ALUU 4 ON MY MIND

This is one of the days I sit in front of my laptop, hands resting on my keyboard and I’m wondering how do I start this story without upsetting any one? How do I bare my mind to let someone out there know there’s always a way out other than violence?

Anyways, as I sat in the Keke Marwa (Tricycle) fiddling with my BB (destination-office), I noticed someone had just updated his/her DP (Displayed Picture), alas! It was Seyi Allen with PM (Personal Message) “SO SAD”. I looked closely at each of the picture that was divided into 4 particularly at the 4 naked young men who were paraded in shame for an unconfirmed story “God forbid” but this could have been my 20 something year old brother.

I tried blinking the tears away but the picture kept coming to mind and I couldn’t help but wonder how we got to this state; a place where human lives has no more value, where men and women would watch lives being destroyed all in the name of theft or whatever reasons, where someone would dare record such gruesome activities *I shake my head*

Different stories have emerged but whatever it is I ask myself what happened to the Police Station where the incident could have been reported? What happened to the numerous Naija Prisons where these ones could have been remanded even if they had been caught stealing?

There is no doubt this act has left hearts shattered, hopes dashed and no matter how much we talk or write, the change we so much desire in this country starts from each of us – THE MAN IN THE MIRROR - the man on the street or in the glass house, the garri or pepper seller, the cart pusher, the man who would dare say ‘someone should go drink gallons of acid’ cos he was hurt, the list goes on.

Also, this brought to mind the bbm a Nigerian act who’s a friend -Cyrus tha Virus sent: He talked about how these boys have become so popular in death – ‘how we have to die before humanity appreciates us’...  simply put- Let’s celebrate ourselves while 'we live'…

A word they say is enough for the wise. Please let’s learn to accept one another irrespective of our differences/ issues, learn to keep quiet so you can give out positive response…

To the family of the bereaved, may God comfort you all.

 >>>>Cheers L.O

Lamii Opere's Blog: NOTES FROM THE PODIUM

Lamii Opere's Blog: NOTES FROM THE PODIUM: A s the preacher announced:   we shall sing the 2 stanzas of the Nigerian national anthem, the congregation comprising a lot of young ...

NOTES FROM THE PODIUM

As the preacher announced:  we shall sing the 2 stanzas of the Nigerian national anthem, the congregation comprising a lot of young people went oh! Ah! Like are you serious? I can hardly remember the 2^nd line of the first stanza how much more.

Anyways, to save a lot of folks from biting their tongues, he further announced: the words will be on the screen so you need not worry. Ouch! I felt bad 'cause I wanted to know how many people would sing without mumbling the beautiful words.

So here we go…. Arise oh compatriot… As I sang, my soprano voice went as high as it could after all nobody’s checking to see if anyone is going off-key. One thing though, I couldn’t help but listen to the beautiful alto voices coming from behind and trust me by the time we landed, it felt like a huge mass choir practice having its final dress rehearsal – It was so beautiful and amidst the clap and cheers, people waved the small national flag they were given on arrival to the church.

A few announcements and the sermon started. It was a short one but so on point. 

For me 3 key points were made:

1.      

The need for each person to play his or her role... This cannot be over-emphasized- it reminds me of the marriage institution; if the husband and wife each play his/her own role within the relationship, it saves them a lot of stress and unfavourable situations. Need I say even when the storm arises, they will stand because both parties are committed to certain roles. This should be our aim as Nigerians, JUST PLAY YOUR PART. The more each person does this, the better the growth and gradually we phase out evil deeds.

2.    Use whatever gift you were given well. Really, what is the point of having gifts you can’t multiply? You can’t use it to influence the people around you. It’s not a medal winning situation hence check / make a list of the gift(s) you have, find a way to use it. Trust me, you’ll be happy using what you have to put smile on faces and of course get paid for it. SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS.

3.   Develop your family as the future leaders. This is one of the keys to having a sane environment/ society. You know what came to mind? An orange tree cannot produce guava fruit. It’s impossible. This shows how much each family unit needs to do. The work of every parent will be seen in the lives of their children. Parent should strive to teach their wards right after all they are called the leaders of tomorrow.

Need I say there’s so much to be said about the state of our nation? We could point accusing fingers to the corrupt leaders, scream at PHCN, take a mind trip to the North, but the question is how much of this will solve the problems we face? My own 50 kobo ‘DO YOUR PART’ starting from your immediate environment…  

 A very big thank you to Pastor Sam Adeyemi. GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

 <<< Cheers L.O. >>>