A Discovery I made about two people I admire a lot

So one of my favourite websites of recent has been Quora and I've fallen in love more with it over time based on the simple concept of random people answering random questions on random things. More like a Yahoo Answers Reloaded but with more swag.

So today, one of the questions was about what to do when you don't know what to do. This was the particular case I was in today, but as usual the most upvoted answer was spot on. The answer was simple, do something. When you're stuck, then do something about it, pause not stop if need be and review what it is you're not doing right. In those moments, you'll most likely find clarity.

Fixing that Android
So last week, I was at the famous Computer Village in Lagos, Nigeria to help my niece fix her virus-infected phone and in that split second as I was about to part with precious cash, it dawned on me that I could actually fix this thing. So basically, the phone was infected with an adware virus [opens unsolicited ads on every little action you perform on the phone, eventually clogs the phone memory and keeps shutting it down].

Initially, I did a hard restart with some button combinations on the phone...Oh you can already guess it's an Android device if you're a techy. Oops, that reminds me, I need to turn off the debugging mode on the phone. That's a task for tomorrow.
So as I was saying, I decided to take the phone back and gave the technician an excuse of being in a hurry and went home.

After three hard restarts, no show...so I decided it was time to go 'Code Red' which meant 'flashing the phone'/reinstalling the OS or whatever it meant to completely wipe off everything and have a fresh Operating system. Heck, this is not a tech blog but allow me to brag a bit. Lol...anyways I fixed it and it worked. Yay!

A question on Mark Zuckerberg's Success
So, the real reason why I wanted to write this blog post was something I read on Quora again a while back.
Someone asked a question: How did Mark Zuckerberg become a programming prodigy?, which I immediately was answering in my head and wondering what the answers would be. I tried to imagine which programming language he had immersed himself with from a young age or how many cans of endless energy drinks and coffee were consumed to reach that competency level of coding. But, to my surprise, the answers all mostly pointed to the fact that his coding skills were seen as at then not to be top of the game but his success is mostly credited to his business mindedness more than his techy-ness which was just an enabler.

This comment hit home for me:

"Zuckerberg is not a programming prodigy. The application he wrote was not unique, and not all that well-made - that is, not a brilliant, exemplary piece of programming. We can leave it to IT historians to come to a definitive answer for why he was so successful, but my belief is that he happened to strike on the right combination of timing, marketing, and features in a fairly crowded space."

While this is not an excuse not to be good at coding [if you have the interest that is, cos sincerely I HATE programming and everything that looks like it], my point here is that, success is not a one-way street. The key takeaway for me here is that while I strive to improve on my technical skills, Soft skills such as people, negotiation and communication skills are equally as important, if not more important. 

Elon Musk, one great mind
While I was still pondering on that, I stumbled on another Quora article asking about one of my idols, Elon Musk, the mind behind Tesla Motors [electric self driving cars], Space X [private space travel to Mars], Hyperloop [redefining transport from what we know], co-founder Paypal, etc.

So the question went thus:
How did Elon Musk learn enough about rockets to run SpaceX?
Well, learning from my previous experience, I tried to imagine what business skills he had, or right team he was surrounded with and I missed it yet again.

Surprisingly, the top voted answer was not from a random Quora member but Jim Cantrell, a founding member who worked directly with him when He wanted to start SpaceX. Interestingly, Jim had written a book on rocket propulsion and gave Elon Musk practical advice of his grandiose vision of planetary travel that it wasn't going to work.
Wait a sec, it's like Isaac Newton telling you things about Gravity and you are doubting him, who does that? Well, except you're an Einstein who probes and comes up with the Relativity Theory or an Elon Musk who wouldn't just take NO for an answer. THIS is one reason my love for Elon Musk has grown so much.

Image Credit: theodysseyonline.com/elonmusk

Here's an excerpt from Jim Cantrell's observation on Elon Musk:

"So I am going to suggest that he is successful not because his visions are grand, not because he is extraordinarily smart and not because he works incredibly hard. All of those things are true. The one major important distinction that sets him apart is his inability to consider failure. It simply is not even in his thought process. He cannot conceive of failure and that is truly remarkable. It doesn't matter if its going up against the banking system (Paypal), going up against the entire aerospace industry (SpaceX) or going up against the US auto industry (Tesla). He can't imagine NOT succeeding and that is a very critical trait that leads him ultimately to success."

 This just made my day. I believe the best way to start any task is from a position of possibility. It opens us up to new ideas, new ways of doing things and its refreshing and liberating. It's easy to settle for the familiar 'easy' ways but the future sure belongs to those who are ready to take on the tough questions and challenges that have been left unanswered for centuries. As rightly described in the book I'm currently reading 'Zero to One', that is the way to create groundbreaking discoveries and for me, this is my goal regarding the education sector in Nigeria.

P.S. It's sad to know that Mayowa, the lady who fought Ovarian Cancer that I talked about in my last post has passed on. May her gentle soul rest in peace. To all the wonderful women out there, remember early detection is key. Get your pap smears done, go for regular checkups. God bless us all.

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As we match to the polls tomorrow...

Hiyaaaaa *waving*

*sips cup of rich creamy Latte* It's barely 24 hours to the D-Day and these past few days have never been so dramatic in Nigerian politics, listening to the news and all. I saw one picture a friend used as his BBM display picture showing a crowd of people at the airport and it was quite surprising, disappointing, and many things at once. Most saddening fact was that it had now come to this. Typically people go to their countries to vote but oh well. As concerned citizens, all we can do is use our weapon (the permanent voter's card) to cast our votes, pray for the peace of this nation and hope for the best.

I remain optimistic about Nigeria being transformed for the better though some will differ, but when all else fails, hope remains. It's all I've got, it's all some of you also have (well...except for the dual citizenship passport in your back pocket, giving you the flexibility to jet out any moment. Hahaha! lucky you.). But for a number of Nigerians whose lives are built in  and around the country, Nigeria is probably all we have as at now and if it scatters, we are impacted also.

Image Source

I find it very surprising though, when people with close ties with Nigeria in one way or the other curse the same land and speak negative against it. To what end is this? This is not an attempt to ignore the issues we have which we are all aware of. We know there is corruption; that topic is overflogged. We know the system is messed up, we know we have leadership issues and that majority of our youths are either unemployable or underemployed talk more of taking up leadership positions. We are aware of the insurgency issues, gender inequality with respect to educating the girl child, not leaving out the alarming school dropout/completion rates.

Yes, Africa is rising (although it's becoming a rather over-used phrase), but what is our role in all of this?

Firstly, we need to be 'critically' aware of these issues before we can engage meaningfully in our individual capacities. There is a huge difference between pointing out obvious issues and engaging critically. One talks about the problem, sometimes knowledgeable with statistics at their fingertips which come in handy for challenging dissenting views on Social Media, not forgetting the priceless joy of winning beer parlour arguments. Action is rare with this group. The other group also understands the problem, may not be as knowledgeable but always probing to unveil the 'why' behind the problem and seeks out ways to contribute to its alleviation. 
As we all know, talk is cheap and sometimes of no value. Let our PVCs do the talking. 

I hear you ask, won't the votes still be rigged? Possibly...I can't say but one part needs to be done before we can address the next. The 2011 elections experienced one of the highest participations of Nigerian citizens in ensuring they cast their votes, monitored the counting and waited till results in their local governments and wards were announced after which they posted on social media. This year also has seen much interest cos really people are TIRED!

Image Source

Secondly, we need to identify our area of contribution. 
Let writers impact, 
let teachers mould,
let artists design, 
let musicians inspire, 
let street sweepers do their thing, 
let preachers edify,

let's just do all with a purpose with God at the center of it all as we render our services to the benefit of our family, society and nation at large.

Come March 28th, I pray for the peace of Nigeria. I pray that the innocent blood of precious lives that have been wasted on this land will not be in vain. I pray our lives will blossom and March 28th shall be the dawn of a new era for this nation in Jesus name!

Still it is important to ponder...what part will we play?

P.S. After I wrote this, I stumbled on this short 7-minute clip by Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Center which captures part of what I said and even more.

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My thoughts and expectations on the Upcoming Nigerian Elections

It's exactly one week to the general elections in Nigeria and one cannot ignore the discourse that has been stimulated by different interest groups in the days leading to the February 14 Presidential elections.

Before I continue, I'd say a warm happy new year to you if I haven't said so and if you are a Nigerian, you owe this beloved nation your vote.

Four years ago, I did a short interview on this blog and tried to feel the pulse of some passionate individuals who had one or two things to say about the elections. Today, the passion is even more and I must say like you may have heard from various quarters, it's too close to call. In 2011, we could say to a large extent that Goodluck Jonathan was going to win largely due to the power of incumbency and considering the fact that Boko Haram was not as pronounced as it is today. However, in 2015, it seems we have gone through many phases in Nigeria and I will not bore you with what you may already know or have heard in the media.

I have spoken to people and the discussion seems to be centered around the same ideas on the path of those supporting the two main opposition parties (i.e. APC and PDP). The APCites, chanting the change slogan, believe they have had enough of the PDP administration while the PDPites on the other hand can't seem to see anything APC may have to offer. As a result, it has mainly been a case of attack and defense while issue-based politics is a rather distant phenomenon.

But however, the case may be there are some realities we fail to acknowledge or may have become too familiar with such that we fail to see its importance and I'll mention a few. The list however is not exhaustive:

- The Power of your vote really counts. Get your PVC, forget the traffic or hot sun and bikonu, cast that vote of yours for the change you want to see (no pun intended).

- Beyond the elections, after either Goodluck or Buhari may have won and assumed power (since they are the 2 top contenders), we need to understand that magic won't happen. We need to take off the band aid we have had on for years, roll our sleeves and deal with our issues. No magic is going to happen after February 14, 2015. We still have a long way to go (the reason, if properly analysed is worthy of a Post Doctoral thesis topic).

- Pray. Ignore that urge to reply that Facebook post by someone saying something about your preferred candidate and just pray for Nigeria. Truth is, there are far more bigger and deeply entrenched problems than we can imagine and beer-parlour politics and Twitter activism can only go so far.

- Pray more. Need I say more.

- After praying, DO. We tend to talk a lot. Talk that leads nowhere. A bulk of the deciding votes come from the masses who are not lambasting each other on Facebook but can easily be bought with N200 recharge card vouchers. Their votes are as powerful as yours and you have no right to think less of them unless you face what they face on a daily basis. I am however in no way endorsing such acts.
Talk is cheap but action is much needed.

I expect that this election would stir up some interesting discussions around how we can move Education forward (it has to come first cos that's my passion), Power, Infrastructural development, Youth empowerment programs, tackle poverty and other pertinent issues.

May God bless Nigeria and may the best candidate win come February 14 2015.

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Updates so far on the comic + other news

Okay, I've missed so much activities in Blogsville. Hope your weekend's going great?

Did I miss Myne's visit to Nigeria again? *sigh* Second time running. Just checked her blog and saw the pictures. Hope not to miss the next one though. In other news, we shall be 2 years old a few weeks from now. :-D

Last year we did a video shoutout and a song also. This year I guess I could use some ideas from you guys. Something out of the normal. Suggestions are welcome please. Sankyo!

Okay, Its basically been a bit clogged up in my head with the numerous daily activities. We're currently experiencing some challenges with the printer for the 'Hidden Ville 'comic who from my understanding did a very poor job. That's the reason I haven't updated you guys since.


Do you know MIT and Harvard have collaborated to launch an online learning platform with the same quality of course materials at both institution accessible to over 1 Billion connected people FOR FREE? This for me is a major milestone in E-Education. You could read about it to get a better feel.

In other news, what do you guys think about the current situation in Nigeria. I don't even know where to begin from. Do you think we still have a chance to make things right irregardless the numerous predictions so far and the ailing situation of the state?


I'd like you to visit this link in the flyer below to view this awesome content distribution website that's hitting the NIgerian scene.

Cheers!

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My new therapy

Heyo peeps!

It's hard to believe I'm still awake after all the work of yesterday. Yes cuz its 12:30am already and I'm supposed to be up early later today.

On a normal day, by this time I'm too exhausted to open my laptop so I just drag my self into my bed, try to pray and I wonder how it always happens...once I open my eyes, it's morning and I feel tired like I never rested.

At a point, I was having a lot of afraidness on my daily schedule till I re-found this new therapy I'd love to share with you. It's something we all know but hardly practice.
It makes me wake up refreshed and it's something you will mosdef gain from.
It's the 'Water Therapy' which I want you to try. I feel so energetic *Grunts* YEAH! Oops 12:45am.

Okay straight to the point, I haven't practiced it fully but I recommend it for you as it is known to even be a cure to a lot of diseases, relief from stress, good digestion, feeling fresh and energetic during the day, glowing skin, etc.
It has been tried, tested and proven!

Procedure
- As you wake up in the morning, drink 4-6 glasses of water before brushing.
- Do not take anything until after 45 minutes after which you can eat or drink.
- After taking breakfast, lunch or dinner, do not eat or drink anything until after 2 hours.
- Take lots of water within every 2 hours.

This is one of the many simple gifts from God which I'm thankful for - WATER.

Also, my own jara for an energetic body is:
- Avoid eating past 7pm ( me I do 4/5pm most times)
- Instead of taking soft drinks, opt for water. Those things make you weak if you're not burning them off.

Note: Be prepared to visit the gents/ladies a couple more times than you used to. It's normal.

That's basically it sha. Try this today and please gimme feedback. Thanks! *off to play Rugby*!!!


...of course that would be in my sleep nah! :-D

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New blogger on the block+Versatile Blogger award+Special note to her

This is definitely the longest title you've seen here. Just feeling lazy.
Thank God for this day. I'm very happy to write something tonight cuz I initially wasn't feeling in the mood to write. Dunno what's up today...maybe I'm just tired jere.

So I got a mail today from a new blogger on the block...Victor Ugo who blogs at------>This nice page and I thought it appropriate to introduce him to y'all. SHOW SOME LOVE as you always do. I trust you guys. Please visit and drop a comment or just leave traces to encourage him.
I personally liked this poem from the little I read.

*******************************************
 On to the next, okay I've been thinking of something...that will come towards the end of this post.
Just want to say a big THANK YOU! to Honeydame for giving us this awesome Versatile Blogger Award.
And that little note you wrote too...Thanks a milli!

So here are the ground rules:
The Rule: Link the person/people who awarded you
                  Write 7 things/facts about you
                  Award 15 new blogs you discovered and find a way to inform them
Rule 1...check
Now onto the second rule:

I did something similar for the 'One Lovely Blog' award given to us by RelentlessBuilder.

7 things'facts about me (I'll try to make it different from the last)
1. I eat my last meal of the day by 5pm most times. Okay, wait a minute here, note I said most times. Thing is when I get home, appetite is usually gone*raising hat for Lagos traffic*. So I just drink water and carry on into the night till I sleep. So far, it has helped me to a large extent cuz I wake up feeling light and refreshed most times.

2. I wash everyday. Not like I can't stand dirty clothes but I guess it's a habit. Even if I get home midnight, I still wash it latest by the next morning before wearing any new one.

3. Whatever you do, don't ever touch my nose! I will just sneeze for hours. which is why I hate dust (remember the last time).

4. On seeing me, you'd think I'm from the South-South or some tribe. My name helps in misleading too but I speak Yoruba fluently and can spice it with a lil proverb, I can read a Yoruba bible and be translating in English for you while reading and can write a full letter in Yoruba complete with the tone marks!

5. I love teaching. Or should I say I love people listening to me. No lemme explain.
I like that scenario where I stand in front of a gathering to pass across knowledge or information or directions and them listening. Teaching provides that avenue, Consulting provides that too, etc.

6. When I'm pissed, I talk very slooowly in a formal tone and a stern look on my face. My accent changes and I speak like I'm counting my words. The annoying good part is once I let it out or smile, that's it.

7. I want to have a CCIE certification in the next 2 years(really tough nut).

Rule No 3 is where the wahala is o. Kai 15 bloggers I just discovered. I'll mention a few.
Sterzv
Toinlicious
Writing My Stories by Tolulope Popoola


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Okay before this day ends, I just want to wish my lovely darling niece a Happy 10th birthday!
May God continue to keep her in Jesus name!

HAPPY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The remaining pictures + BB pressure

As I talked about here on the pictures for the Creative Writing session for the students, they're below.
The pressure to get a BB has never been more than now like its a requirement to breathe or what sef.

At work, there's phone-seizure threat by my friends if I don't get one ASAP.

Even FB. LOL!

Okay I will get one soon before the year runs out.
Before the pictures, let me share a short wonderful video from one of the people I rub minds with regularly through books and media like this; speaking of John C. Maxwell. ENJOY!

Semirah and I - Creative Writing session

L-R: I, Bassey, Lady and Guy(don't know their names jare)

Question & Answer time...

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Latest happenings

Quite sad, I was supposed to do a round yesterday but my internet subscription ended without me noticing.

So it's been really nice this past week.
But before I go on, I'd like to wish a wonderful sister, friend and fellow blogsville neighbour a Happy birthday; speaking of Dolapo Adeleke (Lowla Dee). She's really inspired me with her stories times without number and she is also the Chairperson of a recently launched Monthly Writing competition, tagged 'PEN IT' in which I'm privileged to be part of the panel. It kicks off September 7th, 2011 and hopes to feature about 12 upcoming writing talents anually.

Also, I recently took part in a workshop/Leadership programme for Secondary Schools and it was awesome.
Nigerian youths really need a lot of 'working on'.
There were different sections in the program such as Sex Education, Personal Development, Creative Writing, Car Design (yes, and the guy that took it was superb), Computer Literacy and a few others.
Well, you don't need to ask which one I featured in. Creative Writing nah!

I tell you point blank, Public/Government schools need overhauling but it was refreshing to know how enthusiastic these people are to learning.
So, we (a lady and I) talked about Writing basics, New forms of creative writing (blogging, Tweeting, etc) and had interactive sessions to hear them out. These kids want to learn but there's no one to teach them quality stuff.
Here are some of the pictures:

Bassey - Computer Literacy Facilitator

Sex Education Segment

Unfortunately, I'm still expecting the Creative Writing Session pictures. Will upload soon.
Everytime I remember these day, it only re-iterates the fact that Nigeria's Education Sector needs urgent reforms. I'm proud I'm going to be a part of it. It's a strong conviction.

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