Title: The Grand Rules for the Journey of Life
Author: Lance Musa Elakama
Publisher: Press De Oak Ltd
Price: Not stated
Reviewer: Charles Afe Ikhaghe
Ancient Roman Orator Cicero (106-43BC) is said to have applied his oratorical prowess and writings to bestow the Latin language with the most perfect prose the world has ever known. Referred to as a master of language, Cicero was reputed to have made thought attractive both as a statesman, orator and writer.
A scholar J.W Mackail said of Cicero: “He created a universal language, and did for the Republic of letters what it was his unfulfilled ambition to do for the Republic of Rome…”
Nearly two thousand years later, President Abraham Lincoln of the United States came onto the scene to perpetuate this noble tradition of excellent oratorical rendition. He gave the world the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. It’s a simple 272-word presentation but its profundity of thought, its infusing tenor, its call to service and its purity of prose have inspired generations to seek genuine ideals of good governance.
Which brings us to Lance Musa Elakama, ex-deputy Director General of Nigeria Stock Exchange, who is currently a Lecturer at OAK Business School (Monotechnic) in the 21st century, hundreds of years after Cicero and Lincoln. The scenes have changed, but not the beauty, grandeur and power of the Masters.
Elakama’s works reveal the character and discipline of the writer that he is. He emerges from his book here presented, as a writer determined to offer a brighter future for the people of Nigeria and Africans at large.
The Grand Rules for the Journey of Life, written by Lance is to motivate and inspire several others especially students to live the life of their dreams to glorify God and humanity.
As Lance states in his preface, “it is trite that every human being wishes to be happy and healthy, being able to do things you love to do and to have a positive impact in the society; live to old age and pray to die peacefully in our sleep.”
Pictures and quotes from credible and prominent scholars don’t lie. Page after page, the author relishes the reader with rules of successful living by such eminent persons as Brian Tracy, Thomas A. Edison, Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy, Colin Powell, Napoleon Hill, among others. Lance titled his rule 3: “In life there are no mistakes but lessons” on page 15-22. He wrote on page 17, Failure usually brings disappointments and anger, especially when you have invested a great deal of energy, resources, time and money. Rather than viewing your own mistakes as failures, you can view them as opportunities to learn.
You will be empowered in the process and this will enable you to take charge of your life and rise to its challenges, instead of feeling defeated or cast adrift. My personal experience in this regard is very instructive, while searching for ordinary water to package for sale; I dug three different bore holes without getting any water. I was so disappointed and almost gave up. However, the fourth attempt serendipitously led to an Artesian Thermal Aquifer which is now adjudged to be the best water in the world that nature has provided. This is a true life experience. And on page 21, he added “Laughter teaches you to lighten up and not to take yourself too seriously even in most serious situations…you will be amazed at how quickly a crisis can turn into a comedy when you invite Mr. Humour in”.
In Rule 8 – He quoted “What you make of your life is up to you”. “There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when it is convenient. But when you are committed to something, you accept no excuses, only result. Walter Adamson and several others like Clement Stones, “When life offers you lemon, squeeze it and make lemonade.” The book is unique, coming from the heart that is intended to be a blessing to his generation and the future. It is an incontestable fact that Lance has written his name in gold – with this book. His first book, Over 2000 Epigrams on Marble and his other books – Starting and Running Your Own Business, Questions and Answers on the Law of Equity and Trust, Business Plan Made Easy and Principles in Practical Management.
Lance has built a reputation internationally as a leading teacher and writer. He is the founder and Rector, OAK Business School (Monotechnic), a total learning facility located at 37/39, Ogunnusi Road, Aguda-Ogba, Lagos. He built the school after many years experience in academic world.
I hereby recommend ‘The Grand Rules for the Journey of Life’ to all who desire success and seek knowledge to triumph over temptations that generates failure.