How Fishing Taught me Patience?

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD

Several years ago, father had just acquired a farm surrounded by a river. The River is popularly known as ‘Dumes’ in the present day Sagamu. It was a thick forest before activities of labourers were sought. They cutted the grasses and the trees were uprooted. We joined them in the bush burning.

Father was a water hawker, firewood seller, join-man and fisherman when he was a boy. He had planned to train us in a similar way. We have been working as labourers in his numerous farms before this time. It was time to learn fishing. He drove us to Awolowo market, bought tread, hook, got a long stick strong (Cain-like) and prepare the fishing tool. We dug the river’s bank for earthworms, a normal bait to lure fishes to an early grave.
He sat on a falling tree and taught us how to fish. As a fisherman, one of the tenets to learn is patience. Fishes cannot be physically seen, but if patient, you can notice their activities.
Illustrating this, a fish would first bite-run the bait (earthworms), and then repeat the same process after several pauses. This may take 3-5minutes of several trials. Once the fish is sure of availability and stability of the bait, it will go for outright consumption (swallowing). It’s at this point the fisherman would notice the thread on the stick and the watchman (a small Dunlop on the thread) would be dragged to the fish direction, usually the fish abode. Then, it’s at this point the Fisherman must do the needful. He must carry his stick up. He just caught a fish!

As a Fisherman, I learnt the dynamics of age. In my experience as a fisherman for about 3years, big fishes don’t eat much compared to fries (baby fishes). Fries are sharp eaters, strong and smart Fisherman’s tormentors. They are always closed to the top of the river (about one foot deep into the water), they usually consume big earthworms without missing target or being caught. Only very experienced fisherman can catch 10 of them throughout a day. Why? They don’t swallow the bait. They cut-run- and – bite. You can catch them only by swinging your stick to their direction not by waiting for them to swallow the bait.

Fishing was funfair for a boy who was raised in a compound, not exposed to the street or public life. I could fish in the company of my younger brothers and friends for hours. We would go home with fishes of different species. But that couldn’t have been possible without patience. Mama was usually worried, she would say ‘I didn’t send you to the river o. Chief (referring to our late father) please talk to your children o. I don’t want them around water o.’

How can you catch what you don’t see? The fishing puzzle remains secret to life’s success. There is nothing you can’t achieve in life if you are patient. Being patient is arguably not the same as being stupid. You have to be calculative doing so. When I was aged 19, I thought of publishing my article in a national daily. I thought of Punch Newspaper. I was then a contributor at Gateway Mirror (a newspaper owned by Ogun State government then).

So I approached Punch Newspaper’s office at Olokemeji, Ikeja Lagos with some of my works (cartoons, poems and articles). My goal was to see my name published. I dressed in corporately. I left Sagamu around 7:30am. Got there about 8:30am. My first call was to the Receptionist. She asked if I had any previous appointment with the MD. I replied ‘ no, but I have something that can turn Punch Newspaper around.’ She asked ‘what is it?’
‘ Well, I can’t tell you. My message is only for the MD.’ _My response.
She looked at me, smiled and asked me to have a seat.
I remained on that seat unperturbed for several hours. At about 12noon, she came to me, ‘ young man you are still here?’ ‘Yes ma’ I replied with zeal. She said ‘ok’. Then she picked her phone and called the office of the MD to relay my message. Then I was asked to come up. That was around 1pm. That strategy worked. Like in fishing, the strategy you use in preparing the bait is not the same you use in catching a fish. So I met with several people before the MD. A woman in her 50s now approached me, ‘welcome Sir, this way’, as I was ushered into the MD’s office.

‘Good day young man, what can I do for you?’_ The MD asked.
‘I am Adedara Oduguwa; I have some things here that can change the face of your newspaper for good. In fact, what I have here will take your paper worldwide.’ I boast with the close-to-rubbish collections in my hand.
The man looked at me, smiled and asked for what I have got. I gave it to him, he then said:
‘ I like your zeal, and we will employ you. But you know this is a company, I will need to introduce you to the board. However, tell me your background.” He said.
At that time, I didn’t want employment, because I was still a diploma student at University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. All I wanted was for my works to be published.

Then I replied ‘ I am from a poor home and needed to support my family. I am currently a student of UNAAB’, the man oared. ‘You mean you are still an undergraduate?’ ‘Yes’, I replied.

He then said ‘we have standard here. We can’t employ an undergraduate, however, we would take your works and be paying you based on what is published and when you finished your studies you can come back, we will employ you.’ He submitted.
I was so happy. Although I lied about my parents being poor, that was necessary because no one seems to be interested in you once they know your parents are comfortable at the time. Throughout my juvenile, I never for once reviewed my father’s identity to any prospective employer or mentor. That act was intentional and strategic. I needed sympathy to achieve my goals. I got it on several occasions.

Back to my Punch Newspaper adventure. The MD called on the Chief Cartoonist-Aliu Eroje, don’t know if he’s still in Punch today or retired. He (MD) asked him to look at my drawings. I followed him to his office, he asked even before screening me ‘ who is MD to you?’
‘My uncle’. I replied him confidently. ‘Wow that man is not easy to see. You won’t believe I am only seeing him now after a month. Anyways your drawings are not up to standard but with two or three months brush-up you can be a Cartoonist here. So do you want me to tell him you need three months training with me?’ He asked respectfully. ‘No problem sir’. I said.

He smiled and added ‘Haba, you are oga’s son now’.
We left for MD’s office and it was done. I submitted my works to him (MD) that day. He dropped a token for me with one of his senior secretaries. I was so happy for that unanticipated encouragement. I left Punch Newspaper that day a fulfilled young man.

Prior to my Punch Newspaper adventure, I had told my editor at Gateway Mirror Newspaper my intention to visit Punch. She said:

‘You better don’t bother yourself, your writings are not so good and even us that are professionals, at times when we write Punch Newspaper, our works are usually for the bin.’ She submitted.
Meanwhile, I have never been discouraged by what people say or would say. I like to try and get a first-hand experience of anything. So I was not moved by what the Editor said. Rather, I became more inquisitive. I desired to experience it. At least, I wanted to go to Punch and be punched!
My visit was on Tuesday, by Saturday, my face and article was already put-upon punch Newspaper. It was my Editor that first called:
‘ Dara I am not surprised, I know you would do anything to achieve your goal. Congratulations on your publication.’ She said.

I was so proud of myself that day. I need to add, it was my dad that taught patience and self-sufficient. He lost his dad when he was three months old. He worked so hard to be above his equals (may his soul continue to rest in peace). My case was a bit different, I had him. The fishing experience taught me what I didn’t have. It changed me for better and increased my ability to wait-unto –the –Lord without fear. If you must go home with a basket of fish, you must be very patient.

I know it’s not easy today to live an incorruptible life, since it is a world where people acquire wealth to oppress rather than to survive. I believe it is still possible to achieve a whole lot through patience, endurance and perseverance.

If I have the privilege, I hope to teach my children how to fish, perhaps, they would learn more than just fishing. This is my story. Share yours!

Image: Clipart Station

Who is Recommending You?

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD
‘…though very young, he (Adedara) has done a remarkable thing by writing this book and, therefore deserves to be encouraged.”_Amb. Olatokunbo Awolowo (Dosumu), the Executive Director, The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation.
According to Google Dictionary, recommendation is a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, especially one put forward by an authoritative body. It can also be referred to as the action of recommending something or someone.
After I finished publishing the book ‘Chief Obafemi Awolowo: The Political Moses ‘ in the United States of America. I got an invitation by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation to visit their office whenever I am in Nigeria.
Prior to this period, I have no relationship whatsoever with the Director of the Foundation. I have only been relating to mama HID Awolowo through Correspondents and the help of my younger brother Adegbuyi.
The book was originally published on May 23, 2012 (I was 27 years and 43 days). I actually wrote the book between 2010 and 2011. It was the manuscript I took to England in October 2011. My brother Adegbuyi Dare Oduguwa and my Childhood friend Awoyode David Mayowa were the only two people who could talk about the process and effort I put into the work.
Coincidentally Chief Awolowo died May 9, 1987 (at 78 years) and the book was published May 23, 2012. I didn’t plan this.
I came back, met with the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation’s Director at their Gbagada office, Lagos State. She was so happy to receive the 27-year-old young Nigerian, who had done a remarkable thing of recording an event that happened long before he was born.
She then recommended, in the company of the then Attorney General of Lagos State that the book be Launched in Nigeria. I need to put this on record, the University of The West of England already Launched the book for me in the UK, where about 12k pounds was spent (by the school) to host my guests. I received an unconditional supports from my friends, great people like Ikhazuagbe Imodu Peter, Dipo Michelle Onaeko Hussein Bolt Doma, J Obianuju Ebo, Hido Gwani and several others. This was one of my best moments.
Unlike the UK luncheon, the Nigerian outing was a lot different and somewhat difficult. I spent a lot of money travelling from one state to the other to canvass support for my new book on the most Revered figure after Oduduwa. I met with one of my media mentors and brother uncle Ayodele Ezekiel Ozugbakun who said ‘Dara you need to see the core Awoist like Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Laniun Ajayi (now Late) and baba Kekere ( Alhaji Lateef Jakande) if the book must be well received.’ His recommendations helped in the success of the outing and the popularity of the book to the Nigerian audience. Beyond this, uncle Ayo tried his best to secure Senator Tinubu’s support for the book, he succeeded.
In my journey to meeting the Yoruba elders, I journeyed to Ogbo Kingdom (traditional home of Chief Adebanjo). He received me with great enthusiast. He said:

“When you called and said you are Oduguwa, you would notice I didn’t ask any question further, I asked you to come here and see me. Do you know why? Your grandfather D.S.D Oduguwa was a great man to Ijebu people. He owns most of the lands in Remo, but sadly he died too pretty young. In those days, when any Ijebu man visits Lagos, his house in Lagos is the first point of call. He was what Dangote is to the North today. So you don’t need further explanation, you are known!”
I also met with Prof. T.O Ogunlesi (first Professor of Medicine in Nigeria and father of Adebayo Ogunlesi). He also said “The day Gbenga Daniel came here, I asked him many questions when he first came here. But when Sunday (Hon. Kalejaiye ) told me you are Oduguwa, I didn’t ask further. Because your grandfather paid part of my tuition. He was the richest man in those days from Remo. My own father was a Blacksmith. Whenever we go to Lagos, we stay with D.S.D Oduguwa. He owns most of the lands in Remo. If you decide to regain these lands, I would be of help.”

However, from the documents gathered, as at 43 (June 1939) when D.S.D Oduguwa died, he had transacted businesses in 27 countries. I thank Chief Adebanjo and Prof. Ogunlesi for telling me about this part of my history. Now, after the newcomer in me has travelled to the nooks and cranny of Yorubaland, a date was fixed. It was Amb. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu that used her pedigree to get me almost all the Special Guest.

Like I have said in my previous post, I usually don’t mention my father’s name in anything I do. I used to put myself in his shoes (since he never knew his own father), yet he became a successful man.
The later attached humbled me when Dr Dosumu presented it to me to give to the current Odole of Odua Sir Kensington Adebutu. Apart from the fact that he was my father’s friend, this letter paved way for our friendship. That, whenever I paid him a visit after the Launch, he would ask me to sit beside him alongside The Alaperu of Iperu while other people would look and ask a question like ‘who is this boy?’

At 27, my eyes were opened to Nigeria, politics of the 50s,60s,70s and 80s and what it means to be an Omoluabi. Apart from my trainer (father), the people mentioned in this piece actually shaped my existence.It was from the Awoist I learnt ‘if you don’t monger-evil, there is nothing to fear; they all operate an open door system, you don’t need an appointment to see them, once you know their houses and you have a good mission, you will see any of the Awoists. That was how Chief Awolowo trained his disciples.

Also, I learnt that recommendation is key in all we do and become. Who is recommending you is as vital as the recommendation. I have enjoyed the dividends of hard work (and the legacy of my forebear), I have been recommended, and working very hard to be able to recommend others in the future.

Finally, It was at the instance of the launch I built my first house and start another business. Can anyone recommend you for good? Think! and don’t be an instrument of destruction to mankind.

Don’t Bury at Home, Go to The Cemetery

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD

For upwards two months now, I have been grossly concerned about house-graves and the effect on families of a deceased. Most times, a lot of people believe it’s the prerogative right of a deceased to occupy a space in a land that h/she bought and probably built. Well, this is not a gainsaying. However, once the soul/voice of man is taken, the remains are just a carcass, it belongs to mother-earth. Why should the corpse be treated as the person?
This tradition has continued for ages. In every old home in Nigeria, the ratio of home-graves to the cemetery could be as high as ratio 40:60. Further, what is even more pathetic is when the deceased person died in h/her primes.
In other words, people usually buried a deceased that died young in h/her house ( if they have one). Emotionally, this is not bad but in reality, this defeats logical reasonings.
Then, I felt this long tradition must be stopped! Who advised our people to bury a deceased in their homes? Why is it important to bury the dead at home? What is the significance of this action? These quintessential questions made me ask questions from some elders. I realized, most often, this tradition is borne out of ‘ego’ and perhaps, ‘sheered ignorance’.
Further, I asked again, what is wrong with taking the dead to Cemetery? Will a dead buried in Cemetery be angry? Will the corse ever be useful at home where it’s buried? NO! Was the answers I got.
Now, it is important to point out the advantages of taking the deceased to the cemetery.
Economically, a deceased person usually doesn’t leave anything (properties and education) behind for their offsprings (especially those that died before their time), they could have between 3-5 children and the oldest might not be older than age 10. They usually have a wife or husband who is now saddled with the role of ‘children’s upkeep’. Consequently, if such a person is buried in the only house or land h/she owns, that reduces the chance of the leftovers’ (wives and children; husband and children) survival.
How? If the dead are buried in the Cemetery, the possibilities of selling the property and survive on it are higher than when the dead are buried on it.
When the dead are buried on it, the only hope is on God! Even those who promised heavens and earth at the deceased wake-keeping will never come to the family’s aid. This is usually the case! Can we now say, the deceased want home-grave to prove h/she owns the house or land?
Perhaps, most people won’t rent a house that has home-grave. They will rather look elsewhere. So, the major argument against burying at home is ‘economic’. One cannot be dead and still kills the leftover’s economy.
Personally, it is my belief that once a man is dead, he is dead indeed! So no matter what treatment is given to the corpse, that is not him (her)! That is only a body that the soul borrowed while on earth.
More so, the only time, I believe a deceased could be buried in one of h/her properties is when such has enough properties and wealth to go round among h/her children and family. As a matter of fact, anyone that doesn’t have at least 10 landed properties should not request for home-grave treatment at death.
The day we die, is the day our body stops to function. Should this be the case, we should stop to treat such with VIP treatment at the detriment of the leftover love ones.
The dead should not be greedy! Have a nice day all!
Image: Legendary Rashidi Yekini’s GraveImage Source: The Score Nigeria

Your Parents Should Not Be Better Than You

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD
‘How can you be so arrogant that you don’t want to work? Is it because your father/mother owns a bank? Don’t be a fool, your parents’ achievements are not yours. ‘_Said Alabi to lazy Tobi son of the wealthiest man in Ajangbadi.

True, having successful parents is like a ‘lift to life’ but not success in itself. Unlike the end, it’s a means. When a child takes advantage of this privilege, there is no how h/she won’t make it.

On the contrary, when this privilege is abused, the child will not only be a shame to the family but will be frustrated.If you have parents who are millionaires, it literary means you should become a billionaire. If your parents are University graduates, you should become a doctorate degree holder. If your parents graduated with 2:1, you should first your class. If your parents won a gold medal, you should win gold medals. If your parents were local government chairpersons, you should become a governor. This list is endless for a child with a progressive mind

How can you brag on your father’s wealth without working and envisioning yours? Perhaps, this is why children of legends don’t become legends. If there is anything that should push you inwardly, that should be superseding your parents’ achievements (if they’re wealthy and influential).

Moreover, this cannot be a case for someone whose parents are poor and uneducated. Such a person may need new motivation outside the family. Such could be: To be rich so that I could take care of my poor family, or to be rich so that I won’t suffer like my parents.

Whether your parents are rich or poor, you have to work hard to surpass them. For the sons and daughter of wealthy and influential people, you have more work to do.

From this part of Nigeria, it’s Monday the 7th of September, 2020.

Marriage, not Money Making Institution

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD

Akanke was not able to find a suitor after living for 35 years. Her problem was not been patronized, but most men would never take her to the altar after dating. Ebun, Akanke’s family last born who was only 25 got married to Jimoh the Tailor.
Iya Akanke is very disturbed for her Beere (first female child in Yorubaland). Even Akanke’s father not happy with the situation. He would always ask young hard-working men in Itelorun village to check her daughter out.

What exactly is the problem of the beautiful Akanke?

Conspicuously, Akanke is extremely beautiful and cheerful. Any man seeing her at a glance will want to have her. She has dated over 10 responsible and hard-working men in Itelorun village. But none of them deemed it fit to take her to the altar.
After several failed marriage attempts, Akanke’s father visited his friend Fagbamila to consult on what could be her daughter’s problem. He had a premonition that Akanke may commit suicide if the drastic step is not taken to salvage the situation.
In his mind, he has continuously alleged Titi Eleja, the woman (her widow girlfriend who he stopped dating ) for causing him pain through her eldest daughter.

‘Aboru aboye o!’_Baba Akanke said.‘Abo sise’_Fagbamila
‘My friend how have you been and what brought you here in the wee hours of the night?’_Fagbamila the Ifa Priest asked his friend.
‘Gbami! My daughter Akanke has been enchanted by Titi Eleja. At 35, she has not been able to find a suitor.’_Baba Akanke
‘Ba ifa ni gbolohun (speak to ife)’_ Said Fagbamila
‘Ifa agbon meregun lo wo wa, bo ba se ri ni koso ( Ifa tell us how it’s)’_Said Fagbamila
After thorough consultation for about 5minutes, Fagbamila looked at his friend. He said to him:
‘Titi Eleja is not the problem o. Ifa speaks in parable. Ifa termed your daughter to Ewelowamo, the bride of Orunmila. Ewelowamo was over-demanding, her demand was too much that Orunmila was not left with any choice than to leave her.
This is how Ifa put it under Ogbewule:

A je se ni ti ayan (eat and run is for cockroach)A je gbon ni ti era (eat and run is for ant)A je fenu tile oun ni ti adiye (eat and scatter is for Hen)Adifa fun Orunmila to fe gbe Ewelowamo ni Iyawo (this is for Orunmila who aspires to marry Ewelowamo) To ba so eleyi, aloun magba igba (before anything, Ewelowamo would ask for calabash)To ba so to hun, alo oun ma gba awo (before anything Ewelowamo would ask for plate)Alo oun ma gba agbado (before anything Ewelowamo would ask for Corn)Gbogbo e gbogbo e, Orunmila se fun (on all her requests, Orunmila was faithful)When it became too much Orunmila was angry. He said:

‘ah Ewelowamo ewo lo ni kin se? (What exactly do you want me to do?). I am not a thief and don’t pluck money on trees. I work for my money and only try to please you not because it’s convenient.’_ Said Orunmila

‘Baba Akanke, your daughter is her problem. She’s too demanding. She sees men as a money-making machine. She doesn’t know that ‘ise logun ise’(work is the antidote of poverty). Marriage is not a place to make money. But one to make family. If your daughter is ready to marry she will. This Odu Ifa is telling us that she’s the one sending her men away through ojukokoro (avariciousness).
When you get home, talk to her. No man no matter how rich he’s would be comfortable around a woman that is too demanding. If she can do without asking for everything from his suitors, before the next two months, she will be married.’_Said Fagbamila

Hearing these words, Akanke’s father was grateful to his friend. He approached home, sit down her beautiful daughter (Akanke) and in less than two months has predicted by Fagbamila, Akanke became married.

Now, most ladies in this modern time are like Akanke. They see marriage as an avenue of getting rich. They want to have everything in one day. Besides, their mothers won’t give birth to them if she has a similar view of marriage.

Calm down Sisi Eko. Marriage is an institution to make family not money. If you want money work for it. If you think a man will ever meet all your needs, then you are already on the voyage of frustration.

Don’t be like Ewelowamo; that overambitious woman that lost a great suitor (Orunmila) due to her greed. That man you are present with is good for you. Stick to him, support him, appreciate the little is giving you and see what the future holds.
Good morning in Jesus name!

Image Source: Pinterest

Never Lose Hope

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD

‘I don’t think Adedara will ever go to a University, he is dull and I think he won’t have the capacity to read and write.’_Said Ms Moriamo pupil teacher

This except was not a joke. By the time I was age ten, at Primary 2, I had thought education is not for me. But in all of this, I was not comfortable and happy with my educational status.

I remember I was taken from Primary two at first (age 7 or so) to Nursery 2. The demotion was necessary because Dara was not performing up to standard.

I would sit down alone, think about how my condition was that bad. My dad and mum don’t see educational grades as everything. For my dad, his own is to pay tuition and develop our native intelligence skills.

He would say to me in my early University days ‘Dara, read little and have lots of rest, you still have a long way to go.’ His highest qualification was a diploma in Commerce through correspondence in the UK. He had another diploma in Engineering while in Germany.

My dad wrote to me when I was 18 ‘if I ever had the opportunity (education) you have today Dara, I will definitely be President of this nation. My father died in June 1939, I was only 3months old. I had to fend for myself and my mum thereafter…’

Father did not have the same opportunity as me.But during his lifetime, our tuition were often paid two weeks to school’s resumption. We were 27 in number. He was blessed and never defaulted.

Back to my story, between age 12-18 (secondary school years). There was a great war going within me. I wished to be better than the best students in my class. I started reading my books and shunned anything ‘girls’ or ‘laziness’.

Although, there was no pressure at home. Dad and mum were not always around. Our compound was so big that a child would always have a place to play.

Then, at SS1, my experiment paid off, I got the best Student’s score in Government. The teacher’s name was ‘Mr Easy’ as we fondly called him. That day was a turnaround in my life. I knew it! I made it! I celebrated that somewhat little achievement by running throughout the SS1 Block of RemoDiv that day.

Then, I put in for WEAC, made it at first sitting. I entered UNAAB (now FUNAAB) as a diploma student, I made the first (1-3 position) a 4.09 GPA (my lowest GPA today), while average result that year was below 2.00.

I have discovered myself. Now, I moved on to Crawford, for three years I was the best student in my department until the final Semester when lecturers connived due to departmental politics (since I was the Pioneer President of NABAMS), I graduated with the second best result. A result far better than my UNAAB results.

I left Crawford with my shoulders high. I served my country Nigeria; first in Akwa-Ibom (Eket to be precise) and later in Ibadan, Oyo State.

After one year of my mandatory service, I moved to Bristol to further my education. It was at Bristol, for the first time I won an Academic Scholarship. I need to say that father already paid my tuition in full before my departure to England. For that Set in my class, I was the only person from all nationality that got this Merit Academic Scholarship.

It was a great moment for me. We were about 38 students from all nationalities of the world. Out of which Nigerians were about 10. On getting the money (about 750k today), I called my friend Ikhazuagbe Imodu Peter to help with the disbursement of £20each to all Nigerian Students.

For me, the award of the a scholarship alone was enough for a boy, who spent most of his teen years in the farm and who was extremely dull at infant. Now winning academic award in the United Kingdom. It was so much of happiness for me.

My Nigerian Classmates were amazed by my generosity. In honest terms, I have over £3500 that day in my bank account. The extra £1500 was a bonus. However, this money was much more valuable to me than the one in my bank account.

Sometimes, we are at our lowest because we are not ready to move up. The only failed person alive is one that is dead! If you are still living, you can still become the best of your kind.

I was celebrated in the UK for my many achievements thereafter. Then, I came back to Nigeria and furthermore. In my entire odyssey as student of tertiary institutions, it was at Babcock I break another record. I was overall best student in Doctoral Research Methodology Class. I had got 94%. Wow! How could this be was the question I asked myself.

In truth, Ms Moriamo was not mistaken when she said I won’t go to school. What changed the narrative was my determination to excel and change the ‘dullard status’. Unfortunately, Ms Moriamo is Late today. I wish she could see what I have become. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Now, I had never had a better yesterday. All because I now believe in God, myself and hard work. For people like Omooba Adeyemi Adesanya , Rita Ucheobi and host of my University classmates, they could easily attest to how I took my education so seriously.

Perhaps, beyond seriousness, we have to have faith in a supreme God who is somewhere up. If I look back today, I thank God for life, good health and resounding memories to remember all I was taught in the classroom. I also thank my deputy-maker and father Late Chief Kofoworola Adenuga David Oduguwa (JP)for the privileges.

Do you now know why the PhD after my name is not for fashion? It was duly earned!

If you are still alive, you will still make it!
Don’t give up on yourself.

Christianity a Religion not a Vocation

It was 11:30 pm (on new year eve) and the neighbourhood was silent and only occupied by flurry of air. I told my younger brother Adebuyi how we must not spent our first (new year)minute at home. We quickly put on our jackets and caps and rushed down to the Church (Methodist Church, Filton, United Kindgom).

By Adedara Oduguwa Ph.D

Father was installed (in his lifetime) as Balogun of Soyindo Methodist Church, and we were also christened in the church. But one very good thing about our Bristol Methodist Church is that the pastor and the church’s officials do not bother themselves with what you want to give the church. Rather, they care about you and your welfare.

We would go to the church’s kitchen after each sermons and have good moments of networking, eating and drinking. Most of our members were older and experienced. They love the fact that we were young and extremely empathetic with us. They will ask ‘where do you work and how is life generally?’. Most times, the intention was not to lure us to the church, rather to help us in case we need help (job, connections etc).

My experience of the church made me to believe we might have bastardized Christianity in Africa. There was never a time I remember anyone giving more than 1pounds as offering. We would be given a small cookies basket to drop whatever we have without grudge.

Let me not digress from our new year’s eve experience. We entered the cold while we strolled through the street to Filton Methodist Church. We got there 11:45 or so. The church’s light were off and the doors locked.

‘Hello! Hello!! Is anyone here?’_Said I.

It was like the Church was in vacation. I looked at Gbuyi, we laughed at ourselves. ‘What! So there is nothing like crossover service here?’ _ Gbuyi asked in rhetorics.

Well, since we were determined to attend the crossover service, I quickly remembered a Redeemed Church at Southmead (closed to the NHS hospital where I worked). We swiftly moved to the church.

We got there around 11:55am. Everyone was already praying into the new year (the tradition at home), I really didn’t pray much. I was still marveled by my Methodist Church experience.

It was now 12.00am. We started greeting each other. ‘Happy new year!’ With happiness on our faces and some emotional hugs.

Not more than 5minutes after, we were asked to give our first offering and some other donations. The different was clear between our Methodist church in Filton and the Redeemed Church in Southmead. While the former preaches salvation, kindness, holiness and love, the latter preaches about ‘giving, giving and giving’.

That experience change my long time mentality. I now see why many are wretched back home. Then, recently, I saw one of Pastor Adeyemi’s quotes :

‘Being Spiritual is not an excuse to suspend your brain. Don’t use spirituality to stay in a place that you are not productive.’

Are many Christians not already lost their minds and brains in Nigeria (Africa)?

Why do we have difference in practice of Christianity compared to Jesus’ Christianity practice, missionary’s Christianity practice and England’s Christianity practice (home of the popular tool of God, King James).

Why is Africa and Nigeria practicing a new unwritten Christianity ? Why do we prefer to worship our pastors and not Jesus? Why do we prefer to go to church than to go to work? Why do we dress like mad people because of spirituality? Why do we build more churches than factories?
Why do we go to church from Monday to Sunday?

Factually, for pastors (full time) Christianity is more than a religion. It is actually a vocation and an enterprise. Being a full-time pastor makes one a Church (people) Manager. Nay wonder, such person will do everything humanly possible to get the church going!

For individuals, the congregants, Christianity is only a religion. It should not take more than 10 percents of your active hours, of course, you can spend all the nights reading your bible or praying if your daily routines didn’t get you exhausted. If this is what Christianity is, why do you spend most of your time in church while ignoring your means of livelihood?

There is no miracle greater than self-discovery. If you do not discover yourself, you cannot be great! How can a man discover the self, if he doesn’t have time for the self?

The moment you see some ladies you will know they are Christians (born again), they will look pale, unattractive, sick and perhaps, unintelligent! How can you have these attributes and expect a progressive mind to ask you out? No wonder many of them end up with pastors or at times, remain unmarried.

In the few churches I have attended in Bristol, you will see very beautiful and sexy Choirs. In fact, I remembered one of my motivations for going to the church was this sexiness. And the fact that the preachings were not boring and luring. They are usually factual, less of fear-creating and persuasive.

Of course, some topics were usually out of the subjects (poverty, witchcrafting and persistence donations). You cannot come back from the church and not feel great.

At home, our pastors describe God has that man who is so wicked on the poor. That is so merciless on the sinned and that will never bless you except you are a worker in the church or you give the church. According to African Christianity, if Hushpuppy can give God part of the stolen billions, then, he will enter the kingdom of God. Lack of wealth is sinful.

Most times, I look at this foolishness. The more churches we build, the more factories we lose and the more poverty-driven masses we have.

I would say, being a Christian is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. While being Jesus’ follower is one of the greatest decisions I ever made. But then, most churches in Nigeria (Africa) have derailed from the doctrine of Jesus Christ. They are now business ventures with the sole aim of buying relevance and selling lies to the people. More than any institutions, the church has contributed more to poverty than any other institutions (political and social).

This was not what Jesus taught us. Jesus didn’t want us to be in poverty. Jesus didn’t want us to look pale, unkempt, unattractive and sick just to serve him. Jesus didn’t want us to worship our pastors while we ignore ourselves. Jesus didn’t want us to honour our pastors while we beat our wives. Jesus didn’t want us to suspend our brains while we go to church. Jesus didn’t want us to live in ignorance because we are Christians.

Jesus was a selfless leader.
He gave all without collecting nothing from us.
He was a leader by example. He didn’t want us to be poor. He gave us everything for free.

Today, the schools our churches established are we not paying for them? Can sons and daughters , whose parents’ money were used to build the school can they attend the same? The churches are taking everything from us, what are they giving us? Are we even saved, or safer under their ministry? If you don’t want to suffer and be frustrated, then you must start to spend your time wisely.

The mathematics is simple, 24 hours makes a day; 168 hours makes a week, 16.8 (10 percents) should be the benchmark for church related endeavours while the remaining 90 percents (151 hours, 20minutes) should be for you (survival).

If you spread this into a week, then you have 2.4 (two hours, 40minutes) to be spent on church related actives per day. Wow! This is a lot for a busy mind, but enough to get you God’s friendship.

The tradition is that, most people spend 90 percent s (151 hours, 20minutes) of their time on church programmes and still asked the question:

‘why am I poor?’

I believe you know the answer now. Prayer will not rescue you from poverty if you continue to suspend your brain. If people in the developed world spend let’s say 10 percents of their times going to church or on church oriented programmes, Africa and Nigeria should spend less.

You are in a country (continent) of ‘do it yourself, your government is dead’. Yet, you paused your mind, suspends your brain, and sack your sanity to embrace poverty and want.

If we cannot practice Christianity like Jesus, atleast let’s practice it like the Europeans that sold it to us.

God bless you and have a nice day!

The 4th Conversation with God

Dear Dove,

Today, 17th of July 2020 marks four years since your christening. For these four years, you have brought joy and happiness to my family. I cannot be prouder that I am part of your glorious existence. You are full of energy, love, peace and friendliness.

On this day, my work is to document this rare conversation between you and your maker, which was witnessed by your mother and I. The except are as below:

God said to me in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘Adedara, for I know the plans I have for Dove, plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her hope and a future. ‘

In Psalm 91:11 He said to me again ‘ For I will command my angels concerning Dove to guard over her in all her endeavours.’

Also in Psalm 91:16 God said to Dove ‘with long life I will satisfy you, and show you my salvation.’

The Lord also said to Dove in Psalm 138:8
‘I will fulfill my purpose for Dove; my steadfast love, endures forever. I will not forsake the work of my hands. Dove you are my work, I won’t forsake you, no matter what!’

And in 2 Cor. 5: 11, Dove responded , ‘thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift of life.’

She added in Ephesians 2:10
‘for I am God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.’

And then, I added to the conversation, Dove my daughter, as it is written in Numbers 6:24-26
‘ The LORD will bless and keep you; the LORD will make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD will turn his face toward you and give you peace.’ Amen.

Then, Dove’s mother wanted to be part of the conversation, she lend her voice ‘ Dove, for through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life (Proverb 9:11).

Thank you for being a bundle of joy to us. We are so proud of you.

Best regards,
Adedara Oduguwa PhD
Your Dad.

Never Lend Him Even If He’s Dying

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD
As I was driving to work this morning, this phrase flashed through the silent part of my mind ‘never lend him even if he’s (she’s) dying.’ At first, this sounded devilry. I have slept all the night thinking about how ‘many good deeds’ (almost all good deeds) always paid back with ‘bad wishes’ and perhaps, ‘bad actions’.
As a person, I have not written on a topic I have not experienced or knows someone closely who had experienced it. On the present topic, I have experienced it repeatedly, and just, finally found a solution to it.

As a problem solver, why do people regret the act of lending? What makes the borrower to suddenly becomes enemy of his/her benefactor? Why is lending usually leading to ‘character assassination, bad-mouthing and even physical assassination’ ?
According to Oxford Dictionary (2020) lending is described as the action of allowing a person or organization the use of a sum of money under an agreement to pay it back later.

What is not so clear are the factors that makes it almost impossible to pay-back. Poor fund management, poor people management, cyber attacks from hushpuppies, threatening government policies, unexpected contingencies, family demands, status maintenance and spiritual attack(s) are some of these factors.

However, it is not abnormal for a borrower never to be able to payback his/her lender. What is not normal is how the-once-gentle prospective debtor, looks into the eyes of his creditor on the due-date of the loan’s repayment with disdain and hatred.
If you want to lose a friend, lend him money!If you want to keep a relationship give anything for free. Most often, money is more valuable to life. That’s why men would kill for it. I know we all want to live long, but how can a money lender live long?
Personally, I have lost good relationships to this ‘money lending effect’ , before the solution came. Please see the following phone conversation between a prospective borrower and lender:

‘Ms T: Hello Mr A my friend’
‘Mr A:Hi Ms T how are you today?’
‘Ms T: Am trying to be fine o.’
‘Mr A: What is the matter and why are you sounding this way?’
‘Ms T: My mum is dying and the doctor said we have to deposit N100,000 before she would be attended to. And presently I have only N50,000 with me. If we didn’t get the money today, my mum may die (she was sobered and crying). Please help me with the N50,000 I don’t want my mum to die now. I will pay you by next week once salary is paid.’
‘Mr A: Ah this is serious, I really want to help but personally I don’t have much on me.’
‘Ms T: Ah! I am in trouble, how much do you have?’
‘ I have N15000. And I will have to go to work too from it before we are paid next week. If you don’t mind, I could give you N10000 to support your mum, I am not loaning you this, I am giving you while I keep N5000 for my upkeep till the next pay-day.’
‘Ms T: Wow! Okay thanks. Here is my account details; MS T, 234568241, UBA.’
Mr A sent the money as promised. Further, Ms T was able to raised the remaining money. Her mother was healed and She appreciated Mr A for the support. They remain good friends.

Meanwhile, Mr A had been victim of lending that became sour in the past. He had promised himself never to fall for such ‘giving desperation’ as at the time Ms T called, he had N250, 000 on him. Although to pursue some personal projects, but he decided to give out N10, 000 to Ms T, just to keep her friendship.

From my personal experience, I think we all make mistakes and it is in human nature not to pay back or return what is borrowed. So, why not dash out whatever you can afford rather than losing a precious friend or your precious life?
Don’t loan anyone what you can’t dash them! Have a wonderful day.

Image Source: Quickmeme

Methuselah vs Jesus

By Adedara Oduguwa PhD

This time 23:20 pm on Monday August 10, 2020, I chew over my dad’s death in February and that of many prominent Nigerians that transited from January to August this year.

A loud voice inside me asked ‘Dara, how old was Methuselah when he died according to the holy Bible?’

I couldn’t answer the question without my best friend Google. So I asked him ‘ Goggle, how old was Methuselah when he died?’
‘969 years old.’_ My friend Google responded.

The voice asked again ‘ how old was Jesus when he died?’
This time I didn’t have to ask Google, I answered ‘ 33 years, when he was crucified and later resurrected on the third day.’

Then came the third question from the voice ‘ how many times was Mr. Methuselah mentioned in the old and New Testament of the Bible?’

‘ 7 times in the Bible: Genesis 5:21-22, 25-27; 1 Chronicles 1:3; Luke 3:37.’_ thanks to my friend Google on this again.

The voice further asked ‘how many times was Jesus mentioned in the Bible?’
‘1,281 times’

Followed by;David ‘971 times’Moses ‘803 times’And Jacob ‘363 times’
These revelations pricked my heart. How can a man that lived for 969 years be remembered and mentioned only 7times in a book of 1200 pages,31173 verses,807370 words ?

And another who lived for only approximately 33 years be so remembered and mentioned over a 1000 times in the same space and immortalised over 2000 years after his transition?

The answer came to these questions thus ‘Dara how many houses did Jesus built for himself?’
‘I can’t remember if any was recorded in the Bible. But I remembered he built his disciplines and saved the world.’_My answer.

Now, it is no longer a shoot down that, life is but of vanity! None of the millionaires and billionaires that died in Nigeria or abroad this year have any power to control anyone again,sleep in any of the beautiful mansions they once cherished, contribute to national matters or share bed with their extremely beautiful wives.

In fact, immediately they die, we stop calling their names. We even called my own dad, ‘the deceased’ few hours after his transition. As we are putting his lifeless body to rest, in my mind, I asked ‘ why can’t we bury this man in our family hall? At least, he could enjoy part of fruit of his labour, or why can’t any of his beautiful wives (if not all) be so generous to volunteer to sleep with him now? No, they are now afraid of the body they once cherished. The only thing that is left for the dead was his ‘deeds alive’.
Oh no, the life of vanity!

No man is great alive! Age is not achievement. If it’s, Methuselah would be mentioned over a million times in the Bible. Wealth is nothing, if it was, no one would remember Jesus today.

But what you do with your time here is all that matters. Are you living right?