Outstretched arms begging for money

Of Online Beggars And Phoney Giveaways

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One look at you and they are convinced you are buoyant enough to fulfil their monetary needs.

Welcome to the world of online beggars.

These days, I am wary of responding to private messages from acquaintances or random social media contacts due to one ugly trend: Begging.

Wherever you turn, there’s someone itching to send you their account details.

They lurk on virtual alleys—from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram—seeking whom to fleece.

You could be ranting about COVID-19 and its impact on the world’s economy and someone would respond with their bank information asking you to do giveaway. The sense of entitlement and shamelessness displayed is something that should be studied in schools.

Cast of the 2019 movie, Overcomer

Overcomer: A Non-Preachy Soothing Balm

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Overcomer is a Christian Drama produced by Stephen Kendrick, Aaron Burns, and Justin Tolley, and directed by Alex Kendrick

I had scrolled past it a couple of times on Netflix. It caught the impression of a cheesy, preachy movie, especially when the image of Priscilla Shirer (who played the lead character in the popular faith-based drama “War Room” by the Kendrick brothers) popped up on my screen. I thought War Room was a tad pretentious and preachy.

It toed the tired, frustration-inducing narrative that places the success or failure of a marriage at the doorstep of the woman only. So for a while, I passed on Overcomer until I made a random decision to see it.

Image of celebrity football commentator, Peter Drury wearing a smile

When I Saw Peter Drury’s Notes

Sports10 Comments

I miss football. I miss it a lot. Ever since the novel COVID-19 mutated our regular programming, football tournaments, just like every other sector came to an abrupt halt. Aside from those who kick the ball and excite us with their footballing skills, sports commentators have always been a source of fascination for me. So when Jim Beglin sought out his colleague and fellow commentator, Peter Drury on the request of football fans around the world who had missed the latter’s inimitable commentary style, I was excited to catch a (virtual) glimpse of the man behind the voice.

Door left ajar with a key left in the lock

Locked

Flash Fiction6 Comments

“I feel claustrophobic in here. My kids are driving me crazy. Omo, no how wey I no go comot this house.” Bode said.

He had scrambled for his phone almost as soon as it rang. It was Felix, his longtime friend and colleague at Lion Consulting.

“Hahaha, guy chill. The thing dey affect everybody, but how we go do na, it will soon be over.”

“I’m trying to oh, but mehn, I don tire. Not even with this woman wey de want attention all the time. Abeg I don tire jare.”

Felix rumbling laughter rang through the speaker.

As he hung up, Bode could hear his three kids screaming at one another again. He needed no one to tell him they were involved in yet another scuffle. If they were not arguing about what cartoon to watch, they were fighting whose turn it was to occupy the rocking sofa.

Lady coming up for air in the middle of the ocean

It’s Time To Breathe

Inspiration6 Comments

The world is in a state of flux. The sweeping feeling is that of anxiety and confusion. And this time around, the apprehension is not an exclusive lot of a few or some far-flung corner of the universe. No. COVID-19 has distributed and ensconced itself in a way that has continued to confound even the sceptics. One day we were living our lives, going about our businesses with gusto or indifference or lethargy, oblivious of what was around the corner. The next, a strange disease showed up and chucked all our best-laid plans in the bin. 

The Earth wearing a mask

Covid-19: When The Seeds Of Selfishness Sprout

Essay8 Comments

The entire world is in dire straits right now. The uncertainty is palpable and we are almost at the point of resignation to the possibility of darker days ahead. Like a meteorite, a hitherto unknown virus struck with the vengeance of a serial killer. From one country, the Coronavirus has spread its raging tentacles to more than 150. Asia, Europe, and Africa have felt the wrath of the unwanted guest and its unrelenting in its efforts to bring humanity to its knees.

Photos of Mercy, Ebuka, Toke, Nana and Denola at the AMVCAs 2020

AMVCA 2020: Life’s Not Fair, Get Used To It

Reviews4 Comments

One time, a fellow conducted a Twitter poll. He asked whom people would go for if they were given the chance to decide the winner between their less-talented friend and a stranger whose competence and expertise isn’t in doubt in a contest.

More than eighty percent of respondents indicated that they would vote for their friend. They would rather see their ally win. It was a matter of loyalty. They know their friend and would love to see them succeed despite their glaring shortcomings and the fact that the other person deserves it more.

The Former Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in a yellow turban

Sanusi: Keep Your Moving On Game Tight

Opinion Pieces3 Comments

A first-class king is dethroned unceremoniously. To make matters worse, he is banished from his homeland; the land of his forefathers and a place where he once reigned supreme as paramount ruler. It was jolting news for the majority. The prospect of seeing a revered figure in the person of the Emir of Kano being subjected to such a treatment was not an event many envisaged, but it is no rumour. It happened. 

Two women having a conversation on a park bench

The Other Woman

Flash Fiction10 Comments

“Mrs Johnson?”

The silence lingered. The park had a sparse human presence. It was Saturday morning, families and picnickers were yet to arrive.

“Hello ma’am, are you Mrs Johnson?”

“Please take a seat, Beatrice.”

Beatrice hesitated.

“Have we met before?” She asked.

Banke’s lips curved into a smirk. She had prepared for this.

“I have seen you, I know what you look like. Take a seat.”

Beatrice wrapped her dress across her slim frame and sat on the edge of the park bench. She took in the dark-skinned woman who was now only a few inches away from her. She looked to be in her mid to late thirties. Her face was unfamiliar, this stranger regarding her.