What has become of us...?

I still maintain the fact Nigeria will change for the better despite contrary belief but of recent I've had to ask myself some questions such as "How bad do we have to get to become good?", "Will this change happen in my lifetime?" and many more of that sort.

I see the father figures of our times who will one day head families and its saddening to see that there's a lot of distraction and misplacement of values these days. The other day I was listening to Inspiration FM and a woman was almost in tears of how she learnt to tolerate her husband who always verbally abused and put her morale down. She made a statement that she had to learn to treat him as who he should be and not what he currently was. I'm thinking at the same time and asking myself if I should see Nigeria this way too.

Should I see my country for its numerous potential untapped? Should I believe in the youths of today as the leaders of tomorrow? Where have we missed it and how did we get here?
My heart goes out to the souls that were lost in the Helicopter crash. May their gentle souls rest in peace.

This Friday I was on my way home, a bit late though and as a friend dropped me at the bus-stop, I knew I had to walk briskly. I almost got robbed by these men who started walking towards me until I crossed to the other side of the road and took this God-sent bus to a taxi park to take me home. Such is the state of things, kidnapping is the order of the day, corruption is a comedy episode for us.

Numerous innocent souls have lost their lives on Nigerian soil caused by our own negligence and we think we can attain quick fixes by prayers and fasting alone. Even God told us to settle grudges with our fellow neighbours before approaching His presence.How much more, the lives lost so far.

2 Chron. 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

We have blood stains on our hands, it's time we rethink our priorities.
When we read the sad news of innocent people being kidnapped, dying, we should bear in mind that it could have been us. Our witnessing of a new day is another chance at life, a chance to change the plight of someone, a chance to shine our lights to repel the looming darkness.

All we can do is either be a part of the change and/or pray for the change agents. God bless Nigeria!

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Is Chivalry Dead?

I write this with great worry and concern...lol.
Okay, firstly I'm posting this from my e-mail so pardon me if it doesn't come out well formatted. Uggh! Phone typing is just major stress but I'll try as I don't want this to go just like that.
So back to the topic which is as clear as can be and I'll appreciate your honest feedback. I ask again, 'Is Chivalry dead???' Or is it on life support?
("Chivalry - the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms...")
So what prompted this post is the seemingly subtle yet obvious rebellion against the 'perfect gentleman'. I had a discussion with a friend of mine and we drifted into guys being gentlemanly and all and she just poured out her mind of how she can't just stand a guy acting all nicey and opening doors for her and the unbearable chair-pulling stunts at the dinner table, to mention a few.
I remember Relentless' recent post on if there was existence of the Perfect Nigerian Gentleman.
Another scenario was in a church setting where the topic of what a guy looks for in a lady and vice versa was discussed. It was clear from the various opinions that most ladies were not fans of the 'Mr Nice' type of guy. In fact, the results took me aback and I was forced to think and come up with logical reasons to support why that was so.
We're in the times where trends show women breaking grounds in areas formerly seen as male territory in Career, business, government and many more sectors.
I personally offered to help a lady carrying two bags (laptop bag and handbag) with her laptop bag but she refused. Same lady, same scenario, different day, I gladly did not bother offering to help carry the bag as I guessed what the response would be. This time around she asked why I didn't go ahead to offer to help.
Shocked I gave the reason which was as result of the previous 'elah' and we laughed about it but she suggested that I should still had asked.
Men are natural protectors and want to show off that part of themselves to women by offering assistance to do some things for them. Although motives could vary, but I still think its cool to accept help when its offered.
So do you think Chivalry is dead? On life support? Or its has just simply been redefined in this present times.
Would love to hear your views...
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

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Blogging and my hiatus

It's been a constant struggle trying to put up a post for more than a month now.

Before I go on, I'm really sorry for the long silence. I thought it not wise to just put up something here without visiting your blogs so I had to do a lil visit round almost all the blogs I follow.

As you can see, we changed skin o, hehehe. Please help fill in the poll by the right sidebar. I'll appreciate it a lot!

Lots have happened in the past few days, my birthday, stress from everyday life, an encounter with a Sierraleonean  refugee, to mention a few.
I was ranting to a friend just this weekend of the number of things I was juggling and was advised to focus on things that matter. Blogging for me is one and you guys have just been super-duper awesome.

Hopefully, I've resumed fully now by God's grace. Wish you guys a lovely week ahead and stay tuned for some juicy stuff.

P.S.: Please let me know in the comments what you feel can be improved on. Thanks!

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Meeting a blogger + The big picture

It's a new week and I'm positive about how great it's going to be.

One of the highlights for blogging for me has always been meeting fellow bloggers face-to-face and I think it gets a lil more interesting when you see a familiar face and you wondering where you knew the person from.

So I saw a fellow blogger last week. Yay! Precisely Feyi (@msdawari) and I was shocked at first, cuz it was a bit dark at that time and I probably did not expect anyone to recognize someone you haven't met physically that easy at night. Twas fun really. Can wait to meet the rest of you in blogsville...(you know yourselves shebi ;-)  )

About that trip to the Equity Resort...Yah it was another round of fun again.

I think I'd define my weeks so far as a bit on the edge as I've been overwhelmed with things to do.

But in all I learnt something from a book I'm currently reading 'Thinking for a Change' by John Maxwell. It called the 'Big Picture thinking'.
It sure helps you put things in perspective as you tend to have the big picture in mind which might be a goal we want to aspire to reach in life or a dream desire. Big picture thinking helps you engage in activities that are productive in achieving that goal.

Big Picture thinking would make an aspiring writer find time to read and write in the midst of 'activities'.
Big Picture thinking would make an aspiring fashion designer start scouring fashion mags and blogs to widen his/her view.

Thing is we could get so muddled up with activities that we forget why and what we were called to 'be'. That is actually the big picture. It must always be in-view.

Here's one of the pinshurs...

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MIA Series: Pt 3 - Beach Resort Trip

So this will be the final in the series I started in my last two posts.

You guys totally have given me another name based on the forgetful act I executed on my friend's wedding. Hehe, it's not as bad as it may have seemed though. And don't change your mind of inviting me to your wedding. Noooooo! Jellof wice must not pass me by.

Throughout last month, I was operating on a funny dimension where I engaged in a lot of activities but just couldn't find reasonable time for the things that mattered. I felt exhausted almost everytime when I just think of the fact that I had blogged over a month ago.

So I had this opportunity to join a group of people in church for a trip to Eko Tourist Beach Resort (a.k.a. Akodo beach) which lasted for 2 and a half days. Twas the definition of F.U.N.!

Day 1
The hyper side of me couldn't wait to extract all the fun so I dashed to the football pitch as we arrived...in hot Akodo sun...
25 minutes later, you should have seen me panting like a goat that just drowned.

On the pitch few minutes after arrival

Just so you know, the picture below shows how hyper I was...:-D



Me on ze right in ze air catching ze wind!

At evening time, my tummy had started singing the Symphony of Beethoven in Waffi language. Luckily, lunchinner (lunch + dinner) was about to be served...

Me with ze striped Tees...

Day 2 (Saturday)
Early morning aerobics, Beach jogging, team build activities and many more took place. I learnt one aerobic routine that dealt with my thighs for a week. Gush! Exercise is gewd I must say!

One of the Team build activities on 'Trust'

Here you had to blindfold someone who was your partner in front and the person was meant to fall backwards with the assurance and trust that you'll catch him/her.

I learnt a lot from this exercise. Sometimes in life we just have to learn to trust people...over time.

In the night, we had camp fire, ate barbeque (stole from people's plates while being chased around), danced through the night, sat on the sand with new-found friends, gisted a lot and collected contacts.(Yes...contacts *wink*)

We visited the site where Obafemi Awolowo was kept under house arrest in those days (before independence I guess, not sure). But I saw the clothes he wore, his shoes (nice leather ones), the bath tub he used then...everything well-preserved.


The Fashola-refurbished site where Awo was kept

Asides the fun and visits, we also had the chance to give stuff to the people around the Akodo community. Things like school bags, food, blankets, mosquito nets and the Word was shared with them. I felt fulfilled atr this point. The high point was where I was selected to conduct an interview with the Onilekki of Lekki alongside the organizers. I held the mic with a camera facing me and delivered. Hehe, I hope I can have access to the video to share with you guys.

The sea-side

 

 

The goodies shared

Day 3 (Sunday)
Departure :-(

Saw a movie, packed our bags and set out for our various homes. I HAD FUN.

As a follow-up to this nice experience, I would be visiting the Equity Resort (Ijebu-Ode) soon and visit somewhere I've never been to outside Lagos. *fingers crossed*

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MIA Series: Pt 2 - The wedding and forgetfulness

I must say with all sincerity that the highlight of my week was reading the comments from you guys on my last post.

You people sha know how to make someone's head swell ehn. Okay lemme confess small: When I put up the post, I felt like it just did not sound right to just badge in, out of the blues and be expecting comments. But you all just proved that blogsville still remains a family. Family always accepts you.

I've been to some blogs and hope to visit more to know what y'all have been up to.

So I was given the cherished privilege to this wedding where I was asked to be on the grooms train (second time doing that *wears bad guy shades*)
Before the D-Day, groom had called series of meetings (about 3) with the guys & ladies on the train to discuss plans and all. You can guess that I didn't attend any. I really would have loved to with all sincerity.

Anyways, to cut long story short, I had set reminders on my BB, added the calendar, though I could not join the BB group cuz of my inactive BIS (been away for months, can't keep up with that thing. sheesh!).
In my head o, I sha knew it was August 18 and I relied on my phone who happens to double as my PA, to remind me.

Friday, August 17, best man calls me to remind me of the wedding by 9am tommorrow. I was happy.
But I think in the midst of my excitement, I mistook 'tommorrow' as 'next week'.

So I woke up on this beauriful saturday, checked the time...8am...checked the date...18th...somethinng didn't feel right...na so reminder just pop up! SEYI'S WEDDING - 1hour to go. I.WAS.MAD. 8:10am already

1 minute - Brush
2 minutes - Baff
7 minutes - Look for shoe all around the room
2 minutes 32 secs - Wear cloth (Luckily, I had those ready as I'd ironed for the week)

(8:22am)

28 secs - Rush out of out house
1 minute - Rush back to grab address (Luckily again I had checked directions on Google Maps the previous week)

Discovered the place was just 15 minutes drive from Ikeja. I.WAS.HAPPY
8:40am. I was there! Just in time for the pictures:

That's me walking in. Mr Latecomer

Has this happened to you guys before. Forgetting about a very important event? Or getting late to a very important meeting or date. Would like to know if this has happened before or I need to go for therapy. lol.

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MIA Series: Pt 1 - What I've been up to.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

Where do I start from sef. I know right! You don't need to say it *dodges shoe*

I was at at point beginning to think it was some e-curse that I had contracted which actually is part of the reasons I've been inactive for quite a while. I truly missed blogging and I will tell you in actual fact that I made attempts to blog but end up dumping it as the words didn't just always feel right.

(Did I mention I have perfectionism tendencies?)

It's a strength and a big weakness and I've decided to write something however it may sound (to me).

Highlights of where I've been, what I've been up to and what I've learnt; which I'll be talking more in-depth about in series include:

- Finishing 1 and a half books ('Rules of Work' - Richard Templar & 'How Stupidity Saved My Life' - Okechukwu Ofili)

- Hanging out at a beach resort for a couple of days

- Attending September Edition of the 'Loudthotz Poetry Reading'

- Visiting the Boys' Remand Home in Oregun with an NGO

- Being on the groom's train on a wedding

Anyways these are just about the major events that I have been involved in which I'll just talk about with the aim of sharing some things with you.

Hopefully, the writing jinx is broken. I feel the rush already and I'm optimistic about what lies ahead on the writing horizon. (LOL! I made that up, sounds cooool).

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Happy New Month! + 2nd Anniversary Audio Shoutout

Happy New Month to y'all!!! May this August bring you all the good things you desire. Amen.

As you all know, today marks our 2nd year anniversary at Mikesfrequency. Here's the Audio shoutout below. :-) Enjoy!

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My Awesome weekend + Blog Anniversary

Yes! Just as the title shows, I had an awesome weekend! Not exaggerating.
Highlight of it was that I finally met Myne Whitman.


Myne and I @ the 'Book N Gauge' event

Friday
--------
I concluded on a project that I'd been on for a while which was a big relief. Headed to a friend's house only to find out that Olympics Opening Ceremony was showing.

Did you guys see the epic jump by the 'Queen'. LOL! Tim Berners-Lee's appearance (Inventor of the WWW)! Mohammed Ali's appearance? Mr Bean's performance... O_O *faints*, David Beckham on that boat.?

Sports sure unites nations. It was a sensational opener (Sure you know that). And what do you guys think of our Team Nigeria Athletes? They looked gorgeous shey.

So I hear D'Tigers have made a statement win by beating Tunisia in the Basketball while a couple of other athletes have dropped out in some events. Watch out for our first-ever Nigerian canoeist, John Akinyemi.

Saturday
----------

At the Book reading

I met Shai and Kaycee of Naija Stories at the book reading event 'Book 'N' Gauge' where I also met Myne Whitman.
After this, I visited this techie place with a couple of friends...Co-Creation Hub Nigeria. Awesome for techies with startup ideas who need a space to work or just resources to collaborate with. You should check out their website. Cool place.

After this, I had Sharwarma I'd been looking forward to devouring after such a long while. Sorry no pictures. :-P

Then it was a lovely ride home listening to Andrea Bocelli, arguing about who loves him more, talking about other things friends talk about when they meet. I had fun.

Blog Anniversary
---------------------
We shall be two years old on August 1 by the way. *fireworks* *applause* Sankyo Sankyo!


Mikesfrequency is 2!

Any suggestions??? I'll appreciate it. Thanks. If I haven't visited your blog in a while, watch out for me this week.

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Updates so far on the comic + other news

Okay, I've missed so much activities in Blogsville. Hope your weekend's going great?

Did I miss Myne's visit to Nigeria again? *sigh* Second time running. Just checked her blog and saw the pictures. Hope not to miss the next one though. In other news, we shall be 2 years old a few weeks from now. :-D

Last year we did a video shoutout and a song also. This year I guess I could use some ideas from you guys. Something out of the normal. Suggestions are welcome please. Sankyo!

Okay, Its basically been a bit clogged up in my head with the numerous daily activities. We're currently experiencing some challenges with the printer for the 'Hidden Ville 'comic who from my understanding did a very poor job. That's the reason I haven't updated you guys since.


Do you know MIT and Harvard have collaborated to launch an online learning platform with the same quality of course materials at both institution accessible to over 1 Billion connected people FOR FREE? This for me is a major milestone in E-Education. You could read about it to get a better feel.

In other news, what do you guys think about the current situation in Nigeria. I don't even know where to begin from. Do you think we still have a chance to make things right irregardless the numerous predictions so far and the ailing situation of the state?


I'd like you to visit this link in the flyer below to view this awesome content distribution website that's hitting the NIgerian scene.

Cheers!

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Missed you guys! + Skydiving

Apologies for keeping my peeps hanging for this long. It was due to some unforeseen circumstances such as my expired internet subscription amongst other things.

If I haven't visited your blog, I will try to do so very soon. Missed this space much.

In the mean time, I hope you read the piece I dedicated to the victims of the Dana aircrash.

Also, I personally have gotten my own copy of Atilola's book, 'Antonyms of A mirage' at the June poetry reading.

Grab your copy nowwww...

The quality is just excellent and I'm so proud of Atilola.

We are definitely not ignorant of the happenings around us and all I can say is there is no other wise thing to do than to keep praying for Nigeria and its citizens plus those in diaspora. Sometimes I'm tempted to just blank out everything media-related (radio, TV, etc) as I know its just full of negativity/junk. I've been off BBM for two months now and I can clearly say my life has never been easier.

So much information is at our disposal with so many tools that technology has enabled to help save time and make life easier. Sadly enough, the reverse is the case. More ignorance, Lesser time for the things that count. There's so much to be concerned about but nonetheless...

I find consolation in words from the bible which say:

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Phil 4:6-7

May we experience peace in all we do.

I stumbled on this video on Facebook and just couldn't help laughing till my tummy hurt.

LOL! Patrickkkqqueeeee!!!!!

While I was laughing, my thoughts drifted to how much I would love to bungee-jump or skydive someday (would have written my last testament by then sha). I then stumbled on this awesome video. Please watch and know that there is a life after Lagos hold-up. (for those in Lagos)

All I can say is Bliss...

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...A sad day in Nigeria...

Sad Sad weekend here in Nigeria. Refreshing webpages, Twitter timelines, Facebook updates and I just can't seem to come to terms that all these have happened in one day.

This morning was the reported news of a bomb blast in Bauchi killing 12 people.

Hours later, I hear over the phone that a plane has crashed in the Iju-Ishaga area in Lagos State.

Rescue operations
Photo credit: SaharaReporters

Minutes later and people are spreading rumours of the death of the 96-year old wife of the late Awolowo.
It's really sad the way we react in times of crisis. I've seen various bashings, comments against the President, system and the usual everyday reactive responses. However nothing would be as comforting as praying for the involved families.


A friend spoke of a family of 6; father, mother and 4 children being wiped out.



News report on Channels TV says, "They were 11 nautical miles from MMA*". i.e. approximately 20.372km from landing.

Scene of the crash site
Photo credit: Y! Naija

Plane was seen not to nosedive as is the common type of crash but actually struggling and moving in a zig-zag manner with the nose facing up before landing with its belly on the 2 storey-buildings.

On May 10, 2012, this same Dana Air was reported to have initiated an emergency landing for some technical reasons.

My heart goes out to the families involved. May God comfort their hearts.

Manifest of the passengers on-board the flight can be found on the Y! Naija website.

Photonews of the rescue operations can be seen on the Sahara Report website.

Here are some comforting scriptures I found that I'd love to share with all concerned:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Rev. 21:4

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Experiment with imagery + Comic updates

Happy to be posting something finally. My internet had some issues during this weekend although, I had typed out this post before.

Last week was filled with so much to do and the good part is I'll be taking some days off this week to focus on the upcoming comic project.

Really would like to thank Myne for helping with the publicity on her blog. I was really happy and encouraged when I read the post.

We were supposed to have a proper launch event for it on June 2nd but when we did a cost-benefit analysis of that, it just did not appear right.

I just finished reading Chimamanda's 'The Thing Around Your Neck' and it's been fun so far. Her use of imagery and powerful description is just awesome.

I tried to experiment and here's what I came up with:

'Charles stopped and looked at the map again. The tall Mahogany trees did little to occasionally shield the oncoming sunrays from his eyes. Rivulets of sweat trickled down the side of his face as he stared hard again into the dog-eared map with blurry lines and text.


He mumbled some words to himself and finally made a loud sucking noise as his face creased into a frown; eyes squinting.


The same sucking sound he made when he discovered all the trees looked the same; the same sound he made when his pair of glasses was washed away rapidly in the currents of the Pulumba stream that he hoped to find again; the same one he would make when he met a native that spoke the 'Kachoki' dialect he never understood; and the same sucking sound he would make - this time with a sigh of relief and glee as he heard the sound of a rushing stream in the distance.


Tucking the map back into the back-pocket of his blue mountain shorts, he ran his thumb through the strap of his backpack and hunched his shoulder to adjust it into position; continuing the search for familiar landmarks.'

So what do you think guys?

What did you understand from the story?

What can you say is the current state of the main character?

(I'd appreciate feedback *big grin*)
So this week, I'd definitely update you guys on how you could help support the comic project on your wonderful blogs.
Have a great week...!

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Tab life + 11 Questions

If my life was a web browser, you'd probably see a lot of open tabs right now.
I've had to do Ctrl+Shift+T on some things in my head even (Try it, some geeky stuff  :-D)


Thing is I've been juggling a lot of things these past two weeks and I can clearly say, it's been the most productive week for me this year. Having someone you're accountable to for your to-do list per day helps a great deal (especially when there are penalties).

Okay here's a brief peek into the things I'm involved in:
- Preparing for an IT exam (should be done studying by the end of this month at the rate of 1 video session per day)
- Comic Launch (Hidden Ville comic set to launch in June, 13% readiness rate)
- Currently on a 2-week project that has been a bit demanding (ending today 'hopefully')
- Keeping up with my lovely blog famille (this blogpost was part of the mandatory to-dos, big-ups to my accountability partner who's pushing me to achieve a lot this week...PLUS I wrote a poem tonight)

I can clearly say it's not my strength I'm using cuz God has greatly helped me beyond what I can imagine. It's 1am as I type and I still have to send out mails and research on how to publish the comic on Amazon, Lulu and the likes. I dare not wake up later than 5am if I may add.

So as to not bore you further, A BIG THANK YOU to Okeoghene for nominating me for the 11 tags award. Mehn I'm loving the award season in blogsville. Keep 'em coming jare!
So here are the rules:

** Post rules


** Post 11 random things about yourself

** Answer questions posted by the person who tagged you

**Create 11 questions and tag 11 people to answer your questions

**Notify those tagged of the game

** Notify the person who tagged you after you have answered the questions

** No tag backs

11 random things about Michael. hmmm
1. I love God and I'm learning to portray it in everything I do.
2  My major meal of the day is lunch which might most times be the only meal of the day
3. I love classical music, especially those from Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
4. When I'm alone in the elevator, I do silly almost-Michael-Jackson dance moves (we all discover ourselves everyday, I mean... :-P) 
5. Slow to making 'friends' but very friendly, also slow to losing them.
6. I could be extremely lazy attimes, I once put lipton teabag in egusi soup instead of the kettle of boiling water cuz I was too lazy to switch on the light in the kitchen that early morning.
7. I love my niece and nephew and I see them as my children attimes.
8.  My English sounds better when I'm upset, always comes out slow and polished.
9. My close friends say I plan too much, learning to be flexible currently.
10. I think this 11 questions is too much o, refer to 6 above. :-D
11. Refer to 1 above, and 6 too.

Phew!

Okay now to answer her questions:
1. What is your middle name? - Temi


2. Favorite food? - None really, as long as it tastes good.

3. Favorite board game? - Ludo, I wish I knew how to play chess though

4. Favorite Nigerian musician? - LAGBAJA!

5. Education or fame? - Education anyday

6. What grinds your gears? - Rats, Noise, My alarm on weekdays, people touching my nose
7. Books or movies? - Books

8. Favorite movie - August Rush

9. Earth, Wind, Water or Fire? Which describes you? - Water

10. Legacy? What would you like to be remembered for? - The children that could make a meaning out of life because of a structure I set up and lives that will be blessed by the books/things I write.
11. If you are not you, who would you like to be? - Can't think of someone, so me for now.
 
Seems everyone has been tagged so I'll just tweak the rules a bit. - Tell me 3 things I don't know about you that I don't know in the comment section.
 
 
I would hint you guys on the comic as things unfold. Have a great weekend!

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Comic launch!

Firstly, thank God for the friend that threarened me to write today! LOL! You know yourself. :-P


*alarm rings*
Shey you heard it now o, my alarm is ringing. Been up since 3:45am am and I've been waking up really early this past week. It's been really helping cuz I get to do so much in the early hours to kickstart my day.

So I hear Aunty Relentless has moved to a new domain. Congrats dear! *dancing makosa*
You berra declare akara and pap for the boys o. Else, I threaten you with your new name. Guys lemme know if you want to hear her cute name. ;-)

Well, I was threatened my one of my very good friends to blog today, else she doesn't talk to me :-( So here I am.

I'll use this opportunity to inform you guys that I've been working on a comic project for months now. It's set to launch in June (next month) and I need your support!
I will post the details very soon but check out the poster below for a brief peek. It's a comic named 'Hidden Ville' and is pioneered by 'Koryarts', a company of five which I'm part of. We did an interview with a few blogs and I'll post the links soon.

That's the maiden edition cover and I would hint you on how you could help spread the news.
You can check out more artworks and comics from Koryarts at http://koryarts.blogspot.com/.

Have you ever wondered how much time we waste in the mornings, unaware of how productive we could be? Imagine creating 1 hour every morning to do some productive things like having your devotion, planning the day, quiet time/meditation, etc.

1 hour a day = 7 hours a week = 28 hours a month. That's more than a day already...invested. Plus, hope you guys are still practising the water therapy.

To the three new VIP members: Luciano, Buttercup and Atari. Welcome to you! We appreciate you jare. Oya *chop knuckle* :-))

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Liebster Award + Mushy stuffs

First things first, I want to say a warm thank you to Relentless Builder for the Liebster Blog Award.
She made my week!

When I saw it, I just didn't have an option but to flash a big grin across my face. Thank you dear.
She's a great writer and blends her art with music reviews and her blog is very organized. One thing I've also come to know is how passionate she takes education which is one area she writes about most times.

Just in case you were wondering what the Liebster Blog Award was, here's some brief info, courtesy of JostWrite, of course: "This award we’ve discovered is given to bloggers who inspire you and have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award takes its name from the German word meaning 'Beloved, Dearest or Favorite.'

Here's the Terms and Conditions:

1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.



2. Post the award to your blog.


3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value (It’s a great way to get the word out there about other blogs!!)


4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have received this award.

I hereby nominate the following blogs for this award:

1. Apples to Cross - D-i Akhigbe
2. Le Dynamique Professor - Samuel Ekundayo
3. Nuggets for Nobles - Segun Akiode
4. Unveiling Gold
5. Okeoghene


Now to the mushy things...
*sniff*

I think I've come across too many mushy teary-eye-inducing stuff that I just could not resist sharing with you guys. No Michael No. You can't be doing this. Teary-eyes? No!

First one is so inspiring as he sang one of my favourite classical songs, 'Nella Fantasia' by Andrea Bocelli. Lovely stuff!



Second is this awesomely cute boy that just made my night again. Gush! He took me on a sailing ride with his voice mehn.

There are so many talented youth out there who just need platforms to showcase what they got inside. I hope to be a creator of such platforms basically in the field of IT and Education. So help me God.

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Double Good news!!!

I'm so happy with the news in blogsvile.

Tarararam ta! *sidesteps* *snaps finger* sways side to side slowly* *bobs head up and down* Yipee!
First good news is that @ilola has released her book. YAY!

Check out the preview here:

The book is now available for sale on Amazon. (Check sidebar)

Second good news is that Okeoghene Ighiwoto whom I did a post on a while back is now in India for treatment courtesy the Delta State Government and God's mercies. I watched the video and got teary eyed...Here's it.

So as an expresion of my joy tonight. THIS IS HOW I FEEL BELOW...!

Enjoy your weekend!

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Money gist

You guys well done on the last post *CLAPS*

Smart women you all are.

You must have noticed the flunctuating comment system on the blog. It removed @ilola's previous comment for no reason. I really haven't been able to check it. So please bear with me in the mean time.

The komole-ing picture will also be uploaded (una like gist sef *side eye*). :-)

2 weeks away from BBM and counting. *phew* It's been relaxing though but I have seen the downsides.
Today, I needed to send an urgent mail to a friend that was to reply back the same mail by 4pm. So I had no choice but to borrow an active BB.

I had a discussion with some friends during lunch today and we were talking about how things we overlooked now in our time seemed valuable in our eyes some years back.
We talked for quite a while and I learnt some things. But before that, I must say, it's good to put things in retrospect once in a while.

I remebered how valuable N100 was to me in Secondary School then. I always spent N20 or max N30 during breaktime then. My regular was Bread (N10)/Meatpie(N10) and Lolly (N10). Days of N30 was when I patronized the school canteen.

The disadvantage with the N30 package then was that the food was either 'obtained' by seniors or 'scavenged' by my mates. Scavenging was the worst. As you were buying the food then, you won't see anybody o, but as soon as Iya Bisi hands over the plastic bowl of hot jollof rice with the dice on top (trust me it was too small to be called meat)...Error! You will see men of valour armed with their spoons to perch for your rice.

So N100 was much in my eyes then, I tell you. Fast forward to SS1, I was still dealing in the hundreds. I remember saving N600 for a whole term then to buy Brick game. Gush! I felt rich ehn. A senior wooed me into adding little on top of the N600 so he would sell his 'Gameboy' to me. The rest is history. hmm...

Another of my friend was sharing how one of his cousins that owns an oil servicing firm was contemplating on buying a $100,000 car and how his jaw was open in amazement. Thing is, few years from now, it would just be a normal thing.

One thing I picked from the discussion is this...'Your wants would always match up to your income level'.
When you're earning N30,000, it would seem all right. When you start earning N300,000, you would be surprised that there would be needs to be met also that will match up to that income level.

So it's all about balancing cash in-flow and out-flow. Never live above your means.
Warren Buffet recommends:

- Don't save what is left after spending , rather spend what is left after saving.
- Have multiple streams of income. This cannot be over-emphasized.
- Pay your tithes/Give alms/Help people.
- Invest wisely, don't just keep your money in the hands of the bank.
Saving in the bank is at a loss. Think of this, highest interest rate on a Savings account that I've ever come accross is 4% , inflation rate is over 10%. So for every 4% gain you lose 10%.
Invest wisely as I said.
- Keep friends that motivate you to aspire high. A recent research shows that the average income of four of your closest friends is almost same as yours.

Have fun trying this.
N.B.: Toin and Relentless I love you both.

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Hidden message from me to you.

It 1:00 am and I just finished a lovely bar of Snickers. *licks finger*

I'm currently trying to break away from the usual things I do...just for a change. It's been helping. The battle against the recent drop in motivation has been showing positive signs.
Part of the change includes:

- Cutting off from Blackberry*It's been like cutting off air, LOL*
- Started a self-study video tutorial IT course.
- Eating what I feel like on some occasions.(Most times I'd rather eat what I feel is healthy and right for my body, however unpleasant to me)
- Increase in my blogging activity *flashes big smile*
- Meeting new people and taking part in 'selected' social functions *You need a gun to get me out of my house on a weekend, where are we going sef?*
(Was at a business-like party on Friday, wedding on Saturday, Sunday: helping out in moving to a new house.)

Had fun with friends and took pictures *chews chocomilo*
There's one where I was komole-ing with a friend. Can't find my USB, would have uploaded.

Before I share the pictures from the reading with you, let me tell you something I learnt today:

It was one of the thoughts from a Partner in one of the big consulting firms in South Africa who had a few thoughts to share  on his deathbed.

Commitment is not a function of time but a function of conciousness. i.e. Commitment is not a function of how many hours you spend on that person, task or project, rather it has to do with your being there conciously and striving for quality in every second that is invested in that person/thing, etc

Chisom - the organizer

This should be during @ilola's poem reading

Errm, Her (forgotten name). Very expressive and has good diction.

Inset:Yours truly waiting to read, Right: Ifeanyi

Yup, That's him.

So I read 'April Breeze'

Its a tale of never-ending words

Simple yet subtle, piercing as a sword

Twilight moon breeze escorts the setting sun

I'll never grow weary of telling till the early morn

Lords and Ladies, Masters and Minions

Lessons of love humble their millions



Looming vagueness lingering on hope

Onward marching with bloodshot eyes

Victors in perseverance, head held high

Each one bearing unique signs of pain...



Understand their freedom to let go, yet love again.

There's a message embedded in this poem from me to you guys. Do you know what it is? Now let the brain-racking begin. (Hint: What you seek for is the first of every line down)




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Friends and our future

Today was filled with activities as always but I made out time to enjoy my evening at the Loudthotz Poetry Reading. Twas relaxing to say the least.

Sometimes I just try to think of what people miss from the arts, you know...literature, poetry, artistic drawings and the likes. At a point, I used to imagine what life would be if my future wife would not at least be able to sing, write, draw or dance sha. Just do something 'art-y'. LOL!

I've seen and immersed myself practically in the murky waters of Enginnering for half a decade, tasted and still tasting the enigmatic feel of accounting and business and enjoyed the subtleness of the art side of things. In all, the most relaxing and appealing still remains the arts. Q.E.D.

Also, I'm so elated I'm writing little by little (yea it's a biggy for me o, hm!)
One of my greatest supports has been friends both off and online.

I had a chat with a cab guy today and our discussion sort of drifted to how the 'modern-day' youth is being heavily distracted by fame, stardom and the likes. This just goes to show that we have a LOT to do as aspiring parents.
The amount of information accessible to kids these days is alarming. Gone are the days when what you tell your child is what he holds dear to. Ehn! Google is the second mummy. We have a lot of work to put into our children's upbringing. We can't afford to fail.
One major way in which they are greatly influenced is through friends.

Enjoy this 2-minute clip by John C. Maxwell on the topic 'FREINDS'.

Have a nice weekend! *wink*

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Coming up...thank you!

Happy Easter to you all!

Yay!

I wanna say a big 'Thank you' to all of you that dropped a message on the blog. It went a long way.
And for those who wanted to make me cry emotional tears of joy *sticks out tongue* I didn't cry; but I was elated. So much love.
Two of the culprits are 'Relentless Builder' and NIL (Naija Mum In London). They both sent me very consoling e-mails and I just was overgasted and flaberwhelmed. Hehe...I sound like Mr Patrick.

Speaking of Mr Patrick, he has some Easter greetings for you. Enjoy!:

“Beyond the fugacious razzmatazz of the moment, I seriously call attention to the rutilanting and coruscating modus vivendi of Master Jesus the Christ and I dare pontificate that save and until we viscerally emblematize the virtues of self-immolation, quintessential abnegation, eulogizeable simplicity, Christ-like humility and immerse ourselves in a platonic emotionalism of agape love and communalistic service, we would have woefully failed in learning and imbibing the true meaning of EASTER.




We must elevate this moment from a proscenium of joie de vivre into one of meditative transcendentalism”.

Happy Easter!!!


Well, I'm trying to bounce back to full energy and trying to get some strength, breaking rules too.
Good Friday was spent celebrating a wonderful friend.
On Saturday, yours truly ate thrice and slept wella.
Easter Sunday (today) was spent in church and with family.

God has been awesome to me and I'm thankful!
Happy Easter once again!

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My long pause in blogging

I really don't know how to feel tonight. Firstly, I'm very happy God made me understand the reason I've been going through some things of late.

Secondly, I'm very happy I got to see my circle of close friends today.
All these are consolations to a fact which I've been trying hard to come to terms with today.

I lost a friend.

A close friend whom we both worked in my school chapel's technical department (we call it 'Olive Media').
Slumped while jogging in the morning. I tried to convince myself it was a lie that he could make it. He was still in ICU by then. Then I got to know he had passed on. I was distraught. I've been a bit down coming to terms with the fact that Femi is no more. But God gives and He takes, BLESSED be the name of the Lord.

Also, I've been angry with myself for why I didn't blog or write. At a point, the thought of it became exhausting.
Tonight, I decided to google why people slump while exercising. While searching I came across a webpage that talked about 'Why we have slumps and how to get out of them'. I was glad I found it even though it addressed a totally different issue.

Truth is, for a month now, I had slipped into a slump. i.e. gotten to a state of exhaustion where productivity begins to drop and one tends not to do the things he would usually do. I thank God I found it because it made me realise I had been pushing my self too hard, wanting to achieve so much yet with little results.

I feel relaxed and thankful for the day and the friends whom I spent time with today. Even as I go to bed this late (12:34am), with so much mixed feelings, I know God's got my back and will help me through every phase of this journey called life.

Rest in Peace Femi. Olive Media will miss you greatly.

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A Plea for Help...

Hi everyone, it's been a while yea. Actually I had to do this post as a matter of urgency.

BLOGSVILLE I NEED YOU!

I stumbled on a particular tweet by @omojuwa (Japheth Omojuwa), which led me to a link on Linda Ikeji's blog.

Its about Okeoghene John Igwhiwotho, an ex-student of Federal Government College. He's a diabetic mellitus type 1 and 2 patient and has been bedridden for the past six years. Six years of not walking, had his toes amputated. The pictures I saw were disturbing and I just got teary-eyed over the issue.

I got his number on Linda's blog and sent him a text. Guess what...He replied!

Am I being dramatic?... or is it just the thought of the kind of pains he goes through daily I should think of...Here's an extract of how he described it:

For six years now, my legs have failed me, they cannot move me; I cannot move them. My health is failing me but I keep up all hope that I will be fine.

There are some things you do not choose in life; the family you are born into; the country you are born into; your genes; the sicknesses passed through those genes. I cannot change these. You cannot change this but, there is something you can change. Something you can save; my legs; my life.

Okeoghene John

He needs N5 million naira for a surgery in India and that's why I thought of sharing this with you if you haven't read it.
Please tweet about it, do a FB status on it, share on BBM, do a blog post and let's together save a soul that needs our help.

Here are the details:

Account Name: Ighiwoto Okeoghene John
Account Number: GTB - 0012913007
UBA A/C- 2054468076


You can call to sow seeds of encouragement on 08063255842.

There's a FB share button below. Please spread the word.
Official Twitter Hashtag - #saveOke

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March Poetry Reading video

Thanks to all that responded to the poll on Working class mum vs Work at Home mum. In case you missed it, please endeavour to read the interesting views.

If you noticed, my last two posts have been written in a rush plus with heavy sleeppy eyes sef. It's just been hectic and I took out time to relax this Thursday at the monthly poetry reading.
The video is below for you viewing plus the one from Atilola and Kemi Bon...powerful poems.

The GAP - Kemi Bon


The Battle - Michael Onobote


My Friend, My Enemy - Ifeanyi


Feedback will be appreciated.

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Which type of mum/wife?

I conducted a poll tonight and I asked my friends questions relating to what kind of wives they'd rather be. Work at home or Working class and I was pretty amazed to find that 50% of women want to be working class while 40 % of men also wanted working class, 5% wanted Stay at home arrangement while 5% were not interested in marriage.

Civilization or what? Ask me and I'd also as you...What happens to the family when both spouses are out.

I was furthermore amazed at the answers I got which I decide to publish for your eyes and also for you to drop your own views on this very important issue.

Trending Now: Work at Home wife vs Working class wife 

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Middle Sleep

This blog post was inspired by a little child I woke up to go to bed this evening.
It's usually fun sometimes when you witness the drama of waking a sleeping child.

So I walk him to the gents...
Then..."Oya now, oya jor..."
After minutes of no luck, then I try the age-old "sssssss..." and there comes the log-awaited pee. Yay!

The silly things we do sometimes while asleep could amaze us. I remember an issue that I denied responsibility for when a friend claimed he brought an attendance sheet to me at 11pm to sign. That's all I could recall.

The next day he shows me the signature space while laughing and mocking me. I actually put 'dy/dx' in that space.
Another occasion I was woken up from sleep (a bit older as at then). I murmured and walked to the room opposite mine and waitied oooo. In my half-asleep mode, I stood patiently at the locked door, hoping for The door to open without any effort from me.

It is fun recollecting though. Have you experienced such moments?

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An awesome vlog post.

I got a mail from my very good friend LowlaDee whose blog is one wealth of inspiration, today.
I clicked on the link and was all awww-y all through the video, We've all passed through this times at one point in our lives and it's always a beautiful moment when things are back in order.

Do watch, enjoy and drop your comments.
She blogs at LowlaDee.com

Drop your comments below.

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My poetry reading video

Wooopirooo!!!!
Thanks to @ilola, I wouldn't have known that the video had been uploaded on the Loudthotz Youtube Channel.
Okay it was a poetry reading I attended in January and it hold every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Orange Academy by the Independent Poet Concerns which hosts the event.
Transcript is beside/below the video:

Tick tock…think and talk,
all the hours round the clock,
up the hill and down the alley,
Born today, tomorrow we marry.

He crawled yesterday…walked today,
she’s born today…tomorrow dying,
tick tock…think and talk
will you tomorrow tick with the clock?

Every heartbeat, another deficit,
to and fro the earth…life’s deceit,
tick tock…think and talk,
the blooming flower was once a stalk.

I love you today, not sure of tomorrow,
greatest paradox like joyful sorrow,
tick tock…think and talk,
let’s all hope we keep ticking with the clock!

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My new therapy

Heyo peeps!

It's hard to believe I'm still awake after all the work of yesterday. Yes cuz its 12:30am already and I'm supposed to be up early later today.

On a normal day, by this time I'm too exhausted to open my laptop so I just drag my self into my bed, try to pray and I wonder how it always happens...once I open my eyes, it's morning and I feel tired like I never rested.

At a point, I was having a lot of afraidness on my daily schedule till I re-found this new therapy I'd love to share with you. It's something we all know but hardly practice.
It makes me wake up refreshed and it's something you will mosdef gain from.
It's the 'Water Therapy' which I want you to try. I feel so energetic *Grunts* YEAH! Oops 12:45am.

Okay straight to the point, I haven't practiced it fully but I recommend it for you as it is known to even be a cure to a lot of diseases, relief from stress, good digestion, feeling fresh and energetic during the day, glowing skin, etc.
It has been tried, tested and proven!

Procedure
- As you wake up in the morning, drink 4-6 glasses of water before brushing.
- Do not take anything until after 45 minutes after which you can eat or drink.
- After taking breakfast, lunch or dinner, do not eat or drink anything until after 2 hours.
- Take lots of water within every 2 hours.

This is one of the many simple gifts from God which I'm thankful for - WATER.

Also, my own jara for an energetic body is:
- Avoid eating past 7pm ( me I do 4/5pm most times)
- Instead of taking soft drinks, opt for water. Those things make you weak if you're not burning them off.

Note: Be prepared to visit the gents/ladies a couple more times than you used to. It's normal.

That's basically it sha. Try this today and please gimme feedback. Thanks! *off to play Rugby*!!!


...of course that would be in my sleep nah! :-D

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#Things we take for granted...

A bit tired but I have to write this.

I thought of tweeting about this, hence the hashtag, but I got occupied with something. But thinking of it, there are so many things we tend to take for granted. I'll still tweet on it though.

Taking the wheels of your car, without uttering a prayer, yet you still enjoy safety.
Eating and your food digests...ask those who have to be injected with supplements.
Peeing unaided...you don't use a tube.
You can smile...ask someone with paralysed facial muscles.
You have a boil/stye in your eye, yet you complain...ask those who have in the butt, sitting would be bliss.
Watching your favourite team lose a game without having a stroke...
You drink water daily and you swallow...ask someone with a peristalsis disorder.

You have a God who cares about you and yet we allow material things to steal our joy. Not good at all.
Take a moment and think of more things you feel are normal and Say 'Thank you Jesus, I love you'.

It felt good. That's how I want you to be from now onwards. Have fun. ;-)

By the way! *drags reader back* Before you think of closing this tab, I hope you have read this lovely story I wrote recently in the Trending Post. You berra! :-)

Trending Now: One Last Time...Valentine Edition.

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My first playlet...for your viewing

Hello peeps, I had the chance to do a few blog rounds this morning and was able to drop a few comments on some blogs.

I recently volunteered to write a short playlet for a church which would be acted on stage this Sunday. Before I submit, I have uploaded it here for your critic and polishing.
Kindly help point out things you feel need to be changed, things you enjoyed, etc.
The theme is centered around Youths/Teenagers and Peer Pressure.

Here's it:
 
INT – The Adetola Family Sitting Room

SCENE 1

(Bisi is in the sitting room curled up in the sofa/chair reading a book)
 (drops the book on the floor out of boredom)

(Mrs Adetola, her mum walks in and meets Bisi on way to kitchen)

Mum: What have you been doing all day?

Bisi: Reading this book, it’s about…’Building…never mind ma.

Mum: You know what, I’ve been thinking…(she pauses and continues)…Bisi, I can barely count the friends you have, if you have any that is.

Bisi: Mum, here you go again (shyly faces down, right hand on neck) --->; was trying to depict the body language.

(Bisi continues)

Bisi: At least I have Damola.

Mum: The one that dropped out in SS2 (sarcastic look)

Bisi: What of Chisom?

Mum: The one that ran away from home?

Bisi: Well, there’s Farida…

Mum: You haven’t heard from her since she moved out two years ago…Just look at all those you mentioned. Just imagine the kind of ‘beings’ you surround yourself with!

Mum: You just sit at home doing nothing, reading all sorts of…(she picks up the book and bursts into laughter)…’Building self what? (hiss).

Bisi: But mum…I just…

(Mrs Adetola interrupts)

Mum: You just what…you just what, you think this is how you build self confidence, by reading this nonsense. Do you want to end up like your father? EHN! Damilohun! You this girl that has refused to wake up!

(she continues)

Look at Cynthia, yuppie girl, see how useful and useless boys chase after her up and down the street but even flies refuse to chase you.

Bisi: But mum I don’t have nice clothes like she does and her father is rich with big cars and…

Mum: Bisi, just shut up! Shut that mouth of yours…Her father has big cars and this and this and that…what rubbish is dropping from your mouth?

Know this, your dignity is not in the clothes you wear, it’s in how you carry yourself with the little you have. Get that straight into your skull!

(Mrs Adetola walks out angrily)

Bisi: Oh God...I'm fed up! what do I do…?

SCENE 2

(Bisi is answering a phone call of some party invitation by Cynthia)

(ends call in excitement as Chinedu walks in with friend, Adamu)

Chinedu: You look so excited, share the news…and by the way meet Adamu or ‘Dames-man’ for short

(Bisi looks puzzled)

Bisi: For short? I think I’ll stick with Adamu. *stretches hand to greet Adamu*

Chinedu: Cynthia told me she invited you for the party and I was so surprised you know.

Bisi: Why? How do you mean?

Chinedu: Anyways, that’s aside, lemme have your PIN?

Bisi: Safety or Office PIN? (innocent puzzled look)

(Chinedu and his friend, Adamu exchange puzzled looks and shake head in disappointment)

Chinedu: What planet are you from you this girl?! I’m just disappointed and amazed at the depth of your ignorance… (pauses and sighs)

Chinedu: (continues) …I’m not comfortable being your friend! You’re just a stale girl jor! The way you dress sef, I’m just managing (loud hiss and faces away from her).

(Instrumentalist mimics Superstory soundtrack) This is for comic relief since this is a tensed part.

Bisi: (stammers and talks slowly) P…Please Chinedu, I…I just want to go with you to the party; I don’t want to be alone at home. (sobs)

Chinedu: Bisi! Bisi! (holds head in frustration) . Enough of this crap from you. Just see how pathetic you sound!

Adamu: Let’s go man, I’ve had enough for today.

(Bisi drops on her knees and sobs in regret)

(rises up in anger and faces audience)

Bisi: Now listen all of you! I have had enough. Who do I choose from? What do I do to catch up? I’m confused of the many opinions…

Where is my IDENTITY?!

(Sobs loudly and exits stage)

(curtains fall) If there’s one :-)

(THE END)

Please drop your honest comments below. No sweet words, say it just as you see it. I have till Saturday to make changes. Love you all!

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