Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential Election: Who’s Victory- The people’s or Merchants'?

While celebrations are ongoing on what may be termed the mother of all electoral victories in Nigeria, critical observers including my humble self are lost in thoughts of whether or not Nigerians made the best choice? Or perhaps did not even have any choice at all to make? Is this a victory for democracy and the economically underprivileged Nigerians? Perhaps, it may just be a victory for the ‘Merchants of Political Power’ (MPP) and ‘Dealers on Second-Hand Knowledge’ (DSK) both within and outside Nigeria. It may even be better qualified as a victory for articulated conspiracy against a ‘personality’ rather than a political ideology- which all ethical electoral system attune to. Whether this is a gain or pain will be answered in four years of irretrievable journey.

Frustratingly, it will be a collective punishment, if it turns out to be a pain, as whatever the vanquished suffers, will also be suffered by the victors and vice versa. Even though there could be benefit differentiation at some point, especially where the gains are channelled to the victors and the pains to the vanquished. This is not anything new in African politics- am sure it must be the unpopular ‘Rule 101’- a philosophy that is premised on punishing people and groups that did not support you during an election. This and many other genuine reasons may have been the concern of most persons who settled for the candidature of Goodluck Jonathan, not necessarily because he outperformed previous presidents, but merely because he showed that will to love, live and work with all Nigerians. Wherever your lot falls- I plead with you to take it in good faith; but I should perhaps pre-empt groups and individuals in the new opposition, to anticipate the best, while prepared to face the worst humiliation. I will not be surprised to see differential treatment for religious leaders and their denominations for showing support to Goodluck Jonathan, or some personality assassination and witch-hunting of individuals who were firm to their political choice of the incumbent President.

I am however, overtly perplexed at the humility and political maturity displayed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in this election- if only Buhari had exhibited anything close to this in previous elections no Nigerian would have ever died in the name of ‘post-presidential elections violence’. At this point I like to call on all supporters of Goodluck Jonathan to take this result in good faith as well, and ignore any provocation by those purporting to be celebrating a ‘personalised victory’. It is also important for the acclaimed winners to behave appropriately and respect the political wishes of others. To my friends and others hurting by this result, please be comforted with this bible quote ‘we know that all things work together for good, for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8: 28). Again, this is not the time for Southern Nigerians to think of avenging past electoral misdeeds remember in the words of Jesus ‘those who live by the sword will die by it’ (Matthew 26:52) because love heals faster!

Goodluck Jonathan is a man with an enviable personality whether in victory or not. He has been labelled with all sort of unholy names, provoked in several ways to anger, but he chose the path of tranquillity and peace. His gentleness was presented to the world as weakness and political incapacitation. His ancestral home was degraded to its lowest ebb ever and made a platform for mocking minorities in Nigeria. His tribe and kinsmen were socially degraded and his region disrespected in multi-dimensions, even though they are responsible for generating over 85% of the country’s income. Yet he did not incite them to defend his course. When he chose to act from a justified personal conviction he was acclaimed to be a prodigal son by some of his political godfathers who expected him to bow to them even as president. Not even his private life was spared- as his wife for overt reasons became the act for social media and some sort of step down jokes at public speech making. In all these deliberate provocations he remained unperturbed. Having the opportunity to manipulate electoral process to his advantage, he chose to uphold the true independence of the system as it should. He may not have been the messiah we seek, but this gentleman deserves the respect of Nigerians and the international community. Goodlluck Jonathan has laid that foundation for true and fair elections in Nigeria. He may not have been born a political schemer or "maneuverer", but he is indeed a gentleman per excellence. Like most past leaders, not much of him will be missed or admired now until years to come.  

Perhaps, there is always an element of a good lesson to be learnt, from every situation. One of such is the impact the ‘Merchants of Political Power (MPP)’ and the ‘Dealers on Second-Hand Knowledge (DSK)’ (i.e. peddlers of political hypocrisy as social media campaigners) can have on election results. These phenomena have proved to be a viable selling product in today’s politics.

One sure thing in the entire process is that true and genuine change is yet to come. The cross carpeting of politicians across Nigeria’s political parties, portends new danger for democratic norms in the country. Invariably the dominant traits in today’s APC are inherited genes from the PDP. If political analysts have blamed Nigeria’s economic backwardness of the last 16 years to the PDP led government, then there is little or no hope for Nigerians looking at the current composition of the APC. Although the main outcomes are to be seen in a couple of months from now as the party attempts to form a government. However, allotting the loot of the election’s victory may pose new problems to the APC as the debate of who or which (i.e. personalities or regions) gets what, how and when will either make or mar it.

As I conclude, I know the real pain for some would not be the shift in power, but the embarrassment of facing people they bad-mouthed in the build up to this election. I indeed can understand, but there should be no hard feelings now, it is time to mend broken hearts and rebuild partnerships. Nevertheless it is time for the establishment of a real robust and well-articulated opposition. Not one built out of religious/regional alignment or personal desire for who will get the most ‘likes’ or ‘favourable comments’ on social media but based on every single promise made by the APC during the campaign process- these include logical and illogical promises.

While we hope for the best, knowing that Nigeria belongs to all of us. I expect to start seeing media analysis of the cause and effect of this victory. Some questions I will wish debated and perhaps answered include:

i.            How evenly distributed is this victory along ethnic and religious lines as compared to 2011? and Has it changed our voting preferences?

ii.          Have we entered a new era of king makers or as I have termed them MPP in Nigeria?

iii.        Will this victory bring an end to insurgency in the North?

iv.          Is the end of corruption in sight?

In all Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is my HERO of the moment.  I salute your spirit sir and stand with you now and in the future. Wishing you a blessed and prosperous political-trouble-free life after May 29.

Olayinka Moses

Written with tears in my eyes

VALEDICTORY MESSAGE FOR 2013/2014 GRADUATING STUDENTS

VALEDICTORY MESSAGE

2013/2014 GRADUATING STUDENTS

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING, UNIVERSITY OF JOS

Preamble

It is customary of me to deliver my traditional valedictory speech and host you to a trifling refreshment today. Even though, that will not be happening, despite how much I had wished the opportunity was available to deliver this speech physically and officially announce my departure. But as you now know, I have commenced my academic training leave enable me complete my PhD studies. Today may not be the last day of examination in the school, particularly for part time students who are about to commence theirs; nevertheless, do permit me to officially deliver this message today!  I will however, suggest you read it in two ways (i) if you are still writing more papers or about to start your examination just scan through the message now and thoughtfully read it only when you have finished all your papers, and (ii) if you are done with your entire examination- you are allowed to read and share it as many times as you wish!

I am absolutely happy and full of cheers today! First it is my second daughter’s birthday (Olanike- who turned four) and second your day of graduation in principle! Surely it is a thing of joy to be alive to see the last day you finally step out of the University campus. You are indeed blessed to have made it to the finish line! Just before I make any further statement, please pause and observe a minute silence for those who started this journey with you and are not here today to share in the joy of finishing.

(…..may their souls rest in peace…)

Before you go……..

One thing you must drop, before you leave the gates of the University is bitterness! Seek the forgiveness of everyone your errors of omission or commission has hurt in these past years on campus and if possible make sure they forgive you before leaving. And to those that made life difficult for you while on campus you must also forgive. You cannot tell, this may just be the last opportunity both of you may have together.

As I have always affirmed, Lecturers are not necessarily people with the best of brains, but the privileged few with the task of imparting behavioural change. Hence to say I was perfect in all my decisions for the period we worked together will be a gross overstatement! As such permit me to hanker your forbearance. You can be sure that everything was genuinely done for your good and that of the system.

The Road Ahead!

Life is in phases and you are about entering a new one starting today. While neither of us can exactly predict what is ahead. I urge you to be positive and never discount your dream for fear of failing. Real failure exists only in not trying. If you try, you will succeed at it; even if it means trying severally! Be anticipative of the best, while equipped for the worst.

To suggest things will always go well- is to hallucinate. Life’s pedestals are stiff, slippery and highly unpredictable! Whatever, becomes your lot in life be bold to stand firm and deal with it. Once life begin to carry you through its roller-coaster of turmoil please go down on your kneels- there is an amazing power in prayer! And second, like I do as well; identify that music or song that calms your nerve and play it severally until get your right spirit back! 

DON’T EVER GIVE UP CHEAPLY!

Champions are crowned for the challenges they win and not the ones they elude.

Choose to live when faced with the threats of death;

Choose to Love when hate is the appropriate response to your foes;

Choose to create when the norm is to destroy;

Whatever the price, make yourself a distinction!

Never allow the world’s definition of ‘impossibility’ keep you from achieving your dream!

Do not just dream big my friends; dream luxuriously!

Do not only reach for the mountaintop; reach for the stars.

In all ‘guard your mind with all diligence’- you may have heard it before, but I must repeat it:

“Nothing is as powerful as the minded”.

My utmost desire as a Lecturer is to see my students excel and become greater than me/us their teacher(s). I charge you therefore, to reflect on all you have learnt from us as your lecturers and use the very best of them only. But be the very original version of yourself. Set your goals for the next five years at least and run with your vision. In the coming days, commit to more learning by reading motivational books. Seek mentorship and practical work experience by volunteering time to a good course.

Stand for truth at all times!

Avoid repeating your mistakes of the past.

Develop yourself as an honest and committed nation builder of our country.

Never use the accent, religion or colour of a person’s skin as a basis for judging them.

Your vision and latitude in life will become petit and overtly profane if you choose your associates based on their religion, tribe, gender and most often as some Nigerians do-for their wealth or fame!.

It is said that “to whom much is given much is expected”. In our society, however to “whom nothing is given something is still expected”. This will soon become your experience as people who contributed nothing to where you are, will soon show up for their share of your success- be ever willing to give them a portion in any way you can! More importantly is the task the society will place on you- demanding values it did not necessarily imbibe in you (i.e. asking you to be honesty, when indeed the society rewards dishonesty). But you must thrive to live above board at all times.

Jealousy and envy will only hamper your progression in life.

Worse still is peer or sibling rivalry.

Be happy for your succeeding mates and show concern to your struggling peers!

With hard work and dedication you will always reach your peak.

In closing

Although, I enjoy an exceptional hospitality that is garnished with extreme academic and social comfort here in New Zealand. I still remain a strong believer in the Nigerian dream and will be back at the soonest possible time to continue what I love doing best. I hope to meet you in gainful and productive engagements on my return. I know some would have become fathers and mothers by then- which is indeed welcomed, so long as it is legitimate! I will sincerely want to come and meet some of you as colleagues in Department of Accounting. So begin to prepare yourself for the job of an academic if you have passion for it.

Finally, May the Lord preserve you in perfect health and peace.

May He cause His favour to shine upon you and bless the work of your hands!

Till we meet again remain good ambassadors of our great nation.

Am ever proud of you and surely will miss you all!

Once more Congratulations!

Olayinka Moses

School of Accounting & Commercial Law,

Victoria University of Wellington,

New Zealand

olayinka.moses@vuw.ac.nz

+642335565 

Valedictory Speech for 2012/2013 Graduating Students

VALEDICTORY SPEECH DELIVERED TO 2012/2013 GRADUATING STUDENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING, UNIVERSITY OF JOS.

I want to thank God first and foremost for this great opportunity to address another set of graduating students of this distinct Department. I suggest we celebrate this day in self-effacing retrospect for all who started this journey, but are not here today to share in this joy. You will agree with me that March, 10^th 2014, is not an ordinary day, as it will remain in our memories for a long time. Today, I want you to carefully remember and acknowledge the people you met, the lessons learned, the tears shed, the laughter relished, and the memories made in your over four years journey as a student of the Department  of Accounting, University of Jos. 

It actually seems like yesterday, when you first reported to school as new arrivals! Been privileged to serve as your first level coordinator I remember vividly how most of you looked back then. Am however proud today to say we have been able to pattern and nurture you into full grown graduates who are capable of taking their career to the next level. Perhaps I need to remind you that your exit from one system signifies your entry to another. As you start another phase of your life today, please endeavour to first of all forgive yourself of all mistakes you made on campus, and absolve every other person of any offence meted against you while in school. You cannot tell, this may just be the last opportunity some of us may have together. Hence, seek genuine forgiveness from those you have hurt- as I have always said- before you leave this campus please “settle all debts, mend all the hearts you broke (if possible) and leave as a free fellow”. The last impression your course mates and lecturers have about you will stick with you for the rest of your life, except you are privileged to have another chance to undo it.

Lecturers are not necessarily people with the best of brains, but the mere privileged few with the task of triggering behavioural change in people. Hence to say I was perfect in all my decisions for the period you spent with us will be grossly incorrect! I will sincerely crave your indulgence as well, if any of my decisions was unpleasant to you, but you can be sure of one thing- it was genuinely done for the good of the system.

For your journey ahead, continue with all the positive values you have learnt from us while on campus. Develop the never-give-up spirit, be positive minded and never lose focus of your dream. Be hopeful for the best, while prepared to face the worst- champions are crowned for the challenges they win and the ones they elude.

The downside of my speech today, is that twelve months or more from now you will all be ready for the labour market. However, only about 40% or less of you, going by our national statistics will eventually be employed. Others will have to look for disadvantages in our society and turn them into opportunities to earn a living. A few more will need to horn their God-given talents- which has no correlation with their certificate to earn a living. Wherever, your lot falls don’t be agitated, because you will still rise to the top if you faint not.

We may by our schooling system have labelled you wrongly by the class of degree you will eventually earn, but you have the right to prove the school system wrong! If by our ‘not-completely-perfect’ assessment you are classified as a third class or even something worse you can prove to the world that the schooling system did not assess all the potentials within you by making ingenuous and first class contributions to the society. As Ralph Waldo Emerson affirms “do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail”. The entire world seeks persons with distinct skills; you must not go by our benchmark, you are licensed after today to set distinct and higher standards for yourself. Steve Jobs a distinction himself has this to say “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice; and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Please never allow the world’s definition of what is possible keep you from achieving your dream! After all, strange dreams (like Joseph’s) are difficult to believe at first. Do not only dream big, dream luxuriously! Do not only reach for the mountaintop, reach for the stars. Remember, it is safer to dig your well before you are thirsty!

Fellow colleagues- as you will be referred to in few weeks from now! As you climb the success ladder choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your families who will celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change.

In the coming days, commit to more learning by reading books that will help widen your horizon- you can begin with “Mastering Your Destiny by Chuks Maduadi”. In addition seek mentorship from persons you are convinced have verifiable track records. Let Integrity, Honesty, Selflessness and hard work be your drivers.

Remember to contribute to your Department and University when it is financially well with you. Cherish your classmates and carry each other along for as long as you can. Respect and honour people you meet in life, you can’t be sure who you will need next. Permit me to share in closing the same words I shared with your predecessors last session; as affirmed by Williams Shakespeare “Parting is such a sweet sorrow”; it is sweet because I know you must go for the greater tasks ahead and a sorrow because I will surely miss every moment we shared together.

I pray, the Lord keep you in perfect health and peace. May He cause His favour to SHINE upon you and bless the works of your hands. Till we meet again in other facets of life remain good ambassadors of our great Department.

God bless you!

God bless the Department of Accounting!!

God bless University of Jos!!!and

 God bless our great country!

Thank you

Olayinka Moses

THE ARCHITECT’S MIND

You can hardly build anything in isolation. One man’s dream could be a whole generation’s work to accomplish! 

As affirmed by Ed Rowell “A dream is a better future in need of an architect who will show others how to make it a reality.

It may just be smart to outline your vision for 2014 this early in the year in order to enlist the desired support you need. Conscripting the support of the appropriate team can be a daunting task particularly if your dream is an uncommon one!

Again, people do not just follow anyone for following sake- they must be convinced in the vision and dream the fellow is pursuing. Remember to write your vision out clearly for easy understating and execution.

What Next!

i.                    Enumerate your vision for the year 2014 and beyond?

ii.                  Don’t just make a mental guess of it; carefully list and write them out clearly;

iii.                Can you accomplish that dream alone?

iv.               If your answer is not in affirmative for (iii) above; humbly enumerate those you think will be required to accomplish the task;

v.                  Enlist the support of your vision helpers;

vi.                Begin today to move the vision forward, every single step and action is vital in the accomplishment of a dream.

Thought for Today

For the vision is for an appointed time……though it tarry….. it will surly come to pass!

SUSTAINING THE CHANGE

Thursday 2^nd January 2014  

To really sustain new values, one must wittingly unlearn negative habits to acquire new ones; just as we need to gracefully unfriend some fellows for the new life we wish to live.

If you take stock of your acquaintances, you may like me sample a few who have over stayed their welcome! I don’t mean to belittle anyone by this; but the good book asks in rhetoric “if two can walk together without agreement?” Emphatic no, will be the obvious answer!

Hence carefully seek to know who and whose company you need in 2014. No self-deception here-a person can only add value or deduct it from you.

Knowing who you need this year

I may not know who you need in specific, but I can help you identify those you do not need! Use the checklist below to provide the answer yourself:

i.                    Your top 3 partners in all mischief and regretful acts;

ii.                  Those folks whose company encourage your depravity;

iii.                Persons who hurt you at ease or without remorse;

iv.                Those who do not share in your vision and dreams

v.                  Those who remind you of your errors and failures in life!

Thought for Today

The gain of holding on one more year to a failing company is equivalent to a two year loss!

This may just be the day to delete some phone numbers and erase some memories!

BEGIN THE CHANGE TODAY

Wednesday 1st January 2014

New Year Day! 

Every first day of the year begins with the traditional New Year Resolution for most people. The challenge has never been the choice of the resolutions to make for the year but will to keep them throughout the year. In the remaining days of 2014 you can sustain your planned change by simply developing the will to alter and modify the attitudes you considered as counterproductive to your success in 2013. 

Change can be very difficult yet inevitable. To avoid the change necessary for growth and success is to accept the consequences that comes with repeating your past errors.

Steps to the new Change

i.                    Identify the attitudes, lifestyle and practices that did not deliver your desired results in 2013;

ii.                  Specifically list persons, places and situations that cause or are responsible for the items listed in (i) above;

iii.                For each negative vice/element identified in (i) above make a direct positive replacement;

iv.                Consciously begin the change today by attempting to practice all the positive values listed in (iii) above and

v.                  Don’t try to pretend about it seek help both spiritual and otherwise where you need one.

Thought for Today

Refusing to change in 2014 what failed for you in 2013 is an admission to last year’s results!

Happy New! 

Begin the Change Now!

BETWEEN THE “EGO” AND “I”

BETWEEN THE “EGO” AND “I”

Preface

The current industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if anything positive at all, has offered me the ever longing opportunity to see the small but sensitive issues of life in a whole new perspective. I have been spending the unplanned free time with a mentee (Godwin Agweyi) who has actually being a thought provoking company. In a bid to maximize the time available we embarked on some special readings –both spiritual and secular. One of such readings turned out to be a book I read in the past, but this time my study seems to be revealing more facts about life than ever before. Perhaps am reading the book from a more relaxed position than I ever did. The idea I will be sharing is culled from the first chapter of Fulton Sheen’s 1950 work titled “Lift up Your Heart”. A book his reviewers’ hailed as Sheen at his best and I also concur with.

Our struggle with false Duality of life

The lives of the two self cannot be lived simultaneously. If we attempt to do so, we will suffer remorse, anxiety and dissatisfaction.  Candidly if true freedom is to be found within ourselves, the ego must yield itself to our true personality, but the seeming self is a familiar companion to some persons that it cannot be easily dropped, nor is it of any use to tell them that this superficial self has no legitimate place within them. Like an unwanted part of a plant, the false ego must be cut away and pulled off for the real personality (the I) to surface unhindered. Surely, this is a process that involves detachment which will always have the elements of pain and some indignity attached!

The attribution of a natural man depicts a false duality when the ego dominates his live. This ill character waxes better as we subtle exhibit, unwittingly its inherent properties. When ego gains a stronger ground over the true I in our lives the followings becomes evident:

Ø  We blame little faults in others, and excuse our great offense;

Ø  We see the mote in our neighbour’s eye, and not the beam in our own;

Ø  We wrong others, and deny that there is any guilt;

Ø  Others do the same wrong to us, and we say that they should have known better;

Ø  We hate others, and call it “zeal”;

Ø  We flatter others because of what they can do for us, or what we hope to get from them and call it “love”;

Ø  We lie to people and call it “tact” or “smartness”;

Ø  We slowly deny the rights of God in public and call it “prudence”;

Ø  We selfishly push others aside and call it “getting our just rights” or perhaps being the “sharp-guy”;

Ø  We judge others, and say we are “facing the fact”;

Ø  We refuse to give up our life of sin, and call anyone who does so an “escapist”.

Ø  We overeat, and call it “health”;

Ø  We pileup more wealth than is necessary for our state in life, and call it “security”;

Ø  We resent the wealth of others, and call ourselves “defenders of the downtrodden” or “liberators”;

Ø  We deny inviolable principles of law, plant our feet firmly in midair, and call ourselves “liberal”.

Ø  We begin sentence with “I” –and condemn our neighbours as bore for wanting to talk about themselves, when indeed we want to talk more about ourselves;

Ø  We legitimize the new ruin of family life by divorce-and say we have to “live our own lives”;

Ø  We believe we are virtuous-merely because we found someone who is vicious;

Ø  Our sloth and laziness we call “living sensibly”;

Ø  We disguise our psychological reluctance to genuine work by clamouring for a social system in which the President of the country or the political class must do everything;

Ø  We want so much love, that we forget to love others;

Ø  We nurse our own troubles so much that we fail to see the issues of others;

Ø  We possess money, and therefore think that we have worth;

Ø  We acquire certifications and call those who did not make it through school “academically lazy”;

Ø  We define others failure in life as a lack of ingeniousness or creativity;

Ø  We call our success the product of brilliance, hard work and dedication;

Ø  We criticize others unjustly, with the excuse that they should know the truth about themselves;

Ø  We judge our virtues by the vice from which we abstain. Perhaps since we do not smoke all smokers must be on their way to hell;

Ø  We boast of the tinsel wrapping on the box of our lives, and call it “glamour”;

Ø  We refuse to make our minds about anything, and boast that we are being broad-minded.

I cannot literally exhaust the list of life’s issues that represent us as the false personality we though project to the world and are truly not. These are the temptations to which we are all prone when we allow the ego in us to become supreme.

Those who glorify the ego, or the seeming-self, often develop a vicarious interest in solving problems that do not concern them, as a substitute for tackling their own problem of selfishness.

I really wonder if our contemporary interest in other’s horror stories is not an admission that millions of us feel the need to solve important personal problems; but rather than facing the riddles of self, which are indeed difficult, we shift the problem and study baffling events of other people’s life instead.

The man who has horrors tormenting his own soul may like to hear of greater horrors in others or to see them on the screen, in order that he may for a moment forget his own hell within; and in some cases create a self-righteous persona of the events around him.

In talking about others we ask subtle questions such as:

Why doesn’t he/ her recognize his or her faults? The obvious reason is that the “he” or “she” been referred to here has never practiced self-introspection- a state of inner personal cleansing and inspection. Their ego has obscured their I; hence egoism has drowned out their personality. On the other hand, those who see the faults of others are sometimes-not-always unconsciously revealing their own weaknesses; for how can one of us say of another “she is jealous” or “he is arrogant” unless we already knew in our hearts how it felt to be jealous or arrogant. 

As I studied the works of Sheen further, I knew he had more to write than was printed. But beyond his chastening of the false identity in us, our every attempt at judging our neighbours’ particularly for self gratification is in its self a self-revelation of our weaknesses!

The very touchiness and sensitiveness of some people about themselves, their violent way of reaction to criticism, is an indication of how much they protect their false ego and how little courage they have in daring to let their real self stand the light of day! This is even so because the “ego” and the “I” or the superficial self and the real self are related as the husk to the seed, thus the “I” is not revealed until the ego is removed! A mango does not become a tree until the outer covering pulp is shed and the seed is set free to grow!

As I conclude am reminded of a statement a friend once made-that if it was possible to sit at a balcony and watch ourselves pass-by we will surely say crazy things about how we look, walk and even the way we exchange pleasantries!

Dear friends the moral in the whole piece is for us to uninstall the self-gratifying personality in us and install the true and real us. Seeking to heal the wounds of others at the detriment of our sores will worsen our case. Some real elements of humility practically applied can be of real help. If I must advice further before you make you next critical assessments of your neighbour please check through the list above to be sure your intent is right! Again, we can begin by scanning through the categories of egoism listed above to delete those that do not apply to us and attempt at correcting those we are preys of.

Till I have another opportunity of writing to you in this manner please struggle to develop the real you (i.e. the “I”). Live your life in constant self-introspection and as much as you can esteem others more than yourself.

Thank you

Olayinka Moses