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Before You Click That Mouse

Most people especially in the corporate ‘world’ are conversant with the quotation above in-part which concludes with: ”do a re-check”, or with any other grammartical structure suitable to the writer/speaker depending on its purpose cum contextual usage. Due to the advent of infotech and its consequential effect on our lives viz-a-viz business activities, hardly is there any corporate firm regardless of its size and module operandi that does not operate with the use of computers. Gone where the days when businesses runned on paperwork en-mass, conversely today, most information are stored, processed and saved in computers, making work easy and fast to execute.

As an employee, how do you handle tasks delegated to you by your boss or supervisor/s in the office. Take for instance, a boss briefing you to type a short memo for official use. Imagine you have a very short period of time at your disposal to act as instructed by your supervisor. Two possiblities exist; one, that you would quickly within the time left typesett the memo and then move swiftly as with a predating hyena to your supervisor’s office for submission, alternatively, you would type as fast as you can, then do a thorough re-check on what you typed to ensure that words, phrases, clauses and sentences wrongly typed are rectified. Sometimes, an experienced colleague may be contacted to help edit your work. Continue reading “Before You Click That Mouse”

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Beyond the Information Age: What Next?

The world has experienced a series of Revolutions. The 21st century is highly characterised with information explosion like never before in human history. Today, with just a click on a mouse, interested individual can access scores of information on virtually any issue of concern in life. Gone are the days when few ‘elites’ reigns in knowledge and intellectual prowess over the majority. Nations that recognizes the importance of information-empowerment to her citizenry have left no stone unturned in entrenching it in their constitution as a fundamental/civic right of the governed. Decades ago, nations that appeared as world ‘giants’ are today facing stiff competition from emerging world powers owing to information technology.

It spread so fast as with a scourge on rampage, covering lands and territories, infecting inhabitants of high-tech nations in the West to village dwellers of developing communities in Africa with its ‘sting’ of relevance. In the years preceding the 21st century, when an issue of global or national interest occurs and those in the corridors of powers decides to conceal such from the knowledge of the people, they succeeded in some cases. There were high secrets in high places. Today, the converse is the case. With the advent of the internet, information dissemination and closing of knowledge gap has been made much easier. Such accounts for what makes the headliners in most local and international dailies as the corrupt hidden ‘mess’ of unscrupulous elements are brought to bear and appropriate penalty applied. Those professionally vested with the responsibility of acting as ‘bridgers’ between the government and the governed are alive to their responsilities with the adoption and implementation of the freedom of information law. What is more, the various component regions of the world are inter-dependent on one another in a global village. No doubt, access to information in an unprecedented scale is a gift to our generation. Continue reading “Beyond the Information Age: What Next?”

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My World as Credited to Ara!!

I sat before the screen of my T.V set lately to behold a documentary to the credit of a young talented, resourceful and world acclaimed artiste popularly known in the Nigerian creative arts and entertertainment industry as ARA. She is a drum expert,with specialization on ‘talking-drum’. Ara of a noble background, developed interest in musical art while growing up as a child. She developed love for music after her parents. Ara craved for the drum as she went out of her way to associate with local artistes whom she felt could assist her in her quest to become a drum beater. She was laughed at and not taken serious despite her sincere interest in creative arts. She took the bull by the horn by creating ‘her world’ after her passion for the drum.

Today, history tells her story and generations unborn will come to learn and appreciate her ingenuity as the GUINNESS World book of Records has ARA as the first FEMALE in the world to be an artiste into ‘talking drum’. This has not only brought Ara into the limelight, but as opened doors of outstanding opportunities to her world. She has had the unilateral privilege of meeting with the Queen of England, Stevie Wonders, et al owing to her achievements in creative arts. Ara is a gem,a pride of Africa and a living icon of sheer creativity in arts. Continue reading “My World as Credited to Ara!!”

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Soccer Passion in Men

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

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Continue reading “Soccer Passion in Men”

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Essential Tips for Would-Be Applicants

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.

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

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”

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SOMALIA’S FAMINE: WAY FORWARD FOR THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

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”

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Living with Death in View

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.

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