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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Olumo Rock:2005 till now
OLUMO ROCK:
The historic city of Abeokuta, which is about 100 kilo metres from Lagos stands at a height about 300ft, above sea level. It has a hot, humid climate and an average annual rainfall of 47 inches. With an urban population of about half a million, the town is set amidst a group of granite rocks of pre-cambrian formation, the central one of which is the famous Olumo Rock, Abeokuta (meaning under the Rock) derives its name from the Rock. The Rock is sacred in Abeokuta history as the place where the first settlers found refuge from their attackers.
To the Egbas, Olumo Rock stands not only as a I1'lOnument of faith in unity, but also a source of national strength and unfailing protection and sustenance from the Suprema Being who led their ancestors through the perplexities of life safely to Abeokuta. This refuge marked the end of their wanderings and struggles for existence. It marked the focal point of their 'promised land' where they were free from incessant persecution and fears of annihilation.
The main body of the Egbas that settled at the present site around 1830 gave the name Abeokuta to the town around Olufimo later shortened to Olumo ('the Lord built if). From that time onwards)he Egbas have regarded the Olumo Rock as their protection shrine, and so makG annual sacrifices to its deity. The original home of the Egbas had been in the Egba Forests and Farms from where they dispersed. Olumo Rock thus became the rallying point when the Egbas re-grouped at Abeokuta.
*** The New look Olumo rock recently upgraded to an international standard by Otungba Gbenga Daniel .
IFAORACLE:
The importance of Olumo Rock to the Egbas is conveyed in the saying that 'Abeokuta' was the gift of the Olumo as Egypt of the 'Nile'. This is said to agree with the predictions of the If a Oracle which when consulted, tlad assured the Egbas that they would become a great nation under Olumo's protection. Today, the Egbas demonstrate their pride in their origin by singing annually in its honour a special ,anthem captioned "I SHALL· REJOICE ON THE OLUiMO ROCK".
Placed inside the Rock and worshipped annually by women is the 'Orisa Igun: The celebration lasts thirty days during which goats, rams etc .. are scarificed./There is also the regularly performed traditional ceremony marking the commencement of yam harvesting season at the Rock site. The Olumo Rock feature so prominently in the national life of the Egbas that no programme of any 'national' celebration is ever regarded as complete without being preceded by the booming of guns by the traditional hunters from the top of Olumo Rock. Those who believe that Olumo can change their lives for the better go privately to make sacrifices to the deity.
Many tales of mystery have been told about events that took place in the vicinity of the Rock. It was once said that when an attempt was made to blast the Rock, pus and blood gushed out, and the spot was quickly sealed up. There is infact a cemented spot right on the peak. There is an iron with a mark of an equal-armed cross driven down into the rock. The area around it is well cemented with A.T. 3 written on it. It has also been claimed that the removal of the parsonage of the Holy Trinity Church, Ikereku, from its location near the foot of the Rock was due to incessant molestations of the place by all sorts of 'imps'from the Rock at night. There was, indeed, a true occasion-Lisabi feast of Unity and cooperation when Oba Ademola II entertained prominent Egbas in 1930 and dedicated the Rock once more as a monument of faith, perseverance and patriotism.
Olumo, a massive outcrop of granitic rocks, is located off Alatise betvlJeen Ikija and Ikereku neighbour hoods. Olumo, however, is unique among other outcrops because 0'Its historical importance. The I,ighest point on Olumo is
about 137 metres above the sea level. It offers a natural bulwark against invasions from the Western or Eastern sides. With Ogun River in the West, that side was considered by the first refugees as security proof.
The big cave is about twenty feet long and twenty-five feet wide. It has slab-like stones which appear as seats used by the ancient dwellers, it could have been a Hall or Conference Room. Another cave -some twenty metres long and seventeen metres wide-appears to be
the dwelling place.lt has five built-in rooms with a long corridor used variously as a sitting room, kitchen and store. At the east-end there is another big cave cut with mud walls into ar:l outer and an inner chamber. This is used as a shrine by the devotees of Orisa Igun (God of Longevity) .
Visftors'to Olumo Rock can be conducted round and to the top of the Rock by the young men who guard and watch the place as the 'Keeper' of Olumo Shrine. Relics of materials used by the early settlers are preserved in a sort of small museum by the Rock side. There is a motorable road and gates leading into the yard of the Rock. Toilet facilities are available for visitors who can also take advantage of nearby hotels. The State Government has declared its efforts to develop Olumo Rock to meet international standard.
The Olumo Rock before it was uplifted to an international standard by the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Administration.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Leadership: Our Demands
What kind of Leadership do we need in Government, for Youth, for Families ∧ Businesses?
When Actors, Businesses push big numbers around, money & try to pedle influence, Youth Need Leadership that can say, "No".
Youth Need Leadership that can set goals for the future of Self Reinforcing Native Indigenous AncstraL Community of Well Being.
Communities & Families Need Leadership that meet NEED instead of attrating what Criminals "Want".
When there are immediate NEEDS in any Community of Youth, Families impoverished while there's no Legal Or Economic Justification for Poverty, Youth, Families & Communities need Action, not talk.
You can teach a Young person how to speak in front of crowds on any topic, but a Leader is one who knows how to solve problems.
Constitutional Governments exist to provide for basic needs as entitlements that assure self sustainable KID SAFE Self Reinforcing Native Indigenous Ancestral Communities of Well Being.
Leaders that want to be acknowledged aren't focused on solving problems & most often distract those who are otherwise employed to solve problems.
This type of Leader is called many names, most of those sound like Egoist or Populist. They go about trying to gain attention in any Community while expressly trying to diminish the stature those established Community Leaders.
Native Indigenous Ancestral Leadership acknowledges Community Leadership, shows respect to those in the Community or Organization with Seniority & makes sure to enhance the importance of Community Leaders already in place rather than position or posture as a better leader.
We ought to build Communities with Leadership that wants to Reinforce Native Indigenous Ancestral Communities of Well Being, the Native Inidgenous Ancestral Traditions & Languages.
Many Native Indigenous Ancestries reinforce the Natural way of Commerce, Family & Community well being naturally.
When there are too many distractions, choices, & Foreign influences try to gain dominance without anything more than money this influence attacks Native Indigenous Ancestral Communities which regulate the Natural Resources by virtue of being a Functioning Problem Solving Community.
When someone invests money in a person with the intent to re-shaping a Land or a People without respeact for the Native Indigeous Ancestry, Values or Community Traditions & Constitutional Governance, they don't intend to solve problems.
Have you found people who Solve Problems in your Community that need to be in Leadership Positions in Government?
Have you done a review of Leadership In Office & checked to see if they've been solving problems or if they've simply been touring & talking without doing anyting other than collecting funds for unnecessary wasteful projects.
A good exercise for any Youth Leader would be to do this review against the Immediate Needs of the Commuinty (as opposed to the businesses) to check to see if Constitutional Entitlements are being provided for.
What do you look for in a Leader & how do these qualities solve problems of Immediate need as well as Long Term Needs of balancing Natural Resources within the Community's Carrying Capacity.
TO DO: Make a list of why you like Leaders with Integrity, Credibility or Influence. What is it that they do or don't do that you like?
Then we'll discuss what Leaders do that make them Valuable in any Community.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Indeed,It Is an e-GLO
Can the Virtual worlds of online communities Help development in the offline, real world?
Those were the questions that jumped out of my mouth when I first saw the e-GLO application. In order to satisfy my curiosity, I applied and fortunately I was selected after going through an online interview as one of 40 participants around the world.
The blogosphere has already proved a success in fostering two way communications between organizations and a global audience. Now social change organizations are starting to look at virtual worlds as a social networking tool. On of such social change initiative is e-GLO. E-GLO (Earth Charter Global Learning Opportunity) is a global, online digital storytelling and community leadership course, a program of Earth Charter International’s Youth Initiative, developed and implemented in collaboration with Beat Board TV,
With the virtual secured multimedia communication multicast conference environment powered by Heart in Action Enterprises,
And in-kind and financial support provided by Heart in Action Enterprises and Plan Netherlands.”
Attending multicast sessions powered by Heart in Action Enterprises, I was surprised at just how quickly e—GLO is like second home .With the ability to stream video, see power point presentations, links to download papers and communicate in real-time stereo as well as with text, this run quickly proved an engaging environment where I felt as if I was genuinely participating.
Another thrilling experience is the diversity of the participants and the depth of contributions and insights about global trends that naturally evokes a commitment to effect change in my local community.
However, it will also be good to share some of the enormous challenges participants from developing countries faced in terms of technology. I can recall one of the sessions where I could not enter the seminar room due to poor internet connection from a cybercafé after waiting for two hours
Looking back, I honestly want to re-emphasize that being part of e-GLO is an amazing opportunity, a spectacular one that has indeed sharpened my 21st century Leadership and strengthened my ability to a learn on a global platform to achieve a global vision.
Learning with the diverse set of participants who are committed to working for change has been a rewarding experience. The challenges form the view point of a developing country has been enormous. I no longer sit back, watch, and criticize. I now know that I have the knowledge and tools to engage effectively.
I am passionately building a concept of a community radio that will help position the poverty ridden societies for economic development.
I believe in a new Nigeria, A new Africa
Those were the questions that jumped out of my mouth when I first saw the e-GLO application. In order to satisfy my curiosity, I applied and fortunately I was selected after going through an online interview as one of 40 participants around the world.
The blogosphere has already proved a success in fostering two way communications between organizations and a global audience. Now social change organizations are starting to look at virtual worlds as a social networking tool. On of such social change initiative is e-GLO. E-GLO (Earth Charter Global Learning Opportunity) is a global, online digital storytelling and community leadership course, a program of Earth Charter International’s Youth Initiative, developed and implemented in collaboration with Beat Board TV,
With the virtual secured multimedia communication multicast conference environment powered by Heart in Action Enterprises,
And in-kind and financial support provided by Heart in Action Enterprises and Plan Netherlands.”
Attending multicast sessions powered by Heart in Action Enterprises, I was surprised at just how quickly e—GLO is like second home .With the ability to stream video, see power point presentations, links to download papers and communicate in real-time stereo as well as with text, this run quickly proved an engaging environment where I felt as if I was genuinely participating.
Another thrilling experience is the diversity of the participants and the depth of contributions and insights about global trends that naturally evokes a commitment to effect change in my local community.
However, it will also be good to share some of the enormous challenges participants from developing countries faced in terms of technology. I can recall one of the sessions where I could not enter the seminar room due to poor internet connection from a cybercafé after waiting for two hours
Looking back, I honestly want to re-emphasize that being part of e-GLO is an amazing opportunity, a spectacular one that has indeed sharpened my 21st century Leadership and strengthened my ability to a learn on a global platform to achieve a global vision.
Learning with the diverse set of participants who are committed to working for change has been a rewarding experience. The challenges form the view point of a developing country has been enormous. I no longer sit back, watch, and criticize. I now know that I have the knowledge and tools to engage effectively.
I am passionately building a concept of a community radio that will help position the poverty ridden societies for economic development.
I believe in a new Nigeria, A new Africa
Monday, June 9, 2008
Go 4 Biodervisty
How does Brazil's biological diversity differ from that of Namibia? How big are the Benin´s or Chile´s ecological footprint?
What role does cultural diversity play in the conservation of biodiversity? More info coming soon!!!!!!!!
REV SAM ADEYEM
Samuel Adeyemi is the President of Success Power International and Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, a fast growing, life changing church committed to “raising role models” based in Lagos.
He is a dynamic Pastor, Teacher and Motivational speaker and host of our popular radio and TV programme – SUCCESS POWER - which airs on radio stations within and outside Nigeria. He has the God given mandate to teach scriptural Success, Leadership and Financial principles through seminars and the media – radio, television, tapes and prints. He is much sought after as speaker in churches and the business world both Nationally and Internationally.
His teachings have motivated, encouraged and spurred on loads of people to start or advance their businesses. He’s one of the few championing the course for a “new Nigeria” and the reformation of the African continent as a whole.
He has authored several books including the best selling “The Second Revolution” and “Parable of Dollars”. Others include “Ideas Rule the World”, “Power of Persistence”, “Strong Desire”, Power of Imagination and “Sex – Straight Talk”.
Sam Adeyemi is happily married to Adenike Adeyemi (nee Ogunmola), an Architect turned Pastor. The Director, Women Ministries of Daystar Christian Centre and the President of Real Women Foundation, a motivational and healing ministry for women, Pastor Nike also runs a rehabilitation centre for prostitutes and women in distress.
They are both blessed with three lovely children.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Gateway City
Ogun State-In February 1976, the territory now called Ogun State was carved out of the old Western State by the military administration of General Murtala Muhammed and General Olusegun Obasanjo.
The new State was made up of the former Abeokuta and Ijebu provinces of the former Western State, which itself came into being when it was carved out of former Western Region in 1967. Ogun State is otherwise known as the Gateway State.
This is in recognition of its pioneering role in education, medicine, law and divinity, on the one hand, and its strategic position as the link by road, rail, air and sea to the rest of the country. It will soon become the internet gateway to the rest of the world.
Apart from Abeokuta, the capital, which is an important market centre-and a terminus of the roads and railways coming from Lagos and other parts of the country, there are also major towns and communities like Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, lIaro and others that can serve as good markets for products of the mining industry in Ogun State....
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sustanability........The way i see it
An interaction with a youth in abeokuta,Ogun , Nigeria
My interviewee is Biola Bakare , a student nurse at The sacred heart school of Nursing , Lantoro Abeokuta.
She represents the concept of a total youth, excerpts below
What is sustainable development to you?
It is a phenomenon that describes the ability to maintain a certain level of progress either into the life of an individual a family, a country and the world at a large.
How can issues be addressed holistically including poverty, the environment, social challenges?
It is by involving the individuals that are directly directly affected by the issues in view. Such individuals should be properly educated on their personal role at combating poverty. Poverty as a social problem demands the consistent response of the affected person.
The government also on their on part should endeavor to provide basic infrastructure that can enable every citizen thrive within the limited resources that are given to them.
Are local inhabitants concerned about global environmental challenges?
From my own point of view, I will say the local inhabitants in my local community are only concerned about what affects them and their family directly. So if global environmental challenges are perceived as a threat to their existence you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be concerned. In a country like Nigeria where I live, people are so self consumed that they care less about their neighbor least to say global challenges.
Are you hopeful that we can avoid a major environmental crisis?
Yes, I am infact, infact I see that the citizenry are beginning to see and experiences the negative effects of not paying proper attention to environmental ethics. This experience hereby motivates them to appreciate a healthy environment and work towards avoiding crisis. The government on their part is beginning to set up structures that can tackle any form of environmental crisis. For example in Ogun state, our government set up an emission control scheme and many other parastatals set up by our present government.
What is a key problem that has appeared in your community? How can you solve them?
Erosion/ flooding. This is as a result of poor drainage systems created either by the government or the citizenry and I think the solution is a joint effort of both the governments and the citizens.
What are the main environmental topics that youth of different countries are concerned about?
Deforestation, flooding, global warming, animal extinction and air pollution
How can youths be empowered to carry out the changes we need in our community?
Youth empowerment can be achieved if the youths are engaged in decision making process.
Education, the youths needs constant education on global issues.
Financial support.
So do you think we can bring about sustainable change.
YES
What is sustainable development to you?
It is a phenomenon that describes the ability to maintain a certain level of progress either into the life of an individual a family, a country and the world at a large.
How can issues be addressed holistically including poverty, the environment, social challenges?
It is by involving the individuals that are directly directly affected by the issues in view. Such individuals should be properly educated on their personal role at combating poverty. Poverty as a social problem demands the consistent response of the affected person.
The government also on their on part should endeavor to provide basic infrastructure that can enable every citizen thrive within the limited resources that are given to them.
Are local inhabitants concerned about global environmental challenges?
From my own point of view, I will say the local inhabitants in my local community are only concerned about what affects them and their family directly. So if global environmental challenges are perceived as a threat to their existence you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be concerned. In a country like Nigeria where I live, people are so self consumed that they care less about their neighbor least to say global challenges.
Are you hopeful that we can avoid a major environmental crisis?
Yes, I am infact, infact I see that the citizenry are beginning to see and experiences the negative effects of not paying proper attention to environmental ethics. This experience hereby motivates them to appreciate a healthy environment and work towards avoiding crisis. The government on their part is beginning to set up structures that can tackle any form of environmental crisis. For example in Ogun state, our government set up an emission control scheme and many other parastatals set up by our present government.
What is a key problem that has appeared in your community? How can you solve them?
Erosion/ flooding. This is as a result of poor drainage systems created either by the government or the citizenry and I think the solution is a joint effort of both the governments and the citizens.
What are the main environmental topics that youth of different countries are concerned about?
Deforestation, flooding, global warming, animal extinction and air pollution
How can youths be empowered to carry out the changes we need in our community?
Youth empowerment can be achieved if the youths are engaged in decision making process.
Education, the youths needs constant education on global issues.
Financial support.
So do you think we can bring about sustainable change.
YES
Down InAfrica
Michael O Sullivan, 45 years Old, a software engineer and an Irish
Started an interesting journey from Ireland down to Africa on a motor bike on the 13th of February 2008.His motivation for this escapade is just to see the whole continent on a motor bike and basically to challenge himself and test himself if he could do something different.
His journey since then has taken a rather interesting one having crossed France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali ,Burkina Faso, Ghana , Benin before I met him in Nigeria.
He said the journey has been easy due to a reduced temperature and he commends that the roads were good.
On his view about Africa, he quickly opined that he was surprised at how developed Africa was being his first trip: compared to the news, images and stories that he hears and sees on the media, though some countries are poor like Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and some parts of Senegal, but morocco is developed, the infrastructure is okay, Ghana also good roads and nice people.
Having been warned not to go to Nigeria for the fear of being kidnapped, he admits now that Nigerians are nice and energetic.
He believes that the media sensationalize images because it’s a way of selling news, because when they show Africa, they show very extreme pictures , the reality is that when you are in Africa, things are really different, I am surprised at the development of technology , ‘every body has a cell phone’
In order not to shy away from the huge funds required for this escapade, I quickly asked him how he funds this trip, in his reply, he said he saved money because he doesn’t want to be funded by anybody in the fear of not being controlled.
His opined that his biggest fear is not completing this trip due to a breakdown of his motor bike and also not getting a visa to enter a country of choice which might lead to the end of the escapade. I do not want to make any arrangement to bypass a country with airplane or both, ‘.he exclaimed’
I peeped into his bike and I saw a dirty map, he says he has 3 maps that has been his guide, the internet has been useful to him also because he gets to ask questions from those that have gone through this same experience on website called www.horizonsunlimited.com. There are a lot of people traveling on bike around the world.
In a bid to end my ecstasy about his escapade, I quickly asked , when do you intend to finish this trip, he says maybe the end of this year 2008, because he has to go South Africa from Nigeria on bike then back all over again to Ireland.
So what after this escapade, I asked? And he says “When I am through, I will know”.
Started an interesting journey from Ireland down to Africa on a motor bike on the 13th of February 2008.His motivation for this escapade is just to see the whole continent on a motor bike and basically to challenge himself and test himself if he could do something different.
His journey since then has taken a rather interesting one having crossed France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali ,Burkina Faso, Ghana , Benin before I met him in Nigeria.
He said the journey has been easy due to a reduced temperature and he commends that the roads were good.
On his view about Africa, he quickly opined that he was surprised at how developed Africa was being his first trip: compared to the news, images and stories that he hears and sees on the media, though some countries are poor like Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and some parts of Senegal, but morocco is developed, the infrastructure is okay, Ghana also good roads and nice people.
Having been warned not to go to Nigeria for the fear of being kidnapped, he admits now that Nigerians are nice and energetic.
He believes that the media sensationalize images because it’s a way of selling news, because when they show Africa, they show very extreme pictures , the reality is that when you are in Africa, things are really different, I am surprised at the development of technology , ‘every body has a cell phone’
In order not to shy away from the huge funds required for this escapade, I quickly asked him how he funds this trip, in his reply, he said he saved money because he doesn’t want to be funded by anybody in the fear of not being controlled.
His opined that his biggest fear is not completing this trip due to a breakdown of his motor bike and also not getting a visa to enter a country of choice which might lead to the end of the escapade. I do not want to make any arrangement to bypass a country with airplane or both, ‘.he exclaimed’
I peeped into his bike and I saw a dirty map, he says he has 3 maps that has been his guide, the internet has been useful to him also because he gets to ask questions from those that have gone through this same experience on website called www.horizonsunlimited.com. There are a lot of people traveling on bike around the world.
In a bid to end my ecstasy about his escapade, I quickly asked , when do you intend to finish this trip, he says maybe the end of this year 2008, because he has to go South Africa from Nigeria on bike then back all over again to Ireland.
So what after this escapade, I asked? And he says “When I am through, I will know”.
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