A Brief History

The Bank of America is a financial institution that has its tentacles spread across different nations on four continents- Europe, North America, Asia and Africa and has a worldwide staff strength of about 70,000. The bank has its headquarter in North Carolina, U.S.A. According to the Report on Wikipedia; the bank, which was founded on the 17th of October, 1904, was initially called 'Bank of Italy' but later renamed 'Bank of America' in 1930. With a total asset of over $2 trillion, the bank ranks as the second largest holding company in the United States of America- second only to J.P Morgan Chase & Co.

The Bank operates under two divisions: Bank of America Home Loans and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The latter came about with the acquisition of Merrill Lynch [a financial advisory and brokerage firm] at the onset of the financial crisis- one that shook the institution's foundation- which occurred nine (9) years ago.

Bank of America Mission in Nigeria
Though without any established branch/office in Nigeria, the bank [through its investment banking division, Bank of America Merrill Lynch] made its first major foray into the 'Nigerian space' in September, 2013 and has since continued in this stead annually- every September. The objective is to recruit talented undergraduates [who are in the final lap of their tertiary education] in any discipline- but with a passion to crave a niche for themselves in the financial markets.

The programme which is under the auspices of the bank's campus recruiting team [and is being supervised by a Nigerian resource firm, TalentMine Nigeria] is set up as an exposition whereby applicants who must have been successful in an assessment test are invited for an interactive corporate presentation at a chosen venue in Lagos. It is at this presentation that the prospective employees get to meet with the company's representatives who intimate them on the some of the bank's operations and also take them through a brief skill enlightenment session tailored towards preparing the mind of the prospects on the way things work in the financial markets at large. Thereafter, successful candidates are contacted and probably employed as financial analyst on internship or full time basis at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, London.

On a final and personal note; it is quite commendable that one of the world's leading financial institution casts its 'dragnet' towards the ever bulging reservoir of great talents the nation has got to offer. However, it remains to be seen if the firm will go beyond the restriction of solely considering undergraduates- and give an opportunity to other prospects who are viable for the labour market. Furthermore, it is hoped that the Bank of America will also follow in the footsteps of renowned financial institutions like J.P Morgan Chase in having a foreign representative in Nigeria and/or establishing an operational base in the nation: this would definitely create more employment opportunities for Nigerians and eventually boost the nation's economy.

In my wishfulness; I just hope someone, in the appropriate quota, sees the need to use this avenue- the bank's interest in Nigerian graduates- to woo the bank into the Nigerian financial market...this could serve as a measure of economic sustainability through the creation of job opportunities- although it should not be viewed as an means to an end in itself.

Besides terrorism, another predominant [though maybe not in the aspect of fatalities] criminal activity that has drawn the provocation of well-meaning Nigerians is Kidnapping- this could arguably be adjudged the second most common crime in the nation. The wave of hostage taking has been so perplexing that the Legislature had to propose a death penalty for the perpetrators of this crime.

There appears to have been an advancement or rather a change in the modus operandi of kidnappers as a more direct and professional measure [with the aim of obtaining ransom] is now mainly adopted over the pettiness and/or amateurish nature of 'one chance' and kidnappings geared towards ritualistic purposes. Kidnappings were initially rampant in the Niger Delta region where expatriate workers of multinationals [especially oil companies] were prime targets.

The act has however spread across the nation with many eminent and rich personalities bearing- directly or indirectly- the brunt of the kidnappers: Former Finance minister, Chief Olu Falae; Professor James Adiche (Renowned author, Chimamanda Adiche's father) and the mother of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (minister of Finance in the past administration), Mrs. Mabel Okonjo just to mention a few [prominent citizens] have all had to spend hours in the den of their captors at one point or the other.

In some instances, this hideous act has dealt the captives [and their loved ones] devastating blows both psychologically and emotionally. However, more heartrending it gets when all that is gotten from the captors' den is the lifeless body of the victim. Two foreign construction workers: Mr. Chris McManus, a Briton and Mr. Franco Limolinara, an Italian were killed in 2012 after they had been held captive for about ten (10) months. Back in April, 2016, the nation was aggrieved upon hearing the news of Reverend Father John Adeyi, a Catholic priest who died while being held hostage somewhere in Benue and this was even after his captors had allegedly parted away with the sum of 2 million naira.

Why the rise in trend?
Although no crime should be given a mainstay in any nation's configuration but it will be inexcusable to think that these crimes just took an upsurge while we neglect some underlying factors that might have brought about this surge. Firstly, it is apparent that the rise in kidnappings has a direct proportionality with the rise in the rate of unemployment hence it can be deduced that one reason why hostage taking has gained ascendance is unemployment...as the perpetrators envision illicit act as a way of making fast cash. And as it regards the Niger Delta, the incidences of kidnappings had risen owing to a need [as put forward by the militants] to liberate their communities from the overbearing influence of multinationals thus a resort to hostage taking and ransom collection but at the end; the communities remain as they were before the villainous act.

The unsolved riddles of Chibok
If there is an event that shook the nation and also made- and still does- local and international news outlets buzz; it is the incident that occurred in Chibok, Borno State on the night of the 14th day of April, 2014 when 276 teenage school girls were kidnapped by members of the militant group, Boko Haram. The militants reportedly ransacked the school and made away with the girls in trucks. The drive behind this move was the intention to marry the girls and subsequently islamize them. Controversies have however trailed the Chibok event as some see it as a political propaganda to oust the immediate past government and questions have also been raised on some discrepancies that were noticed during the kidnapping operation. Though the dust over the Chibok incident seems to be settling; there remains some unanswered questions brewing in the minds of the probing ones.

The way forward
The call for capital punishment could be seen as a good move but this should not be seen as an outright solution...it is of equal importance that the government champion the cause for an improved/upgraded intelligence and security devices- what is preventing the installations of CCTV on our roads and streets? The earlier the wings of the kidnappers get clipped, the more secured our communities will be.

Again, the issue of unemployment needs to be sternly addressed. Gainfully employing the youths will definitely reduce the onslaught of kidnappings in the nation...an idle mind, they say; is the devil's workshop.

Read: Kidnappers in Lagos State get the death penalty

News outlets, in recent times, have been inundated with reports of brutal attacks perpetrated by those who do not have respect for human lives.

A militant group that readily comes to mind is Boko haram- whose members use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers to terrorize innocent lives leading to devastating losses [of lives and properties]; the Fulani herdsmen have also been a menace to the security of safe-dwelling citizens in different parts of the nation. However, more pathetic is the fact that some massacres have been instigated by those who ought to protect citizens from these militants: an instance is the shelling of the camp of the internally displaced persons- this led to the loss of hundreds of lives- at Borno state- albeit it has since been adjudged to be an accidental discharge with the Nigerian Air Force tendering its apology.

The motives behind these attacks have varied from communal/ethic disparities, 'human error/incompetence', political agitations and religious intolerance; the latter being the most prominent reason and areas [especially remote villages] around the northern parts are often the most hardly hit. Most of the times, some of the attacks resulting in varying degrees of carnage have been targeted at crowded places like bus parks, churches, markets, mosques and so on.

Brief History of Massacres
A glance at the record of these heinous acts, reminds one of the alarming and quite worrisome rate at which these attacks continue to rise with the 'evil men' devising new methods in dealing deadly blows on their victims. Let us now have a recap of some of the massacres that have brought about great disturbances to the peace of this nation:

The Bloodbath in Baga: Baga, a remote riverine community in Borno, has been brought to the consciousness of the world due to the invidious experience that had been visited upon it by the militants. The area has been under massive attacks on two separate occasions: the first was April, 2013 and January, 2015. The armed forces was also indicted in killings of April, 2013 as they alleged that the locals were acted to shield members of Boko haram. Notwithstanding, the militant group has a strong desire to cease control of this locality and their villainous return [to this area] in 2015 showed their intent as they set properties and even human beings ablaze and casualty level raking up into thousands.

Recurring carnage in Jos and Kaduna: Jos and Kaduna are two states that have constantly been subjected to violence that lead to huge number of losses. The mixed population of Muslims and Christians seem to leave these states poised for violence as the motives behind attacks often borders on religious differences- whereas political disagreements have been pinpointed to have catalyzed the violence in Jos on certain occasions. The latest of the massacres, which left many fatalities and losses in Kaduna [and the nation] took place at Kaninkon in southern Kaduna on the eve of Christmas in 2016. It is worth noting that southern Kaduna is predominantly a Christian community and it has constantly been clobbered by viciousness from both the Fulani herdsmen and Boko haram.

Incessant gunning down of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra: The call for secession might not go down well with the present day administration but it is equally wrong [under this 'democratic' setting] to have ordered that live ammunition be used against those agitating for this cause. It is quite unfortunate that the military is also involved in contributing to the long list of massacres in this nation...it is not a wise choice to go at unarmed agitators with full throttle; we can take a cue from Spain in the way it has dealt with the quest for secession from Catalonia. No matter what view one might hold; two wrongs will never make a right.

The list is definitely endless- how can one forget the sad events at Odi; the various massacres inflicted upon the residents of Kano and Abuja...the land is soak with the blood of the innocent; children are taken in their prime; individuals are deprived of the companionship of the loved ones just because some groups of persons value their own interests beyond human lives. One can only hope that a lasting solution towards peaceful co-existence is reached by God's enabling grace.

In accentuating some solutions to the economic crisis besieging the nation, I will like to assent to the words of Albert Einstein: "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." It is no longer news that we are in a financial quagmire at the moment but it will be 'suicidal' to keep drifting through the path of negligence [of duty] and blatant folding of hands, thinking recession will flow away with the tides of time. In seeking solutions; all hands must be on deck albeit the government should act as a major player in steering the economic ship of the nation clear the troubled waters of recession.

The way out of Nigeria's Economic Recession
In view of the foregoing, we cannot chart a one-way course out of this 'predicament' as everyone has a role to play and earlier we rise up to certain responsibilities and the better for us all. Some of the solutions to be discussed have immediate effects while some are of futuristic benefits. Hence, the solutions include [but not limited to]:

Reviewing fiscal policy: This is about the very first step that needs urgent attention for desirable results to be achieved as the moribund state of the policy could dwarf all other efforts. The fiscal policy should be reviewed and made effective in order to encourage investments and the utilization of resources. This would help to boost the confidence of [foreign and local] investors in laying up their resources in the Nigerian market and in no time; the economy gets revived.

Reducing the high interest rate: This would have a direct impact on the propagation of Small and Medium scale Enterprises as new startups [with credible feasibility plan] are able to access loan facilities with relative ease. Businesses also grow when this is done and the rate of unemployment is reduced.

Reviving the manufacturing industries: The government of the day has not really helped matters when it comes to making the most of the manufacturing industry and this is down to the foreign exchange restriction that was placed on some items and with the immediate consequences ranging from companies leaving the shores of the nation and downsizing.

Therefore, as a way of fighting off recession, the government needs to create an enabling environment for these industries [to thrive] and some of the measures that should be considered include:

• Good infrastructural development
  Lifting the ban on the items-at least the most needed ones if not all.
  Inviting the top heads of the outgone companies for negotiations in order to work out modalities for their re-establishment.
  Ensuring steady power supply

• Diversification of the economy: Being an oil dependent economy has thus far compounded our woes. So, more than ever before, it is time to give other sectors considerable attention and uplift. There are a whole lot of resources that are not being utilized and well managed. These 'untouched' areas should be vigorously brought to life in order to ease off pressure on the oil sector. Although, the effect of diversification might not be instantaneous but it is one that will have a far-reaching [positive] outcomes in the not-so-distant future.

• Addressing Market imbalances: This very measure might be difficult to execute due to the fact there are varying marketing parameters which are not controlled by a central body. However, should these imbalances be addressed; inflation can be put to check and [consumer's] purchasing power is increased. Furthermore, increased purchasing power will be encourage and/or open up investment opportunities.

• Initiating and maintaining youth empowerment schemes: The strength of a nation is in its labour force [which drives productivity] and this energy is best harnessed from the youths. The N-power program is a laudable feat from the government but it is necessary to have more of this programs as such would have immediate effects on the economy by creating platforms for skills acquisition and subsequently bringing about employment opportunities.
  Endorsing made-in-Nigeria goods: It is high time we looked away from some imported goods and give credence to those [of satisfactory quality] that have been made within our shores. In addition, it is necessary to remind you that we cannot grow our economy by consumerism; it is expedient that production takes an utmost stride.

• Emergence of Entrepreneurs: According to Robert Kiyosaki, the seasons of financial crises have often produced creative entrepreneurs. The very moment we are in, is one that calls for brainstorming- individually and collectively; there is a need to get innovative...bringing up new products and services that are appealing to prospective customers. Though, there is recession in the land but there are business opportunities all around us. Tapping into these opportunities would not only make a man rich but also add value to the society.

The solutions highlighted above will only work in tandem in order to bring us out of this financial crisis. Aside, it is not uncommon to hear [in this season] an 'unintelligible' suggestion which tilts towards calling for the government to monetize an already strained economy...what such an action begets, is [further] devaluation- both of the naira [which is not even and individuals and in the words of Nietzche: "the more we print money, the poorer we get and the more impoverished people get.

There is a word that has come to be synonymous with everyday living in this dispensation; a word that is worst felt [in reality] by the pockets/purses and ruffles the common man who is still struggling for survival amidst financial insecurity. Recession has found its way into the subconscious of the common man; creeping into our economic set-up and consequently leading some financial incapacity...

Let us be reminded of its definition: Recession is typically defined as the decline in economic activity of a nation and this span over two (2) consecutive quarters and eventually resulting in an unfavorable Gross Domestic Product (GDP) obtainable in a fiscal year. This trend usually correlates with indices such as increase in the rate of unemployment, decreased purchasing power and/or lowered consumer confidence, inflation and a 'collapsed' stock market.

What are the actual causes of Recession?
As the saying goes: 'our today is a consequence of our many yesterdays'; recession did not just happen, it can be traced through years of shortsightedness and oversight of functions that had immobilized the formulation of sustainable fiscal and monetary policies- this is on the general scale but there are certain economic cataclysms- some pronounced and some subtle- that have led us to where we find ourselves today. And some of these shall henceforth be highlighted:

Unstable/non-functional fiscal policy: The fiscal policy has been drafted to augment investments in both the private and public sectors and also create a balance between the utilization of resources and the investments outlaid. However, these objectives have been defeated through the inconstant implementation of the policy and the unwillingness to upgrade the policy in order to cater for the sustainability of a dynamic economy.

High Interest rates: The rates charged by Nigerian banks have somewhat been hard on the average businessman and new 'startups' and with Central Bank of Nigeria setting the benchmark [on interest rate] at 14% late last year, the situation is made worse and would encourage steady cash flow as employers will tend to cut back on spending; this will also contribute to the rise in the rate of unemployment. On the long run, the high interest rate has served not only as a harbinger to recession but also acts in the way of tightening the claws of recession on the nation.

Deregulation of the oil sector: Considering the fact that petroleum resources serve a very important purpose in revenue generation in this nation, it is quite logical to conclude that any shaking up in the sector, will sternly reflect in the economic activities of the nation as a whole and it could take some time before the effect is overcome. For a quick mention [though may not be unconnected with deregulation] here: the downward plunge of oil prices in the international market also seem as a 'catalyst' for this situation we have plummeted into economically.

Inflation: 'What goes up, must come down', they say but this does not apply to a strained economy and even in a nation where prices of goods and services hardly come down aftermath a period of price fluctuations amidst high demand and/or temporary market imbalances. This, in turn might bring about lower purchasing power as an offshoot.
Imbalances between Wage and Price increase: Most of the times; when prices of commodities go up, the wage structure remains the same and this could make salary earners hold back or cut back on spending as they look to actualize some financial security. Consequent upon this, there occurs [though maybe negligible] a decline in the economic activities.

Financial misappropriation: How shall one not talk about this? The position we are in today is due [in part] to the inability of past administrations to save for the rainy day as the revenue, which could have sustained the nation to some extent, ended up in the coffers of some bigwigs. At least, what was gotten during boom would have compensated for the ebb in the oil sector.

Depreciation of the Naira: This has not been helped by our disposition as a 'consuming' economy. The naira continually loses strength against other world currencies as our major export commodity takes a downward slide.

The aforementioned are just some of the causes of recession in Nigeria; the list is not limiting in itself and permit me to say this: the government [whether past or present] are not to be solely blamed- the citizenry also has its own blame. I will end with this question: when last did you pay your tax dutifully?bolded text

Job creation has been a 'siren song' commonly used by political office aspirants to gain the nod of the electorates who are ever nursing the hope of a better tomorrow. And these aspirants tend to play their cards well in drafting 'attention-grabbing' and solution-oriented initiatives [in order to gain votes] into their manifestoes only to fail in fulfilling their 'tectonic' promises upon resuming office. Inasmuch as this write-up is not for the purpose of castigating any government, one must state out certain facts as we look towards addressing the unemployment situation in the country

Nigeria's Situation
Before I proceed, I will like to say that it would be unwise to solely blame the government of the day- although the present administration cannot be wholly exempted- for our predicament in this nation. As a nation, we have often been caught in a quagmire of administrative incompetence.

The Nigerian employment situation is simply not a palatable one as the rate of unemployment keep rising. And bringing it down to the government, our situation has not been helped by corruption and under-utilization [of both human and natural resources] and our consumerism ideology has also contributed to our predicament.

Corruption has a direct and indirect link to the rate at which unemployment is growing: gaining employment into government parastatals is not devoid of controversy whereby we have often hear of someone going [i.e assuming an office] through the 'backdoor' thereby denying qualified and more efficient candidates the opportunity. And indirectly, as the government aims to curtail corruption [through stiff-necked policies] and misappropriation, more problems seem to be created with some companies either folding up or downsizing: this certainly does not augur well for the labour force.

'Wailing amidst waste'
Nigeria, being the blessed nation it is, should not find itself in the position it is at the moment but mismanagement has been one of our bane. Streamlining this to the issue of under-utilization of natural and even human [which, in a way, is connected to consumerism]; many are the natural resources that are yet to be fully harnessed as crude oil continually remains the 'centre of attraction'...with agriculture now gaining some prominence after years of neglect. However, beyond agriculture; with over forty (40) solid minerals scattered across specific places in the country, the onus of establishing industries [where these minerals will be wholesomely utilized] should fall on the government and the vision must be shared by subsequent administration irrespective of their political disposition. Leaving these resources dormant has caused us to plummet, overtime, into the doldrums of consumerism whereby certain things that could have been manufactured here, are being imported. The establishment of manufacturing industries will no doubt, create more opportunities for the unemployed youths who are languishing in the homes and on the streets of our nation and in essence, our economy will be much more developed.

Government moves to curtail unemployment
The N-power initiative formulated by the Federal Government is a laudable one as it would get some unemployed youths engaged. However, how sustainable will it be? And how much ground will it cover; will it have a profounding effect? The latter [question] comes to mind when one considers the fact that there are over 15.2 million unemployed youths- and this is even on the rise- out there and this programme has been setup to cater for the employment need of around three (3) quarters of a million unemployed youths: this means that 1 in every 20 youths gets employed but there is quite a huge gulf- I want to believe that the federal government will not rest on its oars just yet. Furthermore, it is hoped that this program will not go down the drain without creating an indelible mark on the economy of the nation. This concern is informed by the fact that similar programs [initiated by previous administration have not seemed to ever exist since the impact is not felt by the masses. It should not be about starting it up alone but making it work overtime will be very rewarding.

Finding a lasting solution
Although the issue of unemployment is one that seems to take forever to solve, the truth remains that it can be overcome should all hands be on deck. And the government can make a move towards ensuring that the rate of employment is reduced by:
Effecting the steady provision and maintenance of basic amenities and infrastructures; for example: power, good road, etc. This will encourage SMEs and increases production while lowering cost. This would also stimulate foreign investors to do business in the nation.
Inculcating entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquisition into the academic curriculum right from the secondary schools.

Ensuring that manufacturing industries are put in place. The solid minerals in the nation should be utilized for the good of the nation; we should not just trade them to foreigners- we can attain knowledge on how to make the most of what we have. This might take years to actualize but in the end, it is a worthy venture.

Making diversification of the economic a top priority. Every other sector [aside the petroleum sector] should be made functional and productive. It is commendable that the present administration has diversification in mind but moves toward its actualization should be provoked with efficacy and subsequent administration s should follow through on it.

In conclusion, more focus and expectation [as it regards job creation] is often directed toward the central government but if any tangible result is to be achieved, political office holders at the state and local levels must also be involved and held accountable. The government has got to be creative and be service oriented.

There is a seed of a champion that has been deposited in each and everyone of us, before we were born and that champion, which is locked deep within the soul, keeps knocking from the 'inside', yearning to be activated. Few permit the champion some freedom of expression and many, quite unfortunately, keep the champion eternally locked up- could this possibly be one of the reasons for the regression our world is experiencing?

Who is a Champion?
A Champion is a person who develops and utilizes his/her talent in order to promote and sustain life- his and those who he has the opportunity to influence. He nurtures the 'seed of greatness' within him; makes it evolve through the uncertainty of life and then produces a harvest [of fruits] that blesses and/or nourishes the world- a champion makes the world a better place to live and he always have great expectations. Saliently reserved in his subconscious is the fact that the someone out there, anticipates the manifestation of his harvest and so, he is on the move because he would not allow the grave make the most of what he has got on the 'inside'.

A Champion does not ultimately have a roster of planned out events which he unleashes year in, year out but rather he observes, analyzes and map out strategies that generate positive solutions to the challenges he encounters; acclimatizing himself- but not being swayed- to the environment and bringing the best out of situations forthwith. He generates ideas right from the inside to give the outside a new and fresher look; he enlivens hope. A champion is not the 'follow-the-flow' kind of a person and his pace is not determined by the actions of [negative] people.

Maintaining the edge
Being a champion is not just about getting to the top but maintaining a top level performance over and over again- this, however, is a function of positive attitude; it is about staying strong at all times amidst the smooth and rough edges of life. The one who intends to be a champion, will always go through a test and this comes from the difficulties he/she is faced with; difficulties become openings for breaking new grounds. Since, no one becomes a dancer by restraining his/her abilities, treading the route of difficulties (i.e challenges) is delightful to the prospective champion as he/she is given a ground for expression.

It should be noted that not all champions get celebrated with worldwide acclaim but this should not make one to subject him-/her-self to mediocrity; you, being the champion you are, must see to it that you give your best shot in all you do...think of a world whereby everyone says to himself: "if it's ever going to be bad, it won't be from my end": that's the world of champions.

Final note
The quest to unleash your champion stuff would sometimes stretch you beyond your ordinary limit. However, you must always be mentally alert to stay in- even when you are physically weak; you must not allow your mind to get exasperated. For the 'tough to get going when the going get tough' is beyond physical proficiency...the champion is tough and must be sagacious.

The world, amidst the many problems it is encumbered with, earnestly awaits the revealing of the champions- YOU...the CHAMPION in you is seeking expression. Awaken that champion and make your world; our orb a better place.

This article is intended to be the first in a series that tend to look into the employment situation in the nation.The focal point of the series is to delve into the possible ways the three (3) major stakeholders- the employer; the government and the 'prospective' employees [which, for the purpose of this write-up, include the unemployed and the underemployed]- have influenced the state of employment in the nation today.

The nation is definitely faced with many challenges and aside corruption, unemployment is another profound challenge that the nation is currently battling as there have been a surge in the rate of unemployment over the years- based on the data made available by the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among youths, is over 40% and generally over 14% when the entire labour force is put in perspective. It is really a huge problem to have such high percentage of youths lounging around- the nation loses its productive energy and the economy is subsequently adversely affected.

The reality before Us
I will like to paint the reality facing us as a 3-level adjoining band: at the base, which is ever expanding, have an army of prospects yearning to enter into the labour market; in the middle [which is very much constricted] we have the employees (underemployed and adequately employed) and at the top, we have the 'retired', 'retrenched' and those who resigned in order to seek greener pastures hence falling into the category of the 'prospective' employees once again. So, one will see that so much weight and/or pressure is exerted upon the middle band (the labour market) from the top and the bottom of the adjoining band. It needs no brainstorming to see that something is wrong and thus it is necessary to make a move. But the question is: who should make the move [at this very moment]? -My answer: the prospective employees...why?

Where we find ourselves today is a function of our actions and inactions in the past and it is foolhardy to think that we can continue to do things the way we used to and expect things to get better. Rephrasing Albert Einstein quote, Mensa Ottabil, once said: "we cannot solve a problem by using the same level of thinking we used when they were created". First and foremost, one area of concern is the fact that we have been made to believe that good grades and/or going to school guarantee and secure a good placement in the labour market but this is not always the case. Hence, to break free, the mentality of solely limiting ourselves to the scope of our credentials should be extirpated.

Another thinking of ours, especially the youths of this generation, is to leave things to others- placing their destinies in the hands of external factors like budget, government actions and such likes- and failing to utilize their inborn abilities. This act has often left the prospective employees with series of complaints with no way forward...according to Jim Rohn: ..."learn to be self-reliant so that you will never complain and never explain." However, being 'self-reliant' does not necessarily equate to being 'a tree in a forest" but rather that you stand up and do something- adding value- for yourself and surely, you cannot leave people if you are setting up your enterprise.

The youths of the day
Fortunately, the youths of the day form the core of prospective employees of today but unfortunately, they are not gainfully employed and are even in immense competitions [whether directly or indirectly] with the older ones for job placements. The unsavoury conditions are not helped by the fact these youths now engage in activities that add little or no value to them or the society in which they live: cultism; addiction to drugs and even entertainment and social media [whereby they give so much attention to pleasures and forget that they have a life of purpose to live], etc. These things tend to efface creativity thereby make them and the society 'poor' and irrelevant.

Furthermore, while interviewing job seekers, I have to notice some trends which boil down to:
Failure to plan: Most often than not prospective employees tend to wait until the end of their school years before making tangible plans on life after...they seem to be absorbed in the saying: 'when we get to the bridge, we will cross' without pausing to ask: 'what do I do should the bridge be non-existing?
Lack of Confidence: Here is another noticeable in my conversation with job seekers. Quite a few of them have some things they do but they find it difficult to talk about their innovations. This, I believe, is in part due to the revenue generated from such business...and here is one reason one should not make money one's greatest motivation. Should they exercise some degree of confidence [and persistence], they will be able to push their products and services and subsequently ease off the pressure on the labour market.

The effective solution
Firstly, the prospective employees have got to realize the fact that the industrial age is waning out gradually and technology has already replaced [and will still replace] human in the workspace to some extent. The era we are in now is that of entrepreneurship and maybe information age, as some will say. Each and everyone of us has a potential that is lying latent on the inside and this is the era of implementing your inner resources...like I will always say: "It is not greener on the other side, it is greener on the inside". The solution [from the part of the prospective employees] is evolve from the old age and key into the era we are in at the moment- they have got to start making up plans on how to become employers of labour in the next few years.

FINANCIAL MISAPPROPRIATION IN NGOs AND THE TACIT ABUSE OF POWER
Corruption has been a 'cankerworm' that has eaten deep in the fabric of the nation and measures taken towards curbing the menace, has always been greeted with a great sense of gratification on the part of everyone who assuage to building and/or restructuring the nation both economically and morally. The fight against corruption [especially financial misappropriation] seems to be an 'eternal' one that is not often without its controversies: there had always been claims that the bodies leading the fight, are usually biased in their operations. The controversies that are inherent with such fight however took a different dimension when it was discovered that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God had resigned due to an edict that was instigated by a certain Mr. Obazee, the erstwhile secretary of the Financial Reporting Council. The edict was said to have been targeted at the administration of non-governmental organizations with the stipulation that no executive head of any NGO should exceed the span of twenty (20) years. Nigerians react to this with missed feelings: some reeling at the 'absurdity' of this edict while others counted it as a good way of cleansing the putridity caused by the financial misappropriation [which is speculative- rather than justified most of the times] in NGOs. Inasmuch as the audit of the financial activities of NGOs by an authorized body might be a welcome development, attempting to directly influence the administrative formation of a body that is outside- though not above the law- the ambit of the government functionary, is one step too audacious and one that culminates into an abuse of power. Although Nigerians have always witnessed the abuse of power on our roads on daily basis and the decree [which has thus far been suspended] could be viewed as a microcosm of what is obtained in some quarters of authority. The business of whoever heads any NGO need not be undertaken by any federal body; this is even supported by the coinage of the umbrella name (NGO). The body (FRC) should have worked in consonance with its objectives and avoid dabbling into the administrative affairs of bodies that have their ownFINANCIAL MISAPPROPRIATION IN NGOs AND THE TACIT ABUSE OF POWER
Corruption has been a 'cankerworm' that has eaten deep in the fabric of the nation and measures taken towards curbing the menace, has always been greeted with a great sense of gratification on the part of everyone who assuage to building and/or restructuring the nation both economically and morally. The fight against corruption [especially financial misappropriation] seems to be an 'eternal' one that is not often without its controversies: there had always been claims that the bodies leading the fight, are usually biased in their operations. The controversies that are inherent with such fight however took a different dimension when it was discovered that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God had resigned due to an edict that was instigated by a certain Mr. Obazee, the erstwhile secretary of the Financial Reporting Council. The edict was said to have been targeted at the administration of non-governmental organizations with the stipulation that no executive head of any NGO should exceed the span of twenty (20) years. Nigerians react to this with missed feelings: some reeling at the 'absurdity' of this edict while others counted it as a good way of cleansing the putridity caused by the financial misappropriation [which is speculative- rather than justified most of the times] in NGOs. Inasmuch as the audit of the financial activities of NGOs by an authorized body might be a welcome development, attempting to directly influence the administrative formation of a body that is outside- though not above the law- the ambit of the government functionary, is one step too audacious and one that culminates into an abuse of power. Although Nigerians have always witnessed the abuse of power on our roads on daily basis and the decree [which has thus far been suspended] could be viewed as a microcosm of what is obtained in some quarters of authority. The business of whoever heads any NGO need not be undertaken by any federal body; this is even supported by the coinage of the umbrella name (NGO). The body (FRC) should have worked in consonance with its objectives and avoid dabbling into the administrative affairs of bodies that have their constitution in place...could they have forgotten that the agency was established in order to look into issues that border around financial spectrum and it is not incumbent on anyone therein to solely take it upon himself to determine how long the leadership of non-governmental organizations should last and also influence the choice of successor thereafter?
The consequences
The issuance of the edict did made the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian God step down as the one in charge of national administrative affairs, however, the greatest casualty of the decree is the man who was behind the formulation of the edict.
Furthermore, prior to the media, especially social media, being awashed with the name, Obazee; some Christian folks- though they failed or neglected the fact that Muslims and Charity organizations are also affected- had held the Federal Government responsible for the passing of the law which tends to put the church under its control. Thus, the dust of islamizing the nation arose again until news emerged that Mr. Obazee, a supposed christian was behind it all. Though, the news of sack calmed some fray nerves; some persons still hold their initial speculation dear. Certainly issues like this readily appeals to the fragility of religious discourse among the citizenry- but we need not draw conclusions hastily- and in this wise, those in position of authority should not throw caution to the wind when they are on the verge of implementing certain regulations. This whole drama that has unfolded could be a way of curtailing future events that could mar the already 'imbalance' state of the nation.
constitution in place...could they have forgotten that the agency was established in order to look into issues that border around financial spectrum and it is not incumbent on anyone therein to solely take it upon himself to determine how long the leadership of non-governmental organizations should last and also influence the choice of successor thereafter?

The consequences
The issuance of the edict did made the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian God step down as the one in charge of national administrative affairs, however, the greatest casualty of the decree is the man who was behind the formulation of the edict.
Furthermore, prior to the media, especially social media, being awashed with the name, Obazee; some Christian folks- though they failed or neglected the fact that Muslims and Charity organizations are also affected- had held the Federal Government responsible for the passing of the law which tends to put the church under its control. Thus, the dust of islamizing the nation arose again until news emerged that Mr. Obazee, a supposed christian was behind it all. Though, the news of sack calmed some fraying nerves; some persons still hold their initial speculation dear. Certainly issues like this readily appeals to the fragility of religious discourse among the citizenry- but we need not draw conclusions hastily- and in this wise, those in position of authority should not cast caution to the wind when they are on the verge of implementing certain regulations. This whole drama that has unfolded could be a way of curtailing future events that could mar the already 'imbalance' state of the nation.

Food is one essential substance that attracts rapid purchasing order in the commodity markets and this is quite understandable. Yet the source (i.e manufacturer or retailer) we get our food items from and how we get to cook our food determine what we get from the food we eat. Food security issues should not be treated with levity for sole reason that, as food could improve the state of one's health, it could also constitute a menace should we fail to eat right and/or consume contaminated substance.

So, what is Food Security? - According to the United Nations' committee on World Food Security, Food security is defined as 'the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.'

From the definition, it could be said that food security is influenced by agricultural practices, economic and transportation parameters and individual perception and conduct towards food. The World Health Organization posited that there are three pillars upon which food security is set: 'food availability, food accessibility and food utilization': with these in mind, one could surmise that the food security issues cannot be accomplished by just a set of individuals- it should be given great emphasis right from the manufacturer down to the end-user.

Farming and food security
Due to the fact food is key to man's survive, it's scarcity is often greeted with huge disapproval and anxiety. This scarcity has often been complicated by the soil mismanagement and soil nutrients depletion. However, in order to address the problem of nutrients depletion, farmers often introduce fertilizers into the soil. Concerns over food security is brought to the fore because the chemical composition of the fertilizer is picked up by the plants and food crop is then consumed by the end-user [whereby the chemical substance bio-accumulates].

The use of preservatives is yet another cause for concern.
Another major aspect that is worthy of note, is the method of storage and transportation. The nutritional value of food crops is adversely affected through prolonged and/or poor storage and shoddy means of transportation and thus what one ought to get from a meal serving is not attainable.

Culinary techniques and food security
Culinary techniques entail the mode of cooking and the cooking utensils used and these have an impact on the food we eat.
The reaction of heat on certain materials could bring about the emission of residues into our food as it being cooked. For instance; the application of heat on aluminium pot or pan can trigger the release of hydroxide into the food cooking therein and consuming such food can result in stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal disturbance arising from the neutralizing effect of aluminium has on digestive juices.
Furthermore, since the purpose of eating is to get the nutrients- although we are often overwhelmed by the sensation to get filled- one should ensure that food does not get overheated as the active ingredient in some foods get denatured...but since we are eating to get healthy, we have got to work at preserving the nutrient.

Self-discipline is needed
It is not strange to see some persons who love to consume certain vegetables raw without considering washing or cooking it. The truth is that some vegetables, irrespective of the freshness, can still harbour bacterial organisms. Hence, when you get fruits like cabbage, broccoli, asparagus and such like, make sure you do not eat them raw; subjecting them to heat of about 60°c or slightly washing them in salted water would help to advance the safety of the fruit before it is ingested. From the foregoing, it becomes obvious that watchfulness [in area of scrutinizing where he/she buys from and also how he/she prepares and eats the food] on the part of the consumer cannot be overlooked. If no one else [along the supply chain] should consider or care about food security, the consumer should invariably do.

Back in elementary school, we are told that Marriage is the consensual and legal union of a man and a woman to become husband and wife. But this [definition] has been placed under a great threat with the spread of union between couples of same sex and this is eventually damaging the very first unit upon which the society is fabricated.

Away from the damaging effect of same sex union and the basic definition of marriage; experiences of people seem to have imprinted various definitions in the minds of people and these definitions relate either a feeling of bitterness or fulfilment to the world beyond the walls. Marriage has never been without challenges and only those who really understand its concept have the wherewithal to succeed in it.

What's the drive?
What actually influences one's decision to go into marriage? It is quite forgivable to see people go into marriage just because of love. However, I believe that for marriage to take place and stand the test of time; MATURITY is crucial and as marriage is concerned, maturity should be viewed from these critical angles: spiritual; financial; emotional and physical. This submission is not an unfamiliar one but man, time and again, tends to alienate himself from the fact that he needs to find himself first before he embarks on the pursuit of raising a home for himself. He must know his capabilities...plus he has to be financially and emotionally stable and should also not be tempted to think he can leave God out of the marriage equation.

Marriage, in its pure state, is meant to be enjoyed and well appreciated bit any 'union' that merely exist to bring two immature lovebirds together could lead to 'Marred-Age'- years of frustration and bitterness that imprisons an individual even against his/her will. A few weeks, attention was drawn to the news about the woman who stabbed her husband [to death] over his inability to make provisions available for Christmas celebration: what a tragic turn of event.

Parting shot
Marriage is one experience many wish to have yet it is a no-go-area to some persons who have directly or indirectly seen the unsavory side of marriage. Notwithstanding, some are loving the status of being 'married'. It is to this end that I leave you with this:
If you are not yet in; you have got to be careful before plunging into it...there's a right person for you but you do not have to rush in AND if you are in it but enduring the sequence of events unfolding in the home, I charge you to take some time out with your partner to work things out- do not leave things to chance. However, if you are enjoying it, I encourage you not to quench the flame...keep tolerating each other's shortcomings and growing through it to become better.

The choice to have that union end up in 'Marriage' or 'Marred-Age' lies in your hand. Hence, take heed that you do not toy with the idea of marriage. You can have a blissful home and future for yourself.

As someone once said: "Marriage is not a word...it is a life sentence": I hope you keep this in mind.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BUT WHERE DO [OR WILL] YOU STAND?
Indeed it's a new year and to have experienced it, is really worth thanking God for and rejoicing over; the sound of rejoicing borne out of the fact that you are counted among the lot that made it through. However, beyond the rapturous celebration that rent the air [in churches, street parties and even clubs] right from the very first second of the new year; let us take time to sincerely answer some pertinent questions:
Where will you be standing as the year rolls by?
What principles are you going to be holding dear?
What new habits are you forming to make your year blissful?
Do you still have efflux of negativities from the immediate outgone year lurking in the corner of your mind?
Have you thought of the fact that you in this 'moment' for the reason of accomplishing a mission- a mission that is tied to your destiny? This is one crucial reason why you have been afforded this time- you have been kept for a purpose which ought to be fulfilled in order to glorify the Almighty.
Answering these questions critically will help you forge a good and highly productive year for you. Also, it is expedient that we do away with old negative habits while leveraging on old positive habits and even forming new positive ones as you strive towards personal development. To this end, let us take a look at some salient negative habits that we have cultivated [and have ended up having detrimental effects on our development] over the years:
Unproductive relationship
Social media/TV addiction
Procrastination
Complaining
Worrying
Lack of gratitude
Lack of belief
Loss of focus/determination
The list could be quite endless based on the individuals involved but the aforementioned, remain among the major reasons why we give less than what we are less productive.

Excuse the 'new' from the 'old'
Matthew 9:17: ...Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The negative habits of the past should not be permitted to ruin the glorious year before you. Hence, the old wineskin- your old way of thinking- is a misfit for the new wine and viz...they should have nothing in common. Therefore, it would be of immeasurable benefit to stop the stream of old habits [some have been highlighted in the preceding paragraph] that can unleash frustration and nonfulfilment into your new year: you must cut the time you spend hobnobbing mobile devices and TV; you should break off from unproductive relationship; you do not have to let others dominate your time...
The year is still fresh and there's a burst of excitement to it and in order to sustain this excitement, you must be strongly determined to ensure that you do not follow through on your old habits of putting new wine in old wineskin...there must be a renewing of the mind.
So, what old habit(s) do you think might shipwreck your development and productivity and/or creativity this year? It's time to put them in check so that you can have a fruitful and happy year all round.
From me to you: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!...Wishing you a prosperous and glorious 2017...GET BETTER not bitter!

HAPPY NEW YEAR BUT WHERE DO [OR WILL] YOU STAND?
Indeed it's a new year and to have experienced it, is really worth thanking God for and rejoicing over; the sound of rejoicing borne out of the fact that you are counted among the lot that made it through. However, beyond the rapturous celebration that rent the air [in churches, street parties and even clubs] right from the very first second of the new year; let us take time to sincerely answer some pertinent questions:
Where will you be standing as the year rolls by?
What principles are you going to be holding dear?
What new habits are you forming to make your year blissful?
Do you still have efflux of negativities from the immediate outgone year lurking in the corner of your mind?
Have you thought of the fact that you in this 'moment' for the reason of accomplishing a mission- a mission that is tied to your destiny? This is one crucial reason why you have been afforded this time- you have been kept for a purpose which ought to be fulfilled in order to glorify the Almighty.
Answering these questions critically will help you forge a good and highly productive year for you. Also, it is expedient that we do away with old negative habits while leveraging on old positive habits and even forming new positive ones as you strive towards personal development. To this end, let us take a look at some salient negative habits that we have cultivated [and have ended up having detrimental effects on our development] over the years:
Unproductive relationship
Social media/TV addiction
Procrastination
Complaining
Worrying
Lack of gratitude
Lack of belief
Loss of focus/determination
The list could be quite endless based on the individuals involved but the aforementioned, remain among the major reasons why we give less than what we are less productive.

Excuse the 'new' from the 'old'
Matthew 9:17: ...Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The negative habits of the past should not be permitted to ruin the glorious year before you. Hence, the old wineskin- your old way of thinking- is a misfit for the new wine and viz...they should have nothing in common. Therefore, it would be of immeasurable benefit to stop the stream of old habits [some have been highlighted in the preceding paragraph] that can unleash frustration and nonfulfilment into your new year: you must cut the time you spend hobnobbing mobile devices and TV; you should break off from unproductive relationship; you do not have to let others dominate your time...
The year is still fresh and there's a burst of excitement to it and in order to sustain this excitement, you must be strongly determined to ensure that you do not follow through on your old habits of putting new wine in old wineskin...there must be a renewing of the mind.
So, what old habit(s) do you think might shipwreck your development and productivity and/or creativity this year? It's time to put them in check so that you can have a fruitful and happy year all round.
From me to you: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!...Wishing you a prosperous and glorious 2017...GET BETTER not bitter!

HOLD THE PIECES TOGETHER
You started the year with great expectations; putting up 'new' year resolutions with intense hope of fulfilling them- 'what to do' and 'what not to do': all geared toward the actualization of your major goal(s) but deep into the year and with barely one day to go, your efforts have yielded no substantial result and the year seems to be ending on a low for you with frustration and regret taking their toll on you. Certainly, the nonachievement of one's top goals could be quite dispiriting; leaving you with a feeling that life has not been fair to you but before you allow this submission perfuse your mind, have you considered the other pieces? The other pieces are those things you might have overlooked as 'little': the food on the table; the shelter over your head; the clothes that cover your nakedness; the ease with which you use the convenience; the unexpected favour you received from that stranger...to mention to mention but a few. Yes, you might have missed on those aspirations [of yours] and you think there is no cause to be glad but you need to look away from the failure that may be beclouding your mind and see the reason why you need to rejoice and it is for the fact that you are reading this today- you are alive. In this regard, this very moment is not one to mourn over what did not come to be but a moment to give thanks.

HOLD THE PIECES TOGETHER
You started the year with great expectations; putting up 'new' year resolutions with intense hope of fulfilling them- 'what to do' and 'what not to do': all geared toward the actualization of your major goal(s) but deep into the year and with barely one day to go, your efforts have yielded no substantial result and the year seems to be ending on a low for you with frustration and regret taking their toll on you. Certainly, the nonachievement of one's top goals could be quite dispiriting; leaving you with a feeling that life has not been fair to you but before you allow this submission perfuse your mind, have you considered the other pieces? The other pieces are those things you might have overlooked as 'little': the food on the table; the shelter over your head; the clothes that cover your nakedness; the ease with which you use the convenience; the unexpected favour you received from that stranger...to mention to mention but a few. Yes, you might have missed on those aspirations [of yours] and you think there is no cause to be glad but you need to look away from the failure that may be beclouding your mind and see the reason why you need to rejoice and it is for the fact that you are reading this today- you are alive. In this regard, this very moment is not one to mourn over what did not come to be but a moment to give thanks.
Your Breath: the most precious piece
It is important to hold the pieces together- a way of counting your blessings- and the dearest of all these, is your breath. Thus far, you have been preserved and you do not have to pay for the most essential thing- atmospheric oxygen/the breath of life- you need. It has been provided without a charge.
I could recall vividly how a beloved aunt of mine laid in bed, some years back, in need of an external source of oxygen [which came at a huge cost] as her respiratory system had failed in its capacity to draw in atmospheric oxygen...I could imagine the pain she went through. Life is indeed precious and it is the only reason why one can think of actualizing certain goals...without life, all hope is lost. So, before falling apart [in hopelessness] ponder on this: you have something that someone [in a silent city] wish they had hence cherish it and be thankful.
Gratitude evokes Hope
1Thessalonians 5:18: in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This is a moment of thanksgiving to God, who has so preserved you. Even as you take stock of the outgoing year, it is expedient that you put up an attitude of praise, irrespective of what might have been this year. There is something about thanksgiving: it 'revitalizes' your hope for a brighter and better tomorrow. When you give thanks, you set yourself in position to receive more for 'it is in giving, that we receive'. Moreover, God's expectation from us is that we give Him thanks and to do this, you need not have a big dream accomplished but rather make those 'little' things count...hold the pieces together! Look back at 2016 with a grateful heart and enter into the new year with songs of praiseYour Breath: the most precious piece
It is important to hold the pieces together- a way of counting your blessings- and the dearest of all these, is your breath. Thus far, you have been preserved and you do not have to pay for the most essential thing- atmospheric oxygen/the breath of life- you need. It has been provided without a charge.
I could recall vividly how a beloved aunt of mine laid in bed, some years back, in need of an external source of oxygen [which came at a huge cost] as her respiratory system had failed in its capacity to draw in atmospheric oxygen...I could imagine the pain she went through. Life is indeed precious and it is the only reason why one can think of actualizing certain goals...without life, all hope is lost. So, before falling apart [in hopelessness] ponder on this: you have something that someone [in a silent city] wish they had hence cherish it and be thankful.

Gratitude evokes Hope
1Thessalonians 5:18: in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This is a moment of thanksgiving to God, who has so preserved you. Even as you take stock of the outgoing year, it is expedient that you put up an attitude of praise, irrespective of what might have been this year. There is something about thanksgiving: it 'revitalizes' your hope for a brighter and better tomorrow. When you give thanks, you set yourself in position to receive more for 'it is in giving, that we receive'. Moreover, God's expectation from us is that we give Him thanks and to do this, you need not have a big dream accomplished but rather make those 'little' things count...hold the pieces together! Look back at 2016 with a grateful heart and enter into the new year with songs of praise.

ACT OUT YOUR SCRIPT: IN PURSUANCE OF EXCELLENCE
This is a sequel to the article on 'Write your own script: In pursuance of Excellence'. You can read it here: http://asknigeria.com.ng/topic/264/write-your-own-script-in-pursuance-of-excellence
If writing your own script does the work of stating out your vision for it to be read by men then acting it out takes it beyond the 'white paper'; it engraves your vision in the hearts of men whose lives, it is imparted upon. Without the intention of acting out the script, all effort is wasted [in scribbling the vision] and no work is done for according to a law in Physics: ' work is said to be done whenever there is a result (positive)- this may sound cruel but to cease from following the multitude, you must be committed to acting out your script.

Time is CRUCIAL!
Acting out your script requires urgency- you've got to do it without delay...for as the saying goes: 'Time waits for nobody'. It is not uncommon to hear of how procrastination stole away someone's promotion or gain and one must guard against this in order to make impact in life. You must disciplined not to let time slip out of hand by partaking in frivolity...each scene of your life should be engaged with a sense of purpose- this will help an individual attain his vision in time and it is from this that satisfaction or fulfilment exudes. Hence, run with your vision.

React OR Respond
Life, at various times, sets us different stages- pleasant or unscripted- that require us to act: this is where we get to either react or respond (being proactive). What we do most of the time is that we react rather than respond. We allow the flow of events to control us rather than we controlling the flow of events. Your reaction to life's unpredictable scenery makes you an antagonist while your response makes you a protagonist- keeping you in charge. Always remember:
It's YOU who is responsible for what stays with you;
It's YOU who have the final say as to who you hang out with;
It's YOU who decides what you do with your time...
You are ultimately responsible for YOU and how you go about your life on earth so, you should give accountability precedence as you act out your script.

Strive for Excellence
Excellence must be integrated into your life's scenes as you act out your script. Although Excellence might mean 'being without blemish' but this should not make one rule out the fact that mistakes are inevitable in life and this is why you must strive to get better; seeing mistakes as learning curves that birth something rewarding if you do not keep your eyes off your vision.
Your Value determines what life gives you
Your character is the function of the values you portray. Good character gives you the edge as you go through your stage plays. A set of good character is the magnet that attracts people to you and a very important one is HUMILITY. Here is one character that brings life's good your way thereby making you very fruitful. Maintaining good values eventually sets you on the path to excellence as you act out your script.
Conclusively, I will like to bring this to your remembrance: since God, your Maker is an excellent God and He has created you in His image and likeness; there is a seed of excellence deposited in you and you should let it blossom...so, strive for excellence. Roll out the scenes in your script NOW! ACTION!

YEAR 2017 SHOULD NOT START LATER THAN NOW
Most of the times, we wait until time catches up with us before taking a decision that is meant to shape our future. We are well aware of the fact that 'he who fails to plan, plans to fail' but we end up falling victims of unpreparedness and unfulfilled dreams. We leave things to fate and this eventually put us in a state of ineptitude that yields meagre reward...more often than not, man is the architect of his own rising or falling- not chance occurrences.
Every man or woman, whether rich or poor has been given equal amount of time per day [i.e 24hrs/day] to utilize but what makes the difference is how we put our time to use; the mental energy we expend in developing innovative means of making life better. As the saying goes: 'our today is a consequence of our many yesterdays'. However, we can take charge of tomorrow right now by mapping out strategies that will usher us into the desirable future we hope for.
The time zones of life
There are basically two critical time zones in the life of every man: 'NOW' or 'LATER'. The influence of the 'now' on the 'later' cannot be overemphasized. Failing to act now is the root of procrastination...and this could beget 'never'- one is robbed of what would have been his had he planned ahead and taken charge of his today.
For the purpose of this write-up; the 'now' requires that you start up your 2017 at this very moment- this is not asking that you start worrying about your tomorrow (2017) but that you plan ahead. Come to think of it: all that you have between 2016 and 2017 is relatively just a 'thin sheet of minutes' hence the need for you to set aside a quality chunk of what is left of year 2016 to plan towards a fulfilling and rewarding year 2017. Project into the new year and create a leverage for yourself.
New year resolution is not enough
Without a mind that is committed to excellence, talking up goals and having a mental knowledge of your desires will only leave you with a wish-wash- your aspirations and visions will lack flavour if you are not committed to actualizing them.
Following the trend of making new year resolutions with your heart not being in it, will consequently leave you with a backlog of activities. So as you approach year 2017, do not follow public opinion of wantonly making new year resolutions- scrap the word 'new year resolution' out of your thinking- and just resolve to be better right from this moment.
George S. Clason, in his book, 'the richest man in Babylon', wrote: "Preceding accomplishment must be desire. Thy desires must be strong and definite. General desires are but weak longings." Your desires for 2017 should be a function of your own decisions- not in the rituals of new year resolution. So, form the habit of setting priorities and this you can begin to practice NOW! You should not stop even if you do not get it right immediately...it is a dress rehearsal for a glorious 2017 and you will surely get it right in a short while.
Year 2017 starts in a brief...set your 'wheels' in motion NOW!

IS IT CHRISTMAS YET?
Though it is not yet Christmas but in retrospect, certain events that precede the 25th day of the year are enough to awaken the most extreme of introverts to the realities of Christmas. Safe for the injection of [Christmas] colours and articles and the rise in interstate travels- which is relatively reduced when compared to previous Christmas celebrations- the actuality facing us at the moment seem to betray the razzmatazz that is characteristic of this season...has Father Christmas suddenly become less generous? Pardon my blandness. The events that have immensely contributed to the current mood are known and felt [directly or indirectly] by everyone.
Recession bites hard
The economic downturn that the nation is enmeshed in, is definitely the number 1 reason for the way things are. Even though 'the chickens have not flown away from their cages', people still find it hard to get one as the price is looks to be beyond them: I got to know that one eye-catching and meaty chicken goes for 5,000 naira. As with chicken, the cost of other groceries have also skyrocketed...A friend once shared a post that tilt to the comical side: "You will eat rice on Christmas and new year day, may you not lick stew alone...": this truly paints a picture.
More surprisingly is the fact that some banks were even regulating the amount of money that is available to a customer- some customers could not take the amount they desired from their own account- as they (the banks) want to maintain cash flow. Long queues are now seen around ATMs...could it be that some banks are out of cash thus making the ones that have cash to get overcrowded.
The sounds of bangers have been knocked out
This season is one that those who love solitude will so much cherish as recession is making fireworks 'tub-thumpers' have a rethink. The sounds of bangers have not been rampant thus far and hardly do we see the sparkling effects in the air. The thoughts of having one stick lit up [for 50 naira] while 'the worms gnaw at the stomach lining' must have made those who cannot cope have a 'repentant' heart...come to think of it: would you rather get 50 naira burnt up at this moment? This Christmas would be a solemn one I perceive.
Nature seems to have a say
Dusty articles, dry air, dry skin and cracking of lips and so on are evident signs that usually come with this season. However, this is not the case for 2016 and I am tempted to ask: 'where has harmattan gone to? What has become of the 'dust-devil' that makes us 'smell' Christmas even amidst the air that had been deprived of humidity?
We will definitely not be able to deny the fact that the day (December 25th) has been set aside [by Christians] to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ but with all that is happening, one can be forgiven for asking: Is it really Christmas yet?
If your answer is YES! Then maybe it's time to humbly enjoin you to show some love and extend a hand to the one whose answer is NO!
The reason for the season is LOVE, I believe and this is a great time to spread the love.

WRITE YOUR OWN SCRIPT: IN PURSUANCE OF EXCELLENCE
"Write the vision...make it plain..." (Habakkuk 2:2)
To achieve something tangible in life, it is expedient to have a clear mental picture of the thing and then bring it to life by writing it down. Why do I have to write it down since I have it in my head? - Writing it down helps to keep it fresh and gives you a reason [and confidence] to go for its actualization. Plus He who fails to write his own script, ends up telling the vision of others...we watch soap opera, football, talent hunt shows on TV without realizing- or rather being negligible of the fact- that we are watching [and subsequently aiming to tell] the vision(s) of others for he/she who is overtaken by television [or engrossed in watching things happen], lives to tell the visions of others. Meanwhile each and every one of us is expected, by our Maker, to be unique in his/her own way and this entails writing one's script with definiteness of purpose.
Consider this: The sculptor goes out to work out an image from a quarry; his chisel and mallet, shaping out the minutest of details with mastery and tenacity amidst the drops and trinkets of sweat that come forth...this, he does with a strive for excellence. Furthermore, no great script writer goes to work haphazardly: there is first an inspiration [which is further transmitted into 'black and white'] then brainstorming; mapping out plot, setting; character building and strategic planning geared towards dishing out a work that catches the fancy of his intended audience. Writing your life's script must be done with a yearning for excellence.
Monologue OR Dialogue?
Your life's script would from time to time vary between being monologue [whereby a soliloquy is eventually played out] or dialogue BUT one thing is be certain: you are always involved and this is where the uniqueness lies. You might be the protagonist or antagonist based on how you choose to react or respond to life itself.
Leave an indelible mark
Your script is your vision- the REASON for your BEING and of a truth, you might not always have your way but you have got to write it down in such a way that those who read it, even before seeing you act it out, will have an impressionable anamnesis about you. You are the main character in this 'play' hence your values must be integrated into your script for this would serve as the 'wand' that pulls or repels people from you...you cannot get to satisfy everyone anyway. Also, in writing your script, you must note that the plot, setting and characters that come into the play (your life) might be ones that are beyond your control to determine their appearance BUT never beyond your control to respond to.
You are a story waiting to be told...and this will not happen except there is a script in place. Don't just sit around to view the finished script of others; let them tell your own. Here is a question for you:
WHEN WILL YOUR SCRIPT BE READY?

THE DEBACLE BEHIND REPRESENTING A NATION
I have been pondering over the issues surrounding the unpaid bonuses and allowances of the Nigerian Female football team that has thus far degenerated into an open show of shame extending to the international media scene.
Having placed the nation's name on the pedestal of glory for the umpteenth time; why should the very ones who have given us a reason to celebrate be treated with misprision as had been visited upon them by those in charge of football administration. If the labour of our past heroes should never be in vain, why should our heroes in the present time sweat off the field of duty before getting what is rightfully theirs...a labourer certainly deserves his/her reward.
The Falcons became champions of Africa for the eighth time and this was to 'the surprise' of the sports minister who did not expect to make a winning return- a dent on the ministry which ought to be the no. 1 motivator [aside self-motivation] of any team representing the country's interest in international competitions: this raises eyebrow on the competence of those entrusted with administrative responsibilities in this area. Maybe it would have been better to rescind our participation and not bother expending taxpayers on an 'unproductive' mission [when one considers the minister's unguarded submission].
The players have had to go on an unprecedented bout of protest to make their grievances [over unpaid entitlements] known and to the NFF administrators is: why do they have to wait for a protest before things get done? Much to the distastefulness [as seen via social media] of Nigerians, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick did come out to say that the protesting players will be banned from national team duties and that he will even go ahead to report them to their respective clubs. But does the NFF President really size up his words before uttering them?
Banning them after their meritorious feat goes to show an abuse of human resources-'use and dump'- since he perceives that there are others who will gladly take their (the present crop of players) place without ruminating over what had befallen their victorious and 'protesting' compatriots. The disposition of the NFF President is not only a betrayal to the players [whose interest he ought to protect] but also denial of the office he is holding. And to report these players to their clubs overseas would yet broaden the show of shame which he has failed to realize.
Issues over unpaid allowances have bedeviled the Nigerian sports sector for a long time and one wonders if this would ever stop. Apart from unavailability and non-maintenance of sporting infrastructures, one major reason why Nigeria will continually lose great talents to well organised countries, is substandard welfare and poor human management skills hence those who claim to be 'patriotic' need not be harsh on those who have tolled the line of choosing the better option available to them. The Super Falcons definitely have no option of trading allegiance but one thing is sure: every well-meaning Nigerian stand with them as they aim to claim what is theirs.
Report reaching media outlets has it that the Federal Government has ordered the release of funds to offset the money owed the players and I hope this get to them on time. Female football deserves more and representing the nation's interest should be dissolved of the kind of debacle that we are experiencing at the moment.

"My mind told me to do it but I never wanted to take a chance
so I stayed back cos of the fear of failure"
"I should have done that...I could have been the one celebrating
or being celebrated now"
Many are the scenarios that paint the picture of man's attempt to take a decision [that leaves his name in the sands of time] but the negatives in his mind kept him rooted to the spot [of unaccomplishment]. This occurs from trying out something with the minutest of details to making life changing decisions, whereby man's failure to do this, has contributed to making the grave 'the greatest reservoir of talents'.
The comfort zone is a state of the mind whereby one naturally feels very secured- though falsely. It is a state that assuages to the helplessness of its denizens who have come to see reasons for not wanting to try- a disposition of no risk. Staying in the comfort zone keeps one's potentials 'locked up in a box'. However, it must be noted that the comfort zone is not just a place in time but a conception [which cages potentials] in season.
A story is told of a convicted murderer whom, the Judge, gave the grace to choose between facing a firing squad and walking out of the prison's door whereupon lies freedom [which was oblivious to the convict who died, having gone with the option of facing the firing aquad]. He flowed in the direction to which his mind had consigned- death and nothing more...he chose to comfort himself with the prospect of facing the squad. Although the comfort zone is not a place where a purpose oriented person wants to be but its allure could so gripping that one fails to see its crippling effect thus to get out of the comfort zone, you have got to PUSH and fight your way out.
The comfort zone is not a position to occupy for goal-getters. Hence, a man who is on a mission does not stay at his comfort zone; he finds a way to explore. I believe the very first stage of breaking free from anything is by 'telling oneself the raw truth' and in this regard, if you have been crippled by your comfort zone and I desire a way out, it is expedient that you expunge the fear of the 'unknown'- what lies on the 'other side'. It's time to exit your comfort zone and break forth. To exit your comfort zone, you must:
Change your mindset. What has given you that state of false security in the zone you find yourself, are the philosophies that you have come to believe through the course of time and these have left you coasting with the tides of life rather setting the sail to suit the fulfillment of your purpose. Changing your mindset will not come easy as a struggling is inevitable...the new horizon your heart craves for might appear strange but it is in this unfamiliarity that life is born. Afterall, the world was a strange for us all once upon a time.
Fuel your vision. Nothing significant ever happens at the comfort zone; it is not a place for an individual who has a purpose in life. So, in order to achieve purpose, you must consistently fuel your vision as you zealously pursue your goals. When you do this, you comfort zone will begin to get 'uncomfortable'- the struggle becomes tense- for you because of what is stirring you.
Have Faith. The belief you have in what you hold true, gives you the courage to face your fears. Without facing your fears, your comfort zone 'homes you in'. Faith helps you to keep some degree of confidence even when the coast is not yet clear...the faith you have in what you stand for tells the world you are ready to take up the challenge life is throwing your way.
Launch out into the deep. Attempting to exit your comfort zone without repositioning is like wandering through a perimeter. Launching into the deep is a step into the discovery of the real YOU and this is the most crucial stage of BECOMING- living a purpose-driven. Once you have conquered your fears through faith, you need to take the launch and let the world see and have a feel of your substance. In the words of Shannon L. Alder: "Life always begins with one step outside of your comfort zone"...Life is an adventure; you've got to go beyond the surface to get the most out of it.
The comfort zone begets a low or no life and this is quite appealing BUT this is not where you are created to be...there is more to you than your comfort zone can deliver to you...escape from that zone now and BREAK FORTH!