There is NO Monopoly of Knowledge: Tortoise and the Gourd of Wisdom.

When I was a kid, I was told several folk tales about the wisdom of the animal - Tortoise. This one I am about to share has some lessons to teach, please read till the end. Thanks...

Many years ago, one day, in the animal kingdom, the tortoise who claimed to be the wisest of ALL decided to collect all the wisdom in the kingdom, put it in a gourd(calabash), cover it and climb up high a tree, so he will be the undisputed wisest of all, having all the wisdom. So, he got a gourd, collected all the wisdom, covered it, hung it on his neck, and headed to climb a tall tree. Getting to the tree, he encountered a serious challenge climbing it, with the gourd hung on his neck, “placed in front of his chest", each time he tried to climb the tree, he ends up falling to the ground. There he was, struggling with all the wisdom in the kingdom he had collected, "tortoise-the wisest animal". 

While he was still at it, a "small insect" passing by the tree saw him struggling and ranting to climb the tree, the small insect said to the tortoise, "why not look for an alternative in climbing the tree? or instead of having the gourd in front of you, it will work better if it is behind you". The tortoise reluctantly agreed to do what the "small insect" said, he placed the gourd behind him, and to his surprise, it worked. The tortoise was able to climb the tree with the gourd placed at his back, behind him. 

The irony of the "wisdom of the tortoise" is that, though he claimed to be wise, and have collected ALL the wisdom in the kingdom, leaving every other animal foolish, yet he being wise struggled to climb the tree with a gourd he hanged on his neck, until a "small insect" came to advise him, on where to place the gourd so he would be able to climb the tree. 

The morale of the story: One cannot claim to know it all. You can learn from the littlest person in your group, office, society, at home, even one can learn from little children, the bottom line is, be humble enough to listen and learn, because no single one-person or individual can know it all.😁

Recapping for a New Year: 2020

It is not a new practice, preparing for the new year or setting up goals or activities to usher in a new period. It is very easy for one to draw a plan, make a resolution, set up goals, which most times it ends at that stage, but it should not end there, there should be commitment in achieving these plans, as most times, it is easier said than done.

Then again, achieving these plans successfully does guaranty financial increase, but it sure gives us that "sense of fulfillment". Success is ambiguous, and somehow correlates to fulfillment, meaning there is no standard metrics to determine an individual's success, but these little successful executed plans drives an individual's fulfillment. 

There are some factors that can affect one from achieving his plans successfully, some we can control directly, some we can't control. My advice is that...one should just take everyday as a new year, a new day, recap your yesterday and learn from it, prepare for today, and plan for tomorrow...every little decision counts.

See you better, smarter, and stronger in 2020, Happy New Year! 😁

Trading on Roads: A dangerous business

It has now become a trend in third world countries, especially in Nigeria, to trade on road and streets, such that traders will leave their stalls, and bring out their wares to display and sell on the road or hawk them on the road, blocking the roads and pedestrian way. Yes, these traders may make these items easily accessible for purchase, one can just reach out to them easily to purchase an item and continue with his/her journey, instead of going into shops or markets, which often is stressful and time consuming, or they save one the hassle of looking for where to park your car, or the stress in alighting from your vehicle to shop. Like there is always a two side to a coin, one cannot sideline the harmful effects and treat these traders pose to themselves and other individuals because of their activities. You will find such traders on roads cutting through markets, hawkers on high ways selling their items, and on pedestrian ways. This is a dangerous business, as they share and compete the road with vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians. These activities are very risky to indulge, as they are expose both the themselves and the prospective buyers to various life treating incidents, ranging from auto incident, human incidents or theft, and even natural incident. But these traders are encouraged daily, by the people who patronize them, the society that accepts them, and the authorities who condone them. Funny enough these traders sometimes pay some token to the area boys to allow them to operate daily, but never see anything wrong with their activities or manage the situation, they are just concerned of the proceeds they must collect. 

Many a times, there has been cases of deaths as result of their activities, either a vehicle that missed it way will come crashing into the them, or traffic build-up caused by their activities, they are often exposed to theft due to the rowdy situation, exposed to the scouring sun, or the heavy down pour of the rain, or sometimes it may be the case of someone trying to avoid crashing to their wares, and then ends up being hit by an oncoming vehicle or motorcycle, or even incidents among traders trying to fight for spots, or pedestrians clashing into themselves just to avoid their trouble. They also expose themselves and their prospective buyers to theft from hoodlums, during such business transaction on the road, also in an uncomfortable position.

Each time I come across these traders, I ask myself, “is this the only way they must survive and get their daily bread? Are they aware of the risk they are exposed to themselves and others? Or are they just arrogant of these risks involved?” Also, if buyers like you and I will take a stand and stop patronizing these traders blocking the roads, or pedestrian way, but instead buy from those sitting in their stalls in the market, and if authorities will wake up to their responsibilities of setting the people right and helping them access an affordable shops or kiosks,…with time maybe they will have no choice but to resort to getting off the roads and move into stalls, to prevent these looming dangers…or what do you think?

EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) for Nigerians

    
APPLICATION OPENS APRIL 15, 2019 AND CLOSES MAY 31, 2019


There are many determined and talented, low-income students in Nigeria who only require financial resources and access to information to better their educational future. For the 11th year, the United States Embassy, Nigeria seeks to identify academically qualified and highly motivated, low-income students in Nigeria to join the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP).

SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection of finalists for OFP is highly competitive, given limited funding. We look for applicants with:

• Strong academic record/ transcript
• Robust participation in extracurricular activities
• Involvement in leadership roles
• Excellent community service participation
• Financial Need

NOTE: ENTRANCE INTO THIS PROGRAM IS NO GUARANTEE OF A SCHOLARSHIP OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDY IN THE U.S.

For more information please click on the link.

Digital Explorers: Opportunity in Lithuania for IT Experts from Nigeria.

Digital Explorers…Accelerating digital talents through individual journeys.

Do you want to immerse yourself into a network of explorers, seeking to become a part of something bigger? A truly global IT community.

Digital Explorers is a career advancement program for Nigerian digital talents.

It consists of a paid 1-year work placement and emerging technologies training in Lithuania - a vibrant and ever-growing European IT hub - and reintegration support in Nigeria upon return.

To find more out about it and apply, please click here.

REDUCTION OF COST OF BUSINESS NAMES REGISTRATION BY 50%

In an effort to deepen the benefits of its reform initiatives, the Corporate Affairs Commission has reduced the cost of Registration of Business Names from N10,000 to N5,000 after the Name Reservation of N500, with effect from the 1st October to 31st December, 2018.The Business Incentive Strategy is aimed at creating a window for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to formalize their businesses, which will enable them own corporate account with Banks, have access to Loans, grants and other government interventions. Members of the public are enjoined to take advantage of this window, to register their Business Names at the reduced cost of N5,000 after the Name Reservation of N500.Dated this 2nd Day of October 2018

Signed:

MANAGEMENT

To learn more click here.

Vacancy @ The World Bank

Team Assistant

Job #:	req507
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Administration/Office Support
Grade:	GB
Term Duration:	2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	Local Recruitment
Location:	Abuja, Nigeria
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	10/3/2018 (11:59pm UTC)

Description The World Bank, a leading multi-lateral institution in global economic development, is looking for a highly organized, energized and experienced person capable of operating effectively in a very demanding fast-paced environment to serve as a Team Assistant. The Team Assistant will be under direct supervision of the Senior Executive Assistant (SEA) who is responsible for her/his technical and professional development and performance evaluation. The Team Assistant is an integral part of the Nigeria Country Office Administrative and Client Support (ACS) team. (S)He will provide Administrative and client support to the Operational Staff. The job implies frequent interaction with other institutional units, staff in other locations (locally and internationally), Government officials, consultants and external organizations. Roles & Responsibility The overall purpose of the assignment is to provide administrative, logistical and operational support to the World Bank Nigeria Country Office. The main functions include but are not limited to: Operational and administrative support Provide support for preparation and implementation of World Bank projects and activities according to Bank procedures. Use desktop processing skills to produce complex texts, reports, presentations, charts, figures, graphs, etc., according to Bank format and distribution. Collect and input data provided by Task Team Leaders into the central database, including processing new project status reports. Keep abreast of the Organization’s directives and ensure effective processing of all project documents. Draft routine correspondence (standard letters, memos, faxes, etc.) conforming to the Organization’s regional standards, using proper grammar, punctuation and style and proofread materials. Draft minutes of meetings and provide assistance in editing large documents. Maintain up-to-date divisional project files (both paper and electronic) and retrieve data from various sources and compile these for use by the Country Director and/or the Country Management Unit (CMU). Incorporate agreed comments into documents, making full use of shared drives and software capabilities. Information Management and Client interaction Answer internal and external queries on the assigned portfolio or, as necessary, take accurate and comprehensive telephone messages, and route them to appropriate persons to handle. Maintain current distribution lists, phone/address lists of project/product contacts, and distribute documents for the team. Co-ordinate with service units, and liaise frequently with team members both in Washington and in the Country Office. Track and report on appropriate aspects of the Team’s operational activities. Time management & Logistic planning Arrange working schedule and meeting with counterparts for the visiting teams. Co-ordinate time management and schedules, taking current and future priorities into account, anticipate and monitor changes, and communicate the information. Track assigned tasks/project steps/ timetables using modern office management technologies, coordinate with relevant staff, provide assistance and/or information on project-related matters. Solve non-routine problems creatively and resourcefully and assist in preparation and logistical planning for various events, e.g. conferences, workshops, negotiations, board presentation and signing, etc. Other duties Serve as a back-up to other staff and Task Team Assistants on project and administrative tasks. Occasionally perform Analytical tasks as may be requested by the Team Leader Perform other tasks as requested by the Supervisor. Selection Criteria Minimum Bachelor Degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Previous experience with a multilateral/bilateral organization is an advantage. Competencies: Technology and systems knowledge – Demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience working with Microsoft office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.). Has ability and willingness to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.  Project and task management - Exhibit good organizational, problem-solving, analytical skills and ability to work competently with minimal supervision. Demonstrate attention to detail and quality. Has ability to manage multiple tasks and complete tasks within agreed schedule.  Institutional policies, processes, and procedures - Demonstrate knowledge of own department’s programs and products, know key players, understand own role. Display understanding of WB policies and procedures relevant to the area of assigned responsibilities and is able to apply/ implement them.  Versatility and adaptability - Demonstrate flexibility and is receptive to the implementation of new solutions. Is willing to stretch own capability. Demonstrate motivation to avail and adapt oneself to effecting change.  Client Orientation (ACS) - Exhibit good communication skills, positive and professional client service attitude; is able to understand clients’ needs and complete them professionally.  Learning, knowledge sharing and communication (ACS) - Good English language skills (verbal and written) Able to write clearly, edit and proofread draft communications. Able to learn and share knowledge/information across the unit.  Business judgment and analytical decision making (ACS) - Able to manage information and support retention and disposition of information and records. Can search, report, and deliver basic information from various sources and independently respond to basic inquiries.  Drive for Results - Able to take personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has the personal organization to do so.  Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Collaborate with other team members and contributes productively to the team’s work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view. Click HERE to apply. The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.