Free Market System Would Free Africa by Lanre Olagunju

Despite the surplus that dwells plenteously on its fertile land, regarding the abundance of human capital, Africa, being the second largest of Earth’s seven continents, covering 23 percent of the world’s total land area and containing 13 percent of the world’s population still, Africa pursues traditional subsistence activities, which continues to provide sustenance for the majority of Africans. Till date, in spite of increasing levels of industrialization in many countries, Africa’s raw materials are exclusively being produced primarily for export. It’s crystal clear that being blessed is not enough. Countries like Niger and Nigeria among others boast of a whole lot of unexploited natural resources yet to be utilized.

Africa is rich in nature but richer in corruption, richer in customized and modern serfdom, richer in deceitfulness in government. Therefore, the benefits of freedom and equality that free market economy provides cant but remain alien to Africa.

Through deliberate reform or violent fight back, most of African nations won independence in the 1950s and 1960s. The colonial era is gone and long forgotten but many African nations have spent their post colonial era trying various forms of failed government with Marxism and military rule reigning longest? Of all the several effects of slavery, which Africa had more than enough to muster; the slavery of the mind is the greatest. Slaves don’t have the rights to think on their own or experiment new ideas, slaves don’t own anything, slaves don’t invest or buy because they have been bought. This is the only effective method slave masters use in retaining lordship over their subjects. Consequently, tyranny in government in the post colonial era is a carryover from the colonial era which is long over but with seemingly everlasting effect.



Over dependence on foreign aid and ‘kleptocratic’ governmental mismanagement is destroying Africa faster than the after effects of war. Or how else does one explain that funds gotten from foreign aids are been siphoned by government officials or at best, spent on things the funds have no business with.

A number of projects don’t see the light of the day while many die an unusual death even before maturity. Why? Over 80% of the funds goes into buying cars, office furniture, meetings, entertainment and the rest of the belly turning expenses that has got no business with the funds in the first place. This is a usual occurrence in Africa and the main reason poverty has become a second nature.

It’s worth noting that despite increasing population, food production has increased by 90% all over the world and this has got a ripple effect on real food price so as to decline by 75% in the last five decades. Unfortunately, many African nations are alien to greater agricultural productivity, internal economic freedom, international trade, a market system without over burdening government intervention, free financial market; which are all factors that brought about such a phenomenal transformation in world food production.

The most successful set of ground rules for coordinating economic activities is the system of protected private property rights which also include the protection of life and limbs and more importantly a private autonomy to compete under the rule of law. This also is out rightly absent and void in many African nations. Public policy normally do not co-ordinate human conduct as good as free market. Albert Einstein couldn’t have said it better when he said “everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labour in freedom” many traditional collective pursuits such as the provision of water or electricity are nowadays satisfied more effectively by competing private providers.

A critical study of India’s economy reveals that over population, colonial exploitation, pervasive corruption, chaotic democracy, high illiteracy, anti-materialism and fatalistic culture is not solely responsible for India’s poverty rather absence of economic freedom.

A country with a per capita income of US$500 and about US$3100 in purchasing power parity is no doubt a poor one. But India is rich in potential, powered and driven by ordinary uneducated people who have mastered and outlived the excessive involvement of government and byzantine policy which pedals every aspect of the India economy since 1950.

In the 1930s, India emerged one of the developing countries in the world to manufacture automobiles, but interestingly these inventions are made by poor illiterates. Rather than support and encourage such brilliant innovation, the law requires an unaffordable cost to test run such invention. None of these vehicles currently qualify for registration and they aren’t permitted to move on public road under the law. What a law! Consequently, India has one of the lowest densities of vehicles in the world but being a pluralistic democracy, it’s pretty easier to bend this tortuous and anti-developmental regulation. Besides automobile industry, the IT revolution birthed by the vibrant informal sectors is also facing stifling growth due to excess taxation and detrimental government policies, same goes for other economic sector in India.

The relentless and dogged people of India have made it known that consumers are willing to pay for reliable services like electricity, education, automobiles, pay television and the rest. Also, given the opportunity and conducive environment, entrepreneurs can expose the myths of natural monopoly even in sectors as conventional as electricity.

The wrong notion that markets will only thrive amongst developed infrastructure has been proved mistaken by the informal economy sector of India. The reality is that wealth is accumulated through markets and not necessarily a prerequisite for markets to exist.

The revolution and transformation Africa longs for and desire might never materialize until the resurrection and proper use of her dead capital. An estimated $9.3trillion of dead capital exists in developing and former communist countries and these are assets that got the potential to initiate surplus production and increase productivity if adequately maximized. Wealth has to be created in Africa and the most appropriate way is to create incentive for individuals to do so. Free market is the path out of poverty.

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FROM ME TO YOU by Lanre Olagunju

Let me start my expressing my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made my day on the third of June, which is precisely four days ago. Men! You guys made me feel like a celebrity that I am… or did I hear you say potential celeb? As I write, I struggle with the urge to mention names of those who made this precious but simple me feel like a star. No superstar. But since the list is an endless one, just permit me say a golden thank you to you all. And to those who forgot there would always be a next time. I understand. This is my simple gift to everyone, including you, and it’s from me to you. It’s revealing a part of me. Enjoy.

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all”. In these seemingly unfair but just words I solace and build my arsenal for constructive optimism. Exactly two decades and five years ago, I vacated the heavens, though with no choice of choosing my location, neither was I encumbered with the responsibility of picking a race like no one was. But this I do and do conscientiously too, I remind myself always of what I must become, because presently there is a robust distinct between the content of my production manual and my present performance.

With every beginning you would agree that there is most times an element of shapelessness, obscurity, and emptiness, just like the initial case of planet earth where we all now dwell and reside. Nevertheless, the incentive for the mishap of past years dwells in the confidence that tomorrow is absolutely incomparable to the present. Anyway I’m armed with the knowing that each day unravels the destiny I hold in high esteem, and I’m quite fortunate to realize early enough that it’s absolutely my responsibility and mine alone to strengthen and fortify myself, since I've got the intelligence that “no one owes you nothing”. This singular factor I know will make me; because it first changed my perception therefore I can truly say it has changed my life.

As the full glimpse of how the beginning began fades bit by bit, I can only crave that some memories shed off me as the process of ecdysis in reptiles. I sometimes ask how come I still maintain a healthy self esteem, despite all that a particular aunt did to ensure that I look very miserable while I stayed under the nose of my parents. In case aunty ever gets to read this, I’m saying this because I've forgiven you but that I haven’t forgotten.

Many friends feel I should just have my name as Lanre, but I so much nurse the apprehension that the name would lose its beauty and meaning since the richness of a name dwells in its full pronunciation. -so I think! By a way of digression, have you ever considered if your name has got any effect on you? I’m African and I think mine does. I long realized that in my case, the end is most times the compensation of the seemingly unpleasant or cloudy beginning. However, things just get better and better over time with little or sometimes no effort.



Let me open you to one of my very deep secret as long as you promise that I can trust you with my life. After all we all have secrets. This crime I have committed so well. See, despite that I claim to be a celibate at twenty five; I spent the ingenuous days of my life in the warm arms of another man’s wife. To this effect, for every reason under the sun I would choose the person of my mum over and over again. Though if I must confess, there were times I considered her as over demanding, due to her endless list of dos and donts. Heavens knows that words like “jeki baba e de” meaning your dad will handle your punishment at his return sends shivers all over my spine just at their ventilation. I dread these words much more than anything I can ever remember, at least as I write. The feeling of fear and unease can be compared to the cold that runs through the spinal column of a young promising folk who has just been informed that his new status includes ‘positive to HIV’.

If you ask me I would sincerely say that I know better and truly I do. Lanre now understands that she was only trying to emphasize and re-emphasize why we must uphold good character at all times. Can I trust you again? She mustn’t hear this o. Even till now I still considered some of her nagging as over-reacting. Nevertheless, I remain her number one fan.

I’m pretty detailed and analytical, and that can sometimes be quite irritating. I want to know all the whys and why nots before venturing into anything. That makes me worry than an average person does. And the mind you will agree is a remarkable mechanism. The ability of the mind to fulfill intricate tasks with such an amazing speed is notoriously incredible. When I say “what could be wrong?” like I often ask myself. The invisible me compiles and cross reference a list of results just like Google does. A list comprising of things I should have done that I didn’t or things that I should have done better, and in other cases, things that I should have avoided. All of this crops up at a blinding speed. Being the kind that frequently looks out for that which is unfixed so I can fix, my brain succeeds at each point to shower me with a countless list of things I should be worried about and that sometimes, sincerely, dumps me in a perfect state of madness even amidst sanity. Any way am gradually getting over it through personal therapy.



I’ve got so much trust in God, infact he’s a friend who also doubles as a lover. A lover who has been conscious of me while I was unmindful of Him, this lover cum super friend has lent dignity to my existence. In fact I’ve been blinded by the brightness of wholesome affection. In His seeming “foolishness” I have found deep wisdom and direction, in His arms have I found incorruptible affection.

Lanre speak faster than he naturally can. So it makes me sound like a stammer because I may have to repeat my sentences all over again at a slower pace. So I can be clear. But thank God I’m not. I have a great taste for high flying life. I love the red carpets and the green ones too. I use to be among those who say guys shouldn’t wear a chain, but these days I carry one around my neck round the clock. The sentimental feeling behind this particular one i'm wearing broke my long time belief, and also opened my taste for quality neck ornament because if it is not gold it won’t stay.

I have repeatedly failed at several attempts to get out of the poor rat race legally, that I’ve failed before is the reason why I will attain legally. Am contended with what I have and also with what I don’t have. I just don’t feel less important that I can’t afford the blackberry of my choice. But I feel deeply insecure when I know or feel that I don’t just know enough. I studied hydrology, only to discover later that I have a natural knack for psychology and the social sciences. I love to study people and relate their experiences and exposure to why they behave differently. But since it is erroneously believed that the smartest kids should be in the sciences, I headed for the sciences. Anyway, I’m gradually tracing my steps.

Against all insinuations that am overtly extroverted. I know that I could be quite shy at times. The real me that others don’t get to see just wants to stay indoor as long as I can, burying my nose in one book or the other or better still stare at my notepad all day either writing or reading as if my whole life depends on it.

I cherish two categories of people, the intelligent ones and the sincere ones. I tolerate the unintelligent though you don’t get to learn much from them. But I hate those who are not sincere or those who feel they can always cunningly outsmart others. A good number of my friends will ever remain big share holders in my success. Infact some of them can’t get me offended anymore, less they take my woman…lol. I’ve been blessed by the content of their intellect and in every sense I am better for it. There’s this particular one who has an amazing ability to help me overcome my flaws and some of my inadequacies. We’ve stayed long enough together to be referred to as twin brothers. And indeed he is. And there is another who makes me feel that I've got a lot to do and that I haven’t started despite that I’m just as unique as he is. I call him a workaholic and really he is.

I love people, but I love little children more, there is no point trusting the former blindly, because of its grave consequences, but for the latter I’m always fascinated by their pride in simplicity and ability to forgive before been offended.

I can’t wait to behold Daniel and Daniela though I sometimes wish that kids give birth to their mothers….lol. I’m not taking any girl serious for now due to simple yet complex reasons I don’t want to discuss. I’ve got many good and fantastic female friends, anyway some are seen and others are unseen (thanks to the internet). And there exist some that I love them enough not to love them at all . But for this marriage thing, since they say it’s more of endurance and tolerance it brings me more fear than a promise of bliss.

I love to talk and some are of the opinion that I’m talkative; I love those with a wicked sense of humor because I love to laugh and love to make others laugh too, someone said I have a smiling face and therefore nicknamed me‘Ismaila’. I lived with anointed dissers in my first and second year in the university, there and then I learnt to diss intelligently and harmlessly too.

That I belong to a family where babies die at eighty-plus is the guarantee that I would be around for a long time. But somehow I sincerely always nurse this fear of growing old not for death sake. ‘Abeg!’ but because of my set goals and their timing. I’ve always wondered where I was when young and brilliant folks like the Chude Jideonwos, Debola Williams, Tosin Otitojus, and Toyosi Akereles of this world started out with life while their peers were fascinated with childish fantasies. I'm more knowledgeable not to compare myself to others, other than be inspired by their mind blowing achievements. Larry will succeed and you too.

Cheers folks like mum will endlessly say. It’s well.

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JIGAWA BAWO! By Lanre Olagunju

That we compulsorily recited all the states and capitals in Nigeria every school day for six years in primary school didn’t stop me from checking Jigawa state on Google as if it was a new word.

Talking about primary school reminds me of those early days of schooling, and if you ask me I still feel that those naïve days left a more enjoyable memory in my schooling memoir. This were times when you just wanted to do everything practically possible to be on top of the competition, either at answering questions in class or copying notes from the chalkboard. Nobody wants to be wooed by fellow colleagues or be nicknamed by the super talented dissers. Besides that, it’s pretty smart and canny to avoid the heavy and torrential effect of the teacher’s cane or ‘Uncle’ like we most times refer to our male teachers.

But for many reasons which I just feel I shouldn’t bug you with, at least for now. I didn’t really have too many long lasting or terrific memories while in the university. Really if I must confess, I was already tired of staying in school in my second year. I lost the desire to do sciences. However, I couldn’t but patiently and endlessly wait to complete my program which lasted almost six years instead of five academic years-no thanks to incessant strikes.

At the end of my final exams and project I was so glad. Partly because it was over but majorly because I can now desperately pursue my real life.

When it was time for clearance and other related documentations, I felt very reluctant to return to school. Some parts of my brain (whether left or right now I can’t tell) already attached inconvenience to school. The feeling is quite mixed anyway, mixed in the sense that, I always wanted to see my junior colleagues and more importantly draw strength from a place called Father’s House, in Abeokuta. This place is overly more dangerous than Okija shrine yet it’s a place where friends meet friends and we all meet Jesus. Like I most times say, I attended Fathers House but ironically graduated from University of Agriculture Abeokuta.

Just as there can’t be rain without clouds, also, without clearance there would be no call-up letter and without a call up letter no youth service. Therefore, I had to return to school after delaying my clearance for almost forever.

That curious filled afternoon, I could remember laughing heartily like I most times do. This time it was at a particular friend who has remained closer to me than my inner wears. I told him that how can he be so unfortunate to have been posted to Gombe state. Oh you need to see me pour scorn on my very good friend who was doing everything practically possible not to express his shock. But little did I know that he who laughs last laugh best.

At the site of my yellow card called Call up letter, my blood pleasure lost regulation and everyone around me could sense the unrest that travelled from the excess hair strands from my bushy afro down to my socks. I impatiently skipped other details on the letter as I rushed to the bottom where my fate would be revealed. Lo and behold it was Jigawa!

The funniest part was that camp would open in four days and my letter reads that I've been posted to Jigawa but amazingly my journey started first from repeatedly visiting the rest room as if my agenda in-there would make me serve in Lagos like I have always envisaged and proudly ventilated.

Initially I felt filling my empty belly with so much food would heal my empty yet heavy heart, I didn’t just lose my composure, I lost my wild appetite too. I couldn’t figure out how long the journey would take but friends and family who called me increased my blood pressure, they said stuffs like “Jigawa Bawo ” meaning why Jigawa? Others said ‘just ensure you redeploy after three weeks you can’t afford to stay in the north’. All of these just made me uncontrollably restless. But amidst this hullabaloo the positive side was that some had enough sympathy that they made me smile as their pockets and wallets brought a measure of calmness to my restlessness.

I travelled with one of the luxurious buses well known for plying the north. Meeting a fellow Corps at the Otto Park reduced the tension and helped raise some excitement after realizing that we shared the same Alma-Mata.

The overwhelming desire for more money by this transport company brought a promising looking journey to an abrupt halt when we got to somewhere around Berger, an outskirt of Lagos. Though there were few unoccupied sits here and there in the bus, but till now I can’t still understand why the bus crew took in passengers from the road side till there was no passage anymore in the bus, not considering that they could freely pick up robbers who actually have no precise destination. Anyway, my research revealed that it’s a tradition and that the act of picking up passengers on the road side and ensuring that the bus is filled till there is no air space is called ‘attachment’. A slight ethnic war almost commenced between those of us whose comfort had been thwarted and those who came in as attachments, as many attaches were northerners returning to Kano, you really need to see human beings hang and lean by the sit sides, on a journey that lasted over eighteen hours. Infact many sat on the floor.

Traveling via road engendered me with the opportunity of viewing the vast but un-maximized land that Nigeria has. Truly I could see for myself that Nigeria is so big and blessed though, for obvious reasons we don’t look it. Right from Zaria I could sense the temperature difference, I later discovered that the further we travel the hotter it becomes.

Gumel where Jigawa uses as NYSC camp has such a funny weather, during the day you can’t tell what exactly angers the sun that its pours out its venom angrily on the people of Gumel. The dusty wind wasn’t all that friendly, incredibly, even when your mouth is well closed, you just can’t tell how sand particles navigate their ways into your mouth and clothed body.

The camp experience was fun; it did two things for me; it made me admire the military the more especially in terms of discipline, strength, respect, bravery, and co-ordination. Secondly it was an opportunity to mix and interact with other graduates from different cultural and social background.


larigold


Going to the parade ground in the morning is an experience I wish lasted a lifetime. It’s so cool to jug with other colleagues while chanting funny songs that has the morale to raise the dead. I sometimes wonder what inspired those songs, they indeed boost morale especially when you respond to them sharply like they require. But I never loved going for parade in the afternoon or evening, you need to see Corps members faint on parade ground due to the venom of the sun which causes dehydration, cum dusty wind that blows sand particles even into your blood vessels. For the flies they can be so disrespectful, they go as far as kissing your dry and broken lips and that can be very annoying. At a point the regimented lifestyle became boring and the incessant sound of the bugle for boring lectures became nauseating. One singular thing I would also not forget camp for is the opportunity it afforded me to express my artistic cravings.


from L-R Teddy, Grampolo, Ibekwe, larigold


I took lead roles in dance and drama for my platoon (platoon three), I was able to work with brilliant young people who have studied theater art, and others who were just talented actors like myself. We came first in dance and second in drama and this made me feel cool all through camp. But annoyingly many folks didn’t get to know my real name because I was called by my stage name-Baba Bayo all through camp.


from L-R Grampol,Ibekwe, Larigold

It was another opportunity for me to make new friends especially the female ones since I went with big fishing nets. Though, it wasn’t all that easy when many relationships got terminated as a result of posting to different Places of Primary Assignment.

We weren’t informed of our participation as ad-hoc INEC staffs not until our second week in camp and I could remember that during training I asked that what security measure is in place for Corps members but sadly, no assuring or concrete response came.

The National Youth Service Corps, which is a brainchild of Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s administration in 1973, has brought so much call on the Federal government by a critical mass of the population to either review or scrap the scheme. The involvement of Corps members in the election wasn’t a bad idea in itself considering that many are serving outside their state, but while INEC was trying to achieve the utmost goal of having a free and fair election, it never paid attention to the doubt that existed on the minds or Corps members and their parents on security. No thanks, national salute or removal of hair dress to our northern brothers who cleared our doubt vehemently. All Nigerians, most importantly Corps members will agree with me that the executive governor of Bauchi state need attend a school of public speaking.

It’s sad enough that this jobless, illiterate and impoverished youth who are not of so much economic importance to the nation killed scores of vibrant, young educated people who have got more than the potential to birth the New Nigeria that we all crave for.

I rigorously pondered on the issue of scrapping the scheme and I almost agreed. In my opinion I think a review free of selfishness, greed and sentiment would be better. Because I realize that it’s a fundamental tool to promote unity among the educated young Nigerians who are saddled with the bigger than life responsibility of re-birthing our soiled and comatose nation.

I use this medium to salute all the 2010 and 2011 batch A youth Corpers and the ever brave and effective Nigerian Army for the bravery and response to the patriotic call with discipline and zest. After all, it’s this generation of Corpers that brought about the electoral revolution of almost free and fair election

Am getting more informed about the northern part of Nigeria and the peculiar issues that prevail. I now see no reason why Nigeria should be called a developing Nation since I now know that Nigeria doesn’t only comprise of Victoria Island in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja. In addition I’m also learning the Hausa language so fast so I can speak as fluent as I can before next February.

To all the national heroes who lost their lives during the last election I say may your heroic soul rest in peace. I also pray recovery of mind and soul to all their loved ones.

At this point I rest my case.

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10 months old kidnapped Enioluwa Odegbaike is back and better

I bless God with all that dwells within me at the amazing and splendid news of Eniola’s peaceful return.

Exactly seven days ago my heart was heavy and injured at the news of this missing baby. I had to join the prayer chain and read out the confession that was made available on the blog where I read the sad news.

I’m more delighted because it’s a show that God answers prayer.

How else can I start a new month? In fact, it’s like winning a trophy
Congratulations to the entire nation but most importantly the family of Odegbaike.

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Condom or Conduct? Conclusion! Written by Lanre Olagunju

The fact that parent neglect this singular responsibility is a reason why some started out too soon. Mike (not real name), my addicted friend, narrated that his uncontrollable sexual craving wasn’t his entire fault. He started out a daily sexual routine before seven with an obsessed maid servant. He’s now a little over 24 and he finds it pretty hard to concentrate on other smart areas of life. After all, sex isn’t everything.


At the onset, as teenagers, many just wanted to experiment. But, now that it’s known how sweet the forbidden fruit tastes…who will stay stop? The chances to abuse or misuse a particular product is mountainous if knowledge of the product is without insight. For instance, an out-rightly able person might foolishly reduce an umbrella to a walking stick even on a Sunny day or while its rains cat and dog.



The craving for love has made many young ladies especially, more sacrificial than they should averagely be. You will be shocked that even some of this though talking, tall and heavy ladies with the ‘I can seduce you right now and pretend to never know you’ idea, just want to be sincerely loved and cared for.


Whether it’s a man’s world or not, the truth remains that in cases such as this ladies are most times on the receiving end. No lady can be sexually active enough to impregnate a guy… lai lai! Be it accidental discharge or whatever! Besides, this same wolf -like guys are the ones who sow their white seeds on every available porous soil and still wants a very tight and decent girl for a wife. Ladies wise up!


If you naturally don’t have the urge to make sexual expressions, or probably you really don’t know that it’s just cool to wake up strong as a guy or nurse some itches as a lass. Then so many things might be wrong all at the same time. But must we give ourselves to every urge that comes our way. If we check and analyze critically, is sex a need or a want? When our genitals are yet to start thinking independently (and you know at such point they can be very disobedient…lol), or when agro is out (like we guys call it). Yes, I mean that which is responsible for the goose pimples in the brain and perhaps, when not considering child birth, clearly you realize that it’s just a desire. After all, sex doesn’t pay bills.




Oh less I forget and sound un-witty or less intelligent I remember that some ladies live large in school and get marks at the expense of their body. Even older women shag their boss for promotion with the self consolation that it’s just shag. When we look into ourselves deeply with the mirror or self respect and dignity we just know that it’s more than that.




Gold circle or no Elegance! There are some rules that break us when we bend them. Since we can’t reduce a global village to a religious one-(even God won’t). Therefore, it would be out rightly uncalled for to advocate against condoms after all, they are primarily birth control measures. Advocating or campaigning against them is just like throwing away the baby with the bath water. But the media hasn’t helped in some ways. When the condom adverts go on air, all they emphasize is ‘if you must do it use a condom’ without any age restriction. If there are age restrictions for driving, for taking alcohol and cigarette, and they ventilate them in their adverts, shouldn’t there be one for condoms too? If no, then I would rather advocate that once babies are born, we should gleefully present them with several cartons of condoms and place it carefully by their cot side right from the labour room, so they can’t but grow to become faithful users of condoms till death… ptschew!



Anyway if you must give away your ice cream generously like Father Christmas or as a lady, eat or drown in every Mr. Biggs at every now and then or perhaps you just feel it’s cool to uphold didactic values. Importantly, we all should Know like Newton stated that “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. Some will be seen others will be unseen!




The tale that everybody is doing it is not just true; there still exist some who don’t feel that being hyper sexually active makes us special or that meeting a person and shagging them that same day is serious achievement.


Ashamedly, we practically live in times where nothing is either right or wrong. Everything is relative like we intelligently put it. But our core values as individuals helps to decide what is right and what is wrong, because in us all is a whore and a celibate but when we determine to make the right decision a divine force bigger than us all helps us with our determination. It is more fulfilling to make conscious effort to uphold great values of integrity and strong self worth, rather than live a life that isn’t out rightly ours carelessly.

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Condom or Conduct? Written by Lanre Olagunju

Apparently, there seems to be an unwritten law of parenting deep rooted in zilch-nothing but shame and secrecy. African parents can be too shy or should I say too religious to discuss the sensual gratification that brought about their existence and that of their wards. And sadly enough, our society is not better for it.


The existence and obedience to this un-rooted law shows when parents avoid sex related questions like a plague. It’s obvious too when they use irrelevant and digressional words to quench imperishable questions from kids. Little do they know that those questions won’t cease until a satisfying answer is procured. Unfortunately, youngsters get those answers from external sources-most times equally
naive friends.



Can you recollect seeing romance scenes in movies and you ask ‘mum what are they doing’? And all you get is a “shot up!" Or Perhaps you get to hear something like “don’t mind them they are doing rubbish”. You probably would have revolted if you knew better, that how can what brought about your existence be termed ‘rubbish’? A friend once told me that his mum would rather say they are fighting. And that kept him wondering for like ever. Anyway, the boxing ring looks close to a bed- isn’t it?


I’m not blind to the fact that such questions catch parents unaware, but after the first occurrence I think a premeditated line with little details which should be upgraded as the child grows older should have been readily primed. Till date, I never got the opportunity of being talked to on this subject matter; I wasn’t instructed not to start too soon or when to start at all. And in fact at this point it’s absolutely late.


But how long shall we continue to keep sacred that which is ever paramount on our minds and expect the right knowledge to abound? Or how much more shall we talk less about sex and sexuality, knowing fully well that it’s one of those integral and crucial parts of our lives that affect other different aspect of our complex being.

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s Alfred Kinsey published a research of over 15 years of intense study in human sexual behavior. His studies revealed that approximately 95% of males and 60% of females had masturbated at one point or the other. (Hey! This result is no justification for you to stay longer in the bathroom o…lol). The long and short is that we all are sexual beings (including youngsters). Dejectedly, parents are either too late to discover this reality or as the case may be, some never want to admit that reality.


This shyness of a thing is evident when mum sings words like “remember the son of whom you are”, when you are probably leaving home for the very first time, just as if the family name is such a difficult one to spell, pronounce or remember. Since the proverb is all -encompassing like parents will always rightly say, little do they know that this proverb is most time decoded by young people to mean everything including ‘study well at school so you can have the best of grades, that can at least guarantee you a good job (into the rat race). It also means keep good company and the host of other do’s and don’ts, including please o don’t start indulging in sex till marriage o… and if you must, please use a condom, and even when you fail to use it in cases of quickie or excessive ‘agro’ or whatsoever reason under the sun, just pray and ensure that she doesn’t get pregnant/ or you don’t get pregnant. You know I and your father are well respected in the community and we are also leaders in church/mosque too. I don’t want wahala (trouble) o’.


Hello! Who is wrong or who is correct, the coder or the decoder? The answer is, will you tell an all- encompassing proverb to get rescue from emergency when you dial 911 or the fire station? Pardon me that am answering a question with another question that’s one of those things that makes me Nigerian you know…lol

P.S. watch out for the concluding part of this piece or do I say part two like they say in Nollywood movies…lol. It will be posted in less than 48hours, In fact the discussion has just started. Thank you

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Capitalism is A Moral Philosophy Part 2. Written by lanre Olagunju

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, MOVEMENT, AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP
Political freedom, legal freedom, social freedom and economic freedom are all inter-reliant. Freedom of speech is meaningless if the media‘s right to publicize facts that reveals the shortcomings of the existing administration is thwarted. In a free state, social relationships are voluntary and results from the volition of individuals to decide who and who not to relate with. In an unfree society, the rights of citizens to relate are also severely regulated.



POWER STRUGGLE
The three political fundamentals of a free society are democracy, limited government and decentralization of government. If government were adequately limited, it would depoliticize life and reduce the cruel struggle for power as it is in Africa. However, the greater the power of government, the greater the endless pursue for power.

ECONOMIC FREEDOM REDUCES POVERTY
The biggest reformers were communist in china and the south union, protectionist in Latin America and nationalist in Asia. Over half a century ago, the soviet rule commanded their subject to be patient for the sake of industrializing the nation. Unfortunately, though surprisingly too, the soviet Russia hasn’t been able to impressively feed her citizens till date.

Longevity of the human live with accompanying sound health is connected with the decline of a serfdom oriented society. The occurrence of great famine disaster has also shrunken drastically, largely as a result of the spread of democracy. In all of these centralized and authoritarian states incidence of starvation has been practically recorded, be it communist state, the colonial rule, technocrat dictatorship or the ancient tribal society.



Amartya Sen carefully observed that there has never been a famine or starvation related disaster in a democracy not even in countries like Botswana and India with poor democracy. Directly or indirectly, democracy has succeeded in avoiding starvation.

It’s crystal clear that the current food challenge isn’t related to overpopulation rather famine is caused by dictatorship, induced by immoral leaders who desperately fulfill their desire to destroy trade and production. Or how else do you describe a situation whereby rulers ignore the cries and agony caused by starvation only to concentrate on metal weapon for war.



CONCLUSION
Capitalism is the only moral social system, reason that it is the only system that respects the freedom of the producers to think and the right of an individual to set his or her own goal and pursue his own happiness to the max. The ability of a man to govern his own affairs and exercise his freedom without being bounded by the chains and fetters of boundaries, laws and mendacity is the only genuine way to explain freedom. Any scheme of government that sacrifices freedom of the mind or soul in any form to society is a system of slavery and serfdom. Also, whatsoever system that sacrifices thinking to coercion is a system of brutality, cruelty and violence.

The foundational concept which characterizes a free and un-free society is divergent. In fact, they are mutually incomparable, incompatible and irreconcilable. In most countries of the world, numerous studies revealed that many are against most governmental interventions and polices which elected representatives implement. Oslon’s law explains why representatives are bent on this intervention in the first place. And the only reason is so that they can invariably manipulate government in order to achieve their personal and selfish enterprise.

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Capitalism is a Moral Philosophy Part 1. Written by lanre Olagunju

The society of serfdom lasted well into the nineteenth century until it was obliterated by the advent of capitalism. Capitalism is a term used to denote the economic system that has been dominant in the western world since the breakup of feudalism. After the collapse of communism and dictatorship during the era of big government, capitalism remains the only system which advocates the doctrine that every service including production and law enforcement be supplied through the market, and that all of government’s excesses in form of coercive activities be replaced by free market activity. During the days of no capitalism, private property existed de-facto rather than de-jure that is by tradition and sufferance rather than through right and law.

The outstanding accomplishment of capitalism can be rationalized by the productive use of the “social surplus” which is the singular virtue that powered capitalism to outstrip all prior economic system. Instead of building massive architectural structure like Saddam Hussein of Iraq did, capitalist in power of the social surplus chose to invest in raw materials, finished goods and other material forms of wealth. This same social surplus was thus converted into massive engorged productive capacity.

Bill Clinton, 42nd president of the United States, who is one of the most popular American presidents in the 20th century, referred to capitalism as the primary engine of growth. Other brilliant and outstanding political commentators also acknowledged that capitalism is of practical value, though some acknowledged reluctantly. Capitalism is recognized as the only practical economic system. Yet only few are willing to defend it as moral, due to the general but ailing believe that morality requires the free market be controlled by governmental regulations.

The capital influence of capitalism in any nation will always produce an unending moral result and a few can be discussed under the following captions.


FREEDOM THROUGH FREE SOCIETY
The first and central idea of capitalism is that people should be permitted to run their own lives as they wish totally nullifying the idea that people must be forcefully protected from themselves.

The beauty and essence of capitalism is revealed in the reality that it bans the use of physical force and fraudulent act in economic relationship. In this freedom oriented system of government, decisions are taken by stakeholders including buyers, sellers, manufacturers and distributors through active participation.

The most un-ideal word is the word ideal itself, but an ideal society is one in which there is freedom peace and prosperity for all. It is worth noting that no society in the world is ideal not even the super-developed societies of the world, but some political and economic system create a higher degree of freedom and prosperity than others.

Comparing a free society and a centrally planned or regulated society would help to out-rightly spell out the moral basis of capitalism. Politically, a free society can be described as a system of limited government also known as miniarchy, decentralization, delegation of power to the local levels, individualization and personal responsibility. In any free society, the main purpose of government is to serve and protect the right of her citizens due to the understanding that individuals are supreme. The case is absolutely counterclockwise in an un-free society. Rather than individuals being supreme the state is, rather than states serving the people, the people serve the state compulsively.

CAPITALISM SELF MOTIVATES CITIZENS TO SUCCEED AND PRODUCE WEALTH.
A free society is made up free market economy powered by market forces. It is characterized by individual planning, entrepreneurial activity, competition and spontaneity which are recipes in ensuring superior customer satisfaction and market vibrancy. Therefore no producer can hold consumers to ransom of any sort. At the birth or existence of all of this breathtaking characteristics wealth, prosperity and a commendable standard of living becomes achievable.

In an un-free society the economy is so centrally planned that those with the resources are compelled by the state to provide the needs of others

P.S. In the subsequent chapter of this article, other relevant advantages of capitalism that portrays it to be didactic will be discussed. Till then and hereafter let’s encourage libertarianism.

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Laziness: An all Time Vision Extinguisher. Written by Lanre Olagunju

Can anything be more maddening than trying to manage what one has got no capability to control? In every sense of the word manage; time can't really be managed like we most times say. After all, it can't be kept, considering that even science in its fullness of creativity and per second technological advancement hasn't devised any successful means for time storage. Twenty-four hours is adequately given to all, rich and poor, wise and foolish. Till now, controlling time is just as difficult as controlling the wind speed and direction, instead, managing our schedule is the wisest and safest way to maximize time.

“Tick says the clock, tick-tick what you’ve got to do, do quick” goes the nursery rhymes with a fundamental doctrine that if critically analyzed is larger than life. Since we live in a world adequately characterized by space and time, and also a world that dishes different season with accompanying opportunities, it’s so evident that nothing can be practically achieved outside time. It takes time to conceive an idea like a woman conceives a baby; it takes time to nurture the idea to fruition. It takes time to ensure that the idea stands tall so it can speak for itself.


It is also crystal clear that thorough knowledge from a sound mind is what gives stamina to any brilliant idea. Interestingly, we live in a world that houses much more knowledge than our minds can congregate. Yet, tragedy befalls the vibrant young minds who will rather lazy around in aimless or non rewarding activities all in the name of hanging around or social networking, which isn’t bad in itself, if not over done. Hard work brings knowledge and the reward of being knowledgeable is priceless.

At a time such as this, being the beginning of the year, we should note that if any meaningful achievement will be attained at all, be it academics, business or the chase of a new career, unless laziness is killed, unless laziness is allowed to die a murderous death and be buried in a place far beyond resurrection. The year would just be another opportunity passing away unsuspectingly. Things don’t just happen, hard work and diligence make things happen

Idleness isn’t just a garage for the devil to perform his enterprise, victims who have been knocked down by idleness on the high way of life know that it’s not only the cheapest route to poverty, It also the most important recipe for future frustration. In fact, we rubbish our chances to become successful each time we postpone the sacrifice of today for another.



Ironically, lazy people want so much and always get little. Once portion of lives abundance won’t fall on the lap, rather true success and significance comes at the boiling point of challenges. There’s got to be synergy between what you consistently do now and your desired future. Young people with a destiny worth dying for will push consistently like a pregnant woman who can’t wait to hold her baby in her hands. They would think independently and won’t lose their individuality in the crowd, they would be mindful of what’s suitable for them regardless of what the rest of the world says and also they would ensure to slaughter the culture of instant gratification so well never to reincarnate again.

The Greek interprets season as opportunity. The fire brigade approach isn’t any guarantee for a secured future; the boys scout approach is preferable. Preparing for the desired future when it looks like nothing is happening is the one way out of idleness, so when opportunity comes, you are just more than ready.



We unconsciously pass away each time we postpone the sacrifice of today for another. It’s wise not to get glued to the TV all day, too much television has been related to mental dullness and lulls one into lethargy.

The addiction of wanting to rest before getting tired is a sign that laziness has crept in; it travels so slowly that poverty over takes him. Laziness may appear loving and pleasing, but it adequately denies one the reward and satisfaction that work gives.

In 2011, permit no iota of laziness, especially in doing that which is required for the enrichment of our goals. Be lazy in one thing alone and that’s in being lazy.

Less I forget and be lazy, happy New Year folks and lovely followers of “larigold”. In 2011, I pray that in whatever field that you have failed before I pray that as a result of diligence, smart work and God’s ever intelligent direction, you will now succeed. A friend said it's 2000 and elevate I say it’s a year of abundant favor. You will succeed.

Cheers!

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A Night Stand On the Ninth Planet written by Lanre Olagunju.

My invitation as a guest speaker at the 5th annual national undergraduate summit in Abuja took away sleep and tranquility away from me for days like it would to any speaker. In time past, my interest and social comments on issues like etiquette, morality, politics, economics and nation building has always been the basis for my speaking invitations and engagements. At a time like this, I’ve got no idea, or where on earth my host got the slightest hint that I could handle topics on sex and relationship. But since I know deeply that practice, practice and more practice is the bed rock for great speeches I dashed into my study with my creative hat on in tedious preparation to do perfect justice to the great task ahead.

With experience and flexibility, alongside my personal experience and research, I was able to deliver my speech with so much ease and expertise such that stimulated my audience to think that I must be a major or a sort of super male lead on issues such as sex, relationship and dating. Though, heaven knows that am yet to graduate from the school of hard knocks, which in my opinion is the best school to learn, especially where there is no teacher.

My experience with Omolara was quite unusual. And till date, I dreadfully prize what fuels her nerve to drop her telephone number in my breast pocket in such a harmless manner after leaving the lectern. Initially, I felt it was a burning question she wanted me to do private justice to, since we couldn’t take all questions during the sessions “but when did telephone numbers become question”?, I asked.

Mere looking at this good looking undergrad with such an innocent and graceful charisma, you don’t want to liken her to a Jezebel, even a vicar doesn’t want to think twice at the sight of her gorgeous, sweet and ravishing looks especially when considering the goodness of her hips and the grandeur of her brown eyes. In fact, the devil himself can’t but be tempted.

After the heat and fever of the event, I failed repeatedly at each attempt to cool from the euphoria and ecstasy that comes with achieving a task that has been responsible for sleep and appetite loss. I completely forgot about Omolara and her brave and smart advances as I relax in my hotel room to catch my undiluted rest. But to my utmost surprise my executive toy jingled. You want to hazard a guess? It was Omolara’s call. It’s nothing but crying over spilled milk if I respond to the nudge to ask where on earth she got my number from.

Despite being tired like a recently knocked out Samuel peters I got her message clearly despite that her moaning and rhythmic voice was a major distraction during our phonversation which revealed that she’s a student of business administration in one of the cracked up Nigerian institution of learning, whose name was rechristened years back to sound like one of the very ancient schools in south west Nigeria, with adequately proud students, despite that the citadel of learning is neither premier nor among the first, Great, top 6000 universities in the world.

Being in her penultimate year, and the sight of her structural endowment that I saw in the conference room, you can’t but agree with me that the issue of being unripe or under-age is out of it. So I wasn’t in the dark, not even in a world like ours where we suffer from grand morality melt down considering the fact that even sex has lost its virginity.

The only door with which I should flee from this unannounced invitation produced a sound as a result of Omolara’s knock. I was all alone in my hotel room and my body gave all the seemingly valid reasons why I should grab this once in a life time opportunity with both hands and feet as if I will be castrated thereafter. As the silent but well understood knock continued repeatedly, I could hear myself reproaching some folks during my undergraduate days in such a priest like manner saying to some during periods of sound, heart to heart intellectual recharge. “How did you fall for such, why did you yield to that…”? All because I have managed to maintain a less busy sexual log-book compared to folks who are great, retired generals already at 19. I doubt if I can ever catch up with the mind-blowing records of some. Over and over again, I dear not trust some folks with my toothless grand ma who says church as “shush” let alone my untutored maid who can’t even successfully count her fingers without foreign aid. And here am I battling with a mere invitation to dine from the forbidden cake.

All of a sudden, I became lost in thoughts, and my flesh wasn’t just willing it was ready. I didn’t just sense that I was as weak as a worn out “apere ajase”(a hand woven basket), I could practically feel me coming out of me. “Am in trouble”- so I murmured as I put myself together a little so I could dash for the door.

Her response was “larigold, permit me to reveal how much am obsessed by your articulate prowess and charming personality” in such a voice that even my ears couldn’t take note. I have followed some of your writings on the net and others on some national dallies and have always longed for the singular opportunity to be with you so I can intimate you about myself. The excellence of your address during the sessions made me desire you the more than I desire the air that powers my heart. All I wish is nothing but your warm masculine hug; beyond that honey, I want you as a package”.

At this point, all the scriptures in my big head were experiencing a traffic jam like the constant one you can’t but experience on Lagos roads-anyway that’s what makes Lagos. All of the Sunday school drugs, words of pastor wale and all the character series I heard recurrently from pastor Sam which on every occasion I hold in high esteem didn’t mean much to me anymore. I was congest with shock to realize that even the word of honor I took on the 15th of September under the teaching of Fela Durotoye in the rocky but dirty brown roofed city of Abeokuta couldn’t call me to order like it has always done. I just wanted to spit out my white seeds and I wanted to do it right away. It was as if my whole life was dependent on it.

I wasn’t thinking with my brain anymore, I was thinking with the stretch of my genitals.

And the best my church mind could do was to bring this very old but absolutely inappropriate song to my memory. Believe me, this is a song I haven’t placed my mind on in 7 years, but on a day like this it became my watch word “move on, move on, don’t be tired the savior understands… all shall be well” goes the old song. Some modern psychedelic Christians might not know such a song, so trying to remember it could just be as difficult as searching for a dinosaur in the newly equipped University of Ibadan’s zoo or wanting to study banking and finance in my Alma-Mata.

At the sight of ‘Lara’s super transparent gown which shelled her absolute nakedness I became fearfully contented. I was consumed by the cuteness of her chest organ as an identical whole. Through her hips I could intelligently and logically explain the unknown mystery of how water got into the coconut. I was practically on a planet science is yet to discover. She stylishly loosen the only piece of clothing on her, and that single handedly made the independent brain in my length subdue my ever intelligent mind. At this point we were both looking beautifully dressed in our birthday suits with my stretch searching northward as if something was out rightly missing. Now that Omolara’s eyes were closed from their sockets I stretched into her being in charge of the event. We went into each other in such a rush that made it look as if we were timed. Any way, It happened. And to worsen the case, we were in each other without any Elegance for her, or the Ethiopian coffee scent latex for me. I mean how can two educated adult do such without a Durian latex or even the cheap Gold circle? Well, what on earth will a certified monk be doing with a contraceptive in the first place? That I wasn’t protected didn’t matter to me, neither did the methodically placed incisions on her chest nor the ones round her waste scare me to sanity. My whole world has been simplified and all I could clearly think of is to fill up her vacuum to overflowing. After a hot non-romantic session of intense encounter, I was looking like an over detained bottle of coca- cola in the freezer.

We both lost our animalistic instinct in ten minutes, after an encounter that was hard, subtle and warlike all at the same time. But besides loosing the animalistic instinct I know so well that had lost the respect and gracefulness of a brilliant mentor, so called moralist who also doubles as a youth advocate.

All of a sudden, the fear that this young chap is suppose to be a mentee and that I’m to practice all that I preach and say fell on me like fire fell on the Pentecost Christian. I wasn’t the same guy who thought morality like say “I holy pass” anymore, neither was I the eloquent public speaker who flows like the pen of the ready writer. I was just lying on my bed like a helpless casualty who needs urgent attention.

I couldn’t’ but keep slapping myself repeatedly as if that was the medication to my self-cause distress

As I hit my body over and over again, I suddenly slapped myself back to life.

OMG! It’s all a dream and a wet one for that matter!!!

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