Has Africa Learned Nothing?

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Africa has been fooled once. Liberators have come before, Bibles in hand but dirty money and sword in the other hand. With false promises of freedom from local tyranny, and self rule and civilisation, and like fish that knew no better, we swallowed and lay docile while our lands were plundered of people and resources.

I do not blame our fathers for that. They knew no better. But we do.

We live with the effects of the first advent of Western excursionism into Africa to this day. The racism, the institutionalized marginalization of African Americans, the impoverishment of the African continent, the corruption born out of the instinct to save as much for oneself as you can out of a barely-there pie, all of those issues are with us today*.

So when the West, faced with economic tension suddenly developes a thirst for liberating people all over again, why do my fellow Africans welcome them with open arms? Why do they not tell the West to stay its hand and let us handle our issues ourselves? Why are we so eager to accept the same lies, knowing fully well what the first time cost us?

Why are we so ready to play the fools again? For what dirty ideology?

Steve Jobs: The Best Things

"Your time is Limited So Don't Waste It Living Someone Else's Life"-Jobs

A lot has been and will be said about the revolutionary technologist, artist, leader and businessman who was known as Steve Jobs. The philosophy he lived by, and the powerful products and lifestlyes he created are acts of spectacular genius. But more than all these, what is most memorable about him to me is the convinction of his principles, and the way he communicated them.

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose"

"Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."

"Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new."

"We're here to put a dent in the universe."


Look at the words he believed in. Look how aggressively he lived for them, spoke out about them, stuck to them, imbibed them into every single thing he did. And tell me why his life was not destined for legend. Imagine if we had a Steve Jobs in every sector, healthcare, education, politics, finance. How would the world be?

As we reflect on his life, just know this. In an age where every belief is welcome, its still important to believe in the right things. But more important than believing in them, connect them to a higher purpose. Design, build, sing, act, write, inspire as if it was the only thing you came to this earth to do. Perfection is not possible, but like the Promised Land, we can come close enough to catch a glimpse of it. Thats what Jobs taught me. And that, is worth more than a million iPhones.

So don't live your life to build the next Facebook, or Apple, or do some grand gesture that will put you in the realm of greatness. Instead, do every single thing as if it was the greatest, like Jobs did. He said it best when he said:

"Things don’t have to change the world to be important."

And with that I say

RIP

Steve Paul Jobs

This Blog and I: When Words Aint Enough

So each time I come to this blog I get a reminder that the last time I wrote anything on it was in June. And its not like I dont have things to say, but I think I've come to that point in my life when the kind of blog I had in mind, a place for me to explore my experiences and put them in context, is no longer what I need.
   No experience moves me to passionate angst, or puts me in a contemplative mood anymore. I don't know if I'm growing beyond a lot of things or just becoming jaded. Don't get me wrong, I still feel passionate about a lot of things, but these days I only tackle the things I can do something about, and forget those that are beyond my ability. Like many other Nigerians, the situation at home bothers me day and night. As an African, the things happening on the continent really really break me down. But everytime I open this blog to talk about it, the question I ask myself is "What difference will this post make?" And because the answer is almost always "None" I close this page and...pick up a textbook or something. I'm tired of words that serve for nothing.
Action is much more attractive to me right now. I have joined three organisations since the summer. One of them is the World Youth Alliance which I had the opportunity to attend the United Nations Global Youth Summit with, but so far I have not really done much work with them. I also have joined Bono's organisation One.Org which has a chapter in my school and finally, I have taken up the responsibility of coordinating the International Students in my school as President of our association to tackle some humanitarian projects. I'm hoping somewhere, somehow, something I do makes a difference. Or at least that I gain the ability to do more. Because, like I said, words alone are no longer doing anything for me.
I will still write on here, from time to time because I still need an outlet. Just for myself and my thoughts, I don't really intend to direct people here anymore. I need my space.

(If I sound depressed, I may well be. Because just because am no longer talking about things, doesnt mean Im no longer sensitive to them. The world is going to hell, right before our eyes. Anyone who is not depressed by that, should thank God every day.)
Signing out time.
El Divine.

NAIJA Fever

I woke up this morning with a smile on my face. A very short-lived smile.
The first news I ran into on twitter was that unknown people had detonated a bomb in the parking lot of the police headquarters in Abuja.
And people died.
Not to rehash all the plans GEJ has extolled about how he was going to tackle the security situation, but this is clearly not what we were promised. We were promised increased security, a dedicated anti-terrorism team, a hands-on approach.  We need not be told that no real results have been seen. Its getting worse, and we all know it.
What worries me is that we know it, yet we sit with it. and do nothing. We are letting things get progressively worse, and we keep making half hearted efforts until all these issues accumulate and then demand attention all at once. A stitch in time saves nine, they say, but when the first cracks appeared in our national garments, our leaders refused to stitch it. Then more appeared, and more, and now we are clothed in rags, and still No one is stitching. I feel scared to think about it, but we may be nearing the tipping point and I shudder to think of what will be on the other side.
GEJ if at all he is concerned about this country, about the well being of 150 million Nigerians he was sworn to protect, then he should act now and act decisively. I have not heard that he even made a reaction to this event. But I know, and most Nigerians know it, that this is not business as usual. If this is not met with the kind of leadership that a country in crisis demands, then a lot of people will lose faith in Nigeria. And most importantly, many lives will be put at even greater risk. And if we really are committed to building a nation, that is something we cannot afford. GEJ, all eyes are on you. Make us proud. Please.

A Billion Madness

So GEJ was inaugurated, and the ceremony cost a billion naira.
That isn't as half assed as the initial budget estimated at a little over 4billion, but shit damn, thats one billion naira spent on ONE day's event.
What did they spend it on? New spray paint for our national cake perhaps, cos you know no matter what happens outside, in the corridors of power, there must be cake.
But for real, shouldn't we at least pretend to care that Nigerians are suffering? Wasn't that the basis of GEJs election? I still am worried about the tendency I see in Jonathan towards overspending, and underperforming. If we spend a billion naira for Presidential inauguration, imagine what we will spend on Independence day, then deomcracy day, then Mrs. Jonathan's umblerra parties and what not.
I worry oh.
Granted, a special group of Nigerians called Naija Hacktivists, took it very personal and did their thing, taking down some sites. So even though more Nigerians should have reacted to this, at least we're not all complacent and used to it. We still have questions.
As Chude succintly told the President during their lunch, I too will be watching. He's made some good moves, and not so good moves in his appointments. I chose to say nothing. All my comments for now, are for him to have the best of luck. Not for his sake at all. But for Nigeria's. Cos if he messes up, it may be catastrophic. But if he does even moderately well, it will be the catalyst we need. Nigerians are watching. Let the billion be justified.

It takes an Obama, to get an Osama

The views expressed here do not necessarily constitute statements of my political ideology. Take them serious at your own risk.

Hey world..BREAKING NEWS: Osama is dead!!! Okay, thats really not breaking news, since its been spinning around the media machine since 12 hours ago. The breaking news now would be: OSAMA IS STILL ALIVE! Now, wouldn't that be a sight?

Its been a helluva weekend for Obama though, all considered. Last week, we were collectively smarting from The Donald's attempts to discredit his Americanness, and his gaping absence from the Royal Wedding! We all were like, where is the respect Obama commands as P.O.T.U.S. Then of course, he releases his long form birth certificate, which is here:

Then during the White House Correspondents Dinner, he roasted Trump so bad, the only thing remaining of the Donald's presidential ambitions is a smoking toupee. Now, with the latest news of the ten year search for Bin Laden ending successfully under his watch, Obama must be flashing Michelle his signature grin until it becomes annoying. Way to top the Royal Wedding, Bama-Man! Congrats!! Maybe he's on his way to a second Nobel Peace Prize. Possible? No? Oh well...all I know is right now, its one sweet time for Obama to be President.

Anyways

Im amused at certain reactions people have to this news and am gonna attempt to address them in my own little way:

1. This does not mean World Peace is finally here!

 I hear people shouting how relieved they are that Osama has been caught killed. To them, this means Al-Queda is dead too, and more ridiculous, World peace is here!! Brainless pageant girls are weeping, because now, they have to find another answer for the judges' inevitable "what is your greatest wish/dream/desire?" Since world peace is here, they cant say that anymore right? Wrong. World peace is about as close as the nearest alien. Yea, that close. Osama is dead. That is it. Al Queda is not. Countries are still gonna be messing with each other, and settling it with big money and big guns. Nothings changed. After all, within all the ten years we've been searching, can you count how many little Osama's been raised?? Yea. Osama has 19 children. NINETEEN. Thats his own spawned personal terrorist cell. And they all just lost a father. And are ANGRY. And have a Mob of supporters. And have bombs. And know how to use it. Instead of celebrating, folks, how about we all try praying that further bloodshed does not ensue. We do have highly efficient military intelligence and personell watching our backs. Which I thank God for. But thats more reason we should pray, cos those personnel are in enemy territory. And the enemy got guns. And guns kill people. And no matter how hard it is to believe, SEAL, CIA, MARINES, are populated by people. You cut them, they bleed. You shoot them, they die. So much for world peace. (Side note: who wants to catch the look on Osama's face during the #awkwardmoment when he gets to heaven and doesn't find 70 virgins waiting. Maybe he'll bomb the pearly gates. )

2. This does Not Affect the Price of Pepper in Lagos Market. Or the Price of Burger in Mc'Dees. Or the Price of Gas Anywhere.

People are like Osama is dead, great, now gas prices can come down. Naaah son! Osama and gas are two different categories of American concerns. Osama aint the Middle East. Osama aint OPEC. Osama aint the king of Saudi Arabia, though they both have long beards and wear turbans. Any correlation in the behavior of one to the other is purely coincidence. And being that theres a massive load of angry Arab people, I hope the price of gas doesn't actually go further UP.

There's a special class of people...the Conspiracy theorists. Now, this is where it gets interesting. Some say he's been dead and they only let us know now. Others say he isnt dead at all, and this is just a set up. Others say Obama and Osama arranged this to help his 2012 ambitions.

I say, its a whole lot of active imaginations out there, which gives me hope for humanity.

At the end of the day, its different strokes for different folks. For me, I do believe that this is a commendable achievement for Obama. He did it, and am happy for his success. But issues are still out there. The economy, the violence across Africa, and my own overwhelming struggle with my finals this week. So Osama, deuces! Obama, congrats. Now, can we move on please?

Africa, Go Ahead and Grow the Fuck Up

DISCLAIMER: This is a Rant. Curse words were not deleted!

Today I feel like talking a little bit about Africa. Okay, not a lil bit. A lot bit, with all the shenanigans going on there right now. With the recent upheavals in Egypt, Algerian, Tunisia, Libya, Ivory Coast, Sudan and so on, it seems Africa is the in-thing for news agencies. Not like we ever stopped being that anyways. But recently it just seems like everyone and their fucking mothers suddenly have a fucking opinion about where Africa got it right or wrong. I mean, just a year ago, my own professor had asked me "Africa is right next to Saudi Arabia, right?".I told her in anger, "Ma'am, its a fucking CONTINENT."  I kid you not, in this time and age, the second biggest continent in the world was that much of a mystery to an English professor. So now that everyone is talking about us, that means more people are googling Africa, no? Which means that in the midst of all the fucked up shit they'
re checking out, they're bound to run into one or two positive stuff. Which is good enough for me anyways. Worst kind of publicity is 'none at all' and if it takes Gaddafi to finally make people know where Africa is on the map, maybe thats what the purpose is.
Well, lets leave that for now. My main grouse is the resurgence of this bad mouthing of Western powers. African countries are whining about how 'the West' doesn't involve them in decisions concerning Africa, the West treats them paternally, like children, the West likes telling them what to do, the West is always meddling, the West this, the West that. Bullshit. I know better than most how fucked up the West can get and what they can do to extend their fucked-updom to the entire inhabited world. But shit, mouthing off like they got nothing to do with it is some stupid shit. I just listened to the press release made by the Gambia over the Ivory Coat issue. And several complaints people have about what 'the West' is doing in Libya. True, the West is buttfucking the black shit out of the whole continent. But its not rape, like this countries would like you to believe. No one is tying the continent and plundering her people and resources. Maybe that happened in the past, but now, its straight up whoring. Prostitution. African countries whine about it, but truth is, they willfully present butt for fucking. How, you may ask?
If you want to be treated like an adult by your parents and other adults, do you get that by whining, or do you get it by taking responsibility and doing what it demands of you? So why do African countries wanna be treated seriously and consulted when they won't take action when it is needed, won't come up with viable ideas, won't take the time to even meet even when things are getting all messed up. Check how long it took for AU to make a statement about Ghaddafi. More than a month. And that was their President! Consult my ass.
Then, if African countries want the West to stop meddling into their national affairs, how about they stop collecting money from the fucking West. After complaining about Western influence, neocolonialism, yadda yadda yadda, if any Western country says  "Heres a billion dollars!" the same African countries will trample over themselves to get at the money. Isn't it common sense that anyone spending money deserves to get a return on their investment as well as protect that investment by all means possible? He who pays the piper writes the sound track. Finis. End of fucking story. So if they wanna be taken seriously, they need to quit going for the easy money, and take the time to grow some money of their own. Now, I dont mean humanitarian aid, that often comes from NGOs or agencies that have little political motivations and just want to help needy people. Those ones are necessary, every country needs them, they save lives and make a difference so they shouldnt really be messed with. The ones I mean are all those developmental loans, and government aid, and all the phony money bestowed directly on government. That needs to stop. Since history, there has never been a time when a foreign country pays to develop your own country, unless in doing that they are getting major returns. Let the development in your country be driven by your own economic activity. If you want money, supply a demand. Don't take the easy option the West dangles in your face. That way, you may actually earn something called respect. Dignity is sometimes found in a half filled stomach. Plus, there will be less free money to hyper inflate your economy without increasing people's wages. And there will be less money to steal.
All in all, Im just asking African countries to grow up. Dont expect to be treated like a grown up until you actually grow up. We've grown a little more in the recent years. I like to think we are hitting puberty which means soon, there will be accelerated growth. But please, if Africa is not ready to make the hard choices to wean itself off the Western teats, it shouldnt be mad when the West makes decisions for it. When we are ready to be treated fairly, we won't whine. We will act, and act boldly. The first country to reject a Western government aid becomes the next King of Africa in my books. Rant over. Peace out.