The Good Life

Saturday!!!! It's Saturday and somewhere somehow unofficially some people must've declared today the day for weddings. I love weekends because there'd definitely be pictures of people out there marrying or getting married to, bridesmaid, parents, ashoebi and all the decorations. Today I've been all over bellanaija for Sharon Ooja and her boo Ugoo Nwoko.  See the love,  See the beauty. From the moment the couple did their traditional marriage on Friday, it's been people digging dirt upon dirt. Bringing up old pics and all I can say is 'People, to what end? Can't you let people be happy?' However all the crazy piece they've been digging up on the net has in no way dampened the wonderful white wedding today I've been scrolling through pictures and grinning from ear to ear. You can literally feel the love, joy and happiness in the air between the couple and from everyone around them. The same applies to you oh. Whenever you're succeeding, not eve

Hmmmmmmmm the very next day after Davido's wedding it became fire fire fire. Instead of reeling in the joy of the event, it has become all about bragging and dragging amongst guests. Who was or wasn't invited Who knows who Who has more influence or what Talking down on each other How about Sharon's wedding of yesterday? It was such a breathtaking ceremony The glitz and glam The fun The joy And then people started spreading ugly dirt about the couple He was married She's his fourth wife... My question is simple; why can't people be let to enjoy their happy moments? Look at the two beautiful weddings that just happened. All people can think about is finding something that will smear the day, trying to take away the joy of the moment from the celebrants. If you have a thing about seeing people happy, please close your eyes. If you can't stand people's joy, don't watch. Nobody is interested in hearing those negative opinions Unless your aim is to

Whats the greatest gift one can give to another? If this question were to be posed to people out there, the answers you'd get would be mostly centred on material things. Personally I believe the greatest gift anyone can give you is the gift of themselves. There are certain things that nothing can replace. What can take the place of having a parent in the life of his/her child? What can take the place of having your spouse besides you? What is more important than the love of family? Some parents buy all the things their kids can ever want, but when it comes to being present, they say 'i'm working so you can have a better Life' Some spouse give their significant other every good thing they desire, treat them to lavish lifestyles but are starved of attention. What can replace time spent and attention given by loved ones? It can't be bought. Prison survey shows that absence of fathers accounts for one of the major reasons why the prisons are full today Hospi

I took one look at the news and saw the Kenyian youths take over their parliamentary house(senate) and I was proud. The government chose to hike taxes even for basic things like bread, sugar, data... The people spoke against it but of course the government turned a blind in the believe that it was business as usual. The youths began protesting online Began translating the intended tax into several local languages Began social media education/sensitization and mobilization The government still thought it was a joke And then the first physical protest began in Nairobi. Some protesters were arrested and this further agrieved the youths and the protest became widespread across the nation. Parliament amended some part of the proposed taxes and passed it. Then the youth broke into the Senate, took the maze, destroyed properties, set some part on fire. Next thing President comes online to say he has heard the people and won't be signing the proposed tax hike. It took over one

Wedding Bells Wedding Bells Everywhere someone is somewhere organizing ashoebi. Finally a study has revealed that the more expensive the marriage,  the higher the chances of a divorce and the more expensive the engagement ring, the higher the chances of a divorce.  Basically,  when people spend more money on a wedding it is an announcement of a deep seated trauma , most often, the relationship is seeking external validation from the society. They expect the wedding to be " The talk of the town".  However and this is very unfortunate,  whilst there is heavy preparation for the wedding there is very little attention for the marriage.  It may be because couples who have a cheaper wedding are more content with being with each other than about other people, taking into cognizance that wedding starts a family into which children may or may not be produced. Now if the marriage produces children then there are additions to the society hence the outlook of the family is to

The latest hot news online is Davido and Chioma's upcoming wedding. This has caused so much uproar online as we see people's true nature. It's no news that Davido has been caught and dragged countless times over infidelity to Chioma. The most prevailing advice from people has been that Chioma kicks him to the curb and leave the relationship. So many podcasts and entertainment outlets have used them as the topic for the day but she stayed and is getting married to him. This marriage move has got so many people vexing. Funny enought it could be felt from their backlash against the marriage, that it isn't out of love or protection for the wife, but simple jealousy. Jealousy you could smell thousands of miles away. Do I advocate for infidelity? No The woman in question has never said or implied that cheating was a deal breaker for her. It's therefore funny watching people fight a couple who are at peace with themselves the way they are. It's the same thi

Life comes in stages Life comes in phases. I remember my then girlfriend breaking up with me after our service year because according to her, she didn't see any future in me and she didn't think I'd be able to afford the lifestyle she wanted. We had dated all through the university days. Both families were aware of the relationship and our intention to get married. I was already picking most of our bills and some of her family's Just like that, she ghosted me until I finally got through to her, only to hear that she didn't see any future in me because of some dude she started hanging out who she eventually married. Years later my reality is something can only dream of. I lost count of how many times I had to pick her families bills and all the times she called that she wanted to leave her marriage and it was me she loved. I eventually had to block and cut her off. It's funny what alot of people can do for a little flash of material things. Trusts bro

I've watched so many people go and come, yet the circle unbroken. This leaves so many questions and some persons lose interest to put in any form of effort again. Trust is, how do you expect do cure or curb in one day, habits that took you years to build? This is exactly why people fail or have relapse and they don't understand why things aren't working. To break a habit, why not go one step at a time? Begin with your first 1 hour Next 3 hours 12 hours 24 hours 48 hours Next thing you know, you're doing one week, three weeks and you're running into months and years. It might look like a daughting task when you begin but, take it easy, one step at a time!

Anonymous When I was a child, I used to fantasise a lot. I'd sit and be talking to myself about things I'd do, heights I'd accomplish and how I'd be the best. I used to create stories where I was the hero.  Then one day, while talking to myself aloud I was caught. I didn't know my uncle had sneaked up on me and could hear all I was saying. The big dreams, the details - well,  as detailed as my little mind could see. I was less than 10 years then.  He sat me down and told me how the world operates and how my dreams could never manifest.  and I believed him.  the next time I tried to sit and enjoy my fantasy which were my best moments I'd remember his words  "That's not how the world operates what you're saying are impossible"  Now I know better.  Don't kill the dream of that child that's under your care. No matter how stupid it may sound allow children to thrive in their Imaginations. if you can't help them to see more, d

POWER! POWER!! POWER!!! Seun was amongst the most popular and loved in S.S.2. So it was a no-brainer that we unanimously elected him as the HEADBOY when the school authority asked us to make suggestions for those to be made prefects. It was a thing of jubilation when they officially swore them in and we celebrated in class as per 'OUR GUY!' And then the shit show began... Less than three days in office he had sold out our hiding spots, our secret escape routes and one two many secrets we all know students generally have, to the school authority. At first he claimed he was trying to gain the trust of the school authority but as time progressed, it became glaring that this was nothing but a power drunk Seun manifesting. He began to suggest regulations and stuffs that the school adopted. Suffice it to say that by the time we were graduating, Seun's government was one of the worst and he was one of the most hated guy. There's a saying that a man's true chara

Sometimes we see people go from very nice to mean or unapproachable Some ho from kind to hardened Some go from love to hate Strong to weak Weak to strong Mean to love The pendulum can swing to any direction, negative or positive Basic foundation of the reason why people change is their experience Sometimes, especially where it's negative, people tend to want to undermine the feelings of that person, trying to make light of it, forgetting we all respond differently. Some people act out bad and take advantage of a person's kindness and when he changes, they have something to say When people close their doors against individuals that used to have access to them prior to this time, check well, it didn't just happen out of the blues. Before you join in saying ABC when such people run to you to talk bad of another do your own findings oh and don't be in a hurry to contribute your words. I've seen people we helped from food to clothes gain the most little amoun

There was a neighbour of mine some years back, a beautiful lady, cheerful and a single mum.  One day she asked me to go with her so the father of her baby will get to see his son as the court ruled having completed their divorce proceedings. However the man didn't show up. On the grounds that he couldn't bear to see her. it was then she told me she thought they were good when she returned from work one day and he had packed all his things and left. Next was a court summons as he initiated divorce.  Some years later she got married again and I witnessed first hand how he was treating her new husband and I then knew why her first husband left. She was loud, she'd insult him and everyday at clockwork she'd wake the entire building before 5am with loud noise and complaints about what the man did and didn't do. For this reason I've lived to always appraise my marriage. I'd always want to know what I need to do to keep it happy because I realise people

They say patience is a virtue and timing is everything. If you pluck a fruit before it ripens you wouldn't enjoy it as much as you would if it were allowed to do and some will even get spoilt. This illustration cannot vettee used to emphasise how the relationship between Don Jazzy and Dbanj when Dbanj was in a hurry to sign a deal with Kanye West and his team. Don Jazzy felt they had not grown to the point where they can make decisions in the record label and as such he wanted the team to hone their craft. atimes what may appear too good may actually be so because it is not true. patience is a virtue, when we plan effectively and take more time to hone our skills we may grow to the point where we would have wearied failure and success in anything we do would become inevitable.

It's father's day and I've got too many memories Too many things to say about my father's love and presence in my life and my siblings Protection Discipline Leadership Guidance Instructions Ohhhh myyyyyyyy was my father big on discipline or what? We didn't dare misbehave  And if for any reason someone says 'I'm gonna tell your Dad what you did' that was enough to reset our brains Oh yes, we turned out right But sometimes we murmur about one or two things we believe daddy didn't do right but then, he brought us up as lovingly as he knew best to do and for that, today we thank him. There's no manual to parenting Some have zero presence of their fathers in their lives Others have abusive fathers While some never got the chance to know their fathers Today in the little ways that fathers have shown up, we choose to celebrate them and we see, acknowledge and appreciate all your sacrifices 

I met and married my husband when he had next to nothing. Don't roll your eyes, just hear me out. I know that statement is cliche but for me, it's very true. Hubby and myself were barely put together when we agreed to get married. Our wedding was almost a charity case because we refused to borrow for it, friends were already laughing at us and making snide comments and then on the wedding day everyone was left speechless cos almost 10 years after, our wedding is still the best amongst our friends. I was at home, going about my normal weekend chores when hubby casually stepped out, only to return home with the latest iPhone 15pro max as a gift. Please me people how was I supposed to react, if not to stand there speechless? I remember days we barely had what to eat, days we trekked, days we borrowed. Same man imported a brand new car from Germany for me Bought me lands Relocated the kids and I abroad(himself included) and more. Let's not go into the emotional and

Please o.... it has started o and now I'm thinking plenty. So last night after reading a story to the kids, we read a verse in the Bible, as we always do then it was Divine's turn to pray. He prayed his prayers of Thanksgiving and we said our goodnights to sleep. That was when it started. Divine: Daddy, I have a question. Me: OK, what is your question? Divine: Daddy who is Jesus Christ? Me: Jesus Christ is the son of God Divine: So God is the Daddy of Jesus? Me: Yes Divine: Daddy who is Jesus grandpa? Me: Silence (Thinking how best to answer him) Divine: I have grandpa and grandma so if God is Jesus Daddy who is his grandpa? Me: Still silent Divine: Is God colour white or color brown like me? Me: (Now, I became inquisitive because he attends a Catholic primary school) Divine which colour do you think God and Jesus are? Divine: Colour brown. But Daddy you have to know.  Me: Divine, you should sleep now because you have to go to school in the morning,   tomorrow I wil

Easy Easy Easy Before those words come out of your mouth, take a minute to pause and think twice about it. Words are powerful; they can kill and make alive. The most dangerous part of words is that once a hurtful or negative word has gone out, even with apologies, the scars will already be there. Once out, they can't be taken back. So apologies are just as though you're trying to put patches to fix a broken piece. We all watched Yvonne go off on Nedu's podcast about May's ex-husband taking a second wife while still married to her as something common so people should stop making a fuss about it. Her view was undermining to the pain May went through and is still going through; where you find out your legally married husband leaves home like every normal day, only for you to find on social media that he's getting married. Yvonne has come out to write a lengthy apology and I'd want to believe she was carried away by the 'Moment' and spewed so muc

*The Democracy Day Story* Let me bring to our remembrance the Nigerian Democratic day story. Chief M.K.O Abiola  was the presidential flag bearer for the Social Democratic Party in 1993 when he contested for become the president in an election which is said to be the best election in Nigeria and adjudged to be free and fair in all parts of the country.  Chairman of the National Electoral Body (NEC) had decided to use what he called "Option A4' wherein people who wanted to vote for a particular party will queue up in a single line and then counted by everyone and the process recorded on video camera. This open balloting system removed every option of vote padding in all the polling units. Unfortunately,  the then Military president as he was then called - General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election. This led to series of events that eventually made the entire cou try ungovernable again. A civil war was imminent and in order to avoid the war, he immediately const

Guiness is leaving Nigeria after 75 years? Microsoft has shut down its office in Lagos and relocated its African office to Kenya thereby ending the jobs of over 200 persons. Huggies, makers of diapers have left too. Whilst the government keeps making flimsy excuses  as to the reasons why these companies are leaving. Truth be told so long as the government keeps making policies that are flippant at most and grossly irregular, it will make investors to keep away from such economy.  The greatest challenges to these companies leaving is that it further keeps away foreign direct investments from the economy which is the direct measure for strengthening the currency.  We can only infer from all these that the economy does not look good in the shortest future unless something is done to rebuild confidence in the government and its policies.  However, it does not appear as though the hard times facing the country can still be likened to labour pangs. I come in peace.

A good player has never made a good coach. But Nigerians will never learn so they keep repeating the same mistakes over and over. Let us look at all the successful coaches in the world before we come to Nigeria; Sir Alex Ferguson, Josè Mourinho, Klopp.... only Pep Guardiola was a former player and he had to go through a rigorous coaching school and training to begin his career as a coach. In Nigeria, we have tried Samson Siasia, we have tried various former players and currently Finidi George but we are not getting results. Only Stephen Keshi excelled.  Can we look at professional coaches who are doing well already? can we invest in training these coaches before giving then the onerous task of leading our teams to matches? The Outing today was nothing but abysmal and its crystal clear the coach wasn't living up to the expectations.  We should do better!

How are you looking at the economy? Have you taken a projection at the next 10 to 20 years of our dear country? Does it look promising or gloomy?  Well, I remember conversations I had with my dad and in every scenario he will emphasise how it appeared like things will get better in the nearest future. From Murtala Muhammed to General Buhari and his austerity measure, even to IBB all came with a 'Suffer today to enjoy tomorrow' mantra. But merely complaining about the economy won't bring any good and would yield no result unless you take action. As bad as the economy is getting there are still businesses who are making profits in this era.  Get a business and if you have one, get another business to support it.  But in starting a business read the market and build your business around what people want and need and not merely around what you like. Doing business is not to fulfill your dream but to solve a need - unless fulfilling your dream is a need or want of ma

THE WORLD IS GOING CRRRRRRAAAAAZZZZZYYYYY! I listened to a podcast yesterday, of a lady who was terribly molested from when she was a toddler. Her story is so bad I can't bear to repeat the details here. The news we heard today was that she committed suicide! Trauma! She had been living and walking in that trauma until she couldn't bear it anymore. I came across news of a U.S couple that was convicted. Wife was having carnal knowledge with animals and made videos, while husband had trailer load of sexual videos of children. The society is degenerating by the second. We as parents, guardians, Uncles and Aunties have a duty right now to 'PROTECT OUR CHILDREN AT ALL COST!' This is not a suggestion This is not some kinda motivational speaking This is a matter of life and death!!! Our generation depends on it Our children depend on it Our future depends on it  Everything is riding on it. WAKE UP parents, the devil is steadily looking for ways to destroy us and ou

There's God And one who is very mindful at that He says  'Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I'll give you rest' This shows a God who cares so much about what's going on in your life and he asks to take the weight off you. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with life that we don't even know the next step to take Sometimes we labour and labour and there's nothing to show for it. Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, toiled all night trying to catch fish but caught nothing, and to think he was a professional fisherman. Then Jesus showed up and he caught a net breaking miracle of fishes. Sometimes our skills aren't enough Sometimes our connections won't cut it Other times our eloquence, calculations and strategy might not work But you see God? He's the surest plug anyone could even have. Does or will life happen? Yes but the confidence is that we have a God standing right besides us all the way. Take a minute to talk to h

The very basic The barest minimum, us now a luxury in Nigeria 1 Egg went from #50- #250 1 Indomie went from #150-#500 A custard container of garri is almost #4000 4 balls of pepper #500 5 piece of tomato #1000 And these are just little things. Prices of things have gone past quadriple. Prices have gone full circle over and over again till the average Nigerian has become dizzy because one can barely afford the basics to eat. All these in just one year in office. We still have people out there who are passionately defending a government that has failed even before it started. People can no longer eat. Meanwhile at the mention of minimum wage, it's like pulling teeth to the government. They've been going back and forth just to increase a #30,000 minimum wage in 2024. You expect crime not to be on the rise? You expect people not to resort to crazy means to survive? The only thing increasing since the present government came into power is suffering, hunger, pain, taxes.

It's customary that as a child to a Nigerian mother, you must've accompanied her out to the market. Mothers and market are an item I can't fathom. If we were discussing just shopping, it would be would be understandable but my people we are discussing going to the open market to buy foodstuffs. My mother has a degree in pricing. Imagine tagging along with mum to the market (mind you this is not voluntary) , and she's in her 'full blown pricing mood'. Typically, it all begins with pleasantries 'Madam how are you? How market and your family? Wetin you dey sell? How much be...? #2000? Madam make I give you #250?' And that marks the beginning of the end. It goes on to become a back and forth between trader and buyer. Some amounts mothers price goods are not only alarming, they bury you completely in shame and the minute you're trying to distance yourself and pretend to be shopping on your own, that when you'd hear 'Sharon, oya bring t

Fear! Fear!! Fear!!! Fear, has robbed alot of people of their joy, peace, and their life generally. People live in fear, worrying about this or that What will the future hold for me? What will become of my kids? How will I find a job? How will, what will, how can, will I?  All these questions and more. The Bible tells us that fear has torment. It keeps you up late at night and leaves you thinking. People have become so lost with fear for their future that they have forgotten to live in the present. So much concentration on tomorrow, only to find that time has past and one can't account for how the time went by. Not having fear or worrying about your future doesn't mean not having a plan or not setting goals. It simply means don't get lost with your head buried there. What is even the guarantee of tomorrow? Tomorrow isn't promised, so taker out a minute to soak in the sun, look around and really see your environment, take a minute to really see your kids, spo

I almost went into depression after having my daughter. I was battling with CS wound that refused to heal, a daughter that refused to breastfeed so I couldn't do elective like I planned, had to play mummy, wife and daughter roles while keeping a happy face. There was little or nothing I could do as I gained weight, not even from eating cos I wasn't really into food. I already felt I was failing, only to go out once in awhile to hear people tell me how I've become big. One of the ladies who spoke of my wright gain recently came online to cry about her mental health and struggles with people telling her about how big she had grown. I was shocked. A certified nurse and just one kid? After laughing at me, I presumed she would know everything in the book to prevent weight gain but then, life ehhhh. What goes around... My Dear, I'm here to say, before you open your mouth to shame somebody fat, slim, short, dark and more, try and create your own perfect human to li