# Johannes Tobi Wojuola ## Posts - [Regulation by Sunlight: How Transparency Is Changing Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector](https://johannxs.com/regulation-by-sunlight-how-transparency-is-changing-nigerias-telecoms-sector/): Bad behaviour does not fare well under exposure. People, institutions, and systems tend to be at their best when the spotlight is on them. A United States Supreme Court Justice, Louis Brandeis, captured the power of transparency aptly when he observed in a 1913 article that “sunlight is said to be the best disinfectant; electric light the most efficient policeman.” Transparency, like sunlight, exposes. Bad behaviour that prefers to remain unseen either falls in line or risks public embarrassment. Information, when placed in the hands of the public, empowers them. For businesses, it deters them from conduct that is unbecoming,... - [Two Years and Taking Stock: Dr. Aminu Maida’s Stewardship of the NCC](https://johannxs.com/two-years-and-taking-stock-dr-aminu-maidas-stewardship-of-the-ncc/): At this time two years ago, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector was far from thriving. Consider the industry debts—both those among operators and those owed to them by banks. Or the Federal Government’s NIN-SIM linkage policy, which had suffered seven postponements since December 2020. Then there were the tariffs. They had remained static for a decade, and as a result, investors were looking the other way while investments dipped—a bad omen for a sector whose lifeblood is a constant flow of capital. All of these translated into networks that were hanging on their last legs. To cap it all, the country was... - [A Boisterous Spirit, A Kind Friend, A Cheerful Heart, A Man For All Seasons: Francis Chukwuma Ewelike ](https://johannxs.com/a-boisterous-spirit-a-kind-friend-a-cheerful-heart-a-man-for-all-seasons-francis-chukwuma-ewelike/): A most charitable friend has been plucked from our presence. He was jovial, perpetually funny, hearty even at his lowest moments, and eternally spirited. I cannot ever recall meeting my dear Francis at a low point. He consistently put up a smile regardless of the circumstance. He was a friend to many, a foe to none. Everyone was easily his friend, and he stood for them at all points—whether he was called to, or not.  From our first year to fifth at the University of Abuja, he was a pleasant rolling ball of happiness. One that knew no ethnic or... - [The Thing About Eulogies](https://johannxs.com/the-thing-about-eulogies/): It is everyone’s dreaded speech. It is usually not a speech you look forward to giving however, when it comes we brace up to the task.  Everyone talks about how eulogies are unsung praises that should have been said while the person could hear. Some call them fake praises. It may or may not be true in context.  I once thought about how I would eulogize a certain loved one and talk about how I felt they were a horrible person but in the end we fail to understand that in the face of death; those grudges we hold with... - [REFORMS AND RESULTS: EXPORTING A SUCCESS STORY TO THE COMMONWEALTH](https://johannxs.com/reforms-and-results-exporting-a-success-story-to-the-commonwealth/): At about 11 am, on Friday, November 12, 2021, there was a buzz among tax aficionados: Muhammad Nami, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) boss had been elected the President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA). He is the first Nigerian in the history of CATA to be so elected.  CATA is an association constituted at the meeting of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers in Barbados in 1977 to promote the improvement of tax administration within the Commonwealth with particular interest in developing countries. In 1978, 26 countries, including Nigeria formed CATA; the membership has grown to 47 today. ... - [The Best Man's Speech: On The Occasion Of Bashir's Wedding](https://johannxs.com/the-best-mans-speech-on-the-occasion-of-bashirs-wedding/): This is a huge burden for me — I’m having to make a cautious balance between telling you some very interesting things about Bashir and being careful that I do not give Sahara Reporters another story for tonight.  If there’s anything I am about to say that you feel I should keep away from Sahara Reporters, feel free to shout “Honorable Off the mic”  I would try to get quick on this assignment, especially that we may have to wait for Bashir to finish eating before we leave here, that I can tell you takes about a year and a... - [My Covid-19 Story: The Coronavirus That Came, But Wasn’t](https://johannxs.com/my-covid-19-story-the-coronavirus-that-came-but-wasnt/): On the 28th of June, my friend, Dr. Abu called me to inform me that he had tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Four days before the 28th, we had a meeting where he began feeling dizzy — I broke the social distancing protocol to help him up when he tried to lay down, but he resisted and said he was fine. For him, that was enough contact with me, and he advised I take the test. The very moment on the phone that Dr. Abu mentioned that he had tested positive I fell sick. My body began to shiver,... - [My remarks during my swearing-in as Curator of the Abuja Global Shapers Community, on the 27th of June, 2020](https://johannxs.com/my-remarks-during-my-swearing-in-as-curator-of-the-abuja-global-shapers-community-on-the-27th-of-june-2020/): Good morning dear friends, thank you so much for this privilege. Thank you. Thank you everyone here present and those who have joined in via zoom. At every gathering of the Abuja Global Shapers, there is a palpable passion for humanity, for change, and for development that can be felt deep inside. And even when we are not present in person, the vibe from our WhatsApp groups are telling: a carefully curated potpourri of geniuses in various fields, but with a singular passion for the betterment of our immediate environment. Every year, as we cannot all be a herd of... - [Nigeria: Africa’s leader or leaden – by ​Malam ​Abba Kyari](https://johannxs.com/nigeria-africas-leader-or-leaden-by-%e2%80%8bmalam-%e2%80%8babba-kyari/): (First Published 1st October, 2012, on Thisday Newspaper) Why is Nigeria so important? It is perhaps the only country on the African Continent with all the attributes of a great power: size, population, arable land, water, oil, forests, hard minerals, tourist potential, in fact everything you require for a major modern economy. Yet…………here we are. The “all powerful” centre is weak and confused; the periphery is doing all the running. Separatists; secessionists, nihilists; anarchists and even bandits are having a field day. The majority are onlookers, just despairing and even losing hope and faith in our federation and existence as... - [In A World Of Gassy Opulence And Loose Character, The Late Malam Abba Stood Different](https://johannxs.com/in-a-world-of-gassy-opulence-and-loose-character-the-late-malam-abba-stood-different/): He looked so ordinary – but the reality was far from that. He was sophisticated and tissued. Those who cared for the country and its rebirth knew he was playing a pivotal role. Despite his imperfections – like we all are – they loved and cherished him.  My mother, who worked with him while he was the Chief Editor at the Democrat described him succinctly: “He was calm, quiet, and soft spoken. He was never a noisemaker.” His intentions were plain and hardly complex: get Nigeria working for the ordinary people; provide the basic environment for the people to thrive;... - [On Workers’ Day, 2020, The Least We Can Do Is Honor Those Who Put Their Lives At The Frontline In The Fight Against Covid-19 by Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/on-workers-day-2020-the-least-we-can-do-is-honor-those-who-put-their-lives-at-the-frontline-in-the-fight-against-covid-19-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): The one hour journey to Gwagwalada is reminiscent of my student days at the University of Abuja.  Often, on Fridays, as the weekend kicked off, students like myself who had families in the town would hop into luxurious buses that would take us home. On Sunday evenings, or Monday mornings we would troop to the Area 1 or Wuse Market parks to head back for our lectures. This pattern can hardly be forgotten – it was the journey week after week. And we could tell the route to town and back even with our eyes closed. On a holiday like... - [MALAM ABBA KYARI: A GREAT PUBLIC SERVANT - A tribute by Malam Mamman Daura](https://johannxs.com/malam-abba-kyari-a-great-public-servant-a-tribute-by-malam-mamman-daura/): Corona virus is a law, yet lawless unto itself. As of yesterday it has claimed 183,424 lives worldwide and 28 Nigerians. One of those lives lost was Malam Abba Kyari’s, Chief of Staff to the President. Malam Abba succumbed to complications after contracting and recovering from Corona Virus a week today. Malam Abba Kyari was a man blessed with mountainous gifts and uncommon attributes of intelligence, diligence, hard work, loyalty to friends and worthy causes. One could exhaust superlatives to do him full justice. I first set eyes on Malam Abba about 47 years ago. I was at my desk... - [Understanding Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfers Programme](https://johannxs.com/understanding-nigerias-conditional-cash-transfers-programme/): If there is any programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration that has enjoyed the most attention, spiced with unfair criticisms – hinged mostly on beer parlour facts – it is the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCT). Once again, as if the pattern is scheduled for every two to three years, it is under the eye of the public and media. Sadly those who quickly put pen to paper attacking the what and how of the programme have the barest idea how it works. All too often, this has been the case whenever its activities are publicised. It is not... - [This Burning Cycle](https://johannxs.com/this-burning-cycle/): From water To ice To water And now vaporized Into gas That cannot be cubed again This cycle, my dear Burns me to pieces - [Ismaeel At 40: Many Things To Many People, Friend And Brother To All](https://johannxs.com/ismaeel-at-40-many-things-to-many-people-friend-and-brother-to-all/): Whenever Seun Oluyemi came into Abuja, he picked me up to join his ‘waka-about’ around town. On every trip, I was always certain to meet a new person, chew on a new meal, or find a new location in the Federal Capital Territory. Seun is like the human heart, he never takes a pause, always in motion. Literally he is without a full stop. It was during one of these “let us go and see …” days that he asked me to escort him to see a friend who he wanted to invite to his show: Rubbin’ Minds on Channels... - [Happy Mother's Day, Janet - Thank You](https://johannxs.com/happy-mothers-day-janet-thank-you/): Happy Mother’s Day – 2020 Thank you for all the years of sacrifice you put to see to it that myself and brothers got a fair deal in life.  Thank you for those nights you kept awake, praying for us — even those nights you wept all through because you had no inkling of what the dawn would bring.  Thank you for persevering with four opinionated Generals, and guiding us with your tough arm, straightening our untoward tendencies and putting us in the right path.  Thank you for the hymns you sang to us at the dinning table, viewed from... - [The Watchdog of Free Speech Is Freedom Itself](https://johannxs.com/the-watchdog-of-free-speech-is-freedom-itself/): There is the easy temptation to join the bandwagon of voices that vex at any attempt by government to suggest in any form the regulation of the internet space. It is popular – and the words to criticise come more easily than those that provide a broader outlook to the issue. Governments are scarcely trusted, even when they have the best intentions. The suspicion is only fair.  With the anticipated Public Hearing by the National Assembly on the Protection From Internet Falsehood And Manipulations Bill, the questions of free speech and its limit are going to own the debate space,... - [We Never Set Sail](https://johannxs.com/we-never-set-sail/): We built a ship  Tough and thorough bred We had set out every morning and night To forge a model like Noah’s Ark Big enough to carry five You and I  And a pair  And another  It sat in a pool  That had pooled our blood, our tears and wine Now it was wide enough to carry Deep enough to float Shallow enough so it did not overflow We thought to see a million cities We thought to set foot on every island  If the journey would be long and rough Then we must build a ship resilient and tough... - [Re: Buhari Curious Request on Loot Recovery (Guardian Editorial, 16th October, 2018)](https://johannxs.com/re-buhari-curious-request-on-loot-recovery-guardian-editorial-16th-october-2018/): Re: Buhari Curious Request on Loot Recovery (Guardian Editorial, 16th October, 2018) This editorial is curious. It maintains a suspicious ambivalence all through. In one breathe it suggests that it decries President Buhari’s plea on the international scene requesting for an international common ground against illicit transfer of our nation’s wealth, in another it suggests that it is against it. It further attempts to trivialise the anti-corruption debate on the international scale. A debate that is most critical at this time in the globe despite other issues struggling space, attention and time with it. If for anything, somebody must lead... - [The Hope of Havilah](https://johannxs.com/248hopeofhavilah/): The Hope of Havilah The six foot river of Havilah flowed through my valley With its hair wrapped courteously like a bundle of natural roses Standing tall – as the majestic palm tree   Every strike, perfectly seated in its place With dull resplendence   A well dug deep for three decades With water not enough to feed the bleating sheep Has now overflowed as Noah’s flood   From well to lake This river now flows Through my heart’s oceans   In it I may drown – In peace, fear and love. - [NASS/PRESIDENCY: A DISHARMOUNIOUS MARRIAGE THAT MUST WORK](https://johannxs.com/nass-presidency-a-disharmounious-marriage-that-must-work/): by Johannes Wojuola   This legal relationship, forged by the letters of our constitution has been a rocky romance from its coming together again in 1999. Break-ups, cheating, distrust, late nights, bribery, and even padding have been the phrases that we have oft heard of the affair. But this is not uncommon, or unexpected. Different political leanings, different personal backgrounds, strong ego, unclear relationship terms, with seeming overlapping responsibilities, interests, and many more, are the obvious reasons. Yet, irrespective of these, the two arms must never forget that their mandate is to serve the Nigerian people. Differences must be set... - [So, Who Won The Buhari Challenge?](https://johannxs.com/so-who-won-the-buhari-challenge/): So, Who Won The Buhari Challenge? Scattered across the FCT are sand-filled trucks, Caterpillars and the evidence of their work: bridges and roads under construction, some finished, some still in progress. Residents of the FCT can testify to the abundance of construction sites that are reminiscent of the El-Rufai years. Drive here or there, alas, another diversion – Work In Progress, read the big signboards. This is the same scenario at hundreds of locations across the country. Though, it may seem antithetical knowing that the Buhari administration undertaking all of these, has had the least funds to work with for... - [FARMERS/ HERDSMEN CLASH (WITH FOCUS ON ANTI-GRAZING LAW/ OUTRIGHT BAN ON OPEN GRAZING) SOLUTIONS – AN LECTURE DELIVERED BY JOHANNES TOBI WOJUOLA](https://johannxs.com/farmers-herdsmen-clash-with-focus-on-anti-grazing-law-outright-ban-on-open-grazing-solutions-an-lecture-delivered-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): FARMERS/ HERDSMEN CLASH (WITH FOCUS ON ANTI-GRAZING LAW/ OUTRIGHT BAN ON OPEN GRAZING) SOLUTIONS – AN LECTURE DELIVERED BY JOHANNES TOBI WOJUOLA ON THE EDO DIGICOMMS PLATFORM   The Farmers Herders clashes have climaxed in the past 2 years to a very ostensible level where it is now heard on the lips of everyone. From the keke driver, to the elite banker, to the security man, to the lawyer, everybody. The educated, the non-educated. Most times these commentators do not even know the depth and width of the crisis. This crisis has been as old as several decades, even before... - [My 7 Point Agenda as Deputy Curator of the Abuja Global Shapers Hub By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/my-7-point-agenda-as-deputy-curator-of-the-abuja-global-shapers-hub-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): My 7 Point Agenda as Deputy Curator of the Abuja Global Shapers Hub By Johannes Tobi Wojuola     Introduction The role of the Deputy Curator is largely a supportive one. It is to provide a bolstered leadership and support to the leadership architecture of the Hub. The role of the curator is massive: high expectations, meetings, coordinating the various programmes and projects and providing direction, vision and cohesion for the Hub. In truth this role is cumbersome especially without a bastion of support from a strong-willed and determined deputy. And this is fundamentally the role I intend to play:... - [Insecurity in Nigeria: Tough times don't last, but tough people do - By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/insecuritytoughtimesdontlast225/): Insecurity in Nigeria: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do – By Johannes Tobi Wojuola For President Buhari, history is in his favor when it comes to tackling insecurity – his reputation precedes him. The quelling of the  Maitatsine Uprising in the 1980’s is to his credit – and formed a selling point for his election in 2015, when the violent terrorist group Boko Haram was raging the entire North and declaring Nigeria’s territories part of its unholy caliphate. It was literally a time of war: 14 Local Governments were under their control, in fear churches had reduced their hours of... - [Basic Knowledge Of The Constitution And Electoral Act - A Presentation By Johannes Tobi Wojuola Esq](https://johannxs.com/basic-knowledge-of-the-constitution-and-electoral-act-a-presentation-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola-esq/): BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTITUTION AND ELECTORAL ACT   PRESENTATION BY JOHANNES TOBI WOJUOLA Esq MADE AT THE LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL TRAINING CLASS, ORGANISED BY THE OYO STATE SCHOOL OF POLITICS, ON THE 26TH OF JANUARY, 2018, ATIBA HALL, OYO.   All protocols duly observed. I want to begin this session by first and foremost thanking the organizers – especially my brother Olalekan who personally invited me – for the rare opportunity to speak to my brothers and sisters here in my hometown of Oyo State on the Nigerian Constitution and our Electoral Act, two primary tools in the life... - [Globalization: Implications for Buhari’s Economic Agenda By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/globalization-implications-for-buharis-economic-agenda-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): Globalization: Implications for Buhari’s Economic Agenda By Johannes Tobi Wojuola President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to boost the nation’s economy does not seem to click with the tenets of globalization of trade as enunciated by the Western world. This is because the West, including the neo-liberalist and the Brettingwood philosophers, see the peculiar nature of the approach as theoretical. The conclusions by both groups is based on their penchant for a free market space, unfettered by government inhibitions and stringent policy controls. They also look for opportunities for the dumping of all sorts of goods, especially, sub-standard and fake products. Although... - [NASS exceeded bounds on 2017 budget](https://johannxs.com/nass-exceeded-bounds-on-2017-budget/): NASS exceeded bounds on 2017 budget  By Johannes Wojuola There has been a lot of back and forth as to the powers of the National Assembly (NASS) to initiate projects and tinker with the budget presented to it by the Executive. The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, was quoted as saying that NASS has powers to introduce projects in the budget document. The statement is at variance with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) based on the fact that it restricts the hallowed chambers to giving authorization for spending... - [What Responsible And Responsive Leadership Means To Me](https://johannxs.com/responsiveleadership/): WHAT RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP MEANS TO ME By Johannes Tobi Wojuola, member Abuja Global Shapers Community (An Initiative of the World Economic Forum) The Humanitarian crisis in North Eastern Nigeria is palpable. Seen and felt, from the lenses of photo-journalists, videos and stories shared mostly online. Those who have visited would tell you stories that would send your spines to shiver. Yet, only a few are worried. The United Nations is not resting on it oars as it tries to galvanise global support for the rebuilding of the region and rehabilitation of its people; NGOs are drumming the awareness to... - [Finding Economic Justice In Buhari’s Social Investment Programmes By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/finding-economic-justice-in-buharis-social-investment-programmes-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): Finding Economic Justice In Buhari’s Social Investment Programmes By Johannes Tobi Wojuola “We must recover the whole sense of gift, of gratuitousness, of solidarity. Rampant capitalism has taught the logic of profit at all costs, of giving to get, of exploitation without looking at the person… and we see the results in the crisis we are experiencing!” – Pope Francis  The portraits of globalization and neo-liberalism are oft painted as very attractive and propitious. In reality they are for some – who are just a handful.  Two big words and two big problems that have been responsible for creating a... - [Lest We Forget By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/lest-we-forget-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/):    Consciously or unconsciously we become amnesic of the memories of ugly pasts as we make progress in life. And like a clergyman once said: for every new level we ascend, there is a new devil to challenge – sounds poetic, but beyond the rhythm is an aphorism that highlights the reality we face when we have won a battle, so to say. The focus is to war the “new devil” so that we can climb to yet another higher realm. Still, even while we climb to new levels and struggle with their attendant worries, we must gaze in retrospect... - [Nigeria's rising inequality and Buhari's social investment program By Johannes Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/nigerias-rising-inequality-and-buharis-social-investment-program-by-johannes-wojuola/): Nigeria’s rising inequality and Buhari’s social investment program By Johannes Wojuola   Depending on the car you are driving, Byazaxhin – home to thousands of lower class workers and hustlers – is a 30 to 40 minutes drive away from Maitama – hub of Abuja’s wealthy and affluent. Extremely bad roads, rusted zincs and side shops that sell everything from palm oil to motorcycle parts is the ambience of Byazaxhin. The opposite is the case for Maitama and its brother-in-luxury, Asokoro. Both districts are a world apart from each other when measured in terms of development. Yet they are just a... - [The Little Things That Matter By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/the-little-things-that-matter-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): The Little Things That Matter By Johannes Tobi Wojuola   John Maxwell – You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. My friend hosted a symposium two weeks ago, and she asked me to be the MC. It was a first time request, so I reluctantly agreed. After giving my consent, I quickly asked about time and promptness of the event. She put the starting time at 9am, conceding all the same to the Nigerian factor on timing; the African time. I struggled to wake up as the sounds of raindrops held me back to my bed.... - [Of Lincoln and Slavery: Nigeria’s Moral Wars -](https://johannxs.com/of-lincoln-and-slavery-nigerias-moral-wars/): A couple of weeks ago, Welms Thomas, your President buzzed me to invite me to speak at today’s event. He said I could choose a topic of my choice; it was a blank cheque and I loved that opportunity. Because, coincidentally, I was reading Harold Holzier’s book: How Abraham Lincoln ended slavery in America – and I wanted to share some wisdom I had learned from it. Lincoln happens to be one of my favourite icons to have graced God’s green earth. I see him as the common man: the everyday man who like every other suffers from his imperfections... - [One Year After: President Buhari’s Foreign Trips In Perspective By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/one-year-after-president-buharis-foreign-trips-in-perspective-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): One Year After: President Buhari’s Foreign Trips In Perspective By Johannes Tobi Wojuola   It is a year since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.  And within this time frame, he has visited countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America. About a week back, he returned from London on yet another foreign visit. It is to be recalled that in fact, President Buhari started his first week in office with trips to Niger, Chad and Germany. The travelling President, some may rant.   In recent months, the President’s trips were made the subject of discourse: from the print,... - [Fact are Sacred by Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/fact-are-sacred-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): Facts are sacred  “Comments are free, but facts are sacred” When U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry spoke at a joint press conference with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, he lauded President Buhari’s fight against terrorism and his successful efforts in curbing insurgency in Nigeria. He was speaking from facts. Over the last ten months since President Buhari was sworn in as President, there has been a palpable change in stories that have emanated from the North Eastern part of our country. From daily bomb-blasts at market places, to attacks on places of worship; from Boko Haram making nervy claims... - [Mon Billet-Doux - I Love You. I Always Will](https://johannxs.com/mon-billet-doux-i-love-you-i-always-will/): I wish I had the most melodious voice, I would write and sing you my best of Katie’s choice. But all I have are my sickly thumbs, That type all my love talks and then go numb. Love is my weakest link. Always the pit I fall to its brink, But happy is this with you. My joy, my heart throbs for too. You are all I dote at mind, Will you for once ever leave my thoughts? Even if you did want, I’ll gladly imprison you within My sweetheart and darlingest being! - [What the Future Holds](https://johannxs.com/what-the-future-holds/): Life in its elegance, in its plethora of beauty, is but an enchantment of the eyes. A pre-destiny of a creator, it is but nought to what we desire it to be. “Sandra ooo” “Sandra oooo” … “This pikin…”  I am forced to awake on the chants of my mother’s call every morning; the routine of the last decade of my life. It is the time of the morning when the sun has not declared its right over the moon, thus the navy blue skies still tell us it is but 4am. My mother would tap me hardly and I... - [Winning the Anti-Graft War](https://johannxs.com/winning-the-anti-graft-war/): Winning the Anti-Graft War It might be jeered at on the tables of the political elitist: that there is no room for morality or cleanliness in politics. Interest is what sets the tide and survival is what pushes the flow. In all affairs, to clinch power, morality and its brothers of similar lingua have only been slang to prod the naïve feelings of the populace to dance to tunes that request for votes. It has seldom gone beyond those rhythms. The desire to fight corruption and instill a new moral ethos in the Nigerian society seems impossible; just another chant... - [Speed Is Good, But Order is Better](https://johannxs.com/speed-is-good-but-order-is-better/):  “Grain by grain, a loaf; stone by stone a castle”, says a Yugoslavian proverb. Haile Gebrselassie is one of the word’s legends in marathon racing. Usain Bolt is the King of the legends of sprint racing – 100m and 200m dashes. Haile is good at sprint, so also Usain can make a good attempt at long distance running. But neither can be king in the other’s forte. Why? Because marathon and sprint are two different kinds of races with different requirements for excelling in either. The short and quick trip of a sprint requires expending more energy and swift speed... - [Buhari’s Middle-East Ties, North-East Reconstruction Initiatives by Garba Shehu](https://johannxs.com/buharis-middle-east-ties-north-east-reconstruction-initiatives-by-garba-shehu/): With the urgent task of resettling the more than two million refugees, mostly women and children on his mind, and at hand, the more urgent one of rebuilding damaged  infrastructure such as roads, bridges,clinics, schools as a requirement for their return to their  communities, President Buhari leaves for the middle-east on a wee tour of three friendly countries. Why Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar? Prsident Buhari is on schedule  to attend the  “Africa 2016: Business for Africa, Egypt and the world” from the 20th – 21st of February in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. The organizers say the primary objective of... - [Buhari’s Anti-Graft Campaign and the Jurisprudence of Anti-Corruption By Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/buharis-anti-graft-campaign-and-the-jurisprudence-of-anti-corruption-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/): Oliver Wendel Holmes Jnr. is my most revered jurisprudential personage.  This sentiment may be founded on a filial judicial heritage or on my experiential understanding – yet a vestige of my filial heritage – that law is not law until it has been interpreted by the courts: a summarized reflection of the Realist School of Jurisprudence. This school of thought propounds that there is no law, indeed, until it has been tested and subjected to the regurgitation of judicial processes and consequently molded into case law. It holds the position that while the legislature may make laws – as constitutionally... - [Corruption Will Fight Back by Johannes Tobi Wojuola](https://johannxs.com/corruption-will-fight-back-by-johannes-tobi-wojuola/):     Nigeria’s former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is renowned for his anti-corruption stance and fight. Though some may argue that his fight was one-sided or prejudiced, the a posteriori facts point clearly at the reality that indeed corruption was fought by the former Chairman – whether lopsided or not. Mallam Ribadu stepped on a lot of toes – very big toes I mean; like those of the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Mohammed Babangida, son of former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, to mention a few. It was thus not a jaw-dropper when he was removed... - [A HERO’S VERSE](https://johannxs.com/a-heros-verse/):   When I am rested at six foot below, And in vacuous ambience Of frozen body, mind and soul, Spirit divined transcends. I cannot twitch to my assailer’s blow   When darkness in its weight and thickened moist, Is all my shut gaze can dote, And uncertainty of my spirit’s final host; Either to demon’s or angel’s abode, To hell’s heat or the beaut of heaven’s summer frost.   My judgment on earth must be told. My secret sins and laurel’s earned. My humble pride and precepts held high and bold; Tell all my cowardice and have my folly penned.... - [All change in Nigeria - by Muhammadu Buhari](https://johannxs.com/all-change-in-nigeria-by-muhammadu-buhari/): In 2014, before the election that saw the first change of power in Nigeria by peaceful democratic means in our history, the then government rebased our country’s GDP. Now, by internationally recognised metrics, we possess the largest economy in Africa. While this should be a source of pride for Nigerians, it goes no way to addressing the deep structural challenges our economy faces; nor does it put more money in the pockets or more food on the table of millions of our citizens who go without, every day. To achieve dynamic and sustainable economic growth, and to eradicate poverty, we need... - [Buhari, orchestra of "noisemakers" and good music](https://johannxs.com/buhari-orchestra-of-noisemakers-and-good-music/): By Johannes Tobi Wojuola A prime asset of any leader is a wily use of humour. It is that drop of ecstasy that quells the tension in a room. It is magical, and the progeny of its lack is a stern, colourless and joyless ambience. It is an added arrow to the quiver of communication skills of any speaker. Ralph Emerson once said it is a luxury to be understood. But humour makes communication affordable. And only the extremely beggarly in joy cannot afford it. Even the Holy Bible affirms the momentousness of humour in Proverbs 17 verse 22 where... - [YES! The President Can!](https://johannxs.com/yes-the-president-can/): By Johannes Tobi Wojuola The Nigerian Petroleum Sector accounts for over 80% of Nigeria’s revenue, consequently being the largest source of our economic dependence. President Buhari’s desire to oversee the affairs of the Petroleum Industry/Sector has seen a series of unfounded attacks on the President’s decision from both legal and moral viewpoints. Nigeria cannot joke with this profound sector. On the other side, it is of significance to note the fact that the Petroleum sector accounts for over 60% of our revenue leakages. It is lucent that the Nigerian Petroleum sector has been bereft of prudence and accountability. President Buhari’s... - [Why Buhari needs FOI Act in Battle Against Graft](https://johannxs.com/why-buhari-needs-foi-act-in-battle-against-graft/): By Aliyu Abdullahi and Johannes Tobi Wojuola President Muhammadu Buhari’s clear intention and sincerity of purpose on the “fight against corruption” and “Government Waste” is a common and global knowledge. However, the best of intentions do not necessarily translate to positive gain in realization of policy goals if the right machineries are not employed at the right time. Communication is the lifeline of any relationship. Be it social, economic, or political. In political relationships, like any other relationship, it is naturally expected following the fact that certain persons or group function as representatives in power for the interests of a... - [A New Sheriff is in Town!](https://johannxs.com/a-new-sheriff-is-in-town/): ‎By Femi Adesina Some call it the Buhari bounce. Others describe it as the Buhari effect. Yet some others say it is the Buhari aura. One thing is however crystal clear. Things have not been the same in the past 100 days in Nigeria, since Muhammadu Buhari assumed the presidency. A new sheriff has truly come to town. Exactly 100 days ago, he climbed the podium at Eagle Square in Abuja and got inaugurated as president, 30 years after he had been toppled from power as military head of state. He promised to belong to nobody, and to belong to... - [Before The Flower Withered](https://johannxs.com/before-the-flower-withered/): There was a time, That every time was our time. When our thoughts were golden And the worship of a lover’s shrine. Then I would dote on your every nuance, I will look into your eyes and tell the diameter of your iris. I will adore every detail of your body. There was an hour, That every minute seemed so far. That I wanted to hear your voice, And sleep in your thoughts. To be there forever – if you did permit me so. The flower had all light, water and manure. But it had no fruit. I watered at... - [An Expansion of my Speech Today at the Dr. K.M. Waziri Annual Symposium - with this year’s edition on Leadership and Service](https://johannxs.com/an-expansion-of-my-speech-today-at-the-dr-k-m-waziri-annual-symposium-with-this-years-edition-on-leadership-and-service/): A lot of times, I hear my friends – young babes and dudes – say that they do not have the facilities to ascend the challenges that confront them. Sorry, but this is a lie from the pit of self-deceit. The story of men like Omojuwa who started out from a keyboard and a will to effect positive transformation of our society puts an immutable disgrace to that deceit. Our generation is empowered already – with the internet, an innate will and a constant flux of information. The question is this then, what have we used these tools to do... - [My Letter To General Muhammadu Buhari](https://johannxs.com/my-letter-to-general-muhammadu-buhari/): Dear General Muhammadu Buhari, Congratulations Sir! I have spent the past weeks since your victory was announced in near boundless euphoric excitement and propitious reverie. The reason is as crystal as ice. I had asked myself a year back, what the future would hold in the next five years. The answers that came sat with a frown on my face – as the realities and ostensible uncertainty of Nigeria’s future portended the worse. But that seems as only a page of mere fear in the books of history today. Your election bickers hope and joy to many Nigerians – if... - [Kidati - A Poem](https://johannxs.com/kidati-a-poem/): The perfectly drawn of France’s curve, To light up the oval kingdom, Host to my adoration; Your smile. Your sharp and cat-ed eyes, Mild in sight, but stout in mind, My seer of all that is beautiful Good and worthy. Hair, as the sunrise flow of the Lake of Bagauda. Her, the apex of beauty known of fulfude’s Sub-Sahara; Heir of the throne, whose queen I stare – behold – The perfection of each nuance in crystal unfold. While warring warriors of your empire fight, The good fight to save your ‘damawa land, That spills innocent blood and tears of... - [Meeting The Hoi Polloi - Between Town-hall Meetings And a Presidential Debate](https://johannxs.com/meeting-the-hoi-polloi-between-town-hall-meetings-and-a-presidential-debate/): It is very rare to see a grown man cry, and when it happens one need not be told that there is a big problem. On the 18th of March, I watched in sobriety as a retired Colonel in the Nigerian army shed tears while lamenting the non-payment of pension of military officers for 54 months – that is approximately 4 years and three months. The occasion was a Town-hall meeting organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Security – Securing Nigeria The Imperative of Exemplary Leadership. Rtd. Colonel Zubeiru was making his contributions to the meeting and also... - [Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan; Charity Begins at Home](https://johannxs.com/mr-and-mrs-jonathan-charity-begins-at-home/): While it is disgusting and morally deficient for a woman to stand before people and make iniquitous and inciting remarks, it saddens me more that a woman guilty of this, unfortunately and most unfortunately is the first lady of our dear country – a deemed mother figure to our nation. Her hateful and ill-cultured utterances at almost every campaign – if not all – that she has stepped foot on goes a distance to tell us the kind of mother our nation must bear to announce as its own till she returns to Otueke. I sat down and listened to... - [My Birthday List - TOBI Johannes Wojuola is 23 #January18th](https://johannxs.com/my-birthday-list-tobi-johannes-wojuola-is-23-january18th/): I have thought over the past few days, What do I do for my birthday? What gift do I give to everyone? Something worthy of your friendship and emotions you have spent over the years and months on me. What do I collect from you all too? But here in Kano, the harmattan seems not to allow me put my thoughts to paper – rather, I have blanketed them [and slept of course.] It’s quite cold here as I write this. And I have probably spent the last two hours hidden in this blanket, but thinking, what to give to... - [Who WE REA [ARE]](https://johannxs.com/who-we-rea-are/): Forty years from his conception, he’ll think back and ask himself questions. Pondering on the decisions he never took and those he took; in all the omissions and commissions that he embarked on that have made him who he is today. A man becomes who he is when he is able to conceive the purpose of his being, and make all decisions geared towards becoming who he wants to be. Yes, every decision you make and otherwise counts in turning you to who you eventually become. We all desire to become something in life; some of us desire to be... - [Welcome to my world - The Gallery](https://johannxs.com/welcome-to-my-world-the-gallery/): “My world is an art gallery. Everything I see, to me, has this amazing aesthetic and ornamental presentation in its existence. As far as I am concerned, there is a most profound beauty in every creature. And even in our acts, our every smile, move, gesture, stillness and mood, there lies in each, a unique spark of the beauteous wonders of my resplendent gallery. Welcome to my world – how I see it.” Johannes TOBI Wojuola - [22 Things I Have Learnt In This Sojourn – A GIFT TO THE WORLD](https://johannxs.com/22-things-i-have-learnt-in-this-sojourn-a-gift-to-the-world/):  – 18TH JANUARY, 2014 – Dear friends, colleagues, family, lovers, admirers and acquaintances,   Today marks the most important date in my existence, cherished most of all because it was the date I was born to my parents – to my mother specifically on that cold winter morning in Biberach, as she puts it. I have lived through from my birth day to this very second I pen this letter down; enjoying sour and sweet experiences brought to me by life, from the death of my father to challenges faced growing up with a single woman, from my self-serving ego... - [The Bricklayer’s Explanation to Oil Price Fall, Naira Devaluation & Everything Else](https://johannxs.com/the-bricklayers-explanation-to-oil-price-fall-naira-devaluation-everything-else/): Exceptional and self-explanatory on our present economic predicament. - [TO MOTHERHOOD - Happy Birthday Mum](https://johannxs.com/to-motherhood-happy-birthday-mum/): I had intended to write on a different topic for the month of November, one different from the heading you see. And I do not think that the month of November plays host to the almost quarterly occurring Mother’s Day. I had intended to write and already begun the first few paragraphs on the topic, Tough Times; how tougher the journey becomes the more we increase and grow in life and the yet ensuing benefits of the tough ride. But then I realized after a casual glance at the calendar that this was the month of November. The month of... - [LEADERSHIP – My Take Point (Part 3)](https://johannxs.com/leadership-my-take-point-part-3/): Two months ago, I started a series on Leadership, on which I intended to share my cogitations and experiences on the concept of Leadership especially from my viewpoint. I significantly highlighted the core of being a leader as action and not the position – that has not and would not change. Every leader is weighed on the actions he or she has taken. I also stressed on the need to define realities – that is, understanding the requirements of your position as a leader. The team also comes in to play. The question is, who do you lead? Of course... - [LEADERSHIP - My Take Point (PART 2)](https://johannxs.com/leadership-my-take-point-part-2/): Last month I started a series on Leadership and I was able to highlight a few of the lessons I had learnt from my experience in leadership positions. Of course, I did not exhaust the ink that was set aside for my thoughts on this. In the last episode, I highlighted the indispensability of action and teams and the emphasis on defining your realities as a leader and most especially not being deluded by the glamour that comes with the titles of leadership. But rather, being conscious of the fact that the real leadership is action and not position. Before... - [LEADERSHIP – MY TAKE POINT [Part 1.]](https://johannxs.com/leadership-my-take-pointpart-1/): “Leadership is action, not position” – Donald H McGannon This happens to be one of my favourite quotes on leadership. Not just because it is the life truth of any leader but also that it has guided me in every position of leadership I have occupied and still occupy. It is possible to pun that the leader is the position, while leadership are the acts that must come with that position. I have served in several leadership positions and at various capacities; from being at the very top of the helm of affairs, to leading just a few people and... ## Pages - [About me](https://johannxs.com/about-me/): Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola Esq. is a lawyer, a dispute resolution specialist and a multimedia and communication expert who is passionate about good policies, social equity and Nigeria. He is a writer, and an occasional poet. He finds interests in books on history, the Middle East, Chinese literature, and on socio-economics and politics. He is passionate about the world of technology and media, and has often been at the forefront of merging both together. Johannes is a former Nokia Brand Ambassador, and also a former Google Student Ambassador, a role where he was trained on the use of Google tools and... ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/johannxs.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)