Friday, June 26, 2009

Death is So Dangerous

It is with a deep sense of lost that we all mourn the demise of a Classic Icon, a Rare Gem, an Idol, a god, a spirit; all the descriptions you can imagine were given to our dear MJ. Encomiums and all the praises one can remember trooped in, during phone programs on our local media. But come to think of it, is death truly dangerous? Yes, I must confess that death is so dangerous, and that's why it can do away with just any soul and no one dares to question its action.

It's a pity Michael Jackson can’t be brought back to life, but his numerous albums being played endlessly back home today, in all the media reminds many of his unique person, qualities and talents. Oh, what a great lost to the entire world? I wish I was able to buy a ticket to his scheduled London Show - July 2009, so I could ask for no refunds; oh how I wish those who were pretty lucky to have bought, will share this feeling of sympathy and pain I’m having, and then say to the organizers of the July, London Show, PLEASE use the proceeds/our refunds to console the bereaved family.

I tell you what, a caller this morning, said he was crying for MJ, and when he was asked whether he would visit the studio to pick his prize, he asked in return whether he can pick it up today. Guess what? The presenter asked him whether he was not crying anymore. Well that tells you, what money can do. So, People, your refunds can actually wipe the tears of the Jacksons at this confused moment. Let’s heal the wound his demise has left on the hearts of his family members!

May Michael Jackson’s gentle soul rest in Peace!

Monday, June 22, 2009

White house: Radical Fly Dies

How would the above headline sound in the ears of opposite people? Very usual of course; but check out this one: US President - Obama Kills Fly! Wahoo exciting and unusual to hear or read about. Interestingly the news of President Obama fray with a fly and its sudden death has been making the rounds in the media all over the world.

The fact however, is that it is not the killing of the radical fly by Obama making the news. Rather the gimmick of his opponents and the antagonists of change are making the mere killing of a fly a very big deal. Perhaps, if these sets had their way, they would have extended the animal cruelty law to insect cruelty so they could have a ready excuse to crucify His Excellency. Be that as it may, the fly killed needs to be buried so can make the news for us.

To most us, Obama’s action is clear indication that the US President is, a No nonsense man, unwilling to be swerved by even a fly in his pursuit of change. And again, that it’s Zero Tolerance for the Change Agenda. So how a fly thinks s/he can waste our precious time? Indeed the world needed a change and not the games that our previous leaders have been with playing with our world’s business time. And again, if the killing of a fly can make such loud news, then the killing of a mosquito should as well make news or much bigger news. Although some commentators are surprise that a fly can be found in a high place like the seat of power (Washington D.C.). The question then is, where on earth does our dear friend, fly doesn’t pay a visit?

But really truly, what we need is change and not the politicking which the media has joined their fans to do, instead of doing the balancing and the digging or serious issues brawl beating our world into gradual extinction. What’s happening to those comrades held in jail(s) in Pyongyang? What’s the position of the missile test by the strong man of North Korea? What are we saying about the resettlement of the Guantanamo Bay occupants? When will peace return completely to the Middle East, Pakistan, Somalia and Afghanistan? How far are we are we going with the bailout and in many other global issues? The aforementioned are issues that should make thunderous rounds along with realistic ways forward.

That fly should NEVER be allowed to draw us back or even dare slow our not too steady pace on the long junior to change in the face a mountainous challenge of melt down. Case rested!

Managing Employment right under the Economic Recession

Management experts and most of our think-tanks in the Human Resources Management discipline seem to have lost focus or ran of the right ideas and the appropriate measures for managing employment crisis that comes with the current global economic recession. What we read and hear on a diurnal basis is an increasing number of retrenchments, sacks; down-sizing and all the heart-breaking stories of job lost or worst still joblessness in different parts of the world.

Amusingly, nobody seem to have given a thought the idea of rising through the ranks or ascending the career ladder and then, quitting at the due time for others to trail the path as well. Perhaps, this is a function of greed or lost of memory, or possibly an oversight. And one thing financial experts and economists alike have not told those of us who are alien to that discipline is where the dearth of funds which characterize the recession is coming from and where the money went?

But judging with the hunch, one can deduce that the money which was once in our system, but developed wings all of a sudden, must have flown to an unknown destination. And the onus is for someone to locate that locale. Until, we address the circumstances that gave rise to the funds-flight, this idea of bailout will only slow our days of salvation.

Whilst, that is being pondered, anyone can help remind our Human Resource persons to apply the Staff Analysis and Job Evaluation (SAJE) model strictly, so that as people are ascending the career ladder, they’re encouraged to quit at the apex of their career or climax into self-employment or partnership with people of their caliber. For instance, if two professionals from a Chrysler, a GM, a SHELL or Coca-Cola could pull out at the due time following the aforementioned model, and then put their pay-off/benefits into one venture, they would’ve created massive jobs for ages. In fact, the job spread can go on and on, and even beg for hands to engage. Unfortunately, the future of many has been mortgaged by greed, complacency, insensitivity and lack of foresight.

Pitiably, in the event all these retrenchment, down-sizing or whatever, the comfortable in almost every system is never affected, rather the bourgeoisie are the brunt bearers. Thus, widening the deep gorge between the rich and the poor; interestingly, no one seems to remember that the more the number of poor peoples the more the danger that awaits the few rich people.

Well, those of us who in jobs might be less concern, while those out of jobs maybe loosing heads with the worries of where our next meal or rents will come from. But that at least one should, and the best persons for that Herculean task are the Human Resources Manager (HRM) and the Public Relations Manager (PRM). And all they need to do is to apply the SAJE Model strictly, despite who horse will be gored in the course of its application.

People who have made their marks should be encouraged to quit while the ovation is reverberating. And the wealth amassed should be plunged into investments solely or in partnership with colleagues, friends, associates and relatives. We all owe a responsibility to cater for one and others, build and happy world for all and sundry. The era of all to myself and others should go to blazes are over, today's proximity, mutuality and interests are interwoven, and it is such that even if you try to close your ears and eyes to the cries or problems of people, the noise and the danger associated with such insensitivity is enormous.

And so, the solution is in the judicious and conscious application of the Staff Analysis and Job Evaluation (SAJE) model, which calls for professionals who have risen through their career ranks to quit the stage for others, the moment they arrive the top. It goes further to demand from such veterans, an investment obligation; by so doing they are able to create jobs from both ends, .i.e. from where they’re coming from, which will then have a job opening and again at their next destination where team members or players will be required at their new investment arena.

Furthermore, those who are affected by job lost of any form can as well apply the wisdom of investing their savings and earnings into private or joint ventures, that way they can create jobs for themselves and for others and even those who haven’t tested the job feel but incidentally locked out, by the impact of current global financial/economic crisis.

Civil War Eminent…Nigeria?

We should be expecting a migration surge in different parts of the world by the time the looming war in Nigeria erupts. Indeed it behoves all that matter in international politics, policing and policy formulations to direct their attention to Nigeria considering her contributions to the global economy and her role in the affairs of the continent Africa.

Some may say they have no business in the affairs of Nigeria, especially because of her credibility crisis as bothers on corruption. But the issue at stake is beyond sentiments, race and distance. Many a time, issues that bother a people in other part of the world, have suffered indifference, complacency, and lips-service. Yet their repercussions have often risen to a climax that attracts global concerns, comments and even involvement. And in each case, the approach is that of medication after death, or worst still call for truce or dialogue at the middle of a crisis.

The attention required by the emerging situation in Nigeria has gone beyond a stitch in time saving nine. This is rather a case of desperate situation demanding resolute solution. As it stands now, the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has issued about two months ultimatum to all Niger Delta People in Abuja and in the Northern parts of Nigeria to return home. They’ve equally advised all Northerners to leave major cities in the Niger-Delta region.

Following the antecedents of this group, every threat has always been matched with action. However, we’re governed by a few who are adamant and insensitive to the plights of the underprivileged Nigerian majority; and that why they can say to MEND, to hell with your threat. After all, they have the might to match their hunches. Well, we must not forget in hurry the many lives that were sent to their untimely graves, during the last onslaught. The person who came up with the old wise saying…when two elephants fight, the ground/grass suffers wouldn’t have been wrong. But what s/he has failed to tell us is what the ground/grass should have down before the fight. And that perhaps, is to prevent fight from happening; again that is possible and atmosphere of care and concern.

In fact, countless souls have paid worthless prize on the Nigerian soil for too long a time. Yet, the maiming goes on covertly and overtly unabated; even as the gladiators enjoyed the freak while its fun lasted. And it doesn’t matter to them because they control the operations from secluded corners. Even at that, they are never close to their followers (the governed). So even this reports of deaths, vandalism, environmental pollution and the likes of “distracting” stories gets to them on paper. And on paper, tentative solutions are proffered. Firsthand information, direct assessment or fact-finding and interaction with the displeased or affected people don’t count. What matters to them is that the people remain docile and gullible; in so far their own enjoyments are not hampered.

Well, the fact remains that the drums of war does not sound its warnings twice. The people (MEND) have sounded their warning; and many Nigerians know the true situation there, but they’re rendered Armstrong in every case, because of the character of government. We have an insensitive and insincere government that in Yoruba parlance, ‘talks from the two sides of the mouth.’

The government in the past one month ordered a Joint military Task Force (JTF) to go all out for the militants, an action many critics described as an act of war against a part of Nigeria. President Yar’Adua was of course, given the hard knocks of condemnation and abuses for authorizing such genocide. And until now, no one seems to show remorse or regret for the action, except the victims who are mourning the untimely death of their harmless and helpless loved ones. Unfortunately, what inspired such action is yet to be told.

Meanwhile, the President has said that the JTF was ordered to go after the militants and not the harmless people, but at the end many innocent souls were lost, many others displaced. And now, government is talking about resettling the displaced people; whilst the militant are unyielding to their threats of vandalizing oil facilities and to make the Niger Delta cricks uncomfortable for the beneficiaries.

As the onslaught lasted, Chevron was the first to fall victim, followed by SHELL, and now AGIP. And at a point the can of warm opened and therein, sponsors of the militants were fingered, and the government as usual made the noises as to how the perpetrators will be brought book. But what that will happen after all the hullabaloos, only history can tell.

Let’s face the fact; the government described what is going on in the Niger-Delta as an act of criminality, no doubt about that. And in fairness to both sides, criminal acts have been making waves not only in that region, but in some other regions in Nigeria. Again, they are genuine agitators as well as miscreants and buccaneers fighting for their pockets. Yet, how would government describe what she is doing in that region by way of development and the empowerment of the people? Is it the politics of dichotomy (divide and rule) or the bunkering by some powerful people and government agents that will bring peace and development the people of that region? Perhaps, it is the approach of dialoguing with selected friends of government from the Niger-Delta at the utter neglect of the truly affected people that could solve the problem.

This note is intended to draw the attention of global leaders to re-echoing war drums being sounded by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger-Delta (MEND) in that part of the world called Nigeria. It is true that, when war breakout, some people make loses, while others make gains. Conceivably, that could be the reason while this looming danger/war may not be adverted.

However, the after-effects should be given a deep thought especially in the face of a global financial crisis where everyone is expected to gather resources to salvage the situation, rather than compounding an already bad global circumstance.

It is also worthy of attention because of its effects in the global oil market, and also the immigration threats it poses to many innocent nations. The peace the world needs are in our very hands and hearts. All that is needed is to tell your friends, neighbors, colleagues and fellow politicians the truth, and then, calling them to order, when they’re putting wrong foot on a journey that has a magnificent repercussion on the lives innocent people.

In the next couple of days, President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua, will be reeling out the purport amnesty conditions to the militants willing to lay down their arms. And many Nigeria’s are saying that is not the solution; for the solutions are all with the government, from reports to recommendation and communiqués of several reconciliation meetings, dialogues, panel enquiries and investigations, to the conspicuous facts and figures of events in the Niger-Delta. Many Nigerians have been telling the government the truth, but it seldom sink; and that is why international intervention is necessary at this point.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Our Musical Icons

What befalls an icon would definitely affect those who look up to them as mentors and role models. It is in the light of the above circumstance that one would be forced to implore our musical icons to apply modesty and caution when it comes to temptations or issues that could dent their credibility.

You may recall that most of these stars have suffered so many challenges arising from issues that would've ended in silence should caution and modesty be applied at the point where tempers and nerves are rising. Indeed many young men and women fashion their lives to be in tune with those of them whom they regards as role models. Some even go as far as molding their lives styles to fit into those of some of these musical icons. Thus, this goes to tell what manner of influence these musical stars have in the lives of their followers and fans.

One therefore looks forward to a drastic drop in the number cases arising from issues involving one star or another and their lovers or friends or rivals as the case may be. It had better be told that we all have our unique gift and our individual differences. And collectively we can make a great difference in our world. So peace, tolerance and understanding is all that we need, and not the image denting and the credibility crises that keep trailing most of them.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

New Investment Opening in Nigeria

It is no longer news that a few days ago, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria opened its doors again to willing investors, when she revoked the operating license of Transcorp. But one interest thing you need to know is that the Nigeria Telecommunications giant popularly known as NITEL was sold off to a company called Transcorp under the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in what many Nigerians described as mischievous circumstance and at a ridiculous price.

Going by the valuation of most critics, the firm NITEL is worth more than $80 billion, yet the former president sold it for less than $1 billion dollars. Indeed several criticisms trailed the transaction up until the latest development of license invalidation. According to some critics, the sale was directly made to the auctioneer - Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. And trust Nigerians, they never allowed the auctioneer one single good sleep. It was their noises, that led to his change of heart and the resulted invitation of the public to be part owners/ co-investors in Transcorp. Consequently, Transcorp in 2007 went to the Nigerian stocks market to woo investors.

You might be delighted when you hear about how those who are in the ever growing Nigerian Telecommunications market are striving at a time when most companies globally are closing up shops. It may also interest you to know that as 2004, one of the leading telecoms operators - MTN Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adrian wood, who prefer to be called a Chief Servant Officer, admitted in a presentation at Philips Consulting Limited training room that what the firm (MTN Nigeria) recouped/made in one year, MTN South Africa is yet to make in eight years. This indeed affirms the viability and the juicy nature of that sector of the Nigerian economy. It is perhaps for the marked successes of the telecom operators, that most Nigerians have described the new investment opening at NITEL as a juicy and viable one for willing investors in that sector of the Nigerian economy. The federal government has equally added it voices to the call for willing investors from all parts of the globe by saying that the revocation was to create a healthy competition in the sector, and to revive an ailing firm in the hands of inactive performers/operators.

They say when the going gets tough, only the tough gets going. Indeed, the Nigerian government has just opened a wealth creation opportunity to all interested global investors at a time when the economic meltdown is

decimating wealth and jobs. It is worthy of note to mention here that, the Nigerian population is heading towards 150 million plus, with an average 45 million being hooked up to about 12 existing telecom companies. Thus, the market here big and begging for services from all willing investors.