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| Celebrity Blogger Gbenga Dan Asabe with Nigeria Rap Act, MI |
We resumed our
discussion on Moniplexes after my Mentor had shared some personal
experiences with us. He suddenly fired a question at Dele. “My friend, I want you to be as frank as
possible with me on this question. If you are not sincere in your answer it
would be like the case of a patient who misinforms his doctor about the
symptoms he noticed in his system. Of course, you can guess the outcome!
discussion on Moniplexes after my Mentor had shared some personal
experiences with us. He suddenly fired a question at Dele. “My friend, I want you to be as frank as
possible with me on this question. If you are not sincere in your answer it
would be like the case of a patient who misinforms his doctor about the
symptoms he noticed in his system. Of course, you can guess the outcome!
“What was your motive for coming to London? What
drove you here? Was it money or the desire to realize your career goal? And let
me ask you this: Assuming money is not going to be a problem again, I mean if
God says He will guarantee your financial prosperity irrespective of the career
you choose, would you still work with your former employer if he offered to re-absorb
you?”
drove you here? Was it money or the desire to realize your career goal? And let
me ask you this: Assuming money is not going to be a problem again, I mean if
God says He will guarantee your financial prosperity irrespective of the career
you choose, would you still work with your former employer if he offered to re-absorb
you?”
I was waiting
for what Dele would say. My Mentor also paused, waiting for Dele’s
answer. But something strange started to happen. Tears started to ‘stream down Dele’s
face. He wasn’t far away from sobbing out loud. I was a bit surprised at the
turn of events.
for what Dele would say. My Mentor also paused, waiting for Dele’s
answer. But something strange started to happen. Tears started to ‘stream down Dele’s
face. He wasn’t far away from sobbing out loud. I was a bit surprised at the
turn of events.
“Don’t worry. Just go ahead and pour out your heart.
Allow God to do the healing”, my Mentor soothed Dele. I felt a little bit
of unease myself. Eventually, Dele regained his composure, wiped
off his tears and began to speak.
Allow God to do the healing”, my Mentor soothed Dele. I felt a little bit
of unease myself. Eventually, Dele regained his composure, wiped
off his tears and began to speak.
“Sir, I believe God is using you to address an issue
of concern to me. Let me be frank with you sir. I came to London twelve years
ago not to achieve any particular career aspiration. I was driven here from
pressure at home—the need to make money and be able
to assist my relatives. I was particularly scared that with the way things were
going, I might not be able to take care of my mum before she died. I wanted to
make money by all means even if it involved washing corpses, which I did for
some time. But I was lucky I got a good job early enough. As my wife said, I
made good money, but I was not fulfilled. I realized that I had a passion in
something else other than the job I was doing. I feel more at peace with myself
anytime I am behind my piano composing music. At a point, I lost interest in
the job. I was not concentrating. So, I was not surprised at all that I was
sacked. I saw it coming. Honestly at that point, I wanted to return to Nigeria,
but I was thinking of the embarrassment I would face going home without money
to do what I would like to do. I resorted to drinking and partying just to
suppress the deep sense of emptiness I felt in me. What I am saying sir, is
that even if I am asked to resume on a salary twice what I was earning, I won’t
go. I want to do something meaningful with my life. I particularly long to go
back to Nigeria”
of concern to me. Let me be frank with you sir. I came to London twelve years
ago not to achieve any particular career aspiration. I was driven here from
pressure at home—the need to make money and be able
to assist my relatives. I was particularly scared that with the way things were
going, I might not be able to take care of my mum before she died. I wanted to
make money by all means even if it involved washing corpses, which I did for
some time. But I was lucky I got a good job early enough. As my wife said, I
made good money, but I was not fulfilled. I realized that I had a passion in
something else other than the job I was doing. I feel more at peace with myself
anytime I am behind my piano composing music. At a point, I lost interest in
the job. I was not concentrating. So, I was not surprised at all that I was
sacked. I saw it coming. Honestly at that point, I wanted to return to Nigeria,
but I was thinking of the embarrassment I would face going home without money
to do what I would like to do. I resorted to drinking and partying just to
suppress the deep sense of emptiness I felt in me. What I am saying sir, is
that even if I am asked to resume on a salary twice what I was earning, I won’t
go. I want to do something meaningful with my life. I particularly long to go
back to Nigeria”
“What dampened my spirit the more was
when I saw a former Deputy Managing Director of a mortgage firm in Nigeria,
engaged as a security man in a shoes shop in the United States; I also
saw a few professors from top Nigerian universities doing menial jobs. Before
travelling to the U.S., I had distinguished myself as business writer and
reporter. I had obtained my Master’s Degree and obtained relevant training in
financial journalism. I was just wondering if I was going to throwaway all my
experience, all the good will I had built, bury my dream of becoming a
journalist of repute and begin to work as a waiter”
I
could read a sense of relief on Dele’s face. “Thank you for being honest with yourself”, my Mentor said. “I
asked those questions for a number of reasons. Our God is a purpose-driven God.
He created everybody to achieve a particular purpose while on earth. You can’t
find satisfaction until you discover God’s purpose in your life and begin to
pursue it with all your strength. Money cannot give you satisfaction. Your wife
cannot either. Material possessions cannot answer to your true happiness. You
only find satisfaction by staying in the centre of God’s assignment for your
life. That is the only thing that matters in this world really”.
could read a sense of relief on Dele’s face. “Thank you for being honest with yourself”, my Mentor said. “I
asked those questions for a number of reasons. Our God is a purpose-driven God.
He created everybody to achieve a particular purpose while on earth. You can’t
find satisfaction until you discover God’s purpose in your life and begin to
pursue it with all your strength. Money cannot give you satisfaction. Your wife
cannot either. Material possessions cannot answer to your true happiness. You
only find satisfaction by staying in the centre of God’s assignment for your
life. That is the only thing that matters in this world really”.
“I think I should ask my friend if he would not mind
to share the experience he shared with me some time ago. It will throw some
light on my message”
he concluded as he turned to me.
to share the experience he shared with me some time ago. It will throw some
light on my message”
he concluded as he turned to me.
I was a bit
taken unawares and hesitated a bit. “Do
you want me to share it on your behalf?”
my Mentor asked when he notice my hesitation.
taken unawares and hesitated a bit. “Do
you want me to share it on your behalf?”
my Mentor asked when he notice my hesitation.
“No”, I said, “let me share it directly”.
The Story of my
story
story
I began my story. “I have come to realize that God uses
different experiences to shape our character. Sometimes he can use pain to
bring us back into the center of His will
for us.
different experiences to shape our character. Sometimes he can use pain to
bring us back into the center of His will
for us.
One prayer that had occupied my mind from 1992 when
I joined a national news magazine as Business
Editor was that God should make it possible for me to travel abroad
especially the United States of America. I dreamt about it and meditated over
it. The request always topped my prayer points and God answered my prayer in an
interesting way. While with that magazine, I introduced a business column which
was meant to satisfy my own area of interest since the magazine had a bent on
general interest stories. It was a pull-out designed to focus on business
reporting in an interesting way. The concept caught on immediately. Advertisers
latched on to it. The section still features in the magazine.
I joined a national news magazine as Business
Editor was that God should make it possible for me to travel abroad
especially the United States of America. I dreamt about it and meditated over
it. The request always topped my prayer points and God answered my prayer in an
interesting way. While with that magazine, I introduced a business column which
was meant to satisfy my own area of interest since the magazine had a bent on
general interest stories. It was a pull-out designed to focus on business
reporting in an interesting way. The concept caught on immediately. Advertisers
latched on to it. The section still features in the magazine.
Unknown to me, a lady at the United
States Information Service (USIS) had read every edition of the pull-out and
was impressed. One morning, in 1995, I got a note from this lady inviting me
for a breakfast meeting. I honored it. She asked me generally about financial
journalism, an area in which
she said she had strong interest. I went there prepared. At the end of the
chat, she asked whether I had been to the U.S before. I laughed, telling her
that I had not even been to Benin Republic. We both laughed as we parted
company.
States Information Service (USIS) had read every edition of the pull-out and
was impressed. One morning, in 1995, I got a note from this lady inviting me
for a breakfast meeting. I honored it. She asked me generally about financial
journalism, an area in which
she said she had strong interest. I went there prepared. At the end of the
chat, she asked whether I had been to the U.S before. I laughed, telling her
that I had not even been to Benin Republic. We both laughed as we parted
company.
“The following month, I got a hand written note from
the lady, asking me to forward my curriculum vitae to her. I did. To my
surprise, she sent another note three months later saying that she had
forwarded my work and CV to the U.S.
and was happy to announce that I had been selected to travel to the US to
participate in a programme they call the International Visitors’ Programme.
Words could not express my joy”.
the lady, asking me to forward my curriculum vitae to her. I did. To my
surprise, she sent another note three months later saying that she had
forwarded my work and CV to the U.S.
and was happy to announce that I had been selected to travel to the US to
participate in a programme they call the International Visitors’ Programme.
Words could not express my joy”.
“She asked me to forward my passport to her so she
could process the visa for my trip. Unfortunately, it was a period the Nigerian
passport was difficult to get. I did not have any then. I ran everywhere to
secure a passport without success. By the time I got one in Abuja eventually,
it was already too late for me to travel for the programme. I was demoralized
but she made me a promise that as long as she was at the US Embassy in Nigeria,
she would not recommend any other person for the programme until I had
participated in it. She kept her promise. The following year, which was 1996, I
got her invitation again. This time around I had everything I needed. So, I
travelled to the United States after
overcoming some difficulties with the Nigerian Immigration Service as
journalists had a tough time travelling out of the country for whatever reason
under the Abacha government. In
April 1996, I joined twelve other individuals from around the world for a tour
of the U.S. I was the· only Nigerian on the programme. It was an enthralling
experience. We toured six states and visited several U.S government agencies. I
had the opportunity of meeting journalists in different parts of that country. We
were accommodated by many interesting families in different parts of the U.S.
In all the states we visited, we were lodged in five-star hotels, all expenses
borne by the U.S government. It was a life-changing experience”.
could process the visa for my trip. Unfortunately, it was a period the Nigerian
passport was difficult to get. I did not have any then. I ran everywhere to
secure a passport without success. By the time I got one in Abuja eventually,
it was already too late for me to travel for the programme. I was demoralized
but she made me a promise that as long as she was at the US Embassy in Nigeria,
she would not recommend any other person for the programme until I had
participated in it. She kept her promise. The following year, which was 1996, I
got her invitation again. This time around I had everything I needed. So, I
travelled to the United States after
overcoming some difficulties with the Nigerian Immigration Service as
journalists had a tough time travelling out of the country for whatever reason
under the Abacha government. In
April 1996, I joined twelve other individuals from around the world for a tour
of the U.S. I was the· only Nigerian on the programme. It was an enthralling
experience. We toured six states and visited several U.S government agencies. I
had the opportunity of meeting journalists in different parts of that country. We
were accommodated by many interesting families in different parts of the U.S.
In all the states we visited, we were lodged in five-star hotels, all expenses
borne by the U.S government. It was a life-changing experience”.
“Altogether, we spent five weeks as guests of the
U.S government. However, at the end of the programme, I took a decision to stay
behind to accomplish two things. One, to cool off a bit and stay away from the
harsh political environment at home and, two, to see if I could get a good job
to take care of my embarrassing financial position then. After the programme, I
toured seven other states different from the ones we had visited. I still had some
good money from what I saved from the stipend we were given by our host. I was
so excited about what I was seeing and felt good with myself. Eventually, I settled
down in Boston, Massachusetts, with
my uncle. Then, a few things started to happen. My uncle had managed to get a
job for me in a supermarket as an attendant. While in the shop one day, my eyes
strayed to a book on a shelf. It was Awaken the Giant Within, by Anthony
Robbins. I bought the book. It was a
Friday. On Saturday, I went to a pool side to read the book. I had not read
more than two chapters in the book before I began to feel some unease in my
spirit. I just could not contain the insight oozing out of the book. Then
suddenly, it appeared as if I heard a voice saying: ‘this is not the place of
my assignment for you’. The voice echoed again and again. I could not read any
further. I just stood up and went to the house. I locked myself inside the
house and read more of the book as I took time to reflect on so many
things. What dampened my spirit the more
was when I saw a former Deputy Managing Director of a mortgage firm in Nigeria,
engaged as a security man in a shoes shop in the United States; I also
saw a few professors from top Nigerian universities doing menial jobs. Before
travelling to the U.S., I had distinguished myself as business writer and
reporter. I had obtained my Master’s Degree and obtained relevant training in
financial journalism. I was just wondering if I was going to throwaway all my
experience, all the good will I had built, bury my dream of becoming a
journalist of repute and begin to work as a waiter. There was a revolt inside
me. And that voice came again: ‘This is not
my place of assignment for you. I have a role for you in Nigeria.’
U.S government. However, at the end of the programme, I took a decision to stay
behind to accomplish two things. One, to cool off a bit and stay away from the
harsh political environment at home and, two, to see if I could get a good job
to take care of my embarrassing financial position then. After the programme, I
toured seven other states different from the ones we had visited. I still had some
good money from what I saved from the stipend we were given by our host. I was
so excited about what I was seeing and felt good with myself. Eventually, I settled
down in Boston, Massachusetts, with
my uncle. Then, a few things started to happen. My uncle had managed to get a
job for me in a supermarket as an attendant. While in the shop one day, my eyes
strayed to a book on a shelf. It was Awaken the Giant Within, by Anthony
Robbins. I bought the book. It was a
Friday. On Saturday, I went to a pool side to read the book. I had not read
more than two chapters in the book before I began to feel some unease in my
spirit. I just could not contain the insight oozing out of the book. Then
suddenly, it appeared as if I heard a voice saying: ‘this is not the place of
my assignment for you’. The voice echoed again and again. I could not read any
further. I just stood up and went to the house. I locked myself inside the
house and read more of the book as I took time to reflect on so many
things. What dampened my spirit the more
was when I saw a former Deputy Managing Director of a mortgage firm in Nigeria,
engaged as a security man in a shoes shop in the United States; I also
saw a few professors from top Nigerian universities doing menial jobs. Before
travelling to the U.S., I had distinguished myself as business writer and
reporter. I had obtained my Master’s Degree and obtained relevant training in
financial journalism. I was just wondering if I was going to throwaway all my
experience, all the good will I had built, bury my dream of becoming a
journalist of repute and begin to work as a waiter. There was a revolt inside
me. And that voice came again: ‘This is not
my place of assignment for you. I have a role for you in Nigeria.’
My uncle came in shortly after that and I told him
without mincing words that I would be leaving for Nigeria the following week.
He was shocked beyond words. I stopped going to that supermarket. We used the
rest of the week to shop. And the following Saturday, he drove me to Logan Airport where I boarded a
Lufthansa plane to Nigeria.
without mincing words that I would be leaving for Nigeria the following week.
He was shocked beyond words. I stopped going to that supermarket. We used the
rest of the week to shop. And the following Saturday, he drove me to Logan Airport where I boarded a
Lufthansa plane to Nigeria.
I felt a deep sense of relief when I came back to
Nigeria. The following month, I resigned my appointment with the magazine where
I worked and locked myself inside my room for three months just meditating and asking
for direction. And the direction came. I picked a job at a national newspaper
and a few years after, the privilege to join others to set up a financial
newspaper from which I started another one called moneywise came. I
have found fulfillment beyond what I imagined. I have travelled to many
countries of the world and won an international award. I have built many
quality local and international contacts that have been of tremendous value to
me”.
I concluded.
Nigeria. The following month, I resigned my appointment with the magazine where
I worked and locked myself inside my room for three months just meditating and asking
for direction. And the direction came. I picked a job at a national newspaper
and a few years after, the privilege to join others to set up a financial
newspaper from which I started another one called moneywise came. I
have found fulfillment beyond what I imagined. I have travelled to many
countries of the world and won an international award. I have built many
quality local and international contacts that have been of tremendous value to
me”.
I concluded.
“That is moving. You took a bold decision. I wish
you could share your story with those in Nigeria who want to travel abroad by
all means”.
Dele
said.
you could share your story with those in Nigeria who want to travel abroad by
all means”.
Dele
said.
“Thank you my
friend, that is the message I was trying to preach to you Dele”, my Mentor intoned.
“God has an assignment for every human He created. You will not find
fulfillment until you locate that assignment and commit yourself to achieving
it. Sometimes, God’s assignment for you can be geographical. You have to stay
exactly where He wants you to stay to fulfill His assignment for you. And if
you rebel, He can use pain to bring you back. Working where God has not
assigned you is the fourth symptom of moniplexes. I will leave you to
reflect more on the question I asked you”, my Mentor stopped again. We decided
to close for the day to resume the following day.
friend, that is the message I was trying to preach to you Dele”, my Mentor intoned.
“God has an assignment for every human He created. You will not find
fulfillment until you locate that assignment and commit yourself to achieving
it. Sometimes, God’s assignment for you can be geographical. You have to stay
exactly where He wants you to stay to fulfill His assignment for you. And if
you rebel, He can use pain to bring you back. Working where God has not
assigned you is the fourth symptom of moniplexes. I will leave you to
reflect more on the question I asked you”, my Mentor stopped again. We decided
to close for the day to resume the following day.
(Excerpts from
the book: “THE MILLIONAIRES CAPSULES” by AYO AROWOLO. Read “How to know the state of your
health” tomorrow on this blog)
the book: “THE MILLIONAIRES CAPSULES” by AYO AROWOLO. Read “How to know the state of your
health” tomorrow on this blog)
 |
| Ayo Arowolo, Publisher The Millionaires’ Capsules |
