Much Ado about Job Creation and its impact on Nigerian Sports.............

At a time when the world is screaming for a solution to the current financial crisis, one is forced to pay attention at the leaders in one's country.  The Eurozone leaders are struggling to bail out Greece and other debtor nations, America is having its leaders squabble and fight against themselves, albeit in the name of striking a balance to find a solution that best serves the people, and in Nigeria, we are dealing with our own issues, insecurity and the spate of politically induced restiveness emanating from joblessness, and diminishing opportunities in the polity, and a perception that we are being led by "a non warrior king", who believes that God will lead his people and him in tow.

The world is challenged and in search of a "savior".  A loan repayment default by "ancient" Greece, could and would spark a domino effect that will drag us all into a black hole and forever change the way we all do things.

President Obama has anchored his tenure on the mantra that creating jobs and economic opportunities for Americans is the way out of the ongoing recession, and EU leaders are dealing with business practices and  regulations, and trying to strengthen fiscal policies to abate the fall of the zone. While in Nigeria, like the Americans, we have embraced Job Creation, as our way to "salvation".

The Dangote committee was set up in 2009, and its mandate was to leverage on private sector actors and their expertise to chart a course that ensures that we utilize the enormous AVAILABLE human capital as a key to turning around the economic fortunes of the country.  Great report, I believe it should be published and shared with all Nigerians..... It is important to hold someone accountable, and this report sets a clear roadmap to ensuring that Nigeria, not only meets its vision 202020 targets, but sustainably puts its people to work.

Sports, was one of those selected focus areas. The opportunities inherent in the effective management of sports, as an economic activity is very glaring. It is the singular economic activity that leverages 100% on human emotions and physicality.  We pay to see human endeavors at its best, we watch the coordination of the body and mind in such ways as to elicit so much emotions for a particular period in time.

Sports has been one area where Nigeria has gained and received respect from the league of nations.  Our international peers have come to understand and respect our physical and creative genius in this arena.  From Football, to Athletics to Weightlifting, Boxing, Basketball and even the obscure American football, ice hockey and rugby, Nigerians have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor.

So, why is our sporting environment not organised, structured to take advantage of what we have as a "competitive advantage"?

Is the NSC geared up to understand the linkage between Job Creation, and the benefits it holds to the Nigerian sporting environment??

Does the NSC see that opportunity to reform itself and position the organisation to leverage on the vast amount of human capital available, to support the drive to create jobs in sports, and the management thereof, to good effect.

With so many questions and visible opportunities, I researched a bit and the results were astounding.

• What is the relationship between the "hides and skins" produced in Kano and the Adidas Jabulani football???
• What is the relationship between "raw rubber" and the synthetic jersey of Arsenal, Man United and all international teams jerseys manufactured in China??
• How many people does it take to ensure that a 90 minute football match played in London, takes place in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and can be seen by over 100 Million people in real time???
• How many people "work or are partially employed" by teams in the English Premier League, PSL, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, etc.....
• In the United States,  USSF, how many coaches, trainers and support staff, volunteers does it take to run, and effectively execute its world famous "Olympic Development Program"???
• We hear of grassroots sports, how many Belgians and Dutch people are actually involved in ensuring that on any given saturday, there is will be officials at any sanctioned sports event happening in villages, towns, cities of those countries???

The answers to the above questions will amaze you (contact me for details, if interested).  

There is a synergistic relationship between sports and Job Creation.  We need visionaries with a passion, to help drive this very lucrative and worthwhile venture.  I will be very conservative in my estimation that Sports can guarantee and earn Nigeria, at least  500 Million USD annually.

Creative planning, structures and a sincere focus by government, with the support of the private sector is required.  Nigeria can actually leverage on its human capital (especially in sports) to lift itsef out of the current global economic recession, and further insulate itself against future shocks, if it harnesses this critical potential.

Some very smart and enlightened people, spent a lot of time, energy and effort, to articulate the way forward on how to achieve the above stated goals.  I must thank Mr. Paul Bassey, Ikedi Iziguzo, Wole Akinwunmi, Aisha Falode, Ndidi Edozien, Fatima Usman, Ebosele Oguname, Dr. Nanna, Fola Oyeyemi, Olusegun Aganga, and the members of the Dangote Group, the Private Sector Working Group of the National Planning Commission, on behalf of Nigerians.  These people worked tirelessly to fashion out a way forward for Nigerians.  

The results of their efforts needs to be shared with every Nigerian, we have to get those reports out, and circulate them to the general public and ensure that the recommendations are adapted, adopted and implemented.  It would be a big shame for Nigerians, if the work of these groups do not see the light of day. 

Nigeria, can, and must reap the huge economic dividend and benefits accrued from its effective utilization of its massive and available human capital.  And I strongly believe that sports, and the management, can be one sure bet to get us out of the current economic struggle, we find ourselves in........

Oga Jonathan, are you listening.......................

When will the real NPL Club owners, take charge!!

"When the king and chiefs go mad or are missing, the village idiot and court jesters will lay claim to the throne" (Xhosa Proverb).

These past 16 months have been horribly tumultuous for Nigerian football.  We have witnessed the worst administrative crisis in Nigerian Football.  Ever since the start of the crisis (Galadima's ouster leading to Sani Lulu emergence), this period has really set us back a long way. 

We still have two bodies laying claims to the running of football in Nigeria (with each one claiming to have the ears of the powers that be), and inevitably slowing the deployment of a roadmap towards credible football development in the country.  

To the crux:  Ramson Victor Baribote has finally gotten his wish and dream,  but at what cost?? He was selected (sic)! Sorry, Elected unopposed, to be the new Chairman of the NPL.  He will head a fragmented organization, with vindictive individuals; people, he publicly accussed and challenged their credibility and substance.  What kind of an organization will he inherit?? An organization that is broke, disrespected, with little or no goodwill, and is suffering dwindling fortunes. Notably, a situation he help create, given his 16 months "righteous war"! 

When other leagues are counting the opportunities emanating from multiple revenue streams and at a time when they are driving towards excellence and an increase in followership, our NPL cannot boast of average attendance of 5000 spectators per game!!

Furthermore, the rot doesn't stop there,  Sponsorship of the league has been dogged by cryptic style dealings, wherein the selection of the title sponsor and release of its funds was chaotic (to say the least).  Today, the NPL title plus all forms of sponsorship and entitlements (TV rights inclusive) cannot guarantee each team 100 Million Naira per season.  Last estimate received was around N20-30 Million (that's being generous!)!!

A South African Sports Marketing firm, valued the worth of the Nigerian football league, as a 8 Billion Naira annual turnover "monster" (given our football patronage and culture, population and geographic spread of the teams, as some driving factors).  With this assessment, NO OWNER SHOULD PUT A KOBO in its NPL team.  The league should be self-sustaining (if the right things are done).  The NPL is a cash cow that doesn't need any form of government support or investment.

Today, the story of the NPL, is akin to the Xhosa parable above.  The "real" owners of the league have abdicated "their thrones and passed on their responsibilities",  whilst the proverbial "village idiots and court jesters (no target to any of the protagonists or any current/active "actor" in this crisis) have laid claims to control of the league..  

I was accosted a couple of  days ago by some young people and accused of standing by and watching the crisis brew over, and the funny analogy they gave me, made me laugh.  They said "Can the chairman of Leyton Orient (a second div English league team), be contesting and seek s{election} to be the chairperson of the EPL"? or can an official of a seconda division club in Spain be vying for the management of the Premiera Liga!!!  Can the PSL in South Africa be run by someone whose affiliations are not part of it??? (I can see the face of Jomo Sono)........According to one former leader…. I dey laugh ooooo!

The management of the league is so shambolic, that we are yet to conclude the 2010-11 league season, at a time other countries are in the 2011-12 season! Incredible... Everyone in the NPL organisation should be sacked!!   They are a corrupt bunch and dont deserve to administer over anything (not even their children's lunch money...)

Who are the TRUE owners of the NPL clubs? The State Governors.

I want to appeal to the State Governors, to see their NPL clubs, as self sustaining, fully funded entities that the states can use to generate IGR, ensure that they co-own them with serious and liquid private sector giants.  What stops Adams Oshiomole from allowing Bendel Insurance to fall into private hands, and be satisfied that the state maintains a 30% ownership that will generate revenue for the state, instead of its current costs (Insurance players are being owned over 7 months salary, they cannot meet some away match commitments, and have not being paid sign on bonuses, to date) and failings.

Why would Chibuike Amaechi disagree to allow Rivers born private citizens or consortium to buy majority stake in Sharks and Dolphins, and run both to profitability, and bring in the muscle required to turn their financial fortunes around....

Bendel (Edo) Insurance need to get an Estako born Chairman (nominated and ordained by Oshiomole), and watch, the team experience a change in fortune, focus and investment!! (sadly, that's the Nigerian way).

Are the governors aware that they have a socio-economic cash cow on their hands?? Do they know that each NPL club can generate almost 1 Billion Naira in annual turnover, and can easily contribute up to 50-100 Million Naira annually as IGR (Internally Generated Revenue).  

Does Talba realize that Niger Tornadoes is a goldmine??? Does he know that the club can run itself without recourse to any kobo from Niger State government?? 

Does Amaechi know that both Dolphins and Sharks can provide part time jobs for up to 2000 youths in Port Harcourt for up to 38 weeks in a year??? 

Does Ajimobi understand that the Eko fan base can be exploited by 3SC, to ensure that they reach a weekly revenue target of about 20-40 Million Naira every weekend they play in Ibadan??? 

What is the mandate of the boards of directors of each NPL club ??? 

I'd like to make a prediction, I bet, if a State Governor pronounced that the board of any NPL club must raise its own funds, and will receive NO KOBO from the state government, that many appointees will decline accepting the appointment.   Let the private investor take control of the clubs......

I still don’t understand the rationale behind state government, keeping control of these clubs, that:

1.     They can’t maintain, or partially sustain operations, and budgetary requirements?

2.     The players and coaches are at the mercy of greedy "selected and personal interest driven persons" who have no stake or desire to invest in the future of the clubs

3.     They will refuse private sector participation and funding?

4.     They will not honor their obligations to the team to meet their league obligations due to lack or inability to fund requirements

I BLAME THE STATE GOVERNORS FOR THE NPL IMPASSE (and in a nutshell, the NFA crisis), of the last 16 months.....( I can hear a collective grasp of astonishment from Nigerians!!).  Here's why:

1.     Their representatives "the club chairmen" have abdicated their responsibilities and allowed the "village idiots and jesters" to take over the NPL

2.     They have settled for "individual interest" over the club's best interest, because of the stupid deals (sponsorship and TV rights) they sign up and accept.

3.     They have not found and discovered new investors to ensure that government's investments in the clubs are reduced and subsequently whittled down to occasional disbursements

4.     They have BADLY compromised and politicized their function, that it is costing the state governments more than they bargained or budgeted (should the state even be paying for a club??)

5.     The governors are also part of the problem, the caliber of the individuals appointed as chairmen of NPL clubs, show their interest and level of commitment or lack thereof.

It is my summation that the NPL impasse would have been resolved if the state governments take the rights of ownership of a Premier league club seriously.  

Had the "REAL" owners gotten involved, they would have elected an NPL chairman who would seek to PROTECT their interests and secure the best deals possible for their teams.  

Many professional football clubs worldwide, sustain themselves through the TV rights money, hospitality and catering services, in field and grounds advertising, and souvenir and replica paraphernalia sales, gates and season ticket holders. 

The Emirates consortia paid a huge amount of money to Arsenal, Allianz insurance to Bayern munich,  Manchester city got almost 500 Million USD for a 4 year sponsorship and stadium name change from Etihad. 

AON and Manchester united was previously the world's leading partnership agreement.  Samsung and Chelsea, Southampton FC and Lieberherr, MTN and the PSL of South Africa.  

It is clearly evident that State Governors have not wizened up to the FACT that owning an NPL team is a money spinner for the state.  WAKE UP !!!!!!

Today, only one state in the Federation seems to understand that.  Lagos State, and the appointment of Seyi Akinwunmi, as LASFA Chairman, has begun to reap the desired benefits for the state.  That young man is breaking and tearing down borders and driving the state to "the promised land".  A true king in the making.... Well done, Eko o ni baje (and you are making sure of it)....

True football club chairmen are not "hungry" people, who "need" the position to become relevant.  The position of a club chairman is reserved for successful and wealthy businessmen and administrators. Those who have the acumen to drive profitability out of any sporting entity.  Take a look at some of the names of football club owners and chairmen:  Benny Elkestine, Alan Sugar, David Gill, David Dean, Roman Abramovich, Tony Fernandez, the Qatari royal family, The richest Ukrainian, Twenty (20) of the top 100 richest people in the world own sporting franchises, etc....

It is a shame to see that we in Nigeria, have not recognised that the ownership of an NPL franchise is a key money spinner, and can generate considerable RoI, IGR for the state and its private sector participating owners.  

If allowed, I am ready to make a presentation to the governor's forum on how to turn these teams around and leverage on the over 8 Billion Naira annual turnover potential.

The true "kings and chiefs" must not throw away this throne to the "village idiots and court jesters".... It is time for them to wake up and take this kingdom back.

Let me use this opportunity to wish Ramson Victor Baribote well, in his "achievement"!, we don siddon dey watch, now no more talking, it is time to perform........... You wanted this, fought for it, now you have it.... Lets watch what you do with it........ Good luck son....  

To some, I may sound bitter or non supportive, no.  I am only tired and worn from the war that has been fought in my name (without my voice), and I am wary of what the current victor (coincidental) can deliver. With a fragmented house and daggers in dark places..... I can almost see the end before the beginning...... I may be to quick to draw, but remember, we have been here before.... So truly and with all my heart, I want to see the young man succeed, but deep down, my grey beards tell me to be apprehensive.....

Sunshine stars giving the referees of one of their matches a ride......... I dey laugh ooo!! When Jide Fashikun ran the story, I bellowed out laughing... What have we not seen in the leagues... And this is at premiership level,  please go down to the lower leagues and see what is happening ....  Tscchhhuuuu!!!  (typical Yoruba woman exclamation), Oturugbeke! Shuo!!!  It is worse... this again is the result of the "village...........and co." running our football leagues these past years.  I blame the kings and chiefs, who let this happen!!.

Coach Samson Siasia, our own “no nonsense, Robocop” national team coach calls his “reserve bench warming big boys” to order.  Bros, if dem no wan play, plenty, Eyimba, Sunshine, KD united and beach soccer boys available…. Have we checked out what Nigerian fathered boys are doing worldwide…. Please, lets not pet anyone to come and spoil our “rejuvenated Green-white-Green” for us.  Please carry on bro.  Well done….

President Jonathan, please do something!!! The world is watching...

As the world watched, some cowards and senseless individuals, carried out a gruesome act that shows their lack of education, understanding, displaced morals, ethics, religious tolerance and a care for life.... These individuals with their brazen attacks have again shown, and pointed to the lapses, shortcomings of our INTELLIGENCE organisations.  Or is the systemic failures and the increased insecurity deliberate???  Are our intelligence organisations so out of depth that they cannot find, trace and penetrate a group of people, who make no effort to hide themselves, and are located in one part of the country, and are of one stock of people.....

Since BH has taken responsibility, what is the agenda at play here??? Trust me, I dont believe Nigerians know exactly what this organisation is fighting for and aims to achieve??? Of what purpose is the destruction of the UN office in Nigeria going to serve???? What was the message behind this stupid and senseless/murderous act of innocent people and willful destruction of property???

It is becoming evident that these wanton destruction of lives and property is politically motivated.... is BH, the tool of some dissatisfied elements in this country, is the plan to make Nigeria ungovernable, to the point that the balance of power will change??? Is that the plan??  it is important to understand the motivations of the group and its reasons for agitations. I certain dont buy the published creed of the organisation, total ban on western influences, because they use bombs, guns, cars and mobile phones.

This latest action has shown that our government is not in control at all. If a high profile target like this can be hit, then Aso Rock is not safe. I would like to call on President Jonathan to act decisively regarding this menace, and nip it in the bud before it becomes worse. He must ensure that the political class of this country are with him on this issue.  In my opinion, they have the key to putting a permanent stop to this.

President Jonathan, shouldn't agree to play politics with this BH issue. It may have started as a political gambit, but now the genie is out of the bottle and refuses to be reined in.  The creators and sponsors of this group must be made to either rein them in, or face the music.   And they must be threatened, that they stand to lose everything, I mean everything!!!

I pray our President has the "balls" to do this, because his Presidency will be determined by this BH ... plus for posterity sake, what sort of legacy does the President wants to bequeath to Nigerians.

To those innocent people who were injured or lost their lives, please trust in the fact that these guys, all of them will get their own, and soon...

President Jonathan, please do something, and please do it now!!!

A tribute to a living legend, "Man Mountain"Godwin Odiye

As a teenager, growing up in Lagos, in the late 70s - early 80s, we had our fair share of role models.  Some positive, others were exciting and stimulating nonetheless.  These people (most of them were living in close proximity) helped shaped our lives as we grew up, and the adults we've become...

Sometime in 1976, I remember my father and his friends taking me to watch National Bank vs. NEPA (ECN), and I remember, two names, were on the lips of almost every fan,  Peter Fregene of NEPA, and Godwin Odiye (National Bank), these men were at war with each other during that match. Fregene, a pint sized man, who was the acrobatic goaltender of NEPA, screaming instructions and making incredible saves from Godwin Odiye's shots and massive headers,  and the towering "langa langa" central defender of National Bank... That was my first recollection  and introduction to the man, Godwin Odiye.

The next time I saw Godwin, was at a Green Eagles practice at the National Stadium, as they were getting ready for the World Cup qualifiers match against Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), in 1977.

The 12th of November 1977, formed a lasting impression in my life, and it was that day I decided that Godwin Odiye would be my idol...  We all know what happened during the match against Tunisia (albeit not many people know the real incident).  Godwin, our best defender, had seen and watched Okala's last position, called out, received an okay, he then executed a simple headed back pass to his goalkeeper, but Okala was already on the move and mis judged his jump, and that error, became a moment etched in the annals of Nigerian football.

In my house, we watched the match and simultaneously listened to Ernest Okoronkwo's commentaries.  It was the moment I heard those famous words " Own goal, it is all over, Nigeria score Nigeria, Godwin Odiye beats Emmanuel Okala with a beautiful back header, simply well executed, it is all over! we are out of the world cup!!.  The silence in my house, my neighborhood, Nigeria, was incredible.. I have never again experienced anything like it.  Humanity stopped..... and for once, had nothing to say.  The shock was incredible.... Then all of a sudden, the nation rose, erupted in unified and vociferous anger and various frightening and unforgettable expressions of grief.  People were openly crying, grown men, women and children  ( I have never again witnessed such national consciousness from our people) all wailed at the missed opportunity.  Own goals were now called and known as "Odiye"

I suddenly became afraid for the man, Godwin Odiye.  I asked my father, who had been at the stadium, what happened to Godwin.  He replied, "he will be fine, I just hope, they dont kill him".   That Sunday (the next day), I remembered praying in church for the safety and well-being of Godwin Odiye.

The man is a legend... Reason being, Godwin could have played for IICC (through his close relationship with Idowu Otubusin, (whom he understudied at the Green Eagles), or Bendel Insurance (as a son of the soil), or even Stationary Stores (being a Lagos kid), Nope... he settled for non leaguers, National Bank.  The man horned his skills and learned his craft during his time at the club.  I watched him overcome the 1977 debacle, and produce a fantastic outing in Ghana  AFCON 1978, we won the bronze medal, and also followed his exploits during the AFCON 1980.    In the matches I've watched and played with him,  I have noticed that the man rarely put a foot wrong, misses a tackle, and his passing is his greatest playing attribute.  His air prowess is incredible... Most of all, his demeanor and calm during  matches, sets him apart.

Godwin Odiye is one of the most humble and simple persons I've ever met, he's a quiet and unassuming, somewhat an introvert, straight talking individual.  The only place you find his passion is on the field.

I saw Godwin defy the odds, in 1994, at 38, to challenge for a place on Clemens Westerhof's world cup bound Super Eagles team.  I saw him outrun, outlasted the defenders we had in camp, and he did these activities with a nagging knee injury, he played through pain, to ensure he could contend and put himself in a position to be considered. Impressive.

Last week, I visited San Francisco Bay Area (my old home and stumping ground), and spent some time with Godwin Odiye.   I watched him work with High School kids (he coaches varsity soccer for a Bay Area High School), his teams were getting ready for the new season, and I watched, listened  and admired, this passionate professional, at work.  Talking passionately, passing on instructions, and running his drills and game plans. Afterwards, we reminisced, about the past, San Francisco, Nigeria, Naija soccer scene, our lives, the FA, and about our kids.

Godwin Odiye will forever remain an important part of my life.  He is my hero, my mentor and one of the few Nigerians, I respect and value his opinion.  He is living life, on his own terms, but mindful and respectful of others, has excelled in everything that he has done.  His three children are all university graduates. He has also reminded us, that he is human.  In the face of adversity, he has driven himself harder to succeed.  He has returned to his first love, football, although not as a player, but as a coach, impacting knowledge and caring for young people, who need a positive role model.  He is a professional banker (with an MBA from USC) and worked for fortune 500 financial institutions, but today, he has chosen to do what he loves the most, which is coaching soccer and teaching....  He is well respected in the Bay Area Soccer community, as a player, a coach, and most importantly, as a nice gentleman.

Hewas an All American (along with Andrew Atuegbu) for the University of San Francisco (USF team of the mid 80s), and played with the San Francisco Greek Americans Football club.  He won the American Open Cup (the FA cup of the USA) with the San Francisco Greek Americans, plus he was the only amateur player on the 1980 Nations cup Green Eagles team, he played for National Bank, a non league, Lagos Divisional League team.

I  wish our football administrators will give honor to whom it is due, and when it is due... We mustnt wait until our great sports men and women are dead and gone, before we honor them.  We must find a way to tap into these great minds, and leverage on them, utilizing them as positive role models for the next generation of sportsmen and women, as it is done elsewhere.

We must find ways of integrating these people into the workings of the national teams.  These positive individuals exist, and must be found and brought into our national consciousness.  We need some positive role models at this terrible time in our country's transition.....

Godwin Odiye, a gentle, living, legend, still making himself count, in the lives of people around him..... one kid at a time........

No Pants please..... Another new low for Plateau State

The first time I read the story, I laughed, and I forwarded the tweet to friends of mine everywhere, and it was just hilarious.  To be honest, this is not a laughing matter.. Mr. Moses Gwom, who it seems is the mouthpiece of the state Governor Jonah Jang (and as it looks, the forerunner to be anointed Governor after Jang's tenure), has been recently in the news, announcing a ban on women in trousers and pant,s from the state secretariat and other official public offices, and surprisingly enough, the ban forms a part of the Governor's 10 point plan,  as it comes under the "ethical re-orientation" section.   Excuse me!!!!!  Ethical Reorientation..... Are these guys for real????

Is that really what the focus of the second term of Governor Jang should be about??? Really, ethical reorientation = no pants or jeans to state secretariat!!!....

I am totally shocked and amazed, as to how detached our Nigerian public leaders are from the core and key requirements of their people. This 10 point plan is coming from a man, whose state, for majority of his first term, was under military siege.  For a country that prides itself as being a secular state, you get people really acting as if they are oblivious of the laws of the land and have no problem circumventing such,  with impunity.

To make matters worse.  Moses Gwom, is listed as being one of Plateau State's finest and brightest administrators, someone who has risen in public service to becoming the Head of Service, has over 28 years experience and yet cannot advice his governor on what the top 10 priorities of  Plateau State should be....

This same man, as Head of Service, has not satisfactorily resolved outstanding issues of the state tertiary institutions lecturers and administrators (state government staffers), schools have been on disputed lock down for the past 8-10 months, students have had their studies continuously disrupted.

This same man, whose civil service organisation is crying for a strong reform, modernization, a streamline and an integration to e-government platforms, his staffers need training and skills upgrade, Plateau state govt. is desirous of its staffers supporting it drive with a strong involvement in raising IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) in a challenging climate, and  the civil service is required to ensure the restoration of critical services to optimum levels after over 20 months of unrest and disrupted services.

Plateau state civil service needs to focus on providing critical and basic/fundamental services to tax payers and the overall citizenry... Plateau state educational system has significant resource challenges.

Its state security services require training of its operatives in community liaison and other support service functions (disaster recovery, conflict resolution, etc).  If this isn't a handful, then I don't know what Moses Gwom spends his time doing......

The ridiculous aspect of this regulation is the enforcement.  How does it realistically work.  Do the gate men and security officials of the secretariat become the enforcers of this new regulation?  did they attend an ethical reorientation compliance training, and do they have considerable insight into the newly outlined ethical reorientation users manual, as written by Mr. Moses Gwom, approved and reviewed by Gov J.J himself!!!

This one is really out there ooo ... When the people of Jos and environs are struggling to put their lives back in order, communities where anarchy have occurred are just coming to terms with the cost and trying to forge ahead.  These jokers in and with power, have decided that the 10 most important things to get the state going should include stopping women wearing jeans from entering the secretariat.... This is just awful judgement, bad taste, lack of tact and an ultimate abuse of power......

This has gone beyond the sublime and the ridiculous, it is bordering on insensitivity and a lack of vision by those who claim to have the interest of the state at heart.

Ask any 100 true Plateau residents, what their top 10 requirements of their state government would be.  I can wager my children school fees and mortage (and its a lot of money, these days), that none would consider a jeans and pant wearing ban as being priority for them.  Not one common man or woman would say that, ethical reorientation focusing on a no pants ban is key to their existence or is pivotal to their progress as a people....

My final word on this bizarre issue;  this is just another example of how we, Nigerians, waste the dividends of our hard fought and won, democracy.

We are a nation whose priorities are so far off the mark, and if we are not careful, we are on course for a rude awakening.  A change that will shock our system, our values (or lack thereof), and one that we may not survive.... It is a sad commentary of a nation with a lot of great people, and potential..

And come to think of it.... These types of actions (Plateau State no pants ban) are simultaneously happening all over the country, at all levels of economic and political institutions, and is singularly derailing our focus of delivering true service and value, to the people..

The last time we witnessed these types of public abuses, in a democratic dispensation was 28-30 years ago (and we all knew what happened then)..

"A people that does not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it again" abi????

I pray for Nigeria, indeed I do.... To Mr. Gwom and J.J,  I say, Plateau State government should really put its energy and focus into things that would bring true value to its people.  And this is certainly, by a long shot, not one of them............

Colombia, now means more than just good coffee, it was where the new "SUPER" EAGLES was born and took flight.....

Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land....... (as the lyrics of the old anthem goes)... This is the first time in as long as I can remember that I was on the edge of my seat till the final whistle.  I saw the almost re-enactment of the "miracle of Dammam", I believed in the Flying Eagles, till the last second of the match against France.  I saw a team, the depth in the play, the movements, the group linkups, the spread of play, the ability to respond and hit back, when in trouble,  I saw the birth of a team that can take on the world (if we dont politicize, and destroy it with bribery and nepotism) and defeat anyone on any given day and in any match.  I saw us lose a match, but we were not beaten...I saw a team I would be proud to be associated with, at any time (irrespective of the results).

To Chris Green ( I know we have had our differences, but we "fight" fair), I openly and critically say please stay focused and build a PROGRAM, a developmental template, to be centered around JOHN SAM OBUH, and this players.  Let us systematically understand what we did right to achieve this result, in the development of these players (how did we get here), in the play (what were the methodologies, training, tactics, preparations, camping, structures, etc...) and in the support and admin (who were the supporting organisations, FA staff, 3rd parties, etc..).

We need to ensure that we get this result or better the next time around.  We must produce more Egbedis, Musas, Pauls, Azeezs, Daniels, Sexy Emmanuels and Great Nwofors/Ejikes.... We must absolutely be sure that we can almost have carbon copies of these players from as young as 10 yrs old (identified) today and placed in different developmental programs all over the country (under the watchful eyes of trained coaches and minders working in a program) in both boys and girls cadres.

And if the Minister would like to know a thing or two about ensuring his survival beyond one year.  He should support the FA with the set up of a JOB CREATION initiative in sports (I strongly advice him to talk to PAUL BASSEY, IKEDI IZIGUZO, AISHA FALODE, FATIMA USMAN, Dr. NDIDI NNOLI-EDOZIEN, Dr. OLUWOLE AKINWUNMI, and Dr. NANNA (both of the Min of Finance) and Dr. Godson DINEYA, these are the current experts we have in the country that can support him in translating Job Creation in various sectors of the economy and creating the linkages we need to drive the development sports deserves).

There is an immense opportunity to create over 10,000 jobs in the sporting arena alone, from "after school program coaches, to local sporting coordinators, local government sporting analysts, to sports marketing, to support and youth development, to scouting and recruitment to long term admin support and volunteers".  We have not even touched the apparels, equipment manufacture and distribution as well as health and physical training, nutrition, etc. Mr. Minister.  get these people together and let them tell you how to improve sports in Nigeria..  Get them ASAP......

The NFA/NFF is advised to use its technical department to drive a grassroots program that focuses on empowering and encouraging local volunteers and state FA trained coaches to participate in grassroots football at all levels, these men and women are our eyes and ears in all corners of the country.  Our "spotters and talent scouts", they are mini John Obuhs, Samson Siasias' and Austen Eguavoens, all rolled in one.... (they are the guardians of our EAGLES nests and eggs), their key function (apart from making the experience fun for kids) is to tender to these select and gifted children, until the national team setup calls them up to represent their country. An adapted Olympic Development Program (ODP) template; from the US, Australia, France and UK can be easily utilized, and made to work for our exact grassroot soccer development objective.

The age of "hit and miss" is over.  The statement:"going back to the drawing board" should now MEAN: Evaluating our strengths, Compensating and actively recognizing and dealing with our weaknesses, Eliminating the risks and threats to  our objectives and success, and  Systematically Taking advantages of areas of opportunity.

We need to be a systematic and organised country when it comes to international tournaments.  Coming out, as reps and champions of Africa, is no longer good enough; in the world stage, we have to better than the rest, and to do that (without being age cheats), we have to be at par with the best in the world, and add the "natural Nigerian endowment" as an edge!!!

To my brother Andrew Oshemeshian "ACE", I say, dont despair.  We cant win every game every time, but take a look at the product, called the Flying Eagles. See how the team has developed, look at the interplay, the physique, fitness, ease and flow of their game, scoring prowess, our goalkeeper made fantastic saves, our defense held, our midfield could actually hold the ball and link up with the rest of the team, the attackers could actually score (14 goals in 5 games)..  There was no "big boy" attitude on this team, everybody worked for the team, and our bench (coaches) did make the difference when it counted.... Check out Nwofor, Ejike and Sexy Emmanuel (4 goals, 2 assists) from subs.... Haba, dont despair.

Just something for you to note.  10 years ago, the French overhauled their national team youth development program, and went back to the drawing board.  Today, we see a difference in their ambition and the results are glaring (see their girls at the Women world cup, and now their U 20 men are the UEFA champs).   We are on a journey.  Whether we have the right people to deal with the responsibility of achieving this goal is doubtful and worrisome (given the antecedents of some people in power), but I have resolved not to only continuously shout out loudly (like an Aladura  preacher with an electronic megaphone at a crusade) but I will do my best to support the process and enforce positive (high  impact) change.

If the Maigari team really means to do business, there are Nigerians that are ready to serve and they must go and get them to come and support this process of grassroot soccer development.  The NFA/NFF technical department must work with the state FAs' to carry out a nationwide program for the registration/sign up of all the primary & secondary school games/P.E/Sports teachers and responsible, with the aim of setting up a grassroots soccer development program.  Wherein, we encourage after school play/training and use this medium as a means of targeting, identifying and supporting local talents in both sporting and educational pursuits.  Furthermore, it is the more effective way to scout for talents for the national teams, and encourage our kids to  "just play"......
Aminu Maigari, MUST hunker down, focus and get going.  He has good people on the board to work with and they must leave a lasting positive legacy for football in Nigeria (he must also be wary of some very lame and unserious leeches that are always around him),

The vision of the proposed solution might look a bit simplistic and naive, and may seem not to have taken taken into account the environmental, political, sectarian and cultural challenges within "our own dear native land", dont be fooled.  The solutions and workarounds abound, to ensure that we can achieve success in the face of surmounting challenges, we know what to do..  When the time comes, the will to succeed SHALL be matched with the political and economic desire of the powers that be.

Our three musketeers (Samson Siasia, Austen Eguavoen, John Obuh), should commence a working group to formalize what is technically required to get young talents prepared for national team assignments.  This will form the template for the grassroots soccer program, to utilize in preparing future national team players mentally and physically to know and have what it take to represent this country.

So mi amigos, muchachos, adios, and see you in 10 months time, when another qualification series for the next U-20 WC in Turkey 2013 gets underway. We had a good run.  14 goals in 5 games..  Well done John and the boys. ... Well done...

As a gentle sidebar: Big ups and gbosa to ma WOZA nation (my bb footie mad group, which was initially set up for Nigerians enroute to SA 2010 WC, as a means of exchanging views and keeping in touch, now it is the hottest bb forum, with members in the UK, USA, SA, and Nigeria),  Just love you guys... una well done.  EPL is back up again, and as usual without the Saints of Southampton, Arsenal cannot survive.  Watch this season, they will "almost" win the league, we have sold them a player.... Am a Southampton Fan, a true "saint and scummer" plus I love my Bendel Insurance, Edo Arsenal for life.....  Let me read your thoughts....

The mindset of a Thief!! A commentary on how Nigeria and Nigerians are evolving!!

My mother likens the current levels of corruption in all facets of the Nigerian economy and polity to that of "an only child, whose parents own one of the best and biggest supermarkets in the world,  the child is also a kleptomaniac, stealing arbitrarily from only his parents store, and recklessly robbing them.  The sad part of the tale is, the kid is fully aware that the stores are the only asset his parent WILL bequeath to him at the time of their passing"...... That is Nigeria for you you.......

Have you tried to read the papers these days.  the impunity with which the scarce resources of the country is mismanaged is just unimaginable.  You also wonder how these people (who have access to the treasury, and the responsibility to manage the resources) sleep at night.  How does one look at him or herself, knowing that they have "chanced" money from the treasury!!!

what is the mindset and psyche that will allow for an official, to openly falsify documentation, and steal thousands of  pensioner's entitlement, and with impunity logde it,  in foreign currency, in their local bank account....... what is the mindset of the person, who is a legislator of the law, and receives a quarterly payment for constituency projects from the taxpayer, and he or she pockets the money and does nothing for his or her people. or that of the governor or commissioner who inflates contracts and only spends a small percentage of the inflated contract sum to partially and shabbily execute a road or infrastructure contract.

Not wanting to sound naive, I know how the patronage system works.  I am also guilty of it, because I have up till now looked the other way and tolerated instances (from gate man opening my doors and greeting me, to the directors of public and private organisations insisting on "supporting" me when the time comes) of these patronages because they were in my favor. This system is really at the heart of the evolving change in our mindset and psyche.  The turn by turn, you chop, I chop syndrome is really robbing us of what it means and meant to be a Nigerian.   It is slowly and dangerously replacing our national psyche and mindset.  It is slowing robbing us of what it means to belong to the greatest nation and race of peoples known as Nigeria.  This patronage system is the cancer that is eating us up..... inside out.......

Today, I see our country's moral and physical fibre being worse off than when I was a kid.  The level of insecurity nationwide is worse than during the height of the civil war. The amount of money squandered and wasted is at such a level, that it is scandalous and indefensible.  We are told in history, that a people get the leaders they deserve, but even Nicolae Ceausescu  of Romania, did not do half of what we hear and see in Nigeria today....

I mean, we are a smart people, we have experts, well trained and seasoned from the best schools, have worked for the best companies worldwide.  How come, we let our economy be drained like this!!!

The "leaky bucket" syndrome is really killing this country.... How could we let this happen...The turn by turn, owambe, and Kpin di Kpin systems, rotational politics has failed this country, it has only served the purposes of a few, while the masses are left with nothing to show for the dividends of this democracy.

It is a shame, that majority of the roads in this country were constructed during the Gowon to Obasanjo 1 era..... If we judge the amount of infrastructural development and implementation between the era of Azikiwe to Shagari, with Babangida to Jonathan, you will find that very little has been added to the former period by leaders of the latter period and they have succeeded to spend almost 10 times more in achieving less than half of what was done by the leaders of the former period.

If we compare these periods as the key stages in the development of Nigeria, 1960-79 and 1983-2010.

what changed in the mindsets of the leaders, people, what changed in the processes, how did our collective dreams and outlook for Nigeria change?? when did this happen and what were the triggers for it.......how did our national pysche and overall national direction shift.  Where were we??

How did we go from the civil servant acknowledging an error, and honorably choosing to resign or if in a grave circumstance (commit suicide), to the civil servant who is proud to invite you to his house in kensington courts in London, or his Potomac, Maryland home in America??? (and will openly discuss fleecing his ministry and parastatal, plus he'd boastfully call his banker, long distance, to provide him details of the yet to be concluded transaction).......

What changed in the mindset of Nigerians, that they believe overcharging a client (person or govt), is normal practice..... what happened to our mindset and psyche that sees us believe that if we dont prosper on the job (corruptly), we are misfits!!!

I actually met some ex colleagues at a recent social gathering.... And they actually confirmed to my face that "I was a fool, for not "chancing" our previous employer, that all I did was focus on speaking "grammar" and not focus on the "details".  That my subordinates were colluding with the suppliers and others and falsely passing documents for my signature (unknown to me, then) and circumventing the system and paying themselves... I replied, that I was happy to have done my job, and gotten rewarded for the work that I did.  Everyone laughed at me, and the general consensus was that, I was an idiot!!"

I beat an angry retreat, and started thinking. What kind of a society are we developing, wherein people will openly praise stealing money, inflating contract values and offering mediocre services for 10 times the price... what kind of a people are we, that because of our failings in the provision of good roads and services, and basic education and health care, our answers for these failings are to:  import jeeps and SUV's, grant outrageous pay packages to expatriates, send our kids abroad to study (even Sudan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Togo and Cameroon are desirable) rather than fix our schools (Some senior policy officers today are proud to say that they studied in Sudan?? was foreign studies, especially to third world countries, meant for only those who couldn't hack it in the Nigeria, or so I was informed)........ And we are now one of the world's largest provider of medical tourism Forex for hospitals in India, Bangladesh and South Africa.

Nigerians, like the klepocrazed son of the rich store owners, are robbing and raping the only asset we have so badly, that we the time comes to take possession of the asset, there will be nothing left.

I have promised to steer clear of politics and stick to sports and general issues.  But the events of the last few weeks cannot be ignored.

We've got Islamic banking tearing up the country, and we are seeing the polity being heated by salacious statements by people (distinguished and eminent) who should know better.  For reasons best known to me,  I strongly believe the CBN Governor, mishandled the dissemination and introduction of the information and issues around IB and or Non interest banking (which are two, very distinct proposals).  He has managed to lump them to mean one or the other....... I am still studying, whether it was deliberate or just bad info management.

Non Interest banking is one great proposal.   While IB is something completely different, and it advocates for non interest banking.  And I think, the CBN governor has not done these proposals any justice, with the way he has handled both.   I strongly believe that Nigerians would have been more trusting of his motives, if he had been open and direct, and presented both proposals, on the merits of what each proposal had to offer Nigerians.

By taking the route that IB equals non interest banking, in my view, he has discredited both very unique prepositions, and shown that there is more than meets the eye.  And my investigations are still ongoing..

I can read past his xtian rhetoric and bet Mr. CBN Governor, that Mr. Chukwu was responsible for working on Non-Interest Banking, and not IB!!!........ Oga Sanusi, no bi all of us bi maga, and mumu!!!!  You yab for the dissemination of these two distinct proposals... Simple.  Swallow it and go back to the drawing board, rather than let it heat up the polity and almost have the country at daggers drawn....

Let me leave it there!!!!

So, i am no closer in solving the riddle of what the mindset of a treasury looter is, how did we get to the point that Nigerians see it as normal, to steal from your boss, government or anyone and be able to flaunt it and rationalize it, plus receive accolades from friends and family.  What happened to the moral principles in which we were brought up with?? Where is the moral compass, which we'd use to judge right from, not so right, to wrong! In those days, the mere mention of the word "kirikiri" sent shivers down the spine of any criminal, from petty to armed to biro thiefs!!!, these days we get full TV coverage of Nigeria's club med..... That kirikiri is now a health spa, wherein everyone who goes in, comes out wearing white, and is in better shape than when they went in???? Can you beat that???? Na wa!!

How did we get to become praise singers of rouges, thieves and murderers!!  what kind of society are we building, when kidnaps and bomb blasts are sponsored as a means of making money off us, by our neighbors!!!

What kind of people are we, that we can blatantly steal from ourselves and not deliver value to ourselves.

Imagine this:  Government officers conspire and inflate the contract for a said road in a location in the country. The money is appropriated, the work never done.... the road deteriorates, and 10 years later, on said road, the children of these officials (they grew up together) were heading for a wedding ceremony of a friend.  Their car hit a gallop, went into a ditch, and all occupants except the driver were killed.  The parents only met themselves after a decade in the raggedy morgue of the location where the accident happened.  As they claimed the corpses and headed in their various directions to bury their loved ones, the poor state of the roads caused them all sorts of problems, from traffic jams, to go slow, and the grande finale, was the armed robbery  incident that happened mid way through their journey.  They were robbed, their corpses raided and violated, and they lost all possessions.  These government officials got home and narrated their ordeals to family and friends, and lamented at the poor state of the roads (sic), and the lack of multiple express ways.... But deep down inside them, they knew what and who was responsible for the death of their loved ones.  

In understanding that we are transitioning through an ugly time in our nation's history.  These 30 years will see us go through a process of internal cleansing.  one that will see us being driven to the brink of destruction, but we shall prevail.  A new dawn will catch with the thief, the murderer, the inflater, the ghost worker, the fake accountant, the politicians who doesnt care and delivers no value except to his cultsmen....

A new dawn will come and shine over us and bring peace.  Leaders who care about this country will work hard to repair our psyche and our collective soul.  They will work hard to feed our kids, provide schools that will raise Forex for us (and our neighbors will once again come here to study), our hospitals will be fixed and deliver true value to our people.

The only patronage that will work, is the patronage of one..... EVERYONE.  no special ogaship or bossman will exist.  We all are ogas, we all are servants, we all will serve, and in turn be served.  Our gift and asset will work for us and become a blessing and not a curse.  Our people will see themselves as working for this land, and hence will not steal from it to hurt themselves. Our national psyche will return.... That is the mindset I want to see, for us.  Am I a dreamer or a romantic optimist????  I hope things will change for the better in my time..... I hope.....