Happy Birthday Mr. President!

 I'm sorry sir,this is coming a little bit later than it should.But, it's better later than never,I believe.I want to seize this opportunity to wish you,your excellency,Mr President a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day with long life and prosperity.

Sir,you were born exactly 73 years and a day today and destined to lead this country to glory.I do hope and pray that your second coming to National leadership would be much more successful and memorable than the first.Ameen.
During your first tenure,we (Nigerians) didn't understand your mission then,so,we connived with haters and kicked you and your equally highly disciplined friend,Late General Tunde Idiagbon out of office thinking you guys were going crazy with the iron fist with which you managed our affairs...then,what we had was an already very decay and corrupt Nigeria,so,there was no way we could understand the language of discipline and accountability you and Idiagbon were speak so loud.We were caught flat footed and very frightened with the bluntness of your regime.We didn't understand...oh...we didn't understand that it was for the best...the very best!But now,we know better!
Thank God,we now know much better,though we had to learn this the hard way,the good news now,is that we now know better!We now know that nothing good comes easy,we now know that as citizens,we must be ready to pay the price for greatness!If we must progress and live a prosperous rich life as it befits the children of our fathers,we now know that we must first of all endure hardships and work hard enough for the better tomorrow we all yearn for!
We are no longer interested in being  handed free undeserved money for little nothing or for bending corners.We are tired of bending corners!We have all realized that bending corners leads to nothing but a pit fall a kind from which we are still struggling so hard to get out of,hence,we worked hand in hand with a very few patriotic elites up the political ladder to bring you back in as our No. 1,our leader and passionate civil servant to once again set us up on the path of glory!
We are indeed very grateful to God Almighty for giving us a second chance by crowning our efforts of bringing you to power with a resounding success!Already,we have started experiencing the POSITIVE CHANGE we voted for!
Kerosene has been officially brought down to N50 and it's equally available at that price,Boko Haram can no longer fumble of an ordinary audio release (not to mention videos) of their terrifying messages as they continue to loose ground by the day,criminals,WILLING FULLY submit their ill-gotten wealth even before being accused of theft,our skyrocketing exchange rate against the Dollar gradually coming down and stabilizing..all these are happening and it's just being 7 months you assumed office!
Yes!There have been a coupled of hitches,but,we all know,even your haters know that they were part of the problem you inherited.Considering the way you have being handling them,we,Nigerians are confident that you and your host of ministers would do us all proud.
A friend of mine complained even to the point of protesting by not joining me to wish you a happy birthday of the extra-judicial killings of Shiite Muslims up North.But,I know,he's only being emotional about the deaths of so many in the hands of our soldiers.I can assure you,he has no grudge against you.I would want to use this opportunity to appeal to you that the unfortunate saga should be probed and the erring among the soldiers involved be brought to book.So many protests have been staged worldwide condemning the incident,therefore,it should be handled properly so that we may not loose face in the international community.
I got so much to say on my mind,the problem is the time and space to express them all.I shall stop right here now as I join the millions of PATRIOTIC NIGERIANS to wish you a happy birthday!
Long live our President,
Long live Nigerians,
long live Nigeria!!!

The Truth About Biafra III

The Biafran war has come and gone...it's been 46 long years after the war,yet,some people still bleed badly from the wounds sustained during the war!

The Scars of the War

A friend of mine made mention of his meeting with a person with the traditional tribal marks of one Northern region tribe and concluded that the person was a Northerner.But, to his surprise,the person in question doesn't understand the Hausa language.He was later told by one of his friends that the person wasn't a Northerner but,in actual fact,was an Igbo! I also have heard of an Igbo wife of a Yoruba Muslim in Ilorin.Her story was that of a destitute after the war.Many Igbo men had died during the war so much that there was a serious imbalance in the female - male ratio.Soldiers were encouraged to take some of the displaced women as wife.This Igbo woman in Ilorin seems to be one of them.
I also met an Igbo friend back in my NYSC times.He narrated his family's story to me.According to him,both his parents were highly successful business people before the war.His father owned the very first story building in Nkom,Cross River state (that was my state of service year). But after the war,when the man went back to reclaim his property,he was turned down as the property among other treasures of their family now have new owners.These are just a few of the scars of the war.This is not to mention the extra judicial killings that happened during the period.I'm very sure even Ojukwu,wouldn't be particularly happy with the outcome of the war.

'No Victor,No Vanquished!'
This is a popular statement in Nigeria.There's no way you can talk of our history without the mention of this particular statement.
This was a necessary pronouncement especially for a leader that's mediating between two warring factions. General Gowon also followed it up with the '3 R's' idea.The three R's had the following meanings:Reconstruction,Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.These,obviously, was what the country needed especially in the Eastern region,you would agree with me.But,this wasn't particularly the case.Gowon meant well with these programs but they were poorly implemented so much so that the Eastern region had almost no share at all in the 3 R's program.
Furthermore,the Igbos lost all they had in the Nigerian country before the war after the war.No one got compensated with more than 20 Nigerian Pounds after the war irrespective of how much the person had in Nigerian banks before the war.
However,one major,effective and all important program that still work magic in sustaining us as a country till date that was courtesy of Gowon's administration is the National Youth Service Corps Program (the NYSC). I personally learned to appreciate our unity and sovereignty as a country the more when I served in Cross River state (where a mosque,to the local people down there is 'Hausa Church'!).The Service corps has united youths from different parts of the country,provided the avenue to learn about other tribes and know how to live with them peacefully.A couple of inter-tribal marriages have emerged over the years courtesy of the program.It's a laudable program that should be taken to the next level when possible. 

Nnamdi Kanu and Radio Biafra
I'm sorry,but,I'm going to be very blunt with this...I haven't ever taken Nnamdi Kanu or MASSOB seriously ever since they have been clamoring for Biafra. I mean,there's no way you gonna know the story behind the rise and fall of Biafra and still insist on its supposed actualization.
I keep on wondering how a guy that leaves hundreds of miles away from Nigeria would sit down in the comfort of his room and broadcast violent messages on air and is still able to build such a huge audience as he had successfully done!Kanu is calling for Biafra without fully grasping the true essence of Biafra. Biafra was at BEST a means to an end and the end itself! It took even the Originator and founder of Biafra,a long while to understand this.When he finally did,he shelved the idea of Biafra and moved on with Nigeria.Who was the founder of APGA political party if you think I'm wrong???
If Ojukwu,the first and the very last Head of State of Biafra was able to shelf the idea of Biafra and moved on with Nigeria,who,then,is Nnamdi Kanu to call for the actualization of Biafra? Now,you see why I don't take Kanu MASSOB seriously???

Biafra is Dead and Gone for Good!
Believe it or not,Biafra is long gone and dead and no matter how much broadcasting on electronic media that's done would bring it back.It existed in one of the darkest periods of Nigeria.No responsible Nigerian,not even those of Igbo origin would wish its come back except the person hasn't heard of it or the person in question is a tribal fanatic,cruel,selfish and very,very greedy indeed!
Already,Nigeria is back to how it was...or should I say in a much better position than it was before the war.As I speak to you,we got some Igbo families that are counting probably their third successive generation up North.By that I mean that they have lost most of their contact with the East...they seldom go down East.When they do,they stay only a couple of days before coming back up North.To these Igbos,the North is now home!It's not only Igbos that are now living up North,we also have people of South-South origins doing good businesses up North and making a very good living from them.
When you talk of the economy,sports and entertainment,the Igbos rock!The North takes up the Agric Business much more seriously,while the Yorubas are more into teaching and civil service.Real Igbos are Nigerians and are proudly so...they are NOT ready to be taken aback into the dark ages

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Nnamdi Kanu is a Devlish Criminal!

For a country that has had its own share of civil strive and have ever since tried to make amends in all ways it deems fit to be troubled and hurt by a criminal mind like Kanu,I think it's most unfair and unfortunate.All he ever does is to promote racism and hopefully wants to divide us as a people without a just cause!
Ojukwu had a very,very good reason to have declared the republic of Biafra...his declaration helped put a stop to the unjustified bloodshed of the Igbos and of course,elevated the thinking of the country's leaders as to the importance of equity and justice while dealing with even the minority.
But Kanu's declaration was nothing but a mere call of mischief.Kanu,saw an opportunity to rake in cash heavily on his people.With the Biafra dream,most unemployed which are the more numerous are caught in his trap and fed lies and poison continuously over the years.I've met with some stern believers in Nnamdi's cause and have experienced,first hand what sort of lies they have been fed.The lies are so thick and intoxicating that no matter what the F.G. does,they won't be appeased.This worries me a times,but, considering the majority of the Igbos who work hard daily and rake in millions per day,my worries simply disappear.
No one spends a lifetime building a career or business only to give it up in old age to a complete stranger.If anyone would,Igbos wouldn't!There's hardly a part of the country that you wouldn't find Igbos working hard to excel in life.Nnamdi is wrong,he picked on the wrong tribe,Igbos are the last to start up an uprising...wherever they find themselves is home,hence,they build their wealth and settle down there!They are too busy to entertain secession ideas!They won't break away unless when provoked to that extent.Ojukwu did it 'cos he was provoked and he returned back to the Nigerian fold when the country made amends! Biafra was a mistake that musn't be repeated...here's what Gowon had to say after the war.
  "The tragic chapter of violence is just ended. We are at the dawn of national reconciliation. Once again we have an opportunity to build a new nation. My dear compatriots, we must pay homage to the fallen, to the heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice that we may be able to build a nation, great in justice, fair trade, and industry."

 God Bless Nigeria!
Long Live Nigeria!!!

The Truth About Biafra II

I'm very sorry for not keeping to my promise,it was due to situations that were beyond my control.I'm sorry,please pardon me.I also want to express my condolence to the political realm of Kogi state that has lost a very important politician...especially the political family of All Progressive Congress,the A.P.C..May the soul of Prince Audu rest in perfect peace.Having said that,it's time to continue the story of Biafra.

The Aburi Confrence
After the announcement made by Col. Ojukwu of the secession plans of the East,the rest of Nigeria became tensed and refused to accept the secession plans as they were ready to keep the East even at gun point.The Chairman of the Ghana National Liberation Council -Lt.-General J.A. Ankrah wasn't happy about the development and was ready to do whatever it takes to forestall the rather impending war.
In an attempt to quench the tension via peaceful means,he hosted both the Nigerian F.G. delegates as well as the Eastern Nigeria regional government at Aburi in Ghana to iron things out.The Delegates are as follows:

• Lt.-Col. Yakubu Gowon - Head of State
• Lt.-Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu - Governor Eastern Region
• Major Mobolaji Johnson - Governor Lagos State
• Lt.-Col. Hassan Katsina - Governor Northern Region
• Lt.-Col. David Ejoor - Governor Mid-Western Region
• Commodre Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey - Vice President of Nigeria
• Colonel Robert Adewale- Governor Western Region
• Alhaji Kam Selem
• Mr. T. Omo-Bare

Others as follows:

• N. Akpan Secretary to the Military Governor-East
• Alhaji Ali Akilu Secretary to the Military Governor-North
• D. Lawani Under Secretary, Military Governor's Office-Mid-West.
• P. Odumosu Secretary to the Military Governor-West
•  S. Akenzua Permanent Under-Secretary-Federal Cabinet Office

After deliberations,the following points were agreed upon and were later known as the Aburi Peace Accord:

• "Members agree that the legislative and executive authority of the Federal Military Government should remain in the Supreme Military Council, to which any decision affecting the whole country shall be referred for determination provided that where it is possible for a meeting to be held the matter requiring determination must be referred to military governors for their comment and concurrence.

• Specifically, the council agreed that appointments to senior ranks in the police, diplomatic, and consular services as well as appointment to superscale posts in the federal civil service and the equivalent posts in the statutory corporation must be approved by the Supreme Military Council.

• The regional members felt that all the decrees passed since January 15, 1966, and which detracted from previous powers and positions of regional governments, should be repealed if mutual confidence is to be restored.

 

In Response...
The F.G. abrogated  one notorious decree 8 then...just for peace to reign and secession plans be put away and forgotten! But,unfortunately,the sacrifice was NOT enough to appease the Easterners as they had their own interpretations of the Aburi Peace Accord. War was inevitable and it finally broke out in 1967 following the declaration of the Biafra as a country.
The Biafran War
Ojukwu didn't only declare a sovereign nation but also raised her flag and minted her currency! He meant business and didn't hesitate to show that to the Nigerian government.From the statement of Col. Ojukwu after the war,he knew that he wouldn't be able to win the war by himself...he was hoping for help from the international community,which unfortunately didn't come their way.The British and the Russians along with some North African countries backed the Nigerian government with ammunition and air-force strength while the U.S. merely watched the war unfold and only kept records of the war and France condemned the war in favor of Biafrans but didn't support them with any form of aid.The Biafrans were left stranded without food
and arms.

Another thing that the Igbos were hopefully counting on was the possible secession move by the Yorubas. Awolowo has just returned from prison having served 10 years imprisonment for his involvement in the conflict that swept across the West and claimed numerous lives during elections.
The Igbos hoped that he would lead the Yorubas out of the country Nigeria.But,to their dismay,Awo accepted a ministerial appointment from the Military Junta instead of condemning the regime as expected by the Igbos.In fact,it is believed that in some quarters that he facilitated the defeat of the Biafrans when he suggested that the food supply routes of the Biafrans be blocked.
Hence,the war became so burdensome to the Biafrans. The Biafrans ran out of arms and food supply.Yes,they made their own guns and military vehicles and wares,but they still lacked adequate support from the international community.
Ojukwu's speech while in exile says it all!
"As a people we have endured as only giants endure. We have fought as heroes fight. We have dared as only gods dare. We are disillusioned by the world's insensitivity to the plight of our people. Yet because our cause is just we believe we have not lost the war, only that the battlefield has changed. We are convinced that Biafra will survive. Biafra was born out of the blood of innocents slaughtered in Nigeria during the pogroms of 1966. Biafra will ever live, not as a dream but as the crystallization of the cherished hopes of a people who see in the establishment of this territory a last hope for peace and security. Biafra cannot be destroyed by mere force of arms. May I take this opportunity to thank all those persons and organizations that have sacrificed that we might live - that we assure them that their sacrifice will not be in vain. Biafra lives. The struggle continues. Long live the Republic of Biafra."
This is why I maintain the stance that the War was a BIG mistake. It was the negligence of the Federal government that seem to have kicked off the crisis, but in all fairness,the whole thing began with the 1966 aborted coup de'tat.
Ojukwu's Blunder
Honestly,I think he had made a vital point by bravely declaring a republic in the face of sheer terror the Igbos were facing then. However,I think he already made a point with the Aburi conference he attended. That was enough. The world already heard their cry,why on earth did he still went ahead with the war knowing fully well that they can't fight long enough to win the war.BIAFRA WAS A NECESSITY BY WHICH THE IGBOS WERE HEARD NOT JUST BY THE GOVERNMENT BUT THE WORLD AT LARGE.THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO WAR! GOING TO WAR WAS A TERRIBLE MISTAKE!
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The Truth About Biafra

Biafra is a mistake made by Nigeria as a country that all well meaning Nigerians do not wish for its repetition.It's a national nightmare that almost torn us apart as a nation.
Nigeria is undoubtedly the most populous black nation in the world,hence,Nigeria is the pride of all black men and women worldwide!We are like a role model,the BIG BROTHER to all other black nations of the world.It would not,therefore,only be a disgrace for all that were Nigerians should Nigeria be broken into pieces,it would also be an eye sore for all Africans.One of the major reasons is that our secession as a country would only prove that the whites were right when they called us monkeys...animals that are incapable of self governance!
Nigeria is much unlike South Africa or some other countries where there are both blacks and whites that are glued together as a nation,no,that's not the case,in Nigeria,all are blacks!This is why I feel sorry for all that are seeking for Biafra.What is Biafra,what do they know is Biafra???
Like I said earlier,Biafra is a regretted mistake of our country as a whole.It was a necessity,a means to an end not an end itself!

Nigeria Before Biafra
Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 by Lord Lugard who was the Governor General of the Slave Coast that is now known as Nigeria.His wife (some say his mistress) gave the newly amalgamated British colony her name - Nigeria which was said to be coined from 'River Niger Area'.
To cut long story short,our founding fathers,having been enlightened through quality education fought for and secured our independence as a sovereign state.The first Entourage consist of notable people like Nwakachukwu who was the leader of the delegate to London and Mrs Funmi Ransome Kuti,the first Nigerian woman to drive a car and the mother of the music Legend,Fela Anikulapo kuti.After a couple of agitations over the years,the British finally agreed to grant us our wish,independence...FREEDOM!
As Nigerians we celebrated independence on the 1st of October 1960 with Sir Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe as the Ceremonial President.
After independence,Nigeria later became a republic 3 years later.As a young Nation trying to find its roots,Nigeria had a lot political clashes with a little tribal coloring here and there.By 1966,after a violent election,some Military boys have had enough of the shameful power tussle between the major regions of the country and fell the need to do something fast to reinstate law and order.
In 1966,certain junior officers took it upon themselves to put an end to the political regime,take over the reigns of power for a while before re-establishing civilian leadership again.There were five Military men all of the rank of Major that connived to make it happen.Four were of Igbos by origin while the fifth Major was a Yoruba.

The 1966 Coup
It was close to the end of the year when the coup plan was hatched and it was going to happen when all leading politicians would be in Lagos for a major economic conference.The coup plotters had targets.Some were:
- THE POLITICIANS:Arrest them and kill those that resists arrest.
- THE SENIOR OFFICERS:Eliminate all Senior Officers
- THE RIVERS BENUE AND NIGER BRIDGES:Destroy the Bridges to prevent the free flow of troops and equipment. 
These were just a few of their targets,their main aim,according to them was to restore law and order in the already tribal divided country... which was noble enough.But,the casualty check after the failed but yet bloody coup suggested otherwise.

The Problems With the 1966 Coup
Firstly,the participants in the coup were all Igbos except for one.Another problem was that,the Premiers of the Northern and South Western Regions were killed during the coup,but,some how,some way,the Premier of the South East survived.
On the National level,Sir Tafawa Balewa,the Prime Minister of the country was killed but Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe the Ceremonial President survived!
These were obvious problems that needed serious and urgent attention.As earlier pointed out,the coup failed as such some senior Military Officers proved difficult to kill.Late Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi was such a soldier that narrowly escaped assassination.As the most Senior Officer,then,he was appointed as the head of the First Military Regime.He was of Igbo descent.
Hausas under him,such as the Late General Murtala Ramat Muhammad were boiling with rage and in desperate thirst for justice especially when Major Ezieogwu Kaduna was still in charge of the Kaduna Military instalment.He was the one that led the boys that killed the great Saudana,the Premier of the North..But,for unknown reasons,Gen. Ironsi wanted to take his time in meting justice on the affected soldiers.
Due to his sluggishness in dealing with the coup plotters,the angry Northern Military Officers,planned and executed a successful coup that took the life of Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi.
After the coup,there were rancor and petty quarrels between soldiers of Northern and South Eastern origin,this consequently turned violent such that they, soldiers, attacked and killed each other...this later spilled to the general public and lo and behold!A major crisis broke out in the North that saw to what we can call a massacre of Igbos living up North...this continued for a long while and the Exodus of the Igbos back to their region began.Igbos were hunted down and killed even during the Exodus.The then Governor General of the Eastern region Lieutenant-Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu started making complaints as to the nearly genocide nature of the attack on the Igbos.But it seem to fall on deaf ears,yet,he continued to appeal to the Federal Government.
The straw that seem to have broken the back of the camel was the installation of a Junior Officer to Ojukwu,General Gowon as Head of State.At that point,it seem as though the Nigerian country doesn't care about the Igbos and should that be the case,Ojukwu saw nothing wrong with secession.
Now,that was why I said Biafra was as a result of a National mistake.Had it being that Federal Government showed a sign of remorse and had curbed the crisis that saw to the gruesome murder of hundreds of Igbos back then,Ojukwu wouldn't have thought of secession.
That would be it for today,hope to continue my story tomorrow or the next 'cos,this is just the beginning of the story!Later!!!
  

'Junior Minister','Bus Conductor'

Nawa o!I tire for this people o!
I don't know how some people dey reason fa!Abeg,them give person Minister state of Education dem dey call Junior Minister,the person given Minister of Transport suddenly become a Bus Conductor.Shey na ignorance or wetin???
It's quite unfortunate that some people would go on social media to post all sorts of irrelevances.I'm sorry but,today,my blog post seem to wear an ethnic outfit,but,sincerely,this is NOT the case.
I've read so many posts and funny comments from the general public.Some were for and others were against.Those that supports the Ministerial appointments happens to be from other parts of the country except the East.Not all Easterners are against the appointments,in fact,some are very happy and glad to see the appointments.It's just that most of those that are against are from the Eastern and South-Southern part of the country.

Bitter Politics
From the inception of the current administration,some Easterners on social media has made it a point of duty to always fault the actions and moves of the Buhari led government.We do have some North Central people that also have the same stance as the opposing Easterners.
My problem with these people is that they haven't been very fair with the present government.They oppose not for the good of the country but because they lost to Buhari. These people in question are die - hard PDP supporters who are very bitter about Jonathan's defeat in 2015 elections.Its quite unfortunate,to me,these dudes have lost it!

Politics is NOT About Personal But National Interest!

When you think Jonathan should be President just because he's from the South-South,that's personal,but,if its because he did well,that would be based on National interest.Its quite obvious that Jonathan was loosing it,the economy was nose-diving,Fuel subsidy was the talk of the town instead of ceaseless supply of petroleum products and the Boko Boys were already establishing their Caliphate while our Military Boys were making tactical maneovres.Barely just 6 months in power,there is no more talk of subsidy,but,reduction in kerosene and petrol prices,the Bokos can hardly make audios not to talk of videos,the same military that was lame against them suddenly turned around to drive them out of town and the economy,though,not yet performing well enough but all signals points to a better tomorrow! Now,back to the day's topic!

We Got The Minister of State NOT a Junior Minister!

The Minister of state has his own activities and job to be done.There's no evidence that the Minister of State is inferior to the Minister. Pending the time ANYONE would provide HARD evidence that shows that the Minister of State is Junior Minister,no SANE person is expected to see him as such! HE'S SIMPLY THE MINISTER OF STATE EDUCATION KAWAI!

Minister of Transport no be Bus Conductor!

You see,I don't know how some people reason,how can you equate a honourable minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a bus conductor. Gaskia! The only people that can think so shabbily are HATERS...BAD BELLEs!

They are the ones who looses the right senses of reasoning to give way to petty quarrels and emotional overflow to take control of them to that extent.When people hate you,even if Angel Gabriel (Malaika Jubril) comes down from heaven to tell the world that you are good person,HATERS would see it as a mere display of magic...it won't be acceptable to them. This is why calling Amaechi a bus conductor is laughable and a serious act of jealousy! The Lion of Rivers state was more like a lone ranger in the South-Southern part of the country whose assassination was attempted at least twice during the election period.

When the first few appointments were made,it was this rather too desperate fans of PDP that came out with all forms mockery,now,he's appointed a minister,these same guys are now claiming the appointments are juicy enough! I don't know why people would allow such trivial issues to bother them this much!

Whether you like it or not,Amaechi is the new Minister of transportatation. Unless you are working and hoping embezzle public funds,the 'Juiciness' of any ministry is irrelevant

You see,I'm not against people criticizing Buhari's government,but,if you wanna do it,do it OBJECTIVELY...don't go bias or emotional,it makes you spit out rubbish which can go a long way to 'de-rep' you! Be positive and objective always...ONLY BAD BLOODS AND SAVAGES GO NEGATIVE...ARE YOU A SAVAGE??? I HOPE NOT!

Stay Blessed !

Lessons To be Derived From The Golden Eaglet's Victory

Once again,I'm grateful to God Almighty for making the Golden Eaglets come out victorious during the Chile U-17 World Cup.They have successfully defended their crown thereby becoming the second to have done that after Brazil.Though it's our fifth success at the Championship,it's my prayer that we are able to defend the title for the third consecutive time during the next edition.If it happens that way,it would be the first time it would have been done.That would be a record to beat for a long time to come.
Having said that,I think this victory has a couple lessons for all and sundry.The very first is ...

Patriotism
There's nothing like being patriotic and passionate about one's country.If you ain't passionate about your country,NOTHING would seem right about ANYTHING.
Guys! If those boys were not passionate about Nigeria,they would be like the Super Eagles who are stock to twenty - something or there about in FIFA ranking.You see,let me explain.
Those boys are young,obedient and disciplined.They listened to instructions and play according to the directives given by their coach.This is only possible if the boys were selected based on merits and not by tribal and religious sentiments.
It's true,however,that the current crop of players were selected only from the Southern part of the country.But,the fact still remains that should it be that those boys were not patriotic and passionate about the Nigerian cause,they wouldn't make the National team. They had to play top quality football to make the team. Just as Amunike had declared, that their victory was a reward by God for their hardwork ALL IN THE NAME OF NIGERIA!
This goes to tell all those clamouring for Biafra that the hardworking and ambitious Igbos that are scattered all over Nigeria does NOT feel the alleged marginalization and anihilation they claim is meted on Igbos.They believe in hardwork and dilgence at work,hence,they have won several luarels for the country and have occupied their rigtful positions in nation building.

Pride and Confidence
Gaskia!Considering the oppositions the Eaglets faced during the tournament,one would tend to believe that the boys would not go far in the tournament.But,lo and behold! The boys,stood their ground against great footballing countries such as Brazil,Mexico and the USA and whooped their asses BIGGERLY!
If you ask me,that's a result of the combo of Confidence and Pride in one's ability.This is what is lacking in the greater number of our teeming youths - Confidence and Pride.
I have encountered a couple of artisans who fabricate quality products that stands the test of time...in fact,they tend to exceed the international standard.But, ask them, why they aren't producing for sale,they'll respond by asking you that who would buy?
I met one today and asked the same question.He made a little analysis that suggested that the cost of producing something worthwhile is high and that the existence of cheaper alternatives (from China,USA etc) discourages customers from buying such locally made product.He believes that the solution lies in the Government's encouragement through local product friendly policies.
Though to a high extent,I do understand and agree with him,I still think there's still room for improvement which can only be seen by whomever is confident and proud of his/her ability. I mean come to think of it.If it takes N2500 to fabricate an electric cooker and an imported one costs just N1500,if the local manufacturer of the local cooker is full of confidence and pride of his work,he would proudly challenge the durability of the imported product thereby winning the market for himself and his product in the end.
If the Eaglets had considered the better welfare packages of their opponents,they would have played half-heartedly and would have lost woefully as a result.But,due to their confidence and pride in the Nation,they played out their hearts and won the tournament ahead of better equipped and well cared for players from other countries!
Ignore the problems and challenges,focus on the prize and you shall always succeed.Like I said earlier,there are a couple of lessons to be derived from the Golden boys' victory,there's however, a limited time to discuss just a few of them.The last that I'll love to discuss is....

The Nigerian Dream
We have heard,one time or the other,the mention of the Ameican Dream.Now I ask you, what is the Nigerian Dream?!
If you ask me,The United State of America is what it is today because,her citizens dared to dream and in their dream,there's NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER! No country is expected to supercede America.The whole world must bow and worship them.Patriotism is key to their freedom which is the CORE of the American values.American citizens,be you black or white,be you rich or poor,you must put country first before personal interests.
Now,that's the American dream,What is the Nigerian dream?Our lack of patriotism,love and passion for the Nigerian project is the reason we have been stuck in under-development for so long.We don't see ourselves as one,that's why the FEDERAL CHARACTER was created,we see ourselves in tribal colours that's why a Yoruba man can never imagine in his wildest dreams to be a Local Government Chairman in the East,we see ourselves as Hausas,Yorubas and Igbos,that's the reason we need CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATES and SHARING FORMULA politically and economically.This wasn't a criteria in the selection of the boys (The Eaglets),selection was based on merits and National interest.
Yes! There were no Northerner in the team but the bottomline is that,it was Nigeria's U-17 National team that won the tournament not the Old Eastern Region team!Now,that's the spirit IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE YOU COME FROM,WHAT MATTERS IS NIGERIA!
We must sit down to fashion out a Nigerian Dream which would be our watch word when it comes to performance in any facet of life.Unless we dream,we would continue to wander around without Aims and Objectives!
Insha Allah,we would look more into the Nigerian Dream later,for now,I think we have done well and can as well call it a day! Congratulations once more on the victory of the Golden Eaglets!
Naija for life!
Long live Naija!!! 

Stand Up For The Champions!

Ooooh Yes!
We did it!For the second consecutive time,Nigeria's crowned Kings of Football in the U-17 category.Though,I didn't watch the match (PHCN no gree),I had the privileged to see the highlights of the game and I can tell you,it met up with the expectation of a worthwhile final match of a tournament like the world cup.
The Malians were reported to have been very fast,but,gratefully, not too fast for the Golden Eaglets who did not only secure a penalty kick in the first half but also recorded a couple of spectacular goal attempts.Due to their fast pace,the Malians gave the Nigerians side a lot of trouble,but,happily,it didn't result in any goal.
I woke this morning to checkout the results on the net and was more than glad to see that Nigeria won the game.From the highlights that I saw,I can see the fact that the boys didn't loose confidence which,in my opinion was further boosted by the return of Bamgboye,the guy wearing the no.7 Jersey for Nigeria.
That guy is very important to the team.He helps balance the game for the Nigerian side.He attracts a lot of attention to himself thereby giving Osimhen a lot of room to operate and wreck maximum damage to the opponents' defense.With those two in the game,The opponents' defense are left confused as to who to hold on to.This is because either boys could hold and score the ball when given the slightest of chances.That's not to look down on any player in that team...people like Nwakali, Ebere and Lazarus were terrorists to the opponents we had in the Tournament.
I no go lie you,none of those boys was defective in anyway.They played a great team game which had led to the elevation of some the team mates and their collective success!This reflected in the awards tat were given after the match.
Adidas Golden Ball: Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria)
The captain of the Golden Eaglets was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad ahead of the 2013 edition, but was not named in the final party that went on to win the title. Here, however, the playmaker was the first to lift the trophy aloft. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke's right-hand man out on the pitch, he shouldered responsibility and kept a cool head in difficult moments. He scored three goals, including two penalties, and provided a further three assists, a haul that also brought him the adidas Bronze Boot.
Adidas Silver Ball: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Even before the tournament kicked off in Chile Osimhen was touted as a favourite to win the adidas Golden Ball, having scored 39 goals in 71 outings for his country at that point, and finished as top scorer at the U-17 African Championship in March. The striker, who names Côte d’Ivoire forward Didier Drogba as his role model, more than lived up to expectations in Chile after finding the net in all seven games at the competition. Osimhen put his side 1-0 up on four occasions and his effort in the final – his tenth goal overall – set a new tournament record, beating the previous best-mark set by Côte d’Ivoire’s Souleymane Coulibaly in 2011 and France’s Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001. Osimhen duly finished as top scorer in South America, and would doubtless not begrudge his team captain, of all players, pipping him to what would have been a second golden award.
Adidas Bronze Ball: Aly Malle (Mali)
Alongside Boubacar Traore, Sekou Koita and Sidiki Maiga, Malle formed part of an impressive attacking line-up that put opponents under pressure right from the off. Operating as a nominal striker, the No9 often dropped deep to pick up the ball and brought his team-mates into the game on countless occasions. Adidas Golden Boot: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/10 goals, 2 assists)

Adidas Silver Boot: Johannes Eggestein (Germany/4 goals, 0 assists)
Eggestein’s best performances for Germany came in the group stage, where he found the target four times in three matches to go joint-top of the scorers’ chart alongside Osimhen after the first phase of the tournament. Although the striker, who plays for Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, was unable to add to his tally after Germany were eliminated by Croatia in the Round of 16, he still did enough to win the adidas Silver Boot. “My strengths are my ability to anticipate a pass and my versatility,” Eggestein said in an interview with FIFA.com. His self-analysis is backed up by the statistics: he scored twice with his left foot, once with his right and once with his head.
Adidas Bronze Boot: Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria/3 goals, 3 assists)

Adidas Golden Glove: Samuel Diarra (Mali)
For the fourth time in tournament history, the best goalkeeper of the finals was presented with an award. Following Benjamin Siegrist (Switzerland, 2009), Jonathan Cubero (Uruguay, 2011) and Dele Alampasu (Nigeria, 2013), this time the winner was Samuel Diarra, who reached the final with African champions Mali and routinely frustrated opposition strikers with some spectacular saves. The custodian dazzled in South America with his incredible reflexes and command of his penalty area, while he conceded fewer goals than any other goalkeeper at these finals, letting in just four in seven games.
FIFA Fair Play Award: Ecuador
In 1995 Ecuador posted their best achievement at an U-17 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals on home soil. Now, 20 years on, the latest crop of players equalled that feat in Chile, and did so while winning over the hearts of the fans. In their five games at the tournament, the South Americans only committed 69 fouls, collected just four yellow cards and had one sending off for a second bookable offence, making coach Jose Rodriguez’s charges worthy winners of the FIFA Fair Play Award. Alongside a trophy, medals and a certificate, the Ecuadorian FA will also receive prize money of $10,000 USD, which can only used for football equipment for youth teams.

“We have worked very hard for this success and we hope to continue. The players will go home now but their journey is not over yet. I have football in my blood, as a player and as a coach. This is what I want to pass to my players.”
Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria coach