I truly don’t know what my take is on the Federal Government giving out
grants to youths to start up or expand business but I wonder about
mis-management of funds. This is because, if you have not received any business
training where you are intimated with facts about funds management, budgeting
and other entrepreneurial issues how will you handle these matters when they
come up as an upcoming entrepreneur? Also remember that we do not have entrepreneurial
studies as part of our curriculum in schools, so I really wonder if that is the
right move. Probably, in addition to the YouWIN Initiative, the Federal
Government can support basic entrepreneurial knowledge for Nigerian Youths,
that way, even without the grants, we will have successful young entrepreneurs,
because they have been given the requisite mindset.
So why did I start talking about this? I watched the launch of the 2nd
YouWIN Initiative by our President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) and
Minister Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, among others about 5 hours ago (today is actually 3rd Sept 2012) and I was so
motivated by it. My motivation was not borne out of just the YouWIN Initiative,
afterall this is not the first but particularly because this 2nd
project is for WOMEN youths. Yes just for Women!
In her opening speech, the Minister of Finance stated that following the
results of the maiden project where only 17% of the participants where Women
youths, our able GEJ decided that this 2nd project should be for
only people of our gender to encourage us. Echoing what the Minister said, GEJ
in his speech accepted that women are better managers of funds but advised
those who will be winners of this Award not to use the money to buy ‘asoebi’. He
causally said that women are not just prone to buy what they ‘want’ when it
should be what they ‘need’ but go as far as buying what they do not even ‘want’.....hmmm,
very funny.
Going forward, what interested me most was hearing the stories of 3 women
that won during the maiden project. They narrated how they were sceptical at
first, even going as far as trying to get a connection in the Ministry of
Finance to influence the process but at the end they found out all that ‘long-leg’
was not needed, as the process was free of bias and corruption. Also I was pleased
to find out that these women are involved in regular business such as Catering
& Restaurant, Processed Food Manufacturing and Architectural Design Studio.
This simply states that your business idea does not to be an un-existing one.
Upon hearing all these, I decided to register. I’m still a believer that processes
are not and do not have to be corrupt in this country, it could be based on
merit just as the 3 Award recipients testified. So I would encourage every business-minded
woman between the stipulated age (18 - 45) to apply, who knows, you might just
be the next person posing for photograph with GEJ, *smile*.
I was invited
to come speak at an event organised by SmartSistas, an NGO created out of the
dreams of some innovative young ladies and the topic was ‘pause’. Yes PAUSE, lol! Ofcourse not as used in electronic gadgets
but in life. And so I went on a research to understand the term in relation to
life, why at all and when it is needful. I organized my speech and delivered it
on 30th June 2012, here is what I said:
Pause is a
moment you stop an ongoing activity. In life, it is when you become or choose
to be still in any chosen activity or series of them. The pause moment is a
state of seizing from all your ‘struggles’ to re-access a particular. It
happens for the purpose of re-evaluation. Graphically speaking, it is when for
some reason you need to or have to STOP and THINK! Contrary to how it may look
and feel, the pause moment is never a bad state, it is not a negative situation
rather it creates an opportunity for a second chance at doing something. The
Pause Moment in our lives is a time of rest; it’s a time to regain your strength,
to replenish, to re-access, to evaluate your progress, your situation and the
future.
Oh how we
need this moment daily, weekly, monthly and yearly in our lives. This is
because it saves us from deep seated failures and re-positions us for a better
future.
HOW
DID WE GET HERE
Let us consider here what circumstance
brought us to this point, however good or bad. I analyzed from my research that
3 major factors can put us in this state, it could be:
Challenges/problems/circumstances:
Most times when things
have refused to work, it is a sign tugging us to pay attention to something and
at that point you need to Pause to know what it is. Don’t force life, you could break yourself, just flow with it. The
best direction to get to where you want is known by nature and not you so
follow through. God : This is what I like to refer as the waiting period. That brief moment of Pause where you wait for what you know is coming to you. It is different from the previous in that you are not being pushed back my circumstances or in a confused state as to what is happening but having done all, knowing that all things are in place, you just wait for the clock to tick move!
Ourselves: At times we decided to just withdraw from it all and pause to come back again.
Irrespective of how we got here, what
matters is what we do at this point and most times what you do is regardless of
how you got here.
NOW THAT IM HERE
What
Do I Need?In a Pause Moment your best companions are not your friends, lovers, families, neighbours, etc. Your best friends are your Pencil and Paper/Diary and most importantly your Honest Self. Ideas will come and you must write them down. Most times you need to create something new or consolidate on old ones and as it is done in your mind, you need to transfer to paper to retain it. And off course it becomes clearer on paper.
2nd next thing you need are materials you need for further development because nature expects you to be better and prepared; remember a pause moment always takes you to a higher level, with higher challenges and advantages. These materials could be your bible, self-help books, academic books, etc in hard or electronic copies.
What
Do I Do?
1st
Thing To Do Is PLAY: Please
resist the temptation of going back to plan and move immediately. Take time to
enjoy yourself, relax your mind, relax your inner self, release your clench on
plans, schedules, people, situations and just be a child. Employ all the
attributes of a child at this point: trusting, forgiving, dreaming, laughing
and living.
2nd
Thing To Do Is EVALUATE:
At this point consider the present situation, how you got there, where you wish
to be and your current plans to get there. This stage is tricky because it
could subject you to worry but BEWARE!
DO NOT WORRY about the situation (if it saddens). Worry at this state (or at
any time) is a wrong move, it will block your subconscious and conscious mind
from receiving guidance from life, thereby defeating the whole purpose.3rd Thing To Do Is FOCUS: keep your thoughts on the results that you want, all day and night, write down every inspiration that drop into your mind, use phones, galaxy, ipads so it is easy for you to jot things down but don not be distracted by these gadgets. Nothing is insignificant, write all. Resist the urge to starting planning now; making calls or sending messages etc. Just meditate on your desired results, don’t think of the process or the challenges you have faced or will face, JUST MEDITATE.
4th Thing To Do Is PLAN & SIMPLIFY: From all you have received so far, make simple plans, restructure old plans but keep everything simple and small.
As you set
out again, take things easy and focus on seizing the day, soon enough you will
discover you have achieved much.
Whether the pause moment is as small as 1
minute or as long as 1 year, life requires that you interject these moments to
stop and evaluate yourself without which it will ensure you do so by stopping you
with a challenging situation. When things are not working as planned, when u
feel resisted having tried all, when you need to re-focus your vision: that is
when you need to STOP and PAUSE!
THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WOMAN IS THE TEMPERATURE OF HER HOME
Are you for or against this statement above? Or are you just clueless? This statement sneaked into my mind years ago and has been seeking for my attention, all that while. For as long as it has been there, I have been gathering experiences to establish it and now I believe it is time to let it out for us all to prove it.
It is true the man is the head of the home but the woman gives it life. She gives her home an expression, a personality and an image. The character of her personality is the character of her home. And by home I mean living and non-living occupants. Are you wondering how I can be so sure? Remember the woman is created with abilities to receive, incubate and release. She does this, physically, mentally and spiritually. This process explains child birth.
To explain further, let us consider how she makes the environment of her home. She chooses colours and styles that reflect what she thinks, feels and expects. These effects are based on what she sees in herself. Even though her husband will contribute, the bulk of the household style is from her perception, of which most where conceptualized when she was still single and mingling. Her husband might be the one to select the television and where it will be placed in the living room but she will add style and personality to it by picking up a stuffed animal, a little sticker, a flower vase or something that will accompany it. A TV is just a TV but how, where and what it is arrayed with, makes it speak more than just ‘watch me’.
What about her children? The expressions of her union. She injects her personality, attitude and character into them by teaching them how to talk, act, play, with whom, read & when to read, where to go, etc. And all these teachings are based on what she feels and expects. If she is an outspoken woman, she will very much lead her children on the path of extrovert-ism. Though her husband might be the opposite but because he is not directly teaching and counselling their children, the weight of his personality will not be on them. They learn under their mother, both formally and informally. The impression she gives them about anybody and anything will be what they will comprehend and live with (till they can and would want to make a change). This to a large extent forms their character.
Let’s say a woman is easy-going, free and jovial, so will her household be. Her environment, her food, children, family style will represent that. In a case where the man of the house is strict, it will only mean that the household will reflect that nature, when he is around or only in the place where he is relaxing at that moment. For example, when he comes home, everyone will align until he goes into the room or they go into the room, leaving him all alone. If he is to pass down any punishment, the woman will make it seem lighter before it gets to the offender or make light the after effect on the one who received it, if he passed it directly with the weight of his personality. The point to note here is that, irrespective of his different personality which will show up at intervals, the core temperature of the home is that of the woman.
The woman’s personality in her home also affects her husband to a great extent. He is not left out of her influence. An angry, nagging woman will turn her husband into an angry, battering man, while a happy, understanding woman will turn her husband into a happy, considerate man.
So women, it seems like we have all the arsenals. The ball is right in our court. The power that resides in us is enormous and should be used for good. Have you ever considered how possible it is for a man with all his macho and ego to be ruined by a woman he loves? This is as a result of that ability residing in us. Any woman who has an understanding of this can make her home shine with love and happiness and her life easy. Once again, the ball is in our court, play well!
Consider this and let me read your opinions.
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Hello, reading is a passion for some of us. In my quest for knowledge, i came across this note, compiled by one of the most valuable persons i have ever met. I though to share. Read!
DYNAMICS OF VISION
Vision is for young men and women because they are strong and enabled to pursue the fulfillment of it. These strategies are crucial in realizing a vision:
- See it
Vision is catching a glimpse of the future,
Vision fascinates and attracts.
Vision beckons motion
Vision motivates action
Vision excites the soul
Heb 12:2
Vision is foundation for endurance.
- Share it
Vision not shared is learning it to die
Extend the vision by sharing it
Extend it or extinct it
Sharing it is spreading it.
Sharing it enlivens and elongates it
Sharing it attracts wider participation.
- Seek assistance
Visionaries invite input of others in the pursuit of vision.
Inputs of others fatten the vision.
Raise helpers around the vision.
But be Careful whom you share it with. Some people are Vision killers! But God will order your steps so you don't meet with such ones to share your vision with.
----- Kris Agbale (MVP)
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TO YOUR TALENT, ADD THESE
I am a great believer in talent but sadly, talent is just not enough. I know this because i have seen highly talented people who are also highly unsuccessful. Intelligence, creativity, knowledge are essential resources for success but there are certain values needed to convert them into productivity. Let's consider this statistics: More than 50% of all CEO’s of Fortune companies had C or C – average in college and more than 50% of millionaire entrepreneurs never finished college. What more can we say? It is apparent that intellect or special ability is not everything.
Is not enough to have talent, there is need for a matching character, attitude, belief and perspective which will ensure that talent is maximized. Talent is only enough at the beginning, it will stand you out and start you out but it alone won’t keep you going. You have to keep working on it. There are too many talented people who started out with an advantage over others but eventually lost it because they rested on their talent instead of raising it.
So how can you convert talent into productivity, what creates that effectiveness needed, how do you develop your talent to not only start you out but keep you going? It comes from the choices you make, choices in relationships, attitudes, character, opportunities, etc.. ‘The key choices you make, apart from the natural talent you have will set you apart from those who have talent alone’ - John Maxwell. A great talent without the right personality equals a failed person; it can even destroy the person. Neglect on your personality, which is formed by the choices you make will continually keep your talent under-maximized. The right talent will release and maximize a talent.
I was reading a book and the author listed out certain values which when built into a personality will position a talent to flourish and i thought to share them. Here they are: belief (believe in your potential, yourself and your mission), passion, initiative, focus, preparation, practice, perseverance, courage, teachability, strength of character, good relationships, sense of responsibility and teamwork-ability.
Have you got a great talent?, my advice is that you begin to work all these and more into your personality if you want to optimize what God has given and be productive in life!
See you at the top!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE WORLD AT 7 BILLION; AN EMPOWERMENT CALL TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS
"By the close of 2011, the global population will have reached 7 billion. A world of 7 billion has implications on sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and YOUTH EMPOWERMENT - however, it also offers a rare call-to-action opportunity to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world." - UNFPA 7 BILLION ACTIONS
What does this truly mean to us, the youths, Nigerian youths? How does this affect our development as a nation?
With the world at 7 billion, Nigeria is estimated at 167 million, accounting for 2.4% of the world's population. A third of this population constitutes of youths.
The youths not only form a formidable demographic force but also make up the next generation of leaders, parents and workers. It has been observed that the development of any nation is hinged on her youths; identifying, developing and positioning them to function optimally.
However, with Nigerian's increasing youth population, we are more at an advantageous position if we can follow the Asian's economic growth path and formulate policies, develop structures and institutions that broaden opportunities for youths to develop their human capital and use it productively. In this growing population, never before has Nigeria nurtured so many talented, creative and productive young minds with vast potentials and energy.
This energy is the dynamo our nation needs to launch out!
I was present at the UNFPA 7 billion Actions Youth Campaign Forum Discussion on 1st of November 2011, geared towards analysing the dynamics of youth population in Nigeria: its challenges & opportunities. It was encouraging to see and have youths brainstorm on issues bothering on Education, Employment, ICT, Health care, Climate change, etc while providing possible practical solutions; thinking along the lines of what the youths can do and what the government can do.
Also in attendance were Honourable Members of the House of Assembly, Hon Ubani and Hon Fijabi who responded to questions, gave explanations and received our suggestions on matters deliberated upon.
The call is on every youth to understand that he/she can and should play is a part in our Nation's development. We need to build our interest, develop ourselves and find the yeast to rise above the challenges peculiar to us in Nigeria.
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THE DANGERS OF ALLOWING YOUR CAREER STIFLE YOUR TALENT
Why do I have to ‘work’? Can ‘work’ be more exciting than it is already? Can it be something I can look forward to? Can I synchronize my career with my activities of interests, talents and abilities? Can I build for myself a career path that excites me and genuinely gets me up every morning?
To answer these questions I began searching everywhere for ‘The Solution.’ Then it dawned on me, all I needed was a Balance! We all need a balance between our activities of interests and career, between our inherent skills and abilities and our educational/professional training. We must know how to choose the right course of study or how to make a successful career choice.
There are numerous possibilities and great satisfaction derived from an excellent career fit; from matching personality with career choice.
What is the place of talents or gifts or inner skills and abilities in our chosen career path? Everything! The reason most people are dissatisfied with their jobs/professions is ultimately because it does not allow them express who they are, it does not allow them engage in activities that incite their brains and personalities.
We are created with passions and desires. These passions come with inherent talents, skills and abilities that help its realization. It could be really hurtful to disregard these inherent abilities and passions or categorize them as hobbies or leisure activities as we mostly do.
Think about this. When are you more productive? When you approach your profession from a burdensome or nagging necessity point of view or when approached from relaxed, leisure and fun-filled point of view?
Do you have to look forward to the end of a workday or vacation period before you can really be ‘alive’ and do the things you naturally love to do?
The secret to an ideal work satisfaction is a balance. A talent/skill/ability discovered (no matter when) should be given the requisite educational/professional training and steered in the right career path. Can you imagine what this will do in our society? The multifaceted development our country will experience? How it will reduce the rate of unemployment and create more jobs and contribute to a well-balanced society?
I once interviewed a young lady for an administrative position. This lady is extremely cheerful, very relaxed, a conversationalist, enjoys planning parties and having fun. You tell me, how can she ably function as a Senior Administrative Officer?, a position that requires some level of strictness and accountability in managing resources and people as well, to say the least. If at all employed for this position, she will be unable to adequately function as expected. The pressure to be ‘more this’ or ‘more that’ will arise and the employer will end up trying to make her who she is not (if he has the patience to do so). Hence both parties are unsatisfied! She will resent her job descriptions, the environment, her appearance (which is determined by the environment and job descriptions to a large degree) and finally feel unproductive. This gives way for an individual second-guessing him/herself in terms of the ability to achieve and excel in career and life.
What would be considered the best fit for this lady? I would recommend an Events Company. The environment will be a good soil for her seeds to be harnessed and developed- she will grow and flourish. Now how did we arrive at this conclusion? Through discovering her passions, inherent skills and abilities.
I am not suggesting that individuals cannot be trained to be better at a particular function or to handle efficiently a set of activities but that it is easier and to do so when the individual’s passions, desires, talents, skills and abilities align with the function and responsibility.
Also, passions and desires can be initiated and developed but there is no better passion to follow than the one that your personality supports. It makes for a more enjoyable life and excellent productivity level.
Think about it!
