Ebenezer O. Akinrinade

09/01/2025

If you desire to achieve anything worthwhile this year, no matter how little, then I strongly recommend you read this short piece.

The approach may sound very simplistic but I believe it's very effective, hence the reason I decided to share it after I read it myself.

**** **** *****
If you have enrolled for multiple online courses and are finding it hard to finish some courses, please do the following this year.

If you don't have a desk and chair, buy this plastic chair and table. I found them helpful back in the day. If you don't have a job that takes you out of your house, wake up, eat and go to your table at 9:00 AM.

Don't lie in bed and open the course on your phone; you will sleep off! Even if you're using your phone to learn, carry yourself and the phone to your desk.

Open your course on Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning or any other platform you use. Sit there and study till 12:00 PM. Then, get up and have a short break. Drink tea and eat something light, but avoid fufu or jollof rice. Return to your desk at 1 or 2 PM.

At 4:00 PM, you can close your course and check out Facebook, IG or TikTok to enjoy fun videos if you wish.

One of the ways to defeat the poverty of the mind, stomach, and pocket is to take your engagements seriously, including the courses you have signed up for. Finish them so you can update your CV with something interesting.

This is 2025; nobody wants to see your secondary school or university you finished three years ago as your latest career update.

Equip yourself with the relevant skills you need to excel so God can bless your efforts.

Written by:
~ Martin Beck Nworah ( )

23/05/2024

Are you broke or you are poor? This poem will help you understand the difference and recognize which category you actually belong. Read, learn and enjoy.

|| BROKE IS OKAY, POOR IS NOT ||

Broke is a season, a temporary time of test
A moment of lack, not a place of permanent rest.
Broke offers a chance to rebuild, to rise again
To find a new way, a new source of greater gain.

But poor is a mindset, a way of life, a settlement
A constant cycle of lack, a daily way of being.
Poor is a trap, a stronghold that never let go
It's a grip that says "NO to big dreams and goals"

Broke is okay, it's a phase with hope in hand
It has a promise upon which you can stand.
Broke can't hold you back, it can't pin you down
But poor is a heavyweight, it sinks, it drowns.

Don't confuse broke with poor, the two can't blend
Broke is a bump along the road, it's not the end.
Poor is a trend, a personal choice, a lifestyle
It's a culture that keeps you from going extra mile.

There is abundance of possibilities and opportunities
You have a chance to rise, and to be free
So don't let poverty mentality hold you in captivity
Lest this temporary lack becomes your destiny.

In times where you'd say "I can't" and "I won't"
Begin now to say boldly "I can" and "I will"
I bet you'll still experience broke on some days
But you can never be poor again, even in your grave.

Written by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
[email protected]
Copyrights © May 2024

Image Credit: Google

13/02/2024

29/12/2023

If the person you are sharing your burdens with isn't making the weight lighter then you've got a bigger problem to deal with.

A problem shared is not a problem solved. It is only a problem shared with the right person(s) that get solved.

Be wise!

22/03/2023

|| NIGERIA: Tribalism, The New Colonialism ||

Tribalism, the curse that plagues us.
Nigeria, a nation with rage and grudge.
From North to South, East to West,
Tribal bigotry, a deep-seated crest.

Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and all,
Propelled by greed to take it all
Not minding what it would cost;
Be it death, destruction or war.

The wound of civil war, fresh and raw,
The scars of colonialism, a gaping maw.
Events of decades gone, still divides us
Our unity is sham, our love is pretentious.

This nation is a game played by powerful few,
The masses are the puzzles, they are screwed.
The new enemies are united to divide and rule,
With colonialism that promises nothing but ruin.

The enemy is no longer foreign
But sadly, not many can discern it.
The soul of this nation bleeds,
Bitterness, the fruits of her tree.

Is there a future for this land?
Shall we ever be able to unite?
Of this war and tribalistic blight,
Can you see an end in sight?

When shall we break this chains of hate,
To build a nation, prosperous and safe?
Arise! O compatriots and answer the call,
Bind up your broken pieces, stand up tall.

Authored by:
Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade
[email protected]

Copyrights © March 22nd, 2023

24/01/2023

= Poem: "FORGET ABOUT TOMORROW" =

There is something in your heart to say
But you often think it can wait.
Moments have turned into days
And days have turned to decades
Yet you keep wishing for a perfect day
To say all you've ever wanted to say.

Let me break your heart, my friend
No matter how long you delay
You may never see a perfect day.
This is not a prayer, it is not a curse.
That which you seek is already given.
The very day you longed for, is today.

Believe it when I say,
Today is your perfect day.
A perfect moment in time
To begin telling your story.
No greater tragedy in your way
Than you choosing to procrastinate.

Tell your story
Do not hold it in.
Be not ashamed
Your story is worth sharing.
Your mistakes of yesterdays
Are tomorrow's gain.

Speak your truth, don't shut up.
Let the words flow like waters from the brook.
Never allow the fear of trolls hold you captive.
Silence can be worse than life sentence.
Words unspoken, can bring you torment.
Speak your mind, set yourself free.

Share that others may find cure.
Share that you may find joy.
It is in the telling of your story
And the lessons in your journey
That many with hearts broken and heavy
Shall find strength, hope and healing.

Worry not about what people will say
To be vulnerable, is courage.
Be brave, there is no time to waste.
Your story can no longer wait.
Tell it anyway, anyhow, starting today
This moment is golden, tomorrow is too late.

Written by:
Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade
January 19th, 2023

© Copyright

19/01/2023

I was in a session with a mentor some days ago, and he shared a snippet of his personal life story with me and I could not but wonder at the level of transformation now evident in his life.

From our conversation, I understood very clearly the core of the lesson he was trying to teach, which is: "life is a journey and with every step we take we are consciously or unconsciously becoming someone or something, either for the good or otherwise."

While I was taking a break to reflect on everything he talked about, this poem titled "I AM BECOMING" began to take form in my mind and here below is the finished product. I hope it inspires someone out there.

|| Poem: I AM BECOMING ||

The best of me, is still in the making
As new dawn is breaking, I am becoming
Through the darkness, my heart awaking
The journey already begun, through a road unsure
But onward I match on, towards a set future.

I am becoming, a work in progress
No more 'had I known', no more regrets
Each day a canvas, each breath a brush
Now I paint my story, with colors bright
Each moment a stroke, each day a light.

I am becoming, a force to be reckoned
Heart align, first is the goal, not second
Eyes on the lane, the gold is the aim.
I stand tall and face the world with pride
I hold unto nothing, only faith is my guide.

I am becoming, a better version of me
With every leap forward, my spirit set free
I embrace the new me, I welcome the unknown
There is no returning, that I already know.

This is my journey, a road to my truest self
With each deliberate step, a new chapter to delve
I shall no longer be defined by my past
For I am becoming, and that is my cast.

Article & Poem Written by:
Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade
[email protected]
January 19th, 2023

© Copyright

16/01/2023

= WHO IS YOUR DADDY? =

While in a conversation with a friend yesterday, he told me about a certain father and his oldest son in the neighborhood.

Going by his account, the man hasn't always been an available father due to the nature of his job as a hailing cab driver who sometimes travel interstate. As it's common in most cases, the mother couldn't keep the children under control whenever their father goes out of town.

One fateful day, the father came home unexpectedly and he became furious to learn that the son now passes the night with a group of friends suspected to be involved in some shady online business. He got so furious to the extent the atmosphere became hot and tensed. Even other tenants could feel the heat of his anger. He spat fire and threatened to deal decisively with the son while the mother begs on her son's behalf.

The father picked his phone, dialed the son's number and told him to come home immediately. After a couple of hours, the son returned. Everybody was expecting to see some showdown (abi WWE Smackdown 😅). But to their shock, the boy came home with bags of goodies and a bottle of an alcoholic beverage which happens to be his father's favourite. And woolah!, that was how the case closed.

The next thing the father said was, "Ahh, you really got me this time. In fact, I don't even know what to say again."
As of now, the boy and his gangs lodges in one luxury guest house to another, week after week.

On my way home, I reflected on the conversations I had with my dad earlier this year when he visited. He has always encouraged us to live within the means of whatever GOD makes available to us and not to covet whatever wealth we cannot defend. My dad is not a perfect man but I am proud of him for instilling values which in many ways has kept myself and my siblings on the right path.

THANK YOU, DAD. I LOVE YOU!

—
Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade
January 16th, 2023
© Copyright

13/01/2023

= DON'T ENVY MY SMILES =

There is a quote that says, "If you don't know the story, don't envy the glory."
Perhaps, you're wondering, how exactly does that relate to this picture? Calm down, let me explain.

If you take a moment to look through all the posts flooding your timeline, it should interest you to know that almost 95—98% of the photos you'll find suggest that happiness is everywhere. But in reality, some of the people whose smiles, beautiful outfits and supposed good life you are envying, are going through hell quietly without letting anyone in on their personal struggles.

Somehow, we have all mastered the art of hiding our pains behind a nicely done make-up and fake smiles just to attract the likes and comments here on social media. We pretend to be having a perfect life all through the day but by night, the pillows are soaked with tears and bloodied sweat.

Before you envy another man's happiness (success or even wealth), be sure you know them thoroughly. And if you are the type that is always wishing and praying to GOD make your life look like that of someone you barely know, ask yourself if you can withstand the same trials they are dealing with.

While I am not against sharing photos of happy moments and success stories, I hope we'll have the courage to be our truest self; a self that is also unashamed to reveal her struggles because of the fear of being judged.
May we encounter more joy and happiness with fewer troubles and trials in our journey!

Now you are permitted to ADMIRE (not envy) my smiles. 🥰😄

|| Poem: "I SMILE BECAUSE" ||

I smile
Not because I am the happiest man alive.
I smile
Though deep inside, it's a struggle, it's a fight.
I smile
Having the faith that tomorrow will be alright.
I smile
For the sake of that child who calls me Dad.

—
Article & Poem Written by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
[email protected]

© Copyright, January 13th, 2023

10/01/2023

In 2019, I wrote this poem titled "AM I FORGOTTEN?". It was during one of the toughest seasons of my life and all I needed was an answer to a question that bothers my heart.

Earlier today, someone on my friends list liked the post and instantly I knew this wasn't in any way a coincidence, especially because this very question popped up in my head very recently due to a certain event.

One thing is clear for sure, GOD never forgets or abandon his own. His timing may not just make sense to us because we keep thinking that time is running out.

Maybe you have been in my shoes lately or probably going through something a lot more tougher than anyone except you can relate with. It's OKAY. Everything will make sense when the time is right.

As you read this poetic piece (slightly edited), I hope and pray that you find answers to every question that troubles your heart.

*** *** *** ***

= AM I FORGOTTEN? =

I have heard with my ears
And witnessed with my eyes
The fulfilment of the verse
That "Your Word never lies."

But for too long, I fasted and prayed
Holding on to the promises you made
Yet, all I see is pain and delays;
It wearies my bone and weakens my faith.

Abba, what's up with my case?
How much longer must I wait?
When will things fall into place?
Or am I gonna wait on you in vain?

Am I on trial?
Are you testing my faith?
Will you wait till I fall and fail?
If my sin is what has kept you at bay
Tell me, so I can amend my ways.

Please Abba, do not forget me.
Who am I without you — nothing!
All I have is tied to your promise.
It is the reason I live, my everything.

Am I forgotten?
Say something.
Speak, I am listening.

Written by:
~ Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade
[Originally Written on November 1st, 2019]
[email protected]

© Copyright 2019

07/01/2023

We can never tell who is a humble man or woman until such a person has been given access to power.

It would interest you to know that the same set of people who salutes you every now and then, calling you "boss boss" are still doing so because of the benefits they stand to gain in the moment.

The minute they breakthrough, you become an instant 'none entity' in their eyes. They're the kind of people who after a while will consider you as a low life and unfit for their high class lifestyle.

Maybe you are that kind of person I am talking about. Do you remember how you secretly feel jealous of your friend's success, thinking within yourself that when your own turn comes you will 'show dem shege?'

Are you even aware if the reason why your miracles and breakthroughs are being delayed is because GOD is not yet convinced of your ability to diligently put influence and power to good use? Think about it!

Ask yourself these honest questions:
* That car I've been praying for, why do I really need it? Is it to join the 'pepper dem geng' or to make my life more better and improve your productivity?

* That marriage you're desperately hoping for, is it because you love the idea of raising a godly family or you just need a ring on your finger to show off?

* What about your intentions for japa? Starting a business? Getting a degree? Having a baby? And the list is endless. Check your intentions before the arrival of what you breakthrough.

Power is like a strong drink, the wise takes pleasure is taking only a sip as a symbol to mark a special event, but a drunkard takes pleasure in drinking himself to stupor at any slight opportunity thereby making a fool of himself before those who should honor him.

Be wise.

Happy New Year to you my beautiful friend. I value you.

—
Written by:
Ebenezer OlaSunkanmi Akinrinade

January 7th, 2023

05/12/2022

I don't know if eventually you will find light at the end of your tunnel. I honestly do not know. The only one thing I know for sure is that you'll be better off being hopeful and patient to find out what lies at the end of your tunnel rather than you giving up too early on the basis of assumption that there exist no light at all.

02/12/2022

Snippets from my New Podcast titled, "WHO GOD EEP?"

Available on all major podcast streaming platforms including Audiomack.

Search for Ebenezer Akinrinade Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE, LISTEN and GIVE FEEDBACK!

30/11/2022

— "WHO GOD EEP?" by Ebenezer Akinrinade

Now available on all major podcast streaming platforms.

28/11/2022

Two Most Dangerous Things That Can Happen to Someone Going Through Depression:

1. Having no one to talk to.

2. Talking to the wrong people.