Blog Archives

Soccer Passion in Men

By Solomon Johnson

I have observed with keen interest in recent years the level of passion exhibited by men of all ages , status, color et al for soccer. Though I admit being a soccer fan, but cant find my place amongst the myriad of men who seems to live for soccer viz-a-viz their respective club sides. It is a common trend to observe loyalists of a particular club using items and symbols associated with there clubs to identify themselves in public especially following a winning encounter with an opposing side. Sometimes, patriots goes as far as betting with cash or kind to support there club’s victory ahead of a match. No wonder, sports especially soccer has been identified as a ‘tool’ for national and international integration.

Why cant similar or more passion be shown to those you live for, to those you work for, to those you love so much than for soccer,  that which just satisfies your craving for entertainment and adds little or no value to your welfare and those of your family? by Solomon Johnson

.

Read more »

Essential Tips for Would-Be Applicants

By Solomon Johnson

I have observed with utmost dismay how a handful of job applicants exhibit incompetence and lack of corporate ethics resulting in apparent loss of job opportunities. My experience over the years in the organized private sector of the Nigerian economy reveals to a large extent the need for drastic measures to be taken by both the government and concerned bodies such as student Union, Civil society groups, Non-governmental organizations and institutions of learning in preparing the youths for what lies ahead after graduation.

Usually, upon graduation, a student with his or her credentials turns in applications to selected firms and organizations for job opportunities either online or by hand-. This is where they start getting it wrong. I notice with heightened dismay the way these applications are drafted though there are no hard and fast rules on the composition of a C.V, as standard on this differs worldwide. It is equivocally imperative that applicants sought after a standard and acceptable model of resume in there respective states or countries rather than settling for what friends and quacks have to offer.

The second instance is with the information supplied on these curriculum vitae. Some information in the C.V may form the basis for the short listing and subsequent employment offer or otherwise of applicants. Some applicants while providing personal information to their prospective employer fail to ‘capture’ the interest of such. Information on work experience, education, and seemingly minute details as hobbies are wrongly indicated. On hobbies for instance, many applicants state among others: FOOTBALL, MAKING FRIENDS, RUNNING, SLEEPING just to mention few. They fail to realize that though hobbies may tend to represent what an individual does in his leisure, it should portray traits of skills, talents, strengths possessed by the applicant.

Another common trend is the style and manner of dressing by applicants when invited for interviews. As highlighted above, continents, countries and states differs in their mode of dressing. Meanwhile, an applicant seeking a formal employment with either the private or public sector should appear formal. This would among others involve for males, a well tidied shirt and trouser with tie, preferably in a suit (optional). Cognizance must be taken on ensuring that all the applicant have on him or her harmonize with one another from the shirt, trouser, tie to the belt and shoe colors used. Neglect must not be made on the hair appearance too.

While set to be interviewed, an average employer usually requests of the applicant to make an introduction of him or herself. Some erroneously respond by sharing their biography. Though few details on an applicant’s bio-data may be necessary, it is important that applicants use such avenue to ‘market’ or ‘sell’ to the prospective employer what they have as strengths. Questions not known should never be guess wrongly, rather, humbly admit ‘NO IDEA’.

Conclusively, an applicant does well by making research ahead of time on the industry and selected companies he or she intends applying. This will give such applicant an edge over others on the job. Composure, confidence and communication skills are so pertinent among others while an applicant is interviewed for a success.

Global Economic ‘Paradigm Shift’: A Lesson to ‘Developing’ Nations.

By Solomon Johnson

The United States faced a debt-ceiling crisis in July 2011 which resulted in a downgrade of its credit rating by rating agencies such as Standard and Poor’s, Fitch among others. In a similar vein, the Eurozone is presently battling unsolved debt woes, deepening fall in its manufacturing sectors and a decline in economic confidence. This indicates that the Euro bloc is on the brink of recession. World leaders including those outside the Eurozone now recognize the economic threat facing the European economic bloc.

Conversely, developing economies according to reports from rating agencies appears to be growing at a faster rate with an average annual Gross Domestic Product(G.D.P) of 5.2%- higher than global average of 4.2%. These seems to be more immune to the global ‘shock’ as was with the global recession of 2008-2009, suggesting that these developing countries are fast moving from ‘under-developed’ status to ‘developing’ and will sooner than projected meet the status of ‘developed’ economies.

From the foregoing, its imperative to state that the ‘mighty’ are falling, while the less developed countries are doing much better than the developed countries they have traditionally looked up to. No doubt, a Global economic ‘Paradigm Shift’ is unfolding. It is only hoped that this progress is sustained especially in developing economies of Africa such as Botswana, South-Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria and not marred by political idiosyncrasies.

This is not coming as a surprise as nations formerly known as ‘under-developed’ economies are today out of  concerted efforts of progressive leaders achieved much in both human and infrastructural development in a spectrum of time. Countries such as China, Brazil, India, Korea just to mention but few have attained significant development in this wise. In my view, these nations recognized the need to ‘Localize the global’ for there respective developments. Gone were the days and years when knowledge in all spheres of life especially in science and technology was the exclusive prerogative ‘right’ of a ‘class’. Realities associated with INFORMATION AGE today proves otherwise, as such knowledge have become accessible to the global community. Countries like China have invested consistently in infrastructural development, and today the second largest economy. Knowledge in medicine has also enhanced India’s economic development. Others have invested in tourism, education, and agriculture.

The economic challenges besetting the Eurozone as highlighted above  is a pointer to other blocs such as the Asian Tigers, African Union never to be ‘lackadaisical’ on economic affairs. That whatever goes round, actually do come around. Hence, the need for policy makers and other stakeholders concerned to come to terms with this reality. Blocs must strengthen ties, regional bodies must consolidate efforts, while relevant institutions within the polity should unite for the common objective of fostering economic growth and development amidst an ‘unpredictable’ global front. Especially in developing countries of Africa such as Nigeria, need to diversify the economy cannot be over-emphasized. Mechanized agricultural system should be intensified. Tourism has equally been identified as another major source of income generation which should be promoted by the government and relevant institutions. If only corruption and its associated ills are curtailed, while industriousness, discipline and service to humanity are adopted, Africa might just be towing the path to economic liberation and development.

Going forward, rule of law must be upheld as core to the attainment of set goals. African leaders should STOP the continuous enslavement of her people through various pacts and treaties usually designed to favor one party against the other. The continent is presently in a ‘mess’ of accumulated loans deficit inherited from successive governments, with the resultant effect of retarding economic growth of African states. Governments should henceforth concentrate effort on settling this economic ‘menace’. Lesson of developing African economies locally should be adopted by African leaders. It is our collective responsibility to take the African continent to its rightful position amongst the Comity of Nations.

If you like this article, I’d recommend my book “If I Was Famous, I’d Have a Lot to Say”

SOMALIA’S FAMINE: WAY FORWARD FOR THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

By Solomon Johnson

It is no longer making headline news that Somalia, a country located to the east of the African continent is presently besieged by an unprecedented famine in the history of the country. Media reports have confirmed over twenty thousand children dead out of malnutrition and associated aliments. Many residents have been forced to desert the country to neighboring nations for succor. Both local and international organizations, especially the United Nations have intervened by shipping and flying into Somalia tons of relieve materials ranging from foods, drugs, clothing, and other basic commodities necessary to improve the living condition of the people. The focus on Africa in the global community is centered on Somalia. The famine spreads across the shores of Somalia like an inferno as if with no obvious solution in sight.

In my view, its high time African leaders strategically position themselves to address human related issues facing the continent such as Somalia’s famine. Effort of African leaders in this wise should not be ‘politicized’. I mean to state there is an urgent need for African leaders to partner with appropriate bodies such as the Private sector in the continent, economic experts, the civil society groups,  forecasters and any other relevant institution that can be collaborated with in forestalling and managing a future re-occurrence of the ‘social epidemic’ ongoing in Somalia. This brings to fore, the readiness and responsiveness of African Leaders towards economic and other social crisis confronting the continent. As stated earlier, African leaders should come to appreciate that governance the world over especially in democratically entrenched nations, comprises both the public and private sectors. The economic and social developments of the West and East today are facts to the aforementioned. Government in these regions of the world out of recognition to the developmental roles of the private sector either partners or provide an enabling business environment for the private sector in facilitating economic and social growth.

Therefore, African leaders and policy makers should consolidate efforts aimed at managing the challenges peculiar to the continent as recently observed in Somalia. To this end, the major private players in Africa’s economy should be identified. African leaders under the auspices of the African Union can draw up a memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) with these organizations. Both short and long term measures aimed at managing and proffering workable solutions real time will be drawn. These measures can be made to be part of an organization’s long-term goal, which will often be a subject of discussion during an organization’s board meeting or her Annual General Meeting. By this, an organization is made to integrate into its plans and programs- short or long term, the measures adopted to address any challenge confronting the continent out of its social responsibility.

As a case study: the A.U in collaboration with five major organizations operating in the continent on food security.  A short and long term plan is drawn on this. The government provides the enabling environment such as subsidies and incentives to the organizations involved in areas such as the importation of machineries for an intensive agricultural project, availability of raw materials, land amongst others. A committee comprising of both body’s representatives is constituted to supervise and provide necessary assistance in the actualization of the set goal. This supervisory body can constitute experts in the area identified. Out of the provision above, an emergency relief committee (E.R.M) should be in place for prompt action in the event of an emergency.

From the foregoing, African leaders should re-awaken there zeal and commitment to the people. The A.U should strengthen regional bodies such as SADC, ECOWAS in the drive towards achieving the stated objectives addressed above.  The ability of China being the world’s second largest economy today, a country that started the race to nation building few decades ago with African ‘giants’ such as Nigeria, South-Africa, Ghana, has demonstrated that Africa like the Asian Tigers can equally attain the same level of economic and social development. Sharing the sentiment of Chester Higgins, Jr..” We are not Africans because we are born in Africa, We are Africans because Africa is born in Us.. Yes, that Africa is born in Us should compel us a people despite our present challenges to believe in a bright future for our dear continent. It is our collective responsibility, both the government and the governed. We need to be the ‘CHANGE’ required to move Africa to the next level in the Comity of Nation in our respective ‘corridors’

If you like this article, I’d recommend my book “If I Was Famous, I’d Have a Lot to Say”

Living with Death in View

By Solomon Johnson

LIVING WITH ‘DEATH’ IN VIEW

Death is often described as the greatest enemy of Man. The fundamental truth is that we are all liable to this ‘sting’ as it were. The sorrowful end to the joyous beginning of an individual is death. If only death can be bought with money, many in the world would have bought it over. This is a natural inclination as man was created with the innate desire for eternity. Death is beyond the reach of humans to control or eliminate. Not even medical science at its best today can proffer an antidote or surgery to overcome death. We are all indebted to it.

Until recent times, death had a more profound impact on me. The news of reported individuals dead, some of whom were very close associates leaves much in my mind to reflect upon.  This is the reason we all need to live our present lives with death in view. To better help us appreciate the basis for my theme above, let us examine the foregoing analogy.  Imagine a man who ventured into a business he hardly knows about. From information available to him, the business is no doubt very viable and rewarding. Unfortunately, the business failed due to inherent risk associated with the business not carefully examined by the investor. He took time thereafter to reflect on reasons why he failed with such a huge amount invested. “Could I have ignorantly not taken due caution before venturing into the business”? “Were the inherent risks associated with the business considered”? These were some of the questions he kept asking himself. He wished he could change the hands of time, that he could turn things around for the better by doing perfectly what he should have done for a successful business deal. However, all his wishes were best imagined as the business in question failed and he lost all his resources.

Individually, we are in the same ‘shoe’ as the the man illustrated above. We are all born into this world with little or virtually no experience of the world. Though from infancy into our late teens, our folks are responsible for our upbringing academically , socially, morally and so on, while we attain the age of independence, we sojourn through life with little or no parental guidance. Decisions on academic advancement, friends to keep, secular obligation, family life, pleasure and leisure amongst others rest on the shoulders of an individual. Decisions taken on issues as above could turn out good or otherwise for the individual. These are like the risks associated with the business ventured above. Whatever decision we make in life, we should always be conscious not onlyof the end of it, but also how such decision will affect others. Our decisions should be a reflection of our living with death in view!!

Regardless of our skin color, academic achievements, social status, gender, language and other parameters by which we are defined as individual or groups, it is imperative we henceforth as a necessity live our LIVES now with DEATH in view. If this ideology is globally reckoned with, life will be much better for us to live as individuals and as humans. Those at the helm of affairs especially in the sphere of politics will want to leave a legacy after their demise that will be remembered and appreciated by the electorates. Those in other positions of authority with death in view will be motivated to impact positively on their subordinates. Those in service to others or are governed living with death in view, will strive to be the best in there duties.
The man in the illustration above, after failing in the business, there were a lot of things he wished he had done differently.  Similarly, many who are dead if given a second opportunity would wish they could make few changes positively before their demise. Hence, we need to individually ask ourselves; WHAT NAME AM I MAKING FOR MYSELF WHILE ALIVE NOW? WHAT WILL I BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER MY DEMISE? These are salient questions that needs to be considered carefully now  In my view, living with death in view should spark in ALL a life of selfless service to Humanity, not the acquisition of wealth and fame. If the history book of life should be opened and names such as, HENRY FORD, MARTIN LUTHER KING, WRIGHT BROTHERS, NELSON MANDELA, KOFFI ANNAN, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO some dead, some alive are read; what will they be remembered for? A common phrase that would describe them would be SERVICE TO HUMANITY.

Personalities above both living and dead were/are conscious of the need to live there lives with death in view, so that when eventually they pass on, their good legacies immortalize them. Such should be the mental attitude we all need to adopt. There will always be a story to tell after our demise. We have a great deal of choice to build a good reputation while alive. That is worth more than riches and fame. LIFE has a beginning and will surely come to an end. May we live our lives always with death in view for a better society.

Endowment of Trust in You

By Solomon Johnson

Down the ages of human history, what appears to be a virtue has been turned by humans to a ‘social vice’, which many will hardly want to share or talk about. Everyone one of us have been a victim at one point or another in the hands of close family members, intimate friends, respectable citizens of the society, especially those in positions of authority who have abused this social virtue as illustrated in the scenarios below.

They were happily married for 20 years with three kids. Suddenly, he started behaving strangely… returning home from work late, hardly gives attention to his wife and kids, and reduces his monthly budget to the family. As if what appears to be a dream to his wife, he deserted the family for another woman. Her world was shattered in the sheer emotional and psychological trauma that followed.

While campaigning for an elective position, He promised the electorates that if given the platform to represent them, he would provide the people with basic infrastructural amenities, qualitative and affordable education for all, and tax reduction amongst others. Conversely, in less than two years in power; taxation was increased and other promises of his were not kept. What a woeful disappointment to the masses!

He has been known in the community over two decades as a respected Man of God. Many usually consult him for spiritual guidance and counseling. He has come to be loved and adored especially by his parishioners. Surprisingly, he was accused of sexually molesting a young woman in his congregation. Upon careful and thorough investigation as alleged, the revered Man of God was found guilty.

According to a French newspaper Le Monde, the global economic plight is largely the result of ‘ a widespread crisis of confidence’. Suffice to state that the human society is marred by a lack of TRUST!! As noted in the outset of this article, many detest a conversation on this social virtue because it is widely believed that an individual who hardly can trust himself cannot trust another. A question that deserves our utmost attention is – IS TRUST HUMANLY POSSIBLE?

Before delving deeply into the possibility or not of humans to be trustworthy, let’s first examine four possible causes of why humans in general have fallen short of this virtue.

GREED- In a New York Times report, Dr. Jerome Kassirer, a former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, explains; ” when researchers are beholden to pharmaceutical companies for much of their income, there is an incredible tendency to get results that are favorable to the companies”. As an adage goes ‘He who plays the piper, dictates the tune’ As much as greedy merchants and industrialists can get returns on their investment, any consequential effect even if human lives are involved matters less.

SUCCESS AT ALL COST- Science students in Germany are believed to have paid out thousands of Euros in bribes to teachers to ”earn” the title of Doktor, a symbol of success in that country. A study described in the New York Times found that many students who cut ethical corners said that they ”intended to follow a strict code of values” after they attained success. Ethical values are at low ebb in our modern society. People are bent on getting up the ladder of success at all cost even if compromising values are involved.

ABSENCE OF ROLE MODELS- Regarding high school students, one professor is quoted in The New York Times as saying: ” we might be tempted to say they’ve lost their moral compass……. it’s probably better to say that their teachers and mentors and the rest of society never helped them construct and internalize a moral compass in the first place” The deplorable moral collapse around the globe have resulted in people especially the youths lacking an heartfelt desire for morality..

PRACTICES INCONSITENT WITH VALUES- In a study of nearly 30,000 students, 98 percent said they believed that honesty is essential in personal relationships. However, 8 of every 10 students admitted that they had lied to their parents, and 64 percent admitted to cheating on an exam during the previous year. Lying and cheating has come to be a common practice to the youths today.

Consider this- experiments conducted by Michael Kosfeld, a professor of business administration at the Frankfurt University in Germany, led him to the conclusion that Trust is ”a biologically-based part of human nature.” Kosfeld discovered that when there is interaction between two people, the human brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates Trust. ‘‘It is, in fact, one of the distinguishing features of the human species, ” Kosfeld states. ‘‘When trust is absent, we are, in a sense, dehumanized’.

Simply put: without trust, a person is not worthy of being a human.

A man by name Santiago in Argentina, did not did not have to debate what he would do. When a bag was left in his taxi, he simply returned it to its owner. Santiago’s gesture may seem ordinary, except for the fact that the bag contained more than $32,000.00. CRAZY he was, some would conclude. He would have been expected to turn such a rare and great opportunity into the biggest fortune of his life! Besides, nobody was there watching him. Santiago’s experience adds credence and substance to the claims of Kosfeld above that the ability to exhibit Trust is a ‘natural function’ of the human race regardless of age, skin color, language, social status, and so on.

Trust, though apparently a rare quality in the world today, is within the reach of EVERYONE. When this virtue becomes part of you, other virtues associated are naturally displayed, such as- honesty, integrity, fidelity, faithfulness and so on. Trust will make you stand out amongst your peers. It will make you become the sort after worker/labor by employers of labor worldwide. It will earn you friendship you’ve never imagine to have in Life. It will boost your ego and moral. It will unleash upon you confidence like you never had. It will enrich your life with joy and satisfaction. Reason why today, corporate firms, social institutions, and even individuals are named after this virtue or use it as their slogans/pay-off.

Imagine a world filled with trustworthy individuals- No need to be in fear the next time you leave your wallet or purse behind in a store or market, the next time you forget to take along your valued mobile phone in the bank, the next time you remember that you did not lock up your car’s doors at the park. Much heartache and associated ills will drastically reduce, resulting in an increased life-expectancy for us ALL. So, never underestimate your ability to develop this great virtue of TRUST. By learning to cultivate and manifest Trust in your life, you are positioning yourself for greatness and success!!! Be TRUSTWORTHY Today.

Exploring The Power of The Brain

By Solomon Johnson

One of the most exciting and complicated field of science is the study of the human brain. Recent research indicates that an individual is only able to fully utilize half of one percent of the brain’s capacity in his or her lifetime. Undoubtedly, the dynamics of the human brain remains a mystery to scientists.

The human brain

The report above reveals to a large extent the under utilization of the brain by humans which can be attributed to the frailty of the human species. Taking time to reflect on this should spark in you a desire to make the best use of this wonderful gift bestowed on the human race. Imagine the ‘brains’ behind the various inventions in the world of science and technology: computers, security gadgets, electronics, automobiles, nuclear weapons, medicine and so on. Despite these marvelous achievements in this jet age, it is challenging to know that just one percent of the brain’s capacity is utilized. So, we need to ask ourselves individually: am I fully utilizing the capacity of my brain? If measured after my demise, can it be said that I was able to use up to half of the one percent of my brain?

The Human brain is distinct in its design and makeup to that of other creations such as animals. As humans, our brain makes us reason on questions such as; WHY ARE WE HERE AS HUMANS; WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE; WHY DO WE DIE AND SUFFER AS HUMANS; DOES GOD REALLY EXIST? These questions and so many more are out of reach of the animal brain. Fundamentally, we as humans are created as ‘free moral agents’, whereas, animals are created to be guided by instincts. As free moral agents, we have the capacity to make decisions on our own without external influence, to be conscious of our actions either for good or bad, and to satisfy our spiritual desires all of which animals do not possess.

In what practical ways then can the human brain be put to its best use? I want to share three ways we can make the best use of the human brain.

The first way is what I will identify as ADEQUATE REST. The human brain as part of the human body needs adequate rest to be able to function properly. Many an individual takes this serious matter with levity or display a nonchalant attitude. Scientist have suggested that on the average, the human brain should be made to relax for about seven to eight hours especially during night rest when the brain is able to better coordinate its millions of neuron cells for full utilization. Due to the demands of modern society, many people hardly give adequate rest to the brain which in scientific terms represents an individual. People work from morning all through the night with little or no rest. Imagine one in such a situation tasking the brain with less than five hours rest per day, all through the year!! That is not only an abuse of this great ‘asset’, but also suicidal to such individual. Hence, it is vital to give the brain as much rest as possible on daily basis for its full potentials to be annexed by its host. This should not be left to chance; it is a must-do affair for our personal and social development.

The second way the brain can be best utilized is PRODUCTIVE THINKING AND MEDITATION. Thinking is the seed that germinates into an idea, which grows into innovation. Thinking in this context is not one that results out of our daily concerns and anxieties such as how to meet ends needs, how to meet deadlines on the job, or how to solve a personal or family challenge. However, productive thinking and meditation is one undertaken by an individual sometimes for days, months and even years to address or proffer lasting solution to societal problems or improve the quality of human life. Such productive thinking and meditation are responsible for the innovation of airplanes by Wright Brothers, Isaac Newton’s law of gravitational force, and so many others that have contributed significantly to human development especially in the areas of science and technology. Are such accomplishments out of the reach of anyone who desires them? Hardly will I say yes.

As individuals, it is imperative we conduct an honest appraisal on how we put our brain to use through productive thinking and meditation. Therefore, there is need for us task our brain productively. This we can do by taking time off maybe an hour or less in a day, if we appear too busy all the week, maybe an hour or two over the weekend to think and meditate productively on an area of human interest that needs to be addressed or improved upon. This will be made much easier if this productive meditation is done in line with an individual’s area of interest or strength in life. In other words, if your area of interest in life is in sciences, ask yourself; what aspects of my profession need to be improved upon? In what practical ways can I proffer lasting solutions to the identified challenges in my career? Care must be taken however, not to engage the brain for productivity when it’s not naturally inclined to be. There are moments the brain undergoes some processes unknown to an individual. Any attempt to engage the brain productively at such time will bear no fruit. Hence, draw up a number of problems you can identify around your area of specialization and take a quality time to meditate productively with the convenience of the brain in your quest to invent a lasting solution to the problem. Decades ago, malaria and Polio were thought to be ailments that had come to stay with humanity. Thanks today for the brains in medical science that have proffered lasting solutions to these deadly ailments especially in children. A good sanitary environment and effective anti malaria/Polio vaccines are available as remedies.

Finally, the brain can be put to good use through HEALTHY SOCIAL INTERACTION. By this, I mean the ability of an individual to effectively interact in all spheres of human life. This includes but not limited to the academics, social clubs, religion, professional career, associations and so more. When an individual is actively involved in one or more of these forums, the brain is intellectually engaged and this aids its development. The academia for example assists an individual to interact with like-minded people in the pursuit and advancement of a given profession. Such interaction involves making extensive researches, conducting surveys, amongst others. This puts the brain to good use and help in its development.

Therefore, I challenge all you readers of this piece who are yet to be conscious of the need to fully utilize the brain as addressed above to start the exercise. The brain is just like a tool that needs constant usage under favorable environment to work properly or be productive. When a tool such as a cutlass is not utilized by a farmer for days or months, it naturally starts deteriorating. The same principle applies with equal force to the human brain. By putting the three workable suggestions above to use, you might just be positioned to be the next person whose name appears on the Guinness world Book of records for your creativity and ingenuity.

Conquering Your Fear of FEAR, FAILURE and The FUTURE

By Solomon Johnson

AFRICAN YOUTHS AND THE 3F ENEMIES…..GAINING VICTORY FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT.

“Know the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will never be defeated; when you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal; if you are ignorant of both your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be defeated” – Sun Tzu (The Art of War).

The quote above is unequivocally food for thought for all ages but especially the youth. I mean the African youth who appear ‘trapped’ by these conquerable enemies identified above as 3Fs….. FEAR, FAILURE AND THE FUTURE.

Take a moment to reflect on these popular quotes on the enemy of fear:

” I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fear to do”….Eleanor Roosevelt.

”Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear”… Ambrose Redmoon. ”

No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear”…Edmund Burke. ”

Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom”….Bertrand Russell..

No human is immune to this ‘abstract feeling’, regardless of age, social status, and skin color. Fear in this context is not the feeling manifested by an individual when exposed to life threatening situations such as a robbery attack, natural disasters, or the fear associated with the death of a loved one. Rather, the Fear under examination is one that is absolutely within the control of its host. I’ll like to share a personal experience along this line as a youth. I remember growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria with so many attractions around. As a youth while in High school (secondary education), I had a deep interest in sciences wanting to become a Medical doctor or a Pilot. My Dad used to have a health book as big as an encyclopedia. I usually pick up the book from his library at my leisure to read even though most of what I was reading made little or no academic sense to me. Moreover, growing up in an environment that was not ‘science friendly’ so to say, I started nurturing the fear of pessimism. Added to this was the issue of finance. In school, most of those in the sciences were mates from affluent or wealthy homes. So I had this mindset like, which may be true of most young people that success in the sciences depends on the pay-book of our parents. Hence, I had to settle for the major that accommodates students from all walks of life, the Business Department.

Closely associated with ‘fear’, is the enemy of Failure. In my view, the fear of failure is largely responsible for the stagnant and under-developed psyche of an average person especially youths. In this part of the world (Africa) where superstitions and the fear of the Unknown permeates, many individuals out of lack of motivation and willpower submit themselves to the dictates of their environment thereby giving up after few encounters with failure. Interestingly though, most of the world acclaimed and celebrated personalities from time immemorial, in Africa and in the Diaspora, were beset by this ‘enemy’ on a constant basis and yet are known for success today. Bill Gates, Wright Brothers, Henry Ford, Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Wole Soyinka and most recently, Barrack Obama were all ‘victimized’ at one point or the other in their quest towards success by failure. However, due to determination to succeed at all cost, these individuals are known for who they are today. The same can be your experience too. Failure in my opinion, no matter how often it besets its recipient, is only a natural manifestation,  to some extent the frailty of the human species, which is inevitable before success can be realized. Ponder over this: What does it take an infant to become a toddler and grow into childhood? It takes days, weeks and months of repeated crawling, stooping and falling (failure) as a natural experience. In the same vein, failure in whatever form, be it in your academics, business, relationships and other areas of life should not be a deterrent to your progress and success in life. As a very good friend puts it in an article; ‘MAKING IT SLOWLY BUR SURELY‘, Tunde Oseni fervently addressed issues on success in life as a gradual process that takes time to materialize. Therein, he advised youths, especially those in the developing economies, never to be ‘too ambitious to succeed’. Rather, with the right ‘tools’ such as education, commitment, perseverance amongst others, success is guaranteed even though it may come slowly. Therefore, never allow the failure of today to becloud the success of tomorrow. No matter, how many times failure comes your way, realize that what matters most is your unrelenting determination to turn it into success.

The last ‘enemy’ identified above is the Future. Erroneously, many usually see the Future as being into the distant days ahead. However, the future starts today! Future in this context is the unnecessary worries, concerns and anxieties about tomorrow. Needless to state, it is vital to think or plan ahead of time. Many though have allowed themselves to be entrapped by the uncertainties of life thereby giving up effort towards a bright future. Most African youths grow up in an environment that barely impact positively on their lives. Environments where values which define us a people have been thrown into the air, environment where leaders lack integrity and national interest, environment were the youths hardly have a voice especially in government. Despite these limitations, a good number of African youths have made the best for themselves. It is important that as youths, we start positioning ourselves now in terms of empowerment for the future. Obama positioned himself years ago through academic and intellectual empowerment, emerging as the President of the United States of America in 2009. Certainly, a ‘mystery in disguise!! The same can be your experience too. A positive mindset coupled with optimism is needed to successfully wage the battle for a bright Future.

Hence, a call goes to everyone out there, especially African youths who before reading this piece may have been ‘enslaved’ as it were to FEAR, FAILURE and FUTURE. These three ‘enemies’ are within your capacity not only to control, but to conquer. May your Fear turn to be your Freedom, your Failure turn to Fortune and your Future turn to Fame.

The Ongoing Arab/Libya Revolution and International Diplomacy

By Solomon Johnson

”After half a century during which tyrants have ruled the Arab world, their control is weakening. After 40 years of decaying stability, the rot is eating into the stability. The Arab masses will no longer accept what they used to accept. The Arab elites will no longer remain silent”.- Ari Shavit; the Arab Revolution and the Western decline. How true are the words above on developments around the Arab community in recent times? The revolution started from Tunisia, down to Egypt, replicated in Yemen and Algeria, and most recently the heat is now on Gadhafi in Libya.

Little did 26-year old Mohammed Bouazizi of Tunisia knew that his action would trigger a revolution to spread to other Arab nations when he set himself ablaze in the impoverished city of Sidi Bouzid, 300 kilometers from Tunis, the Tunisian capital. Mohammed Bouazizi’s December 17, 2011 action (he died untimely in January 4, 2011) led to the disgraceful end of a 23-year old administration of Tunisian dictator, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, the 30-year rule of Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak; and with the 41year rule of Muammar Gadhafi hanging in the balance. With the revolution spreading fast and deadly like contagious flu, the tragedy is that no single Arab country has immunity against this plague; no single Arab country practices sustainable democracy.

When the Middle East sneezes, the world catches cold as it were. If Mohammed Bouazizi had carried out his self immolation in other part of the world, it would have been doubtful if his death would have had the same impact as it does now. Until and unless an alternative and sustainable source of energy dethrones crude oil, the Middle East and by extension the Arab world will remain strategically important to the global economy to a worrisome extent. According to the International Energy Agency, ‘Middle Eastern producers will supply 50 percent of U.S oil imports, 50 percent of Europe, 80 percent of China’s, and 90 percent of Japans by 2030′.

The statistics above indicate that the survival and sustainability of the world powers and G-7 nations lies heavily in the Middle East. Crude oil from economic realities will, until an alternative source of energy is developed, continue to drive the world’s economy. As shown above, this is highly concentrated in the Middle East, though other nations such as Nigeria and Libya in Africa are also endowed with this natural resource. However, because the pace of crude oil production centers in the Middle East, that region remains to a large extent politically, economically and socially relevant to the other regions of the world. Hence, the present revolution going on in some oil-riched nations need to be objectively and holistically examined vis-à-vis their political and economic relevance. The present civil unrest going on in Libya brings this to the fore. It is imperative to examine the role of local and international bodies on the unceasing struggle for liberation by Libyans. Libya under President Gadhafi is a signatory to the Arab league, the African Union and by extension the United Nations Organization. Libya’s oil makes it economically relevant to member nations in the Arab bloc and to the international community.

The A.U was founded in Sirte, Gadhafi’s hometown in 1999, and has been well funded with Libya’s oil wealth. The A.U’s initial silence of the uprising in North Africa was criticized by many in Africa including a  public statement by Gambia’s Yahya Jameh. The A.U like other regional and international organizations including the Arab league, has a set of objectives which include respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states (includling respect for Human Rights and observation of the U.N charter on Human Rights). The A.U at the beginning of the Libyan crisis was heavily involved with the situation in Cote D’Ivoire – a country with an internal strife but of no apparent relevance or importance to the West. Through its Peace and Security Council, the A.U has put in place a coalition of Heads of States Panel (includling political leaders of S/Africa, Uganda, Mauritania, etc) to look into the situation in Libya on a fact-finding mission and forward possible recommendations. Until recently, the U.N security council through a resolution passed a ‘no fly zone’ law on Libya, adopted also by the Arab league, though it (Arab league) differs on the bombing strategy as embarked upon by the the U.S, U.K and France. This has resulted in Gadhafi’s declaration of cease fire in major parts of the country where his loyalists are in a deadlock to the opposition.

Many political observers and concerned individuals have proposed a military intervention in the ousting of Gaddafi from power. However, as noted above, the U.N, A.U and Arab league will to a large extent respect the sovereignty of Libya as an independent nation. In my view, it is imperative as it was in previous movements (Tunisia and Egypt), and as indicated in the opening quote of this piece, that concerned bodies such as the U.N, A.U and Arab League, regardless of the political and economic relevance of Libya as an oil-rich nation, weigh the over 40-years of Gaddafi’s administration on abuse of power, gross indiscipline, corruption, disregard for human rights as alleged by opposition. The U.N, A.U and Arab League though recognizing the sovereignty of Libya, should never display a ‘blind eye’  to human rights and related abuses alleged on Gaddafi. If the findings of the panel and its subsequent recommendations reveals a gross abuse of power, then the law should take its rightful course as universally accepted under the charters of the U.N and other relevant bodies. Nobody is above the law, Gaddafi is not above the law. If he is found wanting after a thorough investigation, he should be made to face the wrath of the law.

As fervently addressed in an earlier article, Gaddafi must come to terms with the fact that true sovereignty lies in the hands of the people of Libya and not in an individual. He should remember, if forgotten, that autocratic heroes such as Pharaoh of Egypt, Alexander the Great of Greece, Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany during the second World -war are now in the book of history. He should respond to the call for a CHANGE from his people. Libyans, regardless of what the international community and constituted bodies are doing right now or plans to do, should learn to localize the global in there approach towards a national Change. All concerned agencies must work jointly towards the same goal; respect for rule of law, good governance and a sustainable democratic rule in Libya. The global community and especially Africans eagerly awaits the liberation of of the Libyan people.

SOLOMON JOHNSON.

CREATEing IDEAs for AFRICAn Development

By Solomon Johnson

Even though poor leadership is primarily responsible for the slow and epileptic development of the African continent, in my view, another factor responsible for Africa’s marginal position is lack of creativity and idea generation. Economically, African countries are known to be ‘consuming nations’, absorbing products or goods from Asia and the West for local consumption. Products ranging from automobiles, electronics, shoes, beverages and so on are shipped in tons annually to Africa countries. This is the reason the currencies of African nations are at the mercy of their foreign counterparts such as the dollar, the pounds sterling, and the yen. Moreover, developing economies are usually at a disadvantage economically with respect to the balance of trade and payments. Paradoxically, most African countries produce what they do not consume and consume what they do not produce. It is high time Africans and other developing economies learnt to proffer scientific, economic and social solutions to our challenges.

How can you revive the yearning for creativity?

To this end, I would like to share what I feel can spark up a deep yearning for creativity. I would like us to look at what we can learn from the letters in A.F.R.I.C.A, C.R.E.A.T.E and I.D.E.A.

AFRICA: A Land, Full of Resources, Intellectuals, Committers, and Achievers. The African continent is endowed with resources such as oil, gas, minerals; intellectuals such as Kofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, Wole Soyinka; committers as demonstrated recently by the people of Egypt in the ousting of the 30-year dictator Hosni Mubarak ; Achievers such as Barrack Obama, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and so on.

CREATIVITY: Conceive, Reflect, Expound, Articulate Think, In-depth, Visualize, and Establish. Regardless of your particular undertaking, your status in life or age, you must learn to be creative and the way you do this is by conceiving an idea, reflecting on the idea, taking time to expound on the idea, articulate on the idea, think on the idea in-depth, visualize the idea and finally establish the idea.

IDEA: I- in depth Deliberations, Endears and Actions. Ideas have been the basis for many creative writings in the world. Phrases such as ‘Ideas rules the World’ are commonly used by speakers and writers the world over to emphasize the pivotal role of idea generation in the development of an individual and nations.

As stressed earlier, it is important that as a people, we embrace ideas and creativity for the development of our continent. The development of the West and other regions of the world were built on IDEAs and CREATIVITY. A call goes out to African leaders, especially the African Union, to leave up to the expectations of the African people. Around the world, Africans are known to be exceptional people. However, the structures and the enabling environment required for this to thrive at home are hardly in place and this is the reason most African ‘brains’ end up in the Diaspora. The A.U and sub-regional bodies such as ECOWAS, SADC must formulate long-term developmental policies, especially in the areas of science and technology that are necessary for the development of the continent. We can take a clue from what the European Union and the Asian Tigers have been able to achieve in their respective regions. If they can do it, we can also do it with sheer determination and commitment. Similarly, the private sector, the media and NGOs must stand up to play their role. It is our collective responsibility as people to join hands and move the continent to where we would like to see it.

I resent a common school of thought that expects the government to do everything to meet the expectations of the people. It is imperative that we as individuals give serious thought to what we can give back to our nation and continent. Individually, we owe our respective countries our quota towards their development. Developments in the big economies around the world were built on the creativity of their citizens who believed in their countries and invested their ideas and resources in the development of their countries. It is time for all of us to rise up and wholly embrace the concept of IDEAs and CREATIVITY for mutual development. Long live Africa, Long live our Mother Land.

Egypt Showed That True Sovereignty Lies With The People But Other Nations Should ‘Glocalize’ Their Situations

By Solomon Johnson

History was made last week in Egypt when the incumbent President Hosni Mubarak after what has been described as an ‘unprecedented protest’ which lasted for about two weeks finally in a press briefing declared he was quitting office. Presently, Egypt’s national administration is temporarily in the hands of the military until fresh elections are conducted to meet the yearning and aspirations of the people. True sovereignty was restored to the people after a 30 years rule that lost the support and confidence of the majority. Congratulations Egypt, Congratulations Africa!

There is no doubt that true sovereignty and freedom ultimately lies with the people as demonstrated by Egyptians in their recent struggle and unrelenting demand for a change in government. In a previous article on the protest in Egypt titled ”AFRICAN LEADERS MUST LEARN TO ACCEPT CHANGE”, I fervently addressed the need for Mubarak and His allies to give a responsive ear to the cries, yearnings and sacrifices of the people. He must accept the call for ‘CHANGE’ from his people. Similarly, in an article I coined ‘GLOCALISATION’; therein it was defined as an idea and a process. As an idea ‘it refers to a set of principles wherein developing sovereign national states in the Global community, will formulate policies of regional and local content for the actualization of development in their respective regions. As a process, ”Glocalisation” is the beginning of a new era for developing states to attain optimum development viz-a-viz globalizing the local, and localizing the global’. Egypt’s recent transformation is a practical application of ‘GLOCALISATION’.

Out of international relations and diplomacy, the United States, Great Britain, and other concerned nations intervened in the Egyptian crisis. Both President Barrack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron were reported to have called on Hosni Mubarak to tell him that Washington and the British parliament were interested in a ‘transitional government’ that will be smooth and transparent. However, much of what resulted into this change is entrenched in the principle of Glocalisation. Though foreign pressure was applied, through Glocalisation, the voice of the people mattered and their demands were granted.

However, other nations intending to replicate the success in Egypt must be caution. In my view, the success achieved in Egypt was predicated on the localizing of the global to the prevailing circumstances in their country. Hence, it is imperative that other nations in the similar struggle and those who might be naturally inclined to want to emulate Egypt be wary of measures adopted.

That the two weeks of protest yielded positive result in Egypt  does not necessarily guarantee success in similar situations. Countries who believe that there is an urgent need for a change locally as recently demonstrated by Egyptians should look inwardly and work with available laws and circumstances peculiar to those nations. In other words, nations should learn to take advantage of other legal means in their struggle for a change. This could come in the form of industrial strike, petitions, law suits or any other available measure at their disposal. Danger looms for any country that believes that Egypt’s prolonged protest can be automatically replicated in her situation. The same principle can equally be applied by individuals or groups who are in need for a change. ‘Glocalisation’ must guide us as individuals and nations in proffering workable and lasting solutions to our challenges.

The focus on Egypt recently with the eventual victory of the populace only proves beyond reasonable doubt that true sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. Those in autocratic power elsewhere and henceforth must learn to respect the call of the people for ‘CHANGE’, because true sovereignty belongs to the PEOPLE.

Once again, congratulations Egypt, Congratulation Africa!!!

African Leaders Must Learn to Accept Change

By Solomon Johnson

Change is often referred to as the only constant thing in life. How prepared are we as individuals, families, nations and the global community to accept change? If you would recollect, it was the need for change that brought paved the way for Barrack Obama to emerge as the 44th president of the United States of America in 2008. Change as a natural phenomenon usually takes it course regardless of whether a society is prepared to accept change or not. Humans experience changes in parts of the body whether they are prepared for it or not . ‘Day’ and ‘Night’ are natural phenomenal changes we experience.

The crisis rocking Egypt calls to question if African leaders, as demonstrated so far by President Hosni Mubarak,  are agents of change and are always ready to submit to change when needed. The uprising broke out last week as the public grew frustrated with corruption, oppression and economic hardship under Mubarak. More than 100 people have been reported dead in the ongoing protest taking place in various centers in Egypt. Mubarak has ruled for a period of 30 years marred largely by indiscipline and abuse of power.

Recently, supporters of President Hosni Mubarak attacked protesters with fists, stones and clubs in Cairo as the Egyptian government rejects calls for Mubarak to end his 30-year-rule now, Reuters reports. Anti-Mubarak protesters were seen hurling stones back and claimed the attackers were police disguised in plain clothes. The attack caused chaotic scenes in central Tahrir square, some of the Mubarak supporters rode into the crowd on horses, wielding whips and sticks. Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei, a Nobel peace laureate, has called the army to intervene to stop the crisis.

Interestingly, the uprising in Egypt is seen to have triggered other neighboring Arab nations protesting for a change. Algeria and Yemen are replicating Egyptian struggle for change. Protesters are often seen with placards displaying various messages such as ”change we need” to the government. The development in Egypt is of interest to the global community especially Africans. Of interest to me is what I describe as the ‘slow and diplomatic approach” of the west to the ongoing crisis in Egypt. U.S President Barrack Obama has been reported to have telephoned the 82-year- old to say Washington wanted him to move faster on political transition.

” What is clear and what I indicated tonight to president Mubarak is my belief that an orderly transition must be meaningful, it must begin now,” Obama said.

In the same vein, British prime Minister, David Cameron speaking recently with the United Nations secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said that the political transition to a new broad-based government in Egypt needed ”to be accelerated and to happen quickly”.

In my view, the West’s slow diplomatic approach to a national crisis that have resulted in the loss of lives of Egyptians and journalists only lend credence to the claim that Hosni Mubarak is a strong ally of the west especially the United States. Some political observers have identified Mubarak as a tool used by the west to stabilize their relationship politically and otherwise with the Arabians.

Mr. Mubarak must not easily forget history even of his own country. Historically, Egypt under a monarch named Pharaoh (the great) emerged as the first world power. However, as change would have its course, Egypt was succeeded by Assyria (extinct). Assyria was succeeded Babylon (extinct), Babylon by Medo-Persian (extinct), Medo-Persia by Greece, Greece by Rome, and Rome was eventually succeeded by the mighty Anglo-America world power of our time. When Alexander the Great of Greece was in power, he never believed like his predecessors that his regime can be overthrown by another because of the power he exercised. Same also applies to Rome when it was the world power. Her kingdom and influence spread to far corners of the earth. However, the only constant thing in life, ‘CHANGE’, also brought down the Roman empire overtaken by the British which formed ally with the United States as Anglo-America ally.

President Barrack Obama’s emergence as president of the United States was largely facilitated by Change; a need for Change by the Americans. It was the reason the Democrats adopted ‘CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN’ as their party’s slogan which psychologically met the yearnings and aspirations of an average American. Hence, it is pertinent that President Obama, David Cameron and other western leaders who secured the mandate of the electorates on this premise equally respect and recognize the plight of the Egyptians for a Change in their country. President Mubarak must come to terms with the reality that the bloodshed, pain and agony experienced by his people under this two weeks of what has been described as an ‘unprecedented” struggle for rights, justice and good leadership must be honored.

He should humbly submit himself to the call for a CHANGE NOW in Egypt.

Page 1 of 2
1 2