Are You Leading?

BEING A SPEECH DELIVERED BY TASLIM OKUNOLA AT THE 100 DAYS IN OFFICE INTERACTIVE SESSION OF 2014/2015 FUTA STUDENTS' UNION HELD ON 3RD AUGUST, 2015.

All protocols duly observed.

Good day ladies and gentlemen.

Our misconception about leadership is one of the problems we are facing in this nation. Our supposed leaders continue to think they are leading even when they are not. The problem did not originate from the top, it did from the bottom; from our level of leadership. That is why we really need to tackle it from here. Assuming a position doesn’t make you a leader; whether you became the president of a body or the chief executive officer of a conglomerate. What makes you a leader is your ability to lead.

If for you, it’s all about position, control, authority, technical expertise, talking, telling, giving orders, scaring people and being secretive; if you spend more time on politics than achieving a goal; if you assume that communication has happened, retain power, intimidate, drive, rely on reputation and look for short-term gain; then, you are not leading. You are simply a pseudo-leader and not a real leader.

It becomes more dangerous for the people if you are in the topmost leadership position of a body and you are not actually leading. Your team’s productivity reduces drastically and they will start forming cliques. Real leaders would be emerging to take over certain cliques and you will sometimes feel. Hence, the need to take charge and take responsibility; the need to lead!

I would outline the qualities of a pseudo-leader as Dr. Bill Donahue did in one of his writings.

1. You are in it for self-advancement: The success of a leader is not in the number of followers he is able to lead but in the number of leaders he is able to create. If you call yourself a leader and you are not impacting anyone, I'm afraid you are a pseudo-leader. As real leader is able to make impacts; able to create a sustainable chain of leadership and able to help others build their platform.

2. Decision-making is always pragmatic: When you make decision based on what works best for you and not what works best for the people you lead, you are a pseudo-leader. This is what we call parochial or personal interest. Taking decision without observing the wider context of your domain is not what a real leader would do. Remember, you are not leading yourself, you are leading a particular team or organization.

3. Ethical standards are compromised: Like Late Com. Dapo Awopegba said: "What is morally wrong can never be politically right". As a leader, there are ethics and due process you should always follow. Don't take your subjects with levity, involve them in everything you do. Do not take shortcuts to solving problems. Real leaders patiently follow laid down rules to actualize the dreams of their people.

4. Strategy takes priority over relationship: In other words, regardless of the damage a decision or path may do to the team, as long as we “win” or “realize the vision” or can say “mission accomplished” the collateral relational damage is chalked up simply as the cost of doing business. A real leader would rather combine strategy with relationship rather than allowing his strategies to cause relational hullabaloo.

5. Everything has a price tag: Pseudo-leaders believe they can “buy” everything – trust, votes, loyalty, performance, followers, relationships, customers, members, silence and compliance with their demands. Real leaders approach things with intellect. When you are trying to buy over everyone with money, you are not leading them. Instead, you are corrupting them. You may be so rich to buy all these but by doing it, you are definitely not leading.

So we must look at our own leadership habits, choices, motives and ethics and ask ourselves few questions like:

Who are we in this role for?

What are we leaving behind?

What would others say about my leadership?

I would like to end my speech with the word of Google’s Head of People’s Operation, Laszlo Bock when he was asked about leadership by CNN - "The idea is not whether you were president of the student body or vice president of the bank, rather: "When you see a problem do you step in, help solve it," and then critically, "Are you willing to step out and let somebody else take over, and make room for somebody else? Are you willing to give up power?"

Thank you for your time.

Taslim OKUNOLA

Public Speaker, Career Coach and Trainer

taslimokunola@gmail.com

+234 810 397 8338

www.taslimokunola.com

Owerri Agenda: Behind And In Front of The Scenes

Owerri Agenda might sound pretty familiar to my friends and might not to some. To those in dark about it, Owerri Agenda can simply be defined as a name created for everything related to the Digital Marketing part of CFi JAM Summit in Owerri this year. This blog post would probably earmark what went on before, all through and after the event. It was a success story worthy to be told.

The trio: +Taslim OKUNOLA, +Peace Itimi and +Joshua Josh 

It was March and I got a message from +Peace Itimi inviting me to join +Joshua Josh and her in a training event. Her fellowship organizes a summit annually which features syndicate sessions where students get to learn any trade of their choice. Obviously, Peace pushed it and they decided to add Digital Marketing to the list this year. The event was to hold in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (244 miles from where I live) and I have never been to Owerri before.

I accepted this challenge as part of my GSA project. It was awesome planning how we are going to impact students before the event. I could remember Peace creating BBM and WhatsApp groups to discuss the agenda, curriculum, and the event at large. We got ourselves prepped for the days ahead.

A cross-section of students learning Digital Marketing

It was so awesome to get to Owerri and see lots of students interested in learning Digital Marketing. +Peace Itimi did an awesome briefing of the training and students were so thrilled. Indeed, modern technology is finding its way into the hearts of Nigerians with the help of advocates like Peace.

Behind The Scenes

+Joshua Josh and I would stay up late in the night in our hotel room to work on slides and other stuffs for the event. +Peace Itimi also stayed up late to send mails and coordinate the follow-up mechanism. We argued at some point just to ensure things work out.

After all, we also had fun. Josh and I played a prank on Peace even though it didn't really work out :)

In Front of The Scenes

+Taslim OKUNOLA handling a session

The training sessions were cool. At the beginning, we had hitches with sound, time and projector, we had to split the class into two to get the session going. We had an interactive and interesting class. They were eager to learn and asked so many questions to get things straight.

About Peace and Josh

I spent four days working with +Joshua Josh and +Peace Itimi and I learnt a lot about them. I would be summarizing all I learnt about them into a characteristic each.

+Joshua Josh and +Taslim OKUNOLA 

+Joshua Josh is a typical problem solver. He thinks everything is possible and he believe no problem is the worst. Just bring the problem and he would solve it.

+Peace Itimi handling a session

+Peace Itimi is a workaholic. She loves to work and she works a lot. She believes in impacting her immediate environment with quality hard work. She works so hard to get things done.

They are both inspirations. You cannot spend a day with them without getting inspired.

We were the youngest facilitators at the event and we trained more than 100 students about Digital Marketing and Google AdWords.

This is basically what we do as Google Student Ambassadors. We come in at any point possible to ensure that students get informed about modern technology. We travel as far as possible to impact and inspire students. I have come to know that we are not working for Google, rather we are working for our society.

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2014 - My Year In Review

Today is the last day of 2014. Thanks to God for seeing me through to this day. Much gratitude to everyone that was part of my 2014. I had fun, made new friends, initiated new ideas, and learnt lots of new stuffs.

2014 has been a long year for me. So many ups and downs as usual. I have learnt a lot within the 365 days that I thought would be great to share some of the stuffs I learnt.

In everything you do, be determined. Determination is a key ingredient of success. When you are not determined, you give up easily. You need to be able to stand your ground in all situations. Tribulations are bound to happen. Life is not a bed of roses like they say. With determination, you can turn your defeats to blessings in disguise.

You should remember this popular story where a donkey fell in a dry well and the owner lost all hope. He ordered that he be buried alive to ease his death as he will surely starve to death if left like that. As shovels of sand were been thrown into the pit, the donkey kept stepping on the sand till it was full enough for him to jump out of the well.

It seems like it was the end for this donkey but he turned the end to a start. When your life hit a 'pause', it is your choice to 'play' or 'stop'.

Passion goes a long way when coupled with skills. If you have passion for something, why not get the required skills? You have passion for photography and all you do everyday is talk about photography. You remain in the dreamland of being a photographer without attempting to jump out of it into reality. Nobody sees your dream until it is a reality. The best you can do for yourself is learn about photography and who knows, with you passion and the skill you can land big jobs.

For your dream to become a reality and not just a wish, you need to push it forward. Get some skills and you will understand what you have passion for the more.

My name is Taslim OKUNOLA and I am progressive Nigerian youth.

HAVE A PROSPEROUS 2015!

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2015: Make It Count - by Samuel Bada

“When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable”.
 Hence, the need to “widely” intimate ourselves about the gravity which 2015 brings, particularly with the #2015 #Elections.

It goes beyond electing a leader or leaders that will steer the wheel of this nation for the next 4 years.
 To be factual, 2015 is tantamount to establishing if 'Nigeria' will still mean a country after 2015.
It is tantamount to determining if the “Dream Nigeria” will be buried or born.
The outcome of the 2015 election will definitely have more than a 4-year effect on Nigeria and Nigerians.

Marc Levy said:
“If you want to know the value of one year, just ask a student who failed a course . . .
If you want to know the value of one minute, ask the person who just missed the bus.
If you want to know the value of one second, ask the person who just escaped death in a car accident . . ."

Unfortunately, these ones knew the value of time after facing the consequences.

Nigerians shouldn’t realize the gravity of “2015” after the die has been cast.

At present, the abuse is evitable.

So, carving from John Wesley’s, I admonish: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to any length you can, for as long as you can, as a Nigerian and make 2015 count”

God Bless Nigeria!

God Bless You!

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Open Letter to Boko Haram - by Biyi Agboola

Dated 4th December, 2014

DEAR SHEKAU,

After a lot of pondering and ceaseless thinking with evolving questions with no answer, i find it mandatory to write to you in the hole where you live to orchestrate your evil deeds.
just as i was about to lay my heads on my pillow last night , i decided to check up my news site and to my utter surprise i saw in the news another terrible attack of yours in yobe state.

Shekau i want to affirm the fact that you and your co-alliens are foolish, stupid and cowards. You go about attacking and killing innocent and defenseless bloody civilian like me in our hundreds and thousands and assuming you have victory. stupid thought.

If you really want to show us you are not a coward, why don't you go and attack our sieged National assembly,hold our legislators into ransom, go to the Aso villa hold the commander in chief into ransom and stop your clueless act of killing innocent Nigerians.

I dare you to stop your attack on we defenseless Nigerians, i dare you to come out boldly and tell us your demands, i dare you to come out boldly to tell us your ideology, i dare you to come out and tell the world what Nigerians owned you.!!!!!!!

I dare you to attack the men who are always sieged in NIGERIA.
dear shekau stop your clueless act and stop attacking and killing defenseless Nigerians.

You have no ideology, you have lost this battle , Nigerians have won, you have lost, our soldiers have out powered you.

You can only kill our body, i dare you to stop killing our body and attack our spirit.

Shekau i hope and am sure you will want to act bravely by giving me a prompt reply by being dared.

But am sure you have lost and you and your agents are cowards.

signed.

THE VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS.
eden cantonment

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Responsibility - by Samuel Bada

Permit me to start with this short story:

There was an Israelite, just as you are a Nigerian. He died many years ago. But before he died, he had an experience that made him an hero in his country, made him change the situation of his country and also gave him an unpaid-for, unprayed-for popularity. He met an angel who called him a mighty man of valour. His immediate reaction to this was “if God be with us, why have all these befallen us? And the reply he got was “GO IN THIS YOUR MIGHT”.

credits: simplyg

He was passionate about the situation of his country, he did something about his passion and he saved his country.

Do something about what you’re passionate about!

You’ve been complaining about the politics of this nation, that’s your passion; do something about it.

You may need to affiliate with a political party, get the necessary requirements . . .

You’ve been complaining about the entertainment industry; “Nollywood is not even trying”. That’s your passion, do something about it.

“Your design influences what you see”………………………..Sam Adeyemi

If you are wired to be a fashion designer, you’ll be the first to notice a mismatch of colours.

Responsibility, in the simplest form means being responsible; being answerable to a cause.
My question is, are you responsible as a Nigerian?

Nation-Building is not the responsibility of 1person, it’s not the responsibility of 36persons, it’s not the responsibility of 744persons. It is the responsibility of all.

Thou Passionate Nigerian, Go in this your Passion!
God Bless Nigeria! God Bless You!

P.S: Samuel BADA is a Situation Analyst, Public Speaker, Freelance Writer, Project Manager, Entrepreneur and Pedagogue.

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The Future - By Samuel Bada

“The future is not a timezone that is yet to come. The future is everything we can be but have not yet become. The future is everything we can do but have not yet done. The future is here, the future is now . . .” -Fela Durotoye.

“Vision 2020”, “Vision 2025”,
“The Nigeria in 2050”

. . . We hear these everytime and we all are tired of timezones that may never come.

For so long, the “FUTURE” has been thought to be a later time. The timezone we are right now was the "future" we looked up to 10 years ago and nothing has significantly changed within that timespan.

We need to consciously change our mentality about our definition of the future of this Nation - Nigeria.

Until we accept the fact that the “future” is not a tomorrow that is yet to come and measured in time, we will continue to postpone what is meant to be done today to that “tomorrow”.

As Fela Durotoye rightly put it, “the future is everything we can be but have not yet become”, if we can therefore be a nation where the votes of her people count, that is the future, and it has to start now. There is no timezone.

If we can have a Nigeria where the masses won’t - in the name of a political party, ethnic group or religion - fight and kill each other to fulfil the ambitions of godfathers, then that is the future and it has to start now.

If we can have a Nigeria where her citizens are patriotic enough to stand still whenever they hear the National Anthem, that is the future and it has to start now.

I envisage a Nigeria of Dutiful, Patriotic and Obedient citizens.
I envisage a Nigeria characterized by practical Democracy, Peace and Orderliness.
I envisage a Nigeria where the watchword of every citizen becomes Due Process Only.

I officially welcome you to the FUTURE.

God Bless Nigeria! God Bless You!

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Googliness: An attribute you should have

"Oh my God, can you stop with the 'Googliness'? Like, what does that even mean", Graham Hawtrey asked. "The fact that you don't know what it means is why you will never work here", Mr Anderson answered.

"...but to excel at this internship, you are going to need far more than brainpower. What you are going to need is Googliness", Roger Chetty said. "Googliness - the intangible stuff that made a search engine into an engine of change", he further said.

If you are familiar with a 2013 lovely movie - The Internship, you will understand the quotes above pretty well. If you are not, you might be wondering what Googliness means and why it is a good attribute. I have been wondering what it is too.

credits: Dirk's Turf

This is why I went to uncover lots of definitions that apply to this 'mystical' word.

Well, ThinkWithGoogle in an article written by Holly Finn titled: "Missions that matter" defined Googliness as a mashup of passion and drive that’s hard to define but easy to spot.

It is truly hard to define. Jens Meiert, a googler as presumed also defined googliness in her article titled: "The Meanings of Googliness" as:

1. Doing the right thing. That obviously includes not doing anything that harms someone else, or that puts somebody at a disadvantage.
2. Striving for excellence. Mediocrity is not googley. At Google, unsurprisingly, you find the desire for excellence right at the core, reflected by the goal to “do one thing really, really well.”
3. Keeping an eye on the goals. Googliness means being focused, and striking a balance between short-term and long-term objectives.
4. Being proactive. Google’s Code of Conduct says “if something is broken, fix it.” But being proactive also means anticipating moves ahead of time so to take action preemptively. And, of course, being proactive also applies to the business itself—how can we go further, what can we do to get there? Seen from another angle, then, what being proactive doesn’t mean is waiting (beyond reason) for others to make something happen.
5. Going the extra mile. This is mostly found in the detail. It’s my favorite googley skill. Take the following example: Someone emails you for a project change. Such updates may normally be filed through a request management system. One response: asking the requester to file the request through said system. Another, more googley response: filing the request himself, and sending the requester a status update at the earliest convenience. The difference this makes is huge, yet it’s easily overlooked
6. Doing something nice for others, with no strings attached. Being googley means thinking about and doing something for others, and not necessarily expecting something in return.
7. Being friendly and approachable. Google is famous for being friendly and open; it’s googley to be friendly and open. This account dates back before my time but I believe Googlers were at some point explicitly encouraged to just join co-workers they didn’t know for lunch, to talk to and get to know them. That certainly rings googley. Similarly, the most successful managers at Google maintain “open door” policies; it’s googley to be that approachable.
8. Valuing users and colleagues. It’s googley (and something Google “knows to be true”) to put the user first, and similarly to help a co-worker. It’s not googley to let either down.
9. Rewarding great performance. Hard work, though not listed here, is googley. But hard work, and good work as mentioned, should also be rewarded. Rewards can (and do at Google) take many forms: endorsing notes to managers, kudos, shout-outs in meetings, monetary rewards, &c.
10. Being humble, and letting go of the ego (at least sometimes). It’s okay to talk about achievements, but it’s not googley to boast (which can be a fine line). Being googley means thinking of the users, the company, the team, and then oneself. That’s accompanied by the belief that everything else, including rewards and promotions, will follow.
11. Being transparent, honest, and fair. Non-transparency, dishonesty, unfairness, also secrecy are inherently ungoogley.
12. Having a sense of humor. It’s not googley to oppose play. (Notice the number of and great efforts behind Google’s hoaxes, jokes, and easter eggs in this regard.)

credits: Google Doodle

Even Urban Dictionary has the word in its archive. It defines googliness as "having a distinct quality that makes you suitable for working at Google"

SFGate quoted Prasad Setty, Google's vice president of people analytics and compensation as defining googliness as: "being comfortable with ambiguity"

To me, all the definitions are correct. With this, you can see Googliness is somewhat an attribute that goes beyond the norms. It goes beyond working for Google or having anything to do with Google. It is personal. It is a unique attribute for any human. Think of having this cool attribute, effecting a change and making a difference in your community will be so easy. I wanna be googley to the fullest!!! :-D

P.S: I'm dedicating this blog post to a lady who surpassed all odds to create an opportunity where there is none; a hope to the coming generations; she possess googliness. Her name is +Raquel Jacobs and she is a progressive Nigerian youth.

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Smile and be happy

"That you see me smiling does not mean I am perfectly okay, just that frowning or crying will not make my situation any better" - Taslim OKUNOLA (October 2014)

credits: Songs India

Have you smiled today? The day is almost over, so, how many times did you smile today? You had a bad day; someone spoilt your mood; something you expected didn't work out well; your heart was broken by someone you love; you lost a dear one etc.

Now that you have decided to frown the whole day, how has that helped your situation? Now that you have decided to cry the whole day, how has that better your condition? Now that you have decided to lament for the whole day, has the lamentation helped you with your problem?

Don't get me wrong at this stage, of course, smiling will not also help you get out of your problem but it is magic. When you smile, you free your mind from all the wrecks and have the opportunity to concentrate on a way forward. Like a Nigerian musician sang: "Put a smile on your face, no matter condition, feyin e!". Think of how your situation is not the worst in the world; think of how you are not the first victim of that circumstance; think of how you can concentrate to ameliorate your condition.

A friend sent this to me today and it actually prompted this blog post:

"A wise man stood in front of a large audience and cracked a very funny joke everybody laughed like crazy. After sometime, he cracked d same joke again; this time, less people laughed. He cracked the same joke again & again until everyone got tired of it and started wondering what he was doing. 

When he saw that there was no more laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said:"You can't laugh at the same joke again and again but why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over again?"

I still could not find an answer to this question. Would you rather say people prefer crying to laughing? Maybe you will help me out with your comments.

credits: Laughing Diva

You can not expect life to be a bed of roses, so, you have to prepare for the difficult times. Don't be sad in any situation. Bloom with smile and find solutions to your problems easily.

My name is +Taslim OKUNOLA and I am a progressive Nigerian youth.

Check out "Bent but not broken"

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The mathematics of life

"Mathematics is great because so far you are solving the same question, no matter how tedious or easy the method you use, you will arrive at the same answer" - Taslim Okunola (October 2014)

File saved from a Google+ post

It's been long I posted last because I have been lazy. Lots of inspirations but no zeal to pen them down. Mathematics being one of the subjects I love in high school has proven to be a subject that can be applied to the concept of life. Like someone said: "Life is like Math, if it goes too easy, then something is wrong". I basically wasn't thinking in that direction when I was said 'Life is like mathematics' anyways.

The concept of life and mathematics

If life is like mathematics, then what is the question we are solving and what is the answer required of us? All of us did Math in school. We know that when we are given a question in form of word problem or equation, there is always an answer to the question. For subjects like Philosophy and Logic, you might express one answer in a thousand ways that wouldn't look alike but in Mathematics, only one answer will be accrued to one question.

Well, when we are given questions like that, our teachers would have solved it and know the answer. They just wouldn't talk during our tests and examinations but they have a marking scheme with answer. 'Life' is the question given to us and 'Success' is the answer.

The process with which we attain this success is the different methods that we use to solve our mathematical problem (Life). Some use the shortcut method and end up getting a shortcut answer. Some has opportunities like statistical tables and calculators to solve this general question of life. Some didn't have the opportunities and have to toiled and show all workings just to arrive at this same answer. Some made just a little mistake which turned them away from the answer.

How are you solving your own question of life?

The major problem most people are having is using the wrong method. Take a look at what you are doing. Are you putting your best? Are you engaging your intellectual mind? Are you handling your life with your in-born creativity? Are you on the lookout for opportunities? It is very important that you take into consideration, your career and work towards achieving it. You have the question (Life), work and work and work until you get the answer (Success).

My name is Taslim OKUNOLA and I am a progressive Nigerian youth.

Click here to check out the article I wrote about Job and Career months ago.

P.S: Happy Birthday to +Peace Itimi, you rock!

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Infinix Zero in Lustrous Gold Now on Konga.com!

The long wait is finally over! The gold version of the top seller device, Infinix Zero is now available on Konga.com. This new model features a 16GB internal memory, twice the size of the previous version. It also has a processor memory of 2GB, which means you have twice the power and speed to run your favorite apps. Make a purchase before it sells out! Click here now to buy —> Infinix Zero The Infinix Zero in lustrous gold goes for just N23,900! It features a 13MP camera, a powerful Octa-Core processor, the latest Android 4.4 Kit Kat technology and a gorilla glass finish. Not only is it a beauty to behold, it is also a powerful device! Don’t miss out on this! Get yours here —> Infinix Zero Do not forget that you get free delivery when you buy the Infinix Zero device! So, wherever you are in Nigeria, you can get your Infinix Zero delivered to you without any charges. Do not wait one second. Shop now while stock lasts..

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TABLES TURN - Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band

The young man standing laughing
But he knows where the shoe dey pain am so
He no fit do anything today
But one day, the tables will turn
The little children on the street
Working hard so they can eat
Dem no fit do anything today
But one day, the tables will turn
My sister with the sexy eyes
Selling her body so she can live
She no fit do anything today
But one day, the tables will turn
So my brothers don't you see
We must bring some sanity over here
How can one person have so much
While so many have none?

credits: Facebook upload

The average man doesn't ask for much
He only wants what you and I want -
A safe place to lay his head at night
Is that too much to ask?
He wants his kids to go to good schools
So they can become somebody
He wants them grow up healthy and strong
Is that too much to ask?
So when you build your mansions
And drive around in your fancy cars
Remember to think of the little man
Cos one day, the tables will turn 2ce
So my sisters don't you see...

People keep on struggling
Meditate on the words of the wise
A lie may stand for a thousand years
But one day the truth will reign
Mothers put away your worries
Wipe away your flowing tears
We no fit do anything today
But one day the tables will turn
Little children listen up
We may be down but we're not out
We must not give up on our dreams
One day, your time will come
So my people don't you see...

The poor man stands there laughing
But he knows where the shoe dey pain am so
Him no fit do anything today
But one day, the tables will turn

(available at https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/fere/id136737511)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YUF4E3v1hI

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Origin of the name "Google"

On September 15, 1997 —  17 years ago — Larry Page and Sergey Brin registered “Google.com” as a domain. The registration occurred almost a full year before Larry and Sergey received their first investor’s check to launch Google. In 1996, when Larry and Sergey were beginning to develop their search engine, they called it “BackRub” — because it analyzed the web’s “back links” and because it connoted a less stressful, relaxing way of finding the information searchers were seeking. As the search engine rapidly improved, Larry wanted a more formal name to describe the search service’s colossal task of organizing and prioritizing the world’s massive quantity of growing information.

credits: Google Archive

According to David Koller in the Stanford Computer Science Department —
Larry's office was in room 360 of the Gates CS Building, which he shared with several other graduate students, including Sean Anderson, Tamara Munzner, and Lucas Pereira. In 1997, Larry and his officemates discussed a number of possible new names for the rapidly improving search technology. Sean [Anderson] recalls the final brainstorming session as occurring one day during September of that year [1997].

Sean and Larry were in their office, using the whiteboard, trying to think up a good name — something that related to the indexing of an immense amount of data. Sean verbally suggested the word “googolplex,” and Larry responded verbally with the shortened form, “googol” (both words refer to specific large numbers). Sean was seated at his computer terminal, so he executed a search of the Internet domain name registry database to see if the newly suggested name was still available for registration and use. Sean is not an infallible speller, and he made the mistake of searching for the name spelled as “google.com,” which he found to be available. Larry liked the name, and within hours he took the step of registering the name “google.com” for himself and Sergey (the domain name registration record dates from September 15, 1997).

Sources:
https://plus.google.com/105381768086103629742/posts/TLKJeD1J15F
http://www.google.com/about/company/history/
https://graphics.stanford.edu/~dk/google_name_origin.html
http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2006/07/5-different-stories-about-googles-name.html


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True friends

Trying and failing again at swerving the conversation from centring on me, I take a minute to look - more like survey the people passing judgement ruthlessly on me and my past actions. Isn't it funny how you become the topic of discussion but are never really allowed to say anything for yourself in self-defense especially? Scanning their faces closely in a bid to be able to read the emotions on their faces, all I notice is warmth and affection - sheer fondness and a smile playing around the corners of their eyes, even the one who has his mouth twisted in an angry knot. Oh, I forgot to mention who they are. They are people who I'd like to call Friends not for lack of a definitive word to describe them but because they're friends to me in the truest sense of the word.

credits: Mindthinks

So, how would you know if a person is actually your friend and has only good intentions towards your friendship? Is it by the number of years you've spent together or by how much you have in common? Or how comfortable you are in their presence? Perhaps, how trustworthy, solid and reliable they appear and how easy it is for you to confide in them? Some people would prefer someone who would paint the truth in fancy lines to make you feel better about yourself, while others would rather have friends who are blunt and criticize their actions, rarely complimenting them. I'd prefer the latter, I like being charged to do better.

"Birds of a feather...", they say, "...flock together." This proverb usually comes to play when choosing friends, but there are occasions which are in rarity when you go for someone who is the polar opposite of you, probably to spice up your social circle if you're the type that can handle more than one friend at a time. Yes, some people can't. And try not to confuse acquaintances and colleagues for friends.

Colleagues are mainly departmental, level or school mates that you only get to see or converse with in school generally about school-related topics while acquaintances are just - like I refer to them as, "hi" and "bye" people. Lol, but really acquaintances are people who you just share a common interest and are restricted to only a part of your life. Unlike with friends, you do not feel a sense of connection or feel free discussing problems or sharing ideas with acquaintances. Also, the bond of friendship that is usually maintained till adulthood is lacking in acquaintances. But, this doesn't mean all friendships last till forever.

How many of us still have the same best friend(s) that we had in primary or secondary school? Granted, tertiary institutions might have taken you guys miles apart, but with the level of technological advancement, you can almost feel someone's virtual presence even if the person is continents away. Yes, there are platforms for video-chatting and an example is Skype. With the advent of the internet, it ought to be impossible not to be able to sustain a really solid and valued friendship. So, what went wrong with that old, beautiful friendship of yours? Find it and fix it. Old friends are pure gold!

Acquaintances can end up as friends especially if the areas of common interest are many. A lot of friendships grew out from the acquaintance stage. Making friends is one thing, keeping the friends is a herculean task on its own. Another issue to consider is how difficult it is for some people to make friends, and how naturally making friends comes to others.

An important thing to bear in mind is that being one's self will attract friends that'll stay for good, while working too hard to be who you're not in order to impress someone and win the person's friendship which might be short-lived because the person will definitely discover you're a fraud. Besides being caught, it's cheapening and shows desperation to be favoured in one's sight. If the person doesn't appreciate you for the unique being that you are, let go of the dream of a possible friendship between that person and move on. You'll meet great people who'll accept and love you for who you are, I assure you.

True friendship is unconditional and not exploitative. It's no money-making venture or fall back plan from depression or boredom. True friends are there during the storms and sunshine, they share you sorrows and joys, happiness and sadness. Help you out of difficult situations and love you boundlessly! Friends are for life, not for a particular phase of life. Keep an open mind when making friends, don't work too hard on it. Cheers to those friends who've been there for us all the way. Friends are keepers! Friends for life!

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FACE OF AGRICULTURE: Agriculturist and Proud

Agriculture is as old as man. Did the caveman not practice farming with crude implements before he even discovered fire? And so it was even with the advent of civilization. Well, up until recently. But it is no longer news that the agricultural sector has been suffering seriously from lack of attention and those in the sector have always been subjected to ridicule, looked down upon. Perhaps that's because people no longer consider anything relating to agriculture with respect or see it as a profession that is worth pursuing or a course worthy of being studied. And when they eventually do, it is usually as a last option.

But once upon a time, agriculture was the mainstay of our economy. And was it not during that period that Nigeria made the most effective developments even at the grassroots level? Remember the pyramids of groundnut that were exported from the Northern part of Nigeria? What happened to the hectares of land reserved for the cultivation of rubber, palm oil in the South? How about the the textile factory in Kaduna used for spinning, dressing cotton cultivated in the North? Let's not forget the cocoa house in Ibadan that managed cocoa exportation in large masses and took care of the cocoa farmers. Do any of these plantations or factories still function?

 The talk on everybody's lips is about oil money. We should keep in mind that this so-much-attention-
paid-to oil is a natural resource that would dry up one day, especially with the rate at which it is being exploited. And when that day comes, where would we all fall back to? The same old, abandoned agriculture. The popular saying: "the rejected stone that became the cornerstone" would be brought to mind.

But before that day comes, would we allow others to ignorantly condemn something as professional and practical as our beloved agriculture? NO! Right measures need to be taken. We embark on an all round awareness program to educate people on agriculture. We aim to change their distorted perception of agriculture. We hope to make them see agriculture from a different, newer and clearer perspective as an environmentally friendly and providing employment for the educated and uneducated populace profession. How saddening is it then that people with little or no knowledge of the countless benefits of agriculture continue to pollute the minds of others who might be willing to venture into the field?

Agriculture is a very diverse profession with so many areas to delve into. How many people know this? Ranging from being an extension worker who provides essential information about the weather and improved agricultural practices to farmers, to being a food scientist; caring about what we put in our stomachs all in a bid to help us preserve good health and prolong life.Those who are experts on ecotourism and wildlife management, those who manage animals; caring for them and carrying out advanced breeding practices to increase the herds and maximize their by-products. How about the agricultural economists that take care of the financial aspect and compile data? The list is endless. And all these are just surface information of what people who major in agriculture are capable of doing. In depth knowledge shows that agriculture touches all spheres of life.

The first thing to be done is to restore the confidence of those studying and practicing agriculture. By doing this, they'll be able to supply information about the benefits of agriculture to anyone who has warped views about it either as a course or profession and hopefully change their perceptions of it. Personally I choose to believe that agriculture is the future of this nation, sentiments aside. Virtually all agricultural practices are eco-friendly which means there'll be lesser harmful gases going into the atmosphere depleting the ozone layer further.

Agriculture doesn't have to be practiced on a large scale with mechanized implements before it can be considered worth undertaking. Subsistence agriculture is also rewarding. A garden at the back of your house would provide you with fresh vegetables for healthy diet whilst giving you something to occupy your spare time-a hobby, if you will. Having something to tend to, nurture or take care has been found to be very therapeutic. Setting up a poultry or pond would not only generate money, it would also supply proteins in your meals. Agriculture simply provides self-employment irrespective of level of education.

Farming on large scale not only generates foreign revenue for the government, it also creates employment for a lot of people while still putting food on their tables. That's triple-edged advantage.  We have been fortunate to be blessed with hectares upon hectares of lush fields just waiting to be cultivated on! We have a farming-friendly weather, with no extremities. Revenue generated from the exportation of cash crops can be used to better the lives of the citizens of the country thereby making bad roads, poorly equipped and dysfunctional hospitals and schools, massive unemployment things of the past. Agriculture can potentially secure all these and more, but collective steps have to be taken to trap the looming monsters-corruption and moral degradation that have eaten deep into the society. With agriculture, we can turn a desert into an oasis. So, why not make everyone aware of these endless benefits abound in practicing agriculture?

Face of Agriculture is aiming to change the average Nigerian youth's perception of agriculture with the theme: "Poverty or Prosperity?" There will be lectures, rallies as well as other side attractions. It is scheduled to hold at the Hilltop Auditorium on the 1st of October which is coincidentally Independence Day. We set Agriculture free from distorted perceptions that day.

Operation independence for agriculture.

Operation restore the lost glory of agriculture.

Operation change the perception others have of agriculture.

Operation make agriculture the mainstay of the economy.

Operation make everyone involved in agriculture.

The future is fresh and green, the future is Agriculture. Embrace the change. Embrace Agriculture.

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PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION

Treated Like a Nobody.

"When I was 10, the Ibo and Hausa people in my town had a clash in retaliation for the recent bombings in the North. The hatred affected me, a little boy who lost his Eastern mom to one of the bomb attacks, I began to make fun of a boy in my class who was Hausa, even though he had been my friend."

credits: reference for business

Have you ever experienced the indignity of unfair discrimination which tends to be based on prejudice? A popular christian article asks. Perhaps it was because of your tribe as in the case of the 10yr-old boy, your skin colour, your gender, your economic status, your religion or even your age. Those who are regularly treated prejudicially often live in fear of further ill-treatment, the article further says. When they walk by a group of people, go into a store, move to a new school, or attend a social gathering, they may become sick with anxiety.

In addition, victims of prejudice and discrimination may have trouble getting a job, or they may receive second-rate medical care, an inferior education, and fewer social privileges and legal rights. When officially sanctioned, discrimination can lead to such evils as ethnic cleansing and genocides. A good example is the mass genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s.

This article looks at prejudice and discrimination on a larger scale. Bigotry and intolerance may persist even where there are laws against discrimination. A former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said and I quote:   "Six decades after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights..., the principles of equality and non-discrimination are still far from a universal reality." That is disturbing because immigration and the influx of refugees have significantly altered the demographics of many lands.

So, is an equitable society just a dream? Or can prejudice and discrimination be overcome?
"All human beings are born free and equal in rights and dignity. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." -Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says. I bet only a handful of us knew about it because we live in a lawless country. Despite the lofty ideal, prejudice and discrimination continue to plague mankind. This sad fact reflects not only our times but also the imperfections of humans. Nevertheless, the situation is far from hopeless. Granted, we may be unable to eliminate the prejudice we see around us, but we can work to root out prejudice that may lodge within us.

A good start is to acknowledge that none of us are above developing prejudices. The book, Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination says: "perhaps, the most important conclusions to emerge from prejudice research are these:

1. No one capable of human thought and speech is immune from harbouring prejudice.
2. It often takes deliberate effort and awareness to reduce prejudice.
3. With sufficient motivation, all these can be done. 

Education has been described as "the most powerful tool" in the fight against prejudice. The right education can, for example, expose the root causes of prejudice, enable us to examine our own attitudes more objectively, and help us deal wisely with prejudice when we are victims.

Prejudice causes people to distort, misinterpret or even ignore facts that conflict with their predetermined opinions. Prejudice may have its beginnings in seemingly innocent, but often misguided family values, or it may be sown by those who deliberately promote warped views of other tribes, races or cultures. Prejudice can also be fostered nationalism -the urge to be patriotic, or false religious teachings. And it can also be a product if inordinate pride.

Love; genuine love conquers prejudice. Treat others simply in the way you'd want to be treated. Envy and unnecessary pride breed prejudice, let go of all that. Let the bad others do to you bring out the good in you.

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Don't fall out while trying to fall in

"Don't fall out while trying to fall in" "You can only be unique when you have your own status quo to maintain not when you conform with others' style of living" "Learn how to overcome peer pressure by being contented always" "You are the best being yourself....changing for someone else might be hazardous" - These are words of mine that should be ringing in Feyintola's mind now.

credits: Logomaker

Feyintola is a 20 year-old multi-complexioned lady who is already paying dearly for her mistakes in life. It all started when she couldn't gain admission at her first trial (aged 18). She tried to mingle with similar peers in her vicinity. The "street" girls like they are fondly called. These girls are not learned, have no trade, jobless but own the latest smartphones, most "fashionable" clothes, most expensive makeup kits and the likes. They are really living bigger than you are imagining.

Feyintola, a girl with dreams to be a graduate, started interacting with ladies without any dream. The friendship started on a neutral platform. All was well. But at some point, she felt like an alien...like an outcast. She was dark and shiny; these ladies are fair in complexion. Her style wasn't in vogue...theirs made sense to her. She kept thinking she needed to conform with their standards. She wanted to fall in...she wanted to feel among...she wanted to be a "street" girl. She started by getting some creams to bleach away her dark and shiny skin that she considered ugly. She continued by getting involved in prostitution and started living big.

Yes, she got the complexion and the likes but they were temporary. She was having a slight headache and fever that turned serious. On getting to the hospital, blood test revealed she is HIV-positive. She lost all her "customers". No dime to keep up with the fantasy. Her skin colour started malfunctioning. That was how the dark and shiny girl who turned fair turned multi-coloured.

Feyintola's story is nothing but an example of the topic matter. People of any kind, male or female, black or white try to fall in all aspects. They always want to conform with the standard of their peers. They want to feel among. One thing you should know is to be unique, you need not maintain the status quo of others...you need to create yours. We are different in all  aspects and that means we should not try to be one another because that is so impossible.

Check yourself today so that you will not regret tomorrow.

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Bent but not broken

To You All,

My name is Eloho. I am a 19 year-old single mother. A title that is a constant reminder of how foolhardiness and naivete come with a grave prize to pay. In my case, it's an everlasting payment. A year ago, I was this innocent, naive, smart girl with abound opportunities for a better future. I had lofty dreams like every youngster, I had grand plans! I secured admission into one of these popular conventional universities to study my dream course; Mass Communication. I was thrilled! Things seemed to be going according to plan, at 16 I was already on my way to becoming a newscaster. I always loved the showbusiness, but I wanted to do it differently.

credits: hdire source

My nightmare started on a warm September evening exactly 3 years ago. I was heading home after a lecture that lasted 4 straight hours. Exhausted and famished were understatements to how I was feeling. Dragging my tired self to get home, I bumped-or rather, a guy bumped hard into me sending my unzipped bag flying in the air with my notes falling all over. Tiredness had put my temper on the edge so I instantly flared up and attacked him. "What is wrong with you?" I angrily demanded. "Are you blind?" I pressed further. He kept mum and his silence just further infuriated me. Fueled by the anger, I made an attempt to push him out of my way with both hands, so slapping both opened palms flatly on his chest I tried getting him to move aside so I could bend and pick my notes which were still lying on the floor and which he had made no obvious attempt at helping me retrieve- an act I considered ungentlemanly of him, not that he had been anything near a gentleman since the bump. Holding my hands firmly to his chest, I peered closely to see his countenance since dusk was fast approaching, that was when I noticed; the poor fella was crying! My heart immediately went out to him. I'm a very emotional person, by the way. I can't stand a person going through any form of pain. My unfortunate cross to bear. Anger was immediately replaced with sympathy and concern in me. I was eager to help the weeping stranger. Hurriedly packing my notes, I nudged him to a closed shop with a vacant bench. We both sat. And he wept. Oh boy! He wept like a schoolgirl. Not used to finding myself in such situations, I didn't know what to do. I felt helpless and I very much wanted to help the poor crying boy. So, summoning courage, I started mumbling words of consolation. I took it a step further- I reached out and stroked his hair, while gently patting his back.

After awhile, he got his emotions under control and the crying feat subdued. In between sniffing air, blowing his nose, wiping his tears-stained face and stifling back more tears, he poured out his heart to me; a total stranger. His girlfriend of 3 years whom he had plans of marrying had called it quits because she heard his mom had cancer and considering that cancer is hereditary, she didn't want to marry into a family with a history of canceric genes. He had lost his longtime gf and was also losing his mom. The whole thing was overwhelming. I tried my best to cheer him up. We talked for about 3 hours before departing. He was no longer choking back tears though he was still red-eyed and swollen faced. His name is Raymond.

He called the day after and asked if we could hang out. I obliged. We met and continued from where we had stopped the other night. I was fascinated by him. We connected on so many levels, we had so much in common. We were both goal-driven and ambitious persons. To top it all, he was a God-fearing person. He drew me closer to God, I now had a personal relationship with God. Before he came into my life, I had a dysfunctional relationship with God.  Overtime we became really good pals. Along the friendship, we both fell in love.

It happened naturally, none of us even took notice! He was my best friend, my confidant, my brother. I practically hero-worshipped him! The three months I had with him are full of fond memories, cherished moments.

Sex was something we mutually agreed to abstain from even though we both wanted to try it out since we were both virgins. Our relationship was strictly platonic and that made it all the more beautiful. But being humans that we are, we gave in to the overwhelming urge and perpetuated the act.  Long story short, we eventually succumbed to basic urge; we had sex! It was a clumsy, disappointing lovemaking session even to a novice like me. After the sexual experience, things got a little awkward between us but with time we overcame the awkwardness and carried on with our beautiful friendship. Little did I know that one night of inexperienced lovemaking would get me; a 16 year-old girl pregnant!

I did not have the usual morning sickness that is usual for most pregnant women. I got my periods regularly. I just noticed I was adding weight and getting tired easily, I never attached much meaning to any of it. I was already 5 months pregnant before I noticed. I fell seriously ill during the second semester of my freshman year. I had to undergo some tests to ascertain the kind of ailment only to be told I was 5 months gone! And all along I thought I caught the flu or had malaria.

I immediately tried contacting Raymond but my efforts seemed to be futile. So I went to his hostel, only to be told that he too had to be rushed home because he fell ill during the night. After giving him the grace of 2weeks and not hearing from him, I sought him. I traveled to his place and I was welcomed with the greatest-no, second greatest shock of my life. Raymond had been diagnosed of cancer! I immediately fainted. When I was revived, I was told in details that he had to be flown abroad for immediate surgery since the cancer was still in the treatable stage. Ohmigod!

That was how Raymond left the country and I've not heard from him for over a year now. Last time I inquired about him from a family member, I heard the operation was successful and he recovered fully, even decided to remain in the States. Start a new life maybe, leaving me with his daughter. Now I'm a single parent, a year behind in studies, having missed a whole school year due to childbirth and the likes. I still live due to the support of my loving parents. They've been wonderful and understanding. How many times did I contemplate suicide? Being responsible for myself and my daughter was the only thought that stopped me from committing the act.

It's been over a year now, I am trying to move on with my life, school-wise especially. I still want to be a newscaster. Some dreams never die. Although there's this hatred that is breeding within me. The strong emotion to resent all males can be overwhelming at times. But I try to rid myself of the bitterness because inner peace comes from forgiveness and not holding grudges. Once again, I can say I am that happy girl only more experienced and with a baby of course.  That makes me a woman! The transition into womanhood for me was fast and all of it is mostly a blur for me.

But thankfully, I have picked up the virtually crumbling pieces of my life and I am making it whole again. Falling in love is an experience I dread now. But then, I'm working on learning to trust again.  Cos love is a beautiful feeling indeed. Everything might not have been all glowingly and rosy between Raymond and me, I have the most wonderful gift of life and she's a bundle of constant joy to me. This is the story of my life for the past 3 years.

Google Take Action: advocates for a free and open web

"A free and open world depends on a free and open web." - words that are used to front the campaign.

Who agrees with the fact the web should be free and open to all?

Most people think it means that internet connection and the likes should not be charged. NO! that was what I thought at first.. lol.. They will definitely be charged to maintain the internet providing facilities. Now, what does Google mean by free and open. The web should be free and open in the sense that information on the web should not be tampered with.

Who tampers with the information on the web? Our government. They do so via court orders, site blocking, internet policies and the likes. Google receives over 4000 content removal requests a year from various countries even though most are not removed due to appeal verdicts and considerable reviews.

The world of internet in its own context is a free world and should be kept free. Millions of pieces of information fly around the web on daily basis. We should not be deprived of access to information. Most if not all countries have the "Freedom of expression" clause in their constitutions but they look at it from a different angle when it comes to internet issues. I hope you are seeing reasons with me that the web should be #freeandopen

Google products online have been disrupted in over 30 countries according to Google Transparency Report. Likewise other internet products. Are we gonna sit and watch as the future of internet is being decided by our political goons. Let us stand up for free and open web.

Like it was said, "A free and open world depends on a free and open web. And a free and open web depends on you and me". Take action now!. Join over 3,000,000 people counting to stand up for a free and open web: https://www.google.com/intl/en/takeaction/

Although we don't really have these government web craziness affecting us in my country, Nigeria, but if it continues like this around the world, it might one day start happening in Nigeria too.

Fellow Nigerians, you too can take action. The world should be free and open.

A quest for perfection - by Emike Ahmed

This probably ought to be the captivating headline for a beauty product or the theme to a beauty enhancing convention or something of its sort. It's popular knowledge that looking good is a major factor in boosting self-confidence. So, money oriented people have devised several means; some honest, others just plain shady and fake to extort money from people who do not feel comfortable in their skin. The most distorted mentality an average Nigerian girl has is that "black" denotes dirty,
primitive and lacking sophistication while being light-skinned is like owning a ticket to the 7th heaven. This mentality has created an avenue for people to make money simply by mixing bleaching chemicals, canning them and selling them off to gullible girls who feel insecure and want to be shades lighter. The ugly part is they usually end up looking like they've been dressed up to perform in a circus; multi-coloured on different body parts.

Credits: IxDaily

There are so many sides to it, I mean the surgical procedures; ranging from skin-toning, butt, hips and breasts enlargement and implantations, to face-lifts, tummy tucks, nose jobs, you name it, all to look plastic perfect. Some girls actually believe that acceptance by the society depends on how you look. But then what is a picture-perfect body without class, grace, humility, dignity, self-respect and sophistication? All these virtues can't be achieved by making your breasts bigger, your tummy flatter or your hips broader. What matters most is the kind of air you wear, the aura you exude, the kind of impression and impact you make, my dear friends.

Okay, now I'm sounding like I'm not guilty of all these. I've actually fallen victim too; I once  had an ugly attack of pimples on my face and considering the fact that my face was my selling point I had to get rid of them asap. So, I took the advice of several non-professional "cosmetologists" and tried all kinds of anti-acne creams on my face. Trust me, the end result was worse than the attack. I learnt my lesson the hard way: never use beauty products that haven't been prescribed by a professional. And one more thing, pimples are a natural phase of life, don't fuss over them when they appear, you'll definitely outgrow them and they'll go without leaving black, ugly spots behind.

The saying that "true beauty comes from within" has often being abused or misconstrued by most people. Looking fit is a must for everyone, but going  under the knife is optional and often comes with a grave prize to pay. I once saw a woman on TV who lost both legs and arms to a poisonous substances that was injected into her system when she wanted to undergo liposuction.
Proper and detailed knowledge of beauty products before use and information about one's skin goes a great length in curbing the excesses and abuse of skin products. Major tips to having and maintaining a glowing skin irrespective of colour is:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. This might not really count but it usually helps, so always wear a smile!
3. Wash your face with lukewarm water once in awhile.
4. And this might be considered obsolete and old-fashioned, but never use sponge to scrub the face.

Adhering strictly to these basic tips, staying fit and happy and using beauty products prescribed by a professional and designed for your type of skin will make you GLOW!