Thursday, 10 December 2009

Some things I said!

ON CITIZENSHIP
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009

ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009

ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009

ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009

ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009

ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009


ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009

ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009



ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009

ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009

ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009

ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Peace in Ogun State (Revisited) FB 05/07/2009

DELE OKENLA
Sunday, 05 July 2009


The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.



Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39


Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11


Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46


Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57


Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07


Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.

A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19


Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31


Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32


Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32


Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13


Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46


Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02


Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19


Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!

All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.

We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15


Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08


Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!

I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45

Sunday, 6 December 2009

On praise

When I wake up every morning and I kneel down to pray, it is not to ask God for anything new but to thank Him for keeping me alive in good health and in good spirit. If only for the gift of life, our Lord is worthy of praise!

Saturday, 5 December 2009

On Man

Man is the apex of God's creation. We were made perfect in His image. So much so that if we truly connect with Him in spirit, we too can create our own miracles.

Support or Anarchy? (FB forum) 22/11/2009

Dele Okenla
My stance on politics is that even though we desire change we must still support the government of the day at all levels, offering positive collaboration whenever and wherever we can. Our overall aim is to achieve a stable and progressive governance and not to create anarchy or merely pursue an egoistic agenda.


La Amzat
Even if the govt is diabolical and unprogressive we should continue to feign stupid cos of a pot of porridge!


Dele Okenla
Dear Amzat, I wonder whether your reference to a pot of porridge is intended as a veiled assault on mine or anybody's integrity for that matter. If it were, then it shows justification for my call for our so-called political pundits to re-orientate their surprisingly narrow perspectives. There is a need for would-be critics not only to know what they are fighting for but also to be able to justify why they are using any particular method of engagement.
Tell me my learned friend, what is stupid in supporting your government at any level? Is anarchy preferrable to stability? Must you always be a gladiator at the expense of peace and progress? I think not!
As for porridges, I only eat Ikokore prepared at home. I am nobody's lackey and seek neither grace nor favour from anyone except God. However, I would rather work with a bad government that we hope to replace in order to make things work better for the masses in the meantime than to engage in meaningless and sometimes directionless and self-serving antagonisms that bring forth nothing fruitful.
Stay blessed and focussed.


La Amzat
Good political tirade and swan-song, as the time of change draws near more of the above political rhetorics will come forth from accalimed agents of change, nothing personal here but a surged mud can hit anyone, conscience permitting but then criticism is part of the horse saddle in the manger, salt of life no matter how detested.


La Amzat
My bro, i understand where u coming from and your target, I have nothing against u, u have a plan to contest soon, so whatever u say is prejudiced, cos u have a burning desire. Moreso, there was a comment I made couple of weeks back during a heated OGD discussion which u had to unwittingly delete in order to preserve your political bed. I didnt find it funny but played along cos ojo mbo LOLUWA wi. For affiliations, note am a free-lance and not interested in any savvy or suavy position. Good thing about your response is that you have declared your ambition! Its your right.



Dele Okenla
Good and noble Amzat, I would very much like to believe that you are writing all these without prejudice or any misconception as I rather fail to see the main gist of your outburst other than it being a valiant attempt at good essay-writing.
I am further worried by your choice of words like 'swan-song', 'tirade', etc, as they have either been unwittingly used out of context or perhaps were not meant to be directed at my person since I cannot fathom any issue/situation that could have warranted such, try as hard as I could.
Nonetheless, I must thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to unravel my mind a bit and maybe in the process we might hopefully become better acquainted with each other's perspectives.

First and foremost, be rest assured that I am not part of the status quo, not in the least, and in fact far from it.
Secondly, when I was younger and less informed, I too have felt the same kind of heat and passion to fight the government of the day, for whatever reason for that matter, whether justifiable or not! So you are not alone
As we grow older, age and reason demand that we should always weigh our immediate options against our long-term objectives in every sphere of life, politics not excluded, and we should act only to further peace and progress.

Change as a progressive tool cannot be an end in itself but rather the means to an end, where the overall aim in bringing about such a change would be to improve the prevalent situation. It follows therefore that if the current situation can be significantly improved upon without necessitating a change of guard then such an opportunity cannot be ignored by a true progressive.

Another aspect of change is that it must be positive and purposeful. It is unthinkably malevolent to desire change only for worse individuals to assume control of the situation especially when bearing in mind that real-life politics does not necessarily have anything to do with morality. To expect politicians to be latter-day saints is a bit utopian and absurd in the very least.

Governance is never easy and those that criticise the government blindly are akin to the Volkswagen Golf driver who imagines that he could as well probably drive a Formula One car just as easily. Only a true test can tell.

I refuse to regard you as a rebel without cause and you definitely do not strike me as someone hoping to score cheap points by unduly attacking the establishment. So therefore, I will advise you to try and weigh both sides of an option at all times before accepting or rejecting it. Try to build up and edify rather than pull down or dismantle. There are no specially acclaimed agents of change anywhere except yourself, myself, and the man on the street. Have a good day.


La Amzat
Dele, let me refer u to an article in today's THISDAY 22/11/09, by Audu Ogbeh on Ngige, where the sage addressed some germane issues.


Dele Okenla
Thank you my dear brother. I will surely find time to read it. In the meantime, stay blessed and extend my warmest regards to your family.