I stumbled on this video this morning, it made me cry then, its making me cry now. The video has been viewed over 4 million times on Youtube. You have probably seen it too. Its about a 96 year old man whose wife Lorraine just past away. He responds to an advert from a radio station in response to an online singer/song writer competition. He writes this song to remember the 75 years he spends with his wife. I dont know that I have 75 years to love and be loved like Fred had. But, his story will warm your heart. Dont stop yourself from crying, if you have to:) Have a listen here!
Month: December 2013
I am Free…Author Unknown
This poem was read at Mr Nelson Mandela’s send off by his party the African National Congress.
I’m following paths God made for me
I took his hand I heard him call
Then turned, and bid farewell to all
To laugh, to love, to sing, to play
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found my peace… at close of play
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
I wish you sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full I’ve savoured much
Good friends, good times
Don’t lengthen it now with grief
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wants me now… He set me free.
Nigeria Airbrushed from Mandela's Life Story
that he was made of better material than all of them put together but also because we Africans allowed them to take centre stage.
Nobody remembers that Nigeria spent millions of Dollars to support the African National Congress (ANC) members in exile.
dela back into the arms of his jailers even after he had been set free from a physical prison because he realised that African leaders may be parading themselves around in luxury cars and private jets but they were still ideologically imprisoned.
– See more at: http://www.urnaija.com/nigeria-airbrushed-out-of-mandelas-life-story/#sthash.6T1pHIqx.dpuf
Madiba's Message to Nigerians: Wise counsel?
I have seen this around the internet, but only just read it to be honest. I think it makes complete sense. Here is what he said in an interview in 2007 about Nigeria and her leaders.
onfident people can bring changes. Poor, uneducated people can also bring change, but it will be hijacked by the educated and the wealthy…give young Nigerians good education. Teach them the value of hard work and sacrifice, and discourage them from crimes which are destroying your image as a good people.”
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me
Obama's Selfie
Why did this picture make front page news? This is the picture some have viewed as inappropriate. I dont think so. Nelson Mandela’s death should be celebrated. He died at 95. A ripe age by all standards. So why not have some fun eh? If taking this selfie is part of the celebrations , why not? Politicians are human as well or are they not?
I have no problems with this picture. I just wonder what Michelle might have been thinking though? Is Barack going to get it from her?
Incase you missed it, Obama's speech yesterday at Nelson Mandela's memorial service
President Barack Obama speech here! His speech said a lot of what many people were thinking. Have a listen here.
International Human Rights Day
Its really cheeky of me to post this here verbatim. So, if you havent read this yet, here is your chance to read why Ti-Anna Wang from the Guardian UK wants us to remember her father on International Human Rights Day.
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On Human Rights Day, I’ll be thinking of my father in a Chinese prison

Poems and Prayers.
This morning, I handed in a piece of work (amended proposal) to my Phd supervisor. While I wait for her feedback which is essentially, the greenlight I need to start my chapter 1. I was emailed this prayer. You know I love poetry right? and I have a soft spot for prayers.
I know I have a lot of essays to update here on my blog, but I simply have not had the time to do it. Its Human Rights Day today.. I will write a blog on that. But, before then, here is the prayer. How ever your day is going, I hope this makes you feel just a little better.
(Extra inspirational prayers @: http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/despair.htm
RIP Nelson Mandela

He fought for reconciliation and not retribution.
He argued for peace in place of war.
He envisioned a path to “heal the wounds of the past… “
…with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all.”
His work inspired the world.
The leaders of great nations in our time called Mandela a terrorist and a communist.
Powerful interests stood up for white supremacy during the Apartheid era.
Mandela stood up for the least of these.
Nothing can silence the voice of Nelson Mandela – not Robin Island, not death.
His words are eternal.
His voice will echo throughout time.
Let us have an ounce of his faith.
Comfort those in South Africa and across the world who mourn.
Let the work of Nelson Mandela continue in us.
Time for Christmas?
Let’s just say when you are doing a Phd, on top of everything else in your life, your life can get very busy. Most especially when you have deadlines. I love my life! No time to blog etc etc etc.
Here is an article I wrote last week or so. It has been described as juicy. I have titled it: Time for Christmas.
I am writing this staring at pitch darkness. I lie, the sun is beginning to rise. The view from my desk is staggeringly beautiful. Unlike Nigeria where you hear the cocks coo, in England, you hear nothing. Nothing? Well, if you listen hard enough, you might hear the sound of on going traffic from the A5 two streets away, remote sounds of a police or ambulance siren or perhaps just vehicles leaving the car park of the building where I live. At this time of the morning, its normally just dark and quiet. No surprises. It is a typical November morning.
The heater is on and I am warm enough. Sun rise today is set at 0731am. Winter has come as quietly as possible. It needs no announcement. When you can no longer leave your house without a jacket, head warmers, gloves and about three to four layers of clothing, including thermal wears, you know you have entered into the wintry season. No one is ever a veteran of winter. Perhaps only those with excess
layers of body fat and school children who are somewhat used to walking to school only in their blazers. School children? You see them in their school uniform walking to school every day without a jacket and sometimes, you feel sorry for them. Luton has more poor children than most boroughs in the country anyways.
Some one called into a radio station recently to talk about the level of poverty in Luton schools and the lady said she heard the story of one child who complained that her leg was hurting. When the pain was investigated, it was discovered that this child had been wearing shoes without soles. Imagine that, the child
had practically been running around bare feet. This is winter in 2013. Before you respond with shock, think about the many children you know who go to school in Nigeria without shoes, a proper school uniform and without breakfast.
Winter is generally a cold and miserable time of the year for most. Many people endure severe arthritis during this period, many people feel the pain of their electricity bills each time they turn on the heaters. With most utility company increasing their prices by up to 10% this winter, no wonder, the winter months are generally dreary and long. Thankfully, this week, the same companies announced that they would be passing on the savings given to them by the government in a sweetheart deal to reduce the cost of dual fuels. The utility companies were literally jumping over themselves to announce the best deals.
Today is no exception. The temperature overnight peaked at minus 4. The roads would be wintry, wind screens would need to be scraped for ice, if you drive a banger like mine, you would need to wait about 5 minutes in arctic like conditions in your car before you set out. The engine must be warmed up a bit. Even though my engine is still in very good condition, I impose this ritual upon my self. Common sense? Ironically isnt it? When I got the car second hand just three years ago, it felt like I had won the lottery. Now, the same car is described as a banger.:) ‘Ayomide – the car- was ten years old in April. It feels like it is time to buy another one. Father Christmas… please stop by my house with a 2013 SUV Mercedes. I like color white too! lol
With 4 weeks to Christmas, the town centers are already decorated. The Luton mall already has the 20 foot tall white Christmas tree and the wishing well it had last year, Father Christmas at the Luton Mall is big business but there are no queues yet. They have managed cleverly to leave the reason behind Christmas out of the season. For example, the Santa circus in the Luton Mall has no baby Jesus. It has no shepherds as well. Just doves, pigeons and fake snow flakes.
Right about now is the best time to flee the United Kingdom. Flee? Yes! That technically means to remove oneself from the inconveniences of this weather. Many Nigerians (especially) the pensioners who have lived here all their lives, return to Nigeria till the spring. Other Nigerians are able to leave for a week or two and perhaps even more for Christmas. Again, for those who book their Christmas tickets late, the prices are heavy and disproportionate to normal fares to even further places like say Texas or California.
Many people spend a fortune in these parts on Christmas buying presents and gifts and everything else for their families and racking up huge debts as a result. I know a family that starts the Christmas buying right from August. Linda is a grand mother with over 22 grandchildren, she knows the best place to buy: Ebay. She monitors her favorite gifts buying many of them second hand but in good condition. Now, thats an idea!
Whilst many homes and indeed people are getting ready for Christmas. Let’s think about those who would not be celebrating Christmas this year. Starting with those who live
in areas decimated by the Al Qaeda sprint off group Boko Haram, many of them wont know the joy and
perhaps the peace that a season like Christmas brings. Having said that, to about half the world, Christmas does not exist anyways, so perhaps there is no big deal about Christmas after all?
Federal , state and local government workers and those politicians who have benefited from the largess of the FG who routinely turns a blind eye to corruption would no doubt enjoy the season. They would enjoy the expensive holiday trips for themselves and their entourage to the States, UK and anywhere that catches their fancy really. They would enjoy buying the cows and fattening up themselves from the proceeds of their greed. They would enjoy buying more luxurious cars, caviar, town houses, land, gold et ceteras upon all that they presently have. The rich never seem to have enough. We must not salivate about how the super rich
spend or intend to spend this Christmas. To them the rest of us don’t matter anyways. If we don’t have a private jet or the life style to challenge them with, they are not interested.
So, lets really think about those who would not be celebrating Christmas. Its likely that most Christians in
Nigeria who still believe will attend a church service or two this season. These are the people we don’t see: the clerks at work, the security guards, street hawkers, handy men, cooks et all. It should include perhaps and all those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I know we all struggle but perhaps this Christmas many more
would be suffering and smiling. The question is what are you going to do about it? I hate the inequalities Christmas brings but I love the season nonetheless. If we can we commit to the idea that this Christmas would be less about ourselves and our appetites and more about others and their needs,
that would be great! If we can’t that’s also fine. Christmas is about sharing and caring after all. Perhaps this season you can be an angel to someone in need.
Tundun Adeyemo