Tuesday 31 March 2009

AN INTERESTING FACT.

Hi there, today is the last day of March 2009. I tried to cut my hair at the local barbershop some hours ago, but Tony and his boys had closed. I checked out two other Hair Salons and they had also closed. Bad timing on my side, I suppose. I will give this hair-cutting need my best shot tomorrow. That means I will need to go out earlier to get the task done. Someone asked me at work yesterday if I was trying to grow dreadlocks. Who? Me?. Nah, I'm not about to become Bob Marley.

Anyway, I dug up an interesting fact today from a book I was reading. I guess you've heard of the gun AK-47? Yeah, you might have also seen soldiers and Military Policemen wielding AK-47's in Nigeria. The full meaning of AK is ' avtomat Kalashnikova ' which means Kalashnikov's Automatic. The 47 means the year the gun was selected as the official weapon of the Soviet Union. The name of the man who invented the AK-47 is Mikhail Kalashnikov. The gun is light and easy to use. Former Soviet Union school boys were taught to clean and assemble the weapon in an average of 2 minutes. No wonder the rifle has become very popular all over the world. The Russians must have made pretty good money selling the weapon.

The AK-47 has been used for both good and evil tasks. It has been used by the Mafia in Italy to settle scores during territorial wars. It has alo been used by Armed Gangs in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The weapon is also being used to maintain law and order by Government agencies in different countries. The United Nations also gives the gun to soldiers for peace keeping missions [ I believe only God can guarantee peace in the world ] in war-torn countries. Hmn, what a fact. I hope you loved my lecture. And how was your day?

Friday 27 March 2009

P Diddy - I'll be missing you [ Remembering Rotimi Leigh ].

Rotimi Leigh was a young man with a lot of technical abilities. I was not so close to him but he was a friend of my family. His younger brother, Lanre Leigh, is my friend. The last time I was around him was in late 2007. I went to the Leigh's home that day and he was in his room. We talked for a long time that day. We also took a walk with his Rottweiller.

I learnt of his death two days ago. What a waste of talent. We live in a strange world. I am still in shock concerning his death. God, why did you allow the cruel hands of death to take him at a time when his life has just started to blossom? I was told he complained of headache and was taken to the hospital where he died.

I posted this video as a tribute to Rotimi Leigh. He was a good man, though he had his own flaws. I can still remember how he sounds when he talks. I can still remember the brightness in his eyes when he spoke about his dreams. I will really miss him. We cannot always understand why people die unexpectedly. Only God knows why he took Rotimi from us. May his soul rest in peace. We all need to know that life is short . We need to make the best out of life positively. Death is certain. However, it would be good if we die and leave a good name behind. Rotimi Leigh, once more, Rest in Peace.

Wednesday 25 March 2009

WORKING ON MY BUSINESS PLAN.

I made up my mind this morning to start work on my business plan. I have always wanted to be a publisher since the age of seven. It seems I was born to publish a magazine that will touch people's lives deeply. I can remember that I sold some self made comics when I was in Primary school to a neighbour's son. I can also recall that I put a notice outside our house that read: COMICS FOR SALE HERE. Great things start from small beginnings. I still believe that I will become a very successful publisher. All what I need lies in me. The good lord has deposited the skills I need to succeed in me right from the day I was born.

So I'm determined to fulfil my destiny and do God's will.

I have started writing my business plan.

Why don't you join me on this journey of self fulfilment?

May the good lord help us to make money work for us and not to work for money all the time. Cheers. And how was your day?

Friday 20 March 2009

TY BELLO - GREENLAND

The land is indeed Green. The harvest is ready and the lord is telling me so. I want you to ask yourself this question- What efforts am I making to ensure Nigeria is a better place to live in? We have talked and complained for many years. It is time for us to join our hands and hearts together to make Nigeria better.

I admire TY Bello's patriotism and her musical talent. She is one of my role models who makes me believe that good things can come out of Nigeria. She is using all her creative gifts to place Nigeria on the world map. No matter how bad the economy of the country is, you can find your pot of Gold if you're hardworking and very creative. If you've seen the blockbuster movie, SlumDog Milionaire, you will understand what I'm saying. I posted this lovely video on my blog to inspire you to do something about the gifts God has placed in you. Your talent can unlock the doors that might have been closed against you. And how was your day?

Feel free to comment on this blog. It will make my day. Cheers.

NB: TY Bello is a former member of KUSH, Nigeria's first contemporary urban gospel music group.

GREEN BLOOD IN MY VEINS.

I wrote an article for AFRICA, St Patrick's Missions Magazine sometime ago. The Sports article was on Fredi Kanoute, the Fench born captain of Mali's national football team. I started the piece with a quote which goes thus- '' You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy ''. Though Kanoute's parents went to France to seek greener pastures, and eventually gave birth to him there, Fredi knew that he was Malian by origin. I am sure racism in France must have contributed to his decision to don Malian colours after playing for the French junior teams. This is apart from the fact that he spent his holidays in Mali when he was young. I have since come to the conclusion that no matter where one goes to live, we can never deny our countries of origin. There is no place like home.

I have green blood in my veins. I'm proud to be Nigerian. I have this deep belief that Nigeria will attain her manifest destiny. Nigerians have been through a lot. They have suffered from the bad policies of military adventurers who found or blasted their way into the corridors of power. They have sometimes been under the siege of armed robbers who operative as if there is no Police Force in the land. Nigerians have also been denied the use of basic infrastructure which would have made life easier for them. Many leaders in the country have been visionless for a long time, and the citizens have been impoverished in a land with many resources. I make bold to say that Nigeria has all what it takes to become a rich and industrialized nation. Our leaders just need to start thinking deeply. The time has come for Nigeria to put the Western nations to shame. Since the western media delights in reporting negative news about Nigeria [ I know Nigeria has corrupt leaders and a small number of fraudulent citizens, but does that mean people in Europe and America are saints? ], I feel it is time our leaders start the reconstruction of the country.

I will be very happy when I live in a country with electricity 24 hours daily. I want to live in a country with smooth roads and a functional railway system. I want Nigerian universities to start competing with universities in the USA and Britain. I desire a country where food crops are processed into finished products. All our oranges, mangoes, pine apples, carrots, bananas, plantains etc etc can be used to produce all kinds of finished food products that can be exported to other parts of the world and also consumed locally. I have found out that many Nigerians in the diaspora are really concerned about the development of their country. There is a lot of discussion going on over the internet daily about what could be done to make Nigeria great again. I believe Nigeria needs her children who are abroad. The exposure gained by Nigerians abroad could prove very vital in the reconstruction of the country. Nigerians are really contributing to the development of other countries. They need to be invited back home by President Umaru Yar'Adua and given resources to build cottage industries and contribute to research in our universities. I have green blood running in my veins. I am a descendant of great men and women. I am proud to be an african, but I am also grateful to Britain in many ways. It is time to rebuild Nigeria. Please start thinking about the reconstruction of Nigeria today. God bless Nigeria. And how was your day?

Sunday 15 March 2009

5 BUSINESS IDEAS THAT WILL SHAPE NIGERIA'S FUTURE.

The good lord dropped the idea for this post into my mind yesterday. Nigeria is a developing country and the future of the country is bright. Just like former KUSH memeber, TY Bello, I believe the land is green. I refuse to be negative about the future of Nigeria. One of the best places to invest in right now is Nigeria. The land with a rich history and solid geography. The land that threw up brave warriors like Mai Idris Alooma of Bornu, Queen Aminat of Zaria and Sango [ I love Oyo State ], the Legendary African King. I have decided to post 5 business ideas that will shape the future of Nigeria. Just like GRITS [ American Gospel Rappers ], I'm saying- Here we go:

ONLINE PAYMENT COMPANIES: A lot of trade is going on in Nigeria presently. People are buying and selling all kinds of things, from cars, electronic products, books, clothes to insurance and even goats [ those mallams @Agege!! ]. However, many Nigerians have to pay money directly to get these goods from the sellers. This causes a lot of incovenience to the buyers and sellers alike. The buyer might be in Kaduna State while the seller is in Lagos [ Eko o ni baje o ]. While the buyer might find it difficult to come to Lagos, the seller is often in a dangerous position if he carries too much cash. Armed Robbers can strike anytime. Anyone that starts an online payment comapany in Nigeria will make a lot of money. I don't even know what the banks are doing concerning online payment. Once the company assures Nigerians that their bank details are safe, I know Nigerians will start paying for goods and services online. Buying and selling is booming in Nigeria. And with the coming of Seun Osewa's nairalist.com, trade will increase further in Nigeria. IT eggheads, start doing something about this business idea.

FOOD PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION: This is another business idea that is sure to be a money spinner. I wonder what would happen if all the Bukas and food joints around us in Nigeria start engaging in Home Service for their customers. Since there are mobile phones in Nigeria and the internet is penetrating fast, we should start thinking of ordering for Eba, Amala, Iyan , Rice and Beans from the comfort of our homes and offices. Some guys and ladies need to put on their thinking caps here. They can start small businesses that will work alongside these Mama Lasisis and Eba Ibo joints all over the country. What is needed is a vehicle, a mobile phone and the sealed plastic bowls that will contain the food to be delivered. The companies will make sure the Canteens and Bukas maintain a strong hygiene while preparing the food. The canteens will pay delivery costs and a commission to the delivering company and operatives. Start thinking, folks.

SPECIALIST PUBLICATIONS BUSINESS: We are in the age of information. Nigerians need to be informed properly. A lot of the publications on sale in Nigeria tend to cover all possible topics under the sun. Nigerians need Magazines, Gazettes and Newspapers that are specialist in nature. I have done some research on this issue. Nigeria does not currently have a solid Agricultural Magazine. Many farmers in Nigeria do not know what obtains in the advanced world. Knowledge is power and I believe Nigerian Farmers need timely information that will help them in their daily living and businesses. This also applies to other sectors of the economy. To Publish a specialist Publication, one needs to be well informed and creative with words and pictures. It is an area where the mighty have fallen. However, with good strategies, there is a lot of money to be made in this business. So why don't you dump your boss and do something about this idea?

LEAFLET DESIGN AND DISTRIBUTION/PROMOTION BUSINESS: One of the problems hindering businesses in Nigeria is the near comatose condition of Direct Marketing. Many businesses believe in placing adverts in Newspapers and Magazines alone. This has proved to be their undoing. Their dependence on large media outlets has led to their not having enough customers. Face2faceMarketing will change the way business is done in Nigeria in the near future. Guys and Gals, if you're good at designing stuff on the PC, this is the right time to start a Leaflet Design and Distribution business. It is not a capital intensive business. You can start small. You will have to get operatives to deliver the leaflets into people's homes for you. You will have to pay them too. Let me let you into a little secret. Those secondary school boys and girls in your area can do the job for you at a small price. They can work for you after school hours and on Weeekends. Figure out how to approach businesses and companies yourself. Remember, Ideas are capital. So start thinking.

KUNG-FU, KARATE, DANCING, ART, DRAMA & OTHER TALENT CLASSES: If you've got a natural talent, this is the kind of business for you. There are many people in Nigeria who want to learn certain skills. My research shows that many young boys and girls in Nigeria don't know how to dance. And they want someone to teach them how to impress their peers with their moves on the dancefloor. Why don't you tap into this opportunity? I've seen guys that want to be Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. They are looking for someone to teach them self defence. Don't forget that we have cultists in our campuses and on the streets. If you've got any of the natural gifts mentioned, this is the time to start making money with your gifts. Get some promotional materials printed, distribute them all over the place and watch your phone start buzzing. People are out there waiting for you to announce your business. Do something now.

I have thousands of ideas in my head. I gave out this 5 ideas freely without collecting any money. As God gave me, I'm giving to you freely. However, one thing I want you to know is this- You have to start reeading widely if you want to succeed in any of the business ideas listed. Rememeber, if you're not informed, you are deformed. Feel free to comment on this post and other posts on my blog. I will send this post as a link to you in your inbox. Forward it to your friends and loved ones. They need to read it. Thanks. And how was your day?

Friday 13 March 2009

GETTING MY HANDS DIRTY.

I really intend to make this blog outstanding this year. Blogging could be tedious especially if you desire to keep the blog going. This means that you have to create new content frequently. This is where deep imagination and hardwork comes in. I know I have not gotten there yet. TOLU'S PARADISE is not among the most followed blogs in the world. However, I am getting there gradually. I have decided to get my hands dirty in recent times. I have come to realize that talent must not be wasted. It could be a wealth spinning virtue if it is unleashed in a positive way. The growth of this blog was stalled because I did not have access to the internet for some time. Paying for time at the cyber cafes had little impact on my work. With the internet at my disposal now, this blog will keep getting better and better. The editing of TOLU'S PARADISE will definately improve.

I will be using all kinds of resources I find on the net to develop my blog. Pictures, videos, wall papers, poems, news feeds etc will be scoured from the web and put on the blog for my devoted readers. I believe that what is worth doing is worth doing well. I know there will be pain and lots of hardwork ahead, but I am determined to make this work. I will surmount all obstacles along the way with the help of God. I am in this for the long haul. I know I have a gift from God. The marriage of me and my pen is like magic. I want to use this gift that the father has given me to his glory. I want to boost the readership of this blog and also improve its content. All this will require some hardwork and innovation. Let me have your ideas and suggestions for the development of this blog. We will all soon be in our own paradise where we will make money work for us and not always work for money. Amen. And how was your day?

Tuesday 10 March 2009

SAILING ON THE WEB.

What can one not do on the internet these days? I want to use this opportunity to thank those behind the development of the internet for what they have done. My vision is to use the world wide web to better my fortunes and also to help others achieve their goals. I'm deeply fascinated by the internet these days. I aim to make maximum use of it by the grace of God. I have been coming across some great sites recently. The sites are scattered in different countries all over this planet. Do you know that I was able to watch my favourite childhood cartoon, VOLTRON, DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE, on Youtube.com? It was as if I was in a time machine and being taken back to the mid 80's. You can view a lot of stuff on Youtube. You can also get absolutely anything done on the web these days. I am determined to make this blog better with the resources I will gather on the web. Here are some sites that can help you out.

www.nairaland.com [ for information on Nigeria and Nigerians ]
www.nairalist.com [ for jobs in Nigeria ]
www.lulu.com [ self publishing ]
www.shelfari.com [ maintaining a personal online library ]
www.simpletruths.com [ a site that motivates and inspires people with vision ]
www.bestjobnigeria.com [ Nigerian job site ]
www.jobnownow.com [ Nigerian job site ]
www.derbjobs.com [ Nigerian job site ]


I hope you'll enjoy going through the websites above. As for me, I'm enjoying my adventures on the web. I'm sailing to discovery and fulfilment island. And how was your day?

Sunday 8 March 2009

Kush - Lets Live Together

This song is so special to me. Anytime I listen to it, I just thank the lord for giving us different creative abilities. Though Kush as a band has gone extinct [ Some hardcore fans of the group believe the quartet will come together again for a sophomore album ], their album - THE EXPERIENCE- is still selling and it is also relant.

Meanwhile, KUSH memebers are doing well individually. TY Bello [ She's my favourite ] has released her solo album, and I love the track, '' Greenland ''. It is a very patriotic song about Nigeria's future greatness. TY is also a photographer and philantrophist. Lara Bajomo [ I love her voice ] is married and has also released her solo album, I love her song '' Ijoba Orun ''. Lara is an architect by profession. Emem Ema Obasi [ The Rapper ] has a Media Business of her own. She was given an award by the British Council for Musical Entrepreneurship some years ago. She is a lawyer. Dapo Torimiro is the only male in the group He is based in California, USA . Dapo is really doing well for himself as a composer, arranger, and Music producer. The four of them met at Unilag. They were members of Pastor Paul Adefarasin's church, House on the Rock. I hope you enjoyed '' Lets Live Together '' . You can view and comment on more of their songs on YOUTUBE..

If you love this blog, help me promote it by word of mouth. I promise to keep making the blog better. Email me at ; tolu.ihidero@gmail.com

And how was your day?

2 LIFE CHANGING QUOTES.

While trawling through the web to read up on a business opportunity, I came across two lovely quotes that touched me deeply. I believe quotes are guideposts that are given to us by men and women with creative minds. So here we go-

'' It is our choices that determine who we are, far more than our abilities ''
- J.K Rowling.

The quote above is solid. J.K Rowling has said it all. We can have all the gifts, talents and abilities in the world, but if we make the wrong choices, we might not achieve anything in the end. We need to put in some effort to become successful in life. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter books.

'' Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it. ''
- Sir Henry Royce

Sir Henry Royce is a wordsmith. We need to give our all in anything we lay our hands on. In a world where you can be easily discouraged for being hardworking, this quote is a soothing balm. Let us heed the advice of Sir Royce. Work hard and be innovative.

Hey, it is March. Try and manage your time effectively this month. Time is precious and I just recently realized it. 2009 is slipping away. Make March and the remaining months count. And how was your day? Cheers.

Thursday 5 March 2009

TAKE CONTROL, LORD.

We are living in difficult times. The world is going through a deep recession. The global economic downturn which was hitherto limited to the western world has now started to bite in Africa. Thousands of people are losing jobs daily and it seems things would continue to get worse. Governments of different countries are trying to pacify their citizens with all sorts of measures. Some immigrants in the developed world are returning back to their countries, as it seems as if their home countries are now better off than the lands were they went to look for greener pastures. Nothing seems to be secure these days. Morality is at an all time low. It seems trying to have self control is frowned at these days. People do not care about their behaviour even when they've seen others suffer the consequences of their actions. These are days that try men's hearts. It is hard to trust anyone these days.

I remember when I was growing up back in the 80's and early 90's. Things had not become as critical as they are these days. I dreamt of a world that would be full of love in the future. Nigeria was still a functional country then. Though some of the problems we have had started creeping in, things were not as bad as this. Nigeria, today,is a dysfunctional nation. The quality of most things in the world seems to be deteriorating. Music in the 80's and 90's was really good to listen to. The artists then did not have to use all the computer technology of these days to sound cool. They were naturally gifted and they knew how to play instruments like the guitar, Piano, Drums, accordion etc. The songs also had meaning. And man, they really made an impact on listeners. They might not have sold a lot copies of their albums like artists [ Can we really call the likes of Tuface, 9ice, Modenine, Idris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila, etc musicians? Be the judge. ] Nigeria also produces a lot of movies these days, but these movies do not win awards or get duly recognised in the western world. I must admit that Nollywood is really making much impact in Africa and among the African Diaspora.

I could go on complaning about the state of things but I feel there is no need to do that. It is clear that man does not have control over the destiny of this world. Man has tried to combat terrorism and other evils and he has failed. Man has tried to stop hunger and starvation, but he is still struggling to overcome this obstacle that threatens many countries in the world. Divorce is high these days and true love is becoming very hard to find. It seems people have forgoten the source of true love. So they keep looking for love in the wrong places. That is why heartbreakers continue to flourish all around the world. I'm not trying to preach to you or bible bash, but I believe the key to happiness in this world is God. He is the only one that can give you hope when the future looks so bleak. The world desperately needs God at this moment. We can not do it alone. Let us admit it. As for me, I believe in the power of the almighty God. I believe in Jesus, his son who died for my sins. That is why I know that my future will be great. Thank you lord, for everything. The world is facing bleak times. Take control, lord. And how was your day? Cheer up.