Godwin Iheanacho's Blog

‘Most writers, who are beginners if they are honest with themselves, will admit that they are praying for a readership as they begin to write. But it should be the quality of the craft not the audience that should be the greatest motivating factor’ – late Chinua Achebe
A colleague and friend once said to me ‘writing is a noble but stupid profession’. A statement I did not take serious until lately. While I leave you to unravel the puzzle in the statement as my colleague and friend did to me when he altered the statement, I must state at this juncture that consciously or unconsciously, my business interest areas (AudioVisual Productions & Book Publishing) is becoming top on my priority list. Just as ‘dog is man’s best friend’ so are books to me. Like I have said and will continue to say, my day will remain incomplete without me reading at least a chapter from a book.
Books come in various genres. From academics to professional, sci-fiction to thrillers, religion to health, success to ‘how to’, romance to ‘few books’ as my business partner would always say to me. Summarising in a sentence – I love books.
My addiction for books caught my interest in some old publications in the Nigeria national dailies – The Guardian & ThisDay newspapers. One of such publications is ‘In memory of Chinua Achebe’ & ‘Five key things you don’t know about publishing’ respectively.
In the memory of Chinua Achebe publication, the writer Anthony Akinola was very direct. He neither missed nor mixed words. An outstanding quality I admired in Anthony’s write-up. No doubt, Achebe did not only bring pride, respect and honour to Nigeria, Achebe is Africa’s pride. He did stamp sealed his name in the memoir of Literature globally. He classic work – ‘things fall apart’ is yet to have any rival as his last work – ‘there was a country’ will continue to raise controversies to today’s generations and generation yet-to-born.
Anthony did write generally about literature, the Nigeria societal view towards writers and comparing it with writers from the other side of the continent. Quoting Anthony ‘they celebrate books and they make authors feel proud of their works by asking for autographs’ where as in Nigeria, books and authorship celebration is usually faulted. Before proceeding, I give kudos to etisalat communications for recognizing the role and importance writers play in Nigeria. Also many thanks for etisalat’s support to literature in Nigeria and Africa. I hope it’s a continuous project. The project is free from the business as usual norm that all award-giving bodies are guilty as charged. A project that promotes transparency just as quality in service delivery on etisalat network is not compromise. But is just amazing that as of the time I am writing this article, there has been recent fluctuation in service delivery, data charges and call charges.
How do any individual judge the success of any book? Is it by it readership, eminent personalities present at the book launch or the amount of cash raised during its launch? The success of any book is judge by its impact the book have on it readers.
The other publication – ‘Five key things you don’t know about publishing’ is more important. Mr. Bisi Daniel, the columnist of Writers’ World in ThisDay newspaper, I salute your tenacity and pride in promoting literature in the very best you can. However, I faulted the write-up. May be the literary agent (Elizabeth Evans) need to upgrade her knowledge in today’s trend as regard the modus operandi on the internet as literary agent(s) are rarely needed in the book publishing process and marketing. Please don’t be offended because it is not in my culture to get anyone offended except ‘if’ the need arises.
It is no longer news that the information super highway has revolutionized businesses today and for tomorrow. The businesses that have been revolutionized, PUBLISHING is among them. Paper works is gradually been eliminated in this part of the world as compared to the international communities.
From my wealth of knowledge and experience, I have come to the conclusion that there is absolutely nothing to be worried about on your publishing journey. From proofreading to copy-editing, copyrighting to ISBN, cover design to interior design / page planning and inventory to storage. The internet has taken full responsibility of these processes.
Before today, publishing use to be very frustrating but with the touch of a button or click from the comfort of my living room, my work is published. Mr. Bisi, it will be interesting to have the title of your write-up re-titled as the ONE thing any writer should be worried about is ROYALTY and not publishing. Talking about royalty, it comes from sales and sales come from realistic and attainable marketing plan. Achieving this realistic and attainable marketing plan, it comes from an intense brainstorming session. The intense brainstorming session comes from passionate, articulated and motivated personnel.
I am leaving you with these words of mine ‘writing is a profession that command respect’
Thank you.

How the book – The Greatest Money–Making Secret in History by Joe Vitale aka Mr. Fire got to me is a question that I do not have the answer even before any attorney of any court of law. Nevertheless, two things which I am certainly sure of are; I did not steal it and I did not borrow it. Overall, I am truly excited to have such book in my possession.
This is about the thirteen times if not more that I am reading the book again. Each time I open the book to read, there is always something new that I always pick out and whole-heartedly apply it to my life.
To Joe Vitale aka Mr. Fire and all the contributors towards the successful making of The Greatest Money–Making Secret in History book I personally say – Thank You Very Much. The universe is already rewarding your efforts.
Life itself is in stages. For some, it is beautiful, whereas for some, it is unfair. For whatever reason or meaning you can interpret from life is to you, I have come to the agreement that ‘life is both beautiful and unfair but it’s the greatest and priceless gift the almighty creator has given to HIS creatures. Simply appreciate LIFE’.
For days, and possibly weeks, I have been thinking on legitimate ways and methods of winning the heart of people over the internet to financially support my project – The ABC of Creative Writing Class. I posted this project via https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-abc-of-creative-writing/x/7858636 the ONLY (as at the time I wrote this article) crowdfunding online site that allow Nigerians to post their projects online for raising fund.  
I am an advocate for always saying and telling the TRUTH as well as INTEGRITY. I know that the international communities have this negative notion about Nigeria as a country, Nigerians and anything coming from Nigeria. For me, it hurts my feelings. Although, many PR campaigns have been ongoing but the results is yet to be visible. I will not and never be surprise or shock that even you reading this article will quickly delete it once you get to know that I am a Nigerian. Well if you care to know, I am a proud Nigerian with a mission and purpose from the Almighty.
I opted to write an article. What article should I write about? What should I title the article? As I hover in my mind on the article, the title – The Joy of Giving kept on echoing inside, within and all around me. Almost everything I got involved in and with, The Joy of Giving refuse to leave me. I embraced it. Wrote the title down and went about my normal radio advertising hustling job from clientele.
Returning from a schoolmate house where I have gone to watch the 2014 world cup encounter between the current champion – Spain and the Netherland, that Joe’s book – The Greatest Money–Making Secret in History rang a bell. I thought about it for a while and did forget about it because I really did not see any correlation with the article I want to write.
Again, the book – The Greatest Money–Making Secret in History kept on popping up repeatedly. I reached out for the book from the bookshelves and just dropped it on my writing desk in my library. Still it made no sense at all. While returning back home from the office, the quote – ‘ if ever there is a lack of any kind, whether it is need for employment, or for money, or for guidance, or even for healing, something is blocking the flow. And the most effective remedy: Give ’ by Eric Butterworth clicked.
Yes, that is it. Increasing my footsteps, I got home, reached for the book on my writing desk and read again with an expecting heart and undivided attention. As I read the book, there were sentences, phrases and quotes from selected chapters of the book that deeply touched me that I love to share with you.
Here are them:
Introduction
You could never out give the universe. By giving and sharing the little we have, we open up the storehouse of the universe and permit rivers of good to come our way.When you give, do not give with a heart of fear but with a heart full of gratitude.
Chapter 7
Give without expecting return. Give because your heart moves you to give. Give because it is your joy to give and you are in the flow of life itself.
Chapter 12
I do not care what they do with the money. They can take it out and burn it for all I care. I am giving it for me – Bob Proctor, Author of the book – You Were Born Rich.Money – giving is a very good criterion of a person’s mental health. Generous people are rarely mentally ill people – Dr. Karl A. MenningerHow you feel as you give is the key.
Chapter 17The best way to get business and get referrals is to first give business and give referrals. Love must be the guiding principle in all you are giving – James A. DeckerChapter 20
My giving did not necessarily have to come from my bank account.When I stopped giving, I literally ‘clogged up’ all the good that God has in store for me.It has been my experience that giving is the secret to keeping MONEY, SUCCESS, HEALTH, LOVE and HAPPINESS circulating through your life.
Chapter 24
I had a hunch that if focused more on opening the doorway of my heart to the needs of other people by giving, that this would cause the doorway of my recipients’ hearts to open back up to me.I must give sincerely, selflessly, abundantly, effortlessly, with absolutely no expectation of a direct immediate reward.The recipient of my valuable gift unknowingly enters into an implied equal psychological exchange with me instantly upon receiving what I give them.

I am concluding the article with only two questions – what is the guiding motive as you are about to give? Are you giving because the recipients are your nationality?
Thank You Very Much
PS: Let us get very intimate via any of the following:



www.facebook.com/GodwinIheanachowww.t...

Dearest,
This is much I can publish on the review for the book – Silver Lining written by the hand of Elizabeth Uzoma Egwu, the mass communication undergraduate student of University of Lagos who personally took it upon herself to review the book. Please, endeavor to get a copy for yourself, a friend, colleague, neighbor, schoolmate and … via: http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000602511/Silver-Lining.aspx
Thank you.

Critical Evaluation
The novel or novella can be said to be a romance story, but unlike others, it does not have a fairytale happy ever after ending. The story is built with sharp narration, told from the perspective of the victim himself thereby, making it more realistic. There is nothing new about a love story, with make-ups and break-ups. As a matter of fact, many romance novels take up those forms as a method of prolonging the conflict. But Godwin 3ple-i has no time for that, although the novel is stretchy, deferring the eventual break up to later, the author Godwin 3ple-i goes straight on to passing his message.
The novel is thought provoking and suspense thrilled. You cannot help but put yourself in Goddy’s shoes. The whole scenario painted, seems so natural so relatable to the readers. People of course fall in love, the whole buying gifts, sleeping over for the weekends, going out together, over protectiveness of fathers are all circumstances and situations people in love find themselves in. This makes the readers sympathise with Goddy but are also faced with the horror of the question – what happened or happens to me? Goddy’s narration creates a sort of hunger and curiosity to find out what happens at the very end.
He kills the readers’ predictability by going back to Tina even when she hurts him. He creates an utmost shocker at the end of the book. Godwin 3ple-i sends a warning to all those who are ‘madly’ in love to be careful about how they put their whole trust on their partner. We are humans and not spirits; we never can tell if the love felt for another is reciprocated the same way.
The book however, has a perfect movie setting. It is those types of books that creates the best of imagery in our minds that we can see play out in a movie. Godwin 3ple-i leaves the readers to imagine and create their own judgment thereby making the book much more thrilling. For example we really don’t know what Goddy found out about Tina the first time she did something wrong that hurt him. He only said he sent a spy and then accuses Tina but leaves out the details of the discovery of the spy. When Goddy catches Tina red-handed with his friend, the readers knows for a fact Tina is to the plain guilty but cannot tell what drove her towards that.
The conflict in the book is complex in the sense that the character Goddy is human and not perfect. His greatest fault is loving Tina so blindly that it brings about his downfall. But, Goddy is not wholly the meek man his character expects him to be. We see when he promises to get back at the hoodlums who threaten him because of Tina. The readers also see his agitations and over anxieties. He talks rudely and insults Tina’s sister – Cynthia whom he was supposed to be friends with. Most times in a simple fiction the protagonist is the all good person waiting for the attack of the antagonist but Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i is different.
There is absolutely no doubt that if this book was written in a female perspective, probably, Tina would be totally different. A female reply to this book might change the course of the book. There might be some certain revelations that will come and some of it might sound justifiable. No doubt, Tina is wrong in her own way but a novel told by her will be a sort of picaresque novel.

Dearest, This is in continuation of the review part one from the book - Silver Lining by Elizabeth Uzoma Egwu, a mass communication undergraduate student of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. 
Enjoy!  The title of the Book
The title of the book is Silver Lining. The colour ‘Silver’ is a metallic colour tone resembling gray that is a representation of the colourof polished silver. Silver Lining is a term used mostly to encourage people in time of despair. It is proverbial meaning that for every bad situation there is a little bit of good in it.
Its origin or history began when it was used by John Milton, A Mask presented by Ludlow Castle in 1634 when he says ‘turn forth her silver lining on the night’ it was not until the Victorian era that the term – ‘there is a silver lining to every cloud’ in the review of the novel Marian or A young Maid’s Fortunes by Mrs. S. Hall which was published in 1840. Ever since then, the term ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ stuck. This term ‘Silver Lining’ is neither strange nor uncommon as it has been used in various artistic and theatrical forms. The first novel having similar title ‘Silver Lining Playbook’ by Matthew Quick was later turned into a movie by renowned movie director – David O. Russell in 2012 starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence with Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker.
In Godwin 3ple-i’s Silver Lining, Goddy tries to overcome all odds in his life and relationship with Tina. When he meets Tina even with her father’s prejudice and her neighbourhoodhostility he still looks on the bright side as he is able to snag Tina to be on his side. Even when he manages to get Tina, he is hit with the reality that she is already with someone. He still looks for a Silver Lining and continues to live until Tina decides to be with him. Even the little squabbles he had with Tina does not deter him. Tina’s betrayal and his losing his means of livelihood almost got him but with his renewal of his faith, he is able to forgive Tina and gets another job.
With the already existing distance between Goddy and Tina which hinder a lot of things, their relationship continued. All through the novella, Goddy prevails. The writer by literal means therefore makes the end tricky with the question – Will Goddy prevail? The end is promising he feels deserted but tries to be strong despite the hurt he has faced from his previous love affairs with two women – Tina and Joyce.
Get your copy of Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i via:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC5CJJgdryoorhttp://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000602511/Silver-Lining.aspx

Dearest, This article is in fulfillment of my promise as stated in the article title - Quantity or Quality, which makes a good book? Below is the review of the book - Silver Lining by Elizabeth Uzoma Egwu, a mass communication undergraduate student of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. 
Enjoy!

The SynopsisGoddy is a practitioner in the entertainment world. Being prone to their vivacious and precarious life, his busy schedule does not let him to be involved, settle down or be in any serious relationship. All these, changes when his friend, Richard, invites him to attend a meeting in an NGO. Richards and Goddy are childhood friends but had some early discrepancies in their relationship because Richards always claimed to be the senior in the duo. Richards seems to have outgrown some tendencies and has become reserved with family life. In this NGO meeting, Goddy meets a lady who stuns and intrigues him. The lady responds rather cordially. The meeting of this lady brings him closer to his childhood friend, Richards. This enhanced friendship further leads to approaching this lady with his bold step, he enquires her name.
Tina – Goddy’s dream girl, according to Goddy’s delight feels already at ease with him, her family (especially her mother) is pleased to meet him. In spite of the embarrassment he gets from her father, he is not deterred. A cordial friendship then develops between Goddy and Cynthia, Tina’s sister. He promises Cynthia a visit; during the visit he meets Tina. Goddy through Cynthia’s witty insinuations is able to take Tina out to hang out with his friends. In this very occasion, Tina turns cold and drawn from the rest of the evening. Later on, Goddy and Tina share their first kiss. A misunderstanding ensues later due to Goddy’s tactlessness in expressing his surprise towards her visit.
Trying to re-enact his relationship he acquaints his writer friend Phil, who encourages him to apologiseand try to woo Tina back. This amounts to a failure with Tina turning him down, admitting that she is not ready to give up her existing relationship. Goddy begins to receive stinkers and threats from hoodlums in the ghetto where Tina resides, asking him to stay clear of her. Goddy and Tina shared their Christmas together having her in his apartment for two days because of her mother’s approval. He takes her out to see his ‘Big Bros’ also known or called Brokus in showbiz who host an annual Christmas celebration with his neighbours. There, Tina had a nice time hanging out with big names in showbiz, and the duo gets Christmas gifts / hampers.
Goddy gets fired from work and is desolate and despondent. He can hardly keep up with the lifestyle he had, with his difficulty in paying bills. His only option becomes to move in with ‘Big Bros’. Tina becomes sick and calls for his attention but Goddy cannot do anything for her. Goddy advises her to go see his doctor friend. Tina takes another option to collect the money from her ex-boyfriend. Goddy exorcises her out of his life when he finds out.
Goddy becomes restless and searches for something, anything to contain his emptiness. He finds an inspiring article which takes its references from the Bible. He is visited by Cynthia, Tina’s sister, who looks well to do now. Cynthia tries to intercede for her sister but, it leads to no avail with Goddy. Two days later, Goddy discovers that it would soon be Tina’s birthday; he apologises to Cynthia for his abruptness and plans a surprise birthday for her with her family.
Goody begins to put his life back together. He joins Bi Bros Production Company and Tina gains admission to the university. He refuses to listen to his colleagues who try to incite him not to trust Tina because she is now a ‘university babe’. After hearing a sermon about forgiveness, Goddy develops some kind of remorse for his unforgiving attitude towards Tina. He decides to let go of his feud and ‘reunites’ with Tina. They become stronger than ever although she was in school. During holidays she maximum and splendid time with him so much that she becomes reluctant to go back to school. 
Goody works his way so he could be among the production team that will go to the state where Tina’s university is in so he could see her. His colleagues indulge themselves with ladies in the university they tease him profusely and mock him for his stalwartness towards Tina. They tell him his ‘baby girl’ must be having some fun of her own. The story ends sadly when it turns out that his colleagues were right, Tina was one of the ladies picked up by one of his colleagues. Goddy is heartbroken and dismayed.
Get your copy of Silver Lining by Godwin 3ple-i via:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC5CJ...

‘Most writers, who are beginners if they are honest with themselves, will admit that they are praying for a readership as they begin to write. But it should be the quality of the craft not the audience that should be the greatest motivating factor’ – late Chinua Achebe
The title of this article is one question that I have asked, and get another question for the reply. Questions like, who is asking this stupid question? Is book a commodity market? What is quantity and what is quality as it relate to book?
I decided to write about quantity and quality of a book because of the personal experience during the self-marketing of my book – Silver Lining. In Nigeria, it is sad to note that some notable and respected bookstores rarely have ‘uncelebrated’ Nigeria author’s on their shelves. I have no need of wanting to blame them. They are in business and overhead costs must be paid whether they record any sales or not. Aside that, many Nigerians don’t believe that any Nigerian especially the ‘uncelebrated’ author could write anything of interest (success, marriage, financial matters, self-development etc.) to them especially if the ‘popularity or celebrity spell’ has not been broken.
Late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya’s book How to choose a life partner became an overnight success after her death in an ill-fated aircraft in December 2005. Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase’s book How to make it in Nigeria… became another instant hit when the business of being your boss began to gain unwarranted attention. Yellow Yellow, a book by Kaine Agary became a hit immediately she won the ANA award and NLNG award prize for prose in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s book on Success Power and The Parable of the Dollar was another hit immediately Nigerians began to see the need for effective, efficient and accountable leadership. Dayo Olomu’s book 4 indispensable laws of Success which is an acronym for his name – D. A. Y. O. became a bestselling book because of the well calculated merging of his international and local image.
These books I mentioned are not the only bestselling books. They are more. For any individual that have read any of these books will come to agree with me that they are not too voluminous but rich in content. The prices for some of these books sold for as much as ₦1, 000 or even more which is equivalent to $6.08, £3.62, €4.48, ¥622.66 (as at the time of submitting this article. Note, exchange rates fluctuates) and yet, these books got patronage. So why should my book Silver Lining not sell for ₦1, 000 if not more since it is also rich in content? For friends, fans, critics in Nigeria, visit Patabah Bookstore, shop B18 adeniran ogunsanya shopping mall, surulere & Terra Kulture, tiamiyu street, victoria island in Lagos and the Silverbird Media Store, Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Central Business District in Abuja to get your copy. 
For international friends, fans and critics, please, visit http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/products/SKU-000602511/Silver-Lining.aspxto place your order now.
No doubt, I felt bad when I was challenged over the price for my book when I approach bookstores. Not forgetting that the bookstores is getting an agreed percentage from the selling price of any book which in this case is the first gross profit for the author before remitting also the first net profit to the same author. About thrice or more, I have been questioned about the price and quantity of my book to the point of comparing my book with another known international author. Not a bad idea as I gave myself praise like the agama lizard that fell from the iroko tree and decided to praise himself.
Book business should not and cannot be justified by it quantity but it quality. I want to believe that we all have a good knowledge of what quantity and quality really is. Talking about quantity of a book, the autobiography of Bill Clinton did not record many sales as expected by the publishers.  As Obama’s book – The Audacity of Hope, Late Nelson Mandela’s book now adopted into a film – Long walk to freedom kept the publishers cash register ringing non-stop for months. That is what book business, publishers and authors are interested about not forgetting that the quality of the craft – writing alongside its passion should be any writers’ No. 1 motivating factor.
I don’t make promises. But I want to make this promise – between 16th June and 20th June, 2014, I shall post on my blog and other of my social media accounts, abstract review of my book – Silver Lining an undergraduate English student of the University of Lagos (Unilag) Nigeria posted to me after reading my book.
Until then also remember that writing is a profession that commands respect.
Don’t just talk the talk or walk the walk. Talk and walk on the literary side of life.
Shalom!

Dear payment processor,
Thumbs up for your outstanding excellent service delivery provided for financial institutions, merchants and the end users since the inception of ‘real-time’ online transactions. Without your timely involvement, business transactions online could have been foot-dragging. Irrespective of the many obstacles still popping up, you have proved that you are capable and equally reliable. This is one of the ethics that makes businesses thrive and economy healthy.
However, it is with great disappointment and grieve that I am writing to you. I am a proud Nigerian which is no fault of mine but for a divine purpose and mission by the creator of the universe. As a Nigerian with an estimated population of One Hundred and Seventy Million and still counting whose internet usage rating according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is No. 11 in the world and No. 1 in Africa representing a whopping 28.39% is yet to be listed on the country list of some international online payment processor country’s list. This is no assumption. Online payment processor like: ‘PayPal’, ‘Pay Simple’, don’t have Nigeria on its country’s list. I want to believe that there are many more international online processors that are guilty as charged.
I want us to compute in monetary terms the money Nigerians spend online using the findings of the ITU. Let us all assume that the average amount in dollars spent by an average Nigerian online is $10. 28.39% access the internet regularly. Accessing this figure over Nigeria’s population of 170, 000, 000 will result to 48, 263, 000 of Nigeria’s population have regular access to the internet. Using simple mathematics, of the population (48, 263, 000) that has access to the internet multiply by $10. Please, show me the business enterprise, entrepreneur or investor that would not want to have as small as 5% equity share in this lucrative venture.
This is another food for thought. A recent survey carried out revealed that 70% of Nigerian internet users access the internet via their mobile phones. This number for sure will rise before the end of 2014 taking into account the pace at which events unfolds daily.
I am less concern about reports on ‘fraudulent’ dealings of and about Nigerians. None is innocent. If any Nation knows that her country is free from any form of corruption either in government agencies, public, private or individually owned corporation should write me back with only these words – Godwin, you are a liar in capital letters.
The internet has simplified businesses. PayPal, Pay Simple and other online payment processors why make online business dealings challenging for Nigerians and Africans?Let PayPal, Pay Simple and others tell the world their ‘sincere’ reasons for not having Nigeria on their country’s list. No Nation is too big or small to be corrected. Every Nation needs each other.
With the pace in which events are unfolding themselves especially online, any international online payment processor that don’t have Nigeria or any other African country listed on its country list is LOSSING OUT ON HUGE PROFITS as I stand to be corrected on my statement.
I look forward to your expedited favourable response.
Thank you.
Godwin '3ple-i' Ihemenwa Author of the Book - Silver Lining

For any project whether profit oriented or not from any corporation whether business, religion or education including government agencies, the single primary objective is to succeed. Sadly, every tom, dick and harry now surround themselves with the cliché shade ‘nothing succeed like success’.
True, nothing succeeds like success. I like success. I simply love and want to be successful. However, the recent happenings in the society have created a ‘dark vacuum’. A vacuum where no individual is interested in ascertaining the ‘genuiness’ of an individual success.
Success comes in different forms, sizes and shapes. But the one true most celebrated and lasting success is the success that comes with INTEGRITY.
After struggling for three years to keep my business alive, I resolve to the – ‘no matter the condition or personality involved, I cannot compromise on my personal and business integrity’ decision in the last quarter of 2013. The truth remain that my unbiased decision which to many, considering the business terrain in Nigeria and the globe has earned for me an inner peace and unspeakable joy. Say whatever you feel or want. Every individual is entitled to his / her own opinion so also am I.
Before crucifying me for sounding too religious as a saint, it will interest you to know that I am not the too ‘religious’ individual according to my peers. A little un-judgmental digressing. Once a pool is to be drawn from the Christian community irrespective of the denomination, you and I will be amazed at the outcome. Let say five Christians are randomly picked from the Christian community pool, I stand to be corrected that ‘if’ the five are not found guilty, only but one will stand clean of any accusation of dis-integrity if there is any word like that. I want to believe that I have beyond every reasonable doubt put to rest my integrity issue from the Christianity angle.
It has become a norm and custom that every January 1st of any year, almost 99% of individuals who are privilege not because of who, where and what they are or have to see that year either verbally or written makes ‘new year resolution’. I am not against it neither am I in support of it.
I want to ask – as the new-year resolutions directly or indirectly have become a tradition, how many ‘new-year resolutioners’ have ever resolute to become a person of INTEGRITY?
A school of thought suddenly mocks at individuals who devote their time in making new-year resolutions. According to the school of thought, the new-year resolution last but the first quarter of the year and only but 1% keep their new-year resolution up to the first half of the year.
Like I said earlier, ever since I stood my ground in the last quarter of 2013 on this ignored character – INTEGRITY, I have inner peace and joy unspeakable. Often times, I am confronted with irresistible offers that are contrary to business ethics and my INTEGRITY decision. As an entrepreneur with admirable respect for business ethics, I have always ensured in making my words my bond. How do I then survive? Am I not a Nigerian? I should stop pretending? This is my honest answer to you all – ‘the universe in its magnificent abundance have its own way of rewarding persons and businesses that practice INTEGRITY’
This subject INTEGRITY will be incomplete without talking about my passion – Advertising. Advertising is fun any day anytime and anywhere. But certain culprits have made the advertising business very rotten. I stand to be corrected. How many Ad agencies can boast of genuinely practicing INTEGRITY? Even the regulatory body themselves are near worst.
The media section of BusinessDay Newspaper of Tuesday March 4th, 2014 page 21 has this – ‘transparency by media planning agencies is solution to media debt’ as its caption. Reading the story following the caption, it was quiet impressive. Kudos to Tayo Oyedeji of Media Perspective as I hope it is not one of the many ‘lip service talks’ or should I say ‘empty promises’. Tayo Oyedeji concludes his very informative interview chat with Daniel Obi of BusinessDay Newspaper with ‘…the more we create transparent processes and disciplined operations, the easier it would be to resolve the debt issue’.
Another interest area I am also passionate that I must also talk about is Books. Many years ago precisely in 2007 at Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. I was blessed to be among the creamé de la crème in literature. Among young authors, we began discussing general interest topics before narrowing it down to literature upon the arrival of a very young author by name Peter Uche Umez whose literary work have been nominated for three categories of awards. It did not take long before another author from the other side of town made a comment that broke the camel’s back. He said – give out currency notes to certain individuals especially the judges so that you could win the award for any or all the categories. Not quite an impressive comment. In reply to his ugly suggestion, Peter Uche Umez said ‘if my books are not good enough to win me the awards, so be it but I will be the very last person to give any fellow money so as to win an award’. It’s been seven years but the statement is very fresh in my memory. I salute the young Peter’s courage and tenacity. Did he win? No, but he left the award arena fulfilled. I learnt that an international institution selected his work among works to be produced as a series. I told you the universe has its own way of rewarding INTEGRITY.
Truly, I will be very partial to ignore SMEs. It is no longer news that of the five SMEs that open their doors for business die within the first 3years of being in business that is if they survive the 2years before making it to the third year. But come to think of it, why SMEs barely survive the early years of business operation? Talk with say five SME owners now of their challenge(s) in business and without missing words, they will be quick to tell you that their ONE big challenge is ‘funding’. Without thinking of answers, it’s the truth. Funding is one among the many challenges confronting SME owners. Also, you will be shock to know that most of these SMEs crying for funding once they get these funds either from grants, bank loan or investors’ contribution, proper and adequate accountability on the funds become an issue.
As a fellow SME owner, I want to stop here. I don’t want to too expose the dirt of SMEs if it has not been exposed already.
Dropping my weapon for mass enlightenment and empowerment, I want to awake your curiosity towards SMEs as national economy drivers. Here this, dare to thrive your nation’s economy successfully, then invest and re-invest in SMEs.
Thank you.

I first heard of the word – TED in 2011 faraway Sagamu, Ogun State, Western Nigeria from two great guys – Christopher (an outstanding inspirational speaker) & Mike (an IT administrator). Both Christopher and Mike are very enterprising Nigerians doing the best they can to empower their immediate communities. TED is an acronym meaning Technology, Education & Development. Quickly, I visited TED.com on the internet, registered and tried putting up an event with TED sponsoring it. I failed and everything and anything that have to do with TED.com was forgotten.
Honestly speaking, I did not know why I refuse to unsubscribe from receiving newsletter emails from TED.com in my email account. All emails I get from TED, I simply delete them not wanting to know what the content is not until the email of April, 2014.
April to me is special. That is my birthday month. I don’t joke with the month of April. Another interesting factor that makes April special is simply because in April, the Christian communities globally celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I feel extremely blessed, unique and indeed special to have entered this untruthful, wicked, corrupt and unjust planet on the month Jesus Christ conquered death, the devil alongside its agents.Pardon my Christianity language and usage.
I can’t recall the incident that transpired that made me visit the public cyber café in the neighbourhood. But I find myself in the public café and connected to their internet connection. During my surfing, as usual, I got an email from TED. But this email, I did not delete. The email had a name – Elizabeth Gilbert.
The name – Elizabeth Gilbert did ring a bell. Then I opened the email, read few lines and proceeded in downloading the video of Elizabeth Gilbert. After few days, I transferred the video to my ‘borrowed’ android mobile phone. The video was on the mobile phone for five days. It was the sixth day I finally watched Elizabeth Gilbert ‘ inspiring , thanksgiving and moving ’ video as a guest of TED March, 2014 edition.
Elizabeth Gilbert is not the first and would not be the last author whose literary work has been turned into a movie to be invited to speak at TED. What is very special and fascinating about the Eat, Pray, Love girl as she was been addressed at JFK Airport? What is even spectacular about her Eat, Pray, Love movie? To begin with why watching Gilbert speak at TED, I felt the connection and synergy of the plight another colleague feels. There was a whole lot of chemistry from her heart felt speech. That is what I feel and know is very special and fascinating. Talking about the movie, I just love the engaging experiences of exploring and respectfully appreciating different and diverse cultural and belief system.
Despite getting consecutive rejection letters in her mail box for six years Gilbert kept her dream alive by constantly doing what she has and still love to do – WRITE.
Even though many would want to disagree with me, there is nothing as frustrating than failing again and again in a field you passionately love. Such outcomes leave the individual speechless with his/her mouth widely open in shock.
Elizabeth, your story gives me and other yet-to-be celebrated writers the zeal of keeping on as we have reached the point of no return. The Rubicon I have crossed, the sky to me is my starting point in the Media and Writing world as I will continue to soar to greatest heights in Writing, Voicing, Publishing and AudioVisual Productions as the eagle.
Before signing off, there are few comments from Elizabeth’s thoughts on writing that touches me I really love to share with first time authors, yet to decide authors and established authors because none including the Dan Brown, J. K.  Rowlings, Tom Clancy & John Grisham whose works have been produced into films hold the monopoly of knowledge.
I believe that – if you are serious about a life of writing …you should take writing like a holy calling. I became a writer the way other people become monks or nuns. I made a vow to writing, very young. I didn’t know how else to do this. I had no, as they say, connections. I just began.
Magazines, editors, agents – they all employ young people making $22,000 a year whose job it is to read through piles of manuscripts and send you back letters telling you that you aren’t good enough yet: LET THEM DO IT. Don’t pre-reject yourself. That’s their job, not yours. Your job is only to write your heart out, and let destiny take care of the rest.
If you write something beautiful and important, and the right person somehow discovers it, they will clear room for you on the bookshelves of the world – at any age.
Many thanks TED for inviting Elizabeth Gilbert. And thank you Elizabeth Gilbert for the inspiration through your failures and success story.
Remember, ‘It’s not the world’s fault that you want to be an artist…now get back to work’. Believe this or not, WRITING is a profession that command respects.
Shalom!

[image error]the Nigeria National ID Card specimen from the internet

Personally, without missing or mixing words, it is yet another showmanship of total incompetency on the part of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I refuse to believe and accept the fact that at this stage and point of technological advancement, the Federal Government under the leadership administration of Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan including all his appointed, elected and selected personnel in offices are outsourcing issues of National interest to a nation like the United States who in their own capacity perceive all third world countries as ‘underdogs’. Please, don’t misunderstand me. I have respect for the United States.
Before I continue further with the business of the day, as I have always done anytime I am writing on any sensitive subject(s), I am seizing this opportunity via this platform to tender to all concern my apologies if this article would in any way get anyone angry. From my heart of heart, I am sincerely very sorry.
Why I would not be wrong saying without fear or favourthat thank the universe ‘man is not God as no individual or groups including nation holds monopoly to knowledge’ if not … as the front page headline Concerns over MasterCard’s role in National ID Card Scheme of Monday 28 April 2014 of BusinessDay Newspaper is literary rubbing mud on the faces of Nigerians especially the following corporations – Interswitch, e-transact among others that have been on the frontline of ensuring fast, safe and easy financial transactions both online and offline.
At this juncture, I want to use this platform to humbly ask the Executive Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Scheme (NIBSS) in the person of Christabel Onyejekwe to honourablyresign. Christabel Onyejekwe is the typical representation of the proverbial saying of having square pegs in round holes. I stand to be corrected that if Christabel Onyejekwe sees nothing wrong with MasterCard International handles the National ID Project of Nigeria, how about some international person coming to handle Christabel Onyejekwe personal and family affairs?
In the thirteen paragraph, the writer Ben Uzor Jr. did ask a very key and sensitive question. Can the United States award such contract to a Nigerian firm? Yes, the truth must be told at all time. Can the United States award contract of National Interest to Nigeria?
If the Federal Government of Nigeria can’t promote its own made in Nigeria, then the centenary jamboree is as good as meaningless and the whole campaigns in the media (online and offline) should stop.
 
The National ID Scheme is a Nigerian project. No nation including the United States knows Nigeria better than Nigerians. Let us not rule out the fact that there will be the usual Nigerian factor which is obtainable everywhere and anywhere including the so called United States as the greatest room for improvement is the room of sincere self-assessments.
I am not interested in whatever any orator include diplomat from either the Federal Government of Nigeria or any international agencies / embassies want to say about the National ID Card Scheme and MasterCard getting involved. The era of ambiguous vocabulary is irrelevant, simplicity is key as diplomacy is the ability not to lie and also the ability not to tell the truth.
[image error]National ID Card Specimen from the Internet with MasterCard logo What are the thirteen applications as sited in Ben Uzor’s are? Interswitch, e-transact, verve amongst others having being providing the safety, convenience and reliability as quoted in the write up. What other safety and reliability measures MasterCard want to introduce to a Nigerian project that Nigerian owned online providing transaction institutions can’t provide?
Listen Mr. Minister or National ID Card Scheme Project Director. Nigerians can’t be easily swing or taken for granted. Award the National ID Card Scheme to Nigerian owned firm.
Thank you.