Author: Damola

Categories
Thought

The Main Thing – Reflections of Gratitude and Vision

Over the last 5 weeks, I have seen, met and heard about several other young people (and professionals) who against all odds are building capacity, and contributing to making things better.
Harnessing the transforming power of a principle-based vision and mission, creating an upward spiral of learning and living, making daily choices keenly with much #Godfidence, we should/would continually remind ourselves that the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.
I am thankful for those I meet; thankful for those I connect with on social media; and thank you (yes, You!) for being you.
@DamolaMore
Categories
Education Thought

World Economic Forum and the New Vision for Education

Earlier this month, I participated in the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Abuja, Nigeria. Though the forum had the theme ‘Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs’, I was more engage in brainstorming with other global stakeholders in the education sector on how we can effectively achieve a ‘new vision for education’.

A session at the forum, co-hosted by the Global Business Coalition for Education was dedicated towards the ‘New Vision for Education’. With an insightful coordination by Sarah Brown, Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education, the session focused – among other things – on discussing strategies to reshape education for Africa’s sustainable long-term growth and competitiveness, by exploring approaches to define the education-employment gap, determine effective distribution infrastructure, deliver education through technology and fund education for growth. You can read my reflection here.

Another important highlight of the World Economic Forum was the launch of the Safe Schools initiative by the United Nations Special Envoy on Global Education, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown and the Nigerian business community.

Damola Morenikeji and Gordon Brown at #WEFAfrica
The pilot phase of the safe school initiative is meant to ensure that we have 500 safe schools in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states and other states in the Northern part of Nigeria.
It can be recalled that over a month ago, more than 200 girls were abducted at their school in Chibuk, a town in Borno state, Nigeria, causing a continuous out-pour of solidarity to ensure that actions are taken to #BringBackOurGirls. As Gordon Brown noted, effective actions should be taken to bring the abducted girls back, ensure schools are safe for learning and deal with the insecurity challenge.
Read excerpts  of my reflection on the realisation of a new vision for education here. After reading, I would love to know what you think is missing? What should we do more? What shouldn’t we do? Why? How else can we achieve this? I want to read from you!
I continually affirm, that with the right actions taken by the right people at the right time, things will turn out right.
Damola [@DamolaMore]
Categories
Thought

Bring Back Our Girls: My Call for Urgent Action

It was unexpected. More than a week ago, over a hundred girls were abducted from the gated Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, a town in Borno State, north-east Nigeria. Till date, their fate is still being laid on faith.

I am disturbed that not only are there still conflicting data as to the number of girls – any of whom could have been our sister, daughter, niece or cousin – abducted, but the adverse effect of that incident on qualitative education and learning.

UNESCO’s Education for All 2013/4 Global monitoring report informs that about 5.5 million Nigerian girls are not of school. With over 10 million Nigerian children missing out of basic education, there has to be proactive urgent action to ensure that our children – who are reflections of our future – are not only in school but educated in a secured environment that encourages continuous learning and education.

The psychological trauma caused by this abduction and its consequential adverse effect on the abducted girls, their families and other young people within our country calls for huge concerns. Every additional day used in detention increases their risk of suffering from confusion, impaired concentration – and memory – hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety, fear, emotional imbalance, depression and withdrawal from the larger society.

While it is assumed that the Nigerian defense systems are making frantic efforts to bring back our girls, there is an urgent need for a consistent change in strategy – as situation demands. Bringing back our girls involves red-alert actions to be taken by government, both at the state and the center.

Nigerian child wants us to Bring Back Our Girls
Bring Back Our Girls

The Nigerian government should – if need be – involve other stakeholders in proffering a solution to this menace. Result oriented actions have to be taken urgently. The inaction, or late actions of all concerned tend to pose serious danger to national security, security of our collective lives and properties, and may make our environment devoid of increased creativity, fueling ignorance, illiteracy and poverty.


If decisive actions are not taken now, in rescuing our precious girls and making schools safer for learning, another generation of young Nigerians may be exposed to civil unrest, unemployment, poverty and increased vulnerability.

The life of every young person is important to our future; I remain highly hopeful that we will bring back our girls.
Categories
Leadership Thought

Our Responsibility as Humans

One of our responsibilities as concerned humans is to stir ourselves up to the knowledge of the truth, and stimulate one another to love, helpful deeds and noble activities.
I quite agree that this world doesn’t need more people who are doing what they think they should be doing and staying where they are out of a false sense of obligation. What this world needs is more people who are stepping into their truth, showing up fully in their relationships and work in the world, and people who are joyful, passionate and on purpose’
We can all contribute more to (personal/ #leadership / community / national / global) development by embracing this responsibility.
Let’s unite and take action. We can do MORE!
ADM
Categories
Growth Leadership Thought

Growth Galley – Be Careful of Your Thoughts [Podcast]

Great day!

It is delighting to welcome you to the Growth Galley. The Growth Galley is a periodic podcast aimed at enriching our collective growth; for us to grow right, lead right and live right.

In this episode, we are exploring the creative and destructive power of thought – depending on which you choose to explore. 

Click HERE to listen.

I will love to read / hear your view. You may comment below, send me a mail or let’s connect via Facebook / Twitter.

Much love,

Damola (@DamolaMore)
Categories
Thought

Renewing Your Thoughts and Mind [Quote]

‘It is always renewing thinking about my thoughts. Sometimes, I sigh. Other times, i smile and laugh at myself.’

However, the best laughter is let out when the thought, backed up with divinely guided actions produces tremendous results. – Damola Morenikeji

#ScaleUp your thought; it is possible!
Question: What measures do you take to renew your mind? Share with me via mail, Facebook or Twitter.

Categories
Thought

Celebrating ‘the’ Woman!

Today, on International Women Day (#IWD2014), I celebrate ‘every’ woman who believes in, and recognizes the wisdom, beauty, strength and identity she possesses; every woman who upholds the values entrenched in love and empathy, every woman who sticks to speaking the truth and doing what is right  – even when it is difficult.

Today, I celebrate every woman who – though is faced with awkward challenges – finds strength and understands that there is a lesson to be learnt; every woman who – though experiences pain – is committed to the process of her physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual healing. I celebrate every woman – regardless of age category – who lives a life of honour and integrity.

I celebrate every woman who understands the power of love, words and deeds; every woman, who – though stands tall – has her kneels closer to the ground in divine supplication.
I celebrate every woman who loves and prays for her family and nation.
If any of the above describes you, congratulation! I celebrate you! Kindly extend my best regards to – share with other women – targeted in this post.
Congratulation!
Damola Morenikeji (@DamolaMore)
Categories
Growth Leadership Strategy Thought

Building Productive Habits as an Entrepreneur

Productivity is key as a leader and entrepreneur. I consciously remind myself that it is not just enough to get busy, but to get busy fulfilling purpose – being productive. 
Thoughts on my most productive habit as a social entrepreneur was published, along with that of other ‘successful’ entrepreneurs on IdeaMensch, under the fifth habit in the ‘35 Habits That Successful Entrepreneurs UseTo Get Shit Done’.
I agree that to be excellent as an entrepreneur, you need to prioritize your daily activities, make a to-do / not-to-do list, get up early,  read, learn and grow, find your most productive time and focus. The quality of your thought is an important factor is making positive and effective impact on yourself and your environment.
As I shared ‘weaving thoughts, contrasting it with resources at hand, and continually envisioning the effect of its realization though may be tasking, but is much fun’.
Read and learn (and digest) the 35 Habits That Successful Entrepreneurs Use To Get Shit Done’ (http://ideamensch.com/35-productive-habits/).
I’ll implore you read, digest and share this post with others within your network. It is worth the time!
Stay productive!
 
image credit
Categories
Thought

Celebration and Cerebration [Thanking You!]

I am honoured and humbled by the several words, gestures and deeds conveying felicitations on the celebration of my birth anniversary. I had a great season of #cerebration. Words are not sufficient in expressing my profound gratitude.
I deeply appreciate God for the gift of life, the grace to love and be loved, and the unravelling of His purpose. Let us not be conceited by what we have collectively achieved in the past, but be appreciative that we were worthy vessels, work more on living a life available for the glorification of His purpose through our positive contribution to development.
Together, we will ‘create’ a better future. Thank you.
Regards,
ADM
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Let’s connect on Facebook and Twitter.
Categories
Leadership Thought

Defining Success as a Leader [Photo]

I agree that #success is not just about what you accomplish / achieve solely in your life, it is also about what you inspire others to do.


One of the best instruments to inspire / influence others positively is your ears and deeds, not only your tongue.

How do you define success?

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Let us connect on Twitter and Facebook.

ADM

Categories
Thought

Increasing Responsibilities: Appreciation

Appreciation is one value i cherish and live with. Daily, I appreciate God for the gift of life, and for connecting me with myself and others. Do you know what joy it brings when you explore things about yourself in ways you do not expect? One of my greatest joy is realizing that a life positively lived can influence others to talk the horns of their lives, and work on it consciously to create positive change in their communities.

It is always refreshing growing, learning and sharing with people with an unwavering commitment to #changetheworld. We truly can make our societies better through our commitment and dedication to development, and appreciation of each . This is a journey for all to take.

While taking the route of appreciation – once again – I appreciate everyone I have come across till date. I appreciate all readers, subscribers and members of my online community.


Importantly, I deeply appreciate the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, for this feature. Reading this ( www.unaab.edu.ng/unaab-news/278-news-published-in-january-2014/16559-funaabite-shines.html ) – and a few others – increases one’s sense of responsibility.

It is an amazing month indeed.

Blessings as another month begin.

ADM

Categories
Growth Leadership Thought

Measuring Your Listening Quotient

Every great leader is a good listener. We have emphasized overtime the importance of communication in leadership development. I have learnt – through the absence of communication – how a community of vibrant thoughtful minds can become disengaged and moribund.

Listening Quotient

In as much as communication is important, listening is more important. Communication is faulty, if listening is phorny or ingenuine. I have witnessed several occasions when hearing, rather than listening is the order of the day. Thus, the essence of this post to challenge us to evaluate our listening quotients.


So, how do you measure your listening quotient? My formula for listening quotients is strength of active listening divided by unit time.

For my friends, who likes mathematics – only for the spelling, let me deviate from the mathematical expression and  highlight some key elements of active listening.

Attention
When listening to the next person that speaks with you, watch the quality of attention you give out. Let it be said about you that ‘S/He listened to me like I’m the only person in the world, at that time’. Guide your attention.

Sincerity
One of the greatest gift you can give is your sincere and loving self. It is said that people do not care what you know until they know how much you care.

Minding your body
Body language plays an important role when listening actively to someone. Position your body, eye movement to be in unison with what your mind speaks which is ‘I care, I am listening’. Nothing is more disappointing that observing that the person you are speaking with is hearing (not listening) what you are saying and his body communicating his absence.

It is necessary to be true to yourself and whoever you are discussing with. If circumstances will impede you actively listening to anyone, tell the person with all modest sincerity and love.

Listening is critically essential!

Question: Looking back into the last few discussions you had with anyone, how effective did you actively listen? If you were told to calculate your listening quotient, what percentage will you be rated? What other element did I not mention?

Let’s connect on Twitter or Facebook.

ADM
Categories
Thought

Not Just A New Year

Just like ‘that’, the previous year has been stocked into the archive. A change (or in my case, flip) of the calendar comes with the courageous art/act of re-examining and learning from activities from previous years for a #ScaleUp.

Our modus operandi and modus vivendi this season should influence positive values on ourselves and impact others within our immediate and global hemisphere.

In place of letting out ‘sincere’ diatribe, let us individually (and collectively) committedly contribute towards making our nation (and world) better than it currently is.

Let’s take each day in this year – not with the excitement of the ‘new’ year – but with the excitement of a new day, filled with the plausibility of a renewed you. A day the Lord has made, for us to be glad – investing – in it. The beauty of each of the 365-less days is not that it is new, but that we are being made new.

Since each day – if well lived – provides an avenue for a new and better you, i would not only wish you a ‘new’ year, but continually wish you a NEW YOU!

Thank you for the love and understanding you exhibited since the inception of our ‘relationship’. I appreciate the advices and critiques of everyone i met through platforms of learning and sharing in previous years.

Together, (guided by the Truth) we can make our world better!

Regards,

ADM
Categories
Thought

3 Growth Opportunities for YOUng Influencers

The possibility for growth is always an indication that, as individuals – and aspiring influencers – we can always expand our capacity for our personal, leadership development and contribute to creating a world we are proud of.
After a personal and worthwhile encounter, I recommend the following growth-oriented programmes for committed minds, keen about taking actions to learn, grow impact and take positive actions:
1.      The Social Leadership Academy 2014 Fellowship.
The M121 Social Leadership Academy, U.S.A is designed to equip, inspire and connect aspiring world-changers and social entrepreneurs to make a sustainable impact on our world. Every year, they look for a group of passionate, thankful, energetic contributors in a like-minded community of emerging world-changers, discover ad utilize your strengths, and learn how to make a sustainable impact. Make your impact, as the class of 2014 starts in January 2014! Visit www.bit.ly/SocialLeadershipAcademyfor more information. Application closes in a few days.
2.      DESPLAY Africa, Season 9
DESPLAY Africa – an initiative of Youngstars Foundation, with support from National Endowment for Democracy (@NED), U.S.A – is the most consistent and longest running annual youth democracy training program in Nigeria / West Africa, designed to widen young people’s democracy education and foster active youth participation in good governance processes. Application is due on Tuesday, 31st December, 2013. For more information, click here.
 
3.      Studership 3.0 Leadership Fellowship
Studership is a growth-focused youth leadership programme aimed at equipping and connecting emerging leaders for sustainable development, and promoting value-based leadership. Application for the Studership 3.0 Leadership Fellowship opens in the year 2014. Details relating to the programme will be communicated later via Twitter (@all4development).
I urge you to share this information with young change makers in your circles, and more importantly, be committed to your/their action.
Much love,

Damola (@DamolaMore)

Categories
Thought

Get ‘Irresponsible’ – if need be!

Sometime ago, I was challenged as been irresponsible by someone I so much respect. My ‘offence’ was that I did not obey a conspicuously-wrong instruction that was given me. I apologized for my disobedience, and reinstated my commitment to doing continually, whatever is right, regardless of who benefits (or doesn’t benefit) from the consequences of my actions.
In our journey as leaders, we will no doubt interact with people who will love your dream, love your passion, love your character and values, but dislike you when you value your values, and concentrate on doing what is right – against their wish.
If you have faced such situation, remember this; ‘You are not alone. Don’t change who you are for the purpose of being liked by someone who doesn’t value integrity’. Stay glued to your value system. Stay honest!
If doing the right thing, even when you are instructed to do otherwise, is seen as been irresponsible, then, be proud to be! If knowing and relating with your colleague/boss/subordinate as an individual, instead of just a dot on the organisation’s chart is seen as been un-professional, then, be proud to be professionally ‘un-professional’. If helping the needy is considered a jobless act; then, remember that empowering one more person makes your job less. When you are attacked for doing what is right – if you haven’t, be expectant, you will still be attacked – don’t get offensive neither should you engage in a squabble. Just remind yourself – and others – that only way we can get it right as a people/nation/continent is by doing the right things right.
The bottom line is this: Embrace self discipline, stay honest (in all situations), do the right things right, and love yourself for upholding your values! I will be proud of you, if you can do these.
Much love,
Damola

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Aanu Damola Morenikeji is considered Africa’s youngest youth intellectual and leadership development advocate. A sought-after speaker on the theme of leadership and personal growth, he is a Fellow of the M121 Social Leadership Academy, U.S.A and Team Leader of All for Development Foundation [ADM-Foundation], a non-governmental organisation focused on building young people and promoting educational, leadership and youth development. He blogs at www.admnigeria.blogspot.com.