Diary of an Ibadan corper 3

Transportation remained a re-occuring challenge, I can not forget the day I went with two friends to the market after work, I should have turned down the request but I had an errand to run too. We should have left early if I had known. It was on a Friday which worsened the case. We went first to the mall to get what my guardian sent me not knowing what still awaited us, after some minutes in the mall we went to the market. One of us was going to buy a bag and shoe,we kept entering different stores she just wasn’t satisfied. I was getting angry but our other friend appealed to me to be patient,

I was becoming wary of time and the atmosphere was beginning to change as if it was going to rain. I still hadn’t gotten any of the things I decided to get for myself, by the time we eventually satisfied this my friend, I had lost the desire to go further to get anything. I almost turned back cancelling what I had to get but my friends encouraged me. By the time we got to the weavon store the rain had started. We rushed in to the store and the downpour became heavy. By this time we had already entered far inside the market.

The rain fell for almost an hour nonstop; I couldn’t wait any longer because it was getting really late and dark. We decided to start going in the rain, it was still raining but not as heavy as earlier, the more we trekked the more I realized how far we had gone into the market.

On and on in the rain we trekked by the time we got to the bus stop where we needed to board a bus we were soaked from head to toe, to make matters worse it appeared as if the whole of Ibadan was looking for buses, bikes, cabs, any means of transportation at that same spot . I  almost screamed.
I began to regret and lament aloud, by this time calls were entering my phone, I’d never been out that late here. I began to pray and think of how I and my friend (the only one left with me going in the same direction) will get to our destinations. The rain had stopped now  but there was water everywhere, we walked and rushed in the water towards any cab or bus that came along. After over an hr we were able to grab a cab that came. He was ready to take us halfway  from there we had to struggle further especially me who still had a long way to go.

As if the night couldn’t get any worse, a car hit the next vehicle I got in  from behind and curse started flying each party was ready to fight and claim rights after getting out of the mess, we entered into another. A flat tyre.
I got home that day tired, dirty and cold. My guardians even told me I was lucky to have arrived at that time, on days like that some people got to their homes as late as 12midnight and beyond. This was like a major city, a part of me wondered if I would have faced similar experience if I had remained in Plateau.

christmas Jubilee!

Christmas comes once in a year
 Christmas comes with no fear
Christmas brings several stares and glare
A glamorous occasion so very dear….

I thought about Christmas and the above came to mind…another thing that came to mind is the way christmas is celebrated. Yes we know we represent Christmas as the birth of Jesus but then how did we come about father Christmas/ santa claus such that it became a tradition and we all especially kids look forward to it yearly?
From tales, father Christmas was said to have started because of a man, st Nicholas who lived in a place now regarded as Turkey. He was a very rich man because his parents died when he was young and left him a lot of money. He was very kind and had reputation for helping and giving to the poor.  He gave secretly too. Sometimes ago He started dropping bags of gold in the home of a certain poor man secretly every night to enable the man get his daughters married.  Finally the poor man determined to know who was giving him money, the man hid behind the fire and in the night he caught st Nicholas trying to drop the bag of gold again. The news became public so since then everyone who got a surprise gift at midnight concluded that st Nicholas had sent them a gift.. st Nicholas then became santa claus.

How then does this link with our celebration of the birth of Christ? The birth of Christ was accompanied with giving of gifts,(gifts from the three wise men) Jesus Christ himself is a gift to humanity, since the society has tagged the giving of gifts to Christmas, Christmas celebration became a time to expect surprise gifts from santa claus (Father Christmas).

Why do we have Christmas trees? A story is told of a man called Martin Luther who one night was walking through  the forest and looked up to see the stars shinning through tree branches. it was so beautiful that he went home and told everyone it reminded him of Jesus who left the stars of heaven to come to the world. Christians began to use this tree as a sign of everlasting life with God. Different tales have been told of how Christmas shouldn’t be on the 25th of December, how it is a pagan holiday. We do not care about that, all we know is that Christ was born, we celebrate his birth and the gift of life.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, the happiest season of all with kids bubbling with excitement, it is a wonderful phenomenon,  a worldwide celebration a sign of hope of a brighter new year ahead. Merry Christmas to you

DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

I was a bit disappointed when in November the harmattan still hadn’t surfaced,as if it was playing hide and seek. Instead of harmattan people complained of heat and hot weather. Who would have thought that come first week in December the harmattan will be fully out? The messed up weather conditions all over so much deceived me into believing the harmattan will be late this year. Dry air all around me, feeling cold as I write this I realize that just as I have misjudged the season and the year a lot of times we misjudge people, circumstances and situations.

We see something odd and surprising about a particular thing , person or circumstances and we are quick to sum it all up and judge. A lot of talents, gifts and opportunities have been lost because we fail to dig deep, we fail to clean up the mud and see the gold, we fail to see the diamond beneath.we fail to give benefit of doubts.

If late Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s ability to pass messages across through his ‘Afrobeat’ songs had been denied because of his appearance and lifestyle we wouldn’t have some of the legendary songs we still listen to today. Who would have thought that Ben Carson who was a troubled youth would turn out to be a gifted neurosurgeon, performing seemingly impossible surgeries successfully. There have been angels amongst us and we have failed to notice because of the ways they have appeared to us. A lot of people have missed help, opportunities and lots of goodies because they have judged a book by its cover. The same way we won’t assume a roadside mechanic is a madman, let us stop drawing conclusions based on outward appearances. 

December Rush

For some reasons everyone rushes towards December.  I ve been seeing a lot of ‘I love december” “seasons greetings” pms and dps. Consciously or unconsciously one realizes that no matter how broke people claim to be, the society is looking forward to Christmas, preparing for Christmas in December.
 People prepare for various reasons, for some its merriment and time to be with distant loved ones again, for some it’s the interesting and exciting Christmas church services and beautiful carol renditions, for others it is the holidays they get, free days to do whatever they like and for some it’s the time to make extra money (industries that pay for extra work hours during holidays). For some it’s the time to achieve all they have been unable to achieve all through the year. Marriage, house warming, buying a new car and so on.

All in all, there is a rush before December and there is another rush in December (Christmas celebration and merriment) then the rush after December ( Rush into the new year as well as new year celebrations itself).
All of these are expected and to a reasonable extent normal , but what happens to us and  in our lives after December and January 1st? What happens in our lives as individuals? What happens in the remaining part of the year? How do we live? Is it possible that we live everyday of our lives in celebration, merriment, kindness, consecration, celebration of GOD the trinity and life? can we live in giving and compassion, strive to achieve like we do when the year is coming to an end? can we inculcate this spirit we put on during these season into our daily lives? Think about it.

Tutorial 4 : How to start customising a shirt

This tutorial has been long overdue, I’m sorry its coming late but I had to learn from the masters of the art before putting this up.(thanks ozee clothings).

First of all when customising a shirt, whether t-shirt, crop tops, shirts two things are involved , the materials used and the design for the clothing materials. Polyester or cotton is used, cotton is usually of more quality the medium used to reflect the design is another important factor there are ususally 3 types used
Flex
Flock
Luminous

Flex is a printing technique where the design is cut from a colored foil and then pressed onto the shirt under high heat. It is not as expensive as the other forms..

Flock is a printing technique where the design is cut from a colored foil and then pressed onto the shirt under high heat.  (more tutorial lessons on this later).
Luminous printing lights up the cloth, it is said to be more expensive than the others. (more tutorial lessons on this later)
Other mediums include, direct to garment (DTG) printing and sublimation printing which are more expensive and rare.

Also to succeed well in this business, one needs to be computer literate. The knowledge of corel draw skills, good colour combinations, good imaginative skills e.g such an individual must know that certain colours do not go together e.g two light colours yellow n white won't come out well.
If you are not a tailor you also need good tailors to sew your shirts. To the desired forms and sizes.

Below are a few steps to starting:
Get customer's measurement (size)
Get desired material (cotton or polyester)
Cut and sew to taste and size
Design on computer using corel draw
Insert flex, flock or luminous into the PLOTTER
The plotter is connected to the computer which has a software that enables it to work
Cut design through flex, flock or luminous depends on which you decide to use
After cutting, the PRESSER is used to paste the designs on the cloth.

In conclusion, customising clothes is a lucrative business although can be time consuming and stressful too. Be ready to learn from other people's works and creativity to excel.
Hope this article was beneficial..

Diary of an Ibadan corper 2

So I started work in the wonderful city of Ibadan , putting aside my transportation wahala, I settled down to enjoy serving my fatherland. I remember how much that statement (serve your fatherland) had haunted me when I first got posted to Plateau  (watch out for diary of a Jos corper). How does one serve her fatherland dutifully in this country where almost all the states have been infested by robbers, bad roads, kidnappers, ritualists and suicide bombers? That’s what I say to anyone who asks me why I left the beautiful land of Jos.

Settling down at my local government was another palava. How is it possible that one will never get anything done in this country with a bit of ease, without having bribed the officers in charge? When CDS  or clearance days approach every week I usually dread the long queues, the pushing, the stress.. not forgetting some annoying and corrupt NYSC officials who have sworn to frustrate your life whenever you are needed at the local government.

I remember my first payment voucher signing as a relocated corper in Ibadan north local government, I almost cursed that day. I got into this queue, you know those kinds of queues where you don’t even care who is watching , you struggle for survival, those kinds of queues where you make friends with the closest reasonable person, those kinds of queues when you do not know when you will get out? Those queues where some people just arrive from nowhere to tell you they were in front of you since forever, those kinds of queues where you are not the only one with lipstick stains on your cloth ? that’s the kind of queue I’m referring to.

That day, I realized the power of a woman. They came in different shapes and sizes, some with letters from the LGI, some came with their babies or pregnancies to get sympathy , all some had to do was flaunt their beautiful face and body, bend and whisper stuffs into the ears of the officer in charge and in a flash he stands up and leaves with them carrying the files where everybody had to sign. But then some young men who had none of these offered cash in camera. So yours truly who wasn’t ready to use any of these wiles, queued  and endured for about 4hrs  before eventually signing that day. leaving some others in the struggle, as tired, dirty and rough looking as I was, I managed to  get to the bus stop. My earlier feeling of relief drastically turned to anger and contempt at the crowd waiting for something to convey them to Apata where I reside even if it was a bicycle. Another struggle?  Here was I thinking I’d put my transportation problems aside…chai! God.... My heart sank.

I love November

Why is the 11th month of the year so special one would ask? Although according to Gregorian calendar November was the ninth month of the ancient calendar. (November from Novem which means nine). A lot of people who are aware of my love for that month have asked me several questions, it is not as if I can provide a definite answer to that question. As a matter of fact this may sound childish and naïve but my first attraction is the name of the month, I like the pronunciation, the sound of it… there is also this celebration mood that brews in this month… the thought of the new year ahead, the thought of Christmas in December, the end to the rains and the birth of harmattan.

The weather is usually beautiful for sporting activities this month. Although presently since almost everywhere in the world is suffering from messed  up weather conditions, climate and season and especially in Nigeria where we now have extremities of weather, November has not been acting like November but anyways I m still hopeful. The month has not ended.

 November ushers in the realization that the year is coming to an end, farmers already know if their year has been successful or not.  According to some scientific studies there are claims of empirical evidence suggesting that November-born children are likely to be overachievers in their own fields. (every month is special in their own way).

My November born pals have constantly wondered why I take so much joy in this month, it is not even my birth month but I’ve come to realize that it is the month that gives the opportunity to plan and prepare for the new year ahead. Come to think of it, in December one is so carried away with the merriment and activities such that a handful of people complain of being broke in the month of January.
Bottomline, this month provides great opportunities , especially for good planners, even religious bodies encourage fasting for the new year this month. You might say it’s a psychological thing for me, you might not be total convinced with the little I’ve said but really I just love November!

 I LOVE JANUARY  too (smiles)

The training season

The assumption:  when you and everyone assume that all that one goes through is a normal occurrence, no big deal.  Note: Nothing happens as a normal occurrence, nothing happens by mistake, everything that happens has been predestined, pre-planned and prepared by God.


The uncomfortable phase: when you begin to face certain situations, that appears abnormal and unpalatable. When you long desperately for a change.

The lamentation phase: when you get tired of the situation and begin to complain to everyone, every person that is willing to hear and join the pity party ; which obviously won't help you.

The pre-realisation phase: when you begin to see that this particular situation, the series of event has been experienced by you earlier and you probably reacted the same way you are reacting.
Note: God makes us repeat examinations which are majorly life lessons in the spiritual just as we repeat examinations in real life if we keep failing.


The non- challance phase: after realizing especially by the help and ministration of the holyspirit of God that the particular situation is a training and that life is in stages and phases, that one needs to pass successfully from stage to stage i.e  higher level in the spiritual, there comes another spirit which makes one forget and relax.


The post-lamentation phase : the same spirit that made one forget and relax, encourages more lamentations and complaints. Because if you do not react to the situation, if you do not react to the situation, if you do not study and prepare, for the examination, one will remain fixed at that point.

The realization phase : here is when you return to the point of realizing that you are still in the examination room and you cannot afford to fail again.
How then do you pass the exam? How do you convince your trainer (GOD) that you fully understand all of the lessons you have been taught?

Do something different : you have been complaining in the past and it has only brought you more pain. Why not call on the trainer? Plead with him to give a clue…. Afterall he sees it all.

Diary of an Ibadan Corper

Stepping into the largest city in West Africa, I was overwhelmed by the thought that this our very own Yoruba speaking city in the west could be awarded such accolade as “largest city in Africa”. I desired to drive around town to see everywhere in this city but I knew that wasn’t possible in one day. Consolation was, I wasn’t leaving anytime soon.
My joy and excitement at residing here and being stationed here began to reduce when I took my first bus, Apata to Dugbe. I must say,This bus looked very good on the outside, deceiving a not suspecting me into getting in. I sat down and felt like I was sitting on steel, unfortunately I couldn’t get off anymore, the bus was on the move what would I have given as excuse for wanting to get off all of a sudden?

As more passengers got in, the real inconvenience began. We had to squeeze into the vehicle. A fat woman got in on the back row where I was and life became totally miserable in the bus. We hadn’t moved 10mins when we got into this terrible hold up, we were sweating inside the bus and out of the blues a foul odour was released. Joining the various odours that had  been circulating in the bus.
After this first discouraging experience I decided to limit my means of transportation to just cabs and bikes, but  I was disappointed to find out that cabs do not run everywhere in this town. The many bike accidents  I had witnessed and heard of made me decide against bikes.

I decided to always avoid the backseat in any bus,but like they say “we don’t ALWAYS GET WHAT WE WANT. I kept experiencing this bus discomfort of a thing , I began to wish I had other options, a personal car, a permanent lift giver like is the case in the society today. Some set of people make sure you give them lift everyday.

Why exactly do buses in bad condition ply our roads? Have you ever been in a bus during a heavy downpour and still feel as if you are directly under the rain? You begin to wonder if you are actually in the bus or on the bus...Why is 80% of the commercial buses in this city in such conditions? To add insult to injury you come across drivers who are cheats, thieves,dirty, Mannerles and unreasonable. Can all of this be blamed on the standard of living in the country?

To be continued...........

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are inevitable kinda.. ever wondered why today you are friends with someone and it seems as if there is no one like them and the following days you wonder how you ever coped with them ? They become like total strangers in some cases.. as much as we all long to live together peacefully and lovingly especially with loved ones, I ve come to realise we still step on each other's toes. Whether we expect it or not, I personally hate being mis understood.  Like adults say, the teeth still bites the tongue as together as they are. The most important thing is to strive to settle disputes amicably. With consideration, maturity and giving benefit of doubts  misunderstandings should be settled. 

As long as an individual is on this planet and alive, he or she will get into misunderstanding situations.The ability to settle differences amicably is what gives birth to love, joy and peaceful co-existence.

Maintaining balance

I remember when I was in primary school, we had this seesaw, where two kids could get on at once. Each kid had to sit on either sides and when one goes up the other comes down. I realized as young as I was then that I didn’t always feel comfortable when I was either too high or down, I always preferred when we both maintained a balance, when we were on the same position.
Maintaining a balance is really a big deal, I have come to the realization that if everyone in the society strives and try their best to live a rational and normal life, the society will be a better place to live in. how often do we come across people who are rich, successful, intelligent yet sad, hostile and bad tempered? How often do we  come across unreliable, selfish but intelligent people? How often do we come across intelligent, brilliant, magnanimous and wise people who do not have a good relationship with God? Do we get the picture?
I know a lot of us might think it is not possible to attain perfection, like they say no one is perfect. But are we then going to fold our arms in the name of that and live life carelessly? Asides that matt 5 vs 48 states how much living perfect like Christ is expected of us.
We all popularly say our lives are in what I like to refer to as “compartments” spiritual compartment, social compartment, academic compartment, emotional compartment  to mention a few. As much as

I support all round  growth and living the good life, socializing, since even the bible testifies to this I still believe that making moderation in all things key is the best and most ideal.
How do we then maintain a balance amongst these compartments we have created in our lives and at the same time fulfill our calling? Human beings as we are, are complicated beings, our temperament, our beliefs play a large role. How do we manage our complex structure yet still succeed at life endeavours and be happy? How do we live our lives such that all those who encounter us will never regret they did?

The benefits of having the gift of understanding cannot be overemphasized, this is why the first thing we need in maintaining balance is understanding God.
Understanding God’s plans for our lives is a major approach to maintaining balance . the God that knew us even before he formed us in our mother’s belly, wouldn’t it be great to find out what he has in store for us? What he gave us as gifts?
The knowledge of what God has in store for us helps us understand ourselves which is another important factor. If we understand ourselves, our chances of being successful in life is increased by 30%. Knowing oneself helps to maintain peace within and on the outside. Relating with others and the society becomes easier, total dependence on God, submission to God as well as an improved self worth becomes our lot.


The reason we have emotionally imbalanced people in the society is because these people don’t understand God and what he has in store for them, they don’t understand themselves thereby allowing themselves to be tossed around by people’s opinion and actions.
Another important factor is understanding people. If you don’t understand God and yourself, you cannot understand other people. If you don’t understand other people you cannot relate with them and if you cannot relate with them you are imbalanced. God didn’t create us in an isolated world without people because he knew we cant fulfill purpose without interacting with our fellow human beings. Even Adam got Eve.
A successful life is that life that is lived fulfilling one’s calling, managing and investing time wisely. The successful life is that life that was lived as designed by the creator. All in all let us all ask for the grace to live our lives such that we will be celebrated while on earth and even when we finally leave the earth.

NATURE'S GIFT

Nature’s wildest gifts are best seen when you are not exactly looking for it. You just come across them by mistake, unannounced, unsuspecting like two snails mating in the early hours of the morning in their humble abode, amongst the green grasses. As I got ready for work that morning, my mind flashed back to the mother hen I had seen guarding her chicks from behind as they scavenged for food on the streets the previous day, it looked like they were just straying about, each looking for what to eat but then it looked very much like the mother hen guarded the younger chicks from behind, since she was leading them and at the same time going from behind. Or perhaps it was me, maybe I over interpreted the whole scenario, maybe my missing and longing for my mother affected my reasoning.


I woke my brother up as usual to lock up the door after me, I usually had to leave very early for work, my brother often went back to sleep after I was gone. As I trekked the lonely, dark path to the junction where the staff bus picks me, my mind wondered mischieviously at what nature had to offer me that morning. I looked around carefully for anything unusual or distinct, I smiled when I thought of what I was doing. I held my phone properly making sure that the light it generated saw me through the road. Just then a scary thought came to mind, what if there were dangerous animals in this bushes on both sides? At that thought, I quickened my pace and almost ran to the road. My mind gradually settled as I got to the faimiliar junction and started coming across people, drivers rushing to work early, local food sellers hurrying up their cooking and some other artisans opening up their business centers and shops.

Just then Nature gave me another gift which made me smile, a very rounded large rat ran out of a local canteen by the road dragging bits of food with it,it almost ran into the fire being made but then quickly retraced it steps. Isn”t that what we sometimes do even as humans? Run from frying pan to fire...despite the gift of making wise descisions?

As I boarded my bus that morning, I remembered it was the beginning of a new month, as someone greeted me. As some of the other workers dozed off since it was still a long way to work, I made up my mind strongly to be a different human....

Feel Good

“What am I ever going to be good at? All my life I have always had to applaud others but no applause for me. I never get noticed, even when I’m noticed its by not so very important people like me. Will I ever make it big, will I get to the top of my career? Why can't I sing like Onome? Dance like Ekaette, be humorous like Yemi , be beautiful like Ola, act in dramas like Moni, captivate the audience with my wonderful speech like Cynthia? Write widely appreciated books and articles like Ibukun? Why? Is there something wrong with me?

I can't even lead my class in tests and exams, I can't cook perfectly like my sister, I cant even attract the right people. Why does someone have to beat me in everything I do? Was I born to be a mediocre?  Or a lowlife?  My life is so pathetic.

Twenty year old  Mofe complained to her aunt. She had gone to spend her session holiday with her aunt. Her aunt who had noticed her behaviour asked her what was bothering her and what you just read was her outburst.


"Definitely  Mofe  you have not been feeling good about yourself and you still don’t. I want you to know that it is important you feel good about yourself no matter the circumstances. You complained about not being able to attract the right people, you definitely will attract the right people only when you feel good about yourself. This is because cheerful and positive attitude sends a signal to the environment that says I love myself and I love life, and this attracts lovely people and things into your life.

Moreover you have to have a goal. This helps you to work towards  a mission, this further improves your self esteem because you possess  this “I am important, “I am not just an ordinary person”, “I have a goal”, “I have a destination”, I am going to be this and that" vibe. This also makes you feel good about yourself. You also have to take actions towards your goal, visualize yourself, how you want your life to be . Repeating  this also helps a great deal.

HOW CAN YOU ACHIEVE THIS?
First feeling good as to do with your thoughts, your thoughts  decide whether you act positively or negatively. Your actions affect your emotions which affects your physical body. So this means that if you don’t feel good about yourself it affects your physical body as well as your thoughts. Your thought is affected by what is going on in your body.

The brain has a part to play in your thoughts too. You think with your mind and your mind is in the brain. Food sometimes affect the brain making it lose focus this affects positive thinking. Excessive eating is what makes the body gain extra fat. Extra fat as a way of making the individual who has it feel bad and think negative about his or herself. Exercise is one of the things that helps to reduce fat and increase the rate at which  one feels good about his/herself.
Now my dear,  the reason you spoke the way you did the other  time is because your ego or your self esteem has been wounded. So this ego wounded self got addicted to negative thinking which makes you feel anxious and depressed. First you need to get over yourself, no matter what anyone as done to get you into this mood  get over it. According to Virginia satir “we must not allow other people’s limited perception to define us. Our beliefs is a function of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Then you must begin to focus on good thoughts say this to yourself often &often.


I am important, fully competent and capable.
I am highly creative, intelligent, attractive, energetic, witty, smart, healthy, wealthy, wise.
I love myself unconditionally despite all my flaws.
I don’t rely on approval of others.
I am fun and exciting to be with
I am comfortable talking
I do not feel guilty about my desires
The more I like myself, the more others will like me. Mofe's aunt concluded...

Yeepa!

So I decided to share one of my movie reviews for Nollysilverscreen here...

Title : Yeepa!
Genre : play/ drama
Director :  Niji Akanni
Year : 2014
MELODRAMATIC
 Yeepa! Is a filmed Tunde Kelani Play, a fusion of stage and film technique adapted from Femi Osofisan”s classic literature “who is afraid of Solarin” interpreted as Yeepa! Solarin nbo.
Without many locations and scenes, one can say this play is a tribute to the late Disciplinarian Tai Solarin but at the same time its an expose  on the level of moral decadence and corruption in the country. From the council chairman (Ropo Ewenla),  to the pastor with secrets (Ebun Oloyede olaiya) down to the various councilors. Their quests to bribe the public complaints commissioner and the manner in which  (Bayo Bankole) appeared as Isola Oriebora, the fake commissioner deceiving not only the councilors but the pastor”s innocent daughter cecilia all depicts this. Humor in the play, the funny cast names, Polycarp the semi- moron houseboy , well acted humor scenes by the trained nollywood actors and traditional theatre artistes all added to the overall success of the play.
Except for the imbecile councilor”s wife whose intruding  in the movie seemed to have been over done, the play is a perfect political x-ray of a corrupt country.

Handling embarrassments

“I was already midway my speech when I abruptly stopped, I had totally forgotten the next lines and it was to be recited offhand. The audience started clapping for me, deep down I knew they wanted me to get off the stage because they were young people mostly students and when they clapped like that, that is exactly what they mean especially when it was accompanied with laughter and jeers. After stuttering for about 2mins, I gave up and climbed down from the podium. That was my first speech to an audience of young people and I had never been more embarrassed my whole life”. Tara says.
When Femi was called to speak in front of the whole congregation at a campus fellowship he didn’t know his trouser’s zip had worn out and his underwear were revealing. It was when an usher came to whisper in his ears that he knew the reason for the congregation’s chuckles. Femi confessed how embarrassed he was.

To be embarrassed is to be disgraced, ashamed, nervous or uncomfortable in a social situation especially when it involves a large number of people. Shy people are more embarrassed than their counterparts. Being shy is another issue entirely which would be discussed later. But a lot of people believe that being shy is being modest, you don’t want to come out of your shell you like to be hidden so that no one will see you and condemn you, sorry to burst your bubble but no! Being shy doesn’t portray you as modest but as selfish. When you are shy all your feelings, emotions and actions are revolving around you, what you feel, think and what other people say about you. Being shy makes you concentrate more on your weaknesses and what other people will say about them. This brings me back to embarrassment. The reason we feel embarrassed when something unusual happens to us its because we think of how other people who witness it react to it and what they say about the situation. We also think of how much its going to affect our self esteem even our ego.

Some people even go about months after still carrying the image of how they were embarrassed in their heads so that when someone acts funny towards them they think “oh why won’t he do that to me when he obviously saw my show of shame” then they go over self pity, depression, self condemnation all over again.
How can we then handle embarrassment? Truth is embarrassing situations will always come, especially when you are moving up the ladder of success only stagnant people never get embarrassed . Besides , being stagnant is embarrassing. The best thing to do as recommended by a psychologist is to do what others around you are doing at that moment

LAUGH. Laugh with them, even when they are not laughing just laugh all the same at yourself. Humour is the best weapon to use. You could also do yourself good by avoiding potential embarrassing situations for example if you know you will be embarrassed if a man sees your underwear, do not spread it where he will see it.
You should also correct yourself immediately or change the subject. if someone jests you, do not argue or allow it get to you, shrug it off, remember it will definitely pass away and be forgotten.

We all have our experiences and a lot of moments we’ve been embarrassed. But that is a pointer to the fact that we are alive, growing and moving forward. The way we handle embarrassments determine how well we grow and how far we go.

Interview with an amazing corper

She actually didn’t tell me her name, I stole it… I was sitting at the pavilion in my camp waiting to know what food was to be served before deciding if I was going to eat, when she approached me with her food flask and asked if she could sit by me. Earlier on I’d been seeing some of them on camp, I kept wondering if they were on assignment on camp or if NYSC removed the age bar. Anyway I got into conversation with Tagwai Stella, she was reluctant at first but later felt free with me I know I should have told her from the onset that I was interviewing her, anyway she caught me along the line and she asked if I was a journalist. I could only laugh, Nonetheless here is what she had to say.





Stella: I’m from Benue state, I studied public administration and I have children but I wont tell you how many. (laughs)
Browny: even if you tell me you are 30, I know that you are above 30 so can you tell me why you decided to come for this orientation programme not minding the age barrier?
Stella: yes, you are right. I’m already working but I discovered that wherever I go in search of a better offer they ask me for my NYSC discharge certificate. So I realize that its something I need.


Browny: you were allowed to go through this programme despite your age, did anyone disturb you or collect any payment from you for this?
Stella: no o, not at all.
Browny: how did your family I mean your husband and children take this decision of yours?
Stella: well, they took it well, they encouraged me, they are happy I took the step to achieve what I want.


Browny: how do you feel in the midst of very young people, I don’t know the age of your children since you have refused to say, but I know that being in the midst of people as young as these and going through the same activities with them can be a bit awkward
Stella: well, I like it. I do everything, I m in no 5 platoon. I march, I dance, I do the morning drills. The soldiers even commend me. I have young friends too. Besides I m not the only grown up here, I m sure you have seen some others too. (she looks around and points to a man who obviously is more than 30yrs of age, with potbelly walking away) he is one of us.
Browny: do you get tired of the activities, aren’t they too stressful? How do you cope with the weather?
Stella: well, I do get tired, but I have gotten used to it. I am also used to the weather, I married a plateau man.(smiling). Besides most times on the queue they attend to me first. They give me chance to do my own things first so that I don’t have to queue for too long.

Browny: what is it about the young people in this camp that you do not like?
Stella: the immorality and the nasty behavior, I am going to warn my children against such when they go for their mandatory youth service. Its too much and sad.
Browny; what has been your greatest challenge here so far?
Stella: well, it is the change of environment and routine. Having to wake up early. I had to adapt here, I don’t know if I will be able to go back to my normal life when I go back home.



Browny: you definitely will. it has been nice chatting with you, I really admire your courage, coming back for this orientation program at this stage, most women cannot do this, after children. Will you let me take a picture of you?
Stella: thank you too. No oo, no picture o (laughing)…

CHEFS

When the social director of my platoon asked me to write about chefs, here is what came to mind...
When I was younger, I hated cooking, being the last daughter didn’t help matters which is why up till now I respect good cooks and I see chefs as awesome. Becoming a chef means you love to cook so much that you make it a profession, I must say the path is not easy, it involves long hours, physical labour and sometimes risks.


Especially when you are cooking something new or trying out new ingredients.
Most chefs begin from home, they cook different delicacies as try outs until they become confident, some cook for other people first on a small scale, till they gain grounds. A lot of factors affect the work of a chef, the final taste and outcome as well. One of the hidden factors is mood. I learnt from experience and people’s testimony that one’s mood before and when cooking affects the taste of the meal. Although everyone has their own distinct taste and no matter how much you try to taste like someone you still have your own taste, the mood plays a role in it. But the good thing is as long as your taste is good and acceptable you are already on your way to becoming a good chef.


During my industrial training in Nestle Nigeria Agbara factory, I was opportuned to enter into one of the kitchens and take microbiological samples for analysis. I encountered some chefs who were skilled in both international and local dishes, many of them had been chefs for years and were already used to the act of cooking and decorating dishes well. This brings me to the conclusion that becoming a good chef is about continuous practice, will and desire to become better.

You are not a failure!

My second week on camp, I was beginning to feel totally useless, having being denied by the popular OBS (Orientation broadcasting service) an opportunity to showcase my talent and be useful for 3weeks on camp, a writing competition which I was supposed to participate in cancelled and worst of all, rejected in the volleyball team. I was told that I had weak fingers and my height wasn’t good enough, I couldn’t feel any more useless. But just as I lamented to close friends and thought God was deliberately hiding me, I realized that, the fact that I was denied an opportunity to showcase doesn’t mean I couldn’t be heard or seen. So I went ahead to write this short piece and submitted to my platoon leader for morning meditation.

“Becoming successful is the desire of everyone. Even though they say success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration, success remains a thing of the mind. It is a conscious determination and will to do well. As they say when there is a will, there is a way. Having this at the back of our minds and working towards it gives the assurance of good success. But may I remind you that even in our life’s journey our determination, hardwork and persistence still get threatened by evil critics, envious people, some dream killer, negative attitudes are not left out. Challenges we are likely to face on the way are like checkpoints on our way to success, always remember that not every criticism is positive and aimed at improving you, discern the negativities in and around you at each stage of your life and do away with them. Hold on to your goals and aspirations, wake up and bring your dreams to reality. Remember that successful people remain persistent and positive.

Even though it wasn’t read out as usual, I had done something. Afterwards some platoon members started approaching me concerning writing for them and how to write. I was particularly happy that I was able to write outside of my comfort zone. My point exactly? If life gives you lemon make lemonades, make the good you can out of every situation. No matter what anybody says or do, you are not a failure!

Back!!!

Hi! First accept my apologies for leaving abruptly and not posting all these while. I don't totally have an excuse but I had to heed the clarion call. to crown it all I found myself having to go to a state on the hill (Plateau). I've had to battle the different responses I got from people, different reactions as well but in the end I had to go. I'm glad I did actually, the experience is priceless, now that I have seen the middle belt and northern Nigeria,I have more things to say about this country. Expect articles on these and lots more in the weeks to come.

I also plan to share my camp experience, an interview I secretly held with an overaged, zealous camper as well. In the meantime relax, tutorial articles will continue, living off campus series ends and a new story series will begin. Thanks for visiting the blog...

Whats in a name?

A name is an identity indicator, a name is a pointer to several things, it can provide certain information about the bearer. when asked, most individuals declare that they were named after a specific person, interest, occurrence or period.
The name Nigeria, as named by flora Shaw was inspired by the river Niger running through the country. The name was coined from “Niger” and “area”. According to research , the origin of the name Niger is uncertain and this originally applied only to the middle reaches of the Niger river. One would have thought that since Nigeria was named by a british citizen and after a lone river, by independence her name would have been re-coined considering the country’s expanse of land. Also considering the myth about a name being the reason for actions of the bearer, which has been proven by certain myth followers.

Although the holy book supports the fact that a name truly has a lot to do in the life of the bearer but a myth as it is classified, is said to be an imaginary story or event , taken to be true, what then can be said about the activities and happenings in Nigeria with respect to the name? do we now agree that Nigeria is finding it hard to successfully expand or increase in unity because its named was coined from a river?

Nigeria popularly referred to as the giant of Africa has overtime found it hard to sustain lasting unity, security and wealth amongst its people. From the inter tribal wars to the religious wars, corrupt practices, price hikes and now terrorist attacks. Nigeria keeps wallowing in the river of pain, struggle, lack, fear, limitations and poverty despite all odds.
on the other hand, a river indicates peace, except in turbulent waves a river is often regarded as peaceful. A river expands and enters into other rivers and into the sea. A river brings fresh air, soothing breeze and refreshment when pure. So whether the name

Nigeria has had a negative effect on its bearers or not there is still hope for liberty and peace. As a people,name or no name, we need to re-define Nigeria, show the true meaning of Nigeria, not the Nigeria on a map, or the Nigeria in the news, but a Nigeria in our hearts, a dream that can come to fruition, a beautiful place, where intelligent people work hand in hand to make life a better place for all. We need to spark up the lost hope, hope for this country again. Once the storm is calmed the peace and refreshing times will be restored.

Squash video

Watch few minutes of squash

Tutorial 3: How to play squash

Yes we are discussing sports, remember this tutorial series is not stereotyped to a particular line, genre or format. It’s a series of teachings on different useful vocational and non- vocational skills. This week having realized how much interest sport lovers are showing towards the sport name squash and realizing that a handful of people hardly know about the sport, I decided to talk to a sportsman who is known for his squash playing prowess. Here is what he said:

I started playing squash because I wasn’t a fan of team sports, I like sports that you play individually, you win or lose , you know its your fault not anybody’s. Asides that ,the game of squash has a lot of health and social benefits.
It improves cardiovascular health, the game can see you running, diving, lounging and leaping for the ball
It increases strength, fitness, flexibility, good eye and body coordination and agility
Gives greater confidence, opportunity to make new friends, improve concentration as well as releases stress

A lot of people ask me for the secrets to becoming an excellent player and I share with them the tips below:

Plan to play well : you don’t just say it , you plan and work towards it like every other good thing in life. Prepare for about 4-6 weeks before matches, during the first 2weeks do lots of on and off court routines for aerobic fitness. E.g on bikes, weight lifting, leg work for power around the court and upper body work to keep being symmetrical
Be consistent, get into a routine : don’t just wander through your training routines, get into a routine, know what you are doing and workout what you want to achieve in a training session

Use your basic practices to groove and improve your shots. Make time for this perhaps before you play. Concentrate on doing a few practices
My basic practice is the BOAST & DRIVE routine :
Starting from the front of the court, concentrate first on striking the ball
Turning my shoulders, staying away from the ball and making sure I open the racket face and hit the ball sweetly just in front of my front leg
After hitting, movement back to the T is crucial so that you can practice positioning for the next shot. Practice getting in the right place for your shot and try to eliminate casual shots.

Well, I hope this article has been helpful especially for squash players and if by chance you stumble on this article and you get interested , its an indoor game played with a squash ball, squash racket, squash shoe sportwears in a squash court. I will upload a video on squash immediately after this tutorial. Other types of sports and games will be discussed in the subsequent tutorials.

Living off campus 11

I rushed out and I learnt that the university had become interested in the robbery case and had requested to interrogate us, as news of houses being burgled had become too frequent and since in our case the policemen suspected a foul play amongst the housemates. I didn’t like the sound of it, I’ve never had any reason to be involved with the university security officers or the senate, although a part of me was a bit at rest, knowing that I was no thief and I had no link with any thief. But to say my housemates were alarmed and scared is an understatement. Serious panicking, the information asked us to report first thing in the morning to the university senate house everyone of us living in that house.

Truly we all went, whenever anyone had issues with the university, all your records till date had to be reviewed. This was how I found out that, AK who we thought was in 300l, just got admitted into 100l and he had been living in the house for about 2yrs, more shocking was the fact that Bukky had series of carryovers and was as good as still in 200l despite being in 400l and was also on probation, the verge of expulsion. Ronald, Doyin”s boyfriend, got into more trouble as the university wanted to know the source of his wealth since he was just a part time student. Our rooms were searched and weed was found in AK’s room, Ronald who rumour had been going round about his involvement in internet scam was handed over to the police alongside AK.

We the others were let go as we had no incriminating evidence. About a week after, Laura who had finally broken up with Wole returned home in a hurry. She rushed to my room and started to talk excitedly. Laura had been running a background check on Wole since he openly embarrassed her and brought in another lady and through her “investigations” found out that Wole had visited some of his irresponsible friends earlier before the robbery and had been introduced to strong indian hemp and other intoxicating drugs and drinks. He had been out of his mind and had revealed how much he recently made from internet scam alongside Ronald, who and who had expensive things in the house, how stupid and troublesome Laura was and how he couldn’t wait to get rid off her. He had divulged all of these information openly and unconsciously and these friends had organized the robbery.

They knew AK personally so his room wasn’t burgled .
Now that Laura knew the truth, how will the truth be told to the right authorities and the robbers apprehended? who was ready to bell the cat?

Living off campus 10

This is a work of fiction based on the writer's imaginations. Any resemblance to names, characters, persons,places, events and incidents is purely coincidental

I was more than surprised when someone finally told me that the whole house had been robbed! I was alarmed and worried at the same time, I was about to rush to my room when someone stopped me to say my room and Timothy’s room was not touched. I felt somewhat relieved but I still felt bad for my other house mates. Laura had been beaten, so was Ronald who happened to be around with his girlfriend and had been caught unawares. As for wole he was exposed , the robbers I learnt headed for his room first and he was sent running outside the room half naked with another girl he had spent the night with as the robbers tried to break open his window.

As for Riike ,her little savings was carted away, Kunle wasn’t home too but his new model, expensive laptop was stolen. His own door wasn’t damaged, so the robbers must have easily gained entrance into his room, either they had a key or he didn’t lock his door. Kunle could be careless at times. Another funny and surprising issue was the fact that

AK’s room wasn’t burgled. Within few minutes, the neighbourhood’s security men, police officers had arrived and began to question everyone. Some people were taken to the police station to write statement. This occurrence really disrupted the whole day. I suddenly wished I could park out of the house.

I had to keep Riike and Laura company while they mourned. Laura kept cursing wole who had disappeared because of shame. As for Bukky who had disappeared from the house 2 days earlier, she returned home with the caretaker few hours after the policemen were gone, looking all surprised and concerned. After asking lots of questions and the usual suspect naming and lamentations, the caretaker disappeared with her into her room. At first I just felt maybe he went in to ascertain how much had been stolen from her room but to my surprise, they didn’t come out for hours. A lot of rumours had been paddled about Bukky dating the caretaker despite all the male visitors she entertained but I was yet to believe. Riike and Laura further confirmed to me their findings and with the way they both arrived and disappeared I began to believe the story. Laura especially hardly carried fake news, she was good with the amebo thing, her stories were always true in the end. The situation was a funny and shameless one, as lazy as Bukky was, she had time to entertain male visitors and even the illiterate caretaker.
Night came and we said our goodnights to each other as I left Riike and Laura to go to my room. My imaginations played pranks on me a bit as I imagined someone break in from the back door again.
I quickly entered my room and locked the door. As we all went to sleep that night , I thought within myself the worst is over since those who were taken to write statement had been released. But to my surprise the following morning as I prepared for school, I started hearing shouts from the passage..

Tutorial 2: how to search for information online effectively using google and other search engines

A lot of times we spend too much time on the internet while researching on a given topic, this can be frustrating especially when we have limited time, data or power supply to work with. Ever wondered why you search for some things and you don’t find the right or detailed information that will be helpful? While I was still an undergraduate a friend of mine confessed that she wasn’t really swift and skilled in searching for information online using google and the likes.


Effective searching is a powerful skill, think about how often you go on google even to search for something so simple such as spellings of words.. I do that at times. I thought of all these and decided to share a few tips I know and that I also found out even as I asked skilled computer gurus. Here are some below, I hope you find them helpful.


In searching effectively, the search engine one uses matter. Results are based on relevance ranking and search algorithm used by the search engine. I once heard from one of my lecturers that the use of google scholar is more appropriate for students. But then there are other search engines such as google, bing, surfwax, complete planet, edu finder, yahoo search and so on.


Use fewer words : when you are typing into the search box, according to an online article I came across, it said every time you add a new word to the mix, you limit your result.

Use quotes : this tells google or whatever search engine you are using that you are looking for that exact statement or word. This is more effective when you are searching for an exact statement

Search a certain website, or a website that links the subject of your search if you are sure of it

Try and search for things in multiples, I mean giving multiple options using OR especially when you are looking for alternatives of the same link e.g FUNAAB admission list 2009 OR 2010.

If you are searching for a range of numbers, instead of using “–“ USE …… e.g 12 ……..100 , $ 40……. $ 100

You may also use search operators, search operators are words that can be added to searches to help narrow down results e.g searching the NBA website to get any mention of Olympics or Olympic games.

The use of autocomplete, I m certain a lot of us have used this at some points and may not realize. But it really is a good search aid as it saves time and also it helps you to chose from multiple predicitions. It corrects misspelt words as well and this helps especially when you only have an idea of what you are looking for but you are not so sure of the spelling. Autocomplete helps you to be sure. As soon as you type in some of the keywords from what you are researching autocomplete brings in the predictions.

I sincerely hope this has been helpful. Look out for the next tutorial.

An INEC adhoc staff's election experience

Having been tempted to enroll and work as an adhoc staff in the Nigeria 2015 elections but my dad stopping me, I couldn’t help but hold on to the idea of what it would have been like to participate. I also kept wondering, amidst the fear of the unknown and violence in the country some young people like me especially corp members were bold enough to still go ahead with the task and work mostly for the money I suppose.

Although reading the punch newspaper Monday, pg3, I realized that some corp members were actually really too scared to show up at their centers, causing delays. Do I blame them? No . Anyway I have decided to share the experience of someone I interviewed, who worked as an adhoc staff in the south south part of the country, calabar to be precise.

“the night before the elections , I was really in a bad mood. We had to sleep on benches at the rack center, in preparation for the following Saturday. I had a terrible time sleeping, of course I had not much choice since I already agreed to do this. The rack center as we call it is where the election materials for the ward was distributed. The following morning which was the election day, as early as 8am we left for our different polling units. At first in my unit we set up at the wrong place, the residents then had to show us another place where they say is more accessible to the residents. After setting up at the ‘right” place , the residents present, party agents present, we still couldn’t commence accreditation. For some reasons I being the assistant presiding officer (APO1) couldn’t set the time and date on the card reader machine. Yes we were trained but our training only involved them reading out their manuals and how to set up polling boots. So all my efforts to correct the error proved abortive. When I saw that the crowd was becoming angry and the party agents were beginning to boil I rushed to the nearest polling unit to us to see if the situation was the same, lo and behold it was. I found them battling with the card readers too. So we had to wait for technical support from INEC , I really don’t blame Prof Attahiru Jega for these unforeseen challenges, there were about 150,000 card readers brought into the country, they couldn’t have ascertained all to be in good and perfect condition. Anyway as the technical support fixed it, I tried to see what she was doing in case I needed help again but she shooed me off, I didn’t like it but I thought within myself she was right in a way, what if I got a hang of things and then manipulate the number of accredited cards later on. So I kept my cool and well accreditation started shortly afterwards. Over 300 people had registered and gotten pvcs for that location but surprisingly by 1.45 pm when we started voting, just 60 voters showed up. This was a bit discouraging more discouraging was the fact that some of the party agents present were drinking and smoking publicly despite having policemen around, patrol vans passing every 3hrs.

As at 4.30pm when we were certain no one was returning to vote, we started counting, the party agents present, monitoring as we counted,the presiding officer and assistants as well. In all, it wasn't a bad experience for me"
From all indications, despite postponing the elections, all arrangements made still couldn't forestall challenges. But one good thing is there was minimal violence, considering how much fear had earlier on been envisaged, one can definitely say the electoral process was a sixty percent success. As there were reported cases of attempted violence at some centers, where some adhoc staff's were held at gunpoint and asked for the state of the result after collation.

Tension brewing up everywhere today concerning who will emerge as the next president, all thanks to social media, I have had to laugh so much at various wall papers and caricature drawings with different humorous remarks. I only have one statement to make though " May the best man win"... God bless Nigeria

Living off campus 9

Riike usually didn’t go home often. She didn’t have the perfect family setting, we all understood and really felt for her. This particular weekend she returned to school sad after having had a quarrel with her mother. Kunle had been more than willing to give her shoulders to cry on. This made me and other housemates realize that Kunle must have always had soft spot for her. She herself took to him and was going in and out of his room to hers, he likewise. To think that Riike had a serious fiancé and she still encouraged serious closeness with another guy was surprising.
_

I was of course annoyed and surprised. If Kunle had always wanted Riike, why get close to me in the first place? Why do guys do that? Kunle must have realized that I wasn’t really pleased as he stopped coming to my room and our relationship became strained. We hardly saw each other in the house and when we did it was just “hi” hello”. Activities in the house remained the same and somewhat boring. Wole and Laura still held on to their epileptic relationship, frequent quarrels and make up sex. Tunji still came home with different ladies, I often wondered, didn’t these girls know he had many of them at his beck and call?

_Doyin still maintained 'me and my husband/boyfriend relationship. She was always in the room with her boyfriend, cooking, playing doing all sorts. The only times she liked to talk was when she wanted to do amebo or ask about something. They all already quit asking me about Ife since they realised that I myself knew nothing more than they did concerning her. As for Timothy he was either , fellowship or reading in school. Bukky was always having lousy friends come over. At times she would have male visitors and lock up in the room without coming out.

I began to spend more time at my friend’s place who lived close,we were also in the same department. it was the only appealing option after lectures in school. Besides it afforded me the opportunity to avoid pests. I usually returned in the evening, yet on some evenings immediately I get in I hear knocks on my door as if they have been waiting for me to return. Some people can be unrepentant pests you know.

One day I just felt like totally sleeping over at my friend’s place. Since we didn’t have lectures early the following day. So I did, which was why I didn’t witness what happened that fateful day. As I returned home the following morning I was already hearing rumors from passers by and other students, I got to the house only to meet mournful looks..

FIrst tutorial : How to write an essay/ article

I have been thinking of what the first tutorial on this blog should entail. I realise that readers here have different interests at the same time while catching fun, I like knowledge being acquired. That is why I will be discussing how to write a simple essay. This can work for students who still need to write essays to pass their school leaving certificates, other young writers or those who would love to become better at writing, for those writing on a research too. Here are a few tips:


Find subjects you truly care about and write on them
Except you are being tasked to write a specific topic, or given an assignment in school you will be helping yourself improve and building confidence by writing on subjects of your personal interests. Be it politics, religion, human rights, societal vices, sports, emotions and lots more


Have an outline before you start writing
It helps you to arrange your thoughts brilliantly in your first draft, before the final draft. Yes! have a first draft, except you totally have your thoughts arranged perfectly in your head you need to have a first draft. In your draft, outline everything you know or can think of about your topic. It helps arrange the final article beautifully.
If along the line you get stuck and can’t continue, move away for a while, then return to it when you are settled. Even in an exam situation go and answer other questions, do not panic then return to it.


Be concise and watch your grammar
Bad grammar is a total turn off, except you need to do it on purpose to prove a point, avoid bad grammar totally even typographical errors. It will make you lose marks in an examination setting and even as a professional your readers might lose faith in you
Read! Read! Read! Be a reader to become a better writer. Online articles, research articles, other writer’s books read them.


Have a dictionary close to you while you are writing
You cannot have all the vocabulary in the world and their meanings in your head. Sometimes people get stuck forgetting spellings or switching meanings. This is why a dictionary is needed to be certain always, except in situations where you cant have it close.


Read over when you are through, you may read out aloud to yourself also have people read over for you to ascertain you are truly through except you are in an examination hall.
Be disciplined, all of these points mentioned earlier can only be achieved through discipline


Finally practice makes perfect, if you want to be better at writing, write more.




EXAMPLE
WRITE AN ARTICLE ON THE EFFECT OF BAD GOVERNMENT ON THE EDUCATION OF A CHILD.


Suggested outlines

A brief introduction to what the educational system is like in your country. E.g 6-3-3-4 system of education.
The role of government
The role of parents
The role of the child
Challenges faced by all parties
The effects on the child.
Conclusion , here you may include brief suggestions.

Tutorial

HI, i am about to introduce some tutorial series to the blog. here we can get little ideas about a few skills, as they say, no knowledge is lost. look forward to it, it starts soon.

#ThinkitWearit

This is for the majority who love style, swag and fashion. People like me who appreciate sense of imagination, people who love to standout and be distinct and finally people who like to be branded: ozee clothings..

Its no longer new that clothes and other personal wears are branded according to individual taste but ozee clothings stand - out, wears ranging from hood wears, joggers, t-shirts, polo shirts, tank tops, face caps and so on are designed to suit your taste and also to help express how fashionable you can be. You can decide to trust their judgements as to giving you designs you will love and at the same time if you are so imaginative and fashion savvy you can give speculations for your preferred designs and it will be done at a reasonable price!

I have experienced this branding outfit and I can say it is worth it! That’s why I m bringing it here in the first place *winks*. For more enquiries call : 08137268964. See some of their wears below, Start ordering for yours , remember you only have to think it to wear it..

Living off campus 8

This series ‘Living off campus’ is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

As is expected, new sessions bring new surprises. It was already as if ife’s episode was closed as no one knew or asked of her whereabouts. I decided I was going to live alone since there was no room mate in sight besides I was done with and tired of roommate issues. The other housemates were glad I remained in the house, not certain its because they had so much love for me though. On Sunday morning, the second week of resumption, kunle knocked on my door early in the morning. I was surprised to see him that early, especially when we had only being greeting each other from afar, as per new housemates.

He then told me that ugo and uche already informed him that I was the only one in the house who attended the particular fellowship he would love to attend, that was a bit surprising to me but I decided not to make a big deal out of it, even when he told me he would want us to go together. I quickly dressed up and we left, as we walked on I felt a bit awkward as I hardly knew him but I still managed to assess him. He was dressed too casual for church, such that I began to wonder didn’t he have any better church clothes? Or did he think because it was a student fellowship he could dress so casual.

In church after about 30minutes, I noticed he looked pleased with the activities and I made up my mind to ask him if he would permanently decide on the church. Closing hours came, I waited for him to finish with the first timer’s meeting as courtesy demanded so we could go back. Up till now I m still trying to guess what transpired as that Sunday was the last Sunday kunle went to my church, he said something about it being a student church (as if he didn’t know before), he transferred to an Anglican church in town where church was 8 to 10am (no offence) and he got to church 9am.

My suspicions of kunle being a happy go lucky, lazy and carefree person deepened when Riike visited my room to discuss with me that she hardly sees kunle fetch water. Yeees….. he hardly took his bath (how did I find out?) he told me. Despite the fact that our church episode ended disappointing we still became good friends, almost more than friends too, that was when he told me about bathing being such a big deal. He started to talk about his days outside the country and how a bath wasn’t considered important there. Kunle was friends with other housemates too, he was also “generous”. Although Doyin, and Ronald treated him, like he didn’t exist, well does ones hardly regarded others except when they needed help. All the while I thought he was only interested in me but I later discovered I was wrong one day after Riike got back from home sad…..

FEBRUARY 14

Its february 14
When I first saw on a friend’s status that the guys had to be grateful to GEJ (Jonathan) for postponing valentine this year, I thought it was a joke until I started seeing ‘febuhari 14” hashtags and dps everywhere. Lover’s day turned elections day.
So all this fuss about Buhari finally birthed a pun, even GEJ didn’t know he was helping his opponent’s campaign. Too much uproars, disagreements, arguments on social medias over the forthcoming elections got me wondering “why are we like this in this country?”
Why are we so gullible in Nigeria? We keep getting played like pawns. I remember in 2011, everyone was clamoring for GEJ just like GMB now, we thought our change had come then too, we thought a PhD holder who had no shoes will understand the society and make things better but alas the position proved to be too much for him to handle. Why then do we so much believe that Buhari who (for some reasons I don’t totally accept or find trustworthy) found it an herculean task to produce his complete certificates be any better?
Another question begging for answer is, is Buhari and Jonathan the only eligible men to vie for the seat of president? Why does it have to be either one of them? A rather funny but serious allegation was made, first it was said that Buhari collapsed , then because he sneezed at a gathering he was said to have prostate cancer. As funny and ridiculous as all these allegations sound is GMB truly strong enough physically to face the battles of Nigeria? Or perhaps he is one of the progenitors of the battles.
As for GEJ, he has fought the fight and from all indications has given the best he canoffer; Nigerians are not all foolish and lacking courage. The reason he and his supporters have refused to accept that they have failed is why they might eventually crumble totally.
I am not trying to discourage voting in this forthcoming election, I have just gladly given my point of view, which is that we still have leaders and aspiring leaders who are selfish, not trustworthy, wicked and unconcerned about the society as well as cheats trying to play smart ones on us. Its so unfortunate that we still have to continue to live in fear and darkness , we think we know but majority of us don’t really know what is going on .
I leave here as my conclusion what I once told a group of people, Nigeria is still a long walk from freedom but we will wait and we will achieve it.

January baby ....

First of all I personally think its so cool to be born in the first month of the year! *smiling* very significant. This year I really don’t know what came over me I just felt the urge to really celebrate January babies. So far so good I know I have tried and I have gladly celebrated all the January babies I know.


Despite not believing totally in astrology or zodiac signs I agree that people born this month are great and can be really cool.i believe they are people who truly standout in the crowd, even if they can be stubborn (N.B every human being is stubborn in his or her own way) and can be” big heads” like someone once said I still maintain… you just gotta love a January baby. They are charming, loyal and in any way you can think of fun to be with. Also a true January born finds it difficult to lie…. No kidding……okay I agree there might be some rare exceptions. lol


Anyway its January 26, my special day and I just want to give glory to God for keeping me “superwoman in the making” alive through the storms and the rain..the good times and the bad times.. I' m grateful to all that have been with me in my former year, I' m definitely carrying you guys with me into my new year, I mean those who have truly been with me. Anyways… happy birthday to an awesome January baby!