FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: COACH JESUS, LIKE IN PREMIERSHIP

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: COACH JESUS, LIKE IN PREMIERSHIP

If there's any position that makes demands on our abilities to make decisions with almost instantaneous results, it is as sporting Coach. Also, motivators have said coaching is superior to leading because the Coach must work to make the team produce results, come up with superior tactics and swiftly change the game as occasion demands, to ensure victory for the team. Today, I want to show the coaching example of Jesus Christ, as if in English Premiership.

After Judas' scandalous sell-out to the opponents and eventual exit from the team, Stephen was promoted from the feeders' team to replace Judas. Stephen was playing well for the Christ's team; with jersey number 9, very passionate, very skillful, very focused but not a dribbler (like dangling Rashidi Yekini), just determined to score goals and not so much of team player. Though won awards and commendations from Coach and Owner, his career didn't last because he suffered a major injury and he never cared; he was satisfied with pleasing his employer. An opponent named Saul of Tarsus masterminded the early retirement and eventual death of Stephen. Apostle Paul was wearing the jersey number 9, with Saul written on it. He was the Captain and striker for his team; very passionate, skillful, aggressive and deadly striker. 

Coach Jesus felt very bad about Saul's role in the attack on Stephen but knew he did it out of passion and loyalty to his team; so He considered him an utility player, approached him on a flight for away match, signed a deal to use him for away matches and gave him jersey number 10. Other players were scared of inclusion of Saul in the team, they could remember his havocs and cunningness. Paul on the other hand was scared of his former team mates and their numerous aggressive fans; he changed his name to fit into the dialect of his new team and to make other players comfortable with him. Saul changes to Paul with jersey number 10 and majorly to play away matches against the devil's team; his former team. Let's talk about the decision: Just as it's done in Premiership, a good coach is supposed to go beyond sentiments and sign a deal to bring a deadly striker from opponents' team into his team; a player that might have scored several crucial goals against the team and made the team suffer greatly. 

For many reasons: 

1. To fill in a gap to reduce the attacking/defending strength of the opponent. 

2. To make his team complete and stronger 

3. Put a winning team together

4. Win or woo more fans for the club.

5. Make profits for the club through the signing.

Leadership is not a child's play and the team's success is the leader's call. As much as the Coach/leader must carry the team along in major decisions and winning strategies, the responsibilities and otherwise are his. 

The signing of Paul into the Christ's team from the devil's team was an historic signing. Paul was a very good dribbler, understood the referees and their politics, understood many customs and languages of the opponents on the away matches, very aggressive and skillful team player and that made him escape and survived injuries. He can challenge referees, he understood the FA politics and was expressive. He became the highest goals scorer in a short while, the club's fan strength grew tremendously, with more foreign fans buying the club souvenirs. More players joined the feeders' team, even as volunteers and Paul started training them on how to be a skillful player like him. The team continued winning and Paul became the focus of attack of opponents and biased referees but he knew how to play the game and was always coming out of threat of FA ban. He appeared more in the records of the club than all the other players and became the most successful player of his era in the club. Yea! He's written in gold in the hall of fame. 

Coach Jesus signed on a teachable, skillful, passionate, energetic and goal-scoring player from opponent's team and that decision did not only make his team popular, he won all matches, grew the fan strength, made profits for the club and handsomely rewarded the focused team mates too. The team was happier, stronger, more victorious and won more foreign fans than before. 

A great Coach is supposed to look beyond sentiment in signing a professional player that will take the club to the next level. Pete Csec just crossed to Arsenal, I remember how Jose Mourinho got Fabregas into Chelsea and how Madrid got C. Ronaldo from Manchester United. Coaches go after skillful players, train them in the peculiar playing pattern and ensure they blend well into the team. 

Great leaders/Coaches don't get involved with pettiness; they are concerned about the team's welfare and how to win together at all times. It's a great privilege to play in this same team Paul played over 2000 years ago and I am delighted that Coach Jesus signed me on into his team, though my sign on fee is not much, I am hopeful of a great career with him. Once the team plays to instructions, victory is sure, everyone is rewarded and all are happy.

Leadership Quote: The person who can not see the ultimate becomes a slave to the immediate.- Dr. Myles Munroe

TGIF, enjoy the rest of your day and have a pleasant weekend.

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: COACH JESUS, LIKE IN PREMIERSHIP

If there's any position that makes demands on our abilities to make decisions with almost instantaneous results, it is as sporting Coach. Also, motivators have said coaching is superior to leading because the Coach must work to make the team produce results, come up with superior tactics and swiftly change the game as occasion demands, to ensure victory for the team. Today, I want to show the coaching example of Jesus Christ, as if in English Premiership.

After Judas' scandalous sell-out to the opponents and eventual exit from the team, Stephen was promoted from the feeders' team to replace Judas. Stephen was playing well for the Christ's team; with jersey number 9, very passionate, very skillful, very focused but not a dribbler (like dangling Rashidi Yekini), just determined to score goals and not so much of team player. Though won awards and commendations from Coach and Owner, his career didn't last because he suffered a major injury and he never cared; he was satisfied with pleasing his employer. An opponent named Saul of Tarsus masterminded the early retirement and eventual death of Stephen. Apostle Paul was wearing the jersey number 9, with Saul written on it. He was the Captain and striker for his team; very passionate, skillful, aggressive and deadly striker. 

Coach Jesus felt very bad about Saul's role in the attack on Stephen but knew he did it out of passion and loyalty to his team; so He considered him an utility player, approached him on a flight for away match, signed a deal to use him for away matches and gave him jersey number 10. Other players were scared of inclusion of Saul in the team, they could remember his havocs and cunningness. Paul on the other hand was scared of his former team mates and their numerous aggressive fans; he changed his name to fit into the dialect of his new team and to make other players comfortable with him. Saul changes to Paul with jersey number 10 and majorly to play away matches against the devil's team; his former team. Let's talk about the decision: Just as it's done in Premiership, a good coach is supposed to go beyond sentiments and sign a deal to bring a deadly striker from opponents' team into his team; a player that might have scored several crucial goals against the team and made the team suffer greatly. 

For many reasons: 

1. To fill in a gap to reduce the attacking/defending strength of the opponent. 

2. To make his team complete and stronger 

3. Put a winning team together

4. Win or woo more fans for the club.

5. Make profits for the club through the signing.

Leadership is not a child's play and the team's success is the leader's call. As much as the Coach/leader must carry the team along in major decisions and winning strategies, the responsibilities and otherwise are his. 

The signing of Paul into the Christ's team from the devil's team was an historic signing. Paul was a very good dribbler, understood the referees and their politics, understood many customs and languages of the opponents on the away matches, very aggressive and skillful team player and that made him escape and survived injuries. He can challenge referees, he understood the FA politics and was expressive. He became the highest goals scorer in a short while, the club's fan strength grew tremendously, with more foreign fans buying the club souvenirs. More players joined the feeders' team, even as volunteers and Paul started training them on how to be a skillful player like him. The team continued winning and Paul became the focus of attack of opponents and biased referees but he knew how to play the game and was always coming out of threat of FA ban. He appeared more in the records of the club than all the other players and became the most successful player of his era in the club. Yea! He's written in gold in the hall of fame. 

Coach Jesus signed on a teachable, skillful, passionate, energetic and goal-scoring player from opponent's team and that decision did not only make his team popular, he won all matches, grew the fan strength, made profits for the club and handsomely rewarded the focused team mates too. The team was happier, stronger, more victorious and won more foreign fans than before. 

A great Coach is supposed to look beyond sentiment in signing a professional player that will take the club to the next level. Pete Csec just crossed to Arsenal, I remember how Jose Mourinho got Fabregas into Chelsea and how Madrid got C. Ronaldo from Manchester United. Coaches go after skillful players, train them in the peculiar playing pattern and ensure they blend well into the team. 

Great leaders/Coaches don't get involved with pettiness; they are concerned about the team's welfare and how to win together at all times. It's a great privilege to play in this same team Paul played over 2000 years ago and I am delighted that Coach Jesus signed me on into his team, though my sign on fee is not much, I am hopeful of a great career with him. Once the team plays to instructions, victory is sure, everyone is rewarded and all are happy.

Leadership Quote: The person who can not see the ultimate becomes a slave to the immediate.- Dr. Myles Munroe

TGIF, enjoy the rest of your day and have a pleasant weekend.

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: THE TRANSIENCY OF POWER

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: THE TRANSIENCY OF POWER

This is a serious matter and the main reason why many public officers don't get a second chance; they behave as if there's no tomorrow when they are in offices. Also, they cling to office as if it's family title and do everything possible, even unreasonably, to remain in office. No matter what, no matter how cunning, you are bound to leave the office sometime. Even the traditional ruler can pass on or can be deposed. Therefore, attitudes matter most when in power because that position is not permanent.

I have related closely with many current office holders and I have seen arrogance and pomposity displayed, they forget too quickly how they got there and get carried away by the paraphernalia of office. Rather than make maximum impact, they only think of maximum benefit, exhibiting maximum abuse and living to regret later. It is very difficult for Nigerians to be consistent in power, I see attitudes change for worse when they mount the corridor of power. 

I have discovered that those who live and operate in the consciousness of transiency of power are great performers, they make great impact, with commendable attitudes and that is the best mindset. When you know you will exit that exalted office one day, when you know all the people hailing you will also hail your successor and your phone will soon stop ringing the way it does; it helps you to remain focused and make lasting impact with the office, not personal benefits only. Many allow their current temporary office influence their lifestyle in a rather permanent way. Their ways of live, their taste and cost of living change so much that just 3 months after leaving offices, they are already struggling to survive again. They steal so much to keep living the fake lives but they forget that money  you didn't work for can grow wings and fly off; ask lottery winners. 

Insecure leaders are often guilty of abuse of office and the ability to live above the pressures of the paraphernalia of office is a virtue leaders must develop. President Obama can carry his bag himself and do so many other things because he has learned to live above the paraphernalia of office; they don't get into his head. Nigeria leaders can get so bad that they don't even answer you again when you greet them. I remember a former Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, whenever I met him in government House, he was always pleasant and respectful but when I met him in his local government secretariat, he gave me this haughty look and walked away arrogantly without answering. It is a lack of character to have obvious (negative) changes in attitude due to power; it's not the power that has corrupted you but only makes manifest your character flaws. There are too many examples of these, I even have a friend who refused to greet us again after he became College of Education lecturer; you can imagine that. 

Leadership is service and responsibility and knowing that the office is only a means of maximizing services, makes you stand out as a leader. No matter how long you stay in office, you will leave one day and what happens to you afterwards depends on how you held forth in office.

Leadership Quote: Aptitude can take you to the altitude but it takes right attitudes to remain a factor to reckon with.      -Anonymous.

Good morning friends and TGIF.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO LATE KEMI JABARU

GOD BE WITH US TILL WE MEET YOU AGAIN:

Kemi Atoyebi-Jabaru, I know you would have said "broda mi, kole to yen now" but it's actually more than that. We have heard and seen leadership from the pulpit but you simply demonstrated the preachings from the pew. You led us from the congregation and showed us in a rather shocking way as Christians, that our exits can happen anytime and we must be found faithful. You were not just my loyal Facebook friend, you were my wife's closest sister in the ushering department and church, her best customer and marketer, you were the HOD of welfare dept while I was overseeing minister. You were a great well-wisher of my politicking and your moderations were known to all. 

How I wish you can read this write-up and hear all everyone has been saying about how much you have impacted their lives within this short while. From many books I have read and the few opportunities at motivational speaking, I know a life of impact is not really how long but how well, however, no one in my (church) circle of influence has demonstrated this so well.

You are a champion of faith. You were indeed more than conqueror, a winner and triumphant in all ramifications. I really feel like writing a book about the lessons taught by your graceful but rather short life. You were an epitome of grace, humility, big heart, giving, joy unspeakable, yet you were living in so much pains and a day at a time. 

God be with us till we meet you again in paradise because you have fought a good fight, finished your (sprint) race and we know you deserve your price. It's us, the remaining brethren that need prayers to finish (our desired marathon) strong like you have done, to serve God till the last moment.

 God be with us as we take care of our children, scold them but in love. Go about our daily, weekly, monthly routines and other responsibilities; not knowing which one will be the last one. Yes, we trust God we will be around for long but who knows for sure?

God be with us as we relate with our spouses, make love, quarrel over issues (both petty and serious), take decisions concerning the children education and welfare, plan the rest of the future of the children and ours together, not knowing which might be the last one we do. Yes, we trust God we will sleep together for many more years, raise our children and see our children's children but who knows for sure?

God be with us as we serve humanity, take care of the needy, use our talents and resources to blessed lives around us, sacrificing our time and energy to bring smile to other people's faces, when we make lasting impression on all around us as if it's the last we would do. Yes, we pray we will make more impacts and live long lives of impact, but who can be so sure?

God be with us in serving Him; as we play our roles in the body of Christ, serving in various departments, cleaning the church, standing and walking about as ushers so that others can sit comfortably, so that the service can be orderly; though we feel tired and weak. Serving as HOD of welfare department, even though we need welfare too, we have health and other challenges. Spending and being spent for the furtherance of the kingdom. Yes, we pray and believe because we are so active in service, we must live long; who can be so sure?

God be with us as we smile and laugh, not because we are really amused but because we know they go a long way in making others feel better and brighten their moments. You have done that more than anyone I know but not from convenience. Yes, we wish to smile and find reasons to laugh but what about doing it because others can be lifted by seeing our smiles and laughter and who knows which one will be our last moment with these people.

As your former minister in charge of welfare, while you were the HOD, I think I have learnt more from your life of giving and humility. You always call me "Oga mi or broda mi" and I discovered that anyone older than you in the church is either "Aunty mi, Oga mi or Egbon mi". Very generous with your smile, time and energy. My wife, as your friend, your fashion designer and closest co-usher and HOD ushering is grieving and I know you would have scolded me teasingly that why can't I console her, but how can I give what I don't have in this situation. Kemi, you see why God must be with us till we see you again at paradise because we pray and trust God we won't lose anyone this important again but who can be so sure?

Sincerely, if I feel like this about your departure (you are not dead) at least we knew you had the visa and you prepared our minds that we are going to miss you for a while; I wonder what your husband is going through. I wonder what Mayowa, your ten year old son and his siblings are wondering; not understanding yet how to handle the information. I wonder what your siblings and others that have known you all your life are going through. I wonder what those lives that depend on you are going through. I am not superstitious but you can see why God must be with them till they meet you again in paradise.

Kemi, you led from the pew, not the pulpit:As a Christian sister, you were too busy serving God that you didn't care who is not doing what.You were too committed to giving that we barely see your needs.You were too full of grace that no one noticed your weakness.You were laughing all the way and no one knew how much pains you endured behind those adoring smiles.

Oh Kemi, God must be with your husband, your children, your parents, your relations, the church and friends till we meet again, again at paradise, where we hope to spend eternity without pains, sorrows or loss but in everlasting joy and worship of our Lord and Maker.

Good bye Kemi Jabaru, the amiable wife of gentle Tunji Jabaru, the mother of Mayowa (Son), Mayokun and Motunrayo. God be with us all till we meet you again at paradise. Amen. 

Adieu Kemi Oyebola Jabaru (Nee Atoyebi).

Buhari and APC fail #100days Integrity test.

  

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGET: BUHARI & APC FAIL 100 DAYS INTEGRITY TEST

The FeBuhari and March4Buhari goodwill garnered by the present administration and the ruling party are not well managed and though it is human to be imperfect, it takes integrity in leadership to admit same. In today's issue, we are using the denial of 100 days  in office promises and the likely implications.

The first lesson I learnt in public relations management of integrity as it relates to public leadership was during the Lewinsky/Clinton crisis; the more President Clinton denied any "inappropriate relationship" with the White House intern, the more the tension grew. He got the best lawyers; Afro-American lady and physically challenged guy on wheelchair but neither could douse the tension nor exonerate him of any wrong doing. However, when Mr. Clinton came to the public to admit "inappropriate relationship" with the intern and ask for forgiveness, the opinion poll changed and instead of castigation, it turned to national pity. That was a worst scenario of personal integrity where freedom and public integrity were well monitored but was well managed by his public relations consultants.

Mr. President disappointed many when he refused to make any comment on the issues of agitations of the people about the domination of the appointments so far by the President's region of the country; he purposely ignored them as "rating", when the appointees took oath of office. A statement to address the issue should have accompanied the press release and when that didn't happen, the next opportunity by Mr. President to address any public should have settled the matter. To make matters worse, within the same week, the ruling party denied any 100 days in office electoral promises. Denial by politicians has been the normal practice but following the normal practice suggests to the people in a rather blatant way that nothing has really changed.

The expectations of the people from the Presidency are very high, expecting a kind of supernatural results and failing to meet up with such is human but admitting around 90 days would have made better impression or a 100 days in office media chat. Remember, we are dealing with a President with burden of religious and tribal bigotry but suppressed by the propaganda of the party, a dictator that jailed former governors in the southwest but put the northerner counterparts in house-arrest. With that kind of burden, the body language of the President and nonchalant attitude towards the agitations suggest even the fight against corruption could be loop-sided. 

IMPLICATIONS:

● People will consider the region of the other appointees before the merits.

● Not everything Mr President says would be taken hook, line and sinker

● There will be suspicion that people from southern region will suffer more in the fight against corruption

● Eyebrows will now the raised about Mr President's religious tolerance

● The discipline once attributed to Mr President could now be seen as dictatorial traits

● Propaganda from the opposition can produce better results now; if your words are not consistent, anyone can prove you to be a liar. 

There's a Yoruba song that say: "Eni ba jale lekansoso, koda ko fi Aran bori, aso ole lo dabora" (the man that steals once and stops, even if he puts on an expensive robe, it is believed to be a stolen one).

No doubt, Buhari still excels many politicians in integrity but his team have not managed this 100 days well. Remember, no one has come to list what exactly this Presidency has achieved in 100 days. Yes, there is better power supply but what exactly was done by this administration to improve it within that short time and what was done to improve fuel supplies? Effective public communications by the leader (ruling party) goes beyond propaganda, media noise/alarm.

With the body language of Mr President the last two weeks, it is very easy for the opposition (whether within the party or outside) to hijack the goodwill of this administration; remember, that goodwill was not gotten overnight. 

It is not enough for the leader to be a person of integrity, it must be seen by all as such. Like love, you must keep reminding your followers/subjects whether directly or subtly that the integrity is intact. It is natural to doubt the leader's integrity but the leader must help his people through regular reassurance. 

Leadership Quote: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.  -Anonymous.

THE GREAT LEADER MUST BE SPIRITUALLY FERVENT

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: 

THE GREAT LEADER MUST BE SPIRITUALLY FERVENT.

Leadership is sacrifice, leadership is responsibility and a great leader needs more than the physical to excel in motivating crowd of different densities along on a path of mutual benefit. The Yorubas rightly call it "Ori tutu ati Ori gbigbe" and some people and destined for failure but must still be positively impacted by your leadership.

I get angry and sometime very irritated by leaders who want to accomplish great leadership task in human strength; I mean great public leadership is beyond mere morality and principles, you must have spiritual strength for inspirations, discernment, divine wisdom and able to wave off evils from the camp.

Great leaders spend time alone in spiritual renewal or personal retreat and they are always fervent in the spiritual; whether divine or occultic. Though many in the occultic often deny membership of such in the public but the truth is everyone knows that it takes more "ordinary eyes" to succeed in the public life, particularly in Africa. 

Many are using spiritual influences to have their ways with you; many proposals, requests and projects craving for the leader's attention, issues from aides, members, followers and the general publics; all these ones rightly consulting and praying the assistance of their God/gods to get outcomes in their favors; how dare the leader be ordinary man?

I once referred a serving Governor in Oyo state as "Cadaver" because he was under great spiritual influence by his personal aides and he neither believed nor could resist their manipulations which were detrimental to the success of his administration. Anyway, he found his foot before the end of his tenure and was spiritual fortified after much damages have been done. 

A great leader must seek to be spiritually stronger than his followers with evidence of spiritual gifts, it doesn't matter which side of the spiritual divide, whether divine or occultic; public leadership is no child's play and we must be spiritually fortified. What's at stake is beyond ordinary and to trivialise it is to do so at the detriment of our success, even of our lives. The burial rites of most public leaders in Yoruba land reveal their occultic membership, even though they often deny such in their life time. 

What is annoying in the leader's spiritual prowess is the religious flirtation and  rituals by those who can't publicly admit to that religion. Yes, it's very annoying for a Matthew to be involved in blood sacrifices, talk-less of human sacrifices. Many obnoxious activities by public leaders take place before dawn, all in the name of seeking power or protection; though they are desperate in the attempts to fill the spiritual voids that their status demanded, they often sought help from the wrong places. 

As for me, I live and move and have my being in Jesus Christ; He's my refuge, fortress and Master.

Leadership Quote: "Leadership is the ability to establish standards and manage a creative climate where people are self-motivated toward the mastery of long term constructive goals, in a participatory environment of mutual respect, compatible with personal values"

By Anonymous.

Have a great day and wonderful weekend.

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: THE LEADER'S POPULARITY Vs NOTORIETY

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: THE LEADER'S POPULARITY Vs NOTORIETY

You think you are popular because everyone hails you everywhere, you need to check what you are known for, the sincere opinion of the people about your personality. You might just discover you are truly well known but notorious, not popular.

The reality of this confusion done on me sometime in 1995 at University of Ilorin when a 200 level student sought my advice to contest for the students' Union Presidency, he needed my support but was wise enough to ask for my advice instead. In that brief moment, many things went through my mind about this guy's personality and I knew I must be diplomatic in my response because he had so much respect for me. I told him: I know you're motivated by the fact that you're well known on campus but I would sincerely advise that you do a personal research to know what you're known for, if you're not satisfied with what you find out, work on it and improve on your personality before the next election, since time is on your side. I explained and he nodded in understanding, I patted him on the back and we went our different ways. This guy withdrew from the race that session but I heard he became the students Union President the next session. 

Friends, the leadership lesson today is that the fact that you are well known by the people doesn't mean you are electable. We must always do self appraisal to know what opinion the generality of the people have about us. The guy in question was notorious but was wise enough to swallow the bitter pill and worked on his personality. Many politicians and public officers must do personality appraisal often and save themselves agony of public rejections when it mattered most. 

Where votes really count, where the opinions of the people really matter; leaders are under constant watch and on hot seats. That is what we are called for as public leaders but sincerity with oneself helps a lot in determining how far we can go in a sane society. It is not enough to be well known; what are you known for? Some are actually notorious but they assume wrongly that they are popular, their neighbors, extended family members and colleagues could hardly tolerate them but because they are silent about the leaders' personality, they mistaken it for popularity.

Mr Leader, press the brakes, pause a bit and find out the through opinion of the people about you. Do yourself a big favour and confirm if your are popular or notorious.

Leadership Quote:  "Men often mistaken notoriety for fame, and would rather be noticed for their vices than not be noticed at all."
Author: Harry S. Truman

Good morning, have a great day and pleasant weekend.

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WHY GENERAL BUHARI MUST SECURE PRESIDENT BUHARI

WHY GENERAL BUHARI MUST SECURE PRESIDENT BUHARI:

At the present pace Mr. President is going, it is expedient that he engages his military tactics and see himself as fighting true war; war against corruption is war against wicked people who will fight dirty to maintain their corrupt territories. Let's take heed:

1. Don't eat apple o: Mr President, remember that a former Head of State was alleged to have eaten apple before his cardiac was arrested. Watch what and where you eat.

2. Don't drink tea o: MKO Abiola was alleged to have drank tea before his cardiac was arrested and General Abdulsalam was in the "peace meeting" too. Be careful with where and how often these people meet you.

3. Don't trust these foreign allies o: there were stories of international involvements in the killing of Abacha and Abiola; you can't be too careful in being careful. What they say doesn't matter and if the war against corruption produces real results, some of these countries will hate you; you would have succeeded in putting them under serious pressures.

4. Watch the gases too: there are stories of infectious gases that can cause sudden malignous cancer and terminal diseases; remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Gen Idiagbon returned from Abuja to Ilorin after "peace meeting" to die within 48hours from "stooling". The rumour claimed you were in the meeting and another member of this present peace committee. Please take heed o.

5. Double check your vehicles and flights: Mr. president must ensure he's not flown by suicide pilot and the fuel must not leak in the space. Your vehicles and jets just be well policed by trusted security aides. Patrick Yakowa and Gen Aziza died of circumstantial jet crash and life goes on.

6. Stop granting audience to these elites: stop this "I will probe" slogan and strengthen the appropriate agencies, judiciary and the police to fight and prosecute those found wanting, irrespective of social status. That way, you are not the one fighting corruption but Nigeria.

7. General Buhari must do everything possible to secure Mr President because all the support we have for him is because he's alive; Nigerians only support the living and available leader, Abiola and Yar'Adua must have stories to tell.

Seriously, Nigerians must pray for Mr President's safety and Mr President must be very careful; suspicion is the survival charm of the elders.

God has blessed the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PRACTICING DISCIPLINES TODAY THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS TOMORROW By J. c Maxwell

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS:

Delaying the gratification and making the necessary sacrifices now to ensure the desired success is very important. These are the words of Dr. J. C. Maxwell and they enriched my soul greatly.

PRACTICING DISCIPLINES TODAY THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS TOMORROW By Dr J. C Maxwell.

Everyone wants to be thin, but no one wants to diet. Everybody wants money, but not many people want to work long hours or to follow a budget. Lots of people would like a nice yard or garden, but few want to pull weeds.
The common denominator of success is discipline—forming the habit of doing things that the vast majority of people neglect to do. Individuals don’t accidentally stumble upon greatness. Even those who suddenly gain fame have usually worked hard all of their lives to become an “overnight success.” What we do on some great occasion depends on who we already are; and who we are is the result of previous years of discipline. It’s fine to praise the quality of discipline, but the real question is where practice to discipline on a daily basis. It’s especially critical for leaders to be disciplined in the following areas:
1) Thinking: Make a point to discipline yourself to think about your values and priorities every day. Values provide you with direction, guiding your decision-making. Meanwhile, priorities give you focus, directing how you spend your time. Poor thinkers are slaves to their surroundings. On the other hand, leaders make a habit of examining their world and contemplating ways to make it better. Their ideas and insights make them valuable and sought-after teammates.
2) Relationships: Make the decision to cultivate relationships and invest in them daily. You’ll enjoy life more when you share it with others, and you’ll go the farthest in life when you partner with people who genuinely care about you.
3) Talent: Daily choose to strengthen and sharpen your natural abilities, for they can open avenues to unique areas of influence. People don’t pay attention to what’s average, but they will pay both respect and rewards to individuals with exceptional skills.
4) Finances: Make sacrifices and live within your means today so that you can have financial options tomorrow. Avoid debt. While money may not make you happy, owing money is certain to make you miserable. Moreover, give generously. The purpose of wealth isn’t to spoil yourself but to serve those in need.
5) Health: Make the decision to know and follow healthy guidelines daily. Eat in moderation, and exercise regularly. Also, strike a balance between accomplishment and rest. Leaders have ambition, at times too much, and they can run themselves ragged trying to chase down career goals. As John Wanamaker said, “People who cannot find time for recreation are obligated sooner or later to find time for illness.” Be sure to handle stress effectively so that the pressures of leading don’t wear down your body. Taking proper care of yourself gives you the physical strength and mental wellbeing to tackle the demands of leadership.
Summary: If you commit to a set of daily disciplines, eventually you’ll reach a point in life at which you’re absolutely astounded by all the good you have been able to accomplish. In that moment, it will be crystal clear that you didn’t do it in a day but that you did it every day. By doing the right things daily, year after year, one day you will receive reward and recognition for them.

Have a blessed weekend.

YOUR SALVATION IS IN YOUR MOUTH.

YOUR SALVATION IS IN YOUR MOUTH:

Friends, I want to charge you this morning because God would not perform what you can't declare with your mouth.

Remember, "you are gods... and with the heart, man believes... but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

As the day breaks, begin to take charge and declare what you want to see today.

I agree with you that you are victorious, your victories shall be celebrated and your enemies shall be confounded in Jesus name.

— feeling inspired.

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REAL ESSENCE OF GOVERNMENT BY DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS. 

THE REAL ESSENCE OF GOVERNMENT:

I have always believed and seen government as service to God, an attempt to join God in making life better for all and orderliness to humanity. It saddens my heart when I hear people condemn participation in politics and call it bad names; it is a fact that politics is dirty but the Truth is that it is not supposed to be so. 
Governance is noble and the fact that some bad eggs have demonstrated evil conducts in politics for centuries don't change the essence of government but only show how much we must try to get the true essence back on track.

This is what Martin Luther King Jr says about Government:

In a word, next to the Gospel or the spiritual office; no better jewel, no greater treasure, no costlier gift, no finer foundation, no more precious possession exists on earth than a government that administers and upholds Justice.... For not in vain, God called its administrators "god". He does not want this to be a lazy, useless, idle estate, in which people seek only honor, power, pleasure or mere self interest and wantoness.

....This is the reason why God wanted to have government; that life in the world might go on in an orderly manner.

.... A government is controlled either by a few or by many; and yet if God does not control it, it is not administered well either by a few or by many.

... Government is instituted, not in order to seek its own profit at the expense of the subjects and to exercise its self-will on them but in order to provide for the best interests of its subjects.

Me: Abuse doesn't change the intended purpose of something but only shows someone has ignorantly or deliberately misapplied use. We can still do it right and that start from you and I. Let's make a different in our little worlds and the desired changes will come.

Thank God it's Friday and have a pleasant weekend.

IS NIGERIA REALLY READY FOR CHANGE? Written by Olufemi A. Ijiwoye from Canada.

 

Written by Olufemi A. Ijiwoye from Canada.

IS NIGERIA REALLY READY FOR CHANGE?
The thought of my heart as I left home around 6am this morning to go to work. I drove on a very slippery snow, windy storm that is more than close to zero visibility to work. As I was driving, these songs just busted out from my mouth “ajo o le dabi ile………etc” meaning “a foreign land cannot be compared to my fatherland”. As I drove through this zero visibility weather, I saw policemen & women and fire trucks with very bright light and ambulances. The police woman asked me “sir, are you okay? Do you really need to drive today?” I answered “yes mam, I need to be physically present on the unit before 7:30am because I will need to relieve my colleagues to go home and rest after 12 hours shift”” She went into her cruiser and led me with siren until I get to the front of the hospital. I got out of my car and said “thank you mam for today” she replied “Ok sir, quickly go up and save lives, have a nice day sir”
What is change? In my definition, change means a complete turnaround from the old ways. For example if you are going north, change demand from you to turn towards South and forcefully walk on that path without turning back. As a citizen of one of the greatest nation in West Africa, until we get to the point in our personal and official lives of performing our duties with integrity, selflessly, honor and pride, we cannot talk about change or change is far from reach. We must also be able to demand from our leaders and politicians the appropriate duties required of them, even if it will take our last breath. Think about many policemen and women that still demanded for egunje (Bribe) after showing them your driver license and car documents. Think of how many teachers and lecturers that have collected money from their students to pass exams. Some even called some WAEC, NECO or GCE centres “special centres” where all the invigilators and examiners are been paid to allow students to cheat or even help them to get the cheating materials. Think of how many times you’ve connected NEPA wires to get electricity when you have not pay your electric bills. Think of many times you’ve been paid salaries when you are not working at all. Think of many contracts that have been awarded to companies or individuals and NOTHING was done of those projects, but just to bribe people that signed the contract or enforcement officials and judges to keep quiet about the contracts.
Hmmmmhh….. Are we really ready for change or we are just in the normal gyration that happen every four years? I read some Nigeria newspapers online and I asked myself “As a Nigerian, are we really gathering together for wisdom and real change or we are gathering together to create another FOOLISH four years? Why will Nigeria be constantly fooled into believing or voting political parties that never provide any tangible solutions to her problems into power? You’ve seen joblessness, irregular electricity and Water, no employment for youths, Very bad roads, constantly importing foods from overseas, broken political, social, security, education and law enforcement infrastructures under PDP and APC leadership. You may check all the track record of your APC and PDP governors, APC and PDP Senators and REPS and PDP presidents. What solution have they provided, enforced and duly perform for you? And yet you still believe they have something good for you? Is it because they picked someone from your religion to be their running mate or they knelt down before your priest for prayers before the election? Do not be fooled! We have Captain of millions, thousands, hundred and tens, no one can perform any duty that is not empowered to do. Preparation begin from the closet of every individual. Most of the people we have been voting for or that you are planning to vote for are not capable of ruling their spirit and soul talk less of ruling a country (The presidential candidates and not the vice presidential candidate).
I thought about this deeply and concluded that “We are not ready for change, especially with this presidential election coming up on Feb. 14th”. How would you tell anyone you(Nigeria) are ready, when your road is nothing but 99.99% of pot holes. How would you tell anyone you(Nigeria) are ready, when many graduates of Polytechnic and Universities graduated without any hope of securing a job that will pay their bills, talkless of living a middle class life. How would you tell anyone you(Nigeria) are ready, when at least three of your states are under state of emergency with Boko Haram militants’ claiming your boarders and more than 219 young girls are missing without any hope of knowing there where about. Until now you(Nigeria) are still struggling to have a stable electricity that will serve as a positive force to job creation. Instead you(Nigeria) favor importing all manners of generators and filled your air with noise and smoke. All these things would have caused the collapse of many local governments and states in any civil society without any blood shed or riot but JUST by A PEACEFUL PROTEST that was thought by Mohandas Ghandi.
How many of you(Nigeria) have a voter card and how many of you are physically going to vote? Even if you vote, is it going to be counted as it’s suppose to be? We all behave as if we have only two political parties in Nigeria i.e PDP and APC. Someone in the newspaper was saying “I will rather vote for the best devil out of the devils contesting” Why do you have to vote for any devil at all when we have too much at stake. When we have real issues on ground to solve. WHY? Can’t you wake up from your sleep? Can’t you realize now that we need a leader/presidential candidate that come from ordinary Nigerians and not from any of your corrupt political parties; A candidate that is supported by ordinary Nigerian and not your Obas’, Obis’ Emirs’, Priests’ and Imams’; A candidate that is financed by ordinary Nigerian and not by nations, companies, former leaders and politicians that stole and still stealing resources from our fatherland. A candidate that will be driven to all corners of Nigeria for campaign by ordinary Nigerians and not thieves that will spend billions of dollars on campaign.
Change will not just listen to a politician to say that “We will fix electricity” but will ask the question “How?” and will then vote for candidate that constructively and brilliantly explain how he/she will fix the electricity with a measurable agenda.
This is what “CHANGE” will do;
a) It will start from the grass-root.
b) It will check all the political parties manifesto and what they’ve done and capable of doing.
c) It will fully support the candidate that answer all her questions about security, employment, basic amenities, roads, and education.
d) Change candidate must attend presidential debate in 6 key states of the federation from North, South, East and West.
e) Change will never vote for a party because of who they pick as their vice presidential candidate, religion, culture and beliefs, but will vote for the main “MAN/WOMAN who is the presidential candidate due to his/her capacity and political manifesto.
f) Change candidate must travel all around Nigeria and discuss how to solve Nigerian issues and not just driving around the country without telling us how to solve our problems.
g) Change will get a voter card and vote for the best candidate.
h) Change candidate will not use his money but will be supported by donations from everybody even from those that beg for alms on the street.
i) Change will put her/his life on the line to defend her/his vote and count even after the election.
This is when you will smell the aroma of “CHANGE” all around the nation, and our friends and foes alike throughout the world will smell it. That indeed, Nigeria is ready for change.
Arise O Compatriots to Save Nigeria.
Real Change 2019……………………and……………………………….beyond………

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS: HOW TO IDENTIFY INSECURE LEADER.

FRIDAY LEADERSHIP NUGGETS;

HOW TO IDENTIFY INSECURE LEADER:

I have chosen to write on this topic based on my personal experiences, deductions from motivational books and some examples in public environment. Insecure leaders are common and they are often responsible for most leadership crises. Though very few succeed and become great leaders if other character traits cover for this weakness, but many don't become great because they have only followers and can’t reproduce leadership. These are some of the traits of insecure leaders:

1.       The word “I” is common with them. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Deep in the hearts of these leaders, others are insignificant: everything revolves round ”Ï, me and myself”

2.       Though expressive, it is very difficult to openly acknowledge good results, except if he takes the glory for it.

3.       They are always antagonistic of the best of their followers; always looking for opportunities to humiliate and attack such before others, just to give the impression that that follower is not as spectacular.

4.       Their reward system is very poor because they can’t get justification for anything better for their followers.

5.       They suppress any attempt by their followers to be famous.

6.       Very talkative. They try to cover their weaknesses and in the course, they talk and talk: sometimes repeating the same conversations many times and you tend to wonder the sense in the conversation after they are done.

7.       No matter how SMART an idea is, if the credit is not coming to them, it will never see the light of the day.

Understanding your leader helps you know how to relate with them, talk around them and how long you stay under them. Insecure leaders are everywhere.

 As football coaches, they have problems with the most famous player in the team; just can’t stand someone else getting all the attention.

King Saul and David: King Saul loved David until the women sang the praises of David and ignore King Saul. He couldn’t imagine how a youth could be celebrated that much after just a victory; making it the last time David was celebrated became his ambition. King Saul manifested many traits of insecure leadership.

In politics most strives between leaders are often due to insecurity in leadership. Godfathers feel insecure and move against the Governors, Governors try to cage the aides and commissioners, etc,

Among Spouses: husbands often antagonise anything that makes the wife more prominent, even when she’s obviously humble in the course of such.

If you are visionary and energetic and you have an insecure leader ahead of you, be very careful or consider working in another environment. If you suspect you are an insecure leader, you might just go for professional counselling/therapy. Most of our leaders in Africa are insecure and that has affected our development greatly and the next generations have imbibed these traits as normal leadership styles.

Leadership Quote: Insecure leaders are like fireworks with a lit fuse. It’s only a matter of time until they explode, and when they do, they hurt everyone close to them.