Godwin Iheanacho's Blog, page 3

My Nigeria Dream

‘ Nigeria is where God in HIS infinite wisdom chose to plant me. Therefore, I do not consider that I have any right to seek out a more comfortable corner of the world which someone else’s intelligence and labour have tidied up’ – Late Chinua Achebe
I have boarded a fifteen seater Toyota hiace hummer bus from Aba, one among the commercial cities in Abia State, South East Nigeria to Lagos State, South West Nigeria after concluding a business dealing with a promising client who want to venture into the hospitality business in Akwa-Ibom State, South South Nigeria.
The fifteen seater hummer bus whose factory fitted air-condition was faulty was the subject of an intense argument between the driver and the passengers after the driver harshly instructed one of the passenger by the window side to close the window she opened. Other passengers including myself who is already hot and uncomfortable replied the driver immediately as I joined other passengers in opening the window especially, the window beside me.
Unknown to any of the passengers including the driver that this argument has already ‘nip the ball’ for an interesting, hilarious and educative interactions among the passengers because it is very rare and unusual to find passengers get this intimate most especially with ‘strangers’ going to different and unknown destinations.
No doubt, the interaction was a roller-coaster of laughter as the subject centred on politics in Nigeria – the gain, pain and the future, Nigeria Politics and the economy status of Nigeria as a nation and prominent business moguls. Top on the interaction list was politics because of the recent drama displayed in River State House of Assembly and the subject (the November 2013 Governorship election in Anambra State) on the lips of all sundry citizenry. Even though nothing new was discussed, it is an unusual springboard for me to learn, unlearn and re-learn since an individual begins to die once such individual stops learning. The lively interaction made the expected discomfort from the twelve hour journey via road in an un-functioning air-conditioned fifteen seater Toyota hiace hummer bus disappear.
I made contributions only and when necessary. My contributions were within my interest (business, literature, music & comedy) areas. I remember the passenger immediately in front taking me up on the lyrical context of present and fast rising young Nigerian Artist of which my response was ‘today’s music video teaches immorality as the choice remain that of the individual to make’ where as the passenger on the same seat row with me at my immediate left took me on Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSMEs) and financing. As for my response, expect a write up soonest.
As I looked closely into the eyes of fellow passengers while reading between the lips of ‘few selected’ passenger who spoke without fear orfavour, I felt a deep sense of hope, a feeling of not just a new Nigeria but a feeling of genuine PATROTISM. A feeling that re-echoed Martin Luther King Jr’s famous, popular and outstanding speech – I have a dream.
Like Martin Luther King Jr., I say to Nigeria as a nation, all Nigerians and the international communities that today, even though Nigeria face various difficulties and vices of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in its National cultural heritage, Anthem and Pledge.
I have a dream that one day Nigeria and Nigerians will rise up and live out the true meaning of its philosophy…
I have a dream that one day all the various ethnic groups and religious institutions in Nigeria will seat together at the table of unpretentious brotherhood
I have a dream that one day all the various militant groups will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that one day, all the ethnic groups in Nigeria during any election or appointment will not elect or appoint any candidate base on the ethnic group such candidate is representing but by the content of the candidate character. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day all leaders (military or civilian, leaving or dead) will voluntary return all stolen funds as well as deposited funds in foreign banks for the growth and development of the economy of Nigeria.
I have a dream that one day, Nigeria and Nigerians will wake up to witness uninterrupted electricity for business growth and industry survival.
I have a dream that one day truth, impartiality, forgiveness and love would walk on ‘two legs’ in all government and private entities and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
I have a dream that one day all international embassies and communities will respect the GREEN PASSPORT as well as accord same treatments obtainable by the South Africans, Japanese, Americans, British, Ghanaians, Portuguese, Egyptians, German, Canadians, Australians and other citizens of the world to the holders of the GREEN PASSPORT.
I have a dream that one day all Nigerians living and residing in the diaspora will come and invest in the human resources in Nigeria for economy growth, development and empowerment.
These are among my Nigeria Dream. This is the gospel I bring before Nigeria, Nigerians and the international communities. With this faith, Nigeria and Nigerians will be able to eliminate if possible (because there is always a Judas in every twelve) the mountains of anguish before it as a Nation. With this faith Nigerians, rich or poor, privileged or not will be able to transform the inter-tribal conflicts into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith (Heavenly Father) Nigeria will be able to work together, to pray together, continue a positive struggle together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause, Guide our leaders right. Help our youths the truth to know. In love and honesty to grow, and living just and true. Great lofty heights attain, to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Happy Centenary Celebration Nigeria
NB: please, visit http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Prod... to order your own copy of the book – Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i

Immoralities & the Family Unit

Immoralities among other high contagious vices now parade themselves in the family unit. The family unit in this context comprises of the Father, Mother and Child(ren). This is only obtainable in civilized and modernized society. However, from a Nigeria perspective and in some African countries, the opposite is obtainable. I am as guilty as charged but not and never a bad idea as my worry is that the Nigeria / African family unit which extend to immediate and distant relations has been abused.
Before this age, the family use to be the learning foundation for moral upbringing of a person from cradle to adulthood. But today, the story is changing negatively as many family units have lost its values and dignity.
The quest of surviving and living standard in the family is giving rise to lots of voices which end results is becoming too over weight for the mouth to talk about it. The vices (fashion, celebrities musical videos / uncensored movies, ICT among others) responsible for these anomalies in the family unit in today’s society have graduated from the communities to the nation and now it’s a global subject been discussed in international institutions including government agencies.
To begin with, I am not an antagonist of creative and unique stylistic fashion styles. I have a clientele (comfortsworldx@gmail.com) that contracted my company (Houseofklass) to re-brand her business. Our company – Houseofklass had fun during the re-branding task. As a statement of fact the showbiz world is all about stylistic fashion. I also admire and love outstanding designs with made with African fabrics. However, the on-going fashion trend among teens, teenagers, youths, young adults and disrespectfully some parent is a thorn on the flesh.
Please, can I get any better understanding or explanation(s) while the feminine folks dress partially naked and very seductively like ‘the red light ladies’ in broad day light as the guys walk around with their pants or short below their waist exposing dirty and stinky inner wears. The feminine folks dress sense according to the opposite sex opinion poll ignite the notion of either sex or forceful rape. No wonder the world greatest and living boxing legend – Mohammed Ali originally called Cassius Clay once said to her daughter ‘everything on you identifying your gender should be guided and protected very jealously as the creator have beautifully made them all and should not be exposed to everybody except to the man you want to spend the rest of life with’ what a father indeed?
I want to ask – How many Father (Mother inclusive) in today’s society is bold enough to tell their child(ren) to dress very decent and modest? The days of father and son, mother and daughter discussion is long gone. Parent finds it a very challenging and difficult task to talk with their child(ren) about their intimate relationships. Irrelevant issues take front seat in the minds of the parent and child(ren).
In her ever bestselling contemporary album – Asha, of which the track – fire on the mountain was one among other hit tracks in the album, Asa asked ‘…who’s responsible for what we teach your children, is it the internet or stars on television…’ I will not be wrong saying that science has done more harm than good as the revolution brought about by the internet have truly revolutionized negatively its usefulness to teens, teenagers, youths and young adults in Nigeria. Yesterday, it was pornography. Today it is sports betting and advanced fee fraud popularly known as 419 of which the international communities are even guiltier than their African counterpart. Tomorrow is nothing but either a guess or mystery.
Parent has literary derailed from their primary responsibility of teaching, correcting and guiding their child(ren) on what is right and what is wrong.
How about MONEY? I like money. I want money. Even the Holy Writ in Ecclesiastes 10 vs. 19 said ‘a feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things’ I am strategizing day in day out on simple, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely activities and tools to be earning LEGITIMATEmoney non-stop. It is no longer news that Parents because of money now encourage their daughters to engage in the business of commercial sex in other to survive or maintain a particular standard of living. Why I am not and would never be in support of females indulging in commercial sex? The answer is simple – I did not create such female. Such female own me no explanation on how she wants to live her life. In my personal interaction with a reasonable percentage of female commercial sex workers, they got involve because of pressure either from home, environment or wanting to keep up with the joneses. Although, in some other parts of the world, female commercial sex is legalized but not questionable, in Africa female commercial sex workers are done secretly whereas for some African countries and Nigeria the opposite scenario is obtainable.
I am also aware that some Africans have enriched themselves and abuse various financial privileges all in the name of establishing visionless and missionless Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Also, I am of the opinion that there are legitimate institutions that are in need of these funds for the development of the girl child. I would not want to mention names let it no seem that I have personal interest in such organisation(s).
Often times, I feel deeply sad at UNICEF, UN, World Bank, Save the Children and other international organisation(s) or agencies as regard their decision and regulation policies that negatively deprived African Countries especially Nigeria from accessing funds for developing the under privilege.
At this point I hope that I have registered my points clear and not confuse anyone.
Thank you.
Shalom!
NB: please, visit this link http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Prod... to order your own copy of the book Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i

I AM NOT A FAILURE

Worried. Disappointed. Unhappy. This is exactly how I felt after receiving negative feedbacks from both physical (Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Str. V/Island / Market – Square Trading & Marketing Company, NTA TV Enterprise Complex, Television House, Ahmadu Bello Way, V/Island / Patabah Book Store, Shop B18 Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere / All Bible Wonderland Outlets @ Ketu, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, Akowonjo & Ojuelegba & Silverbird Media Store, Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Central Business District, Abuja) and online bookstores where my book – Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i self-published with AuthorHouse eleven months ago (as at when I wrote this article and fortunately, it’s exactly a year this October) is yet to record a single sale. Does it surprise you ‘cos it surprises me taking into consideration the ‘likes’ receive from the Facebook advert and views from YouTube pictorial advert. It really surprises me.
Immediate and extended family members are not helping either as I have been grouped among persons who fail to succeed in life and should try something else because I am not getting younger any longer because I need to be responsible for certain bills I incurred. It will also interest you to know that I have been nicked named – the father of failures.
Thoughts after thoughts clouded my memory. Thinking of what I may have not done right, what should be done and the next line of action, I remembered  Abraham Lincoln’s seven attempted failures in his race as the next US President, Henry Ford’s twice bankruptcies and his understanding of failure as an opportunity to begin again more intelligently before his famous success. Pondering on Lincoln, Ford, Jobs, Winfrey and Trumps failures, quickly, I recalled (like Samuel Johnson … I will not stop to persevere) their individual perseverance and growing in their ‘passion’ despite their failures paved way for their successes.
Talking about perseverance in failure, J. K. Rowling, the single Mother who became richer than the Queen of England with her famous Children wizardry book – Harry porter is a clear indication that any individual who is determined in succeeding, refusing to remain on the corridor of failure can’t be stopped. Like Rowling who received about thirty-five or thereabout rejections from traditional publishers turned publishers’ rejections into stepping stones in becoming a best-selling author for about a decade. Her (Rowling) story (zero to hero, rags to riches) which is used today by self-publishing houses in the US, UK and Europe spur me to admire and respect greatly the profession—WRITING I found myself. I have not stopped writing. My day will be incomplete once I did not write something or anything whether meaningful or senseless. In fact, Silver Lining season 2 which I dedicated to my critics will be published either in the last quarter of 2013 or the first quarter of 2014. Once it turns out to be 2014, Silver Lining season 2 is going to be my Valentine gift to all. It is a promise.
Furthermore, I have cultivated the habit of always looking myself in the mirror and affirming positive words, comments to start the day as I conclude my affirmation that – Godwin is not a failure.
Finally, I crave all who have not or yet to get their own copy of Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i to visit http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000602511/Silver-Lining.aspx or the following book stores (Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Str. V/Island / Market – Square Trading & Marketing Company, NTA TV Enterprise Complex, Television House, Ahmadu Bello Way, V/Island / Patabah Book Store, Shop B18 Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere / All Bible Wonderland Outlets @ Ketu, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, Akowonjo & Ojuelegba & Silverbird Media Store, Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Central Business District, Abuja) in Nigeria.
Until then, you’re not a failure except …
Shalom!

Advertising: the good, the bad, the ugly.

My love for advertising started back from high school. As at then, I only know advertising to be a paid advertisement from an identified person to the general public. Then the Cadbury Bournvita, Nestle Milo, Phensic, Panadol and First Bank of Nigeria Plc advertisement are adverts that are appealing to me. As a matter of fact, I knew the words used in these advertorials till date. In fact, I just love it.
My love for advertising grew even stronger when I was asked during my research project work to write on advertising. Although, course mates laughed at me, for me, it’s a challenge in the right direction and I have to let my research project supervisor and all concerns especially the ‘nosey parkas’ know that the ‘advertising boy’ from high school is growing rapidly in the knowledge and understanding of the subject – Advertising.
After, the completion of my research project work, I was graded with a B+ not a bad grade for a Corporate Managerial Administration students who did not attend the advertising classes in a semester for refusing to be intimidated by the course lecturer simply because I refuse to comply in giving him a ‘tip’ for additional score but an impressive score according to my research project supervisor, head of department, dean of studies and dean of student affairs. Both the dean of studies and the head of department openly said to me that I should pursue a career in Advertising. Unknown to them, my research project supervisor has secretly said the same thing (Godwin, it is not a bad idea once you pursue a career in advertising) to me.
Many years after, their utterances have come true. I am now in the industry (Advertising and the Media) I love. I like advertising. I love advertising. Advertising to me is more fun like never before. A so-to-be ‘big fish’ in the business of advertising, I am humbled and privileged to have worked with some of the recognized voice over artistes and brands in advertising. In all honesty, I have been satisfactorily satisfied OK in my core areas (voicing, script writing, radio drama productions and jingle productions) of strengths.
However, there is only ONE thing in my personal observation that is extremely wrong in the advertising industry. All parties (Advertising Agencies, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, Outdoor Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, Advertisers Association of Nigeria, Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria including the regulatory body – Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON) concern, directly or indirectly are guilty as charge and I stand to be corrected in my personal opinion.
I was reading the interview of Mrs. Bunmi Oke, the President of AAAN in the Daily Sun of Wednesday October 9, 2013 on page 58-59 recently but couldn’t hold back feelings of rejection and marginalization to the association (Association of Voice Over Artiste of Nigeria – AVOA) I belong.
In her interview, she (Mrs. Bunmi OKe) mentioned all other associations or groups representing other advertising practitioners’ interest without mentioning AVOA whose members voices are behind numerous brands that have won numerous awards and accolades.
I began this write-up by mentioning advertorials I passionately love. These brands to me are irrelevant but become relevant because of the voices behind there radio advertisement. The female (Mrs. Daphne Atere Roberts) voice behind Cadbury Bournvita then whom I was privileged to work with as well as get voicing tutorials / tips from made me love the brand – Bournvita. How about First Bank of Nigeria Plc centenary television commercial in pidgin language? I don’t like banking with First Bank but with the 1994 television commercial, my perception towards First Bank of Nigeria Plc changed completely. Why did it change? The voice over artiste did the magic, simple.
It is sad that the voice over artistes is not recognized. Since the voice artistes are not recognized, the association under which the voice artistes’ com together is as good as not existing.
In Oke’s interview, she talked of the government recognizing the advertising profession. What an excellent achievement especially as the crème de la crème in the business of advertising excluding the voice over artistes has gathered to honored an exceptional personality (Mr. Abiodun Shobanjo) as the Advertising Man of 2013.
Sooner, the 2015 political campaign will commence and politicians would begin to do jingle among others. The services of voice artistes would be in high demand despite the shameful treatment voice artistes receive from Advertising Agencies and the peanut they collect as fees that is if the agencies pay immediately because agencies payment last as long as eternity and in most cases, physical punches and verbal abusive words must have been exchange between the voice artiste(s) and the representative of any of the Advertising Agencies.
With all due respect, I laugh while reading Oke’s interview when she mentioned ‘intellectual property’. When it come to voice artistes, intellectual property is not important. In Nigeria, voice artistes are treated as second class citizenry by these agencies where as foreign voice artistes especially voice artistes from South Africa are given preferential treatment in all ramifications. What an insult?
Explaining the advert debt owed media houses by ad agencies, she said they have all dialogue and it’s a win-win situation for everybody. I am interested in knowing if these ‘they’ & ‘everybody’ include the voice artistes? From the regulatory body – APCON to all the association of advertising practitioners in Nigeria, they all know that the advertising chain or channel is not and will never be complete without the VOICE OVER ARTISTES.
Once again, I like Advertising. I love Advertising. I would do anything and everything possible to protect and uphold uprightly with dignity and integrity any day, any time the profession – Advertising.
To be continued…
                                                                                      

HOMOSEXUAL & THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Judge not, so that ‘YOU’ will not be judged – Bible
Sensitive issues – POLITICS, RELIGION, MONEY & SEX requires extreme caution so as not to kick start any unrest either in the family, community, nation or the world. Although, am not a perfect custodian of information of sexuality and Christianity, respectfully, I crave your indulgence to find a space in your heart to pardon me if my write-up will offend any in anyway.
The subject of homosexuality did not start today, yesterday, the day before or after yesterday, this century or century before. So also it is with Christianity. Both subjects (homosexuality & Christianity) have always remained top priority in the agenda in most legislative and Christian gathering especially among the Roman Catholic Faithful’s. Talking about the Roman Catholic Church, many groups and associations have always faulted the Roman Catholic Church decisive decisions on ABORTION, CONTRACEPTIVES, LESBIAN and GAY. They cannot come into agreement with the Church and will never. As a matter of fact these groups and associations only which that the Church most especially the Roman Catholic Church is extinct just like dinosaur. But folks sorry to offend you, it can’t happen. The Roman Catholic Church long existed before human’s self-fish desires of abortion, contraceptives, lesbianism and gay came into being.
One interesting and disastrous thing about man (women inclusive) which is regarded as the highest political mammal is the will-power of making own choices and decisions. Whatever decisions or choices any human being makes is up to that human being.
Personally, I am not and would never be in support of abortion. I can’t and will never condemn any individual who willingly opted for abortion. However, if we as God’s image and higher mammals can be sincere to ourselves we all will come to agree with the African proverb that says – ‘there is no smoke without fire’. In other words, no female got herself pregnant. Something happen before she became pregnant. Even though sex is a subject that ‘coward’ Christians don’t like to talk about, sex is the only recognised activity which end result is pregnancy once the female involved in the sexual activity is in her ovulation period. Although, science is proving that females can become pregnant without having sex, it is an invention that Africans will never come to accept.
I want to believe that sex is not for under-aged. With the rapid changes happening in today’s society, sex is now an everyday thing cutting across borders. It is one of the shortest pleasurable activity which consequences is for some regrettable and for some … The Christian Community did not stop sexual activity. They can’t stop it. The Christendom is only checkmating the sex gender. No wonder they (Christian Community) will always say sex out of marriage is a sin.
Since, the genders (male & female) are having the biggest challenge of holding on to sexual activity until after wedding, something just have to be done very fast and quick. The introduction of contraceptives was welcome by almost everyone including ‘coward’ Christians. Am I in support of contraceptives? I want to believe that contraceptives have both advantages and disadvantages. So it will be fun examining both (advantages & disadvantages) together. The results will then say if contraceptives are satisfied ok or …
If you have been very intimate with persons using contraceptives especially condoms and pregnancy pills, there answers will just wow your wildest imagination. Yes, condoms is good because, it prevent pregnancy and any other sexual transmitted diseases but it makes the sexual activity for some unenjoyable. As for the pregnancy pills, sincere and experience ladies will tell you that any lady using pregnancy pills regularly risk barrenness. Constant use of pregnancy pills affects ladies womb negatively.
Now, is contraceptive worth its existence?
Let’s forget the propaganda, speculations and come face – to – face with reality. With the truth, with the statement of fact that sex makes life meaningful and living a continuity. No wonder in the book – Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i, the author deem it wise to use the poem tiled – Sex is beautiful. Respect to all persons (Catholic and Non-Catholic) who opted for vocational life. Not an easy decision I must confess. I like sex. The creator of the universe always has excellent thoughts for his creatures especially human beings in whom HE formed in HIS own Image and likeness. Nothing is more painful when you witness firsthand that what came out from you is being misused or misbehaves. Very painful and yet the creator – GOD still shows HIS care and forgiveness.
Still talking on sex, hope we are not forgetting the career persons (male or female) that are not ready and will not in any way welcome the slightest idea of either motherhood or fatherhood. What happens to these groups of people? I will want to say that sex and contraceptives are two-way traffic as the choice / decision falls in the hands of the subject(s).
Hmm! The moment we all have been waiting for is here. Gay and Lesbians. It is a subject that many would not want to talk about. But, none including the Christian Community can shy away from it. If not today, tomorrow or next, one thing that is sure is that someday it would be the subject in the Christendom (that is if it has not become an already discussed subject).
The world does not like the WORD. What is the WORD? The word is the TRUTH. What is the TRUTH? The TRUTH is the TRUTH. The Truth is LOVE. The TRUTH is FORGIVENESS. The TRUTH is JUSTICE. The TRUTH is PEACE. The truth must be told. In as much as every person is entitled to his or her own opinion and responsible for his or her own actions, choices and decision. From my stand point, the gay and lesbianism activity is simply awkward. What then happens to adultery, sex workers and she-males? I am only human just like every other gay, lesbian, she-male, adulterous, sex workers on earth. I created none and I can’t condemn any. Like 2pac Amaru Shakur, only GOD can judge.
I believe in the saving grace and power of GOD. The air I breathe, the life I live today even without any job for three years now is HIS grace. Now, I have come to the conclusion that life itself is not by grade,labour and even merit. Life is by HIS saving Grace, Favour and Mercy. Together let’s always welcome with a sincere heart these people (gay, lesbian, she-male, adulterous, sex workers) and give a helping counsel to as many that are willing to let go these activities that holds them captive. Until then, don’t stop loving your brother, sister and neighbour as LOVE conquers anything.Shalom!NB: Please, folks respectfully I ask for your votes via www.etisalatprize.com/nemesis Thank you

Shameful Disregard

Comedy in Nigeria is now a very lucrative venture. Comedians now smiles to the bank with six zero’s if not more depending on what the persons in marketing popularly known and called – PACKAGING. It is even a well-known fact that Nigerians pay huge amount (N1, 000,000) of money or more to watch these Comedians of the Federal Republic of Nigeria thrill them to rib cracking hilarious jokes making the life threatening scenario of Nigeria a temporary fantasies. However, from the comfort of my sitting room, without zero naira or cash, I have not stopped laughing. The fun as a matter of fact is a roller-coaster one. Anyone care to join me?
Alright! Enough of the joke. Did I call it a joke? Oh! Forgive me because truly it’s a joke. It is a joke because the article – National Anthem For Sale written  by James Egbuchulam on the editor’s mail bag of The Nation newspaper of Thursday September 12, 2013 is enough to crack as many ribs as possible especially the GSM operators and the National Communication Commission (NCC) as sited in the article.
A Nation who has no respect and value for cultures and human lives, what do you expect from such Nation on its national Anthem?
A Nation whom its National Assembly members can’t even recite correctly the National Anthem of the Nations the claim they are representing and making laws for them. What do you expect?
A Nation who embraces corruption as a way of living, loves to support mediocrity and gives credence to paper qualification than to individual merit, what else do you expect?
A Nation that derives pleasure in exploiting its own citizenry, what do you expect?
A Nation that has already ordered for fifty three (53) customized gold-plated iPhones costing between £3,000 and £5,000 amounting to ₦765, 000 and ₦1, 275, 000 per device in Nigeria currencies as published in The Nation newspaper of Thursday September 12, 2013 of page 10, what more do you expect?
A Nation that … the list is endless.
I want to strongly believe that the media unit of the presidency if not the president himself, the respective GSM operators and the NCC either the staff or their corporate affairs department must have read James Egbuchulam article – National Anthem For Sale. I am not ruling out the common Nigerians like myself, James – the author of this controversial and yet sensitive article, the free readers club and you. Please, do not forget the role the cyber space play in today’s information and communication technology society. We, I mean Nigeria and Nigerians have clearly told the international communities that our National Anthem now have a price tag.
Mr. James Egbuchulam, kudos to your well researched efforts on Nation’s National Anthem. Humbly, I want to use this medium to remind you and interested Nigerians to the age long proverb that ‘a fresh wine in an old wine jar has already lost its taste’ because the Nigerian Communication Commission is only a ‘figure head’. Also I want you to know that the GSM operators would not, cannot and shall not return ‘no money’ to no treasury.
What has Nigeria and Nigerians done for the estates of the National Anthem composer late Benedict Elide Odiase who died in the second half of 2013.
I want to authoritatively say that the GSM operators are profit oriented entities that owes its staff and agencies the duties of either their pay or wages at the end of every month, the numerous communities where there network base stations are operated from and regularly (that is if they do) pay tax to both the State and Federal Government would through their Corporate Affairs Department either send a statement or hold a press conference to feed Nigerians ‘fabricated lies’ on the use of Nigeria’s National Anthem as a caller tune.
Fellow Nigerians, believe it or not, Nigeria still remain the very best in Africa except for its disastrous government and …
Thank you

How my profession – WRITING saved my life?

Some years ago, Mr. Larry Izamoje, the Chairman / CEO of Nigeria’s sports radio – Brila FM said on-air that his profession – Sport Presenting saved his life. A statement that was irrelevant and meant nothing to me then but today a statement of fact that I would not toiled with.
It was the last Friday of the month and as my usual routine, I visited my fiancée who reside in a distant geographical region of Lagos State with few kilometers to one of the South Western States. Once I visit on Friday’s I stay over for the weekend. But this time around, I decided to return back home.
From her part of town to my own part of town takes an hour and half and approximately two hours. But this journey turns out to be a memorable journey, the journey to remember. A journey in the typical African / Nigerian settings that warrants me standing on the podium and having the church congregations shouting Halleluyah! a journey that determines if I would ever see my fiancée again.
Immediately after the toll gate, the public transport that I have boarded drove to an unusual check point. Very unusual. The bus driver refusing to stop at first listened to the passengers who persuaded him to stop for checking before the ‘fake’ security personnel who were all dressed in security uniforms and holding guns. The driver stopped but an argument arouse when one of the passenger from behind said the driver should part away with few currency notes so as not to cause any hitch on the journey. The driver refused and one of the security men asked the entire driver to clear off the road while all the passengers were instructed to highlight immediately.
But come to think of it, why would there be a stop and search patrol security personnel few distance from the toll gate. Only citizenry can stop lawless in the Nation.
Respectfully, all the fourteen passengers highlighted including the ranting driver after receiving few hot slaps from one of the ‘fake’ security personnel. As at this time, it was few minutes before midnight. Blaming myself, my action and who else would not in any way solve the present challenge before me. The searching had barely started when my mobile phone rings out. Still motionless and pondering on what my punishment would be, the security personnel before approaching to where I was I have stretched out my hand with my mobile phone as a clear sign of total surrender.
Good servant was his response. While he was speaking, my mobile phone in his possession rang again. Looking at the screen, You are married was his response. Hmm! Congratulations and Identify yourself.
Simply because I was tensed up, I don’t have any form of identification was my response.
What then is in your bag? The security personnel asked me.
I said no word(s) but stretched forward my hand to surrender my bag. Raising his voice at me and out of panic, the content of the bag fell to the ground.
He smiled and began to laugh. Books! You must be a journalist.
No sir, I responded quickly.
Book Seller?
No sir
Then what?
This is my book. I am the author of the book. I …
Shut up young man
Giving him one as requested, he called out very slowly the title – Silver Lining
Yes Sir
Godwin, quickly and clearly, I completed the name –3ple-i
Godwin 3ple-i
Yes Sir.
Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i. Standing right in front of me and in a very close position, he looked me in the eyes and said – Are you sure you are the author of the book.
My yes, holds no weight. It is as thin as the air not even the boom or studio microphone can pick it sound.
Still in the same position, he looked at the book, looked at me, looked at the book again then turned the back. In the process of turning the back, the author’s page containing my photograph and short bio caught his attention.
As at this time, all thirteen passengers including the driver have been moved into their own bus. The security personnel with me attention was called as one of them asked me to hurry and enter the bus. He stopped me. He thanked me for the copy of my book in his possession saying your book is your savior. Hopping into the bus, they zoomed off.

Where is the Messenger Pt 1 contd.

NB: I wish to inform readers that this poem is an excerpt from the book - Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i. This is used with permission from the original author. Thank you. Enjoy!
I have walked through many wars,
Carried the infant from the mother in a pool of red.
I have walked through desolate plains with that infant,
Seeking to give it a home.
That home I am yet to find.

My eyes have dried up of tears.
The iron clamps of not feeling closing in on my heart.
Internally mourning,
My colours have become gray.
As heavy as this sadness.

You will see me silhouetted against the fading orange skies at twilight,
My clothes flowing before me.
This is what I have come to be,
A shadow.

Where is the Messenger Pt. 1

NB: I wish to inform readers that this poem is an excerpt from the book - Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i. This is used with permission from the original author. Thank you. Enjoy!

Raven by Val KA deep scar runs halfway across my chest,And halfway across my face, from brow to lip.Unpretty to look at, children cringeWhen they see me.I am the stuff of their nightmares,And for that I go concealed,So that none may see me and fear.
I walk alone, sharing company with the winds,At peace with the elements.I am content, but I’m sad.The sadness, it seeps through my hooded eyes.It is a sadness from within.For my physical scars are nothing compared to my scalded insides.
I am disillusioned by what I see.Why can’t people understand?That their fellow human is a being just like them,And not a thing?

My New Month Gift

Hello Friends,

This is my New Month Gift to All
·             to your enemies – Forgiveness ·         to your opponent – Tolerance ·         to your friend – Sincerity ·         to your employer – Faithfulness ·         to your clientele – Honesty ·         to your subordinate – Encouragement ·         to your wife – Your Heart ·         to your husband – Good Behaviour ·         to your parents – Humility ·         to your children – Good Example ·         to your country – Patriotism ·         to yourself – Respect ·         to all individual – Charity ·         to GOD your creator – Devotion