26/06/2024
In the realm of international relations, deception and misperception often shape global politics, leading to complex conflicts and diplomatic tensions. As students and future leaders in this field, it is essential to critically examine the art of deception and uncover the truth behind global politics. *The AFIT Maiden International Relations Conference* provides a platform for students, staff, and experts to engage in thought-provoking discussions, share insights, and explore the intricacies of international relations.
*Call for Registration:*
We invite students and staff from across the school to register for the *AFIT Maiden International Relations Conference*, taking place on Saturday, 6th July at Ibrahim Alpha Hall. This conference promises to be an enriching experience, featuring:
- Keynote addresses by distinguished experts in international relations
- Panel discussions and debates on pressing global issues
- Research paper presentations by students and staff
- Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals
Kindly fill out the registration form here: https://ln.run/xqbE_
We look forward to your participation in this exciting conference!
Best regards,
Organizing Committee, AFIT Maiden International Relations Conference.
18/05/2024
Economic prosperity is best achieved through enhanced productivity. There are no shortcuts to this goal. By focusing on increasing efficiency and output, the economy can grow sustainably and improve living standards.
Simply put, no economic prosperity without improved productivity. A simple advice for policymakers and stakeholders in our political space.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Kashim Shettima
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Austeen Adigwe
Gemelo del Cielo
Nifemi Oluwaseyi Babajide
Yahaya Abubakar
22/04/2024
In our contemporary world, we have become experts in diagnosing and understanding the issues facing others, often leveraging the vast insights gleaned from social media.
However, this proficiency is often not reciprocated in our self-reflection and personal development endeavors. A more concerted effort towards self-improvement could significantly enhance the overall well-being of our society.
Reminiscing about the past.
09/04/2024
Being knowledgeable isn't about memorizing some lines or texts for exams or quoting to impress others. True knowledge is about using what you know to improve the lives of those around you.
Utilize your knowledge to uplift both yourself and your community, creating a positive impact and a lasting legacy that will be remembered long after you're gone.
I've always maintained that "education or knowledge that is not geared towards solving societal problems is useless, baseless and meaningless.
31/03/2024
Always extend your support to uplift those around you. Remember, we progress by helping others succeed.
While those you assist today may not necessarily be the ones to assist you in the future, it is certain that acts of kindness, regardless of scale, do not go unnoticed. This is one of the many blessings from the Almighty that we will always cherish.
Therefore, be generous today without expecting anything in return, and you will pave the way for a peaceful and fulfilling tomorrow.
You may face several challenges but remember "Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
Good morning to y'all.
✍️ Ọlálékan Babajídé Taofeeq (OBAT-01)
08/03/2024
International Women's Day serves as a time to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality while acknowledging that there is still work to be done. It is a day to celebrate women's achievements and commit to creating a more equal and inclusive world for future generations.
Women should not be confined to traditional roles such as homemaking or being a housewife. They should be empowered to realize their full potential, thereby contributing positively to the growth and development of our society.
Women are a beautiful creation and are often referred to in Yoruba culture as "Iyọ ayé," which translates to "salt of life." This highlights the significance of women in making life meaningful and fulfilling.
Women should not be subjected to mistreatment but should be cared for, treated with dignity, and nurtured. By doing so, they can enhance the quality of life and make meaningful contributions to society.
Education is crucial for women in the modern world. They should not be limited to household chores or prepared solely for marriage but should have access to education similar to their male counterparts. This will help create a fair and unbiased society.
Happy International Women's Day!
UN Women
Nifemi Oluwaseyi Babajide
06/03/2024
Have S*x, Entertainment, and Cruise Become Our National Character?
True story: I take brain-enhancing supplements. And I wanted to market them in Nigeria because they help me think deeply. I mentioned this to a friend who owns malls across Nigeria. He told me not to waste my time. He said if I want to make money in Nigeria, I should sell s*xual enhancement.
It made me sad, but can I say he was lying? I asked some other people, and they all said the same thing to me differently.
And then I began to think deeply about this. Do we, as a society, value pleasure over treasure? And is that why we are almost always under financial pressure? We are multiplying our population without multiplying our remuneration. And until we reverse this, we will not fulfil our potential.
I still wanted to investigate this matter. My mind is analytical. Until I have empirical data, I am not sure to accept a premise.
So I thought to myself, what can I investigate or invigilate to either lend or take away credence from these assertions about our contemporary values as a people?
So, I decided to investigate the biggest YouTube channels in European countries and African nations.
Loads of Nigerians are doing skits. It's probably one of the biggest things online for Nigerians. We are inundated with entertainment and cruise. But you hardly see Nigerians doing 'How To' videos. How to start a business. How to get a scholarship. How to build a drone. How to start a cucumber farm. Our passion is to be entertained.
The biggest YouTube channel in Sweden is PewDiePie, with 111 million subscribers. It is about using humour to teach gaming, investments such as NFTs, and new digital technology. In Germany, it is Kurzgesagt, with 22 million subscribers. It is about science and focuses on education. In France, it is Squeezie, with 18.7 million subscribers. Squeezie is basically a French version of PewDiePie.
In contrast, in Nigeria, the biggest YouTube channel is Mark Angel Comedy, and the next top five are comedians, rappers or singers.
In Ghana, the biggest channel is Sarkodie’s. He is a Ghanaian rapper. In South Africa, it is Trevor Noah, the comedian. In Ethiopia, it is Hope Music, a music group.
Next, I investigated countries with the most significant traffic on a particular p*rn-graphic website called Pornhub. And lo and behold, Nigeria topped their visitor traffic.
I found this hard to accept and reconcile with our outward appearance of religiosity. Nigeria is perhaps one of the most religious nations on Earth.
The most important job in Nigeria today is not being president. The Director General of the National Orientation Agency has the most vital job in Nigeria, because Nigerians need a change of attitude.
We need to be reoriented towards patriotism and wholesomeness.
Nigerians delight in running down Nigeria on social media and even try to outdo each other on who can do it better. And it is not just young Generation Z. Elders do it. Clerics too. Supposed statesmen engage in it.
Recently, a Russian woman who now lives in Nigeria said she loves Nigeria because "it is just a cruise country."
Let me translate. She admires Nigeria because we are an unserious country, with unserious people, who do not take important matters seriously. That was an insult.
We must move towards being a country focused on growth and productivity, not a country of natural complainers, with one of the lowest tax-to-GDP rates on Earth, yet want our government to do for us what governments in nations where they pay taxes do for their citizens, while we all sit down and are entertained and use whatever money we can find to buy imported goods then blame our government when our currency refuses to rise.
Reno Omokri
.
03/03/2024
5 Website to Aid your Research in International Relations.
Do not forget to Subscribe.
https://youtu.be/n7CIX2QvAhY?si=iwY_pNtzmJ3ccNa2
26/02/2024
While I understand that not everyone want to pursue knowledge, I still believe that a significant number of Nigerian students are eager to be knowledgeable and make a positive impact on their society. However, how do we reconcile the irreconcilable? How do we align abstract theories with practical solutions?
I was once admitted to study Computer Engineering and Software at a Chinese University in Weifang, Guangdong Province, despite not being a science student. I will be able to work 72 hours in a week to have some change in my pocket as a partial funded scholarship. Can the same be said about Nigerian Universities? You must even know somebody who knows somebody before you can be granted admission. Students who are working in Nigerian schools either forfeit their source of income for attendance or they risk carry over. The Nigerian educational system doesn't provide a framework for easy access to education. It is as hard as a stone!
In my view, which is supported by facts, the Nigerian educational system needs to be completely overhauled and restructured.
"Education or knowledge that does not aim to solve societal problems is useless, baseless, and meaningless."
We need to confront the harsh reality. We must tell ourselves the bitter truth. Students lack motivation primarily due to the unprofessional behavior of some of their instructors. Some instructors resort to threats, some, like those at the University of Lagos and their accomplices, demand s*xual favors for grades, while others seek financial benefits before passing students. In the end, they will still blame students. While acknowledging student's craftiness, tutors are even more craftier.
Many students have tragically taken their own lives due to mistakes made by lecturers. I am confident that Nigerians are talented and intelligent, but the current education system does not foster encouragement, inspiration, or motivation.
However, this does not mean we should abandon education. We must strive to acquire knowledge and make a positive impact on our society. We must acquire knowledge to change the narrative and rewrite our country's history. But if the current educational system persists, unfortunately, we will not achieve significant progress.
"Educate the Youth, Educate the World, a Well Informed Youth will Build the Society we all Desire".
_🖊️ Ọlálékan Babajídé Taofeeq (OBAT-01)_
10/02/2024
"My existence is an insistence on excellence."
🖊️Ọlálékan Babajídé Taofeeq (OBAT-01)
24/01/2024
The Transformative Power of Education: Beyond Diplomas, Building Character.
Education is often hailed as the best legacy we can leave behind. In fact, I believe the success of any society hinges on the vitality of its educational system but it's not just about degrees like BSc or PhDs; it's the lifeblood of a healthy society, deserving our utmost attention. Its purpose goes beyond simply solving societal problems; it's about shaping individuals with strong character and a thirst for positive change.
This vision of education extends beyond formal schooling. It encompasses skill development and the acquisition of knowledge that truly transforms not just our lives, but the world around us. When harnessed effectively, education fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, paving the way for a brighter future.
Unfortunately, our world today grapples with numerous challenges arising from a lack of holistic and ethical education. Corruption casts a dark shadow over many educational systems, particularly in Africa. From students seeking shortcuts to grades through unethical means, teachers demanding for s*x or money for grades in many institutions, to parents pressuring lecturers for undeserved marks, the pursuit of knowledge is often compromised. This breeds graduates ill-equipped with the skills and character to contribute meaningfully to society. Many are just public properties.
The consequences of this are vast and interconnected. From extremism and social unrest to economic stagnation and environmental degradation as well as terrorism and transnational crimes, child and women trafficking, many of the issues plaguing our world can be traced back to inadequate education. Imagine the potential of terrorist groups transformed by strong, critical thinking nurtured through quality education, replacing violence with productive engagement.
The solution lies in a collective commitment to educational reform. Governments must prioritize education, allocating resources to establish robust systems that address contemporary challenges and empower future generations. Real and practical learning must give way to curricula emphasizing practical skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Eradicating corruption at all levels is very crucial. This demands not only institutional reforms but also a shift in individual mindsets. Change, I believe starts with each and everyone of us. Students must embrace hard work and integrity, teachers must uphold ethical standards, and parents must support their children's genuine learning journey.
"Education and Youth Enlightenment-Initiatives", my social media platform on Facebook, X (Twitter), WhatsApp Channel, YouTube and Tiktok, embodies this mission beautifully. By advocating for quality education and empowering young minds, I am also contributing directly to a brighter future.
In conclusion, we must all remember that the youth are the present, not just the future. Failure to equip them with the tools of knowledge and character risks perpetuating the very problems we face today. Let us prioritize education, not just for individual success, but for the collective well-being of our world. Together, we can rewrite the narrative, replacing ignorance with enlightenment and shaping a future built on knowledge, integrity, and positive change.
Happy International Day of Education.
Ọlálékan Babajídé Taofeeq (OBAT-01)
24 January, 2024
06/01/2024
One of Nigeria's significant challenges lies within its civil service, where corruption prevails, and those engaged in such practices adeptly rationalize their actions. Despite occasional expressions of discontent over unpaid wages or meager compensation, resorting to deceitful practices should not be deemed an acceptable solution. Must our nation be jeopardized solely for monetary gain?
The pathetic and disheartening observation of Nigerian Railway staff engaging in ticket racketeering during the free train services announced by the government over the yuletide season prompts reflection on our collective morality. Rather than appreciating the government's goodwill gesture, individuals within the Nigerian Railway Staff exploit the opportunity by intentionally monopolizing and reselling tickets meant for free travel. What a shame? This conduct, beyond mere claims of underpayment, reflects a profound cruelty ingrained in our society.
The corruption within the Nigerian Railway Corporation appears to be a tip of the iceberg, especially when compared with the alleged transfer of 44 billion Naira to a private account from the National Social Investment Programme Agency, led by Halima Shehu. Thankfully, 30 billion Naira has reportedly been recovered. Despite her suspension or dismissal by the President, I firmly believe she should face legal consequences. It is essential to ensure that politicians, like common civil servants, are held accountable for corruption to prevent injustice and uphold the principles of justice for all.
It is particularly perplexing that individuals perpetrating these reprehensible actions profess adherence to both Islam and Christianity, religions that explicitly condemn usury, bribery, and all forms of corruption. Despite these teachings, we persist in such misconduct, deceiving neither God nor anyone else, as the Almighty is aware of the true intentions of our hearts.
The magnitude of wrongdoing in our country is staggering. Despite the apparent piety demonstrated through crowded religious gatherings on Fridays and Sundays, our moral standards remain dismally low, revealing a deeply entrenched selfishness.
Corruption has permeated our societal fabric to such an extent that it is now an integral part of our existence. The nation suffers from the detrimental impact of accumulating wealth through corrupt practices. If a genuinely improved country is desired, it necessitates a collective commitment to personal transformation. Cease excessive complaints and initiate change, beginning with rectifying personal corrupt tendencies and influencing others positively. The impetus for change starts with each individual, fostering a ripple effect throughout society.
CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU AND I.
🖊️ Ọlálékan Babajídé Taofeeq (OBAT-01).
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