Happy New Year!

Happy new year! No matter his bad you've been all through the year, someone's going to still want to say that to you on a day like this.

Yes it has become a kind of cliché, my point is about 90% of the people now say it without meaning it. Like some kind of auto reply.
OK maybe I'm rambling but I hope you understand that what I'm actually trying to say is when next you want to say Happy new year be sure to really mean it.
Look at whoever you are saying it to and imagine what will give them happiness in the new year. Imagine what they will really love to have in the new year and sincerely pray for them to have it. So that when next you are saying happy new year, it is with great intent, compassion and believe.

I'm going to wish you a happy new year now but what I'm actually wishing you is a prosperous new year, a joyous new year, a great new year, a sickness free new year, a fulfilling new year, a dissappointment free new year and a year of wonderful surprises. So HAPPY NEW YEAR!.

BSB INTERVIEW: Interview with Adeyemi Onayemi

Adeyemi Onayemi is a young graduate of biochemistry from Yaba college of technology. He is an upcoming script writer and film maker. Apart from the fact that he is passionate, resilient and talented , he is a determined and hardworking script writer who is set to impact his generation and bring a new dimension into the world of script writing.
He recently filmed his first short film "Twisted" having just concluded his youth service. Read his interview by brownySays blog (BSB) below:

BSB :What was growing up like?

Adeyemi :   It was fun. I'm from an average family. Life was not difficult. I had everything I needed to get to where I am at the moment.


BSB:  Tell us how you ventured into script writing

Adeyemi: I started scriptwriting class on my phone with Google in the 2010. Then 2013, I went to study the course at pefti film institute.

BSB : Why script writing?

Adeyemi:Not just script writing. I love film making. Well, script writing for me is important. It is a tool for me to express myself, pass out message and influence my society positively.

BSB : Challenges so far

Adeyemi :Wow! So, many downs I must say. Because, many directors/producers are not interested in unsolicited scripts. Also, many people don't want to work with a starter. The industry is very tough for writers. They aren't well paid and they are underrated. I see them as the playmaker like in sport but no they're the least respected.

BSB: Let's talk about your film , TWISTED, what inspired it?

Adeyemi : I lost a female friend early January 2013. She was an intellectual and a modest girl. At that young age when many of us where having the urge for relationship and other vices, She was not into all that. She was always with her dad, she was pure in heart. But unfortunately, she died on her way  home from a tutorial class . She was hit by a commercial bus.

Majorly , the film hints on some of the fundamental misfortunes that befalls good people.

BSB: Sorry about your friend.....tell us more about the film

Adeyemi: Twisted is a short film talking about how life can be unfair to people with pure and good heart. But also encouraging them not to be discouraged. Telling them that life can be unfair but God is good. That one can have fear and faith at the same time but the faith should overcome the fear.

BSB: Wow...when shoukd we expect this?

Adeyemi: March 2018.

BSB: What more should we expect from you before next year runs out?


Adeyemi : Before the end of 2018, I would release another short-film. God willing. And maybe by 2019, I would come out with my TV series titled Two-Faced.

BSB: Thats really great.....what do you think about the Nigerian film industry abd script writing?

Adeyemi: like I said earlier, script writers are not given the respect/recognition they deserve. And for film production, I think we are getting there. There have been improvements but still we don't have a structure. People just come out and do their thing.
 It's not easy making it as an upcoming act..I don't even know if there is room for upcoming acts, the chances are slim. That's why you see people with different talents (acting/comedy) coming on Instagram. Because, the industry has taught us that it's every man for himself.

BSB: Who are your role models in the industry?

Adeyemi: Niyi Akinmolayan and Yemi Morafa. I love Niyi Akinmolayan because he gets better with every work. He is real and very factual. I just love Yemi Morafa. Though, he has just one feature length film for now. But I believe so much in his quality scripts.


Some scenes from the production of "twisted"

BSB: How did you raise money for this project?

Adeyemi: It hasn't been easy, I have out together my savings for this.

BSB: Final word for now
Adeyemi : Hmm...to other upcoming scriptwriters, I will say from my experience being a script writer is not enough in this part the world. You need more than that to make it or to be fulfilled. Script writing plus directing/editing or producing is a better option.

BSB BOOK REVIEW : Better tomorrow by Dotun Famoriyo

Dotun Famoriyo is a young and enthusiastic writer. I met him earlier this year at an African students for liberty hangout.

One thing I admire about him is the fact that he believes so much in his dreams and he keeps putting in his best to achieve them.
He has published his first book" Better tomorrow " and here is a review by MSC Okolo.

Book Review
Title: Better Tomorrow
Author: ‘Dotun Famoriyo
Publisher: Quantum G Concept
Year: 2017
Pages: 39
Reviewer: MSC Okolo
There is, perhaps, no phase that determines what someone becomes in life as the youth stage.  The attitude developed at this stage, parental direction and societal input all come together to determine either a great future or a wasted one.

In Better Tomorrow, Dotun Famoriyo presents the attributes necessary for achieving a great future.  Through the experiences of the main character, Dayo, the author reveals the cardinal principles of making it in life.  These include having a mental disposition that change is possible, paying attention to one’s studies, working hard, taking to the counsel of parents and responsible elders and developing a deep relationship with God.
The book reminds us of a value that is becoming extinct: ultimately what one achieves in life should be through honest labour.  For, Dayo (and one suspects as well as for the author) ‘Distinction is the product of Devotion.’

Delightful December

There is something special about the last 10 days of the year. The weather changes, 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 naturally strives to prevent sadness, restrictions and dull moments.

It’s a period of giving, sharing, meeting, reuniting, spending time with family and loved ones.

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?
Image source

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's 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.
Season greetings everyone, merry christmas!

The second sex story

You must have read my first sex story here, if you haven't, you still can below. Here is another one....

Heads turned, hearts skipped and time seemed to stop whenever Dotun was near. Dotun was the representative of his department and everyone loved him, he wasn't only handsome, he was brilliant. So you can imagine how i felt the first time our paths crossed, it was at a tutorial. I had, had to approach him for "proper" explanations.

I was not good in calculations and i simply adored those who were good in it. I had also finished from an all females school and believe me when i say my knowledge about guys and their ways really sucked. The things i found embarrassing wasn't embarrassing to other girls and more annoying was the fact that I had a serious crush on Dotun.

I was angry at myself for feeling light headed and somewhat special the day Dotun asked us to study together. I was happy that we could be together for some time without any interference. Dotun must have seen in me that I was more than interested in a relationship as he asked me out some days after. I was overjoyed, my constant thoughts of can he be mine? Does he feel the same way? was over .

Our relationship blossomed and a lot of people felt we were a perfect match, we went home together, visited friends together, I was the envy of many and it felt really good.
But on valetine's day, it happened. Before then, Dotun and I had done every other thing, from kissing to touching, necking and carressing but we didn't have sex. We had promised each other to wait till we were married, I had strong beliefs then that the relationship was going to lead to marriage.

So on valentine's day, Dotun invited me to a special get together organised by some of his friends whom i didnt really know. We left for the venue which was a house belonging to one of them. i was a bit comfortable because i trusted Dotun and his other friends were there too with their girlfriends. After drinks, chats and lots of laughter, it was getting late and i decided it was time to leave. But Dotun urged me to stay , he promised to see me off. Suddenly everyone dissappeared into different rooms with their partners and Dotun and I were left alone. We started kissing and carressing each other. I couldn't resist, my memory got blur and the feelings of desire and pleasure took over. So much had happened during the day, lots of sweet declaration of love and the position i was at that moment with him felt just right. I lost control and i remember pulling off my last piece of clothing myself.

As we walked to my place together because i insisted i couldn't spend the night, a part of me was angry, a part felt empty, a part felt happy that i had pleased my lover but a part felt worried. We just had sex, what next? What if Dotun changed? What if he had just gotten his most desired gift from me? What if it was a bet? What if pregnancy comes? There was no protection! Dotun said goodbye when we got to my hostel and as he left i felt lonely...what was on his mind?

These series is fiction and its from my "I just had sex" series...an awareness towards the ills of sex before marriage.

I just had sex!

It was few days to Valentine, I already had an odd feeling, something different was  going to happen this particular Valentine. I could feel it considering the fact that I just recently said "yes" to Yanju. My heart skipped even at the thought of him.

7 PROVEN WAYS TO DEAL WITH PAIN

Pain has never been easy..it has always been a difficult pill to swallow. Writing about pain itself has made me realise that no amount of words can fully express how pain feels and what pain is. If you doubt me,  ask a Lady who just lost her baby or a man who just got robbed.
Yes, pain comes in different forms.

The longer you stay alive, the more you realise that pain is a phenomenon that virtually everyone on earth has to undergo at some points. It  doesn't only mean physical pain but psychological and emotional. Physical pain hurts less. 

Anyway nothing lasts forever, this is why from experience I have been able to summarize how I believe one can get over pain in this 7 points:

1. Accept that something happened to you and you are not the only one having to deal with pain.

It is usually good when one accepts bad situations and pain instead of denying or pretending it never occurred. Accepting helps you to heal faster.

2. Talk about it but only when you are ready. Do not rush things or allow yourself to be rushed, take your time.

3.Let yourself be vulnerable. Be open and allow friends to help you. Worthy and reasonable friends I mean, there has to be someone you can trust and if there isn't , well talk to God 

4. Do not mask the pain

I know a friend who goes into the bush or open space to scream out loud each time she is angered , pained or vexed. She comes back feeling better, that works for her. Find out what works for you. Alcohol is not and has never been an option!

5.  Do what you love , keep yourself busy

This helps you occupy your mind and you think less of your sorrows. There has to be something productive you love doing which also gives you joy.

6. Cherish memories

You don't have to forget  or mask memories, cherish your good memories and bad memories, sometimes this helps you  to reflect and improve.

7 Finally, give yourself time to heal

Don't rush it, but have it at the back of your mind that you have to heal.

Do not live in a fantasy thinking life is smooth and rosy for everyone. No it isn't and when hitches or challenges come you should face them head on and deal with it.

October 1 : Does 57 look good on Nigeria?

A land of great resources, a land birthing talents and greatness, a land upheld by God despite her flaws. Blessed beyond measure, a land of heroes and intellectuals coupled with rogues.
Nigeria at 57, how far? Its not wrong to say Nigeria has improved in some areas especially infrastructures although we are not there yet. Looking at some of the states of Nigeria there have been more industrial constructions, roads and bridges although  some roads are still left unattended to. Federal government declared recently that our economy has improved and government has been able to keep Nigeria as 1, no major wars against all odds, well that is an achievement in a way but some situations have not changed.

Nigeria has remained a middle-income, mixed economy and emerging market, with expanding manufacturing, financial, service, communications and entertainment sectors. For purchasing power parity comparisons, the US dollar is exchanged at 1 USD to within 314.27  to 350 Nigerian Naira as of 2017.

We still incure debts , importing crude oil into the country and striving to sell it at subsidized rates when we can develop our own refineries.  We are also still selfish and inconsiderate as 85 percent of our oil blocks are owned by notherners and there is still struggle over the remaining 15percent.  We are still at a far cry from equity and inflation is still on parade.
Due to inflation, per capita GDP today remains lower than in 1960 when Nigeria declared independence and about 33% of the population still lives on less than 500 naira  per day.
The socio-economic quagmire being experienced by Nigerians, has undermined many aspirations, dampened the spirits of many and made them feel less as Nigerians.
Lack of social amenities such as water and electricity, costly fuel, and lack of money have jointly exacerbate bearable condition and made people crazy and desperate in Nigeria.

In the recent data on corruption released by NBS, Nigerians stressed that after high cost of living and unemployment, corruption is third most important problem facing the country. What works in Nigeria? No good roads, hospitals are bad and this accounts for Mr. President’s medical tourism, Education is comatose and ASUU  still goes on strike fighting for the ruling class to release money for public education and not their pockets  alone
 Families are facing terrible moments as many breadwinners can not get bread for themselves let alone for their families.  Organisations are laying off workers. Over 29million Nigerians are unemployed increasing the rate of the jobless to about 14.2 percent.


But  political office holders, seem to have all they need and still manipulate the minds of the masses to actualise their goals. Some have started preparing for 2019 elections, preparibg to announce promises they can not keep. We cannot pretend that things are totally right in this land at the moment. But we know that this land will soar higher as always. We know that this land will stand tall as always. We know that the labours of our heroes past will not be in vain. We believe in this land,

This land is NIGERIA, the giant of Africa! Happy birthday Nigeria.

5 INTERESTING FACTS THAT MAKES ABEOKUTA AWESOME

Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun state in southwest Nigeria is one of Nigeria’s most industrious cities and is home to several caves and tourist attractions. Abeokuta is known for her peaceful nature, although in time past history tells the story of how war and battle rocked the land hence the story of the legendary Olumo rock and how the name Abeokuta came to be.

In this article, I will be mentioning in no particular order 5 things that makes Abeokuta awesome. Apart from the fact that it is the home of former president Olusegun Obasanjo , an influential being in Nigeria, it is also the home of Olumo rock and Ake palace, great historical places in the history of Nigeria. The first woman to drive a car in Nigeria , Funmilayo Ransome Kuti also hails from Abeokuta. If you have been referring to Abeokuta as a village and boring place to be, think again, Abeokuta might just be more important than you think it is

1.The first newspaper in Nigeria was started in Abeokuta.

Iwe Irohin newspaper was the first newspaper in Nigeria. It was started in 1859 by Henry Townsend in Abeokuta and it was produced for years, touching news on happenings , deaths, and other activities in the land. It is also the first indigenous language newspaper in Nigeria; it was published bi-weekly for 8years. Today, Iwe irohin house is still in Abeokuta.

2.It is the home of the first presidential library in Africa.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential library (OOPL) in Abeokuta is the first presidential library in Nigeria and Africa. The multi billion naira library complex is owned by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The library is historic and academic.

3.The Hilltop Golf Resort

The resort has a large beautiful and technical golf course which has hosted a number of national golf tournaments. It is in Abeokuta and  the scenery is beautiful and delightful.

4.The first church in Nigeria was built in Abeokuta

Yes! Although Christianity according to history was first taken to Benin in Nigeria, the first church ever built by missionaries in Nigeria is the St Peters cathedral Ake Abeokuta. The foundation was laid by Andrew Desalu Wilhem.
The Church is still there till today although a bigger Cathedral has been built beside it.

5.Abeokuta is the home of Adire, Batik and indigenous wears.

Ever seen beautiful adire, tie and dye or batik wears worn ? Abeokuta is its home. European textile merchants started importing these designs as shirting materials outside the Country years back, thereby strengthning the efforts and business of the Yoruba women in Abeokuta. Till today, if you want the best adire designs , get to Abeokuta.

ITS RESUMPTION TIME..

Now that the holidays are over, are you prepared for the new session? Or would you rather extend your holidays? I remember years back when I was in secondary school, I used to anxiously wait for holidays to end majorly because I was missing most of my friends but when it's Sunday night, a night to resumption I begin to wish I can re-start the holidays. Funny isn't it? But isn't that how we sometimes live our lives? We prepare for success , study, plan and acquire knowledge but when its time to further, move ahead or launch into the next level we grow weary, lazy or even take it for granted.

As a student, no matter how much you hate the idea of resuming you find yourself resuming this Is because one way or the other you don't want to be left behind. You don't want your mates to leave you in the same level. So you move, against all odds you rise, no matter how tired, weary or uninterested you get you don't stop moving you take tests  and you write exams to enable you get promoted.

So why are you still stalling over that great move or idea you have? Why are you afraid to do that one thing you know will launch you into your next stage? We all have a discerning spirit that tells us when something is right or wrong. Prepare to resume to the next level, even if you don't see it yet ,you are going higher!

Atelophobia

There is this thing about feelings of self respect and regard, this same thing is what makes it possible for praise singers to make money from singing praises of individuals, this same thing makes it possible for beggars or party drummers (Alagbe) to get tokens. This feelings appeal to that emotional side of the human mind, that part of the brain connected to self worth and of course it makes you feel good, having a feeling of importance, self worth makes one feel really good. I wouldn’t necessarily call it self esteem but then it is something like it. This same feeling must definitely be responsible for the constant urge to succeed and be perfect. So yes we all have the tendency to be atelophobic but of course at different levels and intensity.
The first time I learnt about atelophobia, I realized this is a phobia that can affect anybody no matter your class or status. It’s the fear of failure or being imperfect, funny how one can have an extreme or irrational fear of or serious aversion to imperfection. The idea of imperfection is subjective in the sense that sometimes only the sufferer can detect imperfection in a situation while those around may not see it. Why should anyone feel obliged to be perfect at all times?  Sufferers of this phobia become anxious when they fail at something or don’t do a task well, they are constantly faced with fear of criticism , not matching up to expectations and they think that not being perfect will make them unhappy. When faced with thoughts of imperfection the individual experiences physical symptoms, headache, elevated heart rate, increased respiratory rate, sweating and generalized muscle tension. Believe me this is real. Unfortunately sufferers are mostly known to be intelligent and smart but the perfectionist and obsessive nature of their personality dominates thereby making them susceptible to this phobia. Worse still is the fact that this phobia is majorly born out of the sufferer’s thoughts and the symptoms and effects appears when these thoughts of not having a perfect idea or not being able to act perfectly in a situation appears.
Psychologists have traced its causes and roots to childhood and parent upbringing in some people. Most of us that were born in the 80s and 90s will bear witness of the fact that our parents always drive us to do more to ascertain perfection. Some parents keep comparing their children with others who seem like the perfect model, sometimes at occasions when it seems we’ve not acted ‘well behaved or perfect enough’ our mothers make faces at us or call us names or in some cases beat us when we get home.

All these are recorded in the cognitive domain and psycho motor domain. This increases the feelings of self consciousness in some people and the unnecessary quest to be perfect at all times. Truly our mothers had good intentions but then the brain works in funny ways. For other people its criticism, have you ever been terribly criticized such that you cried? Yes constant negative criticisms can be a fertile ground for atelophobia. It’s like a personal flaw which the sufferer battles secretly.


Having said all these, we all have personal flaws; no one is perfect or seemingly angelic. We all are human beings and we do not always know which way to go.  I am not saying we shouldn’t seek perfection in the things we do, but we must not make it an obsession, even patience is regarded as a Godly virtue. Things do not always happen the way we want it, but atelophobic or not, if we can just take life easy and calmly, setting priorities and achievable goals as well as practicing consistency against all odds or challenges, we will overcome and definitely reach our desired goals..