Youths of Nigeria, Citizens of Naija,
Inhabiter of a land so blessed but looks cursed,
Hearken to my joyful tidings
Of the Golden future time.

Soon or late the day is coming,
Tyrant rulers shall be o’er thrown,
And the fruitful fields of Nigeria
Shall be a blessing to us all.

Corruption shall vanish from our land,
Infant mortality shall be a thing of the past,
Democracy shall be a thing of beauty,
Our pride as a nation shall be restored.

Riches more than mind can picture,
Prosperity, good health, good infrastructure,
constant electricity, quality education,
Shall be ours upon that day.

Bright will shine the fields of Naija,
Purer shall its waters be,
Sweeter yet shall blow its breezes
On the day that sets us free.

For that day we all must labour,
Though we die before it break;
Men and women, young and old,
All must toil for freedom’s sake.

Our kids will forget what Up NEPA means,
Water shall flow when taps are opened,
We will have leaders, who truly lead,
In that time that comes so soon.

Youths of Nigeria, Citizens of Naija,
Inhabiter of a land so blessed,
Hearken to my joyful tidings
Of the Golden future time.

(Adapted from George Orwell’s Animal Farm – the anthem titled Beasts of England)

I was in JSS1 in 1991 when I first read the great book Animal Farm. I love the book so much that I have read it a lot of times. It is the story of a revolution. A simple illustration of how a subdued people can team up to achieve emancipation. It is a satire using animals to depict what actually happened in a real country.

This might be our last chance to defeat the cabal that has held us to ransom for a long time. People are angry but we must turn our anger to a positive force that would destroy evil and install good in our land. Enough is truly enough. All aspects of our nationhood is now a mockery and hope is fast fading.

But the question remains: Are we ready to do the rightful? Are we ready to chase out the idiots who have murdered a lot of our own. I speak for those who have died as a result of senseless road accidents caused by potholes? I speak for the mother who died at childbirth because our hospitals are moving mortuaries? I speak for the many that have died in the many barbaric ethnic and religious crises in our nation. I speak for the Nigerian child and youth whose futures are daily mortgaged in the favour of the foreign bank accounts of our moronic politicians.

Even if you are my relative and you have held a political post and as a result destroyed lives; I hereby disown you. Would every sensible Nigerian disown these idiots? Can’t you see they don’t care about us? If my dad and mom as much as vote for any of these idiots in the next general elections regardless of the fact that they are acquaintances in my LGA and State; I promise to go to the extreme and cut ties. Yes it has come to that, many of our parents are guilty of this wrong and they then wonder why many of their children don’t have jobs and are wasting away. They wonder why only 1.8% passed the last NECO examination. They should stop wondering and wake up to reality because they are part of the problem.

Same goes to every young person who will allow intimidation. The young person who won’t register for the Elections. The cowards who are going to sit at home on Election Day. The compromiser who will hurriedly leave the polling center even when he senses the ballot is going to be compromised. Never has there been a time when we can be so angry and justified than now. This might be our last chance to shut out the few who are destroying the rest of us.

It is just months to the elections but there are many things we can do. A few young people have shown example by marching to the National Assembly. The movement must continue and supported and it must not grow cold. We all have a duty to reach out to our communities and let them understand the need for freedom. It is possible! The 500 Naira used by the politrickcians can be rubbished when they are faced with the weight of the consequences of the stupid money.

Now back to the Animal Farm. The war was won by the animals. Farmer Jones and his staff were chased off Manor Farm. But the same comrade Napoleon who was part of the change became a tyrant himself. We know there are many with great resemblance to Napoleon but note that the time is up. There will be a spiritual dimension this time around. Be warned and go and watch Agogo Eewo by Tunde Kelani and you will understand. The bells of the gods will sound and the crooks will fall down and die. Nigeria, here comes your emancipation!

I am an incurable optimist when it comes to Nigeria. Somehow, I believe that most of us are good people but normally spiced by bad people as is common with even the so called sane state. But thinking deeply; I guess things are worse than we want to believe. There is an urgent need for re-thinking and if we want to erase the label of a failed state which we carry whether we like it or not, then we need to act.

I am not a believer in staying away from Nigeria and that is because I understand the fact that home is the best. You can never be totally free in another man’s country. For example, I can easily register a company in Nigeria and do business if I have the right conditions (a story for another day). In other countries, I will most likely need to have a local as partner before I can do business even if I don’t need their funds or intellectual contribution. But analysing this, it might actually make more sense to do that than start a business in the Nigeria of today.

Perhaps, the only strong point we have is our huge population that ensures patronage even when giving crap services. The cabals who have decided never to make Nigeria work are relentless in their efforts. It is as if they have sworn to an oath to totally destroy our nation. Funny thing is that these people are led by sheer greed and the drive to secure the future of their children and generations to come. The fool thinks he will be alive tomorrow, he who keeps his life will definitely lose it. But I guess they are not meant to even think.

Our fundamentals are greatly flawed. The purpose of having a system of government is such that confusions do not arise. In Nigeria, our claim is that we practise federalism. But it is obvious that we don’t. Federalism ensures each state has first right to their wealth and governance. The centre is only meant to unite the country and have some common front. The Yorubas know that the meaningful developments in that region till date were accomplished during the Western Regional Government when we had true autonomy. Our Cocoa was enough to build us the UCH , NTA, Liberty Stadium, Cocoa House, University of Ife (Africa’s most beautiful campus) as well as other landmarks. Point to a great edifice we have gained from the flawed logic of federation we have been practising after that. Almost none.

Our politicians are not prepared to do the right things and that is because of their love for money and power. If we start practicing true federalism; their gold pot -Oil will mostly be available to the Niger Delta. But in being greedy and despondent; there arises even worse consequences. I have said that the only real solution to the power problem is to grant each state autonomy to generate power. Nigeria is a very big country and it makes no sense that an agency of government as epileptic as PHCN could solve our problems. Kwara State has played politics to another level and I think other states should ask Bukola Saraki how we was able to convince the Federal Government to implement the Ganmo Power plant which has ensured stable electricity supply for their state. As far as I know, that is the state industries should be moving to now in Nigeria.

It is very clear that some powerful people do not want electricity supply to work in Nigeria. These are the fifth columnists who import diesel and generators. They are the power brokers and are supported by corrupt people in the private sector too. Imagine how much diesel is used by the GSM companies in Nigeria daily to power their base stations. It is also known that top guns of some companies using diesel make a lot of money by inflating the price per litre. Now, will they be happy for normalcy to return? I guess no.

We are a very funny people and we are selective in our remembrance. How can we not understand a simple principle called cause and effect? Coca Cola has only 2 concentrate plants in Africa – one in Nigeria and the other in Swaziland. Swaziland is a country of just about a Million people while Nigeria as more than 140 Million but guess where a plant is closing? Nigeria of course, due to power problems as well as a tense business environment. Now, those thinking of getting jobs should wake up to reality – the jobs will be getting scarce per day. Where is Dunlop, where is Michelin, where are the car factories, even chocolate. They are nowhere to be found. Ghana is claiming them in droves and I won’t be surprised if Coca-Cola moves there. You are jubiliating about the Glo Marine 1; please don’t celebrate yet. Where is the power go with it or it will just run on its own? How will data centres work when there is no electricity?

Must we all lose hope before we know things have totally gone bad? Today I woke up with bad news again. An assistant news editor (Politics) with Guardian News – Bayo Ohu was brutally killed in his home yesterday in Egbeda Lagos. Notice the keyword – politics. 2011 is here, many politicians are embroiled in a lot of saga but they want to be back by all means. The killings have started. How long will this continue and will our children ever be proud of their country? I guess the answers are obvious but it is not a done deal as I know that we are almost nearing the brick wall and then hope arises.

No one person can help us. We cannot get a leader who will be a lone voice in the wilderness leading us to salvation. Every man has to be serious about salvaging Nigeria out of these shackles. We must be prepared to rise up and take action. Look around and count the number of graduates around you looking for jobs. Check your inbox and tell me you have not received an email from Interswitch recently asking you to divulge your ATM details. Tell me you are happy with the noise coming from the numerous I Pass My Neighbour around your house. Tell me the sticky and acidic airs you breathe are good for you. Life expectancy is reducing everyday due to stress level, bad roads and the likes.

You are asking me what we can do. I think it starts from our minds. From the little things we do in our private corners. From the way we treat our colleagues and family. From the little bribe you just collected or paid. And then we graduate to the level of enlightening others to rise for change. Swaying one or two votes in the next elections. Talking to our fathers and mothers, siblings and friends about the need for change. I am doing that. Are you? Change starts with you!

If there is any country that can claim to be very blessed, Nigeria qualifies. No one can dispute the fact that we have a lot to thank God for – natural resources in abundance, great agricultural lands, intelligent citizens, nice climate, etc. But it seems most of these things are more of a curse to us than blessings considering the suffering and total hopelessness exhibited by most of the populace.

Some people tend to think that our problems are ethnic in nature but we all know that each ethnic tribe has fifth columnists who seem to have made up their mind to plunder the Nigerian state to non-existent. It is a very emotional side of me writing this post early on a Monday morning. Events have proven that if we are not careful – the house which has already fallen will totally be annihilated!

When former President Olusegun Obasanjo forced a relatively unknown governor (Outside his Katsina State and environs) on 140 Million people in 2007 to become our President; some of us knew we were heading for the same dance of shame. A lot of people were happy that an incorruptible governor was coming into power but I bet we now know that Nigerians need more than that. A president who comes into office through a flawed electoral process can never rule us with the conscience required of such a leader. It is also a fact that his election came with a price – he dined with the Iboris of this world so how can we prove his innocence?

Let’s look at his performance in more than 26 months in power. Electricity which is the major problem we thought his government was going to solve is worse now. The panels he constituted to probe past power projects are all dead and the noise is no more resounding. Now, his 7 points agenda are more like a puppet show than a reality. We all have doubts that they will ever come true and can you blame a pessimistic Nigerian or a Naija woman/man? Nopes.

Form everything I have seen of this man; he is more stubborn than OBJ and he has proved it because he is tending towards being worse than military heads of state when it comes to human feelings. It is on record that President Umar Musa Yar Adua has not offered the government and people of Lagos State a condolence message after the Atlas Cove Jetty disaster. Something makes me think he shares the thoughts of Jomo Gbomo when he said that the attack was on a Federal Government property and not aimed at Lagos State.

Now to think that the same President wrote a letter to the Lagos State government ordering them to revert back to the 20 local government format says much of the kind of leader or let’s say Boss he is. That was very untimely and it is times like these when he makes such decisions that I question if Mr. Segun Adeniyi is truly his aide or just one of his play things in Aso Rock. When Yar Adua appointed Adeniyi, we were so happy that to some extent; the level of decisions taken at the top would have some sanity but we have been proved wrong on all sides. I remember the cerebral column on the back page of This Day every Thursday that ensured some of us scrambling for a copy of the newspaper. I remember a man we missed when he decided to join government but I also remember we were happy that we are missing him to perform better at a more advanced stage but I guess that was a wish. Don’t get me wrong, we all know Yar Adua might not even listen to people like Adeniyi but then his continuous stay negates the personality we know if his advise is being ignored. I choose to believe that Adeniyi is not happy with most of the decisions or am I wrong?

Just a few days ago, the governors of the Niger Delta region openly dared Yar Adua about the amnesty deal and the quack decision of the FG on PTI Effurun Warri / Kaduna school. One begins to wonder how the mind of our President works? How can he pretend to be committed to the Niger Delta peace process and in the same breath make such blatant decisions? It beats me. Remember also that he calls our bluff at all times. He doesn’t see anything wrong in having his Ministers of finance, Finance Advisers and the CBN all coming from one part of the country.

This is not a Yar Adua bashing exercise. It is actually a bashing exercise for all political post holders who are destroying our nation. The shameless brats who I can liken to the proverbial bastard – the one who uses the left hand to describe his father’s house. I also liken them to murderers, yeah because the blood of those who die on our coffin roads, bad hospitals and even in some cases – poverty will cry on their head.
I think we should be tired of their acts by now when we see a few silver linings like Fashola and the other few fiscally responsible state governors.

Right now, the global economic meltdown is biting deep into our country. Jobs are being lost. None are created. Each successive NYSC set is like an addition of more jobless youths into the polity. The banks that used to be the biggest employers have cut down on their recruitment processes. Telecommunication was seen as an untouchable sector but that has been proved wrong. Oil companies were never big employers of labour and it will get worse now that the Niger Delta agitation is on a higher pedestal with operation Moses (God save us from the plagues). Oil production is down to about a quarter of our capacity and it is all looking very bad.

I am one very optimistic Nigerian but I guess today is a day for telling the truth and preparing our minds for what is to come. I cannot see an end to our travails with the bunch of comic acts who call themselves leaders. Leadership is not a small word that can be used by the jokers we have in power from the ministries to LG to States and federal governments. Though the cloud looks thick but I know that all hope is not lost. It will just need some commitments and hard work from us all.

We have a vibrant generation that can turn things around. The era of sidon look has finished. The countries we used to run to a la United Kingdom, USA, etc are managing their resources now and are giving the good jobs to home boys regardless of the foreigners capabilities and qualifications. Ask our young people who just finished MBAs in top business schools around the world. It used to be a gate for automatic entrance into the wonderful 6-figure dollar salary but now the story has majorly changed as the stimulus package granted to the organizations that used to recruit such talents mandated they recruit Omo-Oniles. So, home will be the best to come back to. Now, can we all afford to leave things the way they are? Where our roads are death traps, health care non-existent? Unemployment rife, strikes everywhere, generator wars? I guess no. We deserve a better Nigeria.

I know you hate politics but love a good life. So, I am imploring that for the first time since you turned 18 – realize you are key to evolving the Nigeria of your dream. I cringe when I think that we might have the same set of politicians coming back in 2011. I am afraid when I think that this looting will continue for decades. And I will blame the young brainy Nigerian who sees no faults in the way things are just because of his/her comfortable salary which is rubbished by the environment he/she passes through everyday and even ‘cos that job is no longer safe.

I am young and I am proudly Nigerian. My parents understand that my age has nothing to do with my sensibility. I can sway them and their friends if I have the right words. I know that the 18-40 age bracket has a lot to do in the next elections starting from when the voters register opens. We need a class action to get things going. There is a group of young people already talking about registering a new political party with sound ideologies. I have committed myself to finish a research I started on how the Republican, Democratic, Labor and Conservative parties evolved which shows them as ideological bodies unlike our own baba-suwe likened parties in Nigeria and most of Africa. If you think you can join me in this research so we can help the party that is going to be registered to have a firm footing and not turn into a joke – mail me : me@ayooladejo.com.

I am going to beg you all. We have a part to play in the national rebirth. I want my kids to comfortably live and enjoy in their country. I want to see my people enjoy a good life. I am tired of the nonsense and I know you are. But can we turn this anger into a productive edge? That is the question raging in my head. If we call you to action, would you answer? Can you stop being pessimistic and see that WE CAN for a moment? If yes, we will know when you answer the clarion call.

This post is inspired by a decision to live a life that contributes to the Nigerian and African dream. A dream born out of a desire to evolve a nation and continent far from the present status of a dark people. A glimpse into a future of possibilities that will only be possible when individuals understand the extent a single change of heart can positively affect our nations. I am one of those people who believe that the regeneration of the human mind is possible and that all hope is not lost for a revitalization. If I as an individual is ready to respect the sanctity of life belonging to my fellow humans and understand the fact that a beastly interaction with them confirms the popular view of us as no better than animals; then I think we are on the right track.

Everyday is mixed with a plethora of bad news, poverty and hopelessness especially in our part of the world. But this same part of the world boasts of the highest concentration of natural resources and in my own opinion, a high proportion of potentially great human resources. I used the word ‘potentially’ because though we have a lot of intellectuals around but there are still many more who due to simple yet trivial reasons like malnutrition have not been able to maximize their brain powers. I don’t want to derail as that is a post for another day.

A lot of people have given up on our nations (I said nations because a lot of African countries face similar problems) and would even prefer to be illegal immigrants in Libya but is that where it all ends? I believe that it is not a hopeless solution and even in the midst of the darkness; there are still beacons of light for all to see even though people tend to prefer the bad news. Recently, I have been thinking a lot about the human mind and its ability to condemn but not proffer solutions. I also marvel at how many of us blame the incumbent but when we are presented with power prove to be more animal-like than those we criticized. Is it that we can never get it right as humans? No, it is just a matter of principle and decisions first made as an individual and then wholly adopted as a people.

The Americans have shown us that despite their flaws, they still hold the position as the conscience and leader of the modern world. They have proven to us that having a sound institutional framework and adhering to same is a prerequisite to having a successful nation. George W Bush goes down as one of the most infamous presidents of America but despite his errors; I still salute his contribution to the seamless transition of power to the first black president of the United States. We know what could have happened if this episode happened in some other countries. Everyone has been focusing on Obama and the new face of change in the US but I also salute the American framework which makes it almost impossible for an individual to hold the country to ransom; a gift from the founding fathers of America. Which brings us to the question – what foundation did our own founding fathers lay? I think an answer to that question will go a long way in understanding the mind of the average Nigerian leader and citizen as it may be.

As you may have known – a lot of Nigerians and Africans attended Obama’s historic inauguration but did they leave with the expected lessons? Let’s even come closer home. Ghana is our West African neighbor and I am proud of their presidential elections which went on for some time but was a very open process. I hope South Africa will give us something to cheer about in 2009 as they go to the polls especially with the political climate in that country in the emergence of COPE and the events that led to its formation. I sincerely pray that all goes well for Africa’s pride.

The main reason I am posting this is not in those analysis made above but in the next few paragraphs. I am wondering what will happen if all of us decide to start doing good, having the overall good of our nations at heart. I am just thinking how everything would change if our generation decides to create a better world for our children and their offspring? I don’t know if you have thought of it that way before, but this is a call for us all to start this new movement. A movement of women and men sold out to change their World one person at a time. It is in this light that I have made the following creed which will be an ongoing process and open to addition. I guess you should form yours too.

To be fair in my dealings with all. Not giving myself to unnecessary legalities but choosing to use the almighty as a guide.

To always distant myself from corrupt deals because human lives are at stake. Money stolen from the Works ministry makes the thief a murderer ‘cos the roads won’t be safe. Money stolen from the health ministry ensures death in our hospitals.

To be a good citizen no matter the rot in the system.

To be a gospel preached by living a life worthy of emulation.

To always strive for the betterment of my nation, continent and the World at large.

To contribute to the society by first being a good husband and father. First to make sure my wife is happy and also to raise godly kids who will bless their generation.

To use my God given abilities not to enrich my soul and body only but to bless others. That through me, many lives will be blessed and obtain fulfillment.

To always speak the truth even in the face of adversity.

To hold good name and the importance of good posterity above worldly wealth.

To pursue the real essence of happiness which is in impacting one’s World in an unselfish way.

So help me God. Amen.

Bringing this blog back is meant to serve a very important purpose. A journey back to some experiences that shaped my life as well as sharing those things that are influencing me in the present. And also a peek into future activities. My next few posts are going to take a peek back to some of those events and as a project manager – lessons learned is always a big deal for me in any situation. As the popular saying goes – if you lose it, don’t lose the lesson.

My friend Emmanuel Oluwatosin commented on my post Sweet Mother and it made me remember the kind of feeling that came over me the day I went to resume at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. It was a day in April 1997 when I finally resumed at Great Ife. It was not a good time for the family as things were not going on very fine with my dad’s finances. I always had dreams of the big shopping I will do when I am about to resume at varsity but unfortunately; not all dreams come true. It was harder for me ‘cos I was used to having a good life in school judging by the way I lived in secondary school with all the textbooks, food and provisions never lacking. So to my 16 1/2 years self gaining admission to a University was a big deal but the excitement was not complete as the registration money was even hard to come by not to talk of buying baffs and other needs. I had to go back to my former house in School of Science Ile-Ife to pick up my old mattress. Luckily I found it because I had just left the school some months back.
I had about 4 shirts then and looking back to that time — I can only say that God helped me to develop a certain thick skinned mentality as well as an uncommon self worth that was not tied to what I possessed. It was not easy for me because I was not used to very hard life and coupled with my young age; I know it was a miracle I survived because one would expect some big things especially after gaining admission at such a young age. It was almost impossible for me to maximize my potentials in the first few years in school. I practically lived day to day but I made sure my integrity did not get compromised.
It was my 3rd year in University that I finally decided to make the best use of my stay in School and put behind me any disadvantage I had. I also decided to have a very good life so I can ensure a better life for my siblings and parents. That decision was key to a lot of events that happened afterward. I broke out of my traditional shell and involved myself in a lot of activities that my department could not give to me. From my 3rd year and beyond – I decided I was going to be a change agent in a department where some ignorant thought the best we could be after school was teach or lecture. I decided that I was going to bring hope even when my own life was not totally set. I decided to be different. See how in my next post.

This post is to a wonderful woman. My mother. Most of us leave the tributes until our heroes/heroines pass on but I will not be a part of that stereotype and hence my decision to give honor to whom it is due while we still have her around. I know she will stay long to enjoy the fruits of her labour. Amen.
Mrs Adepemi Oladejo is a rare breed; a woman I respect so much because of the qualities inherent in her. I have never seen anyone so deep into sacrifice and selflessness. It is always her putting others first before thinking of herself; a trait that I could not but emulate though I am praying to God I will be able to match.
I attended the primary school where my mom used to teach in the 80s/early 90s. It is a government primary school in a local neighborhood. I said a local neighborhood, yeah and the name is Community Primary School, Ayekale Agugu Ibadan. Those were the days when government teachers were so dedicated to their duties and ensured that the wards passing through them got the best of education. My mom was surely a good teacher and those of us who passed through the school and were ready to make something out of our lives fulfilled our dreams.
My mom is one of those few women who don’t wait for their husbands to cater for their Child’s needs. I remember vividly many occasions where she had to take the lead to ensure we had the best. I appreciate this because many times I went to some friends’ house where they starved until the daddy came home and some that were chased out of lessons (I hope u know that is what we called extra mural classes) because daddy did not give them money to pay.
Perhaps the greatest sacrifice she made was to resign her job because of us – her kids. It was in the height of the creation of Osun State in 1992 or thereabout. Both dad and mum are from the same town in Osun State so they had to leave the employ of the Oyo State Government. Their decision was to leave us in Ibadan so as not to disturb the quality education we were getting but that was at a price. We could have moved to our hometown where they were posted or maybe leave us in the care of relatives in Ibadan till weekends but they understood the effect that was going to have on us. My mum decided to resign and stay at home in Ibadan so she could monitor us and ensure we don’t depart from the way they were bringing us up. Her friends were very mad at her; almost calling her a fool for leaving her job just to take care of her children. They wondered how we were going to survive on my dad’s salary and how my mum might regret the action. She was not concerned about all the noise but decided to make the best use of the opportunity. She went to learn fashion designing and later set up her own shop.
It was not rosy to be very sincere and at a point I am sure she thought her friends were right. Most of them either moved to our hometown or left their kids with relatives but were making their salaries and also enjoying promotions. I wonder how my mom was able to ignore all those feelings. Fast forward many years – did it pay off? I will definitely say a big YES. Today, her first born is a graduate(graduated more than 6 years ago), an expatriate consulting for a top GSM company in Africa and married. Her second child graduated more than 3 years ago and works for a real estate company in Lagos. The third born is a graduate of Electrical Electronics and is currently serving with Motorola in Lagos. Last born … 10 years younger than the 3rd born is in SSS1 in a prestigious secondary school in Ibadan. Those that are graduates graduated between the ages of 21-22. I am tempted not to compare her notes to her friends’ but I can only say they understand today that her sacrifices paid off at last.
Not all women will be able to do what she did. And that is why I am saluting this wonderful woman for her roles in shaping my life and my siblings’. I imagine how I might have turned out if not for her love and attention. My mum is 52 but she looks much younger and most people argue she is my sister; but that is where it ends. She is a tough mother. She practiced tough love on us and I can assure you her products were flawless and the man that came to be in me is as a result of the lessons I learned from her.
I love you Mum … and you have just started enjoying the fruits of your labor. You will live long to enjoy the dividends. Amen.
My dad’s will come soon.

I promised to share my insights into the lessons Nigeria as a nation should learn from the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States of America. It is so sad that as at this moment; Nigeria does not have the kind of structure and moral fiber needed to have the kind of celebration we saw after that historic election.
I am not a prophet of doom nor a pessimist but I am just being realistic. However, I intend to be a part of the solution rather than contribute to rhetoric and whining that most of us are known for. My friend ‘Gbenga Sesan wrote an interesting article titled Obama ran an Utomi-like campaign. It is surely an interesting read and see my comment to that post.
I feel u GS. The thought came to my mind to link Obama with Pat Utomi. But I quickly made a reverse to analyse the situation in a more realistic light. Let us be sincere with ourselves – would Obama have won the elections if he ran on the umbrella of a party other than the Democratic and the GOP? How many people in the US even know the names of independent candidates? Even Bush did not invite the other candidates for their opinion in the height of the bail out debate. US media don’t pay attention to candidates of other parties. That is the reality of politics. Remember how much Obama spent on the campaign trail … a whooping 1.6 B dollars – wow. Politics is indeed very costly. I have been thinking seriously in the past few days on what chance people like myself and Pat Utomi have to ensure we break the power of the serial rapist parties like PDP and ANPP where members keep changing and names of the parties are remixed. I am longing for a party that will start and exist for the eternity without a change in name and integrity. I remember the last presidential election in Nigeria where Pat Utomi’s party did not have agents in polling booths within Lagos State. I remember asking myself how he could have won without those kind of structures on ground? If we are serious about emancipating Nigeria – it will cost more than rhetoric and one leg in type of politics —- it will mean a big commitment. Are we ready for it?
I am getting somewhere with this post and that is to highlight the lesson Nigeria must learn from the United States and the just concluded elections. The one and only Abami Eda – Olufela Anikulapo Kuti gave us a lesson in his song democrazy. He made us realise that the colonial masters taught us democracy but in a wrong way. He further said that when a student makes a mistake – a teacher makes the necessary corrections but in our case – the Oyinbos did not correct us. I am afraid that the kind of democracy we practice is bound to eternal failure and we might never be able to get to the level of advanced democracies unless we take a step back to get the basics. Democracy will never live to its billings unless the fundamentals and ideologies of political parties are right. What we have in Nigeria are people with the common goal of winning elections through whatever crooked means available. A political party should start due to ideology and a call to service; once the basics are wrong – we have the chaos we call parties in Nigeria.
Consistency is also a very important factor to consider in this case. The Democratic and Republican parties in the USA are very old and till today still possess to a certain extent the qualities which their founding fathers imbibed. Same in the UK where the Labour and Conservative parties still carry the flags of their founding fathers. The political landscape in Nigeria started on a false path due to the military intervention which remained a recurring factor till as late as 1999. The different coup plotters and sit-tight military head of states ensured a continuous disruption of political activities – banning the parties and ensuring that even politics was militarized. Let’s just imagine what could have been if the Awolowo ideology survived till today with the political machinery he made popular? What if we still have the Action Group as Action Group today and not the mangled Action Congress and Alliance for Democracy? What if the political ideology of Zik of Africa still stands till today? These are questions that should be asked on the way to getting it right. I look at the PDP today and see many strange bed fellows with selfish agenda. Same goes for AC, ANPP and others. It is only in our part of the World where one politician crosses carpets to the next available party without thinking at all – yeah it is because the kind of politics we practice are not tied to beliefs and ideology but monetary gains.
If we will correct these maladies, the journey is not simple. It is not a matter of supporting credible candidates during elections. It is about understanding the lessons of Obama’s victory. It is about knowing that Obama did not only win because he was loved by the US and the world but that he ran on the ticket of a strong party and he had the support of the same party. If Obama were more eloquent than he was during the campaigns and he ran as an independent – forget it, he would have lost. So what do we take from all of this. I sense it is time for Nigerians to sit down and ask what they want. In Zimbabwe – Morgan Tsvangirai and others started a party that in just a few years successfully challenged Mugabe and won the elections. How they did it is novel because Mugabe never thought anyone could do that. Fine, it is still not well with the once beautiful country but imagine Nigerians having the chance of organising a strong party that could defeat the PDP? Imagine the same party having credible candidates like Pat Utomi on the ticket? Imagine the possibilities?
Unless we do this – our credible leaders will never have the chance of being elected.
As a good and progressive citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria- I have decided to embark on a study. This study will give me an insight into how the major political parties in the USA and the UK started and how they have been able to hold fort till today with common opinions and the love of their country in their heart. I will share my findings as I move on and I hope it will help us in deciding what to do.
I have a dream – that one day, Nigeria will have political parties based on solid ideologies, the will to do good, service to humanity and above all – the love of our motherland. Parties that will be known even to my granny in the village as well as the professor in the University. Yes … it will happen!

The most popular man in the World as at today is a man with a name many will call the most inappropriate for a United States President. World leaders are courting him now; even Ahmadinejad – the outspoken and a sworn enemy of the USA sent him a congratulatory message. Back home in Nigeria – our very hilarious politicians are not left out of the dance. Pages of national dailies are adorned with his pictures and even former President Obasanjo wrote an article to congratulate the man of the moment. There are many lessons to learn from this singular occurrence which might be the change needed by America to regain its respect in the World as well as a resurrection of its ailing economy. I will just write my own opinion of the whole issue and what lessons we should all take from there.

1. There is no excuse for failure: I guess this is the most important lesson to be learned from the life of Barack Obama. He was born as a result of a love affair between a Kenyan man and an American woman that never led to marriage. His formative years were not spent in the home of a single mother as some people say but with grandparents after his mother remarried. Many of us are quick to condemn the country we were born in, how poor our parents are, the economy and even the color of our skin for our woes and unproductive life. Everyone has a story and it is amusing that people will continue blaming others for their shortcomings in life. The earlier we understand that life is an individual journey where the best players become fulfilled. Obama’s life oozes of a DRIVE that cannot be subdued and he continually strove for excellence in all he did. If there is anything we should learn from him – it is to know that no matter the situation; we can accomplish anything.

2. Be Consistent: I have been interested in Obama for about 4 years now especially after his blockbuster speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. The result of that speech is evident in the book titled – audacity of hope. Reading this book will show you a glimpse into the kind of politics Obama believes in. During the Presidential debates with Mc Cain – some people were mad at Obama for always acknowledging his opponents strong points e.g. Senator Mc Cain is right about that, John is correct, e.t.c. I looked back to who he claimed to be in his book and concluded that he is very consistent. He practices the kind of politics that does not seek to denigrate the opponent but stick to facts and the betterment of his country. And that is why we respect him. We respect men who will always stick to the truth and not continually shift grounds as it suits them.

3. It pays to serve: Service is in Obama’s blood. This is a man who devoted his life to community service in Chicago. God recognises a man who gives his all and the reward is giving them higher challenges. The lesson is linked to the parable of talents. If he did not volunteer in Illinois which is technically not his home State – no one will trust him enough to elect him into the State legislative house.

4. Never give up: Obama shares a trait with a former president of the United States. They both come from Illinois – Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lost many elections but I wonder what drives him to contest for a higher office each time. I think it is important to realise that Obama also lost an election into the Federal House before he became a State legislator. He thereafter won election into the US Senate. The rest is known history.

5. First term doesn’t mean sit down: When Obama won elections into the US Senate; one would expect the first term Senator from Illinois to take it easy and learn the ropes of America’s complex legislative business. No – he took it with a blast – using his experience gained from his years of teaching constitutional law; he redefined first term and became an instant hit and a very influential member of the upper house. I have learned that my age, number of years of experience, etc will never push me down in life.

6. A Woman’s product: Many of us do not understand the power of a woman in shaping a man’s life. The women in Obama’s life are awesome. His grandmother should be honored with a biography because we have a lot to learn from her. Marrying the right woman is perhaps his best decision in life. Michelle Obama exudes the kind of charm a great woman only possess. I am happy to learn from this and I will always respect the women who are shaping my life.

7. A good family man wins: Imagine Obama as a wife beater who do not care about family. Tufiakwa. Lailai. It is a good thing to run a family the way God ordained it. Loving one’s wife and the kids; being very sensitive to family members etc. Obama left in the heat of campaign to check his ailing grandmother. That is a family man and it is a very sweet scent to carry.

8. Understand the basics of affiliation: The people around us will most likely show us the direction to take in life, how we live and how to pursue our goals. Obama has been consistent in always having the right people in his company. He demonstrated it again when he chose his running partner – a man that compliment his young age as well as other qualities he possesses.

9. My brain not my skin color: I very much hope that Obama’s success will spark a change in paradigm for our black American brothers from being niggers to achievers. Most Black Americans have the stereotype mind that deceives them into believing the American dream is not for them. Now – the excuses are reduced and we hope in the nearest future – drug usage, baby mommas/daddies will reduce amongst our black brothers. This extends to Africa too where most people believe that only white men can excel in some certain professions. If a black man can be the President of the strongest nation on earth – a black man can also be an astronaut and more!

10. Even in the 21st Century, God still counts: I won’t say much. But Obama loves God and he is not ashamed of it. He is a self-professed Christian. Most people are either thinking God does not exist or relegate him to a level that is so low. When all is said and done – God is still the owner of the Universe.

In my next post – I will write about the lessons for Nigeria/Nigerians. We cannot let this moment pass without ensuring we got the lessons right and the implications the decisions we take have on us all.