Called to serve

I'm not sure whether it's ageing or what, but as life has been happening, I've felt less inclined to speak or write. I thought: 'What will I say that experience won't unravel?' However, I'm glad for recent inspirations. Even if I don't write anything, I can post something 'educational' or 'professional' that I've worked on.

From my previous job, I struggled to write economic research papers alone because I often got stuck in the methodology section. It really bothered me because I considered it an essential aspect of my job as an economist, the ability to back recommendations with empirical evidence. I have joint publications with colleagues, but I wanted to have the independent ability to develop a research question and work on it from start to finish alone. Additionally, given the adverse effects of policies in the country and the poor implementation strategies, a good way to inform policymakers that their approach is not efficient is to present an alternative fact backed by high-quality empirical research. This would require gaining skills in relevant econometric techniques, which have been challenging for me to develop while carrying out other core aspects of my job. 

Consequently, when an opportunity arose, I decided to take some time off work to focus on full-time research. However, I felt self-doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future (especially regarding funding for the proposed research project), which was further exacerbated by other personal struggles and the unfortunate confirmation that certain people I was trying to trust were not reliable (maybe not done intentionally as they had strong motives to satisfy their personal interests; well, I hope it works out for them). 

Thanks be to God who shows mercy, I'm finding encouragement. 

TY Bello's 'Heaven has come' deluxe album has been my companion. All the songs connect so profoundly, and you just feel her 'oneness' with God. I pray to work with her someday on a project. 

The 24th WIMBIZ conference, held on November 6-7, 2025, was another source of encouragement. I joined virtually; thankfully, it was free for life members. The positive energy from the hosts, the plenary/fireside chat chairs, the speakers, and the crowd was infectious. It was also touching to hear speakers share their personal experiences, especially as they connected them to the conference theme: OWN (Own your story, walk in power, and nurture the future). The conference chairperson, Hon. Justice Amina Augie, spoke about her recent health struggle, how it can suddenly make one feel powerless after being powerful for a long time, and how setbacks should not stop anyone from courageously forging ahead. Ms Arunma Oteh also shared how the 4Cs — Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage — have been her guiding principles in life. Ms Sola Adesakin, advising on the wealth playbook, suggested that one should monetise their passion, proficiency, partnerships, past experiences, and potential. It was great to have Mr Taiwo Oyedele spend quality time discussing the new tax law, and Mr Temi Popoola speak on actions the Nigerian Exchange Group has taken to improve women's representation in the boardroom. I was particularly impressed by the questions and comments that arose following these discussions. It was also interesting to learn about a new term, 'protirement', and how panel members navigated it. To crown it all, the debate on 'Access vs Certification: which breaks barriers?' was so interesting to watch. Both teams, led by Dr Glory Edozien and Toyosi Etim-Effiong, were convincing and entertaining.

I'm amazed I've written this much about the conference. Guess my report-writing skills, developed throughout my career, are deeply ingrained.

Anyway, the message in my heart after all these happenings is that I've been called to serve. I've been given so much and been privileged to be heavily invested in, so it's my turn to give back. Even though I feel I need to enhance my skills for greater impact, I must do so from a place of surrender to God's will. He'll direct and lead me on how to approach it, not by worrying or forcing things to happen. So, I'm learning what it means to surrender and hope to provide updates as God takes control.

Beauty in Minding Your Business

 “…Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

It is possible to confuse being aware of one’s surroundings, which might be like situational awareness, with not minding one’s business. A quick search on the internet brought up some interesting definitions of minding one’s business (See Table).

Definition of Minding One’s Business

Not to interfere in someone else's affairs; Not to pry or be nosy.       To concern oneself only with what is of interest to oneself; to take care of one’s issues        Setting oneself free from the thinking and beliefs of other people.         Focusing on what one can control and letting go of what one can’t.

It is no surprise that the quote from 1 Thessalonians 4:11 combined the three issues of living a quiet life, minding one’s business, and working with one’s hands because they go together. To live a quiet life, one must mind one’s business and fend for oneself. Otherwise, others will interfere in your life, and it won’t be quiet. Similarly, when one minds one’s business, it will be likely that your life would be quiet because you’re not interfering in the lives of others, hence a deterrent for others to interfere in yours. Also, you’ll most likely be fending for yourself because you like to take care of your issues.

There is beauty in minding your business:

       You live according to your means.

       You would stop comparing yourself to others.

       You will appreciate your life and start to see beauty all around you.

           You will appreciate both little and big things.

           You would be full of gratitude.

           You move at your pace, hence, less stress and worry in your life.

           You are less likely to procrastinate because you have maximum time.

    You will be full of confidence because you’ve accepted who you are and what you can do within your limits. 

      You will discover yourself and your talents because you’re spending time on yourself.

      You are less likely to get angry because you have fewer quarrels and you know yourself. 

      I will continue to work towards making it a habit to mind my business. I'm looking forward to developing more meaningful relationships.

P.S.

Listen to the song titled "Beauty" by Bez Idakula feat. The Cavemen.

KosisoChukwu — Unlearning Beliefs to Restore Human Dignity

According to psychology today, unlearning is “stripping away the beliefs and ways to act/behave/live that have been imposed by our upbringing, by our education, by the society we live in”. 

In Nigeria, for instance, there is an expectation on the pattern of life that an average human being born into a family with access to financial resources should follow. The person should attend school until bachelor’s degree level, work a little, get married, have kids, work more to fend for the family, retire (if lucky), and die. 

In terms of earning a degree, parents tend to favor science subjects and impose their preferences on the children, even when a child’s performance shows they should study something else. One of the arguments is that the rigor faced when undertaking science subjects bring some discipline that art subjects don’t give. People also believe that persons in the science field have higher earnings. 

For marriage, society is often unwilling to allow young men and women to take time in preparing themselves for such commitment. They are often asked to hurry once a conjured age range has been attained. The same pressure reappears when a couple is yet to have children. They are coerced to go to all lengths to have children, with a preference for children born from a wife’s womb. 

These beliefs pass from one generation to the next. The moment you achieve one activity, you join others to pressurize someone else to achieve it too, without considering whether it’s good for a person at that time or not.

The intentions appear good, but there is a loss of human dignity in the process. How can we restore human dignity by unlearning this current pattern to life? My experience has shown me that unlearning is quite difficult.

Would it be easier to change people’s beliefs by changing some systems in society? For example, Could there be the digitization of the educational system in a way that places children automatically in their respective fields based on performance, without interference? 

Could the Government prioritize honoring achievements by individuals that bring solutions to societal problems in such a way that families would encourage their young wards to achieve more, irrespective of marital status? Could the process for adopting children be less cumbersome with the Government providing some sort of incentive, to make it a top consideration for families irrespective of fertility issues?

 

KosisoChukwu — Introduction

I’ve not written on the blog since 2017, maybe because I spent a lot of time reading social media posts, and I felt there was nothing more to say. The ‘great lockdown’ brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic left a lot of time to reflect on one’s existence, which was the motivation I needed to write again. KosisoChukwu (KC) in the Igbo language means as it pleases God. It felt apt to use this title to pen down my reflections during the pandemic. There is no right or wrong, just thoughts…😊

Let It Be (Ko-di-li)

One of my favourite quotes i learnt from Secondary School is “Sitting still and wishing makes nobody great. The good Lord sends the fishing but you must dig the bait”. In other words, ‘action’ is key. 

It is this view that makes me restless and consumed with worry when i think i’m in a situation that doesn’t make sense or appears to be stifling. I remember one of my previous work experiences, many times i felt i was doing work that didn’t make sense and i couldn’t wait to leave. It later dawned on me after i began to settle into a new job that all i did in the past was useful. Some were useful for the new job..others for my personal growth. I find myself interested in political news, recognising names in the financial industry, able to contribute to supposed complex discussions, etc.

In view of this, i think we sometimes just need to ‘let things be’. In my Igbo dialect, we’ll say ‘Ko-di-li’. Given my restless nature, it’s ironic that is my name (though mine is ‘Kodilichukwu’ meaning: let it be to God) . Anyway, what I’ve learnt is that it will all make sense at the appropriate time. I hope this view stands the test of time. Lol.

Key Lessons for 2017

Yeah Yeah… I’ve come again with writing articles only at the beginning of the year and disappearing afterwards. I can’t even promise it won’t happen again… Anyway, I thought I should share with you some things I learnt from 2016, which will put me in a better position in 2017.

1.    A lot of bad things can happen in one year. I don’t know about you, but I knew several people that died in 2016, and others that struggled to live through the economic recession. Therefore, endeavor to be prepared…spiritually, financially, etc.
2.     A  lot of good things can happen in one year. Several people completed academic programs, some got promoted in their jobs, others got new jobs and many got engaged and married. Therefore, don’t give up!
3.    It’s always good to pause before reacting or responding to people’s bad behavior or negative comments. Most times, insults or arguments are not just worth it.
4.   (Two) girls can actually live together in peace in one house contrary to the popular view that they will always fight. It’s all about showing respect for one another.
5.    Being stubborn does not pay. At the end, na you go suffer am!

To conclude, God is still God in spite of everything happening so let’s continue to praise him (Psalm 117 is very easy to memorize)

I pray that 2017 will be a year of fulfillment and may God direct us in His ways. Amen. 

Happy New Year!!!

It is Okay to start with Small Dreams

In our world today, there is a lot of emphasis on ‘dreaming big’ as a way of encouraging people to work harder towards reaching their potentials. However, this emphasis is sometimes a source of discouragement when it feels like we are not measuring up to expectations. Since little drops of water make the mighty ocean, it is also okay to start from having small dreams. For example, as an unemployed fresh graduate, it is okay to first dream of getting a job in a small organization rather than dream of working in the biggest company in the world. When things get better, you can then revise your expectations. This will prevent you from putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, whilst not forgetting to gather the experience needed to move up the ladder. 

But remember, it is better to have small dreams than not to dream at all! 

So… let us go forward in 2016 with anticipation and preparedness that will help us embrace opportunities. We should also give room for setbacks, which should not dissuade us but rather serve as a sign to reflect on the journey.

I have a gut feeling that 2016 is going to be a defining year in so many ways…a year real development in Nigeria can happen if our leaders put their minds, energy and limited resources to it…a year Arsenal can win the English Premier League if they play well consistently for the rest of the season (Yes yes…other clubs should not hate:)). 

I wish you all the best this year.

P.S

I have a book titled ‘What to do when it’s your Turn’ by Seth Godin, which I want to give out at no cost. You can send me an email if you are interested.