Dear Dad
I'm sure you still remember Chief Anthony Enahoro, the journalist, politician and nationalist? He's gone where elders go! And we mourn.
From your own versatile pedigree and extensive contacts those days, I wonder if your paths didn't cross. You left in 1963 - three years after independence - so you were of the hopeful and proudful generation. Sadly, Pa Enahoro just left after 50 years of independence, and he left very broken and disillusioned!
I leave it to him to brief you why.
Welcome him warmly, Dad, for he was a very good man - a patriot till the very end.
Bless you
Dayo
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Look at Them!
Dear Mom
You know, we had a good laugh yesterday over the names of the various fish and marine life in Ilajeland. It led us to wonder what happens to local knowledge these days.
Growing up under your care and tutoring was a rare privilege, honour and grace - such a blessing! Maybe the trajectory had a lot to do with it (i.e. losing dad so early and moving from place to place, etc.) but I can also cite many who had such and more, who haven't been so blessed.
We got to gain insights about our localities, neighbours, languages, cultures, flora and fauna. The freshwaters of River Oluwa, the brackish waters of the swamps and lagoons, the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean and those generous offerings from its huge expanse, the communities-on-stilts, the wonderful and peaceful lives of the riverine peoples of Nigeria's coastal splendour, and our numerous relations spread along its territories. Oh!
These are memories of unmatched measures. Royalty and your rich heritage conditioned you and cautioned us. These days, one must wonder.
Our kids need so much help that a real renaissance must commence. They know less and less of both the country and their place in it. There are parents who even know less than their children! How then can they help them? Alas, we have to redesign our civic education and invent our own Public Service Media to save the situation.
May I close on a bright note: Many many mothers are doing their very best to redeem things o! We just hope and pray that 2011 will be an electoral banquet for Nigeria and her hardworking MOTHERS.
We love and miss you dearly
Dayo
You know, we had a good laugh yesterday over the names of the various fish and marine life in Ilajeland. It led us to wonder what happens to local knowledge these days.
Growing up under your care and tutoring was a rare privilege, honour and grace - such a blessing! Maybe the trajectory had a lot to do with it (i.e. losing dad so early and moving from place to place, etc.) but I can also cite many who had such and more, who haven't been so blessed.
We got to gain insights about our localities, neighbours, languages, cultures, flora and fauna. The freshwaters of River Oluwa, the brackish waters of the swamps and lagoons, the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean and those generous offerings from its huge expanse, the communities-on-stilts, the wonderful and peaceful lives of the riverine peoples of Nigeria's coastal splendour, and our numerous relations spread along its territories. Oh!
These are memories of unmatched measures. Royalty and your rich heritage conditioned you and cautioned us. These days, one must wonder.
Our kids need so much help that a real renaissance must commence. They know less and less of both the country and their place in it. There are parents who even know less than their children! How then can they help them? Alas, we have to redesign our civic education and invent our own Public Service Media to save the situation.
May I close on a bright note: Many many mothers are doing their very best to redeem things o! We just hope and pray that 2011 will be an electoral banquet for Nigeria and her hardworking MOTHERS.
We love and miss you dearly
Dayo
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
FAMILY First
Dearest Dad & Mom
We can only imagine why did it decades ago: but you put FAMILY first! Growing up under your care and concern for ALL our family was a great lesson. It is now an ennobling legacy for us. We must cherish it, we must keep it.
Was it costly? It was. Will it be, now? Absolutely. And in the future? No question. I can't trade it for anything else in the world. We need family as family needs us - each one of us; every one of us. That is the greatness and the beauty of this tree - The FAMILY Tree.
Thank you for the golden example. As the LORD wills and keeps us, this treasure will endure.
Pray for us.
Love,
Dayo
We can only imagine why did it decades ago: but you put FAMILY first! Growing up under your care and concern for ALL our family was a great lesson. It is now an ennobling legacy for us. We must cherish it, we must keep it.
Was it costly? It was. Will it be, now? Absolutely. And in the future? No question. I can't trade it for anything else in the world. We need family as family needs us - each one of us; every one of us. That is the greatness and the beauty of this tree - The FAMILY Tree.
Thank you for the golden example. As the LORD wills and keeps us, this treasure will endure.
Pray for us.
Love,
Dayo
Monday, October 11, 2010
How Do Elders Cope?
Dearest Dad and Mom,
Just hearing about the passing on of Professor Babs Fafunwa, eminent educationist, former minister, great patriot and elderstatesman, set me thinking: What was on his noble mind these last days? How did he rate Nigeria's 50-year nationhood in those final moments? What will he tell you up there when he arrives - just like those before him? I simply wonder...
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Well, I've got loads to report to, and lots to share with, you now that I'm back online again. The days are getting tougher as nights are running darker. Side A is grim, Side B is dream. Both can be dim and brim, if you see what I hint!
Why parents are not running amock is because of faith - religious faith - and resignation, utter self-support. Why kids are still in check is because of age; but they come...
Now where do I stand? Positive. I dey kampe! I should return with my story of the stories.
Meanwhile, I love you and have missed you both.
Still, Dayo.
Just hearing about the passing on of Professor Babs Fafunwa, eminent educationist, former minister, great patriot and elderstatesman, set me thinking: What was on his noble mind these last days? How did he rate Nigeria's 50-year nationhood in those final moments? What will he tell you up there when he arrives - just like those before him? I simply wonder...
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Well, I've got loads to report to, and lots to share with, you now that I'm back online again. The days are getting tougher as nights are running darker. Side A is grim, Side B is dream. Both can be dim and brim, if you see what I hint!
Why parents are not running amock is because of faith - religious faith - and resignation, utter self-support. Why kids are still in check is because of age; but they come...
Now where do I stand? Positive. I dey kampe! I should return with my story of the stories.
Meanwhile, I love you and have missed you both.
Still, Dayo.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
I Do Apologise
Anyone who knows Nigeria and Nigerians knows that we are very passionate about our dear nation, and go the extra mile to mull over her. We will not be put down or held down. Ask the colonialists, ask the military, ask the Third Termists! Read up on the Nigeria vs Niger Delta conundrum. Ask the so-called "cabal" that held our late President Yar'Adua and his regime by the jugular! Just to add a more current scent, ask our soccer (mis)representatives - the Super Eagles (?) – to the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa: For earning us such a poor grade, and not rising to the challenge of making Africa proud in the first-ever mundial on African soil, they are being roasted! This, despite our criminal and incriminating absence of focus, bad and improper coordination, the palpable fraud in sports administration - not unlike everywhere else - late and inadequate preparation, and an ageing squad!!
Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.
If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.
Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!
My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!
Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.
If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.
Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!
My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Jubilee Knocks!
Thank God for both big and small mercies! I am writing with great gratitude myself, as with my dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary. Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.
As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play our worthy part in the plans for the future.
Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan for country and citizen be fulfilled in Jesus' Name. Amen
God bless NIGERIA!
As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play our worthy part in the plans for the future.
Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan for country and citizen be fulfilled in Jesus' Name. Amen
God bless NIGERIA!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
My 2008
Dear Dad & Mom
What a 2007! Almost everything that can fail failed. And almost anything that can fly floundered.
But we must thank God for all mercies, great and small. Wetin man go do!
Let's face it: For Nigeria, God helped to send the old 'do or die' political overlords forth. They may be powerful but are certainly not in power! And, Dad, you should know what that means here!! It wasn't easy o, but God do am well well, fa!
Then this anti-corruption matter is now getting traction. They can, and will, still steal. But not with the old gusto, or devil-may-care impunity. And the evidence is showing in many states - especially with brand new governors. I am upbeat!
Mom, this 2008 is very promising in several ways, on several fronts. Women are making good progress with some political strides to boot. Nigeria is not high on this yet, but it will happen. If my guess is right, a wave is coming our way. It will be full and fruitful. It starts this year.
One sure thing I predict is FOOD aplenty for our people. Many states are now working on this. Agriculture will boom from 2008. I hope aquaculture will join in - I'm quite keen on that. It has so much prospects and profits. And both Nigeria and Africa need its wonderful offerings.
Finally, my books will be published too. How about that!
So, make una pray for us o: Children and Country.
Happy New Year!
Love
Dayo
What a 2007! Almost everything that can fail failed. And almost anything that can fly floundered.
But we must thank God for all mercies, great and small. Wetin man go do!
Let's face it: For Nigeria, God helped to send the old 'do or die' political overlords forth. They may be powerful but are certainly not in power! And, Dad, you should know what that means here!! It wasn't easy o, but God do am well well, fa!
Then this anti-corruption matter is now getting traction. They can, and will, still steal. But not with the old gusto, or devil-may-care impunity. And the evidence is showing in many states - especially with brand new governors. I am upbeat!
Mom, this 2008 is very promising in several ways, on several fronts. Women are making good progress with some political strides to boot. Nigeria is not high on this yet, but it will happen. If my guess is right, a wave is coming our way. It will be full and fruitful. It starts this year.
One sure thing I predict is FOOD aplenty for our people. Many states are now working on this. Agriculture will boom from 2008. I hope aquaculture will join in - I'm quite keen on that. It has so much prospects and profits. And both Nigeria and Africa need its wonderful offerings.
Finally, my books will be published too. How about that!
So, make una pray for us o: Children and Country.
Happy New Year!
Love
Dayo
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Future of OIL Money
Dear Dad
The prices of oil & gas are soaring. That means that buyers are "groaning but paying"...for NOW! And it also means that sellers are "reaping and smiling"...RIGHT NOW!!
Don't be deceived, both sides know the costs and the consequences. New, especially renewable, sources and alternatives are being explored, developed and WILL be exploited and deployed in due course. SOONER than later!!!
My concern, dad, is that Nigeria is doing absolutely NOTHING about it! We are looting our oil & gas earnings, and have not sorted out our domestic energy & NEPA/PHCN-doom, but most of all, have ignored the global race towards renewable energy sources and resources!!!
This government seems to be oblivious to the crises. It baffles all and sundry!!!
If oil money reduces and dries up, NIGERIA will be in dire straits faster, deeper and sooner than anywhere else that I know!!!
We wait on these comedians and conspicuous consumptionists in government!!!
Your worried son
Dayo
The prices of oil & gas are soaring. That means that buyers are "groaning but paying"...for NOW! And it also means that sellers are "reaping and smiling"...RIGHT NOW!!
Don't be deceived, both sides know the costs and the consequences. New, especially renewable, sources and alternatives are being explored, developed and WILL be exploited and deployed in due course. SOONER than later!!!
My concern, dad, is that Nigeria is doing absolutely NOTHING about it! We are looting our oil & gas earnings, and have not sorted out our domestic energy & NEPA/PHCN-doom, but most of all, have ignored the global race towards renewable energy sources and resources!!!
This government seems to be oblivious to the crises. It baffles all and sundry!!!
If oil money reduces and dries up, NIGERIA will be in dire straits faster, deeper and sooner than anywhere else that I know!!!
We wait on these comedians and conspicuous consumptionists in government!!!
Your worried son
Dayo
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Year-End Yuletide: Nigerian "Roads and Foods" from HELL!
Dear Mom
2007 is virtually over. And the masses' pains aren't ending! Homes upon homes are nowhere near what will resemble either Sallah or Christmas celebrations.
The politicians have paid themselves huge perquisites and privileges while the voters are groping for solutions to the penury being perpetuated and projected by the same political class! It is very pathetic.
Nigerian roads are so bad that they strangle food security and delivery. Pocket-friendly prices are gone! Then the roads proceed to gulp innocent blood in an orgy of avoidable angst. Ember months accidents have taken new dimensions such that not many contemplate the traditional home-going with da usual excitement this year. So troubling indeed.
Now what do we do? Even electricity has virtually left the plants, the poles and the gas pipelines in the land!
Barka Da Sallah? Well, yes...spiritually.
Merry Christmas? Oh yes.....habitually.
With your prayers, and our persistence, I trust 2008 will be Happy and Prosperous!!!
Love
Dayo
2007 is virtually over. And the masses' pains aren't ending! Homes upon homes are nowhere near what will resemble either Sallah or Christmas celebrations.
The politicians have paid themselves huge perquisites and privileges while the voters are groping for solutions to the penury being perpetuated and projected by the same political class! It is very pathetic.
Nigerian roads are so bad that they strangle food security and delivery. Pocket-friendly prices are gone! Then the roads proceed to gulp innocent blood in an orgy of avoidable angst. Ember months accidents have taken new dimensions such that not many contemplate the traditional home-going with da usual excitement this year. So troubling indeed.
Now what do we do? Even electricity has virtually left the plants, the poles and the gas pipelines in the land!
Barka Da Sallah? Well, yes...spiritually.
Merry Christmas? Oh yes.....habitually.
With your prayers, and our persistence, I trust 2008 will be Happy and Prosperous!!!
Love
Dayo
Anti-Corruption: Where is JUSTICE?
Papa
There was fire on the mountain before, ba? Now there is inferno! This corruption monster is all alive and well o! In fact, it is kicking and punching and dribbling and straddling both here and abroad.
My concern this day is that JUSTICE is hardly done both in the search and solution of the matter, both home and abroad.
If you steal a goat you will go to longer prison term than if you plunder the public till to the tune of billions! Then they have this legal wonder called "plea bargain". It allows you to negotiate your terms and conditions as a rogue by NEGOTIATIONS!!! It is a worldwide practice which is now being thoroughly abused both here and abroad.
But the real wonder is how it seems our bigmen are having a field day looting, shooting and not giving a hoot about name, fame and shame! They don't care about their children or their village or their place of worship. History? Forget it! Posterity? Pass!
They made the laws and the constitution for their class convenience and cult perpetuation. They know no other way. Which is why we have no farms, no factories, no fisheries, no oil rigs, yet the guys are stinking rich and the foreign lands are embracing them with glee!
Papa, na so we see am o! Just thought I should share with you, the figures are so mind-boggling
that one is simply perplexed at what they need such gargantuan loot for.
God help us.
In trepidation
Dayo
There was fire on the mountain before, ba? Now there is inferno! This corruption monster is all alive and well o! In fact, it is kicking and punching and dribbling and straddling both here and abroad.
My concern this day is that JUSTICE is hardly done both in the search and solution of the matter, both home and abroad.
If you steal a goat you will go to longer prison term than if you plunder the public till to the tune of billions! Then they have this legal wonder called "plea bargain". It allows you to negotiate your terms and conditions as a rogue by NEGOTIATIONS!!! It is a worldwide practice which is now being thoroughly abused both here and abroad.
But the real wonder is how it seems our bigmen are having a field day looting, shooting and not giving a hoot about name, fame and shame! They don't care about their children or their village or their place of worship. History? Forget it! Posterity? Pass!
They made the laws and the constitution for their class convenience and cult perpetuation. They know no other way. Which is why we have no farms, no factories, no fisheries, no oil rigs, yet the guys are stinking rich and the foreign lands are embracing them with glee!
Papa, na so we see am o! Just thought I should share with you, the figures are so mind-boggling
that one is simply perplexed at what they need such gargantuan loot for.
God help us.
In trepidation
Dayo
Friday, October 19, 2007
Dem Say....We BLACKS are....Daft!
Dear Dad
Not for the first - nor will it be da last - time, one top white American scientist to one top British newspaper that BLACKS are less intelligent than WHITES. Alarmed? You should be. Rightly. He has apologised, and is suspended at work. Rightly.
Fazed? We can't be. Deceived? We are not. The world knows better.
Dr James Watson is a 1962 Nobel Laureate and DNA pioneer. He has been contradicted by Dr Craig Venter who led the private efforts to decode the human genome....40 years after. And the disowning and criticisms have been pouring in. Rightly.
This man is 79 years old. We must really ponder what he has done with such views or beliefs, especially with his high status and professional standing, access and outreach all these years!
Let's shudder.
Why I write to you on this matter is that we, in Africa, have ourselves and our so-called leaders to blame for such gratuitous insults. Sure it hurts, but it is a slur we may carry for a while. Yes. Until...we wake up to the fullness of our POTENTIAL.
After all, they said so about the Indians and the Chinese before...didn't they?
In less than 30 years, they are eating their words!
We won't need that long. No.
Love
Dayo
Not for the first - nor will it be da last - time, one top white American scientist to one top British newspaper that BLACKS are less intelligent than WHITES. Alarmed? You should be. Rightly. He has apologised, and is suspended at work. Rightly.
Fazed? We can't be. Deceived? We are not. The world knows better.
Dr James Watson is a 1962 Nobel Laureate and DNA pioneer. He has been contradicted by Dr Craig Venter who led the private efforts to decode the human genome....40 years after. And the disowning and criticisms have been pouring in. Rightly.
This man is 79 years old. We must really ponder what he has done with such views or beliefs, especially with his high status and professional standing, access and outreach all these years!
Let's shudder.
Why I write to you on this matter is that we, in Africa, have ourselves and our so-called leaders to blame for such gratuitous insults. Sure it hurts, but it is a slur we may carry for a while. Yes. Until...we wake up to the fullness of our POTENTIAL.
After all, they said so about the Indians and the Chinese before...didn't they?
In less than 30 years, they are eating their words!
We won't need that long. No.
Love
Dayo
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Future of Healthcare and Wellness
Dear Mom
This memo is just my quiet thoughts on the ways of nature and our return to nature, inexorably.
There is growing awareness and acceptance of herbal medicine and nature cure around the globe. Heartwarming.
My joy is in the huge potential that this reality holds for us in Africa as the most unpolluted and largely free territories for growing most of the ingredients for this awesome renaissance! It is a big multi-billion dollars business. It is more or less food-based, being that most of the science and supplements are nutrition-centred. The emerging literature and delivery mechanisms are simply breath-taking. Thankfully, Nigerian practitioners are also cued in.
If all goes well, the world will soon be fully fed on organic foods and drinks. Africa, again, has first class comparative advantages in this sphere. In time, we will be rightly playing our nature-given role in the wellness and wellbeing of our planet! I'm excited.
Mom, but are our leaders? Only heaven knows.
Can you kindly check up there?!
Love
Dayo
This memo is just my quiet thoughts on the ways of nature and our return to nature, inexorably.
There is growing awareness and acceptance of herbal medicine and nature cure around the globe. Heartwarming.
My joy is in the huge potential that this reality holds for us in Africa as the most unpolluted and largely free territories for growing most of the ingredients for this awesome renaissance! It is a big multi-billion dollars business. It is more or less food-based, being that most of the science and supplements are nutrition-centred. The emerging literature and delivery mechanisms are simply breath-taking. Thankfully, Nigerian practitioners are also cued in.
If all goes well, the world will soon be fully fed on organic foods and drinks. Africa, again, has first class comparative advantages in this sphere. In time, we will be rightly playing our nature-given role in the wellness and wellbeing of our planet! I'm excited.
Mom, but are our leaders? Only heaven knows.
Can you kindly check up there?!
Love
Dayo
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Postponed Riches
Dad
Broda Sola (my late first cousin) once told me about a visiting Italian scientist who took a long hard look at our landscape and soil, shook his head slowly but intermittently, and wondered what was wrong with Nigeria! He was visibly emotional about the sheer madness in abandoning the huge opportunities and guaranteed wealth in solid minerals, while we underutilised our oil & gas assets, and stayed proudly in the league of pathetic nations!!
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
I have met bankers in Europe who wondered why we under-invested our oil earnings in crude and unimaginative ways! Then, we, in the same breath, went a-borrowing!! That was amazing to them, even mesmerising. They pointed to the loads of well-educated and well-travelled leaders and citizens this country had, and shook their heads in disbelief.
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
Give the devil his due, President Obasanjo finally paid off our foreign debts - at huge costs - to somewhat redeem that stigma. But we still are doing nothing concrete about value added and creative exploitation of our natural resources! And Nigerians are perplexed.
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
Me, I worry little now. Thank goodness they didn't fully extract these resources before now! Why? Dem for don chop am finish well well!! The shameless lot have no scruples about looting. They can steal their mom's chain and pendant without batting an eyelid!
Corruption, corruption, corruption.
So, I call it Postponed Riches...in...Deferred Wealth. We will claim it ALL soon, pretty soon.
Nigeria is set. Our Diaspora is awesome. Our friends are growing. Our people are primed and yearning. And the tide is turning. The time be NOW.
Papa, believe.
I am...
Your upbeat son
Dayo
Broda Sola (my late first cousin) once told me about a visiting Italian scientist who took a long hard look at our landscape and soil, shook his head slowly but intermittently, and wondered what was wrong with Nigeria! He was visibly emotional about the sheer madness in abandoning the huge opportunities and guaranteed wealth in solid minerals, while we underutilised our oil & gas assets, and stayed proudly in the league of pathetic nations!!
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
I have met bankers in Europe who wondered why we under-invested our oil earnings in crude and unimaginative ways! Then, we, in the same breath, went a-borrowing!! That was amazing to them, even mesmerising. They pointed to the loads of well-educated and well-travelled leaders and citizens this country had, and shook their heads in disbelief.
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
Give the devil his due, President Obasanjo finally paid off our foreign debts - at huge costs - to somewhat redeem that stigma. But we still are doing nothing concrete about value added and creative exploitation of our natural resources! And Nigerians are perplexed.
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
Me, I worry little now. Thank goodness they didn't fully extract these resources before now! Why? Dem for don chop am finish well well!! The shameless lot have no scruples about looting. They can steal their mom's chain and pendant without batting an eyelid!
Corruption, corruption, corruption.
So, I call it Postponed Riches...in...Deferred Wealth. We will claim it ALL soon, pretty soon.
Nigeria is set. Our Diaspora is awesome. Our friends are growing. Our people are primed and yearning. And the tide is turning. The time be NOW.
Papa, believe.
I am...
Your upbeat son
Dayo
Monday, September 03, 2007
ICT Wonders
Dear Mom
Before you left us I was unable to get a telephone. I wonder what you and all our "Elders Gone" would say or do today when you see and use and hear and behold what we now enjoy! It is called Information and Computing or Communications Technology, ICT. By the way, this revolution happened upon us with inputs - believe it or not - from several geniuses, including our very own Phillip Emeagwali. He is your son too o!, because he and I are age-mates: for, while you had me in Warri, his mother soon did in Onitsha side - down the road, from River Niger!! This very great Nigerian has been described as one of the "Fathers of the Internet" - that network of powerful super-computers which makes it easy and breezy, secure and obscure, tricky and prickly, snazzy and sleazy for the whole wide world to interact, trade, invent, fight and commune in a web!!!
Before I forget, ma, I got my first telephone line sometime in 1980/1 - not too long after your 1979 departure. That happened by a combination of time & place: I was transfered to Falomo in Ikoyi as a lending officer, in what was then our "elite" branch at the United Bank for Africa. That was where several top expatriates, powerful Nigerians, diplomats & their missions, as well as the new wave politicians, especially the federal legislators, banked. Not to put too fine a point on it, I must affirm that I made some of my best and life-changing contacts and friendships, including some career-threatening envy and "bad-belle", from that strategic posting. Because of the good values you planted in us, painfully and dutifully from after Papa's translation in 1963, and my good fortune in being identified early for special grooming by my bosses (both whites & blacks!), Falomo was where to be!
Customers and colleagues saw through my innocence and innovativeness. They trusted and taunted me. They loved me. This was the era of forex deals, crowded banking halls, TV stars and the first political transition...from Obasanjo to Shagari, etc. Bankers were powerful, and some got particularly "prosperous"! But, Mama, I stayed with my pay, with staff official loans, with my faith, and what some of you called my "charm" - I say, my humanity! No magomago, no wuruwuru!!! And it forever paid off. It still does....
To cut the long story short, I got my Post Office Box 51389 and eventually my first telephone 524936. These two "blessings" - as they were, then - came to be because of my being in Ikoyi. First, by location, and by motivation, and by my status/contacts. Things were pretty tough those days, and these "post & telecommunications" assets became real ASSETS to me and my siblings: Like when Ibukun (Arthur Onoviran) was involved in the oil workers and civil rights battles against the brutal Abacha dictatorship, and the June 12 struggles, or Funmi (Phoebe Onoviran, now Molokwu) as a student traded in "essential/scare commodities! The telephone was a hot line for local and international media at the height of the workers revolt - the Days of the Trenches! Mama, you should be proud of the courage and commitment of your son, Arthur in those annals. He was with the Kokoris, Tinubus, Adeniji-Adeles, Gani Fawehinmis, Falanas, Agbakobas, the Ojos, the Utomis, the toughest Nigerian journalists, et al. He also ended up in exile! That story is for another day.
Today however, the story be different. In just six years of doing the right thing (okay, of almost doing the right things), almost anyone can now own or have access to a phone. Yes, mostly cell or mobile...but that will change: The next wave will be land-lines, on optic fibre and satellite networks. How times change!
But the most exciting part of the ICT Wonders is how we now communicate, educate and even entertain "globally & instantly" - warts and all. We gain and pain at once! For example, there is so much good stuff on the internet you want to stay online forever! And, pray, there is so much OTHER stuff there too you want to shut it down (hahaha!), or at least police da super-highway: CyberCop!!! Recently I was forced to outline my thoughts on the growing content and contempt of the so-called "Adult" sites. They are heavy audacious, Mama, I dare not tell you what be on! I am still struggling to continue/conclude my piece on it. Tough. We must praise ALL the cops and crusaders that try to sensitize the world to the huge and heinous dangers that bad guys/bad stuff pose to our kids and the vulnerable...on da world wide web! Kudos.
I like to say, however, that the good overwhelms the bad. Besides, the internet is HERE! Let's make it swell.
Love
Dayo
Before you left us I was unable to get a telephone. I wonder what you and all our "Elders Gone" would say or do today when you see and use and hear and behold what we now enjoy! It is called Information and Computing or Communications Technology, ICT. By the way, this revolution happened upon us with inputs - believe it or not - from several geniuses, including our very own Phillip Emeagwali. He is your son too o!, because he and I are age-mates: for, while you had me in Warri, his mother soon did in Onitsha side - down the road, from River Niger!! This very great Nigerian has been described as one of the "Fathers of the Internet" - that network of powerful super-computers which makes it easy and breezy, secure and obscure, tricky and prickly, snazzy and sleazy for the whole wide world to interact, trade, invent, fight and commune in a web!!!
Before I forget, ma, I got my first telephone line sometime in 1980/1 - not too long after your 1979 departure. That happened by a combination of time & place: I was transfered to Falomo in Ikoyi as a lending officer, in what was then our "elite" branch at the United Bank for Africa. That was where several top expatriates, powerful Nigerians, diplomats & their missions, as well as the new wave politicians, especially the federal legislators, banked. Not to put too fine a point on it, I must affirm that I made some of my best and life-changing contacts and friendships, including some career-threatening envy and "bad-belle", from that strategic posting. Because of the good values you planted in us, painfully and dutifully from after Papa's translation in 1963, and my good fortune in being identified early for special grooming by my bosses (both whites & blacks!), Falomo was where to be!
Customers and colleagues saw through my innocence and innovativeness. They trusted and taunted me. They loved me. This was the era of forex deals, crowded banking halls, TV stars and the first political transition...from Obasanjo to Shagari, etc. Bankers were powerful, and some got particularly "prosperous"! But, Mama, I stayed with my pay, with staff official loans, with my faith, and what some of you called my "charm" - I say, my humanity! No magomago, no wuruwuru!!! And it forever paid off. It still does....
To cut the long story short, I got my Post Office Box 51389 and eventually my first telephone 524936. These two "blessings" - as they were, then - came to be because of my being in Ikoyi. First, by location, and by motivation, and by my status/contacts. Things were pretty tough those days, and these "post & telecommunications" assets became real ASSETS to me and my siblings: Like when Ibukun (Arthur Onoviran) was involved in the oil workers and civil rights battles against the brutal Abacha dictatorship, and the June 12 struggles, or Funmi (Phoebe Onoviran, now Molokwu) as a student traded in "essential/scare commodities! The telephone was a hot line for local and international media at the height of the workers revolt - the Days of the Trenches! Mama, you should be proud of the courage and commitment of your son, Arthur in those annals. He was with the Kokoris, Tinubus, Adeniji-Adeles, Gani Fawehinmis, Falanas, Agbakobas, the Ojos, the Utomis, the toughest Nigerian journalists, et al. He also ended up in exile! That story is for another day.
Today however, the story be different. In just six years of doing the right thing (okay, of almost doing the right things), almost anyone can now own or have access to a phone. Yes, mostly cell or mobile...but that will change: The next wave will be land-lines, on optic fibre and satellite networks. How times change!
But the most exciting part of the ICT Wonders is how we now communicate, educate and even entertain "globally & instantly" - warts and all. We gain and pain at once! For example, there is so much good stuff on the internet you want to stay online forever! And, pray, there is so much OTHER stuff there too you want to shut it down (hahaha!), or at least police da super-highway: CyberCop!!! Recently I was forced to outline my thoughts on the growing content and contempt of the so-called "Adult" sites. They are heavy audacious, Mama, I dare not tell you what be on! I am still struggling to continue/conclude my piece on it. Tough. We must praise ALL the cops and crusaders that try to sensitize the world to the huge and heinous dangers that bad guys/bad stuff pose to our kids and the vulnerable...on da world wide web! Kudos.
I like to say, however, that the good overwhelms the bad. Besides, the internet is HERE! Let's make it swell.
Love
Dayo
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Dem don Start Again o!
Papa
Na you do politics small before you come leave us go for YONDER! Please, one small question: Where are POLITICIANS from? Is it heaven...or...is it hell???
This memo is a "top secret" o! Don't let them here or see it o, abeg! Don't even discuss it with Mama because part of the crises down here now concerns or are caused by Madam Speaker!!
And you know, they seem to thrive on rumours, these politicians. So, this is Strictly Confidential.
The reason I asked in this season of "begin again" governance is because we had thought that our political class will dump the crass ways of the past, and become "born again" leaders and rulers. Alas, like many lip-service believers, they seem to have returned to their vomit! And it is a very stenching, very putrefied vomit!
One quick and so far good point is that they will soon "re-consume" and be consumed by this smearing vomit. Why? Na because the Umaru Yar'Adua wey dem rig put for office no be dem gang-mate! Dem don misfire, mis-rig, mis-calculate, sotey......dem mis-CHOP! The president no go save dem, lailai....forever and ever, fa!!!
Okay, back to my question, Dad: where da hell or heaven; abi is it heaven or hell; are politicians from? And I mean ALL politicians o! Not just them African lot - they have Siamese counterparts elsewhere in da third world. I mean especially, particularly, specifically and pin-pointedly our NIGERIAN politicians - da unique breed from, well.....???
Papa, if these folks are from heaven, then they really just make themselves, family, fronts and friends...really have heaven-on-earth, at our full expense! Now, Dad, if they be from hell, wow!, their testimonial is one long endless stretch of hellish looting (not leading) and ruining (not ruling) misrule!!
I don't like joining the traducers of former president Obasanjo. Not because his eight years in office favoured me, or that I can understand how the Niger Delta fared & flared under his rule, or agree with his blatant disobedience of court orders (including the supreme court!), or his do-or-die April 07 electioneering - especially when you count the actual deaths! It is just that his own party members - including those who he rigged into office - are already washing their benefactor's dirty linen in the market square! And they have only just begun o. Watch out!
As I was saying, sir, these politicians came from that...okay, make I kuku call am im name... very rotten era, promised to NOT be business as usual, are still fighting legitimacy at election tribunals, and begged to be given a chance/time to correct/change things. The citizens mellowed things to give peace a chance.
Now, what do we hear and see? Business as usual. Arrogance of power. Contractgate. Endless and senseless travels. Connivance. Fraudulent-compromise. Refusal to declare & publish their assets as the president has admirably done. Looting-by-corner-corner-style, Lies and dodging.
The saddest part is that the system is rotting from the head: Our PARLIAMENT in Abuja! The folks seem quite determined to live in opulence, in a do-or-die manner and primitively greedy fashion. They are awarding obscene contracts for the renovation of official quarters in sums that will make you stomach churn and coil and curl in puke! They thought they had it all wrapped up before the dutiful Nigeria press - yes o, the same hell-raisers that helped killed their Baba's third term/tenure elongation agenda! - railed against them. Yet, we are still no nearer to the truth, the WHOLE truth.
They are at once confused and contemptuous. Dem dey dodge!
Papa, that's why I really want to know a little about where these incorrigible class graduated or emerged or evolved or mutated or emigrated from. Is it heaven or hell? No mind my long, big grammar, abeg sir, I don tire for this kine people, jare...haba...ki lo de?!
Okay Dad, see what I mean: EFCC is everywhere. Even the hitherto sleepy ICPC has woken up from its slumber. The Code of Conduct Bureau that was buried in its own bunker during the last law-disobeying regime now issues threats, day and night. By the way, Papa, na dem advise Mr President sey make im no publish im asset declaration form o! At least they seem now to have finally remembered that many many public officials have yet to or really never declared their assets in the first place!!! Thank God for the president's stern rebuff.
Then, we have the "stench" of the rigged elections hanging in the air. Plus the close attention of the international community, especially the anti-corruption agencies. And, hallo hallo o, the fearless and angry Nigerian Press which rightly feels that the politicians - reaping power from where they did not sow (as in actively colluding with, rather than fighting, military dictatorship cum enslavement in the blighted past!) - must be closely tracked from now on.
Papa, with ALL these forces arraigned and arrayed AGAINST them, how could the politicians go on as usual??? Me, I want to know.
And, as one old song says: everybody wants to know!
I remain your curious son
Dayo
Na you do politics small before you come leave us go for YONDER! Please, one small question: Where are POLITICIANS from? Is it heaven...or...is it hell???
This memo is a "top secret" o! Don't let them here or see it o, abeg! Don't even discuss it with Mama because part of the crises down here now concerns or are caused by Madam Speaker!!
And you know, they seem to thrive on rumours, these politicians. So, this is Strictly Confidential.
The reason I asked in this season of "begin again" governance is because we had thought that our political class will dump the crass ways of the past, and become "born again" leaders and rulers. Alas, like many lip-service believers, they seem to have returned to their vomit! And it is a very stenching, very putrefied vomit!
One quick and so far good point is that they will soon "re-consume" and be consumed by this smearing vomit. Why? Na because the Umaru Yar'Adua wey dem rig put for office no be dem gang-mate! Dem don misfire, mis-rig, mis-calculate, sotey......dem mis-CHOP! The president no go save dem, lailai....forever and ever, fa!!!
Okay, back to my question, Dad: where da hell or heaven; abi is it heaven or hell; are politicians from? And I mean ALL politicians o! Not just them African lot - they have Siamese counterparts elsewhere in da third world. I mean especially, particularly, specifically and pin-pointedly our NIGERIAN politicians - da unique breed from, well.....???
Papa, if these folks are from heaven, then they really just make themselves, family, fronts and friends...really have heaven-on-earth, at our full expense! Now, Dad, if they be from hell, wow!, their testimonial is one long endless stretch of hellish looting (not leading) and ruining (not ruling) misrule!!
I don't like joining the traducers of former president Obasanjo. Not because his eight years in office favoured me, or that I can understand how the Niger Delta fared & flared under his rule, or agree with his blatant disobedience of court orders (including the supreme court!), or his do-or-die April 07 electioneering - especially when you count the actual deaths! It is just that his own party members - including those who he rigged into office - are already washing their benefactor's dirty linen in the market square! And they have only just begun o. Watch out!
As I was saying, sir, these politicians came from that...okay, make I kuku call am im name... very rotten era, promised to NOT be business as usual, are still fighting legitimacy at election tribunals, and begged to be given a chance/time to correct/change things. The citizens mellowed things to give peace a chance.
Now, what do we hear and see? Business as usual. Arrogance of power. Contractgate. Endless and senseless travels. Connivance. Fraudulent-compromise. Refusal to declare & publish their assets as the president has admirably done. Looting-by-corner-corner-style, Lies and dodging.
The saddest part is that the system is rotting from the head: Our PARLIAMENT in Abuja! The folks seem quite determined to live in opulence, in a do-or-die manner and primitively greedy fashion. They are awarding obscene contracts for the renovation of official quarters in sums that will make you stomach churn and coil and curl in puke! They thought they had it all wrapped up before the dutiful Nigeria press - yes o, the same hell-raisers that helped killed their Baba's third term/tenure elongation agenda! - railed against them. Yet, we are still no nearer to the truth, the WHOLE truth.
They are at once confused and contemptuous. Dem dey dodge!
Papa, that's why I really want to know a little about where these incorrigible class graduated or emerged or evolved or mutated or emigrated from. Is it heaven or hell? No mind my long, big grammar, abeg sir, I don tire for this kine people, jare...haba...ki lo de?!
Okay Dad, see what I mean: EFCC is everywhere. Even the hitherto sleepy ICPC has woken up from its slumber. The Code of Conduct Bureau that was buried in its own bunker during the last law-disobeying regime now issues threats, day and night. By the way, Papa, na dem advise Mr President sey make im no publish im asset declaration form o! At least they seem now to have finally remembered that many many public officials have yet to or really never declared their assets in the first place!!! Thank God for the president's stern rebuff.
Then, we have the "stench" of the rigged elections hanging in the air. Plus the close attention of the international community, especially the anti-corruption agencies. And, hallo hallo o, the fearless and angry Nigerian Press which rightly feels that the politicians - reaping power from where they did not sow (as in actively colluding with, rather than fighting, military dictatorship cum enslavement in the blighted past!) - must be closely tracked from now on.
Papa, with ALL these forces arraigned and arrayed AGAINST them, how could the politicians go on as usual??? Me, I want to know.
And, as one old song says: everybody wants to know!
I remain your curious son
Dayo
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Prayer Works!
Dear Papa & Mama
This is my first joint note/memo to you. Why? Because I'm upbeat. Why? Because Prayer does WORK!
You remember how you put us firmly on the narrow path of Faith & Belief? Right from infancy?
I can still affirm that me and my siblings are there o! We are rooted on the route of unfailing faith and unwavering hope. We are assured in the grace of our God - The Almighty.
Now, I write this confession this day because things, many good things, are unfolding in Nigeria! Not unexpected alright but nice that they are, and many bad things are unraveling as well. What a double-barreled blessing!
Speaking with friends, contacts and colleagues home and abroad the mood is bated-assurance. We can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, da silver lining.
We don't know how things will proceed as such, but the end-game has begun! Yes. God has now taken over. HE has answered our prayers. HE is supplying mesmerising results to our flowing supplications. HE is simply awesome! Repeat, the end-GAME has surely begun...
And it will be messy on many fronts.
I'll post.
Love
Dayo
This is my first joint note/memo to you. Why? Because I'm upbeat. Why? Because Prayer does WORK!
You remember how you put us firmly on the narrow path of Faith & Belief? Right from infancy?
I can still affirm that me and my siblings are there o! We are rooted on the route of unfailing faith and unwavering hope. We are assured in the grace of our God - The Almighty.
Now, I write this confession this day because things, many good things, are unfolding in Nigeria! Not unexpected alright but nice that they are, and many bad things are unraveling as well. What a double-barreled blessing!
Speaking with friends, contacts and colleagues home and abroad the mood is bated-assurance. We can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, da silver lining.
We don't know how things will proceed as such, but the end-game has begun! Yes. God has now taken over. HE has answered our prayers. HE is supplying mesmerising results to our flowing supplications. HE is simply awesome! Repeat, the end-GAME has surely begun...
And it will be messy on many fronts.
I'll post.
Love
Dayo
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Lagos-Benin Expressway
Dear Dad
How now? Long time no post! Please bear with me. I will post you on that subject fully and surely later. Just a few talk points this day:
a) The road to your dear Niger Delta is now completely muddy, muddled, mangled and thoroughly mismanaged. It is a crying shame!
b) The business lives of our Igbo brethren have been dealt a huge blow by the deadly potholes, gashes and gullies on that road. Movement of their goods and merchandise is so tortuous and traumatic that they are now regular sitting ducks/targets for men of the underworld!
c) Well, there is some hope. Apologies have pour out to Nigerians from both the president and his minister of transportation. This is a welcome departure from the past "state of denial" that pervaded and characterised the previous regime! They are now heavily mobilising palliative measures/intervention.
Be that as it may, I hope that they will kindly and promptly take stock of the huge loss of lives and livelihood with a view to comforting/compensating the victims. We need to.
By the way, the new minister is a daughter of the Niger Delta o! So, we keep our fingers crossed.
I love you Dad, especially now that men are hardly men.
Stay well, and pray for us.
Dayo
How now? Long time no post! Please bear with me. I will post you on that subject fully and surely later. Just a few talk points this day:
a) The road to your dear Niger Delta is now completely muddy, muddled, mangled and thoroughly mismanaged. It is a crying shame!
b) The business lives of our Igbo brethren have been dealt a huge blow by the deadly potholes, gashes and gullies on that road. Movement of their goods and merchandise is so tortuous and traumatic that they are now regular sitting ducks/targets for men of the underworld!
c) Well, there is some hope. Apologies have pour out to Nigerians from both the president and his minister of transportation. This is a welcome departure from the past "state of denial" that pervaded and characterised the previous regime! They are now heavily mobilising palliative measures/intervention.
Be that as it may, I hope that they will kindly and promptly take stock of the huge loss of lives and livelihood with a view to comforting/compensating the victims. We need to.
By the way, the new minister is a daughter of the Niger Delta o! So, we keep our fingers crossed.
I love you Dad, especially now that men are hardly men.
Stay well, and pray for us.
Dayo
(S)ELECTIONS 2007
Dearest Mom,
Dem say dem do election o! But na selection we see. Dem praise themselves tire. But almost the whole world don damn dem finish! True true, dem pursue "do or die" election, come land with moon-slide victory wey dem no gree/fit celebrate!!!
Anyway, make we leave matter for mathaias today. Plenty case dey for court and tribunal. Make God abeg help all de judge wey e go JUDGE de matter, amen.
Mama, how are you doing up there? I miss you and Papa so much, and can now understand why man looks up to Heaven in prayers...and for peace.
If you were down here in April, you will almost change nationality! Our people really disgraced us in the eyes and ears of the world!!!
More later.
Love
Dayo
Dem say dem do election o! But na selection we see. Dem praise themselves tire. But almost the whole world don damn dem finish! True true, dem pursue "do or die" election, come land with moon-slide victory wey dem no gree/fit celebrate!!!
Anyway, make we leave matter for mathaias today. Plenty case dey for court and tribunal. Make God abeg help all de judge wey e go JUDGE de matter, amen.
Mama, how are you doing up there? I miss you and Papa so much, and can now understand why man looks up to Heaven in prayers...and for peace.
If you were down here in April, you will almost change nationality! Our people really disgraced us in the eyes and ears of the world!!!
More later.
Love
Dayo
I Apologise
My absence was caused by problems at our ISP. I regret the inconvenience and blackout visited on all my readers and patrons.
Well, I am back!
I intend to do catch-up work in humble and token compensation.
Kindly bear with me.
Well, I am back!
I intend to do catch-up work in humble and token compensation.
Kindly bear with me.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
I need plenty ADVICE!
Papa
Matter dey o! Please come advise me. These days, our president is using special language and scary words. We need to know if it has to do with office, age (he just made 70, praise God!) or too much success. We need to know if his friends, freaks, family and fanatics hear and see what all others are witnessing. We need to... Oh, yes.
Which language? Both English and Yoruba; plus including pidgin, when it fits.
What words? Ha! Plenty. But in phrases. E.g: That the April Elections are a do-or-die affair! That his party, PDP, must not lose the elections!! That it is either PDP or nothing!!!
How scary? That he will NOT handover to a "corrupt" person!!!!
He has also been abusing (and cursing) people and parties like hell, at each hustings-stop and by words, gestures and songs!!!!!
Happily, Nigerians seem to understand and are amusing themselves to nuts with the spectacle. Mercifully, also, they call and treat him as Baba - even before he told us (though his son doubts) that he turned 70 some days ago. They know we will overcome. Oh, Dad, you need to see the kind of cartoons, editorials and opinion pieces in our media: sumptuous! Hilarious. Sad. Pity.
My worry is that there is something wrong, very wrong, for certified elders to descend and so condescend to such levels of desperation and unAfricanness. Which is why I need your help.
Why is Mandela different?
Why is Kofi Annan different?
Why is Desmond Tutu different?
I don't want to quote from other continents, so that I can narrow it close to home. Is anything the matter with leaving office and power, especially in a democracy? After EIGHT years?!
Hey, Dad, Bill Clinton left office - with his party losing to the Republicans - and launched his Clinton Global Initiative to great acclaim and success! He is today the most popular politician in America!! And the Democrats have just regained control of Congress, with bright prospects of winning the White House in 2008!!! Isn't that cool, and instructive?
Why is Baba Obasanjo doing his own like one kind do-or-die thing, now? Haba.
I am surprised, intrigued and depressed. Come talk to me in my dreams o! Abeg, Papa, dis one pass ordinary matter!
Love
Dayo
Matter dey o! Please come advise me. These days, our president is using special language and scary words. We need to know if it has to do with office, age (he just made 70, praise God!) or too much success. We need to know if his friends, freaks, family and fanatics hear and see what all others are witnessing. We need to... Oh, yes.
Which language? Both English and Yoruba; plus including pidgin, when it fits.
What words? Ha! Plenty. But in phrases. E.g: That the April Elections are a do-or-die affair! That his party, PDP, must not lose the elections!! That it is either PDP or nothing!!!
How scary? That he will NOT handover to a "corrupt" person!!!!
He has also been abusing (and cursing) people and parties like hell, at each hustings-stop and by words, gestures and songs!!!!!
Happily, Nigerians seem to understand and are amusing themselves to nuts with the spectacle. Mercifully, also, they call and treat him as Baba - even before he told us (though his son doubts) that he turned 70 some days ago. They know we will overcome. Oh, Dad, you need to see the kind of cartoons, editorials and opinion pieces in our media: sumptuous! Hilarious. Sad. Pity.
My worry is that there is something wrong, very wrong, for certified elders to descend and so condescend to such levels of desperation and unAfricanness. Which is why I need your help.
Why is Mandela different?
Why is Kofi Annan different?
Why is Desmond Tutu different?
I don't want to quote from other continents, so that I can narrow it close to home. Is anything the matter with leaving office and power, especially in a democracy? After EIGHT years?!
Hey, Dad, Bill Clinton left office - with his party losing to the Republicans - and launched his Clinton Global Initiative to great acclaim and success! He is today the most popular politician in America!! And the Democrats have just regained control of Congress, with bright prospects of winning the White House in 2008!!! Isn't that cool, and instructive?
Why is Baba Obasanjo doing his own like one kind do-or-die thing, now? Haba.
I am surprised, intrigued and depressed. Come talk to me in my dreams o! Abeg, Papa, dis one pass ordinary matter!
Love
Dayo
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