Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Senior Gbenga at C.M.S.
Up School! Up Boys. Really I had fun with the boys at C.M.S Grammar School this morning. I was in the school at 9am on the dot, quite suprised because I set out late and there was traffic. I shared my thoughts on leadership[ from my book in a lecture titled EXCEPTIONAL LEADERS.I really need to rest because the tour moves to Chrisland College tomorrow.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
my diary
The past five months, for me, have been very interesting and eventful, although very demanding too. I was opportune to visit a few of secondary schools, share my thoughts on leadership with them, and meet new people. Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, my Alma Mater, was the first school I visited, in May. I arrived on Saturday evening to hold a leadership training session; the turnout was very impressive, considering that attendance was voluntary. I was also at the school chapel on Sunday. Thus far, I have signed the highest number of autographs at B.M.J.S. They were more determined than the woman with the issue of blood to get me to sign on their bibles, hymn books, papers etc. It was, simply, a great experience.
The next day, I made it down to the Gateway state. It was my second visit to Christ the Redeemer’s College. I had such a great time there as well, and I was particularly impressed by the teaching staff, who paid rapt attention throughout the leadership seminar. More than half of the school bought copies of Senior Gbenga. I also had similar experiences at St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu; Solomon Grace Secondary School, Abule Egba; St. Saviour’s High School, Ijegun, and Wembey College, Idimu. I was also a facilitator at the Annual Youth Development Leadership Institute, in August.
Shortly after that, I was en route The Citizenship and Leadership Training Institute, Sea School, where over 300 Prefects had camped for a two weeks leadership training programme. I did enjoy the boat ride from Apapa to the Island. There were Prefects from Pentecost College; Kith and Kin Secondary School; Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja; Federal Government College, Ijanikin; Learning Field School; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba; Kings College, Ibadan, and St. Francis Catholic Secondary School.
I also visited a couple of churches during the summer break. Teens Church, Daystar Christian Centre, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and New Wine Christian Centre. I spent the last three weeks of my summer break at Daystar Leadership Academy; it was an awesome experience―learning from Pastor Sam Adeyemi and other seasoned facilitators. I will continue my book tour, when I visit Ronik Comprehensive Secondary School, on October 9th, 2009.
The next day, I made it down to the Gateway state. It was my second visit to Christ the Redeemer’s College. I had such a great time there as well, and I was particularly impressed by the teaching staff, who paid rapt attention throughout the leadership seminar. More than half of the school bought copies of Senior Gbenga. I also had similar experiences at St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu; Solomon Grace Secondary School, Abule Egba; St. Saviour’s High School, Ijegun, and Wembey College, Idimu. I was also a facilitator at the Annual Youth Development Leadership Institute, in August.
Shortly after that, I was en route The Citizenship and Leadership Training Institute, Sea School, where over 300 Prefects had camped for a two weeks leadership training programme. I did enjoy the boat ride from Apapa to the Island. There were Prefects from Pentecost College; Kith and Kin Secondary School; Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja; Federal Government College, Ijanikin; Learning Field School; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba; Kings College, Ibadan, and St. Francis Catholic Secondary School.
I also visited a couple of churches during the summer break. Teens Church, Daystar Christian Centre, Redeemed Christian Church of God, and New Wine Christian Centre. I spent the last three weeks of my summer break at Daystar Leadership Academy; it was an awesome experience―learning from Pastor Sam Adeyemi and other seasoned facilitators. I will continue my book tour, when I visit Ronik Comprehensive Secondary School, on October 9th, 2009.
THIS TERM
Welcome back from the summer break. I really hope you had fun: watched a new movie, visited friends, traveled, and most importantly, rested well. I did enjoy mine, although it was slightly mixed with some work too. As it is said, “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.” I went on boat rides, took saxophone lessons, read three new books, and was at the live, studio session of the MTN Project fame to support my friend, David.
This is the beginning of a new session, and I believe that for you it would be a great one. Where you had failed before, you will experience success. This can be the best term for you, if you apply yourself to some of the principles I want to share with you. This term, expect to excel. The student that will perform excellently well usually has a positive attitude. Thomas Edison rightly asserted, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.” This term, expect to succeed in everything you do. Regardless of how bad your results were last term, believe that you will do better in this session. It’s a law that, you ultimately become what you believe. Believe that you will not be ill, there will be no bad news from home, you will understand what you’re taught in class, and you will make your school proud.
This term you must work harder than you did last session. There’s no substitute to hard work. If you don’t like your results, you can change them by putting in some more effort. While others are playing on the field, study a little more. Give no room for laziness; there’s no future for the lazy student. You will achieve more if you start studying early this term. Don’t wait until test dates have been announced.
Finally, Step Up to lead, take the lead in your school. Leadership is simply about being a positive influence to others around you. I argue that if you are not making a difference, now, in your school, there’s no chance that you can be a Change Agent in Nigeria. Start from where you are, treat other students in your school with respect, work with your friends to achieve something new this term, and watch out for opportunities to help others. I hope to be in your school before the end of this term, until then, have fun.
Snr. Gbenga
This is the beginning of a new session, and I believe that for you it would be a great one. Where you had failed before, you will experience success. This can be the best term for you, if you apply yourself to some of the principles I want to share with you. This term, expect to excel. The student that will perform excellently well usually has a positive attitude. Thomas Edison rightly asserted, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.” This term, expect to succeed in everything you do. Regardless of how bad your results were last term, believe that you will do better in this session. It’s a law that, you ultimately become what you believe. Believe that you will not be ill, there will be no bad news from home, you will understand what you’re taught in class, and you will make your school proud.
This term you must work harder than you did last session. There’s no substitute to hard work. If you don’t like your results, you can change them by putting in some more effort. While others are playing on the field, study a little more. Give no room for laziness; there’s no future for the lazy student. You will achieve more if you start studying early this term. Don’t wait until test dates have been announced.
Finally, Step Up to lead, take the lead in your school. Leadership is simply about being a positive influence to others around you. I argue that if you are not making a difference, now, in your school, there’s no chance that you can be a Change Agent in Nigeria. Start from where you are, treat other students in your school with respect, work with your friends to achieve something new this term, and watch out for opportunities to help others. I hope to be in your school before the end of this term, until then, have fun.
Snr. Gbenga
LIVE FROM MTN PROJECTFAME STUDIOS
I had started writing the cover article for this edition, but I eventually got the inspiration to write this when I visited Ultima studios, venue of the live recording of the second season of MTN Project fame West Africa. The music competition which had 16 contestants from Nigeria, Sierrealone, Liberia and Ghana. I had to forego Premiership matches, especially the Arsenal and Manchester City tie. I was looking forward to watch Adebayour play against Arsenal. So that you don’t get confused, I am a Liverpool fan who sleeps on a branded Arsenal bedspread, guess I just like the club.
I was at the Academy to cheer a friend, David Omodumiju, whose picture I also used for the cover picture of my book. His journey to the academy is quite intriguing, though divine. A member of Ydi in the University of Lagos introduced the competition to him, and even helped get the form. David was initially not interested in the competition. In fact, he told me that a neighbor warned him not to sing in their house again, if he didn’t pick the form. Weeks later I met him at Yaba, with his box guitar, singing while walking on the road. I had to yell several times to get his attention. Eventually he did hear me and broke the good news, that he had been admitted into the Projectfame Academy. But his entry was also divine, because at last year’s Camp Joseph (Ydi’s annual camp meeting), a word of prophecy came forth, that a music star would emerge from Ydi in 2009.
I had fun at the live studio recording, having the opportunity to watch live the making of MTNPROJECT FAME. Ace comedian, Seyi Law got our ribs cracking while we eagerly awaited the live performance of the various contestants. The well lighted hall was simply electric, expectations were high, and I just kept thinking about the lessons I could learn from my visit. I sat with David’s mum in the front row, in a reserved area for family and friends of the contestant. I must say that I was pretty shy, partly because I was required to raise a cardboard that read, ‘David you are the giant.’ While he was on stage.
But I had fun throughout the recording, David was at his best that night and the other contestants were very entertaining. I was particularly thrilled when Nicholas sang James Blonde’s ‘You are beautiful’ while playing the piano excellently well. It was also a delight to see award winning actress Joke Silva, who served as the Principal of the Academy. I can still remember how the audience screamed when the Judges announced that David had been placed on probation. Kwame, the brain behind music channel Nigezie didn’t like the reaction, and tried to justify the Judges decision.
At the end of the Programme, the contestants went back stage, we didn’t have the opportunity of exchanging pleasantries. Apart from the gift package I got from MTN official sponsors of Projectfame , I left the Academy with a few thoughts you would learn from. Regardless of how young you are, dare to achieve great things. What if Michael Angelo did not paint the Sistine chapel? What if Henry ford did not start the Ford company? What if David did not pick up the Projectfame form. There’s a lot you can do, but have not attempted to do, because you think you can’t do them. Stop limiting yourself. There are greater days ahead of you, but you need to dare to do what looks impossible.
Also I decided to chronicle David’s journey to Projectfame West Africa because of his innate ability to sing. There are loads of secondary school students like me who would never pick up a form for a musical competition regardless of the reward, because we don’t have a natural talent of singing. But there’s at least one thing you can do that would make you standout. You need to concentrate on what you know how to do excellently well, develop it and make the best of it. Stop being envious of the progress other young people are making and start developing excellence in your area of giftedness. Whatever it is that you know how to do, is your own unique opportunity to be celebrated.
Finally start from where you are, even if nobody is celebrating you like David today. Every successful person knows that what’s important is for you to continue practicing your skill over a long haul. David had been singing long before the Projectfame opportunity came. In the first chapter of ‘Senior Gbenga’, I talked about how my leadership responsibility as a Prefect back in school gave me the right platform to prepare myself for life. Don’t despise the days of little beginnings. This term, maximize the seemingly little opportunities that come your way in school. Opportunity is transient. Arthur Bristone rightly remarked, “Opportunity comes like a snail,once it has passed you, it changes into a fleet rabbit and is gone.”
David would be visiting some of the schools on my book tour list for this term to share his experience with other young people. But before the, brace up and dare to do the impossible.
I was at the Academy to cheer a friend, David Omodumiju, whose picture I also used for the cover picture of my book. His journey to the academy is quite intriguing, though divine. A member of Ydi in the University of Lagos introduced the competition to him, and even helped get the form. David was initially not interested in the competition. In fact, he told me that a neighbor warned him not to sing in their house again, if he didn’t pick the form. Weeks later I met him at Yaba, with his box guitar, singing while walking on the road. I had to yell several times to get his attention. Eventually he did hear me and broke the good news, that he had been admitted into the Projectfame Academy. But his entry was also divine, because at last year’s Camp Joseph (Ydi’s annual camp meeting), a word of prophecy came forth, that a music star would emerge from Ydi in 2009.
I had fun at the live studio recording, having the opportunity to watch live the making of MTNPROJECT FAME. Ace comedian, Seyi Law got our ribs cracking while we eagerly awaited the live performance of the various contestants. The well lighted hall was simply electric, expectations were high, and I just kept thinking about the lessons I could learn from my visit. I sat with David’s mum in the front row, in a reserved area for family and friends of the contestant. I must say that I was pretty shy, partly because I was required to raise a cardboard that read, ‘David you are the giant.’ While he was on stage.
But I had fun throughout the recording, David was at his best that night and the other contestants were very entertaining. I was particularly thrilled when Nicholas sang James Blonde’s ‘You are beautiful’ while playing the piano excellently well. It was also a delight to see award winning actress Joke Silva, who served as the Principal of the Academy. I can still remember how the audience screamed when the Judges announced that David had been placed on probation. Kwame, the brain behind music channel Nigezie didn’t like the reaction, and tried to justify the Judges decision.
At the end of the Programme, the contestants went back stage, we didn’t have the opportunity of exchanging pleasantries. Apart from the gift package I got from MTN official sponsors of Projectfame , I left the Academy with a few thoughts you would learn from. Regardless of how young you are, dare to achieve great things. What if Michael Angelo did not paint the Sistine chapel? What if Henry ford did not start the Ford company? What if David did not pick up the Projectfame form. There’s a lot you can do, but have not attempted to do, because you think you can’t do them. Stop limiting yourself. There are greater days ahead of you, but you need to dare to do what looks impossible.
Also I decided to chronicle David’s journey to Projectfame West Africa because of his innate ability to sing. There are loads of secondary school students like me who would never pick up a form for a musical competition regardless of the reward, because we don’t have a natural talent of singing. But there’s at least one thing you can do that would make you standout. You need to concentrate on what you know how to do excellently well, develop it and make the best of it. Stop being envious of the progress other young people are making and start developing excellence in your area of giftedness. Whatever it is that you know how to do, is your own unique opportunity to be celebrated.
Finally start from where you are, even if nobody is celebrating you like David today. Every successful person knows that what’s important is for you to continue practicing your skill over a long haul. David had been singing long before the Projectfame opportunity came. In the first chapter of ‘Senior Gbenga’, I talked about how my leadership responsibility as a Prefect back in school gave me the right platform to prepare myself for life. Don’t despise the days of little beginnings. This term, maximize the seemingly little opportunities that come your way in school. Opportunity is transient. Arthur Bristone rightly remarked, “Opportunity comes like a snail,once it has passed you, it changes into a fleet rabbit and is gone.”
David would be visiting some of the schools on my book tour list for this term to share his experience with other young people. But before the, brace up and dare to do the impossible.
Comments
1. “Senior Gbenga’s visit to our school was interesting, inspiring and encouraging. He related with us as a part of us and not an outsider.”
- Christ The Redeemers Press
(Ezra The Scribe)
2. “ Frankly speaking, Senior Gbenga has given me the impression that I can do anything I want to do, if I have Christ, who is the hope of my realization of glory. More grace to your elbow.”- Anu Makinde
CRC, Sagamu.
3. “The book Senior Gbenga is full of lessons to be learnt by young and old. The writer is a positive influence to his generation.”
Olotu Olaoluwa
Head Boy, B.M.J.S.
“Listening to Senior Gbenga is the best inspiration I have gotten so far. You are truly a blessing to your generation.”
- Ogunseitan Motunrayo
St’ Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu.
“Thank you, Senior Gbenga. I have learnt the essence of reading books, and I know that it will impact greatly on my life.”
- Anne Ikharo
Learning Field School.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I have learnt from Senior Gbenga that to be a good leader, you have to be responsible.”
- Okoh Dumebi
Air Force Secondary School
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Senior Gbenga’s talk was an inspiration to me, personally, and I really appreciate him, because he has made a great impact on my life.”
- Abuchi Kester
Headboy Pentecost College.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am very grateful, because the difficulties I faced as a leader in school have been explained, and I gained from that.”
- - Ogundare Akinniyi
Federal Science &Technical College, Yaba.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Senior Gbenga is very inspirational, and I believe that if our leaders and we the people emulate him, Nigeria will be great.”
- Adeyemi Peter
Pentecost College.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“The lecture by Senior Gbenga was very educating, inspiring and motivating. I learnt a lot.”
- Oyetunji Busola
Kings International College
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am very impressed. Thank you for helping me become a good leader.”
Okologbu Chinedu
Yellow House Captain, FGC Ijanikin.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Whoa! What an interesting speech. I am really impressed, and you have added value to my life.”
Deputy Head Girl, FGC Ijanikin.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am impressed and inspired. The Leadership nuggets hit their mark.”
- Rotinwa Ayodeji
400l Law Student
Babcock University
“Exceptional, wonderful, the book Senior Gbenga is not meant for just secondary school students, because I am a Corper and I gained from it. I will get it now, for my children, in the future.”
- Lolade Ayelabola
- Christ The Redeemers Press
(Ezra The Scribe)
2. “ Frankly speaking, Senior Gbenga has given me the impression that I can do anything I want to do, if I have Christ, who is the hope of my realization of glory. More grace to your elbow.”- Anu Makinde
CRC, Sagamu.
3. “The book Senior Gbenga is full of lessons to be learnt by young and old. The writer is a positive influence to his generation.”
Olotu Olaoluwa
Head Boy, B.M.J.S.
“Listening to Senior Gbenga is the best inspiration I have gotten so far. You are truly a blessing to your generation.”
- Ogunseitan Motunrayo
St’ Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu.
“Thank you, Senior Gbenga. I have learnt the essence of reading books, and I know that it will impact greatly on my life.”
- Anne Ikharo
Learning Field School.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I have learnt from Senior Gbenga that to be a good leader, you have to be responsible.”
- Okoh Dumebi
Air Force Secondary School
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Senior Gbenga’s talk was an inspiration to me, personally, and I really appreciate him, because he has made a great impact on my life.”
- Abuchi Kester
Headboy Pentecost College.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am very grateful, because the difficulties I faced as a leader in school have been explained, and I gained from that.”
- - Ogundare Akinniyi
Federal Science &Technical College, Yaba.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Senior Gbenga is very inspirational, and I believe that if our leaders and we the people emulate him, Nigeria will be great.”
- Adeyemi Peter
Pentecost College.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“The lecture by Senior Gbenga was very educating, inspiring and motivating. I learnt a lot.”
- Oyetunji Busola
Kings International College
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am very impressed. Thank you for helping me become a good leader.”
Okologbu Chinedu
Yellow House Captain, FGC Ijanikin.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“Whoa! What an interesting speech. I am really impressed, and you have added value to my life.”
Deputy Head Girl, FGC Ijanikin.
Prefects Training, Sea School (August 2009)
“I am impressed and inspired. The Leadership nuggets hit their mark.”
- Rotinwa Ayodeji
400l Law Student
Babcock University
“Exceptional, wonderful, the book Senior Gbenga is not meant for just secondary school students, because I am a Corper and I gained from it. I will get it now, for my children, in the future.”
- Lolade Ayelabola
Thursday, September 10, 2009
book tour
the summer break is over, I need to get back to work again. My manager just informed me that I would be at Ronik Comprehensive on October 9th. Let the term begin!
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