FOOTBALL BLUES

In the absence of the European Leagues, football lovers switched  their attention to other competitions. The Copa America, FIFA Under 20 and female world cups were our only means of consolation. LOL. We've been entertained by different brands of football. However, the failure of our National teams to fire has left a sore taste in the mouth. The manner in which our Falcons and Flying Eagles crumbled is particularly annoying.

Football relieves stress for most of us. Staying awake at unholy hours to watch our teams was a big sacrifice. Their failure to display tactical intelligence makes me question the coaching system. We paraded a bunch of superstars for both tournaments and still misfired. Besides occasional flashes of brilliance from the players, there's nothing exciting to report. This is coming at a time when we should be consolidating on continental successes.

The flying Eagle's display against Germany was bereft of technical and psychological input. The team played without co-ordination or desire and seemed ignorant of their opponent's prowess. Same can be said of the performance of our Falcons against Australia and USA. Are the players adequately motivated, the team psychologists doing their jobs and the coaches well equipped to deliver at the highest level?

We can definitely do better than we saw at those tournaments. Our football administrators should handle the enormous talent at their disposal properly. Keshi's re-emergence as Super Eagles' coach doesn't excite many either. For the sake of Nigerian football, I hope he has learnt from his past failure. Our football teams give us joy when they deliver. Let's encourage them to perform optimally.

Anyways, Copa America has reached the knockout stages. Things are about to get interesting. Neymar's suspension is a blur on the tournament. We are still banking on Messi, Sanchez, James, Cavani, Vidal, Aguero and the other big stars to sparkle. Hopefully, the tournament will be more exciting now. While we enjoy the transfer market rumbles and await the new European season, let's make do with movies and some 'boring' channels. August will be here soon. Till then, Cheers to the 'dry' weekends.

STATE OF THE NATION : THE WAY FORWARD

It's been 23 days since the new administration came on board. However, we are yet to decipher the direction of governance for the next four years. Change has come but it has to be positive and the people must be made to feel the impact. Nigeria at the moment seems to be in a state of inertia. The silence is ominous.

LET'S NOT CRUCIFY OUR LEGISLATORS YET

The brouhaha generated by the alleged 'wardrobe' allowance is yet to die down. Accusations and counter accusations have trailed the news. The figures are ridiculous especially in light of present economic hardships. The bloated size of our legislature is still up for debate. However, this applies to the executive too. Our criticism should be across board. Let me share an interesting article I found on this subject online. Read below and make your deductions.

CRUMBLING COOKIES : LESSONS FOR APC

The events of yesterday at the National Assembly will make a perfect Hollywood script. We are certain to seea nollywood movie on it in the next few months. Jokes aside, how did the APC contrive to bungle this simple task? Do we ever learn from history? The Tambuwal saga is still fresh and yet a party that united to oust a sitting President commits a schoolboy blunder. I'm not entirely surprised though.

The numerous interest groups in the party will always present selection dilemmas. PMB must be furious that the party allowed this to go wrong despite his decision not to interfere. The APC lawmakers should have been allowed to make the choice themselves. With the benefit of hindsight, that concession would have been a little price for the party leaders to pay. 'Treachery' or not, this was another victory for democracy.

Nigeria cannot afford Legislative puppets. Our democracy has gone beyond that stage. APC should learn from PDP's mistakes and manage this crisis properly. Nigerians voted for change and the National Assembly has aligned perfectly with the change mantra. With GEJ, APC's common enemy gone, the knives are out. The drama may continue but Nigeria must not suffer for it. We have suffered enough.

Being a governing party comes with extra responsibility. It's easier to sit back and throw stones as an opposition. Many people voted either for change, PMB or against GEJ. Very few voted for APC as a party. Nigerians just want improved conditions of living and to enjoy the proceeds from our vast resources. This can only be brought about by better governance. PMB and the APC leadership must act fast and prevent the cookies from crumbling so early. PDP is always ready to pounce. That's the beauty of democracy. Shalom. 

IDEAS AND PEOPLE : DRAWING A LINE

This has been on my mind for a while. We live in an era of increased communication with people of different climes. The advent of telecommunications has made it easier to interact and get instant feedbacks. This development has been amplified by the social media explosion. In all these, I have noticed an emerging trend. Individuals are increasingly unable to distinguish between ideas and persons.

It's becoming common for people to mistake disagreements based on ideas for hatred. Since the turn of the year, with intensified politicking and the elections over, this scenario has become more obvious. I have interacted with loads of people on various divides. My research covers GEJites/ GMBites, Muslims/Christians, Leaders/followers, and even extends to friends and couples.

A simple argument based on conflicting ideas sometimes transcends to hate. it's not strange to be asked whose side you are on these days, just for daring to have a different opinion. Offices and places of work are not immune to this trend. This is more surprising considering the fact that we are living in the information technology age. It makes me wonder if some of us are being left behind. Are some still living in the stone age?

Seriously, we all need to draw a line between ideas and persons. Politicking and discourse should be about ideas and not persons. This is what mostly obtains in the developed world. Africans cannot afford to continue living in the past when it comes to ideas. We need a total re-orientation to save ourselves from hate induced by poverty of thought. 

THE BABYMAMA INDUSTRY

A new industry seems to be thriving all over the world especially in political and entertainment circles -The babymama industry. It didn't start today but the recent proliferation rate is alarming. Single parenthood seems to be the new'cool'. I'm still trying to understand the logic behind this. Immorality is on the rise but that doesn't tell the full story as safe sex and contraception rates are also on the rise. Are people no longer afraid of infections and 'judgement' for the religious? I guess the allure of sex now surpasses the fear of HIV and judgement.

DON'T BLAME GOD AND OTHERS

The history of mankind isn't complete without a mention of the fall of man. As Christians, we know how the serpent deceived man through the woman and the blame game that ensued afterwards. Man blamed God and the woman, the woman transferred same to the serpent. None accepted responsibility. This scenario recurs in our daily lives. We blame God for our shortcomings, parents blame children and teachers, husbands blame wives, leaders blame followers and vice versa.

THE BANDWAGON EFFECT

Every human being is born unique. The blend of parental chromosomes is different for every conception. This is evident in our physical traits, thought patterns, lifestyles and genetic makeup. We are so unique that no two people have the same thumb print. Homozygous (Identical) twins growing up together tend to develop different traits with age. It's becoming commonplace to find contrasting facial spots and lifestyles among them.

INSPIRED QUOTES

Smart and Intelligent women are really enticing. Yes, guys love shapes and figures but the brain is everything.

Smart and Cunny are totally different. Beauty and curves on a shallow brain is a poorly served dish. Think about your future kids.

A pretty/handsome face has aesthetic values. But these features don't plan or take decisions for you.

BANANA PEELS

The euphoria of Change seems to have died down. Nigerians are now faced with stark realities. We made our choice and now have to live with them. PMB, the 'chosen one' has to hit the ground running. It's been almost one week and we are keen to see some action. Key appointments will be announced soon and elections for leadership positions in the Legislature will be held soon.

This may hold no importance for some people. However, considering the existing structure and our glaring ethno-religious dichotomy, nothing can be taken for granted. PDP ultimately paid the price for relegating the South West in the Legislature and in 'key appointments'. If feelers from the grapevine are anything to go by, Lightening may be about to strike twice. Zoning of appointments presents huge banana peels that APC and PMB must be careful to avoid.

FINAL ECHOES FROM THE PITCH

It's almost done and dusted in Europe as far as football is concerned. The goats have been separated from the sheep. Some teams are in celebration mood whereas some are back to the drawing board. My favourite whipping team, Manchester United made me proud as usual. Liverpool failed to deliver, Manchester city fumbled and ARSENAL enjoyed a pretty good season. The self acclaimed Special One is back to normal service. Next season is gonna be interesting. Just hope LVG repeats this season's magic.

AU REVOIR GEJ

In 2011, the people of Nigeria voted in an unassuming man, a humble leader 'favoured by God' -Goodluck Jonathan. Some had reservations about his leadership experience but we looked up to the future with great expectations. The destiny of our great nation was placed in the hands of a well educated President amid goodwill from all and sundry.

DANA!!! THREE YEARS AGO

The third Day of June 2012, a date I'll never forget. It was a bright day filled with activities. Mass was over, lunch had been served and I sauntered off. I took a stroll on the streets of Abuja, Wuse to be precise. My attention was drawn to a news flash on blackberry messenger. There were rumours of a plane crash backed by graphic pictures. My first thoughts were Another crash? Not Again.