The Year that was…STAYING In the Fight

What’s up people?

Well Well Well… So this is the final blog post for the 2012 (NWO)! Baba God I HAIL you. I think am going to start of by addressing this entire Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) versus Peter Odemwingie BEEF. As many of you know by now, I am a die hard football lover and Nigerian football supporter. And for the sake of full disclosure Peter Odemwingie has been my favorite Nigerian footballer in the past 5+ years but what took place this week has been totally UNACCEPTABLE. Odemwingie was WRONG and the NFF must change its ways of conducting business. My DAWGS A+ put it best today when he said “if one person own no spoil another person own no go beta” this has always been the Nigerian way of doing things unfortunately. Now I just resumed training this past week; so if all goes to plan, I should be ready for a call up by mid-January if other prominent Nigerian internationals continue to drop out of the team. Stay tuned as I plan to do some live blogging from South Africa in January chronicling my AFCON tournament experience.    

Ok people; Let me get focused…

Time just continues to fly and in writing this week’s blog I came to a realization that this is year number three for the MY OMO NAIJA Blogspot. WOW! Who knew something that started as just a forum to express and share my thoughts freely would connect with so many people all over the world. I thank you, thank you & thank you for joining me for this fun ride. This year I want to close out my final post of the year by going back to where the year started for me.

Twelve months ago to date; what was suppose to be a fun and exciting holiday week with family quickly turned into one of the most trying times of our lives. Through it all our “Angel” and Pound for Pound the toughest person I have ever come to know pulled through and made a full recovery. It is her STRENGTH, SPIRIT and JOY for living that I take away with me everyday to push through on difficult days, not make excuses and rise above life circumstances and make the most out of very difficult situations.  

There is something to seeing her laugh with her BIG smile that does something to ones soul after an entire day spent together. And when we speak of pain, trust and believe that something truly very discomforting will only warrant a tear or temporary moment of sadness in this beautiful girl.  

So in closing; 2012 will be a year I remember as the year that “Staying in the fight” represented more than just catch phrase. The fight for the blessing to continue living, the fight to remain loved, the fight for the “47%” , the fight to come back from a devastating career ending knee injury to be on the verge of breaking an all-time rushing record and Yes, the fight to represent Nigeria and put on the GREEN/WHITE/GREEN in international competition. And in the spirit of the movie RED Tails WE FIGHT! WE FIGHT!

There is Special & then there is SPECIAL. 

Being Smart & Stuck on Stupid

What’s up people?

I took last week off and missed you all for sure. Thank you all for checking in as always and showing the blogspot so much love in my absence. Am back and ready to close out the year with a FLOURISH. There is so much to talk about in a matter of 7 days; as we mourn the lives of the UNFORGETABLE 27 from Sandy Hook, PLEASE PLEASE do remember the hundreds of innocent lives lost to gun violence in the inner cities across America everyday with very little to no media coverage. Just to let you know that life goes on in America, you got the crazy ignorant gun toting folks from the NRA promoting more guns in our schools, racial and ethnic profiling is live and well in America as I had to go through another encounter with airport security prior to boarding my flight at DCA for Montreal, the greatest running back in NFL history Adrian Peterson continues to do the unthinkable on one leg on Sundays and oh yes, the season finale of HOMELAND was simply brilliant. Saul Berenson is the closest thing to god on T.V. Now get out there, run yourself ragged and use these remaining few hours to get in your last minute Xmas shopping and having some eggnog on P.

Ok people; Let me get focused…

All week long I have been raving about the great line by Saul Berenson in HOMELAND as he comfortably shared with his pupil in such a succinct and direct tone and I quote, “you are the smartest and dumbest f**kin person I’ve ever known…” The funniest thing about this line was I immediately thought about my life in that moment and how this quote resonated in all aspects be it personal, professional and social. I mean I can give a count of at least 10-15 people this week alone that this was so fitting and appropriate for starting with me.
I mean I am so smart that I out thought myself in my fantasy football leagues to go from first place and leading in my divisions to missing the playoffs and getting bounced in the first round all because I believed I knew exactly what match-ups to play as I set my weekly line-ups. Oh well, such much for my strategy and playing the right match-ups every week based on the opposition. Fantasy Football is CRUEL.

Next was the IT programming consultant hired by company to build out a database that totally jacked up the software. The worst part was after trying to correct him on the errors made in the database created he still swore up & down that he had no control of the design. Heeeeeeeeello; you build something, don’t perform any testing but report out that the system is ready to go live but then turnaround and claim this is how the software was created after “IT specialist P” performs his trial run and detects several glitches in the finished product??? WTF!  

Must I not forget the banking representative that I am currently working with at the moment; this yahoo is a piece of work I swear. He is such a genius and knows everything that he refuses to let you get a word in. I had to let him know today in a face to face meeting, you work for me not the other way around. I am the customer and in the school of business the customer is always right so shut the f**k up and get me a glass of water while you at it. 

Happy Holidays!

IMAGINE - An Unbroken Spirit

What’s up people?

Not sure where to kick things off this week? I think it is worth revisiting the statement made by South African FA vice president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana and I paraphrase when he says “African footballers who won’t play for their country are selfish and egoistical”. This was in response to many quality African footballers plying their trade outside of Africa pulling out of the AFCON tournament and requesting that they be allowed to concentrate on their club duties. As some of you know, I have been talking about my up coming trip to South Africa in January 2013 when I will be live in the stadiums rooting and cheering on the Nigerian Football Federation as we seek to reclaim are much overdue dominance in African football during the AFCON tournament. The irony of Mr. Nonkonyana’s statement is that those same thoughts and emotions were recently relayed to me when I was having a conversation with my “Top Pop” as he so passionately shared in his bewilderment and incomprehension of how time and time again we as Nigerians, people of color bend over backwards to appease our European and Anglo-Saxon counterparts. This issue is not going away anytime soon unfortunately, it was something I experienced growing up in Nigeria and it is something I see everyday here in the United States.     

Ok people; Let me get focused…

So I was all set to post a different blog this week until the last minute when I was forced by my brother to check out an inspirational video. The worst part of it too was that the footage was from one of those I have talent, I believe I can sing/dance/etc reality television auditions. Ok for the sake of full disclosure, the programming is X-Factor and I have never taking the time of day to watch a single minute of it until Friday as I watched the Youtube video. The clip profiled a young man and his love for music and typical me I was quick to blow it off like this is a waste of my time until much later when I got to see and experience this truly remarkable life and journey undertaken by this young man who is in every sense of the word an INSPIRATION. (I choose to not disclose everything about “Emmanuel” because I do believe my words will do him no justice unless you see it yourself so please scroll down and take a look).

Every holiday season and anticipated New Year comes with its own wave of emotions. Many a people are consumed and are thrilled about the opportunity to spend time with family, others look forward to the end of year in hopes of starting a new as we try to overcome the missteps taken over a twelve month period. The qualities that continue to stay with me from the Emmanuel piece is the power of the human spirit. His innocence, lack of pretense and ability to triumph and truly LIVE life is so refreshing. So much of what we are in life or strive to become is about first visualizing hence IMAGINING and so much of what we do not become is tied to us losing our way that results in a damaged human spirit.      

I find myself so blessed and fortunate because I never have to go online and look up a Youtube clip to get inspired or remain committed to the important life values because I get see it and have lived it first hand over the years through the eyes of a special baby girl.

She is STRENGTH personified.

 

Nigeria & Public Transit

What up people?

I think I definitely caught the mega million lotto bug this week for sure people. I actually made a couple of trips to the local bodega and bought what I knew for sure to be the winning tickets only to wake up to the disappointing news, “You Are Not the Winner”. I mean a percentage of the $500 million would have sufficed but hey what is a BRAVEHEART like me to do but to keep on trying and go after the next jackpot. I did hear someone in Missouri took the prize, I think I am happy for them but SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEIT I would have been two stepping all over my living room floor if the outcome was in my favor. So now that I am getting a better understanding of the whole lotto bonanza am calling it early now people, I will be taking home a jackpot at some point in 2013. WATCH…WATCH.

Ok people; Let me get focused…

I normally drive to and from work everyday in the DMV. I mean to be honest I drive to anywhere and everywhere pretty much and I love it. Today though I took public transit and was on the train and all I could think about was if only Nigeria one day could grow its infrastructure to the point that public transit back home in Lagos can be looked upon as an asset not a death sentence for people. I revisited so many fun childhood memories today riding the train; like when my brother and I would run down the big yellow DANFO buses in our school uniform and sandals to make it to the morning assembly just in time to avoid that whipping in front of the student body and on our return leg home we would hop on buses with no bus fare in our pockets only hoping to be saved by an adult that would allow for us to sit on their lap. NWO! Nigeria the land of the infamous “No LAPPING o” SMH.

Seriously my experience today riding the train was a much needed respite. It was so peaceful that I took the opportunity to walk a d**m near mile home after getting off at my stop in the freezing cold weather outside. The reality of public transit in Nigeria is a combination of the zoo, circus and everything in between. Nothing is ever civil amongst patrons. The hustle and bustle of it all just wears on you. I mean you could leave your house clean, fresh to death looking like a million bucks but by the time to make it to your destination you look a hot tired mess in part because of hostile and highly aggressive climate you find yourself in during the commute. 

Sitting in front of me on the train this morning was a young aged school boy with his backpack. He seemed at peace and reserved as he was commuting by his lonesome with not a visible concern or worry that I could detect. For an instant, I thought about all the young aged school boys and girls that never get to experience this level of calm and tranquility on there morning travel to school back home. The idea of being able to get on a bus or train in en route to school and only have to focus on academics should not be viewed upon as a luxury and exception to the rule but the standard. I don’t know the last time anybody got on a bus in Nigeria and witnessed people just reading newspapers, listening to iPods or conversing in a civil non-threatening manner. Your typical public transit commute in Nigeria will routinely have some type of mechanical failure or tire malfunction, fumes and spoke pumping out the exhaust into the atmosphere and like two to three passengers dangling on the door step all the way to the final destination.

I can only wish

The Black Friday HYPE

What up people?

I think I am suffering from a little turkey day hang-over people. Going through one of those I aint doing a d*** thing, I aint moving a muscle and you gonna have to beat me with a stick to move me from my couch modes. But seriously, I hope everybody made the most out of their time with family on turkey day. I had a FANTANSTIC Thanksgiving. Now before I get into this week’s post I was asked by one of my advisors to remind you all to stay true to your character and core at all times. We all know there are fake people amongst us everywhere, the test is weeding out the baggage that try to consume us with their garbage.  

Ok people; Let me get focused…

I made an executive decision to stay home today on Black Friday in order to avoid the madness outside. As I was watching the news broadcast I came across a story in Florida where two people were shot over a parking space dispute and just started to chuckle at the foolish behaviors of people. Quick fact; Walmart this year on Black Friday alone processed nearly 10 million register transactions and almost 5,000 items per second between 8-12 according to another report. NWO!

Now can somebody explain to me how we go through a whole year of election campaigns, debates over tax cuts, fiscal cliff looming and a steady growth in unemployment to now an uptake in consumer buying all in the name of Black Friday? Massive projected sales and big spending have already shattered records of years past and we are only in day one of the holiday mayhem.

In our so called pursuit of the perfect deal, it kills me how the black and minority communities continue to volunteer themselves all in the grand scheme of keeping us in further debt. I am “Nigerian & Black” so I guess I at times suffer from a case of double financial ignorance when it comes to money management and long-term financial stability. Let me make something very clear, I know not saying all Nigerians or all black people are inept when it comes to spending money or managing their finances. However, I can comfortably say living 35 years of my life in both distinct communities and cultures has proven that we like nice things and we will go through great lengths, even at the expense of our own inconvenience at times to own certain material possessions.   

Sensible and prudent shoppers this time of year do their research and apply these rules as they start their holiday shopping;

1. Cyber Mondays offer better or just as good enough options for consumers.

2. Black Friday is not the busiest day of shopping of the year as falsely advertised. 

3. Most major retail chains start their Black Friday sales actually before the day after Thanksgiving.

4. Sorry to disappoint you all but there are never any freebies as advertised.

5. Those same deals you spend hours/days camping outside stores are typically available on-line.

6. Retail companies actually compete against one another and do offer matching pricing options 

7. Retail stores typically do not offer/honor return policies on Black Friday purchases.

$hop $mart

JINX - SUPERSTITION

What’s up people?

We are fast approaching Thanksgiving week and it is by far the BEST holiday in the United States.  There is so much to be thankful for everyday and for this reason the holiday helps one to reflect and pause for all of God’s work and blessings in our lives. Life is Good!  The food, NFL Football and desserts aint too bad either now so it is time to go Gobble Gobble Turkey Gobblers and get your feast on. Let us keep it REAL FAKE, 80% of you all will be knocked out on your sofas after that first plate of Turkey, Gravy and Mac & Cheese hits the spot.       

Ok people; Let me get focused…

Let’s have some fun and light humor this week people. I was coming out of prayer today and as I was strolling down the sidewalk heading to my vehicle I saw a Black Cat heading in my direction and like a little girl, I quickly got off the sidewalk and re-routed. So this got me to thinking about a conversation I was having earlier in the week with one of my dearest friends, I commonly refer to him as the “HUMAN JINX”. I mean this is not too much of a reach, his from South Jersey/Philly so his a Sixers, Eagles, Redkskins, Nets, and Phillies fan and all that part of the country has known in the past 25 years is LOSING. Want to make some GURANTEED money??? It is really simple; take him to Vegas with you and the minute he goes on the record and starts talking sports and tells you about what/who/why he likes or believes in something all you have to do is the OPPOSITE and you can take it to the bank. You will be a happy customer TRUST ME. Now I will say this about my big brother, the boy knows his boxing and UCF. He so good we call him “The Fight Doctor”.

Now he is not the only person that I have studied over the years that has proven to demonstrate jinx/superstition type behaviors. I mean I have family members who only sit in certain couches and rooms or wear only particular clothing apparel when their sporting teams are playing. I also have another family member that likes to play with tissue as a means to stay distracted in order to accomplish the task at hand. The funniest ones are family/friends of mine that believe that by not watching or listening to a sporting event, even the Election Day results that just concluded somehow the final results will be in their favor. Yup those are my PEOPLES. SMH!

The word jinx is commonly understood as a thing or person that brings bad/good luck. Wikipedia defines a jinx, in popular superstition and folklore as a type of curse placed on a person that makes them prey to many minor misfortunes and seems to attract them to anyone in his/her vicinity. You can also apply the same term when defining the word superstition but only in a positive light. We can trace the origins of jinx/superstitions all the way back to Greek mythology, oral and literary traditions of the ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, nature and history of the universe. Those tales spoke to the creation of the gods and the world, the struggle among the gods for supremacy and there love affairs and quarrels. This stuff gets me hyped just thinking about it. I know that is the generation and era I belong to, MEN handling their BINNESS like MEN. 

Commonly Prescribed to JINX/SUPERSTITIONS

The Itchy Palm (My Brother’s Favorite)

Beginner’s Luck (Someone say Dealer BUST!)

Find a Penny, Pick it Up… (Not in Nigeria)

Don’t Walk under Ladders (You must be Bored)

A Rabbit’s foot will bring you Goodluck (This Must be Jonathan’s)

Death/Bad News comes in Threes (This one always worries me)

666 (Aint this the Devil)

Knock on Wood (I keep knocking…)

Cross your Fingers (Is this suppose to be timed?)

No Umbrellas inside the House (This Old School)

Friday 13^th (Only in America)

 

EVERYBODY is a WINNER.

U Gets NO PROPS!

What up people?

Hope all my peoples have recovered from their post general election hangover. Question, whatever happened to the whole America is not divided by “BLUE vs. RED” state gibberish I once heard from our famous leader back in a national convention years ago? Question, why are all these yahoooooooze Nigerians putting more energy and time into the United States presidential race over the elections set to kick off in Nigeria in the coming year? Our focus and priorities are all over the place I swear.

Here in the “Capital P” campaign headquarters we are also celebrating. We give thanks to the man up above for keeping us together and pulling us through during such difficult and trying times. All Praises to the MOST Merciful. So it turns out that the road to 270 and determining the next President of the United States was right here in my backyard all along. I mean for all the grief I have taking over the years for being “Mr. Mo County” who knew all the two political giants had to do was cut me a check I would have personally delivered them the 270 electoral votes each candidate so desperately needed. I always knew I lived in one powerful a** county so thank you for the confirmation America.

Ok people; Let me get focused…

One of my biggest pet peeves is people wanting to be acknowledged, recognized or getting credit for doing what there suppose to do. I come across this bulls**t everyday. Case in point, when did it become the exception to the rule to do the RIGHT THING not the cool thing like how we have made the act of VOTING? To make this point more succinct I had to pull a quote from the comedian Chris Rock in one of his stand-up specials. "N*****s always want credit for some s**t they're supposed to do, "They'll brag about stuff a normal man just does. They'll say something like, 'Yeah, well, I take care of my kids.' You're supposed to, you dumb motherf**ker. 'I ain't never been to jail.' Whaddya want? A cookie? You're not supposed to go to jail, you low-expectation-having motherf**ker!”

In all honesty this is the state of affairs for too many people (men & women) everywhere. By no means I my trying to rain on anybody’s parade for that matter but the next time you find it necessary to call up the radio station, tweet or update your status on facebook, I ask that you take the time to think about the message you give out and the standards you have set for yourself.

Still unclear; here is a list of things one should NEVER consider broadcasting to the general public as you tend to make an a** of yourself:

I go to work!

I pay my taxes!

I’ve never done Drugs!

I pay my bills on time!

I clean my house!

Some things are meant to be kept to thyself.

You Are Not In Control

What’s up people?

I must say that the highlight of my week thus far was catching the pre-game festivities of the Boston Celtics versus Miami Heat NBA game this past Tuesday night. Seeing and watching Kevin Garnett (KG) totally disregard or acknowledge Ray Allen’s existence as he walked up to him and tried to shake his hand took me back to the days when little boys grew up to be men who value principles such as FAMILY, LOYALTY, HONOR and INTEGRITY. Now I don’t know KG on a personal level to speak to his character per say, I mean after all his just an NBA player. How tough or bout it can he really be? I will say that moment in itself did show me all I need to know about the dude. His a RIDER & he will RIDE-OUT for his people. We all need people or someone that you can go into the foxhole with and you know will have your back. They don’t make men like they use anymore. Too many of these dudes today are NOODLES.

Ok people; Let me get focused…

It is time that we ALL start to take advisory warnings more seriously. Like many people I am too quick to brush off any news report. We get so inundated with media hype relating to brewing natural disasters that my first response is “Ain’t nuffin’ happening to me”.  It is so bad that my brother for like 10 years running now is always nagging and sweating me to make sure I get flood insurance. He swears by this flood insurance as if it is a new iPhone 5. And I just love whenever there is a news report of possible bad weather, all of my family in Nigeria, UK, and including America start calling and talking as if the storm, hurricane or blizzard is only targeted to do damage to me. You gotta LOVE family because it is so comforting to know that someone cares.

So this time around that storm and hurricane that I had often disregarded and blown off in years past finally caught up to me. Her name is Sandy and she put a beating on me this week. I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a flooded basement that had over 3 inches of water once the power went out from the strong winds. Here is a quick tip; the next time the power goes out, make it a point to stay alert and inspect your home until you have full assurances of no potential damage happening to your home. Do not pull the African move like me and go straight to bed with the idea of sleeping it off and waking up the next day as if nothing happened.                                                              

The truth is as much as we think we can control things and manage disasters from happening, there is nothing you can really do when it is your time to suffer the ills of mother nature. As I approached my basement Monday night and I witnessed moving objects on the floor floating like fishes in the pond all I could do was hope and pray for the best outcome from that moment forward. Lucky me, I was out of power so I had no account and knowledge nor could I witness what my fellow countrymen/women were going through up and down the east coast. What did pull me through was the love and support from my family and friends that remained in contact with me throughout which helped me stay focused on the task at hand and gave the reassurance that things are going to work out just fine. You see be it my wife, siblings, parents, extended family and friends I had a whole bunch of Kevin Garnett’s with me that I knew were helping me in battle as I was doing work in my fox hole.

All my peoples is RIDERS

Nigerian Halloween Costumes (You Want No Part of)

What’s up people?

My cousin sends me a link this week that shows a CNN report of a poll taking that finds the Nigerian accent as one of the world’s sexiest tongues. Our accent apparently came in fifth only behind the likes of the Italians, French and Spanish (NWO)! The caption read “dignified with just a hint of willful naivete, the deep, rich “oh’s” and “eh’s” of Naija bend the English language without breaking it, arousing tremors in places other languages can’t reach. Kinda makes the occasional phone scam worth the swindle”. This is so typical, even when Nigeria is given praise and presented in a positive light there is always a back handed insult awaiting to follow. Did these yahoos read my blog last week? I just told you all that we have over 250 dialects spoken in Nigeria so which accent in particular can they be talking about? And as for me, I am not down for positive reinforcement that accompanies blatant insults and disrespect of my people.

Ok people; Let me get focused…

I wrote about Halloween in Nigeria a few years back and many of you all enjoyed it. You liked it so much that I thought you know what why not do another blog on Halloween this week since everybody is gearing up for their Halloween festivities and are in search for that one show stopping custom that will make the biggest and loudest statement at the party. The only twist to this week’s post is I have highlighted the leading candidates in Nigeria that you want no part of representing in your Halloween custom because this group will bring attention to you only for the wrong reasons.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab – this yahoo will go down in our country’s history as the one that shamed my people as terrorist. The so called “underwear bomber” was convicted of attempting to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his draws while on board a flight en route to the United States. And because of his brain fart Nigerians worldwide are now under a bigger microscope now more than ever when we enter any international airport on planet earth.

Boko Haram – this group of militants have the audacity to associate themselves with the peaceful religion of Islam. I wish nobody dare wish to represent these mean spirited and lifeless group of terrorist. I wish to not draw any further attention to there cause. I loathe your existence.

Goodluck Jonathan – arguably the worst Nigerian president in history. His bio read as follows; a liar, corruption is at an all time high, heartless, breached and compromised Nigeria’s security, under his leadership Nigeria is more divided than ever and has yet to accomplish anything significant during his administration.

Super Eagles footballers – has any group of people brought Nigeria more heartache and suffering than this group of age cheats who take the pitch to represent Nigeria unmotivated as if someone has forced them to finish their plate of broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots and spinach at the dinner table? But no worries though I stay supporting my Super Eagles, see you all in South Africa.

Tricks are made for kids

Go Crazy for Nigeria

What’s up people?

I know you were all glued to your television sets for this week’s presidential debates. Now was it only me or did anybody else not catch the COON of a human being that tried to play President Obama on a national level with his “Uncle Tom” question? Somebody had to have planted this dude in the audience. SMH; not only was that a great example of Black-on-Black (BoB) crime on a national level but it was also a BoB on an executive level. Now this is too funny; am looking at CNN Headline news and I just seen some African American woman holding up a Romney & Ryan sign in the background. It is very clear that she was strategically placed to be standing right smack in the middle of the campaign rally. HILARIOUS

Ok people; let me get focused… 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were playing in a very important competition this past week to qualify for the AFCON tournament set to kick off in January 2013 in South Africa. As disappointing and troubling our football federation has been in recent memory, there was nothing more frustrating than knowing that not one local television carried the broadcast in order for supporters to watch and root on our national team. WTF? I mean I know the product on the football pitch is nothing to rave about these days but to just shun viewers and disregard the symbolic importance football is as a rallying force that brings our country together must not happen again. I am not a homer; I stick with my country in good, bad and ugly times ALWAYS.

This is something that I have often experience in recent years about many Nigerians, we are more excited and apt to tell you about what is going on in American politics, English Premiere League Football, Hip Hop & Entertainment both in the United States and UK. But go ask them about the status of affairs in their own villages, cities and respective states I bet 90% are clueless. Better yet, they want to talk to me for hours about Obama, Rhianna, Beyounce, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Young Money and Ricky Ro-zay. Now when it comes to Nigeria the standard operating answer to anything and everything is our politicians are thieves and crooks. Wow, that really took a lot of thought huh?????

There remains so much backwards thinking in our country. It is almost as if you can’t add to a conversation in the world of sports, entertainment and politics outside of Nigeria you are irrelevant. Like that makes you current, cool and legitimate. I say this because growing up in Nigeria I was that person. But it is extremely difficult to have pride in something when it is repeatedly devalued and discredited as having no substance. What we need is a balance; so the same way I was in amazement of the life of those overseas growing up in Nigeria, I also was raised to have pride, respect and a sense of belonging to my still developing country.

Trust and believe me that I agree with some of the global assessment that we currently find ourselves in as a country. Maybe this is the start to something beautiful in Nigeria, the Super Eagles go to South Africa and dominate the tournament and bring home the chip. From there maybe another positive moment comes out of Nigeria and we continue to build on the momentum. I do know that it is not easy to stay on top of current events in Nigeria because 95% of what is published in the papers or televised on network television is utter rubbish and trash. It is so easy to stay on the negative with everything, why not put in a little more work, research and share with the rest of the world our many strengths.

Anything is Possible.

Race & Ethnicity

What up people?

You know that old adage, to much is given much is expected never rang so true until very recently for the kid. I mean I am extremely thankful and very blessed to have been giving such a FANTASTIC opportunity to build, create and oversee programs that better lives and contribute to the human development of people. Truthfully, LIFE is GOOD on this side. This week has been a remarkable one for my family and we give the man up above all the praise for his watchful eye over us and the strength to preserver during moments of darkness and dismay this very difficult year. It is without question that when I say “Boys who’s got it better than us?” The answer is unequivocally is NOBODY!  

Ok people; let me get focused…

I was facilitating a workshop earlier this week on Cultural Competency and Diversity when one of the attendees asked a very interesting question, what is the difference between race and ethnicity? Hmmmmmmmm; I made sure I gave myself a good minute to think before I responded because clearly if you going to teach a workshop on a hot button topic such as cultural competency you best know what you talking about. You ever felt like someone is asking you a question to test you just to check if you know WTF you talking about? So in short my response to the gentleman was race refers to the group you identify with typically through one’s physical appearance i.e. skin color, eye color, hair. Ethnicity on the other hand relates to cultural factors such as nationality, ancestry and language. I was so proud of myself after I gave my response I almost wanted to say now shut-up and take notes for the rest of the workshop. How you gonna try and test the “Capital P”? Loooooool.

So all jokes aside there are over 350 ethnic groups identified today in Nigeria. This is clearly as my homeboy Steve-O thought me this week during our intense planning meeting an illustration of one of the “Competing Constraints” that is troubling our country in its current state. Yeah, I know you all liked that “Competing Constraints”. I did not graduate from Notre Dame like Steve-o but I sure know how to talk that talk and trust and believe me I got more of that to come in the future.

If I was to compare Nigeria in size, only Alaska in the United State is bigger in terms of square kilometers. Alaska is very diverse in terms of population but no where near 374 ethnic groups. Hence; once again there lies one of our major fundamental flaws as a country. I am all for acculturation and will only promote the ideas of assimilating only when appropriate. Those are two cultural competency terms and incase you are not sure of their meaning; acculturation is the process of adapting to the norms of a dominant group while maintaining your ideas, values and beliefs. While assimilation is the process in which a group adopts all the customs and attitude of the dominant culture and ultimately rejects its own ideas and values common to his/her own indigenous roots.

The bottom line is be it Nigeria, United States or any other country for that matter people are no longer connecting or putting too much stock in their race or ethnicity like many years ago. The group that people all across the globe first identify themselves with and want to connect better with is their social-economic group. People truly only see themselves as either being, RICH, POOR or SUFFERING.

I just want to be comfortable.  

Who Drank All the KOOL-Aid?

What’s up people?

For the first time in a very long time, I must say it sure does feel good that the weekend is finally here. My RESPECTS goes out to the lives and families of those who suffered a massive loss in the senseless attack that killed at least 25 Nigerian students at a college residence this week. I mean we as a nation have truly gone MAD and more disturbing is the idea that people are growing numb everyday to all the random acts of violence in our communities. I mean are we that lawless, unsophisticated and highly vexed that we only know how to communicate or express our frustrations and needs by assaulting the lives of innocent bystanders in order to get attention? And since when did it become a Nigerian custom that we must now mark our country’s annual Independence Day festivities with mass murders. WTF! As my Hausa bredrens would say it back home, “Dam Baro Ba Walayi” Anyways; anybody catch the presidential debate this week? Hmmmmmmmmm; I do not do politics so am going to leave that one alone.  

Ok people; Let me get focused…

Last week I made a proclamation to you all that I would resume to the heart and basis of why I started my blogspot and you know what, I am going to say some things in the coming weeks that some will agree with and others will consider ignorant. Quite frankly, “NO DISRESPECT” but I do not take part nor promote BITCHASSNESS behaviors. Many of you all already know the history of African neo-colonialism but who knew that 500 years later the entire continent of AFRICA aspires to be and remains inferior to its colonizers.

Of all the scientific studies and extensive research conducted over the years, I truly wish someone would get inside our African brains and explore why and how we became conditioned to accept that we were not good enough nor could we measure up to those men who gutted and reeked terror on our soil many years ago. In Nigeria like so many other African nations it is common practice that the white man’s word is GOLD. Case in point I still find this so comical; back in 2008 Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie famously declared “Oyinbo na Oyinbo”, If you do not know what this Nigerian saying translates to, it simply means “The White Man Knows BEST”. A home based Nigerian coach had marched the troops towards a successful qualifying bid for the world cup all to have him been unceremoniously sacked for a European so called “Technical Expert”. Why you may ask? Well everybody in the country was drinking that “white man’s kool-aid” that had them so convinced that a European coach would prove to be more successful but only to be bounced from the tournament in the first round and barely securing one point before they were sent home packing.

Look I got crazy love for all types of people and color is not what draws nor deters me from getting to know people on a personal level. There are many talented people amongst us of varying nationalities, ethnicities and racial make-up but to just concede or defer to someone solely based on their color and perceived superiority should never happen. It is simply ASININE. I am not looking to bash groups of people who do not look like me, if anything I love to learn from all types of people and take something that I their deem a strength and try to apply it into my existence.

The point am trying to make is there are no VICTIMS in the system only VOLUTEERS. So we as Africans must not think it is acceptable nor in our best interest to willingly trust outsiders more than our kind unless when it is warranted. We worship the light-skinned complexion and straight hair of others that often we find no beauty in what we were given and born with. The idea of allowing someone to totally humiliate and disrespect you in your native land and run things all for the sake of believing you will be made a part of their community is wishful and backwards thinking.

Reclaim your Dignity.

Nigeria I will never QUIT you

What’s up people?

How fitting that I would have a mini Nigeria moment tonight as we celebrate our Independence this October 1^st. I was closing shop at my headquarters and as I stepped out the building, there was Javier, Jose or Juan (one of them) pulling out his “johnson” pissing all on the sidewalk like it was NOTHING. I mean wait a minute; am I back home walking the streets of Lagos in my small little town? IDIMU, Lagos STAND-UP! So I say all this to make a point that you can put up all the $1 million condos you want in DC, you just be best prepared to know how to put up with the villagers amongst you too. Now on to more exciting news, this Sunday kicks-off season 2 of the best show on cable television Homeland. I just got three words people; Yum, Yum, YUMMY!

Ok people; Let me get focused…

I am really thankful that Nigeria’s Independence has snuck up on me this year for many reasons. My sole purpose for creating my blogspot from the onset and writing every week since my launch nearly two years ago was to promote and show the naysayers that we Nigerians have the same great human qualities that people of other nationalities are celebrated and recognized for. We come in many shapes, colors, sizes and possess the depth in intellectual competence that takes a back seat to NOBODY. This is something I promise to get back to as the core content of my future blog post in the coming weeks and months. Now; what we have done with all of our smarts and know-how over the years is very questionable and at times simply EMBARASSING.

Some people would describe the country of Nigeria to having a crush or being in love with someone. Nigeria is a type of country that will or has given some folks the butterflies; that knot in their stomach feeling; that I can’t sleep at night feeling because I just keep having him/her in my head feeling. I think the term is simply commonly referred to as being LOVE SICK. The country is full of its share of endless Disney movie fairytale endings. I mean where else on this planet do you have a village idiot with a first name like Goodluck rise to the most powerful post a country has to offer if not for his mere share of GOODLUCK!

52 years later and Nigeria still has a lot of similarities to raising a child. If not disciplined, given guidance and raised with structure growing up he/she will rot and never seek to reach his/her potential. When ignored for good behavior and only reprimanded for poor behavior the end result is rebellion and acting out behaviors. Human beings are a product of the environment they are raised in and the communities they come from. It is the characteristics valued in those same communities that young people grow up aspiring to become in their adult lives.  

Nigeria is also like any other addiction; if ignored and not proactively treated the same highs that give off the idea of invisibility will become the root cause of one’s self-destruction.

We must become the change we want to see. Gandhi                                                                                                     

The Ugliness of City Life

What’s up people? So I was walking on a bed clouds a few hours ago, well more like I flew over and through a bed of clouds today. Maybe I should change my name to “P Lion” like Snoop Dogg because flying sometimes would probably feel most comfortable if a brother was under the influence smoking a little some of that “sticky ickey”. Know what am talkin’ bout??? The Capital P does not promote the use of illicit substances so do not go to the airport high as a kite explaining to security that P said it was a good idea to blaze up. Ok people; Let me get focused… This has been one of those weeks where everything around me SLOWED down drastically. I was in small little town in upstate New York for week long training and I must say it sure feels good being back in the DMV. Now that is a first, the idea of me showing excitement over my return home to the grind of the big city warrants an investigation. Can you imagine living in a community where the local airport is no bigger than your local CVS pharmacy? There is like only one taxi service in the town and you basically are carpooling with strangers to get from place to place. And oh btw; the plane I flew in only had two pieces of luggage checked in for pick-up at the carousel and off course mine was the biggest because us Afrikans only have one rule when it comes to travel, “pack and take everything”. I think what really got me tripping was how rural certain parts of “the United States” still is in the 21st century. It is crazy to come across people thriving by living a very basic and ordinary life where their world is not consumed by the materialism of smart phones, tablets, Dre Beats, Xboxes, macbooks, flat screen HD televisions but they sure did make it a point to have wireless internet though in my hotel. I mean I know of villages back home in Nigeria more advanced and sophisticated than this local community I visited. While on that point, I must say this is the only town I have been in recent memory where I did not run into one Nigerian or Afrikan for that matter throughout my stay. As much as we Afrikans can’t stay in one place and love to move around I was in shock that someone did not come up running to me shouting; “Oh, it is him... Oh my goodness Prince Akeem your highness, let me take a picture”. LMAO! On my return home this weekend a few things have made a lasting impression. I was able to see people comfortable in their own skin and character with no pretensions, what a concept for all you city folk. I don’t know if it was because I was the only black male staying in my hotel or they like how I tipped but people sure were very respectful, courteous and appeared somewhat genuine. That was until the front desk staff charged me a dollar for a bottle of water one night which almost brought out the Mad Angry Nigerian, but I chilled, that's right I chilled. Just know CAPITALISM is everywhere. In closing let me just say this, why do so many of these small little communities have that stoner hippie vibe to them? I mean is it me or does it not seem like 90% of the people look like they are hooked on crystal meth or just puffed a Bob Marley dude. A quick update for the people; so all it took was to have a Nigerian lady sitting behind me on my connecting flight home cough on all the passengers in her general area on our one hour flight, have the plane stuck on the runway for 45 minutes after landing and having to put up with the same Nigerian lady being loud as f**k to remind me of how much I missed city life. Am just saying.

This is my Moment

What up people?

Quick question, how many of you all have recently experienced a spike in your “senior moment” gaffes in your everyday lives? I know in the past six months this has become a little too much for me to just brush of as coincidental. I mean a nineteen year old stud such as myself should not be spending half his day looking for house/car keys, mobile phones (Yes am Nigerian and we have a two mobile phone minimum quota), wallet and the worst one is always having to go back inside the house just because in my head I believe I forgot something. Speaking of getting older; am also starting to catch myself when I start conversations with the infamous “back in the day when we were growing up” routine. Hold up, if am nineteen exactly how far back am I truly trying to go back to make a point? The one thing I did not forget this week was to make sure I caught my Kool Keed Aaron’s pee-we league football game (GREAT job Arnie)!!!

Ok people; let me get focused…

I feel so blessed these days and you know there is something to be said for doing things the right way and waiting for your moment. In recent months my life has mirrored a rollercoaster of sort; very little peaks and way too many valleys to be honest. As humans we all succumb to that state where self doubt creeps in and our initial thought is to shut it down and give up but that produces one type of outcome -FAILURE.

To reach the mountain top you do not have to be nasty, manipulative, self-absorbed or even compromise your values or beliefs. The most important ingredient is BELIEF! The belief one has in him/herself and equally important is the belief that others have in you to deliver. However, one can only find him/herself in such favorable position by having put in the work and preparing for success in order to cease their predestined fate.

For this one reason alone it is important that we remain mindful of the company that we keep and just as important is those that we allow to enter our inner-circle. I got one fundamental rule; “If you ain’t with me; Get from me”. It is from the encouragement that we receive from our partners, siblings and life-long friends that help us push through those trying times.

So like many other things in life, all good things must come to an end. The most important question one should ask him/herself is, did I make the most of my opportunity and did I do it my way?  I want to encourage everybody out there who is sticking with their hustle and staying on their grind, faith and belief lead to opportunity. Never let the Dream Killers take you shine away and look to celebrate the small successes. It is those baby steps that ultimately leave the footprint of one’s legacy behind when the band stops playing. Just make sure that when it is time to go, you can walk out the front door with your head held up HIGH.

Walk with me... 

The Nerve of Some People

What’s up people?

This past Wednesday my pops CELEBRATED his 70^th birthday. My “old man” is a man of faith, a very prideful man, trail blazer of sort and a man that knows style. As his name sake, I want to believe I have inherited some of his GREAT qualities and a few poor ones as well. 70 years of existence is something special and a FANTASTIC feat for any human being to have experienced. Hear is wishing you another 70 more wonderful years of happiness, memories and chopping the GOODLYFE. So from all of your children we say once again “Long Live our Baba of IDIMU” and We LOVE U! This week also marked the end of my summer vacation with my Kool Keedz and boy am I ever missing all three of them already. Now the one lasting memory I always take away from hanging out with them is all the pop music and boy band songs I grow to become very fond off. The one in particular that I have in my head constantly at the moment is courtesy of my nephew “Ash Baba” by the group FUN called “Some Nights”. HYFR!    

Ok people; let me get focused…

Have you come to that point in life when things just stop making sense?  If you have entered the 30 year-old zone chances are you have encountered this phenomenon at least 25 times. And those of you older heads in your 40s go through this probably every week. Personally, I think can I am starting to live this trend a little bit too much for my liking. Let me share with you all a good illustration of what am talking about; do you know that some people prioritize eating lunch over meeting deadlines or completing assigned task. I mean WTF? And they wanna know why you trippin’ though? Huh? Come again? SMH!

So my friends all love to label me the “MAD ANGRY Nigerian”. It is so bad, I went to an establishment mid-week to take care of some business and the first thing out of the girl’s mouth was, “hey, you the guy that looked very mean the last time you were here”. First thing I thought about was excuse me? And who put you up to this? This chick had the nerve to say the same peanut butter & jelly bulls**t again to me. All I was thinking in my head was, maybe if you didn’t have me wait for over two hours to get service I wouldn’t have my “MAD ANGRY Nigerian” face-on and have that Bernie Mac moment I love so much.

This is my favorite by far; have you ever notice the level of customer service, respect and courtesy you are presented with when someone is after your money or wants your business. I mean they would even sell their momma sometimes just to make a deal. But the minute they get you to sign on the dotted line and have your money in their pockets it is like all of a sudden you ain’t s**t to them. The part that kills me the most is how you are made to feel like a burden and the nature of your request is just so farfetched and implausible.

My advise to anybody that comes across something similar described in this week’s blog is to Bernie Mac SLAP the s**t out there a** and just keep it moving.

You’re Welcome!  

BIG Kids & LITTLE Adults

We Are 3X DOPE

What’s up people?

So I was just at the airport a few hours back and had to deal with a certain type of person that we all have come across at one point or another. That certain person that is so into him/herself that he/she is willing to inconvenience others and disrupt the flow of things all for the sake of making a point. Who knew that in 2012 you can still have a plan delayed for over and hour and held-up from taking off all to appease one person and their issues with the airline? The only Afrikan that I know with that status who still got that kind of juice in 2012 is the one that occupies the White House off Pennsylvania Avenue here in the DMV. However, it seems that all you still need is a particular pigmentation, use of your U.S. government employee status and actually verbalize a threat in an airport of all places and airline officials will accommodate your whinny a** and disregard the fact that little children being held up on a tarmac. SMH!           

Ok people; let me get focused…

This has been a very kid friendly week for obvious reasons. I got to see several posted pictures of all the Kool Keedz on FACEBOOK kicking off their Back to School week and they all looked FANTASTIC! My special little threesome are still on vacation so I decided to play hooky and hang out with them as we took in a field trip all the way out in Baltimore because in the “MY OMO NAIJA” camp EVERYDAY is a HOLIDAY. So after watching the three of them play, fight, fuss, make-up, eat, compete, fart on each other, call each other names and pass-out in the back seat, I came to the realization that everything kids do, we the adults are equally guilty of and are totally no different. So here are some highlights of my four day experience with my Kool Keedz;

DRAMA – Kids are always in crisis over the simplest things. Hmmmmmmmmm; know any adult in your life this may apply to? Just saying....

SHARE – We tell kids to share amongst each other all the time. Why is it that when adults hit you with that “Lemme hold that for a min” = I’m taking that don’t expect to get it back!  

FAKEY FAKEY – My niece Bilo asked that I include this one; she can cry on the spot for some attention. I mean she is a PROFESSIONAL. Fellas; we all have a female in our lives that are very good for this fo sho!

Same Thang Make You Laugh = Gonna Make You Cry… I think this one is self-explanatory. Basically it’s all fun and games until the shoe is on the other foot and somebody done caught feelings. Usually, it's the one doing all the lauging that those all the crying at the end from my experiences.

I WANT; I WANT – This is that syndrome many kids start in their toddler phase that many of us adults never grow out of. That’s why you got the new iPhone, iPad2, Dre Beats, Red bottom shoes, Jordan XVI and still ask your momma & daddy for gas money.

MEANIE – Be it kids or adults, mean people SUCK! Be nice to people… It’s a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

Now let me see some A’s on those report cards Kids.