It is said that the best way to develop a country is to develop the people. Every developed country has done so because the people of those nations have been willing to take the baton to develop from their governments. Governments have a role to play in providing the fertiliser to help to germinate the seeds of development. The citizens must be willing and ready to drive forward and help the country.

Don't let anything stop your dreams. The world is full of people with the potential to be anything they want to be, but we rarely achieve our dreams because we let other things divert our attention from our goals. Break down your goals into manageable chunks, tick them off and set new goals when you accomplish one goal. Have fun, but keep focus. Worry less about what people think of you, but most importantly, take every obstacle as a challenge that you need to overcome. Dream and have fun, you only live once.Dont back down when people say no to you. You just have to keep going. Success is about hardwork and perseverance.

Will the real Nigerians please stand up, please stand up.

Yesterday I was with a group of friends. As usual, the issue of our country and what we can do to improve things became the hot topic. It is obvious that we all know the problems with Nigeria, we even know the solution to those problems, but as always none of us is willing to take any actions. The actions are for the others to take, but to be honest, we dont really want any outsiders to sort of the problems, especially not the chinese, the Koreans, definitely not the Brits, the Americans, not even our fellow Nigerians. We want the problems to go away without any of us doing anything. We want electricity to be ubinterrupted, we want our roads to be clear of congestion, we want our government to be incorruptable, but we dont want to pay tax or even stand up and be counted if things dont go to plan.

The real Nigerians are the ones who stand up and be ready to be counted. They are willing to do things to help their fatherland, complain less, but look for solutions to help develop the country. See problems as opportunities and a chance for improvement. They seek public offices for the services they can offer, not the benefits they can reap out of the people already suffering in the hands of their fellow men and women in power.

So, will the real Nigerians please stand up!!!. I am waiting!!

Many people strive and dream of starting their own businesses, to many its the freedom of being able to do their own thing when they want. To others, its a dream of earning alot of money. Whatever the reason, starting your own business takes a lot of hardwork and dedication.

Here are a few tips.

Plan ahead, make sure you have enough money to take you through the initial few months when you are likely to earn less. Be realistic of what you are going to make. Start small, if possible. Have a passion for what you are doing, so that when the goings get tough, you are at least still enjoying what you are doing, its more fun than a chore. Have patience and give it your hardest shot, so don't quit too early just because things are not going to plan. Ask for help from the experts if need be.

I welcome others with some experience to share them with us.

Best of luck

Many times I get asked if there is any hope for our dearly beloved country.

Many have written off the country. When you read some articles, it seems the Nigerian Obituary had been written even before indepedence, but like a terminally ill patient on life support, the machine is still keeping it alive, but only just.

I personally believe that there is hope. In the life of a country, 47 years wasted is not too bad, but we need to change the way we do things. Infrastructure is a must; electricity, good road, pipe borne water, all the essentials that we currently lack, but most importantly, we need to change our mentality as a group

We must turn from consumers into producers, we need enterpreneurs, must stop the blame culture and take responsibility for our actions. We must stop making excusses and grab the 'nettle by the neck'. Nobody will build Nigeria for us, yes, we lack leadership, but most countries do not have good leaders to develop look at China and India, they are growing despite not having the best governments in the world. It is the private sector and the majority of the citizens that will help to drive the economy forward.

Nigeria is now being carved out to the Chinese, Malaysians and the Koreans.

So, whilst we are struggling to make a living across the world, don't let us forget to keep an eye on the events at home. Let's plan to make the trip to look for the opportunities. There are the negatives, but if that service is crap, you can make it better. Let's join forces with others to become a formidable force.

It is surprising how many people turn up for parties, but very few turn up to discuss investments in the future of our country, yet most of us believe that we could run the country better. But nothing gets done without a lot of hardwork and investment.

No more passing the buck, the buck stops with us

Your comments are appreciated

Hi everyone,

This is my first time at blogging, but I intend to have a good time. The last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster. On the 7th of June I presented a paper about the Economic development of Nigeria, a week later, my friend of 35 years passed away, aged 46. He was a trouper, a man who would not hurt a single soul, he was pleasant and polite. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

I am grateful though for reconnecting with him having lost touch a few years ago. 18 months ago we attended a get together party at his house and since then we have all enjoyed going back on the good old days.

The reason I am telling you all this, is that life is too short to hold grudges, bitterness consumes our good sells, so live with passion, dont put things you can do today until tomorrow, because tomorrow is not for you to decide.

As a minority group in many new countries that we live in, we are faced with many challenges, descrimination, bad publicity etc. We must use those negatives to drive out the positives. Those things make you stronger, they make you want to go the extra mile.

Let's decide to make a difference to the lives of those that we come across. Let's live with passion. Write that book, say those loving things to your children and partners, get better education, dream big, live as if there is no tomorrow, but plan for tomorrow just in case. Give generously, connect to old friends, don't be afraid to make new ones. When you get a rejection look at the reason, but work even harder next time. Don't let the buggers get you down.

Now, lets the slagging match begin.

So, tell me about yourself and lets get it going.