THE EVOLUTION

After the presentation of November 18, 2010 at the Troyka Management Conference at Western Hotel, Opebi the whole place (and Team Beta members) was buzzing. The presentation was a bomb and we were getting commendations from everywhere except those who gave us the brief. I wonder why that is so!!! When the brief was reeled out we got an official notification, but we didn't get an official commendation for work well done....or otherwise. Well, it is the way of things.

On November 29, 2010 I alongside Femi Ogunrotimi and Omosalewa Afolabi(in absential) were called into the boardroom by the management of Optimum Exposures Limited and given a charge to analyze the companies' activities and see how to reposition it as a major player in the international market and re-engineer its processes to withstand the challenges of the future market. We were given a carte blanche and three weeks (again!) to present our proposal.

At the time it seemed a pretty simple assignment. However, we soon found out it wasn't...lol.

We had to juggle the special assignment with a number of other things. Femi, the engineer had to run a lot of things out of the office. He was involved with our latest mega project at Ijora. He also was still involved with the the one he supervised at Adeniji...so, combining all of that with the new task was challenging. Salewa, the finance prima donna also had so much on her hands. Apart from the perennial demands for invoices, payslips etc. she was also on the gift committee- that also had a short deadline.

As for myself. I had to still do my clients service duties, be active on the gift committee and also juggle this new assignment....then there is the small matter of the marketing research commissioned by our new marketing director.

It seems we all had our work cut out for us.

Nonetheless, we determined we were going to have a good go at it, try and sample as many views from members of staff as possible  and come out with a report that will help the management feel the pulse of the staff better. The report should itself be a working tool for the management in future engagements.

Thankfully, we had financial and moral support to embark on this herculean task.

Bringing all the content together was an issue. Tight on schedule as we were, we all had to prioritize some things...but, how well can you that considering the quantum of deliverable expected from you on the departmental and management level? We tried though, spent many late evenings in the office and even sacrificed one Saturday and one Sunday to ensuring all was ready for December 13, 2010.

The guys at AVF (Audio Visual First) were fantastic with helping us put our commentary together (I met my old school colleague Mathew Ogunola there. He was there content manager).

Also, Kola Olarewaju sacrificed a lot to ensure that the 3D presentation was ready for the day...although, my heart skipped a bit because we were going to run late. However, we were ready before the management was ready for us. But, the presentation had to be shifted because the new Marketing Director, Mr. Dele Anifowoshe was not around.

D-day! December 14, 2010.

We presented our report. But, it didn't seem to go down well in some quarters. We knew it wouldn't anyways. But, we were given a charge to help the management see into the 'heart' of the organization, diagnose problems and potential problems and help prescribe solutions. All of that we thought we did, with the active help and contribution of members of staff...so, we have no fears.
 
Nevertheless, the management agreed there was a need to pursue some new lines of action and an implementation committee was set up for that purpose. Once again name popped up from the hat.

We wait and see what comes out of all the deliberations and recommendations.

THE CREED PROJECT

On Friday October 8, 2010 at about 2 p.m I received a mail I wouldn't have ever imagined I would receive.

The group-Troyka Holdings Limited is looking to re-invent and re-position itself. I was nominated to be part of one of the two teams that would develop (and pitch) a new set of communication materials and corporate identity for the group. It is a huge challenge and the shock was we had less than three weeks to develop our materials. Date to present our pitch was November 18, 2010.

Three weeks and we need to fly out of the blocks already. No easy means, considering we would need to source funds and other resources on our own.

On Monday October 11, 2010 the five members of my team (Team Beta) agreed to meet after work to see how we can crack the 'brief' . It wasn't convenient for me, but I made it down. Surprisingly though only three of us got together eventually.

At the end of the day, we were able to reach a consensus on the direction for our presentation. It was agreed we were going to do an animated presentation rather than the PowerPoint slide show which is the norm.

Also, duties and deliverable for individual members of the team were assigned and it was agreed we meet on Tuesday for the next meet.

The meeting on Tuesday had a fuller house. All members were in attendance and we were all able to agree and flesh out our ideas and thought flow. The key was to be different and give the presentation a medieval flow. The content development and the script, a creative director and scriptwriter to work with, and modalities for embarking on interviews and data gathering were all agreed upon.

Our presentation almost didn't get finished. However, we did get to the venue and presented. The presentation was a bomb. From the views and observations made by the participants, it was a no-contest that our presentation was the preferred choice. However, the chairman vetoed the voting and instead suggested that both presentations be merged to make it whole.

Thursday November4, 2010

5.00 A.M.
I was preparing for work.

The previous night I had arranged with Bankky that we would leave together so we could both go for the christening ceremony of Lola Ezechie's baby girl on Saturday.

Bankky had just finished blessing me with the anointing oil...she does that sometimes. No sooner had I sat back down than I felt a sharp pinch on my bottom. It was dark, but when I shined the torch I got a rude shock...I had been stung by a scorpion. Gawd!!!



I had never seen that before around the house, and I make it a point to do a general clearing every weekend. I was stunned. The initial shock replaced by panic, then confusion and finally I realized I had to be calm in order not to make an already bad situation worse. Bankky was already flipping out. That I can't allow to happen.

I picked up the phone and called my MIL, after the fourth try I got her on the phone. She advised we look for a local herb...at that hour I was skeptical I can find anyone who has got it.

So, as it is no remedy on that front. All the while I am trying to remain calm for Bankky's sake. Inwards, I was scared shitless. With the knowledge that it would be hard finding the herb, I took a decision to go to the hospital. At least even if I cannot find an immediate anti-dote, I can be sure that the anointing oil will keep me safe. L can't take chances though. So we headed to the hospital. I had never registered there, even though I could have.

Almost two hours later, I finally got the anti-venom shot.

But boy, was I scared?!

DANCE ALL THA WAY

I love to watch people dance...although, I am not a good dancer myself. As a matter of fact I am a horrible dancer. However, I watch all the dance shows, musicals and take particular interest when I see people dancing.

The motion that goes into the art can be innate instincts sometimes, while other times, people actually go all out to learn the fantastic dance steps.

I was at a wedding a couple of weeks back and was treated to an abundant dose of dance and drama. needless to say, it brought on a state of nostalgic flashback to my own wedding last year. I watched with interest as the bride literally set the dance floor on fire. Ironically, the groom was no where to be found around the scene. That struck me with a vivid clarity! Men are usually not as expressive as women. As happy as the day was for both of them, it was the bride that did most of the dancing, while the groom perhaps, have already started juggling a myriad of minute details in his head about that next deal!

Nonetheless, dancing is a way of expressing one's feeling of joy, happiness and excitement. For some it is a professional calling, while for others...it is just a plain old way of having fun.

NOSTALGIA

Without change there can be no nostalgia.

Change makes everything become antiquated. And over time, change has been identified as the only constant in a complex of variables.

For a while now I have been feeling this nostalgic sensations about my past, and how I have traversed through different stages in my life up to this point. All the changes I have made and all the different mistakes, successes, pains, joys and frustrations.

Thinking back I must say it has been festering for a while. People have asked me, friends that is, about my childhood. Strangely, I never say much. Why, I really don't know. Possibly because there is so much to say or maybe I try to run away from leaving myself too "open".

Early this week I thought of one of my friends from childhood. He is Idowu Gabriel. Lovely chap. One of the first to summon enough courage to want to be my friend. Chap just walked up to my front door one day, so that we could walk together to our summer school classes (not to glamorize too much: LESSON) together.I was completely flabberwhelmed.

However, all through primary school and secondary school we were fast friends. But, I guess we moved on somehow.

I remember that time when I went with a group of naughty boys to swim in the Idi-Araba canal. It was just newly constructed then and it was really clean. I can't swim u see, but I nevertheless went to "feel among". It was going fine until another group of boys from another school came along.

One thing led to another and stones started raining from both ends, at the end someone from our camp was successful with a very good throw. Next thing I know blood was spilling everywhere...we ran like the demons were after us. Those boys however traced us to our summer school, and started fishing everyone out. I was missed out though as I had removed my uniform leaving just my inner shirt.

Then there was that time when one boy almost closed down the whole school. You see, I went to Birch Freeman High School, a public boys only school. And teachers are always insisting on instilling discipline on a bunch of boys just looking out to have fun.

So that day, a particular teacher decided he was going to teach one of the "big boys" a lesson. He forcefully cut his curled air and humiliated him...kind of. He shaved the student's hair clean right in the middle, so he looked like Abija wara (you know in that popular Yoruba series Koto Orun). It was so funny that other students laughed at him and called him exactly that.

And true to type of the character in the series, he went home to Mushin (yes, the dreaded Mushin) and came back reloaded, with a horde of terrifying looking thugs. We all trembled that day o. Those guys were looking so fierce, but thanks to the quick intervention of police from Alakara police station.

Yes, I remembered all these incidents and many more. All the way to my days in Ojere, Ogun State. But, I must say, nothing is more troubling to me than the fact that I have lost so many friends along the way. Friendships to me are sacred and I am always careful how I make friends and who I call a friend. For  me friendship is to be jealously guarded.

When I remember all of my so called "friends" I become so disappointed. Is it me or is it just that they weren't good enough in the first instance?

I am still feeling it. I am in a really nice mess. Thanks for reading this.

LAGOS SWIMMING UNDER WATER

What would these Lagosians do?

Watch out for mo' updates....

THE SCENE FROM OUT MY WINDOW

I like to sit back at home weekends.

It is probably a bad idea, but it works fine for me. Not with the weekly hustle and bustle. And if you live in Lagos, Nigeria, you will understand what "hustle and bustle" means. What's more? If you are a resident of Ikorodu and environs (a suburb or what some will call new settlement), then you will definitely understand what "hustle and bustle" means.

All the same, I relish the life. The easy going weekend lifestyle. Not going out, unless it is unavoidably essential.

From way back since I can remember, I have always been a "family type" kind of man; the kind of man who loves being around loved ones. Rather than go out and have a wild-time-out-on-the-town I would prefer to sit back in front of the TV and watch movies, play video games, board games or just gist away with friends or family. Even when I went away to school it was the same way and I was lucky enough to surround myself with friends who had a somewhat similar lifestyle...not to say we didn't have fun! But probably not in the way others may find "interesting".

My low-key lifestyle has earned me all kinds of personality characterizations: efiko (book worm),  arrogant a**hole, uptight fellow, great bore etc.

I don't bother (in most cases) to dispel such notions, because I only show to people what they want to see....you can call me a two-face con artist if you want. However, some people are just the way they are because it is who they are and it suits them fine.

So, it is not surprising that most weekends I find myself at home doing the odd domestic chores and peacefully savoring the beauty of my surroundings.

 It is definitely a bucolic setting, but I do relish the very many dimensions and perspectives it presents me with every time I sit down and observe what goes on around me. I am beginning to make it a point to studiously observe and learn from the every day nature presentations. It is beautiful and breathtaking.

From sunup to sundown, I present you with a one of the typical and breathtaking nature presentations I am regaled with.

Enjoy.

Sun breaking through the morning clouds...waking up to this sight is somewhat stimulating.

Early afternoon with the clouds is a kaleidoscope of colours

Mid-afternoon is glorious and  a heartwarming sight to behold.

 The sun setting is so...

                                                    Majestically B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

And the rising of the moon is magnificent enough to bring on cathartic benefits....

And when the moon is full, I can go to sleep easy knowing I have once again witnessed one of the most beautiful works of art.

THE CELEBRATION THAT WENT UP IN SMOKE

So we celebrated eventually?

Wow! But the part I can't wrap my head around is how much was spent in such vain celebrations when there are serious environmental, social and political issues begging for lasting solution.

Some of the money devoted to hosting foreign visitors, who in the first place care less whether Nigeria survives or not, could have been better deployed caring for the needs of the millions of impoverished and deprived peoples of this country.

I still marvel at such callousness by our public officials. What could have informed their decision to spend so much in celebrating a country where several millions groan in pain and struggle in poverty and lack of the basic structures to pull them out of  the quagmire? The money deployed in such fanciful and wasteful display could have been better utilized, if the government really cared for the people.

The bomb blasts shouldn't have come as a surprise. The security services have also become impoverished. We have constantly heard tales of security forces being overwhelmed by the superior firepower of criminal bandits; hence, why should a bomb blast right at the backyard of the venue for such debauchery cause such shock? The security services can only muster as much a result as the equipment they are bogged down with can conjure. In the face of stark antiquity of such equipment it is easy for the security networks to be penetrated by dare-devil militants.

My only hope is in the people of this country, our ability to never say die and penchant to always call on the Nigerian Factor in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

Government has promised to cater for the families of those who were victims of the bomb blast. But I ask, is it only when calamities befall us that the government should think of doing something for its citizenry?

NIGERIA @ 50

Here it comes at last!

The 50th anniversary of this "Great" nation. Plans are underway to mark a memorable celebrations worthy of a Giant of Africa.

From all indications billions of Naira is going to get spent in ensuring that the country and her citizens "enjoy" a great spectacle and are "treated" to a befitting fest.

I however wonder what exactly there is to celebrate, other than perhaps the fact that the country has not disintegrated into smithereens over the course of five decades of her existence.

I seriously ponder this, because I look around and I haven't seen much worth celebrating. The decay is evident all around and aptly characterized by the dilapidated state of virtually every known government parastatal.

I can hardly point to any government agency or department that has achieved 95% success rate in its activities. Everything is happily left to ruin; while the "Bigs boys" party with the budgeted money in Abuja and elsewhere.

The poor state of electricity supply has attracted much vaunted attention from the federal government. I still wait to see what changes all the talk will achieve. Personally, I am scoring Pres. Goodluck Jonathan's regime zero on this. I have not had power for the past two weeks; and absolutely no one is budging. Not even after several appeals to those that should do something about it.

Potable water supply is erratic in most places, if at all available. Even in places like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt which are regarded as vanguard cities...there is no Water. Now, I can speak authoritatively here. I know there is a project called the Millennium Development Goals project which Nigeria is a beneficiary from. I would have expected much development from the huge resources pumped into this project, however, what do we have? Honestly, I am shocked that at our ripe old age of 50, there are still places in this country where people walk more than 2 KM to find water.

Where I live, there is no community development project of any kind...No Power, No water, No good roads, No health care centre and security is fast becoming problematic.

Looking at a scenario of such utter neglect and lack of effort to address even basic issues, I wonder if there is anything to be celebrated. Nigeria is 50, so what?

What is the BIG DEAL for me in all of that? Where do I come into the picture as a Nigerian. Nigerians are proud and happy people. Not because the country is worth being proud or happy about. It is simply because somewhere hidden in our genetic make-up is something that has not been found anywhere else in the human race.

It is called the NIGERIAN FACTOR. That can be positively or negatively channeled depending on what the demands are. Hence, I don't blame people if they feel they need to celebrate Nigeria @ 50 or not. Afterall, the Nigerian factor will determine how we each take that on board.

So, like it was in the Harry Potter Movies...Let the celebrations BEGIN!

Monday August 16, 2010

It is another week.

There was another site inspection scheduled today with Kelly Salaam at LAMATA, Ojota.

This time around everyone was present, minus my MD and EDT. We went about our business and got all we needed. Now for the real stuff.

The afternoon was spent chasing the ever elusive cheque. I wish something can fall through this week.

Rest of the day was pretty quiet....rained.

Sunday August 15, 2010

It has been a ruff house these past three days.

I need to begin the painting I have been putting off for a while now. So, I started this morning. I had to be extra careful and stricter, otherwise the boys would have all been covered in white paint.

It is not easy painting o! Kai. But I try sha. I did the hallway and made sure I finished it, then a quarter of the living room. I will just have to leave the rest for another weekend. I can't miss the Liverpool vs. Arsenal game. The first game of the season for my beloved Gunners.

Now the boys are leaving. The short stay is over. I thought 'Tomisin (their little sister) turned the house upside down; It felt like a tsunami hit the house with those three...lol.

Having them around was a pleasant departure from just me and Bankky. The constant noise, bustling and stamping of feet made the place have a "feel".

Doyin (my sister) and Bankky left together taking Timi, Tobi and Toyosi (the three musketeers) with them. I was left to fend for myself whichever way I can.

Thankfully I had the game to keep me company.

Felt too tired to even do the ironing. Gosh!

Saturday August 14, 2010

Drizzled a bit this morning. That didn't disturb the schedule though. Did some garden work today. Had to shovel the surroundings before we get too hemmed win by the long grasses.

The kids found it very interesting...They chased after the butterflies and picked some wild flowers. Tobi even wanted to "plant" one in a bed of mud. According to him, "I want all this place to be fine." LOL.

The chickens also didn't have rest today from the three of them....they were constantly harassed and chased round the whole yard.

After all the rigours I handed out the chupa chups sweets I bought them from BG Mart yesterday to squeals of delight.

Bankky went to school and left me with three hyper-active boys to look after. Luckily for me the exertions made them too weak to try anything funny. All three had about 3 hours nap. That gave me the opportunity to quickly dash out and do some shopping at the local hardware store while my mom kept an eye on them.

The evening was full of fun. The boys entertained me with some rib-cracking dance steps.

Friday August 13, 2010

The day flew by in a breeze.

Being a Friday, there wasn't much to do. I am somewhat blank and can't just wait to begin the weekend.

I let the kids enjoy an hour of cartoon on getting home. It is Saturday tomorrow so they can go to bed a bit later than usual.

The concentration levels on the cartoon was amazing.

Thurday August 12, 2010

Had to rejig the sales report today for submission. The MD wants it reflecting Half-year sales performance against the annual new sales and renewals.

Finished it up and submitted to the CSM.

Visited Computer Village in search of some gadgets. Annoying how people always try to take advantage of your gentle manliness.

Had to tell someone off today. I tried to be civil, but some people just don't understand civility.

The boys have arrived. I got home and was swarmed. Luckily, I had goodies to pass round.

No sooner I got settled I had to start screaming for them to behave...boys will still be boys. I just wonder how their mother copes, lol.

Wednesday August 11, 2010

Dear Lord, how do I do this?

I have a deficit on my half-year sales report and there is a lot of heat to cover up. However, the economic situation is not helping matters.

Had a meeting with the MD today with the rest of the sales team to take a look at the report. Notwithstanding that my report showed a marginal improvement compared with the other guys it seemed not to be satisfactory.

What can we do? Well, we are all still racking our brains. Hopefully, my Reckitt and Benckisser account can be appreciably boosted with expectation of new business. I am also hoping for the LG and Samsung portfolio to expand.

Bankky went to have some shots at the hospital and get her wound dressed.

Banana and Manana (my in-laws) called today to let me know that their boys will be coming for the weekend. My hair stood on end...three boys. WOW!!! God help us.

Tuesday August 10, 2010

Thanking God for yesterday's lucky escape.

Funniest thing happened at the office. Got locked in today with Lola. The door had to broken down before we could be freed from our temporary prison.

Between 3.54pm and 4.15pm, the whole office had to rally round to ensure our freedom. LOL.

Monday August 9, 2010

The planned site inspection with Kelly Adams encountered initial hiccups.

Thankfully, we were still able to go ahead with it (albeit it was just me, my BDM, EDT and MD).

OMG! Bankky was hit by a motorbike. Can't even concentrate after hearing the news from my younger sister with whom she had gone to get some phone credits. Thankfully, the inspection just rounded-off when she called.

How could this have happened?!!!

Later, I got assurances from Doyin and my mom that it wasn't serious. But, how can I concentrate knowing she is going through so much pain?

Obviously I wore my concern on my face; I was asked by a few colleagues if everything was alright. I have to cheer up a bit, at least wait till I get home and assess the situation myself.

I finally got to see Bankky @ about 8.15pm at my mom's place. Thankfully, she was able to move about. The biker apparently lost control of the machine at a bend, ramming into her from behind. Luckily, she fell on her side spraining her shoulder and sustaining bruises and a cut eye. I give praises to God.

Turned into a professional masseur. Got to relief her of the pain.

Sunday August 9, 2010

Bankky should have been in school today, but she decided she was going to stay home.

We pretty much just lazed all through playing ludo and watching some films.

Couldn't go to watch Arsenal's amazing 6-5 victory against Legia Warsaw as it was raining.

Saturday August 8, 2010

The day started gloriously. There was a lot pumped into the schedule today. First there was some painting that I needed to do around the house. Then I have some more backbreaking work to do in the verandah and garden.

I finished the painting as planned. I also accomplished part of the improvements I planned for the verandah, but shelved the hoeing in the garden because I was running against time and it also started to rain cat and dog.

We left the house 10 am for one of my in-laws wedding ceremony. It was an opportunity to once again see some members of the extended family on Bankky's side. As it happened we got to the venue well ahead of time (good we did as we had to do some bit of map searching to get the venue).

After we got back home I discovered my snails had hatched. Was so thrilled.

Friday August 5, 2010

Today is knowledge hour at the office. Pretty enlightening. I also got a new name today "Taiwo" given to me by the speaker for the day. However, I didn't lose sight of what was important.

Kelly Adams was back at the office today to present his MOBILE AD Platforms. It looks viable, further checks and assessment scheduled for Monday next week at 2pm. That is another inspection exercise for me...GOSH!

No be small thing o. I had to hook up a friend with Titi from Azzagai. Hopefully, I can get her some stuffs there.

The rest of the day was spent re-checking my sales report for Q2 2010.

Thursday August 5, 2010

Had a site inspection today at Lekki...close to GET ARENA and Oriental Hotel.

Went with three other colleagues.

Inspections are tedious and today's wasn't different. It was made more so by the fact that we didn't know the place and had to do a lot of rigmarole.

Thanks to David Onyezere of IMS, who came to my rescue we would have spent the whole day inside Oniru without achieving our objective.

Nevertheless, we got the place and cased it out. Nice joint for the intended scheme. However, LASAA may prove a stubborn spoke in the wheel. We are determined to push it through though.

There was a nice jolly ride back to the office and the little time left was spent typing up here....TIRED.

See ya.

Guess who came to dinner?!

Hehehe...not really dinner. But Kelly Adams was in the house today. For those of you who do not know him...he is real tight with Ras Kimono and is the CEO of Bryze Nigeria Limited.

I didn't recognize him at first until he had gone and a colleague showed me his photos on facebook with Ras Kimono himself.

Thereafter, I had to send out the operations team to pick up posters for Dettol. One was posted same day while the other will be before the end of the week (Hopefully).

Yesterday's meeting was supposed to continue today, but had to be shelved for other important things.

My younger sister Adedoyin came around. Didn't see her as she was at Mom's place.

Tuesday August 3, 2010

Most of the day was spent having meetings with the MD.

The first quarter report was reviewed and assessed, while strategies were devised for the second and third quarters.

Apart from the action plans raised at the meeting, it ran into routine format.

Talked to my LG contact today and it seems they are on the verge of acquiring more sites. I am keeping my fingers crossed. That will be a big boost for my portfolio.

Looking forward to seeing Bankky tonight.

Monday August 2, 2010

Today was a bit dry. Nothing doing really....

The new bus fees came into effect yesterday. Luckily, Bankky had extra tickets for me. Otherwise, I would have had a bit to do to get on the bus. There was so much shoving and pushing and punching to get tickets. People can be so disorderly.

There was some planning to do though for Saturday's wedding. That is Bankky's department.

Waiting to hear from one or two prospects and the LG angles is looking very promising.

Sunday August 1, 2010

It is bright day.

No church today, there are things to take care of on the home front. Bankky and Seun however are off for a Harvest programme.

Before they went though, Tomisin was off to her usual trick. I just couldn't stop laughing as she kept me occupied.

First she wanted to ride piggy back till eternity. As soon as I successfully extricated myself from her, she then wanted me to help her with her dress. Then she brought me her shoes...but not before showing me she had her pampers on!

Then we had to roll on the floor as she reeled off several dance steps.

After they were gone, it was time for some back-breaking job. It was not easy, but all was achieved. A really fulfilling weekend.

Saturday July 31, 2010

I knew I had a long day ahead of me, that is why I was much more angry that yesterday's meeting was made to drag that long by the management. I got home 10.20PM. It wouldn't have been an issue, but knowing how Nigerian roads are, on a Friday preceding environmental sanitation; then add the incalculable security risk. I just felt people weren't sensitive enough, period!

Anyways, I had to accomplish my aims for the day. But not before attending the CDA meeting.

Politics had always held an attraction for me; however, I have never actively engaged in it because it holds a different connotation and is played by a different set of rules in Nigeria. However, today I was thrown right into the "middle" of things. As it turned out, I was voted out of the blues as the Asst. Secretary for the CDA. I was non-nonplussed as I never bargained for that...maybe I was being thrust one small step towards my destiny.

After the meeting I, Bankky and my mom set off. Bankky was going on a shoppin gtrip (Again!). This time with her sister. I and my mom were going to the popular metal market - Owode Onirin. I had never been there before, but my eyes couldn't stop roving about upon seeing rows upon rows of iron and metal stacked to sometimes 10 feet high. It was a real eye-opener- people make brisk business out of everything from scraps to broken down metal. I even saw an iron ladder torn down in less than three minutes. I am sure that is a world record.

Arranged a pleasant surprise for Bankky on my return home. She however was held up in traffic and the fun was almost spoilt.

However, I received a surprise package from her. Tomisin Olufowobi is back!!!

Last week she was all over the house. And when she left we missed her. But now she is back and with my sister-in-law.

Though it was late she was still very hyper-active. She wasn't calling me "niscuit" anymore as she was now more accustomed to calling me "uncle".

All in all it was a very nice Saturday, considering my team Arsenal played well and showed promises of what to expect starting from August 15.

Friday July 30, 2010

Today is Papa Ade's last day with us. He is our senior dispatch rider SPD for short.

Will miss him like hell.

Ran around Lagos twice today....lol. Not really, but I was out mostly. Had to patch up one or two cracking relationships.

Then I waited endlessly for the scheduled general staff meeting originally meant to begin at 4p.m. Right now it is 6.15pm and yet we are still waiting. This is not funny. Especially with the prospect of facing the horrendous traffic on Ikorodu road.

Abeg, make we start this thing now...SO I CAN GO HOME TO MY DARLING!!!

Thursday July 29, 2010

The regional heads/HQ meeting kicked off today.

Good to see Raphael again. Guy looks good. And Kayode....Won't comment on that.

I had to do some running around. There are some loose ends to tie. There is the LASAA brief from a contact...that is proving knotty. The top guys don't want to go full scale into the scheme. Instead, they want to just do the approval processing bit, pick up the percentage consultancy fee and take a walk. Keeping my fingers crossed. It is a heavy project.

Sent out all the documents that had been waiting to be sorted. Hopefully, the payments for the Samsung and LG job will be settled quickly; so the company's finance guys will be happy? I ain't happy because a lot of things is being held up for lack of funds....man go burst o!

I had me a treat...Amala and Gbegiri/ewedu. It was fun, but I don't think I can indulge in that often.

OK. I got pissed. This finance fella is really getting me to a new level. I hope I don't blow my top one of these days.

Was watching the Falconets, but couldn't finish the game as I had to hit the road early to avoid the traffic on Ikorodu road. The girls did 150 million Nigerians proud though beating Colombia 1-0 and qualifying for the final of the U-2O World Cup for the first time ever.

I wish them all the best.

Popped in to see momsie today. She is doing well...though still expecting her salary to be paid. But, as mine haven't being paid too...I dashed out earlier than I would have to take refuge in Bankky's arms.

Wednesday July 28, 2010

Bankky was off with a friend of hers today doing some shopping...how women love to shop and men dread the word!

The office was the same of the old same.

Went over to try and smooth things out between my L.G. contact and a guy I introduced to him. Didn't work out. Chapter closed.

Was at Mediacom to prospect...no show. However, all the guys over there- Chidi, Seun, Cynthia, Obum, Rotimi et al are all doing great. Nice to talk up some with the boys.

There was really nothing much on my plate today. However, I needed to sort things out with Mediareach. So off I go.

Tuesday July 27, 2010

I haven't been keeping up. Work has been a helluva challenge and I am really getting pissed with some fellas. The pressure is bad enough as it is, but some people take delight in heating up the atmosphere.

Got the Samsung and Reckitt jobs today. That may get the devils off my back for a while.

The rest of the day breezed by. The L.G contact was also here and we had a good chat. the L.G. job in Port Harcourt is superb. Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt is the bomb!!!

What else? I guess that was that. See ya.

Monday July 26, 2010

Another Monday and another week.

Good to be back at work. Albeit, only two of the four guys in my department are here. Myself and Lola....So, I was called to fill in for my C.S.M at the meeting so it's not just her alone facing the bullish, manic panel who set out to rip the marketing department to shreds every Monday...like they don't know the economy is slow like a snail.

The meeting went on well until when it came to the marketing/sales performance and forecast for the rest of the year. Some of the inputs were very distressing; however, I and my departmental colleagues buoy ourselves and our self-confidence by telling ourselves an old African adage " when a lizard falls from a height and nobody praises it, it shakes it head and praises itself." That way we appreciate ourselves, knowing that our colleagues and friends in the industry are not faring much better (if not worse) yet they enjoy better times.

After the meeting I used the rest of the day to field some calls, prepare my proposal for tomorrow's meeting and visit some contacts.

Sunday July 25, 2010

Tomisin Olufowobi and Seun left today.

The morning was however spent hunting snails and gathering veggies.

But, yours truly was occupied with my PS after the snail hunting leaving the ladies to do the meal...I participated peripherally sha.

The house was very different....I and Bankky were missing sweet lil' Tomisin already, even though she still lapses into calling me "biscuit"...lol.

Ekpoma+Varsity+Lecturer+Caught+-+chuukin+for+grade

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Saturday July 24, 2010

After the exertions of yesterday, I was already feeling home sick. There was also the excitement of playing host to my sister-in-law and her niece...lil' sweet Tomisin Olufowobi.

So, I and Bankky set out early so as to be home in time for their arrival. In spite of our plans we all arrived at the same time.

The sweet thing was enchanted with the countryside atmosphere of our home...all the bushes and greenery to admire. And she was constantly chasing away "coo-coo". Then she called me "biscuit" before finally learning from observation that I am "uncle".

She brightened up the whole place, though she did her fair share of crying for tea, biscuit, fanta and her favorite "that one" in reference to anything and everything! She also did a bit of re-arranging the living room and the kitchen.

Fortunately she didn't cry at last, only woke Bankky up for her regular cup of tea and then sleep like a sweet lil' baby she was.

Hmm.

Friday July 23, 2010

Well, it happened I was not in the office today as I had a BIG FISH to fry.

It was my younger brother's "intro-mimo" and engagement ceremony. I wasn't going to miss it, as there was a rather weird dimension to the whole scenario.

I was saddled with a rather discomfiting yet inevitable role as the Father (my dad being late). To be honest I was pleased that I could be there in that role for my younger ones. All I have been doing before now have been pretty much child's play.

All said and done, it was a happy day and also there was a feeling of what could have been if the old man was still alive. Now two of his sons have grown into men to carry on from where he left off. God willing, it will be a more successful voyage.

To my mom...you are the best...my lil' sis...kisses (and know this: That guy will roll on the floor for me too like I did today)...D-Law...best of luck and Happy married life.

Thursday July 22, 2010

Been a quiet, dreary and boring day so far.

Had a meeting canceled and still trying to knock a presentation into shape...my system is at present frustrating that effort...where is Jide?!!!!

I need S.U.P.P.O.R.T.

Wednesday July 21, 2010

It was a breezy day. Started off with me very sluggish and having much to accomplish.

Was at a couple of agencies, doing what I know how to do best (hopefully, I am going to start getting even). Anyways, it is fun doing what I do...meeting people and driving sales. Especially if you are in the service rendering business as I am in. It is difficult too, but exciting knowing you are helping your partners achieve their marketing/brand communication goals.

The circumstance is even made more thrilling if you are working with people who respect you, understand your POV and/or have a common field of experience as you have got.

On this day I met two such people. I have always had cause to interact with them, but yesterday maybe was a bit more different- why? I really don't know, but I felt a bit more appreciated by Mr. Ayo Kupoluyi, G.M. Starcom Media and Mr. Gbenga Olusoga, Mediareach OMD.

Hopefully, I am going to meet a lot more old and new contacts in the course of the coming weeks. People that can help me meet my sales target for the year, lol.

PEACE OF MIND

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