Why Most Black People Are Poor

Let’s consider, for a moment, the question: why are most black people poor? Perhaps this is a question that has sometimes crossed your mind, or you often think about: why are most black people poor in the world? Is it because of their race, skin color, or location? Maybe it’s because they don’t have access to many things that white people have access to. Actually, I don’t think so. Poverty has nothing to do with those things. And I will explain that.

First of all, let’s see where this whole problem started from.

Up till the 14th century, Africa still held one of the richest empires in the world. Africa was doing great in economy, trade, agriculture, mining, and infrastructural development. There were accounts of inventions and innovations that came from Africa. But when slave trade and colonization came, Africans were robbed of their rights. Their resources were looted away en masse. What could be done? 

Was the looting away of the resources the reason why Africans were poor? Again, I don’t think so. Poverty is not created by losing what you have. It is created by not recognizing what you have. Even if the white people took away all the resources in Africa, they can’t still make Africans poor, because poverty is not in the physical things that we see. But in the abstract things that we don’t see.

For a person with a rich mindset, he can always create wealth anytime, any day, anywhere. He’s not limited by location, time, or place. Even if all his wealth is taking away from him, he can create a new one over and over again. Riches are not limited to only the physical things that we can see. But they are abundant in numerous things that we cannot see.

So, what makes Africans poor? It is the mindset – the way we see ourselves – the way we think and the way we interpret things. Because of the history of slavery and colonization that we have, many of us have not come out of that mental bondage yet. We still keep thinking about them. We still keep thinking we are victims and disadvantaged. We still think somebody is behind our problem. 

Yes, we can identify the problem and know what or who the causative agents are. But that doesn’t mean we must continue to play the blame game. It doesn’t mean we must continue to leave our life in the hands of the oppressors. 

Rather, we must take action. We must take responsibility for our own life and move forward. We don’t want to keep dwelling in the past, but we want to create a better future for ourselves and our children. Despite all the bad that the colonizers have done, we can still rise again and make a better life for ourselves and our upcoming generations.

The ball is in our court, and we can decide what we want for our future. Africa is a land of resources – both human and mineral. We can never be short of resources. Our land is always flowing with milk and honey. No matter how much the foreigners have come to drain our resources, we will always have more than enough for ourselves and those around us.

We’ve got to come out of this mentality of lack and poverty. We’ve got to take ourselves away from this mindset of slavery and colonization. I know we hear the story every time, and it used to demoralize us, and make us have this feeling of being victims and at the mercy of the people to help us and bale out of problems. But no one will help more than we can help ourselves. No external help is sustainable. We must focus on the inside and tap into our own grace and ability that the Creator has given us.

Contrary to what many think, Africa is not disadvantaged. We are not unfortunate or unlucky. It’s not a bad thing that we are born in Africa or have African origin. Black is not cursed. Africa is not cursed. We are blessed people. We are people of grace and power. We are smart and strong people. We are willful and ambitious people. We don’t have a lack or poverty in our lives. Whatever poverty we see is the one we have created in our minds. It doesn’t exist. It is a mirage that if we keep moving, it will disappear.

How can a land that has tremendous resources in the world be in lack? How can a continent that gave birth to humanity be in lack? Africa is where all the resources in this world came from. And all the good things that we see in the world today came from Africa. Africa is the source of all things in the world. Africa is the origin of humanity. So, everything that will sustain humanity must come from Africa.

Think about people who have done great and mighty things in the world; they are of African origin. There is no single thing that has excelled so much in the world that doesn’t have its origin traceable to Africa. Top big companies in the world like Apple, Tesla, Hp, and Intel have their products made from minerals extracted from Africa. It is because Africa is a land of gold. Africa is a land of treasure. It is a land of the rich – rich in resources and mind.

I encourage you to start working with this mindset. Let this be your thinking. And let it be your life. I see you stepping into a new level of success and progress. Cheers to higher living!

In the next article, I will discuss what you should start doing with your time if you want to become rich.

99 Things People Don't Like You Do to Them

The idea for this book stems from years of my interaction and experience with people. I’ve lived, eaten, played, danced, sung, hiked, worked, and did so many things with people. I’ve found these secrets with people and now understood them in a better way. It’s good you know what people like and what they don’t like, so you can know how to avoid those things and find your way with people.

 Grab your copy on Amazon: 99 Things People Don't Like You Do to Them

99 Most Important Things to Know About Money

 

In a world driven by dreams, desires, and aspirations, one thing remains steadfast and undeniable in its influence—money. The pursuit of financial freedom is an endeavor that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. This is because the language of wealth is universal. Our lives are intricately woven with the threads of money choices, investment decisions, and the pursuit of economic freedom. It is the enabler of dreams, the source of security, and the key to unlocking the doors of our desires.

In the pages of this book, I will share with you some financial ideas and fundamental principles that govern the world of wealth. From saving and investing to understanding the nuances of debt, taxes, and retirement planning, this book serves as your compass on the path to financial empowerment.

 

Grab your copy on Amazon: 99 Most Important Things to Know About Money

7 Elon Musk's Money Secrets - A New Book RELEASE!

Elon Musk's journey to wealth and success is a testament to the power of mindset and perspective. Over the past 15 years, I have immersed myself in studying his life, his businesses, and his projects, seeking to unravel the timeless principles that have propelled him to the pinnacle of wealth and riches. 

Through my research, I have gleaned insights into Musk's intentions, mindsets, and beliefs, uncovering the secrets that have enabled him to achieve extraordinary success.

In this book, I share the inner workings of Musk's mind and unravel the secrets behind his extraordinary success. I also uncover the principles that have guided him on his journey to financial abundance and reveal how you too can apply these principles to unlock your own path to wealth.

Get your copy on Amazon: 7 Elon Musk's Money Secrets

Intentional Eating

What is intentional eating? At its core, intentional eating is about cultivating a mindful and purposeful approach to food. It's about being present in the moment, savoring each bite, and making conscious choices that support our health and vitality. By understanding the nutritional benefits of the food we eat, we can fuel our bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Nutrients, we know, are vital substances in our body. Pretty much indispensable. Our bodies cannot do without many of them. The ones our body cannot do without are the essential ones. While the ones our body can do without are the non-essential ones. For example, essential amino acids, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins are essential nutrients. While non-essential amino acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and some minerals, are non-essential nutrients.

Having these nutrients in our diet (essential or non-essential) supports our health and vitality.

As a medical graduate who has a deep-rooted passion for food and health, I've immersed myself in the world of food, experimenting with different culinary creations in my own kitchen. And through my experiences, I've come to understand the profound impact that food has on our health and well-being.

I can say for a fact that –

Food is vital for health and well-being.
Food is medicine and should be treated as such.
Food is life.

We know food plays a major role in our community. It brings us together. It fosters more bonds and love among us. When we come together to eat, we share ideas, experiences, and our daily activities.

Intentional eating makes us more conscious of the value and purpose of the food we eat and why it’s important to keep a good relationship with it if we want to be healthy and enjoy a good life.

There are key principles of intentional eating. Here they are:

Mindfulness: Intentional eating emphasizes mindfulness, which involves being fully present and engaged in the eating experience. It involves paying attention to the sensory aspects of food, such as its taste, texture, aroma, and appearance, without judgment.

Listening to Your Body: Intentional eating encourages listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues and honoring your body's natural signals. It involves eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're satisfied. Your body has a good regulatory system.

Choosing Nutrient-Dense Foods: Intentional eating focuses on choosing foods that nourish your body and support your health and well-being. It involves prioritizing nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while minimizing processed and unhealthy options.

Eating with Purpose: Intentional eating involves eating with purpose and intention, rather than mindlessly consuming food out of habit or boredom. It involves considering the nutritional value and potential benefits of the foods you eat, as well as the impact they have on your body and overall health.

Savoring the Eating Experience: Intentional eating encourages savoring the eating experience and taking the time to enjoy and appreciate your food. It involves eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and pausing to savor the flavors and textures of each bite.

Cultivating Awareness: Intentional eating promotes awareness of the factors that influence your eating habits, such as emotions, stress, social cues, and environmental factors. It involves developing insight into your eating patterns and behaviors and making conscious choices that align with your health goals and values.

Overall, intentional eating is about cultivating a mindful and purposeful approach to food and eating that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can lead to greater satisfaction, improved digestion, better food choices, and a more positive relationship with food and your body.

How to Embrace the Uncertainty of Life

This is a time when we need to understand people and situations. It is a time when trust is dwindling and people’s hope is dashing away. You want to learn how to discern people and situations.

In life, we often go through different situations. We go through different challenges and it worries us that we don’t understand, for most part, what we are going through or how we’re going through it. We don’t know what will happen at the end. Yes, we can have faith, hope, assurance, positive mind, and whatnot. But in reality, we are still left with questions in our mind. There are still many things that are outside our knowledge.

Life is full of many things. And we don’t know all of the things that we’ll go through in life. Nobody can come out and tell the entire itinery of their life. We don’t know if the battle we fight should worth trying or not. We don’t know the outcome. We can speculate and assume a lot of things. We can have hope that all will go well and we will end in victory. But victory is not sure until we have it. And what gives us victory is not only the certainty, but also the uncertainty. For we receive what we’ve already given up in our mind.

People who earn true victory all the time are people who are not desperate about it. They are people who believe their victory is not the end of it, but the beginning of it.

There are many things we don’t know in life. And for that, it makes life interesting and adventurous. We get to meet little surprises here and there that keep us curious about life and what it is to come. Life is lived in certainty and uncertainty. And that’s one of the beauties of life.

Among the very most important things we don’t know in life is when we will die. Yes, we can have faith and trust that we will live long and enjoy a good life. But that’s not a guarantee. It is not certain. Why? Because it is not in our care. Life is a gift that we are all given to enjoy. So, we don’t have a sole ownership on it.

No one can come out today and say the actual day they are going to die. Except those who intentionally take away their lives, dying by any natural means is left to nature. It is left to the supernatural that puts everyone of us in here. Someone can predict. It is still a prediction. Not a certainty. Or someone can get the revelation. What am saying is knowing when we will die is not in our human capacity or jurisdiction.

So, when we are left with this dilemma of not knowing when we will die – the actual date and time, we become confused and worried about how much time we have left to spend, and if we will ever be able to finish things that we want to do. We wonder if we will ever be able to have enough time to enjoy a good time with our loved ones and our wealth. We wonder if things will turn in our favor. We wonder if the future will ever be good for us.

And what this does to us is it makes us feel curious and uncertain. It makes us feel worried, and sometimes concerned. We become agitated, especially when we know we’ve got a lot of things to do and we’ve not done many. We become concerned that we might not die empty, probably still having many more things to do.

But look, do not fret. The creator knows you more than you know yourself. So, relish every moment as though it is your last moment.

How do you know how you will enjoy your life? By knowing how you enjoy your day. If you want to change your life, change your day. The quality of your life is seen in the quality of your day. A day well spent is a life well spent. 

Check everything you do in a day. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and actions. Also, observe how to respond to situations and relate with people. Your life can’t be better than the quality of your day. Your life is every passing time you witness. So, when you pay attention to how you spend your day, you will understand how to maximize your life.

Also, something very important is the quality of your thoughts. Your thoughts are very important. They are what determine the quality of your life. So, pay attention to the quality of your thoughts. What do you think about every passing moment? Your thoughts are the seeds you sow into every passing moment of your life. And they will bring forth fruits in due time. Check everything you are thinking. Analyze your thoughts and sieve out the bad ones. Don’t allow bad thoughts to stay in your mind for long. They may come and they will come. You don’t have power to stop them from coming. But you surely have power to stop them from staying.

So, regularly check your thoughts and know what you are thinking. Be here and now. Be aware of you and your environment. Your mind is a powerful tool. Use it well for your advantage.

...to be continued!

12 Laws of Nature

Introduction 

Dear friends, let's talk about something truly fascinating –the world around and within us. We all know a bit about this and that. But the truth is, there's still so much more to discover. Science keeps uncovering new secrets every single day, and our thirst for knowledge is unquenchable.

This book is on a mission to unveil the hidden wisdom of nature, focusing on the fundamental principles (or laws) that make life work. Without these laws, our world, including us, wouldn't exist as we know it. Nature owes its very existence to these principles, and they pave the way for our planet's sustainability and progress.

Think about it - everything in the natural world thrives and functions flawlessly because of these laws.

However, when these laws are ignored or violated, chaos inevitably follows. This chaos comes in various forms, affecting everything from the physical to the biological and even the social aspects of our world. So, understanding these laws is crucial.

What Is Nature?

To get a better grasp of nature, let's glance at its definition. The word "nature" has its roots in the Latin word "natura" which means essential qualities or innate disposition. In ancient times, it literally means birth. In today's context, nature encompasses the intrinsic characteristics or qualities that develop in plants, animals, and everything else on Earth. It refers to everything we see in the physical world that humans didn't create - the natural forces shaping our world, the behaviors of humans, animals, plants, and the very character of all things.

Wonders of Nature

When we gaze at mountains, trees, oceans, and the magnificent creatures inhabiting the land, sea, and sky, we're witnessing the marvels of nature. When we see the landscapes, the architectural designs, and the celestial bodies like the sun and stars, we're reminded of the vastness of our world, far beyond what meets the eye.

And let's not forget the most remarkable part of nature - us, humans. We're unique beings designed to rule over all other forms of nature, using everything to our advantage.

But here's the catch: nature is not a free-for-all. It operates under specific laws.

Understanding these laws and how they influence life's events and activities is crucial. These laws are in action from the moment we wake up until we lay down to rest. They set everything in motion and keep the world functioning. We, as humans, are intricately tied to these laws, whether we realize it or not.

In this book, we'll dive deep into these laws and explore how they shape the behavior and characteristics of different elements of nature. To make it easier, we'll categorize them into three groups:

Physical Nature: These are the non-living elements of nature - the tangible, sensory things like the sun, rain, stars, oceans, soil, climate, minerals, and so on. They might not have a heartbeat, but they profoundly affect living organisms and our existence on Earth.

Biological Nature: This category encompasses all living things except humans - the plants, animals, and microorganisms that make our world teem with life.

Social Nature: Here, we're talking about us, humans, the dominant force on Earth.

The 12 laws of nature we're about to delve into will be explained using these three components. So, get ready to explore these laws and understand how they shape our world and existence.

Here is the list of those 12 Laws 

1. The Law of Diversity
2. The Law of Abundance
3. The Law of Attraction
4. The Law of Reproducibility
5. The Law of Functionality
6. The Law of Beauty
7. The Law of Growth
8. The Law of Cycle and Recycle
9. The Law of Existence
10. The Law of Possibility
11. The Law of Exchange
12. The Law of Reciprocity

15 Ideas On Things to Do with Your Time

 

There are always ideas on what to do – whether you want to do it alone or with people. There are times when you just feel tired of the usuals. You are just fed up with following the normal routines and living like a robot. You want to try something new. You want to do something different. And that is good. Whether you are old or young, male or female, this spirit is in every human. We are easily tired of doing the same thing over and over again, and we get bored of doing what we are already used to.

In this article, I will share with you 10 different areas you could explore to try something new and be happy with your life.

1. Doing Sports:

Engaging in sports not only keeps you physically active but also enhances your overall well-being. You are mentally sound and you feel alive in your spirit. Sport is a wonderful way to stay fit, improve coordination, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. Whether you're into team sports like soccer or individual ones like swimming, sports offer a fulfilling outlet for your energy.

2. Playing Instruments:

Learning to play a musical instrument is a journey of self-expression. It's like having a conversation with melodies and notes. The time spent practicing and mastering an instrument can be incredibly rewarding, leading to a sense of accomplishment and the ability to share your musical talents with others. There are several instruments you can learn. You can learn how to play piano, guitar, saxophone, drums, violin, and so on.

3. Singing, Dancing, and Composing Songs:

Expressing yourself through singing, dancing, and composing songs is like painting with sound and movement. These creative outlets allow you to share your emotions, feelings, and experiences in a unique way. Whether you're singing your heart out or choreographing a dance routine, you're channeling your inner artistic talent. Start with any one you can. If you can sing, sing. If you can dance, dance. And if you can compose a song, go ahead. Whatever you can do, do. You will surely see yourself getting better and adding value to other lives through your gifts.

4. Photography and Video Editing:

Capturing moments through photography and creating visual stories through video editing lets you freeze memories and convey emotions through images. It's about framing the world through your lens and showcasing your unique perspective to the world.

5. Tailoring, Knitting or Crocheting:

Crafting with your hands is a deeply satisfying way to create tangible works of art. Whether you're sewing clothes, knitting scarves, or crocheting blankets, these activities offer a meditative adventure and the joy of seeing your creations come to life.

6. Doing Artistic Works, Decorations, and Fashion:

Expressing your creativity through art, decoration, and fashion allows you to transform your surroundings and your appearance. It's about giving life to your imagination and personal style. You can make your space a reflection of your personality and turn yourself into a walking work of art.

7. Farming and Gardening:

Connecting with nature through farming and gardening lets you nurture life and witness growth firsthand. It's therapeutic and provides a sense of accomplishment as you cultivate your own food or create a lush, vibrant garden.

8. Learning a New Language:

Mastering a new language opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. It's a journey of discovery that enriches your understanding of the world and allows you to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

9. Blogging and Vlogging:

Sharing your thoughts, experiences, and expertise through blogging and vlogging enables you to create a digital footprint. You're not only expressing yourself but also potentially inspiring and educating others who resonate with your content.

10. Cooking New Meals:

Cooking is a delightful blend of creativity and practicality. I love it. And trying new recipes and experimenting with flavors lets you embark on culinary adventures in your own kitchen. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious results with your family and friends!

11. Creating a Community or Online Presence:

Building a community around a shared interest or passion can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether it's online or in person, connecting with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of belonging and gives you the chance to make a positive impact.

12. Learning Programming and Computer Skills:

In our digital age, learning programming and computer skills empowers you to navigate and thrive in the tech-driven world. You're acquiring tools to bring your ideas to life, whether it's building websites, apps, or other digital creations.

13. Doing Research:

Delving into research allows you to explore subjects you're curious about and expand your knowledge. Whether you're investigating historical events, scientific concepts, or personal interests, research fuels your intellectual growth and performance.

14. Going to the Gym:

Regular exercise at the gym promotes physical health, boosts your mood, and enhances your overall well-being. It's a time to focus on yourself, set goals, and see the positive changes in your body and fitness.

15. Reading and Writing:

Engaging with books and writing lets you journey into new worlds, learn from others' experiences, and express your thoughts. Reading broadens your mind, while writing helps you articulate your ideas and express your deep, engraved thoughts to others.

So, those are the 15 things you can do. I hope they have inspired you. Remember, the key is to find activities that resonate with your interests and passions. And these pursuits not only enrich your life but also contribute to your personal growth, happiness, and sense of fulfillment.

Thanks for reading and do share with your family and friends!

4 Stages of Life

There are 4 stages of life. Each of the stage has its own substages. In this article, we will discuss all the stages and substages and look at how they are applicable in our lives. Each and everyone of us are at different stage of life. And we know life is in stages and people are in sizes. 

Apart from the physical and mental growths that we experience as we go through life, there are other important changes we go through that are worth noting. We will look at them in this article. And it is paramount we pay attention to these things as they will help us understand where we are and where we are going to, and more importantly, making plans for our future and what exactly we want to do with our life.

Stages of life are periods when we go through certain experiences. There are some repeated patterns that are noticed as we go through each of these stages. And there is nobody in life that will not go through these stages. They are flexible and not age or time-bound. In fact, they are not location or race-bound. They are simply principles that happen to anyone and everyone.

They take place in-between our journeys in life and they can occur at anytime. Another important thing about these stages is that they can take place simultaneously at different areas of our lives. For instance, we might be experiencing mirroring stage in our marriage, while we are experiencing exploring stage in our career. And we might be experiencing commitment stage in our spiritual life, while we are experiencing legacy stage in our work or business. 

So, it all depends on many factors – what we are going through in life, our goals and ambitions, people around us, and so on.

The substages are phases we go through when we go through each of these stages. There are 3 substages. The first is growth or rising phase. The second is plateau or climax. And the third is fall or diminishing phase. The growth phase is the period we experience excitement and joy of starting a new stage in life. We feel the energy and enthusiasm to do far and beyond. We keep maintaining that momentum until we reach the climax.

The climax is when we feel the maximum energy and capacity. We are at the peak of all the excitement and enthusiasm of the stage we are in. At this phase, we feel we are on top of the world and anything is possible. 

More so, we don’t want that phase to end because that’s where we feel our best energy. That is where we express all of ourselves and pour ourselves into what we are doing. But that’s not the end. This phase is followed by the last phase which is fall or diminishing phase. This is when we no longer feel the energy or vibe that we experience in the first phase. They are gradually waning and there is decrease in momentum and energy, and we are ready to move on to the next stage of life.

At times when many of us go through this phase, we think something is wrong with us or we are not doing well. But that is not the case, this last phase is preparing us for the next stage of life. It’s showing us that it’s high time we changed where we are and what we are doing, and move on to the next stage of life. It’s interesting to know all of these things as it will help us to understand the stage or phase we are going through in life, and how our lives are full of hope and faith for the future.

Now let’s discuss each of these stages.

1. Mirroring or Mimicry Stage

This is when we learn from others and do what they do. We see what others are doing, and by default, we start doing it. This is usually our experience at the beginning stage of life. It is a time when we learn many things about life. We learn language, culture, values, traditions, and how the society works. There are also many daily habits we learn from our parents and family. We learn how to eat by watching them eat. We learn how to walk, talk, wear clothes, use restroom, take our bath, brush our teeth, cook, take care of ourselves, and so on. All these things we do by mirroring our parents and people around us. We simply see what they do and do likewise.

More so, we experience this even as we grow up. We see how others do their business, and we do likewise. We see how our friends choose their career, and we follow suit. We basically do what others do, even most times without knowing why. Our parents choose things for us because their friends or people they’ve seen have done those things.

Human beings, by nature, we are people of imitation. We learn most things by watching others. That is the same experience we have with people who are very close to us. They have so much influence on us than we could ever imagine. The mirroring effect happens that the people who are closest to us have the highest impact or influence on us because of this mirroring effect. They rub on us their thinking, talking, actions and mindsets. We adopt their words. We think like them. Talk like them and do things like them. In fact, we live like them. Many of us may not know how deep this mirroring effect is.

We can experience this stage at any time in our lives and at any area of our lives. We can experience this mirroring stage in our business, family life, career, financial life, relationship, and so on.

The issue with this stage is - most times, we might not have discovered our identity, so, we ended up taking the identity of others. More so, we may eventually give up our own identity even after we’ve discovered it. The hope is if we end this stage and enter a new stage, we may decide to let go of all we’ve absorbed and relearn things in our own way. But not so many people are able to go through that route and sometimes it can be hard going through that process. 

In conclusion, this stage is good to start life with. But definitely not the best to end with. We don’t want to keep mirroring other people till the rest of our lives, we want to move on to the next stage, which is –

2. Exploring Stage

This is when you begin to do things by yourself. You no longer wait on others to do things for you. You look for new things. Try new things. Go to new places. Meet new people. Make new things. You begin to explore and explore. The issue here is you don’t feel like sticking to one thing. You are reckless and restless. You love to make adventure. There is just this so much energy in your spirit for exploration. You are not settled or satisfied with where you are or what you are doing. You always desire to try new things. You always want to do new things. That is the stage of life that you are in.

As a matter of fact, life doesn’t make sense to you when you are staying in one place. You don’t find any fulfillment doing one thing all the time or repeating the same routine. You want to go out. You want to make new adventure. This is the time in your life when you are highly dissatisfied and uncontented with where you are and what is going on around you. this is also the time when you want to travel more. You want to meet people more. You want to leave what you are doing and do something totally new. This is the time when you want to leave your career, or business, or project or a place that you are used to. And you just want to enter a new world of unknown. A world where you’ve heard nothing about or know nothing about.

This stage of life is very interesting as you’ll come across many amazingly surprising and incredible things. You will make new mistakes and learn new things. You will also have opportunity to know more things. And have varieties of options in life. you will not only limit yourself to where you are or what you have.

At this stage, you will also be able to get used to taking risks, as this stage is marked by your ability to take risks. We know life is full of risks and it’s all about taking risks. If you are not taking risks in life, you are not progressing. And if you are not progressing, you are not doing well. So, when you take risks and you learn new things. You get better. You do better, and ultimate you live a better life of fulfillment.

3. Commitment Stage

This is a stage when you commit yourself to one area of your life. it is a stage when you put all of your time and energy into something. Your attention is focused on that time. And as a matter of fact, you can sacrifice at this stage of your life. you can stay focused and committed.

At this stage of life, you no longer feel the desire to move from one place to another or from one thing to another. Now, you want to settle. You’ve found what you want, you want to commit. It could be in your marriage, in your career, in your relationship, in your business and so on. the key point with this stage is you have decided to stay with one thing or one way. And that is what is reigning in your mind for now. What others are doing no longer attract you. yes, you can appreciate and celebrate them. But you are not freaked by them. You’re now committed to one thing that is ruling in your heart.

The commitment stage is also characterized by the desire to stay away from distractions and reduce/limit the options you have in life. it is also characterized by the ability to manage your freedom and exercise some level of discipline and focus in your life. It is a stage when you allow your strength to be channeled to one thing, and become more productive on that one thing. You can interloop between exploring and commitment stages, and also at different stages of life, and different areas.

4. Legacy Stage

This stage is characterized by the desire to have a lasting impact in the world. The desire to do something that will make people continue to remember you for good. This stage is when you try as much as possible to make your life valuable and pour yourself into people. You want to give people your full time and energy. You want to share with people vital lessons you’ve learned about life and things that have stood out for you.

This is usually the last but not the least stage of human life. It is a stage when all that matters to you is making a landmark and putting your name on the sands of time.

Something important with legacy is preservation of your values and works. All the works you’ve done, if they are good, you want to preserve them and keep them for the future generations. You want it to be easier for people to learn from you and tap from your wealth of experience.

So, those are the four stages of life. Hope you’ve discovered which stage you are in and which areas of your life you are experiencing any of those stages. In any of the stages you are in, maximize them and relish every moment you have in life. I see you stepping into a new level of success and greatness in life. Best regards.

-S.O PIENS 

May, 2023

Why Nigeria Must Restructure Or Break!

Let me quickly walk you down memory lane before we address this topic. Perhaps, it might be something you’re familiar with. Towards the end of the 19th century, Europeans came to colonize Africa in what we call the Scramble for Africa. It was just after many empires in Europe had collapsed, and they were looking for economic resources to boost their living. In their search, they found Africa as a virgin land to exploit. Many of them had been coming before they finally decided to colonize Africa. They’d been coming for slave trade and sneaky extortion of African resources. They’d also brought their own educational system and religion before this time.

So, they set a good ground for colonization. They came with goodies to attract the monarchs and chiefs and lured them into selling their people into slavery. Apart from the normal slaves that some of the traditional kings got from wars, they also dehumanized their own people and sold them off to Europeans in exchange for goodies from them. These Europeans would take the slaves to Latin America and sell them to the Portuguese and other indigenous people in those areas. They, in turn, would use those slaves for farming. They would use them for sugarcane plantation and overwork them until they wear out. After harvesting the sugarcane and other farm produce, these Portuguese and Spaniards would sell those items to Britain, and Britain would, in turn, convert them to finished products.

It is these finished products that the British businessmen would carry along with them when they are coming back to Africa to buy more slaves and sell them off again to make even more profits. When they saw how easy extorting Africa was, then they finally came with their kingdom to colonize Africa. Countries like France, Britain, Portugal, Belgium, and Germany dominated most parts of Africa and colonized it. This was concealed among them in a meeting called the Berlin Conference in 1886. After this conference, they began their colonization regime in Africa.

Since our focus is on Nigeria, let’s look at how Nigeria was formed. Before colonization, it was kingdoms and empires. Africa had its rich culture, tradition, ancestral government, and unity among its people. There were problems here and there, but they weren’t difficult to solve locally because people understood their language and the uniting voice and value that brought them together. When the colonizers came, they didn’t care about anything relating to the welfare of the people. They were only focused on one thing – draining its resources!

So, when they were scrambling for Africa and sharing the land, they didn’t consider the culture, ancestral origin, kingdoms, or anything that connected the people together. Again, they were only concerned about their selfish gains. When they divided Africa into countries and regions, there were so many mistakes with uniting the indigenous people and keeping them together as they were.

For instance, the Yoruba kingdom in western Africa has its people across the southwest of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. But when the colonizers came, they divided the Yorubas and some parts were colonized by Britain and other parts by France. So, a Yoruba man in Nigeria is speaking English as his National language, while another Yoruba man in Benin is speaking French as his national language, all because of these colonizers. They weren’t caring anything about the people; it was all about what they would gain, even at the expense of the people. 

We see this same thing in the northern part of Nigeria. The Kanuri and Hausa people are not only in the northern part of Nigeria, but they also extend to Niger Republic and Chad, including the Fulanis. All these were problems caused by the colonial masters. They divided the countries not caring about uniting the people but dividing and breaking them away. So, they now joined people of different values and cultures. They focused on how they would keep draining the resources without any care for the people.

When the colonial master who ruled Nigeria then, (his name was Lord Lugard), came, he was controlling the northern and southern provinces of Nigeria. How the name Nigeria was formed was from the Niger River that came from the Guinea coast and passed through Niger Republic. At that time, most transportation was through waterways, so it was easier to describe places using waterways. So, whenever the wife of Lord Lugard wanted to describe the area where her husband was colonizing, she would say the area around the Niger River, the Niger area. And later, they turned the name of the place to Nigeria.

Looking at how Nigeria was formed, one will agree that it was an area, and never a country or nation. This is very important to note as there are many discrepancies that disqualify Nigeria as a nation. When any nation is being formed, there are usually three criteria that are being used.

First, is the ancestral origin of the people. Second, is the ethnic group or culture of the people. Third is the religion of the people. Looking at these criteria, one would understand why there are people of different values and cultures living in Nigeria. In many European countries, nations were formed based on any of these three criteria. These are values beyond political affiliations that brought people together. So, it’s easier for people to bond together by natural course than by artificial, man-made reasons. This means there is a common ground for people to unite and be together naturally.

A country as big as Nigeria in Europe may have just one language, while Nigeria has over 500 languages. Many European countries are dominated by the Christian religion, while Middle Eastern countries are dominated by the Muslim religion. It stands to reason to understand why these countries are dominated by these religions based on the origin of those religions. Nigeria has Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions which are shared almost equally. All of these are bases for chaos. Nigeria was formed based on individual self-interest and gain, and no concern about the people or culture.

When we see different problems in the country like insecurity, power shortages, economic crises, unemployment, internet fraudulence, bad governance, bad infrastructure, collapsed health and educational systems, corruption, and so on, they are all symptoms that stem from one root cause. And most times, people always focus on the symptoms without understanding the root cause. 

It’s pretty much like medical symptoms that a patient presents at the hospital. The doctor understands that the problem is not the symptoms but the causative organism that is behind the illness. Once the diagnosis is made and the patient is treated, the symptoms will go in no time. But if the doctor keeps treating the symptoms, it's only a matter of time before new ones will keep arising. And that’s how the problem would keep getting multiplied, and the patient would keep feeling more pains and difficulties. That’s exactly the same problem we are facing in Nigeria today. 

We keep treating the symptoms and hoping the root problem would go away. We keep spending a huge amount of money on security, electricity, crime rates, and so on, but nothing has ever worked. We keep getting drowned more and more and wallow in the mire of hopelessness.

Here is the problem – the foundation! Nigeria was founded on a wrong foundation. I will explain that in a moment. When Lord Lugard amalgamated Nigeria in 1914 (that is, joining the northern protectorate with the south), he had one thing in mind – exploitation. He wanted to keep exploiting the people and the resources. And he made sure that he gave the North political power over the South. He knew the North was easy to control and not as developed as the South. So he wanted Britain to retain power with or without their presence. 

So, when Nigeria gained independence, it was only going to be a matter of time for his trick to play out. He used a phrase – joining a poor husband with a rich wife. In other words, he made the North authoritative over the South, even though there was no basis for it. But he knew what he was doing. He wanted who he could easily control and dominate.

Now, when independence came, a northerner was the first prime minister. Ahmadu Bello, who was the Sardauna of Sokoto, was the strongest man in Nigeria at that time. He controlled the North, which unarguably was the one with the highest political influence in the country. He decided to choose Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to be the first prime minister of Nigeria. Since then, the northerners have been feeling it’s their right to rule Nigeria and dominate its prominent leadership positions. Bear in mind that this is all manipulation by the colonial master to keep Nigeria under his control. He can easily manipulate the northerners and control the country, so that he can keep draining its resources while he’s away.

He has put up different strategies to achieve this. Part of it is offering of loans and giving of free money. When he gives Nigeria free money and loans, he can interfere in its economic affairs, just as the saying goes: "Whoever pays for the piper dictates the tune." He advises on what to do about Nigeria’s economics. Advice that will never work for its own people, but for the colonial master. He would sponsor courses that would enrich his pocket and decapitalize courses that would ruin his plans. He supports political leaders that would do his bidding, especially from the north as it stands to reason that he understands their mindsets and ideologies.

He distracts the youths by organizing entertaining programs for them, not educating them. He sponsors young talents and musicians who are into bad music. He also opens up floors for more internet fraudsters by forming allies to reach out to the young minds. He sponsors terrorism and crimes through his allies and pretends as though he doesn’t have a part in what is going on. His agenda is very simple – draining the resources (both human and mineral).

While keeping the country in a chaotic and debilitating state, he wishes more people are jumping out of the country of their own will, and coming to work for him. He wants to drain the country more of its intellectual resources and enrich his pocket more when the victims come to work for him (pretty much similar to what happened in the first slavery). It is part of the money he uses to entice his puppet ruling the country to foster more chaos and bad leadership using his influence and caricature advice. He’s not tired of forming more allies with other authorities and powers in the world, just to make sure he keeps his chicken in the cage and keeps fetching its eggs.

He disallows economic development, fosters corruption in government, gives advice on forming constitutions, and also prevents basic amenities such as power, electricity, transportation, healthcare, and good educational systems. He simply gives no basis for growth and development. In all these things, he comes in a very subtle way that he’s hardly noticed and he hits the head of the government against its own people. The citizens fight the government and the government fights the citizens. All these happen, thanks to the manipulation of the colonial master to control the leadership of the country and keep its people poor.

What is going to be the solution to all of these? Either of two things – Restructuring or Breakage!

Remember that Nigeria is not a country. Therefore, it has no basis for unity, growth, or development. Those that want to pray can keep praying and those that want to hope can keep hoping. But one thing is certain - 

Nigeria will never get better until its foundational problem is solved!

It was the problem of putting the wrong people together. It was the problem of having one thing in mind which was draining the resources of that region. It wasn’t anything about the people. It wasn’t anything about the future or development of the land. It was purely for the colonial master and his allies.

Let’s look at these two options that can solve the problem of Nigeria. First – restructuring. What exactly do we mean by restructuring and how can it be done? Restructuring is the process of changing the political and leadership structure of the country. It is the act of decentralizing power and making regions rule themselves independently without any external forces. Nigeria is called a federal republic but that is just a name on paper. It is never a reality.

A federal republic where the states are slaves to the presidency. Or a federal republic where the parliaments are subservient to the executives. That federal republic is a joke! The Nigerian president is more powerful than the United States president in his office. Why? Because the constitution given by his colonial master allowed him to reverse any order and remain lawless as long as he’s in office. He can flout the laws and reject the judicial orders because he’s the president, the grand commander of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is who he is.

But Nigeria doesn’t need such a system. It doesn’t need power to belong to just one person in the name of the president because it’s never a country in the first place as we’ve established. It is an area that was arbitrarily formed based on someone’s selfish interest. So, putting that area under one umbrella of one leadership is a problem. It would perpetually put the country in chaos and disharmony.

If you see the South Easterners saying they want to go, and the South Westerners saying they want to break, it’s because the country is a collection of many unparalleled people who have different values, cultures, ideologies, and uncommon grounds. 

A country where you have someone who values a cow more than human life and another one who values human life over a million cows is an error. They have different values and they would never agree no matter how much you preach love and peace. They are people of different descendants and ancestral origins. They have nothing in common. But the colonial master doesn’t want to care about that. In as much as there are resources to drain and people to exploit, he’d rather prefer the country to remain the same than for it to break. Watch out!

The restructuring allows everybody to be on their own without any fight or hostility and no negative or unnecessary influence from external factors. The restructuring also allows self-determination and progress in the areas of economy and social development.

The second solution is Breakage. Yes, breakage! This is when the entire country actually breaks, and nothing is connecting all the broken parts. All the broken parts become independent states and each would operate as a nation.

The whole idea of these two solutions is to dismantle the wrong system that the colonial master has already set up and remove the totalitarian regime and centralization of power in government. I can tell you that this is the major problem of Nigeria and it’s a foundational issue on which every other thing builds on.

People who are saying the problem in the country is not a leadership problem don’t know what they are talking about. Everything boils down to leadership. If a leader doesn’t know where he’s going or how to get there, how will he lead people right? He will surely lead people astray.

Someone once said – "I’m not afraid of an army of lion led by a sheep but I’m afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion;" talking about leadership. It’s important to understand the power of leadership and how it can make a difference in the lives of citizens and the development of a nation. Countries like Singapore, South Korea, China, Rwanda, and the United States were able to experience dramatic economic growth and development because of the power of leadership. This is what the colonial master knows that makes him always want to make sure that it’s the person of a low mental status that rules the country so that he can keep manipulating and controlling him and in turn exploiting and draining its resources.

Nigeria is in such a pathetic situation that it will only take people of strong minds to change its narrative and course.

To carry out any of these solutions will require determination. It is what the colonial master will not be pleased with and he will want to fight with all his strength to make sure he keeps Nigeria in that subservient and debilitating state so that he will keep sucking and milking it dry.

So, it’s got to be a serious fight. And the good news is – we will surely win. It’s time for Africa to be truly liberated from the hands of its colonial masters. The first independence has happened. The second, real independence must happen where there will be total freedom from slavery and colonial domination and imperialism.

-S.O PIENS
Sept, 2021