A NEW DAY...A NEW CHAPTER..A NEW BOOK

Today marks a new phase in my blogging exploits - a turning point of sorts. It is the beginning of a major shift in my blogging focus. A shift from random blogging on random topics to specific blogging on interesting, informative topics about Canada and Nigeria.

Nigerians like Canada and Canadians. These days, instead of the "American Dream", the educated, skilled Nigerians considering immigration think of the "Canadian Dream". It may look far-fetched and unrealizable, but it is straight-forward and achievable if CIC instructions are followed to the letter. It may be a road marked with diverse challenges but it is absolutely worth it. 

 We'll be talking a lot about immigration, sports, career, culture, education, politics, literature, leisure and everything else that catches our attention. It's all about Canada and Nigeria :).

Our goal is to inform, educate and entertain.

Welcome on board! Keep reading and sending your feedback and questions.

Unpredictable

Summer Solstice 2012 is the longest day of the year - that's today June 21, 2012. Since summer has already started, you'd think it would be warmer; but not yet. In fact, it's rainy and cool....  Nonetheless, summer is here and it rains in summer here. The weather has been 'acting out' for several months now but then that is nothing new in Victoria, BC. It's an accepted fact that you could experience snow, rain and sunshine within minutes of one another in the same day.

What else is unpredictable at the moment? I would say the games at the EURO 2012. It's quarter final stage and therefore elimination stage of the tournament and you can't rule out some upsets. Today Portugal moved to the semi-final stage by beating Czech Republic 1:0. That was predictable although no team is a walk-over at this stage.

The world is full of uncertainties and if we fixed our focus on the challenges, we'll find the weight unbearable. God's love is constant and we can lean on Him because He will never fail us. Learning to keep our eyes on Him and standing on His promises ensure peace of mind. It's not an easy lifestyle or attitude when you are facing challenges but we can ask for His grace, peace, joy (and stength). It's always available.

Hope you have a great weekend!

NIGERIA: HUGE COUNTRY, HUGE PROBLEMS Part 2

Our football reflects the state of our nation

Nigeria was recently ranked as having the best soccer league in Africa. This underscores the respect the Nigerian side is held globally and the admirable skills Nigerian players possess. Players like JayJay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, .... are notable Nigerian football players.


It is sad to say, however, that things have for long gone wrong with the Nigerian side. In fact, the situation is a microcosm of the troubled nation. Otherwise, why would such a good side rarely sustain outstanding performance in continental and international meets? Political rambling, corruption, and inexperienced managers, among other things, have contributed to the poor performance of the team.
Again corruption! It has been said that players are given places based on their allegiance to the stakeholders, often evidenced by financial gifts; and of course "man know man".

Luckily for me, I didn't watch the Nigeria vs Tunisia match live. But, being the faithful follower of the Nigerian side, I still  watched it on SABC1 Wednesday night. A review of that match will show that indeed the team represents the condition of the country. Decadent. The likes of Mikel and Enyeama, especially during the first half, made me repeatedly ask: are they the best this country has?

By the way, I must add that guys like Peter Odemwingie always make us proud! What gets to me is the fact that some of these boys are on the field pushing for goals while others sluggishly move around the field for whatever reasons they have for wearing the national jersey. Certainly, not patriotism.


We need to intensify our prayers for our beloved country. Don't you think?