Moving On To Bigger Things

I have been quiet for long (again). But that's not 'cause I am tired of blogging (hell nah! far from it).

It's 'cause Miss Idowu here has been up to a lot, which required a lot of focus, energy, and a little bit of investing too (all types).

Good news is, I'm taking the blogging a step further and higher. Will spend more time blogging at a different location ( :( which means yet another dry spell over here) with a different approach/ focus.

Please stay with me and continue your amazing support. Follow US/Subscribe at gainrecruitment.blogspot.com . Visit to learn more about G.A.I.N.

We promise to be very entertaining, still very much insightful, and just as frequent...I mean before the dry spell periods :p or just scratch that. [You know what I mean anyway]

Thank you. And see you later xoxo

Mrs. Adam and Mr. Eve

This is not blasphemy, but instead mere wonder.

I can't remember what sparked my curiosity the other day, however, it had me puzzling on the genesis of what we know today as "man" and "woman."

Let's begin with a few Bible references, then I'll get to my curiosity.

Ill-treatment at Heathrow (questioning Arik Airline's standards)

It's terribly sad when you get ill-treated by foreigners, in their country, especially when there in no basis to their behavior. My brother's mother in law flew into Heathrow airport on the Arik airline (on Thursday the 3rd of April, 2014) and the experience she narrated deserves to be thoroughly looked into.



She told us how when the Arik airline landed at the Heathrow airport, all the Nigerians were directed into a room and had 25 police officers in front of them, with dogs, to search them and their luggage. She told us how they were professional about the situation, as they were not informed why this was taking place (which made them all assume they either had a tip-off or something must have happened on a previous flight).
Why would anyone think it's okay to treat individuals that way?! Well, for us Nigerians, it's because we let people get away with that crap and don't say anything. I wasn't on that flight but I am saying something. I am saying it's not okay to treat us all like criminals without basis. I am saying it's not okay to segregate Nigerians out of a pack because you had one or two bad experiences. I am saying it's not okay to give us seats at the back of the plane on other non-Nigerian airlines (as my mum thinks it's intentional lol). I am saying we are human beings and have rights too; we may not scream it out but we know our worth...and we deserve better and to be treated fairly.

And now, as far as I am concerned, that has put a bad taste in my mouth about Arik airline. Thanks for tanishing their credibility, since you've acted like they carry criminals and can't do a thorough sweep of illegals. Nice job!

(My heart goes out to the elderly lady who felt traumatized after the incident. I heard she was treated the worse because apparently "people use older women to smuggle things now." *smh* Heard she was crying a lot and very confused... someone's granma. #ItIsWell)

Remember Who YOU Are.

I truly don't get why people can get so depressed enough to commit suicide. Don't get me wrong, I understand that people can get so overwhelmed that the thought of not going on could come to ones mind (being there, done that), but to actually plan it all out and go through with it... No No No No *smh*

Thank God for wisdom though... and maturity... and real self-esteem. Talk as much crap about me, have your opinion about me, but it won't phase me because this is MY life i'm living, not any body else's. You do not understand me like I do. You can not love ME as much as I can.

So I thought I would share this with you this Sunday. You may not even know you are going through a challenge yourself till you watch the video and understand. And if you know someone else (male or female) who is always down, depressed, talking "insane"... or just a very dear friend; do share with them the video below:

Always remember, YOU are unique, YOU are loved, and YOU are AWESOME!

Happy Sunday y'all :*

You made it, if you were born around the 60s to the 80s!

I thought this video made a lot of sense. Please enjoy below;

:)

Your Trash is Kelvin's inspiration.

Kelvin Doe is only 15 years old. He has not even gone off to the university yet. His story will make you feel weak, yet very strong.

Please watch the mini documentary here.

I'd like to add, that David also made a very valid point (which I have been trying to get people to pay serious attention to). He said, "Sierra Leone and many African countries receive aid, but it does NOT necessarily get us anywhere.WE ARE NOT LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE. WE ARE NOT DESIGNING OUR OWN FUTURE."

Are you designing your own future?

Dreams Coming True: Case "Lupita"

Congratulations to Lupita Nyong'o'. She worked her butt off. Probably didn't expect this much fame and glory over a very short period of time (Dec. 2013 till now), however, this is just a typical example of hard-work paying off and believing in ones-self.

Receiving her award at the Oscars for best supporting actress

And as with fame comes backlash and misunderstandings. There's the Dencia vs Lupita ish, then a few minutes ago, I read about how some people are looking at her skin color as a seasonal "trend." Like that even makes any sense..."i like Pharrell's shorts suit, imma get me 5... i'm loving the new blonde looks, imma dye my hair blonde... i'm feeling Lupita's color, imma *blank*" #ridiculous

*Digress*
I thought to write this piece because I was watching on the news yesterday Dangote being interviewed. Dangote has made it to the top 25 Richest people in the world. Mike Adenuga is also on Forbes list... then I recollected someone telling me once that Adenuga was once a driver. And this man is now on Forbes list of the Richest people in the world. hmmm...what number am I on that list sef?! (Don't even bother teasing. A friend did and already told me it's not too late to become a driver :p #joker)
*Back to the matter*

Anyhoo, back to Lupita...

I wonder if she even thought she would have legends on her contacts list. 

She has graced the red carpet with her flawless skin (oh! how I love flawless dark-skin), rocked beautiful garments... however, I truly would have love to see her rock a little more African-inspired outfits or at least made by an African designer. Spread the love girl (or am I wrong?!)

Your dreams can come true... for real!

Greater than a Happy New Month

Don't you just hate those "Happy New Month" messages. You get the same "inspirational" text every month but for some reason your every-days seem to be all the same.

Personally, I don't think it's enough to wish people the generic 'Happy New Month.' Like for real, what does that gesture even mean?!

However, speaking in that context of wishes for others, we need to be a bit more motivating with our words. Even in churches today; only a few will tell you to pray against and for things. Let me explain (Kevin Hart inspired ;) lol):

• Some of our churches tell us to pray against a lot of things only, more than requiring us to pray FOR some things.
• We are also binding, rebuking, and breaking. What happens next? Everything is broken and you are left to just wonder what to do with your life now that you are free of all those "spiritual chains."

My point simply is after you pray/ work against something, start praying/ working for something else.

So on to the motivational ish...here's a little food for thought for the new month.

1. LEARN TO TAKE ACTION. "Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feeling, and emotion" - Will Smith
   

Saving, Childhood

I have heard the likes of Michael Jackson did not have a childhood. Probably because he started his career at such a young age and didn't have the opportunities most children have, to play in the fields and hang out with his age group.

But what if your child had all these "luxuries", but yet is lacking the true essence of having a childhood?!

(True stories...as I am just as sad they really happened)

What if your 5 year old comes to meet you to ask your permission to kiss his girlfriend, because all the others in school are kissing their girlfriends?!

What if your 10 year old tells you, "Mummy, you let me visit my friends who are guys but you never let me visit my friends who are girls. How do you know i'm not gay?"

Or, what if in a bible class you are supervising, a child stands up and talks about Solomon having many wives and concubines and God still loving him, only to justify why he doesn't see anything wrong with having many girlfriends.

What would you really do? How would you handle it?

We really need to be better adults in our communities and save a child's childhood. That's all they have now and truth be told, they need us to direct them right. However, just in case you are caught in such a predicament, what would you do?

Internship Opportunities (my giving-back project)

I have definitely come up with a lot of great ideas in the past. Some I'm still praying will see the light of day; others... let's just call part of a phase in my life. But the most recent, I refuse to let go of. It's the introduction of an internship program in Nigeria.

I'm probably not the only one who has thought of it, or even the first to do it, however I have a goal and I refuse to let any "competition" destroy my passion for great (and fair) success in our children/ youths. I see a gap and I want to help seal it up. There is a need and I will help satisfy it.

I remember when I was in college, I was fortunate enough to experience what the outside world was like. I got a lot of practical experience, both in school and during my summer internship programs. They were all worth it. Learning something news is always worth it. However, I have noticed we do not have such an opportunity (as summer internships) prominent in Nigeria. Trust me, there is a huge different between a straight-As student who never got any experience on the field and a student with As and Bs and a little work experience here and there (it's called having an imagination and learning to think outside the box... also known as SUCCESS).

I'm in the inaugural stage of my project, but I need all the help I can get. I would appreciate a few volunteers to answer some survey questions, as well as people willing to hire the future of Nigeria. Any help I can get will be really appreciated. Help the kids... What would Jesus do? :)

If you even have any contributions at all or recommendations, do leave a comment or just hit me up directly.

I appreciate it, fam. God bless us all.

Agric-Kulture (Series 4)

--- THE AVIAN INFLUENZA SEASON (BIRD FLU) ---

According to news reports from Aljazeera.com, China is on a high alert over new bird flu cases due to fears of deadly H7N9 bird flu virus (which has killed 22 and merely affected 110 humans so far this year). The question I'll like to address is can we have such cases in Nigeria and what can we do to prevent causalities?

This map shows, as at April 2006, the extent to which the bird flu virus has spread to wild and domestic birds (as well as humans)

Brief Intro to the Virus -

Discussion on the Nigerian Cement Industry

My girl, Ms. Oyinda Olanrewaju, was featured on CNBCAfrica on Tuesday, 28th January 2014. Please see the outlook/ analysis on the Cement Industry and do not hesitate to share your input on the discussion (or at least let her know how great she did).

By the way, did you know that the Nigerian cement industry is at the top of log in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council's (NEPC) list of exportable products?! That's right! According to news from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, Nigeria has had a major success in the cement sector- and for the first time ever in this great nation's history, exported cement in 2013.

Find the link to the video here.

THEY know it...How come YOU DON'T!

First and Foremore, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.

So it's like I officially went on sabbatical. I went mute for a couple of months because I felt no one was really listening and figured, 'hmmm...I could always talk to myself in my head, why bother noting it down.' [I get crazy like that :p lol). However, like I'm trying to get you all; I got inspired myself.

Summary: Keep GOOD friends around. They are ALWAYS there when you least expect it. (S/O to Miss M. aka Smurfette. You know who you are *hehehe*)

Now to push your buttons:

So, I came across an article published by an Amy Chua (the Chinese lady behind "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother) and Jed Rubenfield for the NYTimes. For those of you who haven't gotten the chance to hear about it or read up, the topic was on "What Drives Success" and they talk about the fact that other ethnic (non-American) groups seem to be doing way better and living the real American dream- equality of opportunities and achieving ones highest aspirations and goals. Here's my favorite part of the article highlighted below:

Please read it one more time and let it sink in.

This paragraph alone tells us how great a people we are and should be. Success is in us. The sad part is for some reason, we let that drive just shrivel once we are done with "school."

Let's get one thing straight. WE ARE A GREAT NATION! The Americans and a lot of others living in America (and outside) know it; why don't we show and act like it?!

It's 2014 people. NOW is the TIME FOR CHANGE!

Giving-Back never felt soooo GOOD!

I sincerely apologize for my inconsistency with updating my blog and entertaining/ educating you all. BUSY does not seem to effectively describe what I have been.

Anywayz, one good thing about my "incognito-ness" is that I'm spending more time tryna make an impact than just typing it and running my mouth/ thoughts (yes peoples! I talk the talk, and walk the walk B-) lol)

O...M....G...!!!! You have no idea how excited I am :D. Not just 'cause another Soup Kitchen is on it's way (No!) But for 2 main reasons:

1. I'm part of an AMAZING society (called G.V.S. Full name disclosed way later, when the need arises ;) lol); which is focused on impacting our community tremendously.
2. I just found out about this awesome place (fondly known as the Obama Corner...yes! in Lagos, Nigeria) where I can tutor/ mentor kids :D - yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!

There is so much peace and contentment in giving a helping hand. If you are gonna complain about something you can change or make better (and aren't), then you are just as bad as the rest of them evil-doers and enemies-of-progress.

Touch a life today. And if you wanna be involved/ wanna know how you can be involved in aiding a community, leave a note. God does love a cheerful giver.

[Spread the word...Literally]

ALWAYS look for the SILVER LINING!

I'll make this quick.

So I traveled for 2 AWESOME events :). My indescribably lovable, caring, and handsome ;) older brother got married XD (yaaay! :'-) they grow up so fast...and I did forgot to mention, his wife is a fairytale princess herself - Simply Gorgeous). HAPPY MARRIED LIFE HUNNIES :*
Then there was my unfathomably fantastic, giving, and also handsome [I might add] ;;) younger brother's graduation from college. CONGRATULATIONS younger twin :p .

You would say, "Awesome! God's been good to you all" and He has. We all are indeed grateful (a moment to thank God... Yes! I go to church like that o:-) Thank you, Lord). With that being said, here's what really happened. Amongst all the merriment, festivity, and preparations, my parents got robbed.

yep! ROBBED!!! Stolen from... Stranded... Raided... Deprived.

[and no! this wasn't even in Nigeria]

It happened right after the wedding. It's a long story and the feeling is definitely undescribeable. They lost a lot of thngs: the very very important ones and some mere giveaways. Some might even call the "important one" life-changing (type of things)...yup! Oops!

Now here's where it gets good.

After a few tears (some more than others *hehe*), we soon concluded that we are actually grateful we didn't lose a life. Everything lost was all material things: paper, precious stones, fiber, vacuums... all (still) replaceable.

There's the silver lining. Times may seem tough, things may get you down, you may even feel all hope is lost. However, remember you still live to see another day and there are tons and tons of people around you who can't wait to see you succeed too. Make the BEST of it. Keep planning and pushing for the future. It could be worse... but IT'S NOT!

ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING!

Agric-Kulture (Series 3)

--- THE CHOICE BETWEEN CHICKEN AND TURKEY ---

A few people do not know the importance of having a protein-rich diet, while there's that other percentage of people who are aware but wonder where they can get more protein in their diet from. Here is a wide range of choices for you: beans, poultry, meat, seafood, dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt), eggs, pork, and soy.

The great thing about proteins is they help you shed those unwanted pounds/kilograms and keep your belly full. Which means your portions don't have to be as tiny as putting together 3 sugar cubes.

Obtained from WebMd

(Try swapping the carbohydrate portions like rice, with your protein portions like chicken. Take in less carbs and more protein)

Today's focus however is on the option between consuming chicken and/or turkey.

STYTIG FARMS (Nigeria) products

Oddly enough, different parts of the poultry animal contain different levels of nutritional value (depending on the serving size as well). What is for sure is listed in the table below:

M-Pact Dis! (Cain Village, Maryland)

We did it again. We had another Soup Kitchen this past Saturday.

For those of you with questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Anyone can get involved. It's all about giving back to the community...sharing with others; being thankful to God for what you have and what you are able to give.

This time we chose a community in Maryland (around Mende- under the bridge sha). Our locations are totally random so if you have an idea of a community we can visit next, please let us know :). At first, the community elders didn't want us around. They said, "we don't need (your) charity" however we saw the situation in that area and thought we could just move to a neutral spot and whoever visits gets blessed ;).

Anyways, here are the pictures of yet another successful outreach.

We had about 12 boxes of Indomie noodles, 40 bags of pure water sachets, 500 hard-boiled eggs (11 of those crates courtesy of STYTIG FARMS ;) ;) ). I'd like to toot my own horn though- I BOILED 330 EGGS ALL BY MYSELF that morning. #phew# That's a whole lotta work though.

Back to the pictures now:

Accidents and those who are prone

Response to the title    =     EVERYONE.

Yes dear, this includes you.

Maryland. Heading towards Mende (under the bridge)

Saturday morning (yesterday) and there's already a 5-car chain accident. How to avoid an accident like this is to keep a safe following-distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. What can be considered safe is enough distance that another car can almost fit into. I know this is probably hard to do in crazy Lagos, however it's better SAFE (not getting into an accident at all) than SORRY (being in an accident, being delayed, and having to fix your car).

Moving towards Western Avenue

In case you are having a hard time comprehending what you are looking at, it is an overturned truck/ lorry which was carrying cement. Maybe the driver was asleep?! Maybe he lost control of the wheel?!
My preventive suggestion here is:

• Caution your (truck/bus) drivers to drive at a reduced speed (at least the very many uniformed officers can contribute by helping regulate this). A "Tell me how I'm driving" sign on the back of the truck is a good way of feedback from other drivers (that care); because guess what: an accident on your vehicle will NOT be covered by the driver involved.
• Encourage your drivers to be asleep during the day, by not giving them much work during the day. If they get a chance to sleep during the day, they should be more energized and awake during the night, when traveling with your vehicle.

Accidents aren't merely an unpleasant sight and commotion bound. They are a huge hassle on the parties involved and can be reduced/ avoided.

People please learn to be more patient on the roads. It goes a really long way... try it out for a while (it may be annoying 'cos people might want to make you feel like you can't drive, but greatly rewarding).

What's YOUR advice on how to drive/ live safer in Lagos???

Driver's Licence Palava.

Someone tell me why oh why there's just one driver's licence center in the whole of (New York-size) Lagos State?! :-s

And from their website, you would think they are definitely living in the 21st century like the rest of us #smh. People say there's nothing to do/ no jobs. I say here's a perfect job opportunity (for at least 200 Nigerians). FRSC, we appreciate your work so far (-ish) but please, consider having more centers...maybe in major cities. Then, your staff can also live happier lives and attend to the rest of us properly.

There are like 7 different spots you will have to visit to get everything all done and do note that you SHOULD NOT expect to be all done in a day or two.

 A typical schedule at the center would include:

M-Pact Dis! (Day at Modupe Cole)

On Thursday, I was privileged to make another trip to a place with great abilities (despite a number of shortcomings... my first visit there was in 2005, before I went off to college).

Modupe Cole is a Child care and Treatment center/school/home for handicapped and mentally challenged individuals, in Lagos state. It is located in Yaba and caters to people with different disabilities such as autism, multiple sclerosis, down syndrome, birth defeats, after-effects of polio, etc. Not everyone resides at the Home though; some of the children do come from their own homes.

This center is equipped with a school, vocational training rooms (shoe making, hair braiding, mop making, artistry, weaving, etc), a library, common rooms, as well as dormitories.

Do enjoy the pictorial/ video-capture of our (FirstBank executive trainees') fun day at Modupe Cole Center.