WHAT DO YOU VALUE MORE?

What do people usually value more than your money? You! Think about it. What takes greater effort – writing a cheque or giving of your time and energy? Which shows a greater level of commitment? Take a moment and recall the people who’ve had the greatest impact on you: a teacher who helped you realize you could think, learn and achieve; a parent who loved you, sacrificed for you and gave you the gift of self-worth; a mentor who painted a picture of your future then equipped and challenged you to reach for it.

Next to your salvation, what could be greater? Ponder these words: ‘When you come to look back on all that you have done in life, you will get more satisfaction from the pleasure you brought to other people’s lives than from the times you outdid and defeated them.’ Too many of us see giving as more than just an act of love – we see it as a transaction – we only give to get! Sir Wilfred T. Grenfell said, ‘It is obvious that man is himself a traveler; that his purpose in this world is not “to have and to hold,” but “to give and to serve”.

There can be no other meaning.’ It’s so easy to live only for yourself. In fact, it’s one of our most basic instincts – one we have to overcome each day. But we can take another path – to be generous with our love and our time. When you give those gifts, you’re being as generous as you can be!

 

UCB

MARRIAGE IS LIKE A CONDOM

The world is now so fantasized about the wedding industry that a lot of people fail to realize that after the lights go off, the camera shutters closes, the fanfare ends and the guests go home, then life starts, all the Instagram posts and the pre wedding shoots now remains in the past and reality kicks in. most people borrow to impress others during their weddings, and others risk it all only for the glamour of it.

While others made the most out of the pre wedding, wedding plans they forget all about the post wedding life, they begin the journey into sadness and depression.

While some waited to get married before they had sex and have a successful marriage. Some did not wait, and still have a successful marriage.

Some kept their marriage private, and have a successful marriage. Some kept it open and annoyed us with their public displays of unwanted affection, and still have a successful marriage.

While some engaged (sorry handcuffed) a lady for over 18 months, and have a successful marriage, some dated for 3 months and have a successful marriage, some have been in the dating game for too long like 10+ years and still have a successful not-marriage-relationship going!

While some are ok with being baby mama’s, others prefer their camera looks to remain intact and postpone child bearing till later.

While other get married and still have a connect with their ex’s, others jump to JORO to tell the world how they hump and rump just another guy they meet. Others claim they are the slay queens or they want to be slay queens.

Truth is that marriage is like a condom, one size does not always fit all and even when it manages to fit, sometimes it does not work.

Take your own pick in life, get and follow your heart and soul mate, and please spare us the details of your sex life and nasty details of cheating.

 

 

–Notes from Ofilispeaks

LESSON I LEARNT FROM AN ODD PLACE

I was on my way back from a friend’s engagement in Edo state. I traveled by bus, this is because I could not summon courage to drive from Lagos down to Benin besides it was my first time going there.

Back to my story, so there I was in the bus, when this man, came in shut the rolling door behind him and then said, “Let Us Pray” “Oh Dear Lord,” I thought “Not today.”

You see, the truth is I don’t like these guys who pose as Pastors especially in bus-stops. It doesn’t take going to Jupiter to know that they’re just hustling for their daily bread.

They clutch a Bible, and then pray and of course at the end ask you to donate money.

I have even heard rumours that they share their collections with the bus drivers.

Anyways, the thing is I ALWAYS decide BEFOREHAND not to give these obviously fake Pastors any kobo.

But There’s Was Something About This Guy! He was entertaining. He told stories, he made jokes.
Damn I even laughed at one of them. Then he said he didn’t want our money! What?!!! A “Bus” Pastor doesn’t want money?

Who is this guy?

Then he began to preach. He used a clever analogy and Bible interpretation. I felt myself grinning with him. This man thoroughly finished me because at that point, I was about reaching into my pocket.

But Our Pastor Wasn’t Done Yet! He told even more stories, and jokes and admonitions.

The he began to bless us, our children, our wives, our parents, our businesses.

He then said he doesn’t need a donation from those who didn’t have it to give or who didn’t want to give, he said if we felt blessed by his message then we should give ANYTHING we wanted to give! This man was good. Immediately I just felt I should give him even more than I originally planned to.

So I gave a N500 then he again prayed for everyone, including those who did not give him a dime. You know what? I can’t really say if this guy was fake or not, but he did impress me. He was different and that’s what you too should be different.

If you want to make money and make a lot of it, you need to follow the lessons this ‘Pastor’ taught me on this day;

Step One: Have something to sell:  This guy had something he was selling – prayers.

Prayer my friend is one of the highest selling products/services in Nigeria. Doubt me? Go to any
Church near you next Sunday and see for yourself. Most people think they will make money without selling anything.

Crappy thinking, dont think crappy thoughts. You’re far better than that.

RIGHT ATTITUDE

Dear Readers,

Thank you for holding in, I have had a busy schedule at work and every time i come here, i experience bloggers drains which limits my creativity to drop you a line, the past week has had some juicy stories from the death faking to the huge loss of my team @chelseafc.. buh I am here now and wish to stay steady on writing, I have a piece to share this morning before I leave for my exams

Attitude is everything, without it a man is just simply a moving object, no matter how you display it, your body language gives you in most times.

Attitude is more important than facts. We are the sum total of our attitude in life. Developing a right attitude is a personal commitment by individuals. The most valuable character asset anyone can possess is a right attitude. Your attitude as a valuable personality trait is the first thing others can read about you. We may not be able to change our body type but we can learn to cultivate a right attitude even where someone exhibits a bad trait.

A positive attitude may not be hereditary but it can be acquired as we journey through life. Bad attitude can be made better and while a good disposition can become greater. We are product of our attitudes. Cultivating a good attitude will influence our interpersonal relationships.

A right attitude positions us for opportunities, favour, goodwill and promotion in life while negative attitudes rob one of needed opportunities. Everyone can choose a right attitude over a negative one. If you desire the right attitude that works this morning, you have to cooperate with God, allow Him to help you overcome any challenges associated with your relationships.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

This photo reportedly taken in Indonesia, shows two boys on their way to school passing a group of their peers who are on their way to work. Quite sad to look at!

Grateful and Blessed.

1 LESSON I LEARNT FROM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

8pm Saturday night, the world…well the football world was all set and ready for the epic final of the UEFA Champions League between FC Barcelona  and Juventus. I had for long waited for this and was settled in, the match was spot on….referee decisions were accurate and decisive from the world class referee Cüneyt Çakır .

The match lived up to expectation and as predicted Barca would take it all, the mistake I suppose Juventus made was placing all focus on Messi….(well who won’t) and they lost other players as Suarez sealed his first season in Spain with a goal in the UCL finals.

On the night it ended 3-1 in favour of FC Barcelona with Rakitic, Suarez and Neymar on the score sheet for Barcelona and Alvaro Morata hit the bulls eye for Juventus only goal.

The biggest lesson I learnt that day was there is always a huge stage to celebrate Jesus. Neymar scored the third goal just a few minutes after one of his goal was disallowed. He knelt down after the final whistle and cried I supposed in appreciation to God.

Neymar afterwards tied a head band with a clear inscription 100% JESUS. Now this is a high level of evangelism I’ve seen in a long time. The estimated global audience was put at about N390 million viewers worldwide. Now imagine how many people Neymar ministered to in the last few minutes of the presentation ceremony. The head band was clear and giving all praise to God. It could only be Him, Jesus was responsible for the victory, and he showed the world the secret of his success. Apparently he had done this since his childhood playing career. Imagine 380 million worldwide viewers reading that head band and getting the message. How many of you give it to God on the world stage, that moment when you are receiving ovation and you have a bunch of eyes and ears looking and listening at you…..would you bring God in at that moment?

My prayer, Lord Jesus, at the peak of my life, career and achievements, when the world’s ovation is deafening loud, help me to always remember you my source. I want to give 100% appreciate and submit all to you my leader. I am just your vessel for expression.

Brief on Neymar

“At the age of 19, Neymar won the 2011 South American Footballer of the Year award, after coming third in 2010. He followed this up by winning it again in 2012. In 2011 Neymar received nominations for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, where he came 10th and the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year, which he won. He is known for his acceleration, dribbling skills, finishing and ability with both feet. His playing style has earned him critical acclaim, with fans, media and former players drawing comparison to former Brazil forward Pelé, who has called Neymar “an excellent player”, while Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi have stated “he will be the best in the world”.

Neymar joined Santos in 2003 and, after rising through the ranks, was promoted to their first team squad. He made his debut for Santos in 2009 and was voted the Best Young Player of the 2009 Campeonato Paulista. Further awards followed, with Neymar being voted best player as Santos won the 2010 Campeonato Paulista, and also being top scorer in the 2010 Copa do Brasil with 11 goals. He finished the 2010 season with 42 goals in 60 games, as his club achieved the Double. Neymar was again voted best player of the year in 2011 as Santos retained the state title and also won the 2011 Copa Libertadores in which Neymar scored six goals in 13 appearances. He also played a key role in securing a Continental Double, Santos’ first since 1963. Neymar received the Bronze Ball in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, with Santos reaching the final, where they were defeated 4–0 by Barcelona.”

 

 

MY LETTER TO PRESIDENT ELECT BUHARI AS HE TAKES OVER

Dear President-Elect,

Once again I say big Congratulations to you on winning the Presidential election, achieving a feat no one has done in Nigeria or maybe Africa at large. I would have trekked all the way to Abuja to personally shake hands with you but the roads are not so safe and my Zulu is pretty young so I have to do this in writing.

However as I write you this letter, my keyboard is almost soaked from the tears dripping down my eyes, yes I write in pain as the task ahead of you seems like the steepest hill in our generation and the point where our country needs a total re-haul. You came in when the debt incurred almost towers the Kilimanjaro, like a sheep set for the slaughter you are taking reigns and like you have constantly reminded Nigerians that you are not a magician, and you do not have magic wands to turn us around in a flash. Despite your victory, it seems a little sour cos . “We can’t afford to do this again,” I said to myself, knowing well the energy and money I had invested in the electoral defeat of the incumbent president (mainly buying data to share my personal opinions on twitter, Facebook and my Blog).

I want to specifically remind you this on the eve of your inauguration that you have promised to CHANGE Nigeria and restore all the years of decay, yes you have inherited a broken country, a divided people and most especially a weak economy and yes we know it is surely going to be tough but please take it easy and from time to time I know you would ask yourself how come you struggled so hard to inherit this trash. Yes you have won, congrats but the only thing that would keep you there is performance and trust me in 2019 it would be easier voting you out if we don’t smell fresh air. I only pity those who also won in their respective states and refuse to move a muscle after 4 years, they would go. They also chanted CHANGE and promised competent governance, we would regularly update their scorecard for them. It would be most difficult for the likes of Akinwunmi Ambode who inherited a brilliant Lagos nurtured by an amazing Governor. Babatunde Fashola lived up to his promises by investing well in infrastructure and human capital; I almost forgot alternative revenue for the state. The reliance on the center was little.

WHY SO MUCH BEEF FOR LINDA IKEJI?

So this week was quite interesting for me and I learned a few PLENTY things… the highpoint of this week was the site pull down of Linda Ikeji’s blog on the grounds of plagiarism. I had a very tough time with my colleagues Igoche Egwu and Dare Davids trying to understand why someone would go so far to shut down a bloggers site. Then we went as far as talking about the essence of her blog and how she got to the peak of blogging in Nigeria (this they totally disagree). Well I guess they would not understand as blogging is a gift and you only feel it when you have the experience.

I stand corrected to make bold may statement that Linda Ikeji has developed digital media in Nigeria and blogging has now become lucrative because people like us have gotten sponsorship deals from blogging. It is a pastime that would make you some money if you are judicious with it. Well with the people I mentioned there, I doubt you can ever win any argument as they would come at you with different points, (annoying or sensible) just to make sure you don’t win. Other colleagues saw my points and maintained that the site shouldn’t have come down cos of a mere story. Gossip sells reason why Kim Kadashian, her family and the Jenners have made it big on the biggest Gossip TV ever.

Well I stumbled on a post by one of my funny and hilarious blogger Ofili and below is an excerpt from his blog.

It all started with the Linda Ikeji plagiarism accusation story, which I am sure most of you have heard by now so I am not even going to touch that. But what struck me about the many debates I was involved in on twitter, Facebook pages, Facebook groups, whatsapp and others places is the amount of disguised hate people have for the Linda. People will say “o we are not hating we are just stating that plagiarism is wrong” and “she should apologize and everything will be fine” but then when she apologizes … people will say that “o that apology was not good enough” or “the comma was off a little bit.” No matter what she said or did a small select people will find fault in it. And that made me think and realize something…

And that is that whether you like it or not there are people that will hate you, it is an inevitability of life. And the more successful you are, the more hate you will get … this is nothing new. But the clincher is that the hate escalates even more depending on the job you do. Let me explain…

About a month ago, I was driving down the roads of FM 1960 in Houston when a truck sped past me at about 80 miles per hour converted to Nigerian units it was moving very fast! It was 11:00 pm and obviously dark except for the street lights. I was startled. When something like that happens it is normally an indication of a live street race so I know not to switch lanes so I don’t get clipped … and before I knew it another truck zoomed past me. I was right … this was definitely a street race …

But then another truck sped by and yet another one … that was like 5 trucks in a row and at top speed. Which is odd because trucks don’t do speed races typically. And then I started looking at the trucks much more closely and realized that this was not a street race! These were tow trucks … and they were racing not for leisure but for business…

There had been an accident and they were on a race to get to the site as fast as they could. Their top priority was not who lived or who died or who was critically injured in that accident but rather who got there first … even if it meant causing another accident! “What type of people would do a job such as this?” I thought to myself.

A job that depends on accidents to be successful. No matter how you spun it, tow truck drivers to me were dirt. You couldn’t spin it any other way. And the way I think about tow truck drivers is the way a percentage of people think about “gossip” bloggers such as Linda Ikeji. No matter how you spin it, they are and will be hated by some people for seemingly exploiting people’s social accidents. They could walk on water, build a hospital in Kano and even bring back our girls but they will be hated. That is what Linda is facing and will face continually because of the job she does …

The way I think about tow truck drivers is the way a percentage of people think about “gossip” bloggers such as Linda Ikeji. No matter how you spin it, they are and will be hated by some people for seemingly exploiting people’s social accidents.

That made me realize that I need to be even more objective in criticizing (and supporting) public figures, I need to be slower in jumping to conclusions about people who on the basis of their job description are more prone to be hated … from LASTMA to Nigerian Police to Flashy African Pastors. Because not everyone is 100% evil …

The same Tow Trucks that zoomed past me in the middle of the night are the same ones that helped tow my car when it broke down and the same ones that jump started my Camry when the battery was out. I learned all that this week when I saw someone that has given and helped so many people get her character practically torn down in the space of seconds!

Picture Credit: Mania Magazine

 

DAYSTAR CHRISTAIN CENTRE KITS KIDS FOR SCHOOL

Saturday 20th September started very early for me and the usual routine of workout and light exercise but I knew I couldn’t do very much as I had a very busy schedule for the day, as a member of Daystar Christian Centre and a dedicated member of the Benevolence Unit of the Church, I knew the much awaited BACK TO SCHOOL UPGRADED event would be a good means to work out and even wear my body out. I rushed to tidy up and drove to the church premises.
Entering Ikosi road that leads to the Church I noticed a different sight, I noticed long lines of children being dragged in a way you would assume they are rushing to school, then it hit me straight up the event is here. In Daystar and in Benevolence where I serve every Sunday is a big deal for the less privileged as they turn out in good numbers to get food items and clothes from the Benevolence store house, for those where the unit has an event like LOVE AT EASTER, or LOVE AT CHRISTMAS or BACK TO SCHOOL, the church actually throws everything in especially the kitchen sink to ensure they help us to control the crowd. These events are always full to capacity as the attendees come from far and wide, Muslim’s or Christians or Pagans (for lack of word) and to surprise you that as the person that supports communications for the Unit, we limit our info to only church announcements and bullets slots, then also we do online displays, however the turn out far exceeds what we budget for at all times and I wonder can we ever budget enough?

NEVER ACT ON IMPULSE

As twins go, Jacob and Esau were very different. But they quickly learned to negotiate. Have you ever watched children make a deal that favoured one over the other? For example, one offers the other a candy bar in exchange for an expensive video game. Well, that same dynamic was at work between Jacob and Esau. Esau had been out hunting and came home exhausted and hungry. Nothing mattered to him except food-and certainly not something as remote as a future inheritance. In a moment of weakness he said, ‘I am about to die…what is this birthright to me…So…he…sold [it] to Jacob…[for] bread and stew’ It was a decision Esau would live to regret, and couldn’t undo. Recovering addicts are taught the importance of observing their H.A.L.T. sign. When they’re Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired, they’re in danger. And so are you! Acting on impulse will cause you to:

1) Buy stuff you don’t need at prices you can’t afford;
2) React before you get all the facts, resulting in a loss of respect, opportunities and good relationships;
3) Compromise your character for a few moments of sinful pleasure;
4) Quit in the middle of the race, or worse, on the threshold of victory.

The Bible says, ‘He that believeth shall not make haste.’ When you make choices based on short-term gratification rather than life-long convictions and goals, you always lose out in the end. So don’t take the deal; don’t trade your God-given destiny for momentary gratification. Be patient and hold fast. When you do, God will bring your dreams to pass in ways that honour instead of diminishing them.