On Lautech: Thank you, Governors Seyi Makinde and Gboyega Oyetola
I’ve been excited since the news broke yesterday. As a graduate of the University, a former Students Union President and the lead person for the #fundlautech initiative, I have emotional attachment to the Varsity
I recall how one leading political appointee- a Commissioner under the last government- called and threatened me because of my activism on the issue.
He told me point blank he could make me lose my job over the issue of Lautech and that all it would take was for his Principal-the then Governor- to put a call through to my Principal.
He shouted on me that day and all he said still echoes in my ears. Well, that has become history today. I will write the full story of what transpired someday.
I’m glad Governor Seyi Makinde kept his campaign promise. He didn’t play politics with the issue of Lautech at all. This is a big achievement for him. Many families will forever be grateful to him. This is true leadership.
I also thank Governor Gboyega Oyetola for his uncommon cooperation in this matter. He didn’t allow ego to get in his way. If Governor Oyetola had been uncooperative or recalcitrant, there would have been an impasse. He was magnanimous and his role must be duly celebrated.
That the negotiations were not long is a testament to the character of both Governors. That both belong to different political parties is a great example for all of us- we can collaborate for the common good despite our differences. May posterity be kind to both of you, Sirs.
It’s a breath of fresh air for the students of the University who have been at the receiving end all these years. Now, the University can move towards the road to greatness.
I am very angry and that is why I am addressing you. You are the source of my anger and I want to vent my spleen- maybe not at you directly- but at the arrogance of your ignorance.
Of all nations of the world, you are to be most pitied. Do you still wonder what you have done?
You don't have an Ivy League education but with the little below-standard education you got, all you could do with it is to write a petition against someone with the benefit of an Ivy League education.
It's Not The Mountain We Conquer But Ourselves: Further Update from TA
Exactly a year ago, I shared attached inspiring note I received via WhatsApp from a protege I have come to love so dearly.
He wrote about how he saved for his Master's programme, the sacrifices he had to go through including buying clothes at the thrift market, hiking a ride and even washing the car of the lady who gave him a ride among others.
He had completed his programme. He told me he was learning graphics designing and digital marketing. I was impressed when he said he wanted to acquire skills that will make him set up on his own. You can read previous post here bit.ly/338oAGx
Part of getting a second chance is taking responsibility for what you did wrong in the first place—Jack Bauer
This happened exactly a year ago.
We were going to Magodo that afternoon. There really was no traffic but we slowed down at an intersection.
A motorcycle courier was behind us. It was apparent the guy was impatient the way he rode his bike. Suddenly, he tried to meander from our back in a bid to overtake us.
He didn't see the approaching trailer and so, in a bid to duck, he hit my car from behind and broke one of my rear lights.
He wanted to run but we chased him and seized his bike. The painful thing was that a danfo driver broke the same rear light a week before the incident.
Just finished watching what I consider one of the best documentaries I’ve seen so far on Netflix: Journey Of An African Colony- The Making of Nigeria. It was produced by Olasupo Shasore.
Beautiful does not quite describe it. The depth of research and the length to which the producer went to bring the sights and sounds is unbelievable. For 2 nights, I was glued to my tab until I finished the whole of season 1 which had 7 episodes.
If you’re really interested about the entity called Nigeria, I recommend this documentary. There are so many pieces of historical facts which are now lost but were unearthed by this wonderful work- Alimotu Pelewura and her defiance leading to the setting up of the Black Market,
‘The goal in marriage is not to think alike but to think together’- Robert C. Dodds
Before I got married, I could buy tomorrow on credit. As a young banker then, there were many temptations to live large.
I had access to credit facilities by virtue of where I work. Many peddlers of consumables also gave the opportunity of buying on credit- buy now and pay later. Many would collect post-dated cheques and allow you walk away with items of your choice.
I knew quite a few of my contemporaries then whose stories were similar- they wore shirts and suits on credit, took a loan to buy their cars and went for vacation at exotic destinations on credit.
The Gatekeeper Strategy & Other Ideas - (6)- Activate Youth Wings
The late Bola Ige was once the Secretary of the youth wing of the defunct Action Group. He rose to the peak of his political career- becoming the Governor of Oyo State, a Minister and a Presidential aspirant.
The late Chief Remi Fani-Kayode was the leader of that same youth wing in 1954. He would become a member of the Federal House of Assembly and later the Deputy Premier of the Western Region.
The Action Group youth wing used the mosquito as their symbol and wore black shirts, black berets, black sunglasses and black boots. They marched all over the streets of Lagos demanding independence and resisted colonial rule.