3RD Side Of A Coin

Goodluck Nigeria!

2010-12-18T20:32:00.007-05:00

I started to write this piece on December 18th 2010. Somewhere in the first paragraph I stopped as I pondered the last sentence I had just written. I knocked on wood (yes, I am a tad superstitious) and stopped writing until now.Like many I wondered in what direction Nigeria, (not the country, the idea) would be headed when presidential elections were concluded. I was skeptical that the current

The Danger of a Single Story--Chimamanda Adichie

2010-05-30T20:16:00.001-04:00

Nigeria Limps On

2009-05-29T15:48:00.004-04:00

After ten years of uninterrupted ‘democratic’ rule in Nigeria, many in and out of the country still wonder if anything has changed? Not a lot has really. I remember very vividly where I was in 1998, when Nigeria was handed a good hand. I was at home in Lagos, and then Head of State, General Abdusallami Abubakar announced the release of several high profile political prisoners. This was just after

Obama the Comic

2009-05-10T11:26:00.003-04:00

One of the events I looked forward to when George Bush was U.S President was the 'White House Correspondents Dinner'. It was always a comedic 'free for all'. There was never a lack of funny things to say about Bush. Well forward to 2009; there is a new Chief in the White House and comedians have found it tough making fun of Barack Obama. In this clip, Obama does the job for them; the guy is funny

Jacob Zuma: 21st Century African Leader?

2009-05-09T10:44:00.011-04:00

In Jacob Zuma, the Republic of South Africa has chosen a new President who is not only liked by his people, but someone seen by his countrymen as one of them. Like many Zulu folk, Zuma is very traditional and his people revere him. They see in Zuma someone not cut from the cloth of political royalty as were Mandela or Mbeki. In the West however, I sense that Zuma's popularity has not won him

The 'Perils' of Earth Day

2009-04-22T11:33:00.002-04:00

TODAY IS EARTH DAY. Unfortunately, many don't know what or why this is. I will try to provide some context. Every year, one day is set aside to allow us pause and appreciate our planet. On this day we are meant to focus on issues and practices that are perceived to be damaging or sustaining to the planet. Today, about 1 billion people celebrate earth day around the world. For those who still

"We Are Neither"

2009-03-16T13:20:00.008-04:00

Don't you sometimes wonder where our attitudes and beliefs originate from? Whether you agree or not, people are basically a product of their environment, cultures and beliefs. 'Tis from these same sources that stereotypes are cemented into our souls. It is widely acknowledged that as little kids our brains function like a sponge. As a result we 'soak' up everything we see, hear, smell, touch and

Swiss Conscience

2009-03-13T14:48:00.006-04:00

The Swiss are known for many things; Tennis (Roger Federer), Chocolate (Lindt), their famed neutrality and of course their notoriously conscienceless and secretive banks. But have the Swiss suddenly grown a conscience? It does seem so if recent statements by the Government of Switzerland are to be believed. For years, perhaps decades, Swiss Banks have been notorious for helping international

Yes Oui CANada!!!

2009-02-19T16:06:00.010-05:00

Mr. Cool in Cold CanadaBarack Obama ventured outside the United States for the first time since he was elected President and hundreds braved a windy and chilly weather to catch a glimpse of him. What was so smooth about this visit is how Mr. Obama made every one around him seem at ease.Upon arrival in Canada's capital Ottawa, he was greeted by Michaelle Jean, Canada's Governor-General. The warm

Interdependence is What we Need

2009-01-23T17:16:00.008-05:00

INTERDEPENDENCE, I have spent a lot of time pondering over this one word lately. It packs a lot of punch. I first read about this word, its meaning and applications in one John Maxwell's Leadership books. It was an eye-opener. Interdependence means different things to different people. While some have decided to live and conduct themselves with this attitude, others have equated it with simply

God's Speed '44'...

2009-01-20T13:15:00.004-05:00

As I watched your inauguration, I pondered on the goodwill that seemed to emanate off the faces of those that were gathered at the foot of the historic United States Congress Capitol; a sea of faces of every race, gender and creed. As I saw you sitting in the front pew, on the right side of history, I imagined the weight that will (must) be on your shoulders. I was overcome with a range of

I Never Really Learned To Tie My Shoe Laces..

2009-01-16T16:28:00.008-05:00

It is a brand new year and as a norm I do a couple of things at the beginning and end of each 12 calendar months. I never fail to remind myself to take stock of where I stand in terms of my set goals (I say goals cos' I generally don't do well with resolutions.) Over the years, my set goals have ranged from the very childish (learning to perfectly joggle a soccer ball on my feet)to even more

The African 'Big Man': Robert Mugabe

2008-12-29T14:12:00.009-05:00

In a previous piece on the African 'Big Man', I blogged on the symptoms of a disease that afflicted these morally bereft men amongst them a certain Zimbabwean.Robert Mugabe has gone from Freedom fighter to Nationalist to Dictator to just another African 'Big Man' trying to hold onto political power anyway he can. Robert Mugabe was not always a thief and Murderer. Once upon a time, a long time ago

Rumblings in the Middle-East...Can't we all just get along?

2008-12-29T12:34:00.005-05:00

Its just past Christmas, Hanukkah has just ended, and yet the streets of Gaza and parts Israel are under siege from deadly bombs. Bombs being shelled on innocent and an already impoverished people; Children, Women and the Elderly who cannot protect themselves and who were hoping (as all of us) that they would see a New Year in Peace.The Israeli politicians say it is an "ALL out War" against Hamas

Happy Holidays!!! Joyeuse Fetes!!!

2008-12-24T21:52:00.005-05:00

Though the world is on the verge of a meltdown, let us take the time to savor the smells, sound and meaning of Christmas. Let us spread Love, Cheer and Kindness not only to our loved ones but to strangers too, just as Jesus, the reason for the season teaches. Happy Hanukkah!!! Happy Kwanzaa to all too.

The United States Vs "Size 10" Shoes

2008-12-15T16:34:00.005-05:00

It was indeed an amazing scene in Baghdad this weekend when an Iraqi reporter took off his size 10 shoes and hurled them one after the other at U.S President Bush. This latest sad, sad episode happened at a Press conference given by Mr Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Malaki. I am no fan of President Bush's policies, but on seeing the images as they were replayed over and over on various

The Disease of The African 'Big Man': Symptoms and Effects

2008-12-12T11:44:00.012-05:00

The African 'Big Man' is a sickness!!! So far this syndrome has no cure and like most illnesses gets worse with time if not treated or eliminated. This is a disease of the mind. Some of the early symptoms of this syndrome includes nepotism, crass materialism, kleptomania, the prevalence of murderous instincts, denials, plain stupidity and war mongering. The African 'Big Man' is not really liked

Well It's About Time

2008-12-11T15:06:00.004-05:00

More than lately the news media has been bandying about the R-word, and most of the speculators in New York, Tokyo and London have been dreading the use of the word. Late last month a unique U.S. based Think-tank of 'renowned' Economists finally declared that the largest economy in the world was in a recession. These modern-day wise men even went further to clarify that the shrinking of the

Who Will Make The Call? Part II

2008-11-22T19:44:00.004-05:00

This past week, more and more economic bad news sucked the life out of many businesses,bringing with feelings of despair on the upcoming Holiday season. The U.S, EU economies are in recession, most folks with investments have seen their 'nest eggs' hatched prematurely with nothing in it. 'The (former) Big Three' automakers are hat in hand begging for coins from the American taxpayer. On their

A Promise Kept

2008-10-25T22:11:00.003-04:00

Canadian Deja vu

2008-10-15T09:25:00.008-04:00

If a group of people took a long nap in December of 2005 and just awoke today, they would find the Canadian political landscape virtually unchanged. The representation in Ottawa may be different in numbers, but the ability of the parliament to get working remains seriously diminished. Canada's 41st parliament will be a 'limping' one, and pundits are already predicting a national election in the

Just Being Thankful

2008-10-13T10:33:00.003-04:00

Its another cool October day, one more Thanksgiving Weekend. Indeed I have plenty to be grateful for. We really do take things for granted, or too rephrase I really do...Remember what is new today will be old tomorrow. What has changed? My recognition. These past weeks I realized that life does not go on forever. Suddenly I feel a pressing to begin to live. I will be Thankful from hence. To you

"That One" not Racist..

2008-10-09T10:37:00.005-04:00

It had to happen sooner than later and actually it has. The smears have intensified and become dangerous. The stakes are high and people are becoming touchy about anything being said about their preferred cnadidates in the race for the US White House. This is understandable.However John McCain's "That one" comment while responding to a question on the economy was more unfortunate than racist,

What's in a Flip-flop

2008-10-02T18:34:00.006-04:00

Hey you flip-flopper why do you do it? I must admit that the term made popular in the arena that is US Politics is becoming meaningless. So what if folks hold one position and change their minds to support another? Does that make them less genuine? If a person admits to suddenly agreeing to something he once opposed, is that really a flip flop? Remember Malcolm X, he decided after much reflection

Who Will Make The Call? Part I

2008-09-19T21:29:00.006-04:00

Observing with keen interest as the Global economy unraveled, I was more than stunned at the pace with which major US and International institutional icons were scrambling to stay 'alive'. Indeed the events that unfolded this past months on legendary Wall Street and all the world's major financial hubs were all new...but were they unexpected? Hardly I think. I admit to being a little more than a

Oh Canada, Green Shift or Blue Shaft?

2008-09-10T13:34:00.006-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised to watch Ontario's Liberal Premier Dalton McQuinty refuse to endorse his Federal Liberal party leader, Stephan Dion and his 'Green Shift' plan. McQuinty instead has called on Ontarians' to vote only for those MP's who would support issues that directly affect their well-being. The Premier has been criticized for not 'toe-ing' the party lines and endorsing his Party

Sick and Tired

2008-09-10T13:07:00.005-04:00

I am sick and definitely tired of watching leading politicians do what they have always done. For many years, these people have often and wrongfully assumed that the citizens whose affairs they seek to run or manage are either out of touch or simply stupid.If you follow the tone and context of discussions in the elections campaigns going on in the United States you would assume that the economic,

Making the case for Proactive Safety practices

2008-08-02T10:50:00.003-04:00

Although the events happened in different circumstances; one ruled an accident and the other obviously a vicious murder, the truth is maybe both could have been avoided. What am I rambling on about? Well in the last two weeks, two young men have been snatched from their families by really unfortunate incidences due to a neglect in ensuring that people are 'safe' when they work and when they

Politics 101: Running for President is Politics Mr McCain

2008-07-26T09:49:00.005-04:00

Although I took my eyes of the ball as it regards to US Presidential race but my ears have been tuned in.Certain questions have always boggled my mind, one of them is how Mr Obama running as the 'candidate of change' would avoid falling into the same pitfalls that many US politicians before him have; towing their party lines. So I was pleased that US voters opted to move somewhat to the center to

Camelot is Reborn?

2008-06-03T21:11:00.005-04:00

When Martin Luther King Jnr gave his 'Dream' speech, was he talking about Barack Obama? Did he see the future? I believe Dr King was instead talking about an ideal. He was dreaming about the day when the United States would judge a person simply on their mettle and character and not by the pigment of their skin. Although many believe Senator Obama to be the fulfillment of Dr King's dream, others

How Goal Setting Forms Character

2008-02-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

People measure themselves in terms of character. The power of the human spirit is undeniable and its strength can help you become successful in life. The strength of a person's character is measured in many ways, but people would like to define character as the willingness to get up after a fall.Goal setting forms character. How does goal setting form character? First of all, goal setting gives a

Yes We Can

2008-02-04T17:54:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Dr King

2008-01-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

I was born and weaned on the stench of poverty and griefAll of my kith and kin:weary just stare blankly They look for hope in a hopeless existenceWalked the streets easing in and out of trouble Hunger knocks at my door but I cannot hear it 'cos the sound of war, rape and genocide are still loudIn Darfur, Kenya and my own back yard. Why must I sleep in a gutter? Why must I always pay a debt that I

Ban Handguns now Period!!!

2008-01-18T18:21:00.002-05:00

It is just 2 weeks into 2008 and already two men out working to put food on the table for their families have been victims of so called 'stray' bullets on the streets of Toronto. I don't believe that those bullets were stray however. The truth is why were the bullets made in the first place? I am sure it wasn't to forestall Global warming. The manufacturers of these handguns (or any other) had

Climate change advisory

2008-01-10T20:50:00.000-05:00

The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, an advisory group created by the Canadian government has come forward with the best ways to stave off the harmful fallouts of Global warming and protect the Canadian economy.The group comprising professionals from various fields including the academia, business and environmental experts called on Ottawa to build a price for emissions

Global Justice for Taylor of Liberia

2008-01-10T20:35:00.000-05:00

The article sought to bring to the notice of the world the on-going trial of former Liberian strongman Charles Taylor. The article reasons that the trial of Mr Taylor is a welcome development.The trial of the former Liberian president who is being accused of war crimes is taking place at the International court of Justice at The Hague.Taylor is being accused of aiding and supporting the

A Barrel of Crude for $100: In defense of Nigeria

2008-01-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

The analysts always predicted it and I always wondered who would get the blame for crude oil prices reaching the much-dreaded yet expected $100 price. I thought the commodities speculators on Wall Street would blame themselves for creating this phenom (I think foolishly sometimes) or that ‘Big oil’ would come clean and say, “we are responsible.” Neither of this major players owned up but instead

2007: In Retrospect

2008-01-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

The year 2007 was to say the least a very eventful one up until it finally closed its curtains; it was the year where words like equality, fairness and brotherly love (I must add ‘or sisterly love’ for political correctness) became just that, mere words. 2007 for me was ever so politicized.The year also witnessed the bloodiest body count in Iraq; civilian and military. 2007 was the year where the

Prison Walls

2008-01-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

Through all the problems that place us in constraints, albeit sometimes-stationary spots, we will do well to recognize that we do not have to commit crime to do time.I am talking about impediments; anything that can stop us and hamper our potential from developing for a while or forever. These impediments could be someone who is a bane to our progress and kind of boxes us in like walls of a

Thirsty waters

2007-12-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

A big band plays in the hall distant The bass line’s so thick you could walk on it. Anguished prayers rents the still air, As the ‘faithful’ stand, then bow, but nothing stirs. Aves straddle the skies in their splendour As rocks encompass their city with great abandon. Beleaguered and in pain, loneliness is their fear, Reaching out, but forever not near. Seeking a drop of the heaven’s

Visions of my Sunset

2007-12-30T18:51:00.000-05:00

A vision is an insight (actually an outsight), a peep into tomorrow. Without a vision, one is as good as dead, and it would be like we never lived. My vision is of a time when my life will make sense, when it will be worth living. I was born in sub-saharan poverty stricken West Africa, condemned with no scope of hope and no soap to soap. My vision is however not impaired as is my condition.

Up in My Skies

2007-12-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

I don’t know why, but I don’t come here often. But in the midst of my storms I stopped to notice it. ‘Tis where I found peace, recreated my world and moved on.Not surprisingly I don't want to go back; to my challenges and struggles. They break me and heave on me responsibilities.These struggles have no mercy. Oh God! Life’s too hard. Another life would be better than this one. Yet I

The Evolving trends in Canadian Identity: from Aborigines to Canadians

2007-12-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

September 30, 2007 Canada as a nation now recognizes its diversity. This has not always been the case for hundreds of years including the immediate post colonial era. The country is known around the world as having two founding nation plus the aborigines. This paper discuses the evolution through generations and time of the Canadian make-up and

An Ode to Kongi!

2007-11-08T07:58:00.000-05:00

In a loud burst of robust sound,The talking drums of old Abeokuta heraldedThe birth of a Son to a mother, a rare gift to his people.Olo-du-mare had spent two rainy seasons to carve him;A seed gotten from under the ancient Rocks of OlumoHad thus germinated and brung forth fruit.Wole Omo Ake! you ate words straight from birth,Crying a harsh song, as you protested your 'rebirth'.(Because you must

The Special one Vs The Red one

2007-09-20T09:24:00.000-04:00

I slept last night with the news that Chelsea's Jose had been fired and woke up this morning hoping it was a dream. I questioned myself asking why, what with unbelief.If I was Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, I would ask myself why should I fire the most successful manager in my club's history this early in the season? Why would I allow a 'mutual consent' agreement such as this affect my club at

Common Mr Bush!

2007-08-25T21:10:00.000-04:00

Global Warming: the Human Angle; a Fact, or Hoax?

2007-08-21T11:39:00.002-04:00

The environment is probably the singularly most talked about issue today, a topic that is not new to most but is still novel to others. In past decades scientist, diplomats and world leaders have traded ideas, accusations and opinions about the significant contribution (or not) of Human activity on the environment and the actual existence of the Global-warming phenomenon. This essay focuses on

Wha' Gwan Jamaica?

2007-08-20T17:25:00.000-04:00

This must be a very difficult period for the happy people of this most famous of the Caribbean islands as yesterday an angry Hurricane Dean threatened Bob Marley's home country. I worried for Jamaica and her people, for all the scared kids who would wonder why the 'gods' got and because previous storms in the most recent past like Katrina and the dreaded Tsunami that plagued the Gulf coasts and

OH CANADA!!!

2007-07-31T20:32:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Fifa World Youth Cup just ended in Canada with Argentina's very talented and controversial team beating all-comers to the trophy again. According to the World Soccer ruling body, the aim of the competition or competitions at these level i.e age group soccer is mainly developmental. These particular competition has led to the discovery of many great players like the great Diego Armando

My First Job Lasted 6 mins....

2007-06-04T10:09:00.000-04:00

I discovered in very real terms what it meant to be fired even before I had the chance to start my first job. I had barely finished high school and was anxious to work as I had seen people do, I did not just want to wait around for the release of my final results which would usually take between 6 months to a full year. I remember telling Mom if it ok was to work and she agreed saying she would

Lagos and Me...

2007-05-05T13:36:00.000-04:00

I was born in Lagos, this is by far the most populated space on the continent of Africa. Lagos is the economic nerve of Nigeria and i dare say West Africa, it can only be surpassed in terms of actual recognition by Johannesburg, South Africa.Lagos is dynamic, upbeat, smelly, unforgiving, small in size and very exciting. Some refer to Lagos as a 'no man's land', while others call it the home of

The Making of Me...

2007-05-05T13:28:00.000-04:00

Hi,I'm really a product of my various experiences. Throughout my life i have been influenced wholly by things i hear, see, feel, touch, by people and events, by incidents and accidents, by coincidences and mere interactions with my habitat.So I'm starting a series of write-ups on these things, everyone is affected by the same things but our responses always differ from one person to the next. So

Let All The Guns Be Gone

2007-04-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

It really bothers me why every issue is politicized these days, from abortion to sexual preferences we suddenly have decided that politicians are best suited to address and prescribe for us what is acceptable and tell us how to live, this is absurd, how did we sink so low. How much when these same politicians are some of the most miserable liars and more untrustworthy than most citizens...their

So sorry Virginia Tech.!!! So sorry.

2007-04-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

Its unimaginable when unfathomable things happen and to people who had no idea, no incline whatsoever as to their fates in just a few hours from when they first woke up on the morning of April 16, 2007. What a black day it turned out to be for 32 individuals and even more family and friends as they try to come to terms with their tragic loss.A member of these community Cho Seung-Hui, ended the

Enough....Enough!!!!

2007-03-18T19:28:00.000-04:00

Whats with all these protests about war and no-more-wars. Who's really listening? As far as I am concerned the world is constantly fighting something or someone, and obviously we are fighting the wrong wars.Who's protesting against the war that poverty has waged on over 1 billion people worldwide, against the destruction of HIV/AIDS, against the strangling effect the weight of immense debt has on

Another Life Is Better Than This

2007-03-17T22:54:00.000-04:00

Today i discovered that no matter how hard i tried , i would not be able to see all of mankind happy, its an absolute impossibility. The poor will increase, and don't you dare use the word poor to describe just anyone.To be poor is a curse worse than death, none who has access to read this journal can say he or she is. Its a state of nothingness surrounded by more nothingness. This poverty cannot

Every Day Should Be Mothers' Day

2007-03-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

My Mom is my strongest and most important backbone.At every stage of my life, the imprints of her sacrifice and dedication litter all of my achievements,I'm very proud to say this; i would have been nothing without her..........zilt.....nadda...... u dig!!Anyway, Moms all over have made this world a better place than they met it...........mine has made mine bearable.Life would be Death if not for

...And My Earth Shook.....My Very First Time

2007-03-17T22:08:00.000-04:00

'Twas 8:49 EST on 24 feb '06 and the day had progressed without so much ado. But somewhere inside of me i was full of anticipation, I had just minutes earlier called and bade a friend goodnight cos i hoped my night would be.I was home but not alone when it happened, i did not expect it. But suddenly it shook me and then it was gone again. I had never had the experience like so many have. I

Black History Month...

2007-03-17T21:48:00.001-04:00

Last month was Black history month and i ponder the implications and effectiveness the message of the period conveys on all of us. For me, its a time of reflection and deep hurt, as I learn of the struggles men and women , black and white (yes white) all believing in the same goal, that all "men are born equal".It is amazing to me what could have led to the perception of inequality in the first

Every Coin Has Three Sides....

2007-03-17T20:59:00.000-04:00

The mysteries of life are endless, the struggle to understand even the most basic concepts are becoming more daunting as we sleep and wake up every other day. We have been assaulted (and I mean literally) by so-called experts and others who have constantly set up myths and rules and "wise sayings" to place us constantly under their spells and spheres of control.Have you ever heard the phrase "'..