RENDITIONS

Selamat Tahun Baru Cina

2012-01-26T00:38:00.005+08:00

My sojourn to Malaysia has exposed me to a lot of different people, cultures and ways to doing things. Last weekend will go down as a memorable one of sorts. It marked my first Chinese New Year celebration is this truly diverse society. It was amazing to see all the different “races” in the South Eastern nation unify to celebrate the annual curtain opener for their Cantonese cousins.

Stadhuys, Melaka

My girlfriend and I decide to spend the Chinese New Year in the iconic city of Melaka. We arrived at midday to a city reading for the festivities. The city was aglow with crimson red, traditional Chinese decorations and lights reading to illuminate their colorful city. It was nice to also see a good number of other tourists converge on the small city to join in the New Year celebrations.

St Paul's Church

After checking into we our hotel and settling in we decided to take a walk in the city. Our walk began on the popular Jonker street or walk as the locals prefer to call it. The rather long stretch of road is home to all manner of shops and stalls; peddling all manner of goods and mementos that will appeal to even the most laid back traveler. I was amazed at the number of European tourists I came across in the street; the sheer number of French, English and Dutch speaking people left me wondering if I was in a Belgian town.

Independence Memorial, Melaka.

While Melaka is miles from the shores of Europe, it shares a distinct similarity with many tourist cities in the EU. In this respect, Melaka is a tourists haven; its plethora of museums, temples, mosques, and other religious places of worship. The architecture is a mix of old and new; where modern steel and concrete meets crimson red and old structures of historic value. Its canals, bricks structures and low lying bridges present a rare glimpse into the ways of the former Dutch inhabitants of the city. The iconic Stadhuys attests to this period of time.

Islamic Museum, Melaka.

Fort A Famosa

Like the Dutch, the Portuguese also left quite a mark on the old city. The Fort A Famosa meaning "The Famous" in Portuguese, Kota A Famosa in Malay), located near the church of St Paul and the Sultan of Melaka's palace, is a reminder that the Portuguese once inhabited the city. The old stone structure dates back to many years to the 16th century and is thought to be among the oldest remaining architectural landmarks of European heritage still standing in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.

The Orang Utan House

Other interesting sights to see in the Melaka are Orangutan House famous for its bespoke unconventional, yet Tee shirts. The prices are little steep for ordinary Tees though, but I guess some tourists might find the alright.

Well that is pretty much is all we saw in Melaka. The city is amazing, and although we didn't get to see many locals, it is was worth a visit. Accommodation and travel to the city is cheap. Travel time is approximately 2 hrs from the capital Kuala Lumpur via coach from TBS. More so all the tourist attractions are within close range which makes it easy to navigate. however, this also means one can pretty much see the entire city in a few hours. In all, it was worth it and I hope you can also make it. Till then....byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Selamat Tahun Baru

2012-01-06T17:00:00.004+08:00

Welcome to the New Year people. This marks myfirst blog post of the year 2012. Like most pious of people, I began the yearwith resolutions, determined to make the most of life, love and happiness. It’sbeen 4 months since I stepped foot on the shores of Malaysia, life has been ok,not great but just ok. It could’ve been better but what is life withoutchallenges. Speaking of challenges, the year began rather tediously for mycompatriots back home, the government out of the blue, as always to, to scrapsubsidies on petrol or gasoline as our distant cousins the Yanks quip. As suchmy twitter timeline (TT) has become flooded with the hashtag #FuelSubsidy andthe religious face-saving rhetoric - God Help Nigeria – often peddled on thelips often commonplace when things go wrong in Nigeria.

Truth be told, Nigerialeaders always let us down, our history is strewn with tales of no godpoliticians like the crop the ruling party PDP now peddles. In truth politicsin Nigeria has always been more about than People Deceiving People (PDP) whichcoincidentally is the acronym for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. But thatis Nigeria. Developments back home always leave me wondering whether we arehave been cursed with such circumstances, its either Boko haram haranguing outcollective resolve or MEND disrupting the flow of our national black gold (oil)income, or the Police/Army harassing our human rights, I weep for Nigeria. Butas I always quip, we must help ourselves – such is the state of Nigeria. I lovemy country but…(Well I will leave that).

At home we are plaguedby issues. Living in diaspora is no different. Being Nigerian has become morepain than pride. Recent developments in my country of domicile have led many aNigerian to question his/her patriotism. While some have taken advantage of thegoodwill of the nation, others have preyed on the innocence of our host nation,and I mean Malaysia, where I now live. The activities of a few unscrupulouscompatriots have brought shame to their honest and hardworking compatriots. Fromdrugs to internet scams to racketeering, there is of shortage of criminalendeavour these young men engage in. As such carrying a Nigerian passport oridentifying oneself as Nigerian has become a magnet for the cops. In the lastweeks, loads of Nigerians have been whisked away in cuffs by Malaysian cops forvarious reasons ranging from failure to show proper identification, which goesbeyond the traditional student ID. Time will tell.

Have to stop this posthere…Wish y’all the very best of 2012!

Kuala Lumpur GetAway!

2011-12-04T22:06:00.001+08:00

It’s been a great weekend so far. With my one and only now living in KL, short for Kuala Lumpur, we decided to go round and see the city. Our walk like that most of people began with a visit to the iconic PETRONAS twin towers, Sutria KLCC and the water park located in the city center of the Malaysian capital.

Petronas Twin Towers

My first Pint in MY @ Swiss Inn Hotel

The sheer size of the PETRONAS Twin Towers edifice is asight to behold. If the size doesn’t impress you then the magnificentarchitecture should wow you. The 88 storey glass andsteel edifice is not only home to the Malaysian National Oil Company (NOIC) butalso the melting pot for all kinds of shopping. Read more about the buildinghere.

Lunch at the Swiss Inn Hotel

While at it, we decided to have lunch at the cafe #DOME. Despite the crowd at the venue, we managed to get good service and the food was good too. Afterwards we decided to go window shopping and were not the least disappointed. The KLCC Sutria Mall which houses the designer shops is huge. Its a must see for any visitor in Kuala Lumpur.

The skyline of Kuala Lumpur is impressive. For a second I thought I was in Manhattan, hehe but seriously the array of modernist architecture can pass for the Square Mile in London. The water parks and play ground is a magnet for families who come to cool off from the perennial heat wave that often envelopes the city.

To crown the wonderful weekend we decided to go for a night out. Our port of call was the Reggae Mansion - Bar, Cafe, Hostel and Kitchen. This nice establishment located in Petaling Chinatown area of Kuala Lumpur is chic; he food is well priced and the service was great. The air is cool, milieu is chic and mostly patronized by European tourists who come to soak in the sights and trappings of the city. It is located on 49-59, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, 50000, Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is a nice place to getaway. I have enjoyed every bit of it and will do it again soon. But before I return to the jungle-palm plantations of Johor and the nerdy milieu of Universiti Teknologi, I intend to soak it all up. Travelling is indeed an experience all must live and enjoy. On my visit list are the Asian cities; Bangkok, Mumbai, New Delhi - i hope i can get to see them before the end of 2012.

Gaming!

2011-11-29T16:39:00.001+08:00

Gaming has always been one of my pastimes. The new installment from the Call of Duty series, Modern Warfare 3, or simply MW3 is one to watch out for. At 60 Euros a pop, its one pricey indulgence. But like many gamers out there, it is a price we are willing to pay for heated gun play action.

Another big one just released this season is Battlefield 3; another military shooter that is certain to grab the attention of any real gamer out there. Check out the reviews and trailers of the most anticipated shooters of the year.

However, the one to watch out for in 2012 is the new installment in the Ghost Recon series; Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Ubisoft's squad-based shooter will return in early 2012, with more advanced weapons and both a single-player campaign and multiplayer modes. Read the review here.

Enjoy!!!

#PhotoBlogPost

2011-11-27T15:21:00.001+08:00

The Art of Endurance

2011-11-27T15:12:00.001+08:00

αντοχή

Itmay sound a little surreal but I knew I wanted to do a PhD even before I gotinto university for my bachelor degree at ATBU. Life as a science student in boardingschool helped nurture my love for the biology and chemistry. Despite my on andoff love affair with physics, I somehow I ended up becoming an engineer. And sowith the invaluable support and right dose of encouragement from the old man, Idecided to pursue a doctorate in engineering. So far the journey has been slow;and strewn with all kind of obstacles and although I wasn’t expecting an easyride; I didn’t imagine it will be this overwhelming. But hey, that’s the life aresearcher.

Asa matter of fact, the biggest impediment has been keeping me motivated in theface of the difficulties I encounter every day in my research. It’s a life of persistentlybattling a barrage of ideas & possibilities; of joggling the countless probingquestions waging epistemic wars in my little head. At sunrise every day, I wakeup to these questions; what can I do? How can I do it? How long will take? Whyis this (experiment, approach) useful? When will it end? Blah…Blah…Blah…Thelast few weeks I have been trying to get some biomass samples ready for mypreliminary experiments, a set of tests I am convinced will form a core part ofmy research. However, getting the logistics in place has proved problematic;and in spite of the invaluable help I have received from my supervisors, I stilllinger in limbo, literally.

I spent the entire week, last week, trying to callup some laboratories in the Johor area to see if they can help with a certainrather “simple analysis” aimed at studying the fuel properties of the samples.But the people I speak to either do not seem to know what I am talking about ormost times can’t understand “my English”.It’s a very frustrating. With my professor’s help I was able to get in contact witha research group at the university with some experience but that opening alsoproved futile. My conversation with the lady (supposedly in charge) left mewondering for a brief second if I should not all but quit, but quitters don’t winerh? But seriously, how can someone work in such an environment.

Thisbrings me back to the issue of motivation. I am losing steam…I have been toldthere may be some labs in neighbouring Singapore that might be able to helpwith the analyses but there to I have to battle with other huddles such as customsand the infamous Singaporean immigration. I hate to make comparisons, but Iimagine I would have had little difficulty doing these analyses in Delft orEindhoven and would have moved ahead with my research in time. I am convincedwith the right help I will be done with this degree in 2 years but what can Isay…I am stuck in a slow system hampered by all kinds of bureaucratic brouhaha –a system strewn with all kinds of bottlenecks, the people are cordial but slow,it takes forever to get things done around here, lunch breaks last 2 and a halfhours can you beat that? I can’t really…seriously!

Speakingof red tape, I was at the immigration desk of the international student office(ISC) last week to inquire about my student visa application and passport whichhas been in the possession of the immigration – or so I thought. Yet again theISC had some less than convincing stories to force down my throat. But that wasnot all, it was that day I realized to my greatest irritation that “they” (ISC)for some reason had not sent in my student visa application to the immigration11 weeks after I handed it in. So it means and I don’t mean sound sexist, thewomen at the international student office (ISC) have been “taking their time”with our student visa applications – knowingly or unknowingly thwarting ourlives in the process. It turns out a good number of students have the similarissues with their visa applications which means they may be sanctioned by theimmigration through no fault of theirs. The university staff in charge ofimmigration issues, it appears do not have a grip on the issue, or perhaps, withoutmincing words, are shambolic and grossly inept in carrying out their designatedduties. At the moment, the organisation of the institution’s affair especially relatingto student affairs and satisfaction leaves a lot to be desired. The onus is onthe university to clean up the visa process if it truly, and I stress strongly,wants to attain world class status – something it craves covetously.

Tillthen, I will continue to battle the odds for as long as I can, otherwise I, asI would imagine many others will have to throw in the towel. Doing a doctoratedegree is hard enough; the last thing any international student wants is tobattle bad food, drab weather and the long arm of the immigration laws in astrange country. I can only hope it doesn’t come to that..tho…till I postagain,,,,live life, love life and be yourself…Tot Straks!!!

Novella Synopsis: It Is As it Should Be

2011-11-16T12:56:00.001+08:00

命

Synopsis: It Is As it Should Be

Ayoung Nigerian man arrives in the Malaysian capital with high hopes; the weightand expectations of a family back home and the dreams of making it big in whatis the most lucrative football league in the world. On arrival in the KualaLumpur the wonder kid; John Olafemi, realises in plain terms, his hopes anddreams may never materialize. Back home, the media continue to ink their pages with his seemingly indescribable talent, proudly pronouncing him the future of Nigerian footballdue to his goal scoring prowess in what was his only first season as aprofessional footballer. Sadly on arrival, the 17 year old John soon finds outthe country has enacted new laws barring all foreign nationals from playing inthe local league. Without the hope of a lucrative contract, his agent abandonsthe teenager and absconds with his passport and other personal documents. With the lad’s hopes destroyed; dreams shattered and aspirations in shambles, the teenager begins tolose confidence. With no money to return home, the teenager is forced to remainin the city and resolves to do whatever it takes to survive rather than returnhome in shame.

Adevout Christian, John keeps his faith in God and continues to pray whiletrying to patch his life and confidence back together. While in search of spiritual El Dorado, the lad gets to meet the very popular flamboyant pastor and minister, Chris Mbanefo in the city who runs the mega church “God is GoodMinistries”. The clergyman decides to takes John into his household and caters for him. Soon after,the immigration raids the pastor’s household on suspicion that he is running a humantrafficking & prostitution ring. John Olafemi and others in the pastor’shouse are rounded up and taken to the detention centre. With things going frombad to worse John is held in the detention centre for 6 months where he isquestioned and finally released when the immigration authorities discover he isunderage and without papers. Moved to compassion by John’s story theimmigration authorities release the teenager.

Freeagain John starts rebuilding his life and confidence together. With the help ofa Chinese friend he met while attending the “God is Good Ministries” theteenager finds a job in the kitchen of a five star hotel in the city. Whileworking at hotel, John meets another young Nigerian caught up in the same fate; they become friends and support each other. Unknown to John, his new companionPeter Paul Onyekwere, popularly known as Pope, is living a double life – one as anhonest worker and the other as drug mule. Pope “opens the eyes” of the teenager tothe “happenings” in the city and the lad is soon made aware of the survival tacticsof other young men also lost in the city. Pope introduces him to worldof internet dating sites and the life of coning older Asian women out of theirmoney, the world of lies and deceit.

Alongthe way, Pope introduces John to the man known simply as “The Boss” aka “MrMint Money” real name Aminu Dantala, a flamboyant socialite in the city, who urgeshim to quit his job at the hotel and work for him instead. Desperate andlonging for a better life, the teenager ignores the advice of his Chinesefriend at the hotel to work for drug baron. Not long after, Mr Mint Money isarrested and sentenced to death. John and Pope are fortunate and survive theordeal. Now broke and out of job yet again, the teenager realizes he has yet again been given anothershot at life. His Chinese friend at the hotel offers him back his old job onthe condition that he works at night and goes to school in the day at thelocal university which he also offers to also fund. While studying part time for a diplomain Sports Management at the Kuala Lumpur City College, the lad meets and fallsin love with Nafisa, a young Malaysian born Singaporean girl. Meeting the younggirl helped change his life; she encourages him to start playing football againand soon uses her father’s political connection to get to go for trials at football club in neighbouring Singapore.

Oncethere the lad’s football career finally kicks off, 3 years after arriving inAsia. Moved by her love and affection, John converts to Islam; proposes andmarries Nafisa on his 20^th birthday amid fan fair and adulation. A year later John is called up to play for the Singapore National team. In theend his come through for it is as it should be

The End!

11.11.11

2011-11-12T13:09:00.001+08:00

It’s been ages since I last posted. In this time somuch has happened, been working tirelessly on getting work done on my doctoratedegree. As you’d expect, it’s been slow and sometimes I wonder if it’s ever goingto pick up, but still I push on with optimism; the sort of weird hope every expectantresearcher assumes.

Aspen Plus

Modeler

The design stage of the gasifier reactor I plan to use for my investigation is taking a while to set up. More like it’s still on paper, before then though I have put all my efforts into simulating the process using Aspen plus dynamics – an expensive chemical process engineering software. It’s still early stage, so it all seems like Hebrew to me - but Insha Allah I will get round to it soon.

Singapore Skyline

Singapore Skyline from JB Waterfront

Onthe social side, I now have a few friends, people I can talk to at least. Atwork though, the people seem a lil distant in the Dutch sort of way, so I keepto my work desk and leave when it’s time to call it a day. The research groupshere are not like in Delft where the members meet up from time to time; atlunch or weekends for barbeques and all.

Johor Bahru City Centre

But still I like it bcos it helps avoid all the plastic emotionless small talk the Dutch love – but really gets nowhere. On the Brightside I get to hang out two pals of mine; Bahram & Sergazy; two MSc students at my Kolej. The former is Iranian and latter is a soft spoken Sergazy is Kazah studying for an MBA.

At the weekends, we pretty much do the same things,go to the Johor Bahru city centre, shop at the City Square Mall, eat and whileaway time talking about inconsequential stuff more or else. Football presents awelcome distraction at the weekends; which also doubles as a good time to meetup with my compatriots to catch up on all matters on Nigeria; news, politicsand the local gossip.

In general I can say I am beginning to settle in;the school is good, food remains an issue for me, since I cannot cook at myconvenience due to space and the fact I have to share a kitchen with 12 or moreother people. Hygiene is my biggest worry and so is the water which has tofiltered/sterilised before use. The weather on the other hand is okay, unlikeDelft which was perpetually cloaked in a drab demeanour.

That’s all I have time for now people…

No Work, No Play! - The Life Of A Travelling Researcher

2011-10-12T17:15:00.005+08:00

Entrance into UTM Skudai

It’s been ages, school work has not availed me with spare time topost here. Today however, I decided to take a break from it all, No Work, NoResearch Papers, ASPEN Modelling and all that engineering mumbo jumbo. There ismore to life than books; my lil bro often tells me; you work too hard man –take a cue from me – life a not a marathon but a set of sprints – I couldn’tagree more. It’s rather strange though that someone would take a break in themiddle of the week but that’s the life of a researcher - we make rules, webreak them, its our “poetic freedom” – how else can life be exciting.

Speaking of fun times, life at UTM has been anything but. Sociallife is non existent save for the many events organized by the Malay Chinesecommunity – nah, not my kind of thing really. My friends, if I can call themthat, say I have to stop comparing life in Holland or else life here will be atotal bore – yet again I am forced to agree. I guess it’s a clear case ofculture shock. Or perhaps what of Geert Hofstede would describe as “culturaldimensions” – a concept invented by the famous Dutch Prof at MaastrichtUniversity. He once famously said, "Culture is more often a source ofconflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and oftena disaster." My hope is that my path to acclimatizing does not follow thistragic trajectory. So I have resolved to complain less, cry in silence andcriticize even the food sparingly :D

So far the food has been my biggest challenge; every meal, well,almost every meal is simply rice, rice and rice with a lil “something” unusualevery now and then to challenge your gastronomic interest. Even my legendarytaste for culinary experimentation could not have been possibly prepared forwhat my taste buds have suddenly been lumbered with in this country – its notbad bad tho really. However, like the Greeks with their appetite for cinnamon;the Malay have a thing for literarily “sugar stuffing” or should I put it more succinctly“sugaring” foods even stews with ludicrously large amount of sugar. Only Godknows the level of diabetics exists in this Southeast Asian nation.

Blue domed Mosque at UTM Skudai

The people on the other hand are laid back, easy going, save for asmall skirmish recently with a dude on a night out, I think “they ait” inAfrican American slang. The rich diversity means Malaysia is a melting pot ofcultures with its population of ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians all nestledinto 330,000 sq km of lush green tropical landscape. The language is well…Ileave that to your imagination. Going by my penchant for not learning my hostnation’s language, am guessing I will “go through time” here without botheringto learn it – ala my time in Holland & Greece..hehe… But so far I have managedto learn the words; Masuk – entry/exit; Pelajar – student; Dilarang – Do Not;Merokok – Smoking; Tenaga – Energy; Masa – Time; not bad erh? Hehe

Indoor Garden at Admin Building UTM Skudai

The university itself is amazing. The shear amount of informationand learning materials is truly astonishing. The library has access to the mostupdate books, journals and databases in the WORLD. I was truly amazed when Iwalked into the TP – Chemical Technology section of the library to discover thelatest books for Biomass Gasification, Hydrogen Technology and Chemical Reactorswhich pretty sums up the area of research for my PhD. Save for the rather slowWi-Fi speed, the Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah Library is WORLD CLASS.Considering that I have the privilege of studying at TU Delft (Netherlands), TUEindhoven (Netherlands), Czech TU (Czech Rep.) and now UTM I can attest that itis almost at the same standard with these universities - #iKidYouNot.

And now to the biggest motivating factor in my coming here was thecost of education. It is cheap to study here compared to TU Delft and TUEindhoven considering that the Dutch schools and UTM have almost the samefacilities, it’s unbelievably cheap. For example the cost of my monthly rent atTU Delft student housing for internationals was €400 on averagewhich amounts to RM 1600. This amount will pay for one whole year’s rent at UTMSkudai student housing for international students. Outside the universitycampus, it will pay for 4 months rent in Johor Bahru where average rents go forabout RM 400. Unbelievable huh! In general, the cost of living in Malaysia islow, in spite of its ranking (59) in the Human Development Index – a measure ofthe standard of living.

Meranti Cafe

KFC food

Sofar my work at the Institute of Hydrogen Economy, UTM has been okay consideringthat, my professors and I have proposed and written a journal paper forpublication after only one month of working here. Impressive huh? Well yes and no,what will be impressive is if I can get all the work I often want to do or get donefinished during the duration of my PhD. As usual, at the start of a PhD, researchershave so many ideas, numerous proposals, myriad of things to try out. My hopeand prayer is that I get them ALL done and successfully too, So Help Me God.

UTM Lake

Tillmy next post…stay safe…live life...make a difference and Love yourself! Peace out…

UTM Photo Blog (1)

2011-09-15T18:34:00.005+08:00

This marks the first of many photo posts I will be making about my new university; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai. Located on a vast expanse of land in Skudai, Johor Baru, UTM is one of few accredited research universities in South East Asia. Join me as I take you on a journey around this lush green citadel of learning.

Above is the Sultan Ismail Mosque located 100 meters from the university's iconic gate. It is a magnificent piece of architecture. Hopefully I will be allowed in sometime in the course of my study to get some snaps for you to see. See this link for more photos of this lovely building.

A closer look at the blue domed library of UTM Skudai.

Above is a photo of Kolej 16 one of two block of hostels that make up the Kolej Dato Onn Jaafar.

More photos of photo of Kolej 16 alongside the power transformer of the national power company Teranga Nacional. Next to these hostels is a quartet of lush green football pitches where students can routinely hone their footballing skills ;). I am yet to play on the pitches, but in time.

Panoramic view of Kolej 17 where most international MSc & PhD students like me stay. It is the farthest hostels from other university buildings and offices. Its proximity a large nearby palm plantation means it is prone to attacks from the thieving monkeys I mentioned in my last post.

The bus stop adjacent to Kolej 16 & 17. Due to the long distances between lecture buildings, offices to the students hostels, the university authority provides shuttle trips in well air conditioned buses ;) for students to ease the problem of commuting. Quite commendable too!

This is the entrance & exit to the Kolej Dato Onn Jaafar . Yet again one can observe the beauty of the campus. Sustainability is well established on the campus.

Huge Green Round about facing the Kolej.

A view of Kolej 17 and below a glimpse of the thieving Macaque monkeys that make life a living hell around the hostel premises. In truth these primates are just a nuisance - matter-of-fact. But they somewhat help to maintain an ecological balance and as such cannot be culled.

A Sunny Sunday Post!

2011-09-04T16:19:00.002+08:00

Greetings people. Inspired by the beauty of a picturesque Sunday afternoon in Johor Bahru I have decided to make yet another blog post. Life in the far east has been okay so far, save for the sugary spiced foods, incessant stares from the Indians and an army of thieving Macaque monkeys which have all helped to disconcert my settling-in process. My research on these annoying mammalian pestilence (the monkeys) has helped to unsettle me further, as scientific evidence on the internet shows that the, "macaque monkeys are unhealthy and known to carry diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS virus (deserved for raping other animals) were found on 80% of the urban macaques." Another report from the Emerging Infectious Diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 4 (1) on Wikipedia, suggests that, "nearly all (73-100%) pet and captive macaques are carriers of the herpes B virus. This virus is harmless to macaques, but infections of humans, while rare, are potentially fatal, a risk that makes macaques unsuitable as pets" Scary stuff eh!

Enough monkey business. Yesterday we had the first postgarduate briefing by the International Student Centre of the university. As such the staff of the centre and other departments of the university were on hand to give the new students an insight into the happenings of Malaysia's premier university of engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) which they say is ranked 280th in the world. The 8 -hour lecture afforded the students and staff of the university the chance to meet one on one and help address issues from students welfare to immigration matters among others. It was also a chance for many of the students like me to meet other newbies and interact freely.

Also on hand to grace the event was the affable Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Affairs & Alumni, Prof Dr Mohammed Tajudin Bin HJ Ninggal. The soft spoken, well articulated academic gave a wonderful presentation on life in UTM and the possibilities and potentials for student's career development and advancement while at UTM. Though his presentation lasted a little over half an hour, it has hard to tell it lasted that long, as it was interesting as well as informative. It was also nice to learn that the don, (who also uses twitter) like most academics at UTM, is a cycling enthusiast. What better way to foster the ideals of sustainability than to embrace fossil-fuel-free commute on the lush green campus of UTM.

Beyond the endless acres of the lush green campus is small settlement beyond the gate post number 4, known as Pulai. This sleepy small cornubation is home to a community of small businesses and residents which serve the university and the adjoining town known by the Malaysian pseudonym Taman Sri Perdana. While I have no idea what that means, I have come to like the place just cos it houses a nice bistro known officially as Restoran Kassim - Sri Pulai . Within the sky blue walls of this buffet-like-eatery is vast arrray of Indian, Malay and Chinese food to cater for the multi-racial culinary desires of its people and....oh that includes me as well. It has been a life saver especially in the few days the university (I mean the entire uni - the restaurants and all) has been closed for the Islamic celebrations Hari Raya otherwise known as Eid ul-Fitr. It is by no means the Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton which means don't expect a dish inspired by Gordon Ramsey but the food is relatively cheap. Although with better hygiene and service it could rival say.....................................................(well I'll leave that to your imagination).

Today, however, I decided to take another walk, perhaps to find something different to do in part and largely to quench my huge culinary appetite - something the vast array of Malaysian delicacies has failed to take care of so far. Truth is, I miss all the Greek food, salads, feta and the Tzatziki and olive oil inspired foods of my beloved adopted Greece. It's been only two whole weeks I have been away yet it feels like 2 years. But I will survive, I am Nigerian, we always survive. And so my search for breakfast took me to the familiar street on Sri Pulai. To my amazement I realized that an array of tents had been erected for some kind of Sunday market - bazaar - like the Thursday market in Delft, NL. Except that this is much smaller and lacking in coordination and product diversity. Good news is that I found a nice lady vendor selling an English newspaper - The New Sunday Times - the weekend edition of the The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) - its nowhere near the Sunday Times but its okay.

Along patriotic lines, I have met quite a few Nigerians at the university. Truth be told I wasn't surprised at all meeting these teeming number of my compatriots, we have always been known to brace bad weather, daunting distances and harrowing experiences in search of education, knowledge and understanding. Such is our plight, who would have known that I will end up in Malaysia for a Ph.D. Why Malaysia... Well thats a matter I will address in a post soon... ;) Time to call it a day on the post, and perhaps may be find the peace and tranquility to have a nap - with the hope that dastard mammalian pestilence disguising as Macaque monkeys will oblige. Till then....

Last Memories of Delft, Netherlands

2011-09-01T14:55:00.006+08:00

Hello people its been ages I posted. I have been in a sort of transition of sorts, travelling and trying to make the best of the worst that the Netherlands offered me in the 3 or so years I lived there. These photos happen to be the last photos & memories of Delft, Zuid Holland, I took on my way to the airport. The goodbye snap shots of a place I called home for a while.

Though much of it is under reconstruction, memories of this small station located between Rijswik and Schiedam (near Rotterdam) will remain etched in my mind for years to come. Perhaps, and I say that that with palpable reluctance, when I return in the future the place would bear a near look. For now though, these are the my last memories of the place.

This photo of "the bicycle with a steering wheel" was taken on a nice sunny afternoon on my way to have some beers at the Beestenmarkt in Delft. I was impressed not so much by the weird, rather childish ingenuity of the creation but by its intricate inborn Dutchi-ness. In my mind, it epitomizes the very character of the Dutch - not only their love for bicycles but their resolve to always try new things - innovative-ly. Perhaps if many cultures of the world will adopt this mentality, many problems will be solved - at least that's my opinion.

And oh the beers! The inseparable element of Dutch student life. As was fitting, I had my closest friends over, at my spacebox flat (Leeghwaterstraat 175) for some good bye beers before I departed the shores of the 'little' Dutch nation. Good byes can be sad, but this was different as I was in the company of very friends such as Niels, Ottar, Esteban and my dear Nadia, so this wasn't too sad! I guess!

This is my final good bye photo of Delft - a lovely photo I took from the 13th floor of Hendrik Tollenstraat. Strange thing is I took this photo from my BlackBerry at 3 am in the morning after a night out with some Iranian friends. It's not a great shot but I kinda like it and see it fitting to be placed among the very last and memorable ones from Delft. Till my next post stay well ppl...Tot ziens!

The Charms of Chalkida

2011-08-07T02:28:00.004+08:00

“Where are you now?” Is a question that features prominently in my conversation with friends over the years. This is in no small part due to my well documented love for travelling and visiting new places and cultures. My guise is the quest for knowledge which as a true lover of life’s pleasures has endeared me to the many nuisances that many a man who dares to explore finds. This is in true testament to the words of the famous Greek playwright, Euripides (480 – 406 BC) “Experience, travel - these are as education in themselves”.

Last weekend my girlfriend and I made the trip to the island of Chalkida also known as Chalcis; situated on the narrowest point the strait of the Evripos. Its name is originally from the Greek word χαλκός Chalkos (copper, bronze), although its history reports no evidence of mining in the past.

Like most Greek cities I have visited it has a bewildering charm, a beauty that many words will try yet fail to aptly describe. From the iconic Chalcis Bridge which separates Chalkida from mainland Greece, a visitor to the island will be immediately drawn to the lush green lawns nestled alongside the banks of the river.

Many of its other aesthetic charms can seen through the eyes of other iconic landmarks and places of interest such as; the castle of Chalcis, Church of Saint Nicolas, the old City Hall, the old railway station, Medieval church of Agia Paraskevi, Chalcis' seafront and last but not the least the crown jewel of Chalcis – its pristine beach.

However, we spent the entire day swimming in with friends Giannis and his girlfriend Yolada; a lovely couple played the perfect hosts on our trip to the island.

As the sun retreated beyond the picturesque hills and mountainous milieu we returned to the Marina for a wonderful dinner comprising the best seafood Greek cuisine can offer. This is a nut shell is what the Greek call Halara – The Good Life. What better way to experience the beauty of “Greek Good Life” than in the charming milieu Chalkida offers.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2011-07-22T20:39:00.023+08:00

And so this post marks the end of the line; the proverbial eindpunt of my academic life & time in the Netherlands. It’s been 3 long eventful years of many worthwhile lessons and experiences; a cacophony of memories both fond and dastardly; of meeting very good intelligent and interesting people, and sadly idiots alike meaning the nation of the Dutch will always remain etched in my mind eye like an ugly tattoo on the arm of a fair gentleman. Symbolically, this post will mark the last blog post from the shores of this land; as such I have decided to call it “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” after the popular 1966 western starring the maverick American actor Clint Eastwood - as it is a summary of my experiences here. Like a good host, I’ll save and serve the best for last.

My journey to this country began on August 22 2008. On arrival at Schipol airport, I was greeted by cold windy embrace of rainy showers – conditions that continued to hold sway during my stay in Holland. But that was not all the bad that was to come in this nation perennially plagued by drab weather. As time drifted and with it the initial period of excitement and expectation, I came to sad realization the Dutch were not really what they tried to portray to outsiders or buitenlanders as they aptly term the lot of us. It didn't take long to realize that underneath all the gaping smiles and seemingly unassuming gestures of goodwill lay a very cold nation of very indifferent people. Many outsiders have the impression that the Dutch are such tolerant and good natured people but in truth the Dutch are far from that. My experience can be summarized in 3 words; indifferent, very individualistic and rather inconsiderate - as opposed to the widely held notions.

Living among them taught me a great deal about life & living in the West (Europe) which is what travelling and living abroad is expected to impart in an individual. My interaction with great many people of different nationalities, as with the Dutch in the Netherlands opened my eyes to the

diversity that humanity embodies, the strengths and weaknesses of this gaping differences. This pot of diverse cultures afforded me with insights into the many reasons why the world is plagued with its myriad problems; why many of them will never be resolved and how to steer ahead – but this is for a different post. From the Dutch I learnt that culture, Dutch culture i.e. is an excuse to be rude, impolite, or direct as the choose to term this brand of insolent behavior. As a result I coined the expression; “it is inexcusable to be rude in many cultures of the world, however in the Holland culture is an excuse to rude”.

Nonetheless, in time I grew to not only actually tolerate this “culture” but also sharply “reciprocate in equal measure”, prompting some friends to brand me “Dutch-ified” – a moniker I vehemently refuse to accept. Perhaps in defiance I never bothered with the language either; perhaps in my confidence it was inconsequential – why bother with a language which adds nothing to my personal improvement or development? Why adopt the language of people whose ways you cannot stand? Why trouble with a language that only a handful of people (16 million) literally cough out in an attempt to communicate every day? Many may not agree with this notion but alas it is my opinion and one that I hold very strongly. Yet I refused to conform like a true outlier that I am. The ugly side of this is that many employer in the Netherlands now uses this “excuse” to refuse foreigners a job – as was my experience.

What good then is there in this nation of windmills, clogs and bad mannered people? Quite a lot actually. In spite of my bad experiences in Holland, I will be lying if I summed up my experiences as a bad in all entirety. Living here availed me with an acumen objective reasoning, a greater sense of confidence in my person and abilities as a scientist – make that engineer too. Studying at TU Delft (one of the Holland’s best engineering universities) indoctrinated me with the “doe het zelf” aka DIY mentality – the will to get things done by oneself ala self-belief. Plus I had the opportunity to interact with, learn from and engage with very intelligent people around the world; Greeks, Indians, Germans, Africans, Romanian, Belgians, South Americans etc, and last but not the least the Dutch themselves. These unpredictable individuals of different nationalities, cultures interactions both good and bad, brought out the best and the worst in me; as I would imagine in my other classmates and acquaintances alike, but that is what international education is about. I will GREATLY miss some of these people; as I will the Saturday league football with guys from Ariston 80; Julian, Vico, Daan, Hans, Jeromy among others. It was a pleasure playing the beautiful game of football with all of you… :)

In all I am very grateful to my loving parents for the opportunity to experience of living and studying abroad. Living in the Netherlands has greatly improved my person-ality, gifted me with the skills, knowledge and training to explore further what the world holds in store for our generation of highly trained individuals the world over. As I depart the shores of this nation in a few days, I will take with me all the memories (the many not so great ones too) but without a grudge, hatred or animosity towards the Dutch people or the many employers who marveled at my achievements yet refused to employ me. Or the many unqualified HR executives who branded me impressive yet unfit for roles/jobs they didn’t have a clue about themselves. Or the professors who refused to give me a chance with my dream of pursuing a PhD – to you lot, I say THANK YOU too - I will bounce back soon. As a true Christian and believer in the faith, I hold no ill feelings towards this nation or its people and pray all remains well now and even after I leave.

Gratitude also accrue to these wonderful individuals who made my time in the Netherlands worthwhile; Konstantina Serveti, Micah Yusuf, Jerry Okpanachi, Adewale Adebusoye, David McMullin, Niels, Rob Cloosen and more others who time and space does not permit me to mention. And most importantly to my parents Ageebee and Dzertomon, and my brothers whos prayers, tweets J helped me through it all, I say a Big Thank you. Till my next post which will be in some Asiatic city I will tell later…tot ziens allemaal!!!

The State of Hope

2011-07-20T03:39:00.002+08:00

Image source

The future is so bright it burns my eyes, Oprah Winfrey once famously prophesied. Sadly events around the world over the last few years have left anything but hope in the hearts and minds of mankind. The gloom and grim outlook continues to linger in all facets of human life; plagued by a myriad of crises of epic proportions. Like a stubborn rash the financial crises has refused to ebb; wars and devastation still ravage the nations of the world, hunger and starvation continue to terrorize the dignity of human life in many parts of the world; social upheaval has taken over commonsense, peace and tranquility. More so these events have failed to lift the hopes and confidence of people the world over. One then begins to wonder what the Mississippi most famous TV show host (Oprah) was going on about meant when she coined the famous quote.

The million dollar question now remains what inference can the human race draw from this entire calamitous state of our precious world is now lumbered with? Is humanity heading for an imminent obliteration? Or is the universe’s most advanced specie headed for yet another profound phase in the evolution? In truth, I do not know, but as a writer it is my moral responsibility to question the realities of this life we love do dearly and prick the conscience of the calamitous situations. So if you ask me the future may well be bright; however that is utopian. We’ll see…

The “pilgrimage” to London

2011-07-01T07:38:00.004+08:00

London. This is one city that holds a special place in my heart. Yet I am resigned to the thoughts that I will not live here in the future least it loses its charm. For the last three years, my incessant trips to this “island” capital has become a pilgrimage of sorts, a time to be with family and reflect on the many cherished memories of what family means and to enjoy the love that comes with knowing that one has a family (family members) one can turn to despite the #hardtimes. Last week I made the usual “pilgrimage” to London to visit this lovely family of mine; taking a break from the vagaries of the frenetic life in the Netherlands. This post is not necessarily about me or the trip in its entirety per se but the experiences of traveling across the channel which has become something of a norm for me these days considering my economic situation evidenced by my undignified state of unemployment.

The trip began at Den Haag (the Hague) where the #Eurolines coach (which came late as usual) picked me and other passengers bound for the different destinations in Belgium, France & England. Though our trip was marred by torrential rain we managed to arrive on schedule in northern French City of Lille. However, the main intrigue began to unfold as we arrived at Calais - where the coach usually makes the crossing across the English Channel and onwards to London. However before the crossing the immigration authorities at the borders between France and England carry out checks to fish out any illegal immigrants - something I considered unnecessary before that day since they never found anyone.

Alas I was in for some surprise that fateful day. The checks by the French authorities led to the discovery to two women who were supposed travelling improper immigration documents within the EU. The French duly detained the duo. As such we were kept at the border with the UK for a good 2 hours until the matter was sorted out. This inconvenience angered a good deal of passengers on the coach. But any frequent traveller between boarders in the EU knows the French and Swiss are the strictest when it comes to enforcing their immigration policies. I once travelled by road from Delft in South Holland to Verona in Italy without any checks except at the borders between France and Switzerland, even the Germans let us through - can you imagine. So the French attitude is no surprise to me not only because of my experience with travel in the EU but also because of the present crises in North Africa which has led to a mass influx of refugees fleeing the various conflicts there. Sad! The immigration officials however do not share the same sentiments; with good reason some may argue. However, this is not the time, medium or place for such a debate. With the wait over and immigration issue sorted we departed for the shores of the island that is England. Thankfully the trip from the crossing in Kent to London victoria coach station was uneventful.

My city breakaway “stedentrip” as it’s called in Dutch ends in a couple of days. My return to “Beatrixland” which is how I have chosen to call the Netherlands will bring me back to the reality of my situation; joblessness and boredom. And albeit reprieve from these circumstances the desperate hope Dutch employers will stop marvelling at my impressive CV cum achievements and offer me a job contract. But it is as it should. In the coming days I will make up my mind whether to stay or leave the Dutch nation for good as many of my international classmates have all already decided to do. Till then…stay safe! :)

The Nigerian Police & the 16/6 Bomb blasts!

2011-06-21T20:13:00.004+08:00

“The Police is your friend” the popular slogan of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) was sorely put to the test last week. The bomb blasts of Thursday 16th June (now termed the 16/6 blasts) which rocked the force’s HQs (only a short ride from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa) seemed to suggest otherwise. The actions of the suspected suicide bomber raised pertinent questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s law enforcement authorities and the stability and state of security in Nigeria. Media reports suggest that the suspected bomber traced the head of the Nigerian Police, Hafiz Ringim from the Federal Secretariat all the way to the Police HQ before detonating the bomb in the parking lot of the force HQs.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the gruesome act, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sola Amore, in a statement to the press pointed fingers at Boko Haram, the Islamist terror network based in Borno state. Whether this is accurate or not goes further to highlight the state of affairs of the Force and the country as regards to the security of lives and property in Africa’s most populous nation. Most of all it sheds light, yet again, on the questions about the effectiveness and if anything the efficiency of the Nigerian Police in dispensing its constitutionally define duties of safe guarding the security of live and property in the country. More so the 16/6 bomb blasts have reinforced the general belief that the Nigerian Police is grossly (for lack of a better word) unprepared, morbidly inefficient and at most a derelict agency of the government which has for years failed in its responsibility to “protect and to serve”. While this may come across as harsh, but the reality of the matter is the Police lacks what it takes to dispense of its duties like any modern Police Force in the world should. Most of all carry out its role in reducing crime, protecting the citizenry, and keeping the peace and stability within the nation’s borders. A such it is gained a dastardly reputation as a corrupt, deceitful and untrustworthy arm of law enforcement agency in Nigeria.

However, this may not be entirely fair on the Police, as others will be inclined to assert. What is the way forward? The top brass of the Force has often fingered the lack of funds, modern policing equipment and welfare packages of its officers as the bane of its inability to effectly carry out its policing duties. The top cops have been on record for stating that a well-funded Police Force will go a long way in ridding the nation of crime, social ills, and enhance its drive “to serve and to protect”. I beg to differ. History has shown that the idea of throwing money at social issues does not make them disappear. It is the wrong mentality, albeit the unwise approach to arresting this thorny national issue. Truth is, the generality of Nigerians, as most readers will oblige, distrust the Nigerian Police. Why? Truth is years of grossly violating the humans rights of the citizenry, extra judicial killings, unlawful arrest and detention, bribery allegations and corrupt practices, extortion and all forms of intimidation, are all actions that do not endear any agency to its citizens. On the contrary it only serves to establish collective social disdain and mistrust for the law and its enforcers alike.

What then is the way forward? The Police must first rebrand its social image; the Force must re-establish trust in the citizenry and foster a good image in the psyche of the Nigerian people. The keyword here is trust, with a good image the citizenry can help the law enforcement agency in its policing duties – something that is vital for the success of the duties in serving and protecting the people. The government must also continue to fund the force and adequately too, for alas there can be no compromising the security of the nation – as this is vital for economic growth stability and prosperity. The nation must also establish modalities to check the conduct of officers and men of the force through the creation of a disciplinary or conduct commission or agency mandated with the task of checking the excesses and corrupt practices the Nigerian Police which have soared over the years. Cases of extra judicial killings, official murders as some will have it aptly termed, must be thoroughly investigated and allegations against Police misconduct meticulously looked into. Additionally the incessant cases of gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry such as torture of suspects among others must be arrested once and for all - only then can the slogan “The Police Is Your Friend” openly brandished by the Nigerian Police be taken seriously. Finally, the Police command must overhaul its enlistment and recruitment apparatus. The guidelines for recruiting officers and men of the Force must be re-evaluated. It is high time the Force directs its weight behind recruiting only the best of the best for the Force. The era of recruiting half baked or illiterate non-graduates, or individuals with no formal education or with any form of tertiary education into the force must be eradicated.

In conclusion, my heartfelt commiserations goes out to the families of the officers of the Force and other Nigerians who lost loved ones in the 16/6 bomb attacks and may God/Allah give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. More importantly Nigerians must denounce the activities of ALL be it sects, religious groups or organizations that seek to enforce their dastardly ideologies, devious actions or disintegrating opinions on the unity of a great and prosperous and progressive Nigeria.

Arise O’ Compatriots

Of Love & Greek Music (Ολοκαίνουργιος)

2011-06-15T20:56:00.006+08:00

Music, they say is what feelings sound like. Over the last two or more years, my taste for music has grown like the relish of orca for fish at sea. Yet I sailor I may not be but I have sailed over vast genres of music; trance, house, electro, reggae, reggae-ton, you name it. But I have grown to love them all; each with its distinctive beat, rhythm & style.

As such I have come accustomed to the music of the likes of Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Medina, Dash Berlin, Emma Hewitt, Wynter Gordon, Tinie Tempah, Dizzie Rascal, Movado, Havana Brown, Inna, Edward Maya, Dj George Acosta, Olafur Arnalds, Air Supply and the list goes on and on. Someone once described my taste in music as “rabid”. True but I see me self more as an adventurer and a lover of good music rather anything else, an outlier so to speak.

A few days ago whilst scowling the internet I stumbled upon the music of the Greek musician Panos Kiamos. According to the bio of the Greek singer on Wikipedia; Panos (pronounced Pano) is a Greek laiko/pop singer, known for his distinctive voice and on-stage energy. That much I discovered while listening to his new album aptly named Ολοκαίνουργιος meaning “Brand New”.

I have decide to post a few of his songs here for you to Enjoy! Kali Oreksi as the Greeks say…!

The port city of life’s complexities

2011-05-22T22:46:00.004+08:00

Living in this distant land; far away from my family has taught me many lessons. But this is as it should – the great Roman emperor, Markus quips. For one life is not as it seems; a great of deal of scenarios, dynamics and factors seem to dictate to us humans how to live these very short lives we live. And I digress. “Everything that happens, the great roman emperor Marcus Aurelius once said, “happens as it should and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.” Rewind back a few years, my classmates and I are attending our graduation ceremony at the School of Science building in ATBU - the one experience we accidentally thought would be the hardest we’d ever face in our lives. The graduation in Bauchi was significant not only because it marked the end of 5 + long years of hard work, memorizing mathematical, atomic physics and chemical equations of no real consequence but also because it marked the beginning of a new page in our lives. For some it marked the beginning of endless possibilities; others the birth of (in)surmountable challenges and the rest of the lot a climax of life’s many joys and mysteries; of humanity’s countless complexities; none of which had a place in our ambitious, hopeful graduation year book.

Amidst all the mix bag of scenarios; a couple of years later, I found myself heading to the port city of my life’s complexities also known as the Netherlands, to begin the long road to graduate education and professional fulfillment. Life in academics may be far from the dreams of playing professional football which I once savored more than anything else; but it has been a mix bag of pricks, perks and precipitation. So years after ATBU, I still linger on the road to the epistemological Eldorado; the quest to become an academic – a professor of chemistry as stated in my graduation year book. How that has fared? Is a question leaves space for more words, so I ask you my dear reader to read on!

In the past, many job positions especially in academics such as tenured PhDs, once reserved for “geeky weirdoes with little or no career ambitions” have now become “ubercool” and highly sort after meaning there are countless people out there vying for the same positions. Expectedly the employers, who happen to be professors and academics with research grants and funding, are spoilt for choice. Perhaps that explains the shoddy treatment I received from a female professor at the faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (3ME) of TU Delft a few months ago. Such tendencies are rife in such climes; however, I say it is unjust and uncalled for nonetheless. However, the financial crises vis-à-vis the global recession abetted by slow growth and pessimism may have a hand; leading many university graduates to seek nontraditional career paths such as in academics. And digress yet again.

The flip side is many of my European colleagues, even those with poor grades, have had little difficulty getting these positions and others jobs in the employment market. So what is the problem? The answer may not be too far from the words protectionism in lieu for racism or Dutchiritism. However many may argue for or against such dynamics; but truth be told these are the biggest factors holding back the dreams of the multitude of highly skilled foreigners seeking jobs after school - such is life away from home as often told in hush tones of humbling experiences and challenges.

As for me, the glut of challenges in the West has taught me new lessons about life and helped develop in me a new way to reasoning, thinking and approaching life. One of the many lessons, I would add, I have learnt whist living here with definitely be how to tolerate the indignities of all forms joblessness and the lot as well as the discriminatory tendencies and stifling dynamics abound. Yet I hold no grudge, after all the Aurelian Roman code aptly says it is as it should. One thing is certain though, in a few months I will return home. But my exodus will be a happy one; content that I did my time well, hoping deep down that my return will mark the beginning of new possibilities. More importantly, I gained a highly cherished graduate education. Lastly and most importantly, it has come with the sad realization that life in the West is but a grand delusion. This is not a story, but a reality as told from the port city of my life’s new found complexities – The Netherlands.

Geia Sas!

2011-05-02T17:58:00.006+08:00

Sunrise in Syros

Photo credits - BB Nyakuma

And so my time in Athens finally came to an end. Travelling has always been a fun activity for me, albeit an amazing learning experience ala St Augustine. My time in the Greek capital proved to be a great experience into the mindset of the Caucasians that inhabit that wonderfully scenic nation. Visiting the Islands of Syros and Chalkida left me with a lasting impression and must add that it got me thinking – why not live here in the future?

Truth is the nation of Greece in mired in huge chasm of uncertainty; jobs are scarce, unemployment is rife, cost of living is soaring, and expectedly the socio-political climate is near implosion. With social upheaval rising to dangerous levels especially in the wake of the austerity measures being put in place by the government of George Papandreou; it is a No Go. For skilled migrants as the Dutch term people like me, surely this is not a place to live. But in spite of the pessimistic outlook, the Greeks still “live large” cafes are never empty, bars still bear the mark of a boom town, and social coffee drinking remains übercool among its teeming socialites.

However underneath all the glam is a nation in a slow decline, albeit sadly. Unlike most visitors to this great nation, I was opportune to see both sides of the coin – glam and rot alike. Behind the dark curtain of conurbations like Patissia (an immigrant quarter) among others is the grim picture of a nation overrun my immigrants – often blamed for soaring crime rates et al. Expectedly, politicians direct blame at the new comers, shifting attention from the nations’ economic woes to salvage some sense of political dignity. But in truth the enemy is within, as most Greeks I spoke to suggest. Years of reckless expenditure, corruption and cronyism among the political class is fingered as the cause of the demise of Greek prosperity. The situation is set to deteriorate as suggested in some quarters; as the nation is set to default on payments due to creditors due in 2013. Is the future bright for this nation?

As far as the African adage “there is always hope” goes, surely the nation can weather the storm – after all Greece is a nation of sailors & ship builders. With crude oil in the Aegean, “genuine” privatization, “improved” tourism and better government transparency perhaps might lift the Hellenic republic above its present blurry future prospects. Focus must be directed on measures that do not malign the masses or irk their reason vis-à-vis satisfying the creditors alike. More importantly people must dispel pessimism and embrace hope in this time of despair – economists are hardly ever right about predictions as the financial crisis has shown.

My time in Athens also made me aware of a good many other “things”. For a nation of intellectuals and great thinkers of old, the nation is rife with people with skewed mentalities. Stereotypes are abound, grimaces and scornful looks are evident everywhere one goes. It often left me uncomfortable going out or doing anything else in the city. Foreigner apathy is towering to grave levels of concern, fuelling racial and xenophobic attacks on migrants and other innocent people. More so, I also got a firsthand experience of “the fast and furious ala madden driving in Greece. Without mincing words, driving in Athens is suicidal. Drivers are a nightmarish race in Athens, recklessly jumping traffic lights; dangerously switching lanes at will in a manner that is unseen in any European city I have visited in the past. Bikers ride around without helmets or any protective clothing, parking is dime and a dozen as it appears EVERYONE in the city owns a car. God knows the level of pollution.

But in all, Greece remains a lovely country – to visit. Great weather, excellent cuisine and scenic landscapes will appeal to any travel enthusiast. The bars and cafes I visited had some of the best interior decors of any city I have visited in the past. Life in Greece is HALARA! (fun loving) I simply loved the experience – warts and all.

Geia Sas!

Concerned Survivors of the Forgotten Clan

2011-04-08T22:38:00.003+08:00

It is a common sight on the streets of many cities; men and women young and old; people with sullen looks, crouched shoulders carried on by tired legs albeit begging for a chance. Yet none is offered; none is given but hope they must; keep on keeping is their life’s motto. I call them the forgotten. But there’s another group the non conformers; people who have braced the odds, this I call the survivors for their keen survival instincts. And finally we have the concerned – those who have taken up the clarion call to talk about these things. After all it is the role of writers to question reality; ask questions and challenge the status quo.

And I drift. One hot summer afternoon, I was out on the foyer of my 4^th storey flat enjoying the rare grace of good weather (something we seldom enjoy in perennially drab demeanor of Delft. Unbeknownst I was about to witness a terribly shocking incident, one that still flashes in my mind like a meteor scudding across the sky on a clear night in the summer. Make no mistake it is the most shocking incident I have yet seen in all my time in Holland. How else can one describe the gruesome incidence of a Pitbull attacking a young child in the presence of its owner and the toddler’s parent? Awestruck and helplessly I watched from over 100 meters; praying that the dog owner and the parent would fend off the ragging vicious Pitbull – which they did. Thankfully!

I beg to digress again. As a child in Africa, it is commonplace to be reprimanded by way of an “admonitory whack on the head” in the words of a certain Nobel Laureate; when one is seen to “misbehave”. Expectedly any child spanked for bad behavior tends to resort to crying, even wailing and in rare cases screaming out loud protesting. This happens in my opinion for two reasons; remorse and revolt. This in psychological jargon is referred to as homology – character and action. The child cries to show remorse for wrong doing; which is an inbuilt trait; albeit characteristic of moral upbringing. Revolt on the other hand, is a face saving tactic to shroud its helplessness in the wake of being reprimanded. In truth the child cries after been spanked mostly due to the latter reason; the psychology been that it has simply been beaten up at the whim of its aggressor - parent or individual charged with its care, since the pain is short lived after all.

The last case is an incidence I recall sometime back in Nigeria. One strange night, my mother received a distress call from a neighbor – their baby girl had developed a fever in the dead of night. As it turns out my mother was the parent’s last chance at saving their child; as taking the child to the hospital at that hour was suicidal. Minutes later the pensive neighbors arrived with baby in hand. The little girl was dying; make no mistake as evidence by her in difficulty breathing.

The lesson from all of this is that humanity comprises individuals that can best be described by the turn of phrase concerned, survivors, or forgotten. The situations and scenarios portrayed in this piece are no different from what me and you my dear reader experiences every day. Yet these differ in that we are helpless and sometimes hopeless in the face of these issues. But mankind is built for survival, which is what we must do; rise against the tide we must and embrace them as part of our lives. For one thing is certain, we must take a stance; talk about this injustices and criticize these injustices like truly concerned; outlive them as true survivors with heads held high irrespective of the final situation or face the uncertain prospects of languishing in the abyss of oblivion like the forgotten. Food for thought; by dear reader.

Arise O’Compatriots!

Sanctimonious Sanctuary

2011-03-31T03:24:00.005+08:00

Image from here

The word “asylum” originates from the Greek word asylon; yet it connotes different meanings to different people and cultures around the world. The English language lexicon however describes an asylum “as any secure inviolable retreat”; or rather comically “any institution, shelter or place that cares for mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring special assistance”. Human sensitivity will however skew our reason into opting for the former rather than the latter definition. But I beg to differ. And here comes my take. The history of mankind is laden with terrible tales of many insane (barbaric) actions, decisions, and reasoning from the beginning of time all of which qualify our world as one big spherical asylum.

This may be hard to put together but on I must go – it is what our word has become. So much so that it is now commonplace or more succinctly put “normal” to perceive human suffering as sane, normal or feat of uncanny fate, as the religious thinkers will have us believe. This, my dear reader qualifies our world as an asylum; making us all livid lunatics locked up in our own reasoning and perceptions which has not helped us become better people.

Make no mistake that this is not to ridicule your intellect or morality; it merely serves to cry to your reason so hopefully you can look around you and observe what the world has become today. People say and do otherwise; honesty is no more a humble virtue; forgiveness is but an act of weakness; virtues have long given way to the vileness of mankind’s evil deeds. Need I say more? Well look at the state world today; wars have become ubiquitous; murder and killings are the order of the day; bankers have enthroned greed and financial engineering of all sorts abetted by political legislation and politicians whose manifesto (a euphemism for blatant lies) even toddlers that no longer hold sway. Yet we take refuge in the shelter of these grand evil plots; basking in the adulation of our poor and helpless souls by saying nothing of note against these wrong doings.

Sad but we cannot continue to sit and watch these things happen. It is time to act; talk if you can, write if you can; tweet if you have internet; remonstrate, demonstrate, disseminate; do whatever you can; change will come however late. The demonstrations and revolts in the Arab world have shown this can be done; a better world or at least a path to a better place can be carved. The good news is change is imminent around the world; peaceful change is what we must advocate for and hopefully we all can break free from this shelters or carnage; refuge of remorseful reticence the world has slipped into.

It is my solemn and sincere prayer that as the elections in my dear country Nigeria draw nearer, the youth will bear a common voice to vote (V2V) for change. It is time for people and policies that will make a positive change in the life of the ordinary man to see the break of day. Nigerians are sickened by bad leadership and terrible policies and actions. It is time to rewrite the history of the nation Nigeria; a time to enthrone the ordinary man and relegate his unsavory days as a refugee seeking refuge in his own country – to the annals of history. One nation at a time, the world is going to be better place soon - beginning with Nigeria.

Arise O’ Compatriots!

The Rejected Stone!

2011-03-06T18:33:00.016+08:00

ImageSource; NYdailynews.com

Saif al-Islam Ghaddafi was once affectionately described by David Held as “someone who looks to democracy, civil society and deep liberal values for the core of his inspiration." Times have changed and the bastion of democracy has become a mere castaway. Like the proverbial “orphan” the fall from grace of the young Ghaddafi’s has been described as a utter failure; especially in the wake of his “rivers of blood” speech. However, this love hate relationship between the West and Arab leaders is nothing new. According to reports Saif Ghaddafi received his doctorate degree (Ph.D) from the said university in 2008 having being supervised and examined by “esteemed scholars” including Lord Desai and Prof. David Held. As a show of good gesture, the Ghaddafi lad pledged £1.5 million in support of the LSE's work at the Centre for the Study of Global Governance – £300, 000 of which has already been obliged.

Fast forward 3 years on to 2011. Libya is in crises. Saif is about his business - the obedient son of a ruby anniversary dictator – defending his nations’ honor, “supposed integrity” and Libya’s right to sovereignty. Out of the blue reports (not from within LSE), and as yet unproven, allege Saif Ghaddafi plagiarized some parts of his doctoral thesis without attribution to this academic. What is saddening, however is the way his Alma Mata – the London School of Economics (LSE) has gone about the issue. Predictably, the LSE has been quick to save its skin; or more succinctly put its “stellar reputation”. In an interview with BBC, Lord Desai quickly moved to distance himself and absolve the LSE from blame on the issue, stressing that at the time the LSE issued the doctorate, Ghaddafi merited it - fine by me so far. The LSE has cemented its stance by vowing “get to the bottom of it” in very Brit terms; however, I feel it has hit rock bottom by failing to out rightly debunk these allegations of plagiarism – as it should.

Here is why. The role of a university in any society is to among other core tenents; imbibe in its students gospel of scholarly uprightness - which qualifies them - worthy in character and learning. In return, the institution owes its alumni a moral responsibility to stand by them and its institutional honor in the wake of scandals such as the unproven allegations against Saif Ghaddafi - or risk losing its reputation. Instead the school has fanned the flames stating as quoted in the NY Times article; it regretted the “reputational damage” caused by “the association with the Gaddafi name.” In other words, the LSE apologizes for associating with the Libyan and the dictatorial whims of his nation. The school has by so doing, unknowingly and regrettable I suppose too, indirectly admitted Saif Ghaddafi may have indeed plagiarized his doctoral thesis under the watchful eyes of its “esteemed scholars”. The LSE must have VERY bad advisers – sad for such a reputable institution of respected economics with no knowledge of law albeit – which explains why it is making such legal mistakes at every turn on the issue. Perhaps all theses from the school should be reviewed against this backdrop – just saying.

This unwilling admission by the LSE presents a legal issue – if you ask me; and one I believe the Saif-Ghaddafi team will gladly argue in the law courts very soon. At least that is what I will do. What I see is another case of Western Hypocrisy – it is okay to take his money – donations and good will – and leave him in the cold when the going is not good. What respectable university does this? True his country is immersed in crises; his father a dictator; and his nation a repentant sponsor of terrorism but that has nothing to with Saif Ghaddafi’s doctoral thesis. Until the LSE finds him guilty they have no right to throw him to the pack of wolves that is the Western media. The LSE states in the same NY Times article that it will divert his “donation” to a soon to be established scholarship fund for North African students. I shake my head.

The question now is; what upright institution of higher learning jumps unto mere allegations from blogsites and nameless commentators about the scholarly integrity of alumni? Shouldn't the school be advising other about this? Most importantly, what kind of institution accepts money from a well known dictatorial regime to “research” Global Governance of civil society organizations or whatever it termed its raison d'être for accepting the donation. The maxim “bad is bad; soiled money is stains” obviously does not hold sway in the West; preferential treatment is meted out to the highest bidder. How else do you explain the fact that the university accepted donations from the son of a dictator fingered in Pan Am Flight 103 saga and alleged sponsor of terrorism? I shake my head, yet again!

Perhaps the West is easy to forgive; quick to accept donations from dictatorial regimes; bank deposits in Switzerland or social research and offer safe havens to leaders of such nations in a bid to make its world a better place. This is all wrong. Western nations and institutions like the LSE must stop displaying double standards in its dealings. A better way for the LSE to salvage its name in the face of such allegations in the future will be to first off debunk such allegations and then properly investigate the matter before meting out appropriate retribution. So, in the future perhaps we may have no doubts about whoever "esteemed scholars term" choose to eulogise as persons "who look to democracy, civil society and deep liberal values for the core of his inspiration". The horn blowing antics of these so called esteemed scholars must be righted; a spade, called by its name; and a rejected stone relegated to the abyss where its kind reside in isolation!

End.

The Greek-issence of Travel - Mamma Mia!

2011-03-01T02:02:00.006+08:00

Weekends! Oh how we all love and crave them! For me, the whole concept has taken a new dimension since I changed address. Life in NL (short for Netherlands) has taken a different turn since I started living in downtown Athens. It’s been a lesson true and through; the past weekends of football and bingeing with the lads in NL have been overtaken by cleaning, laundry and manly chores around our Athenian flat we share. Yes, even African men help around house – I dare say, voicing my passionate proviso to the erroneously held notion – we are good cooks too – at least in my case.J

But that aside, the weekends are even more special because I get to visit my girlfriend’s mother who treats us (em…em…spoils us) to the best of Greek cuisine rich in Mediterranean delicacies; garnished with great spices that will leave even the best Indian-chef-made-curry in the in the back seat. Looking past the culinary delicacies of the Greek mama mia; is a companionship with her I have grown to like. Why you would ask? Truth is, these visits have been quite enlightening; as such the trips to her house in the leafy upscale suburb of Melissia in downtown Greece, always leave me wanting more. This is lady is unique – and this is why.

For most people who have been born, schooled and nurtured beneath the dictates of the Queen’s English and I mean citizens of Commonwealth and English speaking countries; there is tendency to ignore the now commonplace need to learn another language. But in the case of Lady-M (as I will henceforth refer to my girlfriends’ mother), we have a lady born and bred in Athens; had English lessons as a teenager with no practice thereof - trying to break a conversation each time we meet. I am impressed as always that her attempts to communicate (in the language alien to her society) – as is my relish for her delicious cooking.

Like many others around the word, Lady-M, has adopted ( or made attempts to adopt) a second language, not necessarily to survive but to better herself – something otherwise known as self improvement. But what about you and I; the small percentage who have refused to learn a new language or adopt and or embrace the culture of the new societies we now and again find ourselves in? At times like this, I ask myself (and implore you to do the same), if we truly are global citizens as we so desperately seek to be acknowledged wielding attitudes like this. Are we going to continue to the highly educated yet unenlightened brood of the world? Or will we embrace the not so commonplace sensitivity to adapt to the changing climes of the world? Food for thought my dear reader!

Fact is, it is on record that English speakers are the least likely to learn and adopt a new culture in their travels; which makes mockery of the essence of travel as a source of gaining knowledge – doesn’t it? - Ala St Augustine. Alas I find myself in this demographic, considering that I have lived in the Netherlands for the almost 3 years and yet cannot speak even a smattering semblance of Dutch – or Nederlands in Dutch. Nevertheless people like Lady-M can speak English without having stepped ashore the little island that makes up the United Kingdom. As if to tell me she was fast improving, last weekend she engaged me in a discussion about the situation in Libya and the Arab world – which in truth yet again cast a dark shadow on the future of the world.

The question now is why has this become commonplace? What can we do change the status quo? Why do foreigners refuse to adopt the culture of their hosts and extreme cases ignore them? What can these new societies and cultures do to help foreigners (buitenlanders in Dutch) integrate? How can the societies help new integrands (permit me to coin this term) acclimatize and gain acceptance? Truth is language is synonymous with identity? The first step in integrating or gaining any façade (which is what the case is really) in any society is to learn the language – which is something I personally have failed to do in my time in the Netherlands. Alas it may be lil’ too late, because in my case I have failed to integrate and as such cannot find work because of this. In the back of my mind, and rather erroneously, I have in the past blamed my regrettable joblessness on identity bias (which in truth is my failed attempt at the use of the term racism) but alas it may be unconnected with my inability to learn the language and integrate. And why is this one might be moved to ask? This I will tell in my good time ;)

Of course we cannot also rule out the present economic climes the world now has to endure. Nonetheless, I take lessons from Lady-M and hope that in my life’s future journies I will learn-to- learn a new tongue. That way my future weekend trips to Melissia will afford me the opportunity to discuss the present state of politics, food (lovely Greek food) and matters of sundry with all present at the table with Lady-M and the family – all in the hope that it is not uncultured talk Greek at the table.

Kalomina! (Happy New Month)

A Case of Western Hypocrisy

2011-02-14T18:07:00.017+08:00

Anyone reading Western media reports these days will be forced to assume “the West” is devoid of the ills that happen in other nations and regions of the world. This is sickening – replete with all the tendencies that can be aptly termed “Western Hypocrisy”. Yes, I frown at these rampant mouthings by western media houses; which are quick to lash onto events in other parts of the World. The last few weeks have been awash with the demonstrations in Egypt which helped to oust the regime of former president Hosni Mubarak and his allies. And here yet again the Western Media had a field day reporting all; and the unnecessary in tow; in the process fuelling discord as the West is known to for its own benefit alone.

My grudge, as always, is with the self righteousness of the West and its propaganda outfit otherwise call the media. And I digress with enquiries of note; why did the West kept mum about the happenings in Nile nation until now? Why does the West with all its intelligence not voice the ill happenings in corrupt regimes around the world until it suits them? Does Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela ring a bell? Well, truth is, the West only acts when events in other countries threaten their so called foreign policies. A good example is the crises in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria – for years the oil companies have raped and plundered the region’s vast oil resources; and in return polluted waters and lands and the sowed seeds of discord among its people all in a bid to profit. As soon as militant uprisings began to threaten oil supply, the West realized something had to be done – typical would you not say. But that is a different matter all together.

Back to the Egyptian discuss. Nonetheless, the western media has to be commended in its role in bringing news of the events in Egypt to limelight especially with the clamp down on internet access by the Egyptian authorities during the carnage. However, it has also engaged in peddling certain information which I will term ill-timed and unnecessary. One of such is information I came across on the website of the Huffington post. The report begins with an excerpt of a speech made by Mubarak on his ascendancy to the throne of Egypt – if you permit me to call it that, the assassination of Anwar Saddat – the then president of the Nile nation. The Huffington post report reads that Hosni Mubarak made the following pledge "not to commit myself to what I cannot implement, hide the truth from the people, or be lenient with corruption and disorder."

However, according to the report, as years passed, Mubarak did not only fail in his promises but also took advantage of his position in government to enrich himself and his family amassing wealth purportedly in billions of dollars. My issue with such reporting is that it is first and foremost based on allegations that have as yet to proven without doubt. More so, even if it is true that the Mubarak’s benefited from their position in government; where in the World, and I dare say, do politicians not gain from the government? What nation in the world can boldly say its people and politicians are not corrupt? None I say with vehement conviction. Have the Bush’s, Cheney’s, Thatcher’s and other western politicians and their business interests not benefited from crises in Iraq, Afghanistan? Please.

Politicians all over the world are known to people of flexible integrity and bendable morality – as can be seen even in the West. Another good example is the MP expenses scandal in Britain involving a good number of politicians including Eric IIIsley, Jim Devine, and Margaret Moran et al. If this happened in a country like Nigeria, the western media will have blown it out of proportion like they have been known to do. Don’t get me wrong, I am not apologetic to corruption neither do I advocate for its non-disclosure – far from it, what I stand for and mark my words is that the west shouldn’t make it look like its own politicians are saints no one, including the writer.

Back to the Mubarak’s, the report also spells out that; much of their fortune has reportedly been invested in offshore bank accounts in Europe and in upscale real estate. In a bid to save face the Swiss authorities as reported by news agency Reuters, only decided to freeze the assets of the Mubarak’s during the ensuing crises in the Nile nation. On Friday, Switzerland froze accounts possibly belonging to Mubarak and his family, a spokesman told Reuters. Now, my question is; “Did the Swiss authorities suddenly realize that the funds belonging to the Mubarak’s and their cronies was ill-gotten? Why do the Swiss authorities and their banks still maintain a non-disclosure policy of its depositors and their deposits knowing full well much of the funds in their care are the illicit spoils of a bevy of despotic rulers? The answer is simple – Western hypocrisy. The West and its propaganda machinery the media simply makes known what it chooses and acts only when it favors it own agenda. The banks and the Swiss authorities know all to well that by freezing such funds they automatically benefit from the proceeds of the ill-gotten wealth. My guess is this is what the West will describe as capitalism – I shake my head.

It was also reported that the “Mubarak family reportedly owns properties around the world, from London and Paris to New York and Beverly Hills. Several historic hotels were sold by the government to friends of the Mubaraks, local newspapers complained about the "smell of corruption." While this may be true – it is still unproven. My guess, the press has brought up all this, at this time to spread dissent and discord and hence add credence to the revolts which ousted the regime. Yet again I state I am not in favor of corrupt regimes, financial greed or cronyism however the Western media must desist from painting others as devils whilst ignoring the same evil tendencies that plague it own society.

The saga of financial crises – caused by a clear case of financial engineering perpetuated by bankers, economists and the governments of the West – is a clear example of this brand of greed the media gladly reported by the ousted Egyptian regime. Yet as we speak, the banking world is still doling our mind blowing sums of monies as bonuses to this same crop of bankers feeding fat off corporate greed and financial malficence. The rot goes even to banks bailed out with tax payers funds such as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have joined in on the feast. Any keen observer will realize that the financial crises and all we suffer today is the brain child of this greedy, crooked and selfish lot in the capitalist West who have created, in British slogan, ponzi schemes, aka Financial Products (CDOs et al) which have plunged the world in the mess we now find ourselves. Yet the media has played down the involvement of the banks like Citigroup, JP Morgan, Salomon brothers and all the financial houses that caused the crises. And oh let’s not forget the exploits of Bernard Madoff – history’s financial engineer extraordinaire.

The gist of whole thingi is the media in the west must desist from spreading its brand of morality and self righteousness which tries to make a mockery of our collective intellect. It must cease to revel in the delusion that we news listeners have feeble minds and will jump at any information and make belief truths (half truths) it throws at us. The world in its entirety is corrupt – for a fact. Everyone has a skeleton in its cupboard as we say in Nigeria – make no mistake. The wealth amassed my past leaders of nations in Africa like Mubarak, Mobutu et al., are no different from the spoils of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan among others – gained by the Bush and the Cheney families et al.

Quoting the report yet again; The wealth of the Mubarak family and other elites stands out in a country where millions toil as low-wage laborers, high rates of inflation make it harder for those aspiring to a middle-class lifestyle and unemployment is a persistent problem -- half of all Egyptian men don't have a job and 90 % of females remain jobless two years after graduating college, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report. More so the problems in these so called developing countries are no different from those found in the West such as; unemployment, crime, tribalism, corruption, cronyism among others.

So my dear readers do not believe everything y’all read in the media – nothing is as it seems. More importantly be more critical of information coming from the “Western media” – its societies are not devoid of the ills happening in other nations and regions of the world as they’ll have you believe. This sickening spate of “Western Hypocrisy” must cease.

Read more articles on the topic here [1], [2] , [3]).

A Walk Downtown Athens!

2011-02-10T20:52:00.008+08:00

Source

It has been quite a while since I ventured beyond the doors of my Athenian flat. As such my time in Athens has been spent indoors regrettably in spite of the beautiful climes this vibrant city conjures. However yesterday I decided to venture out on the behest of the urgent need to fetch a pair of football boots, other sundry and generally to engage myself in some form of exercise, least I embrace melancholy. Apropos, my long walk took me to the busy street of Patission in downtown Athens which to put it mildly turned out to be very revealing.

Two days earlier my girlfriend and I were invited to Sunday lunch by her mother; whence I was opportune to also meet other family members and their friends. As we chewed away and drink of the best culinary delicacy the Greek cuisine could offer, we traded banter on diverse topics including politics and the uprisings in the Arab world, immigration, and career among others. It was interesting (albeit impressive) to find out how well informed and up to date my hosts were about global issues. Customarily, my host were very keen on finding out every bit of detail they could about Nigeria, its politics and how things are done back home. So naturally I obliged the best information about my mother land, skidding past the often embarrassing dirty details however without economizing the truth – telling lies if you get my drift.

The next day I decided to take a walk downtown. To see for myself the many things my hosts had intimated me about the city of Athens. After a long walk I arrived at a busy street in downtown Athens known simply as Patission (Οδός Πατησίων). Also known officially as - 28 October Street - this road connects not only Omonia square to Patissia; but also the conurbations which host the largest population of city’s immigrants especially my compatriots whom I was warned to be weary of. I was also informed to expect a large population of immigrants among them as you would naturally expect were mostly – Nigerians and Ethiopians idly going about business of no consequence. To say I was disappointed would be a euphemism of the worst proportion. Seeing all these people loitering about the streets of Athens (Greece) - a country with a myriad of socio-economic problems akin to a 3^rd World country - got me really thinking deep. Alas this chasm of thoughts have only plunged my reason deeper into more reflection.

Expectly, my reflections have only raised questions. Now, I dare to ask; What are these people doing here? How did they get into the country? How do they survive – feed, clothe, shelter themselves? Why did they come to Greece of all places? Why come to a country with not only a low tolerance for immigration but also worst hit by the economic crises. Alas immigrants to not know such dynamics. I fear my notion on this issue may appear insensitive to their plight, albeit adding credence to the voices of anti-immigration pundits but we must all look beyond sentiments. The underlying truth is Greece [with population 11 million & debts amounting to 113 % of its GDP (Link)] cannot handle itself (poor welfare system, unemployment, poor fiscal & economic management), let alone the large influx of immigrants – a situation helped by its lax border policing efforts. And so I seat in my flat, yakking at my keyboard in solidarity to the plight of these people who I know not. But whose condition someone must speak of; alas some listening ear might take a cue from these musing and make better their plight. Until then I can only hope.

It is human nature to strive to be better – as such people must survive and as long as the doors are open by hook or crook; immigrants seeking to better their lives will knock on the doors of Greece and another nations in Europe. My take is that rather than black list immigrants as the source of all its problems – as the Greek society unknowingly does (ref) it must embrace them, cater for them in all ways possible (Link).

What most immigrants seek is not handouts but the chance to survive as most will agree with me – a means to make a living, cater for their loved ones and be happy in the societies they find themselves. This is not too much to ask from a society in which most honest – hardworking immigrants have made meaning contributions to in the past. It is a widely agreed by economists and opinion makers that immigrants in every society make meaningful contribution to the better of their host societies. History reveals that great sprawling cities such as London, New York, Amsterdam and many more were built on the sweat of immigrants; their actions, thoughts and even nefarious activities have helped to make these cities better. Alas many leave their homes armed only with hope – and stories of the good in the West only to arrive in societies rife with strife towards them.

Sad. But no one wants an unwelcome visitor as the case is now in the world. So, the onus is on all would-be immigrants and the leaders of the nations around the world to make the dynamics right and arrest the issues that catalyze the deplorable situations that spur socio-economic and political emigration of its citizenry. It may appear strange that a 45 min walk could conjure up such thoughts, but make no mistake, issues such as this last the span of generations. Mankind has been issued into a millennia whence it cannot afford to sideline people based on race, religion, nationality, culture or even opinions. My motto has always been to make the most of what is available and as such societies with problems such as acute immigration must embrace the foreigners – immigrant – and cater to their basic needs – and equal opportunities to contribute to the betterment of their host countries. That way there will be peace, harmony and love – Pythagorean principles the Greek society should know better to emulate. This may all sound utopian by it is possible.

My hope and prayer is that things will get better. And such that the next time I walk downtown in a European city, I will not solicit the groping eyes of disdain of other pedestrians, many of whom supposedly think me another one of the overbearing, unwelcome and ubiquitous immigrants who has come to milk their already overstretched economic sustenance but one who strife to make better their – more succinctly put our society and beautiful climes it conjures.

The Saga of the Arab Revolts!

2011-02-05T19:09:00.003+08:00

Politics and Religion are topics many would readily shy away – and with good measure. But alas we cannot separate them or deny their influences on our lives today. Over the last weeks the world has witnessed a revolution like never before in the Arab world, people rising up against tyrannical rulers and politicians who have over the years exploited their people. The chain of events initiated by Tunisia’s “jasmine revolution” has led to mass protests in far away countries like Egypt, Yemen among others. Many believe and hope these revolts will usher in a period of peaceful transition to democratic governance in these countries. My hope is that as these tyrannical leaders are replaced with good people who will have the good intentions of their people at heart. For history has shown that the removal of one tyrant often leads to the institution of another; even viler in morals than their predecessors. My heart thus goes out to all those who have lost their lives in these revolutions across the Arab world. May their efforts and sacrifices not be in vain. Having said this we must all explore the root causes of these uprisings and draw positives, if any.

Many believe these uprisings have been largely due to the sorry state of the economies and standards of living in these countries. Stories emanating from Tunisia speak of the widespread unemployment among youths, and largely due to corruption and cronyism perpetuated by the President, his wife and close family members. Unlike the very rich Arab states with vast oil resources, countries such Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt have failed to provide the necessaries for its populace – typical of politicians you would say. Instead, the politicians have chosen to fuel unrest by either turning a deaf eye or suppressing dissent. This in the words of the English writer Frank Field doesn’t work for democracy; for when politicians treat the poor as a separate race, restiveness will suffice.

There is no doubt that the mistakes of the leaders of the Arab world will be addressed. However, as the people of the Arab tinker with transition to true democracy, they must not allow themselves or their front runners be used as puns in the West vs Arab/Islamic world debacle. My fear is that this has already begun to play out in the scheme of things. My take, and I state vehemently, is that the West led by the US has fuelled these uprisings. While this may appear to the casual observer as an effortless ploy to create a conspiracy theory out this, we must all step back and cast deep thoughts on the matter.

To be continued!

Social Networking Debates!

2011-01-27T22:59:00.007+08:00

Social networking is here to stay. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or whatever catches your fancy or ire, their presence and effects on our lives is becoming ever more profound. These sites have become a medium of communication, networking and debates among its users, mostly youths. This post emanates from one of such debates among a few friends of mine on Facebook. Using the status update feature on Facebook, this friend asked the important question; “Why do many young Nigerians and their families spend large sums of moneys in pursuit of foreign degrees only to return home to low paying jobs after graduation? Why have UK MSc degrees become so sought after?”

Truth is Nigerians have an insatiable taste for anything foreign. We crave anything not “made in Nigeria” and are willing to pay for it. One of such is the craze for western education (particularly the UK) something that has become a fad among Nigerians. It has become a status thing, as many a thing often ends up in Nigeria.

More so many believe a western education is the prelude to better job prospects. I couldn’t agree more; however caution to the future generation, it is not a guarantee. Truth is gone are the days when an MSc or a PhD guaranteed a dream job or higher pay. In truth, these qualifications only serve to improve job prospects. It is common knowledge graduate education affords its holders new skills, knowledge and training. However, many young Nigerians flock to foreign universities especially in the UK to study courses "soft courses" such as International relations or International Business et al., often gaining little or no new skills or training separating them from their peers back home.

The mass exodus has resulted in a glut of people with such “training” in a society that doesn’t require such skills. This situation is similar to a nation like Niger republic training individuals in Nuclear Engineering – it just wouldn’t work out in the end. The crux is that the premise for foreign graduate education is wrong; we simply go out on a limb to acquire education we do not need. Some even leave well paying jobs back home in the pursuit of needless foreign degrees or the quest to live abroad. I know quite a few people who had very good jobs but simply jumped on the band wagon to “go abroad” - misplaced priorities if you ask me.

My opinion is, graduate education and training should be “on a need to have basis”. If a company or organization requires individuals in its employ to acquire expertise in a requisite field, then it makes sense to make this investment. A good example is the PTDF scheme that embarks on training individuals abroad to gain requisite skills for the oil, gas and energy sector. There is more to national development than training people to study political science or sociology in foreign countries on tax payer’s money. We as a nation must desist from the foreign is better mentality creating a social fad of foreign education.

To be continued!

Nigerian Energy vs The Pythagorean Doctrine!

2011-01-19T23:39:00.003+08:00

The future of Nigeria like that of other developing nations ultimately rests on the supply of adequate and reliable sources of energy necessary for sustainable growth and development. It stands to reason that energy is the fuel that will drives the wheels of any economy. The efforts of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC nations) to stimulate investment, growth and development have led to their tireless quest for reliable sources of energy. In the same vein, Nigeria as a developing economy must seek to address this missing link in its quest to cater for its population of 150 million people. However the meagre 3800 MW generated by the nation’s power plants only leaves a lot to be desired.

Therefore an essential ingredient in the quest to ensure a sustainable future for energy development and supply in Nigeria lies in energy diversification. The problem of energy supply in Nigerian has remained a difficult one to tackle due to among other things the old and poorly maintained hydropower plants in the country. This has not been helped by the over reliance of the entire populace (businesses, households & government agencies) on the meager output (estimated at 3800 MW). While hydropower is regarded as a sustainable form of energy, overreliance or total dependence on this form of energy without proper maintenance of the power plants has helped create a dearth in energy supply in the country. In comparison, Iceland, a nation of 318,000 and land mass of 103,000 km² produces 100 % of its energy (16 TWh) from renewable sources (three quarter of which comes from hydropower and the rest from geothermal energy).

On the contrary Nigeria relies entirely on hydropower; whose supply is plagued by the whims of the rainy season and northern climes of the country where the Kainji Dam is located. On a slightly brighter note, reports of the Technical Committee on Power (TCP) headed by Prof Bath Nnaji suggests that power generation will be propped up to 6900 MW by April 2011 and 14000 MW by the year 2013. This is commendable but I refuse to thread along this path of optimistic forecasting. In truth, I believe it is rather ambitious, utopian and unachievable. This forecasting or scholastic approach to energy generation raises a myriad of questions. An obviously pertinent issue is how the PDP government plans to achieve an almost 80 % increase power generation in just 3 months – something it has not been able to do in the last 13 years of its rule. Is it just me or does anyone see propaganda to deceive people (PDP) written all over this one. More puzzling is how it also plans to double output to 14000 MW in another 2 years? More so this pessimism arises from the fact that there appears to be no major visible investment in the infrastructure necessary to achieve these targets – or are we to expect a Val Kilmer (The Saint Movie) style cold fusion technology over night. My doubts are further buttressed by the lack of clear cut plans or modalities (as we like to term it in Nigeria) including legislation. In my first piece on the Nigerian Conundrum I proposed the National Assembly pass into law, the Clean Energy & Climate Change in Nigeria Law/Act (CECIN). This law and the commission established by it will among other already enumerated actions; ensure energy diversification and investment in R&D. This can be achieved by investing in the alternative energy technologies research and development efforts in the nation’s top universities. With these funds, academics can effectively carry out research into energy technologies such as solar, wind, biomass and hydrogen energy technologies. At the last check, institutions including UNN Nsukka, UNIBEN, UDF Sokoto, ATBU Bauchi are carrying out some kind of research in Solar Energy; UAM Makurdi, UNN, among others have departments dedicated to research in biomass and biogas research etc. It is my conviction that with the proper investment, the research efforts of these institutions can contribute to the RX of our energy conundrum in Nigeria. The diversification our energy supplies and our over dependence on hydropower and diesel powered generators could well become a thing of the past.

The quest for energy self reliance must continue – Nigeria as a nation must not relent in the expending manpower and resources to ensure energy self sufficiency – for this commodity is the fuel that drives the wheels of any economy. All hands must be on deck, and all stakeholders involved in this grand plan must adopt what philosophers term the Pythagorean doctrine of reincarnation - wisdom, knowledge and courage – only then can we become a great nation!

Arise O’ Compatriots!

Marxist Miracles in Maghreb!

2011-01-17T21:57:00.002+08:00

In lay man terms an open question is one that requires a long answer or at best will conjure up a myriad of responses. While peering through the Economist’s website I came across one of such questions. Will Tunisia's revolution spread? The events in the largely peaceful Maghreb country in the Northern most part of Africa have raised many a question. For starters, why do African leaders desperately cling to power? Why are these crop of leaders so intolerant and indifferent to the yearnings of their people? Of particular interest in this discuss however is what effect the so called Jasmine Revolution will have on the region.

In the words of Karl Max, a revolution is only possible when it is inevitable. This is in fact what has happened in the Carthage state called Tunisia. The revolution has brought to an end 24 years of dictatorial rule under the leadership of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This was made possible by mass protest by the nation’s 10 million inhabitants – reminiscent of the protests that ousted the Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. The events of the last few days gives me hope as I can imagine so for the citizens of nations such as Egypt, Zimbabwe, Burma, Venezuela and the lot whose leaders have adopted a sit-tight mentality often clinging to power as though it was created for them and their cohorts. The events also bring to fore the power of collective resolve as an effective tactic by the electorate in demanding accountability from its leaders.

In the words of Chinua Achebe, “it is a time to work at developing, nurturing and sustaining democracy”. The sage encourages us all as Africans to be patience and not to expect instant miracles especially for our own styled democratic regimes. But indeed the case of Tunisia is indeed is a Marxist Miracle of sorts and one we will hope to witness in Nigeria as we draw closer to elections in the year 2011. Our prayer first and foremost is for free, fair and peaceful elections. This will hopefully usher in a period of man-made miracles for the world’s most populous black nation. Nigeria must rise to its potential as a great nation – gone are the days of God help us – We must help Nigeria develop, nurture and sustain democracy, Nigerians!

Arise O’ Compatriots!

Nigeria and the Energy mystery!

2011-01-09T13:40:00.010+08:00

My almost fading memory of secondary school physics describes energy as “the ability to work”. This means of course that work is a form of energy. Like many nations in transition, Nigeria requires clean, affordable and steady supply of energy to strive, let alone compete among the league of great nations. When this notion is integrated within limits of the conundrum that is a developing country like Nigeria, we arrive at a solution that is fact a mangling of the laws of thermodynamics. The first (which relates to this discuss) states that, energy can neither be created nor destroyed. This does not surprise me or anyone that understands the complexity that is the Nigerian nation, as Nigerians have a way of defying the laws of nature, let alone those of physics. Pardon my digression, my point is that over the years we as a nation have neither created (save for the ponzi Obasanjo power scheme) nor tried to maintain the energy plants (by this I mean power) or the infrastructure necessary to sustain it. At the last count, the nation’s four refineries were either down, moribund or non operational; oil exploration and or prospecting has been brought to its knees (no thanks to militancy and what not), the President and his so called power advisers are clueless on what to do… or have refused to act. I could go on and on about the state of the nation’s energy/power sector or the over-powering politics holding it back. But this is just a blog not a white paper – besides what results have past white papers, dossiers and countless energy committees or panels set up in the past done to salvage the situation.

Last week, while peering through the pages of the New African magazine I came to the realization that our inability as a nation, Nigeria, to make headway is not due to our ineptitude but our refusal to make ANY real effort at all. Here is a nation with vast resources not excluding oil reserves in an area twice the size of the Netherlands and yet we falter. Puzzling erh? Not for the Nigerian populace. At the last check, the power plants (Kainji and the lot) in the country generate a paltry 3800 MW of power for over 150 million people including businesses among others. There are plans to establish a super smart grid that will bring generation up to 6900 MW in April 2011. Whether or not this is an April fool’s joke remains to be seen. What is obvious however and saddening is that the Obasanjo government spent (make than laundered) $16 bn dollars of the nation’s money on nothing more than a ponzi scheme called the Independent Power Projects – but that has all been swept under the expensive rugs in the Aso Villa and PDP house in Abuja. Ours is a nation that truly defiles the laws of physics -wouldn't you agree. It's insane the things you hear happening in Nigeria. But God dey as we are quick to quip – well like I have always opined and will maintain, its high time we stopped waiting on God to help Nigeria – We have to help our nation. After all the scriptures say, "Heaven helps those who help themselves".

With $16 bn spent on Power Generation, one would expect that Nigeria’s power problems should have all but disappeared. With all due respect to Obasanjo and his PDP regime – you have failed Nigerians. This is what I will have done with $16 bn. I’ll get the almost clueless National Assembly to pass into law a mandate requiring all oil & gas companies in the Niger Delta to stop ALL GAS FLARING. This law will be called the Clean Energy & Climate Change in Nigeria Law/Act (CECIN) will also establish a commission with seasoned academics that will among other things check the oil companies, levy HEFTY penalties on firms who fail to comply to its mandate and invest heavily in infrastructure to generate energy via various media including gas plants. As an incentive, the partnering oil firms that comply with the directives will be given tax breaks in the mould of the Feed-in-Tariffs or Green Certificates obtainable in the West. The law will also see an increase in investment in energy technologies in our universities of technology. The cost of this plan so far has not exceeded $100 mn. Next up, the commission will supervise the award of contracts (a process duly checked and ratified by the hopefully incorruptible EFCC) to build the 3 biomass fired power plants each with a generation capacity of 3000 MW each at a cost of $2 bn each. This alone will fire up our total energy generating capacity from 3 800 MW to 12 800 MW which though is still 18 200 MW less than South Africa’s installed capacity, but quite an improvement. Investments in the Gas powered plants (3 with approx. 700 MW each) in tandem with the Oil companies should bring generated capacity to about 15000 MW by the year 2015 with the estimated time of construction of each power plant put at 4 years. Alternatively, if I may so bold as to suggest we can simply build 3 safe nuclear reactors – the new generation type built/maintained by the French company AREVA each costing about $6 bn each but a longer time of construction. This is of course is not a viable option especially in a nation where religious fanaticism, corruption and disrespect for the law are rife – the citing of nuclear reactors within its borders will only serve to fuel the flames of annihilation at the slightest provocation.

To be continued!

A New Chapter in 2011

2011-01-04T20:09:00.014+08:00

The year 2010 finally came to an end. And with it, all the intrigues & mis-hits that made it a memorable year. With the World Cup, WikiLeaks saga, the Chilean Miners saga, Prince William’s engagement, death of Nigeria’s President, England’s failed WC 2018 bid, Cricket bribery scandals, among others topped the headlines, at least as far as I can recall. Personally, it was also a memorable year; finally bagged an MSc engineering degree from Delft University replete with the myriad of terrible relationship decisions and of course the ups and downs of life in the Netherlands. It’s been months since graduation and the hunt for that elusive job still falters. I am looking up though, hoping that I get that email or phone call inviting me for a job interview.

The PhD interviews have not fared any better either. In November, I attended one at 3ME (materials, maritime and mechanical engineering) faculty of my former university only to get the email after 2 months of inquiry (make that begging for an answer) that I was not selected. I didn’t bother ask why – the Dutch have excuses be-re-ke-te (numerous & meaningless ones too). The professor felt it was polite to keep me waiting for 2 months only for her to send me a-one-line email telling me the decision of “the committee”. To add to the ignominy, she took the liberty to address me as “Nyakuam” – perhaps it was simply a typo. Nonetheless in my tribe it means “the soil of my death” - smh. This may sound like an over analysis of my misfortune or as psychologists will put “agony of defeat” but it’s downright disrespectful to have kept me waiting. It is increasingly becoming obvious that employers especially in this time of global recession often drift into the delusion that they are doing us lot unemployed people a favour employing us. This is myopic especially coming from the so called egg head academics. My prayer is that one day when I become a professor - insha allah – I will treat people better, with the respect & dignity they deserve. I may not have gotten the job but God dey as we say in Nigerian parlance. Life is lesson, a journey of sorts, so I have learnt from it, and moved on.

My time without employ has however afforded me time to reflect on life and my experiences abroad. Sometimes I ask myself it “has been worth my while?” Has my family’s hard earned savings which have kept me going all this while hasn’t gone to waste? Regret. I hate regret. Albeit I feel I would have been better off staying back in Nigeria. Who knows I could have been the successful banker I so desperately wanted to be. But here I am, a graduate engineer in the West – the scion of transparency, equality – you name it, yet I can’t find a job despite my “impressive CV” as many a potential employer have told me. It’s more saddening especially in a country like Holland; which prides itself as a bastion of egalitarian virtues – oh, how I shake my head. Yet amidst all this smooth talking is a system that offers foreigners little chance if any to strive. And I explain, all potential employers request prospective employees to speak some semblance of Dutch - a language spoken by a population (16 million) dwarfed by that of Kano, the metropolis with the distinction of being my birth place. May be lawmakers (if they choose to make themselves useful for once in Nigeria) should draft a law in Nigeria mandating all the foreign expatriates the Dutch inclusive exploiting the Niger Delta of its crude to learn Urhobo, Ijaw or Itsekiri before taking up jobs there. But alas the Nigeria is not like the Netherlands and Nigerians not Nederlanders. Why do I complain? I rebuke myself again; the Netherlands is not Nigeria; it is by no means my country, neither will it be my home for in truth I will always be viewed as a Buitenlander or Allochtoon. Such is my fate, but when my time comes to an end, I will return home, to my fatherland, where I will be “unconditionally loved” an expression the great writer Ben Okri defines as a home.

But the pursuit of happiness continues. Life must go on; in the mean time I peer through books and watch day time TV like never before. Night time I spend sending job applications hoping that I get better luck in the mail. Yesterday I left the house for the first time in many days, to get some fresh air, shop and buy a copy of “A Week In December” by Sebastian Faulks. The Sunday Times, one of my new best-companions reviewed it and thought it will make a good read. My fear though is that it might just sit among the many other books I have bought recently but not bothered to open. Speaking of books I also came across a review – mention actually – of the book Mistaken by Niels Jordan – the Irish writer and director. The Saturday Review of the Times, had interviewed the writer, shedding light on his new TV series “the Borgias” starring Jeremy Irons. The reviewer Kate Muir however failed to mention that “the story of the Borgias” – is in fact the main plot of the Mario Puzo novel “The Family” That said, I reckon the TV series set to open in the US will be one to watch, going by the book. If not that, then the fact the lead character of Cardinal Borgias played by Jeremy Irons (who voiced Scar in the Disney hit Lion King and starred in Kingdom of Heaven as the marshall of Jerusalem) makes it a must watch.

This ends my post, the first of many in 2011, I hope. I hope you liked it; please leave a comment, or a note or criticism - all are welcome. On that note I wish you all, my dear readers, friends and all the good ppl of the world - a very Happy New Year. My prayer is that all your hearts desires, hopes, dreams and aspirations come to light in the New Year!!

So Be It!

of Books, Freedom Fighters and Oiled Waters!

2010-11-25T18:04:00.027+08:00

Strange how time flies. It’s been almost a month since my official MSc graduation ceremony at TU Delft. Life afterwards has been slow. Not much has been happened besides the occasional email from a potential employer outlining their inability to hire me in spite of my impressive CV. Such is life. These things take time my father is quick to chip in, albeit to bolster my confidence. Parents – how valuable they are in our lives. So far I have been lying fallow on the little island that is England, buying time and praying earnestly for the elusive email or call that will change my employment status.

Until then, life and chance dictates that I split my time between reading the Sunday Times Magazine, the London Metro or the Evening Standard (whose crossword I have become a huge fan of) and watching TV. The BBC iplayer – voted one of the best tech innovations of the 21^st now I see why) has become an inseparable companion of mine. And oh let's not forget Malcolm Gladwell’s “What the Dog Saw” a book I have been trying very hard to finish. In between I have managed to read Helon Habila’s book “Oil on Water” a wonderfully written book about the atrocities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Though it reads like a satire, it is a wonderful work of fiction that underlines the havoc, make that, disastrous happenings - all the parties have committed in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. While I commend Helon’s story telling ability, many readers will be disappointed, in my opinion, that it appears to absolve certain parties of blame in the state of things in the region. As far as the geopolitics and dynamics of the situation in the region always dictates, many readers and observers will also disagree rather strongly with my take, but hey, that's why its my opinion.

And so I shoot. My opinion is that EVERY stakeholder (Oil Coys, Government, & the Niger Delta people) in the crises has played a role in aggravating the situation. The oil companies have been a nuisance, taking the bulk of the blame as the book aptly suggests. Whether or not these companies oblige is an open question about morality, or to put it in business jargon corporate social responsibility and business ethics - whatever that means now. Sad that in a country like Nigeria, principles such as morality, conscience and objectivity have become as extinct as flora and fauna in the Niger-Delta.

The Nigerian government and the nation's past leaders also share a huge portion of the blame, as they have, the proceeds of this aptly termed black gold. It has failed in its responsibility to protect the rights, lives, dignity and integrity of its citizenry as any sovereign state should from the exploitative influence of outsiders. It has failed to curtail their excesses and colluded by turning a blind eye to the reckless destruction (make that rape) of the land and livelihood of the Niger Delta people. Shameful but yet the list of charges goes on and on.

The people on the other hand, have also contributed in no small way to the sad and slow state of events the region. Its leaders and youth have been fingered in demanding hand outs or colluding with the shameless oil companies. But as it is in Nigeria, denial of such charges will be the most probable response. More so, the actions of the militia and rebel groups have left the region in an even more precarious state; the spates of kidnappings, terrorist style bombings and threats have helped unsettle the region even further. It is true that the sage Karl Marx once said, “a rebellion is not possible until it is inevitable” but the "happenings" in the region are un-necessary, ill timed or callous at best. The actions of the militants cum freedom fighters rather than give voice to the atrocities and injustices in the region; have added vice and verve; making a victim of the shameless oil companies and the hapless government. Perhaps the erudite German philosopher didn’t have our dear Nigeria in mind when coining up this quote. May God help Nigeria!

I stop here for now...

A Nation of Great Men and Women!

2010-11-15T08:09:00.005+08:00

Dear Reader,

Compliments of the season as we say in my beloved home country Nigeria – a nation of great men and women, of writers, artists, musicians and the best brains humanity has ever known. It is the land of Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka; of Ben Okri; of Fela Kuti and even the most notorious of men – I stop there. But it is OUR country; the land of the great Niger River, my beloved country – How I miss thee. My resort to begin this post with patriotic musings is of great consequence as today marks another day since I departed the shores of my nation to live (make that survive) and study in the land my people call “Tar Batur” the White man’s land. In the words of St Augustine, my sojourn, or perhaps more succinctly put in the words of one of Christianity’s greatest saints, my journey has been greatly enriching. With my MSc degree and title Ir (ingenieur – or engineer) bagged I look towards the horizon that is life after university.

So at sunset I walk down the familiar path, looking intently at the future but the horizon is hush with haughty scenes. The grey outlook is helped in part by perennially drab demeanor of the Dutch climes. Everyone is quick to blame the financial crises for the future. There is palpable despair in the deep, but I hope, expectant as a woman in labor, waiting to reap the fruit of many months of expectation. For before the moment of joy, there must be pain, a time of rain that will tear her eyes and mind. I look to this day. Today also marks the marriage anniversary of childhood acquaintance. It has been almost 12 years since I saw him last. Funny London always seems to avail me with the opportunity of meeting old friends and acquaintances. The venue was a Baptist church somewhere in east London, the entire Tiv congregation (gross exaggeration) gathered to celebrate the union of God. As you’d expect the banter among the bachelors’ was whose next to walk down the aisle. Food for thought is all I can say. The time will come…

Last week, I ran into an old classmate from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, my Alma Mata, at the Nigeria High Commission. My visit was to get a new passport, the E-passport, something the embassy in Den Haag was unable to do. Sad but that is what it is to be Nigerian. If you are not getting harassed by foreign immigration authorities; the nation’s bureaucratic incapability will do good frustrating you. But “I am a Nigerian, that is all I can ever be” in the words of Kanu Nwankwo, so that is my bondage, a sovereign patriotic burden, if ever there is an expression as such in the Queen’s English. The trip to 9 Northumberland Avenue was to relieve my bondage; a burden possession of the old non-biometric Nigerian passport has set upon me. This is because the Federal Government decided out of the blue to change from the old format to the E-format, as usual without due consideration and consultation – that’s Nigeria for you. Well that’s not news, what was novel and mark my words, impressive, was that the new state of the Nigeria High Commission. To my amazement, the place had undergone a major facelift since my last visit 2 years ago. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the building has been renovated, the old furniture dispensed off or re-upholstered, the floors re-tiled and the horrible odor that greeted visitors in the past, expunged. Bravo was we say in Greek. The passport process itself, was only a 15 minute process, compared to the 5 hour waiting time – the Nigerian factor as we call it? But that didn’t dent my pride. I am still Nigerian – proudly Nigerian I dare say – cos there is hope for us and for our great country. Believe and arise NIGERIA (s) where ever you are!

This ends my post. Take care of you and make the best of life.

Kalinytha!

Time of Fallow

2010-10-22T15:45:00.004+08:00

Groeten allemaal! Its been a while since I posted. There is so much to say but so little time and space to pour out my heart as I have always done via this medium. Many thanks for those of you out there who have taken time to read my musings. It means a lot to me; so as they say in Dutch hartelijke bedankt! For all those who have helped and supported me in the last two years in the Netherlands; I say "Msugh ne kpishi" you've all been amazing, great, spectacular...

Now to more musings since my last post. Its been absolutely amazing the last weeks. Life after graduation has been mixed; with moments of highs and lows. Its been tough looking for a job, getting a house and living a normal life; even though I cannot define what a normal life is anymore. When I was a student I had a schedule well written in my agenda; now all I do is line in; hoping that I get that email or call that will make transform my unemployed status to employed.

Like most school leavers I earnestly seek a job; not so much for the financial security but the urgent need to be occupied; to be fulfilled; to contribute to humanity and comically - something meaningful to look forward to when the weekend is over :-D. After 2 years of hard core engineering studies at a university at Delft Uni of Technology, the last thing anyone can wish for is a time of fallow - this too shall pass, I say. There is an even greater need to be indulgent; the yearning to apply your skills and training and of course a means of sustenance; of independence from the vagaries of our over scheduled cum choreographed lives.

This is my rant for today! Stay well and live life to the fullest...!

The (not so)-Beautiful Game

2010-10-18T06:05:00.002+08:00

“I am a Nigerian and that is all I will ever be”. These are the famous words of one of the greatest men to don the famous green Super Eagle’s jersey. Like many proud and patriotic Nigerians before him, he played the game of football with passion, patriotism and commendable professionalism. But can the same be said of the state of the game and its administrators in Nigeria? The answers to this question will form the crux of this essay.

Football is a source of pride and national honor in Africa despite the plethora of socio-economic ills that afflict this wonderful continent. Over the years, the sport has become a lucrative business cum source of livelihood for the continent’s teeming populace. It is with good reason that football is seen as the way out of poverty for many of Africa’s poor but talented youth. More so, it is the dream of African youths to don their national jersey and play for his national football team. Hence footballers and aspiring footballers alike aspire to play for their country and in the more lucrative leagues in Europe and America. This trend is no different in Nigeria.

However, events over the years have left the beautiful game in a sorry state especially in Nigeria. The crises can best be viewed by the state of affairs within Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the governing body of Nigerian football. The federation and the game has endured one scandal after the other culminating in the recent FIFA ban. This is coming at the backdrop of the many court and counter court cases which have taken place over the last months allegedly perpetuated by selfish individuals and cabals with government backing. What is however certain is that the government has a role to play in the current crises in the game.

Objectively we as proud, patriotic pundits have been forced to ask pertinent questions on the state of affairs in the federation. What “is” the problem with Nigerian football? What ills plague this potentially lucrative facet of sport and national development? Why is the football federation a bevy of controversy and what can be done to curtail this embarrassing trend in our football and sports? When will the ills such as corruption, favoritism, tribalism and inefficiency become a past in the history of the game? The answers to these questions will be addressed in this discuss.
Akin to ministries and parastatals in Nigeria, the football federation is often viewed as a cash cow milked indiscriminately for easy money. This apt argot “cash cow” is the Achilles heel of the federation; which if run and managed efficiently will be self sufficient, accountable. As a result past leaders of the federation have been known in the past to embezzle and misappropriate huge funds from its un-audited accounts. These ruinous criminal acts are also allegedly carried out in collusion with individuals within the sports ministry who have been known to get kick backs from such deals. Corruption in the federation is not its finances but can also been seen in other sections of the football house.

A good example is in the issue of agent licenses or the right of an individual to be a players’ licensed agent. A football agent is responsible for arranging a professional club, negotiating financial/personal terms of a contract and all other legal matters for his client. As such agents are pivotal to the success of their clients whose interest they also vigorously market for personal profit and financial gain. Because the FIFA rules stipulate that football contract between players and clubs require the services of agents make them indispensably influential. The members of the federation on the other hand, make the decisions governing the game in the country including national team player selection, their salaries/wages, and all matters relating to their welfare. The importance of the complementary roles played by both football licensed agents and football federation officials cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore constitutes a conflict of interest to play both roles. However, it is on record that many individuals on the board of the federation and within the sports ministry are licensed players agents and managers. The situation is further complicated by the fact that agents and or managers are entitled to as much as 30 % of the player’s wagers/salaries. Furthermore, players are required to have 75 % national team appearances on other play for and qualify a work permit in the lucrative European football league. Hence these agents/managers who double as federation officials or employees “work hard” for their “employers” to be on the national team rooster. This sad occurrence is believed in some quarters to be behind the below par performance of the national teams in some tournaments due to poor selection.

The decay has also eaten deep into the once glorious Nigeria Football League (NFL); which many now sadly believe is a sham in many proportions. Once upon a time the “local league” (as it is now ashamedly depicted) used to be the source of proud national team players before its relegation to the doldrums of football history. These were the glory days of the Nigerian football league; when the likes of Segun Odegbami, Demeji Lawal, Stephen Chukwu et all ruled and reigned supreme. But as they say, that is all in the past now. The now resplendent rot in the football league can be blamed on many factors such as corruption, maladministration and the general inability of the Nigeria people to take action. These factors have ensured that the football league, governed by the supposedly independent Nigeria Football League board, is a mere shadow of its 80’s glory days. The league is poorly run with no clear cut schedules and plans. The football clubs and their administrators simply bribe and collude with match officials and referees to vita bag points during the season. Little wonder the points difference between top and bottom table teams is often unimaginably low compared to other more competitive and well run leagues worldwide. The fans can be left out of football league demise in Nigeria. The fans have further fanned the flames of football’s failure in the country by bullying and intimidating their own team players, visiting teams, their travelling fans and match officials who for fear of their lives gift home teams with faulty calls and league points. There was even a case where the fans of a home team refused to allow a foreign TV company broadcast a league game on national TV citing frivolous reasons for this anomaly. This has led to establishment and enthronement of the excessive unwritten statute and slogan “the home always wins”. The coaches often under pressure from club chairmen aid corrupt practices within the team and the league alike. Coaches and other club officials alleged demand bribes and “off the record incentives” from players and their agents to be signed or “recommended” to national team selectors. Some coaches have also assumed the role of coaches; arranging overseas trials and contracts for players from their clubs. Others with so called “influence” often include only their “clients” or their associates in the national teams. Sadly, when issues like this arise, the football federation simply dismisses them as false and unfounded. In other cases the federation simply sweeps them under the carpet without proper investigation. On the other hand players who are the victims are often blacklisted or simply frustrated out of the game by their coaches and club officials.

To be continued!

Misinformation or Ignorance

2010-09-25T22:46:00.006+08:00

Greetings all yee in blogosphere! This post comes to you from the somewhere in blogosphere on a little island that is England; where men drink tea with vinyl enthusiasm, take Sundays off to play cricket and nag about all that they can. Harsh but true, such is life and all the unfairness & misfortune that lurks in it. Such would have been my fate last week, and hence the title of this post. As stated in my last post, Monday was the fateful day of my appointment at the Dutch immigration, IND.

I arrived the office of the IND in Rijswijk, on that fateful morning hoping to get all my immigration paper work sorted out so I could proceed on my long anticipated holiday. But the "demi gods" at the IND had other plans in store for me as I realized on handing the lady my passport and documents. She instantly replied, and I quote, "I cannot place the sticker in this passport". Without a moments thought I retorted, "WHY NOT?" in my newly acquired Dutch mannerism? She went on to blab about the validity of the old Nigerian passports and how it will be impossible for me to travel with the passport, yadi yadi yadi. She said the IND had been (mis)-informed that the old Nigerian passports were no longer valid for travel especially in the EU due to the introduction of the e-Passports. This revelation let me wondering;
-

* Where did she get that information from?

* Why is it coming from the Dutch immigration and not the Nigerian Immigration?

* What right does the Dutch immigration have to refuse to place a sticker in my "valid" passport?

However, I insisted she place the sticker irrespective of what she thought or more aptly her misinformed idea was. But the came the banger; she said even with the sticker I will not be allowed out of or into the country and will have to wait until the Nigerian embassy gets me the e-Passport which is still not issued in the Netherlands. She had also been (mis)-informed that the Nigerian embassy had concluded arrangements to issue the e-Passports later in the year. My second bet was to hope that my new resident permit for highly skilled migrant workers comes through in the earliest possible time. That's Dutch bureaucracy for you. Eventually I persuaded her to place the sticker in my passport or else I will have been done for, that I knew without a doubt. Without the sticker, I could kiss my residency good bye; forfeit my planned holidays and 250 Euros in tickets; and be assured a miserable existence and I bet an eternal hate for the Dutch bureaucracy. Thankfully all that was averted by some calm negotiation, luck and God's graces.

That is my story...hope y'all have a lovely rest of the week, Grtz...

Random Nighttime Musings!

2010-09-20T06:17:00.007+08:00

Greetings loved ones!! Hope life has been treating y'all well? It's been a nice run for me, not great but I can't complain. Sometimes life is slow but that means we have to steady our life's ships if we must weather its many storms. Its been 3 weeks since I graduated; from TU Delft ;a lot has thus been going through my mind; work, women, life, family and all the lot that make our lives as frenetic as traffic in India. It's been quite boring in spite of the cacophony of issues I have had to ponder on in the last weeks. But I am fortunate, blessed with the many good people around me. My friends, true friends I must add, have been kind to offer me shelter and all the support after my graduation. Thanks guys life will have been hell without you.

*

Still looking for work though - a PhD is still on the cards. But I am beginning to realize that even that will not be easy. No good thing comes easy er? God dey as we say in Nigerian parlance. So I am keeping my fingers crossed, as I also look at other possibilities too. Truth is the economic meltdown has not helped our course as fresh graduates, so we must look further and search harder. However, as I look for work I am also looking to keep myself busy with other things too. As such am considering going back to serious writing; essays, reviews, short stories and a lot of reading. Have a few book lined up; a few to be bought and some to read. My library contains too many of such books that require that kinda attention. Guess all these will keep me busy until something comes up.

*

The football season resumed again yesterday. My university football team formerly known as Ariston 7 has become Ariston 5 due to our success at winning the title last season. As such we have been promoted to a higher class in the KNVB -Dutch Football Federation Class 5 J Championship. As usual we began with a bang; netting 5 goals past our opponents DSVP of Pijnacker - a farming region near Zoetermeer also in South Holland province. We began slowly but soon got into grove with a well worked goal which saw Andrea Messidoro - our ever resplendent Italian striker opening the scoring with an inch perfect header. As the game progressed our opponents became more daring and seized the opportunity due to our loss of concentration and capitalized on it. At the end of first half, the scores were level at 1-1 with both teams sharing almost equal ball possession. In the second half the home team, took the initiative attacking continuously and their persistence was rewarded with a well worked goal. However, our new attacker Andrea Pinto; restored parity. From then on, it all went downhill for the home team as they conceded defeat to a much superior Ariston side with better quality in their ranks. It was a wonderful win, but for me it marked my last appearance in the blue and red colours of Ariston.

*

Well, I have to stop here. It's past midnight and I need to tuck in. My interview at the IND, Dutch Immigration is scheduled for tomorrow as such I have to be mentally ready and get things sorted out. If all things go as planned I will be off to London for a few weeks to rest my head from Dutch life and the successful end to my 2 year sojourn in TU Delft. Gotta go now, take care pips... and have a nice week. Grtz

Better Days

2010-09-16T06:24:00.012+08:00

And my time in Delft came to a successful end with the defense of my MSc thesis on September 2nd, 2010. As I got out of bed at 4 am that morning to put finishing touches to my speech, I prayed as hell, that the Lord God Almighty answer my prayers. So I as I walked into the Reactor building that morning, I kept saying the silent prayer in my mind that it will go well so I can graduate. It has been 2 long years in the Netherlands doing a graduate degree funded entirely on funds from my family. As such you can imagine the pressure on my shoulders and expectation of my family, friends and people hoping to hear I fail - sad but true.

*

At 11 am Dutch time, I began my presentation at the Curie Zaal of the Reactor Institute Delft. My thesis topic was titled, "Hydrogen storage in catalyzed Magnesium Hydrides" under the supervision of Prof Dr F.M. Mulder and Ir Anca Middlekoop - two wonderful individuals who gave me the best support, help and guidance anyone can ever hope for during a master thesis. After the presentation in the Curie zaal, the thesis committee (comprising 3 professors) and I went ahead with the thesis examination proper. At the end the committee agreed that my work merited a grade of 7 which to me was well deserved. I was also expecting a 7 for the work. Perhaps with more help from my predecessor on the project I will have gotten a better grade and even finished earlier. But thats life, you cant have it all, my direct supervisors were of invaluable help - you cant imagine. Thank you Fokko and Anca.

*

With the thesis behind me, I have had to sort out my residence status in the Netherlands which expires at the end of October. As such I have had to "put in motion modalities" as Nigerian politicians quip, to get the search year visa also known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. The process has brought me face to face with Dutch bureau-crazy and I must admit it is worse than the Nigerian brand. The Dutch seem to have an uncanny prowess in complicating the complexities that define living in this country. In plain terms, they make life more complicated than it is or should be. In other to get the visa, applicants are required to call a certain premium number 0900 234561 which as you'd expect is always busy. Eventually, I got through and got an appointment which I am told lasts no more than 30 mins. God dey. Monday next week I will be there to see for myself.

*

In the mean time, I have joined the ranks of the homeless, jobless and in my peculiar situation bike-less. With my housing contract with the Monopoly called DUWO expired, I have had to live with friends pending when I get a job or a place - both of which are interlinked with teach other. On the job side, its been gloomy. The common place rhetoric has been you are good but you don't match our requirements. At Utrecht University where I applied for a PhD position, the prof sent me an email a few days later saying we will not hire you, call me for details on our decision not to hire you. I was like WTF? Anyway I called him and his revelation on their decision was stupid to say the least. He quipped that my fundamental knowledge in Physical Chemistry is lacking and with an MSc in Engineering I will not be suitable for the job. I politely said thank you and hung up. Truth is I didn't like the man from the moment I set eyes on him; and feel it was my destiny not to work for him.

Back to the knowledge thingi, truth is not many PhD candidates know or have an full understanding of the fields the work on before they started the jobs. They in principle learn on the job, but I guess my case was an exception erh? God dey. Undeterred, I have continued to search for a PhD position and in sha Allah I will find one.

Will end this post here; see y'all next week.

Its Over But Life Only Begins

2010-09-03T17:06:00.005+08:00

And so the story of Delft ends. "Bless God I have graduated from TU Delft" was my status update on Facebook. As expected the congratulatory messages started literally pouring in by the bus loads. It's been 2 long years of hard work, patience, tolerance, etc at Delft University. But thank God it is finally over. After my final thesis defence yesterday, I called my father to break the good news to him and the rest of my family. They were elated and can imagine the relief on my father's face and the joy the news must have brought to him. For me, the excitement began right after shaking hands with the thesis examination committee members and my supervisor; prof. dr F.M. Mulder or Fokko for short.

The feeling of graduating is indescribable, the relief, the satisfaction of graduating from such a university of repute. Even my ever-ly optimistic father couldn't help but admit TU Delft is a tough one. It was indeed a tough one; its not for the faint hearted but I am glad God provided the "means" for me to come here. It's over but life only starts from here on. Will I do it again? Hmn... my answer is NO but nonetheless, my life is better for it. Its the toughest degree I will ever get in my life. That said, I want to thank God, my family, friends; Nadia, Ade, Paul, Jerry, Niels, Micah, and all who time and space cannot permit me to mention. May God's grace & blessing be with you. Amen

Till I post again, be blessed and be yourselves... tot ziens

New Beginning!

2010-08-13T15:40:00.002+08:00

11th August. And so the day finally came to have the final re-take of the course Transport Phenomena. This compulsory course in my MSc is so tough even the teacher, Prof van der Akker, admits its a tough cookie. As the previous attempts to pass the course proved futile; as it did for 3 other colleagues of mine, we were offered on last chance to earn passage from TU Delft. For me it was the last course I needed to pass to graduate; to draw closer to what might be perhaps the toughest degrees in our lives. Fortunately, the 4 hour exam ended well and we finally passed. So I say, thank God Transport Phenomena and Prof van der Akker are now a thing of past. The experience with the course is something I will like to forget in a hurry for it left an acrid taste in my mouth. But such is life, nothing good comes easy; something's got to give, yes? Now I have face and complete my thesis in 3 weeks so I can graduate - something I earnestly look forward to. Will keep you posted. Gotta go now. Grtz

Scarce Times!

2010-08-10T04:00:00.003+08:00

It's great to be back blogging. It been almost a month since I logged on to post. It's been a hectic time for me; working on my MSc thesis and doing a million other things together - Gemini style. My time in Delft is indeed running out and with it the myriad of questions & problems are beginning to rear their ugly heads. What to do next? Hmn... Its' been a trying time for many soon to be graduands; Where do you live? Now that the Uni accommodation contract expires, job search looms, relationships about to be cast away, bonds to be broken, all adding to the numerous decisions we have to make. All these and many more cloud my mind, so far its been going not so good - I must add in a Dutch to English translation. But, Jah dey! - as we say in Nigeria.

In two weeks exactly I will have stayed in the Netherlands for two years. And such I have decided to take stock and look back at how much my life has changed over the last couple of years. In all honestly, I must admit that living here has helped me improve not only academically but as a person too. When I look back my days in ATBU Bauchi and compare with my time here, I see so many changes. Your guess is as good as mine. There is a chasm of difference. Firstly, the academic system and style of education is miles apart. Back in ATBU, all I cared about was studying a week or two to exams and acing them easy. Here its a totally different ball game. No one expects you to memorise all the problems in the Heat Transfer Textbook or Ten pages of differential equations or Derivations or the entire Process Flow Sheets of Brewery Line among others. The emphasis is on your ability to create and design your own flow sheets and apply the basic differential equations into real life problems.

- In my first year at TU Delft, we were asked to design 100 % Sustainable Train Station for the northern city of Groningen, NL. The course Smart Energy Products taken from Industrial Design Engineering MSc - turned out to be one of the best courses I did in my MSc. We were asked to design and make proposals in groups of four students i.e. produce a blue print that can be used for improving the Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of the future train station. Using the basics of engineering principles and design dynamics, ideas and processes we created a wonderful design that not only got us a wonderful grade but it also boosted my confidence as a future Energy Engineer. Many months on, and I am working towards that goal. The moral of this story is that studying here has greatly boosted my confidence, knowledge and prospects.

As a person, living and studying here has also made a better person. Over time I have learnt to be more open, confident and individualistic. May be too open, may be little arrogant too. Blame it on the Dutch way of life. In Nigeria, there is something we call I.T.K - an acronym for someone who seemingly "knows it all" or has such an attitude. Living here kinda confers that mentality on a person; perhaps the rather distorted notion that elite universities like TU Delft kinda nurture in students - you are the best; act, think and believe you are the best. Looking back I will say it was a worthwhile experience but I will not re-live it again. It's been one tough ride; my father always tells me; nothing good comes easy; this good has come VERY hard. The old man is a poet.

Now to books. It's been weeks and I am still stuck in the first pages of Malcolm Gladwell's What the Dog Saw. Must admit that my good man at the New Yorker has failed to encourage me to read on. It's been all Ketchup and Kitchen talk in the first pages. Definitely not what I want to be reading. Time is money; if anything can take me away from school work it must ne worthwile. This book has not coem close. Reading Outliers left me eager to read his new installment but alas Mr G as I have chosen to now call him - has left me by the way side with this book. It wil be acostly compromise reading Mr G in lieu of school work, exams, reactor experiments. Even football time has been cut short. So you can imagine. But instead I have decided to read some short stories in between. Speaking of this genre; I decided to read the winning entry for the Caine Prize 2009 - Waiting - by - E.C. Nwosu. Call me overly critical, short sighted or literary bankrupt or whatever anecdote that comes to mind; but I can't understand how entries like that win the prizes. Or perhaps could it be that these entries shed light on touchy subjects like the one Waiting did or what? Food for thought!

Now to matters of the heart. It's been 2 years and I miss home, my family and my nb'hood. Miss the elaborate scandals, little gossips, binging sessions, football fanaticism, dreadful heat, pointless arguments, gang threats, women issues. It's rather strange that one will mention and point out that they miss all these vices; which once characterized a typical day in my nb'hood. Yet I do. Sometimes the little nothingness means something; the vices were paths to deeper virtues for the many lads that live in this middle class estate in Makurdi, Nigeria - I would say. My hope is that in the coming weeks I will be done with my MSc and take a well deserved holiday back home and see but from a distance again now. Watch out for a post on this.

OK folks I will end this post here... Thanks for reading. Tots ziens!

Of Oranje Defeat, Tears & Loathing with City Boys

2010-07-13T07:42:00.004+08:00

Watching fish, Julia Roberts’ character in a movie once said, is therapeutic. Considering that her role in the movie was that of an adulterous photographer, I find that hard to swallow – as we say in Nigerian parlance to express disbelief. What is however true and I can attest to, is that writing for me is the therapy. So when I need to take a break from and cast my mind away from reactors, engineering, physics, hydrogen, equilibrium pressures, Fourier calculations or one of many things that make my thesis prop up in my head. It’s been quite some time since my last post; been busy is one many an excuse my mind can conjure but laziness - something which has never been part of me can also be fingered for torturing my writing. That said I move to another discuss.
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With the World Cup 2010 over we can now focus other things, natuurlijk… perhaps as the Dutch may be quickly inclined to do and think considering that they lost the game yesterday. While both teams played well, the final of every football game can only have one winner – in this case the Spanish had better luck. Congratulations to Spain and hope the Dutch can do better in a 4 years. Whether or not I will still be in the Netherlands to witness perhaps a win is another matter. I feel sorry for them, the tears on TV showing the agony, sadness and anguish at the loss moved me. But in truth the Dutch lost the game as a result of many a reason. One was that the Dutch chose to play hard or dirty; perhaps in a bit to frustrate the Spanish akin to the tactic Chelsea once used against the Spanish team Barcelona in the Champions League last season. As we now know this did not work yesterday. Another reason was the inability of players like Eljero Elia and Mark van Bommel to rise up to the occasion. In my opinion, his father in law of the former - the coach should have taken him off after the first half. But as they say it’s too late to cry when the head is off. All the Dutch can do, and I sincerely hope for their sake, is to return to drawing board and start things all over. It was a good run but the runway is no more.

Speaking of rebuilding one nation whose football-ing fortunes desperately needs an overhaul is NIGERIA. This has long been overdue; the Super Eagles, now comically termed the Super Chickens by irate Nigerian fans played so badly. So much I was ashamed to talk about it with friends yesterday when the topic came up for discussion. So what is the really the problem with Nigerian football? Is it one of many ills; corruption, lack of organization, politics, tribalism or sectionalism, Godfather-ism. My informed opinion fingers them all, albeit sadly. My heart bleeds for Nigerian football when I think about it. What is the way forward for the nation’s football and sports in general? Is the now revised ban by the president the way forward? Is the impeachment and criminal indictment of the ex- officials of the Glass house the way forward? Well, look out for an expose I intend to write soon.

From football my post will veer to books, another favorite pastime of mine. Since my last post I have read two books. The first book Cityboy – Beer and Loathing in the Square Mile, is a vivid, tale of the life of an ex-investment banker in London’s Square Mile or the City – pseudonyms for London’s Financial District. Read a review of the book here; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4165716.ece In my opinion it is simply a recount of the selfish, arrogant, greedy and selfish lives of the overpaid, selfish, mean, arrogant, insecure and dishonest men who roam little Square Mile trying to get rid of their inadequacies by gambling with other people’s money. Let me take a breather. Pardon my harsh words for “the kind” Geraint Anderson describes in the book even though he used to be one of them. The book opened my eyes to quite a lot that goes on not only in the small derelict deceiving district but also about the minds of the men who roam there. The movie “The Good Guy” breathes life into characters and life styles Mr. Anderson enthusiastically describes in his book. The 2009 movie starts Scott Potter and will give its viewer a sneak peek into how these men reason, sadly. Happy viewing!

The second book was Two Caravans by Marina Lewycka. It is a book about migrants and their lives as immigrant workers in England. This too I bought after reading a review of it on the Guardian Books website. In truth I didn’t quite like it and only finished reading some days ago on a boring trip to Amsterdam. Don’t get me wrong it’s a well written book, however it lacks a little something I cannot really pin point at this time. Or perhaps I expected too much from it, but why not; if I bothered to buy it and read it, shouldn’t I? Truth is I was not convinced to buy her other book, a history of tractors. The review of the book can be found on this site; http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/apr/01/featuresreviews.guardianreview Let me know what you think? Next on my reading list is another Malcolm Gladwell book; What the Dog Saw.

Times up for moi… will try to post more regularly. Many thanks to all who have read and or visited this blog recently, you thoughts are appreciated too so please leave a comment. Tot straks!

Musings of Newtonian Ideals!

2010-06-08T04:54:00.014+08:00

This is my first post since May 20th; been a while. So what's been happening since then? Phew! great deal, I am a year older, wiser too, I presume. So much has been going on in my life and around me too, which is kinda obvious but well. For one the World Cup is around the corner and so is graduation. Last week the Board of TU Delft organised a farewell gathering for its International MSc students graduating this summer. The Rector, Magnificus Prof Karel Luyben was on hand to share jokes and take part in the myriad of photo shots that were the highlights of the day. The event took place at the TU Delft Library, as such the magnificent library (voted one of eight top libraries in the World) was a beehive of activity. After the event, my class mates or soon to be ex-classmates, met up in the City Center for some drinks. Back to salient football, as the World Cup approaches so has the fever globally. In the Netherlands, households have erected all kinds of nationalistic flags and orange items in support of the "Oranje" the Dutch National football team. As for me, I will be supporting my country Nigeria and perhaps Hellas for the reason that the missus in from 'ere, hahahaha... don't ask me how....lol? The rather strange thing I do not have a Super Eagles jersey yet; (but have both Hellas jersies) reason that the Adidas shop in Rotterdam has refused to stock on the O.G Green jersey as we call it in Nigerian parlance. Sadly or may be not I will be spotting the Hellas Jersey when they play and any Green shirt when we play against them, or perhaps us again since my allegiance now lies with both countries...lol.

Enough football now. To matters at hand. My reactor, remember her, it now or or perhaps more aptly, she now behaves well. The results have started coming and things are beginning to look bright for my research. At least I now wake up looking forward to go to the reactor institute, but that's not to say all is well. As I once told a friend nothing goes well in TU Delft, or in the Netherlands; don't get me wrong; this country is as organised as it can get; the trash vans make life hell for my sleep on Tuesday mornings; people are courteously and respectfully punctual to meets and the trains are religiously on time. However, this all too Dutch way can make life a lil' complicated for comprehension at times. What I am trying with so many words to quip is it makes life convenient in an inconvenient way too. Everything has to be done properly which takes time.

Back to thesis thingi, its coming along well, can only hope my bosses will give me their nod when the time comes, especially cos the experiments will take sometime, as hydrogen experiments always do. Sometimes I as myself what academics (which includes me now) see in hydrogen and why all the fuss about this is? My thesis has taught me that hydrogen is definitely not the way forward for Renewables. It is froth with too many problems and technicalities that no one and I mean NO ONE really knows what is going on, there many be a few so calledcexperts with some ideas but as Gladwellelian ideas and Thesis-ian experiences have schooled me - they really are no experts per se in any field. I personally belief there is no such thing as an EXPERT. People can only know as much as their environment and other factors dictate.

At first I used to think Wind Energy was "way too technical and knowledge intensive" considering that the toughest courses I did in my MSc were from that Energy specialization. Alas I was paddling away from stormy tempest and into a water whirlpool. But I refuse to regret it, it has hardened me. So a PhD in hydrogen? Well No. But a PhD in perhaps another specialization of Renewable Energy Technologies will be in the offing; Solar or Catalysis of Renewable Energy Fuels (Fischer Tropsch or Green Synthetic Fuels) and Green Energy processes might just be what I need. However in truth, I will put my money in one of these fields if I was an investor in Renewables.

Now to the weather and happenings over the weekend. De weer was mooi at the weekend- well pardon my Dutch-glish I am still far from proficient in the language. Sometimes it make me ashamed but what can I say, school time has not afforded me the privilege of taking any classes. Perhaps when I get started with a job and start living life ik wil leren. Speaking of this I have been exploring my options after graduation, my first option is without doubt to continue studying for a PhD. Last week I was asked by a friend, "Why a PhD?" Well the reasons are numerous? Besides my love for research, Something I do well, looking for answers and solving problems is to me like a ball is to the feet of Lionel Messi - get the drift? Secondly, as the first engineer in my family, a PhD in addition to this, will distinguish me from my family of Businessmen-cum-Politicians. Besides, politics is harder physics Albert Einsten will have us all believe. I beg to differ, rather sagely too, with the Nobel laureate, nonetheless I can't help but acknowledge how politics has helped shaped my life and my family's. That said, I can't help but agree with the eminent TU Delft Professor Adriaan Beuker's disposition about a PhD, "It is a form entrepreneurship" . An additional four years of research, studying and working on a discipline is an investment of huge proportions. I can't wait to stake my wager though - the weather is good for that is now...Who knows a PhD will help bridge my Chemist/Engineering backgrounds; though in truth I will always feel more a Chemist than an Engineer.

Got to go now, sleep and work await me at the Reactor Institute morgen. Thanks for reading and do have a splendid week... tot ziens...

United colors of Ariston 7

2010-05-21T00:15:00.000+08:00

Never in the history of mankind has a sport aroused such indescribable passion and excitement as the beautiful game. The passions are set to be ignited yet again in the summer when the World Cup kicks off in South Africa for what will be a historic assembly of great footballing nations from all over the world. In Delft, football has also brought together players from many different nations, but not as opponents, but rather as teammates. The players in the 7th team of Ariston ’80 TU Delft’s student football club come from nations as far as Iran, Nigeria, Chile, Indonesia, Italy, France, Iceland, Sweden, Mexico, all proudly donning the famous rood and blauw of Ariston with their Dutch team mates. The first names of Aristoni guys - Andrea, Michel, Peter, Dayo, Egbert, Robert, Sourena, Julian, Edward, Daan, Victor, Hans, Markus, Ottar, Joost, Viko, Janberto – bears testimony to the globally diverse heritage of ethnicity and nationality. At first glance this may seem like a perfect example of the success of TU Delft’s Internationalization drive, but in truth, it has been two years of learning the lessons of life from different cultures. Our road to success as a team has been one a story of many tales with episodes of anger and disappointment. There were times when anxiety and despair got the better of us yet a pillar of hope; determination and belief in ourselves kept us going. And so the disappointments became accomplishments and despair, triumph. More so our efforts and exploits on the football pitch earned us a gloriously place in the history books of Ariston as Champions of KNVB Class 6 J. This is an impressive feat for a ‘student’ team, assembled by chance and circumstance, playing in a Dutch amateur league, against opponents from established clubs who often grew up playing together at these clubs. In contrast our team of global citizens, rough diamonds from different cultures, made the best out of our different playing styles, attitudes and mentality for the game. Akin to an experienced jeweler, the team polished and aptly honed the outstanding qualities of its sturdy and pacy African legion with the classy and superb technical ability of the Eurasian and South American contingent. In spite of our differences; race, religion, beliefs, ethnicity and nationalities we played together as a team enjoying the beautiful game. The secret of our success as a team was also due our respect for one another, tolerance, friendship, commitment and determination to rise above our perceived and observed differences. The numerous team bonding sessions; dinners and social night outs helped to establish and cement this ideals, trust, friendship and mutual respect eventually translated into success on the pitch. Our experience is a lesson and message to global football (and the world), plagued by racism, a cue from the TU Delft football team Ariston 7. As the countdown to the fiesta continues, the Ariston faithful joins the world in sounding the vuvuleza (trumpets) and the Zulu calls to unite and celebrate ibhola lethu (spirit of football). Forza Ariston Forza South Africa and World Football!

Photos!!!

2010-05-13T05:37:00.008+08:00

Pictures from the Last game of the season!!!

“Wij zijn de kampioenen! Campoene!!!

2010-05-13T05:12:00.000+08:00

“Faith is necessary for victory” the British writer William Hazlitt once said. The day May 8th 2010 will forever remain etched in our minds as it is in our hearts. It is the day we had dreamt of from the beginning of the football season in September 2009 up. In tune with the words of the British writer, our thoughts were only of victory and in the end we were victorious. And so our chants of victory began; singing and screaming; we voiced in unison and brotherhood “We are the Champions!!” as far and as loud as our voices and passions could hold sway. The victory party continued all the way to the city centre (centrum). We assembled there for lunch at a cozy café on the Beestenmarkt where we had pizza’s beers and in the tradition of Ariston we exchanged healthy jokes & jibes at each other.

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With lunch over, next on our agenda was the lap of honor. As it is customary in Delft, the Champions of a league “must” take a lap of honor; which is in a fact boat ride on the canals in Delft. In keeping to the tradition we assembled at Koornmarkt 113 where the boat tour company Rondvaart Delft (http://www.rondvaartdelft.nl ) operates a boat tour of Delft around the old city centre. The guided trip around the Delft passes through centuries-old arched bridges, museums, historical places of worship and other historical sites. But ours was not a pleasure trip, but a lap of honor, and so we boarded the boat by the canal near the Old Church (Oude Kerk) to begin our lap of honor. Our mission to let Delft know “We are the Champions” singing and gobbling away hefty quantities of beer and making an orchestra of Dutch victory songs of note. As expected, our chants brought the city to a momentary stand still; all who could hear; lent us their ears; all who could see; could not help but notice our presence and our good course of bringing them the news of our victory in the KNVB Class 6J regional football league.

So how did we manage this feat? Well, I will cut to the chase; the league was keenly contested but we ran away winners after 22 games played in the 12 team log. Our record 15 wins, 6 draws and ONLY 1 defeat ensured we were crowned Champions of 2009/2010 season complete a victory shield, Champagne and all the spoils of victory… uhm,,.. That’s a little exaggerated but the statistics are impeccable ;) See (http://www.vvmaasdijk.nl/360-Mannen-Zaterdag-reserve-4-6e-klasse-J.aspx?tid=3 ) We scored 66 goals but conceded 29 which is the lowest by any team in the league standings this season. The star of our team Andrea Messidoro scored 28 goals, followed by my 14 goals; which means we were both responsible for 64 % of our team’s goals but strangely we also had the distinction of being the most temperamental and most cautioned with 2 reds cards each :( sad but true…What matters they say in Football is the goals…. ;)

This brings to an end my re-cap of my last football season with Ariston 7. With two years of loyal and committed service to the team, I must sadly ~sniff~ call it quits, so with a heavy heart and gratitude to with my dear friends and teammates, I will call a day with Ariston. Next season I am no longer a TU Delft student, and so will my time in Delft and Ariston. But the victory parade will continue forever in my heart…Congratulation Ariston 7 and thanks for the friendship and the faith in we had in one another!!! I beg to bow out…Tot ziens

Tempests in the Beautiful Game

2010-05-05T03:19:00.003+08:00

Last week, Friday precisely, was the Queen's birthday in the Netherlands. It is a day the entire nation of Dutch people is dressed in the national colour Orange; in celebration of the birth date of its Royal, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. On this day the entire country ceases to be organised and agenda loving; the streets are strewn with all manner of people; sane, drunk yet all draped in the best moods and oceans of Orange. Sadly for me I wasn't part of annual celebration as my team mates and I had to keep sober for the all important game we had the next day away to Honselersdijk - our main rivals in the chase to be KNVB Class 6J championship title. We even had a nice day planned to keep our concentration on the important game the next day. First off, we had a lovely dinner at a mate's house replete with all the "stick' young people hand each other. It was fun and a good experience for our multinational team of students & wannabe footballers alike. The rest of the evening we spent watching the legendary football movie; "Green Street Hooligans" staring Elijah Wood.

Saturday morning me and the lads set out for Honselersdijk on the bus 128 to Naaldijk; with all the aspire and ambition we Aristoni clad. The bus ride served to push up our adrenaline and expectations higher. While the Aristoni in us frothed higher into spirit land; we secretly hoped our opponents had cloaked themselves in DUTCH COURAGE ala the Queen's day and its reputation for getting "young ones high". However, that was not the case; it appeared our opponents had taken the game equally seriously. They chased down every ball and played very well right from the onset of refs whistle. We had a decent share of possession but as is the case in all our games; we played classy football but simply could not convert our chances. Our opponents capitalised on our dismal showing in front of goal and took the lead half way into the game.

As the game progressed we missed chances upon chances and it became clear that lady luck was not on our side when in the second half we struck the bar several times. Tempers began to flare; the decent and competitive edge of the game gave way to verve and vermin. As elbows and fist cuffs flew pass with relative ease; so did the ref handed with Duthc scented cautions and warnings but to no avail. The testosterone levels had risen so high that half way in the second half; even I lost it, after a harsh tackle followed by a slew of racial insults from an opponent I snapped, leaving the fellow with a scar. The tempest continued even after we finally equalised and then even took the lead albeit briefly. The game eventually ended 2-2; with it our hopes of an early celebration of the title. After the game though, we shook hands and made up; but I still feel guilty and ashamed of my actions. Check out some picture from the match... via link; http://s7vriendenteam.ditismijnteam.nl/fotos/view/1152358.html

After the game, the management of Honselersdijk had a huge party and we joined in. It was a wonderful spectacle considering that we didn't expect it. Truth is one of the teams in Honselersdijk won the title in their class and so the management opened the bar; free beer for 2 hours. My team mates and I joined in the jamboree; before that day I never believed one can get anything for free in the Netherlands but that day was different. The party went on until late in the evening; we weren't champions but we partied like champions we will next weekend; In sha

Allah!

I end this post here this week; hope to bring you the news of our footballing exploits in my next post... tot ziens...

Of Black Swans on Queens Day

2010-04-28T05:48:00.006+08:00

Over the course of my time in the Netherlands I have learnt to embrace certain elements in tough times -cos there are tough times when you are away from home. The past days my mind's eyes have drifted back home time without number leaving me blue with thoughts I can't begin to say aloud. But I have rebuked those thoughts yet again; for they are the kind that resign desparation to Dutch courage. With the evils spirits that prompt enquiries down a bottle of liquor out the door, I yet again embrace my pen, and keyboard to quip, to talk and gently listening to the soft keys of my computer. Lesson One - Drowning your sorrows in liquor "Dutch Courage" is not the answer.

*

Working on my thesis has taught me a lot too. It should, shouldn't it. Gosh I sound like so English right now, asking questions and answering right back. It's been tough, perhaps this degree will go down as the hardest degree I have had to work for my entire life. Boarding school was far from life as depicted in "Escape from Sobibor" but tough nontheless. Bauchi was a journey I enjoyed up until the end when I realised that with a little more effort and I will be in the elite league of "Cum Laude" students - so began my life in the library and Internet cafe's living searching for academic answers. Alas my thoughts of "easy time" working on a degree abroad were a mirage. Suffice to say I was day dreaming like many "back there" who cloak the delusional mindset that life here is easy. Hahahahaha... I laugh now but I bet I will laugh harder went it is over. Lesson Two; life is hard, live with it...

*

The game last weekend was tough. Deployed as a lone striker, well not alone but with a good who is not in the same league as Ronaldo, I had a tough time playing better than he does even on his good day. In summary, I played shitty, am sure even Helder Postiga would have layed better than me last Saturday. And so I missed six chances against a team of Uruk hai orcs-from some Dutch village masquerading as footballers. Joggle you imagination with these words; brute, ugly, nasty, stork-y, foul mouthed, etc; and there you have it; they were our opponents in the game. The last time I had so many cuts and bruises from a game of football was back in 9ja playing village boys in Agyaragu during my military service aka NYSC - National Youth Service Corp. Those were good days you know; perhaps I will blog about my NYSC sometime.

But back to the Uruk-hai, we were a goal down - before we could say Smiggle - and it went down hill like a bell curve from then on. Even the most talented - less risk statistician or risk analyst as Talib Nassim (FYI stopped reading the Black Swan - it's as boring as a Physics text) would quip, could not predict which way the game will go in the end since we played better football but simply couldn't score thanks to me...lol. But we luckily we won thanks to goals from Egbert and Julian "the Joker" Aditya, and at a cost too. Personally my whole body aches with cuts and bruises. But that is not all, this weekend we have the chance to win the league, YES! But only if we play better and beat the league leaders, Honserlersdijk FC, whom we trail on goal difference - would you believe it. The intrigue continues as this weekend is Queen's day in the Netherlands - the perfect excuse to get drunk but we cant afford a slip up can we? Will keep you posted.

*

Last week, there was an African party in Delft. As you would expect the entire student party gang was there to witness African culture - so to speak. I was there, draped in my usual unexpect-ant demeanour. The night before was International Student Night at the same venue - Cafe De Ruif and I met some other Africans there who told me about the party. In my Naija way I asked him if it was going to be like the regular "Dutch style" party or a real "African party" He simply laughed. But before he could answer back I asked him if he had ever been to a Nigerian party. Point is, at parties here each person is expected to pay for their own drinks and all that, hence the term, DUTCH TREATMENT. It's strange the contrast in cultures and reasoning. Recently, I went for an interview for a summer job at the job agency that organises the International Welcoming week for new students in August. When the lady asked me why I applied for the job. Besides the cheddar of course, I yaddied about the wanting to help the new students. About the difference btw 9ja and Netherlands; hmn... a lot I said esp with the way Dutch ppl behave... will continue from here next time...

Tot ziens...

Spirit of Spring!

2010-04-20T06:08:00.004+08:00

It's been ages since since I last penned any words and feel quite refreshed pecking at the soft keys of my computer yet again. My self imposed absence, aptly termed "hiatus" by a good reader "Chrome" was due to many reasons; which I will divulge in time. A lot has happened during my absence from blogosphere; time has passed and even spring is here with it srejuvenating spirit I beg to call, "the spirit of spring". You can't believe how nice the weather even in perennially drab Delft has become, the sunshine has returned and graces us with its shine. The birds chirp aloud and the flowers have come alive and so have our hearts. My mind can only imagine what the spirit will be like in Keukenhof; providence speaks of flowers there singing to the skies - little wonder Spring is called a time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth.

REBIRTH:

My absence affroded me time to ponder on many thoughts and my plans after uni - a time many dread. I have become born a new with waves of thoughts; as these splashed against the "rocky" crevices in my head, ideas awashed ashore and have to come to many a conclusion about life and what to expect from it. Life here has taught a great deal and it has taken me two spring times to realise that the sun shines on us all and we have to make hay. That said, I decided to stop feeling angry at the world, make that Dutch world and the things I encounter here everyday. Contrasting cultures and diverse beliefs need not be a hinderance but a path to understanding people and the world as a whole.

RENEWAL:

It takes a great deal of courage to be able to live and survive in another country. It is an existence plagued by a myriad of problems and issues. You are constantly challenged by issues that crawl up daily incessantly torturing your resolve with questions smeared with feelings of regret and emotion clad thoughts. Life is hard yes, but should it be any harder than it already is? It's a hard know life; Jay Z once sang. Personally I have been phased with problems; gratefully these have not been of the financial kind, thanks to my folks, but many of my compatriots have had a great deal hardship on this end and many more. All I can do is commiserate with them and help in my own little way with prayers. All these make me sad, but I am not tag alone the lines of trading blame on the present & past crop of Nigeria leaders for the problems as many often do. I hate politics as much as Physics and Sociology - so I stop there.

Strange, that I hate Physics don't it... Well firstly, I am a Chemist soon to be an Engineer - so you cant excuse my no love lost attitude. Second Well yes cos I am doing my MSc thesis with a research team of Physicists - whoever thought I will end up in Hydrogen Energy & Micro Reactors. God! don't ask! It's been a long five months; yet I ponder on what four more will be like. Yet my mind drifts to the consoling thoughts which urge me brace up for more lunch time, coffee breaks, meetings and discussions about Quantum dots, Thermomagnetism, Cherenkov radiation, Equilibrium pressures and the lot. All that seem to make Nassim Talib look like my messiah considering that I have had to disappear into the pages of his not so interesting book "Black Swan" to escape these "talks" at the Reactor Institute Delft canteen with work colleagues. And I used to think I was boring with my perpetual talk about football, video games and books.

Now to my favorite topic; Football. My uni team Ariston 80' 7 has progressed steadily since the last time I blogged. We now top the table in our championship KNVB Class 6J Saturday league and have gotten my fair share of goals this season. My 13 goals will be dwarfed by Andrea's 25 or more; but it is still remarkable considering that I am a midfielder with a Buffalo-Bullish-Style" as a team mate quipped at the last game. I received an e-mail today with Andrea rallying the entire team to work hard for the last three games which will be decisive in our dreams of clinching the Championship from the hands of DVC who beat us to it last year. More so many of us will be leaveing Delft after this season and so a title win will be the perfect Swan Song for us; esp for our dependable Dutch goalie Hans Diemel who happens to be the oldest person & full of wisdom too I must add. For me I will not play in the team next year as I will leave Delft even if I choose to remain in the Netherlands after graduation - d place don taya man pikin - as we say in pidgin English parlance.

To draw a curtain to this comeback post, I will like to thank everyone who has made time to read this blog over the years. Dank u wel, as we say in Dutch, it means a lot to me, I appreciate the comments; they make me a better person and a writer too. A big thank you to my Greek Goddess; Ade, Shegzy wheels, Chrome; and my mystery readers from Norway, Dusseldorf, London; whom I do not know but read my blog regularly. And so I leave you with these words; from the movie Kingdom of Heaven, "What man is a man if he does not make the life of another better" Let us endeavour by our actions, thoughts, prayers wish each other well. This is my prayer to you today, tot ziens till I post again....

What Next!

2010-04-20T06:06:00.001+08:00

My Column for the TU DELTA

Standing in line, the sales girl bellowed, 'Who's next?!', her voice chiming in my mind like an alarm clock ringing on a weekday morning. Ignoring her shrill call, my mind drifted back to autumn 2008 and the first time I set foot in that store on the corner of the Paradijspoort in Delft. Amazing how time flies, souring our lives with challenges, decisions and the antecedent questions that define our personal lives. In truth, my mind had interpreted the sales girl question differently. My mind rephrased her question to, 'What's next? What is next aftergraduation?'

Questions, the Latin writer, Publilius Syrus, once wrote, are never indiscreet. So for most international students, this is a crossroad to be treaded carefully. It's decision-making time, time to visit familiar paths that many before us have trod, trying to make sense of the fact our time in Delft is almost done. Indeed, 'what next?'? For many of us it will be the predictable option of looking for a job in Holland, for others a PhD or the mass exodus back home to begin life after Delft - after all, 'Charity', they say, does 'begin at home'. And in fact many international students will look forward to going home, having been separated from their loved ones for years.

The era of life after learning will thus be ushered in and with it the many issues that make the complexities of life after Delft bearable or, indeed, unbearable. For those who will seek PhD knowledge, it will be many more years of peering through the book of wisdom in search of answers. For the returnees, the challenge will be the re-introduction and reorientation to another life, having relinquished the harmony of life in the Netherlands.
As time draws nearer to the end of our time at TU Delft, many hearts yearn even stronger for the familiar: people, family, friends and life back home. But truth is a home, as the writer Ben Okri has said, it is anywhere one is unconditionally loved. And thus such nostalgic ranting can easily be dismissed with a wave of hand, cast away to the windy whims of the lowlands.
My time here has endeared me to life in the Netherlands, the beauty of this place and its people whom I now call friends; the wholehearted love they've showed me and other students is truly unquestionable. We may all have had contrasting cultures and ways of life, but it's amazing how despite this diversity we've thrived all the better, living, studying, partying and playing together like 'one big family'. Time changes things, and for many graduating students the realities of living in Delft and in Holland will come to a sad end soon. As the warm spring breeze draws near, so will the bonds of affection with place, people and paths are broken. For me it will be a hard parting from my friends and teammates at Ariston 80 FC.
Memories of the good times we shared and great games we played will linger long in my mind. At times like these I simply throw caution to wind, doing the things that help me forget that time is running out. I look to the things that are like therapy: football, reading books, blogging and writing, hoping that these can help me turn back time to the first day I set foot in Delft. My hope is that I'll no longer despair when asked, 'Who's next?!' or 'What's next?', but instead rejoice at the prospect of the true meaning of such questions, knowing that we are certain of what paths our lives after life in Delft will take.

6 Monsters & The Road to Muse-dom!

2010-03-09T06:22:00.007+08:00

Now to the happenings and renditions! Football. Raves. Victory. Disappointment. Well at these make up the matrix of the week past. The beautiful game as always; is the therapy against the drab moments life in Delft often lumbers us with. Our trip to Naaldijk for the league against Monster 6 FC; was long as it was interesting. The guys made good the trip; cracking jokes and taking verbal jibes at each other all the way there and back which helped douse the tension from the Cup game loss the weekend before. We won the game 2-1 with goals from Andrea and returning Joost. However, the highlight of the game was the controversial penalty and poor officiating at the hands of the home referee. This incidentally reminded me of the matches we used to play back in Naija and the controversies that always marred them. T'was funny though.

Away from Football Victories and Raves. My road to life as an academic was cut short - well euphemistically put - slowed down, rather sadly. And with it my dreams of trading the windy whims of the Netherlands for sunny Spain. Seriously, the final decision about a PhD position I had applied for a few weeks ago came through or more succintly put fell through. The prof., emailed me with his decision. In spite of it I remain focused on the goal at hand. However my mention of this is not to solicit sympathy but state a lesson I learnt from it. While the news left me a little disappointed it also reassured me that it will come through soon; and most importantly that he was very honest with me and thus gained my utmost respect as is with all who are honest and straightforward. It has also reduced the pressure on me revealing in tow- the many sides to a coin if you ask me ;-)

Now to writing, I will be taking a break from writing and blogging. While I have many ideas to pen down; they will have to wait. My muse has been ebbing lately and but I hope that in time she will return and enrich my minds eye and literary sight with silky lines and quotes in the form of the fiction - make that books - I plan to pen down after graduation. Perhaps a month in a new city should do the trick - did I hear the south of France? hehehehe... Keeping the card to my chest for now... Tot ziens ppl.......

Poem to my beloved Motherland!

2010-03-09T06:00:00.003+08:00

Why, What, Where, When? These are all preludes to questions. Like is full of them; Ben Okri - a writer whose writings are dear to my heart - one said that as writers it is our moral responsibility to ask questions but to questions about the realities and circumstances life throws at us. My approach to this clarion call has been to always complain, criticise and cry out my heart about these issues as the unfold.

My time in the Netherlands has nurtured these beliefs and added credence albeit rather swiftly to my ideologies about life. Why I am saying all these? Lately I come across many articles and write ups and news from my dear beloved country and it leaves me wondering. Why is Nigeria in the state it is? What can be done to remedy this flagrant nosedive into oblivion and mediocrity? Where is this great nation of writers, poets, intellectuals, academics, great musicians, sports men headed? When will we realise that we are people of a great nation that by its own admonition chosen to languish in the lower leagues of underachievers?

These questions burden my mind - as those of other good hearted people of the land over the Niger; my thoughts speak of answers no one can hear or will listen to; my eyes have ceased to cry the tears for my motherland; but now weeps oceans of sorrow; the solitude that follows there of deafens my resolve. But forward I must look. This is what I have resolved to do; I can not bear the cross alone; but I try I will; try to lift the spirits of my fellow country men; for any man who fails to try in fear of fail - a Tiv proverb says - has failed already for not trying... Henceforth I cease to ask but task myself; cease to cry but try; to complain but sustain my resolve... Nigeria will be great ,... again!!!

Questions About My Homeland?

2010-03-02T06:31:00.004+08:00

If I had a thousand tongues I will not know where to start this post. But begin I must. The week past was education free break at the university but work had to go on my thesis. Besides next week Prague calls in the guise of the ATHENS Exchange programme which will last one week - a city break en voor mij. Can't wait to see the city and the picturesque sights everyone says Prague offers. Will certainly fill you all in on how it goes there. My only hope is that I dont get disappointed; considering my critic eye about places and things. Mine is a one in a million mind when it comes to criticism :P Over the years I have developed a Gladwellian "concerted cultivation" for criticism and looking beyond. By Gladwellian, my mind & I suppose yours will drift towards Malcolm Gladwell. His booh OUTLIERS which I read with vinyl enthusiasm was a great read and though it greatly enlightened me; it left me wondering if all he was totally right. His thoughts leave little room for luck or perhaps points to much to a trend in obvious facts. I am still undecided.

Now to certainty and more social events. Last weekend, my footbal team, Ariston 7 of Delft University Football team's run in the KNVB Cup came to a griniding halt. It was a sad end to a good run in the Class 6J league cup and considering we were the last team in our region remaining it was a huge blow; not only to our morale but the fragile tension that secretly existed in the team. While a combination of shaky tactics and misfortune contributed to the loss; it helped raise issues that have secretly lingered in the crevices of many a mind in the team for long. Diversity, they say is the spice of life; while this has been vital in the cooking pot of our team; it has also occasionally generated some tense moments. Cultural differences play a huge role in many societies and it certainly contributed the issues that have come up after that game. Nonetheless, I guess we must overcome them to win the league title in the summer. I look forward to that and more importantly to graduating from TU Delft.

News from Nigeria. The President was finally sneaked into the country last week by his wife and loyal aides. Some day it is a political move by his loyalist to cause confusion in the polity and have the Katsina Family and the President's wife hold on to power. Who will dare say the Mallam does not have an able wife. The woman and her his aides are hell bent on clinging to power nad Nigerians to ransome. Can anyone blame them? Well I do. Nigeria is bigger than any single human being, icluding the President. I mean come on, the man's health has deteriorated so badly that no one has access to him including his deputy who is the acting President. The affair has been shrouded in so much secrecy that my guess is that many Nigerians are gradually beginning to forget him. Many sympathisers and well wishers (including me) of the President have since drifted over the line. However, our prayers are that he gets well; I will sincerely continue to pray for him EVERYDAY and hope that he recovers, not only to continue in his duty to Nigeria but to return to his loving family & friends- at least those who still LOVE HIM. Allah akawo Sauki!

While reading a Nigerian Newspaper, The daily Independent; this evening I came across this piece; http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=9497 titled; Nigeria Must Move From ‘Black Economy’ To ‘Green Economy’–NEXIM Boss. Considering that I am well read, (however not claiming to be an expert) in this field I decided to post a comment. This is what I had to say;

Firstly, there is no such thing as a "Black Economy" in the context of Sustainable Energy or Sustainable Energy Economics. There however exists an economy based on conventional or primary sources of energy otherwise known as fossil fuels. The transition from fossil to renewable or sustainable energy termed "Green energy or Economy" is still a concept under immence research. More importantly, scientists have identified that the total replacement of fossil with renewable energy is at best utopian and may never happen - this agree with strongly. The factors such as politics, technology dependencies and the lock-in theory are mostly responsible. On a final note, the adoption of renewable energies is froth with a myriad of problems including the fact that it is very capital intensive and requires a pool technical skilled persons and a knowledge base not yet developed in the country (Nigeria) at the moment. As such it requires a collaboration between govt and private sector to get started. Perhaps this the only way a Green economy can be achieved.

This is a country that cannot manage its Oil Wealth and Infrastructure yet people there are people advocating for renewable energy. The country clearly lacks a framework for efficiently harnessing what it already has yet it wants to get into a field where knowledge is clearly lacking. Come on! While perusing the Nigerian Energy Policy I came to realisation that the though the Energy Commission may have a good idea of what to do in the present circumstances with regards to the Energy/Power problem; it lacks the lobbying power & technical know how to not only get the government to "Listen" to it but implement its proposals. The government on the other hand is adamant to the home brewed ideas; instead it looks elsewhere for solutions to its problems. How else can you explain the fact that we have not had constant power supply or functioning refineries for many years; why we have a power sector that competes with the epileptic state of Costa Rica's. Last I heard we had 4000MW of supply for a nation of 150 million. Na wa O! Honestly whenever, Nigeria comes to mind; all that props up are Questions, Questions and more Questions??? When are we going to CHANGE? Now thats another question.

Well, I have to end this post even though my heart bleeds for my nation; my heart goes to President Yar' Adua and his family, my thoughts are to a better nation and my prayers to God the Almighty to enlighten us; our selfish and ignorant leaders with the Wisdom to do better. We deserve better. God help Nigeria. I stop here for now. Do have a nice week y'all.