Today, I want to talk about money. Everyone loves money! Money is an indispensable part of human existence because without money you cannot pay your bills because we live in a world where we have to pay for survival. What do you think is the difference between the millionaires, billionaires and the poor people? A lot of the time is about opportunities, environment and circumstances. But an integral part of what plays a MAJOR role is mindset and belief.
There has been a very famous statement about money saying that money is the root of evil. But is it really true? Is money truly the root of evil? For me, I do not believe it is. I believe that money is a tool for creating a better life.
What do you think people like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Robert Kiyosaki, Ali Baba etc have in common? If you ask me I will tell you MINDSET and BELIEF. We know what mindset is; then what is a belief? A belief is an idea in your mind. These famous people have the same belief! The belief they hold is that there is more than enough for everyone in the Universe and that there is more than enough to go around.
Unfortunately, often times we sabotage ourselves with limiting beliefs when we want to create more abundance for ourselves. Why do we have a kind of negative belief about money? There are people who feel unworthy of abundance—and it is quite unhelpful; sometimes these limiting beliefs are as a result of the way we were brought up or what our teachers, friends, neighbours and elderly ones told us. It can also be because of the conventional mentality of the society that make us have a limiting belief and negative thinking about money and abundance.
In my own personal journey of manifestation; I have grown to understand that the Universe has more than enough to give to us. We are only limited by our mindset. There is this saying that the sky is your limit. But the sky is not the limit our beliefs are!! As bitter as it may sound; you cannot be in a reality that you don’t have the consciousness. You cannot be in abundant reality when you have a poverty consciousness and vice versa.
ENOUGH TO GO AROUND
It’s easy to compare ourselves to people who are more successful: taller, richer or have better abs. Get into almost any group and somebody has something or is doing something better than you. The real harm is when we somehow believe we don’t deserve better, as if what we want is in limited supply. This scarcity thinking can even lead to being “…resistant to taking care of ourselves as fully as we can.” says clinical psychologist Suzanne Lachmann
All three pictures are from Farnoosh Brock of Prolific Living
The only difference between people who have more of what you want and you comes down to what you focus on. Abundance is all around you. You may be living with a debilitating disorder – it’s call the “psychology of scarcity” (Daniel Kahneman)—the belief that there isn’t enough to go around. This can have short-term impacts, like relying on usury lending rates at payday lender outlets.
Without further ado, here are 25 money affirmations to attract wealth and abundance. BUT manifesting money is not only about affirmations; but affirmations can actually set the tone for the manifestation and reprogramming of your subconscious mind because everything starts from the mind!! So check out these affirmations and I hope it makes sense to you as I have found it meaningful and helpful. Thanks to Farnoosh Brock from whom I got these affirmations from
Money: 25 Money Affirmations to Attract Wealth and Abundance
I am a magnet for money. Prosperity is drawn to me.
Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways.
I move from poverty thinking to abundance thinking.
I am worthy of making more money.
I am open and receptive to all the wealth life offers me.
I embrace new avenues of income.
I welcome an unlimited source of income and wealth in my life.
I release all negative energy over money.
Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.
I use money to better my life and the lives of others.
Wealth constantly flows into my life.
My actions create constant prosperity.
I am aligned with the energy of abundance.
I constantly attract opportunities that create more money.
My finances improve beyond my dreams.
Money is the root of joy and comfort.
Money and spirituality co-exist in harmony.
Money and love are friends.
Money is my servant.
I am the master of my wealth.
I am able to handle large sums of money.
I am at peace with having a lot of money.
I can handle massive success with grace.
Money expands my life’s opportunities and experiences.
Money creates positive impact in my life.
Photo Credits: Money pictures: Google images; other pictures: Facebook
Muhammadu Buhari: Nigerian President (Google Images)
Map of Nigeria: Google Images
That tiny yellow map written Delta is my state. That is where I am typing this blog from and that is my state of origin.
When I was in high school to my early years in college, Nigeria had a very good reputation. For some time now, Nigeria has occupied a frontline as a notorious, poor, insecure and criminal country. Nigeria has prided itself and it still pride itself as the GIANT of Africa! Ah!! The Giant!! Now, one may want to ask; Giant in what sense?
TheSimple and Honest Answer about Nigeria being the Giant of Africa:
Giant in corruption, Giant in bad leadership Giant in poverty, Giant in backwardness, Giant in embezzlement, looting of public funds, Giant in visionless, gullible, groveling, Inferiority Complex-coated leaders, Giant in mentally enslaved leaders. Giant in hate amongst themselves, Giant in producing nothing, Giant in importing foods, matches box, razor, pin, biro, fuel, eraser, pencil and everything you can think of. Giant in owing doctors and teachers salaries, Giant in high rate of unemployment, Giant in blackouts, Giant of a lawless country, Giant of a country that is very notorious in the international community, Giant of hypocrisy, Giant in valuing cows more than human beings. Nigeria occupies a Frontline in the list of most corrupt countries in the world and the least in developed countries.
Actually, Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant human and natural resources. But unfortunately, the government and the people we have as leaders in Nigeria are not leaders at all. They are criminals, unwise and unfit to be leaders. They swindled their way into those positions.
When I was in college, we were having a discussion in the hostel and a hostel mate asked me how manage these people who occupy powerful positions in the helm of affairs of the country are able to get to such lofty positions—even when they are not truly qualified to be there with the required criteria. Then I answered her. How do you expect those politicians at the top to have achieved and be in such powerful and lofty positions with ordinary hands? Of course they belong to various secret societies and occult kingdoms where they make contracts with Negative Entities who then do their bidding to be in such high positions in exchange for whatever it is they have used in making the agreement and connections with the Negative Entities. She was shocked! I did not stop here; I went further to tell her more…”I am not surprised by the bad things going on in Nigeria which are done by the Nigerian government. “Why”? She asked me.
“What do you expect someone who is ruling with a Dark Energy to do when he is on the throne? If the Nigerian leaders were mandated and chosen from the Light Realm to lead you will see the DIFFERENCE.” I answered her. They (Nigerian leaders) have a pact with Dark Energies and Negative Entities. That is why when they enter the positions they rule with negative energies, negative consciousness and lower vibrational attitudes.” You cannot give what you do not have.
Lee Kuan Yew: The Founding Father of Singapore. Left picture Singapore City (Google Images)
What did Lee Kwan Yew do for Singapore?
With overwhelming parliamentary control at every election, Lee oversaw Singapore’s transformation from a British crown colony with a natural deep harbour to a developed country with a high-income economy. In the process, he forged a system of meritocratic, highly effective and non-corrupt government and civil service. (Source: Wikipedia)
Left and Right pictures: Singapore City: Google Images
Kuan Yin (Goddess of Compassion: Google Images)
Kuan Yin atop a Draagon: Google Images
When I was interviewed by a local magazine in 2011; I subconsciously said I was going to emulate the example of the Singaporean leader (Lee Kuan Yew and other great leaders of the great beautiful countries).
My interview with a local magazine in 2011
It is such a shame that Nigeria with human and natural resources is still poor and backward!! Not that the citizens are not ready to work; but all the ills boils down to the BAD leadership from the government. Where do I start from describing the problems in Nigeria? Is it poverty? Poor healthcare system? Bad roads? Lack of infrastructures? Poor water supply? Rotten and lope-sided educational system? Unstable and poor power supply? Unduly high cost of products/services? Bribery and corruption? Nepotism? Religiosity? High unemployment rate? Insecurity? You name it…
One day, I was in the car on my way travelling some passengers in the car were discussing about the high rate of crime in Nigeria. Especially the internet fraudsters and scamming activities in Nigeria; how rampant and too obvious it has become recently in Nigeria. A young girl in the vehicle made a comment I took to heart and acknowledged to be true. Here is what she said to the passengers and driver.
“It is true that many Nigerian youths are now indulging in fraudulent activities and scamming. But not all Nigerian youths are doing that. We still have the hardworking innocent and noble ones. Anyone who wants to blame the Nigerian youths who are doing scamming should be in their position to experience what they are passing through. Most of these scamming and fraudulent activities going on in the internet by Nigerian youths are as a result of unemployment, poverty and frustrations.
Someone who graduates from school with no job opportunity or any other support from the government; what do you expect the person to think of doing? Even if you will say why not go into business; you will need money to start the business. Where will you get the money from? A person whose parents have suffered to train in the university will have to go back home and start living with the parents for them to start retraining him again? Who does that? How comfortable is that? Is it really worth it? You are going to start depending on your parents to be paying your bills for you again? It is so gut-wrenching. I think that if these youths are lucratively engaged with something better they will NEVER have the intentions of going into fraud and scamming.” This was what the girl explained and actually a salient point.
On my own I said, “Frustrations can lead someone into a path he or she would never have followed on a very good day. It is not easy to thrive in a shitty environment. After all we live in a world where we have to pay for survival.”
A bitter truth: in Nigeria, it does not matter how filled with Passion and Compassion you are. Just understand that you are on your own because nobody cares. A young Nigerian guy Ignatius Asabor who manufactures drone was flown out of Nigeria to Finland by the Finnish engineers. Thank Goodness; otherwise he would have had his potentials locked because the Nigerian government NEVER gave him any attention. Today, Ignatius Asabor is in Finland flourishing with his potentials unlocked. Every day many Nigerian youths are risking their lives across the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea just to cross over to Europe because they know and understand that their destinies can be fulfilled there. Plus, the environment there in Europe is way better, supportive and helpful to their dreams!! It is only in Nigeria that doctors are owed. Each year more than 500 Nigerian doctors fly out from Nigeria to UK, USA, Saudi Arabia and Canada where they are well paid and recognized for their hardwork and efforts. The Saudi Arabian government came to fly out 500 Nigerian doctors, surgeons, etc to Saudi Arabia because Nigerian government cannot take care of them and their services was really needed in Saudi Arabia.
The most STUPID thing President Muhammadu Buhari did this year was to ban Twitter in Nigeria. Which President in his right senses does that rubbish? That shows the level of his insanity and foolishness for doing such a tyrannical act. Even as I am now I can no longer access my Twitter. I cannot even log in or create a new account for Twitter. Though I get notifications in my email but I have not been able to access Twitter.
I will tell you one story which happened long time ago as a thief and killer who met a wise man completely changed his life and became a great man. It happened in a village in the East African country of Kenya.
Once upon a time there lived a robber who robbed people and killed them without doubts if they resisted. At the same time there lived a man called Matai. He was a musician. And he was famous for his deep wisdom. People loved him for his good advices, good temper, his jokes and charming music which he played on his instrument.
The wise man made up his mind to visit the neighboring village. His path went through that very forest where the robber operated. And people tried to persuade the wise man not to go on that path as it was very dangerous. But Matai just laughed, “I want to look at the man who beget fear in your hearts and made you cowards. He is just one man but he stopped the traffic on the whole way.”
Matai turned back and went to the forest playing music on his instrument. Soon the robber heard the music and went out to the path. He was surprised to see an unarmed man who seemed to be happy playing his melody. It was first time in his life that he felt doubts inside. And he addressed to the musician, “Don’t you know that it’s dangerous to go on this way?” Matai didn’t stop playing, turned off the road and took his place near the robber who was sharpening his sword all this time. Having finished his melody, he asked the robber, “What are you doing alone in this forest?”
The robber answered, “I rob people. And I will take now all your riches.” The wise man said, “My riches is different, it’s a spiritual one. And I would be happy myself to share it with you.
“I’m interested only by material riches,” declared the robber.
“Material ones, you say?” asked the wise man and taking a handful of soil he scattered it. “But it’s only dust, illusion which disappears immediately. This is nothing comparing to the spiritual eternal values. Tell me, why do you need it?”
The robber answered, “I do it for the sake of my family: my mother, my wife and my children. If I don’t bring them money, they will starve. And I can’t do anything else.”
The wise man inquired him, “Have you asked them whether they need such a sacrifice? Are they ready to share the responsibility before God for your sins?”
It was first time in his life that the man making his life with robbery thought about it.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think about it before.”
“So, go and ask them,” proposed the wise man. “And I will wait for you here.”
“And he played again his charming melody.
The robber followed his advice. He came back home and asked his mother. The old woman replied him, “Why should I share the responsibility with you for your crimes? I’m your mother and it’s your duty to give me food.”
His wife said, “Why should I be responsible for your sins? I have not done anything and I’m pure before God. I don’t know how you get your bread. It’s your own matter.”
Having looked at faces of light-heartedly playing children, the robber didn’t even start to ask them. With a sunk heart he came back to the wise man.
“Nobody wants to share responsibility with me. Whatever I do for my family, it will turn out that I will be the only one responsible for everything. It happened that I’m alone. What should I do now?” And he looked with dolefully at the perfect face of the wise man. The latter answered, “Take away the mask of the thief and burn it the flame of good deeds. Redeem the evil done by you. Change yourself and become a Human.”
This man left this dark forest of delusion together with the great wise man…and he became famous and successful in following centuries in all his endeavours.
Water is a very important element. Nothing can survive without water. A Legendary Nigerian singer; Fela Anikulapo Kuti said it that “Water no get enemy.” It means that that water has no enemy. And think about it; what can you do without water? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!
Even the Native Americans of the Lakota people has said it that “Mni Wiconi” meaning water is life. The Chinese people also has something to say about water.
When I finished high school, I visited a relative of mine in Asaba to spend the holidays with him. What happened one day in the compound has been indelible in my mind—hence I decided to share with you. It keeps me laughing every time I remember the story. Enjoy!
One morning, a man in the compound woke up with a merry heart and as usual chimed out for his cup of tea. His wife sang out equally cheerfully that sorry this morning there was to be no tea because there was no water.
“What?!” shouted the husband.
“There is no water anywhere in the compound.” Answered the wife
“Not in the whole town. According to the radio the pipes have burst.” The wife explained.
The husband was determined to do something about the situation. He phoned the water department and after a lot of humming and hawing, he was told that the supply would be reconnected in an hour’s time…but there would be no sufficient pressure to take the water up to the second floor.
It was five minutes to ten. There was a tap in the yard. So he told his wife to bring out all the jerry cans and buckets they have. The wife stood still staring at me with a hard look. “What jerry cans are you talking about? As for the buckets; the only bucket we have has a hole in the bottom because you insist on playing the drums on it.”
The husband dashed off to the hardware store to buy three large jerry cans rushed home. It was already 10:30. He made a beeline for the yard tap which had been left on and was now trickling precious water away. Out of the corner of his eye he saw third floor bearing down like a berserk buffalo; eyes fixed on the tap and water containers banging about his knees. The man was on a collision but there was nothing he could do. He closed like a couple tankers and both them went down in a tangle of arms and legs. Their utensils were going everywhere.
By the time the man had disentangled himself, sorted out his containers and tossed for his first go at the tap. The stream of water had died down to a trickle. When he reached the tap, it gave an apologetic gurgle and a mocking hiss. Before he could leap at each other’s throats a good Samaritan looked into the yard and told him that water could be gotten from a nearby well. The only trouble with this news as with all news was that by the time it reached him; it had already reached half of the town.
The area round the well was packed with sweating, cursing humanity armed with a startling variety of containers and utensils. The focus of everybody’s attention was the solitary tap connected to the well and the scowling, barrel-chested individual which had control over the hosepipe that was fitted to it. He was directing his hosepipe to a gross or so of containers that his helpers kept bringing up to be filled.
We were all waiting for him to finish filling his containers before making an assault on the hosepipes. The chance came sooner than I expected. One of his helpers had been filing his jerry can without undoing the top and the scowling man, noticing this let go the hosepipe to unscrew the top personally. He dived for the pipe. So did about three score of other human beings. Somehow he survived and what is more, came out of the mêlée still clutching the hosepipe. He stuffed the end into the first open aperture. This happened to be my neighbour’s open mouth, but fortunately. He realized his mistake before he had properly drowned him.
Eventually, after a fierce struggle and a rich harvest of bruises, he extricated himself from the mass with a jerry can full of water and directly proceeded home with it. He laid the full can proudly before his wife and still panting from the exertion waiting for her praise.
“Only one little can”! It is not enough to fill the basin and wash the children’s clothes with,” were the words that poured out from his wife’s mouth.
“Oh it is.” He answered with furiously.
“It is enough to fill three basins, four basins if you like….” The man boasted. In a bid to demonstrate to his wife; he tipped the water into the wash basin.
“Stop!” screamed his wife. The plug is not in. all the water is going down the drain!
It was too late. Three-quarters of the water was gone. He hit himself on the head with the can and the rest of the water gushed out and drenched him.
“You are wasting all the water.” Said his wife. He hit the wife on the head severally with the jerry can and then they kissed and made up.
From that day the water stopped flowing, they never take anything for granted.
When I finished high school, I visited a relative of mine in Asaba to spend the holidays with him. What happened one day in the compound has been indelible in my mind—hence I decided to share with you. It keeps me laughing every time I remember the story. Enjoy!
One morning, a man in the compound woke up with a merry heart and as usual chimed out for his cup of tea. His wife sang out equally cheerfully that sorry this morning there was to be no tea because there was no water.
“What?!” shouted the husband.
“There is no water anywhere in the compound.” Answered the wife
“Not in the whole town. According to the radio the pipes have burst.” The wife explained.
The husband was determined to do something about the situation. He phoned the water department and after a lot of humming and hawing, he was told that the supply would be reconnected in an hour’s time…but there would be no sufficient pressure to take the water up to the second floor.
It was five minutes to ten. There was a tap in the yard. So he told his wife to bring out all the jerry cans and buckets they have. The wife stood still staring at me with a hard look. “What jerry cans are you talking about? As for the buckets; the only bucket we have has a hole in the bottom because you insist on playing the drums on it.”
The husband dashed off to the hardware store to buy three large jerry cans rushed home. It was already 10:30. He made a beeline for the yard tap which had been left on and was now trickling precious water away. Out of the corner of his eye he saw third floor bearing down like a berserk buffalo; eyes fixed on the tap and water containers banging about his knees. The man was on a collision but there was nothing he could do. He closed like a couple tankers and both them went down in a tangle of arms and legs. Their utensils were going everywhere.
By the time the man had disentangled himself, sorted out his containers and tossed for his first go at the tap. The stream of water had died down to a trickle. When he reached the tap, it gave an apologetic gurgle and a mocking hiss. Before he could leap at each other’s throats a good Samaritan looked into the yard and told him that water could be gotten from a nearby well. The only trouble with this news as with all news was that by the time it reached him; it had already reached half of the town.
The area round the well was packed with sweating, cursing humanity armed with a startling variety of containers and utensils. The focus of everybody’s attention was the solitary tap connected to the well and the scowling, barrel-chested individual which had control over the hosepipe that was fitted to it. He was directing his hosepipe to a gross or so of containers that his helpers kept bringing up to be filled.
We were all waiting for him to finish filling his containers before making an assault on the hosepipes. The chance came sooner than I expected. One of his helpers had been filing his jerry can without undoing the top and the scowling man, noticing this let go the hosepipe to unscrew the top personally. He dived for the pipe. So did about three score of other human beings. Somehow he survived and what is more, came out of the mêlée still clutching the hosepipe. He stuffed the end into the first open aperture. This happened to be my neighbour’s open mouth, but fortunately. He realized his mistake before he had properly drowned him.
Eventually, after a fierce struggle and a rich harvest of bruises, he extricated himself from the mass with a jerry can full of water and directly proceeded home with it. He laid the full can proudly before his wife and still panting from the exertion waiting for her praise.
“Only one little can”! It is not enough to fill the basin and wash the children’s clothes with,” were the words that poured out from his wife’s mouth.
“Oh it is.” He answered with furiously.
“It is enough to fill three basins, four basins if you like….” The man boasted. In a bid to demonstrate to his wife; he tipped the water into the wash basin.
“Stop!” screamed his wife. The plug is not in. all the water is going down the drain!
It was too late. Three-quarters of the water was gone. He hit himself on the head with the can and the rest of the water gushed out and drenched him.
“You are wasting all the water.” Said his wife. He hit the wife on the head severally with the jerry can and then they kissed and made up.
From that day the water stopped flowing, they never take anything for granted.
His real name is Jegede; you will have to find out why he is called Mr. Palaver. To celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, Mr. Palaver is taking his wife out to dinner in a Smart Restaurant. Here is what happened in the restaurant….
Waiter: (bringing a tray of food to the table) Did you want fried rice sir?
Mr. Palaver: No, I ordered boiled rice. She wanted fried rice
Waiter: (putting two plates into position) Thank you sir (about to put two more plates into position) the fish is for you madam; is it?
Mr.Palaver: No. The fish is not for her. It is for me
Waiter: Oh, I am sorry…I thought you ordered chicken (gives the chicken to Mrs. Palaver)
Mr. Palaver: No. She did not order chicken either. She ordered beef and green peppers
Waiter: Hmmm. I am confused; let me go and change this chicken. I am coming madam! (He hurries away)
Mrs.Palaver: Husband, I hope that at the end of all this…the food you ordered will be good!
I can still remember how my father used to go to the farm and get this beautiful naturally flavoured wine. In English it is called Palm Wine. Palm Wine is gotten from Palm trees. This wine can be gotten from short and tall palm trees. I was raised in the village; I used to accompany my father to the farm to tap the wine. The Palm Trees are found in the farm and bush too. At that time, my father would come back from the farm and give me a keg of Palm Wine to go and sell to a local bar which was few poles away from our house. The elderly man who owns that local bar would receive the keg of Palm Wine from me; and he would ask me to test it. He does this by pouring out some quantity into a cup and he then serves it to me to drink. Then I will take it and drink. This is a customary thing to do. After this, he pays me money for the wine then I will go home and give my father the money.
Ozuu: Palm Wine
Palm Wine has different names it is called in the different languages of Nigeria. In my native Ika language it is called Ozuu. Palm Wine is a VERY important wine in Nigeria. Suffice to say that palm wine is staple wine in Nigeria. For example, Palm Wine is used in marriage ceremonies in Nigeria. Even in burials too. In Truth, if a man doesn’t include Ozuu in the items he has bought for the Marriage ceremonies; the groom’s family will ask him to go and buy it. Ozuu is always an inevitable and indispensable Wine used in marriages, burials and any other celebrations in Nigeria.
A Palm Wine Tapper Atop a Tall Palm Tree
A Palm Wine Tapper Atop a Tall Palm Tree
One thing that is beautiful about this Ozuu is that it does not have age limit. Anyone in any age can drink it. BUT…with one rule. Drink in moderation otherwise you will set yourself up for intoxications!! Ozuu can be drunk naturally or you can refrigerate it if you want. But to get the best taste, once it’s gotten from the farm you put the keg in a cool place. Usually hidden from direct sunlight so that it would not get hot. The only instrument needed is just a cutlass. Then your file for filing your cutlass to make it sharp.
A person who knows how to tap Ozuu can have as many heads of Palm Wine as possible. What I mean is that: you can have up to 20 or even 50 Palm Trees you are tapping wine from. As long as you can maintain your routine of going to the farm to extract the Ozuu from the Palm Tree. The routine is that, you have to wake up very early in the morning to extract the Ozuu from the Palm Tree. Then go back in the evening to tap it and clean it. Then cover it up so that overnight it can flow out for the next day. Ozuu has a good taste and can be sweet too. People usually take it in the morning to serve as an appetizer. It is also very ideal for drinking when eating. Ozuu is just an ideal wine that can be drank at any time of the day! But as with everything; it has a rule: drink in moderation. It is certainly not alcoholic any way; but your common sense should tell you not to abuse it. You know anything you abuse becomes a poison. So it is always best to do everything in decency and moderation.
A Palm Wine Tapper tapping Palm Wine from short Palm Tree
To get the wine, the matured palm trees have to be uprooted and fell down. Then you cut out some branches of the Palm Trees. It must be thoroughly cut and trimmed. Then you cut open a space from the Palm Tree. That space is where you have to be cleaning up to ensure that the Ozuu comes out from the Palm Tree. After which you MUST put a keg under the fell down Palm Tree so that as the Ozuu comes out from the Palm Tree it goes direct into the keg. Another rule to be observed is that; the space you cut open in the Palm Tree MUST be covered back with leaves and parts of the Palm Tree. If you don’t cover it, flies, air and insects gets into it. Once this happens, the Ozuu cannot flow out again. If at all it does, it will become soured.
If it is the tall palm tree you are tapping the Ozuu from, you must have to climb up the tall Palm Tree. You don’t have to fall it down. So it’s always a climbing exercise for those who taps Ozuu from the tall Palm Tree. The tapper puts a keg right there at the top of the Palm Tree. He must have it supported by a trimmed branch of the Palm Tree so that it will not fall down. As children, we did all kinds of crazy things; Lols. Whenever we’re going to the river to fetch water–during my childhood. My brother, Bright and some of our friends would walk into the farm that has the tall Palm Tree; noticing that there is a drop from up the tall Palm Tree to the ground; we would then faithfully and eagerly stay at the direction where it’s dropping down from. We do it turn by turn though. I will be the first to go since I am the youngest there, I’m given a kind of preferential treatment. So I will open up my mouth and let the drop from top of the tall Palm Tree drop into my mouth. Then my brother and the other of our friends will do same. Sometimes we could go there and open up our mouths but nothing drops into our mouths. Lol…. because of this bit of enjoyment we are always looking forward to going to the river to fetch water. It does not matter that the river is far from home. It does not matter if the sun was too hot!! Because of the drop of Palm Wine from the top of the tall Palm Tree we would zealously obey our parent to go and fetch water from the river. Beautiful memories and experiences I must say!!
I could remember one evening I was returning from school. That time I was in college. I was very thirsty. I was walking back to the hostel. Luckily I saw a man tapping wine from a palm tree in the farm near his house. He was there with his two friends. Without further ado, I walked to him and greeted them. He knew why I came….he was already serving his friends the Palm Wine; I just asked to be given. And he willingly and joyfully served me the Ozuu. Ah…it was a really beautiful experience!! The Palm Wine was fresh from the Palm tree. So very refreshing, sweet and nourishing. I felt energized and walked to the hostel with enough energy, joy, gratitude and vitality.
The Palm Tree has proven to be a Tree of abundance!! Why? Because we don’t just get wine (Ozuu) from the Palm Tree. We get broom, chaff for lighting fire, firewoods, soup, cooking oil (red oil), soap and kernels which we get creams from. The shell of the Palm kernel is also used in lighting fire as a catalyzer! The Palm kernels are taken to the industries where oil is been extracted from it which is transmuted into an ingredient used in making modern bathing soaps and creams!!
Palm Fruits
In Nigeria, family and friends usually have a get-together refreshing and entertaining themselves with this beautiful natural wine called Ozuu. Ozuu is also used during festivals to celebrate; as it has a traditional use. This wine Ozuu is also very medicinal and yes, a beautiful gift from Nature to humanity!
Friends chilling out with Palm Wine to entertain themselves
Friends chilling out with Palm Wine to entertain themselves
Photo Credits: All photos used in this post are from Google images
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, Nigeria. The city which lies in the south-western part of Nigeria is known for its rich and fascinating cultures, lifestyle and history.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Ibadan is the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden. It is a popular custom of many families living in Ibadan to visit the zoo during festive periods to hang out and have fun as well.
So, on a fateful (later bloody) day in the Easter season of the year 1991, visitors stormed the U.I zoo as usual to enjoy the serene environment of the enclosure and have fun seeing different animals they have only seen on screens.
Of all the animals in the zoo, the lions attract the highest number of visitors. It can even be concluded that a visit to U.I zoo without seeing the lions is not complete.
As aforementioned, on that day, everybody was at the zoo to have a nice time seeing the animals and taking pictures, except a man, a bold and daring prophet by the name Daniel Abodurin who wanted to show people the ‘work of God of Daniel‘ by walking into the lions’ cage to touch them like Daniel did in the bible without getting mauled.
Prophet Abodurin’s intention was to recreate the biblical story of a young man named Daniel who out of envy was thrown to some lions that turned out to have been mysteriously tamed. The biblical story has it that God sent down some angels to shut the mouths of the lions.
The determined Prophet Daniel Abodurin walked up to some staff of the zoo and pleaded to gain entry into the lions’ cage. No one in his or her right senses will give ears to this kind of plea, so the prophet was turned down. But after much disturbance and persuasion, the prophet’s insane wish was granted.
Another account has it that Prophet Abodurin sneaked into the lions’ cage. Sneaking or no sneaking, he eventually found his way into the cage. Many people present at the scene could not believe what their eyes were seeing, and realizing it was not a dream, they prepared their mind for the worst result.
Prophet Daniel Abodurin was clothed in a red robe and under his armpit was a big bible. As he entered the cage, he began reciting bible verses and speaking in tongues and calling unto the ‘God of Daniel’ to perform wonders.
It was gathered that he was shouting Jah, Jah, Jah which was believed to be a shortened form of Jehovah. At first, the lions retreated to a corner of their cage. Unknown to the to-be African version of Daniel, retreating is the first thing lions do when they see something unusual in their territory and later they get rid of it.
Prophet Abodurin thought his faith was really working. He moved nearer to the lions and kept chanting bible verses, then in a flash, the lions pounced on the bemused, confused and horrified prophet. A cold stream of shock ran down the spines of the terrified onlookers.
Prophet Daniel Abodurin battled for his dear life but his strength was no match for that of the hefty lions, and in a moment, he was torn into pieces and devoured. His bloody red robe laid in shreds and his bible which he had flung away at the beginning of the attack was covered in dust.
Stampede ensued in the zoo as people took to their heels after seeing such a horrible sight they will never forget in their lives.
The prophet’s remains were collected and later buried. That was how Prophet Daniel Abodurin met his bitter and horrible end. Yikes!
This Life we are living in is VERY uncertain that we can never tell what will happen in the next minutes. This is my personal experience and what ACTUALLY happened to me. Let me tell you how it all began:
I got a job in a Catholic School as a teacher (Our Lady of Apostles Nursery and Primary School, Obiaruku Delta State Nigeria). I started working in this school in 2020. When I came to the school, I was told about the Rev. Sister who is the Headmistress of the school. Actually, what the staff said about her was not really impressive, uplifting and heartwarming; but I took it to be a perspective of the people who were talking about her. You know people can say anything about someone. And I don’t believe in hearsay. By the way, the name of the Rev Sister is Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo.
“What if she (the Reverend Sister) was a kind person”? I told myself. In working in this school, I came to realize that the staffs there are grovellers. Not only are they grovellers; they are not united amongst themselves!! They betray each other, backbite each other. They can convey any word you speak to the Headmistress. Suffice to say that they are snitchers. That is an “informant”. Another thing I observed was that, they were bunch of pretenses. Whenever they see the Rev. Sister coming they run up and down grovelling and behaving ubiquitously obedient and dutiful. But in Truth, they are really not. (I wish not anyone to say I am judging. I am talking from my own actual experiences).
In time, I began seeing things for myself; the way she talks to us the staff without Compassion and Empathy. I began to wonder DEEP within my subconscious mind. I was like: is this Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo called? Because when I see the way she does things and talks it doesn’t carry humility, Compassion and Love at all. How could a Rev. Sister not have Compassion? Compassion is what Holy Mother Mary, Mother Theresa and even Jesus Christ set as an example. I thought about this and I kept it to myself. It was not heartwarming at all. Because when someone who is supposed to lead by example is consciously being unkind, heartless and tyrannical; you will understand that it’s not a good reality to live in.
There was a day she even told me that she sacks staff anyhow that was in September 2020. That day we went to the school; it was the beginning of the term. She told me that she has removed me from primary 5 to primary 3. I was begging her to let me stay in primary 5. But she told me to either take the new class she has put me or I leave the school as she sacks staff anyhow. What Mr. Chuks told me as the reason for my removal from primary to primary 3 was that the teacher who was taking primary 3 was not handling it well and that parents are complaining; that they put the teacher in primary 5 to test her ability.
The Beloved, Noble, Laudable, Influential Wise, Altruistic Blessed Mother Theresa (born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxiu) really set the example of Compassion. I also respect and recognize Holy Mother Mary; whose virtues include Compassion and Love. Holy Mother Mary shares the same position and role as Guan Yin (also known as Kwan Yin) the beautiful Bodhisattva and Goddess of Compassion. I love Guan Yin because her message is about Compassion. Compassion is what the world truly needs; as Albert Schweitzer so eloquently puts it: “until Compassion is spread to all of creation; humanity will never find Peace.” I resonate with these two Great Goddesses and Jesus Christ.
Guan Yin: Goddess of Compassion
I began reading about Mother Theresa when I was in high school. My father used to buy a magazine from a local publisher. In it there is a page for inspirational quotes. I read a quote from Mother Theresa and I felt goosebumps and teary-eyed. It really INSPIRED me with a GREAT COMPASSION AND EMPATHY. I can still remember that sunny afternoon I was lying down reading the magazine. The quote was “unless Life is lived for others it is not worthwhile. A self-centered Life is totally empty.” Other quotes from Mother Theresa that has inspired me are “What you give may be a drop in an ocean but without the drop it will be incomplete.” “Love is a fruit in all seasons and it is within the reach of every hands.”
“Who is this woman”? I asked myself. So I began digging up information on Mother Theresa.
Mother Theresa
When I gave my book to the Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo; I begged her to recommend it for the pupils as it would be very ideal for the children. She never recommended it at all; I gave her a copy of my book. My book is a children’s book Cindy and Her Beautiful Bird. I am very sure the children would love it as it is really colourful and beautiful! But she turned it down.
My book Cindy And Her Beautiful Bird
In March, I had an accident in a motorcycle. I snapped my wounded foot and sent to her through WhatsApp. She did not even show any sign of sympathy and empathy. Instead she snubbed it.
On Monday 13th September, she called me to her office and told me, “When you came to this school I put you in primary 5. From primary 5 I took you to primary 3. From primary 3 I put you in primary 2. That is how I am going to be demoting you until I remove you from this school.”
On Saturday 18th September, I was down with fever. I took drugs but I was not getting better. Till Sunday, it was not even improving. It was worst on Monday morning. I called Rev. Sister and told her that I was down with fever that I would not be able to come to school that I was going to the hospital the Monday morning. The only thing she could tell me is that, I should find a way to come to school. She called me back again minutes later and told me that if I did not come to school today that I should not come to the school again. That she has terminated my appointment.
I was even begging her and telling her on phone: “Sister even when I told you I am going to the hospital you are still telling me to come to school and if I don’t come to school today I should not come to the school again. I am not pretending.” I explained apologetically. She ended the call abruptly. In Truth, it was in the middle of writing my lesson note for week 3 when I started feeling the symptoms of fever. Before she called me back, she first paged me, that’s a short call and she cut it. Then she called me back fully and told me bluntly, “Mr. Kingsley, if you don’t come to school today; don’t come to the school again.” With a very strong warning voice.
It was my mom that carried me to the hospital. I am back from the hospital and I am back home now taking my drugs and getting better and without a job.
Here are my medical records and bills
Below is the staff picture we took in our inter house sport in 2020
Me at left. The Rev. Sister Assumpta Kolejo at the middle
The invention of the internet gave rise to the invention of social media platforms all of which have become pivotal and indispensable in our day-to-day life in our modern times as it is customary of every social media platforms and organizations to have privacy policy and terms of service; Twitter was no an exception. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had made a post on Twitter which Twitter deemed unfit for their platform as Muhammadu Buhari speech post on Twitter violated Twitter policy. As usual, Twitter had to remove President Muhammadu Buhari post on Twitter. This action by Twitter infuriated Muhammadu Buhari whereby he banned Twitter in Nigeria. This event took place between 4th-5th June, 2021; the post of Muhammadu Buhari made was targeted and detrimental to the Eastern people of Nigeria who are clamouring for Independence from Nigeria as they (the Easterners of Nigeria) were marginalized…
President Muhammadu Buhari: Nigerian President: Google Images
Nigerian President Muhammdua Buhari : Google Images
Map of Nigeria: Pinterest
BUT…. that is not the main reason of President Muhammadu Buhari banning Twitter in Nigeria. Because Twitter was a platform that was used during the EndSars Protest in 2020. President Muhammadu Buhari knew that Twitter played a very VITAL role in helping Nigerian youths to fight for the EndSars protests. In fact, Twitter went ahead to donate funds to help the Nigerian youths to carry-on with the protests. Fundraisers were all began to keep the momentum of the EndSars Protests. Through the help of Twitter, foreign aids came in the form of financial assistance to keep the EndSars Protests going. It was a really TERRIBLE situation during the EndSars Protests in Nigeria.
Muhammadu Buhari: Twitter deletes Nigerian leader’s ‘civil war’ post
The tweet referred to the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War and to treating “those misbehaving today” in “the language they will understand”.
It follows a recent spate of attacks on offices, mainly in the south-east, blamed on regional secessionists.
President Muhammadu Tweet:
“Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”
Nigeria’s information minister called Twitter’s move unfair, labelling it “double standards”.
I know you want to ask, what is EndSars Protest? Why were the Nigerian youths protesting for EndSars? Now, let me explain to you how the EndSars Protest began. It all boils down to HOW BAD Nigeria has become!!! Before I go further into the Twitter ban in Nigeria. Let me tell you about the EndSars protest that happened in Nigeria in 2020.
The Cause of the EndSars Protest in Nigeria 2020 End SARS campaign
Efforts to ban SARS increased in October 2020 after a SARS police officer shot a young Nigerian man in front of the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, Delta State. Video of the incident trended on social media, leading to nationwide protests within a few days. The protests quickly expanded from an online hashtag to widespread street protests in days. Popular Nigerian Twitter influencers Rinnu, FK, Kelvin Odanz, Dr. Dipo Awojide, and several others quickly joined in raising awareness of the protests, which gave End SARS protestors added weight and support. You can read about the EndSARS history here.
Peaceful #EndSARS protestors in Abuja, the nation’s capital, were attacked, beaten, and chased away by federal police officers, but protestors returned as they took the protests to the Police Force Headquarters.
Several reports on international news outlets, including BBC Africa and Al-Jazeera, showed federal police tear-gassing protestors, shooting live ammunition, and using water cannons on them.
On 9 October in Ogbomosho in Oyo State, a protestor named Jimoh Isiaq was shot dead by police officers while participating in the #EndSARS protests. His death at the hands of police officers further increased the anger nationwide as he became a martyr for protesters. Several hashtags, including #EndPoliceBrutality and #RememberJimoh, trended on Twitter. On 10 October, a police station in Ijebu-Ode, South-Western Nigeria, was attacked by protestors angry over the death of Jimoh Isiaq and several others who had died at the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
EndSARS Protester in Lagos, Nigeria: Google Images
ENDSARS Protesters: Images
In Lagos, protestors marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand an end to SARS. The following morning, an emergency session of the Lagos House of Assembly was held as lawmakers allowed some protestors into the building to observe proceedings. A motion was passed and agreed on by legislators who voted in favour of the protestors to end the rogue police unit SARS and sent the recommendations of the House to the Federal Government.
On 11 October, the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu announced the disbandment of SARS on live television and said a new tactical team would be unveiled shortly.
However, protests continued as Nigerians believed the announcement was just “audio talk” (Nigerian slang used to describe something that is said but not implemented). The new hashtags #EndSWAT and #SARSMUSTEND went international as protestors called for the new unit to be scrapped as they thought several members of the defunct SARS would be integrated into the new unit.
Back in Southern Nigeria, the Rivers State government unconstitutionally placed a ban on all forms of protests in the oil-rich state, asking police to arrest any defaulters. However, on 13 October, EndSARS protestors marched in defiance of the ban, all the way up to the State Government House, where the governor resides.
In Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, protestors marched asking for an end to police brutality and the disbandment of SARS. In Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Benin City, Edo State, thousands of Nigerian youths marched in solidarity asking the government to end police brutality. In Benin City, police tear-gassed protestors and arrested some and charged them with treason and attempted murder. However, according to reports on Twitter and media websites, they were later released after the Attorney-General of the State asked the Police Commissioner to let them go, although arrested protestors were asked to come with a surety to sign on their behalf before they would be released.
The End SARS protests were largely decentralized with no actual leaders, though there were protest organizers in several cities who created WhatsApp groups, fundraised, and supplied protestors on the ground with food, medicine, and other supplies. Legal services were acquired and doctors were deployed on ground to administer first aid to protestors. Protestors had access to ambulance services obtained with funds donated by people in Nigeria and abroad including donations via bitcoin and lawyers went from city to city providing arrested protestors with representation and facilitating bails.
As the protests gained more momentum and exposure in Abuja, protestors returned in the thousands to the Police Headquarters and once again were shot at with water cannons and live ammunition.
ENDSARS Protesters: Google Images
ENDSARS Protesters: Google Images
Popular Twitter activist Aisha Yesufu was reportedly beaten by male police officers, and her car was damaged by police trucks chasing protestors in the streets of Abuja. Politicians and top government officials kept silent including presidential hopeful Bola Tinubu in Lagos, as police officers in Surulere shot and killed several protestors. Several young people were injured and their cars damaged, while others were brutalized by police officers in police stations.
In total, eight people including a 10-year-old boy were killed in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, by police bullets while at least three were shot dead in Lagos—including an auto mechanic who was not part of the protests but was killed by a SARS officer in Lagos.
On 16 October, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey revealed a new #ENDSARS emoji on Twitter that carries the colors of the Nigerian flag that is added to tweets whenever the hashtag #EndSARS is used as a sign of support for Nigerian protestors. On the same day, after a week and a half of widespread national protests, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a series of Twitter posts told Nigerians he chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT to set up judicial panels of inquiry, “so [they] can see justice served, and fast”. His statements came as protestors occupied streets and remained defiant until their demands are implemented.
On 18 October 2020, the Nigerian Army announced its annual training exercise “Operation Crocodile Smile VI”, a program which included a cyber warfare exercise component that sought to identify, track, and counter “negative comments on social media across the country”.[42][43] The operation also sought to confiscate arms and ammunition that had been used in violent crimes that escalated during the protests.
In the Lekki Massacre on the night of 20 October 2020, Nigerian Armed Forces shot at End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, Nigeria. The number of casualties is disputed, with witnesses and Amnesty International saying several people were shot dead while Nigerian authorities claim there were no fatalities but that 25 people were wounded.
“Surely, only an anti-intellectual government that belittles education and the diffusion of ideas would ban the use of Twitter. Alas, the Buhari government did!” Olu Fasan
Olu Fasan also shared his own view on the Twitter ban President Muhammadu Buhari
Besides, if Twitter had not “insulted” Buhari by deleting his offensive tweet, the Federal Government wouldn’t have asked it to be incorporated in Nigeria.
Indeed, after Twitter’s choice of Ghana as its Africa HQ, the Minister of Information merely regretted the decision, while adding: “I think Twitter has the prerogative and exclusive right as to where to site its headquarters”. At no point was any provision of CAMA 2020 invoked or the need for Twitter to meet any operating condition mentioned. This makes the Federal Government’s conditions for lifting the Twitter ban an afterthought and a punitive measure.
But it’s self-defeating, in a globalised world, for an economically fragile country like Nigeria to treat global corporate giants like Twitter with hostility; that signals to foreign investors that the country is not open for business. Let’s face it, the world is shunning Nigeria; it’s not beating its path to Nigeria’s door!
Last week, a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, showed that Nigeria only received $3bn out of the $75bn foreign direct investment that came to Africa between 2015 and 2019. That’s just four per cent! The same report said FDI flows to Nigeria decreased by 48.5 per cent in 2020, compared to 2019. Nigeria simply repels foreign investors.
“…Nigeria will pay for its punitive Treatment of Twitter.” Olu Fasan
But why? Well, Nigeria has poor investment climate and negative investment image. Sadly, government’s heavy-handed treatment of Twitter will inevitably worsen both.
It is fully well known that Christianity is a foreign culture. Christianity never existed in Africa before the coming of the Europeans. It was during the colonial era that the Europeans brought in the Christian religion to Africa. Today Africa is predominantly a Continent known for being a Christendom. Suffice to say that Africa has the highest number of Churches. But when it comes to economic development, industries high GDP, high export rate; Africa has very little or nothing to be placed alongside other countries.
Have you also noticed that Africa has the MOST RELIGIOUS leaders in the world? Oh, don’t even get me started with the religious Africans!! The most religious people in the world are Africans!!! Let me give you an example. I will use Nigeria as a case study as it is the most populous Black country in the world and parades itself as the “Giant of Africa”. You might want to wonder; Giant of Africa….yes. BUT…the Truth is: Giant in what sense? Giant in what way?
TheSimple and Honest Answer about Nigeria being the Giant of Africa:
Giant in corruption, Giant in bad leadership Giant in poverty, Giant in backwardness, Giant in embezzlement, looting of public funds, Giant in visionless, gullible, groveling, Inferiority Complex-coated leaders, Giant in mentally enslaved leaders. Giant in hate amongst themselves, Giant in producing nothing, Giant in importing foods, matches box, razor, pin, biro, fuel, eraser, pencil and everything you can think of. Giant in owing doctors and teachers salaries, Giant in high rate of unemployment, Giant in blackouts, Giant of a lawless country, Giant of a country that is very notorious in the international community, Giant of hypocrisy, Giant in valuing cows more than human beings. Nigeria occupies a Frontline in the list of most corrupt countries in the world and the least in developed countries.
In Nigeria, after voting and elections. The elected politicians go to Church to give “Thanksgiving” to “God” for their “successful and victorious” election. Now, one would ask, since the Nigerian leaders are VERY religious. Why cannot they lead according to the teachings of the Bible? If you notice, you will see countries that are mostly Atheistic; being more developed than Nigeria. The question is why is it like this? The countries where Bible and Church are paraded are lacking behind!!! The countries where there is very little or no believe in God, Bible and Church are doing very well and being the epitome of an ideal way of living. What is the cause of this? I have addressed the reason for this in my previous post.
The Bible, Church and Religion has been well ABUSED in Africa and Nigeria. I am a Nigerian so I’m writing from actual experiences. Religion has become a form of brainwashing, colonialism and discord. Religion has destroyed many marriages. It does not stop there. Religion is now putting boundaries and disunity among family members. People now worship “Pastors” AKA “Men of God.” For example, the Deeper Life Church has always condemned electronic equipment, jewelries and fashion as evil and “Worldly”. But today they are using the internet to broadcast their Gospel. They also use social media and electronic equipment to print and distribute their magazines. Do you think this kind of Church is actually authentic?
Kingsley Osajie 