http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/360305
The passion, hunger and thirst to find new talents and explore new ways of developing and empowering local talents had burned in me for years now, that it seemed I was going to explode any minute from now.

For the past one year, I had neglected calls to come and help inspire young talents in different localities. I had kept myself seclude or caged to my internet connected PC, being so busy online, developing and testing Online Talent Management solutions, gathering resources/tools and making connections that would enable me to easily manage the procedures, people, resources and outcome of the Multi-dimensional project / organization which I had earlier initiated.

About a year ago when I received a call from this set of youths, they told me that they were 45 active in number, vibrant and reaching for the skies, that they needed more training in drama/comedy and possible connections with the outside world. I told them that I would come and see for myself what their situation is like and also invite several talented youths to come and help boost their skills.

Some weeks before now I called their team leader to find out how they had been faring on. The voice or tone of his response indicated that all was not well. It seemed that all their hopes had been shattered. They had experienced tremendous difficulties from within and without and for him it was as if all his sheep had scattered away. Even their usual venue for meetings was no more available. He said he could still lay his hands on a few of them (about 15), but wasn’t too sure if they’ll be willing to continue after all that happened and even finding a convenient place for them to meet was the greatest problem now.

Deep within myself, I began to feel so guilty, saying to myself that if I had come earlier (last year when they called) all these would not have happened. I felt so bad as I listened to him on phone but had to console myself realizing that my staying away was for the ultimate good of these youths. I asked him to visit the few youths he could still find, ask them to come for an open evening discussion and let me know when and where they’ll gather.

I received a text message on my to way work yesterday morning ( Saturday) informing me that they were meeting that evening by 4pm at Mile 12, Ketu. And what a dilemma I found myself in! Saturdays are usually a very busy day at the office where I work (……......– a Nigerian based International Freight forwarding, Relocations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management company) A day for all staff to tidy up reports and materials for use on the next Monday/week ahead.

As the Systems/Network Administrator, I had no closing time nor could I leave the office until all the other staff/MD had vacated their Computers. Oh No! How can I continue with this kind of job that leaves me with no time for myself and my fellow youths? “Nigerian Employers! You have taken advantage of the UnemploymentWall-Street-Layoffs (Job Scarcity) situation in our country and make us endure untold hardships just to be able to keep body and soul together. You reduce the number of employed staff and still do not compensate adequately for the time and energy expended. Your chain of oppression on us will soon be broken.”

On my way to the office, I began to think of an alternative arrangement, I was about to call the TALENTS WORLD project committee chair to come to my rescue by helping me to go and talk to / inspire these youths, but realizing the inconvenience I would create for her by this impromptu request compounded with delicacy of the situation at hand, I decided to take the bull by the horns myself and just inform my crew of what I was about to do. They’ll definitely fall in handy in the follow up / planning/ implementation and evaluation stages.

The idea of meeting and communicating online with these youths who would be gathering today also sprang into my mind, but this was not a situation for technology. The situation at hand required a one to one personal contact with this group, unique in its attributes, formation, background, style, environment and youths involved. It required a personal chat, talk or sermon which they have never heard before. One that would make them see hope in their hopeless situation.

As I worked in the office that morning, my mind was not at rest as I had already made a promise and had to live up to it. I quietly made a call on my cell phone to arrange for a digital camera from a friend living close by and began to think of the excuse I would give for leaving the office before the last person. At break time, I quietly rushed to a close by Cyber Café to print out from the web, the documents I needed to make the discussion worthwhile. As I was still thinking of what exactly to say, ready to dam the consequences that would unfold, the staff in charge of the generator set came to notify me to send a message to all users, Informing them to hurry up with their activities as the diesel content was low and he’ll soon be putting off the power generator , The diesel suppliers will not becoming till the next day. And we weren’t sure when Electricity would be back

Though some were complaining that they still had a lot to do in preparation for Monday, I was smiling within me since at last I had gotten and opportunity to spend time with my fellow youths today without receiving a query from my boss on Monday morning.

The road was very free and the journey seemed so short, not until I got to Oshodi bus-stop about to board the next bus to Mile 12, Ketu. It was five minutes to four and I called the team leader on phone to tell him I was on my way and was already at Oshodi Busstop. I thought I would be there in the next 10-15 minutes but to my dismay, I was still on the road at 4:30pm. The traffic jam was very hectic, such that the driver of the bus I boarded had to drop all the passengers, refunded their money and took another route back to Oshodi. Rather than boarding another bus, I immediately hired a commercial bike to drive me quickly to Mile 12 through the terrible traffic jam. Despite all the fears, risks and worry that pervaded my mind as the Motor cycle driver sped off I was glad I made it to the venue in the next 18 minutes after calling at intervals to let them know where I was.

As I got closer to the venue, I began to feel so nervous and uneasy. For more than one year now, I had not involved myself in an offline meeting with youths, save for the few ones I attended with youths at the church parish where I wors=hipped on Sundays. My meeting with youths have mostly been online and so I thought my group handling, management, group psychology, team building skills would have detoriated greatly. Far from my expectations, my skills had greatly improved as I was now practicing what I had been reading in the books/resources I had been gathering.

I was now practically learning how to fit into and cope with this unique set of individuals who looked so small and fragile and at the same time they were learning from me what they needed to revive their group, to empower themselves and make a difference in their communities. The atmosphere was free but disciplined. Leadership was shared. As one person pulled the attention of the group to a related subject matter or to the snapping of photos which was meant to keep a memory of this day alive in their minds always, I waited for them to regain consciousness and when I am about to call them to order, another youth has already done so, telling all to wait, let’s hear from Samuel. We laughed, joked and played. They freely shared their group problems and experiences with me and I shared mine with them. Encouraging them not to relent, for nothing good comes easy. In the first few minutes of my arrival, my quiet and shy personality dominated me and I was more like a stranger to them but I quickly allowed the mission for which I came, my experience with youth and the enthusiasm of the group I was now meeting to take complete possession of me. For a moment, I forgot about who I was or what I had, and descended so low to their level and in no distant time, we were chatting and discussing and playing. Having earned their confidence, I began to gradually take them up with me to where I wanted them to be. Through the paths I had been through I began Sharing my experiences with them on the numerous problems I encountered on the way and how I was able to overcome these problems, they began to see their own situation in a better light and the power they had within themselves to change their situation.

I made them realize that the only obstacle that truly exists is YOU. It is you alone who can limit yourself.

And from one to the other, like a chain of connected networks and opportunities I began to tell them briefly, the story of TALENTS WORLD, of TIG, GYAN, LEAP AFRICA, PEACE CHILD INTERNATIONAL and many other youth organizations. Of how youths like them are making an impact in their communities locally and globally and the numerous resources / opportunities that are available to them online. I made them realize the essence of having a profile, webpage or blog, photo/media gallery on the World Wide Web and how they can get these done as cheap as possible. I told them that my subsequent meetings with them will not be story telling, but to show them practically online how they can express their talents using the latest web technologies. I stayed back that evening at the team leader’s apartment since I detested night journeys back home due to the risks involved especially on these Lagos roads. I had the opportunity of meeting his parents and lovely family. I also seized the opportunity to teach him via his PC how to retouch and upload the photos we snapped at the meeting that just ended. He also learned from me the basics of designing a webpage.

During our discussion at the meeting, that had now ended, they told me that they wanted to be part of Talents World , to showcase their talents and build their network whilst still remaining in their local group. They wanted to be part of TIG and make new connections beyond the borders. Right there in my presence I saw one of the youths writing a list of names and when I asked why, he said he was going to meet them after the meeting to tell them that something pretty new was happening here. The team leader also disclosed to me later that while I was talking, one of the youths whispered into his ears that he has just remembered someone whom he would request from and was sure a getting a comfortable venue for their next meeting. I just wondered why they didn’t disclose all these to him during the long period through which their problem had lingered. I then recalled that the value of a good group discussion should help the group trust each other open up to themselves.

I asked them if they had heard about the word MDG. And there came a big “No”. I asked them if them if they knew the full word of the acronym UN, or what it meant. Only one of them could respond as the rest kept gazing at me. I lamented greatly within me. What is Nigeria really doing about the MDGs? How far are we from achieving the MDGs when our youths who are supposed to be the executors and sustainers of the MDGs do not even know what it means. Recalling those days in the classroom where I once taught Mathematics to High Schools students preparing for exams, I began to use my skills as an educator to within the shortest possible time, paint a picture in their mind of what the MDG means. This picture no doubt will be elaborated more on in the Empowerment Program/Event which was to be a fruit of this meeting with them.

Gradually I brought them to the awareness of the UN Human Development Report, the theme for this year’s report (FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE: Human Solidarity in a divided world ) and the contributions youths were expected to make to this report. I made them realize the opportunities open to them and how they could use or showcase their talents by expressing in their own words the theme of this years report and how it affects them. As I showed them the pages of the messages on this Subject matter from Peace Child International, they wanted to be fully involved but expressed their fears and doubts, they wanted more information on Climate Change. They asked me how possible it would be to record and upload / submit their short drama / video.

As I talked with them, I noticed the friction that emanated, it was as if I had come with so much information and ideas to lure them away from their local group into other groups far much stronger than them. I quickly addressed this by making them realize that my mission with them was to help catalyse their growth, to become their partner on the road to success. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. This small drama group of theirs would in the shortest space and time available become a strong force to be reckoned with, that through them, the whole of Mile 12 Ketu will be set ablaze, not with fire but with the vibrant or active participation of youths. I gradually began to enumerate the things we would do together to capture the attention of youths in that locality and make them more involved. But to achieve all this they needed to equip themselves with the basic tools. This I summed up in an innovate event / program ( LOCAL TALENT EXPRESSIONS ) which they themselves would organize while TALENTS WORLD acts as facilitator.

A sample print of the program which is still being revised will be displayed in the EVENTS page soon.

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:25:00 EDT http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/360305 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/357045

TENDER TIES

Deep in sea of sorrow

I have no where to go

I wait for Mum to return

From her journey to the world beyond



I look here and look there

But no sign of here usual return

And now I must face the fact

Which I always dreaded to see



Why take her now that I need her most?

Why rid me of what I hold dear?

For I would gladly burn in penury

Than live without her tender touch



Even now I roam without a Mum

Mother Mary stands near consoling me

In the loving kingdom of Jesus, she says

Your mum sits interceding for you.



Outwardly we were so far apart but inwardly we shared a lot in common. My quiet and withdrawn nature kept me far from you, yet you tried so hard to understand my person.

You called me back whenever I went astray; you gave me a solid foundation.

On that solid foundation you laid for me, I now build. The great work of love you started on earth, I must complete. How I wish you lived to see my victories, how I wish you lived to see me overcome those failures that made you weep.

For even in the agony of sickness and pain, you toiled so hard to put food on my table.

And now the news of your departure makes me ask, “Can anything hold God’s Children captive? Even in the grave, Jesus is Lord.

I stand on faith and refuse to let go of you, but if it pleases God to take you now, I resign completely to his holy will.

I will miss you mum, yes I will. Rest now in His loving bosom from all the toils. Till we meet again someday, somewhere above the skies, till we meet again to part no more.
]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:21:00 EDT http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/357045 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/337619
- My Personal Experience
- The Knowledge acquired
- Appreciation
- Recommendation to the Event Organizers


1. My Personal Experience

It was my first day at a TIG event / chat session and all was a bit strange to me. I made it a point of duty to be there on time and to prepare for it but no matter how much preparation one does you’ll still have to face some unforeseen scenerios. I was at the chat spot about an hour before the program began, having freed up my schedule for the day, but due to the place I was at that moment, the devices I needed to be fully involved were not at my reach. Anyway thanks to my early arrival and to the TIG Chat moderator who reminded me that I could still hear what the Invited Speakers were saying with just a speaker connected to my PC. Luckily the PC that was available for me to use had external speakers on it but whoops! The motherboard sound drivers had not been installed. Without wasting time, I was about searching for / installing the drivers as was my usual hobby, but since time was a critical factor now and the program had already started I had to burst it and resign to fate. I initially felt so bad and wished I were at home or a Café where all the facilities I needed were in place. But somehow I just had to cheer myself up.

Seeing a few bright, colourful and charming faces on the video/webcam sreen of the chat page (whom I guess were the speakers) gave me some ray of hope and so I quietly sat and watched the prgramme as though I were sitting in front of a TV set. I was trying to see the names behind the nice faces: moniquesk, Mango1982 etc. until the TIG moderator initiated an introductory session. Introductions were nicely done and we moved on to the business for day. Though I could not hear a single word due to the situation I found myself in but the text that was typed into the general chat box was fully digested. When the opportunity came I threw in a question which I had earlier prepared for the speaker from Microsoft. it was quite lengthy but justice was done to it as I became fully aware of Microsoft’s style in executing her CSR


My time was not wasted at all as I actually learnt so much within that short period of chat and wished it had lasted longer. After the program ended, I stayed back at the chat room trying to get to know the other participants better and make new connections. Somehow, I found myself being so helpful to some who came in later and felt so bad that they could not make it on time for the event. They thought they had missed out completely not until I told them that I had copied out what was typed into the general chat box for refference purposes. They too were able catch a glimpse of what happened at the event as they requested me to send them a copy.

For those who missed out completely you'll find below, neatly presented, the key points of what I learnt at the Event, And for the Organizers / Speakers, if there is any ommission / correction, don't hesitate to point it out. It will be much helpful



2. THE KNOWLEDGE I ACQUIRED

Organizations must take responsibility for their impact on society. Roles must be clearly defined, the advantages/disadvantages, their long-term sustainability must be clearly understood.

We must help organizations become more socially responsible. There is need to develop leadership in young people internationally. Developing learning networks around corporate responsibility as AIESEC strives to do. Membership in AIESEC provides training for young people, gives them the opportunity to lead teams take on leadership roles. It also provides a global environment - connecting them within all countries. The role of furthering sustainability of CSR is everyone's responsibility, even the non-corporate sector. There is really no disadvantages in CSR although it can be costly in the short-term, but cost effective in the long-term.

It ensures longevity as individuals prefer working with companies who have values that reflect their own. They are willing to work for these companies even for a lesser pay. As such we must encourage companies to meet these values.

It should be the role of everybody to have an approach to CSR. There are large business opportunities for companies who implement their CSR approach well. The current trend is that society doesn't understand what CSR is. They connect it with philanthropy, or investment. That is why it is viewed negatively by companies. People who benefit from CSR should in turn be in charge of the sustainability of the CSR ideas. If there is the right understanding - then more companies will become involved, not just multinationals.

We need our society to understand what CSR really means but the big question remains, how do we educate society about csr? Involving all players and not having corporations as the main entity in charge of csr. Most Nationals think that the big successful companies should be the ones involved in CSR. Many people see companies attempting to be more equitable, generous. Eg. Working with coffee growers in different parts of the world, encourages fair practices in coffee growing. Above all, CSR starts with YOU as an individual before you extend it to the wider and outer targets. Many do not really understand the company’s CSR initiatives; they just see a company trying to do something good. There is an understanding that companies are trying to play a leadership role in various issues but the question is : are they doing enough?
.
Microsoft’s approach to CSR is quite unique. Their programs, partnership perception. Answering the question I raised about Microsoft (with its greatness), taking the lead in CSR mobilization, execution, management, training and evaluation, I was made to understand that Microsoft only plays a supportive role. Your support and partner to achieve the goal.

Its worth examining the actual business practices of companies, when examining what csr is. We as individuals have to do something about it. Companies can write a cheque - but they need to make sure that their core business practices are fair. Two contrasting ideas are now emerging; people think corporations should lead csr, vs. individuals being responsible for understanding csr. Could the misconceptions be a result of pressure?

But why are there these two very different perspectives? And how can we bring these two perspectives together? i.e - are we as individuals responsible for educating ourselves about csr practices amongst different orgs, companies - or are the companies themselves responsible? Or how can we bring together these two ideas

What creates confusion in CSR is largely terminology particularly when coming from academics. Buzz words get filtered in through media that really aren't explained, creates confusion and leaves some people going home with the notion that CSR is philanthropy - donating money. In the real sense of it, CSR is what Allyson (Speaker from Microsoft) outlined, the actual day to day business practices. Business practices needs to have the positive social impact, an internal and external approach. The best way to avoid confusion is really bringing the right practices into the mainstream.


Rather than talking about the act, or green washing: businesses try and appear as though they are sustainable and responsible, when they really are not. Let’s push that aside and see true leadership. A typical example: one of the largest financial organizations in Manitoba, a member based cooperative credit union. (Assiniboine Credit Union). Everyone has right to vote in elections and choose representatives that guide the financial organization. But this org have strict csr policies and do not invest any money in unethical businesses and their members have agreed to this policy. This org has 44 branches in a province of 1 million people. When it comes to investments or community contributions they support different grass roots initiatives, they practice what they preach every day. Leadership is like that, and when you communicate those kinds of leadership that helps to show what CSR really is.

A few Helpful links

Microsoft Partners in Learning (program about partnership perception/progress report)
: http://www.microsoft.com/education/partnersinlearning.mspx

Career forward - helps students with career preparation
- http://course.careerforward.org/default.htm

Partners in Learning resources
http://www.microsoft.com/Education/PiLUSLeadership.mspx


Inspired Practice
http://www.inspiredpractice.com/home.html


AIESEC
http://www.aiesec.org/AI



3. APPRECIATION

I am greatful to the organizers of the event (TIG). This chat session really inspired and informed me on what CSR is and my role as an individual. And in response to the clarion call which the event poses to all I'll be involving myself in my own little way to help educate society on what CSR really is. I'll be making a further research into CSR and hopefully before the next three weeks expires I'll voluntarily design a dynamic website/blog that will provide society with a right view of what CSR really is.

Through a series of articles, photo, art, and multimedia resources made available at the site, (contributed, edited and updated by Volunteers) and by showcasing the best practices made by organizations, I hope to help the society understand CSR better and invite all part players to wake up to roles / responsibilities.

Suggestions are highly welcome as to the Site Name / url address of the new intended CSR website

Writings and Contributions are also welcome

And most especially, volunteers to help Edit / Moderate all content posted on the new website.

You can post any comment / contribution you have as regards this here at this blog, to my TIG email box (TIG User ID: talentsworld ) or to my personal email box : samuel@okechukwu.com




4. Recommendations to the Event Organizers

- To add a Pre - Checklist to the Reminder Email sent to attendees (A checklist of things attendees should have / do to fully prepare them for what they will encounter at the Chat Session

- To have a live recording of audio, text / video of all that took place at the Chat session, so that those who for some reason or the other could not make it can still view, dowload and learn from it.

- Enhance the chat software as it remains still after a period of time and one has to refresh the page loosing some of the earlier comments/text typed into the box


]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:14:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/337619 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/333845
Not being able to go out and play with friends, I was forced against my will to become a prisoner caged in a lonely cell, my room. My only companion and best friend, my internet connected PC had suddenly stopped working as the downpour became so heavy that signals could no longer be reached.

In the midst of great boredom and utter frustration, I found my self snoring away. I woke up the next morning and peeped at the window only to see water and fishes everywhere. I tried to get off my bed, to take a closer look at the strange occurrence but I noticed that there was no more floor to hold my feet, the floor of my room now filled with water was gradually sinking below. What's happening? Where am I? Who will save me?

These are just a few of the questions that would clog our mind the day we wake up from sleep to discover that our pretty Mother Earth has melted away. It sounds very strange but it's true, Mother Earth is melting away. Coming to terms with fact that Earth is melting away is not really the big problem, but that man has chosen to sit and watch Mother Earth melt away.

For over 18,000 years, man has tried to understand and predict his climate. The Scientists who laboured to understand the earth discovered that Man's Climate was influenced by many factors. The discovery of the ice ages in the distant past proved that climate could change all by itself and radically. But one would wonder what really caused these changes? Was it the variations in the heat of the sun or that volcano were erupting clouds of smoke? Could it be that the lowering of the mountain ranges diverted wind patterns and ocean currents? Or that there were changes in the composition of the air itself? The scientific research and answers to Climate change was shaped by many influences, from popular misconceptions to government funding, all happening at once. Traditional history would try to squeeze the story into a linear text, one event following another like beads on a string, and it is inevitable that some parts of it will be left out.

For a subject as crucial as this, what we need is total history, one that includes all the part players - mathematicians and biologists, lab technicians and government bureaucrats, industrialists and politicians, newspaper reporters and the ordinary citizen. This article in its entirety does not provide that history, neither does it expose fully the great discoveries made by great scientists in Climate Change. Other writers no doubt will deal squarely on it. Rather than our usual expectations, this article simply tries to evoke a reflective thought on what Climate Change means to you as a person and to us as a global community.


The bell of 'Global Warming' has been ringing for long as Earth gradually warmed its way out of 'the Pleistonic Ice Age'. And what the earth will warm into in the next couple of decades or centuries should beat our minds today. A short dive into the waters of history brings us to the realization that global warming actually saved us, at least temporarily, from an Icehouse Climate. Science is clear on what controls cycles of climate change. Global warming (and cooling) cycles are primarily controlled by:

1. Cyclical variations in the sun's energy output
2. Eccentricities in Earth's orbit
3. The influence of plate tectonics on the distribution of land in continents and oceans.
4. The so-called "greenhouse effect," caused by atmospheric gases such as gaseous water vapour (not droplets), carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides, which help to trap radiant heat which might otherwise escape in space.

Heavy research has been done on the issue of Climate change by scientists with many risking their lives. Conferences and Symposia have been organized; books, magazines and many other publications have been produced alongside with documentaries and videos. And whatever name we may choose to call it, we definitely are trying to express the idea or feeling that Mother Earth will one day become inhabitable for man.

The poor man on the streets (in the hot wind regions of our world) has more to think about than to keep wondering where to get money to purchase artificial climate for himself and his family that they may not go into extinction. His Vegetation is hit hard by harsh climate and the fruits borne on the land are clearly seen. Food scarcity and illness appears causing wreck to individuals, communities and governments, making them cry out to the world for charity. And for just how long will we continue to give out charity?

Religion tells us that man was created by God to dominate the earth. Having blessed man with such great gifts as intelligence, knowledge, creativity, wisdom etc. it becomes clear that man has all it takes to dominate his climate. But what has man been doing all this while? Has he chosen to limit himself to the words of 'Reid Bryson' who once said “the climatic world is one world even though politically we are not." How long then will it take for us to understand that the battle against climate cannot be won by a select group or political class, but by a team called Man?

More so, we consume our time and energy everyday in our individual struggle for money, fame and power. We struggle endlessly to amass wealth for ourselves and our children's children forgetting that if Mother earth melts away, all your sweat will turn to vanity.
Consequently wealthy nations are not making things easier for mother earth. We spend so much time fermenting trouble, fighting and supporting wars, building all kinds of atomic weapons when we ought to be looking for a way to save our dear mother earth before she vanishes away.

Oh! I weep for a world blessed with such great human and natural resources but has chosen to divert it to pursuing personal and political gains. When will blindfold covering our eyes be lifted away that we may realize that the whole human race (together with our little friends -the animal creatures whose species we must protect) are but one big family. We need each other to survive and attain our maximum potentials.

As the world takes a closer look at the collective fight against global warming and climate change, it will never have far reaching effects if each and every one of us does not take the battle as his own or take the battle home. The most important question now is "What will I as a human do to keep Mother Earth from melting away.





References:

“THE DISCOVERY OF GLOBAL WARMING” BY SPENCER
WEART, HTTP://WWW.AIP.ORG/HISTORY/CLIMATE. AUGUST 2007.

http://thetimetocare.blogspot.com/


]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:22:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/333845 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304147 Out of slavery, colonization and exploitation

Out of chaos, confusion and war

Out of corruption, political greed and mischief

A star called ‘Nigeria’ is born


‘Nigeria’, a man shouted. Who are you? What are you? Where did you come from? And where are you going? -

Surprisingly, from among the eggs scattered on the surface of the earth, a thick and loud voice called ‘Nigeria’ replies, “I am a natural accident of evolution and history. I am a blind product of the great and mysterious forces at war in the universe. I am a precious lily in the eyes of a Supra Mundane being named ‘God’ who carefully watches over me and keeps me from going into extinction. Who writes a straight line for me even on my crooked historic road.”

I am Nigeria, that precious jewel, blessed beyond all measure with human and natural resources but lying hopelessly in a pool of waste. I am a people suffering and smiling, waiting for their time of liberation. A warrior who has been unable to bring to an end, the woes of the dis-empowered cells in his body (ie. the common man) but satisfying earnestly the interests of the fat cells in his body (ie. the privileged few).

I am Nigeria, an eagle’s egg that was laid 47 years ago, about to hatch and fly up high above other eagles in the air. And even though I am still a dream in the heart of the true cells that make up my body, I have come a very long way in history and I know that the time of my total liberation is close at hand.

Behold! From the dark nights of slave trade, colonization, and man’s inhumanity to man, I came to be. Through the rigid and cruel hands of military oppression, I survived. From the forces of corruption, greed and unbridled political passions, I now struggle. Until that fateful day, when like other eagles, I will be free and fly up high above all eagles on the earth.

I am Nigeria, a land flowing with milk and honey, but of which only a privileged few can drink from it. I am a land where great dreams die, where billions are spent in promoting fruitless ideas, but the great ideas that solves the problems of the common man, are hidden under the cupboard or discarded as thrash.

I am Nigeria, of whom a young Nigerian poet once wrote,

“Behold the leaders of tomorrow
The hope of the great Nigeria
Lavishing and smiling on the streets
Immersed in the sea of hopelessness”

(From the poem “CRY OF HOPELESSNESS” in the E-book ‘THE AFRICAN YOUTH: Crises and Hope by: Samuel C. Okechukwu.)

I am Nigeria, a royal people, a chosen nation, a people set apart, who will become true salt for the earth and light for a darkened world. I am a city set on a hill, which cannot be hidden. A city that has within it all that it takes to become the greatest.

I am Nigeria, a product of many tribes and languages, united by the force and skills of the British colonial masters. A people who have tried endlessly in history to separate themselves, but could not, because the blood that binds them together is thicker than the water of tribal and personal desires.

Even so, amidst the numerous agitations due to irregularities faced in the past and current political dispensations, there is a deep and firm conviction in the heart of every true Nigerian, that a great and dynamic star called ‘Nigeria’ will soon be born. A star globally marked by knowledge, wisdom and virtue. Characterized or shaped by unity in diversity.

Lo! The pains and sufferings of the eagle in labour will soon be over. And when it does happen, the world will stand in awe to behold the radiant glory of a star called ‘Nigeria’. A star amongst stars.

But how and when will these happen? No human can tell. As it is now, we must strive to level the mountains and fill up the valleys in our lives. We must unleash our creative potentials and nation building skills, immerse ourselves in prayers to our common father, God, and keep our feet crossed, as we await that great day when the noble and resplendent star called ‘Nigeria’ will finally rise, to take her rightful place in the sky where the ‘Global Powers’ reside.

With expectation I shall wait for the birth of this noble star.


Written By: SAMUEL C. OKECHUKWU]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:47:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304147 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304141 Down the hill

A voice is heard

The cry of anguish

The cry of pain

And who shall comfort

The bleeding hearts

Lest they all sink

In the abyss of death



Down the valley

A noise is heard

The children are crying

The youths are dying

And who shall comfort

Their bleeding hearts

Their future un-promised

Their hope is blighted



Children on the streets

Children in agony

Crying for shirts and shelter

Crying for their daily bread



And who shall cast

A glance of pity

Where selfishness abounds

And self-centeredness prevails



Behold your precious pearl

Lying on the streets

Behold your pretty jewel

Wasting - under the sun



Behold the leaders of tomorrow

The hope of the great Nigeria

Lavishing and smiling on the streets

Immersed in the sea of hopelessness

Written By: Samuel C. Okechukwu]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:42:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304141 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304007 Beneath the meadow of a gracious yawning
A light comes blazing from the rose's shell
Oh Beauty! Where have you hidden your face


And who was it that carved you whole
Who was it that painted your colour
Invain his work becomes if you keep not
Your body and soul, pure and whole


Smiling smiles that captures great princes
Uttering words so smooth and soothy
Driving men crazy for love or lust
Oh Beauty! Why have you not hiden your pearl?


Your creator's beauty is seen in you
Your creator's purity lives through you
If only beauty could beam from in and out
What glorious brightness would your beauty be]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:03:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304007 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304003 I raised my head up to see the shadow that walked past my room. The room in which I chained myself all these years, not wanting to know or meet any, except 'Anita' my love.

For several years now, I have seen only but a glimpse of her. For several years now, I have experienced her presence, but each time I stretch my hands to hold her, my hands shrink as though I just gripped a fume of smoke. Oh! What an unhappy man I am. Who will save me from these crises? Who will deliver me from the madness called ‘Anita’?

Yet only 'Anita' my love can rescue me. Only Anita my true love can save me. For her voice is all I hear when I wake in the morning. Her face is all I see all through the night. Her love is all I feel all through the day, that I now desire to know and speak of nothing except Anita my love. Anita, so pretty that her beauty shines like the noonday sun. So gentle that her voice resounds like the cool evening breeze that blows and soothes my soul. Her patience and wisdom is one that thrills my entire being. Her kindness and compassion is like a pretty flower no one can resist. Her openess, trust, loyalty, simplicity and humility are one you could never buy even with all the treasures on earth.

Anita! The girl who has shaped my entire life. The girl who has shaped my entire being. The girl for whom I have totally reserved my sweet self, that I may present it wholly or entirely to her alone. For in pain and torment, I crushed my passions. The passions that made all girls seem like Anita to me. But no! They are not Anita. They are not the sun in my sky. For my Anita is the one specially chosen and prepared for me, even before the world was made. She is the mirror that reveals my entire goodness. She is a perfect compliment of me, my missing rib of whom I will never rest until I find.

Oh Anita! Your love is more than gold to me. Your beauty is more than precious silver. Your gentleness is so real that my heart will know no rest until I hold you tight in my hands. Until I experience the sweetness of your kiss, nothing on earth can fill my soul. Oh Anita! Touch me with your love. Hold me as your own. Let my heart know nothing except the sweetness of your love. Let my heart cease to be if it fails to experience Anita's love.

Oh Anita! I have longed so dearly for you. I have waited so patiently to meet you. I have given up everything I ought to enjoy as a youth that I may enjoy it all in you. My friends, so dear have always told me that Anita will never come. That someone else will find her heart before I do and use her until she sags like the breasts of a 100 year old lady. That even when I do find her, she would have been as useless as the peels of a rotten banana.

Oh what a dilemma! Oh what a confusion! That with the present rate of immorality in our world today, I am forced to admit it as true. I am forced to heed their advice, to forget Anita and seek for another. But how could I? How could I forget Anita? My heart will not let me do it. My love for her is too strong.

Even so, deep down in my heart, I know that my Anita will still come, that the God who rewards patience and virtue will at the right time, send my Anita to me. What may be left of her I cannot say, but all I know is that my heart and hers will fuse together to produce but one perfect heart called ‘love’.

And so, as I lie in this boring room called ‘patience’, waiting for the day Anita my love will come. Waiting for the day the sun in my sky will appear to vanish no more. I can’t but keep observing every cheerful lady that passes by, with hope that I may one day find Anita, with hope that I may one day find the only sun in my sky.

With such great anxiety and torment I have lived for years. With such great pain and confusion in my heart, I can’t but ask you now and over again, ‘where is my love, Anita?’ the girl who has always lived in my dreams. Where is my dream, 'Anita’? Are you the one?’]]> Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:49:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/304003 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/300803

Oh! God
If only you cared
What we think of you
If only you cared
How we worship you

If only you cared
That we call you God
If only you cared
That we call you Yahweh
If only you cared
The name we give to you


You stand far above our fancy reach
Revealing yourself to us in bits
The best imagination we have of you
Is but a grain of earth's boundless sand
The best revelation you give to us
Is but a side of your many sided face
The more we look - the less we see
You reveal only what our mind can grasp


And now God, tell me
Who sees you best?
I am a Christian!
I am a Muslim!
I am a Hindu!
I am a Budhist!
Where do I have to be
To see your face clearly
Where do I have to be
To feel your grace firmly


Should I climb the highest mountain
Or sail the deepest ocean
Should I drink from the sea of knowledge
To catch a full glimpse of your Holy Face


I have listened to the words of holy men
I have dined with great teachers of wisdom
And now I stand where I always stood
Wondering why others can't see what I see


May be a collection of all these truths
Would help unveil your face to men
As one thing I know is true for sure
Every creed on earth holds an element of Truth
But how do I accurately seive Truth
When You stand so near to confuse me the more


And so I resign to my own dear fate
Looking at you from where I always stood
Viewing your face from my little mirror
Your face of Goodness and Love I now behold
From the eyes of the mysterious man named Jesus
Who revealed you as GOODNESS and LOVE


I'll listen to what others have to say
And wish them well in their search for Truth
I devout myself to you like Nazareth's quiet Virgin
Who found unending favour in your sight
Who lived in "Total Submission To Your Holy Will"


I'll contemplate your mysteries of Truth
And seek your face in charity and prayer
I'll act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before You
Until when at last it pleases You
To reward unworthy Me with your Holy Face
To bless me with the whole view of your many sided face]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:47:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/300803 http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/300757
Let tribes embrace each other

For this same Nigeria that smiles today

Tomorrow may be mourning



Tribalism stings like a deadly bee

Corruption feeds like a dirty pig

Dragging Nigeria into quick mud

Where there will be, no return.



The noble blood of Nigeria flows

Thicker than the water of personal desire

The many who strive to divide and conquer

Will only end in a futile game



Nigeria falls and breaks apart

The last man standing, who shall it be?

The pride and sweat of our noble ancestors

Will become a wasted vapour



Arise Nigeria, land of great warriors

Settle your discords, via for unity

United, you’ll stand and conquer the world

Divided you’ll only end in shambles


Written by: Samuel C. Okechukwu]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2007 07:15:00 EST http://talentsworld.tigblog.org/post/300757