Watch Your Happy Bird Songs

I once heard a story about a bird in the tropics of West Africa. One day it told its friends, "I'm flying up north to wherever my course may lead. The bird whinged, "I'm getting too old; I have never had a real adventure or experienced something different in my life.". Other birds counselled, "Don't go to an unknown destination. How are you sure things aren't going to be worse over there?"

Against its friends' advice, it left the known shore for the unknown. Wings flutter, flying on the south winds, with frequent stops here and there to rest and scavenge for food, days gone by, and many beautiful sights to behold.

After ten days on its course, the weather changed: it started to rain, and the bird was freezing to death. As it flew, ice formed on its wings; its wings got frozen, and it couldn't flap its wings anymore. Suddenly it crash-landed into an old barnyard in Norway, shivering and waiting for death. Since it's not used to snow, being a tropical bird, adaptation was hard, and death was imminent.

There in the barnyard was an old cow. The cow walked past and dropped a big plop of "manure" (sh*t) on the dying bird. The bird was furious and disgusted. "What the heck?" it screamed. "If I must die, should it be in this terrible state?" While muttering profanity at the old cow, it suddenly realised the ice on its wings had melted and its body was beginning to warm up.

With a shout of excitement, without even removing the cow's plop of "manure," the bird began to shout and jubilate, singing a happy bird song, "I'm gonna live!" "I'm alive," and it went on and on.

At that moment, a ferocious barnyard cat was passing by and it heard the happy bird songs. The cat moved closer, took off the cow's manure from the bird and ate the bird. Sad, right? There are morals to this story:

1. There's always a challenge in a new environment. Prepare ahead and do your research before heading to a new destination.

2. Not everyone who dropped a plop or a "sh*t" on you is your enemy.

3. Not everyone who took them off is your friend.

4. If someone drops a plop on you, keep your mouth shut, wash it off, and move on.

5. If a plop works for your good or makes you warm, keep your mouth shut, because not everyone is happy with your blessings.

(c) Mike Olu Akinlabi, PhD

Prigozhin's Plane Crash: Putin's Vengeance or a Mere Mishap

It was just two months ago when Yevgeny Prigozhin launched his audacious "March of Justice" mutiny. A bold defiance, first of its kind, aimed squarely at Russia's military hierarchy. It was orchestrated by Prigozhin to exert pressure for the removal of the Russian Defense Minister, Chief of the General Staff, and other powerful oligarchs.

Though his intention was directed at the military, the narrative took a different twist as Prigozhin's actions, involving armed insurgency, seemed like a direct affront to the authority of none other than Vladimir Putin himself.

In a display of verbal vitriol, the Russian president branded the mutineers as "traitors," accusing them of delivering a backstab to the very heart of Russia.

While a pact was hastily brokered between Prigozhin and the Kremlin to quell the uprising, the future remained muddled with uncertainty; several questions permeated the global media space. "Could both factions truly adhere to the peace accord?" "Would it be possible for the Kremlin to pardon what it viewed as an act of betrayal from the founder of the notorious Wagner group?"

Fast forward two months later: a plane crash! Yevgeny Prigozhin's name emerges within the lists of passengers. If this proves true and his demise is confirmed, a whirlwind of conjecture will inevitably swarm around the circumstances surrounding the plane crash. Is this the handiwork of the Kremlin? Is this a vengeful strike? Would the Wagner group retaliate the death of its leader?

Let me hear your thoughts.

(c) Mike Olu Akinlabi, PhD

Photo Credit - Mikhail Metsel / TASS

Be Like Daniel: Serve Wherever You Find Yourself

National appointments transcend mere individuals; they are the embodiment of a sacred duty to our nation, a calling of the highest order.

In the Bible, Daniel humbly served a pagan king, while Joseph rose to prominence as Pharaoh's prime minister, proving that purpose knows no boundaries.

Yet, a troubling illusion and ignorance shroud some who claim the name "Christians." They pray fervently for change, yet when their own 'kin' ascend to positions of influence, criticism is their initial reflex.

'Who do us like this?' As in, what has beset the spirit of our fellow Nigerians? It's disheartening to observe that the most vocal critics of individuals like fela DUROTOYE and Fredrick Nwabufo are often the very voices yearning for transformation in our beloved nation.

You may have reservations about the current administration. That’s fine! However, you must understand that, until the court says otherwise, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President and Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As such, you cannot wish him or any of his appointees out of power.

If anyone wish to serve under his leadership, that should be their personal prerogative. Bullying them and calling them names is totally uncalled for. It is primitive, callous, and devilish.

These are the same sets of people who go to church, NSPPD, Platform, etc. but forget basic biblical teachings about leadership and nation-building.

They forget example of King David, who was strategically placed under King Saul so that God could impart invaluable wisdom for his future as the chosen king of Israel.

Like David, these men must occupy these positions to usher in progress. Who else, if not them? Shall we entrust the fate of our nation to those lacking competence or those who lack values and basic human decency? It's a perplexing conundrum.

We must pray for them to succeed. We must keep them accountable. Not only for today, but for God to use this opportunity to prepare them for greater assignments in the future.

Truly, the desires of our people remain inexplicable.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Fela, Frederick, and many others whose consciences are illuminated with probity and accountability. May divine wisdom illuminate their path. Just as Joseph and Daniel stood out in the kingdom of Egypt and Babylon, may they, too, shine brightly in their endeavours.

(c) Mike Olu Akinlabi, PhD

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Understanding the Rules of Connection

Authenticity is an important tool in connection. While being authentic, be realistic and respect boundaries.

Some years ago I was invited by a friend to an event. This friend of mine is older and well connected. So, I always respect and look up to him in many things. He is spiritual and at a level of relationship with God that I admired so much. So, this particular day I was among the five people he invited to a special event in Ikeja. The event was great and classy. As usual, plenty rice, drinks, and other assorted meals graced our table.

My friend gestured that we should eat. Before he finished the other three guys dived in, started devouring the food. I held back, waited for him to start before I started eating. I made sure I followed his "guidance". Though I was seriously hungry, but I had one serving of rice, chicken and a bottle of malt drink. The other guys had their rice and pounded yam while their mouths chewed uncontrollable at the assorted meat.

After the party, this my big friend gave us cash for transport. I declined telling him I had my transport fare back to my destination. The other guys collected theirs. We all hugged him, bade him farewell, and headed to our destination. While heading to the bustop my phone rang, and it was my 'big' friend. I picked the call and he just said, "please can you come back".

So, I went back to the party. When I got there he pleaded with me to accompany him to see one of his mentors. I hopped into his car and he drove to Victoria Garden City (VGC). To be sincere, that was my first time entering any house or visiting anyone in VGC. "Remember say I be ajepako from Oshodi" When we got to his mentor's house, I could hardly breathe. The place was like heaven. We were ushered in to a big living area with different kinds of artworks, potted plants, beautiful sofas, marble floors, etc. That day I told myself I must make it in life. I suddenly hated poverty, instant deliverance came upon me.

Few minutes later, his mentor stepped out to join us. He turned out to be someone I've admired for several years on TV. We exchanged pleasantries and he made his way to a comfortable sofa opposite us. My friend introduced me to him, "Sir, meet Bishop Mike. He's rounding off his MSc in UI. Mike is a good friend....and .... since our undergraduate days in UI." He said with so much enthusiasm. His mentor greeted me again. Asked a few questions about my education, goals, aspirations, etc. His chef asked us what we would like to eat, I declined that we just ate at a party few minutes before arriving there. My friend said same. We only requested for two bottles of sprites.

After they began to chat about businesses, ministry, church, etc. I didn't contribute or say a word. I was just there listening to them. As in, what am I expected to contribute in the presence of a millionaire (yes, my friend made his first millions less than a year after graduation) and a 'billionaire'? The wisest thing was to listen and absorb everything I could get from both of them. At some point, he said something about an idea that I was really passionate about. He's trying out this idea and not sure about it. I tilted a bit towards my friend to seek his permission to speak to his mentor. He said, 'oh no! Bishop, please talk to him. You do not need my permission to do so'. His mentor laughed and said to him, "this is a good friend. I understand him and his ethics."

So I spoke, gave some tips about the project. Clarified some of his ideas and he was quite happy. He told my friend he's really glad I didn't keep quiet when he needed the clarifications. After a few minutes we decided to leave. While we were in the car about driving out, he called my friend to see him briefly. Less than 5 minutes he was back with some stuffs in a box. My friend kept them in the backseat and we drove off.

When I got to my destination, my friend handed me an envelope. I was wondering 'why' and he said his mentor wanted me to have it. Really? Why? I said. He laughed and said, his mentor said it was my consultation fees for clarifying his ideas and saving him from the headache of not knowing what to do. I was shocked! What!? Consultation what?! I thanked him and walked in. I counted the money and it was =N=50,000. Me? 50k for speaking less than 5 minutes? So, I called my friend to tell him the amount in the envelope. He laughed and said, "Mike continue to be you. You know I respect your ethics a lot". "Did you know why I called you back after the party?" I said No! He said, "you were the only one who did not embarrass me at the table. My plan was to take all of you with me to see my mentor".

Unknown to us, his mentor had asked him to invite his closest friends for a chat. The party was our first test and the other guys failed. I was almost discarded because of the behaviours of others. My rejection of the transport fare was my saving grace. My friend continued, "you were not only disciplined at the table, you also had control over money. You're the only student among us and yet you did not jump at the offer of the money when I gave you. Others work and earn good salary, yet they collected money from me. I offered you =N=5,000 you declined, now God has multiplied it by 10. Just continue to be who you are....."

I cannot overemphasise the lessons here. Do not take for granted the principles of connection. Do not embarass your host. Do not overeat or eat more than your host when you are at his table.  Although his mentor was someone I would like to know personally, I did not ask for his contact details. Please note this. It's important for my friend to connect me or for the mentor to ask for connection with me. Don't be too desperate. His mentor is not my friend, so I can't interject into their conversations. Watch how you talk if you're not invited into the conversation. If you need to, ask your friend if he's okay with it. I never had another opportunity to meet this man again. In fact, I left Nigeria few years later. To the glory of God, I've been mentored by people with similar or higher status since then. I'm not a billionaire yet (except in Zimbabwean dollars 😄), but I'm not doing bad for myself.