SEYI MAKINDE: FROM BEING BLESSED TO CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS

SEYI MAKINDE: FROM BEING BLESSED TO CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS

While many politicians are aspiring so that they can be blessed, sothere will be a turn around in their fortunes and also join the bandwagons of those "who come and chop their own", that is, association of treasury looters; we got a man from Oyo State, in whom the fear of God is and an epitome of compassion who goes about touching lives, his name is Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, also known as OmiTitun.

What better way to contact the destiny of the destiny Maker (Jesus) himself. No doubt, we've found a humble man of purpose, a great philanthropist, a trailblazer and the lover of fellow mankind. (Perhaps, that's the English translation of his name, Makinde? Lol
He is doing good and I tell others to rise to the challenge and forget about the campaign of calumny; at least if you claim he's doing all these good deeds because of election, then let other aspirants do likewise, they would have reduced the percentage of poverty even before the general elections, if they join in this laudable trail.

This is much I can say now because I can imagine what these 35 benefactors of this surgical operations in the last one week would be saying, now that they are on path of health recovery. Only the living talk about inflation rate, only the healthy hope for 2019 and only those with sound minds can discern a good leader. Good health has no gender and neither has religion nor tribe.

God bless Engr Seyi Makinde, OmiTitun must flow.

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS A STRONG AND PROACTIVE LEADER 2.

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS A STRONG AND PROACTIVE LEADER 2:

In our almost 57 years of independence and over a century of political existence, Nigeria has had different kinds of leaders but we have not made much progress. The level of our development is not commensurate with our human resources and international exposures. Everyone seems to know what the problems are but the solutions are still mysterious. We keep recycling the failed leaders and kept expecting a better outcome.

THE QUALITIES WE NEED IN A PRESIDENT:

1. INSPIRATIONAL & PROACTIVE: Like Papa Awo, we need a leader that's a thinker, inspirational and proactive. Someone who's so deep and vast enough to institute and construct policies and projects that will stand the tests of time and solve future problems. Think Odu'A group and it's relevance till now. Think University of Ibadan and the pride of the nation. Think, think and think of many others. We need a leader with Awolowo kind of inspiration and depth. Unfortunately, many of the present crop of leaders and politicians are bereaved of laudable ideas and the only thing they seem to know how to loot our common treasury.  The list is not exclusive but you will agree with me that any Leader with these qualities will stand above average in performance.

2. STRONG WILL: I am yet to see a leader in Nigeria with the kind of strong will of Chief Obasanjo. Though so many people describe him as been stubborn but I think it's just the strong will that manifests. A leader with very strong will doesn't change decisions haphazardly and are not whimsical. They follow strong opinions and convictions only. When they delegate authorities, they give the necessary backing  supports. Think El Rufai and the Abuja projects, think Ribadu and the EFCC, think Prof Akunyili and the NAFDAC wars. Think, think and think of what that can mean to these rotten systems in Nigeria. We need leaders with such strong wills and doggedness.

3. COMPASSIONATE: In Nigeria, our leaders have no regards for souls but we need a leader who can value the lives of his people and say his aspiration is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. Even more than Jonathan, a leader that will treat every Nigerian as siblings and Children, who must not die or record any evil. This is the most important quality before God. The souls you lead, their lives must be very dare to you. Situation where only when the rich die, you see the crocodile tears and sermons from our leaders is bad. Compassionate leaders have emotional intelligence and their display of affection is swift. Crises are inevitable but how leaders respond to them show who the leaders are. Think of Fulani herdsmen rampant killings and the outspoken silence of the President until Nigerians accused him.

4. DETRIBALIZED AND NO BIGOTRY: Again, Chief Obasanjo comes to mind but even more than that, the leader must celebrate our diversities and rich cultures. Obasanjo would wear turbans, appoint anyone who he believes can deliver, irrespective of religion or tribe. The cases where a leader engages his own people only as personal aides sends the wrong signals and the building has started on bad foundation. Tolerating the other religion is compulsory for the Leader; you can make other religion feel comfortable around you without compromising your faith. It is not enough to have good intentions on religious and tribal issues in Nigeria, the Leader must demonstrate such at all times. Nigerians are very sensitive to both issues. Think, think, and think of what a difference it will make if all tribes and religions are at peace with the Leader like the whole nation demonstrated towards MKO Abiola. It was not just an electoral victory but vote of tribal and religious confidence.

5. THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE PEOPLES: We often mistaken understanding of the peoples of Nigeria for the geographical spread. Nigerians are unique and strange people and the Leader must understand the good, the bad and the ugly sides of us, but not like those who go to foreign lands to call us bad names but for the purpose of taking care of our diverse need and cobbing our excesses. Understanding Nigerians will make any leader know the fight against corruption should be the people's fight, not the leader's fight; that makes a lot of difference. Think, think and think of how effective it would be if the Leader spends so much on reorientation of Nigerians and the average Nigerian hates corruption. Now, people have solidarity rallies for corruption suspects and tribalise the cases because they can't see the wrong.

6. FEAR OF GOD: We are a very religious people and to have the fear of God goes beyond the religious practices; it is evident in how we treat people around us, particularly of other religions. Killing in the name of religion is contrary to the fear of God. Inciting followers to maim and kill perceived opposition is contrary to fear of God. Think, think and think of how peaceful and focused our polity would be if the average Nigerian rejects violent politicians at the polls.

7. SELF DISCIPLINE: This is important but we take it for granted in this clime. Buhari is self disciplined but it doesn't reflect in self development. Papa Awolowo comes to mind; the paraphernalia of the office are corrupting, political activities are sometimes obscene but living above the average is commendable for the leader. It takes discipline to continue reading after getting into political offices and following up on projects to ensure execution.

8. HUMILITY AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP: I have seen many cases of how some politicians change as soon as they get to office; their regards for lives and values go down the drain as if hypnotized. The values and characters they are known for disappear and they become arrogant and carefree. The Leader must maintain cool head, remain humble by conceding the leadership to the people because the power given is for service, not to lord it over his subjects. In this context, we have many rulers but very few leaders. Though the attitudes of the Nigeria electorate can be frustrating but humility on the part of the leader can be a game changer.

9. GENEROSITY: Though many people trivialize this but it's very essential. Though it's likely that the Leader with the above qualities will be stingy but it's important to let the compassionate attribute overrides judgment and condemnation. Many times, it's not because the leader doesn't have to give but there are many dispassionate reasons involved. The leader we need must also be generous because that's how the masses know how much the leader cares, before they know how much he can deliver. Think, think and think of how an MKO Abiola could penetrate all regions and religions of Nigeria, coupled with the title of the pillar of sports in Africa. What pillar are you?

You can add yours to these qualities but the bottom line is that we must consciously raise the standard, if we want to record appreciable progress in every facet of our national life.

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

Good bless Nigeria.

HOW TO RECALL ANY DINO MELAYE THAT'S REPRESENTING YOU

HOW TO RECALL ANY DINO MELAYE THAT'S REPRESENTING YOU

Section 69 of 1999 Nigerian Constitution gives clear steps to take before a Senator can be recalled Viz:—

1, More than half of the registered voters in the Senator’s senatorial district write, sign and send a petition to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC alleging their loss of confidence in the senator.

2, The petition must be signed, and arranged according to polling units, wards, Local Government Areas, and constituency.

3, INEC notifies the Senator sought to be recalled, stating that it has received a petition for his or her recall from his constituents

4, INEC issues a public notice or announcement stating the date, time and location of the verification of signatures to the petition

5, INEC verifies the signatures to the petition at the designation. The signatories must be individuals who appear on the voters’ register.

6, INEC conducts a referendum if more than one half (50% + 1) of the signatories are verified

7, INEC writes to the petitioners stating that the minimum requirements for a referendum were not met, if the number verified is less than one half of the registered voters in that constituency. The petition will therefore be dismissed.

8, INEC conducts a referendum within 90 days of receipt of the petition if the minimum requirements for a referendum are met. The referendum will be a simple yes or no vote on whether the Senator should be recalled, and will be decided by simple majority of the votes of the persons registered to vote in that Senator’s constituency.

9, If majority of the voters in the constituency vote ‘yes’ the Chairman of the INEC will send a Certificate of Recall to the Senate President to effect the recall.

10, The Senate President will show affected senator the way out of the Senate.

RE- REMOVAL OF CRS FROM SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN NIGERIA:

RE- REMOVAL OF CRS FROM SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN NIGERIA:

This discussions and displeasure expressed by Christians by this issue has been on for a few days now and I actually thought it was a misconception but after careful studies of various positions, I discovered it was a deliberate plot to cause serious religious uproar because that curriculum can never work, as it has been proposed.

Interestingly, this education policy was recommended since early 2015 but not implemented till now. According to the new curriculum as published on the website of NERDC, the subjects to be offered by students include: English, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science and Technology (BST), Religion and National Values (RNV), Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) and Arabic. That is, CRS and Islamic studies are now sectional courses under the subject, Religion and national values.

The controversy is the standing of Arabic as a subject approved for all, though most Islamic schools do this already but with this new policy, it becomes a compulsory subject for all secondary schools in Nigeria to offer Arabic as a subject.

The questions that comes to mind is: What is the significance of the study of Arabic language to our national development and peaceful coexistence as a nation? How does this new curriculum solve the many problems currently bedeviling our nation?

However, I don't understand why some public officers will always want to promote their religions at the expense of others when in positions of authorities. I have seen why those disturbed by this development have every reason to be; the problem is not the steps taken but the destination the steps drift towards.

More and more seeds of disharmony from government agencies headed by religious fanatics.

Good morning and have a blessed day.

http://saharareporters.com/2017/06/20/fact-check-has-buhari-removed-christian-religious-studies-secondary-school-curriculum

THE NORTHWEST AND THE IDIOCY OF POLITICAL ARROGANCE

THE NORTHWEST AND THE IDIOCY OF POLITICAL ARROGANCE:

I friend recently asked me what's my opinion on the evacuation notice and threat issued by some northern youths and I said the best thing was not to give them the expected reaction; fear and uproar. It is now characteristic of the Northwestern Nigerians to arrogate to themselves the voice of the whole north, while in actual fact, they are just minute egocentric whispers of people with ethnic/tribal complex.

Every time in the history of our democracy when the Northwest is not producing the President, or their presidency is threatened, they issue threats. I discovered this has been the usual pattern; the oppressors playing the victims. The noise from the north now is simply because Buhari is indisposed and the Southeast youths are gaining more attention which threatens the second term slot for a northern because Buhari can't run in 2019.

This present unconstitutional zoning formal for the presidency benefits the northwest more than any other region and in fact, the northwest oppresses the two other regions from the north; northeast and north central. They believe the Presidency is their exclusive right, even when they consistently present the sickly and indisposed as candidates, at the expense of their best materials.

Just like the case of school bullies, until we dare to challenge or call their bluffs, you remain oppressed, same way it will continue with Nigeria until we deal decisively with their voices and dare them. Though the Yorubas say if we identify the slaves, the numbered ones will be sad" but it's the gross misconducts of the slaves that will call for identification.

No ethnic or tribe should lord it over others, you religion should impose self on others and no worthy leader should encourage anything that threatens the peace and coexistence of others. It is not enough for Ag President Osinbajo to discuss with their leaders, we need a scapegoat, someone must be made as deterrent to others. As long as such threats go without commensurate actions, we shall continue to receive similar threats in every dispensation. We have ample precedence for it.

Issuing threats when you're not strong enough to fight or deal with the situation is height of stupidity. There's virtually no major city in Nigeria (outside the north) where you don't have Sabo", the designated settlement for northerners but such are not replicated in the North. The north are favoured with special quota for all federal benefits at the expense of other regions, to the extent that most Oil Well owners are Northerners. At least, they can't chase the "IBO and other tribes" out of the North and keep their Oil Wells, dockyards, and port businesses? Also, at least after kicking other tribes out of the North, the incessant destruction of southern farmlands by these violent herdsmen would stop because we will have good grounds to deal with the situation. They can't eat their cake and have it jare. Their noise is no threat and treating as threat fuels their stupidity and arrogance. In my life, the best dose ever to anyone I consider arrogant is just to ignore; it works like pinching the balloon with the smallest pin; you're very important as long as you don't look down on me. Oh! It is in my DNA never to allow anyone despise me.

Using this same political game against us and getting away with it is not helping them to see the idiocy therein. It's high time we identified the slaves, lest they continue as the heirs, since their royal arrogance is more than those of the heirs. Nobody is more Nigerian than others.

Quote: The evil you don't resist will persist.

God bless Nigeria.

Don T @ 40

DON T @ 40:

A hearty congratulations to the firstborn among my guys (younger friends), my paddy for life and brother, Tony Rowland Awobode.

When I saw the notification that you're 40yrs today, I said "Wao". That's because by looks, I never thought you're older than when we first became friends in 1998 or thereabout and by accomplishments, I thought " how come he's just forty?"; I just never thought of your age until now..  We've shared many pleasant and not so pleasant moments, encouraging each other all the way; spiritually and ambition wise.

I must confess; not many guys have won my admiration the way you do because I have seen you fall many times and risen all the times without compromise; you're above sentiments and no one can push you when you're not convinced. I can remember your exploits at the New Covenant Youth Church, Obisesan hall; the swimmer's club and Basketball outreach units, your MC and other social service, the broadcasting exploits and a couple of things we did together and how we will laugh at each other if they don't meet expectations. Lol. You're just one of your kind and I am very excited at the man you've become.

I pray the Lord your God keeps you strong always and your inspirations shall not be disconnected. More grace and wisdom for greater accomplishments in Jesus name.

Welcome to the Club of the 40s my personal person.

Forty hearty cheers to the Don @ 40. 

JUNE 12 Vs MAY 29; OBJECT Vs IMAGE:

JUNE 12 Vs MAY 29; OBJECT Vs IMAGE:

I asked on May 29 2017 if truly that should be our national democracy day but the responses were not convincing enough and some thought it was just another political punch. Well I think today, June 12, should be our national democracy day, not May 29 that is just the swearing-in anniversary of the administration. Our national democracy day must have a demonstration of sacrifice, not weightier with any political party because of incumbency and must have a common memory of victory of the masses, not the elites.

The same way the elitist coup succeeded in hindering Abiola from ascending the throne after the uncontroversial victory, the sake political elites are still playing politics with the Martyr. They kept paying lips service to how crucial the fairest and freest election in the history of the nation is but never attempted giving it the deserved recognition. The same people who detrayed him are the first set of benefactors of his death; rejoicing over the triumph of democracy but not recognizing how it came bye. How can we leave the object and be celebrating the image? This like many other issues bedeviling our country, is another typical case of self delusion and hypocrisy. 

Recognizing June 12 as democracy day is beyond MKO Abiola but what the whole nation demonstrated that day in our history; something unprecedented and have never been repeated since then. June 12 represents our "Hope of one Nation" and maturity of democracy which are both elusive. This day is the Hope of the full manifestations of our potential as a nation; where ethnic, religious and all bigotries were demolished to accomplish one goal of government of the people, by the people, for the people; to the bewilderment of the then military junta.

The significance of June 12 truly transcend MKO Abiola day because that neither marks his birthday nor his death; the significance of the day was what all Nigerians demonstrated and we need to remind ourselves of this potential until we attain to that status of maturity demonstrated 24yrs ago and make the next generations understand same.
Marking swearing in anniversary as democracy day in Nigeria have limited the celebration to the incumbents and those in the corridors of power and that is unfair. We need a day all Nigerians will identify with, connect to and see as the anniversary of the people's victory. It was on June 12, 1993 that Nigerians defeated the Military cabals at the polls, their permutations were frustrated and the whole nation spoke one voice for once.

Like the cry for restructuring, the ruling class keep denying the realities but very soon, the time bomb shall explode and the let's the debris and fragments from these denials will come together and ensure the mistakes are not repeated.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Happy Democracy Day my people.

SEYI MAKINDE: THE CHALLENGES OF A TRAILBLAZER

SEYI MAKINDE: THE CHALLENGES OF A TRAILBLAZER:
Since Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde first contested for Senate in 2007, I have never had any other candidate for the posts he contested for, not because of anything but my full persuasion that he would deliver on his electoral promises and his self discipline is far above that of an average politician. I believe and see him as a discovered leader charting a way with a method the average Nigerian is not familiar with; meekness, diligence and love are not common with public leaders. 

Pioneering any major project will take you through 4 stages if you're persistent enough and because it's bigger than you, the people factor is crucial in the success. Now, it has gotten to the stage of; "If Seyi Makinde can pull such crowd and make impact, why not me?". We now have many young and vibrant aspirants in Oyo state, targeting the Agodi office but have never contested elections before. 

I joined forces to convince him in 2012 to run for the governorship of Oyo State in 2015 and still remember his responses vividly; he said he wants to seek God's face because it's a good thing we are asking him to do but the God factor is crucial. He also mentioned that governorship gives legitimacy to many good things he would desire to do which are not permitted for individuals, which means it's a great opportunity to do many good things to many people at ones.. He went ahead to advice me on some personal issues as champion of youth leadership. I am sure he must have forgotten that aspect of our discussion. The discussion in his Lekki office on April 12, 2012 gave birth to what I described as the social media political marketing of this great embodiment of assets and I have never regretted.
His politicking style is not usual to the Oyo state political terrain; where a young man aspires to be the Senator (in 2007) in the state and not through Baba Adedibu in the same party; who was determined to enthrone his son as Senator for Oyo South district. Again in 2011, he contested against the second term of Senator Kamoru Adedibu who was Gov Akala's candidate then. The political elites saw this boldness as daring and unseriousness; how can he go on like that without a godfather, they asked. You hear words like; "he's very good and young but, he's rich and nice but..." But what? It was usually "bla bla" of incoherent excuses.

When I started the online campaign in 2012 for his 2015 governorship, many people treated the aspiration like sacrilege; how dare him? what political experience does he have? who's his godfather? can anyone without godfather ever be Governor in Oyo state? he should go and queue for his time, were the usual aggressive positions from the social media constituents then. To many, the Oil magnate must have paid me handsomely for me to speak so passionately about him and his leadership style. Well, my answer has always been; he can afford to pay me any amount and there's dignity in working hard to get paid but this is my contribution to the aspiration of a discovered leader.

THE CHALLENGES:

1. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE: The first stage of challenge faced in this aspiration is "the impossible mantra" from the political elites and social media constituents. They can't just imagine how a young man who never held any political post could be Governor of Oyo State. Reminding them of Gov Gbenga Daniel of Ogun, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and Peter Obi of Anambra states was never enough; it is just impossible here, even though they can't fault his personality. Though embedded in this despair was the political envy, wondering how a young guy can just grab the post just like that when many have spent and being spent for same to no avail. Others think just because he's successful in business doesn't mean he should come and replicate same in politics.
The stage was so crucial and many would rather work to make it fail than succeed, so that they can say; "didn't we say it's impossible?" That was 2012 to 2014.

2. LET'S SEE HOW HE WILL DO IT: This is the most delicate and sensitive stage because not many who profess to believe in the vision actually do; many just want to see "how possible", not to work sincerely to make it possible. This is where you differentiate the followers, supporters and stakeholders in political projects. Many are interested in the journey, not the destination, the attempt and not the success. Hard work is considered foolish and a waste of time and this was the stage until Engr Seyi Makinde became one of the two major contenders in PDP for the ticket. When he decamped to SDP and the reality of the candidature dawned on many, they said it's 2019, not 2015. It was just psychological rephrasing of " how possible". That was what we contested the election with; 2019 is undoubtedly his turn, he has really tried.

3. DOES HE WANT TO DO IT ALONE: As soon as the results was out, many claimed though they knew he's a very good candidate, we didn't support him because we were not invited. We want to work for him but some people don't want us. It is the stage when people think "how do we join him, lest we miss out in the success story". They want to make measurable contributions to the success and would attack the handlers if not given the chance to do so.

4. WE ARE HERE TO JOIN YOU BUT...: This is the current stage where many would willingly join the train but will mention their price. They are ready to produce results, give measurable contributions to justify their bargain and leave no stone unturned to achieving the desired success. This is the present stage of Engr Seyi Makinde governorship aspiration; the kingmakers are gathering and the nest is getting bigger. No doubt, as an intelligent, disciplined and upright man, he admitted past mistakes and has learnt good lessons from them. His moves are not as obvious as before and his shots at goals are better calculated. I love this humble man, helper of many destinies, rebuilder of waste places and voice of the masses.

He has faced the challenges, he has paid his dues and he's working to be enthroned. For as many as would want to join in making measurable contributions to this success story, you are welcome; we can't do it alone, we need you and everyone. The nest is big enough to accommodate all, the project is great enough to accommodate your vision and Seyi's heart is big enough to assure you of his magnanimity. This project has no region, no religion and no gender segregation; it's Oyo state project 2019.

Engr Seyi Makinde 2019, destiny beckons, Omi Titun must flow by the grace of God.