NIGERIAN LEADERS AND THEIR FOLLOWERS ...An irony of Intellectuals.

It is a general consensus that a people deserve the type of leaders they have. It therefore beats my imagination, and I decided to ponder on the above statement. Is this really true for a country like Nigeria? The same Nigeria that boasts of such intellectual minds such as: Olaudah Equiano, Bobby Ologun, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Dele Giwa, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Nnamdi Azikiwe, 2Face Idibia, Femi Oke, Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, M. K. O. Abiola, Tafawa Balewa, T.B. Joshua, Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha, Segun Odegbami, Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon, Chioma Ajunwa, Agbani Darego, Philip Emeagwali, Francis Ohanyido, Obafemi Awolowo, to mention a few. A nation made up of people who have and still continue to conquer the world in different areas of life.

This thought provoking question was necessitated by the recent interview granted by Ojo Maduekwe, the foreign minister of Nigeria, a man that is supposed to portray the true spirit of Nigerians to the world. The minster attended a press conference where questions were directed at him for response. A journalist asked the minister a question, and the best the minister could do was try to intimidate the journalist with insults and abusive words. The journalist, who was from Sahara Reporters, asked a thought provoking question, albeit, with some venomous statements.

The journalist said: “My question is very direct, you were on BBC yesterday and you said, you had not spoken to President Yar’Adua for the 60 days that he has been gone. And yet you have been moving around the world claiming to be representing the President and his own interest whereas you have not had any mandate from that President in the past 60 days. So how can we trust that, you being someone who have acted on behalf of every Government - both legitimate and illegitimate, I know you supported Abacha, very strongly, that you are not just going around doing your own wish because Nigeria has no leadership at this point and as you have done consistently as you did under Abacha, that again you are doing this because this is what is convenient and the Nigerian people have been rendered powerless at this time and you just have done what you wish could be done because again the Nigerian country now has no President that could have even given you the power that you claim you have been emphasising.”
Responding to the question, the minister said:


“Your question is so insulting and so abusive and so disgraceful and does not even convene an educated mind and does not deserve an answer… You’re a miserable guy, you are miserable…if you don’t think I am competent, come home (to Nigeria) and take up something...”


It took the intervention of another journalist (a Briton), who reframed the question, before the Minister decided to give an answer to the question. Looking back at his response, I make bold to say that it is either the minister is not a Nigerian (if (and I believe so) Nigerians are intellectuals) and does not represent the people of Nigeria thanks to the response he presented, culminating with a conclusion that the people of Nigeria are dim-witted or the statement that the people deserve the type of leaders they have is false.

Below is the response to the question as spoken by the foreign minister, Ojo Maduekwe.
Note: My comments are in parenthesis.

“Well, let’s put it this way, under our constitution, ministers do not sit in the national assembly, so even if you are in the National assembly before and you are made a minister you resign (You would think he was trying to buy time with this so he could present a very credible and reasonable response to the question). We are appointed by the president but we are described as not minsters of the President but ministers of the federal republic and members of the federal executive council. Now that appointment again, the President has no choice on the number of ministers he would appoint. Because the constitution makes it mandatory from a state.” (What a pity, the man is still stranded…who will help him out?)

He concluded saying: “I am not committing any illegality by representing the federal government of Nigeria because I was appointed by the President who has not removed me from the cabinet; no illegality is being committed, no lack of legitimacy is in place, the constitution is very clear as to how we got appointed and that constitution protects me.” (Illegality? Worse than that I say. When you are yet to communicate with a person for more than 2months, yet you claim you are speaking on his behalf.)

It is very clear at this point in time that the people of Nigeria can no longer afford to allow people with shallow minds who do not have their interest at heart. Simple and clear!

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

With all the news and media talking about how the sky is falling over and over again, it's vital that you protect your energy. Keeping your spirits up is a simple way of calling you forth to notice your beliefs that you think about over and over. This one area alone will impact the actions you take - or don't take in your business.

Don't fall victim to being unconscious about your runaway thoughts and go into constricted scarcity thinking about what's not possible. Now it's imperative that you surround yourself with possibility thinkers and notice where you get stuck in your money mindset beliefs.

Here are 7 money mindset shifts that will support your success. Notice which one is true for you. Step in and ask for the shift.

Money Mindset Shift #1
Everything is a Spiritual Exchange
This can be a huge powerful shift for you and your business. I know as a joyful business owner you already have a business based on your core values of what's important to you. This takes this belief and resulting action to a deeper place. Look at everything as a spiritual exchange of energy. In this article, there is energy coming through the words and my intention, and the energy with which it was written. This is true for you everywhere…with each client communication, each business card you receive, each teleclass or keynote program you give - you are giving out energy and it is being received whether the recipient is aware of the energy exchange consciously or just underneath. How many times have you met someone who seemed pleasant and yet you picked up a "weird vibe?" We are always communicating with our thoughts, intentions, actions, words and invisible vibration.
One of my most important practices is to align my energy before I write. I imagine the faces of those who will read this article. I tap into what my intuition tells me is in their heart and only once I feel aligned do I start writing. I often get feedback where readers will say…that is exactly what I am experiencing. You can do this too as you realize that each marketing touch is a spiritual exchange of energy.

Money Mindset Shift #2
Money is a sign that you are impacting the world
Receiving money is a signal that you are being of service to the world. Receiving more money is a signal that you are being of more service! Whether you are reaching more people or charging more for your services, receiving money is another type of energetic exchange demonstrating that you are sharing your gifts in the world. Any mindset that has you believe that receiving money is wrong, bad or you are being too big…only holds you small and has you keep your gifts to yourself. Open up and allow in the flow!

Money Mindset Shift #3
Know Your Money Why
Why do you want financial success? It isn't so you can roll around in hundred dollar bills. (although that might be fun!) It's about what you can exchange the money for. Getting clear about your "money why" will help you commit to making more money and being financially successful. Some examples of "money whys": ensuring that your children can go to any college they choose, providing fun travel experiences for your family, waking up at 3am and knowing you are independent and worry-free, and giving generously to your favourite charity to help people who have gone through an experience you have gone through too. You have to dig a little deeper here..It’s not about those "nice to have" things - those don't always inspire you to commit, but those deeper reasons that really touch your heart and open it wide in pain or passion.

Money Mindset Shift #4
Increase Your Awareness As to What Is Possible
Look for opportunities to attend workshops, mastermind with successful mentors, and find stories about successful entrepreneurs. Expand your awareness about what is possible in the world. I recently went to a workshop where at the end of the great quality workshop the presentor offered us a package to coach with her for $100,000! That opened my eyes and my mind to that idea. It has me thinking…what if I could do that? What would need to shift or change? Who would I have to step?

Money Mindset Shift #5
Love Your Money
I'm not encouraging you to become narcisstic here about money, but I am encouraging you to step into absolute love and appreciation for money that is flowing into your life and business AND the money that flows out. Gratitude is a very high vibrational energy. Being in appreciation means you have no resistance - you are allowing it in fully and are aligned with what is happening. Have gratitude each time a client pays you. Express a blessing when someone performs a service for you that you enjoy and benefit from. The other day I received an email receipt for the gifted woman who helps me with my sales copy. I replied to her email receipt and sent HER a quick thanks for working together and how much I appreciated her. I think she was shocked. She said she had never received a thanks for billing before. This will help you line up your energy with the circulation of money - feeling good about how comes into your life and the joy it brings you to pay for services you use. This is a big shift from the typical constricted and confused energy of money you may tend to be in alignment with.

Money Mindset #6
Talk about Your Money
Were you always taught to not mention money? It's taboo for most of us. We don't talk about how much we make, we hide purchases, we even lie to ourselves about how much money we've spent. Many of us go into what I call "fuzzy brain" around money. I have clients who can't tell me how much they have made this year or how much they have spent. They don't want to look. Funny thing is - the clearer you get about your money - no matter what the picture is - the more empowered you will feel. Start talking about your money to yourself and trusted members of a mastermind group. It will take the charge out of the money conversation and free you up to have real conversations. You will be able to make decisions with clarity and conviction.

Money Mindset #7
Trust and Let Go of the Hows for More Money to Flow
When you feel your heart opening and your inspiration spouting forward pay attention. It's your spirit speaking. It's telling you that you are in alignment with the idea you are considering. Your mind may be telling you another story…"how could I do this? I don't know how or I don't have enough money." The thing is we can't see the "how" until we say YES! Once you trust yourself and the universe enough to let out a resounding YES…then the next inspired step appears in front of you. As you take that step…the next inspired step appears. Every time I have made a big leap of faith - in working with a higher priced mentor, falling in love with a man across the big pond, or wanting a special vacation by the ocean - every time I commit the means, ways and hows always show up! Trust.

Written by Laura Howard West, Center for Joyful Business (www.joyfulbusiness.com).

NIGERIA IN THE PAST WEEK 18-01-2010

FORMER PRESIDENT OBASANJO'S COMMENT ON PRESIDENT YAR'ADUA
Perhaps what will turn out to be the story of the week was the comment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo concerning the health of President Yar'adua.

Obasanjo said: “It is the height of an insult for anybody to say that I deliberately put an invalid to rule this country, after putting all my efforts, even through war, to sustain this country.

“I love this country so much that I cannot impose somebody who will destroy this country. God should punish me if I did so,” he said.

The former President declared that if a leader could no longer perform on the ground of ill health; “it is on the path of morality and honour for that person to leave the scene.”

In my opinion, this comment comes as a rude shock and surprise to me. So how then do we now explain the events that occurred before the primaries of the PDP, where such power horses like Odili et al surprisingly stepped down for Yar'adua?

THE DECISION OF THE HOUSE OF REPS TO SEND A FIVE MAN DELEGATE TO MEET MR PRESIDENT

Wonders never cease to end in Nigeria. I just wonder what these people think they are doing. Buying time for the President to fully recover and return to the country?

Well I cannot exactly see how that will be possible. The simple truth is that the six man delegate cannot, will not and do not have the powers to cast a special magic or spell or healing power on the President; this is based on the assumption that that is not there mission there.

So the question is: What does the leadership of the House of reps hope to achieve with this move?

SUPER EAGLES' PROGRESS AT ANGOLA 2010

Like I said in my last post, we all can't be critics.
With two straight wins, it seems the team is back to winnings ways; and the fact that they would be playing against Zambia (a team I respect and fear) in the quarterfinals, gives them an opportunity to play in the semi finals.

Interestingly, a win against the Chipolopolo will set up a semi final clash with the winners of the match between Angola and Ghana. Obviously, the team has a very good chance to play in the finals.

Like I said after the loss to Egypt, the team can still improve if they decides to do so. The changes that have been rung by Coach Amodu have obviously changed some aspect of the team's play. The recovery of Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins has obviously given the team some bite in the attack; a fact that was displayed in the victory over Mozambique.

Looking back at the match against Mozambique, i observed that the team played with more control than what was displayed in the qualifiers of the World cup and Nations cup. Men against boys you can say.

It is still early to call, the best that the team can do is play to their best.
I hope that Coach Amodu can lead the team to victory against the Zambians, so that he would have met the target given to him before the tourney kicked off.

Nigeria in the past week.

A lot has been said about the recent happenings in Nigeria the month of January so far. We all can't be critics, so this is my take on the following issues:

PRESIDENT YAR' ADUA'S PHONE CONVERSATION WITH THE BBC

If the President could not make a statement with respect to the attempted christmas day suicide bomb blast carried out by a Nigerian, then it is quite curious for a normal and sound mind to understand why he is keen to make a statement, wishing the Super Eagles luck in the African Nations cup in Angola.

Nigeria has been without a leader for a period of over 50 days and the best that the leadership of the PDP can do at this point in time is to allow Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume the role of a President, pending the return of Mr. President. Interestingly, the recent ruling by a court has declared that Goodluck Jonathan be sworn in as the acting President. Let us hope that the people who have so far held fort for the President will honour the ruling of the court.

THE SUPER EAGLE'S LOSS TO EGYPT

The team started the match slowly but then regained their composure and unsettled the Egyptians with the goal, which came against the run of play. Chinedu Ogbuke was the live wire of the team and he continued to cause problesm for the Egyptian defence. After the goal, the Super Eagles took total control of the game and could have extended the lead. The Egyptians equalised, thanks to a silly mistake from the defence and the goalkeeper.

In the second half, the Egyptian bench observed that the only attacking threat that the Eagles could throw at them was from the right side, and so the deployed Wael goma to assist there and extinguish that threat.

NOTE: The Egyptians emply a 3-5-2 formation and this will allow them to play with an extra man in defence when they defend and attack as well.

The second goal came off a lucky deflection, and then the game was lost when Coach Amodu decided to continue play with two defensive midfielders when the team was a goal down. The final straw that broke the camel's back was the substitution of Mikel Obi; which resulted in the collapse of the midfield.

VERDICT: Yes, the team lost, but they can still improve if they chose to. Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyagbeni and Nwaneri must up their game. The Coach must improve on his tactics and substitutions. If Osaze Odemwingie can be back into the team, then they can beat Benin.

Finally, I want to use this medium to appeal to all and suncry to remember the people of Haiti in their prayers. Do the best that you can do to avail tehm of their plight.

Remember, we all can't be critics.

Here are My Wishes for You...

Here are My Wishes for You...
H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!