Let the kids play

Being around kids lately, I’ve come to realize how much this generation is missing  . At first when dozens of memes suggesting how much fun the kids in the 90s and 80s  had compared to today’s kids (the computer age) started trooping out on social media, I felt Nigerians were at it again and this was just overrated and mere exaggeration. But spending more time around kids in their schools of recent made me realize how much today’s kids have been denied the ability to really play and have fun. These kids have been brought up in such stereotyped ways which only gives room for school, church/mosque then home. For some few social parents , once in a while outings or visitations are allowed.  The advent of smart phones, smart computers and other advanced technological gadgets has worsened the issue as some kids would rather play with their phones or computers than go out to play.
A teacher was trying to teach her kids to play a particular game during sports and recreation time, unfortunately the kids just couldn’t get the logic behind the game. It was one of the games that made waves during the 90s, very popular and easy to understand but the kids just couldn’t play it. The teacher was surprised and a bit frustrated. She immediately burst out ‘these kids can’t play!”
Psychomotor learning is the relationship between cognitive functions and physical movement. Psychomotor learning is demonstrated by physical skills such as movement, coordination, manipulation, dexterity, grace, strength and speed. Actions which demonstrate the fine motor skills includes sports and physical games as well as use of precision instruments or tools. Other examples include driving a car , throwing a ball and playing a musical instrument . In psychomotor learning research , attention is given to the learning of coordinated activity involving the arms, hands, fingers and feet.
Cognition is the mental action or process

of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses. Human cognition is conscious and unconscious, concrete or abstract as well as intuitive. Asides from the fact that outdoor play aids psychomotor and cognitive learning in kids, it also promotes well being and wholesome physical development in them thereby enabling them the ability to develop muscle strength and coordination as well as gain self confidence .It reduces kid’s stress as well and then improves their intellectual development as well as their social and emotional development.


Dear parents why do you stop your kids from playing outside the house with friends during leisure time? I know that outdoor playing comes with its disadvantages too but what on earth doesn't have a disadvantage? Why do you stop your kids from playing with sand, leaves and other natural things we all grew up playing with? I remember we used to play mummy cooking in the kitchen with leaves and sand and some funny leaves that looked like spices.  I remember playing with mud , I remember playing with sand as eba , I remember baking sand as cake. I remember roasting cocoyams, I remember climbing fences and jumping staircases.

Why do parents of today restrict their children to the house and books alone? Have you forgotten that outdoor play is part of growing up for every kid? You can allow outdoor play within close range to the house and with well known kids to avoid casualty, watch their surroundings and vicinity then allow them for few hours. Do not raise dysfunctional kids, raise kids who will have happy memories and good psychological growth. Raise smart kids, raise kids who can play and have fun. Raise happy children.

African Youth Peace Call (AYPC's press release

African Youth Peace Call (AYPC), Nigeria, set to host CoinFest Nigeria, an international gathering of BitCoiners, Crypto-Enthusiasts, Programmers/Developers, (eCommerce) Entrepreneurs, Merchants, and Traders, as a way of incentivize Cryptocurrency acceptance while educating the public on the importance of Cryptocurrencies, and the use of Decentralize Technologies.

African Youth Peace Call (AYPC), Nigeria, is an independent nonprofit, research and educational organization devoted to the principles of individual liberty, private property rights, free markets, the rule of law and limited government.


 Since 2015, AYPC Nigeria has being on the vanguard of promoting Economic Freedom, with support from Amagi Centre, African Students For Liberty,Omojuwa.com, Initiative for Public Policy (IPPA),AfricanLiberty.org, Heritage Foundation, Atlas Network, and Bastiat Society, Nigeria.

Nigeria is one of the seven (7) countries across the world hosting this convention. CoinFest Nigeria promises to be exciting with exhibitions, networking, and talks, led by seasoned speakers in Cryptocurrency, Trading, Blockchain Technology, and Regulations. Above all, participants get to WIN BitCoin! Tim Tayshun, founder of New Africa Radio, will spin BitCoin Wheel for a lucky player.

CoinFest Nigeria holds on Friday, April 7th, 2017, in Lagos, by 10AM. The convention activities are highly packed with interesting activities, led by speakers on decentralize system, Cryptocurrenciew, Blockchain Technology, and BitCoin, discussing immediate local issues with global relevance.

Attendance is strictly by registration at. http://bit.ly/2mFU3Ye 

For sponsorship, partnership, and exhibition:aypcnigeria@gmail.com, 09034873881

The challenges of liberty in Nigeria (part 1)

One of the many barriers to the propagation of liberty in our country is Ethnicity which of course is a mother to some other barriers.

Ever wondered why Nigeria has over 200 ethnic groups? Why there is so much strife and hatred within? Why the rights to liberty and freedom of individuals seems to be infringed upon? Ever wondered what the barriers are to free speech, free movement, free participation in activities, norms and traditions?

Ethnicity is the fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition, an ethnic group is a social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, religion, language and beliefs. Without doubt, one should realize that the existence of several ethnic groups in Nigeria may keep posing  disadvantages and barriers to individual, economic and social growth. If we begin to examine how much lives and properties has been lost to tribal wars and ethnic group disagreements one wonders how we got to this point . A state alone may contain several ethnic groups,  asides the dominating ones, it is not as if having ethnic groups in the first place is a bad idea, infact one of the major purposes, goals and aims of ethnic groups is to preserve language and culture.
Certain languages which came to be from the time of forefathers and early settlers are often promoted by the descendants of the clan in the name of upholding their ancestors and ancestral image as well as the drive for power and importance. Unfortunately all of these as created more diversity and differences in people such that we find members of the same state belonging to different tribes warning their own not to marry from the other tribe even within the same state!


In as much as I wouldn’t condemn ethnic laws, cultures and values since I believe no matter the level of liberty metted out or that individuals are entitled to it is still sane to say that a line needs to be drawn and a limit to going overboard morally, I would still say that  there are more pressing issues Nigeria needs to focus on. This country isn't as organised, disciplined and principled as other developed countries. This is why so much diversity is more of a challenge rather than a beauty to our system .Laws such as sharia laws present in about 12 Nigerian states in the northern states, child marriages and forced marriages, treatments metted out to widows in some eastern states as well as the forced manner in which some people make the wives of their late brothers marry the next brother in line in the family are issues that have caused more sorrow, bondage than the opposite.

Another issue and form of restriction common in the eastern states is the issue of osu (outcasts) some group of individuals are regarded as outcasts based on the fact that their descendants were slaves during the slavetrade regime. These set of people are even debarred in marriage. The implementation of most of these laws and rules have led to the loss of lives and properties, Unjust treatments, Lack of freedom , gender bias and discrimination, female illiteracy, economic crisis and lack of growth in the country. Its funny how the prevention of liberty and implementation of human rights can cause a country so much imbalance. More surprising and eye opening is the fact that the existence of too many ethnic groups have caused us more issues and problems than growth.

I wouldn’t say ethnic groups be scrapped as it is what most of us regard as the basis of our existence but it is wise and important that various laws (popular and unpopular) emanating from these groups be reviewed , amended or even scrapped.

BSB INTERVIEW : Interview with Seun Adebajo Osigbesan

It wasn't so easy getting to interview her because of her busy schedule and all, she was recently nominated for the best actress in a comedy for the AMVCA 2017... thanks aunty Seun for granting this interview...

Seun Adebajo Osigbesan is  a nollywood actress, known for her impeccable role in the t.v series THE JOHNSONS she tells  us about her journey so far…..

Tell us about yourself

I am Oluwaseun Adebajo Osigbesan, am the 3rd child of 4 children. I studied “performing Arts” at olabisi Onabanjo University. I am a lover of God. I have a
 strong passion for acting, I also dance and sing. I love fashion most especially Ankara fabrics design. I love to be unique and I love to be real.

How did you get into acting?

I started acting professionally in 2010 with Kamsons and neighbor by Tunji Bamishigbin (the producer of PALACE) old hit series. Kamsons and neighbours stopped in 2011 even though I was a replacement for one of the major characters in the family. Kamsons and neighbor was a family series , I played the first daughter there. In march 2012, I went for tinsel audition , I got calls to come back 3 different times but wasn’t chanced because I was in my final year then in school. It was a sensitive period then in school. I graduated and luckily I got a 4th call and to God be the glory it was for a new production entirely
by Mnet “The Johnsons”.

How did you know you can act?

I discovered acting talent in me since childhood. I grew  with it, I had a burning passion for acting in me, Then as a child  I used to write a page story, 2pages story and would go call friends to act out the stories I wrote.

Apart from ‘The Johnsons” which other project are you working on?

Of course while I m still with “the Johnsons” I m working on getting fully into the industry away from t.v series alone.


What kind of roles have you performed so far, are you satisfied with them?

I have only featured in 3 projects and in all I have played the role of a daughter, I m not satisfied with them , compared to my passion for acting. An actor needs to be versatile not stereotyped . I want bigger roles, more  mature roles.


Who are your role models?

My role models are Genevieve Nnaji and Helen Paul, I want to be blessed just like they are even more. Helen Paul seems to me a complete woman in career, family and spiritually she’s got it all and I look up to her a lot.


What have you learnt from the directors you have worked with so far?

Nothing much from the directors and script writers for now, looking forward to more challenging scripts and directors.


Challenges

One of the biggest challenges I have is having to deal with my small stature and my baby face. Even though I am a wife and mother, I don’t get the respect from people because I play a child on the Johsons, so fans, colleagues and people generally address me like a child. The fact that I have a small stature and I play a child role doesn’t mean I’m one or I’m young . I’m old enough to be married and also to have a child.



Advice for upcoming actors

In secondary school I used to tell my friends and classmates that I wanted to be an actress and that my dream course in the university was theatre arts , today I have achieved it and I m practicing by God’s grace. My advice to aspiring actors and actresses is to keep saying their dreams, keep praying about it and keep working at it. It will surely happen. I have also learnt in the industry to be very humble and respectful, most especially senior colleagues even when you know and its obvious you are better skilled than a more famous and experienced actor, just remain respectful and loyal. That’s the fastest way to the top.

How do you combine family with acting
Combining family with work has been God’s grace and thanks to an understanding and loving husband given me by God .

Naive Nancy

She has the common exuberance of a kid, she is friendly, flighty, childish and gullible. She seems to want to know everything yet she lacks knowledge and wisdom.

The mighty God

                                                                                                                                              The Mighty God is a song to chant when trying to explain and experience the unlimiting and endless power of God.The song centers on the greatness,sovereignty and incomparability of God and that makes Him not to be "a mighty GOD" but "The Mighty God".    

                                                                                         

This song is an inspiration from God through this talented brother. May you find joy and peace as you listen to it.


Solomon STEPHEN is an anointed, multi-talented vocalist and instrumentalist.  He started his musical career professionally in year 2008.
Solomon has 6 years experience in music  directing, has featured in quiet a number of other gospel albums and has also ministered powerfully in churches nationwide.

He is the founder of Asaph Musics; an arm of Asaph Media. Solomon is married and blessed with a child.


Album Description

The song describes God as not “A MIGHTY” God but “THE MIGHTY GOD”

THE MIGHTY GOD (Single)
ARTIST & SONG WRITER
 Solomon STEPHEN
Facebook:  thesolomonsteph
Twitter:  @thesolomonsteph
Instagram:  thesolomonsteph


Download here.  
                                                                                     
The Mighty God by Solomon Stephen

iTunes/Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-mighty-god/id1206709555     

 Amazon music:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWLVX8R/

CD Baby: https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/solomonstephen

Tidal: http://tidal.com/ng/store/album/70533043

Shazam: https://www.shazam.com/track/341928710/the-mighty-god

MTN Music plus:
http://musicplus.mtnonline.com/desktop/#albumdetail?albumCode=6010100019355

Tutorial : How to style natural hair

Tutorials are back on brownySays blog. This time around, I've decided to delve into fashion more and this particular post is specially for natural hair lovers.

Its January 26 again!

1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, ,17, 20, 24, 26th!...........sometimes I wonder, why did I come out on the 26th? Why couldn’t my birthday be the 10th, the 5th , the 20th or even the 25th why 26th?

Newness

Change is constant, more constant than Constance herself. Change is the only thing that never changes. Change can come unannounced without notice, no prior information. That is why some changes are referred to as sudden, as unsuspecting as change can be, it sometimes comes announced. Such is the change of jobs, resigning from one job to another, change of name, address and so on.

A lot of people have the believe that once its time to enter into a new year, January again, it is automatically a form of change. As if it is automatic that change occurs as the earth completes a revolution and a new year is welcomed. But have you ever wondered why, January comes and goes and we all still continue with the business of the day?

Hardly no change? Most people resume at the same workplace , same position, students resume to the same school , have you ever imagined why the seeming excitement of an expected form of newness that comes with the new year suddenly dies down leaving everyone to face reality ?

We have so much attributed , great, happy and exciting happenings only to certain events, occasions and periods. Such that we have given ourselves the erroneous belief that we cannot experience any form of newness or derive joy except on certain occasions , just as we have attributed jollof rice and chicken to parties and festive seasons, seeing ourselves as enjoying extraordinarily when we eat it on normal days. Just as married couples have also attributed going on vacation, going shopping, going on dates with special occasions and celebrations. Just as men and women have attributed going to hotels as only for immoral purposes.
Newness, change and starting afresh shouldn’t be attributed only to new years, or new circumstances alone. Our minds should be made to understand that the moment we desire a change and are ready to give it what it takes it happens. We must realize that there is no special time to make resolutions and start afresh, we can decide to start afresh at any points in our lives when we feel we are desiring it. It may be in the middle of the year, middle of the month, middle of the week and middle of the day. What is important is we keep seeking to be better today than we were yesterday. Above all we must realize that it is never too late to make a positive change or impact. We must renew our minds and thoughts to the fact that nothing is impossible, nothing is unachievable especially with God.

Seasons greetings

I woke up this morning, the harmattan so wild and despite shutting all my windows the cold chills still got me shivering under my cover cloth. I said to myself this season is worth writing about. There is something special about the last 10 days of the year. The weather changes all of a sudden, the atmosphere changes, excitement fills the air, people begin to prepare for holidays even private companies and conglomerates are forced to give holidays to their workers. It’s a season that knows no barriers, no restrictions, no dull moments. It’s a period of giving, sharing, meeting, reuniting, spending time with family and loved ones. Even the weather in this period is cool and relaxing (you will agree with me that harmattan is far better than heat).

What makes this season so special? Is it purely scientific? Is it the fact that we celebrate Christ, is it because of the geographic calendar? Or is it just meant to be?

Another fact to consider is stepping into the New Year. Could the fact that one is stepping into a new year be the reason for the season turnaround and excitement? According to Brian W. Carter, the word to describe this season is ‘joyful’. It is one of the busiest times of the year as well for store owners especially as people flock into stores to take advantage of sales and bargains, besides a lot of people want to shop for family and friends. People travel far and wide to be with loved ones throughout the nation and the world at this point in time.
Although there are people who do not celebrate the holiday due to their practices or beliefs but it is a proven fact that people naturally become happier at this time of the year. With individuals having different plans for the new year, new year resolutions some people even make it an obligation to enter into the new year as newly wedded couples, landlords or landlady, new car owners or new job owners. Everybody sees this period as a time to shed off the old and wear a new present or attitude.

I know that in years to come, if I have to write about this season again at this period, I would have interesting stories and testimonies to share more interesting facts and they will all be pointers to the fact that this season naturally encourages love, gladness and sharing. It’s a season that one wishes lasts forever.

What is seen and what is not seen

In the society, a habit or action produces two effects, the seen effect and the unseen effect. It is therefore wise and smart to often take into consideration both effects in any situation.
In companies, organizations and even in Nigeria there is always an open and a hidden part or side to everything. There will always be certain things and issues clear for all to see, consequences and activities clear for all to see while at the same time there will be underground details, hidden activities and issues.

What the society fails to realize is that both effects not just one of the effects affects the society. What I’m saying is every decision actually both seen and unseen have an influence on the people in the society. One way or the other we suffer for various consequences as a result of the seen effects of our actions as well as the hidden repercussions. What makes it worse is the fact that we not only suffer consequences of our actions we also suffer consequences of other people’s actions. I remember in NYSC camp when the toilets were always messed up and we had to ‘yansh up’ or ‘squat down’ on the parade ground for hours.several curses rained on ‘THE UNKNOWN’ culprit. Read this scenario;

Sandra needed money to buy new clothes, she had already gotten wardrobe allowance from her parents but she needed to get more expensive clothings, she decided to inflate her textbook fees and also lie to get money from her father. Her father of course fell for the trick and gave her more money than needed.

Two weeks later a fight ensued between Sandra and her younger sister, her sister had taken one of the gowns without her consent, Sandra had gotten angry and demanded her cloth angrily and the sister in a bid to payback reported how Sandra had deceived their father. Sandra was scolded and punished by her father for lying.

A month after, Sandra’s sister needed to pay for her school’s yearbook and excursion, on presenting the issue and amount, their father raised an eyebrow and implied that she was trying to play the same trick as her sister. Lets analyze this scenario ;

The seen effects;
Sandra sowed a seed of distrust

Sandra was able to buy the clothes but her sister began to struggle for it with her and she didn’t want to share.

Sandra’s father punished her.

The unseen:
Sandra’s father may never entrust his children with money or believe any money issue they put forward.

This may cause his children to seek other means of getting money

Sandra had unknowingly place a ban on collecting money easily from their father.

Another scenario is in the manufacturing industry, when companies increase the quantity of products in the name of bonanzas and raffle draws and the likes. What is seen is an increase in quantity but what isn’t seen by the society is the fact that the ingredients used have been reduced, quality of the products decreased just to increase the quantity and deceive people.

So at the end of the day, the companies are not really doing the society a favour but it is the other way round, more profit for the companies.

All in all we must always realize that there is always two sides to every coin, never get carried away, like the popular joke ‘this is not my real face’ somethings are not what they seem and individuals are quick to change in the face of situations.
There are hidden details in situations and circumstances and it will be wise if all possibilities, all possible effects are explored and considered.