As I laid down resting from what happened to be a very busy day for everyone on Sunday the 25th of December (Christmas Day) at about 10:01pm, my phone rang. The caller, all the way from the United Kingdom was Gen Adeyinka Adeniran, one of my most respected leaders who live far abroad but carries the burden of seeing Nigerians live up to their true potential on his shoulder more than most of us who live within the system. I picked the call and we exchanged pleasantries. I was about asking for my Christmas hamper when I noticed a fret in his voice. I paused from the Christmas “hamper” request to carefully listen to this leader of Soul Planters Ministry. His question to me was precise and thought provoking. He asked me of my view and possible solutions to the “bombing plague” that befell our dear nation. I felt the pain that engulfed him when he began to describe the information he got on the Christmas Day bombing in Abuja and how Mr. President had encouraged us to learn to live with it.
Although the conversation was halted due to the epileptic nature of the mobile network which is not a strange occurrence in this side of the globe. I was able to tell General Adeyinka that Nigeria produced Boko Haram; I explained to him that there are over 19 million of these neglected kids (some of them are grownups) popularly known as Almajiris in the northern part of the country ready to do the bid of Boko Haram. These Almajiris have only in their possession bowls with which they beg for alms. They do not have access to formal education and they have been made to believe that formal education isn’t right and evil. These kids march around towns in their hundreds begging for food and money for survival. Unfortunately, nobody seem to be concerned about them; where they sleep, what they eat, the information to which they are exposed or what so ever.
In 2010 during one of my meetings with the daughter of a prominent Nigeria business figure in Lagos. I remember making a call to everyone to get involved in Social Help, Welfarism and Development. I said that if the rich think their own children’s future is secured because they don’t even pass through the already rotten Nigerian education system and think having shares and properties bought for them will secure their future. I fear if the neglected ones will allow them enjoy those things to the fullest. I explained that the problem is that most Nigerians are plagued by the “Cain-syndrome”, the question they ask is “What is my own business” ‘am I my brother’s keeper’? Instead of joining force to improve the health care sector, they travel abroad to treat cold and catarrh. Their community roads are bad and instead of joining force within the community to repair the roads in their streets, they buy Jeeps.
Just as I feared, some devil-minded politicians and radicals have seized the situation to perpetuate their evil enterprise. I do not fault them because even the local and state governments where these kids waste away in their millions do not seems to see their future as a treat to the country. Boko-Haram masterminds obviously found it very easy to make these kids believe and follow them by providing for them the things we denied them; giving them food, clothes, shelter and the promise of eternity if they can do their bids. And since the people (you and I) are less concerned about whatever happens to them; they choose to follow the leading of these “devil ambassadors”.
However, I am personally not comfortable with the response of our president on such a matter like this. He said we should “learn to live with it”. This is ridiculous! His hesitation to take definite action is worrisome and needs attention. I love this country and do respect authorities but I need the President to really start thinking like the president. We are not saying he should become a dictator but he should do the right things at the right time.
Mr. President said he only needs constructive criticism, but how constructively can we tell him about the fact that 469 people in Nigeria’s National Assembly get paid over N150 million (about $1million) each every year. That’s about $500 million in total. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that? Or should we mention your own huge benefits not forgetting the fact that we will buy your foodstuffs and run your home from our tax money. Moreover, the fact that the president is yet to even declare his assets is an indication of fraud.
Also, it seems that our security agencies do not even know what to do to stop this unreasonable killing. The Nigerian Police force is about 400,000 in number, the soldiers are more than 76,000 including the 9,000 Air Force members and 7,600 members of the navy but yet a bunch of ignorant kids controlled by some selfish politicians and religion extremists are tearing the country apart. I am fully aware that when dealing with issues in a country so divers in culture, language, tribe and religion; so many variables must be considered but the basics are yet to be addressed.
Ironically, the solution to the problems we face as a nation is very simple and I think that is where we miss it. We keep inaugurating committees to work on national issues but neglect the only principle that governs life. An average Nigeria does not care about the well-being of his/her neighbour as long as the person, family, group or sect is not directly related to him/her; but isn’t it obvious that we are all suffering for it. I am convinced we still have a chance to create a better future if we start to think outside self, helping people regardless of their tribe, colour, religion or what we stand to gain when we do help. The youths should neglect the failure of these leaders and start to emerge themselves. Take a stand for what is reasonably right and believe in yourself. I believe our collectively action for positive change is sure a powerful weapon in GOD’s hand to give our dear Nigeria a better future. Start something! evil prevails when righteous men do nothing.
I am Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani. I stand for peace, love and unity and of course, I am a progressive Nigerian youth.
Bukunmi 'PREACHER' Adelani
TW: @bukunmipreacher
PIN: 23434AEA
bukade@gmail.com
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
WHEN LEADERS TALK REVOLT (note created on Friday, December 9, 2011)
Reading through the Guardian newspapers on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, the headline; “Mass Revolt looms in Nigeria, Obasanjo warns” got my attention. Obasanjo said there is possibility of having the Arab Spring in Nigeria. He warned that the recent revolt against government witnessed in the Arab world might occur in Nigeria if the uncertain socio-economic conditions of the citizenry were not urgently addressed. In my own opinion; the old man is not far from the truth; I have since discovered that some Nigerians are now prepare to die than the continuous hardship they face on a daily basis. Hence, the thought of possible revolution coming from a three time “president” of this country and an elder statesman is worth paying attention to. Although, I guess he (Obj) should definitely be aware that he is also one of the leadership-misfortune that befell the country since independence. I am not comfortable with ex-leaders complaining about situation of the country they once govern and failed to proffer solution to the problem they are now complaining about since they had the opportunity to solve them but did nothing.
OBJ highlighted insecurity, unemployment, poverty amongst others as possible ingredients that might initiate the revolution but he left the Aso-rock in 2007 (four years ago)! I believed if he had created the goods road during his long-tenure; we should definitely still have those roads by now or if he concentrated on improving the lives of Nigerians rather than fighting enemies; we should be closer to the promise land by now. But I have since discovered that anyone who does not have a relationship with GOD lacks the capacity to love people and hence can never solve the problem of this country.
During the last general elections; I was screaming as loud as my voice could carry me that Nigerians were caught up in personalities rather than the real issues. I complained about the choice of candidate available for us to select from; they came with the old “modus operandi” of “we will build school, build roads, build hospitals” but failed to tell us how because they are clueless about how to get it done. But I believe whosoever is in power; regardless of the circumstances leading to his/her election (genuine or counterfeit) must understand and accept the fact that he/she is responsible to the people and must do everything to make life easy for them.
My fear is that there is every propensity to believe that the leadership of this country already lost touch with the people; they are not aware that more than half of the populace live on less than a dollar per day coupled with the fact that they are not secured and no access to good health care. I know they live in their elusion believing that things are not this bad because their capacity to be compassionate had been truncated just like many rich or powerful people in the country because of their sudden change of status. Many do not even know the epileptic power supply in their area had spoilt the community transformer for more than a week since the power generating set in their house is always on, they are not even aware that ASUU is currently on strike and students are back at home because their children attends a private university (some abroad), some people don’t even know the ‘well’ on the road of their streets is that deep because they drive a Jeep.
Nevertheless, the cup must still be scrubbed inside-out and not the reverse. Since the leadership of this country comes from amongst the citizenry; the best approach is to develop the capacity of the average Nigerian to care and help people regardless of their religion, race, gender… then we can have the opportunity of a better future when one of the Nigerians with this new vision is in governance.
My quest is to see Nigerians love and treat people like they would treat GOD. Since GOD even choose to express himself through human beings. I am happy to associate myself with many Nigerians like Toyosi Akerele (Rise Group), Isaac Success (YPI), Akinola Solanke (Mr Nigeria), Paul Kayode-Joash, Fela Durotoye, Remi Dairo, Daniel Obafemi (Lifecentric), Damilola Oluwatoyinbo to mention just a few them who are committed to serving people selflessly; most time using their personal resources to ensure that the lives of people in their immediate community is positively affected. Their act of love is obviously effecting a positive change in the country at large. Their action is prove to the fact that as insignificant as we think our little inputs may seems to us; they are catalyst for achieving the much desire better future.
OBJ highlighted insecurity, unemployment, poverty amongst others as possible ingredients that might initiate the revolution but he left the Aso-rock in 2007 (four years ago)! I believed if he had created the goods road during his long-tenure; we should definitely still have those roads by now or if he concentrated on improving the lives of Nigerians rather than fighting enemies; we should be closer to the promise land by now. But I have since discovered that anyone who does not have a relationship with GOD lacks the capacity to love people and hence can never solve the problem of this country.
During the last general elections; I was screaming as loud as my voice could carry me that Nigerians were caught up in personalities rather than the real issues. I complained about the choice of candidate available for us to select from; they came with the old “modus operandi” of “we will build school, build roads, build hospitals” but failed to tell us how because they are clueless about how to get it done. But I believe whosoever is in power; regardless of the circumstances leading to his/her election (genuine or counterfeit) must understand and accept the fact that he/she is responsible to the people and must do everything to make life easy for them.
My fear is that there is every propensity to believe that the leadership of this country already lost touch with the people; they are not aware that more than half of the populace live on less than a dollar per day coupled with the fact that they are not secured and no access to good health care. I know they live in their elusion believing that things are not this bad because their capacity to be compassionate had been truncated just like many rich or powerful people in the country because of their sudden change of status. Many do not even know the epileptic power supply in their area had spoilt the community transformer for more than a week since the power generating set in their house is always on, they are not even aware that ASUU is currently on strike and students are back at home because their children attends a private university (some abroad), some people don’t even know the ‘well’ on the road of their streets is that deep because they drive a Jeep.
Nevertheless, the cup must still be scrubbed inside-out and not the reverse. Since the leadership of this country comes from amongst the citizenry; the best approach is to develop the capacity of the average Nigerian to care and help people regardless of their religion, race, gender… then we can have the opportunity of a better future when one of the Nigerians with this new vision is in governance.
My quest is to see Nigerians love and treat people like they would treat GOD. Since GOD even choose to express himself through human beings. I am happy to associate myself with many Nigerians like Toyosi Akerele (Rise Group), Isaac Success (YPI), Akinola Solanke (Mr Nigeria), Paul Kayode-Joash, Fela Durotoye, Remi Dairo, Daniel Obafemi (Lifecentric), Damilola Oluwatoyinbo to mention just a few them who are committed to serving people selflessly; most time using their personal resources to ensure that the lives of people in their immediate community is positively affected. Their act of love is obviously effecting a positive change in the country at large. Their action is prove to the fact that as insignificant as we think our little inputs may seems to us; they are catalyst for achieving the much desire better future.
WHO DO WE FEAR; BOKO HARAM OR POLICE?. Noted created on October 28, 2011
Its barely a week after the ‘murder’ of Emmanuel Victor, a boy aged 20 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State who was allegedly killed by some police officer on October 16, 2011 for condemning an act of bribery and the extortion of money from motorists at a checkpoint on Sanni Abacha expressway. There was another recent act of killing of an innocent lady by a police officer in Ekiti. The latest victim of our ‘supposed’ security enforcement agent is Miss Tayo Abe, a 27 years old lady who was shot dead alongside with her two siblings who escaped with gunshot injuries.
I was furious and heart-broken when I read the killing of Victor on Friday from the Punch newspaper. I remember discussing the sad incident on my Facebook page and with my BBM contacts. While some Nigerians at home and broad condemned the act; some felt the young man wasted his life. I recall a youth said that Emmanuel wasted his life by interfering in a matter that doesn’t concern him. He said since Emmanuel was not the only one around when the police were engaging in their usual character of “anything for the boys act”; he had no right to question or correct them. But while the matter is still “under investigation” as usual, another young lady was shot dead last Thursday in Ekiti. Someone suggested that both parties could be guilty of the fate that was meted out to them. Even if am not a legal practitioner, I am sure the responsibility of judging as to whether someone is guilty or not is never within the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Police Force.
My concern about the whole incidence is our increasing capacity to cope with such abnormality, our capacity for mediocrity is becoming worrisome. While the presidency is yet to react on the incident that happened in his state of origin. It took the public condemnations of Governor Sylvia, the state governor to speak on the matter. The response of Nigerians to the act confirms why we have people who do not care about the populace in power. When I read about Miss Tayo Abe’s killing; I couldn’t help but ask if there is any progress as we confess in this county. While we are busy finding solution to the bombing of book-haram; the daily killing of the police officers is worth looking into to. I think we should fear them more than the book-haram sect now
The Nigerian factor in me would have just kept quiet and watched or better still, discuss it in my closet with my family members and friends like we always do. But the “CHRIST-like” nature in me does not only hate injustice but has mandated me to expose them. Ephesians 5:11 in the NKJV bible said “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them”.Now ‘Ke nako’ like South Africans will say; the time is right for all to answer to God’s clarion call to defend the helpless and help the poor. I have since discovered that self actualization is actually achieved in the process of helping humanity. And knowing fully well that everyone is an extension of God. The question now is how well are you treating the God next to you, I mean your family members, the maid in that house, that gateman, your colleagues at work, that poor family living on your street. Please read Isaiah 58:7 and Matthew 25: 40 – 45 to better understand why we must help.
MY CALL
I call on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan to act. I am equally not asking you to be a dictator just like every Nigerian did explain to you over the months. We simply want you to be the “president”. Please question and bring to justice these killers. In a country where we live on less than two dollars per day; we don’t even know our faith after you remove the fuel subsidy as proposed. We beg you to give us the right to life. We love this country and we are passionate about her success and growth but the killing of youths perplexes us and makes us doubt whether the country is worth building in the first place.
I propose that the standard of recruiting people into Nigeria Police force be reviewed upward and have a body monitor their progress and activity. I understand there is a unit in NPF that deals with recruitment, discipline and promotion of police officers. I enjoin them to periodically organize trainings/orientation for these police officers, not the “ogas in blue” but the junior officers in black.
I equally enjoin the general public to see fellow citizens regardless of race, age, gender, colour and religion as loveable and the most important creatures on planet earth as created by God. We should treat ourselves with dignity and honour, knowing that God our maker loves us equally and demands justice of whatsoever we do to fellow humans.
I am Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani, a progressive Nigerian youth. I represent a generation that believes that Nigeria is a country blessed with the brightest and greatest potentials (human and natural resources) on planet earth. I stand against injustice and mediocrity! Please let us experience the true freedom so we can have peace and be truly united.
Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani
Writer and Speaker (life coach), youth leader and community developer
08032096426, 07040421629
Email:bukade@gmail.com
BB Pin: 234343AEA
I was furious and heart-broken when I read the killing of Victor on Friday from the Punch newspaper. I remember discussing the sad incident on my Facebook page and with my BBM contacts. While some Nigerians at home and broad condemned the act; some felt the young man wasted his life. I recall a youth said that Emmanuel wasted his life by interfering in a matter that doesn’t concern him. He said since Emmanuel was not the only one around when the police were engaging in their usual character of “anything for the boys act”; he had no right to question or correct them. But while the matter is still “under investigation” as usual, another young lady was shot dead last Thursday in Ekiti. Someone suggested that both parties could be guilty of the fate that was meted out to them. Even if am not a legal practitioner, I am sure the responsibility of judging as to whether someone is guilty or not is never within the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Police Force.
My concern about the whole incidence is our increasing capacity to cope with such abnormality, our capacity for mediocrity is becoming worrisome. While the presidency is yet to react on the incident that happened in his state of origin. It took the public condemnations of Governor Sylvia, the state governor to speak on the matter. The response of Nigerians to the act confirms why we have people who do not care about the populace in power. When I read about Miss Tayo Abe’s killing; I couldn’t help but ask if there is any progress as we confess in this county. While we are busy finding solution to the bombing of book-haram; the daily killing of the police officers is worth looking into to. I think we should fear them more than the book-haram sect now
The Nigerian factor in me would have just kept quiet and watched or better still, discuss it in my closet with my family members and friends like we always do. But the “CHRIST-like” nature in me does not only hate injustice but has mandated me to expose them. Ephesians 5:11 in the NKJV bible said “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them”.Now ‘Ke nako’ like South Africans will say; the time is right for all to answer to God’s clarion call to defend the helpless and help the poor. I have since discovered that self actualization is actually achieved in the process of helping humanity. And knowing fully well that everyone is an extension of God. The question now is how well are you treating the God next to you, I mean your family members, the maid in that house, that gateman, your colleagues at work, that poor family living on your street. Please read Isaiah 58:7 and Matthew 25: 40 – 45 to better understand why we must help.
MY CALL
I call on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan to act. I am equally not asking you to be a dictator just like every Nigerian did explain to you over the months. We simply want you to be the “president”. Please question and bring to justice these killers. In a country where we live on less than two dollars per day; we don’t even know our faith after you remove the fuel subsidy as proposed. We beg you to give us the right to life. We love this country and we are passionate about her success and growth but the killing of youths perplexes us and makes us doubt whether the country is worth building in the first place.
I propose that the standard of recruiting people into Nigeria Police force be reviewed upward and have a body monitor their progress and activity. I understand there is a unit in NPF that deals with recruitment, discipline and promotion of police officers. I enjoin them to periodically organize trainings/orientation for these police officers, not the “ogas in blue” but the junior officers in black.
I equally enjoin the general public to see fellow citizens regardless of race, age, gender, colour and religion as loveable and the most important creatures on planet earth as created by God. We should treat ourselves with dignity and honour, knowing that God our maker loves us equally and demands justice of whatsoever we do to fellow humans.
I am Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani, a progressive Nigerian youth. I represent a generation that believes that Nigeria is a country blessed with the brightest and greatest potentials (human and natural resources) on planet earth. I stand against injustice and mediocrity! Please let us experience the true freedom so we can have peace and be truly united.
Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani
Writer and Speaker (life coach), youth leader and community developer
08032096426, 07040421629
Email:bukade@gmail.com
BB Pin: 234343AEA
TWO YEARS IN LAGOS. (noted written on Monday, June 13, 2011)
This is really more than a note for me because it is actually a letter to GOD. I woke very early this morning because I couldn’t sleep; My heart was so heavy and I couldn’t hold back my tears while praying; not because I was sad but because I remembered loads of Gods unmerited favour towards me. I entered into this city two years ago with practically nothing. I only had in my small red bag; two white shirts, a pair of shoe, some other very few cloths, my books and a bible. I knew I had a purpose and a message for the world but I really had no idea on how to go about it. This is actually a “testimony-time” note for me.
I’m not particularly concerned about the material blessings because I’ve lost count of them a long time ago. I walked around my apartment this morning and was amazed at how much things have improved materially. My focus is on the privilege that has been given me to be part of GOD’s global agents for positive change. I have been privileged to organise and executive some community development projects in a city I entered as a ‘nobody’. The Orphanage Visit Project, House Everyone in Lagos, and the current Back To School Project are part of the numerous opportunities given me to help lives around.
I really must acknowledge the fact that things only changed and keep improving after I subscribed to the principles of the GOD of the bible. I completely believed the fact that kind begets kind because God’s success nature affected my natural life and little obedience to his commandments. I looked like a genius to many around me; little did they know that my extraordinary capacities and achievements are tied to the secret that GOD’s extra joined my very ordinary.
Moving from being a problem to a problem solver within a short time still astounds me. I moved from struggling for survival to helping people fulfill destiny; having a sure expected end of good success and having the opportunity to speak and share my life story and GOD’s word at churches, seminars, schools and conferences makes it more interesting. I decided to share this note to encourage someone that creating possibility out of nothing is absolutely achievable when we subscribe to GOD and live by his principle. To GOD, the ancient of days, the creator of heaven and earth, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say praise, glory, honour and adoration.
Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani
I’m not particularly concerned about the material blessings because I’ve lost count of them a long time ago. I walked around my apartment this morning and was amazed at how much things have improved materially. My focus is on the privilege that has been given me to be part of GOD’s global agents for positive change. I have been privileged to organise and executive some community development projects in a city I entered as a ‘nobody’. The Orphanage Visit Project, House Everyone in Lagos, and the current Back To School Project are part of the numerous opportunities given me to help lives around.
I really must acknowledge the fact that things only changed and keep improving after I subscribed to the principles of the GOD of the bible. I completely believed the fact that kind begets kind because God’s success nature affected my natural life and little obedience to his commandments. I looked like a genius to many around me; little did they know that my extraordinary capacities and achievements are tied to the secret that GOD’s extra joined my very ordinary.
Moving from being a problem to a problem solver within a short time still astounds me. I moved from struggling for survival to helping people fulfill destiny; having a sure expected end of good success and having the opportunity to speak and share my life story and GOD’s word at churches, seminars, schools and conferences makes it more interesting. I decided to share this note to encourage someone that creating possibility out of nothing is absolutely achievable when we subscribe to GOD and live by his principle. To GOD, the ancient of days, the creator of heaven and earth, father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I say praise, glory, honour and adoration.
Bukunmi ‘PREACHER’ Adelani
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