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I bring you greetings from 2017. Before I continue, let's take a brief review of 2016.2016 ended amidst the Wizkid-Caesar slight. But first, the beginning. It arrived with the usual prophecies and breaking stories, expectations and of course, resolutions that if you ask me, went ignored even before the first week expired. It was filled with tons of drama and jaunty escapades in all the spheres of society; the football world, the political world, entertainment world and what have you, with their fair share of outrageous statements and outlandish behaviours.
I dunno about you, but I sure learnt some lessons from these events. Also in the beginning was the carry over beef between Olamide and Don Jazzy's back-to-back comment over the 'Next Rated' award at the headies and that was all the social media could talk about with the 'coman get it' inspired memes flying upandan.
Everybody keeps claiming someone else is '*egbon' to avoid taking responsibility and then pass the mantle of leadership and control to another. Whereas to be the next rated in the new year, we have to say to ourselves that I am the '*egbon' (boss).
If we must succeed in 2017, we must make ourselves the bosses of our lives. It's not about arrogance but being matured enough to be responsible for yourself and your actions (or inactions as the case may be). A wise man once told me, "God's in control but he put man in charge." Not to lord it over everyone but to be his eyes, ears and hands here on Earth, watching over others, listening to their needs so I can be a helping hand.
Back to 2016, the 'coman get it' drama was shortly followed by Davido's baby mama travails with uncle Momodu showing forth.
Also from 2016, was the rumble 'n' tumble of the U.S elections; filled with punches, scandals and alleged interference by the Russians. Surprisingly, the most embattled candidate won and would be inaugurated come 20th which goes to show that being the next rated, you don't have to play by the rules. You create your own rules after all, you're on a battle field all by yourself.
It is said that birds never clash in the sky. Not because they don't have same flight plans or travel same routes, but because there's room enough for them all. As for you, remember that you're in a battle field all by yourself.
Try pushing yourself beyond your limits. Push yourself against all odds. Push yourself beyond the contentions and opposition of your contenders because if you must succeed, you must be in a class all by yourself.
Strangely, from a 2016 where not many new fashion trends were put out, ladies still decided to go crazy with their combinations and I'm not talking about the colour blocking of 2015 but a combination of them all. All the way back to the '70's.
Instagram went bonkers not because of the pretty dresses but with the flooding of skits. These 3 minutes videos kept us (LOL) laughing out loud all through the year. Not that they've not always been there, but 2016 spot lit them.
Truth is, we've all got talents, skills and abilities but I guess we're waiting for someone to start but think on it, what if no one had started? What if there was never any stand-up comedian? What if there were no skits by Crazy Clown or Akanm D Boy saying "issokay, issokay"? Would the new fellas out there ever have recorded their skits if they'd waited?
Quit waiting for others to start. God has blessed you with skills, as Obahiagbon puts it, "inherently ladened" to make you shine in your world which you won't unless you start.
Start something. Do something. Be something. Be remembered for something. Leave behind something.
2017, learn from 2016. Be your own year. Create your own style. Do your own thing because, you're your own '*egbon'.
*As used in this context, it means boss.
Guest author
Photo Credit: Fotolia
