of the situation”, a police sergeant said. Beads of intense perspiration hung loosely again on his forehead and trickled helplessly unto his starched brocade.

“Dr. Mike, it’s obvious you don’t love your wife. If you love her, then another 5million naira will not be too big. You must pay in another 5million naira before dusk or else…or else…” the call from the kidnappers cut and then, the connection broke. Dr. Mike had spent years in the U.S with his family and has been in the Nigeria for one year and six months. He had worked hard to empower inner city kids and get them back to school. Tales of kidnapping had only been tales to him until now. “How can they ask for another 5 million” he deeply wondered.

“Sir, our men will need 20,000 naira to fuel our car to intensify our search. We’re truly on top of the situation” The pot-bellied sergeant said in an unconcerned tone.

“You must be a devil’s advocate and some sort of stupid accomplice.” An angry Dr. Mike retorted at the police man. “Hey Dr. be careful with your mouth. You must know that we are on top of this situation.” The police officer stuttered.

After several unsuccessful attempts to rescue the wife, he paid another 5 million naira. When his wife was finally released, she had been shot and crippled on one leg. Speechless, he took his wife and returned after the kidnap saga back to the U.S and a helpless and weak security system are still on top of the situation. Dr. Mike returned back to the U.S. with fears, with scares and with tales of woes for a country for which he had been once patriotic.

This may sure be fiction but it does represent the moments encountered by many people in a nation that seems more like a Mosquitoes’ Planet where everyone is trying to get a bite off the other. Where shall we run to; the latest in line being the kidnap of the mother of the Nigeria finance minister. This will definitely not be unconnected with those involved with looting the nation’s treasury through the controversial fuel subsidy which Prof Okonjo Iweala is trying to bring to book. While she works to fix our economy, some mosquitoes are working to “fix” her back home; and to hear that the kidnappers are demanding 1 billion dollars is grossly laughable.

For a lot people, this represents their fears about Nigeria; a nation with plenty mosquitoes, both human and animal elements. Yet, my question is this, how can we run away from the only country we can call our own?  Shall we all run away for fear of being haunted? By no means! It’s a fight that we must fight; a fight that is needful and we must fight it with the last drop of our blood.

It’s not easy anywhere, but ours is a unique case and we must rise above these numerous evils. This is our nation and it is 'ours to plough; not to plunder'! May God help us!

WHERE IS YOUR TALENT?

Iyke Udoh was raised in the streets. He grew up under the shadows of violence in the ghetto. Well, by no fault of his. Every evening, to cool off from the hostility of the environment in which he found himself, he would compose and sing songs that often made his listeners’ ears glued to his voice. Every time he listened to established singers, something within him always told him that he could do as well if not better.

On the birthday of the girl he had always admired, he decided to sing her a special tune. As he sang tears fell on the cheeks of the people who listened to him and they marvelled at such awesome display of an undiscovered talent.

You may be like Iyke Udoh, with a great but undiscovered talent. Where is that your talent? Have you been admiring others and forgetting that within you is everything you need? Do you look at people, envy them and enter into unnecessary competition with them? You are in a competition with your last performance. Polish your talent and be your best; you may be age mates with the person you envy but not grace mates, so paddle your canoe.

Don’t underestimate that little talent you have. Don’t hide it. Your biggest breakthrough might be connected to the talent that you’re hiding. What you need to be the best is not too far from you but rather it’s within and around.

Yours in active service,

Chijindu.

9/11; WHEN MEN WERE MOVED TO TEARS.

The memories of the pain and agony inflicted on the world by terrorists who bombed the world trade centre on 11^th September, 2001 remain evergreen especially every September 11. It was one tragedy too many and the pains remain indelible especially in the hearts of those who lost dear ones. Lives were lost, families were ruined and the world was thrown into what has become one of its biggest and most sophisticated terrorist attacks. A lot of people were buried in the rubble; with their dreams, plans and aspirations.

What a world of uncertainties and transient life! That wicked act was masterminded in the heart of an evil genius, Osama Bin Laden and that emphasizes the power of thought and what one man’s idea could do to a world either positively or negatively. Someone said that evil persists when good men do nothing. Hence my challenge to you is this, what are you doing to the betterment of our world? May the souls of those that departed rest in peace and may we arise in our time to make our world a better place.

HOPE WHEN IT HURTS.

When everything in our lives is going on well, it’s easier to smile and stay excited; we even feel better about the place of God in our lives.  At such times, we have better reason to stay on top of our world. But what happens when the feeling is not all too rosy; when your expectations aren’t streaming in like summer spring? The real test of your character is not your disposition when the going is good but by how you react when you’re hurting.

 It‘s easier to feel good when all is going fine but how about when the going is tough? Will you give up? In times like this, don’t forget what you do have.  Celebrate your life, your gifts and rare friends and be grateful for the things that God has given you. It’s amazing to know how many people allow circumstances to determine their life’s course. Life’s too precious for you to spend your life hurting. Make some allowance in your life for people who might piss you off sometime; you have to let go and move on. Remember, as long as there’s life, there’s hope.

If you’ve ever come to the point where you’re hurting, I dare to remind you that God is God both on the mountain and in the valley. Whatever the problem may be,  God is in control and knows everything and how you choose to react to all these is what makes all the difference. 

When you’re hurting, let go and let God! Allowing God to step into that situation would make your mind clearer and cause mountains to tremble before you.No matter what you’re going through, there is grace to sail through!

One with God is majority

I believe in the strength in your character; you’ll come out stronger.

Stay on Top of your Game! 

Chijindu

5000 NAIRA NOTE; I DEY LAUGH!

In the last few years, we’ve seen a constant devaluation of our naira; one of those policies that is foisted on the Nigerian nation without people getting a chance of voting for or against it. The recent news about the introduction of a 5000 naira note came to me as a rude shock.

Is 5000 naira note really the best thing for our economy at a critical time as this? I personally do not think so. I dey laugh because the naira devaluation continues. We are gearing up for a cashless economy yet we are encouraging wastage of resources. Instead of bringing up policies that will help us, we are tearing up what is being built. We can understand from the culture of our country that once a naira note becomes a coin, it’s about going into extinction. What will become the fate of a twenty naira note in the years ahead? Hmm… I wonder.

I laugh because it seems the CBN governors are playing a game of relevance. Soon, a loaf of bread will become 1000 naira and the next CBN governor might introduce a 100,000 naira note and the devaluation continues. Is Sanusi, the CBN governor, helping us or destroying us by this policy? If in the days of my father, one naira was a paper money, and in my days, 5000 naira is coming into the picture, who knows what will be in the time of my children? Maybe a 5 million naira note! A bike man might even give you a blow in the eye for offering him a 5000 naira note on a cold morning for a 50 naira bike fare.  And trust our politicians because they will find it easier to continue laundering our money by easier means. The faces to appear on the 5000 naira note makes me wonder even more; not that they don't deserve it but by what means were they arrived at?

When will this come to an end? Even though I laugh, it’s not my normal laughter; it’s a laughter of disappointment at the numerous mistakes we make as a nation on account of our leaders.

          Where are we heading as a nation? 

But my question is this; how much better can you and I do if the mantle falls on our shoulders as leaders in this nation?

         May God help us!

THE GIRL DIED.

My mind raced swiftly. The holdup was so much and I hurried to get to my destination on time. The month of August has been quite eventful with some beautiful uncertainties. As I raced swiftly to board a bike to my destination amidst the hasty attempt to browse through the dailies, my eyes caught sight of the Sun news headline for 23^rd August, 2012- Face book Murder- Why we killed Cynthia. I was shocked, nay, perplexed.  

What happened to this pretty lady? Who were behind her death? While I tried to gather information, I found out that she was lured to a hotel where she was killed and dumped in a morgue.

Yes, the girl, Cynthia, the daughter of Major Gen. Ozukogu (rtd), an ex-general was murdered by those she met on a social media site, face book. It’s indeed painful that this ended the sterling tomorrow of this pretty young lady. Well, the two young undergraduates held in connection with the murder have been arrested through the help of the CCTV footage at the hotel but unfortunately, Cynthia’s life can never be restored.

I urge you to be careful with the people you meet on social media sites. You may never know who they are. However, we cannot undermine the positive impact of these social media sites in educating, connecting and fostering freedom of self expression. The evils committed through these media must also be checked. It all starts with the content of your mind. 

Myself, I’ve met people live through face book who have helped me further the course of our young non-governmental organization-Motivators International; hence I do not condemn that. What I condemn however is the motive of the meeting. Why are you willing to meet that friend you’ve never met from Adam? Where is the best place for such meetings? Or is your motive to sleep with that person you’ve never met before on your first meeting because the person has lured you with money? Let’s be realistic! Don’t destroy your life on the altar of some fleeting pleasure.

Cynthia’s case was discovered but many other such cases may go undiscovered.  Please guard your life to the best of your ability. Accept Jesus for He will help sharpen your life’s purpose. Hence “I commend you to God’s word which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among those who are sanctified.” Pray before anything you do and let the Holy Spirit guide your steps. If you must meet any person you’ve never met before, please do so in an open place. My prayer is that Cynthia’s soul will rest in peace.

May no evil ever befall you my friend.

Much Love from me!

Chijindu

DUTY POST.

If Joseph in the bible had failed when he was sold into slavery, a generation would have failed. There may have been no Israel, and there may have been no redemption from famine and despair for his family.

If Joseph had failed in Portiphar’s house and slept with Potiphar’s wife, he may have become a chief servant and never a Prime minister. If Joseph had compromised his stand, he may never have been the redemption of his people. Why would we have to fail if we knew how many destinies hanging on our shoulders; if we knew that our failure means a lot to our generation?

We must not fail at our duty post.  Joseph went through pain, rejection, accusation and betrayal. He had every reason to throw in his belief. Yet he held on, clutching unto integrity and good name at the expense of his life. That’s what greatness is about. It’s not bread and butter. It’s daring when the waves roll high. If Joseph had failed at his duty post, there may never have been help for his family during hunger. Don’t mess up your principles just because everyone is watering down standards. You can dare to stand alone in order to preserve your ideals. That everyone is sleeping around; cheating or joining a bandwagon does not give you the same license as them. We, yes; you my beloved friend and I play by a different set of rules and get a different set of results. If you don't play by that same rule of integrity, it's high time you joined. It’s time to get individualistic in what concerns national transformation. Everyone has a duty post.

Don’t fail at your duty post. If you do, Nigeria may just have lost; Africa may just have lost; your family and state too if you destroy the future around which is tied the different destinies looking onto you.

You will not fail! Together, we'll persevere, together, we'll fly! I believe in you.

Yours truly,

Chijindu.

WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?

In the mind of many people in Nigeria today, the Nigerian dream is gradually becoming an illusion. It is crumbling even in the hearts of people who were once patriots. From the rising crises of the north to an uprising in different sectors of the nation, come actions that tear to shreds the very elements of our unity. It is a popular saying that Rome was not built in a day but that its building took time and supervision and courage.

In the Nigeria of today, our politics and governance seem to break us up instead of fostering unity. Many people have given up to fate as to what becomes of them in a land flowing with milk and honey. While a number of odds unquestionably hamper things in this nation, citizens must harness the benefits of surviving in a developing economy with courage and passion.  The great writer Chinua Achebe shares a view, “The trouble with Nigeria is failure of leadership.”  Though this holds water to some great extent, we must identify the tenets of true followership. We must learn to make our mark in our communities, no matter how small. For how long have we blamed government and how much better off have we become by it? We cannot risk thrusting our destiny in the hands of a government that may hardly deliver our expectations to us.

Would you be part of the changing process? It’s painful how ego and pride deprive people of striking gold in any given area and how wishful thinking has stalled many great minds who are afraid of tilling the ground.  It’s important that I remind you that the competition is fierce- survival of the fittest ; the result is evident – impeccable as it were but the cumulative effect of not taking a bold step in a positive direction could cripple someone with a sterling tomorrow. With few jobs in Nigeria and much work to be done, only those who can pull up their sleeves to work at the appropriate time and make out time to cool off at the right time will enjoy in the unfolding nation.

Showmanship will not earn us much but a façade of applause. Who will bell the cat? Who will set the pace? Who will generate the solutions to the many begging problems? These are the questions begging for answers from you and me. I believe our solutions will not come from the west; I believe our solutions will not come when we run away from our responsibilities to other organized societies. If we all run away, who will build our society?

I cry for our unborn children who will suffer because of what we refused to do today. I believe someday, we shall wake up! While we must courageously rise up to confront government with our expectations of them, we must not forget to make hay while the sun shines. Many co-operations are yet to be built, many technologies are yet to be established and many industries are yet to be incorporated. Where would you fix your eyes, where will your name be written?

All hands must be on deck. Though we need to rub minds with developed nations in order to step up our technology, we must have such love that will keep drawing us to our fatherland. Nigeria is not the only nation with problems, every nation around the world has some problems but we must rise to confront ours. A growing insecurity problem, a challenging economic problem brings us to our knees and a deplorable infrastructural status cripples our confidence in our leaders. With our great potential of human and capital resources, we must devise ways of channeling our teeming youths into areas can help increase our agriculture backbone.

Our universities should be properly equipped; skill acquisition centres should be put in place for people to register. Today, we look back and are thankful on how far we’ve gone as a nation but somehow, regret the men and women who stash our monies in banks abroad. I believe we shall overcome; yes we shall overcome when we let go of wishful thinking, egocentric inclinations that coax us into stealing public funds to fulfill family pressures to live above our means. It will not be easy but it will be possible.

Again, I ask, who will bell the cat?

WHAT DO THEY SEE?

Every passing moment, we make certain impressions on people, whether we know it or not. The way we speak, the way we dress and even our colour combinations say a lot about us. Be careful what you’re doing so you don’t send the wrong signals or attract the wrong people. Oftentimes, every cause is caused by a cause.

Our people say a river does not drown someone who did not come for a swim. When people look at you, what do they see? As a young man, do they see a sagged trouser or an ear ring or a tattoo or do they see a corporate personality, a leader, a role model or any other thing. For a young lady, do they see a shouting make-up, an exposed cleavage or a glistering Mary-Kay? Or do they see a decent young lady with the right combination of ideals and modest fashion?

When you look at many people, especially ladies, they are lost in the make-up they are wearing. You don’t see them first; you see the make-up first before you see them or you notice their exposed boobs or back side, leaving nothing to imagination. In that way they’ve shown the world everything they’re made off. That tells the world a lot without words. Don’t pretend not to care; the first impression people have when they look at you might be, “He knows where he’s going or she’s unserious or any other thing according what they see first.

Are you wondering why people react the way they do to you? It could possibly be that they’re reacting the way they perceive you. Check up yourself; when people look at you , what do they see? When people have stayed with you for a while, what impression do you rub off on them? Do you make them happy or do you feel them with gloom?

Do not complain when people look down on you and treat you shabbily, it could be that you look down on yourself or that you lack self confidence. Remember, the sum total of your personality flows from within you. When you correct and purify the source of flowing water, the water will naturally become good.

The sum total of people’s reaction to you may depend a whole lot on the totality of your personality- your actions and your inactions. Be bold and make the analysis, what do people see when they look at you?

Critical Moment... A short story...(Fiction)

Friends, I know it's been a pretty long time since you heard from me. I missed you as much as you missed me. My internet connection hasn't been in the best of shape. Anyway, I'm back and stronger! You would soon be enjoying a couple of varieties on my blog but for now, enjoy this short story as I welcome you officially to my Inspiring world this 2012. Together, we'll make history in our world!
                                    CRITICAL MOMENT

I had slept late the night before and had slipped into the procession by a stroke of luck. I was at the end of the possession. These days, church bells were no more especially in the town where these things did not seem to matter. If it were in my village, I surely would have heard the bells even from our house.

Nothing was unusual; except that as a mass server, I had to be about the normal ritual in the holy sanctuary, putting my hands together and depicting utmost holiness and sanctity. This was the norm. My church is so organized and great order prevails unlike in many churches where the pastor does what he feels like.

The tasks are divided among other Mass servers as usual and when it reached my turn, I was to hold the microphone for the Monsignor to read out his sermon which he always prepared and read before everyone. I held the microphone and was enjoying it before I started having a strange feeling. Gradually, this strange feeling was building up underneath my white apparel. I felt like something was coming apart. I was in full glare of the church as the Reverend Father read from the Holy Book. Suddenly, I started speaking in tongues. Well, our monsignor did not so much believe in speaking in tongues. I spoke in tongues as I felt my trouser slipping off my tiny waist. I know this must be the evil one whose work is simply to kill, steal and destroy. This time, it was my pants! My belt had given way suddenly and my trouser was close to slipping off. As I silently spoke in tongues, I shifted my legs to go against the down flowing tide. Well, my pretence had no real chance of saving me. I began to recite and remix two psalms at the same time, psalm 121 and psalm 91. Gradually, the trouser came right down.

As though I had not had enough, the Monsignor then finished his speech and I was supposed to follow him with my hands together. As he took the first two steps, I followed him and then the worst happened. The trouser came down in full glare of the congregation, save for the white cassock which we wear, I was forced to use my hands to save my trousers from causing me untold spiritual hardship.

Once I held it and drew it up, I managed to find myself in a corner of the altar hidden from people to adjust my belt. As I looked up, the prying eyes of the Reverend Father met mine and immediately with a certain attitude, I pouted my mouth, put my hands together, closed my eyes and uttered, Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus… and then there seemed to this reassuring smile on his face that seemed to be saying…. Your sins are forgiven!