One step forward, Two steps backward

This idiomatic expression speak volume about Nigeria where it is difficult to see or evaluate the progress we have made in the past 12 years. It relates to a scenario where and when you make progress, something bad happens which causes you to be in a worse situation than you were to begin with.

A Political Leader

The world is full of aspiring political leaders but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals. In fact, many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. It is no coincidence that for many people, the word “politician” has such negative connotations! However, history – and present day – shows us that there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of an effective political leader.

Insurance and the Nigerian Economy

In developed economies insurance industry controls the financial sector and play a vital role in the economies of such countries. But reverse is the case in developing countries like Nigeria. Insurance is a fertile venture whose potential is yet to be tapped. The major problem militating against effective and efficient insurance in the country is the Nigerians attitudes towards the insurance institution.

nOBODY sOMEBODY eVERYBODY

Somebody is calling on Everybody to come and carry out the job which Nobody is doing.

Go for BETTER!

A chinese slogan states "Better is the enemy of Good" It took me a minute to even guess what they meant by this or to figure it out. I came to the conclusion that it means "It's OK to be good, but better to be better." In other words, it is like, 'don't settle for mediocrity.' Okay… but what? Are good and better enemies? Like they fight to the bitter end?

We seldom like the word better because we often put it in the context of best. Meanwhile, if we weigh it in the perspective of good, it has an edge. Grammatically, better come after good while best is superlative.

The import of this article is: don't let your good situation forestall you from getting to your better haven. Don't be too confaortable with the good go for better.

Civic Responsibility

Civic Responsibility is defined as the "responsibility of a citizen" (Dictionary.com). It is comprised of actions and attitudes associated with democratic governance and social participation. Civic responsibility can include participation in government, church, volunteers and memberships of voluntary associations. Actions of civic responsibility can be displayed in advocacy for various causes, such as political, economic, civil, environmental or quality of life issues. According to John D. Rockefeller Jnr., Civic Responsibility is the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force; "we must instill a sense of duty in our children"; "every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty".

Breaking it down:

Civic means, "of, relating to, or belonging to a city, a citizen, or citizenship, community or civil society"

Responsibility refers to "the state or quality of being responsible or something for which one is responsible such as a duty, obligation or burden"

A citizen is "a person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or union"

Citizenship means "a productive, responsible, caring and contributing member of society."

Importance
The importance of civic responsibility is paramount to the success of democracy and philanthropy. By engaging in civic responsibility, citizens ensure and uphold certain democratic values as written in the Constitution. Those values or duties include justice, freedom, equality, diversity, authority, privacy, due process, property, participation, truth, patriotism, human rights, rule of law, tolerance, mutual assistance, self restraint and self respect. Schools teach civic responsibility to students with the goal to produce responsible citizens and active participants in community and government.

Need I say more...

Viewpoint: Voting in elections most important civic responsibility

The Nigerian Constitution places the power to govern our country in the hands of our elected leaders or representatives. But this power is temporarily returned to us, the people, at regular intervals - each election day. Our Constitution discusses the election process extensively, and its authors set the electoral responsibility squarely on the shoulders of each citizen. Our founding fathers clearly intended that we should accept this responsibility without hesitation and dutifully exercise it by electing suitable representatives and officers. To ignore this responsibility is to declare to our founding fathers that they should not have been so foolish as to entrust us with the maintenance of our rights and freedoms. Ignoring our responsibility to vote is, by default, to vote for tyranny and poverty. Voting is one of the most important and fundamental rights we share as Nigerian citizens. We all have a responsibility to take it seriously.

In conclusion, I want to implore you to participate in the voters' registration (now), get your voter's card and vote for your preferred credible candidate in the April 2011 general elections.

Nigeria will make it...YOU will make it.

New Year New Resolution

A brand new year is here and it could mean a new start in life. As living souls, we are obliged to celebrate the year past and be so grateful for all the many things we received. The Hymn say "count your blessings, name them one by one and it would surprise you what the Lord has done". In the same vein, we have a New Year to celebrate for the new experiences and lessons we shall receive.

As grateful people, we should have a celebration for both the Old year and the coming New Year, with new hopes, new directions that shall translate into some improvements.

Eventhough there are often times misconception as to what people celebrate: Old year or New year. I have heard majority celebrate the triumph into the New year while they do not see anything significant about the New year. However, the celebration for the Old Year passing is significant and relevant. This is because it prepares one for the New and better year ahead. Retrospectively, some people write down on a paper those things that took place in the Old year: that is their good, bad and ugly experiences. Then they take another piece of paper and writes what they would like to achieve the next year. This list is kept and placed where they could see it each day. These are referred to as goals or resolutions for the New Year.

In the past years, I have seen resolutions broken, even before the end of the first month of the year. Some people hide under the guise of changing all the time to get different results. In a way, they breed acts of indiscipline which is bane of our inability to keep and maintain our resolutions.

According to Femi-Daniels Aidamenbor, "if you work for something bigger or more important than yourself; fix your mind on the positive. You will find yourself ending each day feeling more fulfilled than the last. You might also find that somehow things will just work out for you a little better than they did before! This will hopefully reinforce this new found positive behavior: by focusing and setting your mind on the good, while pressing forward, you will be lead towards what drives you!"


The Holy Book says, “In God, all things are possible.” When we separate from our arrogance and ego, and we set record straight from outset, the Bible statement is true.

Like it is expected of a leader, lead by example. Below are my resolutions for the coming year:
*Read a book a month

*Write a book

*Keep a diary

*Partake in some form of physical exercise daily

*Strengthen my relationship with God

*Gain more friends

*Go to bed at a reasonable hour, (before 12) 11 o clock.

*Be more time conscious

*Get more organised and stick to plans!

*Study more every night

*Save money!

*Enhance my skills and talent, and create wealth

*Try to love myself and have more confidence

*Spend less time on anything that is not adding tangible value to me and

*I want to walk the talk!

In sum, let be focused, let's have sense of purpose, let's back what we say with action.

Make good resolutions, if you stick to them, you will become a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled person. Happy New Year in advance to you all.