Friday, January 31, 2014

A pretty lady wrote me this poem today titled, Allow my “Olufemiism”

For those who don't know I also bear Olufemi aside Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'; I guess that is the reason for the title of her poem. She actually wrote the poem for me. Isn't that sweet? Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Allow my “Olufemiism”

So long ago

He said to me

By the sapling of mango

Mi o nikofe mi

Mo nika sore ni

Well yeah better friends

I laughed and muttered

Ki la tin se bo bi ko se ore naa

Won tigbe se won de o

A comedian in his own way

Most amazing friend anyway

Nothing too small

And nothing too big a give away

The chord gets thicker

Afi bi Oluwa se femi

He gave me a friend

Inspiration pride creativity describes my friend

Olufemi the Angel just like Gabriel

Every day, every year, getting stronger

Irrespective of distance

One among a number

Lucky perfect number seven

This poem was is dedicated to Gabriel Olufemi Olatunji 'Legend' a.k.a OlatunjiSpeaks/Man G


Fisayo ‘Check’ Odebode is a writer, public speaker, music addict and counsellor. She is the initiator of Check Counsel Nigeria (a people oriented organization that cares for/helps stabilize children and teenagers in relation to their stage in human development through counselling). You can email her at miispecial@yahoo.com or checkcounsel@gmail.com. You can also follow her @FisayoCheck on twitter.



#OsPoems is a segment of OLATUNJISPEAKS.com. You can also write a poem to your loved ones and send to us here; be rest assured that we will publish it, with your picture if you so desire. Send to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

OsPoem: Rooted by by-me

Wondering how she stands

Love so pure and true

Wondering how she stands

As real and fresh as the morning due

Still wondering…?

The one by the name by-me

Still wondering…?

The fervor my enthusiasm

She asked for a protector

A stand by that love-her

Look whom she found

The nearly every woman dream

Skilled trained taught

Like the tribe of Levi

Dearest darling passion

The aisle awaits our warmth

Fisayo ‘Check’ Odebode is a writer, public speaker, music addict and counsellor. She is the initiator of Check Counsel Nigeria (a people oriented organization that cares for/helps stabilize children and teenagers in relation to their stage in human development through counselling). You can email her at miispecial@yahoo.com or checkcounsel@gmail.com. You can also follow her @FisayoCheck on twitter.

#OsPoems is a segment of OLATUNJISPEAKS.com. You can also write a poem to your loved ones and send to us here; be rest assured that we will publish it, with your picture if you so desire. Send to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

OSpoems: Person-ally by Fisayo Odebode

I find it amazing personally

Sweet first, then bitter

We formed an ally slowly

Sweet bitter sweet terrifically

Yes! I knew it

My person ally

How did we get here?

Little talk here and there

Sounding idle yet a creation yet a rediscovery

Finding who you really are from

Profane years with less attention to core

Now we see our Ideal

Here is how we go

Here is how we roll

Stronger, saner, wiser

Personally, this roll

The sweetest roll

Soon teachers and masters in role

Fisayo ‘Check’ Odebode is a writer, public speaker, music addict and counsellor. She is the initiator of Check Counsel Nigeria (a people oriented organization that cares for/helps stabilize children and teenagers in relation to their stage in human development through counselling). You can email her at miispecial@yahoo.com or checkcounsel@gmail.com. You can also follow her @FisayoCheck on twitter.


#OsPoems is a segment of OLATUNJISPEAKS.com. You can also write a poem to your loved one and send to us here; be rest assured that we will publish it, with your picture if you so desire. Send to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

#SecretsFromMyPast: My First SEX-perience Part2

[caption id="attachment_844" align="aligncenter" width="454"]#SecretsFromMyPast: My first SEX-perience! c[/caption]

This is the second part of ‘My First SEXperience’ story, if you missed the first part read it HERE. During all of the voracious kissing and conjunction that was going well, I was doing things I had never done before, touching things that had always been a dream in my mind and rubbing my lips on parts of her body I had always imagined. Truthfully, I was doing things; many things. She wasn’t the best kisser. Don't ask me how I know... Okay, I'll just say it! I know that because she wasn’t the first person I had kissed. She had always known me to be an amateur when it came to practical sex-related issues but the things I was doing made her doubt my innocence but I confessed to her that I knew things but I hadn’t had the opportunity to put them to practice; she was my perfect opportunity. I remember my lips working wonders on her lips, down to her neck, then back to her forehead. I was back to her forehead because I thought she was going to ask me to stop but I was wrong. She wanted more and I did too. My mouth began the journey the second time; every love and romance movie I had seen before was replaying on my mind at the time. Suddenly, I found my mouth on her nipples after merry-go-rounding through the well rounded but succulent boobs; I kissed it so gently that I heard her say, ‘bobo, you are bad’. I told her I was learning from her. After doing everything else and the only thing left to do was sex, I stopped. Why? Even I don’t know why. I’m sure something stopped me because I couldn’t have stopped. I told her we shouldn’t go all the way. She obliged because she knew I hadn’t done it before. I spent a few minutes with her after that before taking my leave and that was when the condemnation began. What have I done? I concluded that was the last time a thing like that would happen but I was wrong because it wasn’t the last time. One week after that, I received a call from her asking me where I was. ‘I am at the office’, I replied. She was around the corner and before I opened my eyes she was at my office. I was surprised to see her because she didn’t make it known that she was coming. She was hungry and I went out to get her what to eat. While eating, she asked if I would just sit there and allow her eat alone. Then I stood up to feed her with the food and drink. When she was done with the food and the plates had been cleared, I came back in to gist with her and she asked what was on my mind and the bad boy in me spoke out, ‘I want you now.’ She went to the door and locked it with a key. Came towards me and sat on my laps while she touched me seductively; I felt like tearing off all she had on but I managed to control myself but before I knew it we were on top of each other. Things began to happen but this time, she took control and in just a matter of seconds my trouser was wet – that was when it dawned on me that 'there is a difference between touching a woman and being touched by a woman'. I was ready to continue when she asked me the strangest question that killed all the sexual feelings inside. She said, ‘Bobo, I love you already but have you changed your mind about having me in your life now?’ What do I do now? How do I handle this situation? I need you to please advise me via the comment section below.   #SecretsFromMyPast is a new initiative from www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com. You can send us your own #SecretsFromMyPast; we will publish your story however raw they may be and if you want to remain anonymous like the writer of today’s piece we will not publish your name or contact. #SecretsFromMyPast will come up on this blog EVERY FRIDAY. Send them to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

‘Ololufemi’ Valentine’s Dinner Promises to make you love your ‘boo’ themore



val dinner

Lagos is set to experience the second edition of the widely acclaimed Valentine’s dinner for lovers titled Ololufemi. This is a dinner event for young lovers who are serious about their relationship and intend taking it to the altar (getting married). We present to them an atmosphere of love, fun, bond, make-up while giving them an opportunity of questioning married couple who have stayed married for over 35 years.

Regarded as the best place you can be with your special one in the season of love, Ololufemi is a breathtaking atmosphere of passionate interaction, friendship and love.

According to the organisers, Lovers who attend #OlolufemiDinner don't break-up they make-up and decide never to break-up.”

The event would feature an array of comedian, musicians, dancers and entertainers but much more than that there will be question and answer segment where young unmarried couples will question couples who have stayed married for 35years and couples who have only been married for 5 years. This is to strike a balance and to help the unmarried couples anticipate issues that may arise at the early stage of their marriage and beyond.



Other notable features include classical music, comedy, surprise celebrity guests, 3 course meals, karaoke, love games, insightful talks, questions and answers, networking, interactions, live TV coverage, lots of fun and much more!



Date: Sunday 16th February, 2014

Time: 3pm

Venue: LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.

Couple Pass: N5000 and have a table to yourself.



To register, please call 08058556748, 07066556843

Tweet @OLATUNJISPEAKS

Mail ololufemidinner@gmail.com

12 more months to wait. Ololufemi is an annual event. If you miss out on this year’s valentine's dinner, you have to wait a whole year before the next edition.



This event is an initiative of www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com; Africa's number one daily INSPIRATIONAL site. We hope

that with this event, we can create an atmosphere of love and bond thereby endearing lovers to themselves, engaging

them in games that we hope will remain unforgettable and keep them together for a lifetime.

‘Ololufemi’ Valentine’s Dinner Promises to make you love you ‘boo’ the more

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Slow and steady wins the SEX race - Opeyemi Egbemode

Slow and steady wins the SEX race - Opeyemi Egbemode

It’s ridiculous how often you see articles titled “100 Sex Tips That Will Drive Him Wild.” Most are so dumb, you feel dumber for having read them. Think about it, it’s not really that hard to please a guy, is it?



Here’s what these so-called experts aren’t telling you: with adventurous sex that makes you seem like a seasoned pro, he will “hit it and quit it.” Why? Because the sex feels ‘ordinary’.



Let’s say, hypothetically, that you followed all 100 Sex Tips suggestions. You busted out with the edible lingerie, the bedroom acrobatics, the handcuffs on his legs and hands and you go on all fours with a sexy costume and barked like a dog. The million-dollar question is: why doesn’t it lead to long-term?



Obviously, his objective at first is to jump into bed, your objective is to preserve the possibility of long term and take the long view. And that means there is no need to ride all the rides at Disneyland on your very first visit to the park.



Since no guy hands the playbook over to a woman he’s trying to seduce, I decided to fly below radar and find out the scandalous tricks men use to heat things up.



His Playbook: His first objective is to get past your front door. At the end of the night, he may ask, “Can I use your bathroom?”

Your Playbook: Let him. Then wait with your jacket and shoes on. Don’t even take off one layer of clothing, not even your scarf or hat.



His Playbook: He may do a few tequila/brandy shots and then say, “I’m too drunk to drive, can I sleep on your couch?”

Your Playbook: He’s hoping you will say, “I’m not going to let you sleep on the couch, you can sleep in my bed, but only if you behave.” Instead, bring out the strongest coffee you have, give him to drink and call him a cab. Make sure he doesn’t get past the kitchen.



His Playbook: He may take the platonic approach: “Go change. Get comfortable. Pretend I’m not even here and do what you ordinarily do if you were by yourself.”

Your Playbook: His first observation after you change will be, “Damn. She’s not wearing a bra or underwear.” Then he will say, “Come lie down on the couch. Get a blanket and let’s watch TV.”



His Playbook: Last but not the least, is the cuddle trick: I’ll stay the night and we’ll just cuddle as friends. I promise to leave my underwear on. Scout honor.” Then the story changes: “This underwear is way too constricting. It’s itching me. I have to take them off. I hate when this happens…. do you mind?”

Your Playbook: (Game over) fast forward ten minutes later, “I need to put it in just for a second. I want to know what it feels like to be inside you. We don’t have to make love, just the tip…I promise. And the next thing you know, he’s riding you like a pony.



The nice girls often give in too early and then try to do damage control. “I’ve never done it before. I don’t usually do this with someone I barely know.” When men hear this, they assume the opposite. They call it “The Anti-slut Defence.”



Whenever you hear the word ‘don’t worry’ or ‘trust me’, be afraid…..be very afraid. That’s what the wolf said to Little Red Riding Hood. You should believe everything he says if you still believe in Santa Claus. Whenever a man says, “Don’t worry, I promise to be a gentleman,” what he’s saying is “I can’t be trusted.” If truly he’s a gentleman, he doesn’t need to announce it.



The way to weed out the contenders from the pretenders is to assess their attitude about waiting for sex. If he likes you, he will be happy just being in your company.



REJOINDERS ARE WELCOMED.



Opeyemi Egbemode is a graduate of Theatre Arts from Lagos State University (LASU) and currently works with a top PR firm in Lagos. You can follow her on twitter: @pretty_tessy

Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Value An Accountant Can Add To Your Business

by Chidera Anele

The Value An Accountant Can Add To Your Business

For any business owner of any size and any industry, there are numerous issues to contend with to ensure that your operations remains successful on a daily basis, but none of these issues seem to be more important than the management of the operating policy of your finances.

From bookkeeping to P.A.Y.E (Pay As You Earn), to VAT (Value Added Tax) & other tax exposures; as a business owner there are some financial issues to deal with and with many legally and statutorily imposed, it is therefore incumbent on the business owner to comply with; it is also important to ensure that financial management is done to the highest standard.

The pressure facing business owners is constant, which is why it is widely agreed that outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting tasks to specialist accountants is the most educated and informed decision any business owner can make.

Those new to business bookkeeping & accounting dynamics however may be wondering whether or not engaging an accountant is a worthy investment.

Below are my top tips that will highlight just how an accountant can make a great deal of difference to any business...

Business Increase - The very aim of every business entity is to maintain an appreciable and measurable growth but without the solid financial understanding, this can be a lot difficult to achieve. With the support of a seasoned accountant you can receive valued financial suggestions on money-saving and long-term growth. Knowing whether your business has the ability to move up is crucial. With the help of a professional small business accountant, this couldn't be easier.

Helping With Tax Issues - From PAYE returns, VAT returns & other tax liabilities as well as bookkeeping, the accountant helps in dealing with important issues that arise from this. Unknown to some business owners many of these tax issues arelegal obligations that business owners must comply with.
If you are new to business, knowing exactly what you need to do, the right way to register your business, to fill in forms correctly, and abide by deadlines can be very overwhelming. The right accountant will deal with these issues on your behalf; ensure your business finances are up to date and all forms are correctly filed on time ensuring you avoid the penalties & fines that come with defaulting.

Saving Money - An accountant isn't just the man (or lady) who deals with the taxes. A qualified and dedicated accountant will work to manage your daily cash flow, warn you of any noticeable overspending and plan on reducing your overall tax bill. The right accountant can become a trusted advisor working to save your business money.

Management Of Time - As a small business owner, there are several sides to business bookkeeping & accounting that must be regularly dealt with, and tasks like bookkeeping must be completed daily, ultimately taking up a great deal of your time. As the owner of a business, it is easy to get lost in dealing with the finances. However, by outsourcing your financial management, you can free up your time to focus on other important business management, sales and a range of things that matter even more.

Whether your business is a new business or not, give yourself some breating spacce this year by ensuring you have the solid backing of a financial expert. Investing in professional financial expert could save your business of so many headaches on the long run.



Chidera Anele is the Business Engine Optimizer of Kitemark Solutions [KitemarkSolutions.com] a firm of professional accountants dedicated to providing solid, trusted financial support to start-ups/small businesses.



Kindly follow this blog on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Send us an email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Friday, January 24, 2014

#SecretsFromMyPast: I have a son but my parents don't know!

It started way back in school. Being a jambite is not easy; the thrill, the bling life, the cultism and lots of stress on registration. We all wanted to be cool, we all wanted to be fancy and trust me, having been a day student all my life, knowing you now have freedom with no parent to disturb your peace was very cool.

One hot Monday afternoon, after being disappointed that our history lecturer cancelled for the fifth time, I was angry, hungry and depressed. Then, like a movie, this beautiful babe, well packaged with boobs and the perfect ass passed me by. I was totally amazed and dumb struck. Unfortunately, she fell down flat right in front of me; guess that was because I was staring too much. Like a knight in my shining armor, I ran up to offer her my help then she started laughing and it hit me, I was seriously in love. After that day, we got close and I started flirting with her and she was enjoying the attention, one thing lead to another and we started dating and all I could think of was having sex with her.

Unfortunately for me, I was still a virgin. I had my friends pay a casual sex worker so she could teach me the ions on satisfying a woman and make me feel like a man when my 'D' day comes. She taught me all I needed to know - using a condom and I screamed my whole life when I saw my seed gushing out. My friends teased me for a week because I actually shed hot tears - 'Who said being a man is that easy?'. My 'D' day came, I had set the phase, cleared my room and paid my friend's girlfriend to cook. I just had to impress. She came, after all said and bants, she gave me a deep French kiss which made me nearly cum on my pants. Her hands were doing things on my body and for a second I was like 'who is working who?' But I couldn't stop the pleasure in my brain. She got down and fed on my stick as I kept screaming her name. We had sex for over 5 times and I actually forgot my condom.

I didn't see her for a week, until she came to my house and dropped the bomb shell, 'I am pregnant.' I was shocked! Thought about an abortion but being a catholic, that wasn't an option. Fortunately for me, her dad was late so we approached her mom who perfectly understood. Here I am, a proud father of a 4years copy of myself, and my parent have no idea that their undergraduate son is a father. I just broke up with my baby-mama, but I still feel we are connected. Deep down inside, I knew my girl was and still is sexually more experienced than I am...



You can send us your own #SecretsFromMyPast; we will publish your story however raw they may be and if you want to remain anonymous like the writer of today’s piece we will not publish your name or contact. #SecretsFromMyPast will come up on this blog EVERY FRIDAY. Send them to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com



Kindly follow OLATUNJISPEAKS.com on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Send us an email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to overcome your past and make greatnesshappen!

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to overcome and make greatness happen!

If you are familiar with novels you would have heard of a man called Stephen King; his books have sold over 350 million copies but what many people don’t know is that, his first novel was rejected by publishers for 30 times. Richard Branson who is today the owner of the Virgin empire didn’t do so well in school as he did poorly in tests and never got good marks. Oprah Winfrey has been dubbed the queen of talk-show and one-time richest black woman in the world, but many people do not know that she gave birth to a baby boy who died shortly at age 14. She was abused by her cousin, uncle and family friend before eventually running away from home. Some of the greatest men in the world dropped out of school not because they had a better alternative but because they couldn’t afford school fees.

This is what these men call ‘past’ today; they call it ‘past’ because they have been able to overcome the challenge and move up in the ladder of life. They have gone ahead to take a shot at greatness in our day and the future also looks bright for them also. Here you are still wobbling with a ‘past’ or what I call ‘circumstantial challenges’ (what you are going through today) – it is called ‘past’ my dear. If it is still happening, it will soon be called ‘past’ all the same. Today is the tomorrow we spoke about yesterday; if we allowed our past and present challenge to influence our life negatively, there will never be a testimony of a greater tomorrow.

I have seen men who have gone through issues and challenges in life and still come out tops and I have seen men who have also gone through challenges in life and allowed the challenge to truncate their destiny. The difference between the two men is the choice they made. You can either choose to allow your background put your back on the ground or allow your background spur you to greater achievements in life. Even if you have terminated pregnancies countless times in the past, it doesn’t mean that you will not have great kids as long as you are sorry for your act. Your father, mother, uncle, aunty and your whole family might reed of poverty; it is not an excuse to live like a mediocre. You may never have graduated; it is not enough reason not to have a dream in life. I don’t care how bad your past or present challenge is, you can overcome and make greatness happen.

See you tomorrow!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Fisayo Check: What's love got to do with it...?

Fisayo 'Check' Odebode

What's love got to do with it?

What do we call it? When a person’ happiness is quite essential to your own.

This is our typical world today – huge measure of insanity! Poverty has been licensed, disappointments are everywhere, people are steaming anger over someone or something, people are offended every day (irrespective of you being an offender or not). I walk on the streets, read papers, watch televisions, and engage in conversations; perversion of tongue, thoughts or action is the order of the day, people with paedophilia are the rulers and the most celebrated, the future of our children is seizing from being bright to being blur due to chronic misrepresentation of adulthood by our celebrities, we don’t even know who a role model is anymore and there is massive measure of hate. Hatred now comes in disguise; murder now comes in beautiful-seasonal clothing that you almost do not recognise it. Murder and hate is being revealed in our use of language, the way we run people down with the words of our mouth, in the way we prophesy evil, in our negativity, in our tit-for-tattiness; our tongue being our greatest tool of destruction likewise being our weapon of healing even before we pick up the knife. In our world today, wrong is being painted right just so that a painter can have a job to do and make some money. Just how do we not end up‘madder’ than the situation is already or than the people we criticize?

LOVE!

It is our healing balm. It is our way to victory. If we must solve the problems of our land, what we need is less paper work and more love. If we must solve the problems of marriages, education, security, lack, hate, poverty; love is what we need. In Zion where I come from, Love is an alternative word or expression for a Person. A person you embrace and become like such that your greatest description becomes ‘Love’.

A man I respect a lot, a person I describe as a synonym for ‘love’ – Sam Adeyemi once said that each person has a bit of madness in him but in order not be become as mad and insane as everyone around looks, you have to learn not to react to the insults and negativity the society brings your way but learn to respond in love. If we are busy judging and condemning the enormous level of hate in our society, we will have no time to love. Well, maybe become too bitter to love again.

With love, value for human life increases at a geometric progression and we begin to see human beings as the greatest resource mankind can ever be gifted with. Living and walking in love gives you a reason to learn, innovate, and dream. Little wonder the difficulty of having a Nigerian dream, we have not learnt to make other people’s happiness essential to our happiness because love is a foundational value anyone must have to dream and advance.





Fisayo ‘Check’ Odebode is a writer, public speaker, music addict and counsellor. She is the initiator of Check Counsel Nigeria (a people oriented organization that cares for/helps stabilize children and teenagers in relation to their stage in human development through counselling). You can email her at miispecial@yahoo.com or checkcounsel@gmail.com. You can also follow her @FisayoCheck on twitter.

N.B: You can comment on this post using the ‘Facebook Comment’ option below; scroll down to use!

PrincessTalks: What I do when I experience bitter 'envy' moments!

PrincessTalks: What I do when I experience bitter 'envy' moments!

To very many people the word 'envy' is associated with the "seven most deadly sins" but taking a deep look around there isn't anybody who hasn't experienced such bitter moments, the very moment when what you lack stares directly at you or the moment you learn of someone else’s success where you have failed or someone else’s beauty when you are scared of what you look like. Basically it is not about the feeling but how well you control that feeling. Most times people lash out once they are hit by the ugly surge but it is nothing a deep breath can't handle.

Envy develops from our own insecurities, fear and anger over the prospect of failure but instead of being envious we need to realize that something depressing can also be sober moments that teach us where it is we are holding back; that direct and shows us where we have been struck. Rather than get angry that someone else is succeeding, you can try reflecting and figure out where you are hitting all wrong and possible solutions on how to better yourself.

We consider envy as the problem while the actual problem is how well we deal with it, rather than channel envy to hatred, anger, bitterness we can dwell in it and let it be an inspiring force, look inside for something positive and hold onto. Rather than hate consider the person as a role model, a mentor to help you get to your goal, and above it all - you just have to love yourself for who you are, what you do and for your family without that self love, there will always be that negativity around you, that sense of being inferior.
If you truly want to channel that ugly feeling 'envy' into a source of inspiration, a source of strength, you start first by accepting your own short comings without beating yourself over it.



Written by Obi  Adayaeze Princess – Follow her on Twitter, @adayaeze | You can send a mail to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com for enquiries.

N.B: You can comment on this post using the 'Facebook Comment' option below; scroll down to use!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

#SecretsFromMyPast: My first SEX-perience!

#SecretsFromMyPast: My first SEX-perience!

So there was this babe I had always known but we weren’t so close. I could tell from every meeting with her that she liked me. I had often asked myself why she did like me but I wasn't able to find an answer to the question. After a while, we were on talking terms and she would call me ‘sweetheart’ and as a gentleman, I would retaliate with the same word or take it a little higher by calling her ‘sugar’ or ‘honey’ – it’s just a little flirting; don’t we all do that sometimes? Forgive me if I'm wrong.

I liked this babe too but the truth is, I didn’t see her as my own 'Mrs'; she wasn’t the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. To many people, that shouldn’t have been a problem at all; I was supposed to just play along, then ‘chop and clean’ mouth but I grew up believing that wasn’t fair on ladies and I wasn’t ready to be part of the 'movement'. So there was this day I saw her going home from work and she said, ‘Good Night’ while she shook my hand. I didn’t know the spirit that came over me that day; I didn’t understand why I said what I said but I remember saying to her ‘Is that how you will greet your sweetheart Good Night?’ She came back to give me a hug and to my amazement, a kiss... ON THE LIPS! Wow! Are you serious? That felt good but I also felt very bad after she left. What am I doing? Why did I say that? Why did I allow this to happen? I wasn’t particularly sad about what happened that day but at how I would be dealing with the situation from that time on.

As a result of the 'free kiss', I thought about this babe and I was drawn more to her; I knew it was wrong but I couldn’t help it at the time. She came visiting once but there were too many people around. We had less than five minutes alone with ourselves and as though we were both waiting for the opportunity, we kissed again. This time, it was longer, sweeter, passionate and beautiful. Chai! I am officially a bad boy. We heard footsteps down the hall and we separated. As she made to leave, she invited me to her home and without hesitation I accepted the invitation but as she left, I became sober and began to condemn myself. I felt I had taken advantage of her, I shouldn’t have let this whole thing happen in the first place. I couldn’t afford a visit to her home; how would I be able to control myself? Sex, which I dread the most will definitely happen – I have to find a way to decline this invitation.

She called me that night to tell me how she enjoyed every minute spent with me and of course, I replied with the same kind of words. I didn’t want to hurt her or make her feel bad but I was looking forward to sitting down with her and discussing the situation we found ourselves. I realized from our discussions and the answers she gave to some of the questions I asked her that she understood perfectly that we were not in a relationship; we were only sexually attracted to each other. Wow! This was a new understanding of man and woman relationship for me – I had always thought you should be sexually attracted to the woman you intend to marry. It happened that I had been living in a different world. There is now what we call friends with benefits. Am I ready for this? How can I stop this if I am not ready for it? I must confess to you that the thought of having a woman who believed she was not in a relationship with you and yet ready to go physical with you sounded like a very good idea to me; the problem was my ‘faith’. My belief of that is 'fornication' and as much as it was enjoyable I wanted it to end.

I reluctantly visited her at home that fateful day. She made me one of my favorite meals but I told her I was filled. We disagreed over the matter until I had to take some. I actually found her cooking delicious. Then she told me she was going to have her bath. Right where we were sitted together, she removed everything on her while using a towel to cover her body. 'This is the temptation of the highest order', I muttered to myself. I focused on the movie I was seeing on the laptop. She made her way into the bathroom but by the time she was out of the bathroom the ‘Spirit’ had excused us and the flesh was in full manifestation. I stood up to hold her. She was shy, she would be totally naked but I didn’t care. In a matter of seconds, our lips were locked together and we kissed voraciously as a lion starved of food deals with a prey. Kiss was definitely not the only thing we did but I will leave that to your imagination before we corrupt this blog, lol.

The problem was that, I couldn’t go all the way. I wanted her, I liked her, she was pretty, she was a good woman but she wasn’t the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. She still adores me till tomorrow and sometimes I ask myself, 'Why can’t I even marry her'- I just don’t see her in that capacity. This is the story of the day I almost had sex, and after the whole scenario, I told myself that if I was sure I didn’t want a thing like that then I shouldn’t start it in the first place. I wish I followed this lesson because what happened at another time is something you don’t want to hear… Maybe I will share it next week.



#SecretsFromMyPast is a new initiative from www.OLATUNJISPEAKS.com and you are free to send us your own secrets from the past.  We will publish your story however raw they may be and if you want to remain anonymous like the writer of today’s piece we will not publish your name or contact. Send them to olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

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Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to live ready for opportunities

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to live ready for opportunities

Some years ago, I heard the story of a pastor from United States of America who came to Nigeria to preach at a ministers' conference. After his ministration, he decided to sponsor most of the pastors to his country but the condition was that they must have their international passports ready. Ninety nine percent of the pastors at the conference didn’t have an international passport at the time and that was how they lost the opportunity of travelling to their dream country.

Opportunities come to us in disguise every day but we must have been consciously living ready to maximize them. What are the goals you want to achieve in 2014? Most of them are achievable if you consciously decide to live ready. If one of your goals is to become a millionaire this year but you still make few thousands, then part of living ready for opportunities is saving a sum of money regularly so that when a business opportunity shows up that can make you a million naira over a limited period of time with just #250 000, you will maximize it and not lose such opportunity.

I have friends who come to share brilliant ideas with me and I ask them what they have already to commit to the idea themselves. The response is usually that they don’t have anything and that makes me wonder if we are truly serious about what we want to achieve in life. The difference between the guy who started after you and seems to be making more progress than you are making is the fact that; although he started late, he was preparing for the day a BIGTIME opportunity will show up and when that BIGTIME opportunity did, he maximized it. Some of us should have been proud owners of real estates and landed properties already but because we were not living ready for opportunities; we were not preparing for days when someone seems broke and decided to sell a land worth #750 000 for #200 000 and before we know it, opportunity passes us by.

Now, this isn’t about money only but I used money as an example because most of us can relate more to that. Some people will have the opportunity of studying abroad only if they are prepared by taking a TOEFL exam. Some people will get the opportunity of getting a job that will pay in six digits monthly if they live ready by getting a masters degree and taking a lot of short courses on their field. Some people's opportunity will show up while they are volunteering for someone else’s project.  You must be doing something per time that is preparing you towards your life objectives. Your opportunities will always show up but it will be wise of you to live ready for them so they can be well maximized!





I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Monday, January 20, 2014

Why are you multi-talented if you won’t impact the world with yourtalents?

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Why are you multi-talented if you won’t impact the world with your talents?

This topic is something I am very passionate about as I get to talk to a lot of people who are asking for what they can do with their time when what they can do is actually staring at them in the face; they cannot just put a hold on it. I hope this piece will help you solve the puzzles of your life, put the pieces together and figure out how you can begin to bless your world with your talents.

It is my personal view that everyone God created has a gift if not several gifts; but many people fail to see it as what it is. On my birthday, I received a phone call from a lady who sang a Happy Birthday song to me and I was like, ‘Wow! This is Voice’ (in Yoruba, we would say ‘ohun leleyi’); that is a gift. I wish I could sing, I would have probably ‘toasted’ all the babes in the world with that voice but God knowing my intentions decided not to add that to my list of gifts. The reason why you have the gifts that you have is not so that you can use them for your benefits but so that you can bless and impact your generation with them. I believe Tiwa Savage has that voice so that we can hear her and want to fall in love. I believe Fela Durotoye has that speaking gift so that people like me can listen to him and be challenged to follow our dreams. You have that gift for impact not for personal use.

So what are your gifts? You must sit down and use a pen and a paper to list them out – some people can sing, dance, write, speak, act, plan or organize, paint, compose, etc.  I am talking about natural gifts and not acquired skills (I will address this in the next piece). Why do you have a voice if you won’t join a band or go into the music studio? Why can you write if you won’t write for this blog or even start your own blog? Why can you speak if you won’t impact and teach your generation?

You have that which you have for a reason and it is time for you to identify the purpose for having it and begin to work on it. The world is waiting to hear that voice; the world is waiting to see that event you will plan; the world is waiting to read that book; the world is waiting to hear that speech – the world is waiting to be challenged, inspired, and impacted by you!





I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': The story of the rich man and his threeservants #MondayInspiration

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

3servants

There was a certain rich man who had three servants. He was travelling on a long journey and he decided to invest in his three servants without letting them know that it was an investment where he expects a profit. He called his first servant and gave him 5000 dollars, he gave the second 2000 dollars and he gave the last one 1000 dollars before he travelled. The three of them discussed amongst themselves on what they should do with the money the master put in their care. The first one decided he was going to start a business with the intention of doubling the money, the second one thought that was a good idea but the third one thought that would mean they are helping someone else become rich instead of enriching themselves first; he decided he was going to keep the money in safe and give it to the master when he returns.

It took some years before the master returned and when he did, he called his three servants into his office and inquired from them what they had done with his money. The first servant had made more than double of the money he got from the master. The master was elated and he decided not to collect the money from him anymore – he told him the money was a gift and he too had become a master from that day. The second servant too had made so much money from the business he invested the money into and the rich man said the same thing to him. The third servant could not believe that the master actually had the plan of settling them up in business; he told the master that he thought his intention was to use them to make more profit and become richer and as a result he had kept his money in a safe. He told him that he should give him a little more time so that he could also invest the money somewhere profitable but his response infuriated the rich man and he collected his money from him and gave it to those who made profit from what they got.

There are so many lessons from this story but the one that is pertinent to my heart is ‘service’. An average employee in Nigeria believes that his or her employer is enslaving them. Nobody wants to work for free in other to gain some knowledge. You hear them complain when they resume at work and hear them grudge when they close in the evening. An average person believes that as long as he or she only gets a salary, the owner of the company is the one making all the money and therefore he/she cannot be working for another person to be rich. But what most of us don’t realize is that, for every position you occupy, it is a privilege for service and to sharpen your skills. It is an opportunity for you to grow and develop into a business owner yourself. It is an avenue for you to practice what you will do or not do when you eventually start your own business.

What position do you occupy now? It doesn’t matter if your boss or leader is treating you right or not. What matters is if you are doing everything as though you are the owner of the business; this must be your daily goal in any position you occupy – you are not doing it for your boss or leader but yourself. You are teaching yourself responsibility, accountability, excellence, and quality value. This is the attitude of the one who will become a leader some day.



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to sell yourself or your business andmake it popular!

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to sell yourself or your business and make it popular

As some of you may know already I am presently planning a valentine’s lovers dinner (‘Ololufemi’) for young couples who are serious about their relationships and intends taking it to the altar; it is our own way of creating an atmosphere of fun and excitement that we feel is lacking in most Christian relationships thereby curing the boredom they might have been experiencing; that is besides the point. One of the best RnB musicians I know (although upcoming) will be at that dinner and while we were talking I asked him if he has a business card but his reply signifies that he is still on it; that shocked me.

I wasn’t shocked because he doesn’t have a business card because a lot of people in this country who claim to have businesses don’t have one but I was shocked he doesn’t have a business card because he is an upcoming artiste who has a classic video to one of the best RnB songs I have heard in recent times, his plans is to rule the airways and be put in the same class as Asa and yet this guy does not have one of the simplest means of publicity – business card. You cannot be winking in the dark and expect us to cheer for you; we can’t see you, thus it is impossible for us to applaud you – this goes for every one reading this piece; if you want to sell yourself or business and make it popular you must start with that little means of publicity we call business card.

What do you do? Are you satisfied with the level of success you command at what you do? If your answer is ‘No’ then you must ask yourself another question, am I doing enough to promote what I do to more people? One of the ways to do this is through business cards. For example, if I am an upcoming artiste who has recorded some very good RnB and conscious music, I will look for every opportunity to perform at dinners, corporate events, private clubs and shows – I will go along with my business cards and when I am done performing, my manager or the Ushers will help me insert my business card on every table in the hall – that way more people will get to know my name and have my contact; they won’t hesitate to call me when they have an event that someone like me fits the bill.

Whatever business you do, your business card can sell you. Make as many business card as possible; share it at every occasion where you have offered your service; there is something called ‘pareto principle’ – it states that twenty percent of every effort you make is what will count – that means there is a likelihood that twenty percent of those who got your card will reach out to you for more jobs – this is how to sell yourself or your business and make it popular.

See you tomorrow!





I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Are you ready to advance to the next level? Attend THE QUANTUM LEAPSUMMIT #QLS2014

Are you ready to advance to the next level?

Do you know a strong desire is not "strong enough" for you to fulfill your dreams?

Do you know 90% of new year resolutions are forgotten within the first 90 days of the year?

Do you know what most people call their goals for a given year are not really goals?

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Are you ready to overcome the challenges and obstacles "standing" on your way to success?

Are you ready to advance to the next level?

If you answered YES to all or any of these questions; I've got good news for you...

This year can be your best year ever!
You can create the 2014 of your dreams!
You too can hit your targets and reach your goals in life, business, career & finance!

Your answer is here at THE QUANTUM LEAP SUMMIT #QLS2014

On Saturday 25th January • 11:00am Prompt
@23 Adeniran Ogunsanya, Opposite Visafone, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

• Akintola Samuel
(Host; #QLS2014, Lead Strategist; GATES Academy & Senior Pastor; GATEWAY CHURCH)

• Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda
(CEO; Ecclessia Consulting, Host; Move Your World Conferences & Senior Pastor; HarvestHouse Christian Centre)

• Ayo Ajani
(Creator; "Men, Money and Markets" & Senior Pastor; Petra Christian Centre)

• Remi Dairo
(Nigeria's Foremost Productivity Coach & Expert and CEO; Solvere Consulting)

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(Founder & CEO; The Multi-Dimensional Czar Cadara Brand)

• Ayodolapo Ajao
(CEO; The Education Hub Africa & President; D818)

WILL be empowering people just like you with the tools and strategic principles needed to

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': Everyone was born to be great; it was yourchoice to remain small

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': Everyone was born to be great; it was your choice to remain small

I have been looking forward to having at least three days personal retreat where I can reflect on my life and the big dreams I am about to venture into; I want to be sure that my ambition is not the driving force; I want to be sure that I heard my inner witness correctly and I am suppose to venture into this new world ahead of me. Today, I happen to find myself alone with no distraction whatsoever and decided to maximize it. As I laid down on the bed thinking, the title of this piece struck me - ‘everyone was born to be great; it was your choice to remain small.

You were born the same way I was born; there was no special difference. You either came out naturally while your mother was being asked to push or you came out through cutting a part of your mother’s tummy – in any case you were born. This means that we all have a shot at greatness in life. Although some were born into riches while others into poverty but riches do not make people great, choices do.

Muhammed Ali had won four titles when he was drafted in America as part of the people to be trained as soldiers for the ongoing war. He refused to be part of the war based on his faith and personal convictions; his religion does not permit him to kill and go to war. As a result he was stripped of all the titles he has won, he was not able to work and make money for four years, and he was going to be sent to jail. At that time his refusal to be drafted to war means he has broken the law.

Let us do a bit of reasoning together, if Muhammed Ali had accepted to be drafted and gone to war he would most likely have been killed, maimed, or left psychologically imbalanced forever; that means we would not have been able to refer to him as the greatest boxer on earth. In his speeches he wasn’t shy about calling himself the greatest but he was aware that talking the talk won’t make him the greatest but acting the part by making quality decisions in life. Every decision you make in life will either make you a great man or leave you a small man. The quality of your decisions today will determine the quality of your life eventually. For instance, you can either marry a potential president today or marry a potential prisoner – it all depends on the choice of who you choose to marry today; the irony of the matter is that we do not have an idea of what the future holds and as a result we make bad choices but if you are smart you will analyze your choices today before you make them because they have the potency to either make you great or make you small.

Greatness is a choice and it is obvious in everything you do daily. Nelson Mandela decided to serve as President of South Africa for only one term and as a result he became the greatest icon in our world. My father decided to marry my mother and he ended up having four children from a broken home. Every choice you make will either leave a dent on your future or make your future awesome. Make great choices in your everyday life. You must ask yourself if the decision you are about to make has been carefully analyzed and will have a positive or a negative influence on your greatness while leaving sentiments aside; If you are sentimental about destiny decisions you will be sentenced to the den common men and am sure you don’t want that.

See you tomorrow!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to become the world best player in life!

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': How to become the world best player in life!

It was a sad evening for me as the generator stopped abruptly while I sat down to watch the Ballor’ d’or gala. I was rooting for Christiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid Football Club to lift the trophy. I had always been a Ronaldo fan since Jose Mourinho became his coach and I wanted nothing else other than him taking the crown as the world best footballer for 2013.

While the generator was off and I had tried all I could to turn it back on but to no avail I laid down on my ‘mat’ to ruminate over the life of this footballer. He had been nominated for eight times, he has won it only once and in the last four years he has consistently been the first runner up behind a younger Lionel Messi of Barcelona Football club. In all of these, what I find most interesting is the fact that he never missed any of the award gala even when it was obvious that he was not going to be given the award. His sense of belief and faith is second to none. He believes that he is the world best footballer and he doesn’t care whether you agree with him or not.

How many of us will still believe in the success of a thing if after five to six years we have not been able to achieve it? Usually we give up after the first or second try; one of the constant laws of success I know is Persistence! If you do it long enough, you will make it there in bunch. Christiano Ronaldo, although much older than the younger Lionel Messi never used that as an excuse and decided to reduce the quality of what he brings to the table as a footballer instead he is playing better today than he was playing when he started. You cannot expect to get a Mango tree in one day – you must constantly water your planted seed before the tree eventually spring forth. You cannot expect to start today and become famous tomorrow, it takes time.

Whatever it is that you want in life, if it doesn’t happen fast enough, don’t give up yet. It takes those who are persistent in their effort at achieving greatness to eventually achieve it. It is time for us to stop expecting greatness only after the first, second or third try. If it takes you ten times before greatness beckons, keep at it; as long as you are sure that the goal you are after is a worthy one. Don’t give up now – keep on keeping on.

He finally won the coveted award on Monday, Jan 13th 2014. The above explanation is how to become the world best player in life!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Tomi Sule: Blessings of a Pot Belly!

Tomi Sule

Blessings of a Pot Belly!

Some days ago, on my way to work, I heard a very shocking, seemingly trivial but heartfelt confession. “My tummy is too flat, this dress will show how flat it is and people won’t be expecting that…” In Africa, this would be every woman’s dream, as the likelihood to develop an ‘eba, amala and pounded yam’ induced-pot-belly from early childhood is very high.

I remember the teachings of Miss Ufuoma, my primary 2 teacher, or is it primary three now? I am really getting old (yea right, I’m not even middle aged yet!)

Anyway, Miss Ufuoma taught us the classes of food, and the diseases caused by deficiency of these foods. There was a big poster on the wall of our classroom with a boy with a football sized belly caused by kwashiokor… That poster was a constant reminder that we were not to eat too much carb, and anyone who had a slight pot belly was called ‘kwashiokor!’

Now even with the modern trends, many women actually pray for ‘pot bellies’- the married ones that is. The ‘pot’ belly I am talking about is the adorable ’9 month old blessing that women call their greatest bundle of joy. I’m sure you get the point but if you don’t, ask your mother. When a lady gets married, the next thing everyone starts observing is her tummy. People keep looking below her belt to see if there is a bulge. Now the lady in question has an adorably flat tummy that would make even Kate Moss go green with envy. Now the thing is, she wishes she had an actual pot belly and does everything she can to mask it rather than show it off. Crazy? Not exactly. The lady is married, and everyone has been expecting her tummy to bulge. I overheard her confessing that she wished she had an actual pot belly, so people won’t stare so much with sinister looks on their faces when they looked at her tummy.

It’s painful when a woman dangles between hope and anxiety, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step back. Hope propels one in the direction of goals; anxiety does nothing but pull people back. That is easy for me to say, I wasn’t in her shoes. I didn’t say anything that day, I wish I did. I wish I told her to hold on, that all things work together for her good. I wish I told her that her miracle is on the way and she will soon be carrying her ‘esteemed’ pot belly. But I just sat there tongue tied.

I can’t boast of knowing the anxiety of ‘expecting’ mothers, but I do know that all things work together for good, and if we keep believing all that we hope for will come to us. A very renowned lady in our church who we fondly called ‘Anty Julie’ has been married for relatively 25 years with no children and she just took in…talk about a modern day Sarah!

This isn’t just dedicated to those seeking babies; it is dedicated to all who have long waited the fruition of their expectations. We all have something that we have all been waiting for, hoping for and praying for. What is your ‘pot belly’? Keep feeding your faith with confession and positive expectation, place a picture of what you expect in front of you and look at it every morning in thanksgiving.

Lift your head up, your expectation is around the corner, I can feel it!





Wife, Mother, Author, TV Presenter and People Developer; TOMI SULE-EMMANUEL is a creative mix of passion, purpose and odd genius. She and her husband are both based in Randburg – South Africa, from where they are passionately affecting lives globally, everyday! Check out her blog, www.tomisule.com

Monday, January 13, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’: Disappoint all those who look down on you!Create the life you deserve #MondayInspiration

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Disappoint all those who look down on you and create the life you deserve #MondayInspiration

I met a beautiful young lady yesterday by the name Adebisi. She grew up in a large family, broken home where she experienced wickedness at the highest level. She was beaten, punished and her self esteem was battered. She was made to work and serve every other member of her family. She has tried her hands on almost everything you could think of; she has been broke, jobless, ‘schooless’ and hopeless but there came a time in her life when she had to fight back and take from life what she believed she deserved. It wasn’t going to be easy but I’m glad to announce to you that the problems of yesterday had become a history as at yesterday.

Your Family Background Regardless

Your family may be poor but that is not a ticket for your own poverty; you should not accept your family’s poor background as a norm and a standard for your life. Somebody said, ‘your family’s background should not put your back on the ground’. Don’t fall the same fate with your father (if his story is not palatable).

Create your own path

The greatest men in the world are men whom despite their difficulties in life have decided not to be put down; instead, they have created a new path that have inspired others. Ali Baba created his own path, and today, there are thousands of people in every corner of Nigeria who call themselves StandUp comedians. When you create your own path in life, you have succeeded in becoming a legend!

Disappoint those who looked down on you

Adebisi has grown from that young lady that was pitied by her friends due to the untold hardship she was going through. She graduated from YabaTech and also studying Mass-communications at the University of Lagos. She works with a top brand management firm in Lagos and one minute with her will leave you challenged. As I thought about her story, I couldn’t help but notice that she disappointed all those who looked down on her and went ahead to create the life that she deserve.

I want her story to inspire you today; don’t allow your family background to put you on the ground. Create your own path in life and disappoint all those who looked down on you.

See you tomorrow!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': This is the proof that you will overcomeyour challenges #SundayPie

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': This is the proof that you will overcome your challenges #SundayPie

This piece was suppose to feature yesterday (Sunday) but my internet connection didn't allow me (an excuse). Pardon the delay!

A friend recorded a voice note with her sonorous voice and sent to me. In the voice note I picked out the words, ‘anytime I see another breaking of the day; I say Thank you..’ and without wasting time I sent her my reply, ‘Thank You’. I said ‘Thank you’ to her not just because she deemed it fit to send me the voice note but also because that early morning voice note communicated a strong message to me. Life is full of challenges – there’s the wife who has challenges in her home, there’s the student who has challenges with school works, there’s the father who has challenges in providing for his family, there’s the young graduate who has challenges getting a job, there’s the young woman who has challenges starting a business, there’s that young person who has challenges keeping a relationship for more than six months, there’s you who has challenges raising the money needed for a project, there is the pastor who has challenges increasing the number of his congregation, there’s someone who has challenges dating the wrong people, there’s someone who has challenges with finding the woman of his dreams – we all have our challenges, some more than each other but every time you see another breaking of the day, I want you to remember that it is only a matter of time before your challenges become a thing of the past.

Every day you wake up from your mat is an indication that you have the capacity to sleep on a bed someday. The only person without hope is a dead man. As long as you are still alive and well you can still achieve great things in your life. The next time you wake up in the morning and all the challenges of your life rush to your mind, look at where you woke up, look up to your creator and say to yourself, “this situation is only temporary; it’s just a matter of time’.

So what exactly are the challenges you are facing in life? If you didn’t have breath would you be facing those challenges? Challenges of life are a proof that you are still living. If you live on earth without having challenges your life is as good as dead. The challenges in your life are signals that you are living and not dead. As long as you have life it is not over yet for you.

Go out there and face your challenges heads on! You will have a testimony today.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

WHIZKID: Meet the 9-year-old girl who passed her WAEC exams (PICTURED)

WHIZ

by Akan Ido

Nine year old Anjola Victoria Batoku is not your regular girl trying to fit in with her peers; this brilliant student in fact has her sights set far higher than her mates. Batoku recently made news when she sat for, and passed the November/December 2013 West African Examination Council (WAEC) papers where she attempted English and French Language, a feat which is nothing but remarkable. She is the 9-year-old girl who passed her WAEC exams.

In this interview with the Sun Newspapers, Batoku gives reasons why she attempted the exams, her love for learning, and the tole of her parents in helping her achieve such feat.

Read excerpts of the interview below:


I am aware you wrote last GCE exams. What was your experience during the period?
I studied a lot during the period of the exam. I even had to study books that were for SS3 students. I also studied the oldest past questions of the GCE examination that I could lay my hands on because the older the questions, the harder they are.

How did you register for GCE considering your tender age?
I burst into tears when the computer rejected me as being too young to register for GCE.  I had to increase my age by five years before I could register for the exam.

What was the impression of other candidates at the exam centre?
No one believed that I was a candidate let alone give me the opportunity to write the exam; not even the examiners allowed me into the exam hall until I passed the biometric test. Some candidates were mocking me, others called me names “over-ambitious girl, wait for your time”.

What was your Exam registration number?
My Exam number was 5250802098

How old were you when you registered for the exam?
I was eight years old when I was preparing for the exam. I was eight when I wrote the French Oral exam then I clocked 9 before I wrote the English exam.

GCE is a tough examination for a child of your age. Was it very easy or very hard?
It was actually easy but the difficult part of the English exam was the summary aspect.

What were your grades in the exams?
I registered for seven papers but only wrote two, English and French because I readily had teachers in those two subjects, dad and mum. I made C5 in French Language and C6 in English Language.

Did your school participate in grooming you for the examination?
My school was not aware I was writing the exam. But what I learnt from school also played a part, so in a way, my school participated.
Even my parents got to know about my registration for the exam after my brothers helped me complete the process. My parents who are both Lawyers felt it was a daring joke considering my age but decided to groom me for the exam. The had degrees in English and French respectively before reading Law.

How old are your brothers?
They are 17 and 14.

What do you think will encourage you to do better?
If I get a scholarship into a good secondary school, it will encourage me greatly to excel because I will feel fulfilled to have stepped into my mother’s shoes. My mum won a scholarship when she was my age. I am currently preparing for entrance exam into secondary school and will so love to follow my mother’s footsteps.

Why did you write only English and French?
I wrote only English and French because by the time I made up my mind to register for the exams, time was not on my side. I had teachers in those two subjects only: mum and dad.

Do you speak so much French? How did you make C5 in French?
I don’t speak much French but my dad does. He had first and second degrees in French before reading Law. I am the former Miss French of my school. Every year, my school organises a French day and “Miss French” and “Master French” pageant is the main event for the day. I am always involved in any French related activity in my school. I am the current Head Girl of the school.

Was French easier than English? Why did you perform better in French than English?
French was not easier than English, but interestingly, I had more confidence than ability in French and the reverse was the case in English. I love French. I am an active member of French Club in my school. Daddy always told me Paris is a beautiful city. I heard of the famous French proverb “See Paris and die” and I wish to see it one day.

Did you receive special lessons in preparation for the exam?
Yes I did, in a way my dad who is a bilingual lawyer and a former French teacher was my French teacher and my mum who is a Chief Magistrate was my English teacher.

How did you feel when you passed the examination?
I felt very happy when I passed the exam but I was a bit disappointed by the result because I expected B2 or B3 in English Language.

Which secondary school do you wish to attend?
Any good secondary school will do. I am currently preparing hard for entrance exam into the Lagoon Secondary School or Atlantic hall, School, Lagos. I may try Entrance Exams into some other secondary schools.

Do you have a social life?
Yes I have a social life. I love dancing. I win best dancer’s competition at most birthday parties and social functions.

How do you relax?
I play games on my dad’s ipad. I relax by watching television or swimming. I also enjoy reading storybooks and science encyclopeadia.

What do you want to become in future?
My dream is to be a medical doctor in the future, if possible be the youngest medical doctor in the history of Nigeria.

What do you think of the age limit of candidates in GCE exam?
I think limiting the minimum age of writing GCE to 13 is unfair to our youth. I think it is a barrier for young people who want to try their luck because we hear of people abroad who are admitted into university at age 9.  I appeal to concerned authorities to look into possible change of the age limit of GCE candidates to allow the country break or set new world records.

If I am willing to write GCE at age 9 why can’t I be allowed to try my luck? After all, GCE is a private examination, not a school based exam.
Recently, a 10 year old Nigerian passed Microsoft Professional Exams.
If the youngest medical doctor in the world is 17 at what age did she write GCE to qualify at 17?

The youngest professor ever (Alia Sabur) became a professor at the age of 18. She became an undergraduate at age of 10. She got her first degree at 14 from New York State University.

How soon are we expecting Anjola to try the complete subject?
I hope to pass Entrance Exams into Secondary School. I am working hard towards it. I will continue reading and preparing because I may write GCE again when I am 13 years old, when I attain the official age for writing GCE.

What message do you have for children of your age?
I advise children of my age to cultivate the reading culture and be ready to learn and show seriousness in their studies because having the right attitude is better than hard work and knowledge. When there is a will, there is a way.

We don’t know how she did it but she did it….parents
Little Anjola’s father Mr. Desire Olufunmi Batoku, who could not hold back his excitement, said he cannot explain how she did it. “I could vividly remember the day she rushed to us and said that she had registered for GCE. I know that she is daring but never knew that it will take her to that length.

“It was then I got to know from his brothers that they had actually registered her and did the biometrics. Just to encourage her, we advised her to seat for just two subjects, English and French. Reason been that I studied French in school and her mother who is a chief magistrate studied English as her first degree and could help her to go through past question papers.

“Surprisingly, she hardly comes to us to help her but rather prefers to read on her own during her spare time. Since it wasn’t meant to gain admission, we did not put pressure rather helped her whenever she pops in with questions.”

What have they done that could have made her to standout in her academic, Batoku who runs a Bilingual Lawville chambers in Lagos said: “I guess one of the reasons was because she was fed with only breast milk for 5months. Another factor could be that of the time we dedicated in putting her through her education at a tender age.

She is exceptionally brilliant and her school can attest to that.  If she scores 58 out of 60, she will tell you that she has bad news. She loves to be challenged and has excelled so far. But this breakthrough is another chapter in what I never knew she could do at a tender age.”

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': I thought this was all going to be rosy …now I know better

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

notrosy

On the first of January 2014 I started a series I tagged #Jan1st-Jan5thSeries on OLATUNJISPEAKS.com, it was suppose to end that day (Jan 5th) and I was suppose to resume my weekly column which we called #MondayInspiration but as fate would have it, I got inspired by some books, people and inner witness I came in contact with at that time and I challenged myself to write one article per day through the year 2014. That plan has been going very well until now; today I wished I didn’t announce publicly that I was going to write a piece everyday – I know people who don’t wait for my update on BBM or even wait for the mail to be delivered to their emails before they visit the site daily and now I have to keep up with this for the whole of 2014.

I thought this was all going to be rosy… now I know better. Today is a typical example of how challenges will come at our visions and dreams in life, how things will not go according to plan and how we will wish we never dared to dream big in the first place but I need to remind you that everything may not go as smooth as you have envisaged. Challenges will come but those who are serious about greatness will turn challenges into a stepping stone just as I am doing now. Those who intend making greatness their first name few months from now will expect the ‘unrosyness’ and will still make things happen.

You must have it at the back of your mind that your plans will not be as rosy as you may have planned but if you want it enough, you can make it happen. It is time for you to have a list of DAILY NONNEGOTIABLE TO-DO list. You must have between two to five things that you must do every day for the next one year; ensure to add the things that matters most to you. As for me, my list include, writing one piece daily, reading 2 chapters of the bible daily, listening to one message/speech daily, and reading at least one chapter of a book daily; everything else I want to do in a day is what I call ‘others’ – these daily nonnegotiable to-do list is more important to me more than the ‘others’ because those things are the essence of my being – create your own and by doing so you will find a strategy to always make your dreams work as you will be working on them daily.

See you tomorrow!





I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

The money I make from Glo and Diamond Bank is better than brandambassadorship - Bovi tells it all on TheLeak [Video]

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

bovi

Nigeria’s leading Success website, SoarNaija.com is thrilled to announc e the launch of its ingenious video segment – theLeak.

theLeak is an innovative, engaging and enriching vlog series where carefully selected achievers recount and reveal the true stories
behind their successes.

Since its debut in 2009, SoarNaija.com has been at the forefront of sharing empowering content, success secrets and latest opportunities to its teeming readers spread across several African countries, with overwhelming feedbacks of transformed lives.

“Just anyone can succeed if he cares to know and do what it takes because the secrets of great men are in their stories,” said Isaac
Oladipupo, founder of the website. “Leveraging the internet, our focus is to increase the number of empowered young Africans above the weaklings so as to restore greatness in our continent.”

Below are links to the first series of theLeak where ace comedian Bovi Ugboma reveals everything previously unknown about his alliance with Basketmouth, endorsement deals, future plans, meeting his wife and much more.

The money I make from Glo and Diamond Bank is better than brand ambassadorship - Bovi tells it all on TheLeak [Video]

Part One

http://youtu.be/DSNU6pp7k2I

Part Two

http://youtu.be/vUYal32_6PQ



Friday, January 10, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': Instead of grumbling and complaining; here'san alternative

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend' grateful Don’t be an ingrate! Someone said you may not have everything you want but God is the reason why you have not lost everything you have. I know that society expectations and pressure forces us to forget the things that are working in our lives and we tend to give in to grumbling, believing that things are not working as they should. That is not the best route to take – you need to be grateful for what you have. Instead of grumbling and complaining; here's an alternative. I was surfing the internet yesterday when I saw the picture of a man in Thailand whose whole body was covered with tumor, the tumor was like thick boils and it covered every part of his body, to the extent of blocking his nose and eyes; as a result, he can no longer see properly. What was his story? He had a single tumor some six months ago and the doctors advised him to remove it, he agreed and removed it. Six months after, the tumor began coming back in different sizes and shapes till they covered his whole body – the picture was so bad that I almost puked on my laptop. When I think about this man, I realize that his dream is not to own a car, a house, a wife, a business or even become successful; he would simply love to get well and be good. Many of us are hale and hearty; we have no boil, no fever, no headache and we complain everyday about our present condition – it is because you are healthy that’s why you remember that your living condition is not befitting. Try to take a stroll into Yaba (left side) or General Hospital and you will discover that as much as there are still many things you desire in life that you don’t have yet, there are still many things to be thankful and grateful for. It is time for you to look beyond your present challenges. I understand how you feel and I also desire that all your needs are met. I know that you are getting old and you need a wife or a husband, I know that your friends are buying cars and you are still living with a friend, I know that you want o start that business but things are looking hard, I know that the babe you desire most in the world is giving you a very hard time, I know that you want success and some also want greatness – I know because we all want these things but don’t let what you don’t have stop you from being grateful for all that you have. Take a moment to say thank you to your creator today, for all that you have; take a moment to look around your life and take note of people with worse situations than you are in. Take another moment to observe the things that are working in your life and if you can, type a deep grateful message and post to your Facebook account, Twitter account, LinkedIN account; post in the Facebook comment segment below, BBM status or broadcast it – tell somebody else the need to be grateful. As you do these, I believe light will shine in your heart and strategic ideas to move from your present level to a higher one will begin to come to your mind.

See you tomorrow!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to inspiring you to greatness. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend': I heard a voice saying, “You have read otherpeople; it is time for people to read you”

Gabriel Olatunji

I heard a voice saying, “You have read other people; it is time for people to read you”

Several years ago, I was lying down on the couch of my mentor, thinking about my life, complaining and grumbling about my present condition. I had a bad experience that day and sadness had enveloped me like ant envelopes sugar. I asked myself if this was how I would continue to live my life, if this was how I was going to end up in life, if I will ever amount to anything great in life, if I would ever be able to influence people positively and wondering if I will ever be able to author a book like my mentor. This incident happened over 7 years ago, and as I kept grumbling to myself in the dark I heard a voice say to me, ‘you will become a publisher, and you will publish truths that sets free’ – this sentence invariably means “You have read other people; it is time for people to read you”.

Light came to my face, I was excited, sadness was gone and joy had enveloped my heart. Although still on the couch but I was dancing and jumping in my heart; I had found purpose, I had found a calling and I had found an assurance that my life was not just a waste of time. It took me a while before I fully understood the import of that statement but this morning as I thought about what to write today and I decided to surf the internet, read broadcasts of people, read tweets, read blogs, articles, bible, listen to a message, read facebook posts (I have done all of these this morning) – a very gentle nudge came to me with the title of this piece, “You have read other people; it is time for people to read you”.

This is my message to you this morning, you have watched other people dance; it is time for people to watch you dance. You have heard other people all your life; it is time for people to hear what you have to say. You have screamed and cheered for celebrities; it is time for you to make people scream and cheer for you. You have been at the receiving end in life; it is time for you to move on to the giving end. It is time for you to step up your game and change the tide. You can no longer afford to be a spectator – it is time for spectators to pay to watch you do your thing.

However, you cannot give what you don’t have. It is impossible for people to part with their hard earned money to watch you when you have nothing to offer. If you don’t stage a tournament, don’t expect an audience. If you don’t dance well don’t expect applause. If you don’t impact destinies don’t expect a standing ovation. If you do not catch fire don’t expect people to gather to watch you burn. If you do not give something to your world, the world will take what you have in exchange for what they give to you.

You must develop yourself and make up your mind that in 2014 you will not only watch people do things, people will watch you do great things.

See you tomorrow!



I am Gabriel Olatunji ‘Legend’ and I am committed to 'inspiring you to greatness'. Follow on Twitter: @OLATUNJISPEAKS | Email: olatunjispeaks@gmail.com

Lara Kudayisi: Who will marry a single mother? I was viewed as wayward,one who has a child to show for it

Who will marry a single mother? I was viewed as wayward, one who has a child to show for it

A baby brings with it joy and excitement to its parents, loved ones and the world at large. However at other times, when unplanned for and unexpected, it brings with it uncertainties and depression. It alters the plans, ambitions and purposes of either parents or most especially the mother’s. It makes such a parent want to rewind and wish so many times that it never happened. The regret of having unprotected sex and even being so careless to allow that baby grow unexpectedly becomes very unbearable. There are so many times you wished you lost the pregnancy, so many times you wished the ultrasound scan reveals the child is dead; after all, it most likely resets you to before baby state. Single!

Who will marry a single parent? If you are a single father, it might be easier but for a single mother, you are labelled for life and might have difficulties in getting married to a guy who had never had a child or married. You are viewed as wayward, one who has lost her way and has a child to show for it. Unknown to many, if you were that wayward, you would be smart enough to prevent that baby from coming unexpectedly. This is my story; this is my burden, my cross and my crusade. This changed my life forever and how I suffered and went through so much pain searching and longing for love in the wrong places and with the wrong people. Whew! It wasn’t easy but I found happiness, I found joy and peace and I want to help someone do the same.

Rules for Single Parents

1) Declare your assets: Do not go into a relationship with anyone without declaring your asset, which in this case is your child. This could cause a heartbreak and disappointment from the other person. Tell them from the start about your child, let them calculate if they can marry you or not. Not everyone can marry a single parent and please do not hate them for this. It’s a huge task and responsibility that not everyone can handle. I made this blunder a lot times thinking I wanted the guy to love me for me without any encumbrance then later, I could tell him the greatest secret of my life. Of course, this usually signaled the end of that relationship and it left me wiser.

2) Love is not enough: This may be true for most relationships but this is a standard rule for a single parent. You can’t just fall in love like others; you have to calculate your cost more. Your relationship should go beyond love; find out if this person can tolerate your child and even be a parent for him/her. I am not saying you marry or date someone who you have no feelings for, but do not marry that person solely for love. Marry them when you can see a future which your child would be mostly comfortable.

3) Be slow to introduce your child: Though meeting your child can help solidify your relationship with your spouse especially when there is an affinity between both of them. However, it’s safer not to introduce your child officially to this person for the sanity of that child. Having introduced so many uncles and aunties to your child, s/he might get disappointed if some hopes and love have been around that person and then, a break up. Please be sure that relationship is heading somewhere serious before you expose that child to the world.

4) Gun for total acceptance: Please make sure your spouse accepts that child totally. This could be hard but it’s in the best interest of your child. S/he never begged to come to this world, so do not make them suffer for your mistakes. Marry someone who will accept your child totally without segregating him/her from the other children you have together. If possible, let your child live with you because that child needs a balanced home to grow up in; not live with some old relatives or in a faraway boarding school. Also, know that no one can take care of your child like you can hence the need for him/her to live with you.

5) Always put your child first: Before making the decision to go on a date or be in a relationship with someone, always put your child first. Will this decision favour him/her? Will it hurt him/her? Especially when you eventually want to settle down with that person, please consider your child in all of it. Will this person make a good mother or father for them?

6) Be a good role model: Be a good role model for your child in everything you do. I know being a parent happened to you unexpectedly and you still have to live your life, but please know that you are now the number one mentor for that child. You are mentoring him/her unconsciously in everything you do, so please choose wisely what you do in their presence. Make sure your spouse will make a good role model for the child.

Never forget to live your life to the fullest, always remember that your child is God’s gift and a help to you in years to come and give him/her the best treatment you can. You deserve the best, do not settle for less.



Written by Lara Kudayisi-Emerald! Check out her blog, www.shatteredglassng.com

This piece is published with the permission of Lara Kudayisi-Emeralds. Follow Lara on Twitter: @LaraKudayisi