Anita Smart Manilla, a creative writer and storyteller who uses stories to impact children with lasting values explains in her debut book, the reward of education, skills and morals for the average Nigerian student.
She said the book generated from her passion for children and teaching and it’s consciously packed with cognitive and informative tools, tied up in a story form just to target the child’s intellectual abilities and values.
She also said the book looked at the period of our lives when the world experienced lockdown, showcasing the child’s experience in these times.
Before the Lockdown: A Cognitive Story Book For Learners which is the title of the book has been authored by this certified teacher and life coach to showcase necessary measures school children can take going forward while in public places.
Anita is the founder of Save Initiative Foundation; an NGO with the vision to reshape teens’ lives.
She uses this platform to speak to students in their numbers about the need for education, morals and values in their growth process and eventual success in life.
I’m about to lead a deliverance session right now. But wait, don’t close your eyes and pray in tongues just yet. You’ve got to listen to me. So, open your eyes and awaken your thoughts. Darkness is a phenomenon many of us will never identify ourselves with for what it connotes. But in one way … Continue reading WHEN THE POWER OF DARKNESS IS AT WORK!→
Anita Smart Manilla, a creative writer and storyteller who uses stories to impact children with lasting values explains in her debut book, the reward of education, skills and morals for the average Nigerian student. She said the book generated from her passion for children and teaching and it’s consciously packed with cognitive and informative tools, … Continue reading Passionate Nigerian teacher pours out her heart in Debut Book – Before the Lockdown→
“Bashiru Adamu writes striking words that will probably resonate with people everywhere, facing challenges at different times in their lives:” Dr. Strive Masiyiwa Watch Video👇 Book Title: Escape From Prison On September 8, 2017, my youth Afripreneurship Town Hall in Lagos was filled with young Nigerian entrepreneurs and aspiring ones: students, traders, bankers, side-hustlers, business … Continue reading African Billionaire and Business Man, Dr Strive Masiyiwa Endorses Amazon Published Book by Bashiru Adamu.→
Those who disrespected you yesterday will still disrespect you today if your personality of yesterday hasn’t changed till today! Seth A. Thomas The soothing feeling of self-worth and high public recognition among humans cannot be overemphasised. We all love to be treated with preference and importance among peers, at work, school, in groups and organizations, … Continue reading 6 Simple Hacks Every Youngster Needs In Building An Enviable Personality in 2022→
“Bashiru Adamu writes striking words that will probably resonate with people everywhere, facing challenges at different times in their lives:”
Dr. Strive Masiyiwa
Watch Video👇
Book Title: Escape From Prison
On September 8, 2017, my youth Afripreneurship Town Hall in Lagos was filled with young Nigerian entrepreneurs and aspiring ones: students, traders, bankers, side-hustlers, business managers, engineers, and at least one very memorable social entrepreneur. About 425,000 viewers were also watching online!
When Bashiru Adamu stood up to share his entrepreneurial vision during the Q&A, my first impression was exactly as he tells it here in his book, “Wow, wow, wow, wow!”
He opened his brief pitch by telling me and about 300 others crowded in the room: “I help prisoners escape from prison”.
Although this slight young man from Kaduna State in North West of Nigeria, did not look like a jailbreaker, he got all our attention immediately. A few people laughed and then all grew silent. I asked: “You did?” and he answered without a hint of a smile, “I do!”
He tells the rest of the story in this book. Not only did Bashiru’s pitch show passionate commitment to serving humanity, but he had already developed and executed a plan, drawn together key decision-makers, and found partners who supported his idea of setting up libraries and business skills programs for incarcerated prisoners in Nigeria. His vision [first sparked in 2012 during his National Youth Service year in Benue State] came to be known as the Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation.
Having heard Bashiru boldly speak in Lagos that day, I was surprised to learn in the book that when growing up, he himself felt imprisoned and paralyzed by a mindset of self-doubt and trepidation. He writes striking words that will probably resonate with people everywhere, facing challenges at different times in their lives:
“I was dead while alive. I was hopeless even when surrounded by opportunities. I just didn’t see life beyond the pain, hunger, helplessness, and the chain that held me down in my head. My life was not just a joke, it was a junk. It was a miracle of self-belief and hard work that I broke out of the chains”.
On the contrary, the social entrepreneur I met that Friday at my town hall, who’d also been following my Facebook entrepreneurship blog for years, stood out as someone special who did not just talk the talk [which he did memorably that day] but was also walking the talk of what he said was his favourite quote: “It’s better to prepare and not meet opportunity than to meet opportunity when you are not prepared”… He was prepared!
The fifth of seven children, Bashiru shares in one chapter about the life of his entrepreneurial mother. Amazing. These are the inspiring stories of resilient, visionary, and solution-seeking African business founders that need to be published as books, made into podcasts and films, and widely shared. Make no mistake: Amidst the challenges on our continent, greatness is being born and nurtured every day.
Dr. Strive Masiyiwa Founder and Chairman of Econet Group
“Escape from Prison,” is a true-life story of a young social changemaker from Nigeria presented in a simple but extraordinary way that will leave the reader with strategy and plan on how to create sustainable social change.
Bashiru Adamu is a social change maker who has brought light and hope to so many inmates across the correctional space in Nigeria and is now extending his frontiers through Africa.
Bashiru boasts about a decade’s experience in building a non-profit from scratch, beginning with a sub-rural community in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria.
Today ,the organization Dream Again Prison & Youth Foundation is in full operation in several parts of Western and Northern Nigeria.
An alumnus of the Kanthari International Institute of Social Change Makers, India; the Leap Africa Social Innovators Program; and the Non-profit Leadership and Program at Lagos Business School.
He was the 2017 pitch winner of Dr. Strive Masiyiwa Youth Entrepreneur Town Hall meeting in Lagos, Nigeria..
“Bash” as he us fondly call is also a certified coach with Open Door Coaching Group (ODCG) and Catalyst Coach Certification (CCC) Australia.
He received the Most Outstanding Community Influencer award in Nigeria from National Youth Assembly of Nigeria in 2018. Most recently, he is also a 2022 Acumen Academy West Africa Fellow.
“His favourite slogan “In conformity many dreams die” is a propelling factor behind his passion and his unconventional approach to excellence to life and work.”
I’m about to lead a deliverance session right now. But wait, don’t close your eyes and pray in tongues just yet. You’ve got to listen to me. So, open your eyes and awaken your … Continue reading WHEN THE POWER OF DARKNESS IS AT WORK!→
Those who disrespected you yesterday will still disrespect you today if your personality of yesterday hasn’t changed till today!
Seth A. Thomas
The soothing feeling of self-worth and high public recognition among humans cannot be overemphasised.
We all love to be treated with preference and importance among peers, at work, school, in groups and organizations, even in our own homes. And that’s why we see people willing to go the extra-mile of “demanding” it from those who they feel “owe” it to them.
Words like: “Am I your mate?” “You better respect yourself because I’m not your mate!” Are few of the many utterances we hear from people who feel like their “authority” is being threatened.
We love to feel important but every too often, we are “guilty of ignorance,” to the simple insights we require to accord ourselves the “importance” we so crave.
It’s no surprise to me “Esteem Needs” ranks third (from the top) in Abraham Maslow‘s pyramid of Humans Needs as shown below.
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Having discovered this gap, I thought it necessary to discuss about it, perhaps someone’s understanding may be enlightened and a lesson or two learnt too.
As “ordinary” as they may seem, they are in fact, my list of recommended life-attitude every young person needing an upward shift in personality needs to adopt.
So the list now:
1. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
The consel about minding one’s business has really raised a lot of controversies today. It’s hard to come to terms with the saying upfront.
There’s this set of people who cannot just see something “wrong” happening and be cool with it. They feel it’s their responsibility to right every wrong that they unintentionally end up getting themselves into even bigger wrongs than they could possibly handle!
The second set of people are those who could see your body practically ablaze and just decide to “mind their business” – not even care!
In other to easily convey my point here, I decided to share these few thoughts from great men with you:
1. “You would be very surprise with how much positive changes that you could make in your life, if you could make it your top priority to mind your own business.”
– Edmond Mbiaka
2. “Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.”
– Epictetus
3. “Mind your own business. What your neighbor does (within the law) is none of your concern. Accept that behavior is not evil simply because it is different.”
– Jonathan Lockwood Huie
4. “Mind your own business. But love your neighbor as yourself.”
– David C. Hill
I personally like the 4th quote, it’s simple and tries to strike a balance; as much as you’d “mind your business”, just be sure that what you do to others in their times of despair or enjoyment is what you’d prefer others to do to you as well in same or similar condition…
That way, you don’t mince your standard and your worth rises as well!
2. TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY
Develop the attitude of taking full responsibility of everything that happens to you; things that revolve around your sphere of influence and control, and you’d realise that in fact, they’re not happening to you but for you.
Granted, you may not be able to choose what happens to you on every occasion but your response to what has happened is fully your responsibility.
Avoid fault-finding and self-seeking behaviours when dealing with issues that relates with people. Make people see you as someone they could rely on; who’s in control of things and doesn’t blame but claims responsibility for their team’s actions.
That way, your worth rises as they place you high and above and always seek your counsel to execute any task.
3. THINK BIG BUT SMARTLY
Eventhough it’s advisable for young people to THINK BIG, you must note that not every thought is important and useful. Some ideas and thoughts are really garbage waiting to be trashed. Build the courage to accept it and move on.
To think smartly, you have to do it on paper, putting the past, present and future in perspective.
Smart thoughts are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. You could have a BIG dream that isn’t SMART but you can’t have a SMART thought that doesn’t have the capacity of becoming a BIG accomplishment!
So strike out everything that doesn’t fit in. Find a calm & comfortable place to aid you too. Just let your every thought be accompanied with precision.
4. SPEAK RARELY
The Holy Bible, in Proverbs 29:20 says,
“There’s more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”
Don’t speak because you feel like it, don’t speak because they said you should, speak only when you have something to say – having thought through it first.
Let your words always convey wisdom and truth.
Learn to control when you speak and what you say.
The difference between an intelligent and wise person is that, the former speaks when he HAS TO SAY SOMETHING but the latter speaks only when HE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY.
Be wise!
5. ACT QUICKLY BUT WISELY
Don’t just be someone who’s a dedicated thinker and accurate planner but never a practical “Doer.”
You must be a committed doer to ever achieve anything noteworthy in life.
“Action,” they say, “speaks louder than words.”
Don’t hesitate, neither give in to procrastination especially when your non-performance could be detrimental to your progress.
People will always trust and respect someone who speaks less but does more.
It’s only in practically “executing” thoughts and plans that progress is ever made.
You must develop a quick decision-making instinct that conveys wisdom too.
6. FORGIVE EASILY
It’s a common saying that “To err is human but to forgive is divine.”
Forgiveness is a rare virtue. People will always respect and trust anyone who’s easy going and whose mind is free from hate.
Sometimes you need to forgive others to be free yourself.
Matthew 6:14 says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
Remember “Holding a grudge doesn’t make you stronger, it make you bitter and forgiving doesn’t make you weak, it makes you free!”
So do it for yourself, set yourself free from hurt, it will accord even more respect to you too.
So that’s it from me today. I hope you found some value from it?
Till I write you again with more mind-boggling and life-transforming teachings/contents as they get unfolded to me…
Do well to share this post widely to as many young people as you can find so more people can also get value.
“A hospital study was done on 100 aged people facing death close to their last breath, it showed that most of them greatly regretted not the things they did but the … Continue reading Don’t Fear Failure→
Hey guys, Seth here again. Thank you so much for keeping tabs with my blog.
Today, I’d be sharing with you something I found really worthwhile because of its life-transforming effects. They are in fact, solid life lessons and I’m sure you’d find them as insightful, inspirational and helpful as I did.
Here comes:
1. Hate no one, no matter how much they’ve wronged you:
Here’s the first on the list. This might be hard to live by but it’s an important rule for living a fulfilled life.
You see, hate is a very strong negative feeling. It’s an emotion that takes so much from you to express than it gives.
We mingle with people daily who always find a cause to step on our toes and do the things we don’t approve of. It’s okay to get upset once in a while and express our pain when felt but totally resent and continually wish evil and only negative things for them is terrible. No to “hate”, no, no hate!
2. Live humbly, no matter how wealthy you become:
It’s been said that “when one becomes wealthy and gain more influence, one should try to create a longer table not build a taller fence!”
You should never push people away because you now have a “better” capacity than they do, tables turn, you never can tell.
So it’s of course of due importance that we be careful, nice and humorous towards the people we meet on our way up because they just might be the same we may still meet while coming back down!
Humility is a virtue we all need really.
3. Give much even if you’ve received little and don’t expect to receive as much as you’ve given.
It’s more blessed to give than to receive, so the scripture says!
I’m sure you’ve heard it being said also that “Givers never lack”? Oh yes, it’s true, I am a firm believer that the one who gives never lacks. Instead, they increase even the more.
And when you do, do not expect to receive as much as you’ve given, well, if you do, it’s fine. If not, never stop giving because you have a greater reward.
An African adage says, “The one who gives is always greater than the one who receives.”
So I urge you, remain on top, never stop giving!
4. Think positively no matter how hard life is:
The mind they say is the seat of your life, what you think of, believe in and eventually do, stems out of your mind.Be careful what you believe as true for yourself. The content of your mind defines your life and destiny eventually.
Remember, as you think in your heart so are you… Life could be hard and unfair, but would you allow the negativities it poses step in to disrupt you?
Here is a word of encouragement from me, think positive and remain positive because there’s always going to be light and the end of the tunnel… Also remember, the difference between where you are Now and where you’ll be soon is only but a thin line called Time… stay motivated and remain true to youreself.
5. Forgive all, especially yourself:
It’s true we all have stories, many of which we hate to talk about because we often regret the mistakes we made and risks/actions we didn’t take along the line.
These leaves us in deep agony and unforgivable pains, especially when we get flashes of those moments and wished we could turn back the hands of time…
It may seem like a good thing to not forgive ourselves, talk about the mistake on every opportunity we get and always feel hunted by that hurt, but it’s certainly not the BEST!
You have to forgive yourself, because you can’t change the past – it’s not in your control, what is, is today, and it’s but for a while…
Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
James Joyce
You’re not meant to dwell in the past mistakes but to just pick the lessons learnt and move on because life has to go on…
Everyone deserves your forgiveness, especially you!
6. Never stop praying for the best for everyone:
This one is simply priceless!
You should never pray, wish or even think evil thoughts against anyone, whether a friend or an ‘enemy.’ Rather, pray for them; especially your enemies.
So the scripture says…
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Stay positive, stay blessed… I you got value as always?
Let me know in the comments below. Also, like follow and support my blog it’ll will encourage me to keep posting valuable content every time…
I’m about to lead a deliverance session right now. But wait, don’t close your eyes and pray in tongues just yet. You’ve got to listen to me. So, open your eyes and awaken your thoughts. Darkness is a phenomenon many of us will never identify ourselves with for what it connotes. But in one way … Continue reading WHEN THE POWER OF DARKNESS IS AT WORK!→
Anita Smart Manilla, a creative writer and storyteller who uses stories to impact children with lasting values explains in her debut book, the reward of education, skills and morals for the average Nigerian student. She said the book generated from her passion for children and teaching and it’s consciously packed with cognitive and informative tools, … Continue reading Passionate Nigerian teacher pours out her heart in Debut Book – Before the Lockdown→
“Bashiru Adamu writes striking words that will probably resonate with people everywhere, facing challenges at different times in their lives:” Dr. Strive Masiyiwa Watch Video👇 Book Title: Escape From Prison On September 8, 2017, my youth Afripreneurship Town Hall in Lagos was filled with young Nigerian entrepreneurs and aspiring ones: students, traders, bankers, side-hustlers, business … Continue reading African Billionaire and Business Man, Dr Strive Masiyiwa Endorses Amazon Published Book by Bashiru Adamu.→
Those who disrespected you yesterday will still disrespect you today if your personality of yesterday hasn’t changed till today! Seth A. Thomas The soothing feeling of self-worth and high public recognition among humans cannot be overemphasised. We all love to be treated with preference and importance among peers, at work, school, in groups and organizations, … Continue reading 6 Simple Hacks Every Youngster Needs In Building An Enviable Personality in 2022→
Hello friends, Seth here! It’s good to have you back on my blog.
Today, I’d like to write about some very powerful emotional attractions of most young people. As a youngster myself, I get entangled sometimes and although I know it’s normal for us to feel so much emotions, I think it’s rather unhealthy to be obsessed by them.
So my list will be precise and articulate as usual based on my observations and interactions with other youngsters.
On a daily basis, I see these obsessions in display, on most people, I think it’s rather unhealthy than normal, so I felt to write about just a few of them, hopefuly you’d find the one you need to continue to strive for or the one you need to totqlly get rid of completely.
So in no particular order, let’s begin:
1. Fitness
The need to keep fit and remain in shape has ranked high among the many needs of young people today. No one needs more calories, every guy wants to get muscular and build six-packs abs, every lady wants to possess that figure-8 kind of feel and look…
Keeping fit is absolutely healthy and necessary for every young person. Exercising helps you stay healthy, strong, active and alive! It boosts your thinking ability as endorphins are being released all over your brain and mind.
However, while you exercise, be sure of the kind of practices you engage in so you don’t overload yourself with activities that could get you overworked. I have seen people who lost balance and went out of shape due to wrong exercise and fitness activities. So be on the lookout for appropriate fitness moves or better still employ the services of a professional.
2. Money
Everyone loves this one. Hey no one loves broke. Being broke is as good as death! Everyone’s on the run to get out of the death-trap of poverty. Every young person want to live a comfortable life. We all love to walk around with some liquidity so as to meet one or two needs that may arise as we move.
I love to have money too. Hehe! We all do right!? Everyone wants to be rich and live comfortably.
It’s only saddening how we could get obsessed with this “lo”v”e” that we could go the “extra-mile” of “doing all it takes” to make it.
As much as it’s good to have money, it’s bad to do evil or engage in unhealthy practices to get it. The best way to make money is to “work” for it!
Yes, WORK- Get a conventional job, run a business, just do something but whatever you do, never steal, cheat or rob!
3. Love
The need to love and be loved in return cannot be over-emphasised. As young people, we love to hear, see, feel and know that we’re being loved by that “special someone”.
Love is a very powerful emotion, it sweeps you off your feet and leaves you hanging in the air!
Loving someone is absolutely normal and knowing you’re being loved in return makes the equation balanced. It even boosts your self-worth and makes you feel even more important. As young people, we love to be loved…We could do crazy things with those we truly love and who love us in return.
Seek-out for healthy and good relationships without negative emotions, but don’t be “obsessed” with it in so much that you have little or no control over your emotions. That’s absolutely unhealthy.
Get the right person – that wouldn’t demand much more than you possibly can give and wouldn’t be a burden you cannot carry. Be with the one, your heart truly loves and your mind truly agrees with.
4. Fashion
As a young man, I’ve seen myself caring less about fashion lately and it got be thinking really…
Every young person loves to get along with the trend; get the latests of all things and be seen. Fashion among all others has really taken over the space.
Most young people are very careful about what they wear; not for its decency but for the tendency to be noticed and spoken about by others. Which might not really be a bad thing…
But here’s why I began to care less about the tendency to be noticed for what I wear but for who I really am…
Here’s the quote:
The reality is, no one cares.
People are too busy living their own lives to care about what you wore for dinner last night.
At 20, your life revolves around an obsession of what others think of you; At 40, you begin to not care what others think of you;
And at 60, you realise that when you were 20, you really weren’t being judged at by anyone but yourself.
– Shirley MacLaine
I think Shirley is right. People are just too busy with their own lives. We’re only left at judging ourselves, which is so unhealthy.
N.B. I love to dress decently and look good, also love those who do same!
5. Celebrities
When ever a celebrity shows up, you see young people on their toes – restless until they either take a selfie or touch them. The crowd is undeniably massive, the obsession is way beyond comprehension. Well, I don’t seem to understand why, but I hope it’s for the good!
I’m not against this one, just bothered somehow… Young people must learn to control their emotions and understand what’s more important in their lives.
As a younster, you must dentify what matters most to you and be true to yourself about it, focus all your efforts towards it, then you’ll find fulfilment in accomplishing it!
That’s it from me today, till I come your way again, very soon.
mind2global.business.blog 