Want to know how to get use Twitter for influence and to drive societal change? Seun Fakuade is one of the people rocking the twittosphere in Nigeria and he’s rocking it hard. In this interview, Seun shares his thoughts and experiences on using social media (especially Twitter) what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to using it to drive social movement. Enjoy!

Q: If you cut away the fluff and celebrity hypes, you are, in my opinion one of the most emphatic people on Twitter in Nigeria,                                       how do you explain your tremendous success on winning friends and influencing people on Twitter?

With all sense of responsibility, I would say I’m humbled to be considered as such. Honestly, one needs a true sense of Identity and purpose not to lose oneself in the present world. I have always been passionate about my country Nigeria for as long as I can remember but Twitter world brought it to the fore in April 2011 during the elections when I started tweeting.  My thoughts in tweets caught the attention of many, and I am honoured and proud of the associations I have on twitter. It’s a family.

I am quick to learn as much as I can. I am also careful and jealous about those who follow me on twitter. I have learnt that “being followed” by many is great responsibility; Moreso when you have heavyweights in the Nigerian political system and even International circles following you. I haven’t changed, and the only thing I hope to keep doing is to keep learning and improving, and most importantly building my Character consistently.

Q:    What’s the most challenging part of having so many connections?

I wouldn’t call what I have “many” (Laughs) when you consider the likes of Elrufai, Eldee, Japheth, etc.  Well, so many times I want to make some certain tweets, but when you consider the likes of Obyezeks following you, you have to modify your thoughts in tweets. (Smiles). I became aware of the huge responsibility my words are, as the credibility one has built in months is very important. I have, humbly, Don Moen, MCHammer, amongst others following me for instance; and you start wondering exactly “what attracted these people to you?”. Overall, the idea however is to ensure you do not lose your head in the whole process; being ONESELF.
Q:    What are the biggest etiquette mistakes you see people making on social media? and what part of this digital lifestyle do you hate the most?

Being energetic and driven, it’s easy for one to observe the outburst of venom and energy in wrong unintended points amongst us. I really detest vanity of thoughts most times, but one is constantly reminded we all cannot be the same. It’s why, regrettably, I have reservations in following people. My timeline, severally have been polluted with much vulgarity I had to unfollow certain people. I think, regardless of how wild people’s thoughts may be, there is an important need to be careful on how one tweets and what one tweets.

Q:    Some people and lately politicians have begun to play down the impact/effect of social  media in driving social change in Nigeria. Do you agree?

Any politician who downplays the power social media in Nigeria today is so much disconnected from the realities of the emerging political scenario in Nigeria. Just recently, I saw the handle of the Kwara State Governor, amongst many other politicians trooping to twitter.  The rate at which Nigerians aggressively engage some of the present and even past leaders shows the power of social media. In August when we started talking about #occupynigeria, it was all presumed as a joke. The rate at which citizens look to twitter for information, engagement and fun; it’s only a matter of time (when the grassroots become activated by further street involvement) before the true power of Twitter is seen.

Q:    You have also done a lot of work in moving from an ‘arm chair commentator’ to being on the  physical work of helping to  rebuild Nigeria. Can you share some of your work?

Personally, I believe that Character is very important in leadership, as this eventually is one of the things that can sustain institutions, policies or measures that we may need to embark on in rebuilding Nigeria. In 2011, at some point in September, I became deeply worried about how ingrained Nigerians were about our inherent corrupt system. You would also find a disconnected and disparate the level of information was on the streets. Also, I was worried that

1.)     Our talks not backed by a formidable strategic action may result in less belief by others in our ideals in the long run

2.)     I felt there was need to complement efforts being made by NGOs and other CSOs in ensuring good governance and that Nigerians adequately knew, understood and were ready to pursue a Nigerian cause.

3.)     I felt CHARACTER was essentially lacking in our leadership institutions in the country and there was need to invest quality time doing that (however painstaking it may be).

This led in December 2011 to the formation of what is ‘BEACONS’ (as is found at www.beacons-ng.org). ‘BEACONS’ is an acronym for Builders Enlightened Advocates of Change Of Nigerian Society. The aim of the organization is to “invest leadership core values in young people by building human capacity through mentorship and community service”. Our main purpose is to build core values in young people, directly and indirectly. At present, we use the CITIZENS PARTICIPATION & The BEACONS CLUB to achieve this.

Character is critical and very much in the deficit given the leaders we have in the nation.

Q:  You are apparently a gadget person. What are your favourite tech gadgets and how do you balance between the your physical day and being on Social media?

I love Apple products (Macbook, iPad, iMac), I love Androids too and the now-fading Blackberry. I have PlayStation systems and the Xbox too. (Smiles).

Q:    Which social media producers / publishers / thought leaders do you admire the most? Who is worth paying attention to?

I admire the intellectual capacity of Elrufai, for me he stands tall amongst many; I love the depth of Dr Ezekwesili @obyezeks (these two are role models I do not joke with); I love Prof (@ayittey) Ayittey’s in-depth analysis and undying passion for Africa. Consider @forakin, @laurestar @futurekash @delemomodu and others as people I constantly learn from, objectively though, any day or time.

I would say my generation is blessed with a load of intelligent folks. These are people I love to read from constantly: Feyi Fawenhinmi @doubleeph, Gbenga Sesan @gbengasesan, Japheth Omojuwa @omojuwa, Chinedu Ekeke @ekekee, Iyin Aboyeji @iaboyeji, @temite, @rosanwo, @kunledee, @okshorty1; @eldeeTheDon is a dear brother to me, @Drkay01 is pretty unknown but quite deep; @KathleenNdongmo, @fowora, @rmajayi (the 419 lady); I can’t exhaust this list (smiles)

Can You List You Digital Touch Points

Twitter: @seunfakze
Blog: www.seunfakze.wordpress.com
Email: seunfakze@yahoo.com

So there you have it. Seun definatewrites more than the 140-character limits on Twitter? what are your thoughts on these?

I delivered the message titled “My letter to Idris – 10 lessons to an undergraduate”. I spoke extensively on these lessons as they relate to life, leadership, academics and relationships. I enjoyed myself while sharing personal examples and principles that I learnt the hard way, the easy way and the ones I learnt after the fact. I intend to post the presentation once I finish sorting out the technical issues involving my website.

But going through the Ife – Lagos highway, I could literally point out potholes before we got there even after not being on that road close to a year. I thought about the numerous accidents I saw, the countless number of lives lost and families in grief because some people refused to execute their responsibilities. I thought about our challenges of power supply which have defied all possible approaches. When people rise into leadership in Nigeria, do they become helpless or conscienceless?

We need men in power, men and women with courage and a conscience; people who have come to understand leadership as a call to destiny and not one of the necessary rites of life. When the right people don’t show up by election day, people will vote for the ones available, and if we don’t show up to vote, some people will vote on your behalf. Will the next president please show up early enough?

We don’t have to vote for experienced incompetence.

I would really just want to know how you felt, what went through your mind, how you currently feel about the value system in Nigeria and how you intend to further tackle the issue of wrong values. I look forward to reading ur reply.

Thank you.

Sincere regards

xyz xyz”

As I read his mail, many things came into my mind. I remember the unending bad publicity about the double standards and scandals that have continued to rock most of the respected leaders in the society. From of Tiger Woods, Juanita Bynum, T D Jakes and Paula White to Nigeria’s respected leaders both in the political and religious sectors of the polity, we are fast losing role models to scandals- from sex to money.

So many thoughts have ran through my head as news and rumours have managed to form an odd mixture that continually batters the conscience of people who once believed in the few leaders who have managed to stand up to what is true. Why are these leaders failing?  Are there still true mentors? Here are my thoughts

Role models didn’t choose themselves – we chose them.

Mentoring is defined by someone whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. We choose them, we make them celebrities, we form our opinions of them through the things they have achieved, their pedigree, credentials and we develop and form an opinion of the code of life they should follow and when they intimately cannot follow them, we get disappointed and blame them for not being up to the standards.Role models are not necessarily mentors- we chose them because of what we heard, read and our opinions of them, then we can’t blame them for our idolizing them.

The best of men are still men at their very best

No matter how great a mentor or role model is, he/she is till man/woman at his very best. I was conducting an interview for someone two weeks ago and he made a profound statement. If there were no checks and balances, even a holy man can fail. I personally don’t idolise people and my Pastor totally abhors it. I’m pastored by Tunde Bakare and though I’ve been ministered to by him for over ten years, I still have a room for him to fail. The only problem we have is usually that we have equated some people to the nature of Christ himself. We listen and respect and learn from men, but ultimately we follow God. If your CEO, Pastor, Role Model falls, we don’t have to fall with them, pick up yourself and follow Christ Though as we move in life, we tend to focus less on the things we shouldn’t do and to focus on the things we should do; we still need to give men room for the frailty of the human nature. Broken promises, backstabbing, heart breaks are all a result of putting too much trust in the infallibility of the human nature.

Most times role modeling can be addictive.

When you’re a role model, the primary focus is on you- I mean people can’t have enough of you. You speak here and there and you suddenly think having moments in front of the large audience and microphone and are tempted daily to present the polished and structured part of their lives. But when you become a mentor, the primary focus is on your protégés. The time commitment of role modeling is simply the life you lead, with everyone free to observe. Your actions continually speak and everyone can consciously predict where you stand even when you have not spoken. The time commitment of mentoring is a personal involvement in the lives of a select group of protégés. As a role model, you say: “Here’s a way to live that you might want to emulate.” As a mentor, you say: “Here’s a way to live that you might want to emulate…and let me share the details of my journey.”

Role Models must mentor

While a role model is “someone whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others” a mentor is a mentor is “a trusted counselor, guide, tutor or coach”. Mentoring is a progression of role modeling. Most times we chose mentors we do not have an idea of why they do the things they do, we only see them at their best- giving speeches, smiling on red carpets and well scripted books they probably never wrote a line of it. If role models communicate, they become mentors. Role models must share from their heart the things that have influenced their lives, how they have navigated the difficult choices of their lives (not only the ones that yielded results). People are not tending to find role models among the people they relate directly with and those who have the opportunity to influence their lives.

Finally we must communicate. Since our mentor-deprived generation is desperately searching for one, we hardly encourage peer communication as we even navigate our own challenges and even churches can be very guilty of this. Most times we talk about every thing except the things that matter to us. Look and search for a mentor, they may not have time, but create it. We need them, we need friends.

Selah.

There are few times you get this kind of feeling after watching a great football match like the Arsenal- Barcelona match. It was a mixture of explosive and classical football. Though I think Arsenal was outclassed by the rampaging Barca team, they still held their bit against the more experienced side. Apart from the fact that the two captains are going to be missing in the next leg of the match, I think the match will still be something to watch. The exhilarating feeling reminded me of the Save Nigeria Group Summit last Saturday. It was me meeting with hope; hope was what the ambience of the meeting venue smelt of- it was intoxicating.

I got in just as Pastor Tunde Bakare was just rounding up on the spirit and tribe of the new Nigeria. As my eyes quickly got adjusted to the setting, I could quickly make out my people and other guests; Jimi Agbaje, Mike Iginni, Joe and Yinka Odumakin, Deolu Akinyemi, Gbenga Sesan, Steve Enada and of course Pastor Tunde and his wife, Laide Bakare. One of my first thoughts was truly, we had one tribe and the battle for the liberation of Nigeria was not between Christians and Muslims, neither was it against the obstinate North and the progressive South. The present quagmire was not created by solely northerners. The ruling party, the Presidency, the Cabal and the widely condemned INEC have enough people from the South, the disenfranchised people of the South also need to ask their leaders what they do with the allocations given to them. But Tbaks has just been wonderful; I admire the charisma and gusto he had brought into social mobilization especially at a when activism seemed gagged.

While I will address issues with people who believe pastors should live in Church Island, I saw a different tribe come alive in that hall. It was a new tribe of Nigerians- uncolored, detribalised and promising. Then that upcoming fiery lawyer Mike Iginni spoke especially about the need for everyone to continually push the boundaries of political imprisonment into liberation. While charging youths to use their competence for political liberation, he urged everyone to stand now so that we do not have to do that later in life. A musical group, the Niger Delta Christian Youths had a presentation on saying goodbye to the old Nigeria.

There was nothing young and cool about the next speaker whose experience as being the president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYC) for 15 years came to life as soon as he opened his mouth. Alhaji Yerima Shetima Usman declared that to assume the end of the struggle is near is to hide our heads in the dust like the ostrich. He quickly agreed in principle with Mike Iginni about our recycled leaders. Certainly people who brought us into trouble cannot be allowed to out us on another cycle of misfortune. To say this was reassuring coming from a strong Muslim from the North was strong enough to say the agenda and the dream of a new Nigeria is not regional.

Modupe Oyekunle of the International Center for Reconstruction and Development (ICRD) was one bullet that unleashed at the event. Starting simply, she did not shy away from the fact that most of us are the people allowing less than 2% of the population to subject us into years of misrule. I remember a quote which said bad people rule because the good people sat by and watched. Some may even not watch, but because they are not concerned, the have a way of working the system, they’d rather maintain criminal murderous silence while the political carnage sweeps away dreams.

Deolu Akinyemi arrived late while rushing in from a meeting in Port Harcourt; he spent the few minutes of his presentation dealing with the silent, youthful majority. He started by welcoming us all who criticize all our leader and are quick to condemn the recent happening things in our nation, but we are of the team of a large majority of Nigerian murders who permit death on our roads (which are more like human traps), failure of our students and the sticky fingers of our scallywag leaders all by our collective silence. He narrated an experience where he sat and watched the life of a relative literally hang on the residual power of an inverter attached to a life support machine after lights went out- this one fraction of things that happen when good men keep criminal silence. One quote I won’t forget in a hurry is “peace is what we discuss when we have the capacity for war”.

Jimi Agbaje

The governorship aspirant of the DPA during the 2009 gubernatorial elections for Lagos State did not mince words with the audience. He adapted another speakers’ story where instead of a father helping a child who could not see beyond a particular fence, the father began to tell the child what he is supposed to see. Moral of the story? We’ve been leaders of tomorrow for too long. I remembered a text I got in the wake of the Obasanjo’s third term saga “Obasanjo came to Ife in 1978 and said the students are the leaders of tomorrow, in 1999 he came again when he was contesting to say and said we are the leaders of tomorrow, now he wants to use the third term. He has eaten our father’s future, our future and now he is demanding for our childrens’- say no to third term. ”

He rounded up by mentioning that only strong institutions can build an enduring democracy. Even the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) needs to be an institution and not about individuals.

Joel Odumakin

“After all said and done, we may forget the shouts of our enemies, but we will never forget the silence of our friends” was a quote by Martin Luther King and mentioned by this woman who has assumed the face of activism in Nigeria. She charged every Nigerian to stand up and step out of those who maintain criminal silence.

It was a great programme and I particularly liked the interactive session where we had to split into groups and discuss the next line of action as regards social mobilization. The future depends on the few, those who will act and persist until Nigeria fufils destiny.

The future started yesterday, we are already late.

This I am thankful for.

Today is my birthday and I’m alive. It is a luxury that if I had all the resources of the presidency, I still can’t buy it. This I am Thankful for.

I studied Microbiology in school. After deciding hospitals and test-tubes were not the way to go, all hell broke loose. Today, I do something I enjoy and I have no regrets. This I am thankful for.

At the height of all hell breaking loose, I sat down under a tree depressed.  two ladies approached me and thanked me for talking to them in JSS2 six years ago. It was one moment I’ll never forget. I was re-fired to continue to do well. This I am thankful for

I made many decisions last year. For every door I dared to knock last year, they opened. When not qualified, I outclassed. Even ones I bungled I got a second chance. It’s a good feeling, God can we do this again? This I am thankful for.

I had traveled to Benin for a meeting but was running late. The bus broke down around 11pm on Benin-Ore expressway. We slept in the rain praying we won’t be preyed upon by thieves. We got another bus and got to Benin. This I am thankful for

Thank you for giving me Damilola. Relationships require smart work and a balance of love, passion and commitment. I didn’t need to be sweating in hard labour to build this one. Over the years I thank you. This I am thankful for

One thing I have never lacked in my entire journey- The support of people who believed and encouraged me, especially at those times when I found it hard to believe in my self. I have in turn helped many to find encouragement on their pathways in life. This I am thankful for

Last Sunday, I couldn’t drive to Church so I took a bike. 15 minutes later, the bike man skidded under a 911 truck while I stood watching. I later saved the bike man from being crushed by the vehicle. I later went on my way. This I am thankful for

This coming year is starting and I know I have to begin to thank God for successes I have recorded in it. When I thank God the earth and everything will respond to me. This I am thankful for

Thank you to everyone who made last year a glorious one. I have been embarassed by text messages, wall posts,  cals , thanks all…. this I am thankful for

Pens up!

free video poker how to play backgammon no deposit bonus online casino 888 no download casino play roulette craps game black jack download american roulette play video poker baccarat free casino game no download online casino free money on line casino wagering roulette online online casino betting free online casino slots free craps best casino roulette gambling internet casino gambling uk best casino online full pay video poker no deposit casino code best craps game black jack tournament best online casino site craps online game newest online casino free slots no download play blackjack online free dueces wild video poker black jack gambling online video poker game free casino cash no deposit video poker tutorial play free video poker how to win at black jack casino roulette casino guide how to win at roulette rules of craps casino game online real money backgammon baccarat casino online free video poker game play free video poker video poker odds video poker tournaments The events of the past few weeks in the polity are enough to make any patriotic Nigerian lose sleep. More noticeably is the palpable anger with which Nigerians are giving up on the direction, in which the nation is going especially when in 4 months time; we would be hitting the 50th anniversary of our nation.

Ekiti people have proven once again they are the fountain of knowledge, (I jokingly call it – state of emergency). I see the dramatic events of those days being a message written to every other state, the electorates, contestants and particularly for the coming 2011 elections for which so many governors had previously abandoned governance to campaign for.

I would like to share lessons in form of messages, which the Ekiti re-run has taught us all.

Most times, the common complain    with people who have ideas is the problem of finances. Most peoples’ dreams eventually die because they are waiting for and expecting one big money to land on their laps so that they can pursue their passions- that only happens in movies.

There are numerous ways by which you can raise funds for your business, if you are hungry enough to pursue it. But firstly, you need to have a plan; the month of April will be dedicated to developing a business plan.

1. SELF FINANCING:

I call this self financing as a way to raising funds for your business on the premise that you understand you are different from the business. What happens when you bring money out of your savings or save money towards starting your business is that you are borrowing the business some money or investing in the business to start.

To self finance, you could deternmine when you want to leave paid employment, i.e. if you have a job or when you want to start and then begin to save gradually towards it. Self financing is the most common methods, but then lots of people get into trouble when using this system because the feel they own the business and the money and as soon as the first signs of money begins to roll in, they eat it up. But it remains the safest method.

2. INVESTMENT: sales & liabilities

This is like the first where you sell what you have to secure what you want to achieve. There are times when money may not be available but we have investmens or liabilities stored somewhere. If you are truly passionate about your dreams, one of the things that will test your commitment is what you are willing to give up for it. I know people who went into businesses and gave up cars, lands, which could be an asset or a liability depending on the expense and cost. But if you see farther ahead of the present assets and enjoyment, nothing will be too small to give up for the business.

3. PARTNERSHIP :

This occurs when you usually realise the dream may be bigger than your funding which is usually the case. But then a note of warning; sharing your idea exposes it to duplication or poaching, but then if you want your vision to grow, you’ve got to share it. Partnership is the coming together under agreed terms on the various issues; roles and functions, funding and profit sharing.

When your dream is bigger than you, or your interests, partnership might be the next thing on your mind. You might want to engane the services of a stronger company, or some one with a lot more cash than you presently have.

But then like I said, be careful of sharing your ideas with poachers, in further editions we will be discussing protecting your intellectual property.

4. FRIENDS & FAMILY:

Another avenue is to leverage on family leanings and relationships to develop the amount you need to start your business. This is using other people’s money (OPM) to finane your ideas. There are friends and family members who have the cash you need to start your business. if your plan is convinding enough, and very viable, it is sure to receive the amount of resources needed.

5. HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS

This is using other people’s money (OPM) to finane your ideas. There are high net worth individuals who have the money and are looking for people who have ideas and need funding. These people are willing to look at your ideas and help you fund it, some may seek to partner with you on the business, while some have funding companies as part of their own ways to giving back to their communities.

6. INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORS

This includes investment banks, venture capital companies, SME funding organizations and Microfinance Institutions. There are numerous institutions, even supported by the Federal Government that have been empowered to support growing businesses at reasonable interest rates that even banks will naturally not want to provide. There are lists of microfinance banks and SME companies on the internet and in the press.

In all, the gratrest asset asset for your business is yourself. what you need to do immediately about your business,make your business suceed.  All the best.

Olujide sent you a message.
——————–
Re: Good people, Great nation
Hi Deola,
I have always enjoyed reading your write-ups since joining this group. I am a Nigerian but presently in the UK. I could recollect the feeling of anger, of shame, of frustration , and of disappointment and betrayal that assailed me when I first entered London airspace. The disorder of the Nigerian experience of governance suddenly became tangible to me standing judged by the order I was seeing even before landing. I felt betrayed. That our leaders have gone far and near, have seen that the greatness of a people necessarily consisted in the leadership…and yet we’re still where we are in the squalour of political mismanagement that has left many raped of their natural sense of patriotism.
I have severally wondered, how can a nation possessing such rich culture, history and religions remain so long in this abyss? I really wish I could pretend brilliance and give a one-cure-all solution to that. I wish our shared situation was this simple requiring just a single answer-renovate governance. And I wish all muscles of effort would not be geared towards replacing leadership only to find out that a new set of individuals that have long waited to ascend the ‘throne’ for selfish gains have just come…
I was once in a taxi ( I think in 2007) in Osogbo and some middle-aged women at the back were as usual running a baleful commentary on our leadership problems. They lamented how bad and evil it was for someone in governance to abuse the office to his/her own selfish advantage. And then one of them rounded-off by saying a prayer, that her children too would get there and would have the opportunity to so dishonestly enrich his/her folks.
Sad huh? Well while this singular experience may not represent every well-meaning individuals I believe not many people will find it difficult to believe that there is a dearth of the  stuff leaders are made of even in the governed. But reading people like you and listening to people like Tobi Oluwatola and some other friends  have suggested that quality still resides in some hearts.
I have come to realise that corruption and abuse of nationhood thrives where the ‘good’ people are silent. A near-holy hush still resides in many towards the affairs of our leaders; this results from a thoroughly suppressive military regime. This is a grave neglect and betrayal of our national duty-this decorum. Leaders are nothing but a mere reflection of the followers, after all that’s how democracy has been aptly qualified…a government of the people by the people… Our dailies and media are filled with publicity of gross under-performance…A governor donating bags of rice to fire victims, the Federal goverment increasing NYSC ‘allowy’ to N26,000, another government commissioning a one-kilometre road that’ll soon be swept away by rain the next season. And what do we do? We either shrug and say,”At least he’s better than last one” while some people actually come out dancing to meet the prodigal son that we have elected.
But where are the very people to call these men we voted in to accounts? Where is the insistent voice that publicly demands an answer from a government that seems comfortable with the pomp of giving rice bags to fire victims instead of providing a vibrant fire service that should have stymed the disaster in the first place? Where are the people that should ask the Federal Government why he’s increasing Corpers ‘allowing’ just days after our promising youths were murdered in Jos in the trust of the very people that should host and protect them for a year?
Really the failure of the government belongs more to us, for where the ‘good’ man will not talk then evil will go unchecked in the leadership.
We are the check.A corrupt goverment is like a cancer cell, it only becomes damaging and lethal while healthy cells fail to call it to order.
We are the goverment, the healthy cells needed to maintain sanity.
We should together destroy this evil culture of decorum. All is not yet well. Let us explore means to speak up, to question how we are being governed…It’s our business, after all we are the governed the direct recipient of all actions and inactions of the governing. Speaking up needn’t be so costly, and if it is we should understand that the journey of a thousand miles needn’t start with a step but with a decision.
Thanks Deola Kayode. I pray we’ll see in our time the Nigeria that we desire, the Nigeria that we deserve. And if not many people reckon this vision as pertinent let the few people who see the light at the end of the tunnel make their voice strong for there is yet hope. With time by God’s grace others will wake up too. In any case the night is long over it’s time to wake.
We will.
Count me in.
Jide Olubiyi
London.

RE: Brilliant Jide. God will one day, along with us acting right, turn Nigeria  into the country of our dreams

It’s no more news- Nigeria needs a reformation, and will not come by cosmetic rebranding. I always like to liken branding as a deliberate incision (a tribal mark) that is deep rooted such that even make-up artists cannot hide the true origin of the person. That is different from mere cosmetic brushing. As a brand practitioner, I believe “Brands are more than just logos, names and clichés- they are a groups of values that provide a basis for bringing about better appreciation of the people, thus resulting in either change in behaviour or a guaranteed distinct perception among its‘ peers.”

But how can we rebrand as a “good people, great nation” when the electoral reform committee report that will allow us achieve this aim is being stifled. A corrupt or bad Government can NEVER yield good people and a great nation.Ok, without politics and any political sentiments. People are now more conscious of a clean environment in Lagos . . . eko o ni baje (Lagos won’t spoil). This is because the brand values are being expressed in the leadership of the state. Dora has a difficult job of selling a product with both a bad image, and a terrible product. To deal with the image first, is to put the cart before the horse, and when we do that, we are not stagnant, we are moving backward. Even after President Obasanjo went 160 countries in the first two years of his tenure, he had to settle down to improve the economy. But having worked as an intern in NAFDAC, and seeing the way she pulls her way through, I think I’ll agree she likes trouble. As much as I will like her to succeed, the factors that will determine success are not in her hands- making decisions that align with the essence of the brand.

Some do not believe good Governance and by extension politics should not be our primary drive, they think entrepreneurship is. Some even believe education should be our major point of focus, but then the challenges are so much that generating areas to address them might become a problem itself…wisdom calls and simply, which one area can we address that will immediately resolve the myriad of challenges we face as Nigerians and as a people? Governance.

“Good governance will think of the interest of the man in the street. A respected political leader will ensure that people don’t die of hunger. Leadership in the hands of a correct man will ensure that when you come to the hospital, it is equipped with modern equipment that can diagnose problems and the people have access to the most modern treatment on earth. Our ruling class becomes sound when we don’t pick dead bodies on the road as a result of accidents caused by bad roads.

We have a good government when everyman who want education will get education-and nothing will limit them. We have a sound country when leaders use the wealth of the nation to promote the interest and welfare of the people. The people will be good because they won’t treat others with frustration, a great nation will emerge because we work hard.

Our vision is to see people get into positions of authority on the sheer strength of character and not how much they can fling around during campaigns.

I’m seeing a nation where character and not money is legal tender.

I am a Nigerian,

I believe in the true future of Nigeria, and I will deliver that future.

WE CAN, WE MUST, WE WILL.