FAVOUR EREBOSI- Change Signature

AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN?

2013-05-10T08:33:00.004-07:00

Hello my people, it’s a great day! It’s good to back after a loooong break. And I hope you will not forget to appraise your performance for the out-going week, its necessary you do that as this will enable you to know how you have fared this week.

Anyways I’m working on a series of project around this topic, but I ve decided to share a few points with us via this medium today. My husband I went for evangelism some months back and while he was preaching to a guy, he asked him, ‘My brother, are you born again’? The brother didn’t say a word, little did we know that he felt we were not referring to him, my husband asked again, and he smiled and said oh! My brother, I am now, everybody is born again. Now you see, just as everybody is born again so is everybody a Christian as long as you found yourself in a supposed Christian home.

But the truth is, being a Christian goes beyond mere nomenclature, going to church and your background. The apostles in the bible were called Christians in Antioch in those days because people had watched them closely and found out that they were acting and living like Christ. Today what kind of Christians do we see? What we do is completely opposite of what Jesus Christ did and would do.

Jesus would never lie or make a promise He can’t keep, how many times have you heard a Christian say-‘it’s not possible not to lie, everybody tells lies in different degree depending on the occasion’ I hear words like, ‘everyone lies’. So why call yourself a Christian when you are practically not. If lying is a way of life for you, please stop calling yourself a Christian. If the apostles were known to be liars I don’t think they would have called them Christians.

If the Apostles were seen frolicking with women, I’m not sure they would have been called Christians, today what do we see? So- called Christians who also believe that ‘You must taste a product before you pay for it’- who do not see anything wrong in sleeping with their fiancée before marriage, who don’t see fornication as sin against God and their body. How I wish they can learn from biblical Joseph. The apostle knew how to flee from every appearances of evil.

The apostles shared things in common, there were no social segregation and class differences, people who had, brought and shared things with those who had nothing. What do we see today? Brethren who are up there socially only relate and greet people in the same economic and social class. If you do not have money, nobody will reckon with you. The so- called rich Christian would prefer to do things for their fellow rich Christians, and you call yourself a Christian? Jesus was a compassionate man; He was always moved to help people who are suffering and hungry. How many times have you helped people who you know need help in your church or environment?

Don’t be deceived, Christianity is not by word, it’s practical!

To be continued…

Cheers!

How big is your "HOW" ?

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year good people, its been a while. It's all to the praise of His name. As you continue to pray for the peace of our nation Nigeria, i wouldn't want you to loose sight of your aspirations, vision and dreams in 2012. All is well with Nigeria!

You might be asking how corruption will end in Nigeria, how possible will it be to have constant power supply in Nigeria, can we ever have generator free nation? the questions are endless, but the answers are imminent.

Many times in our lives, we are faced with the big question “HOW’’? How will this happen, how possible is this and that… Especially now that you you have put down your goals, dreams and vision in black and white. Guess you might have plans to get married this year, but you don’t even have a date, and you are asking yourself, how will this happen? You are hoping to move into a new apartment this year, but you don’t have a job, how will this happen? You are hoping to travel out this year but you have been denied visa several times, your wishes and aspirations might be numerous and one question you keep asking yourself is HOW WILL THEY HAPPEN?

If you have you have put them down in black and white, the next thing to do is to take action, start making some necessary moves that will bring those aspiration into reality. Besides this I have another view to all of these. I want you to believe in your heart that IT IS POSSIBLE!

When the Angel appeared to Mary to deliver the good tiding about the birth of Jesus Christ, it was not easy to convince a virgin who knew no man yet that she was going to have a baby. She also asked the how question. Peter indirectly asked Jesus the “How” Question when Jesus asked him to launch out into the deep. He said master “We’ve toiled all day long and caught nothing” he must be saying I wonder how you want to do it, but because you said so, I will obey and you know the rest of the story.

Sarah laughed when she was told that she would have a baby at her old age, an impossible situation, how can a woman who has reached her menopausal age conceive? The “how” question also showed up here.

We have several examples and situations when the ‘how’ question came up in the scripture, but they all got answers. I don’t know that particular situation in your life that has kept you asking the How question, I don’t know how big your “HOW” is. I have good news for you. Because those instances in the scripture got answers; yours will too. The same God is alive today and He is still in the business of working wonders. Just one day is enough for God to turn things around for you, He is God of all flesh and nothing is too difficult for him.

Cheer up cos all is well!

God bless Nigeria!

Have a wonderful 2012!

The man in the Mirror

2011-10-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence day compatriots. Trust you are great, its been a while, i ve been hooked up with a whole lot lately, but its all for good. I was looking for one of my write ups to edit and put up for this month being our national birth month. But while checking my achieves, i came across a note i had posted earlier, but reading it all over again made me feel like sharing it again as it captures what was/is on my mind to share.

So i titled it : The man in the Mirror. If you want to see Nigeria transform into a great nation in all ramifications, it all begins with man in the mirror, and that man is you. You have to lead the CHANGE!

While reading one of my role model’s book- Winning with people -John Maxwell. I came across something that resonates with me. He said that if I want to win with people, make a difference, that I need to examine myself first-the first person I must change is my self.

“If I ever think I’ve finished growing, then I’m in trouble” Maxwell wrote. Anyways one remarkable story he shared in the book reads:

In the crypts of Westminster Abbey, the following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican bishop who lived in the eleventh century:

“When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew in my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realized: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows; I may have even changed my world.”

The bottom line here is that change begins with us. If you become a better you, you will then be able to encourage someone out there to become a better person as well, and it grows that way. We are naturally quick at judging people around without examining ourselves first. If you must make a difference in this world, you must take responsibility.

I was tempted to throw a used recharge card on the road few days back, but on a second thought, I felt I would be contravening what I have always preached against, I thought that if I throw this on the road, and some other person does that and another person does the same thing, everywhere will be obviously littered with dirt. I would have contributed to the nuisance we all are trying to curb. So I decided to keep the used card and trashed it on getting home.

Don’t think that, that seemingly little ‘good’ you are doing to keep our environment clean by not littering the environment with dirt is insignificant, if everybody will do the little within our powers we will achieve much and by so doing we would have made a significant impact in the lives of people and our country as well.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIA!

Change begins with you!

THE MAN WITH A DIFFERENT SPIRIT

2011-07-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hi, its been a while, trust you are holding on, working and believing that this second part of the year will be greater than the first. For the benefit of those who are yet to buy my book but will buy eventually, this is a review of the book, just for you.

Author: Favour Erebosi

Reviewer: Emmanuel Effiong-Bright

The 156 page book - The man with a different spirit, defying the status quo written by Favour Erebosi, copyright 2011 and published by Fempact, is an instructional and inspirational body of work that aptly fits into the genre of self development. The subject matter rests on the need for change as a necessary cure for self-inflicted backwardness. The therapeutic possibilities inherent in this must read is evident in the beautiful cover, page texture, illustrative graphics and qualitatively researched content. The book bears the ISBN tag 978 978 912 8310.

The book, basically, introduces the reader to the latent and change ordering potential resident in him or her. It establishes in many contexts the paths and rewards of those who dare to make a difference in our world. The author’s audience would therefore include everyone; lower-class, middle-class, upper-class, students, employees, entrepreneurs etc. The author’s style though understandably formal has for the sake of its wide audience base, great fusions of buoyancy and breeziness. The writing style is highly coherent, fluid and concise. Though one would expect a great dose of lingo from the author’s industry, again her careful choice of words betray her effort and commitment to be understood by all. Her style therefore suits her audience.

A quick look at the table of content would show a sequence leading the reader to the ultimate goal of the book. Set in 11 chapters, its listing in proper order is:

- The making of a man

- Meet an overcomer

- Insanity redefined

- Anatomy of a man with a different spirit

- Speaking your way to the peak

- Choices and consequences: The Siamese twins

- Tomorrow is now

- The man with a different spirit

- You have no excuse

- The world waits to celebrate the man

- Take charge!

The making of a man 1

Seeks to establish the uniqueness of individuals and the creator’s expectations. This is well captured in Eleanor Powell’s quote, “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God”. In chapter one, the author strives and successfully establishes the transition from child to man and the power interactions that makes this possibility. In the chapter, the author amongst other ways shows how common adjectives and perceptions shape our personality.

Meet an over comer 2

Overcoming challenges is at the core of this chapter. Here the author enrolls in the school of thought that views challenges as an inevitable and fast-track dimension to growth. She extracts examples from the Holy Book to make her case. The reader would find interesting, The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary definition of the word ‘challenge’. OALD defines challenge as “a new or difficult task that tests somebody’s ability and skill.” She sums up the chapter with the ‘rise to fame story’ of Ibukun Awosika, Nigerias indefatigable business amazon.

Insanity redefined 3

“Have dominion and multiply the earth” Gods instruction to man takes a revelatory dimension in chapter 3 when the writer asserts it is the Creator’s way of encouraging his creation to defy status quo. It’s brilliant. The chapter attemps to link a thread in the characteristics of mad people and the sane who would rather stick to tradition than break out of the box. It encourages employees to help their organizations achieve against odds rather than complain about the things that don’t work. Obama’s intruiging life story finds a home in this chapter.

Anatomy of a man with a different spirit 4

Chapter four introduces the man with a different spirit as a dreamer. A catalogue of names both historical and present pegs this thought to the ground. Henry Ford and Joseph, the Bible character lead the list of dreamers. The author also declaratively makes a case for self definition and its impact on performance. She makes the reader to observe the fact that even the people we look up to as heroes, are only heroes because they overcame challenges. The chapter goes ahead to list attributes of the dreamer, among them, the fact that dreamers are not afraid of the unknown.

Speaking your way to the peak 5

If this chapter were to be summed up in one sentence, “a closed mouth is a closed destiny”, a quote attributed to Bishop David Oyedopo would be fitting. In this chapter we are encouraged to keep speaking until we see the reality of our words. These speeches or words, if you rather, should not be restricted to our persons but deliberately extended to our country of birth. Here, we are re-introduced to the second stanza of our national anthem –which is actually a prayer for the wellbeing of our nation, leaders and citizens. The power of thinking is given a good mention in this chapter.

Choices and consequences: The Siamese twins 6

It’s instructive to know or be reminded that the former president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton, would have been a jazz musician but for his chance meeting with John F. Kennedy. While not demeaning the importance of musicians in our society, this count introduces the reader to the importance of choices in life. “Choice is an everyday occurrence”, says the author, “from the time we wake up to the time we go back to the spot from which we awoke.” Not to be left in a pure state of motivation, the author goes ahead to list steps to maximizing our choices in life.

Tomorrow is now 7

The message of urgency rings aloud for all to hear in this chapter. Visualization is not enough we must follow through to implementation and on time, too.

The man with a different spirit 8

This is the heart of the subject. It is the nucleus from which the book derives its guts. Governor Babatunde Fashola and his achievements in Lagos State get a standing or do we say a reading ovation in this section. By doing the impossible, Fashola is honored with the tag, a man with a different spirit. Same goes for Stevie ‘the blind’ Wonder who still serenades our lives with hit tunes, the likes that have won him 30 U.S. top hits, 22 Grammy awards (a record for a solo artist) just to mention a few. Cosmos Maduka’s hilarious but serious life story, not less important, gives us a ‘local’ dimension to the man with a different spirit.

You have no excuse 9

The world waits to celebrate the man 10

Take charge 11

I crave your indulgence as I have taken the liberty to summarize and weave the titles of these three chapter into one sentence, one sentence I hope will remain in the hearts of all those who’ll read this book i.e.

“You have no excuse because the world earnestly waits to celebrate those that take charge”

Conclusion

In conclusion, I’ll like to say, even though I am privileged to be exposed to this kind of books by virtue of my profession, I am impressed by the author’s attention to researching the subject matter. I however must say that no book is ever in its perfect state, hence the need for further review by the author. When this is given its proper place, authors will attest to the fact that it births the second, third, fourth editions and so on. My advice to the brilliant author is same as I have offered over the years, a quote attributed to a great man, “the greatest room in the world is the room for improvement. It’s a great book, in my opinion, one worth reading. Thank you!

The unveiling of the Man

2011-06-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

More picture of the book launch.

Why People Don't Change -- 3 Reasons and 5 Things You Can Do - By Debbie Roberts & Werner Hofstatter

2011-06-01T15:48:00.001-07:00

I subscribed to one online selfgrowth website, i really learn so much from different articles and newsletters they send me.

I have decided to share this wonderful article on CHANGE with you, please read and be inspired.

Dealing with difficult people can be extremely frustrating. Trying to change them can be even worse. Understanding why people find it so difficult to change can provide some insight and relief. Although changing another person is out of your control there are some things you can do that can help. This may be absolutely necessary if the difficult person in your life is your spouse, your child, your boss, or anyone else who you have close contact with every day.

Understanding why people find it so difficult to change is the first step. Here are three things you should know.

1) What we see in other people is very obvious because we can observe it objectively. This perspective is huge. Understanding that what we see is not as obvious to them is vital. Communicating our perception in a fair manner is the first step.

2) We have all been "programmed". A lot of our emotional habits are formed in early childhood. It took us a long time to perfect these habits, so to just "change them" permanently is not always easy. If you have ever tried to quit a bad physical habit like smoking, eating sweets or biting your nails, you'll know that at first it is really hard to just stop. Emotional habits are even more difficult because they are not as obvious. Self-awareness is the key.

3) Sometimes people are aware of their annoying habit or behavior but still don't change. This happens when the "payoff" for staying the same is higher than benefit of changing. Think about the person who is notoriously late. What kind of payoff can someone get from being late all the time? Here are a few payoffs that may be keeping them stuck. "I can get a lot more things done during the time I could be early or on time". "I feel in control". "Being late is fashionable, I wouldn't want to appear over anxious or too eager". "If I'm early I may have to wait for someone else". Although these payoffs are double standards they are often

overwhelming. The obvious positive payoffs that we may perceive, like "appearing more professional", "improved relationships" and "reduced stress levels" may not even cross their mind.

So what can you do? Here are some tips to making lasting changes:

1. Change yourself first but state your needs clearly and respectfully. You can only change yourself. This may include letting others know that your needs are not being met and telling them what you require from them. You can say something like, "I have to let you know that when you are late I feel disrespected. My time is important too. In the future, I require that you be on-time or let me know in advance that you'll be late. Is that something you can do?"

2. Get some perspective. Self-awareness is the key to change. You can't change what you can't see. If you require a new perspective on yourself take a look at your life and see what's not working for you. Then, with the help of some objective and truthful friends, ask them what they think you're doing to create this situation. If someone else seems to be unaware of a behaviour that is affecting others, ask a specific question like, "Are you aware that when you ________ it is hurtful?"

3. Uncover your history to discover your current mystery. Patterns and habits can be deep. Look at your early childhood experiences. Are you a people pleaser? Why? How did this start? Are you shy and withdrawn? How did this start? Finding the root of your emotional habits will equip you to make different choices. Conscious choice is incredibly empowering.

4. Figure out the "payoff". Leverage is needed to change a habit. There has to be a bigger reason to change than to stay the same. Looking deeper is often the key. Honestly list all the reasons why you may be unconsciously resisting change. Then list the benefits of changing. Seeing both sides of the picture is the only way to "get it". If you are dealing with another person ask them why they think they don't change. This will help them process why they may be stuck.

5. Do the "21-day habit change". By changing an emotional habit for 21 days you will be well on your way to permanent change. Just 21 days. Track it, journal it or create a spreadsheet. If you can get through that the rest will be a breeze.

Hang in there!

The launch in Pix

2011-05-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Left to right- Emmanuel Bright of Emmagination Consulting; Niyi Adesanya of Fifth Gear Consulting; Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Former Attorney general and commissioner for Justice Lagos state; the author, Favour Erebosi and SACO, the MC and comedian.

I almost forgot

2011-04-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

Whatever happened to my manners, how can i forget to invite you to the public presentation of my first inspirational book titled: THE MAN WITH A DIFFERENT SPIRIT- defying the status quo.

Please forgive me. You are specially invited to the formal launch of my book. Venue: Adebola House, Opebi. Ikeja. Lagos
Time: 12noon prompt.
Date: 30th April, 2011

I will expecting you!

Achieve the extra ordinary, It's in you!

1000 Points of Light.

2011-03-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being part of a revolutionary program put together by the Daniels Generation, a revolutionary youth arm of RCCG Olive tree assembly. Banana Island, Ikoyi.

The program was tagged Conversation to change the Nation- 1000 points of light. The objective was to light up 1000 participants that will contagiously light up others to positively advance the nation. It was an avenue for youths to ask the leaders some questions that have been bothering them over time concerning the state of the nation.

We had several seasoned speakers like His Excellency, Governor Babbtunde Raji Fashola, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Leke Alder, Soji Apampa, Bode Agusto, Yemi Adelekan, Olayemi, Cardaso and a host of others.

In order to give you an insight into what we learnt, I have decided to give you some bullet points of what the first speaker spoke on. They resonate with me; I want to believe it should do same with you.

The governor was the first to speak, he started by saying that there is nothing wrong with Nigeria, that if we resolve that this is what we want as a nation and collectively adhere to set standards, we will thrive.

This country is not a lost cause
We live in a country where we make more babies without corresponding Hospitals to take care of these babies
Buy more cars without building new roads- The last major road constructed in Lagos was the third main land bridge.
The more people who try to access limited resources, the more frustrated they become… We live in country where more people are struggling to have access to limited resources…
Infrastructural renewal is one of our core goals in developmental plans
A greener and cleaner environment is a healthy environment
The measure of progress in any state is whether or not your government is responsive.
We must imbibe the right attitude that nothing is impossible
An attitude that only us can limit us
This is the attitude needed for change
We must re-examine our values, without the right values, everything built will collapse.
Nothing can stand in our way with proper values, right attitude and belief, nothing is impossible.
IT IS POSSIBLE.

That was the closing charge. IT IS POSSIBLE.

Be and lead d change!

Make up Your Mind

2011-02-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

We are already five days into the second month of the year, and I won’t be surprised that some people are yet to kick start what they have planned to do this year. I want to believe that you are familiar with the popular quote that “All objects remain in a state of rest until a force is applied” Did I get the quote well? Anyways, I am sure you understand where I am driving at. It is very important to note that nothing happens without a push. I love the woman with the issue of blood in the scriptures, I am not being pastoral here because I am not one, but I want use a popular illustration. She did one thing and that was “She made up her mind” that she was going to touch Jesus on the set day she got her healing.

Remember she had the crowd to contend with, I guess most people who also wanted to get Jesus’s attention would have cajoled and made fun of her to move away for “better and healthy people” to see the master. Their discouraging acts did not deter her, because her mind was made up. She was ready to surmount all obstacles just to touch the master.

You might as well call the write up ‘The power of determination’ the simple message here is that nothing is going happen until you make it happen, let me also say here that it is not enough to make up your mind, action must accompany your determination.

May be you have so many projects lined up for the year, but you haven’t started working on any for fear of completion and obstacles, kindly borrow from the woman with issue of blood, she didn’t care about the obstacles, she wanted something, she went for it, surmounting all obstacles and got what she wanted. It’s possible you are yet to make up your mind to begin. My advice, if you have them all well outlined, please run with it, because that vision is for an appointed time. But you must RUN with it. Meaning you can’t fold your hands and wait for things to happen, please make them happen. You’ve got all it takes.

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Leave the workability with God, just make up your mind today and ACT.

Achieve the extra- ordinary… It’s in you!

Take Charge!

Corruption is not our Problem

2011-01-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, good and great people of this great nation, hope goals have been set and plans to achieve them properly put in place. Not to worry, everything will be ok, if you play your part well, God will definitely surprise you pleasantly.

The crux of the matter today is that corruption is not our problem… “Favour, what are you talking about’? Someone must be saying, never mind just read through. We are quick to blame the underdevelopment of the nation on bad leadership and corruption. I am not refuting the fact that these things are part of the problem, but lamenting on them without necessary action is actually the major problem we have in this nation. Nigeria suffers more from our continued inaction than from the problems.

We suffer more of inaction in this nation than anything else. If you say leadership is the problem, what are we doing to solve the problem or is it just about talking and writing about them on the pages of newspaper? I don’t think so. If you say corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of this nation, what have we done to curb it? Why do we spend so much time on talking than acting? We are of no doubt known to make noise about bad situations than proffering solutions to them.

The election is around the corner, if you want to stop bad leadership and corruption, it’s time you stood up and allow your vote count. We encourage bad leadership when we fold our hands at election times when we are supposed to determine who takes the mantle of leadership. Prayer is key to success no doubt, but even the good book said “ Faith without work is dead” For our religious brothers who have been praying and are still praying for the forth coming election, I would advise that while we pray, we should also be part of a defining moment that confronts us. We are not saying that you should stop praying; we are only pleading that you should come out and cast your vote.

Pessimists would not show up at the polls, no doubt, those who think that the status quo remains, who think strongly that the election would be rigged may not bother showing up. But let me remind us that such mindset would not take us anywhere. When we keep thinking that things will never get better we prolong the realization of our dreams as a nation. When we think Nigeria should sort herself out of her woes, we are not been patriotic. When we think ethnicity should determine who leads, we need to reconsider unity.

Until we see the growth and development of this nation as a collective responsibility, it might not be easy for us to attain the height we have always wanted.

Corruption is just a noun, and it functions where you allow it to, besides. It’s found in almost all the nations of the world in different degrees. But we can decide to erase it from our system, if only you will do the right thing at the right time not minding who is doing the wrong thing. If we say the system is totally corrupt, do something to salvage the system, your vote is your voice and your power that no one can take away from you. Use it wisely this time around, and help fight the so called corruption and bad leadership.

Apart from voting the right people into position of leadership, let’s remind ourselves that we are saddled with the responsibility of making their job easier by being good citizens that will discharge their civic responsibilities with a sense of patriotism. Don’t sit and wait for things to happen, make them happen.

Remember Andrew lack’s word, “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

Change begins with you!

Re-branding a Nation

2010-10-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Trust your week has been great! I took some time out to deal with some urgent matters, but i ve returned and you will be hearing from me often as it used be.

Somehow i felt like voicing my opinion on the Re-branding process going on in the nation, though not so much has been heard about it lately. Please read thru:

Re-branding is the act of repackaging a product, it’s usually an improvement on what already exist; there could be name or content change, it could just be external change only, re- branding takes place after you have scanned the market and found a need to. I know this question is rhetorical; do we need re branding in Nigeria? Is it outward or inward re branding? When I say outward, I mean, beautification of streets, improved transportation and social amenities? Without mincing word, outward re branding is good, it will create a good environment for investors, but the simple truth is we need more than just outward re branding.

“Rebranding” a nation begins first in the minds, paradigms and value systems of the people before the external approach. What we need urgently in this nation is inward re branding, this can start with you. My point is simple, if we must witness developmental change, we would need to work on ourselves and this can begin by purging ourselves of those vices we practice everyday, in leadership position, as traders, artisans, graduates, undergraduates, lecturers, editors, etc. in whatever position or state you are right now. You need to realize that a huge responsibility is upon you as to how this nation develops.

We need character re branding, we need to look inward and check those things we do that we always say, “don’t really matter”, “everyone is doing it” but in one way or the other affect your neighbour and invariably the nation; we need to purge ourselves of all corrupt practices no matter how little we think they are. Giving and receiving bribe, alteration of figures for personal aggrandizement, sexual abuse and harassments, the list goes on. We also need to drop some social vices like, , religious intolerance, youth restiveness, kidnapping and militancy, public officials looting the Treasury, people driving against traffic, littering the environment with dirt, throwing dirt out of the car. These are little foxes that spoil the vine.

When we have purged ourselves of these things and so many more not mentioned here, then the re branding we are talking about will be a success. Re branding starts by imbibing and acting on those values that that we are known by. Values like: honesty, communal love, unity, resilience, justice, hard work and truth. These values have been with us, but we act like they don’t exist.

Let me also point out here that re branding is not a spontaneous thing, its gradual, but must be consistent. If each week you pick up one of the values and decide to uphold and act on it, and your friend or neighbour picks one as well and act on it, with consistency, we will achieve our dream of a nation with “Good people, Great nation”. It is not so difficult if you see yourself as an integral part of the process of the re branding. But it’s going to be difficult if we stand aloof and expect the people who initiated the scheme to do it all alone.

You have a part to play in the re branding process, we all have parts to play. Let us put our heads and hands together in presenting this country as “GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT NATION” to the world!

Change begins with you!

Custodian or Citizen

2010-09-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, its been a while, trust you are doing great and getting ready for your voice to be heard through your vote, remember no apathy for a change agent. Anyways let's get down to the business of the day: Custodian or Citizen. Which one are you?

I checked my Encarta Dictionary to find out more on what Custodian really means and here are definitions by Encarta: Person responsible for something valuable: somebody responsible for holding or looking after valuable property on behalf of a company or another person (2) Upholder of something valuable: a protector and upholder of something seen as valuable and endangered such as traditions or moral values. I will stick with the second definition. I see a custodian as an upholder and protector of moral values.

I just put the definition down to enable us have an understanding of who a custodian is. So who is a citizen? My Encarta also puts it this way: Legal resident of country: somebody who has the right to live in a country because he or she was born there or has been legally accepted as a permanent resident. From the two definitions, we can comfortably define which one we are. So I am asking you, are you a custodian or citizen?

It’s not difficult to identify where you belong, I can tell you that, you know why? Because you know yourself, you know what you do everyday. You know if you are a citizen and a custodian of this nation when you ensure that moral values you have learnt over the years are upheld by you and yours, when you try everything within your powers to protect your integrity knowing that it will invariably rob off on the nation at large, when you speak the truth at all times not minding the consequences, when you preach and encourage unity in all fronts, when you are eager to show love to your neighbour, when you are ready to give your all towards a good course, when your heart bleeds on the news of kidnapping, looting of public treasury and robbery.

You are a citizen and a custodian when your passion is on national transformation, when you will do everything to improve the lives of people around you, when your heart bleeds because your nation is topping the list of corrupt nations in the world, and the passion to have that impression corrected eats you up. You are a custodian when you are selfless in your service to your nation; you don’t see leadership position as a means of enriching your life but an opportunity to be a servant leader, one who can stand for integrity no matter what.

You are a custodian and a citizen when you always pray for the peace of your country, when you carry out your civic responsibility without apathy. Election is around the corner, a custodian and a citizen will not stand aloof and watch corrupt leaders take over the mantle of leadership when he understands the important role his vote will play.

But you are just a citizen when you are legal resident of this country, pay your tax, utility bills, have a good job, you are not bothered about political or economic condition of the country, what is important to you is your life, family and work. Every other thing as to what happens to the country where you are resident does not bother you. So many of us fall under this category, some belong here because they have given up on this nation and the leaders, they have concluded that nothing good is going to happen, so what’s the point in disturbing their lives over values and concerns for the nation.

I have an advice for you, come join us, as a custodians, we don’t give up hope, we don’t give up the fight for our right. We have learnt lessons from people and nations who never gave up and won the battle in the long run, we will keep protecting our nation, upholding our moral values until victory is achieved. President Barrack Obama captured my thought well during his inauguration, hear him “"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task".

Nigeria suffers more from our continued inaction than from the problems, fellow Custodians, don’t give up, quitters never win and winners don’t quit, I know what you think, the situation seems gloomier than ever, but remember that the darkest night is close to the day. Nigeria will get there as a nation, but not without you!

Change begins with you!

ZONING SAGA AND NIGERIA’S POLITICAL FUTURE

2010-07-28T07:08:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends,

Trust you are great, just want say thank you for always taking time out to read my posts. It's quite encouraging to get commendation from everyone.

I just had the article below posted on my facebook, so i felt i should do same here. The article was published in Financial Standard Newspaper on 12th and 19th of July 2010. It's my comment on the current current Zoning saga.

Please read thru:

First it was all about our then ailing president, everyone wanted to know where he was, what happened to him and there was so much distraction at the hem of affairs. While all these were happening, our northern brothers kept buttressing the fact that whatever happens, the leadership of this nation would rest on their shoulders for another 4 years based on a political party’s consensus. And for a while now, Zoning has been the crux of the matter. It baffles me on how people are so concerned about their selfish interest than the well being of the entire nation. I don’t think we should allow this zoning thing distract us from what is important, which is setting agenda for national development and working towards attaining greatness for this nation.

It is not constitutional; therefore debating it is not so important. Be it as it may, it would be great to remind the perpetrators that the interest of the entire nation supersedes that of a political party or region.

If you ask me, participation in governance by every part of the country should not be the criteria for electing a leader. Nigerians should be free to elect a leader with tested and proven record of good leadership abilities or potentials. Agreed, that the zoning was borne out of sentiments to stop complaints on marginalization, but like the first PDP national Chairman, Chief Solomon Lar said “But zoning is not permanent. It is temporary” even as PDP plans to do something with the zoning theory; I would love to remind them that true and effective leadership is not based on zoning.

Status quo is the mess we are in, according to Ronald Reagan, a former American president. The earlier we discover that we owe posterities a lasting legacy and foundation on which they can confidently build on, the better for us.

The interest of the people should be considered ahead of tribe and sentiments in leadership. As election draws near, it would be a great delight for every one to participate. The constitution allows every legible Nigerian to participate in the election of anyone they find suitable to lead them. Why should some political party restrict us to a particular region? Leaders that should keep themselves busy with setting agenda for national development are busy clamouring for regional leadership while some are busy fighting in the house over allowances and personal benefits.

A group of prominent Northern politicians in the ruling people’s Democratic party recently met in Abuja to map out strategies aimed at stopping Jonathan from contesting the presidential poll next year, insisting that their region should produce the president in the next dispensation. Sincerely the interest of the nation should be of major importance and not region. Let us remind these leaders that the foundation they build today is what posterity will build on.

Does it really matter if one region leads for several years if the leadership is born out of the interest of the people and not for regional or political interest? I personally don’t have a problem with the presidency coming from the north or any other region for 20 consecutive years if development is even and equally distributed across the nation. I don’t agree with the arrangement of insisting that presidency must come from a particular region because a political party said so.

The political party can go on to nominate, but the people who are aware of the political situation of this country and the dire need for national transformation in every facet of this great country should not be bought over by some sect who think posterity will forgive them for their selfish arrangement to trade the nation’s interest for their selfish and political ambition.

I believe we are going to have a credible election in 2011, but the people must come out to vote for the candidate they know will bring about the change we need. it has absolutely nothing to do with colour, race, region. If politics was based on this premise, I don’t think President Obama of the United States of America would have had a chance.

Americans stood up for change, because they were tired of status quo. The good people of this nation are tired of status quo- the way things are. We need change and that, we will get, but there is a price to it. We must all stand up for it.

We can’t jeopardize the future of this nation because of some selfish people who only think about party and not the interest of the nation at large. Let me say this to my fellow custodian of this great nation. Political parties will definitely lure you to dance to their tune with so much money. But while you take that money, remember you are trading the future of this nation and posterity for selfish gains.

Nigerians should be allowed to make their choice of a president in a free and fair election.

Let us take a stand against selfishness. Stand up for equity and justice. Think more of the people, less about ourselves make the right decisions, and take the right and necessary steps towards achieving greatness for this nation. It’s a price we must all pay to attain greatness. NIGERIA, GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT NATION!

Take Charge!

Favour.

Published in Financial Standard Newspaper-12th and 19th of July 2010.

YOU CAN LEAD THE CHANGE

2010-07-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

I am very optimistic that the “New Nigeria Project-Dream” as we call it, is a reality. Don’t crucify me yet if you feel that the problematic leadership situation in the country would never allow the realization of such dream. The fact remains that a dream goes through processes which, in most cases, are quite unpleasant especially where the dreamer is not strong-willed enough to get to the end of the processes. But be that as it may, I am confident that what is happening in this nation is a phase in the processes, and we are getting over it soon.

My confidence stems from the fact that Nigeria still has some credible leaders who are willing to serve the nation selflessly. Such leaders have demonstrated over time that their character and fortitude are unadulterated and indisputable. The Minister of Communication and Information, Professor Dora Akunyili is a handy example. Starting with her tenure as the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) she has exhibited an unflinching spirit of patriotism and doggedness.

At NAFDAC, she escaped several assassination attempts but this has not deterred her from providing selfless and first-grade service to her nation. And her stance during the recent saga of the ailing president as it concerns the interest of the nation further buttresses her selfless approach to leadership. No doubt, her courageous intervention roused other members of the Federal Executive Council from their slumber. Today, the country is on the move again under the leadership of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.

I must say here that leadership is about being able to tow a different path from others when it matters most. Indeed, it is not easy to take a stand that will bring about a positive change when you are surrounded by people who share a different view. Leadership is not just about being in power or enjoying the benefits attached to the position, it is a responsibility that comes with accountability.

This is why I insist that the dream is a reality because we only need few people like Akunyili to get to the critical number of people that can take this great country to where it deserves to be. If you can take a stand today against corruption and other social vices, whether in public service or private business then the change that we crave for is here. We don’t need too many people.

The panacea we need for change is simply that of promotion of the consciousness of the common good over the consciousness of self or personal gains. If I may ask, how many leaders in this generation are ready to give up their prejudices, personal comfort and self-indulgence just to serve their fathers’ land? Are there men who will risk their lives just for the good of the people of their nation without thinking about personal gain or glory? George Washington, the first American president provides a very good example of a leader who laid the foundation of greatness for his country through selfless service.

The 1^st United States Congress voted to pay Washington a salary of $25,000 a year - a large sum in 1789. Washington, already wealthy, declined the salary, to demonstrate that he valued his image as a selfless public servant. At the urging of Congress, however, he ultimately accepted the payment to avoid setting a precedent whereby the presidency would be perceived as limited only to independently wealthy individuals who could serve without any salary. Washington attended carefully to the pomp and ceremony of office. He made sure that the titles and trappings were suitably republican and never emulated European royal courts. To that end, he preferred the title of "Mr. President" to other more majestic names that were suggested.

Washington proved an able administrator. An excellent judge of talent and character, he held regular cabinet meetings to debate issues before making a final decision. In handling routine tasks, he was "systematic, orderly, energetic, and solicitous of the opinion of others but decisive, intent upon general goals and the consistency of particular actions with them.

Washington reluctantly served a second term as president. He refused to run for a third, establishing the customary policy of a maximum of two terms for a president which later became law in the 22^nd amendment to the American constitution. George Washington saw leadership as a responsibility to selflessly serve the public and not a permanent position to siphon public wealth.

Why is he officially honoured in his country as the “Father of the nation” and why is his October 2 birthday commemorated in his country as a national holiday and worldwide as the International day of non-violence? It is because he inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. I am talking about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi of India. In a bid to ease poverty, expand women's rights, build religious and ethnic amity, and increase economic self-reliance and above all, achieve the independence of India from foreign domination; Gandhi spent a number of years in jail in both South Africa and India. He was a learned fellow who felt that the best thing he could do for his people and posterity was to stand for the truth and the freedom of his people. And denying himself of so much comfort just to achieve these was the best option.

He has inspired several leaders and social reformers by his selfless service in India, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama etc drew inspiration from Gandhi. We are all aware of the impact the above leaders made/make in their respective countries just to bring about change that has inspired the world.

Imagine this post (online) on our ailing president which I came across some days ago. The exasperated commentator who is obviously a Nigerian wrote - “How does a country change when everybody is a thief and a liar? And I mean from top to bottom. Not one single person living in Nigeria keeps their word. There is no hope.” My take on this is that the comment lacks merit. I totally disagree with those statements, first because there is hope for this nation and because we still have God-fearing people who keep to their word, value integrity and see themselves as custodians of Nigeria. A custodian is considered as someone in whose care something important is entrusted for a specific time.

There is hope because no matter how appalling the state of affairs in the energy and power sector or other sectors of the economy may seem at the moment, it is all a phase in the processes to greatness. Let me also state here that the responsibility of bringing about the desired change does not solely rest on those occupying one leadership position or the other. And if each of us can resolve to uphold integrity as an integral part of principles that guide our daily lives, we are sure close to the change we desire.

As much as we look up to those in positions of authority to make a positive leadership impact, we also have the responsibility of championing positive change wherever we find ourselves. It was Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America who, in his inaugural speech said that “Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task".

And I put it this way - the panacea we need for change in this nation is within each of us. All we need is the recognition on the part of every Nigerian that we have duties not just to ourselves alone, but to our nation and the world - duties that we seize gladly when we see ourselves beyond mere citizens but custodians who are ready to do everything within our powers to ensure that this nation reaches the height it is destined to reach.

We can achieve so much when we put Nigeria’s interest first at all times, keep to our word – integrity. Do the right thing irrespective of who is doing the wrong thing and be a solution to a problem and not a problem to solutions. You too can make a difference no matter how little it may seem; it would go a long way. You can lead the change.

Lead D Change!

Favour Erebosi

WHAT ARE YOU LEAVING BEHIND?

2010-05-04T04:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends

Happy new month, hope the long weekend was a great one...

We live in a world full of people with unimaginable life ambition, drive and craze for success and wealth. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a life ambition to be successful in any endeavour you may find yourself. There is also nothing wrong in working smart or hard as some put it, to put food on the table, shelter and take care of your family. There are basic necessities of life that every human being craves for.

But while we are engrossed with the drive to make it happen in life, I would not want us to loose sight of what is really important. And I want to call it Legacy. My Encarta dictionary defines Legacy as something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.

The mistake we make most times is to think that we must attain a particular position in life before we can leave a legacy, absolutely wrong. Funny enough, some of our past heroes and living legends whose legacies are hyped all over the world are and were people who set out to add value to the lives of others, whose priorities were to positively touch the lives of people thereby making a difference in their generation. It had and has absolutely nothing to do with position, origin or status.

You need to make a conscious effort and decision to impact the lives around you, focus on bringing value to the world around you. To your work. To your loved ones. To all of the communities in which you are involved. Nelson Mandela never one day desired to have his face on the tabloid or CNN. That was not his dream, his dream and passion was to see the freedom of his people and he gave all there was, his personal freedom and comfort were traded for the freedom of his people. He was after adding value to other lives. I assume we know the rest of the story… but today, Mandela is a living legend, he does not have to pay some media house to come and cover his shows so they could splash his face on TV and Newspapers. He has a quality life brand that was built on a selfless foundation.

Mother Teresa is celebrated all over the world today because; she had a place in her heart for the poor, her life brand stands tall and strong till date. Rosa parks, the African- American woman from Alabama, USA. Who stood against racial discrimination is celebrated today because she had a strong sense of purpose. Little did she know that today, Presidents, Congress men would stand in her honour and celebrate her as a symbol of courage against injustice.

I could go on and on, Martin Luther King Jr. is well known by everyone, he is remembered as well as a true symbol of courage against social injustice. History has it that one of the people who motivated him was Mahatma Gandhi of India. This man also facilitated Indian freedom from foreign domination. He swore to speak the truth and advocated that others do the same. The history of India will never be complete without the mention of Gandhi.

Do you want to know what worked for these people? There was no “Me first” attitude in them. Everything they did, their dream and vision was built on a selfless foundation. For these people, fulfillment and success could only come from adding value to people’s lives.

One thing is very important, if we must make a difference in our generation, we must have passion, crave and hunger to better the lives of others. In this we will find fulfillment and subtly build a life brand that will endure with a legacy.

Always remember that “You won’t be remembered for what you took out of this world; you will be remembered for what you left behind”.

Take Charge!

Significance of Easter

2010-04-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to you all, hope you had a great celebration and holiday?
I bet most of us got Easter goodwill messages from friends and loved ones. We also sent few to reciprocate. All fantastic gestures, in the spirit of the season I suppose. But let me ask, what are the true significances of the season? Is it just about having few days off work, visit the Cinemas, friends, movies, sleep, eat and drink for those who drink? What exactly do you make of the season…?

If I were you I will not only see this season as a time to make merry but leverage on the following:
• A time to reflect on my relationship with the one who died for my sins on the Cross of Calvary,
• A time to reclaim all that the devil has stolen from me
• A time to re-dedicate my life to Him who first loved me.
• A time to maximize the power that resurrected Christ from dead by calling to life every dead aspect of my life, remember, grave could not hold him back, so nothing should hold you back from shining forth His light and His Glory.
• A time to proclaim the word of God to those who are in dire need of it- one of the major reasons He came in the first place.
• A time to look the devil in the face and tell him you are reclaiming all that he has stolen from you, because Christ was manifested that He may destroy the works of the enemy in your life.
• A time to bask in the euphoria of assured abundance of life- for the thief cometh not but to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus Christ came that you and I may have life in abundance.

• It should be a time to understand your place and authority in Christ Jesus. He was wounded for your transgressions, bruised for your iniquities, the chastisement of your peace was upon Him and by His stripes you’ve been healed. Healed of any form of illnesses; be it Financial, Marital, Spiritual, Career, name it. Your healing is assured. But it does not end here.

There is a place for reflection. I personally don’t get involved in any event without having a relatively good understanding of what it is I am celebrating. On this note, I would like for us to take time and reflect on what Easter signifies. If you come to a better knowledge of the significance of Easter and key into what it offers, your life will definitely be better for it.

It is my prayer for you that the REASON for the SEASON will SEASON your life with lots of celebration this SEASON and BEYOND.

HAPPY EASTER!

Happiness Is a Choice!

2010-03-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

I wonder where i was all through the month of February that i couldn't blog... I don't seem to have a cogent reason, but it's all good to be around today. Guess i am Happy! I should be, do i have a choice? Yes i do, but i have chosen to look at the positive side of every seemingly negative happening around.

We are often surrounded by events, circumstances, environment, even people who are always poised to make us unhappy. But happiness they say is a choice. Its either you choose to make the most of that situation and be happy or allow it take a negative toll on you.

From the country's political quagmire, economic, environmental, family and work stress, we sure have one thousand and one reasons to be unhappy. We are atimes prone to this mood when our plans and goals do not materialize when we expected. But the truth is, if you are not complacent about your future and things are still not working out as planned, it could just be that you are going through the "Law of Process" as John Maxwell rightly puts it.

One more thing, in case you are disturbed by the political and sectarian crisis this great nation is experiencing, believe me, it's just a phase, we will get over it soon. But you have a part to play: Love more, Pray more and sacrifice more, strive to always do the right thing... "It's a process" We will scale through it.

Everything will be fine! Just be happy and as much as you can, enjoy the process, cause it's a phase that might not repeat itself again. Make the most of that situation and process. Experience they say, is not what happens to us, but what we make of what happens to us. (Positive Learning)

Don't worry, be happy!

Take Charge!

Favour.

BUILDING CASTLE IN THE AIR.

2010-01-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Its good to be alive, not just being alive but coming to share few thoughts with each other this new year. I strongly believe that this year is going to be our best year ever. if you believe that say AMEN (Lol) So shall it be! Welcome to the year our King! I just want to share a few thoughts with you today on building castle in the air.

While growing up (Still growing though) we used to dream big, some of us wanted to be Doctors, Presidents, own big houses, drive lovely cars, get married to a beautiful wife and a handsome and caring husband, have lovely children and all of that. We fantasized as they call it. What happened to those dreams of yours? We all thought those dreams were possible then, because we obviously would have seen people live in big houses, drive lovely cars, become President, renowned Engineers, Doctors and so on.

I ask, what happened to your dreams, did you ever fantasize? Dreamt of doing or becoming something many years ago or even recently? Were you told by your parents and friends that you were building castle in the air? What has been your response to those cynics who told you that your dreams were impossible, who discouraged you from dreaming big, who told you don’t have all it takes to be that which you have always dreamt of becoming?

It is quite interesting to know that cynics are everywhere; they are there to see that those dreams of yours do not see the light of the day. But more interesting is the fact that, life is basically what you make of it and the choices we make. If you choose to believe them, you obviously will become what you believe. You can as well share Henry David Thoreau’s thought with them. An American author, poet, and development critic, he said, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

If you have dreamt of achieving something very big this year of our King, all you need to do is put foundation under them. What are these foundations: Prayer, self development, good association-This can make or mar your dream depending on how you manage it. Another one is excellence-stand out in the little you are into now, be eager to learn. Babatunde Oladele, a good friend and a mentor of mine said in one of his notes on facebook titled: Keys to personal growth that our watchword should always be MORE. We should always strive to be MORE, know MORE, do MORE, give MORE, ask MORE and pray MORE… It’s all about wanting to BE MORE in this year of our king.

Who says you can’t achieve everything, I am a living testimony to the fact that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

THOSE DREAMS OF YOURS AND MINE ARE ALL POSSIBLE. JUST DON’T GIVE UP. KEEP PRESSING ON, YOU ARE CLOSER THAN YOU WERE YESTERDAY.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TAKE CHARGE!

How would you describe 2009?

2009-12-24T03:26:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

Good to be back after a long unavoidable break. When you work for someone, you don't have the life of your own, you are at his beck and call, you want to do everything you are assigned to do just to prove your ability and capability on the job. (We pray for independence ASAP)

I had an official mandate to travel to one the states in the northern part of Nigeria in November. It was an experience, and i intend to share some with you when we return from the holiday. Why not today? you might be wondering, anyway, i needed to file in my report and put together my financial reconciliation, being an all expense paid trip. So it took some time to cross my T's and dot my I's, be it as it may, come January, we will share so many things together.

Back to the crux of the matter, i asked a question: What has the passing year been like? What was the whole experience of being alive since the inception of the year like? were you able to accomplish all your dreams and aspirations? were you able to abide by those new year resolution you made when the supposedly old year was still fresh? are there things you really wish you could have done or achieved but they never came through? the list is endless, but never mind.

It is a normal thing to sit and think through what you have and have not done or achieved as the year comes to a close. Are you getting discouraged that you did not achieve as much as you planned? Don't worry, it could just be for some reasons like not applying the complete principles of success or imbibing success habits, mind you, nobody knows it all. Check through my previous topic on Success habits, it might just be of help! It could be for some other reasons.

If there is something you need to remember as you make entry into the glorious 2010, it is that we are all responsible for our lives and whatever happened or happens to us.

But more importantly, if His presence does not go with us, there is really no point at all. Make God the focal point this year and He will make you His focal point and you know what it means, when you become God's focal point.

In conclusion, don't wallow in despair, the coming year is filled with so many wonderful promises from God, all you need to do is be wise and cash in on them and you will be singing a new song as we draw another curtain on 2010.

Touch a life this season, bring about the change and make the needed difference!

I want to wish everyone one of you a wonderful Christmas and a Miracle filled 2010.

Take Charge!

Favour Erebosi.

LEAD D CHANGE (2)

2009-10-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am still perusing one my mentor’s book- Winning with people -John Maxwell. As I read through I came across something that resonates with me. He said that if I want to win with people, make a difference, that I need to examine myself first-the first person I must change is my self.

“If I ever think I’ve finished growing, then I’m in trouble” Maxwell wrote. Anyways one remarkable story he shared in the book reads:

In the crypts of Westminster Abbey, the following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican bishop who lived in the eleventh century:

I was tempted to throw a used recharge card on the road few days back, but on a second thought, I felt I would be contravening what I have always preached against, I thought that if I throw this on the road or by the road, and some other person does that and another person does the same thing, everywhere will be obviously littered with dirt. I would have contributed to the nuisance we all are trying to curb. So I decided to keep the used card and trashed it on getting home.

Don’t think that, that seemingly little good you are doing to keep our environment clean by not littering the environment with dirt is insignificant, if everybody will do the little within our powers we will achieve much and by so doing we would have made a significant impact in the lives of people and our country as well.

Don't stop doing good because some persons are not. You can choose to be different!

CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU!

Take Charge!

Favour Erebosi

Write The Vision

2009-10-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

"This sister is not taking the prayer session seriously" I assume my pastor and some church members who had their eyes opened while prayers were going on in church few weeks back, would say about me. Because while prayer was on, i was writing down ideas as they come. This is not to overlook the place of orderliness in His presence, so don't get me wrong. Anyway i have learnt to always have a jotter or writing material with me, everywhere i go.

Ideas abound everywhere, it could come while in church, during sermon, prayer, worship, it could come while in the Convenience, Bathroom, while taking a walk; am sure you will be wondering if i go to the bathroom with writing material... Never mind. The point is, learn to write those ideas down, don't procrastinate about it, the possibility is that you might forget if don't write it immediately.

Most businesses today have a mission statement that talks about the purpose of the company. In life, every person should also have their own mission statement. What’s your purpose? What are you dreaming about? What are your goals? How are you going to use your talents and abilities? Many people have an idea about where they are headed in life, but something supernatural happens when you write down your vision and make a plan. There’s a resolve that takes place on the inside of you. No longer is that thing just a dream, but now it’s something you can look at every day. The people around you can see it, too. You never know how God is going to use someone in your life to help you get to where you need to be. If they can see your vision, then they can run with it!

I want to encourage you, don’t just vaguely live day to day. Make the decision to write down the dreams and visions you have in your heart. Submit your plans to God and watch what He will do to bring them to pass.

Take Charge!

LEAD, IT'S IN YOU!

Success Habits

2009-10-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

Good to be here again after a long while, hope you are great? Just felt like sharing a few thoughts with you today and more later. Endeavor to follow through cos it promises to be inspiring.

Today, we will be looking at success habits.

Success is simply the achievement of set goals while habit is what you do continuously over a long period of time and therefore becomes a part of you. We are all creatures of habit.

It might interest you to know that habit determines our character and our character determines our destiny. We can therefore conclude that good and Godly habits bring about success.

Some of these habits include:

Meditation: This is simply getting involved in deep thinking, its one of the ways to contact the supernatural. It helps you roll over ideas, which gives room for more inspiration.

Prayer:Prayer is not a monologue as most people think. It is supposed to be a dialogue with your creator. Don’t be too busy not to pray, spend time with your father daily. It should be one of your daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities: How often do you blame people and circumstances for your failure? Guess what? Well, would love to let you know at this point that you must take 100% responsibility for your life if you want to be successful in life. Responsibility is the key to true freedom. Wise people don’t let things happen to them, they happen to things.

Self Improvement: What are the new skills you are learning? What books are you reading to improve your thinking and reasoning? Teach yourself something new, work on yourself intellectually and otherwise, teach yourself etiquette. Learn more, read more, ask more, do more and be more.

Positive Self –Talk: “I am blessed beyond a curse” “I can never be poor again” ‘I am more than this’ Speak these words in season and out of season. Avoid negative and foul languages. Replace negative words with positive ones. You can use your confession to redirect your life. It is therefore important to mind the words you speak about yourself and those seemingly difficult situations you are facing. You have the choice to tell the challenge-“I am coming out of this”

Persistence: Develop the attitude of not giving up until you get your desired result. Do you remember Thomas Edison’s story on the invention of the incandescent light bulb? He persevered amidst challenges but scaled through after 10,000 attempts and today he is being credit for his outstanding invention. Every business has its challenges, just stay put, you will get there.

Planning: This is a strong key to success. When you plan, you break down your job. You can’t define wisdom outside of thinking. The more you plan the more you rise. You need to sit down and set a medium or long term goal for your life then plan on how to achieve each step by step. Planning is simply thinking ahead. Most people roam through life but successful people make plans and make most of the opportunities around them. You can employ a To-do-list for each day. When you plan your days, you will have an organized week, months, and year and so on.

Be action orientated: After you are done with your planning, take action. Newton’s law of motion states that ‘all object remains at a state of rest until a force is applied’ When are you going to take action on those Biz proposal you have written, those ideas you have written down, when are you going to do something about them? Do something about them today! Erase procrastination from your dictionary.

Association: Successful people are very deliberate about the kind people they associate with, because they’ve discovered the impact it has on their destiny. The people you associate with will influence you. Don’t be sentimental about people; be sensitive about your destiny. Learn to relate with people that are higher than you in life, because they will challenge your thinking pattern.

Time Management: Time is more than money; it is life, value time over money and activities. Invest your time productively. Be sensitive to your seasons and times in life, it determines your level of success.

Integrity: To be perfectly honest with God and yourself as a person. This must be your lifestyle. Learn to do things right.

EMPATHY IN LEADERSHIP

2009-08-20T10:53:00.001-07:00

Servant- Leadership begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test is: do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants...Robert Greenleaf

Why do people still complain about bad leadership and governance? How come they don’t see anything good in what the leadership is doing, is it that the leaders’ strategies are not working or could it possibly be that the people are insatiable? Don’t wonder too far, guess I have a clue. It does not always work when you try to put a square peg in a round hole.

For a better understanding of empathy in leadership lets take a look at how the dictionary defined empathy and leadership and what relationship exist between the two words. A formal definition of Empathy is the ability to identify and understand another’s situation, feelings and motives. It’s our capacity to recognize the concerns other people have. Empathy means: “putting yourself in the other person’s shoes” or “seeing things through someone else’s eyes”.

Leadership is about ascertaining a method for people to contribute so that it can result in a significant achievement. It is a process that enables a person to influence others to achieve a goal and directs an organization to become rational and consistent. Leaders carry out these processes by leveraging their leadership traits such as values, ethics and knowledge. Good leaders are not born. They are made. If a person has the willpower and the ability to learn, he can become a successful leader. A good leader engages in a continuous process of education, experience and training. He studies to improve his leadership skills and does not rest on past glory.

If empathy and leadership are symbiotic siblings how come they are not seen together in some aspects of leadership? A leader cannot be empathic if he has not experienced or learnt what the led go through. If empathy is feeling what the led feel and putting yourself in the other person’s shoes then we need to know how far this has gone in our democratic dispensation where people have the say about who should lead them.
Until we have leaders with empathy in places of authority, those who have felt the kind of pain people feel, who have been through the rugged road people are presently treading, who feels or have felt what people feel, attending to the follower’s needs and aspirations will be difficult.

Little wonder the system of government where a sojourner who has traveled for over decades to study abroad returns and suddenly shows interest in politics, and because he has a fine face and fantastic diction we all fall for him and elect him into a leadership position. How can he understand what is obtainable in the system, will such leader not find it unnecessary to visit the poor and resigned in our remotest villages.

The leaders who are making impact presently are those who have put ears to the ground and felt the pain and cry of the downtrodden. Why do you think the president of the United States of America, Barrack Obama got a land mark victory that took him to the white house? He was empathic, if you have read his best seller book, (Audacity of Hope) you would discover how much time and energy he spent traveling to rural, suburban and urban areas all in the bid to listen and know the yearnings of the people. Strategically it worked because he was able to address the core issues of the people of America that both great and small were looking for.

As a country, we seem to be suffering from empathy deficit because where we put our time, energy and money is the test of what we value. Barrack Obama said: “Unless political leaders are open to new ideas and not just packaging, we won’t change enough hearts and minds to initiate a serious energy policy or tame the deficit”.
We need to go back to the roots and learn about the people we lead. After all, listening is one of the skills a good leader must possess and communication has not taken place without feedback as it is a vital part of communication process.

Is it possible to have a program or platform which seeks to scrutinize prospective leaders on several grounds? Is it necessary to take time to find out background information about leaders before they are elected? Can their backgrounds and experience in life have a great influence on their system of leadership? I think that if we take time to consider the above before we elect a leader, we might be able to discover the suitability of a leader. It is necessary to tidy up these areas because if a man has not been successful in his private life and business, it’s not far from the truth to say that the possibility of his success in the public office is very slim.

Great servant-leaders nurtured empathy: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa certainly exemplify empathy in leadership.

Favour.

Published in Financial Standard, 13/08/09, page 11.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

2009-08-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

The road to success, they say, is dotted with many tempting parking places. This simply means that as you strive to attain your goal in life, you will surely encounter obstacles and distractions that might hinder you from achieving your goal. These tempting parking spaces could be those seemingly insurmountable challenges, weariness –which could come as a result of having put so much time and energy into the project or whatever it is and nothing seems to be happening still, and what comes to mind is to park and let it go.

My dear, you’ve got to keep on keeping on. Even when you fail, it’s not over. Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, philosopher and poet, said: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail". You’ve got to rise up. The glory only shows up when you rise and not when you fail.

It is worthy of note here that challenges are what make us stronger, they test our character, and ability to persevere. Challenges are inevitable encounters on the way to success. The obstacles you may encounter are not stop signs but guidelines and you can make stepping stones out of those stumbling blocks.

One more thing, make your goal your focal point and not the obstacles and you will find strength to KEEP ON KEEPING ON despite all odds..

Keep on keeping on!

All the best.

Favour.