NOSTALGIC REMINISCENCE

"Antho, i ghala?" Mma'd say, in the supposedly Amaraku tongue, raising her head for a glimpse, most times with a ready-for-transit ball of akpu in her palm. This happens whenever i came back from school, mission, farm or such and such errands she may ask i embark on her behalf during my short stay with her.

"Nna, Luvunus/Sriva, have you eaten? Let me give you more. I'm sure these children didn't give you enough...!" She'd always say to either of her two sons after they must have eaten full and left over close to half of the bowl of meal they'd been served. Their innitial responses usually falls on unwilling ears of Mma, as she'll predictably continue with the defiance of a mother's love. "...Let me give you more meat and fish then...", she'd retort at their expected refusal, clutching the small pot of soup with her left arm and the dispense spoon; already placed under the meat inside the pot, with the other arm. And soon, they'll respectfully and lovingly cease to respond or step away to attend to other issues because she'll keep on with the pressure until the one is out of sight.

But that's just about the way she could show her kids the mother's love at this point.

It was no longer the times of giving them clothes to cover up. Or, Okpa from Orie Amaraku. 'Akara ji akpu' and the likes. It was their turn to do such now, so she offered whatever she had at hand in overdose to show her overwhelming love to her kids which they still were to her.

Aunt Augustina is usually the one that lends her all the time. Or, atleast more of it. Which is never enough, still. Mma would rather forfeit food and have her beloved daughter around and with her, gisting. More like about the same thing over and over again. No matter how long Aunt Augustina stayed before going back to Ezihe or Lagos, Mma sees it as never enough for the most meager details she'd like her to pay credence to. In the end, Aunt Augustina would always have to force her way out before getting an 'ije oma' gesture and prayer from Mma. She still wanted her in her bossom, if possible, as in her infant days. Truely, the children never lacked Mma's love and care. That i can attest to, anyday.

Having witnessed a good deal of Mma's aging life. Shared in her love, widsom, renewed childlikeness and the resultant humour with the rest of the grand children. You know what? Ofcourse, you guesseed right, she never agreed with the young grand children on lots, if not all issues. And rightly so, too!

Otherwise, how do you explain to someone who had lived for seventy to eighty years before you were born that it's no longer cool to go to church on bathroom slippers? That thi's 21st century so she had to pull up on lily heels? Eeh, you want her head over heels or what? Or, still, how do you get her to seat in front of a camera for an interview; like when she was confered with the Ezinne title in the church?

While embarking on such meaned lots of laughter and fun, it, meanwhile, presented us; the grand chiledren and direct children alike, with the opportunity to understand that we've been greatly blessed by the Almighty. For, many only dreamt but never had such moments with their well aged grand parent(s). So, we say a very big Thanks to the Almighty for the lone blessing of having Mma around us for such a long time. Quite long in today's world of sudden deaths. If well checked, Mma could actually be the oldest female at transit moment around the community. If not her exactly, then, certain, she's one of them! Rarity is the word and we bless God!

I'm close to certain, too, that Mma couldn't have asked for more. Came into the world a 100+ years ago, made babies who, right before her eyes, developed into men and women and begat their own children of whom a few's got offsprings aswell, all in Mma's lifetime. Mma must have been thanking God since the day she transitted. It's indeed a fulfilled life.

Mma, listen, we may not have had all we wanted you to enjoy during your lifetime, but i'm sure we gave you all we could afford which was only in reciprocation for you first gave to us.

At this point, we say thank you for coming, for being part of our path into the world. And now that you're very well done with your part of the bergain, we pray God to grant you eternal rest by His side without taking into account all shortcomings that were yours for none will stand if He does.

We also pray Him to grant your own children the grace to see their own grand and great grand children in good health of body, mind and soul. Even so better than yours. And i'm sure we're on the same page on this one. For you wouldn't wish evil on your children. But the best that could be.

We do not bury you at this time, we only commit the dusty container of the real you to the dust while you rest in eternal glory as we've prayed God to grant you and where we hope to be with God and His Angels on our appointed day.

Till then, and for now, we say: MMA.., IJE OMA; TILL WE GET TO 100+ like you!

One Way Nigeria Can Change

It's funny and sad, but truth also -if you do not know yet- that the Nigerian Electorate since 1999 has never been the decider of who governs. No, i'm not talking about vote casting and counting here, i'm talking about the actual decision on who to cast the vote for before you now talk about it counting and being counted.

Certain people, very few actually, take that decision for the majority of the people and then find a means to reset their subjets minds to agree and endorse at the polls. Every four years.

Don't forget, this short contribution is about "One Way Nigeria Can Change", not about elections. So we're on course. I just have to draw my point from the narration. Now, back to it, with illustration, this time!

In 2011, Nigerians of the all Northern and South Western regions, not mentioning the South South and East for reasons without prize, came out en-mass and voted for certain Goodluck Jonathan (Dr.), to be President of the Federal Republic. It seemed like the ethnic/religious differences in the Country that had unnecessarily bred untold hatred among Nigerians was gradually dieing; seeing majority of the people from all nooks and crannies rejoicing at his victory at the time even when he's from a 'minority' ethnic group, so called. Enough on that for now.

Bit more retro. The same scenario was witnessed when certain Olusegun Obasanjo (Gen.) and Umar Musa Yar'adua (Alh., late) ascended the same seat. People rejoiced and made merry which soon turned opposite, as always, as a result of... whatever! But that's not the topic here. So we move on.

In those elections that produced these people from differet Nigerian ethnicities and religions, many people, majority actually, voted against their ethnic/religious brothers and, or sisters as the case maybe, to make sure these ones ascended the Aso Rock rein. Even though we know it wasn't 'just' and 'only' the votes that worked in all these instances. I believe these past presidents got the higher number of vote in those elections, anyway. But that's still by the way.

Three examples to corroborate my earlier assertions: in 2011, a large number of northern Nigerians voted against Gen. Buhari and Mallam Ribadu, and westerners against Mr. Momodu, to push Dr. Jonathan up to be C-in-C. Back to 2007, the majority of easterners voted against Gen. Odumegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Uzo Kalu, the south southerners, against Prof. Pat Utomi and Evan. Chris Okotie, and the westerners against Lawrence Adedoyin and Olapade Agoro to elevate the late Alh. Musa Yar'Adua to that same position of C-in-C. Same happened back in 2003 in favour of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. In that election, Ojukwu, from the east ran; Buhari, from the north ran, as well as many others from different ethnic and religious nationalities.

Now to my main point and crux of this op-ed: "irrespective of the differences between the diverse nationalities that make up the Nigerian umbrella Nation, something was employed by certain people who wanted certain people in the Presidency at these different times, to bring the majority of the Nigerian people across divides together to speak with one voice as to who they wanted to occuppy the highest office in the land".

"Thereto, my assertion and convinction is that whatever means --or, atleast, some of the means-- that was used to bring the majority of the people together to speak with one, and unified voice, in those electoral outings, across the Nation, can be used today, to bring the people together again for a common course that'll precipitate into lasting solutions to the many challenges of the Nigerian State".

That course i may not know. But i know there can be a course capable of the task. And i believe we'll know, when such arrives. Because it'll have certain undeniable characteristics that cannot be mistaken. And that cannot be percieved, in anyway, as divisive and sectional.

It remains to know, and see which Nigerian and Nigerians can stand up; with a Worthy Common Goal, strong enough to unify the people; and make all the sacrifices needed for such to happen in an altruistic manner and change, forever, the course of the Nigerian Nation.

That Nigerian can come from anywhere and any part. Maybe young, or old. Male or female. The truth being that today, Nigeria and Nigerians needs that Nigerian and Nigerians more than ever before. And maybe, more than ever will; for there to be a continued Nigeria.

And if that Nigerian and Nigerians do not arise fast enough, there may not be the Nigeria and Nigerians, in a little distant future, to need their altruistic heroism.

But with what i can 'feel' right now, --not anything that i know to be factual;-- that Nigerian and Nigerians are close to arival.

Let's get ready for them. As they arive with the 'One Way Nigeria Can Change' solution.

Between Lafty Lad, Wizkid & Mo'Cheddah

Between Lafty Lad, Wizkid & Mo'Cheddah

In 2010, i watched on TVC's Star Profile, how two music stars within my age bracket were shown off on TeeVee.

And i was like, ..damn, these are guys born same period as me who also have one of the many talents i posses. So i began to think in reminiscence.

Now selling 'spare parts' in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, you know na ... as an Ibo Boy wey just join him peoples' trade! I began to thinker the feasibility of a quick switch.

The major reason why i agreed to come to this city in the first place was almost dying down. African China had been the Infleuncer-In-Chief of my trip on that 24th day of April of that year.

They had told me, as to so many village kids too, lots of fantasies about the city. Little did i know that i was going to jump on a bus without dunlop abi na foam, on the seats for the first time. I also ended up in Olaleye. If you know, you know.

The two music stars on the tv were Wizkid and Mo'Cheeda and the one watching the two was Lafty Lad.

These guys, Wizkid and Mo'Cheddah inspired the hell out of me and gave me reasons to be in this hustle and struggle today. Shout out to them!

...to be continued

But, have you heard any of My Songs yet?
Ok, check these out:

E No Easy

Naija Girl

Wait!
Don't Go, yet!
Download one song!

Read again below

Between Lafty Lad, Wizkid & Mo'Cheddah

In 2010, i watched on TVC's Star Profile, how two music stars within my age bracket were shown off on TeeVee.

And i was like, ..damn, these are guys born same period as me who also have one of the many talents i posses. So i began to think in reminiscence.

Now selling 'spare parts' in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, you know na ... as an Ibo Boy wey just join him peoples' trade! I began to thinker the feasibility of a quick switch.

The major reason why i agreed to come to this city in the first place was almost dying down. African China had been the Infleuncer-In-Chief of my trip on that 24th day of April of that year.

They had told me, as to so many village kids too, lots of fantasies about the city. Little did i know that i was going to jump on a bus without dunlop abi na foam, on the seats for the first time. I also ended up in Olaleye. If you know, you know.

The two music stars on the tv were Wizkid and Mo'Cheeda and the one watching the two was Lafty Lad.

These guys, Wizkid and Mo'Cheddah inspired the hell out of me and gave me reasons to be in this hustle and struggle today. Shout out to them!

...to be continued

But, have you heard any of My Songs yet?
Ok, check these out:

E No Easy

Naija Girl

Wait!
Don't Go, yet!
Download one song!

The Lad: 2016 vs 2015

Ok. Before these times, i had been sceptical about 'Photo-Shoots' until i got prevailed on by my own pragmatism. Otherwise, i'm not a picture person; but the necessity made me begin to do 'em photos since last year, 2015.

So, here are my latest set of pictures, taken about a month plus now, and part of the first set: taken in 2015.

Hope i exude some SHWAGG?

2016s

Did this one above to pass the message of the 'Importance of Reading'. It didn't quite come the way i exactly want it. Will deff retake it for the message. It's cool sha!

vs 2015s (Versace Fest)

Sure, i'm a Versace lover. May not be the

same typa versa them 2chainz and Wizzys

of this world adorn right now.

But, trust me, i'm as confident as the wealthiests in those. They ain't too cheap, though! 'Dough'! Cost some few Ks!

~The Lad~

STRONG INSTITUTIONS AND NIGERIA's ULTIMATE GROWTH

Since my existence as a Nigerian and counting especially from 2013 when I started to actively be interested in governance. I have read a lot of opinions, for and against the respective governments since the time by ordinary and highly placed countrymen.

I have also watched government officials, past and present speak in interviews. All writing and speaking about what they think or believe would move the Country forward and efforts they made or, are making toward the same goal respectively, and generally about what would be the lasting solutions to the ever mesmerizing stealing of government resources and corrupt practices that has characterized our government officiation, not to mention the cooperate world. In all of it and beyond the textual and vocal opines, I have witnessed firsthand, what could be the most effective solution in this actions against corrupt practices and theft of government resources in particular.

What, therefore, I'm next to narrate here is what I learnt between the immediate past and present administrations at the center. Which thing shows that we're actually making progress though; in little measures.

During the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He made lots of comments with illustrations that were used by the public for humour and parody insults to his person. One of the things that was prominent in his responses during interviews pertaining his efforts towards the elimination or minimisation of graft in governant offices was: '"the need and efforts towards building strong and independent government institutions that'll deliver good and desired results irrespective of who's in power as against looking up to 'strong men' to deliver results all the times".

At the time, it posited to many as a dogma he was only using as cover-up for his 'perceived weakness and inability' to control and checkmate his subordinates who were on 'stealing spray', as the National leader.

But, conversely, on my own part, I began, instead, to mull over it and to ask myself what 'strong and independent' government institutions could really mean. Like: strong infrastructures or something entirely different. To be honest, I didn't get it at that time until recently, starting with the 2015 general elections and subsequent events as i'll explain later, here in.

One of the many times he said such things was in his interview with EuroNews's Isabelle Kumar, in 2014, were he said, when asked about his efforts towards curbing official corruption and theft, that: "...it's not just waiting with a stick for somebody to steal money and then you hit the head, but; our emphasis is to 'strenghten the institutions' so that we'll make sure that you don't even have the opportunity to steal". Another was at one of his Media Charts. On that occasion, when asked by Premium Times's Ibanga Isine to shed some light on his well popular "stealing is different from corruption" remark. He first clarified, by the way, that he merely quoted a former CJN of Nigeria, Mustapha, who, according to him, made the ascertion originally and is now being quoted out of context, before trickling down, with the rest of his response, to the same 'strenghtening of institutions', saying, and I quote, that: "..even if you convict one million people, it does not stop these stealing or corrupt practices. You must make sure that people don't steal; don't put the money where people will steal." He then went on with his equally well known and mostly 'laughed' at 'goat and yam illustration' that: "if you leave a goat and a yam or plantain together, the goat will eat. But if you want to make sure that the goat does not eat the yam; you must seperate both."

So during the general elections of 2015, I, as well as many Nigerians witnessed what an 'independent' government institution could mean in the quest for progress and stability when INEC, devoid of official interference at the center, conducted elections whose results almost completely echoed  the peoples' voices sending the message back to the people that: we actually are the masters who employ and fire. A message that has now boosted the moral of many who hitherto didn't care about governance to begin to participate in the #OfficeOfTheCitizen. At this point I understood why it's important to leave supposed independent government institutions really independent of any official interference in the dispatch of its statutory and legitimate assignments.

Fast forward to the new regime of President Muhammadu Buhari; a direct product of INEC's independency. I began to also understand what it means to have strong institutions especially in todays world of new technologies as the former president illustrated and said was where their emphasis layed. The Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Bank Verification Number (BVN) etc; which has plucked a lot of leckages, saved and brought into the coffers of the federal government lots of funds that was hitherto being stolen through one way or the other by government officials has now taught me what it means to have strong and strenghtened institutions as was said by the former president and I can also now see that their emphasis on strengthening these institutions which caused them to bring in the above technologies was on the right part. And I believe this is the way forward for Nigeria.

As small and unpopular as these technologies may appear, they have brought, are still bringing and would continue to bring huge changes on ground, in favor of successive governments and in extension; the people, when the gains are well managed and directed.

Not negating the legal prosecution of offenders, meanwhile. I believe that these and many others of the like are the small details that if sustained and built upon, across all sectors of our economy and National life in general, consistently over time, would get us to where we wish to be. No magic wand. No rocket science. Just discipline and consistency.

We must keep strenghtening our institutions with the newest technologies until it is no longer possible or almost impossible for people to steal government resources when they are called into offices. Then and only then, 'strong' man or no 'strong' man; government institutions would run, smooth and successfully, without unnecessary set backs and hardships caused by graft.

Our finance minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in corroboration, in her article about the economy on March 9, 2016, titled: "Financial Discipline... Making Every Naira Count", opined, and I quote, that: "while we are regaled with and shocked by details of amounts stolen, diverted or wasted, we must face the cold reality that such acts are facilitated by weaknesses in our systems. Even if we successfully prosecute and jail every looter, ghost worker and other economic saboteur, there is every risk that those caught will only be replaced by persons who are just as bad, or worse - unless we radically strengthen our systems and institutions.