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Overcoming Scarcity Amidst Abundance

“The hardest thing to see is what is in front of your eyes”

-Goethe

Scarcity amidst abundance

In the last three weeks I have been trying to organise seminars on “Moringa Oleifera”, popularly known as wonder plant, for secondary school teachers in Osun state, Nigeria. “What is Moringa?”  And why secondary school teachers?

Moringa, I discovered recently, contains 7 times the vitamin C of oranges, 4 times the vitamin A of carrots, 4 times the calcium of milk, 3 times the potassium of banana and 2 times the protein of yoghurt. Besides its nutritional value, it can save millions of lives and it could be used to generate bio-gas, among others. As a result of its enormous benefits to mankind, I decided to share what I know with others so that our society can be a better place to live in. So I made up my mind to first take this money-spinning idea to my former constituency – to teachers. I taught for six years before I moved on to other things in life. I was however shocked to find out that the way it was when I was still teaching, is still the way it is now. Despite the immense opportunities in Moringa that my people in “chalk and talk” business could tap into, they bombarded me with litany of complaints such as ‘we don’t have money’, ‘the money you are charging for the seminar is too much’ and so on. You may want to ask how much is the money? Just $6 to turn their lives round! My heart bled because those who are supposed to know are actually ignorant of what could fetch them additional income. Those we expect so much from cannot see what is right in front of them!

There is no doubt that we are blessed in Africa. But we seem blind to a lot of opportunities around us simply because of our scarcity mentality. We think of what we do not have rather than taking advantage of what we have. We complain we do not have money, thinking that it is only money we need to make money. We have forgotten that we cannot rise above the level of our thinking. If we think we do not have then definitely we may not have. Besides Moringa, there are other opportunities for us that we can take advantage of in Africa, but we still complain we do not have when we live amidst abundance. How then do we overcome this scarcity mentality that has tethered us down for a long time?

The first step to take is to renew our thoughts daily. What we think about, we become. Who we are outside is a reflection of who we are inside. If you see yourself as poor person inside there is no way you can be rich outside. Most civil servants in African societies more often than not see themselves as poor, and their appearances reflect their state of mind from time to time. So, to overcome scarcity mentality, you must consciously renew your thoughts. Rid your yourself of negative thought and thoughts of scarcity. Think abundance. After all, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Desires and confessions are intertwined; they are inseparable. While many have done their desires a lot of good through the words of their mouths, others have short-changed themselves with their confessions. You cannot be a poor person within and be rich without. You cannot be a gloomy person within and be cheerful without. What a man will be on the outside, he must first be in the inside. You must speak power to your desires which first exist as thoughts in your mind.

But beyond the renewal of your thoughts and your confessions, you must also put life to your words through action. Nothing moves unless we move. We may continue to complain we do not have if we do not activate what we have in our minds. This brings to mind the story of a man who lives in my new neighbourhood. I met this man sometime in 2008. He had a life-threatening experience during the Modakeke-Ife internecine war in 2000. He lost everything he had laboured for in the war – cars, houses, businesses! The only thing he had left was his life. This man, because of his pastoral calling, was fond of confessing positive things without taking any concrete actions. The result? He kept on complaining of lack! About a month ago, this man approached me for counsel. I had to be down-to-earth with him. I told him that what he needed was to take a concrete step. I advised him to sell one of his burnt houses to start a business. He did what I advised him to do and today he is a poultry farmer. He does not complain about not having what to eat again. He is gradually recovering what he lost during the war. It is not sufficient to confess positive thoughts alone; we need to back them up with action.

You may be thinking that taking action is not easy. I know. But it is possible to start with what you have from where you are. It is just a matter of starting small. It is little drops of water that make a mighty ocean. We may remain at the level of scarcity if we do not want to begin small. It may interest you to note that I started rabbit rearing with just 2 rabbits – 1 male and 1 female, but today I have a big rabbit farm. We do not just sell live rabbits, but also sell processed rabbits! What you do not start, cannot grow.

To overcome scarcity mentality therefore, we must consciously practise the following tips:

  1. Renew your thoughts daily; avoid negative thoughts as much as possible and think possibilities.
  2. Take a step beyond positive thinking; take action; and
  3. If you think taking action is not that easy, start what you have thought about in a small way from where you are.

With the steps above, you will begin to sing a new song. No more scarcity mentality; you will begin to see the immense opportunities in Africa. You are not created to lack; you are created to have everything in abundance.

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Moderate Alcohol Can Promote Heart Health

According to a compilation of 30 years of research, an alcoholic drink a day can help ward off heart diseases and improve overall heart health and function.

The study which has been published in the British Medical Journal found that there was a reduction of  14% to 25%  in heart diseases in moderate drinkers compared with people who had never drink alcohol.

Another article, by the same Canadian scientist at the University of Calgary, showed alcohol also increased “good” cholesterol levels.

This review showed that the overall risk of death was lower for those consuming small quantities of alcohol, 2.5g to 14.9g, compared with non-drinkers. The researchers also say regular moderate drinking reduced all forms of cardiovascular disease by up to 25%.

It is important to note that this is a slippery slope as what we consider moderate may mean different things to different people. In fact, while consuming small quantities of alcohol had a beneficial effect on the number of strokes, the risk increased significantly with heavier drinking. Heavier drinking is also a leading cause of liver cirrhosis. A little bit does you good, but a lot does you harm

For non-drinkers, this should not be a license to start. Being physically active, adapting stress reducing techniques like prayer or yoga, and eating a balanced diet can help you achieve the same effect.[ad#Adsense-200by200sq]

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How to Give Meaning to a Clueless Life

The greatest tragedy of life is for people  to live and die and never come out of themselves, to never realise the possibilities hidden within them. Each time I come across people with huge potentials and who seem to be clueless about what to do with their innate abilities, my heart bleeds.  To give meaning to your life you must live it on purpose. There is nothing as dangerous as living a life that has no bearing. Such a life will definitely be very boring!

How can you then give meaning to a clueless life?

The way out is to discover who you are. When you know who you are it becomes easy to live a purpose-driven life. You would have discovered the purpose for which you are in this world.

So I want you to take time to ruminate over the following and answer them as truthfully as possible:

  1. Do I love where I am today?
  2. Would I like to continue to do the kind of job or the kind of activity that I do today when I come of age?
  3. Am I using my natural talent to do what I do today?
  4. Will I like to be the best of what I am doing today?
  5. What one thing do I need to do to make the greatest possible change in my life?
  6. Who is doing something closest to my dream?
  7. What area will I like to make a positive impact?
  8. What will I like to be remembered for?
  9. What mind-blowing accomplishment will I want my name to be associated with?
  10. What field will I like my name to define?
  11. What do I do best with the least effort?
  12. What kind of help do people frequently ask from me?
  13. What is that area people show me the greatest respect?
  14. What can I do for fun and still earn money?
  15. What irritates me the most when it is poorly done?
  16. I usually lose track of time when ……………………
  17. Which of all the human needs touches my heart most?
  18. I am the solution, what is the problem?
  19. Who has this problem?
  20. Which books, magazines or discussions interest me the most?

I am convinced that if you can consciously and truthfully answer the questions above, you will discover your potentials and know exactly who you are. With this, you will have succeeded in giving meaning to your life, even if you had no clue before.

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Malawi Anti-Flatus Law Continues to Make News Across The World

A few weeks ago, some of you read an article here about a new legislation in the Malawian Parliament aiming to criminalize the passing of gas or flatulence in public. The Malawian public flatus law continues to make news in the US and across the world.

Some are calling it a long-overdue law others are calling it insane or just too much government interference. One of the opponents is Ms Whoopi, the outspoken host of the ABC show the View

“I don’t think my future travel plans will include the African nation of Malawi,” Whoopi Goldberg joked recently on “The View.”

Locals fear that it might prove hard to pin an offense on a particular person, given how easy it is for people to blame others for flatulence.

To fix that problem with the proposed law, Whoopi offered up a simple fix:

“It should include ‘he who smelt it dealt it.'”

It will be news to say that most African dictators are often unconventional, but this new law has set the African nation of Malawi into a frenzy. The dictator Bingu wa Mutharika has so far not been bothered by the call for democracy the sweeping across the continent and therefore has his peace to worry about the quality of outdoor air in Malawi. Census polling data of the nation reveals people with jobs and who live in actual cities eat a typical diet of fried, salty foods. This eating habits of Malawian result in a higher incidence of flatulence which apparently upset wa Matharika.[ad#Adsense-200by200sq]

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Vaccine-Delivering Nanoparticles May Help Fight HIV, Malaria

Engineers at MIT have come up with a new type of nanoparticle that could safely and effectively deliver vaccines for diseases such as HIV and malaria.

The new particles consist of concentric fatty spheres that can carry synthetic versions of proteins normally produced by viruses. These synthetic particles elicit a strong immune response – comparable to that produced by live virus vaccines – but should be much safer, says Darrell Irvine, author of the paper and an associate professor of materials science and engineering and biological engineering.

Such particles could help scientists develop vaccines against cancer as well as infectious diseases. In collaboration with scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Irvine and his students are now testing the nanoparticles’ ability to deliver an experimental malaria vaccine in mice.

Vaccines protect the body by exposing it to an infectious agent that primes the immune system to respond quickly when it encounters the pathogen again. In many cases, such as with the polio and smallpox vaccines, a dead or disabled form of the virus is used. Other vaccines, such as the diphtheria vaccine, consist of a synthetic version of a protein or other molecule normally made by the pathogen.

When designing a vaccine, scientists try to provoke at least one of the human body’s two major players in the immune response: T cells, which attack body cells that have been infected with a pathogen; or B cells, which secrete antibodies that target viruses or bacteria present in the blood and other body fluids.

For diseases in which the pathogen tends to stay inside cells, such as HIV, a strong response from a type of T cell known as “killer” T cell is required. The best way to provoke these cells into action is to use a killed or disabled virus, but that cannot be done with HIV because it’s difficult to render the virus harmless.

To get around the danger of using live viruses, scientists are working on synthetic vaccines for HIV and other viral infections such as hepatitis B. However, these vaccines, while safer, do not elicit a very strong T cell response.

Importantly, the particles also elicit a strong antibody response. Niren Murthy, associate professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, says the new particles represent “a fairly large advance,” though he says that more experiments are needed to show that they can elicit an immune response against human disease, in human subjects. “There’s definitely enough potential to be worth exploring it with more sophisticated and expensive experiments,” he says.

The work has been described in the Feb. 20 issue of Nature Materials. (ANI)

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Fifa Offers Sympathy to Somalia

Fifa President Sepp Blatter has offered sympathy to Somalia after one of the country’s best young players was killed by a suicide bomber in Mogadishu.

Under-20 international Abdi Salaan Mohamed Ali was among 10 people killed when a car bomb exploded on Monday.

Two other players, Mahmoud Amin Mohamed and Siid Ali Mohamed Xiis, were among 35 people injured.

Blatter wrote to Somali federation chief Said Mahmoud Nur “with a sad heart, having learned of the tragedy”.

“On behalf of Fifa… I wish to extend our condolences to you, the Somalian football community and, most importantly, all family, friends and loved ones of the victims,” the Fifa chief added.

“Please let them know that today, the football community stands by their side.”

Ali died after being struck by the blast following a training session near the police academy which was targeted by the bomber, while Mohamed and Xiis were wounded as they walked home.

A militant Islamic group claimed responsibility for the attack.

“On behalf of the entire family of Somali football I am sending my heartfelt condolence to the families, relatives and friends of the slain football player Abdi Salaan Mohamed Ali,” said Nur in a statement.

“He was one of our best players and was recently added to the national U-20 squad.”

The statement added that a book of condolence has been opened at the Somali Football Federation’s headquarters in Mogadishu where thousands have already conveyed their sadness.

“We are committed to continuing our duty in the war-torn country until we meet death,” the president said in his statement on Monday.

Blatter and Nur are likely to meet this week, with both scheduled to attend the Confederation of African Football’s general assembly in Sudan on Wednesday.

Somalia are one of Africa’s weakest footballing nations, ranked 176th in the world by Fifa, and without an Africa Cup of Nations appearance to their name.

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Asamoah Gyan on Manchester United Wish List

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has played his way onto Sir Alex Ferguson’s wish-list after a string of impressive performances on Wearside according to Tuttochampions.it.

The 25 year old Ghana international has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 23 Premier League games as Sunderland has surged up the table. He has become an instant hit with the fans due to his flamboyant style which is a result of his undiluted love of the game.

He was linked with Man United back in 2007 whilst playing for Italian side Udinese but injury hampered his season and he never had a chance to advertise his potential. An eccentric personality and keen rapper under the pseudonym “Baby Jet” he would be a welcome addition to the changing room.

He possesses impressive pace and a wonderful shot – he thrives off one-on-one situations and is lethal when cutting across the face of goal. Bruce would be extremely reluctant to let the club record signing leave in the summer with the Red Devil’s also expressing an interest in Gyan’s teammates Gordon and Henderson.

The loss of Darren Bent in January and the fact that Gyan has only been at the Stadium of Liht six months since signing for £13 million would probably mean no less than £20 million would be enough to test Sunderland’s reserve. TheBlack Cats are not inclined to sell and any deal with Sunderland would probably see Danny Wellbeck – on loan at Sunderland from Man United – make his deal permanent.

Whether Ferguson intends to spend so much on a striker seems doubtful as they have plenty of options up front. Gordon or Henderson would seem the most likely deal but if Gyan’s form remains as it is it may come to pass that United are tempted to make a move given that Owen ‘s days are numbered and Wellbeck would be used as a bartering chip. Real Madrid are also rumoured to be keeping an eye on the BBC African Player of the Year.

(GHP)

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THEY CAME: The North African Uprising and Foreign Interference, A Lesson for African Leaders and Citizens

RAZIAH MWAWANGA

There has been a lot of drama and turmoil in the recent days as the African continent, especially the northern part, is torn into pieces as people cry out for blood and change. What initially started as one man’s protest against unjust treatment by law enforcement officers has thrown North Africa into full-blown chaos. The fire has moved from Tunisia to Egypt, Jordon, Bahrain, Yemen and the dust seemed to have settled in Libya.

Everybody wants to see old leaders and governments step out of office, give them democracy, more jobs and better lifestyles, but,  as one wise man said, whether this is good or bad, no one knows.

What puzzles me and I find most interesting is the countries in which the trend has taken momentum. All the affected countries seem to have one thing in common; either they have been ruled by the monarchy or self-proclaimed life leadership.

Another fascinating thing is that some of these countries have strategic economies, are powers to reckon with and are superpowers in their own rights. They command respect, fear and envy among their neighbours and the world in general because of their strategic positions, economies and principles.

Take Egypt for example: it is the home of the ancient civilization, excellent tourist attraction, vibrant economy and a leader in the Arab states politics. It stands out between the old and new civilization in North Africa and has commanded international respect and authority as a link between the Arab states and the West. It is also the only Arab state that can see eye to eye with Israel and used to mediate and bumper in Israeli Arab politics.

Apart from the social, economic, and strategic position of Egypt, it has a beauty that cannot be compared with, commonly known as the ancient civilization, land of the Nile and home of Pharaohs. Its civilization surpasses human knowledge through ancient ruins in Alexandria and the Pyramids the world is yet to find a way to construct. Egypt has  world-class Engineers demonstrated by its majestic architecture and magnificent bridges.

Libya is also a great country in its own rights. I have not had the privilege to visit but from what I have seen on television from journalists who have visited its well planned and organised, great infrastructure and roads through the desert and a great economy. Unlike Egypt, Libya is known for its no-nonsense principles and Mohamed Gaddafi’s fearlessness and outspokenness. He is a man of his own principles; does not run in packs like other African leaders; speaks out his mind and does not fear anyone.

He is accredited to be the first African leader to distort United Nations protocol through his long speech when he was the President of the African Union. He is credible despite what people might think of him. He is one of those leaders who has always advocated for a united Africa, through creating a strong African Union which could command respect in the world and a voice to reckon with. Apart from being a world leader, he has tried to create a better life for his citizens unlike other leaders who just horde wealth and save it in Swiss banks and embark in selfish unrealistic ventures and investments that create misery and misfortune for their citizens.

Gaddafi has guts other leaders do not have, like his refusal to the surrender the Locabie bombing suspects to be prosecuted; he eventually gave them up and paid compensation with Libyan money to victims and even negotiated the release of the sick jailed perpetrator and gave him a hero’s welcome when he was released. Proving his love and dedication to protect his citizens despite all odds, a trait other African leaders’ lack, our brothers and sisters are languishing in foreign prisons for crimes they have committed and not committed without representation because our foreign embassies are white elephants and toothless dogs, only there to protect our government interests and not citizens’ interests and wellbeing. Why is Gadaffi killing the same people he had the passion to protect before? What has changed? Are  they not the same Libyans he would move heaven and earth to save and protect?

What I see in all this chaos is the destabilization of strong African economies, silencing the mouth pieces that speak out against foreign aggression by attacking Egypt and Libya, because weakening these countries will destabilise and diminish not only North African power but the whole region.  You start with the strongest because the weak can do nothing.

Why can’t the Egyptians and Libyans see this outside interference? Is burning infrastructure and destroying economies our ancestors took centuries to build and our taxpayers’ money going to solve the problem. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know, if they don’t believe me they should look at, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. In Iraq the Americans went to find weapons of mass destruction, in Afghanistan Osama Bin Laden, to date none has been found and these countries have become a nightmare. Is this the democracy they want; where homes are no longer safe to bring up children and people become prisoners in their own homes and decisions?

I urge my brothers and sisters to be careful of what they wish for and the hidden danger they cannot see  as a watchman as Prophet Isaiahs’ said and echoed in Martin Niemöller  (14 January 1892 – 6 March 1984) words;

THEY CAME….

First the Nazis came…
First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out —
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out —
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out —
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me —
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Why can’t the Egyptians, Libyans and other people of Africans nations perceive this outside interference? People should vent their anger at the injustice, dictatorship and greed of our self-elected leaders who always rig their way to power and abrogate term of office.

Let’s not burn and destroy the infrastructure and economies our ancestors and our taxes have build for centuries just to quench our anger and frustrations. Presidents come and go but what is destroyed may never be rebuilt.

What Gadaffi and Mubarak and other African leaders should read are the signs of  time and know when to leave, as former British Prime Minister, John Major stated in his farewell speech ‘’When the curtain falls it’s time to leave the stage’’. Why is it so hard for African leaders to understand that absolute power corrupts? Despite the good things some of these great African leaders have done, it is good leave and be remembered for the good things they did and not the bad they are doing now, killing their own people who elected them and believed in them and whom they swore to protect.