Journo || Digital Nomad, Wayfarer || Views are strictly mine.
Nigeria
Joined April 2020
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The UN has backed an African-led push to move beyond the centuries-old Mercator map, voting 164–1 for more accurate representations of Africa and other regions.
For those who like to understand what this means, I published what the “Correct the Map” resolution means here:
afriktimes.com/un-votes-164-…
UN Votes 164-1 to “Correct the Map,” Handing Africa a Symbolic Win Over a 450-Year-Old Distortion afriktimes.com/un-votes-164-…
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Spot on, sir!
Anyone who declares to me that Makinde isn't fine presidential material over their candidate(s) is either a joker or someone whose judgment is selectively flawed due to naivety or obvious biases.
About 4 or 5 years ago, Oyo State was recruiting for the roles of prosecutors and investigators for its anti-corruption agency.
For that particular role, only 3 slots were opened, and the fact that the slots were limited, and would be competitive was what piqued my interest.
I applied. I was shortlisted for a written test, which was organised and monitored by Deloitte.
Some weeks later, I got an email that I had passed the test. I was invited for an interview. After some weeks, I got another email that I had scaled that level, too. I was then invited for another interview with subject matter experts, also organised and monitored by Deloitte.
Of course, it was Deloitte, so I didn't expect anything short of that standard. It was a session that tested both my knowledge of substantive and procedural laws on criminal prosecution. The fact that I had been a criminal defence counsel helped a lot and when recommendations to improve prosecution and achieve higher convictions in corruption cases where due were being taken, I did really great.
I passed that stage, too. I didn't need the job. I had the habit of applying for roles to test where I stand, but with the quality and process, I was already afraid that I might end up as a state prosecutor. I was impressed.
A few weeks later, Deloitte reached out to me. Again, I qualified. The chat was about salary expectations. I considered it an avenue to escape. I called what I was certain no state would pay a prosecutor. There was no indication of shock. They said they would get back.
A few days later, I was invited to a physical meeting in Ibadan. My recollection of those I was meant to meet is hazy now, but I think it was the top members of the anti-corruption agency.
It was at that point that I politely communicated that I would not be proceeding further.
My dad is over 70 and he is a retiree. He isn't partisan. Just an old man who wants a working country. He speaks glowingly of Mr. Makinde and his government. Infrastructures that past government left unattended for almost 2 decades, Mr. Makinde fixed them. His works are evident in my state and even town.
I wrote about how impressed I am with him, even when I didn't know he has any interest in becoming the president.
He's the candidate whose positive impacts in government I have seen the most. That a state as big as Oyo State could be recruiting 3 people for a role, and I made it, without having to hold the helms of a Commissioner's garment conforms with my idea of the Nigeria that I desire.
It is grossly irresponsible of anyone to link one's support for such a candidate as tribalism. I am highly disinterested in party politics, but I am not apolitical.
I have also witnessed Nigeria in more varying dimensions than most of those who tend to manipulate people through faux logic and dishonest patriotism here. The only set of people who are my senior in that regard are those who witnessed the pre-Babangida era. I may be a lad then, but my recollection of events are quite vivid.
I watched as the NTA broadcaster broke the news of General Abacha'a death. "The Head of State, General Sani Abacha is dead". I jumped up, tumbled over a stool in search of my father to break the news. I partook in the celebratory procession. It is unlikely that a post democracy child will manipulate my type in any manner on matters of politics and governance.
If the choice is about capacity, competence, and indeed a presidential material, if Mr. Makinde is not the first, then he will be second, and only to one person, Mr. Donald Duke.
I respect your tribal bias dressed as patriotism. I respect your honest ignorance of how magic could happen overnight. I appreciate your naivety. I also respect your pretence and need to say what seems popular. I do not intend to challenge them or point the flaws out. But...
Mr. Makinde is not a vote spoiler. No honest person will relegate him to that level or finger his supporters for tribalism.
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Unrelated, but see Abuja boys trooping to this new place to do a photoshoot since its completion. If this were to be somewhere in Osogbo or Ado-Ekiti, the gatekeepers of civilisations would have called us local. 🤡
Bring it to the attention of anyone that needs this here.
We're hiring Research Assistants @ Parrot.
• Entry-level (open to everyone who can use a computer and surf the internet)
• Work from home
• Flexible shift schedule
• Corpers and students are welcome, provided they meet the requirements.
Check: bit.ly/trust-researcher
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This is one of those tweets everyone needs to see.
When I got laid off from Microsoft, I got into a company in Lagos that felt paying 600k naira a month was doing me a favour. I had to take the offer to keep body and soul together.
Was there for 6 months until I fell out with the MD and started looking out. That was when I started my training outfit but couldn't quite get traction.
Anyway, after leaving this NGO, I spent another 5 months in the wilderness, literally. Ate rejections almost every other day. Was living on the goodwill of friends and relations. Basically wondering what to get out of life.
An Antler rep came knocking at the time and was in the process of fast tracking my application to the Antler cohort at Kenya. Guess what? My passport had expired. Ran to go fast track my passport, after a few days emailed the partner but was told it was too late.
I remember laying in my room laughing hysterically, mulling to myself, "who I offend?"
Thankfully at that time, I applied to Andela and the process started for another 2 months. I got into Andela and my monthly salary was my previous annual salary. This trend continued in a subsequent company. Use am run one or two that year.
But the point is, while I was enjoying this new reality, I asked myself, "why did you worry all those times?" In hindsight, there was no reason to. I should have just chilled for 5 months, enjoyed myself.
But we are human and can only understand life in hindsight. As long as you believe this it will work out for you: EVERYTHING will turn out better than you expected, just stop worrying.
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Two things I love most in this letter:
- strongly worded
- signed by the PS
And yeah, this is long overdue!
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Dear Nigerian religious fanatics,
US politics isn’t religious conquest. El-Sayed didn't win a Senate seat because of his faith, nor did Mike Rogers lose because Christians failed to unite. Elections hinge on policies, citizens' expectations, and trust in leaders!
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Sometimes, when I see some Muslims linking Christianity with “kufr,” I literally give them grace because of people like this in the Christian fold.
Pastey, what you posted up there was not it, Sir.
This Post is from an account that no longer exists. Learn more
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The toned-down media coverage in those places doesn't stop their operations. To this day, inter-community movement in some affected areas is escorted by heavy military convoys. Besides, your name reads like an Ebira man from Kogi, given recent reports, would you say Kogi is safe?
We have six region in Nigeria, 36 States and one F.C.T
1. NW: 7
2. NE: 6
3. NC: 6
4. SE: 5
5. SW: 6
6. SS: 6
Boko Haran are only in one State out of the 6 States in NE, which is Borno State, predominantly Muslims. They’re no more threats like before
Your friend is a liar!
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My father has a grandchild who's older than our last-born. In fact, the grandchild and I did NYSC in the same year, but in different batches.
Papa has about two other grandchildren who are the same age as our last-born. And yeah, we're all very cool! 😂
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I read a thing now and again, and I am convinced that buy-now-pay-later has finer prospects. I think a credit-based economy would help Nigerians in the most significant ways.
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