Oluyomi Ola-David Insights

They have been born They ask for help And receive correction I am fully subscribed They have been born They look up And avoid looking around I am fully convinced  They have been born They trust like children And live like harmless serpents I am fully persuaded They have been born  They know they know nothing And learn from anything  I am fully literate They have been born  They inspire others And calm the storms I am fully awake They have been born  They look in the mirror And adjust what they should I am fully aware They have been born  They speak to create And build to last I am fully certain They have been born  They love like rain And hate every evil I am fully watchful  They have been born  They prepare for winter And smell the roses I am fully informed They have been born They are not showy And they are seamless I am fully converted They have been born  They know their talent And they buy just one field I am fully cognizant They have been born  They shine like stars And fear no d

This is how I love I supplicate and celebrate And I think good of you That's just my way This is how I live I give you room And just cheer you on That's just my way This is how I care I look forward to share And keep you satisfied That's just my way This is how I love I leave you alone And trust God to be near That's just my way This is how I teach I show you the way And hope you take the hint That's just my way This is how I help I reveal your ignorance And light up your mind That's just my way This is how I love I accept your humanity And display my divinity That's just my way This is how I travel I go on my narrow lane  And learn from other tracks That's just my way This is how I greet I speak peace to you And hope you are peaceful That's just my way This is how I love I accept my strengths And pray poverty away That's just my way This is how I party I create my own fun And pop my corn on the stove That's just my way  This is how I change 

On the stage  They need to convince  On the floor We need convictions On the board They need to prevail In the street We need to travail On the sea They need to swim On the shore We need to coast On the mountain They need to enlighten In the valley We need to spring On the ladder They need to climb On the track We need to trek On the field They need to play On the stands We need to assess On the table They need to plan In the chair We need to discern On the shelves They need to sell On the lanes We need to test On the highway They need to speed On the trail We need to endure On the platform They need to showcase In the bar We need to know On the stove They need to boil On the counter We need to melt On the broadway They need to throng On the lonely path We need to press ... Photo credit: Konga

As I think through this Yoruba proverb 'olówó ĺó lòwò', I am humbled at how three words have sufficient substance to make a thousand speeches and fill a million lines. This proverb literally means "it is the rich that owns the trade", whatever trade that is. Can we cross-examine the verity of this simply stated fact? Which countries dominate global trade? See the figure on world trade statistics, facts speak for themselves. Doesn't the rich control the time of the poor. Every human is endowed with a 24-hour day. Nevertheless, the rich tend to wield adequate economic power required to buy up more hours to their productive advantage. Many poor people can only sell their time to survive.  Isn't it the rich that can create enough time to think, strategise, and flood our bookshelves? Who are those sane enough to want read whatever the poor may have to say, because they know it is instructive? The rich own large estates and living spaces that the working poor dream

I recently combed the list of top eleven thinkers in development economics. Only an African made the list. Her introductory thought, Dead Aid, was focused on Africa. Now she thinks more on the globe and the West, which is now home to her. I salute the efforts and resilience of Dambisa Moyo in the thinking space. Here is the list I found: 1. Jeffrey D. Sachs 2. Esther Duflo 3. Abhijit Banerjee 4. Amartya Sen 5. Bill Easterly 6. Dambisa Moyo  7. Angus Deaton 8. Joseph Stiglitz 9. Paul Collier 10. Daron Acemoglu 11. James Robinson Frankly, are Africans truly bothered about what bothers Africa? How do we approach our problems: live with them, leave them alone, or  solve them? The space in the thinking skies seems largely underutilised, why? Should the so-called 'rich' be more concerned about the so-called 'poor', than the so-called 'poor' or 'in-betweens' themselves? Who and what does the so-called rich work for while the so-called 'poor' work for ev

Where lies the glory Of blind guides Inglorious is The temple with corrupt gates Where lies the savour  Of tasteless salt Inglorious is The meal with neutral seasoning Where lies the brightness  Of hidden light Inglorious is The lamp with retired flame Where lies the beauty  Of ugly spirit Inglorious is The pretty with empty heart Where lies the victory  Of weary soldiers Inglorious is The battle with little strength  Where lies the wealth Of working poor  Inglorious is The lowly with prideful look Where lies the goodness  Of ill wind Inglorious is The gift with no love Where lies the profit  Of busy ant Inglorious is The winter with meagre store  Where lies the path  Of tactless sea Inglorious is The voyage with sleepy sailor Where lies the future  Of ignorant youth Inglorious is The book with little history Where lies the vision  Of blurry eyes Inglorious is The zeal with little knowledge Where lies the wisdom  Of miry clay Inglorious is The speech with empty words ... Photo credit:

You call them  Employers of labour But I call them Demanders of time You call them Labour force But I call them Time-and-skill suppliers You call them  Parents and caregivers  But I call them  Caretakers and trustees You call them Children But I call them Growing seed You call them Workaholics But I call them Anxious company You call them Lazy But I call them Selective workers You call them  Aged But I called them  Experienced You call them  Young But I call them Energy needing direction You call them Leaders But I call them Thinkers You call them Students But I call them Followers You call them Goods But I call them Products You call them Great But I call them Work-in-progress ... Photo credit: Smartbrief

I am grateful for the gift of true friends. True friendships last throughout a lifetime, through thick and thin, sunshine and rain. Friendships that end never really started. In life's journey, distance may be necessary, but true friends maintain a heart full of goodwill throughout a lifetime. I am always learning to be better at all I am. ... I am grateful for the precious gift of family. Family is the first compulsory school the Governor of life admitted us into. I am grateful for the invaluable tutors appointed for me, who simply and seamlessly live out their lesson notes. I am grateful for my first house mates and co-learners.  In siblings we tend to encounter every kind of character or attitude we may experience later in wider society. I am grateful for the privilege of being loved and catered for without having to earn it.  If I once felt entitled, now I feel more responsible to be family-friendly, even in my outlook, research, and advocacy. I am also grateful for friends who

Now, there are teachers everywhere Speakers in every place And trainers on every hill So, I am always learning Now, there are sages everywhere Guides in every field And stars on every stage So, I am always learning Now, there are shepherds everywhere Wolves in every garment And hunters in every forest  So, I am getting learned Now, there are history lines everywhere Tales on every tongue And trophies in every glass So, I am always learning Now, there are facts everywhere News in every club And ancients words on every table So, I am always learning Now, there are leaders everywhere Sales in every shop And selfish ravens on every lane So, I am getting learned Now, there are animals everywhere Nature in every air And systems in every habitat So, I am always learning Now, there are mountains everywhere  Lilies in every valley And thorns on every rose So, I am always learning Now, there are grasses everywhere Scorpions lying in every sand And snakes on every apple stand So, I am getting lea

It is a progressive path It is a steady walk It is that rough road That leads you there It is a hungry belly It is a thirsty throat It is that longing heart  That leads you there It is a narrow lane It is a lonely street It is that moving wind That leads you there It is a boisterous boat It is a stormy wind It is that wavy stream That leads you there It is a clear nose  It is a sharp sight It is that open ear That leads you there It is a humble mind It is a focused gaze It is that fruitful hand That leads you there It is a bed of thorns It is a swampy grass It is that teary gland That leads you there It is a silent whisper It is a patient shepherd It is that speaking book That leads you there It is a daily clock It is a hourly step It is that second chance That leads you there It is a necessary turn It is a true way It is that uncommon route That leads you there It is a dose of faith It is a capsule of hope It is that surgery of love That leads you there It is a long walk It is a deep

The journey Of a thousand miles Begins with little steps The meal Of a healthy sort Cooks on slow stove The thought Of a great depth Broods for seven rounds The sprinter On a marathon trail Endures through the trek The house Of a stable height Leans on solid rock The wealth Of a thousand generations Shuns fleeting allures of gold The spirit Of an enterprising life Lurks in green pastures The life Of a tiny seed Blooms in deep and dirty soil The sun Of every passing day Rises with its own heat The castle Of a million kings Hangs on sturdy values The star On an expanse of lofty skies Shines best in its own room The eagle  In flight to the mountain top Glides with the seamless wind .... Photo credit: Covenant University, Nigeria

When you know The purpose of marriage Is to raise godly offspring You will marry carefully When you know The purpose of your faculty Is to invest in thinking You will deploy it differently  When you know The purpose of eating Is to gain strength and health You will eat carefully When you know The purpose of truth Is to make you free You will listen differently When you know The purpose of life Is to fulfill a divine destiny You will live carefully When you know The purpose of money Is to procure value and pure knowledge You will spend differently When you know The purpose of star talent Is to shine as light-in-darkness You will complain carefully When you know The purpose of youth Is to prepare for a good old age You will work differently When you know The purpose of birthing children Is to be a lifelong coach You will procreate carefully When you know The purpose of leadership Is to fully imitate Christ You will follow differently When you know The purpose of the present Is to create

Tolerance Is the hallmark of true religion Truth Can heal our wounds Dialogue Is the choice of wise agitation Conflicts Can always meet at table Peace Is the vehicle for progress Unrest Can only stall development Brotherliness Is the test of true faith Adversity Can rally our strength Patience Is the scale of humble trade History Can teach many lessons Love Is the heart of royalty Hatred Can have no family Responsibility Is the stamp of freedom Caution Can crown our prudence Truth Is the stability of the wind Falsehood Can sink the ship Knowledge  Is the furnace for gold Ignorance Can make us unclean Understanding Is a wellspring of life Violence Can only deepen our pain Justice Is the gate of celebration Perversion Can enter no further Diversity Is as colourful as culture Unity Can keep our peace ... Photo credit: National Christian Foundation

You wish me This But all I need is That You wish me More But all I need is Less You wish me Prosperity But all I want is Poverty of spirit You wish me Victory But all I need is Direction You wish me  Wealth But all I need is Fruit You wish me Greater heights But all I want is Greater depth You wish me Merry making But all I need is  Reflection You wish me  Success But all I need is  A presence  You wish me Chances But all I want is Meaning You wish me Wisdom But I need is Reverential fear You wish me Healing But all I need is Wholeness You wish me  Speed But all I want is  Accuracy ... Photo credit: The Best Wishes

I am sincerely sorry. I was wrong to think I was right. I am just one nasty sinner saved by God's grace. Please accept my sincere apologies. Please forgive my stupidity and foolishness.  I beg your pardon for my negligence. I was blind to your perspective, now I see. I court your mercy! I salute your understanding.  Only God is always right, the best of humans can be 490 times wrong in a single day. It is a terribly hurting world that we live and thrive in. So I am learning to say sorry and really mean it. Please, if you have ever felt hurt by my words, actions and inactions, please forgive me!  Please come, let us enjoy heaven on this planet. I need more heaven in my earth. Do you? ... Photo credit:  wishesmsg.com

Where is the  Home For the sheep's shepherd Where is the  Stand For the burning lamp Where is the  Seat For the righteous judge Where is the Garden For the meadow's keeper Where is the  Furnace For the hot coal Where is the Shelter For the peacekeeper  Where is the Place For the potter's wheel Where is the Box For the true witness Where is the Vault For the precious pearl  Where is the Classroom For the truth sage Where is the Table For the hungry cook Where is the Temple For the mercy seat .... Photo credit:  Kolbe Times

Thank you for choosing to participate in this 1-minute poll! 'Bad hair day' in the context of this survey, is an informal description of a day when one's given hair is deemed unattractive and unmanageable. Please click on the poll link here to get started. Thank you. .... Photo credit: The Medium

Beware  Of the polluted river That offers you Clean water Beware  Of the stubborn goat That offers you Unflinching commitment Beware  Of the burning furnace That offers you  Cold air Beware  Of the sly fox That offers you A free ride Beware  Of the bitter mind That offers you Sweet words  Beware  Of the hungry lion That offers you A sleeping pad Beware  Of the blind guide That offers you A smooth adventure Beware  Of the greedy dog That offers you Bony meals Beware  Of the unrepentant gossip That offers you Strict confidentiality Beware  Of the fickle human That offers you Reliable forecasts Beware  Of the slave driver That offers you Freedom pills Beware  Of the naked emperor That offers you Stately clothing ... Photo credit:  Google Books

G - Gifted Is not just a crown I am strong Meaning, I am fortified I - Intense Is not just an emotion I am purposeful Meaning, I am relevant R - Real Is not just a ribbon I am human Meaning, I am capable L - Light Is not just a spectrum  I am full of colours Meaning, I am creative Girl Is not just a gender I am female Meaning, I nurture the planet With all my love, Happy International Day of the Girl Child to all girls on the planet

Nigeria is my home My home is Nigeria No litter is comfortable I will keep her clean Nigeria is my baby My baby is Nigeria No crying is necessary I will keep her nourished Nigeria is my place My place is Nigeria No displacement is permanent I will keep her secure Nigeria is my heritage My heritage is Nigeria No trespassing is worthy I will keep her preserved Nigeria is my village My village is Nigeria No conflict is irresolvable I will keep her peaceful  Nigeria is my patient My patient is Nigeria No neglect is desired I will keep her watch Nigeria is my garden My garden is Nigeria No weed is wanted I will keep her trim Nigeria is my school My school is Nigeria No arrogance is required I will keep her learned Nigeria is my market My market is Nigeria No cheating is permitted I will keep her profitable  Nigeria is my farm My farm is Nigeria No drought is hindrance I will keep her fruitful Nigeria is my spouse My spouse is Nigeria No divorce is sweet I will keep her loved Nigeria is my p

Never again Should I be Too guilty to say I am now sorry  Never again Should I be too Too afraid to say It was my idea Never again Should I be Too proud to say I need help Never again Should I be Too hesitant to say I ask to be excused Never again Should I be Too quick to say It is your fault Never again Should I be Too wise to say I do not know it all Never again Should I be Too arrogant to say I beg your pardon Never again Should I be Too ignorant to say History does not matter Never again Should I be Too strong to say I am sometimes weak Never again Should I be Too hasty to say I can wait Never again Should I be Too poor to say I can change Never again Should I be Too ashamed to say I am Nigerian ... Photo credit: United Church of God

As Nigeria's next electoral cycle draws close, I am reminded of the mental and physical stress I underwent while trying to ensure  I got registered to vote during the last season. Even though I had taken time off work on two separate days to get registered, the human traffic was too heavy and the number of personnel too inadequate to fill the needs of the large community. There would have been many more time-poor and well meaning Nigerians who could not be registered to vote, thus disenfranchised, largely due to the inhibiting and inefficient procedures. The government is to be commended for the issuance of unique national identification numbers (NIN) and its drive for compliance, which has lead to high enrolment rate amongst nationals. Against this background, I think voters' registration for the federal polls should not be such a hassle during the current round. We live in such a fast-paced global economy, driven by a confluence of digital technologies. Therefore, it would no

Household procurement patterns may change during undulating economic cycles, with inflationary pressures or varied income levels.  As a result, the workflow for household procurement managers in high-, middle- and low-income households tend to differ in mode, structure, physical labour inputs, and time expended. With large outlays, time-poor high-income households may outsource procurement of regular purchase items, such as groceries, to vendors who specialise in managing bulk grocery lists for household buying and preparation for storage. Working in this manner, high-income households may save on time and reduce stress. Sadly, low-income households tend to bear the brunt of inflationary episodes, since their meagre daily or monthly incomes may only afford piecemeal grocery purchases on a 'buy-as-you-go' basis. In my keen observation of households, I identify three (3) common household groceries procurement workflows: [I] Independent household-facilitated groceries purchasing;

If you live or work within a densely populated mega city, that is particularly bereft of high-speed fly-over or underground rail infrastructure suitable for efficient intra-city and inter-city transportation, you can relate to regular rush hour gridlock or slowdown.  Given high costs of housing in city centres and reserved areas, low-income and middle-income earners working in cities are usually pushed (by high rental costs) to affordable accommodation, available only on the edge of cities, in suburbs or in nearby towns.  It is needless to emphasise that high income earners retain patronage of pricey city housing units. Whenever public-aided low-cost housing units are in limited supply within urban areas, many in the 'bottom billion' get excluded. Consequently, wage earners, who live in suburbs but work in city centres, may have to combat long hours of daily commute in their attempt to stay productive and dutiful. If such workers can pull funds for housing accommodation, they m

When you wake To detect You had been shortchanged Change is imperative  When you wake To find You had been displaced Change is imperative  When you wake To know You had been deceived Change is imperative  When you wake To acknowledge  You had been faulty Change is imperative  When you wake To see  You had been blindfolded Change is imperative When you wake To spot You had been sloppy Change is imperative When you wake To discover You had been hidden Change is imperative  When you wake To estimate You had been complacent Change is imperative When you wake To learn You had been arrogant Change is imperative When you wake To locate You had been misguided Change is imperative When you wake To discern You had been unsuspecting Change is imperative When you wake To ascertain You had been sleeping Change is imperative ... Photo credit: Thesaurus.Plus

One goal of informal money lenders and formal financial service providers is to have a steady stream of credit-worthy customers who pay off their high- or low-interest loans on schedule. This serves to keep the cycle of credit steady and available throughout business cycles.   Whatever happens when debtors are running late with their scheduled repayments reveal the value systems of the creditors. On one hand, creditors may be patient and understanding, offering extension periods to hitherto faithful customers.  This is with an understanding of the financial history of such customers with the firm. Customers who may have been shown consideration with piecemeal payment options are likely to retain patronage of such financial service firms.   On the other hand, aggressive firms may demonstrate draconian methods (for instance, as reported by customer reviews of Fintech firms operating in Nigeria). These include recruitment of unpleasant customer service representatives, who use ope

Fashion  Is what keeps me trendy Beauty  Is what makes me stylish Makeup Is what covers my spots Beauty Is what reveals my strengths  The heel Is what elevates my feet Beauty  Is the wheel behind my will Polish Is what lights up my nails Beauty Is what projects my talents Mascara Is what emboldens my lashes Beauty Is what sharpens my vision Lotion Is what softens my skin Beauty Is what nurtures my smile Manicure Is what caters for my hands Beauty  Is what purges my mind Perfume Is what stirs my air Beauty Is what guards my tongue The wig Is what saves my hair time Beauty Is what restores my youth Foundation Is what I get to wear Beauty Is my invisible clothing The blush Is what heats up my cheeks  Beauty Is what makes me prudent  Cosmetics Are tools that improve my appearance Beauty  Is who I truly am ... Photo credit:  TimesLIVE

The grateful lizard Crawls high and low And grasps a thousand heights Only to nod the most high The war horse Prepares and fights gallantly  And returns to shelter Only to bow to its rock of strength The rooster Crows at appointed times And returns to brood Only to salute the timekeeper The eagle Soars towering heights And comes to a perennial roost Only to salute the spirit's wind The rat Runs his safety race And breathes a relief Only to sniff the cat owner The ant Works through lonely nights And returns to winter hill Only to lean on its powerhouse The fish Swims with nature's dexterity And lays still at sea's bottom Only to stream unending goodness  The lion Rules the jungle fearlessly  And roars in the den Only to mirror invisible governor The tree  Yields fruits in season And sheds autumn leaves Only to extol consistent sunlight The peacock Shakes free its beauty wings And cows in humbĺe cage Only to praise its grand architect The sheep Feeds in evergreen pastures And

Call a monkey Ugly That's your entitled opinion The mother sees its beauty Call a spade Spoon That's your entitled opinion The farmer knows its use Call a star Little That's your entitled opinion The night knows its light Call a bird Disturbance That's your entitled opinion The singer knows its melody Call a market Noisy That's your entitled opinion The trader knows its goods Call a coin Worthless That's your entitled opinion The banker knows its value Call a child Liability That's your entitled opinion The aged knows its assets Call a diamond Rough That's your entitled opinion The shaper knows its price Call a sea Restless That's your entitled opinion The sailor knows its pathways Call a tower Short That's your entitled opinion The builder knows its height Call a lion Weak That's your entitled opinion The jungle knows its strength  Call my country Poor That's your entitled opinion The rich sees its wealth ... With all my love,  Happy Ind