The Advice Column - The girl I like won't talk to me

(Submitted via IG @trjocialmedia)
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I have a problem, a big one.

There’s a girl I like and I’ve been toasting for like two months now, though I had to stop cuz of exam (carry over is not my portion). A few days before exam ended she surprised me though and said she wanted to meet on Friday night, the day before I was going home. I was all for it, something to enjoy before leaving school, but something now happened.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (The Buhari-Atiku Duel)

[5 min Read]
At the very height of the Late Sunny Okosun’s legendary career he did ask a question.  A question so relevant, in 2018, it rings loudly in our ears like an approaching Helicopter flying low. His words were, “…which way Nigeria?”

The Advice Column - Should I take Birthday Booze?

(Submitted via IG @trjocialmedia)
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Dear TRJ,
Not sure if I am supposed to write this in letter format or not, but whatever. There’s a small problem I have and I wanted to see if you guys could give me some advice.

My birthday is coming up and my friends want us to throw a party, at home of course. I would have never agreed if it was during school. The problem now is that they want to bring alcohol and I feel somewhat hesitant about doing that, since it would be my first time taking it.

The Advice Column - My Ex likes the same things and it's a problem

(Submitted via IG @trjocialmedia)
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Hey, um I heard about your advice column and I had some things I want to get off my chest so I figured I’d share them here since you’d be keeping me anonymous. I don’t really know if there’s a right way to do this, so I’ll just start from the beginning

I was dating this guy not too long ago, we had a lot of fun with each other and stuff, but it all came to an end eventually. We didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of important things, wait that’s not exactly it. He didn’t see the point in some of the things I thought were important and I also didn’t see the point in some of the things he thought were important too.

What She taught me

[3 min read]

This year, I was taught a very important lesson by my sister. I'm going to share it and keep it short.

See, I had just started my internship (as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate) after being home for almost a year and in the first few weeks, I was diligent.

Very diligent.

The Lion king 2019

[2min Read]

Disney released a trailer of a live-action reimaging of the Lion King. The film is scheduled to be released on July 19th, 2019 and millennials are feeling super nostalgic. The original lion king came out on June 1994 when millennials(myself included) were at the peak of  their Disney age and now we are being reminded of our childhood days

How To Be A Great Visitor

[4min Read]

I'm bout to teach you somethin' real good

Maybe you've been invited to stay over at someone's house. Maybe you desperately need a place to crash. Either way, these tips we're about to unleash on your innocent mind are just like Muhammad Ali.

THEY'RE THE GREATEST.
Now lets's begin the cooking of the sauce. First Things First.

1. Bring your own stuff.

Maybe not always like this kind of load though...

Try to have sense and carry everything you think you'll need to use while you're there. Your soap. Your towel. Your toothbrush. Your brain. While it is forgivable that you may have forgotten one or two things while packing, it's ridiculous to actively plan to make your host provide everything for you as if they're a pro-bono supermarket.

Memories... Left Buried

[1 min read]

I hate going to the mall,

Not because I hate the mall,

But because it reminds me of You.

Into The Deep

[1min read]

Look,
Look into the deep,
Look through the deep into the core

Heroes

[2min Read]

I never knew my father,
But I had heard from my mother,
That he was the best hero there ever was,
With his smile he ended wars.

Let's Imagine

[2 min Read]

Let's imagine I could face my fears;
Do it today against all odds,

My Take on Acrimony

[5 min read]

So, I finally watched Acrimony-hold on, don't close the tab or leave this page just yet. It has become a touchy movie some people would rather avoid and while I can understand the ravings, I think they are quite unnecessary.
Anyways, if we must apportion blame, let's do it right 😁

The Independent Heart - TRJ Photoshoot

[3min Read]

So we decided to throw open the door of opportunity and sponsor a mass photoshoot for anyone who wants free professional photographs of themselves, to celebrate the independence day of Nigeria.

There was only one rule. Wear white and green.

Let's take a look at some of the people who turned up for the event, and those we found worthy of your views.

Sunday Style - Episode 7

[2min Read]

Welcome back to SUNDAY STYLE! This is Episode 7! We're starting off a lil smaller than usually, but you know we're only getting bigger and better as every day goes by. If you weren't here in today's episode, make sure you look for our spectacular photographers next week and show your shine into the camera. Check out what we have for this week...

Nigeria

[3min Read]

By Jesulayomi Oyelami

Once upon a time, there was a country, nameless and void of development, built on the heritage of its people but left in the hands of explorers to do as they pleased. Over time, it became "eye candy", inviting to the 'colonial masters', who gifted her slavery in the form of 'development'. Amazed by this gift, she took it, and believed in it, until it dawned on her that she‘s worth far more than the value they had offered.

Now, in this day and time, there is a country, broken free from colonial shackles - but bound by the slavery she bought herself, many years ago.

The Presidency's Saraki Problem

[A 5 min read]

Disclaimer I’m absolutely not a fanboy of the subject of this article. Resist any temptation to get it twisted.

Pay attention.

I don’t envy the President and the Presidency. They’ve got a problem. A monstrous one. A problem the size of frilled shark.

SUNDAY STYLE - EPISODE 6

[3min Read]

Welcome back to SUNDAY STYLE! This is Episode 6! We're starting off a lil smaller than usually, but you know we're only getting bigger and better as every day goes by. If you weren't here in today's episode, make sure you look for our spectacular photographers next week and show your shine into the camera. Check out what we have for this week...

First; This lovely couple. Or least we think they're a couple, they've shaa got smiles like a sunny day.

Sports Weekly - Part 1

[2min read]

Liverpool defeat Spurs as unbeaten run continues.

The weekend started with a top-of-the-table clash as Liverpool defeated Tottenham hotspurs in a thrilling clash on Saturday. Wijunaldum scored the first goal for Liverpool and Firmino came through with a belter to put Liverpool two nil up; Lamela  scored a late goal to setup a tense finale.

It was also a good week for the top teams in the football leagues as most of them won, asides Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 with Athletic Bilabo over the weekend. In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo, popularly known as ‘ororo’, scored his first and second goals for Juventus on Saturday against Sassuolo.

Why We Can't Be Friends

[4min Read]

I've heard a lot of girls complaining that guys they reject don't want to be friends, and immediately cut off all communication and effort once they say "No".

Honestly, I'm a bit confused as to how this is a problem. So before I ask you ladies out there to explain, let me briefly educate you on the mental position of the 'testosterone blessed' population, on relationships.

You Can Be President

[3min read]

I just read this story on how a daughter was raised and decided to share it.
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My Dad always sounds it in my ears "Simi, you must be tough. Being girlish and being ladylike is not an excuse for weakness". This he still says to all of us.

All the children were raised to do the "masculine" as well as the "feminine" tasks. My sisters and I started winding up a 15KVA generator as soon as we got one. I learnt how to wash a car (internal and external) before the age of 16.

I started learning driving immediately after secondary school. My Dad told me that before he allows me drive out independently, that I must learn to change car tyres.

I remember I was forming 'ajebutter' and my Dad said to me "If you are driving on a lonely highway and you need to change your tyre, what would you do? You will have to get down and change it.... that's the 'common sense' thing to do. It's a survival skill for drivers.

Leonardo's Hands

[1 min read]

Wedding bells you see

Rang so loud this morning.

Open up those doors,

Let her walk in slow.

Everyone watches as her face glows,

There she is. My wife by tomorrow.

10 Important Things For The Final Year Student

[4min Read]

It's here! It's here! It's finally here!!

No... I don't mean this amazing mind-blowing and probably orgasmic article. (Yes I can use the word 'orgasmic' because you should be mature enough to handle it now. Yay! Adulthood.)

What I mean is your Final Year. After all this while. Maybe it's the 4th year. Or the 5th year. Or the 10th. To God be the glory in all your cases.

I'm sure you're wondering what we could possibly be telling full grown adults of your age and status. ('Weh done' sirs). But please be humble with us and go through our list of 10 things every final year student should do.

Indeed, this is Nigeria.

[5min Read]

An Article by Solomon Ibekwe


In the next six decades or more, when Folarin “ Falz the Bahd Guy” Falana would have his rich, dark beards replaced with glistening white ones, when his bones and muscles must have terribly lost their energetics and vibrancy, when his poor eyesight must have compelled him to get rid of his lens-less glasses for bold, rimmed and drug laden ones, and when the candle light of his life will falter helplessly like a white washed leaf, he should be commemorated as one of the greatest Nigerian entertainers of the 21st Century.

Vibes - Part 1

She loved me.

She really did… but not just the way I wanted. And I loved her too. Unrequited love was a bad religion. But it didn't matter as much as protecting her, and I wondered if I could, this time.

You see, she was a magnet.  A magnet for trouble. She loved the rush, the danger and everything that came with it. I despised it. We were polar opposites. She always exhumed confidence and brilliance. I was a shadow in the background - even the cameras couldn't catch me. I was non-existent.

I'll never know how - was it coincidence, or fate; a series of fortunate events or destiny? But this is our story.

Something For The Cold

[3min Read]
We are currently  being blessed with more cold and wet days than the hot or dry ones in this part of the world. As such, i decided to share this amazing recipe perfect for the cold days - Yam Peppersoup
         

It is a spicy South South delicacy and perfect for the cold because it leaves you feeling refreshed and warm so much that it is considered by many as a remedy for cold or flu.

Unpopular Opinion - The Rule of Laughter

[4min Read]

Today I opened up my WhatsApp status and saw the same thing on almost 20 different statuses. Color blocking combinations by 100L students of ABUAD.

For those not aware - in my university, students are mandated to wear specific colors that represent their colleges. Green for engineering, White & Black for Law, Blue for social management sciences etc etc.

Now, you have to realize. Not all individuals are blessed with understanding on fashion, color matching and the art of LOOKING GOOD. Take me for example. I wore a school uniform for 6 years of my life, and didn't really have to worry about cool outfits since I didn't go anywhere outside school, church and a few occasions my parents would make me attend.

When They Don't Love You Back

[5min Read]

It took me a while to understand that not everyone that I'm attracted to, will be attracted to me back.

A very long while. I had to go through depression, numerous rejections, wrong decisions, bad advice and a rollercoaster of worldview changes to understand that.

And the end of it all is a single simple point. We are all human. We want what we want. And sometimes we simply can't help it.

Being a BUT

[4 min read]

In a world where things literally have gone upside down, being true to who you are and letting the world know is a risky risk. 

I know the world is messed up, and finding good people is like taking the ring to Mount Doom in Mordor 😎. There are, however, good people. You may have met some, you may be one. I bet you've even met some in unexpected places right? Well, I am one of the good ones (😭😭😭is someone doubting me??) and boy, have I had issues with other good people-good people with bad experiences. Really bad experiences.

Respect - Worldwide

[4min Read]

I was in the hospital ward one day when a fellow student bumped into another student behind him. He turned around in shock, apologizing profusely - "I'm sorry sir". His hands raised up in a sorry pose. When he had turned around, and recognized that it wasn't a doctor he bumped into, he immediately frowned and shouted "You de mad?"

ARTHAUS CENTRAL BROADCAST 📢

Good day everyone!

If you're reading this, then please help us spread the word! The ArtHaus in conjuction with TRJ is calling on Poets, Spoken Wordists and Rappers in ABUAD to sign up for ABUAD's first ever Poetry, Spoken Word and Rap Slam

Theme: *This is Nigeria* - a poetic debate on the Nigerian State, featuring Poetry, Rap, Spoken Word, Music, Dance, and More

Projected Date: 1st weekend in October

Venue: Alfa Belgore Hall, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti

Prizes:
1st - ₦25k
2nd - ₦15k
3rd - ₦10k

10 people with "Dem Dey Rush Us" status

[3min Read]

"Come Back", we need you!!

You know how we've been hearing about beauty queens, fine boys and social media fakers shouting up and down about who is rushing them?

Well you know we do things different at TRJ, so we're giving you ten unconventional types of people, "wey we dey actually rush pass"

Storyteller - It's Not Fair

[4min Read]

Her name was Rose Aliko. She was a multimillionaire. Her peers and staff described her as the most joyous person they'd ever met. Always kind and helpful, sacrificing whatever she could for those who needed it, and always reaching for new heights.

Today, she was going to visit him. It was a tradition. She wouldn't miss it for the world. When she got there, she laid the flowers down, as she smiled and told him "Happy Birthday". She did this every year. Wore a nice dress. Sprayed perfume. Wore pretty makeup and drove by herself to meet him.

"Happy birthday", she would tell him. There was no reply as always. But it was okay. She was used to it. She didn't expect much anyways - because as always, she was only here to give and give and give. She saw nothing wrong with it. She was happy this way.

She recalled the first time they met. Ten years ago, on a bridge in the city. It was not a romantic meeting. You see, she had been trying to kill herself.

When Man meets Woman

[1min Read]

When man meets woman, it's fate as far as the eye can see,

Its destiny wielded by all forces earth, fire and sea.

Lying About Nigeria

[3min Read]

*Drumroll*

You know how people like saying rubbish about certain countries? All the stereotypes that really aren't true? Like how everyone in America loves guns and wears cowboy boots, or everyone in England had teatime by 12pm?

You people will believe anything.

The Surprise Test!

[3min Read]

Surprise Surprise

First off, I'd want to thank TRJ for deeming my true(life) story fit to be shared on the platform, I'm tremendously honored. 

PS; I'm a huge fan, y'all are wonderful wordsmiths and I would want to write marvelously like y'all when I grow up... keep it up

Dealing with Failure

[1 min read]

I was five when it happened,
It was at my aunty's wedding - the one that never smiled.

The usher had passed it to me without a second glance,
A hurried look on her face, like she had other things to attend to.

I didn't mind because I had gotten it.
It was a souvenir, a fan shaped like a hand.

DEFEATED NOT. (Final Episode)

[4min Read]

{We are finally on the final episode of Defeated Not. Yaaaaay. Thank you for sticking with Fona to the end of her journey. We really will like to know what you think. 
Alright, let's get right into it.}

‘You see, about 18 months ago, Segun fell really ill and we took him to the hospital. Our doctor, I’m sure you know him he has been here few times, diagnosed him with leukemia.’

‘What is leukemia?’
‘It is the cancer of the blood.’

‘Oh.'

The Fight

[2 mins read]

There are words too full in my mouth.
Too heavy in my chest.
These are words I can't express.
I've tried to swallow but I can't digest.

Ice block sold here

‘Ice block sold here’,

Marks the gate,

Red and black with spikes on the fence,

Scared men away,

Good thing I’m not a man then.

Drop Your Phone!! But after reading this though...

[5min read]

Is your phone the first thing you pick up in the morning? And also the last thing you use at the night ? Do you always have your phone with you? And do you feel empty/bored without it? Are you checking the DM during a BM?

Are you on Facebook when "U suppose de face book"? (Ok that was just terrible) anyways, if yes, oh boy! You are addicted to your phone and it's time to ♬ cut it, cut it (woah), cut  it (yeah). ♬

10 Weird things Nigerians eat.

[4mins read]

It is no exaggeration when it's said that Nigerians will eat anything and everything; Except each other though. After reading this, you'll quite agree with me. Below is a list of 10 weird items consumed by Nigerians:

1. Winged Termites

....yum?

My mum would always relate memories of collecting these creatures as a kid. They are weirdly attracted to fluorescent lights and often congregate around the lights during nightfall. They come out of the bush en masse when rain falls and start circling around any source of light that they see.

Nigerians pack them and roast them with salt inside the pot. The white fluid that sometimes comes out of them is not pleasing to the eye. However, it is claimed to be extremely delicious and crispy.

Switch Summer Camp

The Switch Summer Camp is almost here!! Make sure you don;t let your kids/wards miss this great opportunity, Give them some exposure to some fantastic experience team-working skills, and self-development, Let them know that Nigeria still has a lot to offer, and that they are spectacular.

This camp with set them up for nothing less than absolute greatness.
Give them everything they need, now while you can.

It's never too early to build a very bright future.
[Check out the video for more details]

A Letter To The Dead

[1 min read]

Dear Bola,

Monday the 18th was supposed to be the best day of my life,
It was our wedding day.
Supposed to be anyway.
That was the day I got the heart breaking news,
Bola was dead.

The Perfect Friend

[1 min read]

Boys and girls in the streets,
Laughing, joking, singing and dancing,
Making memories in the sun,
The summer sun in mid August.


Friends they think they really are,
Friends they think they have,
Friends they hope will never leave,
Friends who will still move from west to east.

The Transformation of a Story

[5 min Read]

What happened;
George was helping Cynthia carry her books back to the hostel, because she wasn't feeling too well. She's not sure what possessed her to carry all these books today. But at least someone was kind enough to help her with them back to her hostel.

She and George talked while walking, and she realized he was a pretty cool guy. They hadn't really had much of a conversation before today. Along the way they passed Henry, and she turned her head away from him because she really didn't want to deal with his stress right now. He had been asking her out for a while now, and she had turned down his advances because she wasn't even interested in a relationship right now. She had quite a lot to do and achieve - and she was excited about the future.