Unusual Package...

This could just be all you need to read at the moment...

A married lady was expecting a birthday gift from her husband.

For many months she had admired a beautiful diamond ring in a showroom, and knowing her husband could afford it, she told him that was all she wanted.

As her birthday approached, this lady awaited signs that her husband had purchased the diamond ring.

Finally, on the morning of her birthday, her husband called her into his study.

Her husband told her how proud he was to have such a good wife, and told her how much he loved her.

He handed her a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, the wife opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the wife's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, she raised her voice to her husband and said, 'With all your money you give me a Bible?' and stormed out of the house, leaving her husband.
Many years passed and the lady was very successful in business. She managed to settle for a more beautiful house and a wonderful family, but realized her ex-husband was very old, and thought perhaps she should go to visit him. She had not seen him for many years.

But before she could make arrangements, she received a telegram telling her that her ex-husband had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to her. She needed to come back immediately and take care of things.
When she arrived at her ex-husband's house, sudden sadness and regret filled her heart. She began to search through her ex-husband’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as she had left it years before.

With tears, she opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. Her ex-husband had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11,

'And if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father, who is in heaven, give what is good to those who ask Him?'

As she read those words, a tiny package dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a diamond ring, with her name engraved on it -- the same diamond ring which she saw at the showroom.

On the tag was the date of her birth, and the words. 'LUV U ALWAYS'.

 

How many times do we miss God's blessings, because they are not packaged as we expected? I trust you enjoyed this. Pass it on to others.

Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

IF YOUR GIFT IS NOT PACKAGED THE WAY YOU WANT IT, IT’S BECAUSE IT IS BETTER PACKAGED THE WAY IT IS.

ALWAYS APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS; THEY USUALLY LEAD YOU TO BIGGER & BETTER THINGS.

'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the heart.'

With Love,
Alamu Samson.

IT IS A GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Power of goal-setting

Many of us are so familiar with such statement or slogan, it’s so common particularly among football fans. Either on the Club side or the home team, goal scoring is a common phenomenon. It’s also very expedient and most appropriate to shout in support of your side when a goal is scored. However, between when a team is qualified for a tournament and when they score their winning goal several activities are involved. Let’s together consider these vital and all important activities.

1. PLAN YOUR GOAL

The first step in scoring goals in life endeavors is planning. A wise man said “if you fail to plan, then you have planned to fail.” Every great achievement in life has its foundation on good planning. Plan your life, plan your goals. Before you can score your goals there is always a time to plan. A coach that desires his team to win a tournament must sit down and plan. Nothing good is achieved without proper planning. Plan now!

2. PREPARE YOUR GOAL

Another major nugget in the ladder of goal setting is preparation. It will be foolish for a coach to say “well, I have a very good plan and a strategy to win this competition, so there is no problem, let’s go to the field to play.” Nope! He must embark on serious preparation. The time of preparation is a major time in a man’s life, time to acquire skills, strength and experience, time to learn what it takes. The players wake up each day 5.00am for training and rehearsals and they are at it for a very long time. Time of preparation is a time to sacrifice sometimes your money, your sleep, your food, what you desire and what you deserve to ensure that you score your goals. Take this time very serious!

3. PLAY YOUR GOAL

A very important part of goal setting is a time to be active. A time to take responsibility for what will happen, nothing happen on its own someone would have done it. How funny will it be for a team to have planned to win a tournament prepared vigorously and on the day of the match didn’t show up on the pitch or the whole team sit on the bench and refuse to play. Will they ever win the tournament? Be active! Be involved! Learn to do it yourself, take responsibility for it. Be a team player. If you must score your goals, then you must play it. No man wins in life by folding his hands. Work on your goals. Just do it!

4. SCORE YOUR GOAL

The most important part of goal setting is scoring your goals. Don’t only plan prepare, don’t only prepare, play your goals and playing is not enough, score your goals. No team is declared winner because they had more ball possessions, goals scored determines the winner. Don’t just play, play to score. Don’t just hit anywhere, hit it on the head, don’t beat about, be objective and score your goals, don’t just set targets, hit them, you must deliver, you must succeed. People only appreciate your plan and preparations when you hit the net. Score your goals!

5. CELEBRATE YOUR GOAL

Another very important step in goal setting is a time to celebrate. Its normal when a goal is scored, people celebrate. People don’t have to like you, but when you score your goals they will celebrate you. The scorer of the goal jump all about, runs around on the track, jubilating because a goal is scored. Score your goals the world will celebrate you.


From archive,
Passionately,
Alamu Samson.

The Scramble for Job: An emerging dangerous trend

"Unemployment rate in Nigeria at 19.7% - 10million Nigerians unemployed at March, 2009."

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).  

Save Our Soul...

At the recent Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) policy dialogue on the Nigerian economy, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, quoted data from the National Bureau of Statistics saying that “unemployment in Nigeria is running at around 19.7% on the average… and almost half of 15 – 24 years old living in urban areas are jobless.” With this alarming statistics, one would agree that Nigeria as a nation still has a long way to go in her bid to achieving vision 20:2020.

Perhaps an alien would think otherwise, undoubtedly however, mass unemployment is no longer a selling story in Nigeria. What is about becoming a fast selling story is the new but dangerous trend in the scramble for job in this 50years old nation. Even though it is a fact that there are no magical alternatives to the reduction of unemployment rate other than proper and full industrialization of the country, job scramblers seems to have found one.

Research has is that Nigerian youths are now shifting their focus to the Nigerian Force (Army, Navy, Air force, Police) in their bid to ameliorate their pitiable conditions. Between May 2009 and July 2010, there has been a mass recruitment in this direction. However, worthy of note in this new trend is the social issue likely to come out of it. Unlike the case in notable countries of the world such as U.S, U.K, and China to mention but few, the drive behind this trend is not based on passion for the protection of the territorial integrity and dignity of Nigeria and the pursuance of internal security. Rather, the drive is based on quest to circumvent the unemployment-induced hardship in the country."The West is a very open and liberal society. No one forces the men to be soldiers. It is a career for them" says Noman Benotman, a former terrorist. Such then is our plight as a nation, when for instance; the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) with an estimated population of 350,000 officers has its list populated by officers with no genuine intention to pursue its objectives. “Those in police uniform see the job as a money-making tool for themselves and not as a means of securing society” moaned Thomas Akinwale, a doctor in Lagos. Little wonder the 20naira culture is waxing stronger, even in the face of mass media campaign against the act.

Needless say, with all the events and issues adding up, that Nigeria is a nation running on misplaced priorities. What a country! I think we should just relax, and keep watching the drama, perhaps, the script will take a funny twist and there will be a happy ending. Did I hear you say a miracle it will be? Let us watch on.

Alamu Samson.

Ibukun Awosika: Another Icon to emulate

...who can find a virtuous woman..

 

Hello Friends,
On our personality Profile today, we have a great woman, a strong pillar in business. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika. Her lives achievement in quick summary. Happy reading!

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika is a graduate of Chemistry from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She is an alumni of the Chief Executive program at Lagos Business School and the Global Executive MBA program of IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain. She began her working career with Akintola Williams & Co. as an Audit Trainee and shortly thereafter, moved to Alibert Nigeria Ltd as Showroom Manager. From there she launched out to fulfill her entrepreneurial leanings by establishing Quebees Ltd, a furniture manufacturing company, from which The Chair Centre Ltd later evolved.

She is the founder of The Chair Centre, a market leader in the office furniture and banking security systems industry and was later appointed CEO of Sokoa Chair Centre Ltd, a joint venture company of Sokoa S.A of France, Guaranty Trust Bank, The Chair Centre Ltd, and some other local investors. She hosts the popular TV programme, “BUSINESS HIS WAY” where she teaches the business community ethical business principles based on the word of God. She is a Pastor in Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju Lagos. She founded Christian Missionary Fund, (CMF) an N.G.O dedicated to raising support for Christian missionaries across the country.

She is the immediate past Chairman, Board of Trustees of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), as well as Chairman of Intermac Consulting Limited, she also seats on the board of organizations like Convention in Business Integrity and Youth Business Initiative. She is married to Abiodun Oludola Awosika and they are blessed with three sons. 

 

 

With Love,

Alamu Samson.

What manner of Love and Sacrifice…

When was the last time your act reflected hope to a dying soul?

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to
help drain the fluid from his lungs...
His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their
involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.


Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up,
he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he
could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods
where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity
and color of the world outside.


The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model
boats... Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.


As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the
man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine
this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.


Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in
his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with
descriptive words.


Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only
to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died
peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be
moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and
after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.


Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his
first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased
roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.


The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'



Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own
situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.


If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that
money can’t buy...


'Today is a gift, and that is why it is called The Present.'

The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings blessings to
everyone who passes it on.


Do not keep this letter.

Just forward it to your friends to whom you wish blessings...

With Love,

Adeyemi Aderoju Mary on Wednesday, 14 October 2009 at 03:49

The Man Called Praise Fowowe: Another Icon to emulate...

Hello People,
How has been your day and the week too?  This week on our Personality Profile, we'll be sharing the profile of a dynamic man with a difference. A sexual recovery and training expert.
His name is Praise Fowowe. Happy reading!

Some call him PROF while others call him Mr. sexual recovery. His protégées call him coach while clients refer to him as a relationship enigma. But whatever you have chosen to call him one thing you are guaranteed of is every contact with him takes you to a new level of fulfillment in your relationships and lifestyles.

Praise Oladimeji Fowowe is a sexual recovery expert, family crisis manager, relationship coach, soar away columnist and one of the few specialists when it comes to relationship issues. A pioneer of high pedigree and a researcher reputed to be very original with insights that solve problems with ease. Praise believes that understanding oneself and others is the greatest key to successful relationships.

As a social worker Praise is the founder of the uncommon man network simply out to raise a sexually pure generation through the right values being taught on every street. The NGO which operates in Ajegunle at the moment is causing a revolution in the sexual behavior of the youths in that part of Lagos with Praise’s redefinition of sex, vagina, breast and others which has revolutionalized the mindset of the people. Till date Uncommon man network through her sexpurecentric project (a coinage of Praise) has planted 63 centers on 60 streets, 4 campuses where youths meet on a weekly basis to discuss their sexual challenges and the right values about sex is taught weekly. His philosophy when it comes to sex is “The only safe sex is sex in the marriage environment”. When men are faithful to their wives and young people are able to adequately control their bodies then sexual abuse would be reduced, homes will be settled and ultimately AIDS would die a natural death.

Uncommon Man Network has helped over 10 prostitutes out of prostitution in times past, given a sense of direction to several youths in Ajegunle through its weekly interactive meetings every Sunday evening which has grown to close to 400 youths.

Praise started the Uncommon Man Refinery (a 4 month human developmental training) for youths in Ajegunle and this has really helped a lot of youths rediscover themselves. Through its network of activities Uncommon Man Network has held seminars on various issues affecting the human sexuality.

In the line of duty...

Praise is also the host of the annual Sex2Sex conference and the Last Ajegunle virgin conference in Ajegunle

As a corporate Consultant Praise runs the Praise Fowowe Consulting having worked as one of the leading consultants at one of Nigeria’s leading consulting firm Visible Improvement in Performance(VIP consulting). He facilitates induction classes for some of the nation’s leading banks and consults for several other business organizations. In the words of the Human Resource Support Manager of UAC restaurants ‘Praise’s mastery of what he does is Indescribable, never have I see a young man hold his audience spell bound the way he does. Our people are better for it’

A passionate believer in the family setup. Praise believes what breaks most marriages is as simple as the word ignorance and he believes that once couples can master the platinum rule, love languages and the dream team formation then 60% of all marital problems are solved. According to him there is no reason for a divorce if couples have mastered the principle of death in marriage. He runs the YOU counseling services for couples and singles with troubled relationships.

A robust thinker and a believer in the Nigerian dream, Praise believes it took Japanese to develop Japan and Nigerians must become responsible for the development of the Nigerian of our dream. He teaches the dignity of the black race and believes that God never created a white man or a black man. All he created was a man which is void of colour. And that God is no respecter of persons but in every nation anyone that can connect to the awesome potentials that lies within irrespective of the colour elevated by Him.

The Accounting graduate who has authored hundreds of articles on sex and marriage relationships currently consults for a couple of families and writes for Saturday This Day and Encomium magazine among several others. His contribution towards the development of his generation have been well applauded as reflected in his being awarded the 2005 LEAP/NOKIA youth leadership award for the prevention of HIV(AIDS), the MEDIA CONCERN breaker of silence award for the prevention of child sexual abuse, LIFEWAY magazines award on youth empowerment.

An astute writer with 3 classic books to his credit and a lot of titles on cds and tapes. Praise travels speaking and seminars and conferences and his delivery is unbelievably bigger and way ahead of his age and physique. His coaching sessions are inspiring, informative, transforming, very practicable and down to earth.

A detribalized Nigerian with absolute tolerance for people as long as they are human beings. Praise is a Christian with a difference as he believes that you as a person is the Jesus that people must first come in contact with before they meet the Jesus of the Bible hence our life must speak more than our mouth.

He is a dynamic young man with an unusual grace for changing lives. As far as he is concerned we all deserve to be happy especially in our lives and relationships. His ultimate goal is to build the world’s most desirable marriages, raise a sexually pure generation and to plant the sexpurecentric friendship centers on every street where the right values about sex are taught from generation to generation.

Praise is happily married to the greatest woman to have walked the planet earth Oluwatosin Adewumi. He lives in Lagos Nigeria and travels strengthening relationships.

The Beautiful Heart

A young man once came out in the village square to make boast of something. In not too far a distance was an old man, revitalizing himself under the scorching ray of the sun. This young man in the village square started out the scene, boasting of having the most beautiful HEART around. With keen interest the villagers watched as this young man displayed his unwrinkled and scar-free HEART. With the aim of debunking the young man's claim, the old man stood up and started towards the village square. To everyone's suprise, the old man claimed to have the most beautiful heart around. People were suprised to hear an old man close to his grave put forward such claim. The man went ahead to show them his wrinkled heart, full of scars. Emotions were already running, then he said " the scars you see represents those times i've done good unto people, wipe tears from their eyes, show them love, gave them shoulder to lean on and all sorts. I tore out the flesh of my heart for them, but they never turn it back. Instead they broke my heart. The wrinkles you see represents the numbers of years i've been doing this, and i've refused to retire 'cos more men still needs my heart. The beauty of your heart lies in scars and the wrinkles". So young man, do you now see you have no beautiful heart yet. The young man broke into tears, the villager dispersed, while the old man relapsed into his seat. Hmn... nice and touching story you say. But i ask, how beatiful is your heart?

With Love,

Alamu Samson.

Mma

“Ahhhhchooo!…” “Sorry Sir” “thank you madam…”
Chief Onazi said wiping the dirt in his nose with an handkerchief.
“So, like I was saying madam, there is no need begging this issue; my proposition is yours to accept or reject! Life is all about give and take you know; you use what you have to get what you want!”
“Chief abeg, have mercy on me; I know you can do this without…” Chief Onazi cuts her… “So, madam, see me when you are ready to do my bidding…”
Chief dropped walking towards the upper terrace of the massive duplex. Mrs Ilori finally left her kneeling position, and went home in tears. What an unfair world; the rich covet the life of the poor…

Later that night…
Mrs Ilori was sitting on one of the worn-out chairs that had adorned their living room for a decade plus; weighed down apparently, she was deeply in thought over Chief Onazi’s bait. She was lost in it that she did not even notice her son entered the house…
“Iya e…” Bodunde said jokingly. He was shocked to discover his mother didn’t even notice his presence. With an anger of concern he tapped…
“Iya Bodunde, kilode, what are you thinking about? You did not even noticed my arrival. I’ve told you I don’t like seeing you in this mood…”
Bodunde was so angry that he didn’t notice his mother crying until she sobs…
“Iya Bodunde, why are you crying?” now sitting beside his mother, Bodunde curdled her.
“Bodunde, I wish all of this would end so soon. Life has not been friendly to me at all. I mean since your father’s death, things has not been easy at all. I was at Chief Onazi’s place today to seek for help…”
“you mean my dad’s business partner?” “Yes. I couldn’t believe my ears when he made a proposition to me…” Mrs Ilori started sounding quite emotional.
“You mean he’s attaching a condition to the help he’ll offer? What has this world turned to; okay, what kind of proposition?” Bodunde was noticeably angry in his conversation…
“hmm… my son, let’s forget about that and concentrate on what we have at hand. How’s your project, and preparation for your final papers?”
“My exams are still 2 months plus from now; as for my project, I’m through with everything except typing, printing and binding…”
“What about your friends that borrowed you money for school fee, hope they are not troubling you already?” Mrs Ilori asked. “ha… they are o. that’s why I even came, but I think they’ll still have to wait. It’s just that everybody needs money, but never mind. I’ll go back to school tomorrow morning, and hope a miracle will happen”
Bodunde pats her mother on the back, and headed towards his room. The house was unusually calm that night. Hmm… one wishes life could be a little bit fair.

The following day at Chief Onazi’s house…
Mrs Ilori was busy feeding on the new art works that graced the living room when Chief appeared…
“Oh… Mrs Ilori, so you are the one looking for me…” Mrs Ilori did not allow Chief finish his statement before she cuts him…
“Chief, I’ve agreed to your proposal. I need the money so badly, my son is…” “Madam, save me that. Let’s meet in my office tomorrow, and we’ll set at it from there.” “What about your wife sir?” “never mind. She is still at the hospital. Just go home; we’ll see tomorrow…”
Chief Onazi called for one of his maids, while Mrs Ilori closed the door behind her.

Two weeks later…

Mrs Ilori waited curiously in the car, thinking why it took Chief Onazi so long to come out of the banking hall. The anxiety on her face was just about taking a new turn when Chief emerged from the security door. She manage to smile as the security man bided Chief bye with a salute. Few seconds later, Onazi was in the car…
“So, this is it…” he hands over a bag to her… “you have a million naira in there. Now that I’ve fulfilled my own part of the whole thing, I guess we can move on?” Mrs Ilori nodded yes as Chief ignited the car and drove out of the bank premises.

Later in the evening…

Mrs Ilori was inside the kitchen preparing something. She was expecting Bodunde as she’s called him after leaving the bank in the afternoon. She was almost done when she heard her phone ring. She picked the call, and was shell-shocked at what she heard. The caller told her to report at the hospital immediately, as Bodunde lays hopeless at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital…
“I just spoke with him this afternoon…” Mrs Ilori said as she scrambled for her head gear and dashed out of the house.

At the hospital…
Mrs Ilori was running out of patience; she’s been in the doctor’s office for 20 minutes. She was about standing up from her seat when the doctor came in…
“Yes… Mrs Ilori I guess?”
“Yes Sir. Doctor, how’s my son? What exactly happened?”
Doctor drew his swivel chair closer, and sat at the edge of the table…
“Madam, I’ll advice you calm down, and listen to me. Your son was caught in a shoot-out between a group of armed robbers and the police; he had 8 bullets in his body spread across his thigh and both arms, with the right side of his belly…”
“yeeeee…” Mrs Ilori screamed.
“Madam, calm down. As I was saying, we’ve managed to remove 7 bullets, remaining the one in his belly. But as it is right now, he’s lost too much blood and we can’t remove the last bullet until we replace the blood he’s lost else we lose him…” After some few more minutes of discussion, Mrs Ilori was led into the Lab to donate blood for her son. The NPF had agreed to foot Bodunde’s hospital bill.



5 hours later…   
 
Two doctors were busy shouting at each other… unknowing to them, Mrs Ilori was never in the position to donate blood as she’s just recovering from a kidney transfer operation. She passed out few minutes after donating the blood, and she’s joined her son at the ICU.
“You had better pray she’ll not die from this. Your career is on the line you know…” Bodunde’s doctor slammed the door on Mrs Ilori’s doctor.

2 weeks ago, Mrs Ilori had sold one of her kidney to Chief Onazi, whose wife needed a kidney transplant to stay alive. She had intended using the proceeds to offset Bodunde’s immediate and future bills. Bodunde is her only child, and she couldn’t stand watch him suffer the fate of a bleak future.     

2 weeks later…  
 
Mrs Ilori was sitting beside Bodunde’s bed in his ward room, while the two doctors stood aside watching. She clutched to Bodunde’s palm weeping; she was at this when one of the doctors broke the mood…
“Madam, you don’t need this. Let’s just thank God we have your son, and even you yourself. I mean, that’s a miraculous fit we should all relish…”
Mrs Ilori signalled the two doctors not to tell Bodunde her story.
“Anyway, Madam, we should discharge your son in the next three weeks…”
Bodunde’s doctor patted Mrs Ilori on the back as both doctors left the room.

The End.              

What a blessing, God giving us all mothers; epitome of sacrifice. Mma is an Ibibio word for mother; I fell in love with the word during my Youth Service in Akwa-Ibom. I dedicate this story to my mother, who’s celebrating her birthday today. She’s lived all her life for me. Even when nobody’s willing to accept anything good can come out of me, she’s solidly stood by my dream. Many loved me for the brilliance they’ve seen, she did even when there’s no brilliance on display. Today is my own World Mother’s Day for she came on this day. While I celebrate her, I equally celebrate and dedicate this story as well to all women of virtue out there. Your reward starts from here on earth. D.J! Play me ASA: E bami kira fun mama mi, orisa bi Iya o, kosi laye nbi; oya, lalalalalalaaala… I love you mum.  


With Love,
Alamu Samson.