I RISE

RICE OR A BETTER NIGERIA
Babatunde Abolade

Perhaps, this is the time Nigerians demanded a better Nigeria from the rulers of the country.

Currently, the political leaders of Nigeria are strategizing and planning the next electioneering process that would shape the next 4 years of the average Nigerian life.

Suddenly, they had become accessible, available and ready to listen to the yearnings and cravings of the people of Nigeria. This is one of the rare opportunities to flip the game and demand a better Nigeria.

But, we had seen this script before. We had been here before. In the script we'd seen, religious leaders, rather than stand for the demands of the people for a good government, stand for their pockets and personal needs. Traditional leaders, rather than demand the needs of the community, demand personal gains and advancements.

What about the people that should stand tall and demand a better use of the commonwealth? Rather than sacrifice today for a better collective tomorrow, we are fighting ourselves for cups of rice and condiments to make a meal.

Rather than we standing by ourselves and demanding a better nation from those that are or would be saddled with the responsibility of administering our collective lots in another 4years or beyond, we are being divided along party lines, while fighting for crumbs.

A better Nigeria, where every Nigerian is equal and entitled to everything Nigeria can offer, based on qualifications and merit is on the plate. Why choose rice rather than that?

When Nigeria works, our lives work and get better. Our destiny is in our hands, let's maximise the moment and occurences to change the trajectory of our future.

We, as a collective, would have no one but ourselves to blame if, in the foreseeable future, we do not have the Nigeria of our dreams; a Nigeria that works for all.

God had blessed Nigeria, may God bless Nigerians with the strength and courage to stand for ourselves, not against ourselves.

GETTING STARTED
Babatunde Abolade

Being wealthy is good, but not knowing where the money goes is frustrating. Mismanaging money is equivalent to not having it. You have to manage your resources to have the resources.

This month, we shall delve in-depth into managing your resources. You cannot be losing your resources and expect that you would live a fulfilled life. You must have a handle on your resources.

The direction of your life is shown by the direction of your resources. What is the direction of your life when your resource is haphazard; disappearing unannounced?

Your life cannot be lived by chance. You must live a deliberate life. Stay with us this month as we examine managing your resources. Good morning.

NOT ENOUGH
Babatunde Abolade

The new year cannot be done as previous ones with an expectation of different results. Mathematicians and statisticians know that the result is same when the formula is unchanged but for when the factors change. The formula is sacrosanct!

You can not live by excuses. Quit excusing your excesses. Excuses are the explanations for your failings; not genuine anyway. You might think I do not know the excuses but I am sure of one; not having enough to start living your dreams.

For your dreams, you do not need to have it all before you start. Just start; with what you have. Your dreams will make you. You are a channel of impact to your world. You will be wet as you deliver. Just do it!

Did I hear you moan 'I have too little to start?' Hmmmmmm! Listen up, what you call too little is anothers' desire. What the other will do with your 'too little' will amaze you. Stop class or status thinking; class is imaginary! Do not allow your qualifications disqualify you from achieving your dreams. Start now!

You are busy staying classy with dry pockets while some are getting their hands dirty and having fat accounts. Stay there! Be acting up! Keep forming! Before you know it, the years are gone and life is laid bare before you with nothing to show for your time. May that not be your story.

What you have is enough to give you a start. Somehow, somewhere along the journey, resources needed will catch up. Keep the dreams big, but start small. Everything big on the outside started bigger on the inside but small on the outside.

Follow the pattern of success. Your style might be different though; the result is the same.

#2019

LEGACY FOR POSTERITY
Babatunde Abolade

Growing up, we learnt that education is the best legacy. Unfortunately, instead of questioning what form of education is the best legacy, we rushed to pursue formal education.

It wasn't until we were almost done with tertiary institution that it dawned on us that education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom; to exposure and enlightenment. We had to work on our skills and talents as these makes room in life.

No one is remembered for the grades it makes in a classroom. No one is remembered for mere academic prowess. In fact, when the educational qualifications earn you a job, you still undergoes on the job training. Does that not speak volume?

Go to school; and be the best. Formal education builds your network with people of similar dreams. Formal education avails you the opportunity of meeting people, knowing them over time, and selecting those with almost the same destination as yours. That's why it's structured in departments.

But discovering yourself and living your dreams is the best legacy you can offer posterity. By so doing, you write your name in the sand of time and you make tremendous impact in your world. Your lived dreams will make you.

How committed are you to living your dreams? Are you failing forward; achieving your dreams or you are laid back? Live you dreams whatever it coats. Sometimes you win and celebrate while other times you fail and learn. The more the failings, the more assured the success.

You owe posterity your realised dreams. Pay your dues. Good morning

#2019

STAY LIGHT
Babatunde Abolade

Many a times, we are preoccupied with avoidable worries, cares and anxieties that keep us burdened. The accumulated burden becomes weight that we carry about; denying us the ability to latch onto the essentials to living.

Though we have the capacity for new horizons, our ability has been diminished by the weight we carry about. Quite unfortunate! But there is a remedy. We can change the narrative and achieve extraordinary results.

The remedy is to stay light through life. Never be burdened about anything; do your part and believe for the best possible outcome. Worries won't change a thing; rather, you would be hurt. Quit worrying; stay light.

Become a sieve; taking what is necessary for your living at every point in time, and not a funnel; slowly absorbing everything that comes your way. You must know what is needed per time and go for same.

To lead a great life, you must learn a great deal! Don't be tight fi**ed to old knowledge; learn something new. Lean on others. Receive help. Allow others teach you.

Only fools appears to know it all; no one truly does. Stay open to correction and much necessarily instructions. Your life depends on it! The lighter you are this year, the farther you will achieve all you set out to. Stay light; stay afloat. Good morning.