THE MANUFACTURER ........................................................................ By Siloko, Oyintari Ben

THE MANUFACTURER By Siloko, Oyintari Ben.

You might have lost your appointment, your relationship, your job, money, house and you ask yourself why bad things happen to good people. It is on this scene, while looking at life in the face that you have to take a decision to define your future. Shame has never done anything great for anyone, break out from that slavery mentality and set yourself loose. If you are persecuted, you have the right to also delete the thoughts from your mind and replace it with strength.

Challenges are what makes life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful – Joshua Marine

Sometimes you feel the journey of life is easy, but realistically it is not. You may also think that everybody loves you because you are good, but the truth is, they don’t love you because wickedness and envy are some things we can’t take away from the world.

Life is a daily struggle, you will encounter tragedies which some may liken unto challenges, but we don’t know that those challenges are shaping us. Don’t ever develop any mental picture, thinking those challenges are breaking you and stopping you from reaching your dreams.

No individual have gone through life without headache. What you need to do is to believe in perseverance to enable you steer your way through the storms of life.

Don’t think that life comes from privileges, therefore you sit doing nothing. If you do that, you are surrendering your dreams to those you think will help you. What if they don’t help you till you are 50? What then becomes of your life and destiny? 

The earlier you understand that life demands struggle, the better for you. According to Ray Kroc, luck is a dividend of sweat, the more you sweat, the more luckier you get.

Have you noticed that those who have everything given to them become lazy, selfish and insensitive to the true values of life?

The things you consider difficult is molding you. Nobody reaches the full potentials of their destiny without pains. No ultimate goal is realized without struggle and pain. People will beat you, break you, betray you, cheat you, use you, batter you, but you must have a mental clay to remold yourself each time you are shattered or broken in pieces.

The reality is that pain doesn’t leave you the way it is.  After graduating from school and finishing my one year compulsory national youth service [NYSC] to my country, things were tough for me, I wanted things freely in life but they didn’t come through. I went through hard times but I didn’t let it break me. It was during those difficult moments that I realized the potentials in me.

If a friend betrays you, or you are going through any battle in life, you will definitely get over it and come out strong. Although, some people come out bitter after they go through struggle, while others come out better, but the outcome is for you to decide. Some people even blame God, while others build more confidence in God.

Character and confidence are not inherited, they are values that needs to be developed. There was a particular struggle I was going through, in the middle of it, I had to change my thinking to grow through the pain instead of going through it; after which I developed a new positive character and gained more confidence.

When you pay your dues to grow, you don’t let challenges, struggles and pains discourage you. You might have broken your knee to get a particular success, some mistakes would have cost you a lot, before you got what you were looking for, but when you finally get it, nothing will be able to beat you down.

Rich people cripple their children from being like them because their children will never be able to handle challenges when it comes. It is only the manufacturer that knows where the sensitive components in a product is located. You cannot substitute experience for learning, experience is an action, and learning is the motivation. Manufacturers are those who build, while distributors are those who learn from the builders. Most children of the rich end up becoming distributors, and once the product is finished, they can no longer manufacture that is why they end up going into extinction, but you have the creative ability in you to become a manufacturer, because things don't come freely to you in life; you need to struggle and go through pains to become a manufacturer.  

Don’t become a distributor if you want to go far in life. Challenge failure in the eyes to a point where you don’t fear to fail anymore.

Robert Stevenson Louis said, ‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.

Start planting today, tomorrow and every day to become a global figure.

Complete story - SEIYEFA THE CASSAVA BOY 2 by Siloko Oyintari Ben.

John Bosco replied, Saifar!,  Ari owei eh, kuro keme, bei be ine koro ah Bosco? [you are a truly a man, strong man, is this your face Bosco] [we continued to exchange pleasantries in excitement] John Bosco was just smiling at me as I was firing our native dialect, I knew he must have forgotten how to speak, but from his reactions, I knew he could still understand. He was dumb to the language but not deaf.

Just then I heard a voice Ari ma yerigha [are u not selling again], that was the voice of my crush’s mother, Mrs Atangbala Korokumo. Mummy, pasise bolo kon kumo [please don’t be angry] I apologized and sold the garri to Mrs Atangbala who was unaware of my crush on her daughter [agbani as I fondly teased her]. Mrs Atangbala handed me the money for the garri but I declined, saying, mummy, bara sein [mummy don’t worry]. She thanked me and left.

I was still eager to catch up with my friend whom I haven’t seen for more than fifteen years. We were only twelve years when Bosco left our village, ABA-AMA in OKOLOBA KINGDOM. We were like brothers, and my father was very fond of Bosco. Immediately after our secondary school, John Bosco’s father, Mr Wariebi Ebifegha won a lottery and took his family to the United States of America.

How’s Dad? John bosco asked [in an American accent, but it was clear enough for me to understand], looking into my eyes. I was silent for a moment, but before Bosco shouted saifar in his usual way, I broke into tears and summoned courage to tell Bosco that papa is no more. Instantly, Bosco’s countenance changed, I could see his eyes turning red, as if the oceans were about to overflow. We held each other and consoled ourselves as we walked home.

We met mama at the kitchen, beside the beautifully made thatch house. Zhon Boshico [John Bosco] as mama fondly called him due to our native tongue which was effective in my mother’s speech. You don big o, how my second husband na, your father, and my sister – your mother. He replied mama, saying they are fine and they sent their greetings, and some important messages.  Mama smiled once more, as she said, ‘make ona come inshide come sup the shweet kekefia and igina beni when I prepare spesiallay. [You guys should come and eat the delicious plantain porridge and pepper soup I prepared specially]

As we finished eating, Bosco asked after Embelakpor, my younger bro, but I cut him short before he could mistakenly ask after papa again, saying Embelakpor is in school. He starred at mama and went to sit beside her, to console her, mama you are a strong woman, papa is with the Lord, Bosco said. I also brought good news from your second husband, mama smiled hearing Bosco calling his father her second husband. Mbana ine tobou [thank you my child].

John bosco delivered the first envelope to mama, bearing papa’s name – Mr Timipre Waibo, and another one bearing Mrs Imomotimi Waibo. He further presented the last envelope to Seiyefa, bearing Embelakpor waibo. Papa’s envelope contained 10,000 usd, while Mama’s envelope contained 8,000 usd and Embelakpor’s was 5,000 usd.

Just then I looked at Bosco, he knew I wanted to ask about mine, but before I could say a word, he broke the news to us, Saifar! My father asked me to bring you along with me to California, to enable you further your education. I jumped up as if I was preparing to represent Nigeria in the Olympics games at Atlanta.  Mama started dancing and started singing one song I haven’t even heard before. Indeed, great news are keys to happiness. Joy filled our home.

After two weeks of preparation, it was time for John Bosco and me to leave for  California. Mama’s tears was all over my shirt as she hugged me firmly. On the other end, Bosco was advising Embelakpor to be a good boy and take care of mama. I promised mama I was going to make her proud. Come here little boy, I spoke softly to my little brother, Embelakpor. I hugged him and told him to look after mama and never follow bad friends.

We bade ourselves farewell as I and John Bosco made our way to the Nigerian Airways plane waiting for the passengers to board. ‘Bosco which kind thing be this na, see as e da shake, my eyes da turn me o’, [what is happening, the plane is experiencing turbulence and its making me dizzy] I said as we were airborne. Bosco laughed and said to me, ‘don’t be afraid saifar, it will take us safely to the US.’

Months and years passed, after graduating from the department of civil engineering in one of the most revered university in the world, which I was the best graduating student from my set. The success story made me so famous and I was given a great job and so many contracts to execute. My company – WAIBO CONSTRUCTIONS was one of the major construction firm in the US.

It was time for me to return to Nigeria. I visited Bosco’s parents in company of their son. Mr and Mrs Wariebi Ebifegha prayed for me and wished me well. After which Bosco drove me to the airport.

News had already gotten to Mrs Imomotimi Waibo that her son is coming home. I made preparations for a vehicle to bring them to the airport. This is to announce the arrival of Nigerian Airways from the United States of America, according to Embelakpor, the voice was sweet and lovely. 

After twenty minutes of waiting, Embel shouted, mama look at brother Seiyefa. They made their way to me and we hugged ourselves and made way for the vehicle waiting to take us home. On our way home, mama was asking a lot of questions that I couldn’t answer because before I could answer one, without waiting to hear from me, mama will throw another.

After few months, I built a lovely duplex, and set up WAIBO CONSTRUCTONS in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and our head office at Yenagoa [Capital city of Bayelsa State], with over ten thousand staffs all over the country.

Here is a letter for you sir, my secretary said, handing me the parcel. It was a letter from the Head of State, appointing me as the Minister for Works. I looked at Embelakpor who was just entering my office at the moment and said to him, my brother God can bless anybody, Just always believe in God and keep doing your best, he will give you your heart desires.

SEIYEFA, THE CASSAVA BOY by Siloko, Oyintari Ben.

SEIYEFA, THE CASSAVA BOY by Siloko, Oyintari Ben.

It was 1994, 24^th November, a cold afternoon under the Udara tree. I heard the voice clearly from afar, Seiyefa!!! Seiyefa! I didn’t bother to answer because my parents told me a very scary tale about spirits calling people sometimes, and if you mistakenly answer by error and you didn’t see anyone, you must quickly say Ine Teme Waibo [My spirit come back].

The voice kept calling Seiyefa!!! Seiyefa! I could hear the thunderstorm loudly each time my name echoes, which made it more frightening. The braveness in me ignited, being among the best wrestlers in my community. I moved towards the voice with courage. 

Just then, I saw Kurotimi, the greatest wrestler in my community – famous with the name, ‘the power house.’ I hailed him – Power! But the look on Kurotimi’s eyes wasn’t pleasant. Immediately, I yelled at him, Tei Ke Pama [what happened]; he was silent, I yelled at him at the top of my voice, Power!!! Tei ke pama. [Power what happened]

Kurotimi looked into my eyes, hugged me tightly and whispered into my ears, General don go battle field and him no da come back. It was as if a different spirit entered me, I held kurotimi back, as if I was about to shake myself off his grip, I shouted louder at him this time, Power - Ye gba ni dia eh, gba! Gba!! Gba!!! Gba!!!! [Power tell me something, say it, say it, say it] I can see tears rolling down the cheeks of Kurotimi, then I was convinced something was wrong.

Ine dau fide [your father is dead], Power said in awe, it was as if the rains were waiting for the news to be broken to me. It poured down heavily on us. I wrestled Kurotimi to the ground, just to gain my freedom of expression. 

I raced like never before. The moment I got home, everyone in my compound was mourning. Seeing me, some people ran to console me, alas,  I pushed them aside and ran straight inside the house, seeing the lifeless body of Chief Timipre Ngekpu Waibo, I lost consciousness. 

When I regained consciousness, I was at a corner of our beautifully made thatch house, surrounded by the youths of our community led by Kurotimi. I broke free from them and started searching for my mother and younger bro, Embelakpor. I found them at the back of the compound, surrounded by women. I advanced closer and wrapped them in my arms, consoling my mother.

[TWO MONTHS LATER, AFTER THE BURIAL OF MY FATHER]

Mama, things go better, wo dau ogono emi owei, blessings sai bo emi [our father in heaven is bringing us blessings]. Amen ine tubou, Ine koro bi di, kor kor, ari ine dau tubou eh [Amen my son, look at your face, indeed you are the son of your father].

I began farming on the cassava farm left behind by my father. The little cassava farm became so large. I harvested the cassava, peeled it, washed it and took it to the grinder. After grinding, I mixed it with palm oil, since mama and papa love yellow garri so much. After mixing, I bagged it and left it there, for the grinder to make it dry.

I enjoyed fryng garri so much, it was something I learnt how to do from my father. 

The interna-sunal [international, pronounced with our local accent] fryer, my mother teased me like my father did. After frying, mama called me, and started praying for me. 

One thing I know my mother doesn’t joke with was prayers, even though my father never believed in her prayers.

You no go lack anything for this life, I responded Amen

Your hard work go bring plenty blessing come anywhere you da, I replied Amen.

After series of prayers, I took the garri to the market to sell, so we can have some money for the family upkeep and Embelakpor’s school fees.

It was 4pm, that Monday evening at the market. I was hearing a different accent Saifar! Saifar! In my usual way, I didn’t respond because of the fairy tale about spirits calling. Aside that, I said to myself, my name no be Saifar, my name na Seiyefa. Maybe na all this 'i too know English' township people when don come market to buy our correct village product.

As I was meditating, a customer came to me, requesting for two rubbers of garri. The moment I was about putting the first rubber into the nylon for the customer, whom I had been admiring her daughter for years, someone held my hands, and in shock, the bucket of garri fell to the ground.

Bei ma teh ese ah [what kind of trouble is this], I said as I was raising my head to see who had touched me.

John Bosco, I shouted in excitement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

[Next episode to be released soon]

UNPROFITABLE GIFTS FOR YOUR CONSUMPTION --------------------------------------------------Siloko Oyintari Ben

Often times, people always discourage others from pursing their dreams. They look at you and ask, “What do you stand to gain from this society that is full of CONNECTIONS? They will even go further to tell you to your face that you will never succeed. The moment you listen to them and succumb to deviate from your mission in life, you will forever live to regret the action you took. At that point in life, you have stopped living, but because of your breath, you will start existing without dreams.

Using myself as an example, publishing my second book, “Fulfilling my Dream” wasn’t achieved as a free drink, or a platter of gold. It required focus and determination to fulfil the dream of publishing the book. Moments came when quitting became a best option for me due to the setbacks, but determination brought me off the floor, so I won’t eat the dirt thrown at me.

People are permitted to throw dirt’s on you, but the question is, ‘WILL YOU EAT IT?’ The reason I refused to eat dirt was because I had a vision, with a great strategic mission. My drive for my publication continued until the book, FULFILLING MY DREAM’ was published.

The story above can be likened unto a high level of commitment, not the kind of commitment that you speak with your mouth, and back off when challenges come. Christopher Columbus asserted that you can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. There was a success story attached to the book fulfilling my dream. If I had given up, the success story wouldn’t have emerged. Sometimes you have to tell that negative thought an upper case letter NO, not a lower case no. 

There should be power in your determination. Within the first month of publishing the book, a school requested for a thousand copies, because they saw the potential in the book to transform their students; State Governments approved for schools in their various states.

Siloko Oyintari Ben said, “Never give up because you don’t know which phase of your life will unlock your success story.” Can you be traveling to a particular destination and stop thirty minutes before arriving at your destination, after travelling for nine hours and say you are going back to the exact point you started your journey simply because you were impatient. If you do that, you are only putting more burden on your shoulders.

Don’t let people know your weakness, because they will constantly buy you those things that make you weak, knowing fully well that you can’t resist accepting, which in turn tears you apart.

GET UP - IT'S SUNRISE by Siloko Oyintari Ben.

Those who start working before the sunrise always end up becoming professionals in their chosen field. Dreams might not be fulfilled in a month, a year, or maybe sometimes in five to ten years, but it will definitely be fulfilled. The basic necessity for you is focus. You have to focus on that one thing which makes you passionate about your goals.

Don’t ever compare yourself with others, rather dominate your society with your skills. Some people have sight but don’t have vision which is why they end up looking without seeing. Not everybody that looks at a particular direction see every object around there, the blind man can look and not see, because physically he is blind. That is the same way a man without vision can look and not see the potentials required for him to succeed.

Some people who have vision and don’t end up being successful fail because they lack target. ‘Vision without mission leads to illusion – Siloko Oyintari Ben.’ How can you play football without a goal post? Will you pay to watch a premier league game without a goal post? Most times, the beauty of the game is the goal they score.

The potentials in me would have died long ago if I had no vision, coupled with my mission serviced always. Your mission should be like a clock that ticks every second, it is either you are working or thinking of new ways and strategies to actualize your vision.

Nobody was willing to support my first publication, but I told myself I was going to keep on writing, even if nobody approves to assist me in publishing my books. You are the only one who has the vision, those who refuse to support you don’t know how great that vision is until you put your mission running effectively, only then they will begin to see the greatness of your apotheosis.

I published my first book during my NYSC [national youth service scheme – a one year compulsory service to the nation for every graduate] days in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. My friends were dressing their bodies with their finances, while I was saving my finances to dress my destiny. To summarize the whole story, I finally published my maiden book, ‘CREATIVITY FOR EXCELLENCE’ before my passing out parade from NYSC, for a sum of a hundred and fifty thousand naira. At the time, my take home pay was nineteen thousand eight hundred naira only, I had to look for extra jobs, like private lessons, and also engaged in running transport services. I was aware that I needed an extra income if I want to publish my book. That was how a mission gave birth to a vision. I didn’t see the published book alone, I had to work to hold it in my hands.

Photo Credit - https://www.photopills.com/articles/sunrise-photography-guide