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Showing posts from December, 2024

From Maps to Growth: Bridging the Divide Between Vision and Reality

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From Maps to Growth: Bridging the Divide Between Vision and Reality A globe or map provides a simplified representation of our world. By marking two points, such as Nigeria and England, and drawing a line between them, one can symbolically "travel" from one location to another in seconds. This effortless act mirrors the speed of human thoughts, emotions, and imagination, which can transcend time and space almost instantaneously. However, in reality, physical travel demands far more effort, preparation, and time—highlighting the contrast between mental visualization and material action. The human body, unlike the mind or soul, is bound by physical constraints. While a pen connecting points on a globe simulates travel, real-world journeys require passports, visas, finances, and adaptation to different environments. The ease of mental travel contrasts sharply with the weeks or months needed to physically move from one continent to another. This distinction underscores why tangib...

Breaking Free: The Hidden Forces Behind Wealth and Poverty

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Breaking Free: The Hidden Forces Behind Wealth and Poverty Why are wealth and poverty often beyond explanation? While earning money or working for it may have logical steps, the journey from poverty to wealth, or even being born into either condition, is surrounded by mysteries. Reflecting deeply on life reveals some clues, but the full picture often feels elusive. The Unexplainable Nature of Growth Think about it: every person starts as a baby and grows physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for those reborn in faith. But can we truly explain this growth? Sure, good nutrition is a factor, but it's not the whole story. Growth often happens without awareness—an inch here, another there. Even fingernails grow stealthily, requiring constant trimming. Yet, some eat well and don’t grow taller. Is it all just genetics? We often label the unexplainable with words like "genetics" or "ancestry," creating a narrative for what we don’t fully understand. Wealth,...

Beyond Talent: Unraveling the web of opportunity in Nigeria

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Beyond Talent: Unraveling the web of opportunity in Nigeria "If I had been born in the UK, I’d likely be a professor of electrical engineering today," he said, with a mix of wistfulness and resolve. "I’ve always known I had a gift for teaching. But here in Nigeria, things work differently. You take what’s available, and that’s why I’m a senior electrician and not a professor. Here, they put 'their own' in positions, regardless of merit.” This sentiment mirrors the story of many Nigerians—talented individuals constrained by a system where opportunities are often shaped by connections and networks rather than pure merit. The stark reality is that, unless you’re exceptionally smart, focused, and able to produce extraordinary results for a system you may not even feel emotionally invested in, you’re left with no choice but to accept what comes your way. The Power of Connections in Nigeria In Nigeria, the government and the private sector, driven by entrepreneurs, are...

Living the Dream: The Real Cost of Prestige in Nigeria's Mega City

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Living the Dream: The Real Cost of Prestige in Nigeria's Mega City In Lagos, Nigeria's bustling megacity, there's an intriguing phenomenon: many people own houses in their hometowns yet still rent properties in Lagos. At first glance, it seems perplexing. Why would anyone pay exorbitant rents in the city when the same amount could build several houses in their villages? The answer lies in an unspoken code, a dance of vibes and prestige. Owning or even renting property in Lagos—especially in its upscale areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, or the famed Banana Island—goes beyond mere shelter. It's a status symbol, a badge of success in a society where appearances often carry as much weight as substance. Take Banana Island, for instance. Renting a four-bedroom duplex there costs a sum that could fund a lifetime of comfort in less flashy locales. Yet, those who can afford such luxury are perceived as wealthy enough to live in London, New York, or other global hotspots. The ma...

Musings on Power

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  The Unyielding Nature of Power The pursuit of power is an arduous journey, riddled with discomfort and challenges. Power demands humility—not the gentle kind born out of choice but a lowering of oneself that can feel degrading. Bending for one’s own sake is inconvenient; bending for others can be downright humiliating. Yet, power is not for the faint of heart, nor for those willing to accept things as they are. Those who wield power have paid a steep price for it. By virtue of their sacrifices, they owe no one anything. Power, seductive and indifferent to external influences, resides in a realm untouched by common concerns. This is why only God, who holds sway over the hearts of the powerful, can direct their will as He pleases. Take King Rehoboam, for instance. A wealthy and powerful man, he inherited a kingdom brimming with potential. Yet, instead of easing the burdens on his people, he vowed to increase their torment beyond what his father, Solomon, had imposed. Why would a ma...