Woah!!! It's being awhile. Well, to celebrate this special month of AUGUST, to thank God for life in general and to encourage someone out there, I will be rolling out five of my favourite articles via FAB SCHOOLS blog: (www.fabschools.blogspot.com). Here is the list:

• August 9: The benefits of playing "the waiting game".
• August 10: Your brand image is your success image.
• August 17: Idea generation, Money creation.
• August 23: Cashless Economy Phase II: How prepared is Nigeria for the new move? (RE-ISSUE).
• August 28: The Power of Connections and Networks.

Comments and suggestions are totally welcomed. Send your thoughts to: boludearie@gmail.com.
So WATCH OUT for these due dates via (www.fabschools.blogspot.com).
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

CASHLESS ECONOMY PHASE II: HOW PREPARED IS NIGERIA FOR THE NEW MOVE?

Written by: Boluwatife Nathaniel Awofadeju.

The introduction of the cashless economy initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) though it is not a new initiative but a good step in the right direction of preserving and improving financial transactions that are done within the economy. Phase one of this initiative was implemented in Lagos state, Nigeria and it included the introduction of more ATM machines, POS terminals, the use of more ATM cards for business transactions, internet banking transactions and mobile banking platforms and the setup of maximum amounts to be deductable by individuals or corporate bodies over the counter in one day transaction.

All of these are tools already applicable outside the shores of Nigeria but lessons gained from the Lagos story shows that enlightment of the populace needed to be improved upon as well as the enlightment of individuals especially those living in rural communities on how to enjoy mobile banking transactions from their various commercial banks. According to the Head, Shared Services CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano; rural communities were barely captured (in terms of mobile banking services) in the Lagos project by a mere forty percent, still he is fully confident that the apex bank would be able to improve on past errors and misdeeds that occurred in the Lagos project to make such corrections serve as a guide in the implementation of the second stage of the cashless policy project.

In a recent interview conducted on Channels Television’s programme “BUSINESS THIS MORNING”, Mr. Chidi explains that the second phase would be implemented in Aba, Abuja, Port-Hartcourt, Borno, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. According to him, these places coupled with Lagos form the major areas where more bulky financial transactions are conducted in the country. For each of the states, the state co-ordinators in each of the CBN branches would be responsible for the full implementation and awareness creation of the policy in their various domains; starting from within the state branches to conducting meetings with commercial banks and other financial institutions within each state chapter and the eventual awareness preparation that would be given to the individuals living within the various states.

Pecularities and unique features in the different states and the nature of business and financial activities would also be thoroughly considered as what is a peculiar feature in the terrains of one state might be different from that of another, therefore solutions and suggestions for improvements of the cases applicable for each of the states might be different as well. Mr. Chidi also believes that if at least fifty to sixty percent of the overall goal of the cashless economy initiative is been achieved; it would eventually be great for the country; implying that the policies, decisions and plans that would be made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) would be more effective for the economy; as the formal sectors which forms the major driving force of Nigeria would be positively affected by these actions and decisions.

Asides from the preparatory stage being implemented; select individuals within each of the state branches of the CBN known as “cashless champions” are also going to be coordinators of the cashless initiative in their CBN organizations and the states as well. In addition, a new customer complaint department has being established within the walls of the CBN; this department would be responsible for receiving queries, questions, suggestions and so on from customers as regards to their reaction to the initiative before and when the policy would be established.

Though; it may be a new development that might initially affect ones’ spending capacity, saving ability and standard of living; but in due time, Nigerians would eventually be prudent in their spending as this initiative is meant to reduce high cashflow in circulation within the economy by 80%, increase more access and channels of investments and more convenience in investing and reduce cost of capital and the cost of services that banks and other financial institutions offer to their customers. He stated that if Nigerians are being charged any amount for transacting business with their ATM cards in any bank ATM machine whatsoever, such individual(s) have the right to report the treatment they receive to the CBN customer compliant department. This and any other queries can be forwarded to them for immediate treatment.

The question now is this “how prepared are Nigerians for this new move”. Illiteracy must be erased in this economy for full understanding of this concept especially for our rural dwellers. Let’s accept change now; it’s the best solution for Nigeria’s move to the next level. If you don’t fully get the terrain of things as regards this initiative, then ask people and qualified experts for proper explanations, be IT complaint and surf on the net regularly, watch or listen to business, investment programs or adverts on the television and on the radio, read newspapers and magazines, go to your bank or financial institution and ask questions; be informed always, as the saying goes “knowledge is power”, don’t be caught in the dark so that you won’t be left alone when the ship comes to take its passengers, we all must get to the promised land together. Don’t be passive to change, accept it, apply and adapt it to your life and grow in it; Nigerians change is coming soon, are you ready for it?

BOLUWATIFE NATHANIEL AWOFADEJU

(+2348132327213)

(boludearie@yahoo.com)

NIGERIA’S SAFETY, INTEGRITY AND POTENTIAL ON THE RED LINE

Written by: Boluwatife Nathaniel Awofadeju.

What is going on in our country is really disturbing and shocking to know. How can a state lack the ability to be able to protect itself? The recent assassination of the Commissioner of Police of Kwara state in Nigeria shows that the security situation in Nigeria needs to be looked into again. While is it now that the state’s House of Assembly is just suggesting the installation of CCTV cameras and security systems in all state buildings and facilities and in public places; this should be something that should be done with the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and street lights within the state.

Though the state cannot be entirely blamed for this but if the truth is to be told, would the

state’s Police command really fish out and publicly announce the culprits who are responsible for these killings? We all know the way cases of criminals are being handled and even when such cases are related to guilty top personalities and celebrities, we never hear of their verdict or the stories and information surrounding their trials. For instance, the Bola Ige trial or Abiola and his late wife’s trial which is still ongoing after over a decade ago; both the Police and judicial system are very porous and need adequate checks and balances.

 

Thank God that investigation is ongoing; on various allegations filed against corrupt and unjust

judges in Nigeria; this proves that nobody is above the law and the law is above everybody and it has definitely increased the public’s confidence in the authencity of Nigeria’s law and the genuinety and fairness of judgements and the decision making process made in Nigerian courts. If Israel through one of its institute can challenge the Nigerian government to keep up the good work of tackling corruption citing examples of some of its past presidents and ministers who are currently in jail or are on trail for allegations made against them for the illegalities they have done during their tenure of office, then Nigeria can do so.

If the great cyclist and cheat Dave Armstrong could be physically stripped off all his Tour de

France titles and his only Olympic medal plus all the endowments and sponsorship he got throughout his illegal cycling year – all occurring in the greatest and most powerful country in the world – the United States of America, then Nigeria – the giant of Africa is no exception. Though the title “the giant of Africa” is gradually slipping off from our hands, economic and wealth inequality is on the rise, the potential of the citizenry are not fully utilized, no jobs are available for unemployed graduates and no incentives for them; all of these would eventually force them to take heed to crime and other fraudulent practices; and then assassinations, kidnapping, ritual killings, rape and murder and armed robbery (whether physical or cyber-theft) would be the order of the day, can one really blame them for all of this?

As for me, I do not support crime but I canvass for peace and justice for the fellow Nigerian. I am still happy hearing from our finance and economic minister, Dr. Ngozi claiming that she is solidly working and supporting the poor and average Nigerian and I am fully inspired by the level of progress prominent people like Alhaji Dangote has done in the Nigerian economy, not only him but other renowned personalities like Professor Pat Utomi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Chinua Achebe, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) E.A Adeboye, Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Sam Adeyemi, the Kennis Music group; the entire entertainment and sports industry, e.t.c, these are various elements that are representing Nigeria on the global ladder, with all of these elements, while shouldn’t we be encouraged to raise Nigeria up.

My message is for the ordinary citizens of this country, don’t waste your time believing that the government would feed you and meet all of your needs, think of what you can contribute to the country’s growth, be enterprising, set up your own business but with a global touch and feel, gain necessary skills and competence; attend workshops, seminars and trainings; do not be idle, always think of something positive and economical to do, an activity that would not only benefit you and your family but would impact on your immediate community, the country and the world at large. Nigerians overseas please do not forget your fatherland, whether you like it or not, this is your home; the earlier we all come together to build up this country, the faster our pace and rate of progress. And for Nigerians at home; those at the top or bottom of the ladder should come together; a sovereign national conference or at least regular national forums should be conducted, think-tank groups and committees should be formed; ideas should be embraced from all corners, critical sectors and industries like power, agriculture, education, entertainment, works and housing, manufacturing, sports and youth development and the financial services sector should be looked into; and not only the petroleum sector that should take center stage in Nigeria’s revenue generation.

To be sincere, even if the petroleum sector accounts for a major percentage of the national GDP^*, if all the oil of this country finishes today, what do we fall back on? Honestly, science, technology and innovation amongst budding Nigerians and technocrats should be encouraged, less of importation should be encouraged; support and incentives for local producers should be provided; the creative industry (that is the arts, music, movie and theatrical sectors) should be properly structured, I believe that things in this sector should be properly documented and organized, the sector ought to have a peculiar minister in charge of its activities; these are really untapped markets that the Nigerian government is not taking proper look into. Who says that we cannot have entertainment villages, movie theaters and more animation studios that can make our “Nollywood” sector to fully compete with America’s “Hollywood”.

I charge all Nigerians to brace up, wake up from their slumber, we are not where we ought to be and till we get to our destination, we should never give up or lose hope on our country’s potential because with due time we will be great, it is only a matter of time; yes we will, if only we believe in Nigeria and see the positive side it holds for us, the faster we become united and do the right things at the right time, the faster we get there. God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa, God bless the world.

^*KEY: GDP - Gross Domestic Product

BOLUWATIFE NATHANIEL AWOFADEJU

(+2348132327213)

(boludearie@yahoo.com)

Just a little advice to everyone out there- learn to start your day with GOD in mind. Here is just a little way to talk to GOD, believe me he surely listens and he would answer your call. Happy sunday everyone and have a wounderful week ahead.

SHOW YOURSELF

For those who think we are losers,

Show yourself strong,

Please stand for me at this dark hour,

I need you to survive.

            I need your strength to pass this test,

I need the faith to believe,

Because I have got nothing left in me.

For those that think that we would amount to nothing,

Show yourself strong,

            Prove to them that you are still powerful,

And still kind, sweet and helpful,

And to swift and quick to meet all of our needs,

Even our desires and unrequested wishes,

I need you to turn my shame to joy,

            To take me from grass to grace,

To change my story even in this earthly race,

And to make me finish at the fastest pace.

I am down but you can lift me up,

You can mould me and shape me to the best of your perfections,

            You can raise me high to surpass my limits,

And elevate me to the top right from my low-level status,

You can change my destiny

You can rewrite my story

I know all of your capacities

            But I need the strength to hold on

And the faith to stay strong.

I really need your help,

And I really desire my breakthrough now,

It’s only you that can help me now,

Please, arise for my case,

Show yourself as my warrior,

And show yourself strong and mighty,

Restore all of my past possessions,

And renew me with new inclusions.

            Great One,

If you can hear me,

I need you,

I truly do.

---------------
LOVE FROM US ALL @ FAB SCHOOLS NIGERIA (...impacting the world for good...)

www.fabschools.blogspot.com.

fabschoolsnigeria@yahoo.com.

Twitter: @boludearie.
-------------- 

Happy new year folks... welcome to the year 2013 the year of signs and wounders.

• FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT HERE'S A REMINDER OF "DROPLETS" ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE WRITE-UPS OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Life indeed plays some sort of stunt on us, a stunt or event for our favour or not. There are incidences that are truly unexplainable, codes and signs undecodable, characters that are simply amazing and elements all surrounding. These little bits and pieces create a large frame of pictures joined together and a large stage for all elements to unfold with its own set of twists and turns. 

        If we indeed inquire about too much to find out answers to certain questions, we would truly be left in the dark. As some questions can’t give us any clue at all and will therefore leave us hanging and behind. All we can do is to sit tight, forget about our questions about life and simply play along and play our own part right. 

EXPECTATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS

We all have dreams and future ambitions, expectations and aspirations. We all desire to get to a certain level of success; this level is simply the point at which we can then fully decide to take a break to have our rest and enjoy the gains from our labour on earth.

 Such expectations in certain areas of our life could eventually be met or accomplished, others could seem unconquerable and unrealistic to achieve. But to get our dreams actualized, we have to stay determined keep dreaming, believing and working towards them being a reality.

            It’s only if we see the image of our future then can we see the destination that lies ahead. So therefore, let’s keep the fire burning, let’s keep our passion rekindled, our dreams and visions fresh and our expectations, desires, ambitions and aspirations alive now and always up until our future turns out to be the big picture previously envisioned by us. 

INVESTIGATIONS AND REVELATIONS

As our intuitiveness leads us into testing and investigating various issues that beat our curious thoughts about life and the various events that occur in it; we will begin to see shagging revelations or truths to correct various lies that have been told to us in the past.

Some of these new found revelations would just be confirmations of the findings that we must have made about life and various characters in it. So therefore, whatever truths or lie that comes along the way during the process of investigating and researching on various myths, tales and stories about life is solely left to us to choose whether to take, accept and believe them or to reject and disapprove of them, the choice is entirely ours to decide.  

ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS

Our findings and revelations would provide us with varying answers to our questions to our questions and help to serve as a guide that will offer to us the way(s) we can solve some or all of our problems.

Life indeed throws shocking answers to us and most times the response we get could be quite commendable, impressive and heart-warming or be shocking, alarming and heart breaking; whatever response we get should not be puzzled when we receive them. 

Don’t be dazzled when your enemies could be your friends and your trusted friends could be your foes; just be prepared for any surprises and have an open mind to viewing things, situations, judging people and giving advice to others; don’t be bias and don’t compromise or let your guard down for just any cheap opportunity that comes your way. Always remember the saying “all that glitters is not gold”.

Be tactical, prayerful and wise to handle situations and life challenges with total maturity. Life could be unpredictable, so be unpredictable in some of your doings especially being unpredictable for your enemies, foes and competitors; it adds spice to your life and makes you get hold of your enemies without them being aware of your present or future attack.

But be realistic, optimistic and confident that the solution that you would choose out of your various alternatives (or replacement/plans/options) is the right one that would be the nail on the hammer, the final finishing touch to the output of your hardwork; the one that will take you places, one that will lift and exalt you high and above your contemporaries and one that will make you dine with people with great wealth and of great dynasty, kings and queens, prince and princesses, presidents and prime-ministers, ambassadors and widely acclaimed organizations and entities and many more top global leaders of our present age, time, era and generation.

SUPPLICATIONS AND APPRECIATION

Appreciation and a sense of gratitude is what we need to cultivate in our lives today. We are not always grateful for the little things the creator has bestowed upon us; all we do is to bring to him our prayers and supplications in order to get answers and solutions. 

If you are grateful for the little things that the creator and life brings back to you, then many more good things are in stock for you. Always open your storehouse of blessings with a warm heart of thanksgiving, praise and adoration to the Almighty.

Apart from that; to careful to never submit your petitions and requests with a spirit of unbelief, it could really kill your dream from turning into reality; it reduces the potential of our maker and king from granting all your needs and wishes. You must believe and have faith in him and you also need to be thankful, graceful and grateful to him always. That way, he can do much more than you ever asked, imagined or thought of.

• LOVE FROM US ALL @ FAB SCHOOLS NIGERIA (...impacting the world for good).

Telephone: +2348132327213.

E-mail: fabschoolsnigeria@yahoo.com.

Website: www.fabschools.blogspot.com.