Kaduna Teachers: Between Sentiment And Reason

Opinion Pieces, Stories10 Comments

We had been given forms to fill as part of the requirements for opening an account in one of the new generation banks. We had only started observing the mandatory one year of national service as fresh graduates and were due to begin receiving the monthly stipends to be paid by the government. I was in the process of filling my form when she walked up to me. Dressed in the traditional light green khaki attire of the NYSC, she was draped in the hijab, and had the unmistakable accent of one from northern Nigeria.

The Friend To All

Essay, Stories13 Comments

I don’t trust people who are friends with everybody. Might sound judgemental, but I hold the belief that one who’s friends with everyone can’t be loyal to a particular person or group of people. As humans, we have our individual values, standards, personal code of conduct, and principles regarding how we live our lives and the kind of people we would like to associate with. Now, there’s no way every single person we come across can fit into our idea of who a close friend should be.

Prejudices You Should Be Ignoring

Essay, Stories8 Comments

 

“Awon wa’ye wa gbadun ni,” he had said in Yoruba. The spectator’s remarks translate literally to “They came to the world to have fun.”  His comments were in response to the auto electrician who had expressed his empathy in that exaggerated manner artisans are known for as he fixed my vehicle. The subject of their small talk? Women. The electric mechanic was also quick to announce that he didn’t like to subject women (compared to men) to any stress when it came to haggling about his charges.

5 Misconceptions About Writers

Stories11 Comments

Since I kicked off my writing journey some years ago, my life has taken an interesting and revealing turn. The dynamics of my relationships have changed, and I have found that people relate with me differently. I’m guessing it’s pretty much the same experience other writers have too. I have also observed that there are many assumptions other people have about writers which are generally off the mark, and so this article is aimed at debunking some of the myths surrounding writers. If you have believed the following to be true about writers, you really should begin to have a rethink. Here are 5 misconceptions the average person has about writers;

Freedom Of Expression Is An Illusion

Opinion Pieces, Stories11 Comments

 

A final year student of a private university was expelled on account of a Facebook post that was deemed to be a campaign of calumny of sorts against the authorities of the school. The post which took a swipe at the management and officials of the higher institution was scathing enough to earn Debo Adedayo, the writer, an expulsion from Redeemers University. Mr Adedayo had concluded his exams and wrapped up his final year project when he was handed what has been widely adjudged to be a harsh punishment by the school.

4 Stars Of The Past Week

Essay, Stories4 Comments

The past week was an interesting one. And while an event such as the 50th anniversary of the Asaba Massacre could have dampened the mood of some section of people, it’s safe to conclude it was a largely happy week for most Nigerians. We often find ourselves lamenting one situation or the other, and it’s not because we are a people who are naturally wont to dwell on the unpleasant. No. It’s a function of the myriad of problems we are plagued with. But sometimes…sometimes, the stars just appear to align to our favour, and in those instances, we must never fail to celebrate our little victories.

How To Know If You Are Poor

Satire, Stories6 Comments

I have never considered myself rich, in monetary terms. But in the last couple of weeks, my “acute” financial limitations ha,ve become more apparent. Apart from the generally reduced purchasing power caused by inflation and the prevailing economic circumstances, the pervading poverty in the land and my helplessness in the face of it all has me feeling frustrated. And then it dawned on me – many of us are deluded that we are comfortable when we are in actual fact poor. 

This Need For Control

Opinion Pieces, Stories9 Comments

I was having a conversation with some friends when the topic drifted to the issue of cheating. It was no surprise; just recently the news got out that another celebrity marriage had hit the rocks. Before this revelation, cheating had been a hot topic. Famous comedian, Kevin Hart had been enmeshed in a cheating scandal, and social media had gone wild with the news and how men, (in particular), could hardly be faithful in relationships. One of my friends had expressed her concern about the spate of cheating, especially among married couples and had asked me what my thoughts were on the disturbing trend.

The Unwritten Rules

Essay, Stories10 Comments

This article was inspired by a football match I watched last weekend – The Manchester United vs Everton English Premier League game. Belgian and Manchester United striker, Romelu Lakaku scored a goal against his former club, Everton. What had me intrigued was how Lukaku didn’t hold back in celebrating the goal against a side he was still a part of a few months ago.

Beware Of The Acclaim

Essay, Stories4 Comments

“We can all do with some level of praise and criticism. The key is not to get carried away by either” – Ololade Ajekigbe

Before I click the publish button every Wednesday, I experience some trepidation. A range of thoughts run through my mind. What if people don’t like the article? What if a section of my readers find it offensive? What if they don’t get the message or simply find it bland, off-point, uninspiring…? Every single time, I consider these possibilities (it’s a potpourri of emotions every writer deals with, no matter how long they’ve been writing, by the way), but I put out the post anyway.