God Bless and Keep your Soul Michael

July 2, 2009 at 8:44 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , ,

I am an ardent fan of Michael Jackson and will always love him. Though, there have been alleged reports of illicit drug use, I admire this iconic legend a lot for his unparalled talent, entrepreneurial skills and his endless donations to children charities around the world. He was more than just a musical legend, he had global appeal. I’m yet to see a child prodigy who has lasted as long as Michael has lasted on the music scene.

For the past one week, a lot of media publications and audiences have attempted to get into the ‘King of Pop’s head’ to analyse his life psychologically. However, from my own point of view, I’m angry at those who have put themselves in a position of judgement over his life. Granted he may have been anorexic, suffering from dysmophobia and other illnessess, but, what I feel about him is a great sadness for the kind of childhood he had. For a man who started his singing career from the age of five, he never asked for the fame and all the attention. It was thrust upon him without his consent as a result of his father’s resolve to milk the family’s cash cow.

I don’t know of how many people who have lost their childhood due to their parent’s foolishness, stupidity and utter ignorance about that magical phase in a child’s life where, your imagination can take you to so many places. I can imagine what he must have gone through and I think it’s a miracle he lasted this long. I can identify with his need to reconnect unsuccessfully with his childhood. Most of us lost our childhood at an earlier age than we envisaged. I lost mine at the age of eight when my dad came back from overseas and I saw another side of life, I never imagined. Over the years, I have tried to reconnect with that lost time but what has kept me sane is the memories I have between the ages of four till seven when it was just my mum and us. Those days were special times in our lives and I will always be grateful to my Mum for giving us that kind of magical childhood.

There are still so many things I would like to say about this great legend, whom we’re all mourning across the world and even in the remotest parts, but, I think it’s time to let him finally rest and take a well deserved break from the tortous and lonely life he lived. Adieu Michael!

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Books and more Books!

June 22, 2009 at 8:24 pm · Filed under Frugality, Nigeria, Savings, Travel, Women and Money ·Tagged , ,

One of my favourite past time is reading novels. From inspirational to downright silly and amusing stories, I love to read them all. Reading is one of the cheapest way to travel around the world. Recently, there’s been this buzz about a movie titled “Confessions of A Shopaholic”. I had not seen that movie yet but I was told it was adapted from a book. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a downloaded version of the book on my younger sister’s laptop. 

If you are a lover of books and you’d like to read contemporary books without going through the hassle of buying it, then I’ve got a secret to share with you. I would suggest you visit www.4shared.com. Just type in the name of the author and voila, all the books authored by the author are displayed on the screen. You can start downloading each book right away. Saves ’money don’t you think?

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Passion

June 5, 2009 at 9:08 am · Filed under Career, Entrepreneur, Getting Started, Nigeria, Women and Money

“Towards the end of my term at university, my advisor suggested I read ‘Do what you love and the Money Will Follow.’ I didn’t actually read the book, but found the title inspiring enough. I ignored her advice for several years until in 2003 I found myself at a crossroad – either continue down the corporate path that was financially rewarding but soulless or change direction to pursue my passion. I chose passion and have never looked back.” – An excerpt by Mark Weeks

I am at that crossroad right now and for some few months, I’ve been deliberating on the idea to follow my passion by enrolling in short-term courses where I can put to test what I have learnt. I have always been a lover of the arts especially Photography and Interior Design. If I wasn’t working for my present organisation, one industry within this country that needs a lot of innvoation is the industrial and domestic paint industry. The likes of Dulux, CAPL paints require a lot of innovative overhaul to compete effectively within the Nigerian market.

This summer, I’m enrolling for a short-term course in ‘Digital Photography and Photoshop’ at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, United Kingdom. From my perspective, this is the only time in life where I can dedicate time, finance and mental resources to pursue one of my major interests in life. At least, i’ll be able to look back and consider this event as a major turning point for other things I want to do very soon. Besides, I have also been considering pulling out of the work force by aplying for a one year unpaid sabbatical. I need this time away from a rewarding career to really test run some of my ideas and make it a success. From my perspective there’s really no time like the present to explore and make use of the talent God has bestowed on an individual.

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OAP

May 21, 2009 at 6:17 pm · Filed under Nigeria ·Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

On a lighter note, I will be discussing  ”On Air Personalities” plying their trade within various radio stations in Lagos. I really do not listen or tune in to most radio stations in Ibadan because I simply cannot stand the ‘I wanna gonna’ speech these OAPs’ regularly innundate us with. I don’t know what is wrong in expressing ourselves in a pure language that is devoid of such lewd expressions (my sentiments). I’d like to say that RayPower FM changed the face of private radio broadcasting when the station launched its’ services (can’t remember when now) but after sometime, I lost touch with the vibe and moved onto Rhythms (basically for its’ early news broadcast), I used to think they were the best but Star FM 101.5 has been giving them a run for their money.

My favourite OAPs’ are as follows:

  • Mofe and Moyo Oyatogun: these ladies blow my minds every morning when reading the news. I love their biting sarcastic mode of reading the news. I also love their good command of the English Language and I always learn a new term of expression every morning when I tune in at 7.15a.m. I admire their refreshing take on analysing political, social and economic issues prevalent within the country. One of the most hilarious bit of news that i’ll always remember is the sarcastic comparisons they made while comparing Barack Obama’s six pack torso with our dear president’s torso. The question then was ” Mofe, can you imagine our dear president running on the beach shirtless” and the response by Mofe was “God forbid”. That was really funny. I don’t know who owns Star FM but whoever he is, it is obvious that he places a lot of premium on regular and continous training of his staff. These OAPs’ are always attending one BBC Training program or the other.
  • Dan Foster: the ‘Big Dog’ as he’s fondly called is the reason why most OAPs’ are trying unsuccessfully to speak in foreign American accents. They usually end up speaking what I term “American Gutter English”. It just goes to show how popular Dan has become in the past few years he’s been in the country. He keeps it real and does not try to force his views on listeners and one of the things he’s taught a lot of Nigerians to do is to lighten up and take life less seriously than we usually do. He’s also taught a lot of couples to be more open and honest in showering affection towards each other. 
  • Femi Sowoolu: I hope I got his surname right and if I did not…my apologies. This man’s voice is off the hook and its’such a joy to find an OAP who’s not affected by the ‘American enslavement’ going on. I listen to Continental Radio because of Femi and ‘Auto Medics”.  I’m not sure if Femi owns Continental Radio but if he does, he did a good job of hiring some of the best voices I’ve listened to of late. The OAPs’ working at Continental seem to have undegone  a lot of  voice training which is reflective in the way and manner of their voice pitch. 
  • Funmi Aofiyebi: Stunning presenter and good command of the English Language. I do not listen to her program as much as I would love to but on the few occassions I have, I’ve been impressed.

OAPs’ I have a love-hate relationship with:

  • Tosin Bucknor: I simply cannot place how I rate this OAP cos she has an uncanny way of expressing herself on air. I’m still trying to place or classify her but I can’t find the right expression now. One of the few things I love about this OAP is the wide range of featured discussions ranging from Top Clicks, Blogs, Social Networking Sites, Sing your Story, Celebrity Wednesday and the list goes on. However, my grouse with this On-Air Personality is her use of the English Language. I’m not sure if she does it on purpose or that’s how she simply knows how to express herself but sometimes, I can’t help but cringe when she starts her ‘Yelz, Gbogbo Bigs Girls & Bigs Boys’, or often times when an avid listener to the morning show calls and suddenly the connection is lost, she says “the line just cut like that”or “the line has cut”, “someone is tampering with my line”. Whatever happened to “We just lost the connection”? I personally think that her use of the ‘Jenifa’ personality is creative but at this point in time, its’ beginning to wear thin. She needs to tone it down a bit because its’ beginning to or has already affected the way she commands the use of English Language while trying to express herself on-air. I usually observe that most times when she cannot find the right word, she stutters and uses a word that is not in alignment with the message she’s passing across to her listeners.  Owners of 90.9Top FM, please take a cue from 101.5 Star FM by sending your OAPs’ to BBC or any reputable voice training school where they can learn how to be better presenters.
  • Nameless DJs’: I think Ray Power, Star FM have some DJs’ that would do their jobs better by not opening their mouths. When they do, it’s usually “I wanna gonna” and most times, an avid listener can barely make out what they’re saying most of the time. My brothers, it’s not by force to express yourself in an accent that does not reflect your true self. There cannot be more than one Dan Foster at a time (ask Cool FM). 

I’m not trying to slight anyone through this blog.  I am just canvassing for better OAPs’ on our radio.

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What’s going on?

May 7, 2009 at 2:18 pm · Filed under Career, Getting Started, Nigeria ·Tagged , , ,

Working with people in an organization usually requires a lot of tact. Today, a colleague of mine at the Head Office sent a nasty mail carefully couched in polite terms to make it seem non threatning. I sent a response back using carefully worded thoughts which was aimed at hitting below the belt. Sometimes, I just can’t stand the unnecessary superiority exhibition that goes on within the workplace. Honestly, it’s infuriating. This brings me to another careful observation that I have made within the workplace. Have you noticed how a lot of people have thrown caution to the wind and casually express themselves in improper use of the English Language?

Granted it is not our mother tongue but, it is useful in terms of business and social communications since we live in a country with 251 diverse tribes. How else can we express ourselves better? We are not like the South Africans who were able to develop a new language (i.e. Afrikaans) for their larger populace in order to ease communication amongst indigenous and caucasian South Africans. While our lowering educational standards can be one of the reasons, I am of the firm opinion that we require a continous individual development program for better use of the English Language. Oftentimes, I shudder when listening to the radio during one of these call back programmes. I cannot help cringing when someone expresses themselves improperly while trying to air their opinions. I would have loved to state some of the way and manners in which Nigerian express themselves poorly but time will not permit me today. I guess ‘Jenifa’ is a good example that I can think of right away. So, I ask…..what’s going on?

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So,

April 29, 2009 at 1:33 pm · Filed under Entrepreneur, Financial Independence, Getting Started, Nigeria, Savings, Women and Money ·Tagged

I really do not like to ponder on the political climate within Nigeria because it is a saddening thing to realise that every time we take one step forward, we also take two steps backward. Or how can you explain the current situation going on in Ekiti? It is indeed sad times for a promising country such as ours. A country that invests economical and political power in the hands of individuals who have never experienced what it is like to serve will continually misuse this power….we cannot go on like this. In contrast, South Africa conducted a successful election but the paradox is that political power without economic power is no power at all. While caucasian South Africans have economic power, native South Africans have political power. Yet, it is widely believed that economic power of any country is its’mainstay and so,it makes me wonder and ponder. I ask myself, when will true economic power reside with native Africans who will make good use of this power to create seemingly fair opportunities for African youths within the continent? Yesterday, I was discussing with some colleagues of mine about the ongoing recession and one of them happened to mention that Pastor Adeboye had prophesised that this global recession is going to be around for the next seven years.

Frightening as it may sound, I believe it would be cowardly of us to lie down and take this albeit calmly without the least bit of resistance. I believe that this is still the best of times to start a business no matter what the economy might be like. Whether we realise it or not, more people will and are making more money with the global financial crisis. so, we need to get our acts together, stand up and fight with every thing we have going for us individually, nationally, economically and socially.

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Happy Easter Holidays

April 9, 2009 at 8:55 am · Filed under Uncategorized

This is wishing every reader of this blog happy easter holiday.

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Miles, Miles and more Miles

March 25, 2009 at 12:51 pm · Filed under Frugality, Getting Started, Nigeria, Savings, Travel, Women and Money ·Tagged ,

Are you travelling this summer? Have you given a thought about the kind of vacation you’d like and where you’d want to spend it? I’m amazed at the inordinate amount of information on the web about affordable vacations and how we don’t make use of all the travel tips. Today, I’d like to know how many Nigerian Travellers are members of a frequent flyers club. How many of us are aware that by flying with a particular airline frequently or infrequently, we can redeem our miles for a free return ticket or a dream vacation?  If you are completely clueless about this program, then read further.

What is a Frequent Flyer program? As the name suggests, it is a club for people who fly frequently (infrequently). It serves to recognize and thank them for choosing a particular airline or alliance of airlines, by giving them reward Miles for every mile they fly. These Miles can then be exchanged for free flights, upgrades and other rewards. The program also keeps in touch with members by sending them details of special offers, promotions, invitations and quarterly statements.

How do I enroll? You can enroll online or complete an enrolment form, available at your prefered ariline offices or aiport check-in desks. Remember, membership is completely free. 

A frequent flyers program would save you more money by ensuring that funds expended on tickets are not wasted. With this program, you can treat your family to a vacation at some exotic countries. I joined Emirates frequent flyers program once I started travelling and as at today, I can redeem my miles for a free return ticket or treat myself to a 10 days vacation at a resort in Mauritius. Recession or not, you need to avail yourself of the numerous benefits this program offers. It is a cheaper way to fly.

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Incontinence

March 13, 2009 at 10:35 am · Filed under Nigeria, wellness ·Tagged ,

I am deviating from my usual norm on frugal living by focusing on health issues today. Why am I doing this? Basically to create more awareness on the need to take health issues seriously. This error has led many Nigerians to their untimely death due to our insistence on spending everyday at spiritual homes instead of facing these demons head on. So, today I am focusing on Incontinence….you might wonder what this condition is really called. It is none other than the hydra headed monster most families refuse to talk about or even address due to the stigmatisation attached to this issue. Sometimes, stigmatisation can be worse than the condition itself.

Bed wetting or Incontinence as it is known within the medical parlance,  is any voluntary leakage of urine. It is a common and distressing problem, which may have a profound impact on quality of life. Urinary incontinence almost always results from an underlying treatable medical condition.

What causes Incontinence?

It can be caused by temporary problems such as urinary tract infection, vaginal infection or irritation, obesity, constipation, smoking, frequent high-impact aerobics or effects of medicine. Incontinence can also be caused by other permanent conditions, such as:

  • Aging (bladder holds less urine and and urine stream may be weaker)
  • Weakness of muscles that hold the bladder in place.
  • Weakness of the bladder itself.
  • Weakness of the urethra sphincter muscles.
  • Weakness of the pelvic muscles due to pregnancy and a weak and difficult birth.
  • Overactive bladder muscles.
  • Blocked urethra (caused by prostrate enlargement in men).
  • Hormone imbalance in women.
  • High calcium levels in the blood.
  • Diabetes.
  • Prolapsed uterus.
  • Structural abnormalities in the urethra.

Women are far more prone to the urinary incontinence than men for several reasons. Childbirth exerts a heavy toll on the bladder and the canal that carries urine from the bladder out of your body. We will be studying the various types of incontinence and appropriate treatments next week. So, remember bedwetting is not a spiritual attack…it can be treated. Have a swell weekend!

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If you still think….

February 11, 2009 at 9:09 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , ,

If you still think your business does not need a blog, ponder over the following four fundamental things required by your existing and prospective clients:

1. Get it right
2. Get it out there
3. Give them advice
4. Give them a voice

Who are ‘them’? Your customers of course…yeah! darn right. Your customers need this platform.

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