Walk Out On The Ovation

The year 2011 was no doubt a busy one for me; quite eventful and appreciably rewarding as well. I met with new friends who took interest in me for various reasons. While some took interest in me for a reason I still could not decode or decipher, others did simply because of my writings, social work, and most humbly, creative ideas. Now I’m blushing. I always have to deal with the numerous accolades showered on me by my admirers, with genuine humility though.

Silently however, I had always craved an eye-opening critique of my works. After every publication, I usually found myself loitering on the internet, combing my facebook and blog comment box to see whether someone has dropped the very comment I had impatiently waited for.

Nothing is fictional about the spiritual facts of life...

Nothing is fictional about the spiritual facts of life...

Expectations for 2012 are high, plans grafted in got to be great, hence, find out the specific laws that governs your purpose and obey them diligently. Do not be moved nor discouraged by the things that can be seen, rather,

Success: What Defines It For You?

The concept success is no doubt a subject that will generate reactions and counter-reactions any day, or anytime discussed. The subject has been thoroughly and widely dealt with by notable people from all works of life, that you will think it is an over flogged issue.

However, in an age or era where the human soul is growing increasingly discontented, even in the face of colossal material and wealth acquisition, one cannot but revisit the reason for the discontentment – lack of success feeling. How can a man with a heavy material and wealth acquisition still feel something is missing?

Just recently, I was listening to definitions of success from Kurt Carr, Bishop T.D Jakes, Bishop Matthew Ashimolowo, and Pastor E.A Adeboye, and I observed a common denominator that never stops pricking my reasoning.

LOLU MOGAJI: Another Icon to emulate.

Hello Peeps, today is a great day. Tap into God's already prepared favor for you.
On our personality profiling today, we'll share a brief on a young, talented man with great achievement and a greater prospect. I present to you Lolu Mogaji. Happy readind.

LOLU MOGAJI, AICI is an Image consultant, Personal brand expert, a prolific public speaker and a toastmaster in a class of his own, with a strong belief in the statement; “Image is everything”. He believes that everybody must strive to discover, develop and project a strong and positive image, irrespective of their chosen vocation in life. Furthermore he believes that a person, organization, or Nation’s investment is incomplete until there is an investment in image. Lolu believes that as important as intelligence is in our world today, so also is image. His primary focus is on Personal image/ Branding as they affect corporate growth. He is persuaded that both the successes and failures of organizations have their roots in the quality of the people that make up such organizations.

Lolu is the managing partner of Image Quotient Consulting, and Founder of The Image School (The first School in Africa dedicated to teaching Image Principles to individuals and corporate organizations)both in Lagos, Nigeria, where he expresses his passion for image by partnering with individuals and organizations in developing and consistently projecting a strong and positive image.

By virtue of Lolu’s position as managing partner of Image quotient consulting and founder of The Image school, and because of his unique and witty style of presentation, he has been privileged to act as; TRAINNER/ FACILITATOR, CO-FACILITATOR /MODERATOR AND COMPERE for a wide range of organizations such as : Generis Solutions, MTN Nigeria, Intercontinental homes, Savings and loans, Talkshop Management consulting, Michael Sage Consulting, Socketworks Nigeria Limited, Chrisland Educational Foundation, GTBANK, PZ(Nutricima), 247imc, Proview, The Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship, 180 DEGREES (NGO), AWESOME GENERATION (NGO), Pneuma Publishing Limited, just to mention a few. In addition to the corporate organizations, he has a long list of individual clients from various works of life.

Lolu’s career as an image consultant rests solidly against a background of a law degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University with stints in various endeavors such as advertising and Public relations, fashion, radio broadcasting and events management,. He is a member of the prestigious ASSOCIATION OF IMAGE CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL (AICI) TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL (Eagle club Lagos, Nigeria), THE NEW NIGERIA CLUB. His articles have been published in various national dailies, and he has granted numerous interview on both print and electronic media (both Satellite and terrestrial), the most resent was a guest appearance on “Moments with MO” on Mnet Africa, broadcast in over 48 countries.


From the archive.

Deolu Akinyemi: Another Icon to emulate.

Hello dear,

We are considering some personality profile to help know them, learn from them, get challenged by the life and motivated by their achievements. Today let's check on the profile of Deolu Akinyemi, an outstanding businessman and a life coach. Have a happy reading.

Adeolu Akinyemi is multifaceted and multidimensional; he’s regularly referred to by people who know him as a genius. He regularly combines the roles of Business Leader, Social entrepreneur, Trainer, Writer, Career Coach, Direct and Network Marketer, Human Resources Expert, Business Development Consultant, Financial Empowerment Consultant, Innovator, Visionary and Patriot. Today Adeolu Akinyemi is one of Nigeria’s foremost brands in People and Organizational Development, Financial Empowerment, Network Marketing and Blogging. Adeolu Akinyemi is a light and one of the most influential young people in Nigeria on account of his personal development blog, www.deoluakinyemi.com . Adeolu Akinyemi is currently the chief coordinator and Founder of the New Nigeria Club, Managing Director of Generis Solutions, CEO of Nairahost Ltd – Nigeria’s number 1 webhosting company, Administrator of deoluakinyemi.com and West African Leader and driver of Holidays and Cash Ltd. Adeolu Akinyemi’s most outstanding virtue is Integrity.
From an exceptional background in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University – Ile-Ife, Adeolu Akinyemi made a deliberate detour to follow his passion for people development and kicked off his career in Procter and Gamble Nigeria as an Associate Human Resources Manager. Adeolu Akinyemi had rapid career growth and grew to become HR Manager Talent Supply and Development, Market Strategy and Planning Manager and Customer Business Development HR Manager. After 4 exciting years of an exceptional Career with Procter and Gamble Nigeria Ltd, Adeolu Akinyemi moved to Virgin Nigeria as part of the pioneer team involved in building the airline from scratch and setting up people systems.

Adeolu Akinyemi’s career has been chequered with series of Awards from different organizations. Adeolu Akinyemi enjoyed one scholarship or the other, from the Federal Government of Nigeria and multinationals for 10yrs of his academic career, he has won series of commendations from his peers ranging from Most Admired Classmate, Most Charismatic, Mr Brainy, e.t.c. While in Procter and Gamble, Adeolu Akinyemi bagged two global awards – A P&G Global Human Resources Peak Performance Award, 2003 and A P&G Global recognition award for exceptional innovation, 2004. In recognition of his professionalism and personal standards, while in the last phase of his career as an employee in Virgin Nigeria, Adeolu Akinyemi was nominated for and won the Future Awards, Corporate Professional of the year award for 2006.

Adeolu Akinyemi is a 100% Nigerian grown talent, with some exposure to training opportunities outside its shores. From a Secondary school Education in Federal Government College Ilorin where he graduated as top graduating student, to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife where he averaged a 4.48/5.00 in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Adeolu Akinyemi has since obtained a certification in Networking from Cisco Systems, A Venture in Management Program Certificate from Lagos Business School, Systems Dynamics & Business Modelling by Dr JP Cleron, Procter and Gamble Global Management Training in Presentation Skills, Effective Meetings, Improving Your Personal Leadership, People and Communication Skills, Time Management, Memo Writing, Team Effectiveness, Presentation to Top Management, Maximizing Creative and Logical Thinking, Negotiation, Coaching, Partnering for Growth, Human Resources Management, Compensation and Benefits, Talent Management, Key Account Management. Some of Adeolu Akinyemi’s foreign training exposure include HR Methods Becoming Actions- Poland, Online Recruiting and Candidate Management System- Turkey; Train the Trainer- Geneva, Designing High Performance Organizations -Geneva, Aviation Economics – UK and Aviation Safety Training, Lufthansa – Frankfurt.

Adeolu Akinyemi is the husband of Temitope Akinyemi and proud father of Ireoluwa and Araoluwa Akinyemi. Adeolu Akinyemi is currently 33yrs old.


From the archive.

Cobhamz Emmanuel Asuquo. His story draws tears from the eyes of my soul...

Hello great people! This week on our personality profile, I have the profile and story of a man and a Kingdom general name Cobhamz Asuquo. His story will challenge you. Have a happy Reading!

Lagos — Multi-talented, visually impaired producer and the CEO of COMP (Cobhams Asuquo Productions), is not your every day person. He has been able to prove to us that his sight is not a disadvantage. Born into a humble family in Cross-River State, music has been part of him right from his early days. He makes sounds with everything around him that vibrates as a result of touch. "I produce sounds earlier in life with spoons, forks, knives, tables, my chest and every other thing around me that can produce sounds until I later found musical instruments. It was self taught but I have those who mentored me. My primary and secondary school music teachers were actually part of them. I will rather say I was taught the art of producing by God". Today, he is one of the biggest producers in Nigeria. He won the Hip Hop World Awards for the best producer in 2008.

His challenges are meeting up with everyday sounds and the ever changing demands of people. Contrary to what might be on the minds of people, he doesn't see his lack of sight as a disadvantage. "My sight has never been a disadvantage because I have a fantastic team am working with. Like I always say, most surgeons don't do all the surgery by themselves but they take the glory for it. That is the case here. They are my eyes and my extra ears".

Due to his amazing talents and the different collaborations he has done with other artistes, many would think by now he should be planning to release his own album, but Cobhams is not thinking towards that direction. He is presently into capacity building and he may not release an album until he is 60 years. "Right now, am in the business of developing musical sounds for people and am enjoying it. The challenge of working with new people is actually very huge but I find it interesting".
Commenting on the state of the music industry in Nigeria, he says it is better than what it used to be. "The business is becoming more lucrative but needs more structure to be called an industry. Our artistes are beginning to compete favorably with other international artiste which is a plus on its own", he said.

As popular as Cobhams is among the Nigerian artistes, he still desires to work with some Nigerian artistes but with reference to a particular legend. "There are still some great Nigerian artistes I will love to work with but first is Onyeka Onwenu. I grew up listening to lots of her stuff. She is amazing." Internationally, he will love to work with Don Moen and other 'Integrity Music' artiste.

One of his aspirations is to help develop the music industry and put it on the world map. Funny enough, he doesn't have any regret in life. "Regrets? I can't remember any. Growing up was fantastic". His greatest wish is far different from what we would have expected. "My greatest wish is to make a heaven and that is not even a wish. I need to work towards it. My greatest wish is to keep my happiness. Am not sure I want to go about wishing. Most things in life happen as a result of work or prayer. God has already designed everything the way He wanted it. I just want to live a fulfilled life".

His production outfit, Cobhams Asuquo Productions (COMP), is currently into capacity building. They discover, nurture and expose talents. Once the artiste is good and there is space for him, they will work with him. The few on the list now are Pheel of Star Quest fame, Omolara Ayodeji, Jone of West Africa Idols and others. He didn't fail to tell us what we should expect from them. "Expect some of the best crop of artistes that has ever come out of Nigeria. The new breed of artistes who will do music the way it ought to be done. A new crop of artistes who has sought expression for a very long time and finally found it in an enabling environment to express music for what it is and not necessary for the commercial value but because it is what their heart is inclined to. They will express it and get paid for it. Just expect something extra-ordinary to hit the Nigerian music industry very soon", he said.

Make no mistake about it. Amidst all these, he found a true wife. The lady he got married to have been a recurring decimal in his life for some time and they are a good pair.
As part of the blessings of God in his life, he recently moved into a new house in Ogudu GRA, Lagos which now serves as his home and office. Trust me; one person, whose life never seizes to challenge me, is Cobhamz. Whenever I see him on the screen, I remember I don’t have an excuse; I must fulfill God’s purpose. I hope his story does that to you as well. Have a splendid day.

http://www.camp.com.ng/

Knowing Where to Tap. Part II

Hello, peeps. Welcome back! Now let's finish the journey.

The reason why the axe is not cutting well, is because the cutting edge needs to be sharpened. The reason why we exert ourselves is because we are operating contrary to wisdom. If you know how the machine works, you’ll know where to tap. My motivation today is simple, get knowledgeable! How, you may ask? I have a few suggestions for you, and I have a little gift I’ll like to give you, and I’ll like you to share with others as well.

1. Become an expert in one topic, but become generally knowledgeable. Don’t pursue focus till it creates absolute blind spots for you in areas that are important. Deliberately chose to be broad. Read wide! Read many more books about one topic, but read books about other topics. Yes you will be invited to speak about your topic, but the discussions you will engage in will require you to be well rounded.

2. Ask the experts! One meeting with a wise man is worth years of reading. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask questions from someone who has demonstrated expertise in particular areas you are seeking knowledge on. You were not the first to land on this planet, learn from others.

3. Share what you know! There is nothing that helps you retain what you know more than sharing it. It looks very interesting when we see small children trying hard to use words we just taught them. I remember how frequently my daughter used the words participate and interesting until they became hers. Don’t bottle up the knowledge to yourself, share. One of the things you can share is what you have just learnt; you can also share where you are learning it. Share this website for example, and share this report as well.

4. Google it! Whatever you hear and you don’t understand, just go online and search for it. There is too much knowledge wasting on the internet begging to be found. It’s so interesting how difficult it is to argue these days, if you disagree, just go online and settle it once an for all J. Take the pains of searching of linking from page to page and getting a wide grasp of new things.

Have a splendid day.

GBENGA SESAN: Another Icon to emulate.

Hello Friend, welcome back!

Today, we'll be sharing together another great personality profile....This time it's Gbenga Sesan...

‘Gbenga Sesan, an Ashoka Fellow, is the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and he serves on the board of International Young Professionals Foundation, Digital Divide Network, World Summit Youth Awards, HiiT Limited, Generis Solutions, Global Network for Cybersolution, Women's Technology Empowerment Centre, Alliance of Change Empowerment Speakers, Africa Mentor Foundation and the African Youth ICT4D Network, among others. Originally trained as an Electronic & Electrical Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, ‘Gbenga has completed Executive Education Management Training Programs at Lagos Business School, New York Group for Technology Transfer, Oxford University, Harvard University and Stanford University. His consulting experience includes assignments completed for numerous institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard University, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Computer Aid International, Heinrich Boll Foundation and the International Telecommunications Union.
Beyond Nigeria, ‘Gbenga has consulted and made presentations in various countries, including Austria, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom and United States. He is a member of the United Nations Committee of eLeaders on Youth and ICT and Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow; and he was Nigeria's first Information Technology Youth Ambassador. He was the Vice Chair of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s African Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC), voluntary adviser to numerous youth-led nonprofits and pioneer Program Manager of Lagos Digital Village. In 2006, he was appointed as the youngest member of the Nigerian Presidential Task Force on the Restructuring of the Nigerian Information Technology and Telecommunications Sectors. ‘Gbenga is also an author and regular feature on some of Nigeria’s popular television shows.
In recognition of his dynamic efforts, 'Gbenga has been honoured with the 2008 OAU Ife EEESS Distinguished Alumni award, 2008 FGC Idoani Alumni award, 2007 Nigerian Youth Leadership award, 2007 The Future Youth Advocacy award, 2006 International Telecommunications Union YES Scholarship award, 2006 Ondo State Sunshine award, 2006 The Future Best Use of Technology award, 2005 Stockholm Challenge Champion honour, 2004 NiPRO Excellence in Information Technology award, 2003 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) in Nigeria award, 2002 JCI Ten Outstanding Great Ife Alumni (TOGA) award, 2002 Journalists’ Frontier of Technology in Nigeria award, and the 2001 International Telecommunications Union’s African Youth Fellowship award. ‘Gbenga Sesan has been profiled as one of the 35 Icons of ICT in Nigeria and he keeps a personal website at www.gbengasesan.com. He is married to Temilade, a PhD scholar with research interests in Renewable Energy Policy and Implementation for developing economies (especially Nigeria and Kenya). He just published a book "In my own words"



If you would like to invite 'Gbenga Sesan to speak at your Seminar, School, Organization or to discuss ideas with your Group, you may express such interests via email through talk@gbengasesan.com. And remember, "The whole world will stand aside for a man who knows where he's going. Decide what path you want to trace in life (regardless of your background, colour or present opportunities and based on your interest, passion and desires), be a master at it ... and you will discover that there is no limit to your fulfilling experiences".


From the archive.

KNOWING WHERE TO TAP. Part 1

I dug this piece as well from my archive; I’m not sure you have seen it. It was written by the legendary Deolu Akinyemi. Have a happy reading.

Once upon a time, a big manufacturing company had a problem with their machine. Their machine was huge and monstrous and it was quite a challenge to pin down exactly what the problem was. The machine simply stopped working, their internal engineers tried tirelessly, but hours rolled into days, and days headed for weeks. They decided to hire the services of a city renowned expert engineer.

The engineer came to the site as soon as he was briefed. Like all engineers, the first thing to do for him was to diagnose before prescribing solutions. He had a word with the heads of operation of the company and they commissioned him to solve the problem. He strolled into the engine room; it was a really big room with lots of pipes, engines and cylinders. It was a big operation. The expert engineer strolled in, observing carefully as he walked along; few engineers from the company closely behind him, trying to see for themselves where the problem was. The expert engineer, oozing the wisdom that comes from plenty of white hair strolled carefully around the entire room, touching, pausing, feeling and thinking; after walking around for about 30 minutes. The engineer requested for a hammer from his tool box. He took out the hammer, and hit a particular spot on one of the cylindrical pipes. He asked them to switch on the engine, they did, she struck the place again, and as if by one stroke of magic, the engine’s responded, and began to work again. He asked them to switch off the engine, and then turn it on again. The machine responded as if there had been no problem whatsoever, it worked smoothly.

All the engineers were surprised, but excited. Alas the machine was up again. News went fast to the operations manager and the CEO, the expert engineer was indeed an expert, as he had solved a very complex problem that had bedeviled the whole company and help them ransom for too long. Their excitement however faded when the expert engineer sent them his bill. He was demanding for a small sum of $10,000. The engineers could not believe their eyes, the operations manager was exasperated. He could not reconcile the bill, with the story he had heard of how the problem was solved. Not to appear rude by denying the expert of his charges, the operations manager requested that the expert engineer break down his bill, so that the company could understand what they were paying for.

The expert engineer wrote his bill promptly. $1 for tapping the pipe, $9,999 for knowing where to tap!

Value is not in the physical activity to the expert engineer, it’s in the knowledge that the expert has. Anybody can tap, but few people know where to tap, how to tap, when to tap and why tap. Knowledge is valuable! Small wonder the holy book has in one of it’s wise sayings, “wisdom is the principal thing, and with all you get, get understanding”, in fact there is a version that says about knowledge, that even if it costs all you have, or all that you’ll ever have, go for it! Wisdom is the right application of knowledge; wisdom is the tapping and the knowing put together.

Interestingly, we are in an age driven by information. The leader is not the strongest physically as it was when the biggest economic activity was war, it’s not the man with the biggest farm, as it was during the agrarian age, neither is in in the complexity of structures as it was with the technology driven age, today we are in a time where the most informed, or those who can control what we see, hear or think, literally control us. We are in an age where we are overloaded with commercials on all sides. Everybody wants to get their information into our thinking; everybody wants a little space on the hard disc of our mind. The world is shrinking so fast that what used to be called global news, now seems very local. In this age and time, you cannot afford not to be informed. You cannot afford to spend your life tapping around in aimless trial and error when the pool of knowledge lies a few meters from where you are.
The reason why the axe is not cutting well is because the cutting edge needs to be sharpened. The reason why we exert ourselves is because we are operating contrary to wisdom. If you know how the machine works, you’ll know where to tap. My motivation today is simple, get knowledgeable! How, you may ask?
Watch out for the concluding part. Have a blessed day.

BUSAYO AKANRO: Another Icon to emulate.

Hello Friends,
How are you today? Hope you are catching up with Life.

This week on our personality profiling, we'll be sharing a young man's profile; a man about your age with outstanding achievements in Entrepreneurship. Have a happy reading.

Busayo Akanro is a multi-talented and exceptional professional. He combines evenly the roles of Business Development Consultant, Social Entrepreneur, Writer, Direct and Network Marketer, Human Resource Development Consultant, Trainer and Patriot.

Currently, Busayo Akanro works with one of Nigeria’s leading Human Resource, Business Development and ICT solutions firms. Busayo Akanro has a passion for people and organizational development that has driven him to partner with Generis Solutions as a consultant on such matters. He is an adept Network Marketing expert, Team building and Effectiveness facilitator, Training and Development consultant and Blogger. (www.busayoakanoro.com)

From an engineering background in Agricultural Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University – Ile-Ife, Busayo Akanro took a turn in the consulting direction and worked with InterWireless Consultants, Nigeria as a Radio Frequency Consultant. After 11 months of an exceptional career with InterWireless Consultants where he occupied diverse leadership roles like Team Lead – MTN Competitive Benchmark Project, Eastern Cities; MTN Competitive Benchmark Project, Lagos; Recruitment and Selection Panel member; Trainer; Busayo moved to Generis Solutions as a consultant on Human Resources, Business Development and ICT solutions. Busayo won an outstanding leadership award while with InterWireless Consultants.

Busayo Akanro is a100% Nigerian grown talent. From a Secondary school Education in Command Day Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife where he graduated with a BSc. in Agricultural Engineering. Busayo Akanro has since obtained a certification in Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (2003); A Basic Certificate in Leadership from the Daystar Leadership Academy, Nigeria; A Certificate in HR-MBA (Human Resources-Managing Business Accounts) from Generis Solutions; Trainings in Presentation Skills, Effective Writing, People and Communication Skills, Memo Writing, Team Effectiveness, Human Resources Management, Compensation and Benefits, Recruitment and Selection, Competency modeling, Talent Management.

Busayo can be contacted through: www.busayoakanoro.com

NIYI ADESANYA: Another Icon To Emulate.

Hello People!
How are you today? I have brought to you today the profile of a young, dynamic, gentle man by the name NIYI ADESANYA. I am persuaded you'll learn and be challenged by his stories and testimonies...
Have a good reading.


Niyi Adesanya is a leadership advisor and coach par excellence who helps CEOs and other C-Suite executives reinvent themselves as they navigate their business re-engineering process.

His strong business acumen has helped business owners to grow their businesses by leaps and bounds using the innovative MACE procedure template he developed from his years of leadership management practice. In the last 2 years, he has coached over 7 business owners that have done between 4 to 6 million dollars. With an average of 100 speaking engagements yearly, he has stayed relevant for over 2 decades as the leading voice on leadership transformation in Africa. These credentials have also made him one of the highest-paid business leadership coaches in Nigeria.

7 PRINCIPLES OF AN EAGLE.

Hello, as you go through life experiences this year, I would want you to learn about these seven principles of an eagle. Just like the bible says in Prov 6:6-11; go to the ants you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise", I believe there is even much more to learn from the eagle.

7 PRINCIPLE OF AN EAGLE

PRINCIPLE 1
Eagles fly alone at high altitude and not with sparrows or other small birds. No other bird can go to the height of the eagle. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with Eagles, Locate people of like mind and passion.

PRINCIPLE 2
Eagles have strong vision. They have the ability to focus on something up to five kilometers away. When an eagle sites his prey, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacles, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.

PRINCIPLE 3
Eagles do not eat dead things. They feed only on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals, but eagles will not. Be careful with what you feed your eyes and ears with, especially in movies and on TV. Steer clear of outdated and old information... Always do your research well. Be well informed, be up to date....


PRINCIPLE 4
Eagles love the storm. When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the storm's wind to lift itself higher. Once it finds the wind of the storm, the eagles uses the raging storm to lift him above the clouds. This gives the eagle an opportunity to glide and rest its wings. In the meantime, all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably. …This opposition may just be tools for upper-positioning depends on how you see it.

PRINCIPLE 5
The Eagle tests before it trusts. When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she flies down to earth with the male pursuing her and she picks a twig. She flies back into the air with the male pursuing her. Once she has reached a height high enough for her, she lets the twig fall to the ground and watches it as it falls. The male chases after the twig. The faster it falls, the faster he chases it. He has to catch it before it falls to the ground. He then brings it back to the female eagle. The female eagle grabs the twig and flies to a higher altitude and then drops the twig for the male to chase. This goes on for hours, with the height increasing until the female eagle is assured that the male eagle has mastered the art of catching the twig which shows commitment. Then and only then, will she allow him to mate with her. Whether in private life or in business, one should test commitment of people intended for partnership.

PRINCIPLE 6
The Eagle Prepares for Changes: When ready to lay eggs, the female and male eagle identify a place very high on a cliff where no predators can reach. The male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on the crevice of the cliff, then flies to earth again to collect twigs which he lays in the intended nest. He flies back to earth and picks thorns laying them on top of the twigs. He flies back to earth and picks soft grass to cover the thorns. When this first layering is complete the male eagle runs back to earth and picks more thorns, lays them on the nest; runs back to get grass it on top of the thorns, then plucks his feathers to complete the nest. The thorns on the outside of the nest protect it from possible intruders. Both male and female eagles participate in raising the eagle family. She lays the eggs and protects them; he builds the nest and hunts. During the time of training the young ones to fly, the mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest. Because they are scared, they jump into the nest again. Next, she throws them out and then takes off the soft layers of the nest, leaving the thorns bare. When the scared eaglets again jump into the nest, they are pricked by thorns. Shrieking and bleeding they jump out again this time wondering why the mother and father who love them so much are torturing them. Next, mother eagle pushes them off the cliff into the air. As they shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and catches them up on his back before they fall and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for sometime until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly.

The preparation of the nest teaches us to prepare for changes; the preparation for the family teaches us that active participation of both partners leads to success; the pricking by the thorns tells us that sometimes being too comfortable where we are may result in us not experiencing life, not progressing and not learning at all. The thorns of life come to teach us that we need to grow, get out of the nest and live on. We may not know it but the seemingly comfortable and safe haven may have thorns.

The people who love us do not let us languish in sloth but push us hard to grow and prosper. Even in their seemingly bad actions they have good intentions for us.

PRINCIPLE 7
The Eagle Knows when to retire. When an Eagle grows older, his feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast as he should. When he feels weak and about to die, he retires to a place far away in the rocks. While there, he plucks out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out.

We occasionally need to shed off old habits & vain items that ensnare us rather than adding value our lives.

May God bless us all as he renews and refreshes our lives for the individual and collective challenges of life ahead.

Love U all!

Every Moment Lesson...

Perhaps I could motivate you with this recent experience I had...
Some days ago I found myself developing love for PlayStation2. What however fascinates me most wasn't the love I had for the game, but the passion, zeal, hunger and commitment I put into mastering the tricks.
Sooner than I thought, I found myself staying glued to the T.V screen, practicing stopovers, shooting, dribbling, sprints, nodding, pullouts, and passing. Now as I write, I even have become a hard nut to crack for my teachers.
But then, this morning I woke up on the reflective side of my bed and a thought flashed up; “what if I had put the same level of dedication to some of the things that had hitherto proved difficult for me to learn, it means I could have been a master of a host of them by now"!
The question here is very simple: what are those things you've found quite difficult coping with? It's as easy as a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, blah blah blah... You only need to condition your mind to accept this. Dare to do it 'cos you've got the cutting edge!

THE TRUSTEESHIP OF KNOWLEDGE AND VISION: One week with members of Authors and Orators Chamber...

As I prepare for the exit door of REACH-OUT, I drop on your table my last observation in the course of my refreshers journey. Though right now, I feel like a maiden taking a departure blessing and I want to cry, yet, I must leave. But then, enjoy this last moment.

During my refreshers, something else struck me. I noticed something about the interplays and dynamics of World War 1 & 2 and post-World War 1 & 2 events. I will save you all the details by narrowing it down to our area of interest and that area of interest is the Trusteeship concept/system. Now largely defunct, trusteeship was the system by which the United Nations, at its inception, appointed states to administer territories whose peoples, while regarded as units of self-determination, were deemed unfit to exercise self-rule. So, after these two wars, the victors assumed Trustee rights over the colonies of the defeated powers, as empowered by U.N. The UN Trusteeship Council then reserves the right of checks, and right retrieval in cases of maladministration. Some powers lost their rights to maladministration. I'm very sure someone is getting bored now, but wait a minute before you delete this.
Let's do some substitution:
UN for God.
The Colonies for knowledge and vision.
The powers (both Victor and Vanquish) for Orators/Authors, Activists, creative dudes, and visionary. We'll do the last 2 substitutions at the end of this journey.

I've come to understand that knowledge and vision has a trusteeship nature, and God bestows them both on you and me. These two gifts are pivotal to the fulfillment of our purpose of existence. They both by themselves cannot do anything without activation on our part. Funny enough, it comes with life span. Like it is with U.N, God reserves the right of checks, and trusteeship retrieval in case of our failure.

Now let's do the final two substitutions:
You and Me for Victors.
You and Me for the Vanquish.

I've come to understand that those that emerges victor, are those, who more than the possession of knowledge and vision, acquire the skills to execute their trusteeship. In the end, there was no right-retrieval. Rather, they were blessed with the trusteeship rights of the vanquish. In like manner, I discovered those that ended Vanquish equally possesses knowledge and vision, but lack execution skills.
My drift here is quite simple; we hold our knowledge and vision in trust, and we could lose it anytime! I will not abandon you in the middle of the desert by stopping here, but I will tell you why the trusteeship could be lost.

The craze for fame! That is the reason why we may lose our trusteeship. I've found out that the reason why many of us gets involved in scores of projects personally is because we are so taken over by the craze for fame. Consequently, we refuse to transfer knowledge and vision.

The Vanquish of the moment I speak of in history, loses their trusteeship because they were so fame-driven that they refused to delegate authority (knowledge and vision). They thereby got the people they lead in trust get discontented, and this resulted in uprising which moved the UN to right retrieval.

Picture a situation where God gives you 10 visions on solutions to 10 deadly problems in the society, and perhaps because you lack enough time to execute them all, people died in numbers. What do you think will happen? Very simple! God will retrieve the visions, and hand them over to someone who's got the right skill sets. And what is the skill? Vision delegation and transfer. This is what Andrew Carnegie meant when he said ' no man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it'. Wouldn't you rather be a leader/commissioner of the leaders/liberators of the crowd, than being a leader of the crowd? I'm sorry if am hitting too hard, but know that you only hold the knowledge and vision in trust, which could be taken away if you fail. Leave the fame, and go for the fruits.

THE SELL OUTs: One week with members of Authors and Orators Chamber...

... Still on my refreshers; I made another shocking observation. Though it shouldn't be shocking, what however struck me was that I did not for once try to build the similarity between the two experiences! I'm talking about the dark moments of African history (slave trade & colonization period) and the gloomy moment of Africa's re-awakening (21st century leadership re-orientation).

Historians would tell you slave trade and colonization lasted more than necessary in Africa for a simple reason; as much as we had scores of activists who resisted, we also had droves of gluttons who sold out. They are known in history as the collaborators. Kings, Chiefs, and Emperors alike; they all sold out the people given to them by God to liberate.

History for history, what beats me however is the fact that, there is a repetition of history already. I keenly monitored all the interplays of the recently concluded elections in Nigeria; I saw pastors, opinion leaders, youth leaders, business leaders, and pressure groups alike selling out. They all called themselves Orators, Authors, and all what have you. I saw youths fighting over the ownership of money-making political concepts. I saw pastors leaving altars for carrots. The list is endless. One of those moments on my writing table, I then remembered George Washington, who in his work-MORAL MAXIMS- says "few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder"

In case you are not following, my drift is very simple; you and I will not be able to effect the changes we so desire if we can't resist the dangled carrots. The carrot comes in shapes, and they are baits that crippled our integrity and conscience. Tell me who we are without integrity and conscience? Tell me what is left when honor is lost?

Imagine yourself on an evangelism team visiting a brothel, and one hooker recognizes you as her patron? Your day and dream is over! Know this; when you sell out, you are sold out and you can't seal up.

As an Orator/Author, (change agent) to be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible, and to be credible we must be truthful. Remember; we speak and write to change the world, our world.

THE STATUS QUO ORATOR: One week with members of Authors and Orators Chamber...

Alamu Samson Segun 31 May at 11:05

As usual, I will not attempt to pretend am an orator. Rather, I am just a messenger with a message, and I know just exactly how to deliver it.

Just recently, I discovered there has been a wide gap between me and my history lessons, which prompted me to dedicate few hours to refreshers. Not too long into my sojourn, I made a shocking observation. I noticed they were not termed orator for possession of choice words, nor charisma, neither anything you would list; but because more than all these, they preached what the world wouldn’t ordinarily stomach. This quickly reminded me of Agar Herbert Sebastian, who in his work – A TIME FOR GREATNESS, 1942 – says ‘the truth which makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear.’

I remember Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Martin Luther, Kwame Nkrumah, Obafemi Awolowo et al. They were termed orators, not because they massaged our emotions with the words we all love to hear, but because they hurt our emotions with the truth we detest with passion. Yet, we sing all hail liberators when their name knocks the door of our memory. Their epitaph oozes greatness for they refused STATUS QUO.

Do you aspire to be an orator, and a great one at that? Then, you must determine not to be a STATUS QUO ORATOR. We know them that went such path; their names were written on the sand of history, and washed away by the tide of event. We also know them that went the other way; their names were written on the rock of history. Maybe you will tell me what will scrape it off.

If we must effect the change we so desire, then STATUS QUO is never, and will never be an option. Remember, we write and speak to change the world, our world.

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.

Joshua’s Mood

 

“D.O.P are you set?”

“yes we are rolling”

“okay. Scene 2 take 4, action!…”

The director sets the ball rolling as the entire production crew prepares to take the last shot. It’s been one month of sleepless night getting the production stage of the movie done with. The last three weeks has witnessed series of journey to three different states in the country, where different shots has to be taken. All that is soon to be over in 30minutes.

“Okay, it’s a wrap! We are done.”

There was an eruption of joyful noise in the camp as the director signalled the end of the production. Both members of cast and crew went into frenzy sharing hugs, claps, pat and the likes. It’s been a memorable time on the road. While everybody were busy expressing their joy, the director took a heavy sigh in view of the post-production stage.

“…so, I think we should all go for a 2weeks break, then we can hit the next stage. Or what do you think?” the director asked the d.o.p and the continuity man. “I think that would be okay. It’s nice idea” the d.o.p responded, with the continuity nodding. In 10minutes all the production vehicle left the location in quick succession. Home sweet home!

******************************************************************************************************************************************

“…Mr Pratt, I must be quite frank with you, this noble board is not in anyway impressed by your last production. May be I should remind you, when we agreed to fund this production, we had cost-effectiveness on our priority list. This is the fourth month of your production in the market, and nothing is looking like it”, Mr Collins, the head of the board, submitted expressing the investor’s disappointment. Mr Pratt seems to have been lambasted into submission by the board as justified by his remorseful look. He however muttered something… “Sir, I acknowledge the board’s dissatisfaction with the performance of the production so far, but then I think I still can justify your investment. All am asking for here is an ample time to do that. We should remember this project is a first in this country. They need time to get used to it!” “Anyway, Mr Pratt; the board has taken a decision. Give us result or we’ll renege on our 10 movie deal with you. Excuse us…” Mr Collins dropped the bombshell as the board walked out on Pratt. It feels like heaven should crumble as Pratt clutched on to his chair in anger and shame.

******************************************************************************************************************************************

Pratt bristled with rage at his daughter’s playfulness  at the dinning drawing concern from his wife… “darling! The little girl has done nothing, jeez… fine you had a terrible day at work, but must we feel and share that at home?! Come on, the world hasn’t ended you know?! The little girl sat mute with fear in her chair. “Come on baby, come play with daddy. Daddy is sorry…” Pratt clutched the child to himself, re-assuring her it will never happen again.

They resumed their meal and… “oh, by the way, where is Joshua?” Pratt asked. “oh, sorry I forgot to tell you, he’s gone to the studio, and he said he will be coming home late” “that’s okay. Meet me in the living room” Pratt said extending his hand to his daughter as he leaves for the T.V

******************************************************************************************************************************************

“Oh darling, sorry I forgot to tell you last night, this parcel came in from Germany yesterday…” Mrs Pratt thrust the parcel at her husband. “Oh, let’s see what this is all about… oh my God!” “what is it?” Mrs Pratt asked curiously. “An invitation. Invitation to attend Hamburg Film Festival 2010. It comes up in 2weeks!” Pratt planted a deep kiss on his wife in fancy of the good news. “our movie is up for award in two categories… Root movie of the year and soundtrack of the year award!” “that’s good news…” “you can say that again…” Pratt responded as he tries to put a call through to Mr Collins to intimate him with the new development…

******************************************************************************************************************************************

Hamburg, Germany, January 2011;

The event arena was packed full of cream-de-la-cream of the international movie industry, with the red carpet busier than bee hives. Pratt was making an appearance on the international scene for the first time, with his invitation been the first extended to an African. he was seated somewhere in the middle of the arena, clad in green native wear laced with cream coloured craft work. Sitting next to him was Miss Cynthia Isong, the representative of the board. Soon the programme was in session…

“…and the winner for the Root movie of the year category is…Lord Alfred by Bradley Huth from Austria!” a thunderous cheers and applause rented the air as Bradley mounted the stage to receive the award. One down, one to go for Pratt as he looked at Cynthia in disappointment.

The compere mounted the stage again to announce the winner of the soundtrack of the year award. It was Bradley against Pratt, and 2 others again. Unconsciously. Pratt clutched on to Cynthia’s palm as the compere announces…“and the winner for the soundtrack of the year category is…Ombudsman by Kenneth Pratt from Ni-ge-ri-a!” Pratt stood up clenching his fist in ecstasy, with Cynthia throwing her arms wide open for a congratulatory hug. Pratt rushed down to the stage to receive the award… Pratt collected the plaque sighing heavily, stealing a look at the plaque and smiling at the crowd… “I love you Hamburg, I love you Germany, I love everybody seated here, and those of you out there. I want to dedicate this award to you all; you made this possible. I equally dedicate it to my production cast and crew, but most importantly, I dedicate this to my son; Joshua Pratt. Every time I have a project to execute, he’ll say daddy you know I wish I’d completed my degree in theatre arts already, I’d have done this with you. But then, every time we are back from location, he’ll collect the work, watch it, feel the mood, and play around it with his keyboard. He does the soundtrack. That’s his widow’s might, and that has brought this…” he said raising up the plaque, while the arena erupted once more with applause and cheers. “I love you Nigeria, I love you Africa, I love you Joshua!” Pratt made for his seat, while everybody turned around to steal a look.

The next 2weeks was quite eventful. Ombudsman made it to the top of the chart, while Joshua kept on signing deals.

The End

   

I had you in mind when I was writing this. I mean I had us in mind. Many a times in live we wait until we can contribute it big. We forget about the widow’s might, which always means the most accepted and rewarding. This is 2011, but most importantly, the beginning of a new decade. A decade where little things will count a lot! You don’t want to wait until you can contribute it big. That time may never come! Do it now. It is small, but do it! Show that little love with a text message, don’t wait until you have the money for a trip to the Bahamas. You don’t have the money to support the community cause, but help paste the posters. Anything whatsoever, just contribute your widow’s might ‘cos that’s all the cause needs to succeed. It is small, but do it 'cos that little effort is meant for the red carpet!

With Love,

Alamu Samson

Generation Next.

“Give me a single place to stand, and  a lever, and I will move the earth” Archimedes.

 I will not attempt to pretend I’m an orator, but I tell you I am just a messenger who has got a message, and I know exactly how to deliver it. Trust me, I could cash in on this big time, but I concluded that I don’t have to be a published writer to be successful; I only need to be a read one. So join me as we explore the subject at hand.  

In the last two years of every decade, things usually change so fast. These changes always influence events in the coming decade. Nigeria is no exception in this regard. In the period between 1998 and 2000, series of event that will shape the destiny of the next decade occurred all over the world. Narrowing it down to the Nigerian experience, radical and revolutionary changes took place in every facet of our national life; from political to social, economy to religion. Politically, the foundation for the age of democratic governance was laid when the military handed over to the civilians. As we will see later, this event later dictated the mode of governance in the period between 2001 and 2010. Socio-economically, the foundation laid between 1998 and 2000 was too multi-faceted to be enumerated here. But a look at just two facet of it will be enough a pointer. The entertainment and technology industry becomes handy here. In the pre-1998 era, Nigeria heavily relied on foreign content to get entertained. I still remember how a cousin of mine use to stay glued to media players, listening to Dr Dre, Snoop Dog, P.Diddy, Mase, and Tupac to mention but few. Heralding a micro-revolution however were the likes of the Remedies, Plantashun Boiz, and Maintain; dazzling us with shakomo, you and I, and I catch cold. In the technology world, this period experienced the gradual decline of mail and communication by post, as we saw internet and GSM technology grace our world. The resultant effects are too obvious that I’d avoid tautology.

Like a big bang, the events of the following decade (2001-2010) took unsuspecting Nigerians by surprise. In the political world, we saw political actors demonstrating governance/democracy models for us, while analysts showed us it pitfalls and recommended the best and the prevailing models to us. More intriguing however is the fact that, the period between 2008 and 2010 has already produced the changes that will shape the face of the next decade (2011-2020). From the revolution of Fashola, Oshiomole, Professor Attahiru Jega, Goodluck Jonathan, and most recently, Aregbesola; one would do less than agree that the tone, mood, and texture for the next decade has been set.

The entertainment industry no doubt, equally gave us its own insight. I still remember how Edrees Abdulkareem, Tuface, Tetuilla, Ruggedman, Mode9, Psquare, and the likes led a revolution only a few had envisaged. The scene moved from 90/10 foreign-local content reliance to 20/80 foreign-local content reliance. However, perhaps not many people have noticed that the period between 2008 and 2010 has produced the changes that will shape the next decade. Maybe you have not noticed that you don’t need Kanye West when you have M.I, neither will you need John Legend when you have Darey Art-Alade. You don’t need Chris Brown when you have Ice Prince, neither do you need Akon when you have 9ice. Who needs Justin Bieber when we have Whizkid! No doubt, the tone, mood, and texture for the next decade are set.

From the simple call, sms, yahoomail, Nokia 3310, Motorola c112 to MMS, Facebook, Twitter, BlackBerry, Ipad/Q/phone, name it; the technology world too never denied us its offerings, and the closing two-year changes. No doubt, the mood is also set in this area.

Inherent in all these citations, perhaps not noticeable, is the fact that the decades produced its movers and shakers. I mean the creative individuals who led the way. The Fela Durotoyes, Lanre Olusola, Chimamanda Adichie, Temitayo “Tylor” Ilori, Gbenga Sesan, Deolu Akinyemi, Toyosi Akerele, Dele Momodu, Niyi Adesanya, Dora Akunyili, Fashola, Jonathan, Obama, Tuface, M.I, 9ice, Darey, D’banj, Psquare, Dagrin, Cohbams, Asa, Samson Siasia, Mourinho, Mikel Obi, Messi, C.Ronaldo, and Mark Zuckerbergs (Facebook) of this world. Respect and honour to these people, who added colour to the out-going decade; but the fact still remains that, though they will still be relevant in the next decade, they were all produced by this decade, for itself, while a few of them were used to set the tone, mood, and texture for the next decade. In other words, the next decade will be producing its own movers and shakers. I call them the Generation Next! The people that will make up this generation are always the ones who saw the handwriting on the wall, and got themselves prepared. Now, the story so far has enabled you to see the handwriting on the wall, so my last task will be, showing you how to get prepared. Know this: “your space is not vacant, but there are vacant spaces for you to occupy”.

7 steps to Generation Next

Seeing the handwriting on the wall is not enough to secure a space on the platform. You need a proper preparation. Here, I will be taking you through the 7 steps you must take to find a space for yourself amongst the next generation of movers and shakers.

Step 1 – Clear your doubt and confusion.

One thing I’ve discovered and accepted as a fact is that, you can’t possibly expect to succeed when you are confused, or motivated by the wrong definition of success. One of the misgivings of the modern world is materialism, the craze for money. It moves men to place high premium on material acquisition, rather than fulfillment. I was under a teaching by Dapo Adelegan in 2007, where he said, “when you dream, let it be of noble intention, and not money-driven. In the end, you’ll get the money, ‘cos it runs after noble intention”. When you allow the money to drive you, you get frustrated at its absence, and possibly lose your motivation. Ideas rule the world, and when you are running on wrong beliefs, you don’t get the fulfilling ones. Oh, except you are okay with the sustaining ones. The great French philosopher, J.J Rousseau said: “it is too difficult to think nobly when one thinks only of earning a living”. Clear your doubt!

Step 2 – Identify your Vision/Purpose/Talents/Skills.

Don’t forget the subject at hand here; it is about steps to take to get on the Generation Next. So, I will not attempt to compound your confusion on the subject, vision. Rather, I’ll place it into context, and as such simplify your task. The Generation Next are a set of people who’s got solution to problems (Vision), and are willing and ready to provide it because that’s what they live for (Purpose), and they have their own unique way of delivery (Talents/Skills). You see how simple it is?! Don’t forget here, that you are up against people who have got the same purpose, talents and skills with you. The only thing differentiating you is your vision. But I’m sorry to disappoint you; those people equally share your vision, the only thing they don’t share is your own dimension of the vision. Jonathan Swift said: “vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others”. This is why I talked about clearing your doubt and confusion earlier on. You hardly get inspired to come up with brilliant idea in this regard, when you are motivated by “confusion”. From experience, I’ve found out that the best of my ideas came when I wasn’t thinking about money. I’ll wrap up with this: prior to 1846, surgical operations had to be done very quickly. The world record for a leg amputation is 15seconds – by Dominique Larrey, who was Napoleon’s Chief Surgeon. Then it was tough, and painful that Charles Darwin gave up a promising career in Medicine. But then, William Mortan caught a vision; he invented anaesthesia in 1846. Now someone can cut and leave you open for six hours, no pain, no toughness. Identify your vision!!!

Step 3 – Research the dynamics of your vision.

It will be a folly on your part to think it’s time to launch out after clarifying your vision. You must know there are forces stimulating the environment in which you intend to live your vision. You would do well by researching the forces and understanding them. You must have a full control of your vision and its tendencies. You equally need to know that these forces will, at a stage, spur the obscured tendencies of your vision into life. Recently, I conceived a service idea, and it was at the brainstorming stage that one of my ally discovered many more needs hiding away inside the original need we intend servicing, and many more ideas inside the original one. We then developed the capacity to execute not only the original idea, but the ones it’s going to give birth to. The message is this: if we had gone out to launch, our capacity wouldn’t have been able to take care of the further needs to be created by the stimulating forces of our environment, and as such, we would have succeeded in proving our insufficiency. Now you can see that the consequences are too numerous and obvious. Imagine a pencil world without eraser and sharpener!

Step 4 – Imagine and prepare for possible pitfalls and drawbacks.

Sometimes in 2003 I noticed something, which threw me into thinking. I came across some U.S and U.K appliances, and I noticed some little black engine beside each. Step-down they call it. After understanding its working, I admired the wisdom of the manufacturers who imagined the non-compatibility of such appliances with Nigeria’s voltage rating. Simple, you will be taken aback when your vision comes across a pitfall you never imagined, and courage and determination is scared out of you. So you will do well by envisaging the pitfalls and drawbacks, and preparing for them. You want to call it backup plan.

Step 5 – Network wisely.

Sir Isaac Newton said “if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. Let me say emphatically here that you hardly will go far if you don’t surround yourself with people of high net-worth value. There have been many names for it. Some call it synergy, while Carnegie calls it Mastermind. Whatever name you call it, the underlining factor here is that, you need to form association with people who has like mind, and share the same passion with you. People who have developed expertise, and have succeeded in the line you want to toll. People who are not motivated by confusion. People, who will appreciate your vision, and be willing to sell it. And let me quickly correct an impression here; you don’t want to think you can achieve this by developing a very large friend’s base. Research shows that out of every 200 friends you have; only 20 of them contribute to your advancement, while the remaining 180 are just socializing. A recent study of 1,000 people who have crossed the 5,000 friends limit on Facebook shows that only 80 out of this 5,000 makes a fundamental contribution to their lives. Save the statistics, all you want to do is discover your clique, and place a high premium on them. These people eventually form your think-tank, and your ever-ready resources. Bill Gates said of Microsoft; “take away our twenty most important people, and I tell you we would become an unimportant company”. Network wisely.

Step 6 – Cross the bridge and break it.

Here, I’m going to be sounding a little bit religious. The bible recorded it that, when Elijah placed his cloak across Elisha’s shoulders, Elisha begged to go back home and kiss his father and mother good-bye. He did this and equally killed all his animals, sharing them to people, after which he left with Elijah. What happened there was that, Elisha caught the vision, understood it, accepted it, shed off distracting responsibilities, and started living his purpose. All you have been doing so far is catching the vision, understanding it, accepting it, and preparing to start living it. You have not actually started living it. The reason is very simple. There is a stage of a vision you get to, all you see is the impossible, but sure success, and the inherent cross. At this stage you look back, and all you see is your comfort zone. You don’t want to live! Elisha must have felt the same way too. But then he left. There is a part of the story I loved so much; the king of Israel called Elisha, father! You must launch out and never look back. Know this; “if you can’t handle the lows of your vision, then you don’t deserve the highs. Cross the bridge and break it!

Step 7 – Know when to skill-up and go for it.

The one last important thing you need to know is that, everything on this planet earth has a life span. A time will come in the course of fulfilling your vision, when your skill set will no longer be enough to sustain momentum. Be wise enough to know it’s time to skill-up. Develop new expertise.

To the trail blazers of the outgoing decade, who will still be relevant, and the evolving trail blazers of the next decade.

I take my fulfillment in the number of souls that will be inspired by this effort. So, refer the ones you love, and the ones you hate to this note.

With Love,

Alamu Samson.