Please note: “IT” here doesn’t mean SEX

I’m sure many of you reading this will think I’m trying to motivate you with my article. However, if you care to look closely, you’ll discover that I haven’t written in a long time on my blog. I’ve had many ideas but I’ve failed to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard as the case may be simply because I’ve chosen not to by allowing e excuse or the other to hold sway.

I’m currently in Benin City in south western Nigeria and listening to my coach, Adeolu Akinyemi teaching a group of people Financial Intelligence. As I sit, I just thought to myself – “Busayo, JUST DO IT!”. My computer (laptop) is being  used to project the slides for the seminar and so I can’t type unto my blog directly but I decide to DO IT all the same. I snatch a book out of my bag and decide to write instead.

I’m deciding to JUST DO IT. I don’t really have  a particular thought to write about other than doing it or JUST DO IT. For lack of ‘substance’ to blog about, I decided to break down the 3-word sentence that is NIKE’s byline as I saw fit.

1. JUST: The 1st word “JUST” seems to point one towards executing actions regardless of the time or situation. It seems to say, despite all that must have occurred or that is occurring, JUST DO IT.

2. DO: The second word “DO” is literally a command in itself. It is present tense. It points to an action that needs to be carried out immediately What actions are you putting off because you think it’s a request and not a command? You feel you don’t owe life and your destiny any obligations? – Think again. You think –  if it will be, it will be. You don’t know that –  if it is to be, it is up to me. In what area of your life are you looking, staying, playing, watching or commentating without doing? Go and DO!

3. IT: Of course, the third word is “IT”. And this seems to refer to a particular thing – an object or an objective. It may refer to a request, proposal, project, apology, training, schedule or task. IT for me today is writing this post. What is your IT? How come you seem to be doing “THEM” and not “IT”. If  you spend your life not DOING IT, then what have you spent your life on?

I really didn’t plan to write long. In fact, I didn’t plan to write at all. I JUST felt that I had to JUST DO IT. If you have read this article, please continue this process by practicing it. Go and “JUST DO IT”.

It’s been quite a long road for me the Network Marketing business and I guess the end is still far away. Ever since I came across this concept of work, I’d been fascinated and quite interested. I tried my hands at a couple before Avenues to Wealth and didn’t really succeed. Nevertheless, I latched on to the Avenues to Wealth train and religiously followed the guidelines set by my Upline and Mentor – Adeolu Akinyemi,and the rest is history.

I found growing in the business to be quite an uphill task, but I stuck to it tenaciously with an understanding that if I held on long enough and didn’t quit, I’d achieve my dreams of financial freedom with A2W. I joined A2W in 2008 and watched, supported, taught and celebrated many people who joined after me and went ahead to become Gold,Platinum and even Global Platinum Partner before me. I understood however, that “becoming financially free is like getting to heaven; when you get there isn’t what really matters, getting there is most important” as quoted by a friend of mine.

I am very delighted to finally after 3 long and most-exciting years become Global Platinum Partner while having a lot of fun getting there. Since I started with A2W, I’ve visited over 10 countries of the world with more than 50% of the visits being all-expense paid trips; I’ve been able to buy property (Real Estate) within Nigeria and outside my country; I’ve gotten married to the wife of my dreams with a wedding proposal done on the highest point of the Singapore wheel flyer while on an A2W sponsored all-expense paid vacation with my wife(then my fiancee); I’ve been to over 20 cities across Nigeria to teach and speak and have been able to impact over 20,000 people directly and indirectly positively.

Without the grace and blessings that flowed from my Queen and Most Precious Diamond – Bukkee Akanro (my wife); without the support and strength from my Upline and Mentor and his lovely wife, Adeolu Akinyemi(CM) and Temitope Akinyemi(MI), this feat would have been near on impossible. To the great team at A2W international (Chris, Dolf, Stefan and Damien); the entire A2W Nigeria team; all my downlines – Solomon James, Folayemi Anifowoshe, Somiari Jaja, Gbemisola Akande, Christian Love, Adesoji Adegbulu, Adesuwa Nwaka-Emeka to mention but a few; my Port Harcourt family – The Chilakahs, the Oghidis, Chika Ukpaka and her team, the Dublin-Greens, the Daniel-Kalios to mention a few; the Usars, Okoros in Jos to mention a few; the special people in Lagos – Matthew Abolurin, the Chukwus, the Akwarandus to mention a few and my own very special generis/A2W family – the Daramolas, the Fowowes, Sam (the voucher guy), Kunle Alashi, Maiye Owonubi to mention a few; I want to say a BIG THANK YOU. You made the journey bearable, exciting and fun-filled. I am only occupying till the rest of you who aren’t yet become GPPs.

A2W Rocks!!!

My name is Busayo Akanro (Bussee)

www.avenuestowealth.com/bussee

If you really want to own your life, become finanically free and time free, please find out HOW at the link below.
http://www.creatingwealth.co/lcp6/bussee

Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. ~Fanny J. Crosby

We are all quite familiar with the word ‘Angel’. Many of us desire to be attended to by Angels but dread the thought of seeing them face to face. We have heard that they can be as tall as high rise buildings and as powerful as unearthly gods. In fact, some so hold them in awe that they set up worship centres and rituals for extolling them. They are considered the next in line with respect to authority after God himself.

The soul at its highest is found like God, but an angel gives a closer idea of Him.  That is all an angel is:  an idea of God.  ~Meister Eckhart

And yet amusingly, they operate and appear many times as ordinary men. So banal they seem that many a searching miss them and entertain them either poorly or well unawares. They see them as mere men but lack knowledge of their capacity because they lack seeing eyes.

When people think of angels, they think flowing robes and halos. But in the Bible, they also look like ordinary people. Why not today? – JOAN WESTER ANDERSON, In the Arms of Angels

Insight is better than eyesight when it comes to seeing an angel.  ~Quoted in The Angels’ Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

I like the sound of the word ‘Angel’. In fact Wikipedia defines them as ‘Messengers of God’. One concept that stirred my interest highly is that of the Angel investor. Angel Investors as described by Wikipedia are affluent individuals who provide capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. Such investors are referred to as ‘Business Angels’.

All God’s angels come to us disguised.  ~James Russell Lowell

So in like manner, I’d take permission lexically to borrow the use of it in the current electoral process in Nigeria to say

‘Election Angels’ are those who give their votes and lend their influence to voting in a particular direction without party allegiance or bias but committed to principles, values or people of such in exchange for good governance and a true reflection of the government of the people, for the people and by the people.

SILVER RAVENWOLF, Angels

[Angels] aid us in our personal mission. We have to learn to listen, for if we block the angels out, they become only the fairy beings of dreams and pleasant stories.

Election Angels will account for the swing votes in the April 2011 elections as a multitude of people who never used to vote and who have no party allegiance or bias will go out and vote credible candidates based on the track record of such candidates and the Integrity to do as they have promised in their manifestoes.

It is not known precisely where angels dwell – whether in the air, the void, or the planets.  It has not been God’s pleasure that we should be informed of their abode.  ~Voltaire

These Angels will vote according to their consciences and values lending their capital to the Nation’s transformation process for a change. They’ll arise in unison to kick out the ruling PDP that have stolen the dividends of democracy and increased geometrically the ratio of the poor to the rich in the last 12 years of governing.

We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.  ~Luciano de Crescenzo

They will be unprecedented, unpatronizing and incorruptible. They’ll take up the responsibility of influencing their immediate environment to vote for change. They’ll put aside ethnic, religious and regional differences to enthrone cooperate progress.

“God always has an angel of help for those who are willing to do their duty.”

- T. L. Cuyler

“All arrangements that are carried out between heaven and earth are carried out through angels.”
- Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (“Essence of Islam”)

“Every man contemplates an angel in his future self.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

They will vote the brightest, the best, the most competent and the fittest team of candidates. They will vote Buhari Bakare as President and Vice President. What out for the Angels. Their votes will count the most.

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.  ~George Elliot

“If we could perceive our angels for just a single day, this world would never be the same again, nor would it ever wish to be.”
- Anonymous

I just thought to post some comments from Femi Adesina’s mailbox on some articles he has written on why Buhari is the best candidate of all the presidential candidates in 2011.

We need Buhari
You are always truthful and patriotic. Your piece, ‘2011: Mistakes Buhari must not make’ is the truth. We need a true patriot like him as president in 2011 in order to salvage Nigeria.
Ohize, Lokoja

Man of integrity
I concur with every word in your piece on Buhari. I urge Nigerians to massively vote for this man of integrity.
Chief Alex I.D. Igwemma

Buhari: Let Nigeria rejoice
You are right. The forces of revision and retrogression got Buhari out of office. To me, Buhari and Idiaghon are part of the best this country and the Nigerian military have produced. If Oga Buhari can convince and get Pastor Chris Okotie as his running mate he will give Jonathan a good fight in the 2011 election.
However I will vote for Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 because he comes from the South South, a zone marginalized and mortally traumatized. I will also vote for Jonathan because he is a good man that fears God and eschews evil. I know that my vote alone will not make him president.
I want Jonathan to win for several reasons, but if Buhari emerges in a free and fair election, let Nigeria rejoice!
Col R.N Oputa (rtd), regoputa@yahoo.com

Buhari un-sellable
As you rightly observed, Gen Buhari is better than the other leprous fingers being presented by the North. However, he is un-sellable to the Christian North and South in general. The best is yet to be revealed. The North needs a conference where the best shall be unveiled to Nigerians. There is battle ahead because PDP and the current hangers-on will not give in without a serious fight. There’s no freedom without battle.
Dr R.S. Olarewaju, Lagos.

Please let’s just try him
You just wrote my mind. Buhari would be a better president than Jonathan if we give him the chance. He has something good to offer, that’s why he’s kept on trying. The problem he will have if he wins, is the National Assembly that would have PDP majority. I can’t wait to vote for him again.
Mr Chukwudi Roy Kanu, Onitsha, rocknk28@yahoo.com

Buhari for president?
Buhari does not belong to the cartel that hold the axe in Nigerian politics and so becoming president will be a mirage. It is only God that can make him president, not his personality, his party nor his kind of politics. May God deliver Nigeria.
Dr. Johnson Ochigbo, Kano

2011: Mistakes Buhari must not make
You are not alone in your worry – 99% of the entire populace is also tired of the way Nigeria is today.
My heart bleeds to read that Buhari has no house in Abuja. This is a man who had good chance to milk Nigeria dry but decided to remain honest, throwing overboard the adage: “Opportunity maketh a thief.”
He did not use his previous exalted positions to amass wealth.
Clearly, Buhari’s personal integrity is intact, his honesty of purpose not an obsolete virtue, therefore, he should be given the presidency on a platter of gold to turn Nigeria to utopian state where free education, free healthcare, adequate security and above all, corruption free society will reign supreme.
Ben Obika, 08033749167

Buhari needs divine intervention
Buhari’s party does not have a national outlook. Except by divine intervention, he may not win in 2011. Corrupt people will throw spanner in his works because he will retrieve all they have stolen, and clamp them in jail. I wish Buhari could be president. God be with him.
Oscar Okhifo, Abuja

Only candidate standing
For the 2011 election, Buhari is the only candidate standing, as he has not soiled his hands with any scandal. His record of integrity clearly marks him out as one who can never pay lip service to leadership. Surely, the Buhari I know will take care of all our fears.
Ihebinike Godwin, Owerri

I admire him
I admire Gen Buhari, he’s a man of principle and proven integrity. He can take Nigeria away from corruption and decadence in high places.
Barry O. Adams

Golden truth
Reading your piece on Buhari made me quite happy. Truth is golden and can only be suppressed for a while. Thanks for a nice job.
Kabir

Two things against Buhari
Buhari is disciplined, righteous, but two things stand against him. Impression that he’s a religious fanatic, and the power players, who are not prepared to market his kind.
Evang. Victor Ogangwu

The Buhari brand
The Buhari brand can be sold anywhere if the people are made to understand that Nigeria is a secular state run on the basis of the Constitution. We should drop the lame excuse of religion if we are to get credible leaders. Buhari is a credible leader. We’ve been in the wilderness for too long, now is the time to move to the promised land.
Dr Nwusulor E. E.

On Buhari’s running mate
The South-South will not leave one of their own running for president to vote for Buhari because of a South-South vice. He picked his vice from South-East in 2007, and got no votes. His best bet now is South-West, where we are not vying for president because we were duped of our slot, when Obasanjo was imposed on us.
Femi Meyungbe Olufunmilade

Time for change
It’s time for change, and that change is Buhari. Nigerians have suffered enough. God will use Buhari to end our problems.
Ben Ezinma, Umuahia

Buhari / Utomi ticket
To save our country from the vampire, let CPC and ACN work together, and have a Buhari / Pat Utomi ticket.
Olu Falarungbon, Akure

Excellent
Your message to Buhari is excellent. It’s left for him to look at the mountain from the sky.
A.J. Mafe

We need Buhari
Nigeria lost direction the day Buhari and Idiagbon were removed from power, and for the country to regain its bearing, we need a strong, selfless and committed leader like Buhari.
Usman Kangiwa

We know the truth
Thanks for the piece on Buhari. We all know the truth, but are running from it. With Buhari in charge, Nigeria will change for good.
Mallam Shehu Usman, Lagos

I’ll vote for Buhari
I’m a Christian, but I’ll vote for Buhari next year. He has the discipline, strength of character, and forthrightness to lead this country. I sincerely hope he’ll overcome his adversaries.
Ebere

I challenge zoning apostles
I challenge northern zoning apostles to make Buhari the consensus candidate, if they dare. Even hard core Jonathan supporter like me would vote Buhari, and he will win. But they don’t have the liver, as most of them are thieves, whose next addresses will be prisons if we have President Buhari
Barrister Emeka Okoro, Abuja

Let’s mobilise
What an excellent piece on Buhari. It’s time to start mobilising and enlightening people on virtues and good leadership.
Ali U. Kaoje

Pity, Idiagbon is dead
Buhari is the only man that can change Nigeria for good. It’s a pity Tunde Idiagbon is dead. May his soul rest in peace. The two patriotic citizens were given to us by God, but evil did not allow them to change Nigeria. That’s why we’re in a mess today.
Mark M.B., Port Harcourt

You made my day
You made my day with this piece on my leader, Gen. Buhari. How I wish the electorate will unitedly reason with you. Buhari is the patriot Nigeria needs now.
Ikeh Nwangwu

Answer to our problem
If only we Nigerians can just do the right thing, Gen. Buhari is the answer to our problems.
Ben Chinwuba

Re: Mistakes Buhari must not make
What’s the heck about ex-this, ex-that for political offices? Why do we love perpetuating the failure of a clique of people who hide under the disguise of experience in order to mismanage our commonwealth. Are we allergic to change(positive change)? There are people of great minds among us, we only need stop being myopic. Enough of this tenacity of power, according to the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Ajetunmobi Akinniyi, Abuja, a.akinniyi@yahoo.com

He’s the best
I quite agree with you that Buhari is the best of all those seeking our mandate for 2011. I pray his campaign coordinators focus on the grassroots. There’ll be surprises in 2011.
Olu Aluko, Ajaokuta, Kogi State

I was at Warri, Delta State a couple of weeks ago at a Mega Business summit organised by Avenues to Wealth Nigeria. In attendance and speaking as well were Solomon James, Deolu Akinyemi and Prof. Pat Utomi. It was quite a big meeting covering areas like Asaba, Sapele and Ughelli. The hall, Mimi Suites Multipurpose hall was agog with singing, dancing and excitement.

Prof. Pat Utomi gave quite an interesting speech that inspired this post. He said “Many of the things we take for granted now as regular occurencies used to be considered impossible some time ago”. He gave a few examples stating that a man was once considered mad for suggesting that “humans will one day fly in the air” and a few years later his sons where the first to fly in an airplane.

I picked up a few lessons that day:

1. Nudity was all that was possible

When God created man and his wife, he created them naked. Apparently, they didn’t need to create nudity. They had it for free. I can imagine Adam saying to Eve, “Can you ever dream that one day people will wear what will completely cover their bodies? It’s IMPOSSIBLE.”

Every other thing that is now had to be made POSSIBLE. Whatever you meet already in existence is what is possible to you. If all you leave in this world is all you met and the way you met it, you are of no significant consequence. The world could have done without you.

2. Fertilizer or Dung

Most things that exist do so in a form that closes our minds from thinking about them in order forms, states or uses. Crude oil isn’t very useful in its raw state but commands a lot of revenue from its refining. Most of the impossibilities we see today can become POSSIBLE once we change the paradigm with which we look at them. When we think energy, fuel, power; we think crude oil. Perhaps there’s something IMPOSSIBLE you aren’t thinking about that is linked to what already exists.

3. Eat it! Don’t mind the taste!

Whether it’s a frog, crocodile, cockroach, lizard, snake or bed bug; just eat it. I mean after you’ve dreamed up the impossible, then go about making it possible. You may try 10,000 times like Thomas Edison or even die trying like Marthin Luther King but once it becomes possible, you will live forever.

A lot happened in 2010 no doubt and a lot more is happening in 2011. This year started over a week ago and is racing to the middle of the first month. I just realized that I’d  been so caught up in activities this year that I’ve almost missed my goals.

It’s quite akin to what we football lovers call  ”ball watching” on the field of play – a situation when a defender focuses on the ball and forgets to watch and stay with the opponent he’s been assigned to. I have been focusing on the events of the new year and almost forgetting my goals in the new year.

Talking about events and goals, I’m glad though that I’ve participated in a few because they seem to be directing me towards my goals.

I got to Warri, Delta State one of the South-South states in Nigeria yesterday for a Mega Business summit with Avenues to Wealth and listened to a presentation by one of my mentors, Deolu Akinyemi on what to watch out for in the new year. I couldn’t help but start my blogging with those points. I hope they’ll bless you as well.

1.  Stretch Yourself – Set goals bigger than yourself.

Somebody said you’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. In 2011, the goals you set will determine the results you get. Don’t set goals you can achieve. Set goals that are beyond your reach by far. Set goals that will stretch your imagination and ability. Set goals that will push you out of your comfort zone. It is said that “if you aim at the tree you may shoot lower than it but if you aim for the sky, the worst that’ll happen is that you’ll hit the tree.” Don’t let fear keep you from dreaming and setting goals.

2. There’s a right time – Don’t miss it.

Not every time is your time. However, you may miss your time if you trivialise opportunities. Hugh Allen said ” Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there than waiting for one big one to come along.” Your opportunity may come from the least likely source. Stay tuned and keep your eyes open. I like a quote that says “Opportunity is as scare as oxygen. Men fairly breathe it and do not know it.” Benjamin Disreali said “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it come.”

3. Develop the attitude of giving

Giving is gong to get you more in 2011 than you can imagine. Have a set goal for what you are going to give periodically before the opportunity to give presents itself. Go and seek who to give to if they don’t come to you. Give your love, care, money, time and other resources to bless and empower others and much more will find its way to you. It was Albert Schweitzer who said “You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others – something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.”

4. Master the Wealth Equation – W = V*N*k

Where W = Wealth; V = Value given; N = No. of people; k = perception of Value given.

Wealth will be easier for you to earn in 2011 if you make up your mind to provide value for as many people as possible, even if the value isn’t much. Once the perception of the value is high, people will pay all the time for it and you’ll become wealthy.

5. Change your Relationship paradigm

Your relationships in 2011 will determine your results from it. Don’t undermine them. Show love when it isn’t even expected. Some one said “If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say?  And why are you waiting?  ~Stephen Levine”

Also some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave their footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.

Have a great 2011

Have you paused to ask yourself any questions about your 2011 or are you just going about your normal activities expecting and wishing that something drastic will happen that will change the course of your life without any planning?

Any way I’ll just ask you the questions I asked myself this year?

1. What are your goals in 2011?

You are never to old to set another goal or dream another dream – C.S Lewis

If you want to leave a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things – Albert Einstein.

2. Do you have them written down?

It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by.  How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment?  For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone.  That is where the writer scores over his fellows:  he catches the changes of his mind on the hop.  ~Vita Sackville-West

What isn’t written doesn’t exit.

3. Do you have them in a place where you can see them constantly?

Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language. – Walt Disney

Many times, out of sight is out of mind.

4. Are you associating with those who’ll make your goals possible?

A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.  - Walt Rogers

5. What are you willing to differently everyday to achieve those goals?

Talk doesn’t cook rice.  ~Chinese Proverb

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

6. How big are your goals?

Laugh Often, Dream big, Reach for the stars.

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

Only as far as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be. – Karen Ravn

7. If you do achieve your goals in 2011, how many lives would you have affected positively directly and indirectly.

You don’t have to be a person of influence to be influential. In fact the most influential people in my life today are probably not even aware of the things they taught me. – Scott Adams

I obviously took it for granted as a naive young school pupil that the military uniform will perpetually remain the costume of our presidents. I therefore kept visualizing with all sorts of armed forces uniforms as my attire. Needless to say that things took a turn for the better and now in the civilian era. Many people will argue that we were better off during the military era than during the civil regime. That is a topic for another day. However, looking critically at Nigeria since the new civilian era started in 1999 with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo flagging it off, the country seems to have moved 2 paces forward and 5 backward.

Yes it’s true, now our courts are empowered. Our votes are counting (or are starting to count), our debt has been written off (even though we’ve started borrowing on a massive scale again) and we have a booming telecommunications industry. However, the rate of corruption has increased, politicians are greedier and the economy has fallen like a pack of cards. And though this country has reached a ripe, full age of 50, it’s still been run like a jungle by those who are willing to kill it just to enrich their pockets, build their empires and serve their selfish agendas.

“A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.”  said Frederick Douglass

If we must grow as a nation in all aspects then we must take responsibility for who we allow to become our next president.

Nelson Mandela said,

“Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”

Abraham Lincoln said,

“No man is good enough to govern another man without that others consent”

Whoever emerges as our leader in 2011 does so because we have deemed him good enough to govern us by giving him our consent actively or passively.

Such thoughts make me reflect on the choices before us as a Nation with regards those who have indicated interest to run for the highest office electable in the most populous black Nation on earth. I’ll chronicle the few that I know and their achievements or lack of it while still asking myself the question: Out of all these, who should be our president in 2011?

1. President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan

Present position: Incumbent President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Geo-political Zone: South-South

Age: 53

Religion: Christian

Political Party: PDP

Goodluck Jonathan was deputy governor in Bayelsa state. He became governor when the governor (Diepreye Alamieyeseigha) was impeached on grounds of corruption. He was later nominated as running mate to Late President Umaru Yar’adua and b came Vice President in May 2007. Due to Yar’adua’s prolonged chronic illness, hospitalization and absence from Nigeria, Jonathan was made Acting President by the National Assembly Saudi Arabia and eventually was sworn in as President at the demise of his former boss. Since then, Goodluck Jonathan seems to be clawing at whatever chance he has to getting re-elected as president on the platform of PDP – his current party. Already, he has shown his ineptitude in a few circumstances. Case in point is the bombing in Abuja on Independence day. He publicly declared that MEND wasn’t culpable as if he was familiar with their plans and strategy. He has sinced unleashed the wrath of the army on MEND and other Niger Delta militant groups.

President Goodluck Jonathan has been unable to present a sustantial score card for the while he’s been in office. corruption is touted to be at an all time high in Aso Rock and it doesn’t seem like it’ll abate. Already, it’s being rumored that PDP delegates are being bribed at least N2million ($13000) to swing the vote at the primaries in his favour. The race for him is not getting easier at all as all the Northern presidential aspiratnts have appointed a consensus candidate in the person of Atiku Abubakar who has a strong following and enjoys good support. Also, news of his botched attempt at bribing Lagos-based Pastor Tunde Bakare (find details here) and the Save Nigeria Group is losing him points with regards his moral capability to take the country forward. It is also worthy of note that Goodluck Jonathan currently has no known testimony or achievements in favour of his leadership ability or capablity. Note that GEJ has the power of incumbency in his favour and may play his advantage unfairly.

2. Alhaji Abubakar Atiku

Present Position: None

Previous Position: Vice President (1999-2003)

Geo-political Zone: North East

Age: 64

Religion: Muslim

Political Party: PDP

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was in the PDP, moved to AC to contest against Musa Yar’adua in 2007 and returned to the PDP in 2009 under controversial circumstances. His only good deed among Nigerians seems to be his fight against his boss’ 3rd term agenda (Olusegun Obasanjo). In fact, some believe he did so only because he had plans to be president and not because of a love or devotion to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. News has it that he had his hand in many shady pies as Vice President especially while presiding over the National Council of Privatization (NCP). As a result, many feel he has no moral credentials to represent this country as its No. 1 citizen. However, Atiku has been nominated by the Northern People Leaders Forum led by Adamu Ciroma as the consensus candidate of the North in PDP, the ruling party.

President GEJ therefore has a very strong opposition at the primaries. In fact, for the first time in the history of the party, there’s no clear cut direction or indication of who will pick the parties presidential candidate ticket.

3. Nuhu Ribadu

Present Position: None

Previous Position: Inspector General of Police in former administration

Geo-political zone: North-East

Age: 50

Religion: Muslim

Political Party: ACN

Ribadu who was in exile for a few years as a result of the role he played as EFCC chairman against corruption confirmed reports that he may run for president in 2011. What wasn’t clear initially was what platform he’ll run on. Eventually, he declared to run for president on the platform of ACN (Action Congress of Nigeria). The former anti-corruption crusader enjoys a massive support from youths and middle income professionals who feel th only way to go in the next elections is to vote in not only an a leader that is not corrupt, but one that is incorruptible. Ribadu’s time as EFCC boss was untainted by corruption. He may have left some corrupt public officers untouched, but he investigated most and charged them to court. He even got a few jailed.

Young people feel that one who isn’t afraid to jail corrupt officials at whatever level is qualified to lead this country. However, some reports say that he is a bit high-handed and dictatorial in his style of leadership. Having known only military or paramilitary leadership by experience, some fear that his tenure if elected president may amount to some kind of monarchy. Others feel what we need as a leader at this point in Nigeria is someone with those same qualities.

Anyway, some Nigerians seem to think he’s driven by personal ambition alone considering the fact that he declared to run on the platform of ACN, a party known to be majorly controlled by Bola Ahmed Tinubu who Ribadu investigated as Chairman of EFCC while the erstwhile governor of Lagos state was in office and was reported to have said Bola Tinubu’s money laundering crimes were of an international proportion. Why not choose another party they ask? Why cavort with those you consider criminals? Anyway, I guess politics isn’t black or white?

4. Muhammadu Buhari

Present Position: None

Previous Position: Head of State (1983-1985)

Geo-political zone: North West

Age: 68

Religion: Muslim

Political Party: CPC

Buhari is a name that has been ringing in almost all geo-political zones of the country. The retired general seems to have credibility with the old by reason of experience and the young from history. His government waged war against corruption and staged a campaign against indiscipline termed – War Against Indiscipline (WAI). He had a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and it was effected Nationwide. People haven’t stopped wondering what Nigeria would have become if he had been Head of State a little longer instead of the ‘evil genius’ who ousted him after just less than 2 years in a coup d’etat.

Buhari has contested for the No. 1 office of this country on the platform of ANPP(All Nigeria People’s Party) twice and lost each time to the PDP candidate for that position – First, Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 and Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua in 2007 under very controversial circumstances. For instance, He was said to have totaled over 6 million votes in the 2007 elections against Yar’adua’s 24 million votes. Even the former president, Yar’adua admitted that the election was very flawed and local and international observers reported it as one of the worst held elections with wide spread rigging and stuffing of ballot boxes especially by agents of the ruling party, PDP and INEC.

Buhari challenged the results of the election and was declared the loser under controversial circumstances by the Supreme Court after 3 courts had ruled in his favour and 3 others against him. It seemed the apex court simply took a safe route out of the appeal by retaining the status quo. Rumor has it that Buhari has a very high level of discipline and morality. He is known to be uncorrupted and incorruptible. No known scandal has been even remotely reported against this former General either while serving in the military or while serving in Obasanjo’s government as Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He was said to have refused salary as Chairman PTF because according to him. He was already earning a pension from the federal government and wouldn’t want to be paid twice by the government.

Buhari is very popular among grassroots in the North and that popularity is growing even in the South west. “Mai Gaskiya” as he is known in the North meaning “The honest one”, has a chance of clinching the presidency this time with support from notable leaders like Pastor Tunde Bakare and courting from ACN and some other parties. PDP is taking his candidacy seriously this time around and are hoping that his lack of stolen wealth will be a strong factor in weakening his run for presidency.

Buhari however, is regarded by many as high handed and an Islamic fundamentalist who’ll never be able to govern without an ethnic and religious bias.

5. Donald Duke

Present Position: None

Previous Position: Governor, Cross River State (1999-2007)

Geo-Political Zone: South South

Age: 49

Religion:

Political Party: Labour Party (uncertain)

Donald Duke is a fine gentleman who can be referred to as one of the arrow heads for change in Nigeria. His stint of 8 years as governor of Cross River state witnessed a complete overhaul of the state and record breaking achievements. It took my getting to calabar to appreciate his vision and execution of it. Calabar in my opinion is the cleanest, greenest and most organized city in Nigeria. His creation of Tinapa Free Trade Zone and transformation of the Obudu cattle ranch with the introduction of cable cars speak volumes on his ability to move us in the direction of a New Nigeria.

He is very popular with the youths and technorats alike. He represents the change they desire. Donald Duke is likely to run for president on the platform of Labour party. However, he may need to battle Dele Momodu (Publisher of Ovation magazine) at the primaries to get the ticket. One can’t help feeling the odds are heavily stacked against him even if he wins the candidacy with Labour party even though there’s no denying his capability to progressively and radically effect change in the Nation were he given the helms.

The question on people’s mind though is, “Does he have the fortitude to combat and eradicate corruption?” He doesn’t seem to have had a history doing so but who can tell?

6. Dele Momodu

Present Position: None

Previous Position: None

Geo-political Zone: South West

Age: 50

Religion: Christian

Political Party: Labour Party (uncertain)

Dele Momodu is a journalist/publisher known to almost all as his OVATION magazine is a brand that is second to no other. Many people were surprised at his declaration to run for the office of president of Nigeria debunking their expectations that he’ll start on a lower rung of the ladder, that is National Assembly or even Gubernatorial office.

Dele has shown exceptional leadership qualities in the private sector by building an international brand over the years from scratch. He fought for democracy during the MKO Abiola era, was arrested and had to go into exile to escape being charged for treason. He was reported to have helped in creating and running Radio Freedom which became Radio Kudirat after the wife of the late mogul, Chief Abiola was murdered. He has learnt the ropes of politics and has made immense contribution through his many articles and columns in National Newspapers.

Dele Momodu enjoys the support of the elite and youths alike. He also represents the young generation and without doubt has proven himself morally capable over the years. The questions on the minds of many however is, “Does Dele have the structure and platform to achieve his dreams?”, “Should he run for a National Assembly office first or governorship?”, “Can he move directly from private sector straight to president without holding any public office or serving in any public capacity?” “Is he actually doing the first things first?”

7. John Dara

Present Position: None

Previous Position: Special Assistant in the Ministry of Defence (1999-2003)

Geo-political Zone: North Central

Age: 50+

Religion: Christian

Political party: National Transformation Party (NTP)

John Dara is known to many within the PDP by reason of the roles he has played and his stand and values. He has been involved in politics for over 30 years and has seen contributed immensely at ward, local government, state and national levels over time. He’s been relevant across the last couple of republics and has fruits to show for his labour. He has managed campaigns successfully, some of which are for Sir Michael Otedola in Lagos, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and even Prof. Jerry Ghana in 2007. A former PDP power broker, John Dara has walked the corridors of power and is very experienced in the politics of this country. A baptist by conviction, John has walked in and out of public office with his head held high. No news however remote has been said about him in relation to corrupt practices or the like.

He was special assistant to General TY Danjuma during the Obasanjo government from 1999 – 2003. Danjuma was then the Minister for Defence. John Dara was said to be the back bone of the ministry at that time.

John Dara believes he’s going to upstage popular candidates in this election as experience has taught him that many times the underdog takes the day because he’s usually dismissed as not been a worthy opposition. He’s sure that the “stone which the builders rejected will become the chief of the corner”. He has managed and supported candidates over the while who have disappointed the polity and has decided to take responsibility to be the “change that we want to see”.

Can this geo-political northerner and geographical south-westerner change the metrics of the current direction of the politics of presidency or should he just collaborate with a stronger group and negotiate relevance in the new government?

8. Ibrahim Shekarau

Present Position: Governor of Kano State (2007-2011)

Previous Position: Governor of Kano State (2003-2007)

Geo-Political Zone: North West

Age: 55

Religion: Muslim

Political Party: ANPP

Ibrahim Shekarau’s declaration for presidency came on the heels of Gen Buhari’s exit from the party. Many Nigerians feel Kano state has not undergone any transformation enough to warrant that the CEO of the state for the past 8 years be vying for a more responsible position. News of his performance has been neither here nor there. Ibrahim however has quite some support and the machinery of ANPP with enjoys quite a following in the north.

Many believe Ibrahim Shekarau may not be the transition we need in 2011?

9. Professor Pat Utomi

Present Position: None

Past Position: Special Adviser to the President

Geo-Political Zone: South South

Age: 54

Religion: Christian

Political Party: SDMP (Social Democratic Mega Party)

He contested in 2007 for the seat of president of Nigeria on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has shown himself impeccable over the years from government to government. His knowledge on economic strategy and policies has been invaluable to several state and federal government administrations up till now. He’s recognized on sight in most countries of the world and regarded by the west as one of the top 20 statesmen for progressive and positive change in Africa.

None can boast of a leadership resume as robust as his. None can present a pedigree as high as his. None has yet brought a railing accusation against his person. In fact, if Nigeria was a country that considered accountability and international repute/acceptance, Prof. Pat would be one of the most popular candidates running for the office of president. Personally, I feel his presidency would be the best thing to happen to Nigeria at this time.

However, some fear that he lacks the moral stance to push for true federalism being from the oil-rich south-South region. If he pursued that angle, it may be perceived as seeking interest for his region alone.

Prof. Pat Utomi hasn’t declared for the race this time yet, but promises that he’ll do so as soon as the party has finalized their strategies. There is absolutely no doubt however that Prof. Pat is one of the arrow heads of change for a new Nigeria in Nigeria. Whether the people will put their confidence in him by voting is another question.

Of note are some likely contenders who haven’t declared yet but may declare for the race depending on factors still under consideration. Among these are Attahiru Bafarawa, Usman Muhammad Bugaje, Pastor Chris Okotie (he has declared already) among others.  These officers in the chess game of Nigerian politics are simply watching the scene to see if they’ll be required to move out of their current positions to save the Queen(Democracy) and defend the King(Nigeria).

I had an exciting weekend. I undertook a road trip to Ilorin (South West, Nigeria) to meet with over 500 youths at a camp. I travelled with my mentor and along the way he suddenly discovered he had the lovely movie “Sound of Music” starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer on his new iPod. He showed it to me and we both smiled knowingly almost as if one was daring the other to watch it. Instintively, he clicked on it and pronto – the movie started.

We sang along and I watched the whole movie (2+ hours) while in the car on the road. I was moved with emotions at different times as I saw some scenes again and I couldn’t help but understand why it is and will continue to be one of the greatest movies ever shot.

I noted a few things quite pointedly and some of them are from the lyrics of some of the songs.

1.  CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Don’t be afraid to venture out. Don’t quit because you tried once and failed. Don’t run away from your fears. Maria went to the Capt Von Trapp’s house as a governess and she fell in love with him. She ran away from the fear. She went to the abbey to hide and then the reverend mother sang this song for her.

Climb every mountain,
Search high and low,
Follow every highway,
Every path you know.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
‘Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need
All the love you can give,
Every day of your life
For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream

A dream that will need
All the love you can give,
Every day of your life,
For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,
Ford every stream,
Follow every rainbow,
Till you find your dream.

For as long as you have breath, explore all the possibilities and opportunities that come your way.

2. WHEN YOU ARE DOWN….

Many of us have as excuses the current situation of things we are facing. We believe that things are bad and so we are sad. We place attention on the negative things that surround or happen to us. We concentrate on what is wrong. But listen to what Maria tells us to do when we are down, and things are bad.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles. Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings, these are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in a white dresses with a blue satin sashes, snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes, silver white winters that melt into springs, these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.

It’s because we are sad that things are bad. What are those things you love? Can you just remember your favourite things or moments? Or your loving pets or children? If we look around enough, we’ll see enough reasons not to feel so down or so bad for no situation is really that bad. We can choose internally to affect our external conditions and situations positively and we will. The other lessons will come up in the sequel…Don’t miss it!

” I am Jaguar Paw, son of Flint Sky, my father hunted this forest before me. I’m Jaguar Paw. I am a hunter, this is my forest and my sons will hunt it with their sons after I’m gone. Come on! Come on!”.

1. Know your Forest

2. Hunt your Forest

3. Who’s leading you in your Forest

4. Return to your Forest

5. Use your Forest

6. Have a Plan B in your Forest