One Goal,Leave Empty

2025 into 2026

2025-12-31T20:48:00.000+01:00

Its that day of the year.

It’s 2025, December 31st.
And as has been my private tradition for the last 19 years, now that’s a really long time. I make this post on the last day of the year to Reflects and Outlooks

It’s private because I share it only on this blog and nowhere else.

My posting on this blog has almost ceased.
Not because I don’t write, but because I barely remember to post here when I do find the time to write.
Despite this, I never forget this tradition on my Blogspot.

Interestingly, since my last post here on December 31st, 2024, this is my first time back.

I re-read my last post for December 31st, 2024, into the year 2025, which ends in less than five hours from now.

Looking Back at 2025

How was 2025?
Did it pan out the way my outlook projected?

I would say it did, largely.
But above all, and most importantly, I saw God’s goodness.

2025 was a year of many changes.

First, I left paid employment.
It was quick, but the decision was well thought out.
I had been thinking about it for a couple of years.

Honestly, I felt out of place in the role.
Not necessarily in what I do, but in the structure itself.
My mind, body, and soul had been urging me that it was time to leave paid, guaranteed employment.
To launch out on my own and build my very own thing.

My first decision was not to rush into starting a business, even though I had ideas already mapped out.
Before business, I needed real free time.
Time for myself.
Time for family.

And it has been great.

Family is everything.
A good family even more so.
And I am thankful for mine.

Health and Fitness

My fitness regime improved.

From scheduled weekly runs, I progressed to running a full marathon, three half marathons, and a 15km race to close out the year.

Improving my resistance training and strength building remains an area I hoped to do better in during 2025.
Hopefully, 2026 provides the opportunity to improve across all key areas of fitness, through consistent workouts and eating right.

Work, Skills, and Growth

2025 was also the year I began using skills I once thought were basic and started making money from them.

From developing content using just a phone and a few editing apps, I grew this into a usable skill.
I now develop promotional video content, branding for startups, and website copywriting.
This has grown into a suite of services that new businesses can actually use.

On another front, my experience, knowledge, and interest in real estate development expanded further.
This now covers construction, project management, and even the Realtor sector.

Attending the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Conference in Houston in November 2025 opened my eyes further.
It showed me that this is an area where my skills and experience fit naturally.

For the last 15 years, I worked in paid employment that was largely a marketing role, managing different stakeholders and expectations.
I see many parallels between that role and the work of a Realtor.

One of my goals for 2026 is to keep improving my knowledge and skills in this sector.
No rush.
No corner cutting.
Just learning the ropes, building networks, developing content, and being ready when the time comes.

Family and Gratitude

I entered 2025 and I am closing it with every family member, near and far, alive and well.
This is the greatest miracle.
And for this, God, I am now and eternally grateful.

In 2025, we welcomed the first great-grandchild in the family.
Such a blessing.
To see my mother witness the third generation.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Focus.
That is the key word for me.

I know there will be many things that will fight and test this word.

My prayer for 2026 is grace and strength to stay focused on every task before me.

Family
Faith
Business
Friends and relationships
Health and fitness
Wealth and finances
Projects

I need clarity.
Planning.
Action.
Consistency.
Dogged effort.
And focus to pull through successfully in all these areas that make up my life.

Nigeria as a country looks grim.
Self-centred and visionless men hold sway.
But regardless, and within God’s limitless possibilities, I will move forward successfully in 2026.
Worry less.

One thing I know.
The scheming of these useless people in government will come to nothing for many.

Intentions for 2026

The goal for 2026 is simple.
Focus on what is real.

Refuse to waste energy, time, and resources on the wrong places, people, and things.

FOCUS.

Be conscious of results.

Be intentional, deep, and deliberate about my faith in God.
Stay grounded in what I know works.
Seek God’s knowledge from the source.
The Word and the Spirit.

Entering 2026 with family, my prayer is to end it with family.

All our days and nights.
Sleeping and waking.
Going out and coming in.
Through all seasons.
All travel by road, water, or air in 2026.

I pray for God’s protection, covering, help, and total sustenance.

For full and total protection in our homes and in all places we abide in throughout 2026.

I am hopeful.
Encouraged.
Taking it easy.
Simple.
Focused.

Good success will come in all areas of life.

Limitless and unshakable faith.
That is what we walk by.

I am grateful to enter the new year seeing my friends, in-laws, and family alive, well, and succeeding through 2026.

Sickness, disease, affliction, and any limiting or debilitating illness, I pray never comes near anyone.
May divine health, restoration, and guidance be infused and imputed to all.

2025, God’s goodness was evident.
2026, grace, help, and focus to keep my eyes and heart fixed on Jesus Christ completes the year even before it begins.

2026. Limitless. Let’s go.

2023 into 2024 God's Goodness

2024-12-31T16:44:00.001+01:00

2023 it is ending and Thank God, it's NOT the End.

Am grateful for the year, goods immeasurable grace and mercies on me.

Am trying to reminisce 2023 in my mind's eye as far back as I can possibly remember.

I started the year slowly focused and knowing the things I needed to get done at least for the first quarter. In hindsight now I can say it all worked out really well, at least until it all went crazy.

The national elections came, and I fought, I voted and hoped for a better government to take over at the national level, yet it was stolen right before our very eyes both at the state and national levels.

On a very deep level this crushed hope, that flicker of hope that Nigeria as a country would turn a corner for good this time. Unfortunately not only that the elections was stolen but it was done in the most brazen, crude and evil manner.

Every institution of state was and is now captured by a thieving political establishment.

It's taken some time but I personally have come to terms with this tragedy for Nigeria and Nigerians. I have resolved to keep moving, keep thriving, and keep believing that good will surely win over evil concerning Nigeria someday and somehow.

While Nigeria as a nation had its own challenges.

I faced mine, and many of these challenges I never saw coming or anticipated but nonetheless I had to deal with and am still dealing with them. Faced with any challenges I never give up, give in or throw in the towel - that's all I know.

Despite the personal challenges God the Almighty remained gracious in his love, his blessings, his favours and preservation/protection.

New business, and upcoming investments, impending changes to my work and the demands of the job, tasks from allied engagements. I am grateful for these and how far I have come day by day and step by step.

Am grateful that as a family we pulled resources together and made the time available to carry out a complete overhaul and renovation of our family house. It's first major renovation and face-lift since it was built and completed in the early 90s/ late 90s respectively.

This was one of the many high points of my year 2023, to see the joy in both my parents that their home is made more convenient, more enjoyable and safer for them.

My wife went back to University for a master's degree. Successfully completed it and graduated 🎓 in 2023. Another high point of the year, all her hard work paid off well. She graduated and also secured a graduate job in her chosen field, thus allowing her the opportunity to gain further work experience internationally aside from the experience she had gained running her own business in the same field for over 13 years prior.

2023, paid off for our first apartment, furnished it and started a new Airbnb ( short/long stayapartment) business.

Celebrated with my sister on her son's first birthday, a time with family and friends ~ thanking God for his many graces in our lives.

God saved my brother, he showed him mercy and provided grace to restore his health and saved his life. The plans of the wicked,God ensured it was taken away completely, evidently, God is watching over us and this he showed through the life of My brother, from his diagnosis, the procedures and the healing.

God's grace and mercy were sufficient and generous. Thank you Jesus

The year saw the passing unto Glory my mum's only surviving sister the 3rd to pass on of her 4 sisters we grew up knowing as aunties.

As she is now without any of her biological sisters, I pray that God's grace will strengthen her, keep her and bless her with longevity to see her children's children and play the role of mother not just to her own children but to the many that she's now mother's also.

2023 was an important year, and I pray, hope and hold onto God's grace to move into 2024 to manage, grow and build on the important successes ripped from 2023.

My outlook and goal is to look inwards, trusting God completely without any shadow of a doubt for 2024.

A year of God's goodness.

My decisions, plans actions will not be determined, shaped or limited by local or global challenges. I want a good year, I desire a good year, I pray for a good year and I receive a good year 2024 in Jesus' name.

A good year of growth in my faith in God through Christ Jesus and the daily help of his Holy Spirit.

A good year for personal and family growth in all-around good works.

A good year that I start with every member of my family and we end the year 2024 alive in good health

A good year of good health, a divine grace to heal, restore and make well and complete our bodily health - every organ, and systems working and functioning healthy and to perfection.

The goodness of God in the year will keep us safe and secure from every disease, infection, and ailment of any kind.

A good year that as we go out daily we have protection & safety in our homes, outside our homes, in our waking and in our sleeping moments- that even as the wicked rage seeking for who to devour, a greater power overshadows and keeps all of us in safety.

A good year that as we travel by land, fly by air or travel through water the earth is the Lord and everything in it, thus let his divine covering secure all our outings or travels and even when we are indoors.

A good year for increase and growth in the wisdom to handle the affairs and the issues of life successfully.

A good year to make good and wise decisions and choices.

A good year to always be grateful, have joy and sustain that joy no matter what.

A good year to face honestly my challenges one day at a time, and one at a time honestly.

A good year to prayerful and insightful through the word of God the leading and leaning of his Holy Spirit work through my personal work, business, decisions and actions.

A good year for God's restoration, in every aspect of my life. A good year to always keep taking stock, declutter and face my challenges and fears.

I ended 2023 with all my family and friends alive and well despite all that has happened and is happening in Nigeria and across the globe - I rely, trust and hold on to the same God who makes this all happen because of his love, mercy, grace for he is God all alone and this glory he takes.

2024 God's Goodness is manifested in my everyday life, my everyday living. ♥️

2024 into 2025.

2024-12-31T01:06:00.000+01:00

2024

What a Year

Since 2006, I have kept a tradition of reflecting on the outgoing year and setting an outlook for the incoming one. However, this year feels different. For the first time, I feel unsure about what to write. Not because 2024 was uneventful—on the contrary, it was one of the most defining years of my life.

So much happened that often left me dazed. My hesitation stems from the routine of 2024, which makes tomorrow, January 1, 2025, feel like just another day, rather than the new slate and fresh start it truly is.

Yet, as the Spirit leads and my mind comprehends, I write.

Reflections on 2024

At the dawn of 2024, I prayed for one thing: to see God's goodness reflected in everything that came with the year. Looking back, I can say with certainty that His goodness was ever-present, even during my highest highs and lowest lows.

Passing on of My Father

This year, my father completed his race and transitioned to eternity. I remember every detail leading up to that moment.

It started with a phone call telling me he wasn’t feeling well. Later, an early morning call confirmed his condition had worsened. I delayed answering that call, dreading the worst. When I finally mustered the courage, my mother’s tone said it all. We decided to take him to a hospital hours away as soon as daylight came.

I booked a flight for 10:30 a.m., joined the 6 a.m. prayer session by my local pastor, packed my bag, and headed to the airport. My sister, who had also cut her holiday short, was there with her toddler son. Together, we flew to our home state and went straight to the hospital.

The joy in my father’s eyes when he saw us now makes sense—he likely knew he was leaving us and was glad we rushed to be with him. Despite the severity of his condition, I had no inkling that these would be the last 24 hours I’d spend with him.

On August 10, at 6:24 a.m., my father took his final breath. It was peaceful, without struggle. I laid my hand on his chest—not to check for breath, but to thank Jesus for his life.

The Aftermath

Informing my siblings, arranging for his body to be moved to a morgue closer to home, and notifying extended family—how I survived these tasks, I cannot explain. Looking back, I see God’s strength carrying me through.

Later that evening, as I walked around the compound of my father’s house, the weight of the loss hit me. I cried deeply until I noticed the family guard dog, Halli, looking at me with what seemed like pity. Who would have thought that comfort in my deepest sorrow would come from a dog?

A Celebration of Life

My siblings and I resolved to celebrate our father’s legacy rather than host a mere funeral. This shared mission, despite our occasional disagreements, united us. Indeed, God turns ashes into beauty.

Interestingly, over a year before his passing, my father had pointed to a spot by the house and said it should be where he and my mother would be buried. I dismissed the conversation at the time, not realizing how prepared he was for this inevitable journey.

Dad, rest in eternity. You ran your race, did your best, and finished your course. Losing you is hard, but it has brought us strength, faith, courage, and wisdom.

---

Other Highlights of 2024

Health and Fitness

From March to December, my fitness level improved significantly. Despite recurring gastric discomfort, I am grateful for the physical and health benefits achieved this year.

Financial Journey

I made, spent, and invested significant funds in 2024. While I stopped keeping precise accounts at some point, I ensured the money was used for meaningful purposes—home improvements for my father’s house, international travels, and more.

Travel

Two trips to the United States: New York and Boston in January, and Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Boston in November.

A trip to Ghana, fulfilling a long-held desire.

Family and Friends

My wife underwent another fibroid removal surgery. God saw her through, and I am thankful.

A close friend of over two decades took his own life. It remains shocking and heartbreaking. May God have mercy on his soul and comfort his family.

---

2025: A Year of New Beginnings

I believe 2025 is a year of newness: new beginnings in my mind, body, soul, family, decisions, and experiences.

My Prayers for 2025

Safety: For my family, friends, and loved ones, in our homes and journeys, in all seasons, day and night.

Peace: God's peace that surpasses human understanding, erasing fear and restoring confidence and trust in Him.

Goodness: An unending manifestation of God’s goodness in my life.

Health: The miracle of a healthy body, complete healing, and functioning systems.

Fitness: The grace to strive for better physical fitness and health.

Restoration: Divine restoration in every area of my life.

Wisdom: The grace for precise and impactful decisions in all matters concerning my family, business, investments, and travels.

As 2025 unfolds, I trust God to make everything new. By the end of the year, may it all make sense, even if today it seems unclear.

In faith, through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, I declare: 2025 is a year of new beginnings and newness.

---

This is How We Do It!

2023-01-07T16:34:00.003+01:00

Montell Du'Sean Barnett Jordan (December 3, 1968) isn American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Best known for his 1995 single "This Is How We Do It", on Def Jams Label -Today he Pastors

an Online Church

master peace church

For 54 a years old man Montell Jordan is an absolute classic act, an icon of 90's Soul /R&B music. He's has so much stylish excellence and now above all a Pastor.

In the mid 90's he's one of the young music idol, African American artists we would listen to from half way across the world in the dingy streets of Warri in Nigeria,immitate or try to be a wannabe version of the panache they carry.

The back story to the success,we never knew - we just saw the fame and fortune and tried to identify with that.

Decades later we get the opportunity to hear the back story,the work,the walk,the raise & falls of stardom.

The journey for most is crazy. So many fell off,some lost it completely,some made it then eventually lost their minds.

So it's good to hear Montell's story as all still seems to be working together for the good eventually.

Interesting excerpts from Montell's interview

Interview &Video Credits VLD - Tv

Video Credits VLD

22 to 23 Great & Greater

2022-12-31T19:16:00.006+01:00

It is 4:20 PM, am in the living room having a home made meal I cooked myself the previous evening and drink a bottle of warm Martinellis, apple cider wine.

I have been contemplating all day when I will make this post. It's the 31st of December 2022 and in the last 16years, every last day of the year I have maintained this tradition of documenting my general thoughts, for the year ending and my hopes and outlooks for the incoming year.

I believe that in going forward, it does demands a good reflection backwards also, like the famous quote from the late Steve Jobs of Apple

“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future"

The interesting thing that life and faith in God has taught me is that this " SOMEHOW" is not a thing of chance or luck.

It's simple God's hand at work.

Every steps he has ordered, even when I take them without knowing where it may lead or certain how it would eventually turn out.

2022 for me was a great year,it's started off with very many uncertainties both personally and family wise.

I only believed and held to faith that everything would eventually work out for Good and to the glory of God and indeed,that's the testimony today as the year closes.

I end a year that began with so much uncertainties with so many wonderful Blessings and Greatness - I can say of a truth that it is/was a great year.

I was faced with new challenges and demands on my Job, career and other personal endeavours.

I had to equally develop and increase my capacity to take on these demands - as I have learnt that at times competency can get you to a level - but with growth you have to add capacity, capabilities to the competencies to remain relevant and continue to make impact.

The year came with many of its own challenges and personally in some of the things I hold a my values ,this year specifically I was tested and tried in many of these areas- and most often I failed more than I can say I succeeded but the best part has been that ,I have never stated knocked down, defeated or changed these values to accommodate my failings. I have taken accountability and responsibility and strongly made effort to continue to stay true to my values and my believes.

The words from this song (reckless love) written by Cory Asbury struck and has stuck with me from the first day,I heard it in 2017 and it's still my testimony.

Financially, the year 2022 came with massive financial blessings, and likewise massive financial expenses. That I am ending the year with literally an empty bank account, but I am glad that the finanace came, our needs and even wants were met and even most importantly a couple of great investments were made in the year.

The seeds of these investments planted in 2022, hopefully by the grace , mercies and unfailing favor of God through Christ Jesus ,it would all begin to yield very bountiful harvests that would last us for a life time.

On the family front, the year 2022 brought us a great blessings - God have a sister her very own "bundle of Joy " - I couldn't be more happy for her and indeed the fact that as a family we were blessed with this increase.

The Joy, gladness and reaffirmation of God's love that this child has brought into our lives and homes is so evident. When I held him, I look at his eyes and face,his smiles and laughter all I can say is Thank You Jesus for this is your Blessings and it is a marvelous sight now and all the days of his life.

The year 2022 had some health challenges for my ageing parents and even parents in-laws,but God mercy brought healing and restoration of life and health. I am glad that I end the year 2022 with both my biological Father and my Father in-law who both had health challenges in the course of the year - and as I type this my sincere prayers to God is that for the year ahead 2023 that their good health is sustained, that their life is protected. I pray and hold on to faith for the same blessings of God health and wellness for my Biological mother and my mother in-law. That all the days God's has set forth that would live and complete it, nothing whatsoever shall harm or cut short their days.

I am grateful that I end the year with every family member alive and well. My Brothers,Sisters, Nephews, Nicies,In-laws ,Close and Distant Friends and Colleagues are all alive and well.

God's protection has remained excellently true for each one of us, day in and day out. For the new year I specifically ask - that our lives, our family and our welfare be protected and provided for in the name of Jesus Christ I pray this.

The year 2022, saw the passing of two pets in my family home, our African Gray parrot named Okoko,he's been in the family for close to 18years and one of the family Dog named "Clouse " also passed on. He was the most gentle friendly Dog you would ever meet.

I hope that for the time they were with us, they experienced happiness and where possible lots of love and kindness.

Thank you Clouse and Okoko for the Joy, Laughter, Noice and Love you brought to us all. 🥀

2023

This is an important year!

This is the word that has been inputted in my mind and spirit for the year 2023.

It's an important year for me personally.

It's a. Important year for my country Nigeria- the 2023 elections would be a defining point for many thing good to come or very bad to come. I sincerely pray, believe and hope - this Good will win over Evil in Nigeria and the majority of its people would align Thier will to God's will for Nigeria - The Healing of Our Land. AMEN!

I would want to approach the year with the frame of mind of its important and let that sense of importance guide my thoughts ,plans, actions and deeds in all facets of my daily life, week in and week out, and as the seasons change and events changes through the year to the very end.

On my Job, I should focus on what's important and build on this to help me turn out the best results desired and exceeds targets.

My my faith - I must realise the importance of my responsibilities in this walk called faith. The importance of my believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I have to make out time for myself to know more of the God I believe,serve and trust without doubt.

The importance of the home,my marriage union,family life,short and long term family goals and ensuring must be made clear, articulated and set for with more clarity and fine-tuned with Godly wisdom as may be required.

The importance of better managing my fiances to not only secure our financial future ,but ensure that our present in lived without lack and with the comfort and decency that God's grace and his provision through Christ has blessed us with.

The importance of putting my finances in God's care, and managing it with wisdom. Living out my commitment to financially tithe and offer of my incomes for the work of God through his Church (specifically my local church) and also to fund the heart to help,give and support family ,friends ,acquaintances and even strangers financially as I am lead.

The importance to curtail anything that is a waste of my finances, my times and any of my resources.

The importance of my Wife,her success,her peace and joy and our family,our home and the commitment we have made for life .

Focus on the importance of all relationship,extended family relationships, close friendship and people - understanding the value they bring to me life and what I also bring to their life's.

Refuse any form of toxic, manipulative and debilitating relations and taking bold steps to address this when a need arises.

Find the wisdom to manage relationships, grow relationships and build new better and successful networks.

2023, focus on the importance of a good health and wellness that comes from good physical activity,good rest, sleep, and meditation to declutter the mind. Being centre on God's love ,and God's Spirit within me to live in him,move in him and have all of my being in him .

Keep striving for excellence in every aspect of my daily living and my life.

Travels - for the year to set the plans and maintaining them, where and when to be in particular locations - for family,work,business,holiday/relaxation and adventure.

Pray for the guide and safety of self and everyone that travels by air,by road,by rail and by water.

That our going out daily is guided by God's angle and for every means and mode of transportation we use in 2023- God's shield of protection surrounds us, and his angles take changes concerning us.

So for 2023 , the watch word and focus will remain importance.

I pray in the thick of the year, that this word is always called into remembrance.

That I always understand what is important and what is not,know what and were to focus my energies,talent and strengths and where not to. Have a good balanced towards everything.

That even when I am weak, were I may fail - that the importance of all that has been set before me and set for me in 2023 would never be lost on me and the courage and wisdom to always raise would be available until me.

So as a new count for 23, starts in a few hours- we would continue to ride on every victory won in 22 and build to greater heights for 2023.

So when in December by the grace and mercy of God through his beloved son Jesus Christ - we would look back and Thank God that again - he has glorified himself and to him alone will all the glory go.

As I go into 2023,alive hale and hearty myself ,my wife and every member of our extended families. I pray to God that in Jesus name we would all end 2023 alive hale, heart and in a better place spiritually in Christ Jesus.

2023, is an important year ,all that the year is destined to deliver to us and the role we would play on our part to receive these blessings,I ask for the grace and wisdom to come upon us and follow us through and 2023 would keep unraveling each Blessings set for the year and future years to come.

Amen

It's 7:00pm.

So with this Dance and this declaration let's go into the the first day, the first week,the first month and the rest of 2023 of Miracles.

Feet On Holy Ground #Christmas

2022-12-24T15:18:00.000+01:00

Family

"Where life begins and love never ends"

Christmas2022

Happiness

2022-12-07T15:47:00.013+01:00

These are a few of my favourite things

" A nice foot wear"

"Kick Back & Feets Up"

"A Quite Time with Me" #introspection

And of course

"Music "

#whosthefoot

No #egotripping

Mornings

2022-09-01T15:23:00.001+01:00

Not every morning would be a bright 🌅 sunny day.

But

Every morning 🌞 must be Cherished

#BeautifulSeptember

In the pursuit of Peace & Quietness

2022-06-10T20:21:00.001+01:00

Hear my story, if you will,but let me lay it down like that popular R&B song from the 90's by ,Brian McKnight. Steps 1,2,3 & "Back at One"

Step One-

I was living in this apartment, and it was smack right in from of a Beer 🍻 drinking joint,they probably call it a pub in the UK or a bar in the United States - but in Port Harcourt, (PH city) Nigeria ,it's called a Beer Parlor 🤣,cause people just go thier drink beer,watch the premier league ,and eat "ise ewu" aka goat 🐐 head and listen to very loud noise music.

Just beside the beer palor is a " Gym" at least that's what they called it,and this gym was right opposite my bed room window from across the street.

Every morning from 7am, once I peep out my window, what do I see. Middle age women trying to loss wieght - but all they keep doing is dance routines, that's all.

So every evening from 7pm, the " Beer 🍺 Palor starts playing loud music, am forced to close my window ... From all the ahhhh, shoki, en-hen 🤣.. this will last till like 12 pm daily including weekends,and as if that's not bad enough.

Every morning I wake up to another set of loud music from the dancing Gym,I look out my window and see them do "Your waist ,your waist all I want is your waist "😂..am like gash demit - 🤨

I hope you all add more weight for this noise horror you making me go through and as for the premier league watching beer drinking crew - I pray their team losses and the Beer taste sour in their 👄 mouth.🤣

I got tired of everything in that neighborhood and so decided, we should move.

Step Two-

We moved to a more expensive apartment,yet smaller then the one we left, but we were at least glad we leaving the all the "shoki" and "waist" crew behind.

We had bearly settled into our new apartment, when one early morning, probably around 4:30 am. I heard a voice of one ,cry in the wilderness of our new niegborhood, and it's a gated one. So how come there's a preacher men outside ,this precher man move from one end of the street with his bullhorn📣 singing and then like , hitting the 🎯 target bulls eye, after walk back and forth signing. He sets this "Big Ass" loud 🔊 speaker where? Right opposite my bed room window and goes on for the next hours still almost six am - shouting hell,hell and hell fire 🔥- am like WTF🤬.. not again 🥹

Dear God am a Christian too,but some of your children have lost their minds over this preaching stuff. This horrible experience lasted for at least four years , till I moved.

I looked for way to cope, like getting a Pioneer speakers headphone 🎧 and eventually a Bose 10 sound system to help drown the noise.

while I struggle with this early morning noise, my wife aka "sleeping Beauty" as the name rightly fits often will sleep through,the noise but sometimes would shout out ohhhh God ..😅😂🤣 when the noise gets crazily loud 🔊 but still manage to go back to sleep,but not me.

Once uncle precher starts fiddling with the big ass speakers and his microphone, testing it by shouting some very, LOUD PRAISE THE LORD! am awake and will toss and turn until he's done.

One day, I couldn't take it anymore, I got up, walked down stairs, out the gate and headed straight right at him Uncle preacher man saw my pace and knew some shits is about to go down.

🤣 but naaa, as a gentleman man and person of the faith, I just wanted to "reason" with him.

I greeted him, and told him well-done Sir,you doing a good work, however - do you ever stop to think if it's effective because once or twice a week, you wake people up very early and most of us really need the rest, so we can wake up on refreshed and go about their business.

I said why not do this at a more convenient time - maybe more people will hear or listen and besides ,do you know how many babies you wake up early every morning 😂🤣

Preacher man, response was just Hmmmmm, okay..Hmmm.

I thanked him and walked away. End of preaching for that day and a few weeks after ,uncle precher man resurfaced 😅😂🤣- he just can't seat ideal and let all these folks in the neighborhood go to Hell.

I was like,🥴🤷‍♀️ precher man's got a point , let me not be the one stopping God's work. I guess he is doing it the way he know how best to do it, regardless if it's a nusiance to some.

So Step 3-

I moved house again, rent double but this time, it seem like a much better niegborhood there was no church or bar in sight ahhh "relief 😮‍💨"

I was feeling like Eliza Doolittle in the movie "My Fair Lady "..as I said to myself "by George I think we've got it"😂🤣.

Peace @ last, Peace @ last..Thank God we have Peace at last. 🤣

We had some peace and quiet, the to crown 👑 it, the electricity supply in this neighborhood was stable as F.....K.

The apartment had easy access to almost anywhere in PH city -

.....and then it happened, step one step two,step three and back to one again....

Back to Step One -

Behind our new apartment was an ongoing project and it has lasted about 3years since we moved in.

I traveled out of PH to Abuja for a while after the Covid Lockdown, came back and BAM! Project completed and it's a Hotel ,🤐 chineke ! and not just any hotel a noise crazy ass hotel with you guessed it " a beer palor" ,😂 and wait for it.... they also had a hall space rented out to a Church and the hall space was smack right opposite my bed room window.

So in the evening and weekend the beer palor again plays Loud music and with the most annoying hype man you would ever hear on a mic 🎤 ..Am like God no! 🥹 Why me , and a Church took the Hall Space and my head🤯 busted :

I just said I give up - I need to change my Prayers to Lord Bless me indeed with the resources to live in some very expensive private and exclusive estate with sanity and control -

🙏 So fam ,Pray with me oh....

But for now am enjoying the beautiful life of Nigeria's organized cahos.

2021 into 2022 (365/365 )

2021-12-31T21:12:00.002+01:00

31st December 2021, It's 365/365 and am grateful.

Hard to quantify this graditude am ending the year - but Am just, just so Thankful to God.

For me 2021, flew by fast, it was extremely busy on my job, it's been an intense roller coaster from May 2021 up until the last two weeks of December 2021. We saw record number of Nigerian international students, progressing for studies with the vast majority going for Post graduate programs - and attracted by the possibilty of accessing the UK new graduate route visa scheme that allows international students after graduation to remain in the UK for another 2 years and seek post graduate work experience.

Despite the impact of an ailing Nigerian economy and the pandamic that has all but made travel and study more cumbersome, the resilience of Nigerian international students to "Move" forward despite these obstacles was quite encouraging for me,having been in this sector over the last 11years - The downside to the massive growth was also the growth of many ill prepared applicants,which imposed a lot of strain on the application,systems and processing. Thankful for a dogged team, we pulled up sleeve's put in the work to ensure we filter out the weath from the shaft and offer great support to all genuine applicants and partners - and we survived, or should I say we're surviving as we still have the intake for January 2022 to deliver, but yet am positive we would.

This year, like no other I had to give my health a lot more scrutiny,managing what I take and how that impacts on my gut health- I experienced gastric issues and this got me to start taking many stuff out of my diet or take them in moderation.

2021 is an eventful year, as the world continues to battle a pandemic that has now become too often a tool for many to rip others off economically or to brand segments of society as Vaxxer or Anti Vaxxers - 21st century could have done better, a pandamic so evidently deadly ought be better and sincerely managed and not littered with so much deliberate misinformation, force and absolute charades.

In my tradition of making this post every 31 December since 2006 I have had to write this is two parts, just so I can get it done.

The first part you just read was written sitting at the restaurant at Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt Nigeria waiting on a meal I order take out, how I ended up there's is a another story,- you probably see bits of it below

The some of the major highlights of my 2021, where mainly that for a 2nd year running,I have been living between two cities Port Harcourt and Abuja Nigeria capital. Multiple travels across both cities back and forth, I have sort of mastered the flight phat - while my roots remains in Port Harcourt, I can conclude now that hopefully ,I am having a brance in Abuja and with time, hopefully something of it's own tree will take root in Abuja.

I continue to stand make war within me to remain faithful to my value and dictates of my faith, sometimes it seems it just keep getting more difficult by the day, but looking back now- I can clearly see that when it got most difficult, I founds even more grace and strength to press on.

On physical fitness, 2021, was a good year, I would have loved to have had more consistency in my fitness regimen , but I think 2022 presents a new opportunity to continue a more disciplined fitness regimen to increase my physical fitness, health levels ,mental and general alertness. The fact that I get to workout free in a well fitted techno gym, a decent swimming pool, play on a lawn tennis court, jump ropes, ride a bicycle - it's absolutely not taken for granted - this would have cost me a fortune.

On the business front, Whilst I support my friend with time,effort, and intellect to help manage ,grow his business - I too continue to take this as an opportunity to learn - human behavior in the arena of business, managing business relation ,anticipating and managing client's and making interpersonal work relationships.

On the family front, I can only say, it's the grace , mercies and uncompromising love and protection of God that has sustained me and my entire family - we entered and ended the year, nothing missing, nothing at loss, nothing broken - even in such a perilous time as these.. It thus , is my strong reassurance that for the new year still - nothing will be loss,nothing would be missing - we would see the increases from the efforts we are setting for in 2022.

I am particularly happy that I was able to go home and spend a few days with my father and mother, - Everytime I get to see that ,I am just beyound thankful to God for keeping them, and sustaining them - even as they grown in age. I left home today 31st December and made the three hours journey from my parents house in Delta state ,back home to Port Harcourt - so I can be in Church for the cross's over service this year- Getting home after the journey and with little to to get a home cooked meal, I had to rush to Hotel Presidential restaurant to get a dinner and rush back home to get ready and be in church before 8pm- so that is how I ended up doing this post in two parts, first at the restaurant and now seating in church waiting for the service to commence.

2022 outlook.

I have a good feeling about the year,I know it's going to be a year that would demand much focus from me, intense discipline and a closers and more committed personal work with God of my faith. I am hoping and praying for divine lead on this one through the Holy Spirit - I can only see those things that have been laid down,those in the plan - but there are many and thremendously that I can not even sense talk less of know - So I really know this year more that any other I have to walk, work as wise - consider everything, and be steps ahead .It going to impose on me a whole lot of self searching but I am hopeful God will yet again take me through a new experience and one that end with a better me for his own glory in Christ Jesus.

So as I end the Year 2021 and move into 2022, It's a reset - an opportunity to do more, do better - know more , experience more and continue on the phat of unravelling all that God has destined for me.

I am looking forward to the next 365- as each day a new opportunity,a gift beyond measure and to live it to Gods fullest abilities in me for Good and for God.

So 2022, I enter with Blessing and none leaping, - we would come out with Gods blessing manifested through each season,each month,each week,each day,each hour - each waking ,each sleeping moments - in our travels ,in our homes - I declare to my self, and entire family - we will make it .

Fighting to stay Active

2021-01-28T00:49:00.002+01:00

Being more active from the last quarter of 2020, and still managing to graciously carry this through into the end of the of the first 🥇 month of 2021, is one of the things am grateful for.

Many times I feel like not just doing anything,no workouts, Jogging,Walking ,Cycling , Playing Tennis,Swimming or doing light weight lifting and body building exercises. All because the " flesh" is weak - that strange voice in my head - thats just there to serve an opposite purpose when am trying or striving to do anything good or make good, better,and better ,best.

Thankfully somehow "we" (me and a willing spirit) have continued to push through - when "she"(me flesh) fails to keep you out of the gym, she don't give up - she comes and tells you to reduce your set, or limit your daily or weekly workout targets.

Either reduce your workout time,skip some days, reduce distance covered,cut down on effort levels, and daily moves .."she" tells you don't push your self beyond your limits, again somehow "we" disregarded her voice and have still pressed on. Since all of that don't work, she tells you - You know all these ain't making any real difference right-? you still feel same way, and beside you don't need to lose weight, and I answered her -yeah maybe I don't need the weight loss part now, but I do intend to stay health, agile and age with a youthful stamina and so far,so good.

I hope I can keep going - 4days a week,one hour session in the evenings and swimming once every two weeks. Looking forward hopefully to the end of September 2021 to mark one year of a more Active Me..so help "We" God..

And Oh sorry ladies, the "fleshy voice" in my head has a female voice 🤣

Musing on the US of America palava.

2021-01-09T10:02:00.002+01:00

So Trump's out the door in a few days "we did it Joe", to kick start the real celebrations Trump's being kicked off Twitter, Facebook for "inciting violence" whilst we wait for the real Trump feeding frenzy that's about to get started after the 20th of January.

There's so much Trump can be blamed for after he leaves office, cause "they" already so well heaped the blames on him, thus I would figure once you know all the problems caused, you're probably 50% headed in the direction of the solutions, right? so Harris and Joe or is it Biden and Kamala ? work is already cut out for them...first reverse all the Trump damages .... And then ?🙄

And oh by the way what will CNN now do? It's worst nightmare is gone,the one thing that truly showed they were never objective about any news - even though they like all other liberalist organizations, they over use words like "fairness " etc,and having"all sides to the story " - at least thats what they said until Trump showed up in the white house. Then it became one side to all the stories,and incidentally that side,is the same side the deep state, the radical left, the big tech, big media, hollywood, and the establishment all seem to side.

The Trump is not a good man software " was so well programed " and many people downloaded and ran this program for free. Am not a Trump supporter simple, he's always been this same man America sold to the world "you're fired" , and who somehow just ended up on the biggest stage in the world " the US president" unfortunately this time it was not a fake reality show,it was the real thing.

For all I care the man is Good,Bad and Down right ugly too, but somehow most people the world over especially those of us observing American politics ended up believing or only heard the last two narratives about the man - and when "Trump supporters" are shown, all we saw are usually the ones rediculed in the media to look and sound like redneck Bubba - J.

Anyway what do I know ,am just musing over American politics but it's so fishy I can smell it all the way from Nigeria.

We been down this road "get him out at all cost" road ,we were so happy we got rid of the free for all Fisherman and replaced him with the nepotic Herdman. Today, Fisher man,Herdsman, Farmer man, Business Man ,City Man, Village Man, you name it are all either clashing, kidnapping or getting kidnapped, Banditting or getting banned and of course Haram by Boko.

Well America is too advanced to have these types of stupid Nigerian problems and besides its the two shining 🌟 stallion democrat's and liberal champions that are about to get on the saddle and ride America back from the hell Trump took her into right ?

Kashimawo! "let us wait and see".

The Year 2020 into the Year 2021.

2020-12-31T20:38:00.001+01:00

They say when you don't know what to do, do what you know.

I found myself in that place right now, it's just a few hours to the end of 2020, I don't know what to write about the year ending or even about the one that's coming.

2020 can be confidently classed the most unusual year in my existence as an adult, so typically I want to do a quick reflection of the outgoing year and outlook of the incoming year like I have done on this blog since 2006, but I can't seem to bring myself to write anything. So I will still try and do what i know to do, which is just write. I will write as the spirit and my minds lead.

Yes, 2020 is the most unusual year, but I have got so much to Thank God for. I want to thank God for HIS GRACE.

For Grace, the ability given to me to just go through each day by day, trusting God's goodness will not cease and it never did.

So am thankful for the year 2020, amid a ravaging pandemic that has touched and affected lives in all corners of the world - we are surviving and thriving through all the toughest of times imposed on us.

It's odd am not home but in another city As much as I would have loved to be in my own home, celebrating the new year and going to church as is our usual tradition when entering a new year, this year turned out not to be the same. Am not at home, my wives not in the country, while am in another city, so we won't be in church for the cross-over service at least not physically -but will attend the service online.

The last moment of the year and the first hours of the new year are not just important they are precious moments for me. I just like to take time to myself, relaxing, thinking, reflecting - no work, no phone calls, and where possible not even going out of the house.

Well, today 31st December 2020, I was able to achieve some of these, despite my body not being without pain and discomfort from the after-effects of me almost falling ill the day after Christmas.

I am glad 2020 is ending, it has been a challenging year for many, so much has been lost by so many people. Business, careers, finances, and most importantly many lost loved ones to the pandemic.

The constant news of people dying can be very distraughting. Across the world, you hear sad and painful stories of the loss of loved ones by so many, the fear and uncertainties the pandemic created have not been easy for many - while some leaned harder on their faith to pull through each day, others became faithless or just gave up and resigned to being despondent about life and take whatever comes. In all this for me am just grateful for the grace of God through his son Jesus Christ. Grace is the one word that comes to mind now and captures everything we have been through or would go through.

God's grace - That he is forever willing to keep me, regardless of me. So with each passing day, I leaned on this grace and I so desperately want to continue learning on this grace far more into the new year.

2021 my outlook is nothing more but just daily focusing on the grace of God, taking it one day at a time with my plans, and expectations.

To Walk by grace, stay the faith by grace, continue finding my way by grace, succeeding by grace, forgive, and be forgiven by grace. Lean on God's grace for my family, my job, my business, my finances, my sustenance, my health, my friendships and relationships, my goals, plans, desires, and actions.

Evidently, from a world outlook, 2021 and beyond would be affected by the year 2020 for some time to come and if the year 2020 has taught me anything it's this, then it is never worrying, you survived this you would survive any aftershocks -

2021 focus is to always find God's grace, understand God's grace, and always never letting gratitude cease in all I do, no matter the situation or circumstances.

How do I define or understand what God's grace is? Well to me grace is, unmerited, unlimited favor, grace is the knowledge that God is always with me even in my darkest places or seasons, grace is the assurance that everything is well and will be well - grace is the trust that" Jesus has got it all in control" grace is safety, grace is wellness in spirit and body, grace is the ability to continue fighting for righteous living, grace is to have the blessings of your loved ones all alive and doing well. Grace is God's hand on your life, Grace makes the difference, Grace is the unexplained factor in your life, Grace is what keeps me, what carries me, Grace is the love of God in everything I see, do, and live through.

So am praying for more grace for 2021 - the grace for the year 2021. That I walk in grace and may the grace of God strengthen me, my faith, and my commitments to God. For I can not, will not walk the phat of life without the grace of Gods direction by his spirit, that's at work within - so I ask for the grace to refocus and also know that all that I need God has given me, within and as for the battle that we are in daily, the weapons to defeat the enemies in all shape and forms are all readily available and within me.

I am ending the year with my entire family alive and in health, my parents, my inlaws, my nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters (Thankful ). Grateful for the lives of close friends and all their families. I never take this for granted, and more so in a year like 2020, I can't be grateful enough for God's mercifulness towards us all, his covering and protection. Protection From the pandemic, Protection from the evil desires and actions of men, Preservation from the repressive and oppressive systems at work, Preservation from the hardships imposed on others by unreasonable men - God I thank you for this grace of protection and preservation for all of these. The seen and the unseen.

My confidence is built on the knowledge that, you are God, if you be for us who or what can be against us?

Am Thankful for the grace to enter the year 2021 and I am thankful for the grace that will carry all of us through 2021. To Protect, Provide, and Preserve our lives through all seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and seasons of 2021, you are God and it's you alone who know the end even from the beginning - So I pray you to grace us through all what's to come in 2021 in our individual lives- make it a better blessed year and let us see the goodness of our God in the land of the living in every day and in every way.

2021 Let the goodness of God overshadow the wickedness in high places in our land Nigeria, the evil has gone far enough, and indeed all over the world in 2021, evil has not won and it has come as far as it can with 2020, but as the years turn - we decree it that the wave of evil comes to a ceasing in the name of Jesus Christ.

For God is Good, so in 2021 let the goodness of God be seen in the land of the living -

Come with me by faith lets going into the new count of the year 2021 and see the goodness of God.

Awakening

2020-10-01T15:17:00.005+01:00

Nigeria is 60!

First of October 1960 was way before my time, but history sort of tells me it was a struggle for Independence, it was not just "given" Nigerians made a demand and people who some today might call our "founding fathers", led that charge.

Independence "given or achieved" it came, for all Nigerians or (the group of tribes and tounges) clustered into one nation and named Nigerians strangely enough by one who is not of them.

1st October 2020, it's 60 years of Independence.

What a word Independence ? Who were we dependent on and for what ? or was it actually the reverse ? Who were dependent on us and for what ?

Could it be our wealth and natural resources the colonial uninvited guests came to help themselves and were so dependent on it that they so plundered it lavishly that up till this day you see the relics of those plundering?.

The British Museum in London, still "holds" some answers,I bet you they believe those acient Benin Kingdom artifacts held at the museum may not speak. Hence the museum can say, "We offer to lend" how do you lend the rightful owner his property! forcefully taken hundreds of years ago? Let that sink in for a second.

Who ever connied this word "Independence" day, thats being celebrated by "dependent -independent" nations, honestly he did you a great disservice because it framed and sets a wrong mind set then in 1960 as much as it does now.

I rather sixty years ago our founding fathers had decided to christen that day, "Awakening" (Coming into existence or awareness ) or something else and not take in the name Independence ( freedom from the control or influence of others or self rule ) as given by the so called colonial master's.

If not anything at least the word (Awakening) is a process and might most likely have kept challenging us every 1st of October unlike this word (Independence) that tells you or frames an impression that, you are free, that's an obvious lie even in the Nigeria of today 60 years on.

How independent are you when you import the processed form of what you produced in the crude form? How independent are you when the borrowed system you chose to govern yourselves with,has not created a just and equitable nation but one so sectional and unbalanced, yet you find it hard to modify this system and better govern yourselves ?

How independent are you when a belief has been so entrenched that almost everything locally made "sucks" and you enjoy only the "foreign imported stuff"?

How independent are you when you still borrow or taken loans from the same very "colonial club"?

It does leaves the question are you really independent? or is anyone really independent for that matter?

"Those who came to depend on you told you, you're NOW! independent and you celebrated " .....wished someone has told them then, cut the crap! We don't need Independence,we just needed to renegotiate the terms to "mutual dependency" and since you had a head start, you have loads of payback to do first.

No Nation is an Island and more so in the morden day "globalised" world. Time and space are so bridged by technology that the term independent as it relates to any nations may not be entirely true it's just plain rubbish, you may disagree but that's just what I think. To plainly put it, many "independent" nations in highly volatile parts of the world pay Big Brother aka America for protection, otherwise, they would be run over by their furiously jealously next-door neighbours - still doubting ?, then maybe ask Kuwait.

Some may say it's just a word ? however from where I come and what I believe (the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible) then word or more like using the right words are important

We could say we are independent but we really are still not yet awake or the alternative we can chose to agree that though we may still require dependence but constantly we stay the phat of "Awakening" as a nation.

Happy first of October everyone, whatever you call the day or the celebration,it's all good - for me today,am remenicing ,reading and watching the stories of those everyday "Nigerians" that achieve uncommon feats - they are the true independents in a nation of dependents

Like the story of the young lady selling self made tiger nut juice and kunu around her town in a cooler and got gifted a motor bike by the kind hearted film maker (Omoni Oboli)

or the smartly dressed chap,in a tie selling friuts from a push cart

,or the creative young lady using her gift of make up to recreate impressions.

How about my wife,sold out to the course of working with children and young people who require special needs even while waiting 10 years and counting for her own bundle of joy.

How about the many men of faith who have by faith and grace of God built lives, homes and continue to inspire change by walking the talk and preaching what they practice.

To those Nigerian who continue to invest thier hard earned money in businesses despite the difficulty to run one in an economy so unstable - you're appreciated you're celebrated today.

Lastly to the many Nigerians in diaspora who never forget home and keep ensureing their off springs are not overshadowed by popular cultures but grow up to value Africa,its cultural values like family , respect, support, & faith.

For all of these people your beautiful stories reaffirms a believe that in this nation filled with many distractions lately and pigion hold perspective of what achievement ,happiness or real wealth looks like.

These folks are constant reminders that if you stay your course ,put in the work , dedication and keeping enjoying what you do, heaven smiles on you in due season - and that little (5 loves & 2 fishes) will surely become overflowing.

Stay Awake ! not Woke...

Are You Still Laughing ?

2020-08-14T21:31:00.004+01:00

This video, from when Nigeria had a President they can "insult", make fun of, have a good laugh and nothing serious would really happen.

Howbeit, Nigerians like the Biblical story of the Israelites in the times of the prophet Samuel, said they want a "King" - such as other nations have. They huffed,they puffed,they protest and sang at Ojota square and did occupy Nigeria just like "Isreal" in biblical times and both God and Samuel showed great humility, resilience, and grace before eventually caving in and allowing Israel to make a choice and they got a mistake (packaged as a King) and they went on a journey of learning the consequences of choice.

Well, the same thing, Nigeria made a choice,and she's living through that mistakes so badly but is she learning the lessons?

Today you have a "King" who can not take any type of criticism,talk less of insult or even a joke if you think he is joking,then go ahead and see who becomes the joke🤨- now as King you! the majority, all made him with your votes, he is too exhulted to speak to mere mortals, like you often or directly.

So he now has a colony of spokesmen spewing daily bile at his subjects and they all sounding off cacophony if asked about the nation economy,security,jobs, fairness, equity and every other thing the people once desired when they asked for a King.

Interestingly,this King sought the throne three times in12years he contested three times and lost all three times,--hmmm,could it be God Waring Nigerians but they were too strong headed to listen ? so we didn't hear, we wanted a "King" badly,one that's the likes of other nations, one who would be willing to put his life on the line for the nation and change one naira to one dollar.. 🤴 alas! in 2015, you got your "King"and now everyday,you see,you live the consequences of choice.

One of the things evil Kings do is remove your abilities to make choices - Nigeria!, you went from Mr weak "King" tagged social media president, to an even weaker King - who wants to now ban the damm social media,thingy😂...

Enjoy!

Out of the mouth of a Child

2020-07-28T06:16:00.001+01:00

An early Morning Musing about Nigeria.

It's just before 4am, and the relentless barking from the street dog outside had woken me up,I tried hard to go back to sleep but ,it didn't work cause this "stupid dog" would not stop barking.

So I grabbed a head phone to listen to some light music to drown out the barking to help me fall at sleep again, in the process I watch this video below and just could help to think about the state our educational system in Nigeria finds its self today. notes (video not mine)

Indeed since "none serious minded people" most often, unfortunately run public institutions like the ministries of education.

They never really prepared for reopening of school,but like everything Nigerian they just recently Ordered! reopening of "exit classes" with about a week's notice - after so much dilly dallying about WAEC or no WAEC Examination the secondary school final year exams taken by schools in West Africa.

As for public higher education, especially Universities,hmmm 😔😣 those ones are shut up,locked down and locked up like Jericho,while Higher Education progressed seamlessly online in most developed nation when the Corona Virus pandemic hit,for our " beloved Nigeria" The public Universities students were already at home due to a strike action,then came Covid-19 to move the situation from the frying pan right smack into the🔥fire & added Polytechnics/Colleges of higher learning students to the seat at home & do nothing with your life list.

Nobody wants to say it but we know, as govt continues to bury their head in the sand chasing looted and re looted public funds like it's a reality TV show, public higher education students in Nigeria are most likely to lose one full academic year ,no thanks to ASSU strike,Covid Unleashed and you guessed it,an "Unserious Minded" Govt.

Make you ask the question, why are Public institution of higher learning in Nigeria still largely analog with almost zero digital capabilities?

From managing student records ,to access of online resources/ materials/library for students & to even delivery of online lectures- there's been zero investment & so the Corona situation brought the "chicken home to roost "but will government learn, Nope! all we hear are alligations & counter alligations of public/govt officials helping themselves to public funds and then fainting, collapsing, or wearing neck braces,when questioned to account for missing public funds - oh Nigeria who shall save you from these "broads of viper's" ,Yes we complain about the rot,and carry on but I do believe there's an answers ,there's hope. If the answers will not come from my generation,hopefully with children like in this video -,theres answers nestling in coming generation to fight & end this rot in all sphere of government.

Update- so it's 7:30 am.

I posted this video on my WhatsApp status just to share - but obviously not everyone saw it from my angle - so it started the chat below ,between me and well,even though we ain't seen or talked in years, let's just say a Uni,friend from way back when we both studied at the same University in the UK.

I leave bits of our WhatsApp conversation here..

Money, Value - Relationship.

2020-07-23T00:07:00.001+01:00

Midweek Midnight Musing.

In the last few years, I have been privileged to get interest free loans from family and friends (F&F), at the times when I needed it- for most I document, and pay back in due time or plead for an extension when I know I cant meet the refund timeline.

On the flip side, I have equally loaned to some other F&F, and the experience is best described as- The Good🙂, The bad😎 and The downright ugly experience😵

The Good🙂, paid back as promised.

The Bad😎 have not paid back, nor do they even call to ask or plead for extending time to pay back - but are quick to make emotional excuses and promise to pay only when you remind them

As for "The downright Ugly" 😵 - at least two persons so far have disappeared with money loaned them, - they have changed phone numbers and gone completely incommunicado and one has even left Nigeria "Nicodemusly"

Some say regardless of the amount requested or the person "don't loan anyone money, above that you can conveniently gift them or afford to lose"should they never pay back,CAUTION🚧 makes perfect sense ?- saves you from the bad and the ugly? though this philosophy colors you to see every borrower as " a potential bad & ugly "-maybe, just maybe - if you were the one on the borrowing side,you just might be a " bad & ugly" borrower ,hence you find safety in lending only what you can forgo aka "dash"? Am just asking not judging🤷‍♀!

The Truth.

Nobody gives you money for nothing, everyone that gives out money does so on the basis of an exchange of value, - This is true for a purchase, for an investment, or even for employment and certainly true for an interest free loan from or to family and friends (F&F).

If you are loaned money by family or friends,see it for what it truly is; an exchange of value: on the basis that they value and trust you to be true to your intentions to pay back and you equally value that relationship well enough to pay back what was loaned you (interest-free).

To those who have loaned and forgiven nor requested for pay back - indeed Blessed are you 🙏🏿

Psalm 37:21 ESV

The wicked borrows but does not pay back,but the righteous is generous & gives

Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, & the borrower is slave to the lender

Justice on the right, Peace on the left,Love at the Center.

2020-06-09T22:49:00.000+01:00

The inhumane killing of Mr George Floyd and many other people across the US has sparked new outrage and hopefully draw more awareness to the issues of police brutality and racism,many people including Nigerians are raising their voice to call for an end to racism not just in America but anywhere it still exist covertly or overtly.

Big Question #Nigerians are being killed on a daily not just by bandits or mass killers on rampage ,but by security forces who are killing innocent people,where's the outrage ?

Pictured is a short list of known killings-

#3-Chima killed by police-in Port Harcourt

#4-Kolade killed by police-in Lagos

#6-Anita killed by police-Abuja

#7-Joseph killed by Army-Warri

#8-Tina killed by police-Lagos

Sad as these killing are,criminals and terrorist too continue to attack and kill innocent Nigerians, two of the recent and extremely shocking cases being

#1-Baraket,raped & killed-in Ibadan

#2-Uwa,raped & killed-in Benin

Yet all we have seen so far in Nigeria is small forms of outrage mainly online and some scaresly attended protest concernings the rapes & killing of these two young ladies and now these have sort of even died down already.

Least we forget boko haram-is still mass killing, pictured #5- Ms Hauwa an aide worker killed over a year ago.

For Nigerians living in Nigeria,we are largly disconnected from the issues of racisim,but not nepotism and it's evil twin tribalism. I have been lucky to live in a couple of states/cities in Nigeria.Lagos,Ibadan,Auchi,Brinin Kebbi,Warri,and last but not final yet,Port Harcourt.

I can say for most, if not all of the places I have lived ,there's both overt and; covert tribalism. Some I see, others I experienced ,cases in point.A Landlord in Lagos refusing to rent out an apartment because my middle name sounds like am from a particular tribe and he just won't rent his house out to anyone from that tribe. Another example,a friends who's father in-law initially refused to give his marital blessings,when he was about marrying his daughter - reason for refusal (my friend is from the Westen part of Nigeria - he is from the Eastern part of Nigeria)

We live and breath tribalism every day in Nigeria, and I dare say we also have institutionalised tribalism both in Public & Private institutions.

So while we can be rightly outraged and genuinely lend our voices and call for an end to racism,that many of us have never experienced, at least not directly.

How come there's this deafning silence and a living in "mass denial" concerning an even bigger, hateful and relevant issues -called Tribalism, Sectionalism and Nepotism,in a multi ethnic and religious nation like Nigeria? The world won't help us solve this self inflicted hate.

When and how will the world hear our own voices and join in calling for an end to mass killing by bandits, herdsmen, criminals and including extra judicial killings of innocent Nigerians by it's security forces? For now it seems we can't even find our voices,no thanks to tribalism.

Thank You Ravi

2020-05-29T22:04:00.000+01:00

I stumbled on Mr. Ravi's teachings online only a few years ago, I was glued to his intellect but most especially his desire and passion for service to his creator's Jesus Christ. I followed online,watched, listen,learned and blessed from his teachings.

His passing on to eternal Glory though sudden, the man Ravi,left no one in doubt about his destination and the manner of welcome he will receive for running the race,finishing his course and keeping the faith till the very end.

"Welldone Good,Faithful Servant" as we honor your memory I pray God's grace will help us live a life worthy of his service so that when our work here is done. We too can have a welcome home hug from our Saviour Jesus Christ

Took time out to watch his memorial and indeed it was a beautiful way friends and family honored Ravi Zacharias,described as the greatest Christian Apologist - of this century.

Making Thinkers Believe and Believers Think. A man of many parts - How I wished I was able to visit RZIM Atlanta Georgia,when I visited that city in 2018.

Rest,now a general of the faith,for as you did say " this work will continue"

Try JAH (Jehovah) Love

2020-05-09T15:43:00.000+01:00

" Third World " If they were before your time, well sorry,that title is not referring to under developed nations. It is a Jamaican reggae band with one time lead singer, William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke (RiP).

" Third World "have many great hits from,now that we found love,to the hit single, Lagos Jump ,and songs like World of Uncertainty , Sense of Purpose and one of my all time personal favorite from 1982 "Try Jah love" - see excerpt below,it's worth a reflective listening if you have the time.

Conscious music with unique lyrical messages,soul searching and soul lifting, evergreen music -still relevant in these times and seasons.

Indeed -You can find God any where and every where and if you are yet to,then no better time than now to ,Try Christ Jesus love.

Beating Covid-19 in Rivers State Nigeria.

2020-05-04T22:18:00.000+01:00

Parts of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State Nigeria are already"enjoying" Total- Lockdown or is it 24Hours Curfew,for over a week now - for the rest of the good folks of Port Harcourt City and the Obio-Apkor LGA's (Local Councils) about to join us on Thursday 7th May 2020- Welcome!

Guess it's not easy for everyone including the Government at this time, however we all need to now make this sacrifices now and stay at home to help contain the virus from spreading further and hopefully soon and gradually, life can start returning back to normal.

So am guessing you probably already stocking up on food stuffs, drinking water,etc since the lockdown is not a definite one like those in Lagos & Abuja that's now just been eased,starting today. 4th May 2020.

Here's some heads-up, buy "Fuel" , whether its petrol,diesel,kerosene or what ever your private power generation station aka Generator runs on, - top it up and ONLY! if you can safely store,then you probably should get enough to last you another week,if you can't safely store,just top up your electric Generator,and hope for the best.

(Warning do not store flammable liquids unsafely)

Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) just might surprise you seriously,if they are not already surprising you..

PHED has been acting crazy before a Lock-down was imposed on our part of the city,so one would expect since we trapped in 24/7, they should at least not make the lock down any more unpleasant with too many frequent &long power outages.

No PHED, they have gone from crazy to full Craze! 🥴 now that they know we are on a 24hours lockdown.

Anyway just "be Prepared" it might be just 3days lockdown or a 3weeks lockdown who knows, it's not fun trying to sweet talk police & army men at different roadblocks, just because you need to go out and buy a basic necessity like fuel.

#LockdownMusings.

Crows & Ravens

2020-04-24T21:20:00.000+01:00

Three Crows, on a roof after the heavy Rains this evening.

I can't tell if it's the dark Roof tiles, the cloudy, rainy evening skyline or just the shadow like figures of these birds,but the scene was just perfect to look at.

I had to make a video, it reminded me of the horror movie (Omen) 1976. First watched the Omen movies probably in 1986 ,but the scene where Damien's evil Crow, attacks a lady and gouged her eyes out, then watch as she gets crushed by a truck, is still somehow ingrained in ones memory many, decades after.

Never been a superstitious person but some birds and animals have caught a horrible reputation, no thanks to folklore and Hollywood,from Cats to Owls,Bats to Raven and Crows many folks have an uneasy /spooky feeling on seeing these creatures.

Thankfully from watching so many,many documentaries. The amazing wildlife and nature documentarian Sir David Attenborough, has shown how Crows & Ravens are arguably amongst the most intelligent avians. These birds have proven and outstanding problem solving abilities.

#lockdown #tgif with Nature.

Memories Pre COVID-19

2020-04-18T04:25:00.000+01:00

Making & editing- short videos 1 mins or 30secs time-lapse videos, has somehow become a pastime.

Making these memories, sometimes really seemed unnecessary,and so I didn't even keep some of them but a habit sometimes just keeps creeping up on you unnoticed.

Well,I guess now that the world is going through an unprecedented shutdown - with many wondering what the immediate post COVID-19 world 🌎 would look like for traveling,and social interactions? these memories from different time,seasons and places makes a bit of sense.

A list of personal shot videos in my device ,gallery,and SM accounts, videos from the last 5 years ,with some as recent as Jan,Feb &March 2020.

A jolly good lady

2020-04-12T11:47:00.000+01:00

For she's a jolly good lady
For she's a jolly good lady

Which nobody can deny

For she's a jolly good lady
For she's a jolly good lady
And so say all of us

9th April – #covid19 Day 100 of the pandemic according to world health organization (WHO) timeline – but none the less even as most parts of the world is on lockdown, thankfully, Zoom to the rescue we had a wonderful opportunity to appreciate, celebrate, reminisce as we send forth a great colleague and manager ( Elena)

Elena, It's been an absolute pleasure working with you for close to 10years now, I can still remember coming to your office on level 7 at the Central Services Building(CSB), now Schwann Building (SB) (University of Huddersfield) to discuss the job role for a regional office Nigeria, when the ad was placed.

Got the job and have been on this roller-coaster yet rewarding ride since then, indeed they say “times fly by when you having fun”, allow me to rephrase this, time keeps on moving into the future when you are in the cycle of international student recruitment.

Any movement that’s in the direction of an upward career phat is indeed a delight, and as we say in these parts “you don pay your dues”. I can truly say I gained learned many useful impactful lifelong lessons and experiences from working with you. Your management style and approach to understanding, dealing with issues and managing a team, during both good times and very tough and unpredictable times is exceptional, and if anyone should say this, I believe I fall among the numbers.

I had worked a few jobs and had a few line managers and you top the list by far, so the work experience with you is one I believe that I would cherish. There's a saying, that you don't know what you have got, until it's gone, well with you. I believe we knew what we had, while you were still our line manager 🙂 .

Thanks for raising the bar and setting a great standard of how to develop and manage working relationships, across race, creed, and personality types.

So I raise a glass to you and say Cheers Elena 🍷, continue to “Be More” and Godspeed for the next phase in your career. . .

Put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.

2020-01-15T20:53:00.000+01:00

Every time we fly on an airplane, we get an important life instruction from the flight attendants, that for some, we really ought to take it with us even when we leave the plane.

They instructs us to "put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others" - in case of a sudden loss in cabin pressure.

An important metaphor for some who run around taking care of everything and everyone else, but themselves.

But don't get it twisted either, this instruction didn't say "be selfish" , it say's take care of you 1st and then help others.