The Argument

[3min Read]

Now hold up for a second.

I know what you're thinking. Okay, maybe not - since I'm not a mind-reader. But I do assume that once you saw the title of this article, what came to mind was violent, rash verbal exchanges revolving around ego and immediate abandonment of home training.

But no, I meant non-violent arguments. Debates. Where an exchange and interaction of ideas and viewpoints take place.

It doesn't have to be a "I'm right, and you're wrong" scenario, or a competition for who can hurl the most colorful insult. Because I've noticed that's what happens in a lot of arguments. One person gets vexed by the opinion of the other - or his/her personal inability to reply with a logical intelligent comeback, and thus tosses the nastiest verbal attack that comes to mind. All of a sudden; a peaceful but tense argument becomes a fight between two pigs rolling around in the cafeteria, or in the comment section of some social media platform.

The Wisdom of The Grey

[4 min Read]

I was in a conference December last year, when I heard this line from one of the speakers - "The Wisdom of 'The Grey' must be passed on to the young". It was said grandly, to reverberating cheers booming across the halls from the older attendees. Old people do quite love being told that they are "right" and they "know what they're doing". However, it is a line I wholeheartedly agree with. But it is also a line that I find to be exceptionally dangerous, if misused or misunderstood.

From a personal experience, you see, I am very careful when I give out advice to people - especially generalized advice, because of how incorrectly it can be taken out of context, or misunderstood or even abused.

Take for example the statement, "It is good to spice your food, to make it tasty". This is true for the most part. But not so much if the 'food' in question is tea, or ice cream. And then again, different spices are used for different foods - which makes the application of that advice more complicated unless you know what you're doing.

The Boychild

[3min Read]

"The Girlchild"
From when I was a young child, this term surrounded my social consciousness as the most important matter of our time.

There was fighting against their rapes, against their lack of recognition, against their lack of opportunity, against constant abuse and neglect. Everyday I would hear and see motivational quotes and messages, aimed at them. Telling them to be strong. To be brave. That they were treasures.

And then one day I wondered. Why was no-one talking about the boys? The men. Of whatever age and status.

Talk Talk!

[7 min read]

In this time and age where the spread of information can almost be compared to the speed of light, it is of utmost importance that the contents of our message be tested and true. Words, spoken or put up on media platforms, are like eggs; once said, they cannot be taken back. When you understand the importance of your words and how it can make or mar a person, an idea or a product, then I guess you understand how well to use them.

IMAGINE THAT

[6 min read]

At my chapel door every Sunday, there is a basket of small cards at the door from which worshippers are to pick from; and this Sunday, I picked a card that read – ‘If you can’t win even in your own imagination, then you are a very special loser. Your imagination is your wining ground. No man born of a woman should be able to defeat you there. Be positive…have a victorious mindset! Proverbs 23:7 For has he thinks in his heart, so is he’.

Twerkmaster

[3min Read]

I find it funny when people get angry that a lot of youths seem so obsessed with dancing in multiple shakes and bounces. They get angry that youths aren't "working hard" or "reading hard" all the time.

But the funny thing is, they're actually the people who often promote this obsession in the first place, albeit indirectly.

Think about it like this. When you go to a childrens' party, or any adult event where children happen to attend as well, have you never realized that the only thing they often ask children to do are dance competitions? We actively promote a culture where dancing is given so much extreme emphasis, and rewarded more than almost anything. Why else will they end up in constant worship of body movements?

Waiting for FRIDAY

[10 min read]

Akin was a 400 level Nursing student.

Between clinical postings, preliminary project, assignments, studying to be the first best male student in his department and the self-imposed responsibility of outdoing all his senior siblings, he had no time to do the things he loved. He looked forward to the weekends when he could rest and do some of these things, but then, his weekends weren't always free too, because all his academic activities still ate into his weekends.

Hating Catfish

[3min Read]

One day when I was in 300 level in the university, I went to go see a potential "interest" of mine - who I had met on Facebook, in a class at the school. So I gingerly went with excitement in my heart and seeds of butterflies in my stomach. From her profile picture, and other photos I had seen, she was gorgeous. I hadn't known her for long, but I believed myself lucky - someone with a beautiful, open mind and "stunning looks". So I peeked into the class eagerly, looking for the girl I had seen in the pictures. I didn't see her. But I did see someone who could not possibly be the girl I'd been so interested in meeting.

I thought to myself, "Maybe she's late". So I sent a text, "Where are you?". Then she sent back a reply "I'm here in the class". Then she turned back to stare at me. At that moment, terror gripped my heart.

Definite Love Of My Life

[5 min read]

You are unique, oh, very much so in your way.
Your shape, your feel in my arms.
I'm no racist, but your colour puts others to shame.
I smack my lips in delight, my pupils dilate and I drool at your sight.

Correct Me Not

[2min Read]

"Are you stupid? How could you throw it away?"

I've seen a lot of people abuse others (usually children) in the name of "correcting" them. I believe this loosely relates to the local common belief that whoever can shout the loudest, or beat the hardest is correct, or is the "winner". And in a society like ours, where age is more important than truth or fairness, there is little that younger people can do to "win" or correct their elders/superiors.

African Big People

[3min read]

Hey. For the sake of this article, let’s define big people as adults and parents/ Aunties/ Uncles and all the other big people.

Now, many a times we see memes describing how African parents behave and react to certain situations and we laugh. Or those for the evil aunties who don’t mind their business. Yes, it is funny. I laugh myself. Different people have blown on different social medias due to these videos and memes that have been made on this subject matter. But while we laugh and point fingers back to certain people that we know behave in such manners, how many of us actually sit back and evaluate our own attitude?

My Bread Incinerator

[3 min read]

I had an idea once,

A wonderful idea I must say,

To have a bread factory working night and day.

The Old Dancer

[3min Read]

 

My favourite music artist of all time will probably always be Michael Jackson.

For many of you that know me personally, it would not be much of a surprise. For some of you it may be, as you may think I can't sing or dance - because it looks med school has turned me into a serious machine. (Not true by the way).

If you had asked me 10 years ago who the best dancer worldwide was, I would have replied with his name. I was amazed with his moves. I loved his music. I loved how bigger than life he seemed. How deeply people loved him, even people who knew nothing but his songs and his name. He was the innovator of dance, and he changed music forever.

Winning a lose-lose situation

[5 min read]

My dearest people, if it isn't too late to tell you Happy New Year, then, let me quickly add that this is your best year yet.

Please accept my apologies for writing to you this late into the month. See when 2018 was coming to a close, I pondered on what to serve my awesome readers at the start of the new year ,but I surprisingly came up with nothing. And when at the beginning of this year, I gave it more thought, all I came up with were the clichés of telling you how to spend your year.

I knew it was getting serious.

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.

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.

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.

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.