Some of …My many questions!

Oluwakorede Asuni November 15, 2008 No Comments

How many schools are in Nigeria? How many students are enrolled? How many schools provide learning opportunities? What is the distribution? What is the national ratio of teachers to students—qualified teachers? Who monitors teacher training and teachers’ continuing education? The question could go on…but besides the obvious fact that these questions points at the national plague of poor record keeping in the public sector and the gross unavailability of accurate statistics, the questions are prompted by the seeming incapacity of mass education in this country. My experiences are varied, but my recent interactions –for close to 8 months—with two categories of young people have constantly shocked me and prompted the questions above as well as many others. One group of young people are at the prime of their secondary education and besides their seeming disregard and disrespect for simple rules exhibit great intellectual poverty that I wonder if they had any education prior and given the way they conduct themselves I fear for our collective future. The other group are in the prime of youth, they pride themselves to have successfully undertaken higher education…but quite honestly do not exhibit any quality of one who has excelled in learning and character…they show total disregard for positive values, threatening to beat up those with immediate authorities over the and passing sneer comments etc. They know too well that English is the official language here in Nigeria but besides the pidgin version of the language or the more rhythmic waffi version, they cannot

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Here at home

Oluwakorede Asuni November 5, 2008 No Comments

He should be tired by now. It’s been a long 21 months of hard work (you can capitalize and underline that) and even though the strength you draw from speaking with a crowd of over 120,000 can be intoxicating, it’s already 11:30pm in his time zone and it will be a long day tomorrow — not with the thousands of names and roles that need to be sorted out. At exactly 5am Nigerian time (GMT + 1) today, Barack Obama was declared the winner of the US elections — following one of the most interesting series of events (from the primaries through to election day) that literally caught the world on the edge of its seat. When he announced his candidacy, many laughed off the ambition of the skinny guy with a funny name, some admired his courage but wished he could wait for his own time and others simply told him what many of us have been told: don’t disgrace yourself. Now, after an almost impossible process that will be the subject of near-eternal analysis, that one is the leader of the free world. As the fine words eased their way through his lips, my phone rang a number of times. Odd hours, yes, but there were many who stayed awake to watch the turn of events as the voice of the people was being interpreted through the votes of millions who despised the odds to support change. It’s the first time a man of colour will be president

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The full text of Barack Obama’s victory speech

Oluwakorede Asuni November 5, 2008 No Comments

President-elect Barack Obama spoke to the world from his home city of Chicago as he became the first black president of the United States. Here is the full text of his victory speech: “Hello, Chicago. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. “It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference. “It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled, Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states. “We are, and always will be, the United States of America. “It’s the answer that led those who’ve been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. “It’s been a long time coming,

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Bridge Built with One Finger

Oluwakorede Asuni November 3, 2008 No Comments

Originally posted here.     The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US. It stretches for 1.825km over the East River, connecting the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn on Long Island. On completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world and the first steel-wire suspension bridge. Originally referred to as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, it was dubbed the Brooklyn Bridge in an 1867 letter to the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and formally so named by the city government in 1915.  The Brooklyn Bridge has 6 lanes, and is sheduled for it’s first rehabilitation exercise in 2009. Since its opening, it has become an iconic part of the New York skyline. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. While many bridges built around the same time have collapsed and crumbled, the Brooklyn Bridge still stands tall and strong, upholding one of the rarest of human values required for achievement. This bridge is not just a bridge, it’s a bridge with touching lessons, it’s the hallmark of one man’s determination and indomitable spirit, a tribute to one woman’s love and devotion, and a story of team work and faith by the Engineers that constructed it. The same world that said it can’t be done, celebrated it. What has the world shown you can’t be done? In 1870, a creative engineer named John Roebling got inspired to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long

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My Stand Up Events: ENGAGE I & II

Oluwakorede Asuni October 20, 2008 No Comments

My Commitment to Development especially in rural communities came to the fore when last weekend I held two Stand Up and Take Action events I tagged ENGAGE I and II. Both events held in Minna the capital city of the Niger state and the home of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Both events were planned to inform young people of the MDGs, the journey so far and what we as a nation must do to for these set of goals which many has rightfully described as minimum developmental goals must be achieved on or before the agreed deadline of 2015, but also ensure we surpass them in the years following the deadline. At both meetings young people were charged to contribute their best to the development of their immediate community and encourage their friends, peers and allies to do same because this way and this way only can we gradually but eventually spread development across the geography of our nation. Having identified that Governments control the most resources and can be the most effective in initiating, sustaining and ensuring the development of any country, state r people and bearing in Mind that they were our representatives who dreamed up and accented to the MDGs in 2000, young people signed a petition asking our leaders to commit to the MDGs and ensure they are achieved by the target dates. Participants also pledged their support to their leaders in actualising the MDGs. For me it was a wholesome experience as I saw

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Oluwakorede Asuni engages school children to support the MDGs, in ENGAGE, Friday 17th October, 2008, Government Secondary School, Minna

Oluwakorede Asuni October 11, 2008 No Comments

ENGAGE is a 30 minute event that will incoporate: A short lecture on the MDGs: by Mr. Oluwakorede Asuni, focusing on the History of the MDGs, local accomplishments in Nigeria, and what we will benefit if the MDGs are achieved. A video showing extreme poverty Circulation of a leaflet highlighting and advocating the attainments of the goals. This document will be written in English, Hausa, Gwari and Nupe —the last three being the local languages of the community. Collection of 500 or more signatures of participats for a petition asking all stakeholders — Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger State Government, Local Government, Local Education Authority etc.—to work hard and accomplish the gooals on time. Event Goal: Is to obtain 500 signatures or more of young people who want their leaders to commit to achieving the MDGs, on or before the deadline. Date of Event:  Oct 17 2008 10:20am – 11:00am Event Host Organization: I (Oluwakorede Asuni) am hosting this event with moral and organisational support from:  Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA), International Young Proffessionals Foundation (IYPF) — all of whom I have enjoyed affiliations with over the last 12 -36 months.

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Yes, You Can!

Oluwakorede Asuni June 9, 2008 No Comments

Originally posted in Ejowewe We all know now that’s a winning line :). Over the past year and a half, the phrase has been sounded by a single man as a message of change, of hope rising… Last Tuesday we saw that hope begin to take on the semblance of reality, as Senator Barack Obama became the first African-American in history to lead a U.S. major-party ticket when he claimed the Presidential nomination for the Democratic Party. I’m happy for America. But this is entirely about Nigeria. If you’re a Nigerian like me, how many times have you wished there was something you could do to change your country? Most of us are eager for change, but all too often that enthusiasm is quickly dampened by a feeling of helplessness over not being able to make a difference from where we are. Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) is a non-profit organisation that has refused to be bound by the limits and, as the name suggests, has consistently worked to create a new paradigm among Nigerians. Realising that the promise of Nigeria is in her people, PIN works with government, civil society, private institutions and international organisations to connect Nigerian youth with brighter futures via Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). For thousands of Nigerians, PIN’s work makes the difference between mediocrity and significance, between poverty and sufficiency, between destitution and hope. PIN’s objective is to change the future of Nigeria, one person at a time. Since its days as an online network

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Back to School

Oluwakorede Asuni June 9, 2008 No Comments

Originally penned on Thursday 5th June, 2008 I returned to the classroom as a student earlier today- though I made an earlier return a few days back, as teacher at the Government Secondary School, Minna where I am carrying out my primary assignment as a Youth Corps member. Now I have experienced firsthand what ‘Gbenga Sesan – one of mentors – felt when he had to return to the classroom in April at the Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. For me returning to the classroom nearly two years after I left it – as student – is a commitment to one of the prongs in my multiple prongs approach to improving self – body, soul and spirit. I resolved at the commencement of the National Youth Service Year for me to maximize the opportunities the period will afford and I have decided on the following: Serve God: Really Return to the Roots. I should have taken a cue when in Januart ‘Gbenga, One of my mentors and the same mentioned above declared in a meeting January that this year was his year of returning to the roots, I had laughed and wished the best thinking to myself that I have all he is missing and do not need to go back to any roots or retrace any steps. Today however, everything around me points at the emptiness I feel deep within and the need for me to go back to God – seek him out, learn his ways again

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Covenant University: The Mobile Phone Question

Oluwakorede Asuni April 7, 2008 1 Comment

In a ThisDay newspaper report on September 26, 2007, Tim Akano wrote about Covenant University’s giant learning strides under the topic, “Nigeria: Covenant Varsity Produces Int’l Programmers & IT Experts.” The report celebrated “undergraduates of the university [who] qualified as International Sun Java Certified Programmers…” Please read the full report here. One shouldn’t be surprised at this when you look at the school’s mission as clearly articulated on its website: “To create knowledge and restore the dignity of the black man via a Human Development Total Man Concept driven curriculum employing innovative, leading edge teaching and learning methods, research and professional services that promote integrated, life–applicable, life-transforming education, relevant to the context of Science, Technology and Human Capacity Building. Add these words of the school’s Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo, and you will understand why I was excited to speak to the school’s students on April 3 (see blog post here): “We are committed to producing a new generation of leaders who will positively impact their nations, the African continent and the world at large.” One more, the vision of the College of Science and Technology: “To produce a new generation of competent, skilled and innovative professionals who are able to pioneer excellence that translates into the good life for all Africans.” The Chancellor is not new to Nigerians, and the feat he accomplished with what has been severally described as the auditorium with the largest space in the world. As a professional architect and a man who has never been

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Students’ Survival Kit: taking bold steps

Oluwakorede Asuni March 19, 2008 2 Comments

Having sold over one thousand copies and with orders in several multiple thousands at the moment, I have decided to improve on the content and the look ‘n’ feel of the book to enhance the brand the book is fast becoming amongst students in Nigeria’s numerous tertiary institutions. I have worked closely with feedbacks obtained from several willing readers to revise the content of the book, softening the language wherever the need arose and correcting all noted errors and typos. Efforts are geared towards releasing a completely revised edition of the book before February 2009 – this edition will be larger and will be presented in several formats to enhance spread and acceptance – but in the interim I am releasing an updated version in the coming days. I am also in the middle of a brand new product which will roll off my stable within the next one (1) month and is expected to be of utmost benefit to the over 3,000 students that will have purchased the book by the time the product is released – as a result of my renewed sales drive. Keep watching this piece of virtual real estate as several goodies will be unleashed in the coming weeks. Thank you.

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Re: PIN, NNNGO hold NEMP

Oluwakorede Asuni March 16, 2008 No Comments

The application window for participation in the announced Non-Profit Employee Motivation Program (NEMP), to be jointly hosted by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) and Nigeria network of NGOs (NNNGO) is fast drawing to a close. Thus players in the non profit sector are implored to act now in order to benefit from the event. The event schedule remains the same thus:  Date: 25th April, 2008 Time: 8:00am-6:00pm Venue: Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja  The program is aimed at: equipping participants for optimal performance on their jobs; helping participants clarify “career” and “job”, with a view to encourage participants to seek long term career interests rather than pursue immediate gains; providing participants with tools for evaluating if the non-profit sector is it for them or not; help participants return to their duty posts refreshed and prepared to deliver their targets ahead of deadline. Facilitators include: ‘Gbenga Sesan Executive Director Paradigm Initiative Nigeria.   ‘Gbenga is a social entrepreneur, and an Information Society researcher. He has spoken to over 400 audiences in 23 countries, he is a member of the Presidential Task Force on ICT Restructuring, and was Vice Chair of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s African Technical Advisory Committee. He serves on the Board of a number of non-profit and private institutions.   ‘Gbenga is a 2007 Arch. Bishop Tutu Fellow.   ‘Niyi Adesanya Managing Consultant, Fifthgear consulting Lagos.   ‘Niyi is a human capital advisor, public speaker, trainer and expert on the subject of leadership. He is a member of faculty at

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PIN, NNNGO partner on NEMP

Oluwakorede Asuni March 5, 2008 No Comments

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) and Nigeria Network of NGOs are set to host a session of NEMP. This event will come up between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Friday 25th April, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos . NEMP is short for Non-Profit Employee Motivation Program, a capacity enhancement program for: staff of non-profit organisations and other actors in the Non-profit sector those who are considering a career change to the non-profit sector and; fresh graduates seeking career direction. Facilitators will include: ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director Paradigm Initiative Nigeria. ‘Gbenga has spoken to over 400 audiences in 23 countries, he is a member of the Presidential Task Force on ICT Restructuring, and was Vice Chair of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s African Technical Advisory Committee. He serves on the Board of a number of non-profit and private institutions. ‘Niyi Adesanya, Managing Consultant, Fifthgear consulting Lagos. ‘Niyi is a human capital advisor, public speaker, trainer and expert on the subject of leadership. He is a member of faculty at the prestigious Daystar Leadership Academy (DLA), Lagos, and has personally coached many high profile personalities including a state governor in Nigeria, Corporate Executives, Entrepreneurs, Pastors and public office holders. It is hoped that among other things the program will: equip participants for optimal performance on their jobs help participants clarify “career” and “job”, with a view to encourage participants to seek long term career interests rather than pursue immediate gains provide participants with tools for evaluating if the non-profit sector

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Microsoft and Nigerian Youth Empowerment

Oluwakorede Asuni February 23, 2008 1 Comment

If you’re a student of the Lagos State University, you would have noticed the presence of Microsoft on your campus earlier today. Same for 19 other campuses that have been visited with the good news of possible participation in the 2008 Imagine Cup — plus other goodies. Will a Nigerian student make us proud this year again? Step up to the challenge! One world. Unlimited possibilities. Let’s face it — the world needs help. The kind of help that happens when you take the top young minds from around the globe and turn them loose on solving the world’s toughest problems. That’s what the Imagine Cup is all about. This is your chance to innovate and create, show the world what you’ve got, and win some serious prizes. Simply put, it’s your chance to use the power of technology to change the world — and have some fun while you’re at it. You win. We all win. Imagine Cup contestants have the chance to give their ideas exposure, make critical contacts, and feel a true sense of friendship with people around the world. Want more? Well, if you make it to the worldwide finals, you’ll also score roundtrip airfare and hotel accomodations at the World Finals in Paris, France, and a shot at some great cash prizes. Help the world and win money? It doesn’t get any better than that. What does a sustainable environment mean to you? Imagine a world where technology is an ally of the planet, not

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Law makers or …

Oluwakorede Asuni February 17, 2008 1 Comment

Have you seen the Hallowed Chambers of the National Assembly on TV recently? They are always empty?!* I wonder what other business the honorable members of the national assembly have other than tending to national legislations and issues in that direction. In truth one does not need a sooth-sayer to know that the honorables are business men and women with other businesses in the national assembly other than what they told us when they courted us for votes.

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GREAT -IFE: Dammy’s New song

Oluwakorede Asuni February 7, 2008 No Comments

There has been some excitement at home in recent times, as two independent processes though related in some ways, matured about the same time thus: University of Lagos graduated her 2003 set and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, released the names of successful students in her ongoing admission process. This translated for my family into, a new graduate (following me :), off course)and a newly admitted undergraduate-as you guessed I have presented him a copy of the undergraduate performance guide: Students’ Survival Kit. Damilola, the third in a line of four, had struck me previously as unserious and in recent times and after due consideration I now understand the stubbornness and seemingly playfulness are his ways of rebelling against the status quo. Last year he had secured admission to read Law at the University of Lagos, only to be refused consideration at the point of registration. The excuse was that Dammy had requisite O’level passes in two seatings, and thus was not eligible for admission. As you can guess this was not contained in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) brochure issued to students prior to completing application forms and writing the prescribed entry exam. All appeals fell on deaf ears-even the Vice chancellor Prof. Ibidapo Obe had them too!!!. Well for Dammy his dream to study Law has been revved up by the provisional offer of admission by the O.A.U (and off course his first choice university before the accreditation saga made him choose UNILAG which today

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“Standing Up To Be Counted” — Pat Utomi

Oluwakorede Asuni February 6, 2008 1 Comment

Today is for me a day of thanksgiving. Fifty two years ago I was given the gift of life. Thanksgiving to the creator is a debt so big we could never pay it off. The hope and prayer is that in his mercy nature he accepts our tainted struggle to do His will. I have also been gifted with mentors that taught me early in life the important of walking your talk and an early acceptance that values shape human progress. Part of the result has been that in a culture steeped in talk I have continued to try to do something no matter the level of cynicism or indeed the calumny this has sometimes generated. The Centre for Values in Leadership is one fruit of our struggle. What is the CVL vision and what are we trying to accomplish this week? We are trying to find partners who recognize that they have a role in transforming Nigeria. The future is lost unless a tripartite partnership between government, the private sector and the social enterprise sector is established and proceeds passionately. I am convinced there is a place for every one in this auditorium and every business enterprise in this project. Our medium term goal is to reach 20 million Nigerians and impact one million of these enough that they become catalyzers. We hope that this week’s activities will help persuade you to live up to its promise, the dream of its founding fathers. Our goal at CVL is to

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My HIV status

Oluwakorede Asuni February 2, 2008 No Comments

I walked confidently towards the laboratory, convinced the Doctor is wrong. I have never engaged in any high risk behaviour. For the lab technologists, taking the required samples and specimen was routine-I am sure announcing the result of this test will neither draw a smile or a frown from them too. I returned two days later for the result of the test and that was for me, the real test. Questions raged in my heart, what if the doctor was right and I had the virus, what if it is really true that it is the virus that has made me resistant to the several anti malaria drugs, what if my body has been home to the dreaded disease. My thoughts flew to the beautiful plans I have drawn for the future-even though I know that not all plans work out, I have not contemplated that this HIV/AIDS thing will be atom to scatter the gamma rays. Mr.Asuni…my name was announced and as I stepped forward to collect the result, I resolved to live with whatever the result says. Once again I searched the attendant’s face for hint of the news contained in the folded and stapled sheet of paper she handed me …and nothing. I walked out of the laboratory with my legs threatening to collapse under me. Under a nearby tree, I tore open the paper and …the result: Tested Negative for HIV antibodies. Thank God, I am HIV negative. Are you? Find out your status today, it

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OOUAA: Award categories

Oluwakorede Asuni January 29, 2008 No Comments

ENTERPRISE 1.Entrepreneur Of The Year 2.Most Innovative Business Concept 3.Business Idea Of The Year RELIGION 1.Religious Leader Of The Year 2.Outstanding Christian Personality Of The Year 3.Outstanding Muslim Personality Of The Year 4.Islamic Society Of The Year 5.Christian Society Of The Year LEADERSHIP 1.Student Association Of The Year 2.Students Politician Of The Year 3.Best Student Leader Of The Year ACADEMICS 1.Overall Best Male Student Of The Year 2.Overall Best Female Student Of The Year 3.Best Student In Each Faculty (10 Faculty) CREATIVITY/ GOOD USE OF TALENT 1.Best Use Of Talent 2.Best Student Writer Of The Year 3.Best Student Tv/movie Personality Of The Year 4.Best Student Actor/actress Of The Year SOCIALS/DEVELOPMENT 1.Club Of The Year 2.Club Part Of The Year 3.Best Social Service STAFF/ MANAGEMENT 1.Male Staff Of The Year 2.Female Staff Of The Year 3.Best Lecturer Of The Year 4.Best Student Friendly Staff Of The Year PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 1.I Survived Project 2.Youth Of The Year

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What they have said to me…

Oluwakorede Asuni January 26, 2008 3 Comments

There had been several people in my life and in a brief moment of reflection a few minutes back decided to mention the following and their charge to me – some are humorous though. ‘Gbenga Sesan: Work! work!! Work!!! and Plaaaaaaaaaaay!!! But whatever you do focus on the movie not the snap shot- look beyond now always. Dayo Alao: find excitement in all you do. Apostle Asuni: Do well whatever deserves to be done. Deoluakinyemi: the Iceberg theory. ‘Biola: Be eccentric, it is the best thing ythat can happen to you. ‘Tutu: Live your life,make God happy. Omolara: drink ‘cola only lazy people drink orange

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Making tariffs great again

Yesterday, I told the barista politely that I am going to do something about our trade deficit. The back story: I buy coffee from her,

Reflections on work and being busy?

Do we do work for the sake of it and its direct benefits (ability to buy things and by a stretch the ability to create wealth) or as a means to live a fulfilled life (where each is free to define fulfilment)? A position I might have maintained given “my confusion” is to maintain a hybrid view of work. I seize or attempt to seize every opportunity to create something that brings me fulfilment (I have been known to go as far as crossing boundaries of organisational hierarchy to get stuff done and apologise afterwards rather than wait endlessly for permission) and sometimes, too, I simply toe the line – in the hope that something great emerges – especially one that does emerge despite our efforts to the contrary.

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