Uncertainty....

Uncertainty is an unknown information, unsure situation and a dicey circumstance. It's a condition in which most of us find ourselves in, in our journey through life. How often we experience Uncertainty depends on how daring, withdrawn or complacent we are. If we give in to uncertainty, we may make wrong decisions, taking the wrong turn and it may ruin things.

For every action there is an equal opposite reaction and for every challenge or unpleasant situation there is a solution. How do we act and overcome when faced with uncertainty?

* Since the reason you are uncertain in the first instance is because you do not know what to do, then do nothing... WAIT and be PATIENT. Do not make hasty decisions

* Weigh the situation, decide the things you can control and those you can't control in the circumstances.

* After separating them, put aside the things you can't control and focus on those you have control over.

* Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of making each decision appearing to you concerning the things you can control.

* Avoid being Paranoid, choose the wisest option

*Breathe and relax, in the end situations  are not as hard and complicated as they first appear.

* if you believe in Prayers, please pray.

This is a practical step that eventually works in different ways for different people, but it is my believe that taking gradual steps to solving issues eventually help get solutions faster and easier.

Sango to Abeokuta ( The estranged driver)

I  knew I had to go home that day but time wasn’t on my side at all.My then workplace was one where you hardly got permission to get away from work, whether you had genuine reasons or not you have to be at work till closing hours, except of course you lie.

As at six thirty pm I had no means of transportation from work to the park. I was beginning to worry, anxiety had set in. But not long after , I saw a free bike coming towards passengers on the road not minding the amount that was likely to

be charged I got on the bike to the nearest bus stop. From there I took a bus to the Sango bus park. I boarded another bus to Sango by then it was few mins to 8pm and I knew it was going to be very dark before I get home. At Sango I was desperate to get a vehicle fast , I saw cars but there was no passenger in it so I took a bus which had space for one left. I felt lucky and got in thinking the bus would move in a twinkle of an eye. On sitting down I realized I had made a wrong choice, the seat was so uncomfortable and worst of all the bus refused to move. They kept sorting out dues to transport workers as is their usual practice. As I shifted and tried to feel a bit comfortable on the seat a voice in my head told me "wouldn’t you get down and find another vehicle?" As I contemplated on getting down the young man beside me , as if reading my thoughts adjusted and accommodated me, he even took the pain to enjoin others to make room for me I was grateful so I readjusted on my seat . The conductor came and I thought he was one of those young kids who had no tfare and wanted to manage as a stowaway in the bus. But “kekere” as he was called started demanding money from passengers. He was truly small like the name implied and I began to wonder what manner of human being makes a kid his conductor? It was sort of too late for me to get down the bus had already moved and kekere totally forgot to collect money from me, rather he offered me change. I looked at him and said “kekere, you haven’t collected my tfare and you are offering me change” as I handed him my transport fare the other passengers of the bus began to call him all manner of names and they thanked me for being honest. All these while the driver said nothing, kekere tapped him and called “kowope, take your money” he spoke in Yoruba and handed all the money to the man. “kowope” I thought within me what a name…..


It wasn’t long before my fears of having  boarded a wrong bus was confirmed. Kowope began to drive extremely slow, he was so slow such that people in the bus began to complain , a lot of comments were passed. Suddenly he stopped at a point near a bush, Kowope still didn’t say anything he got down from the driver seat,  poured water into the radiator which was already over heating. As much as people lamented , kowope said nothing. We got back in and continued the journey in the same sluggish manner despite time wasn’t on our side. Kowope still didn’t utter a word. I began to think he was dumb. kekere tried to warn the passengers in the bus silently , he looked at me and said to me in a hush hush voice in Yoruba” kowope isn’t well, he was overspeeding in the last journey we made” I looked at him as he was seating almost opposite me and I wondered what was he saying… this so called kowope guy is obviously a dumb sluggish man. I ignored the warning even though I wasn’t part of the complaints team. Then suddenly, Kowope got to a bend and he engaged the gear and only God knew where the speed came from.

He began to overspeed, it was already few minutes to 9pm and every where was dark there were a few  cars also ahead and kowope nearly ran into them. Everyone’s song changed in the bus, we began to plead with kowope to slow down . we were no longer in a hurry but kowope as usual heard nothing.

I began to say prayers in my heart , kowope started overtaking cars recklessly on the express, the young man seated beside me held on to his bag and kept mute.  He had a very stern look on his face such that I didn’t know if he was afraid or . The lady next to him was screaming Jehovah ! Jehovah !!  there was all manner of screaming from behind in the bus and just within a twinkle of an eye a miracle prevented Kowope from colliding with a trailer. Kekere sat there in front  of me,  a bit shaken but not a shaken as other passengers. It was dark but I saw that he had this “I told you so face”. He gently stood stretched across towards driver Kowope and rubbed his arm , he spoke in yoruba “ Kowope, its okay, we will soon be home.” Kowope was calm for the rest of the journey.

As each passenger got down at their bus stops they gave thanks to God for life. No one uttered any complaints again. Kowope uttered not a single word all through the journey. I got down at the final bus stop and said to myself, I have to write about this.

Note: This is a true life story, not every driver on the road is sane.

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.