ARE WE PERFECT?

Just pondering on a very common belief and wondering why? Why do people say no one can have it all? Commonly, it is believed that a woman cannot have both beauty and brains. However, if she does, then there has to be some sort of problem with her relationship life, or she has to have some other form of unfulfilment. For a man, he either has to be a smoker, an alcoholic or a womanizer. Notice that nothing is said of how he looks, if he’s intelligent or even his pocket size.

These same postulators of the above mentioned theory go on to say that, “a good girl always gets the bad guy and vice versa”. These all cummulate to the one ultimate belief “that no one is perfect”. The funny thing about all these is that we all swallow it hook, line, sinker, fisherman and boat. We believe it and pass it on, to the next generation.

About being perfect: Is our creator – God – perfect? Does he make imperfect things? Like; does he set out to create a person then says, “Oh I just have to make this person as ugly as a duckling, and the next as beautiful as a swan?” Who says a duckling is ugly by the way and a swan is beautiful? (Its neck is too long – just kidding). But seriously though, who determines who and what is perfect and what isn’t?

I remember reading in the bible that we are made in his (God) image and likeness. If we are, how come we are imperfect and he is perfect? To show you that God tries to remove imperfection from the world, this is my medical evidence. Did you know that about 85% of first trimester miscarriages are those of fetuses with one chromosomal abnormality or the other?

I think most of our imperfections come from our experiences, decisions, mistakes and actions. For instance, a pregnant woman that smokes and drinks alcohol, shouldn’t blame anyone but herself if an imperfect baby is delivered. A young man with risk-taking behaviour has himself to blame if living life on a fast lane catches up with him.

Finally, I am sure that, in God and with him we are perfect just the way we are. This is just me thinking out loud. I may be wrong. I would like to know what you think about it though.

Cheers……

GOD HEALS, WE TREAT

This is the motto of the place I work. It is a privately owned mission (church) hospital. And for this post, I’d love to relay the story of this particular patient. This is a little bit inspirational. 

A year ago, on one of my weekend calls, (this time I’m not in the emergency room, but I had a vantage view from above) a car screeches into the hospital compound, and before it came to a complete stop, the driver’s door  was already opened and the driver almost out. It was like something out of an action movie. The man rushes to the emergency room shouting for the doctor to hurry up and come. “ my son is dying” he wailed. The mother of the boy is now able to disembark from the passenger’s side and is wailing too.

The doctor runs to the car and starts to examine the young lad lying lifeless on the back seat while trying to get a history of what had happened. I decided it was time to run downstairs too and lend a hand. I arrive at the scene and the mother of the boy is now rolling on the floor, the doctor had just certified the boy dead. The father was being given instructions on how the transfer his son to the morgue. He had accepted when suddenly I heard a shout “No! God this cannot be happening to me, not when I serve you”. He picked the boy up and ran into the church on the other side of the road.

In the church, he met some people doing their meeting, the Sunday service had just ended and he asked them to pray for the boy. A few minutes later, we heard some ruckus at the church. Lo and behold! The boy had woken up. We didn’t believe it. This lad was dead as in D-E-A-D! And now he lives. It was simply unbelievable. The doctor that certified dead, had to confirm that it was for real. It was!

With this story, I have just one thing to say; what is that impossible situation you are in right now and the doctors have given you the “final” verdict? Believe firmly in God and Just know that He has the FINAL say, for he is indeed the greatest physician.

Share any unbelievable stories you have. It might be a source of encouragement to many.

Cheers.

WHY DO WOMEN CHANGE AFTER MARRIAGE?

A very long time ago, women married at the age of 15 and 16, and anyone above 20 years of age was seen as already too old to bear children and "on the shelf". These same women, if unlucky in their marriages, either stood on the sidelines and bore the pains of a bad marriage or they opted out of the marriage by committing suicide at the risk of been buried in unconsecrated ground. As the decades rolled by, and the female folks were allowed into the school rooms, the new ideal age for getting married moved to 25 years. I remember how I used to get worried about aunts who did not get hooked by age 25. Today, we have women empowerment and feminism and the new age target for getting married is 30 years and some even say above. Also, these new age women mostly have a source of income, so they can easily say to a potential husband, "be gone, I do not need you, I can take care of myself" over very trivial matters. These days, you would hardly find girls who are thinking of marriage at 20 years and if the thought does cross their minds, they have handy friends to dislodge such a "crazy" notion immediately. These friends, I guess always mean well even when their excuse for you not to get married is "we never rock life finish".

Enough of all my rantings, and on to the reason for today's post. I noticed the high rate of divorce and separations in marriages, and truthfully, it is alarming. It begs for answers to the question, "how did our parents do it?" Many of our parents have been married for over 25 - 40 years. I do not think I've ever heard my mother tell my dad that she could cater for her own needs, or rub in her family background or education. Somehow, they are able to resolve their issues amicably. It then brings me to these questions;

• Did our parents not bring us up as well as their parents did them?
• Did we just refuse to pay attention to their words of advice?
• Are we too concerned with the butterflies in our stomach and "fireworks and sparks" in the name of love, than the real issues? 
• Is it a modern generation thing? 
• Is it because women now have jobs outside the home? 
• Did You Get Why Married (The Reasons)?

Guess what? It does not matter what the answers to these questions are, because when a marriage is broken, it is automatically the fault of the woman (whether we like it or not). It's either she works too much, does not take care of the home, disrespects her husband, she is now fat and the list is endless. Bottomline, she has changed. She was not that way when he married her. Amazing! I often wonder if the man did not change. Something very important from my research, is that many young ladies enter into marriage with unrealistic ideas. The worst of these ideas is the "I can change him" syndrome. I actually believe that this is a possible mission, but only for the lucky 1%. Adults (men and women alike) who are usually set in their ways done change unless they consciously decide to or there is a divine invention. So ladies, if you think you can change him, think again.

Another thing is certain, most men are chauvinistic by nature and want to be on top everytime (right or wrong). By this, I have concluded that men do run the world, (don't pay any to mind that Beyoncé's song), but we color the world. I have come to realize that, even though I may not want to accept it wholeheartedly. One quick example, George Clooney remained a veritable bachelor till last year when he got married at 53 years (If you do not count his 1st marriage). He could afford to bet that he would not have kids till a certain age. This did not stop him from dating (and now marrying) hot women.Women on the other hand, would start counting how long we have till our reproductive life is over. We just do not have the luxury.

Now to the reason why I say women change after marriage, these are just a few observations I've made concerning women and marriage. 

• We act all nice and lovely while planning to show our true colors once we have been married. It's no wonder the male folks say 'she was not like that when we were dating'. If you can not be your true self when you are with someone, why would you want to marry that person? Why try so hard to please him when you are dying to explode inside? It's no use. So, My First Rule To A Successful Marriage Is BE YOURSELF.

• If he slaps you once a month before you marry him, be sure to start getting a daily dose once you are married. Like I said, men do not change after marriage. However, I think it should be the other way round. Men do change after marriage, majority of them for the worst. I do not know why, but I guess they also feel it's time to do whatever they want since you can almost not threaten them with a breakup. So secondly, if you know you can not tolerate a habit or behaviour when you are dating, why do you think you can live with it for the rest of your life? Do not marry a man for the wrong reason. Screen and separate the seed from the chaff before making the decision of who to marry. CHOOSE WISELY.

• Many women are hot before they get married, then they get married and start tying wrapper at home. I mean, did he ask you out when you were shabby looking? We think we are now married, no need to dress up. I tell you solemnly, men are like babies, if you fail to keep his attention on you then he would focus it elsewhere. LOOK ALWAYS HOT !!! ...

• My mother always says the way to a man's heart is through his belly. Well anatomical, that does not pan out, but there is some logic in it. Men love great meals. I think it's ancestral or something. COOK TASTY MEALS.

• I listened to a song once and the singer (a man) wanted a woman who could be a lady by day and a freak by night. I laughed but it is the really we live in. A man wants a woman who can be his mother, sister, friend, wife and baby. Ladies if you would allow yourselves think about it, we too want a man who can be our daddy, brother, bestfriend, husband and child. It's just the way the world goes. BE PREPARED.

• Why do we complain about working and doing all the house chores while he watches TV while sipping a cold beer? Find a way around it. Do not nag, do not criticize, ask for help. Find ways to involve him in some of the homework. Explain how tired you are at the end of each day. If you must criticize, then there is a formula to that - The SANDWICH. Place the criticism between 2 positive statements; Like honey, I know how hard you work to provide for me and you must be tired, but if you could just keep me company in the kitchen, help me maybe dry the plates, I'd be very happy, I miss being with you all day. BE CREATIVE

• Now to the breaker of many homes - SEX. I know some men are what we call dogs, (no offense). They chase everything that looks like a woman. Sometimes though, it is our faults. Men are sexual creatures, so they can wake up at 2am and want to go. Women on the other hand are romantics. We want him to understand what we are not saying because we expect him to read our body language. Well, I think we better start talking and stop signaling. I know how tiring it can be to wake up way early to meet up with morning preparations, especially if you have children who need to be fed and be at school early enough. Yourself, who is a working mother and you have to come home and continue the process till midnight everyday. Sex would be the last thing on you mind (that's if it's even there). Despite these mirade of issues, try not to deprive your man of sex or he will look for a place to get it and it would only hurt you in the end. EMBRACE YOUR SEXUALITY

• We are human beings and we are bound to disagree on issues but I have learnt that even though the violent taketh it by force, silence is golden. It is best sometimes silent and to avoid any words that could be impossible to take back once said. Also, sorry never hurt anyone. Learn to use these very important words.  SILENCE AND SORRY

• Friends can be good, but they can also be destructive. Friends have been some known to be the destruction of many marriages, their tactics range from giving you bad advice to outrightly stealing your husband right from under your nose. Mind the kind of people you invite into your home. And on no account should you allow a 3rd party into your marriage. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WITH CARE.

• Lastly, not everyone is happy that somehow, in this difficult world of 7 billion people you were able to locate your missing rib. BE PRAYERFUL.

Women! We are extraordinary creatures, we may not run the world, but we make it go round and we sure do color it. Happy women's day

Cheers ....

RELIGION: THE FALL OF CHRISTIANITY

This may seem like a confusing title, maybe even a bit absurd. But, if you really think about it, then you'd know that most people are religious not Christians. I chose to use Christians because I am a Christian and I can only say what I know. So, why not continue reading and if you disagree, then you can air your views under comments. 

As usual, when I have some free time, what I do is get into an argument with my brothers. A few weeks ago, I got into one of such arguments. This time it was about the scandals that rocked  and have surrounded the religious settings (especially in Nigeria) of recent. First, it was Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the arms deal, then it was Pastor Chris Oyakhilome getting a divorce. Then we remembered a few more that have happened in the past (no need dwelling on those). This discussion took us on a journey to survey the manner in which churches are been run in Nigeria these days.

Nigeria, like many African nations (despite her claim to be the economic giant of Africa) has had it's own share of troubles and her citizens have faced untold hardships. As a result, many people turn to God for help, (the only positive outcome). Unfortunately, some of the religious leaders also take advantage of this situation the brain wash and exploit their followers. Among a lot of attributes, many Nigerians are lazy, ignorant and worse of all want to "arrive". We want to sit on our asses all day doing nothing but making lorry-load of cash, hence the dawn of 419ers and ritualist. Nowadays, it seems the latest niche is politics, owning a church or even a blog (that so called "since +Linda Ikeji made it, why can't we", right? - Wrong). 

The trend that seem to have taken the religious sector by storm now is the act of "sowing seeds". Literally what they are telling you is give something to God in order to receive your blessing. My question is this: "What did you give to God last night, so he can keep you alive today?". I'm not saying that giving to God is wrong, NO! It's just why would you neglect your neighbour who has been begging you for a cup of rice to feed her children, only to go and donate thousands of naira to the church so the "man of God" would notice you? A lot of people are in church today for unbelievable reasons. I had a friend who would donate her entire feeding money for the month to a fellow student pastor as seed and then start begging for food. She did it in the name of God would provide my every needs.

Because of our lazy and ignorant attitude towards life in Nigeria, you find church goers who do not want to work, but expect to hit it big. They expect to get to the top through one connection or another and then stay there doing absolutely nothing and saying God has done it for me. Many "Christians" do not bother to read their bible. They depend on what ever the pastor says. And so I find myself in a situation with a woman in labour who requires a caesarian section and she tells me "my pastor says I will deliver like a Hebrew woman". Who is a Hebrew woman? Have you or your pastor witnessed the birthing of a Hebrew woman? What does God say about delivery? Sometimes, it truly is laughable what people have in their heads.

Today, in Nigeria, we have pastors who are now celebrities, moving around in private jets and expensive cars. If you say a word, they tell you "my God is not a poor God". They have schools, up to tertiary level of education built by the sweat of their members through donations and seeds and at the end of the day, the children of such members can't afford to go to such schools. You pastor who has no scruples with collecting millions of naira from politicians as gifts or whatever, have you bothered to ask where it is coming from? Is it the taxpayers money of your members who don't have the basic amenities in their homes? A clerk gives you 1 million naira as tithe, did you ask how he came about it? 

My younger brother is one of those people who attends any church he comes across, just to understand its doctrines and beliefs. Sometimes I wonder if he hasn't been to a mosque or some other temples. He narrated this story to us. He was in a church one day and they were calling for offerings and seeds. According to him, he was just getting up to go give when the pastor said, "If you do not  give to God, his angels would stop building at your site". Instantly, he sat back down. He pictured angels wearing shorts and carrying cement and blocks to a site for him and then they turned back because he didn't give this once? He just laughed and made up his mind never to visit that church again. For many Nigerians, that pronouncement by the pastor is enough to empty their pockets without much thought for tomorrow. They say the bible says "why worry about what you'd wear or eat, doesn't your heavenly Father feed the birds of the air or cloth the lilies of the valley?". They are absolutely right, but this same bible says, "faith without works is dead".

Another friend of mine sent a broadcast of how a celebrity actor who had problems in his marriage called up a celebrity pastor for advice. They fix a date to meet and discuss they matter, and two days before the meeting, the pastor divorced his own wife. What do you think the celebrity did? He ran back to his wife with apologies. The argument ended on the note that, lack of development, insecurity, a country where nothing works is the cause of churches springing up everyday. On my street alone, (no, from the balcony of my house), I can count up to 7 churches. You do not want to know what happens on Sundays or Friday night vigils. Finally, my advice to you whether in Nigeria or not is to build your own relationship with the God you serve, because idolizing your pastor doesn't guarantee your safe passage to heaven.

Cheers....

I GOT MY MIRACLE

Hello there everyone,

Right now, I'm in a jubilant mood and I want to shout a big ALLELUIA from the rooftops to my marvelous God. Sitting down on my bed, about to call it a day and turn it for the night, I began to contemplate on whether or not to write this post. While I was at it, I decided to browse through blackberry updates. A particular display picture caught my attention and made my mind up for me. This photo is shown below. The story of my miracle continues after the photo.

So, I woke up on Saturday the 3rd to see that finally, the harmattan decided to show up. (Harmattan is just like winter - the African type. It's cold and dry, the whole weather is hazy and bad enough to disturb flights but it snows dust. Lol). Anyway, so there is harmattan and I chose to lend a hand to do the dishes. The water was sooo cold, I was sneezing in minutes, literally! Well trust "the doctor" to have a handy explanation for that. The sneezing continued till the end of the day and I decided I may have developed catarrh afterall. I took a very hot bath, crossed my fingers and went to bed hoping for the best. (Doctors are the worst patients right?).

Woke up Sunday morning with more cold and a terrible shoulder pain. The shoulder pain, I attributed to poor positioning as I slept. My mother decided it was time to take some action, so she pulled out her medicine bag and gave me something for cold and a big jacket, since I was also traveling that day. The journey was mostly uneventful, but I remember waking up at some point and realizing I'd worn the jacket inside out. Got home. Still no Biggy. Did what needed to be done and went to bed. And I never go to bed early. 

Woke up sometime on Monday morning to my younger sister asking if I wouldn't be going to work. Thank God I was on afternoon shift that day. I slept most of the day, got up at 1pm and went to work. Work was terrible that day. First of all, one of my colleagues met me at the gate and told me about a mortality we just have in the emergency room. Secondly, there was an overload of patients from both the on-going johesu strike and the holidays. The emergency room was overflowing and I was alone. After taking over, I decided to review the patients, send some to the wards, some home, and stabilize the remaining. To cut the long story short, I lost 2 patients at the end of that shift, 30 minutes apart. I became very sad (thankfully I didn't get to the depression line). Again, the shoulder pain from the previous day became generalized body pains after doing CPR (cardiac massage). That day, when I got home, the first thing I did was sleep. I woke around midnight to eat, take some pain relievers  and headed straight to bed again.

By Tuesday morning, I felt broken. I ached from head to toe. I knew the harmattan was in town, but I also knew from experience that it wouldn't make me wear a leather jacket in the afternoon. I was beginning to think that something was wrong somewhere. I pulled out my own medicine basket, brought out my antimalarial drug, (in Nigeria, everyone thinks once you feel feverish, it's malaria until proven otherwise) called my senior colleague to give me the "go ahead" to take the drug, and he says "hold off on the drugs, why not get to the hospital so we can talk about it? ". I called my hubby, and he says "do a test first before throwing medicines in your mouth". (So now, I'm feeling like a drug addict, I tell you, we doctors are really terrible patients.  lol). So, I follow their advice and waited. After consulting with my colleague, he thinks I may be too stressed up. "Take some multivitamins and rest, he says". To tell you the truth, I was truly tired of taking medicines. I'd been taking antimalarials almost on a monthly basis. With joy, I headed home to start the multivitamins. That night was worse than the others. I normally bath with hot water, but that night, the temperature of the water was almost at boiling point, and I was still shivering. I called for my sister to give me a hand with applying some hot balm to my body. She obliged me, and as she applied, I began to complain bitterly. She also said it could be due to stress or lack of multivitamins. She however, said one very important single word - PRAY.

I did pray, and on Wednesday morning, I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock. Until that moment, I hadn't realised that I hadn't heard that sound in a couple of days. (Somehow, I slept through it). I said a short prayer, got off my bed and made breakfast. At the end of the day, I felt even stronger. Filled with so much joy, I decided that maybe I should share it with you.

I don't know what you might be going through right now, or whether you have totally given up on God, I am here to tell you that he lives and he is true to his words (the bible). He is the same God yesterday, today and forever, and he never changes.  Call on him while believing and you'll be glad you did. Remember, his grace is sufficient for us.

Have you had any miracle lately?  Even the tiniest one? Maybe a near miss? Then, feel free to share your experience with the rest of us.  Someone out there may be in need of some encouragement.

Cheers........

EXIT OF AN ICON

Hey there everyone, 

Finally, the last day of 2014 and my last post for the year. Yesterday started with my taking stock of the events of the year. I chose to go with a joyful moment. Later in the day, while reflecting, I realized that my stock taking wouldn't be complete if I shared only my joys and not my sorrows, my trials and tribulations and how God saw me through it all. Someone might just be going through the same problems and looking for a way to overcome and move on with life. As they say; "life is not a bed of roses". There is a proverb aamong my people (the Igbos), that says "afor gbara aka lawa" which this last year go empty handed, don't take any lives. I used to wonder at such a saying. I wondered why they didn't say "this year go with all the bad things you brought upon us".

The story I'm about to narrate was my worst hit for the year. Exactly 2 months and a week after I got married, I got the news of the demise of my dear father-in-law while in the middle of an update course. I can honestly say I was heartbroken. Me! Who barely knew him. I couldn’t imagine what my mother-in-law, my husband or his brothers could be feeling, but I knew they were devastated. If you could say someone lived a good life, then my late father-in-law would be one of those people. By living a good life, I don't mean having fun and throwing parties day in day out. I definitely don't mean drinking, smokin or chasing women like there was a trophy to be won at the end. No, I mean living a life worth emulating. A life of sacrifice and of helping people, touching as many lives as he positively could.

Whatever little I knew of him was confirmed at his burial by family, friends and people whom have been touched by him in one way or the other. Prior to his death, I've had cause to bury my grandparents but I never went into the nitty gritty of what my custom demanded of the bereaved. I already knew that parties were thrown by the bereaved for guests to come and eat, as if it is a celebration. For the first time, I took note of the support offered by friends and relatives. Many came with food and money, others with words of encouragement. I just used to think that everything was left for the affected family to sort out. It used to make me so upset to the point of asking why we couldn't be more like the westerners, who (from movies I've watched), just wear black that day and assemble at the cemetery. Then they go home to meals brought in by friends or not.

Now, when I look by at my father-in-law's burial ceremony, I am happy it turned out the way it did. He was well deserving of it. We had like four asheobi groups including the one worn by us his children. Many singing and dance groups displayed their talents. Usually, a typical Nigerian burial is a 3-day event, and this one was no different.  There is usually the wake-keep (service of songs) which keeps of the process, followed by the burial itself, then the thanksgiving service for a successful burial the next sunday.

Im sorry I don't have any photos from the burial day to share,  we were too upset to "say cheese". Below is a photo from the thanksgiving service. Finally, I decided to make this my last post for the year since we would be exiting 2014, why not a post of an exit to go with it.  Also praying that 2015 would be the bomb! See you there.

Cheers y'all and I wish you a very happy new year!!!!.....

DOCTORS: MEN OF LITTLE FAITH

I know this may seem like an unusual topic but certain things have happened recently in my life and at work that has made me decide to write about this. Two days ago, I was on call and a pregnant woman in labour was rushed into the emergency room. I immediately instructed that she be taken to the labour ward where all the help she needed could be offered. The doctor in the ward was informed and he went to see the patient. Some minutes later, I was called to come and give a second opinion because he couldn't pick the fetal heart sound. I got up from my bed grumbling because;

• (1) I just got there and was trying to catch a few minutes of sleep before I an awoken to see the next emergency patient. 
• (2) I had to go up and down a whole lot of stairs to do this business.

Anyway, I continue to get the business done, got to the ward and saw the patient. I listened and listened but heard no fetal heart rate. I began to curse the health sector in Nigeria that doesn't work. I got angry that my centre have refused to replace the sonicaid that got bad. (If it was available, nobody would have broken this my little sleep). I began to wonder why we couldn't operate a 24 hour ultrasound system, even if just to listen to and confirm fetal heart rates in the middle of the night calls. Bottomline, I couldn't hear anything save for the maternal pulse, and since she was already in labour, we decided to allow the labour progress. No need rushing in for a caesarian surgery for an intrauterine death. I walked away with only one thought in mind; "God why did you allow this happen? Worse still, at term?"

Of note, was the fact that she was an unbooked patient. (By this, I mean that she didn't register the pregnancy or attend antenatal clinics with us). She had been told by another clinic that they couldn't pick the fetal heart rate and to present at the teaching hospital. She decided to present to us and didn't volunteer that information until she was delivered of the baby. Instead she told us that she was referred because she had an elevated blood pressure. (Her blood pressure was truly a bit elevated). Her reason for ditching the teaching hospital for us was simply because we are a faith-based organisation.

Her husband and pastor, the nurses, midwives and orderlies began to pray with her. The labour progressed and by early hours of the morning, I heard while in the emergency room, that she had delivered and the shocking news was that the baby was alive with good apgar scores!

Occasionally, I have prayed for patients and nothing happened and so I decided not to pray everytime, mostly for reasons I'm not sure I know at all. This woman's case was indeed a medical miracle. How often have we (doctors, nurses, healthcare givers) written off a case as impossible, incurable and God comes in and works unbelievable wonders. This woman never gave despite repeated confirmation of a dead baby. she had faith.

If you have read this, and you are going through some challenges, health or otherwise, regardless of what you've been told, know that God has the final say and nothing, I mean absolutely nothing is impossible for him to do. Infact, after this experience, I got encouraged to continue praying for my patients no matter the end result. I don't own anyone's life and can't give it, but I  can try my best (physical, medical or spiritual) to preserve it. May God help us all.

N.B** please do not misunderstand what I'm trying to say. Seek help, while believing God to make it well for you. Faith without works is dead.

Cheers.......

LINDA IKEJI AND PLAGIARISM NEWS

Hello everyone,

Yesterday, as I surfed the internet, I decided to check out facebook. A friend of mine asked a question. It goes this way, " Am I the only one in Nigeria that doesn't follow Linda Ikeji's blog? I'm totally lost." Some people actually didn't know who she was, while others like myself explained to them. Until that discussion came up, I haven't heard of the news that Google had shut down Linda Ikeji's blog for plagiarism. Don't be surprised by this by the way, some of the people who didn't know her are doctors.

If you didn't know, doctors, (well, most of them, not all) are a group of very intelligent people who have chosen to live under a rock most of their lifetime, with big books and only come out to interact with their immediate, immediate, extra immediate environment, (sometimes, even when they are on various forms of social media). This definition includes me to some extent. For example, I didn't even know what a blog was until 2 years ago when someone +Dupsie Otoide  encouraged me to try using it to market my business. Prior to that, a friend of mine, +Jumoke Ahubelem Ojo has had one for years, told me about it and I just filtered it out. My followership on twitter is less than 150 and I haven't fully understood instagram till now, and I didn't know about Linda Ikeji until last year.  lol. To further emphasize what I mean by doctors living under a rock, a doctor I knew was so busy with her books, she was the best student, but she didn't know the name of the present vice president of the country at that time.

All that gist just now is just a digression, now on to the main gist. When I heard the news, my first question was, "how does one plagiarize news?" It's news for goodness sake! It's already out there. It's almost like CNN showing up and saying "BBC stole our news". It's funny. Next, I hear it's photos she plagiarized. I don't know how true that is, but I've learnt that in this business of blogging or is it cyber reporting/news, you've got to give credit to whom it is due.

Less than 24 hours after I hear the news of the plagiarization and shutting down of her blog, Linda Ikeji's blog is restored. Now, this is what I have to say; (it's quite a bit, so please be patient):

• Linda Ikeji started her blog from scratch when other people where too busy copying other people's ideas of making both money and a name for themselves. I watched an interview once where she talked about how she started. She used to go to the cybercafe back then, buy time slots and type her blog because she didn't have a laptop, there were no smart phones on the go like we have today and internet access was a luxury.
• She saw an open market, strategized, saw what the future probably had in stock and took a leap of faith. Today it has paid her and people want to break they heads because she bought a jeep worth millions.
• She is an inspiration to many Nigerian bloggers to tell you the truth. I blog as you know, and to tell you the truth, it is not and easy job. Try seating down for long hours, typing something people would actually want to read and you'd understand.
• Finally, what I see from all this is plain and simple - JEALOUSY!!! with a capital J. If you want to buy brand new millions (not million) dollar jeep, carry computer go sit down they type. Open blog, it's free, then see how easy the cash flows in. Mtscheeeewwwww....... Bad belle people. 

To +Linda Ikeji and every blogger out there, Do not plagiarize, be it content, music or photo. Blogging is all about being original. To all them wicked bad belle people, understand this, She is already at the top and fighting hard to remain there, so just give up. you may never win. People will continue to follow and read her blog. And guess what, you only succeeded in making her more popular. Even some doctors now know her.

I am done writing, re-reading and editing, about to send out the post and I see this http://lindaikeji.blogspot.de/2014/10/between-linda-ikeji-and-mr-aye-dee-real.html m=1
What I'm I to think of it? Is this a love gone sour at one point in time? You know how scorned boyfriends can be. Well, That is not my kettle of fish. My major issue is this, when you are pointing a finger at someone, three are pointing back at you. Trying to put someone down might only spiral them way above you.

I don tire to write, adios fellas.

Cheers.......

A COMPARISON OF TWO REVIEWS OF THE NOVELLA "DON'T JOIN"

I usually don't write reviews, but I feel this novel is worth sharing with you. Have you ever heard of the saying "Guys would  be guys, and girls would be girls? " Well, I always didn't pay much attention to it until I read two reviews of this awesome novel by members of the opposite sex. But first, let me tell you a bit about the MUST READ novel. 

The novella “Don’t Join” illuminates realities of gang life in the Nigerian university environment. Set in Nigeria, it follows the adventures of Uche, a boy who joins a gang without knowing the consequences. His new life of pain, fear and bloodshed reveals the struggles of being a gang member – and the danger that comes with it. 

Looking at two review of the book, you could easily tell that one was written by a man and the other by a woman.

The lad focused on the gory, thrilling and radical aspect of the book such as rage, fear, bravery, pride and death.  As shown in an excerpt below;

• When you read a rarified yet extraordinary book like Don’t Join, you will have a different view about Death. It is inevitable and it is something that we should embrace now and probably plan towards it. The book adopted a University campus in the Nigerian setting which comprised of radical students who believed in social pride, war and death. Even at the face of death, they feared absolutely nothing.

•  “Tell them how no one could tamper with you because you were my friend; tell them I died a hero and that my spirit dwells in Valhalla, a place where all great warriors go. Tell them that I am brewing [drinking] from Mimir, the fountain of wisdom with the gods.” Then he growled like a wolf, Awoo! Awoo!”…”Continue reading here http://denizutopia.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/book-review-dont-join-by-azubike-a-ahubelem/                                                                                              

On the other hand the lady focused on the romantic parts of the book  that covered topics such as love, tension and commitment. Expressing her disgust over some of the male characters which she described as naïve, comical and too brutish. As shown in the excerpt below;

• However, there was another female that I found difficult to resist and she is named Suzy. She is described as more beautiful, tougher, and more courageous than Uju. In my own words I would personally say she comes across as a trained snake that is loyal to its master and can strike at anytime when threatened. Suzy created tension in the story line and challenged Uche in the commitment in his relationships. The end result from these indirect challenges I must add, was pretty much surprising and hence made me wonder how many guys would actually go ahead with Uche’s decision. Such scenes were written very well in relation to tension, mystery and sadness. As the reader I felt captivated by such scenes, keeping in mind that the book is also funny, when looking at how naïve some of Uche’s friends were in certain situations. A good example is a character named “12 Seconds”. He seemed to be bit too brutish and comical. The stories he enjoyed telling sounded like something straight out of a SIN CITY comic book. Although he was fun to read about I couldn’t help thinking he was just a mere display of testosterone and machismo. READ MORE AT: http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/1496986970/ref=cm_cr_dp_text?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=byRankDescending#RU821TDSCTN9C

Personally, I prefer to go with the saying; "what a man can do, a woman can do better". You'll decide for yourself after you read the reviews.

Don’t Join is written by Azubike Akin Ahubelem and published by AuthorHouse UK

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in |110 pages| ISBN 9781496986962

Softcover | 6 x 9 in |110 pages| ISBN 9781496986972

E-book | ISBN 9781496986986

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Contacts:

Website: http://www.jollyrogueseries.com

Twitter: @DTjoin

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jollyrogueseries

FG WAGES A WAR AGAINST MEDICAL DOCTORS IN NIGERIA

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the federal government of Nigeria waged a war against the medical doctors, in particular, the ones in residency training. This is how the story went down. For more than a month now, the medical doctors in Nigeria have been on strike over many issues. These issues have been highlighted in here. Negotiations have taken place between the federal government and the NMA (Nigerian Medical Association) with no much head way. Then, came ebola disease and the doctors were asked to resume work to help combat the problem. An emergency meeting was held on Wednesday, 6th of August, 2014 by the NMA, from which a rumor spread that the strike has been called off. The next day, that rumor was refuted. It was said that the president of the association made them (people present) cast a vote, from which he drew the conclusion that he favored and walked out on them. It was also said that the doctors present got miffed and started to plan his impeachment. The next story that circulated to the media was that he resigned and he was again re-instated. It was right in the middle of a training that residents who have been on strike received the news of the termination of their appointment.

Initial reaction? Fear! Fear of the unknown, fear of been broke, as it is we aren't earning enough. Questions began to come up, people started making decisions before even analyzing the issues and thinking about the future. Their future, as well as that of their generations unborn. Repeatedly, I have begged for an answer to these questions; What work do those in power do exactly to earn what they earn? How much studying have they done? My single answer? Not much. So pray tell, what gives them the right to make such decisions on issues majority of them have no clue about?

Permit me to take a bit of your time to explain the much needed. The general public believe that doctors are been cruel by going on strike. They believe that the reasons for the strike action are selfish (all we want is more money for ourselves, which by the way, I see absolutely nothing wrong with). Many believe it's just about fighting johesu for who should be the chief medical doctor (that shouldn't even be an issue, to me it doesn't hold water). Follow me down the road a bit more please. Many  people believe that doctors earn so much money, they probably don't have enough bank accounts to hold them. Currently in Nigeria, the federal institutions are the highest paying hospitals followed by the state. I don't work for any of the above named institutions. I work for a private hospital and my salary is about 60-70% of theirs and believe me when I tell you this, many doctors are earning much less. Now, the essence of residency training, is to make you a better doctor so you don't kill all your patients. We have seen that compared to our counterparts abroad, it is not enough to just be a medical officer with no further training. We still have a very long way to go. 

The residency training doesn't just involve going to work and coming back and learning under the supervision of the consultant or professor, contrary to public believe. No!! far from it. We go to lots of updates and revision courses as a requirement for your exams. You write exams at different stages. These courses we attend are not for free, they are quite expensive, and it is not held once a year. This year alone, I have attended 4. The exams you also have to pay for. These courses are held in different parts of the country. If I tell you that in the last two months, I haven't earn a salary, would you believe me? Probably NO. But this is the truth, because even though I am been paid, it all goes into the training. We, residents have to travel to parts of the country where you don't know a soul, in this time of poor security. We have to pay accommodation bills and feed ourselves (especially night meals). When I wrote the primary exams (the exam that qualifies you to start the program) 5 years ago, the fees were approximately N20,000 for revision courses and exams each. Now the courses range from N30000 - N50,000. The exam is N60,000. Did I forget to mention that we have to register with the college and pay yearly dues? We have to pay to renew our licenses every year? After all these payments, if you fail the exam, you start again because the courses expire. Let me not add other personal and family responsibilities (many of us are married with children). So I ask, where is the money exactly? In short, passing out of medical school just places you at the bottom of the very long ladder to achieving your goals.

Amongst the things doctors are fighting for is for a better health care system for us and especially generations yet unborn. For how long will these people who call themselves our leaders continue to ride on us? They or their family members fall sick and they travel out of the country for care. We fall sick, we are left to rot in an almost non-existence  facility. A very good example, my younger brother took ill, the correct diagnosis was made, (already half way there right)? The necessary medicines for treatment were not available in the country. If not for the grace of God and his provision, I would have been one brother short. We had to be flown out eventually, when he was deteriorating and he could do nothing. Not for lack of knowledge, but for lack of resources. Another very good example, the first lady #PatientDameJonathan took ill ( minor illness oh!), she was flown to Germany for treatment. What happened to national hospital? You see these people make laws that don't affect their comfort in anyway. A part of the reason for this strike, is for a better working environment to enable adequate and prompt treatment of the citizens of this country. Of what use am I to you, if I know everything about your illness and can't save your life? The very job I am been trained for. We are at another revision course now, we are given the latest trends in treatment of certain conditions, then we are told "it is not available in the country now". I went to India and I saw things that prior to, I had only read about in those big textbooks. Imagine that. What is wrong in asking for things to be set in place? The average life expectancy of a Nigerian is 54 years, Is that normal?

The public is quick to judge the doctor now, but not so fast, wait until you have successfully trained one, then, watch him/her go out everyday and come back worn out. Wait until you see them been constantly, exposed to different forms of health hazards and you are the one at home praying for their safety. Wait until you have to beg to get a bit of their attention, because they are always in the hospital, working (my parents can attest to this). Then you can judge. I know lots and lots of doctors who basically trained themselves, with no aid from the government I might add. Abroad, there is room to loan and pay back when you start working. Many medical students have to photocopy textbooks from those that can afford it, so that they have what to read. Many residents still continue to do this and it is much worse now, because we have even more books to buy and definitely more responsibilities. 

As residents, we continue to train ourselves while rendering service to the community and this is how we get paid for asking for a better working system. We are under contract, with no guarantee of a full employment when we eventually pass and become consultants. The resident has no right to gratuity. With the outbreak of ebola, the doctors are scared to their bone marrow which is one of the reasons they don't want to go back to work now. The FG is huffing and puffing and issuing threats and sack letters, Have you put systems in place to guaranty our safety? Do you send a soldier into combat without ammunition? The doctor that is currently sick with ebola now in Lagos, what is his hazard allowance? N5,000. What compensation does he or his family get from him being at the war front? Is that N5,000 able to make a dent in his required treatment? Please oh! this is not a case of David vs. Goliath.

My fellow colleagues, this is not the time to start running helter skelter. It is not a time for those not in the training to see it as an opportunity. In this case, "opportunity doesn't come but once". This is not a time to be intimidated by the politicians. This, I say, is a time to come and stand together. They want to dismiss the residency training program, allow them to get doctors from outside the country and see how much more they'll pay them (ask the people and Delta State Hospital, Oghara). Agreed, many may argue that they have not had a place to train since they passed their primary exams, whose fault is that? Many are already planning to apply as locum doctors, let me tell you something you aren't aware of, that is exactly what the FG wants, to tear us down. Don't allow it. You take the job now, under whatever terms and conditions they come up with, what happens down the road a few years later? I tell you brethren! you will pay the price. Today, this offer may sound and look good, what about tomorrow? Do not be like Esau in the bible who sold his birth right for food.

For those who have said "why have doctors not merged together to build a standard hospital in Nigeria to rival the government ones, now you are privy to how much we actually have left at the end of the month. And if not for fights this in the past, doctors would be nowhere today. If the federal institutions can't handle the load of doctors graduated each year, I believe they would do well to reduce the number of medical students admitted each year. But alas, they can't can they? Not with the godfatherism that continues to plague us till this day, the reason many people haven't gotten a space to train after passing, and why some pay institutions to train them (minus all the expenses enumerated above). The governors, senators, ministers, and other rulers have list to submit at every level.

Finally, Is it possible to cancel the postgraduate training in a university? Because that is what stopping residency training implies. ASUU went on strike for 6 months last year, why weren't they sacked? Doctors, this is the time to make use of the social media. It is not only for celebrities and businesses. Tweet, retweet, hasgtag, facebook, google+ share and reshare and let everyone know that we are together. My pipo! (people) na awa (it's our) workshop dem they play with so oh! Afterall, na where you they work, naim you dey chop. Shikena!!!

#FGCan'tStopResidencyTraininginNigeria
#NigerianDoctorsFightForYourRights

Cheers.....

FORMAL EDUCATION vs. TALENT FOR RICHES

The post came about initially as a discussion with my forever arguing brothers. Each trying to state why his career choice is better and more lucrative than the other's, and the need to try your hands at something else using your talent. This time it was a debate on the essence formal education and talent in acquiring riches. That was on Sunday. Amazingly, I went to work on Monday morning and the person preaching in the morning devotion says the exact same thing that my brothers concluded on the day before. Already, my mind was on over-drive and already planning on how I was going to share the information.

THE STORY:

My first brother, (older) has a PhD in safety and environment. In this argument, he was for making the money. According to him, money makes the world go round. My second brother, the dentist, (younger) is what you call a bookworm. He is very academical, always for the books and gaining more knowledge. Unfortunately, my last brother, the lawyer who is the neutral zone wasn't available at the time and I had to fill in for him. (By force -  I was dragged into the argument). I'm also not good for the part of arguing in the neutral  zone. 

Anyway, the argument for and against the topic went on and one of them suggested turning to Google for some answers. (Since I wasn't of much use to them). They searched for the 50 richest men in the world. Lo and behold! There was not a single professor on that list. Some were MSc holders at best. Others were dropouts. Isn't it shocking? Take for instance Aliko Dangote, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg e.t.c. These guys made a difference using their God-given talents. They refused to conform to a stereotype Then they employed the professors. 

This is not to say that education is useless, nope quiet the opposite. Education is what gives you the edge in business or in using your talent over the uneducated. These guys aren't with no education mind you. Another scenario is that of the just concluded under 17 world cup. The Nigerian team won. The players (in all their 17 years) got N2 million each; the coaches, N3 million but the team doctor with all his education ended up with N500,000. One more example, read about the story of the master who gave his servants some talents and went on a journey in the Bible. Matthew 25: 14-30

The internet search was the tie breaker for the day. The conclusion drawn was to acquire your education but remain unique and creative. Some quotes by my dental philosophizing brother are shown below. Go ahead and read them, they make some sense. (Don't know if it's original or something he read somewhere. Will have to ask him).

1) "We are oceans at birth, but become streams as we grow. We may even become stagnant water at old age in terms of creativity".
2) "A child at birth is open to learning everything and anything but as they grow, they choose what to learn and what not to. What to retain after learning it and what to discard".
3) "Let your dominant interest be your education". In others words, do what you love.
4) "For true education is our continuous realization of our ignorance while false education is our continued realization of our intelligence".
True education breeds humility while false education breeds pride.
5) Education is a journey, it may also be a means to an end.

Cheers.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Usually, on Fridays I write about food or fashion. Today, I decided to skip it for a post on the thanksgiving holidays. The post would have come earlier too, but it looks like the PHCN staff learnt nothing from the event that took place yesterday. As they refused to supply us with power through out today and the battery of my laptop ran out. Click here to read the event on the PHCN issue.

There are lots of holidays that go on around the world that Africans don't bother themselves with. (The ones we consider the "oyibo" holidays). "Oyibo" being the Nigerian term for "White Man". For example, Halloween, Thanksgiving and a few others. However, there is one I strongly believe everyone around the world should take part in and that's the thanksgiving holiday. We all have one reason or another to be thankful for. If you can't think of anything in particular, then just remember that you are alive today and reading this post. Life is something no one can add to themselves, just the way you can't make a single strand of hair grow on your head.

This year, I have so much to be thankful for. Amidst lots of trials and temptations, we (my family and I) came out victorious.There are some events that didn't go as planned, yet I'm thankful to God. You never know what the future holds, right? As the saying goes, "in everything, give thanks." Another thing I am thankful for this year is the arrival of my brand new niece yesterday. Isn't that just awesome? Anyway, I think this is one holiday Africans and in particular Nigerians should adopt. Instead of totally ignoring it and carrying on with life like "no man's business". Don't you think?

Finally, Thanksgiving is also associated with family dinners, turkey and pumpkin pie. So, I guess it somehow qualifies for "Food Friday". Have a fabulously Happy Thanksgiving guys!!!

Cheers.....

FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAIN, FOR REAL!!!

Hey guys, Guess I'm at it again with all my non-interior design blog posts. However, I think these are things that people need to and sometimes even what to know, to read about, something to help us get through the day a little easier. I'm sorry but today I'm going all religious on you. I am a Christian, but I believe Faith which is my topic of discussion today, cuts across all spheres of human life and religion, Christian or not. At some point in our lives, we all need something to work out so bad! and that is where FAITH comes in.

What is Faith? According to the Catholic catechism book, "It is the supernatural gift from God which enables you to believe without doubting whatever God has revealed". In the Holy Bible "Hebrews 11:1 "It is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen". This was the preaching in Church last week and I really loved and appreciated the way it was thought. What I didn't know that day was that I was going to use it in helpful ways to the people around me, Doctors and patients alike. I definitively didn't know I would be sharing it in my blog.

The key words in faith is to BELIEVE WITHOUT DOUBTING. Two things happened at the hospital yesterday that spurred me into wanting to share this. First, during the morning meeting I got a text message from a colleague who I had a talk with one night, a couple of weeks ago, thanking me for the talk I gave her. She had been very upset and dejected almost losing faith. She said everytime she remembers what I said to her, it keeps her going. Of course, I was overwhelmed. I never knew my few words of encouragement would help her turn around and keep her going.

The second incident of the day was about a mother refusing that her very sick child be admitted for proper care. She had been spoken to by three other colleague and I was about leaving the clinic at the close of the day when the nurse drew my attention to them saying the child presented 2days prior and the mother rejected admission, the child was placed on oral drugs and she represented with a vomiting, lethargic child who was still vomiting despite all antiemetics given. I knew I had to convince this woman to accept admission but didn't know how just yet, with her being adamant and all. Let me just say at this point, Nigerians are very religious people and sometimes to the point of annoyance when they begin to misinterpret the Bible or interpret it to suit their terms.

I gently walked up to her, greet her and tried to confirm what I was told by the nurse. The story checked out then I proceeded to find out the reasons for her actions. She complained that it was because she was ill too. I sympathized with her but firmly told her that it was her job to be at the side of her children everytime until they are old enough and then the preaching from Sunday service came straight to me and I said to her "THIS IS YOUR CROSS TO CARRY". If you didn't have any children or was unmarried, maybe no money to take care of them, I'm pretty sure you ask God why? now you have the children and you don't want to take care of them". Somehow, these words got to her and she agreed to the admission. I saw her today and she was happy and the child's condition has also improved.

So the next time, things are not going as you planned, do not fret, maybe God allowed the temptation to enable you become stronger and learn something new. He permitted the devil to tempt Job but spared his life. Job came out victorious in the end because he believed and trusted only in God. Remember that we all have our cross to carry and the way Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus to carry his cross, God will surely send our helper.

What I want you who are reading this to take away from this are;

• Have Faith - Believe without doubting
• When faced with trials and tribulations, stand firm and fight, it is your cross to bear.
• Don't give up
• Don't compare your life with someone else's own, they might have more problems than you cab ever handle.
• Have fun with life- those that have best out of life, enjoy life; it is difficult for those who analyse it and  worse for those who criticize it.

Cheers!!!

NEVER GIVE UP!

Awhile back, as I was about to begin my marriage courses, a requirement by the church for couples planning to get married, my fiance and I went to my parish priest (being a catholic and all) to inform him our wish to start the classes and he directed my us to the priest in charge of marriage. Upon meeting with this priest, he told u that we had to first of all register the marriage in the church we intended to wed in, then to collect a letter from them permitting me to take classes in another parish. 

The priest then asked us what date we planned to fix the wedding, then we planned it for May and at this time, I had little over 3 months for preparations. The next words he said weren't the least bit encouraging. First that we were already too late and secondly, that the classes held up to 3 times in a week at times not compatible with my working hours and days since I have to take calls as a doctor. This meant I'd be missing some classes. I proceeded to ask if I'd be given some consideration for the days I'm on call and he said a big 'NO'. I decided to try out another parish about 5 minutes from my house. Here, I met the catechist and he was happy to hear that I am a medical doctor. Right away, he gave me 4 topics out of the 16 outlined in the book and told me to just call whenever I wasn't going to make it for classes. I was even happier with this arrangement as it held only on Saturdays and I could make it 2 or 3 times in a month.

You know the funny thing about us humans, I began to think I was doing him a favour my taking those classes conveniently choosing to forget that he chose not to pernalise me for my absence like the other priest. Did mention that I had a bad case of stage fright? Yep, I do! a terrible one. I might be good with a pen and paper but please don't ask me to face a crowd, not even a small one of 5 people. I hated presenting at any seminars even our doctors meeting. Usually people would complain that I talked too fast and too low and so they didn't hear a word.

However, as I began to tutor this small group of individuals constantly, I had a boost in my confidence levels and I began to speak louder. The last presentation I made at work went better than expected. No one complained about not hearing what I said. It was refreshing. So, not only did I gain my marriage classes, I also improved on my presentation skills. If I had not looked else where, maybe I wouldn't have been given the chance to teach anyone.

Dear friends, when that door looks not just closed but locked, take a look around, there might be another door even a window that is opened. You never know!

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS!!!

Last week I put out a post on re-branding the business of my Aunt I went to visit and 2 days ago I read a devotional on starting some. Since then I have tried to convince everyone I know on the importance of starting small and growing your business from there. In that stead, I have decided to share this with you. Hope you enjoy reading it. 

Do you have a business idea?, something you are passionate about, a knack for turning something around for the better? Do these talents and ideas abound yet you have no funds to establish them (your dreams) or your career path? Then there is some good news for you today, START SMALL! with whatever you have. Don't wait, don't procrastinate. Don't ever think when I have a billion naira or a million dollars. Start small and grow from there.

Whether you want to be a model, a business mogul or a professor of medicine, you don't wake you one day to find yourself at the top you have to work hard to get there. You have to take it one step at a time. Remember the sayings; little drops of water make a mighty ocean or a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step? These are words we've heard from the cradle and almost everyday since then.

If you are a christian and believe in miracles, I see no problem with that, I am a christian too but remember heaven helps those who help themselves (faith without works is dead). Even the bible supports humble beginnings; In Job 8:7 "your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be". Zechariah 4:10 "who despises the days of small beginnings? men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of zerubbabel. In Matthew 13:31-32 " the story of the mustard seed which though is the smallest of all seeds grows to be so huge, it provides shelter for the birds of the air. Another parable is that of the talents or 3 servants as you may call it in Matthew 25:14-30 , where 3 servants were given some amount of money according to their responsibilities and only 2 invested theirs and were given more. The last hid his and returned it same to his master. What happened to him? His was collected and given to the person who invested more saying "for everyone who has will be given more, ans he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him".

God has blessed everyone with a talent or an ability, we just need to begin to explore and develop it. There are advantages to starting small and it is learning the rudiments of the trade so you don't come crashing down. A lot of people will want to swindle you of your possessions no matter how little, worse if you have much and know not what to do with. Some people of note started small but see where they are today. They include people like; #My father, Ben Carson, Aliko Dangote e.t.c. All you need is hardwork and perseverance.

With hardwork and perseverance, you can grow from being a simply farmer with a piece of land behind your house to the owner of large acres of land using mechanized farming and possibly exporting to other states and countries. IT'S ALL IN THE DREAM!!!!

CHEERS!!!

RE-BRANDING - A PREREQUISITE FOR IMAGE CONSULTING

As you all already know, kays fittings blog is a blog about interior designing and image consulting. Image consulting is not just about our personal image in our we dress or how we look, it's the way we portray every single thing that we do. It is the image of our houses, our offices, our food, the way we run our little businesses, our levels of organization e.t.c. A few days ago, I wrote a post about developing our ideas. Well, I got the opportunity to develop the business of a relative who has been in a particular trade for a while and needed to make her presence felt in her city of residence. And with this we go into re-branding.

Re-branding is a marketing strategy in which a new name, term, symbol, design or combination thereof is created for an established brand with the intention of developing a new, differentiated identity in the minds of consumers, investors and competitors. Often, this involves changes to a brand's logo, name, IMAGE, marketing strategy and advertising themes.

I can not begin to stress the importance of incorporating style into everything we do and into every aspects of our daily living. This week I travelled to the federal capital territory - Abuja for a medical update course and stayed at my Aunt's house. She is a barrister but like so many of us has decided to spread her wings into the business zone. She loves cooking with such a passion, it's nothing short of amazing. However, there was a little problem, she wasn't reaching the number clients she thought she should be getting to, so she decided to step up her game just a notch. This is where I came in. When creating a business;

• First, you have to give a name, something that people can remember with ease. It doesn't have to be your personal name like Jeffery's or Anderson and sons or something like that. I'm not saying it's wrong to do so but if you can think of a related topic as the name, then all the better.
• Secondly, your place of business must be a notable place, your logo must be able to stand out  and speak for itself no matter the location. It shouldn't matter that there are many businesses around you, yours should be eye-catching.
• Lastly, your products; to be able to grab people's attention and keep them on you, your products must be uniquely yours. You should have a signature stamp to it. Something that attracts people and keeps them coming for more.
• Above all you have to be able to multi-task and organize with great ease.This adds efficiency to your business and trust me no one wants to be delayed for even a second even if they are renowned late comers to everything.

So my Aunt specializes in cakes- wedding, birthdays e.t.c., indoor and outdoor catering, snacks. Initially, she waited for clients to order the products before they are made but now owning a company of hers, she can go out and source for bigger jobs with bigger companies who might require her to submit a proposal. We also decided that she could make snacks and supply to shops who can then sell to their clients. While she was making some of the snacks, doughnuts in particular, I gave her some ideas for the topping as it doesn't have to be plain or sugar-coated all the time. With the idea of re-branding her business, she'll be a force to be reckoned with. So, watch out for SWIT FINGAZ KONCEPTS coming soon to Abuja! Here are some of her works...