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In The Economy • 5 min read • Dec 18, 2022 08:19a.m.
CBN'S NEW withdrawal limit policy
A lot of Nigerians, especially business owners and entrepreneurs have been thrown into a state of confusion and complete pandemonium following the new CBN policy to limit cash withdrawals to #20,000 daily for individuals and #100,000 daily for businesses. The CBN had in a letter dated Tuesday 6th December directed all deposit money banks, payment service banks, primary mortgage institutions, and micro finance banks to effect an over-the-counter cash withdrawal limit by individuals and corporate entities to not more than #100,000 and #500,000 weekly, respectively, effective January 9th, 2023. “The maximum cash withdrawal over the counter by individuals and corporate organisations per week shall henceforth be N100,000 and N500,000 respectively. Withdrawals above these limits shall attract processing fees of 5 percent and 10 percent, respectively,” CBN said. When one considers the cashless policy trend being practised in Western countries, you'd be tempted to agree, that this is a positive and welcome development, as it has the potential to reduce money laundering, cash hoarding and corruption generally. But we've got to look beyond face value. The Nigerian financial terrain is peculiar and quite different from that of the Western countries. While the Western countries operate a credit driven economy, Nigeria operates a cash driven economy. This is why policies and laws must be considered properly and in tandem with our peculiarities before being put forward to the public domain. Without proper consideration, we could experience a deadly recoil of a probably good gesture, leading to even deeper economic crisis than we're in already. Inflation in the country has been on a steady rise despite several monetary tightening policies as this latest policy can be described to be. The CBN's ill thought monetary policies along with some other factors have proved to have a direct impact on inflation. This last cash withdrawal policy will rather worsen things instead of making them better. Our elders say, "it is only a mad man that repeats the same thing over and over and expects a different result. This saying directly relates to the CBN's continued efforts at tightening our monetary policies, while it doesn't seem to achieve its goal of ameliorating the effects of the fiscal mess that we're in. While the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele has been experimenting with different ideas that seem to pop into his head on a whim, the Nigerian economy has been crumbling like a pack of cards. A major effect of the soaring inflation is the erosion of the purchasing power of the naira, as incomes collapse and add to the mounting poverty of a nation which is already titled the "Poverty capital of the world". According to the National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], headline inflation accelerated to 21.47 percent in November as against 21.09 percent in October. On a month-on-month basis, it increased to 1.39 percent in November as against 1.24 percent in October 2022. Also, food inflation rose to 24.13 percent from 23.72 percent in October. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation grew by 1.4 percent compared to 1.23 percent in October. Core inflation similarly spiraled to 18.24 percent from 17.76 percent in October. Over the last one year, the Nigeria inflation story has been a depressing one as reflected in the dynamics of all key price metrics. The key inflation drivers which includes; depreciating exchange rate, rising transportation costs, logistics challenges, forex market illiquidity, hike in the cost of refined petroleum products, climate change, insecurity ravaging farming communities and structural constraints to economic activities have not changed over the last few years. The brutish inflation asides, what about the impact of the policy on MSMEs? In a country where scam is rife, fake alerts are rampant, and with a dysfunctional police and justice sysyem, transacting in cash acts as a surety against anything untoward and gives the business owner a high level of confidence and control. Let's take a look at PoS businesses which can be considered a subsector taking into cognisance the number of jobs it has created. How many of them will be affected considering the fact that PoS business is commission based and limiting daily withdrawal to #20,000 will definitely affect them and threaten their sources of livelihood. How about market women and the petty trader? How many have PoS machines? How many will be willing to engage in bank transfers. Even for many who are conversant with smartphones, one can transfer money to someone and they don't receive the alert immediately. Sometimes it takes hours. How often does this happen? What will be the effect on businesses? The new policy will most likely be inimical to their growth, as infrastructural bottlenecks prevent total reliance on alternative channels of payment being favoured by the CBN. Recently, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, alongside the National Bureau of Statistics, put the number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country at 39.65 million, which employ about 87.9 percent of the nation’s labour force. The body added that MSMEs contribute 43.3 percent to the nation’s GDP. Truth is Nigeria, doesn't have the capacity nor infrastructure to keep the economy functioning properly as it experiments with policies that are sure to rebound and hit us right in the face. Also, with the contribution of MSMEs to nation building and job creation, it is a very important sector that should be accounted for in every fiscal and monetary decision that is bound to affect them. Sustained tightened policy penalizes entrepreneurs especially, as it increases cost of credit with heightened prospects of a backlash on growth. The deployment of monetary tightening tools should be put on hold and the CBN should resist the urge to dish out further policies of this nature as mounting inflationary pressures are yet to subside. Elections are fast approaching and all indications show that this policy is politically motivated, probably in a bid to try reduce and control vote buying. The CBN should realise it has power over the finances of over 200m people and should rather proffer solutions to our existing financial woes. It shouldn't make decisions with such hefty consequences based on political sentiments. Economic advancement of the people and country should be of utmost priority.
CBN'S NEW withdrawal limit policy
By Tari Ogbowei
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Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 1 month, 1 week ago

Nigeria My Country... Best in formulating and enacting useless and ill-natured policies that end up causing more heat than light.

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Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
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In Trending • 2 min read • Nov 28, 2022 16:15p.m.
THE DEVIL WEARS BALENCIAGA.
The recent outrage on the global Paris-based brand , Balenciaga after releasing photos of their ad campaign for their kids collection featuring a toddler dressed in bondage outfit, is evil hidden in plain sight . From the court documents displayed about "virtual child porn" to the toddler wearing bondage clothes holding a teddy bear in sex clothes and lots of other disgusting items displayed in the ad campaign is clear evidence that the world has lost its way. What Balenciaga did is not a singularity. It is merely an opportunity to get fashionistas , brand slaves and otherwise less informed people, gain awareness on a much bigger agenda. An agenda that is INVESTED & DEDICATED to grooming children across ALL areas. Medical industry (transitioning propaganda), Kindergarten & Primary schools (pushing sexual content on children under the disguise of education) High schools (exposing students to perversion such as the recent case of the teacher wearing a pornography prosthesis breast to class at a high school in Canada , or pushing terms such as MAPS (minor attracted people) on students as was recently filmed, as well as universities. The case at Old Dominion University where the trans teacher enforced the term MAPS on students caused outrage. This is an agenda of Pedophilia and for the fashion industry to serve this grander agenda is nothing entirely new as Disney and Hollywood have been rumored to be the largest grooming machinery that goes right above people's heads. For this agenda to be pushed all across the world is just a matter of time. Balenciaga making apologies on their socials when their cryptic messages were discovered on the ad campaign wasn't because they were sorry but rather because they were caught red handed by the masses and subsequently deleting all their other IG posts as people kept digging and seeing in clarity who they truly are and what they represent. Protect your children at all costs . Let me know in the comment section your thoughts on the Balenciaga controversy.
THE DEVIL WEARS BALENCIAGA.
By Mwambo Kate
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Suzanne Nanyonge
city Buea • 4 months, 1 week ago
This has rendered me speechless.
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 3 min read • Jun 21, 2022 22:07p.m.
Readers are Leaders
It is no news that the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi has chosen Doyin Okupe as his running mate while Ahmed Tinubu of the APC has chosen Kabiru Ibrahim Musa in order to beat the ultimatum given to political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to submit the names of their presidential running mates. While it is widely known that this selection is being used as a "placeholder" while negotiations and consultations for the "perfect" running mate are ongoing. It is being touted in some quarters, especially from political opponents that once a name has been submitted to the INEC as a running mate it can't be substituted. Having a conversation with some older friends a few days ago, the issue was brought up and I was told certain persons even went as far as highlighting some portions of the recently amended Electoral Act to back up their claims. I was perplexed, although I still tried to argue that these candidates had very powerful teams, advising and guiding every decision so I doubt they wouldn't have considered this. Yet, I couldn't make informed arguments as I wasn't armed with the right information. Just this morning, I got a hold of the Electoral Act and I've spent the larger part of the day going through it. It would interest you to know that there is actually nowhere it is stated in there that a VP running mate or any other candidate cannot be replaced. Although, for a candidate to be replaced, it must either be in the event of death or a withdrawal by the said candidate, and it must be done at least 3 months to the election. Section 31 of the 2022 Electoral Act as amended states: 31.  "A  candidate  may  withdraw  his  or  her  candidature  by  notice  in  writing  signed  by  him  and delivered  personally  by  the  candidate  to  the  political  party  that  nominated  him  for  the election  and  the  political  party  shall  convey  such  withdrawal  to  the  Commission  not later  than  90  days  to  the  election." Section 33 goes further to say that in the event of death or a withdrawal, the political party has 14 days to submit the name of a new candidate as replacement. Section 33 below: 33.  A  political  party  shall  not  be  allowed  to  change  or  substitute  its  candidate  whose  name has  been  submitted  under  section  29  of  this  Act,  except  in  the  case  of  death  or withdrawal  by  the  candidate: Provided  that  in  the  case  of  such  withdrawal  or  death  of  a  candidate,  the  political  party affected  shall,  within  14  days  of  the  occurrence  of  the  event,  hold  a  fresh  primary election  to  produce  and  submit  a  fresh  candidate  to  the  Commission  for  the  election concerned. When you take a second look at section 33, it becomes obvious that a part can easily be cut out like this: 33.  A  political  party  shall  not  be  allowed  to  change  or  substitute  its  candidate  whose  name has  been  submitted  under  section  29  of  this  Act. This changes the context as well as the entire meaning. It becomes easy for a mischievous person to distort the information and misinform. Ever heard the saying, "Half truth is no truth". Sometimes, one wonders the purpose of such misinformation when we live in the jet age where the internet has made it possible for information to be accessed within seconds. This being true, it also true that a lot of people do not read and only rely on hearsays, then go ahead to present these hearsays as facts. Based on this, the sources of these misdirection know how easy it is for fake news to spread, and bank on it to further their goals in weakening the morale as well the followership of their opposition. It is then necessary for all to furnish themselves with relevant documents and articles when exposed to information which they're not very comfortable with. As the old saying goes, readers are leaders.
Readers are Leaders
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon
city Ota • 2 years, 9 months ago
You are so right. Learnt something new today
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
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In People and Society • 2 min read • Dec 12, 2022 12:07p.m.
THE QUEST FOR GENDER (IM)BALANCE
The other day I posed a question to my WhatsApp contacts. I asked if the struggle for equality is leading to another form of gender imbalance. It was nice to get a couple of different perspectives on the topic. However, my personal opinion? - in a way, it has. We have to applaud the efforts made to kick out gender discrimination and inequality. Modern times has allowed and encouraged women to pursue goals and ambitions, without the obstruction of gender. Women have made their presence felt in careers and industries, previously known to be male exclusive. There are a lot of empowerment programs, set up to assist women in different areas of specialization. Indeed all these are commendable. But, in the midst of this progress made, we may be unaware of another growing problem - the neglect and apathy towards the male gender. Personally, I believe that if we can attain true equity, and eradicate discrimination; we should give equal attention to both genders. Otherwise, what we would end up doing is tilting the scale, rather than balancing it. In society today, we have boys who have been made to feel neglected and unguided. There seems to be a lack of societal support available to the male gender. For all the new ideologies and approaches to gender inequality, the idea of masculinity, remains the same. This affects the ability to adapt to a changing world for most men. If you think about it, when last did you came across an empowerment program strictly for men? In the society today, there are a lot of men who could use such programs, but their unavailability, poses a serious problem. There is so much focus on the girl child, that it begins to veer into the territory of overcompensation. And I understand that, given the issues of gender inequality, which mostly affects women. But to really solve the problem, there should be a balance. Boys could really use a good measure of attention and guidance. In a bid to cater and avail solutions to the problems of the girl child, sometimes we can become oblivious to the struggles of the boy child. Overcompensation is not a balance. It is rather another form of imbalance. Attention to both genders is the catalyst that is much needed in the fight against gender inequality.
THE QUEST FOR GENDER (IM)BALANCE
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Jun 25, 2024 12:25p.m.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF MR. REGHA
<p>'Poverty ambassador'... 'the man who has a covenant with poverty'... 'I've never seen someone who is so proud of being broke'... 'this guy never minds his business'...</p><p><br></p><p>Say what you want about him, but in an era where multiple colorful characters rise to social media fame, Daniel Regha may yet take the title as the most enigmatic. He even dresses like he is prepared to receive the award.</p><p><br></p><p>About a couple of years ago, a young man slowly gathered attention on social media for his unsolicited criticisms and advices on basically every matter - his name is Daniel Regha. What initially annoyed people, began amusing some (the rest have and still call for his head). Personally, I thought it was one of those 15 seconds fame thing. But nope! Daniel's 15 seconds seem to be going on forever, seeing as he has found ways to make blog pages every now and then.</p><p><br></p><p>One of the zings Nigerians used to try to shut him up, is broke shaming. Seriously, why do we always do that? However, Daniel refused to be gagged because of his financial status (which nobody was certain about anyway). He kept up with his antics much to the chagrin of his detractors.</p><p><br></p><p>Enter Elon Musk's money. Twitter (can't get used to calling it X even till now) rolled out the monetization feature for accounts - meaning your tweets could fetch you money depending on the engagement levels. This must have been Daniel's prayers answered because he stands out as one of the 'influencers' to have hugely benefited from this.</p><p><br></p><p>In a move I slap the term 'genius' on, Daniel embraced his 'poverty'. Netizens loved broke shaming him, so he might as well get paid for it. Occasionally, he uploads a photo of his 'unappealing' meals and sits back while a group of people I term unwise bombard his comments with mockery and a sad display of deluded elitism (a few things get Nigerians excited more than the feeling that they are living a better life than the next man). The following week, he uploads another and gets the same result.</p><p>Honestly, this makes me question human intelligence and how easily we fall for baits like fish.</p><p><br></p><p>People call him all sorts, but I call him clever. I don't know if he intentionally does it or he is just oblivious - if he is oblivious, it makes it even more pathetic for those who indulge him. Nigerians are elitists and pride themselves in classism - which is strange for a third world nation. We always lose our marbles for things that give us that perception of class, and condemn anything else that reminds us of the reality of the nation.</p><p><br></p><p>Honestly, whatever anyone eats or wears should not be the concern of strangers. Yet, to those online, it is an invitation to access said person's financial status. Which is why I applaud Mr. Regha. In his own quirky way, he has found a means to exploit the deluded classism of Nigerians to his profit.</p><p><br></p><p>You do not have to like him, but you cannot deny his unorthodox brilliance.</p>
THE CURIOUS CASE OF MR. REGHA
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Rosemary Adelani
city Abeokuta • 2 months, 1 week ago

Wow. Never saw it this way. Not bothered by people's comment but uses it as a bait to make money. Indeed clever!

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Unpopular Opinion

The True Art of Advertising is Dead! (Part 1)

by | Esther Omemu
I dare digital marketers or social media managers to argue with me on this. I was born, bred, and established in advertising, this is the first line of my bio on my portfolio and it is the truest statement I have ever made. I was born at the age when people who worked in advertising were some of the coolest people to walk the face of the business world. A time when people sacrificed their pers...
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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In History and Culture • 3 min read • Dec 30, 2022 00:14a.m.
OKRIKA HAS BEEN SAVING LIVES SINCE THE 1950s
<span class="html-content"><p><span class="html-content"></span></p><p>Most times I do ask myself how Nigerians, including myself would have coped without okrika? How would have the common man in Nigeria managed to cover his nakedness if peradventure there were no Okrika clothes, belts, shoes, caps, hats amongst other wears. Of course, the result would have been uninteresting and on the other hand ridiculous as we probably would have had situations where people normalise walking through the streets, roads and markets naked and bare footed. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>Okrika is a term that refers to 'used' or 'second-hand' clothes in Nigeria. As a term, 'okrika' is derived from a small port town in Rivers State known as Okrika where all second-hand clothes were shipped to and sold to the locals. Interestingly, the origin of okrika clothes in Nigeria can be traced to the 1950s, when Okrika was the only port through which clothes (used) were shipped down to Nigeria from Europe. During this time, okrika clothes were said to be in high demand based on the fact that locally manufactured clothes in Nigeria were not only ery expensive for people to purchase but also were allegedly lacked durability.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>One thing about Okrika wears is that they are not selective and thus, are attractive to both the rich and poor. However, despite the fact that often times, it is believed that okrika clothes are meant for the poor, needy and those without sophistication and class, the "sought -after" commodity also receives a greater number of patronage from the rich. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>In Nigeria, okrika business is done by men and women, young and old. It usually comes in different grades namely: grade one (comprising very clean and durable used clothes) and last grade (comprising leftover clothes that do not look appealing to buyers). It is a very competitive and profitable business that helps people to gain easy access to clothings. Today, okrika clothes and wearables can be found in all parts of the country both rural and and urban and in these diverse areas, it is known by different names and for different things. For instance, while it is known as "bend down select" in some parts of the country, it is equally known as "bo si corner" "Belgium" "Tokumba"amongst others. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>These names are ascribed to okrika clothes in Nigeria based on the fact that first, :most sellers display their clothes on the ground and in a bid to take a close look at them, buyers bend down to select their choice of clothes amongst others and second, a greater number of customers are very ashamed to put on the clothes on the open to avoid been seen by the public. Instead, they prefer going through the corners so that no one would seen them.&nbsp;</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Overall, it is important to say that inasmuch as Nigerians enjoy the usage of these clothings, it is rather unfortunate that they patronize it more than the local fabrics and clothings made in Nigeria.&nbsp; Could this still be part of the consequences of&nbsp; colonialism on&nbsp; African minds or is just an aberration of a distracted or dislodged human thoughts buried in confusion and hopelessness?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>It better be one or both of these options otherwise I do not see any justifiable reason why Nigerians should be happy and fulfilled wearing and firmly patronisimg&nbsp; 'used' and most times 'worn out' clothes imported from&nbsp; far away United Kingdom, United States amongst other European countries!&nbsp;</p><p>But wait a minute, who did this to us?</p><p></p> <p></p><p><br></p> <p></p> </span>
OKRIKA HAS BEEN SAVING LIVES SINCE THE 1950s
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 2 years, 3 months ago
Woah! I had no idea of the origin of the name till now. We Call it Okrika in Cameroon too.
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Ntamugabumwe Victor
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In Politics • 2 min read • Apr 22, 2023 13:14p.m.
WHEN LAW MEETS POLITICS - UGANDA MINISTERS' SCANDAL AND RIGHT TO BAIL
You may have heard or watched the news from Uganda on the most recent scandal where Ministers shared government aid that was meant for relief for one of the remotest places in Uganda - the Karamoja region. For clarity, this is the area with the highest rates of illiteracy, and economic development and with a semi-arid climate that has hampered their agricultural space and has always influenced their life as nomadic pastoralists. During the affirmative action discussions, the legislators saw it fit to create a Cabinet Ministerial position for Karamoja Affairs. Recently the Minister sought a supplementary budget to purchase iron sheets for the region in form of aid. The money was allegedly shared amongst some legislators and ministers through corridors of power. This led to the arrest of some of the Ministers during the last 2 weeks. It should be noted that these Ministers and legislators belong to the ruling party - the National Resistance Movement. Earlier, the ruling party had sought to abolish the constitutional right to bail for certain political wrongs inclusive of corruption. This move was a political strategy engineered to ensure the opposition politicians under certain charges do not get access to the right to bail and as such stay in the cells for as long as the political power structures agree otherwise. The irony is that now the same ministers face the same stand off with many of them have failed to meet the bail requirement. Well, that is what has been in Uganda. Share any similar scandal from where you are across Africa. Please share certain insights on how such scandals may be handled by the courts of law with respect to bail and whether such offenses should be bailable.
WHEN LAW MEETS POLITICS - UGANDA MINISTERS' SCA...
By Ntamugabumwe Victor
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Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
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In History and Culture • 5 min read • Jun 23, 2022 12:33p.m.
IRONIC VICTIM MENTALITY OF THE FOUNDATIONAL BLACK AMERICAN
<span class="html-content"> <p>One thing I would tell you about Kanye is, there is no one like him. Man just knows how to sell himself and let his confidence flow without apologies.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>I once watched a video of him where he was asked why he stopped talking about "the culture" and he said he has turned his back on it because it celebrates things that lead you down a rabbit hole and there is no accountability (this is me interpreting what he said, it's a whole other vibe when you see it). He said the culture talks about "guns and shooting up a block" and got rappers talking about things that could get them locked up, then when they are released, they start touting "gun control and prison reform". </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Ironic, right? I totally agree 💯</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Because why in God's name would you think that any of that is acceptable and then cry "oppression" </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>I believe he was right when he said "slavery was a choice" and you can see the evidence of it everyday. Maybe the statement was a little controversial but let us examine some scenarios.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>First of all, have you ever heard that someone would come into your house and just make you a slave unless you have them access? Me neither</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>If the "White Man" had the confidence to come and buy people from your country and in exchange, gave you a few shiny things, it means that is the idea you had sold to him. It means slavery was already prevalent. The idea that "we were all kings" is a facade because if we were all kings, who was being ruled? And who sold who to the white man? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Let's jump to spending ability. A Foundational Black American would save up, wait in the queue to get the new pair of Jordans or whatever shoe brand was out, or the latest Chanel bag just to "look rich", while going back to sleep in a trailer or whatever dump he or she lives in. Then you tout "generational wealth" and how you are not getting enough allocation because the whites see you as less than. Have you taken a good look at your financial habits? What are your priorities? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the music and over sexualized portrayal of your race which you seemingly enjoy and also complain about? Because why on earth are you getting a BBL every two working days, or draping yourself in all the gold or icy chains you can find just to portray a certain look? Why would you boast about shooting up a "nigga" or "bitch'' if they blink wrong, yelling"thug life" like it's supposed to be some sort of litany to the gods? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Then you complain about getting shot by the cops, when the rate at which you kill yourselves is higher. You boast about it, you join gangs for whatever dumb reason and kill rival gangs just because. How about stop celebrating silly stuff and calling it "ART" because you desecrate that word on a daily.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the normalization of drug crimes and drug lords(well you get a pass because the Mexicans are the major players)but my goodness, have you seen the content displayed on the Shade room? The normalization of babymamas and absentee father's is appalling and the "ho" culture being celebrated(Diddy) is one for the books.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>What about when you find your fellow "black person" or "brotha or sista' going to school, getting a decent job and talking well, and earning well and you start mocking them or calling them names like "coon", "sellout" "corny" or say they are "talking white"? How about they are pronouncing the words well and not twisting it to what you deem necessary?</p><p>Just two weeks ago, NORE of Drinkchamps podcast complained that the Black entertainers would always prefer to go to white news outlets to promote their stuff, instead of coming to black media.</p><p>But why won't they? When you invite them on your show, it is to ask them questions that do not relate to their music, in a bid to stir up controversy and get "views". There is clearly a difference between white and black interviewers in terms of comfort and professionalism. Not everyone is comfortable with that and when they react, you say they aren't being "real".&nbsp;<br></p><p>Okay Real Housewife 🌝🌚😒😒</p><p>Which brings me to my next point in these so called "reality shows" that help promote and reiterate the stereotypes you claim you do not like. All for entertainment and the paper, right? Yeah🌚</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the racism displayed just as much, especially when you insult people who have the same skin tone as you, just because they are not in America, and when you get hit, you throw your silly hands in the air, and play the victim card? (Tariq, I see you dropout) You can be just as racist, even to "wypipo" as you call them Caucasians.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Now, I am not saying the Whites are innocent in any of what has happened to the Blacks, because they have done a whole lot of nonsense and "Karens" are walking around scot free but can we actually do some introspection?</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Charity, we are told, begins at home, so why not start being accountable to yourselves and probably see how well things would pan out for you. The change starts from you and evolves. </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>What did I forget to mention? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>How silly have these tantrums been and how long have they gone on? Or how wrong am I? </p><p></p> <p></p><p></p> <p></p> </span>
IRONIC VICTIM MENTALITY OF THE FOUNDATIONAL BLA...
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Tomi Walker
city Lagos • 2 months ago

Not to say there isn’t an element of truth to what you’re saying, but Nigerians criticizing other groups with no sense of irony is alw...

Hi, it's Queensley, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Writer, and help with your academic research. Reach me here https://wa.me/2348167337301
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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In History and Culture • 2 min read • Dec 22, 2022 12:05p.m.
THE AFRICAN KINGDOM WHERE THE BRIDE'S AUNT TESTS THE GROOM'S LIBIDO
<span class="html-content"><p>When it comes to marriage and sexual preparedness as the elements of a people's sociocultural organisation in Africa, the Banyankole tribe remains unforgettable. Yes, I mean it and I do because they are an interesting people whose culture pays utmost attention to the need for sexual vibrance and satisfaction in every marriage - a factor that has resulted in a lot of marriage divorces and breakups in relationships in the contemporary times. </p> <p>Banyankole is a highly traditional Kingdom in Southwestern Uganda, East of Lake Edward. The kingdom comprises two major groups namely: the Bahima, who are mostly cattle rearers, and the Bairu, who are agriculturists. </p> <p>Unlike many African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia among others where aunts provide guidance and counselling to their young nieces as they grow and develop from adolescence to adulthood, in Banyankole, aunts do more than guide and counsel their nieces; they take further action to confirm the groom's virility and potency as well as the bride's virginity before their marriage is approved. </p> <p>As a potency test for the groom, the bride's aunt was sometimes required to have sexual intercourse with the groom for confirmation that he could discharge his sexual obligation to his wife excellently without grudges or complain. On the other hand, she is also obliged to test and confirm if the bride was still a virgin. In situations where the bride's aunt cannot have sex with the groom, it is said that she will go as far as listening to or watching the bride and groom make love to each other in order to confirm the couple's potency and consumative preponderance prior to the approval of their marriage. </p> <p>This practice is very crucial for the people of Banyankole because they believe that sexual consumatiom informed the continued existence and progress of marital relationships between men and women. As such, they do not take issues bordering on impotency lightly. </p> <p>Indeed, these people are very realistic and focused in ensuring that their marriages work and couples enjoy themselves and union to the fullest. Of course, it is their culture; their lifestyle and not even their religion forbids it.</p> <p>Let me know your thoughts on this culture.</p> </span>
THE AFRICAN KINGDOM WHERE THE BRIDE'S AUNT TEST...
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Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
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In Politics • 2 min read • May 20, 2024 17:19p.m.
FAILED CONGO COUP AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
<p>Recently it seems like the world is a continuous series of political intrigue, I came online to find news about the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which involved about three American citizens.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>It was reported that gunfire erupted around 4 am in the capital Kinshasa as they attacked the presidency in the city centre. It was also reported that the leader of the opposition who was in exile in the United States, Christian Malanga was identified as being behind the attack and was reportedly neutralised during the assault.</p><p><br></p><p>This is a case that can become a huge diplomatic incident because it quickly draws up the dark history of political interference in the West. Especially at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine has everyone cautious in picking sides.</p><p><br></p><p>It also shines a light on America's history of political interference in foreign countries in the past. Some of these include Hawaii, Panama, Honduras, and Nicaragua to mention a few.</p><p><br></p><p>It's amazing to think that citizens of a foreign nation can be seen as linked to a coup in a sovereign nation, but these are the realities we find ourselves in.</p><p><br></p><p>This situation shows that the lack of unity is an avenue that can be exploited at any time to break into a Nation's security structure. A position in which Africa has always found itself for the longest of time, though this is not exclusive to us only.</p><p><br></p><p>The US ambassador has released a statement expressing shock and assurance of their support in investigating the situation, it still is a bad look and I'm sure they will be eager to have the matter cleared up as it calls our attention to certain grim realities. As the matter progresses, I wonder if there would be penalties and if the UN would weigh in on the matter.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
FAILED CONGO COUP AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
By Oluseyi Vandy
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Do you think tho, that the coups in some African countries are a testament of Africans fight for true democracy or are they just anoth...

Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
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In People and Society • 2 min read • Jan 16, 2024 22:21p.m.
AVOIDING IT, FACING IT.
Picture this : an email pops up in your inbox with a tricky, important, or stressful problem that needs to be solved. Do you …. 1. Read it through and then ask yourself, " okay , what do I need to do about this ?". or say to yourself, "I'm going to figure this out." 2. Scan through the email quickly, immediately feel overwhelmed and close the email saying, " I'll think about this later". These examples of two different coping strategies. The first is called "problem-focused".. In this strategy, you try to approach the challenge from different angles, look for information about how to address it, or break it into manageable pieces. The second is called 'avoidance-focused". The problem stirs up uncomfortable emotions within you, and because they feel overwhelming , you avoid the problem, pretend its not happening, or personally blame yourself for it. Problem-focused is related to wellbeing, while avoidance - focused is related to depression, anxiety,. That's why , if you are more of an avoidant coper, it's important to learn the skill of problem-focused coping. Start practicing with smaller problems. The next time one pops up (in your inbox, in your home, in your life), and those painful emotions start to arise within you, you just have to do one thing : breath through it. Focus on your breath until your emotions fade away. Don't close the email or walk away from the issue. Breathe in, breathe out. Stay with it. Congratulations! you just faced your discomfort and came out the other side. Now that you're here, you can ask yourself : " what is one way I might start to address this problem?".
AVOIDING IT, FACING IT.
By Mwambo Kate
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Anita Koske
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Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 3 months ago

Reading this insight was both amusing and motivating. It reminded me of a conversation I had just a few days ago, where I encouraged a...

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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In Leadership • 2 min read • Feb 24, 2023 04:18a.m.
"In dire need of compassion and character".
A story was told about a man who was walking near the park and heard a sound from a nearby bush. Having decided to find out where the sound was coming from, he observed that a cat was stuck in a hole inside the bush and it needed help. As the man tried to help the cat get out of the hole, it became apprehensive and aggressive as it scratched the man's hand. As painful as the scratch was, the main refused to back out as it krpt trying to save the cat. While this was going on, a passerby who saw what was happening advised the man leave the cat because it will definitely find its way out sooner or later. This advise did not hold water as the man continued to look out for ways to save the cat. Fortunately, he got drew the cat out of the hole and immediately he released it into the bush, he faced toward the other man and said, "The Cat is an animal whose instinct is to scratch and attack but I am a human being and my instinct is to be kind and compassionate". True leadership is all about carrying everyone along not minding their nature, traits and flaws. It is about understanding people from their own perspective, letting them have a say and not judging them by their reactions to life's conditions. In this story, the cat that was stuck inside the hole represents the average Nigerians whose averageness is simply a 'tush' way of describing poverty while the man who saved the cat represents the hope for good leadership in Nigeria; a leadership that would produce leaders with compassion and love for not only Nigerians but also for the greater good of Nigeria. However, just as the cat kept scratching the man's hands and inflicting pains on him, a lot of Nigerians today have gotten used to sheer wickedness and aggressiveness such that they have become anti-growth and progress. Most of them have lost fate in the country while many others have given up on life, living each day in anguish and pains. But what is more baffling is the fact that these same prople have for several unjustifiable reasons refused to acknowledge compassion and love but instead choose to wail and complain against bad leadership Dear Nigerians, as we head for the polls tomorrow, it is my submission that we should put aside our bitterness, aggressiveness, and bias and vote for the greater good of our country, children and their future. Let us keep our hope alive by holding on to this compassionate gesture we have been shown. Of a truth, nobody is perfect and no leadership is completely right but nonetheless, let us choose benevolent evil rather than a malevolent good. Choose Wisely Choose You
"In dire need of compassion and character".
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Godwin Erite Project Manager @ Acceler8ed Marketing Services
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In Career and Jobs • 1 min read • Jul 02, 2024 18:04p.m.
A Beginning at the End
<p>At the beginning, there was a fire that burns unquenchably the thirst for knowledge unrivaled, triumphing over every obstacle. The goal is crystal clear, focus was sharper than ever. Like a fearless lion, charging through adversities, relentless in pursuit of achievement, unknowingly bearing the weight of physical and emotional burdens.<br></p><p>Yet, amidst this relentless pursuit, the need for care remains unspoken while happiness slowly dies. Motivation, once ablaze like a roaring flame, begins to flicker and wane. Learning persists, but the initial spark is gradually starved of fuel, drained by thoughtless words and a lack of empathy. </p><p>As the end draws near, it is not truly an end but a prelude to a new beginning. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding persists, yet the ability to endure diminishes. This is a moment to acknowledge that, like all humans, you too need care and compassion. </p><p>Here's to recognizing that an end is not a conclusion, but a threshold, but a gateway to new possibilities and growth. </p><p>May empathy guide us forward, reigniting the flame of curiosity and resilience. In every ending lies the seed of a new beginning, waiting to be nurtured with kindness and understanding. </p><p>Alas, balance remains a mirage, the cost of happiness is in the pursuit of happiness.&nbsp;</p><p>Be careful .</p>
A Beginning at the End
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Samuel Ibok
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Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
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In Education • 4 min read • Dec 12, 2022 08:35a.m.
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
What is propaganda? It is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. The term “propaganda” apparently first came into common use in Europe as a result of the missionary activities of the Catholic church. In 1622 Pope Gregory XV created in Rome the Congregation for spreading the faith and regulating church affairs in heathen lands. (Lifted from American Historical Association) So, while the term may have been created for action with a moral justification and cause, we have seen it morph over the years to mean something else. There is no better time to discuss this than election season. With the birth of the internet, the gatekeepers and the old guards who restricted those who were not trained from airing their views were bypassed. There is not as much institutional control over information, this brought about a boom of growth because it gave easy access to information to those who needed it, no matter where in the world they were. We also learned an important lesson, every good thing, no matter how noble has its dark side, and this was EVERYONE had access to air their views.  What makes propaganda a real danger and threat is the fact that it looks like the truth and real information at the surface level. They put out actual footage; video, pictures, etc. So you think to yourself, if the picture or video is there then it's real. The said facts or evidence are in reality altered or warped to fit the narrative the publisher wants. So while two people get the same general information, the understanding of events is like Night and Day, completely different. In summary, you do not realize you are being played or manipulated. While I'm a believer in freedom of speech, and expressing opinions, I know enough to know that freedom can only truly exist if there are laws, and rules guiding it, and consideration for your fellow man and his experience. This is the paradox of life, without restrictions, your freedom will impede on the freedom of another, ultimately resulting in misunderstanding and chaos. This is what in some ways began to happen more frequently with the news. The point of this post is to help make you aware of when you are being fed propaganda, at least to some extent. 1. Slow down: The internet is a place where content and information hits us per second; especially if you have a great internet connection. The idea of social media is to flood the user with so much content that they do not have a second to get bored, because if they do, they leave. This is because each second you are on, engaging, increases the chances of you clicking on/ viewing paid ads or patronizing the business of someone else on the platform, which convinces them that the platform is a great place to do business, so they are most likely more convinced to click the ad button to boost publicity, aiding the loop that is the cycle. This has a way of sucking us in, so much so that we react to things without thinking, completely on instinct. Have you caught yourself about to type something, then you go 'Nah, it's not worth it?’ The same thing happens when we see propaganda, we react without pausing to ask ourselves questions, "is it real, true, or why?" Asking why someone would do something is a good place to start, as it reveals the motives and what they stand to gain, which reveals more information the more you ask "why?"  2. Check the source: I know it can be exciting to see certain headlines, this is generally because they do that for a living and have mastered keywords and phrases they know trigger people, but when you read that caption or that short clip edited, make sure to check; is the site a trustworthy one? A gossip blog or page with a track record for factual news and not one that is more likely to post content to get you riled up just for profit.  3. Google and get the full context: In other words, do a mini search, few minutes of googling the news or searching for the full clip will let you get the full context or information. I can speak for 40 minutes about why men are providers for example, and one person will edit out a few seconds of my saying "women are meant to be taken care of by men," they could post captions heavily pushing that agenda and leave out where I say something like "but women should also learn to be resourceful and help support."  4. Check if other platforms have the same news: By this, I mean read-through to see the narrative reported. Students not allowed to write exams because of school fees payment is a normal occurrence we all know, as it is a business that needs money to pay its staff. But when it's reported highlighting the owner of the institution, it turns from just reporting the news to expecting a certain reaction targeted at the owner of the school. 5. Check the date: When people push propaganda, they can from time to time take old clips, and images presenting them as current to push a narrative. 6. Check your bias: Sometimes we easily swallow something because it agrees with our world view, thesame way we fight what goes against those views, no matter how glaring the evidence before us. Try to make sure that you take in information with an open mind, and most importantly, remember because you see it on the internet, does not automatically make it true.
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
By Oluseyi Vandy
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 3 months, 1 week ago
This is good insight.. thank you
Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
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Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
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In Politics • 3 min read • Nov 11, 2022 22:52p.m.
HMM
Suliyat sells shoes and bags supposedly. She lives in Lekki in a two bedroom duplex and pays 1.5 million naira every year for rent. The mantra of "God when" keeps flying when she uploads on Instagram and Tiktok and all she does is remind people that she is a "small girl with a big God". Dele has a mansion in Lekki and another in Port Harcourt. He claims to work virtually and receives fluctuating salaries between 4000 to 5000 pounds monthly. His house always has a weird smell that is a mixture of excreta and God knows what. You cannot breathe in his house and would prefer to meet him in an official setting. Every week, there is a new girl in his house but he cannot send money home to his parents who are still homeless. People wonder why it is so and some have even called him names but he keeps telling them that they don't understand. He has already ordered the latest Benz so all is well and good Ekaette has finished university and is about to go for service. The problem is that she does not want to serve anywhere that is not Lagos as it is the "happening place" so she has cooked up strategies to ensure it is so. She has decided to go through her parents to ask that they talk to her aunt who has pull in the NYSC office. A sum has been requested and paid and all she can do is wait for her fate. One way or another, she must land in Lagos or nothing else matters, even if she has to fraternize with the Platoon Leader or an influential Local Government Inspector. Emeka wants to get married but his business has not been giving as much money as he would like. He decided this next trip, he must add money on top and put it on the customers, after all, they have no choice. Anything that was 500 naira is now 4000 naira. Economy is hard and it is not his fault. Man must wack and there is nothing he can do about it. Ena just woke up and would use the whole morning for another round of thinking. What would her children eat now that their dad is not there to support her, and she is not as strong to cater for them as her back issues are becoming worse. If not for the house her husband left and kept away from other assets, she would be on the street. The politician may be coming to campaign again. Maybe she would go and collect the three onions and five cups of rice so at least her children would eat. She is good as far as they have eaten. Osas finally found a job but it looks like the pay is not as promising as he thought it would be. He was expecting a base pay of 200,000 naira and now he is seeing 80,000 naira and a "promise" to increase after years worked. Right now, he is at a crossroad as he is out of options and it has been three years of trying to get something good. It seems he would have to settle until he finds something good and then his japa plans can be built while doing so. To hell with staying in this country for more than a year!! These and more stories are what are prevalent in the Nigerian sphere and these are all victims of an already wicked and corrupt system. Say what you want about them but these are their realities and unless we create a system that actually works, more of these would erupt and we would keep crying and not solving the problem. Decide what future you want for your family Don't sell your vote Use your voice wisely
HMM
By Queensley Okon
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Hi, it's Queensley, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Writer, and help with your academic research. Reach me here https://wa.me/2348167337301
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Bryan Emejor Content Creator @ TwoCents
city Ughelli, Nigeria
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In Music and Entertainment • 2 min read • Oct 06, 2022 17:18p.m.
I think there's enough money in the music industry to go around.
<span class="html-content"> <p>Do I have the math to back it up? Probably not but there must be a lot of money, with the rate artistes have been suing each other lately over copyright infringement and intellectual property theft. For those people who have been wondering if the law works in the industry, I guess now we know it does.</p> <p>We have seen the biggest names face lawsuits on infringement, up from 2baba, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid, down to the newbies; BadboyTimz and the latest, Joeboy. Yep! Joeboy has just been threatened with a copyright lawsuit, by Asa and she's demanding for #300 million in compensation. Apparently, this is for his new song, "Contour", there was a sample and producer issue. I get the issue but literally everyone aware of the news is in a frenzy about the amount demanded.</p> <p>I can't remember a time where the music industry had such lawsuits flying around consecutively. I mean, even BadboyTimz sued his former record label for libelous publication. I think it's awesome that artistes are taking the value of their craft more seriously but if these monetary demands flying up and down gets serious, it might be a big problem.</p><p>&nbsp;I hope nobody goes dirt digging into Omah Lay's latest album, "Boy Alone" for any copyright problem o. That was and is still a masterpiece and the sure boy just purchased a mansion on Lagos Island for almost half a billion naira. Yep, I don't think that guy is really alone o. 😅</p> </span>
I think there's enough money in the music indus...
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Esther Omemu Design Associate @ Hera Marketing
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In Career and Jobs • 3 min read • Jan 17, 2023 18:57p.m.
Done is better than Perfect
‘Done is better than perfect’ I heard this first from my now mentor, Dr. Ada S. Peter when I was only a 200-level student trying to not die from the weight of assignments and coursework. After every class, she would give us painful assignments, with emphasis on the word painful, the kind of assignments that will lead the class to drop out of their chairs to the floor of the studio and just start shedding collective tears. Once she had heard all our complaints, she would smile and say ‘You can do it’…or ‘I am grooming you’ or ‘you’ll be grateful for this training’ and whilst it was true, we definitely could not see it at that time…and out of all the many things she would say, the one that stuck with me the most was the ‘Done is better than perfect’. This simple statement has helped me through my journey as a student, an employee, and even as an unofficial career mentor. In life, we often get overwhelmed when faced with tasks that we think are beyond our capacity or confused about, and then work paralysis sets in. We find ourselves unable to even start the task because we are so worried that we can’t do it or worried that we don’t know how to do it. We get stuck on making it perfect that we never actually get it to even make it happen and that’s why I hold those words dear to me. Once again. Done is better than perfect. I promise you that once you internalize this statement, your work or study life will become a whole lot easier. Now, don’t get too excited, this is not a magic phrase but rather it is a soothing statement that helps to take away the unnecessary pressure we feed ourselves as we fight for perfection. The key point of this message is to do it. Doing the work will always be better than waiting for perfection. You can only improve upon or make perfect something that already exists #word When I started my journey in the labor market, a clueless graduate who had more theoretical knowledge than skills, I would often get confused and overwhelmed when assigned tasks that I had bragged about in the interview but have no current knowledge of. Even worse, I would sit in meetings and be so lost, and then when they assign a task at the end of the meetings, I was still there trying to figure out what half of what they were saying meant. This is where that statement started to make sense to me. When I would stare at my laptop, head throbbing, fingers itching and a blank brain, worrying endlessly about whether or not I could do it. I might even close the laptop in fury and stare at the cobwebs-filled ceiling, wondering if I should just quit just so that feeling of helplessness would go away. Then the word would come and somehow it gave me enough energy to actually start something. I would start, stop, and start again but push through and do what I can do best. Eventually, it would start to suddenly make sense, and although it was nothing close to perfect, the feeling of actually getting the work done either way was enough for me. Sometimes, well most times, what I thought was a pile of rubbish compiled together ended up being exactly what my boss was looking for. So if you ever find yourself in similar shoes, don’t bother worrying about the outcome. Just start, it doesn’t even have to make sense at the beginning. Do it first and then worry about perfection later. It may turn out perfect or it may not but at the very least, it is done. Until next time!
Done is better than Perfect
By Esther Omemu
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Oluseyi Vandy Samuel Mgbabor Nwite Samuel Ibok
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Hi, it's Esther, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
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I must say this is a very relevant and interesting topic. Celebrity endorsement, especially in the days of social media will continue to play a huge role in business management and marketing communications.From a research perspective, you might want to understand1. The type of brands that are more likely to use celebrity endorsement - banks, telecom or gambling company?2. What type of advertising appeal are being adopted? Are they emotional appeal or rational appeal?3. What type of celebrity do we have endorsing products? This can be cross tabulated with point 1.4. What are consumers attitude towards celebrity endorsement? Is it a norm or people are tired of it?5. Speaking with Brand Managers, what are their challenges in selecting and working with celebrity influencers?
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Having a political Godfather and Godmother is not in itself a wrong approach. It is how it is done that must be looked at. A sound Godfather or Godmother would not introduce you into ignoble things. He or she would rather protect you from exploitation. Anyone who would introduce in a clause that is exploitative has no business becoming your Godfather or Godmother. So in choosing a Godfather or Godmother, be wise and be discerning. Choose to the right people
Bright Agropah
Author. Speaker. Reformist
Score | 480
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 2 min read • Sep 09, 2022 23:12p.m.
APATHY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
When one looks at the Nigerian political space particularly and the African space generally, its structures and players, one is forced to realise that there is a distinction between politicians and leaders, even without a dictionary check or carrying out any research. Naturally, one would assume that it is an African problem but when you look the shores of Africa to black countries in other continents, countries like Jamaica and Haiti, it is obvious the same issues persist. It is safe to assume that it is a problem peculiar, not just to black Africa but to the black race generally. Wherever the blacks are left to self-govern, there is usually a leadership lapse. Basically why we're all third world countries. Bringing it back home, one can almost say Nigeria is cursed with this leadership deficit. Over the decades since independence, Nigeria has seemed to have more of politicians than leaders. There has hardly seemed to be anyone who balances politics and carrying out the constitutional responsibilities of their esteemed offices through quality leadership. Everyone seems to complain about it, as it stares all in the face but what is shocking is that when those who complain the most or maybe have in one way or the other been a direct victim of this leadership pariah get into these same exalted offices, they do same or even worse than their predecessors. In stark contrast, we should think of some of the biggest companies in Nigeria, whether IOCs, construction, manufacturing, auditing companies in Nigeria with international affiliations. These companies are managed day to day by Nigerians, living in Nigeria, yet, they have continued to meet set targets and be profitable year over year (YoY) Why then, is it impossible for Nigerians to be effective in government and public service? The answer is quite simple infact. Those who work in the private sector for these highly profitable multinationals are held to a high degree of responsibility and accountability. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as well as other structures and apparatus are put in place to measure performance and productivity and justify renumeration being earned by the individual. When things do not go as expected, it is quickly noticed and solutions get proferred. Thriving nations emulate these structures and measure performance in one way or the other. The treat government as a business adhering to and respecting the rules while it is the lack of respect for these rules and lack of performance measurement systems that entrench the mediocre leadership that Nigerians get from their leaders as there's nothing to hold them to a high standard.
APATHY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
By Tari Ogbowei
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Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
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In People and Society • 3 min read • Jun 18, 2024 11:38a.m.
WESTERNISATION
<p>As a secondary school student sitting in Social Studies class (or was it Government? 🤔) I never knew how much relevance that word held. Yes, I knew on some level the cartoons I grew up on as a kid influenced my thoughts and educated me a lot. But now, many years later, I see how much it has advanced and derailed us.</p><p><br></p><p>Anything done in excess, no matter what it is can have a negative impact. This is why Nigerians' ability to assimilate and adopt other people's cultures has had such a negative effect on us. This quality is one to be praised and makes someone a beacon, but when done in excess you not only lose the core of who you are, but you stand the risk of taking traits and habits that can be detrimental to you. This is where Nigeria finds itself.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Over time we have adopted The Good, The Bad and The This Shouldn't Even Be A Topic. We took in all these with the shaming tactic that our ways were primitive and in some cases barbarian. While I will not argue that some customs or traditions needed to be left in the past, the problem now is that there is this underlying inferiority complex and belief that most of the things from the West are better than ours.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>We forget that they are human and are prone to being wrong as well, or some cultures were made to solve specific problems. Let me set an example. The idea of disciplining children. This topic is so horrific for many, but humans (and yes even kids) by nature want to test boundaries to learn what they can get away with. Why? Because human nature prioritises pleasure and immediate gratification, call it our animal Instinct. If a kid could have candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they would find a way to get it, but the parent has to be the firm hand to tell them no and then instil discipline in them so they don't end up with diabetes. This is what disciplining children does, it shows them what is and what isn't acceptable. This frees them to know how to interact with the larger world and not be confused when an action their parents never told them was wrong, gets them punished or ostracized by others in society.</p><p><br></p><p>We forget that also, life has stages and as much as we are enamoured by how awesome the Western standard of life is, they have the freedom to live the way they do because either the government or the people fought to preserve it no matter how imperfect it may be. In translation, you cannot live in a developing nation and want to mimic the same culture of a developed nation that has the luxury to do so, you will just plainly appear delusional and out of touch with reality.</p><p><br></p><p>Before we copy from them we owe it to ourselves, and our family to analyse and think through what we want to adopt. Cultures are different because realities are different. Take the best of other cultures and use it to build yourself, but know where to draw the line, do not underestimate and belittle the beauty of your culture and traditions.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
WESTERNISATION
By Oluseyi Vandy
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Emaa Ezeifeka Media Relations, PR and Social Media Management
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In Health • 3 min read • Feb 17, 2023 21:31p.m.
WHY WAXING BEATS SHAVING
<span class="html-content"><p>The first time I waxed, it was because of peer pressure. I had seen a lot of people do it- my friends inclusive so I decided to try it, in order to understand what the fuss was all about 😅. First of all, I’m a cry baby with a very low tolerance for pain. A soft babe ! So when the lady was cleaning my underarms in preparation for the procedure, I was laughing; cackling even (did I mention that I am very ticklish ?). My brain went from 0-100 real quick as soon as the hot wax left my skin with a huge chunk of my hair; the laughter turned into screams 😩😭. Ouch ! I swear it hurt, but only for that moment. She repeated that step a couple of times so you can imagine how many “ouches” left my throat during the session. It hurt like a beech. But as soon as it was done, I said to myself “it was definitely worth it”. Throughout that week, I kept showing my fresh-looking armpits to anyone who cared to look; my mum, my aunts and my partner(of course). Not sure why I did that… which is why I’m currently hiding my face in shame🙈.</p> <p>It’s 2023, you should ditch shaving for waxing. Here’s why…</p> <ol> <li><p>First of all, let's talk about time. Shaving is like a chore, it has to be done often. Who has the time for that? With waxing, you only need to do it every few weeks, depending on your hair growth. That means more time for other things like; sticking your nose into someone else’s business 😌. (I do not recommend that and I shall not be responsible for whatever happens to your nose).</p> </li> <li><p>Yes, waxing can be uncomfortable, but it's a quick and efficient way to get rid of unwanted hair. Plus, the more you do it, the less it hurts. The first time I waxed my underarms, the pain was 4 on a scale of 1-10 and like I said, it hurts only in that moment that the hair is getting pulled out; it doesn’t hurt afterwards. A person with a high threshold for pain would probably feel nothing. After I did it 2 to 3 times, I became used to it.</p> </li> <li><p>With shaving, you're risking nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, shaving bumps and razor burn. And let's not forget the itching that comes with regrowth. Who needs that kind of wahala in their life? As long as you do your “after care” after waxing, you will be fine. I have never had any “after-wax” issues since I started waxing. Waxing just makes your underarms (and other parts) fresh and aesthetically pleasing 😉.</p> </li> <li><p>Waxing leads to longer-lasting results. When you shave, you're only cutting the hair at the surface level, which means it grows back quickly and prickly. Waxing removes the hair from the root, so it takes longer to grow back. This can also lead to a reduction in hair growth over time. By continually removing the hair from the root, you can actually delay its growth and when it eventually grows, it's much softer and smoother. Emphasis on SOFTER and SMOOTHER 😌. Shaving, on the other hand, will cause the hair to grow back faster, thicker and darker.</p> </li> </ol> <p>In conclusion, waxing is the clear winner when it comes to hair removal. It's more efficient, longer-lasting, and can even lead to reduced hair growth over time. So, ditch that razor and make the switch to waxing. Your skin (and your schedule) will thank you. 🤗 </p> </span>
WHY WAXING BEATS SHAVING
By Emaa Ezeifeka
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Tobi Igbinedion
city Lagos • 4 days, 11 hours ago

Hey Emaa, read this again and I really wonder...Where have you been?

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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In History and Culture • 3 min read • Feb 10, 2023 08:43a.m.
A Peep At The Famous Kalacuta Republic
It would be quite unsurprising if I am told that those who were born in the late 90s and even 2000s do not know about the famous Kalacuta Republic or have never heard about it. The reason of course is not farfetched. It is either they do not care to read history textbooks, listen to Nigerian history documentaries on the radio and television, or they are just knowledge haters. Yes, you heard that right. People are so different and weird when it comes to knowledge seeking. That notwithstanding, let us get straight to the main focus of this article. Derived from the "Black Hole of Calcutta Dungeon" located in India, Nigeria's famous Kalacuta Republic is the name given to the residence where Nigeria's popular afro -pop musician - Fela Kuti, his family, band group and recording studio lived. Interestingly, Kalacuta is also a mockery of a prison cell named "Calcutta". Located presently at No. 14 Agege road, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria, the Kalacuta Republic accommodates a recording facility as well as a health clinic. It is on record that upon the musical icon's return from the United States in 1970, exactly after the Nigerian Civil War, he declared the Kalacuta Republic, an Independent entity or nation so to speak from the Nigerian State and her military government which he repeatedly referred to as "Wayo government" meaning fraudulent government. Consequently, the compound - a part of the Kalacuta Republic was burned to the ground on February 18, 1977 after an assault perpetrated by Nigerian soldiers (based on an order given by the military government). This was obviously a rage that erupted because of Fela's reference to them as 'ombie' in his song. You know that saying - the truth is bitter and when it is told, it discomforts the offenders? The same thing happened to the military junta which decided to react offensively against Fela Kuti. In the song Zombie, Fela ctiticised Nigerian soldiers of his time for obeying orders blindly and foolishly, allowing themselves to be used as tools to wreck havoc against the same people they pledged loyalty to defend and protect. Having being frustrated with the Nigerian army's rank and file that allowed corruption and the intimidation of the people to thrive unceasingly, Fela vehemently expressed his dissatisfaction and outright rejection of the government's impunity. His song 'Zombie' was so popular in Nigeria to the extent that it drew the attention of then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was unhappy with Fela Kuti's constant lambasting of his government. During the attack at the Kalacuta Republic, it was unfortunate that Fela Kuti's mother, Frances Abigai Olufumilayo was thrown out of the window of the second floor, an infamous event which led to her death after being in coma for about two months. On February 20, 1978, the Ace afro-pop giant secretly married twenty-seven women - his back-up singers who were popularly known as the Kalacuta Queens. When asked of his reason for marrying these twenty-seven women, he explained that he did what he did in order to give them social and economic security and save them from the thorns of unemployment and poverty especially after the recording studio had been destroyed. To Fela Kuti, these women needed to be protected as the Yoruba tradition demands. Even upon Fela Kuti's demise, the Kalacuta Republic has remained a legendary and historical site for the remembrance of Nigeria's struggles and quest for equity, fairness, justice and good governance. This explains that the trouble with Nigeria never started today or even yesterday; it began the moment men began to think with their nose, see with their anus and lead with their ego! The problem of Nigeria began the moment the British saw Nigeria as a good business conglomerate and Nigerians as perfect commodities of trade. Unfortunately, this same ideology was handed down to the leaders of the first republic who instead of truncating it and creating a new vision for the country, decided to embrace it. Today, the Kalacuta Republic has been rebuilt and turned into a museum - the Kalacuta Museum. It was officially launched and opened for public usage on October 15, 2012 in commemoration of Fela Kuti's 74th posthumous birthday. The museum contains the display of Fela Kuti's dance clothing, Instruments, artworks, restaurant and a hotel. Indeed, the Kalacuta Republic was a Republic in a Republic.
A Peep At The Famous Kalacuta Republic
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Tobi Igbinedion
city Lagos • 3 months, 1 week ago

The man Fela. A legend and Myth. Surprised me when there were arguments as to if Burna Boy had surpassed his legacy. Like how? In a f...

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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 1 min read • Jun 05, 2022 11:15a.m.
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 2
Although, the protest didn't achieve its aim but points were made and noted. On the side of the government, it was made clear that the elites are willing to do anything and everything to maintain their grip on power, even at the expense of the lives of citizenry. On the side of the youth, they demonstrated that they are willing to die for what they believe in. It is on this note the youth have decided to rally behind Mr. Peter Obi, a man who they believe carries their dreams and aspirations. This is obvious from the massive support he has garnered in such a short time on social media platforms like twitter and Facebook. Needless to say, it is the youth who form the bulk of participants on social media. He has gained such massive and organic support even without influencing the so called influencers. Such a rare feat for any Nigerian leader. It is too soon to say but he might just be the "Madiba of Nigeria".
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 2
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
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In People and Society • 3 min read • Jun 25, 2022 12:30p.m.
AN ODE TO THE THE VILLAINS
<span class="html-content"> <p>Well more like a litany or how else would I sum this writeup?</p> <p>Have you noticed how attached we are to villainous characters? We worship them in our own way and speak about them with so much respect and admiration, we don't even realize we are doing it?</p> <p>You may be wondering how, considering it would be ironic, given your attachment to the idea that you are inherently a good person and only adore good people.</p> <p>Okay let's see, when you speak about Pablo Escobar, do you condemn his actions or hammer on how he stood in front of the White House with his son, or burnt a million dollars per night to warm up his kid?</p> <p>You remember the Lion King? What character do you remember with fondness and admiration? Mufasa? Na, it's definitely Scar. That treacherous voice and the look made him stand out right? </p> <p>In the Marvel universe, you can't argue that the most loved character is Thanos, the very threat to human existence, well in that world not ours. Doesn't any other character pale in comparison to him when we argue popularity? Hell, even some of his quotes have become legend on TikTok and the Twitterverse</p> <p>The Godfather is a film/story full of villains but you can catch some people arguing about it being one of the best things to have been made in human history. </p> <p>Would you pick the dalmatians over Cruella? I'm guessing the answer is a big NO!! Hell, even Hitler seems like a more interesting character to read about than Albert Einstein right?</p> <p>Well, you may ask where I'm going with this, seeing as your conscience don dey prick you 🤣🤣🤣</p> <p>Why in the world would you be surprised when supposedly evil people thrive in the world? Because we unconsciously love the idea of being evil and getting away with it.</p> <p>The idea of being good is seen as "boring", "unpalatable" and often gets you "used".</p> <p>Some of my femmes would go as far as to say "good girl no dey pay" and the men would tout, "stop being a simp" or "nice guys finish last"</p> <p>Whatever the case, we always abhor the idea of someone being nice or good to you. Or haven't you caught yourself questioning someone's motive when they were just nice to you for no reason? Yeah, I know 🌚🌚</p> <p>But the truth is, being evil is a human trait. You may not want to hear this but everyone has the potential to be evil and wicked and any other adjectives that could describe it. Some people have just learnt to control that aspect of them or haven't been triggered to the point where they want to exhibit the enormity of their potential.</p> <p>Whatever the case, we should learn to stop making snap judgements and maybe examine ourselves, understand, be patient with people and maybe stop encroaching on boundaries.</p> <p>I just went philosophical, right? I think we need more of that, unless we are ready to embrace our inner evility.</p> <p>Besides, no one really becomes a villain unless pushed to that point.</p> <p>Yes, people react differently and being human and smart is knowing that, the idea of different also means becoming a world class villain. </p> <p>Oh, did I forget to mention our most loved villain, The Joker!!!!</p><p>I think we are all villains waiting to happen 🌚</p> <p>Okay I'm done now</p> <p>Tell me what other villains I neglected to mention</p> <p>And what is your take on my litany?🙂🙂🙂</p> </span>
AN ODE TO THE THE VILLAINS
By Queensley Okon
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Kharispeaks
Well said 💟🫡 If villains were reported to go scotfree,most people wouldn’t be good. There’s an happily ever after narrative that goes wit...
1 year, 8 months ago
Hi, it's Queensley, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Writer, and help with your academic research. Reach me here https://wa.me/2348167337301
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Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
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In People and Society • 3 min read • Jun 16, 2022 12:06p.m.
MENTALLY MASCULINE..
As you may know, this is Men's Health Week and it crowns itself on Sunday with Father's Day. Honestly, if I didn't keep up with important articles, I would have no idea that this week was dedicated to the beautiful beings called MEN. I see no companies with targeted campaigns or flashy adverts that would sensitize or inform us Matter of fact, it's real quiet in the social media district These give you a sense of what it means to be a man There is a saying that "to be a man is not a day's job" and I wholeheartedly agree. Men rarely get believed for being violated, whether domestically or sexually. Okay, if a man comes to you and tells you that he has been violated and needs help, what is your first reaction? I bet you an average person would probably laugh or look at him weirdly, like "guy with all these muscle person beat you?" Tell me you haven't been in that situation 😒😒🌚🌝🌝 Or is it when accusations come up, especially the sexual kind and people are up in arms, crucifying him before he gets investigated. D'banj can tell you how it felt to be in that situation, because he lost his endorsements in one swoop. The influencer Tife was crucified for months on Twitter for this purpose. Hell, UG, another influencer, almost lost his reputation, if not for some receipts that vindicated him The world really is not fair to the men and when they finally get vindicated, it is already too late. This was the case of Izu, a talented designer tailor who committed suicide. He had just come out of a depressing state, looking to change his life and got hit by false claims just because he rebuffed a girl's advances. We are familiar with the Johnny Depp scénario which led to studios dropping him from projects, and it took years for him to decide to get a court hearing which finally vindicated him and exposed the true nature of his psychotic ex-wife, Amber Heard. Men are not allowed to be vulnerable and that specie of a man is seen as weak and stupid, as if vulnerability is some curse, instead of the healthy human attribute it is supposed to be. It is shown in how Will Smith has been treated in the media. Instead of sympathy, he gets memes and funny articles and videos made about him. Say what you want about the guy, he is someone in need of help but is not getting it, but rather, he is being crucified on the media cross. Then when we are left with a lot of emotionally unavailable men, we start to complain without realizing how much we have contributed to that happening Last year, I posted on Men's Day, asking the guys on my contact list to tell me when last they got birthday gifts or gifts of any kind. The responses were beyond heartbreaking I tell you. Some said it's been a while, another said from me and one other girl which was his birthday that year but none before that. One guy actually told me his last gift was when he was 8 years old. It's sad to see this happen but it should not continue to be the norm. I know some men contribute to these tropes as they love to be seen as some demi gods or untouchable but this article is not about those men. Men, allow yourselves to be vulnerable, talk about your feelings, be good, be kind, protect yourself and leave toxic relationships. Allow yourself to heal so you do not continue the hurtful vicious cycle. The solution starts with you and I and what choices we make now In all, go be the person you would be proud of, that your son or daughter would be proud of, that your wife and friends would adore You matter, you rock and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being the best and most honest version of yourself Finally, HAPPY MEN'S HEALTH WEEK!!!! Tell me about some things that need to change in the society regarding men's health and wellbeing
MENTALLY MASCULINE..
By Queensley Okon
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Tari Ogbowei
city Yenagoa • 2 years, 9 months ago
Lovely article. Had no idea it was Men's Health week or it's gonna be Father's Day soon. Can we really do anything to change the situatio...
Hi, it's Queensley, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Writer, and help with your academic research. Reach me here https://wa.me/2348167337301
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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
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In History and Culture • 2 min read • Oct 04, 2022 05:31a.m.
History: An antidote to man's ridiculous mistakes and excuses.
<span class="html-content"> <p>&nbsp;It was George Santayana who mentioned that we must welcome the future, remembering that soon it will be the past , and we must respect the past remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible. Life can be likened to a journey of a trillion miles and whoever that is ready to embark on this journey must be well equipped with the knowledge of the past so as not to be ignorant of the present. </p> <p>Imagining a world where there was no meticulous recordings of past human experiences, cultures, traditions, ideologies, among other fragmentary evidences of man's perspective of his society is enough to make the concept of imagination itself archaic. This is because such a world would have been boring, uneventful and uninteresting. It would have been a world of emptiness; where humans have no direction and understanding of who they really are, where they came from and where they are headed.</p> <p>According to Edward Hallett Crr, history is a dialogue between the present and the past. In addition, Voltaire noted that the first foundation of all history are the recitals of the fathers to the children, transmitted afterwards from one generation to another. Mankind will continue to live in ignorance and mistakes without maintaining quality relations with its history. and heritage.</p> <p>It is true that not everyone likes history or finds it useful. However, the acceptance or rejection of history does not limit its Implications on every society. Acceptance of the fundamental role of history in a society provides the people with a compass of present and future prospects while the opposite according to James Joyce, remains a nightmare from which people are trying to awake. Overall, any society that does not prioritize the study of its history is doomed to making mistakes that will continue to hunt its people and relegate its cultural, political and economic significance. Little wonder, in his masterpiece entitled - "The Life of Reason," George Santayana adumbrated thus: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. </p> <p>The study and lessons of history helps us understand our true identities, our origin and heritage. It connects us with our root and gives us insight into our present challenges. History provides man with practical solutions to societal challenges. It imbuilds in those who connect with iit, analytical and interpretative skills and abilities to comprehend what, why, when and how events occur as well as what can be done to either avert or welcome.them. </p> <p>In all, it is important to note that history is not mere fictional stories about the dead and the living;, rather, it is man's guide and companion to his future.</p> </span>
History: An antidote to man's ridiculous mistak...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Ugochukwu Asiogu
city Uyo • 2 years, 5 months ago
Exactly. This explains why most historians believe in the cyclical concept of history. This means that history repeats itself. So, if tru...
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 2 min read • Mar 01, 2024 15:26p.m.
KIDS KNOW BETTER
I'm of the weird believe that we were born with the knowledge of what we want to be or in another term; 'the idea of our purpose'. However, as we grow and spend more time on earth, the reality of the world we live in makes us lose sight of whatever that might be. It might be a crazy theory but think about it. Cast your mind back to when you were a kid without the pressures that life is constantly throwing at us at the moment. With no bills and responsibilities, we allowed ourselves to be drawn to what really resonates with us. Using myself as a case study, my interest in filmmaking has always been a part of me even if it seemed like I only discovered it in my final year in the university. As a kid, I had quite the imagination that went several steps further than the usual. I considered myself an oddball for acting out a feature length movie (created by me) using nothing but my mom's hair brush. Fast forward years later, and I was lost on a career path to pursue. Advices from parents born out of the need to see a son succeed veered me off a path I was already aware of as a kid. I consider myself fortunate enough to be able to rediscover that passion. Not everyone is that lucky. It's not news that our world can be unfair. It constantly rips us away from our dreams. Adulthood comes with so many sacrifices and a deadline to make these sacrifices. The fact that we are constantly reminded of how easy it is to fail, and the consequences that follow such failures, influences the major decisions we make as adults. There are so many people stuck in jobs they'd rather not do - it is only the desire for financial comfortability that spurs them. It's not an entirely sad thing, because a lot of people veer off and still attain success. I guess my point is that, maybe life would have been much easier if that knowledge remained with us as we grew. Maybe we would be happier if we didn't chose paths influenced by the rat race and pursuit for financial freedom. Or maybe it's best the way it is. In all, my go to advise to anyone who is conflicted and searching for his/her purpose, is to go back to the days of your childhood. Remember those things that ignited a spark in you - a lot of which might be quirky or even eccentric. Once you are able to find it, you can then begin the process of repositioning yourself on the right path.
KIDS KNOW BETTER
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 1 year, 1 month ago
Such a relatable post! Life is strange in a way.
Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In History and Culture • 3 min read • Feb 15, 2024 14:15p.m.
The local world of local people
Most times I am intrigued by the level at which I become engrossed with world culture and traditions. Although, my interest in studying different cultures and traditional norms and values of societies across the globe surprises me sometimes such that I begin to question what my true calling is in life: was I really meant to be a LOCAL man or a traditionalist as most Africans would say, the knowledge and joy I derive in understanding the elements and root of a people's existence, keeps me going. There are a myriad of cultures and traditions in the world that testify to people's lifestyles and practices. While some of these cultures and traditions are seen as normal, others are perceived as abnormal or even weird as the case may be. A lot of times, I get baffled whenever culture is interpreted with bias especially when some cultures are treated as more important than others. To me, all cultures speak to the history and originality of people's existence. Hence, there should be no yardstick to determine whether a culture is strange or not. But wait a minute, does this mean there are no cultures and traditions that are quite 'interesting' and somewhat propelling than others? Of course, the answer is in the negative. So, in this article, we will take a look at two interesting world cultural practices that you probably have not heard about. The first one is the Bullet Ant Initiation popularly practiced by the Satere-Mawe tribe in Brazil. This cultural practice is carried out to ascertain the readiness of boys for manhood. For the people, a boy does not become a man unless he can withstand being stung by a swarm of bullet Ants. What? This reminds me of a certain time I climbed an orange tree in my father's compound back in the village and was unfortunately attacked by ants. It was a hellish experience. But yet, it cannot be compared to being stung by a SWAM of BULLET Ants! Well, who am I to decide for the Satere-Mawe tribe on how to train their boys to become stronger men? Interestingly, the Bullet Ant Initiation is usually carried out with the belief that any boy who is able to endure the pains without a single tear in his eyes is fit to be described as a man. Another interesting thing to note about this tradition is that it is repeated continuously until the boy or boys in question is able to endure the torture. What a painful way to become a man? Oh my goodness. Is having the male genitals no longer enough reason to make a man a full man? Oh! Wetin man so man? Furthermore, the one that even makes me more feverish is the "Carrying of a wife over burning coals" in China. Commonly practiced with the belief that the exercise will help the wife experience painless labour as well as prevent natural disasters, it is believed that this practice happens whenever a husband and wife are newly married and prepared to step into their new home and also whenever the wife is pregnant. However, what makes me a little bit confused is why it is the husband who is expected to walk barefoot on the burning coals with his wife on his back? At this point, I ask myself, who needs the effects of the hot coal more? Aren't both the husband and wife supposed to take the majestic walk together as a united home? Wonderful. What a painful way of avoiding painless labour as a natural disaster? Tell me what you think about these practices in line with their powerful impacts on people's existence in general.
The local world of local people
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Cyrus Majebi Samuel Ibok
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 2 months ago

I believe that cultural beliefs and traditions are usually built over the years by the different experiences of the founding fathers d...

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Tomi Walker Product
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In Nigeria • 1 min read • Jan 14, 2023 16:11p.m.
The World Is A Reflection Of The Mind
The world around us is a reflection of the human mind. This is something that I’ve come to internalize and come to believe deeply. You cannot separate an environment from the minds that make up the environment. So what are the implications of this truth? It means that an environment that is beautiful, developed, organized is a result of minds that are equally beautiful, developed and organized. An environment that is chaotic, disorganized, undeveloped is a product of minds that are equally chaotic, disorganized and undeveloped. This might sound harsh, but it is the reality. What it also means is that if you want to build a society that is progressive, you have to focus first on developing minds that are progressive. Everything that brings progress springs forth from a developed mind. The average Nigeria believes ‘if we solve power, we’ve solved 90% of our problems’ or ‘we need to invest in infrastructure to develop’. This misses the whole essence of development. If you want Nigeria to develop, invest in the minds of Nigerians first, and the roads, rails, power and everything else will come. We’ve invested in roads without the engineers to maintain them, rail that crumbled in the absence of rail engineers, bridges and buildings collapsing because of poor workmanship. Investing in infrastructure without investing in the people who will build, maintain and improve the infra shows a fundamental lack of understanding of how true development works. Build the mind of the people. And the people will build the country
The World Is A Reflection Of The Mind
By Tomi Walker
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
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In People and Society • 2 min read • Jun 25, 2022 12:43p.m.
Social media (in)tolerance?
I would like to believe that social media was created to bolster and improve communication and interaction amongst ourselves. And part of communication entails acknowledging different opinions and ensuring a cordial coexistence. This cordial existence is irrespective of whether or not we agree with the opinions of others. It is however, not the case. While social media should encourage respectful conversations, it is rather an avenue for shutting people down and mob mentality. Having a different opinion from the general one, is an extreme sport these days. There is always someone waiting to tear your head off. I only recently decided to start dripping my opinions on issues, and damning the consequences. You would think, one of the advantages of social media is the opportunity to learn and experience different ideologies. Why then should opinions be shut down or be shoved on others. The funny thing is, for an opinion to be valid, it has to be the one accepted by the majority. And God help you, if you say anything contrary - even if the majority could be wrong. Another thing about communication and conversation is that; nobody knows everything. We communicate to fill in the gaps in our own knowledge. We have better understanding of somethings through conversations. Why then is it different on social media? Mistakes and ignorance are unpardonable. There is always an angry community, ready to shit on people for making genuine mistakes. We constantly have to work on cyber eggshells or face the risk of being labelled: racist, sexist, homophobic, tribalistic, or be cancelled (for the public figures) The truth is the actual reality of social media can be exhausting and worrisome. I often wonder if the world might have been better without it after all.
Social media (in)tolerance?
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Elizabeth Toluwanimi Olawale
city Ikeja • 1 month, 3 weeks ago

It wouldn't have been better without social media.

It happens even in some physical circle conversations..

It starts from ...

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 2 min read • Aug 20, 2022 00:18a.m.
AFENIFERE, THE YORUBA NATION AND 2023
Afenifere is an elite pan-Yoruba socio-political group. It was formed as a socio-cultural organisation for the Yoruba people of Nigeria, with Chief Abraham Adesanya as its leader and Chief Bola Ige as deputy leader. They held so much sway as an ethnic front for the Yoruba people that the Alliance for Democracy (AD) political party took the Afenifere agenda as its official manifesto when the party was formed in 1998. In light of the 2023 elections, the Afenifere, quite recently, officially adopted and endorsed Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections ahead of their kinsman, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is surprising that the Afenifere, the Yoruba ethnic mouthpiece, a regional progressive platform, through its leader Ayo Adebanjo has opposed the candidacy of Bola Tinubu, a Yoruba man. In their words, "Ahmed Tinubu will only give continuity to Buhari's incompetence." Mr Tinubu and Afenifere have a long history. In 1999, the former contested and won the Lagos State governorship election under the Alliance for Democracy, a political party of Afenifere. He was re-elected in 2003 under the same party. Disagreement within the Alliance for Democracy (AD) led Mr Tinubu and his allies to form the Action Congress (AC), which later turned to Action Congress (ACN) and moved to the party. Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was the presidential candidate of the AC in the 2007 election. Since Mr Tinubu left the AD, it has been no love lost between him and Afenifere. Due to this internal conflict, the Afenifere split into two (2) factions and as a result, it became fragile and its ratings as a formidable front diminished. On the subject matter, there are a few questions that are quite important. At the moment, the Afenifere is apolitical but does it have the weight, followership and goodwill to influence the voting demography of the Yoruba nation? Another question that begs also, is that being a frontier progressive Yoruba movement, created to cater for and protect Yoruba interest, is it morally right for the Afenifere to support Peter Obi, a candidate from another region over its own Yoruba son? Whichever the case, the position of the Afenifere is bad for Tinubu as it will definitely influence a number of Yoruba sons and daughters, no matter how few who might have been on the fence as to whether to give their votes to Tinubu on the grounds of ethnicity or to Peter Obi of the Labour Party or Atiku of the PDP.
AFENIFERE, THE YORUBA NATION AND 2023
By Tari Ogbowei
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Oluwadamilola Adesina

Very insightful

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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
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In Nigeria • 2 min read • Aug 03, 2024 15:24p.m.
THERE WASN'T A COUNTRY
<p>Four years ago, I joined millions of Nigerians to make demands of the government. These demands were under the umbrella of #Endsars. We walked the streets of Nigeria, asking for things that should ideally be provided. Imagine begging for your own rights. It's sad how things turned out. I believed that would have been the protest that would change Nigeria. I'm sure the joke is on me for believing that we can actually rewrite history. On October 20th, 2020, a generation was silenced. I dare say that the protest was the most united Nigeria had ever been. Now I understand why our parents tend to stay silent over political issues. The truth is that they know what it means not to have rights. They've arguably seen it all. They lived under military rule, so they know a lot about premium shege.</p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/1722693773846.jpg" alt=""><br></p><p>But then, who did we offend? How come we're still suffering? What did we do wrong? Only shege and football unites us. It is crystal clear that the greatest threat to any government is a united people. Growing up, we saw movies that spoke of the American Dream. What is the Nigerian dream? Is there even one? Because na nightmare, we de like this ooo. The same guy who said "Nigeria may never happen to you", lost his life in the #endsars protest. The Nigerian dream is to be fulfilled abroad. If you can afford to Japa please do o! Pariotism is sweet from the abroad. No allow make person go whine you. Could it be that the labour of our heroes past is part of why we're still backwards? Were they even heroes or villains in white cloak?</p><p>Let's be rational here: even if the present government is replaced, will things get better? It seems we're all looking for the lesser devil to lead us. I think it's high time we redefine what it means to be a Nigerian. What are our values? Make we no de Bobo ourselves with the Giant of Africa narrative abeggg. What will our children say we did? We are gradually becoming ancestors. I want my kids to remember that their dad helped forge a system that works in Nigeria. The goal is not to change the entire country but to do something significant in small spaces. My people have a saying that 'Tep tep ayuk abang'. It means that little rain drops will eventually fill the drum.</p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/images (55).jpeg"><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Wait, my kids go sha get dual citizenship It's by far the second-best gift to your kids after good values and hoooge funds. The Constitution part is a given. Our lawmakers should try for us abeg. No, cancel that, abeg, they should do their jobs. Each and everyone should embrace accountability. Remember that when the centre can no longer hold, things fall apart.</span></p><p>Keep hustling in case things get wersser.</p><p>Make I go buy agbado abeg. Nigeria will not be the end of us.</p>
THERE WASN'T A COUNTRY
By Samuel Ibok
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Tobi Igbinedion Mwambo Kate Jefferson Nnadiekwe
human rights nigeria protest good governance
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 3 months ago

It's tough to be optimistic in a poorly governed country like Nigeria.. sometimes, I try to picture Nigeria in a different light but w...

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In Banking and Finance • 1 min read • Feb 24, 2023 09:24a.m.
Central Bank Digital Currency
THE CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY The world of finance is evolving and this is the new aspect point at least for the year 2023. The question of necessity. Many that support Central Bank Digital Currencies do so on the front that it will support financial inclusion at a core level. lessons are drawn from the mobile money frenzy at least for the African states. However, the question should really not be about financial inclusion but the right to transact and consumerism control. Central Bank Digital Currencies come in two forms, the account based and token based CBDC. The capitalization in either comes in two types, retail and whole sale. this essentially means that there is someone noticing your consumer patterns from the way you transact. This defeats the right to transact that is at the core of a Cash based system that replaced the barter trade giving us currency to use. Many countries here in Africa have either rolled out CBDCs or are in the process of research to roll them out.. let's have the conversation on the necessity of these things.
Central Bank Digital Currency
By Ntamugabumwe Victor
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Daisy Kwarisiima Joshua Kingdom Fiona Atukwatse
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Cyrus Majebi Co-founder @ TwoCents
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In Entrepreneurship • 4 min read • Jan 12, 2023 21:21p.m.
Meeting a billionaire
I met Tim Draper in 2016 at a bootcamp for African tech entrepreneurs - the bootcamp was held in ... Login to subscribe, read & listen
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Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 2 years, 2 months ago
Woah that was such an eventful meeting. One thing i learnt from your insight is (this is me not justifying your lateness attitude lol) bu...
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In Politics • 4 min read • Feb 24, 2023 18:47p.m.
Sabotage! What APC Did To Ensure Northerners Won't Vote Them
<span class="html-content"><p><span class="html-content"></span></p><p>2015 was an eye-opener for many of us in the South.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>It was when we were forced to notice the voting power of the North. The trio of Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states supplied 4.37 million votes to the APC to help Buhari displace President Jonathan.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>After that, they became the bogeyman of electoral conversations – APC’s joker, and PDP’s dread.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>In 2019, in spite of the rising dissatisfaction with the APC in the South, the same 3 states embodied the indifference of the North to the trends in the South by delivering again for President Buhari and the APC.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>That these people will turn up for President Buhari, and any candidate he anoints is a general idea. That is what the APC is banking on again, even as their presidential candidate this time is not Buhari.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Engage any APC supporter on the upcoming presidential elections for 5 minutes, and you’re bound to hear something about the “14 northern governors” and “Buhari votes”.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>I decided to look into the data, and now I can only wonder why it has yet to dawn on them that the “Buhari votes” are only a myth. They are about to be disappointed by the outcome of tomorrow’s voting process. I will explain below.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>The concept of Buhari votes is a myth because Buhari himself is a myth. Or should I say he was?</p><p></p> <p></p><p>You see, the North did not start voting for President Buhari in 2015. They are the reason for his continued political relevance since 2003. He was not the only politician who ran for office from the North, Atiku Abubakar also did, but they largely ignored others, and voted massively for Buhari every cycle. The question we should all have asked is “why?”.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Why Buhari?</p><p></p> <p></p><p>A Northwesterner President Buhari hails from Katsina, which is one of the states that supply the most votes. The other 2 are Kaduna – where he used to reside, and Kano. All three are northwestern states. Nigerian voting patterns show that we favour sentimental attachment in making voting decisions.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>This is not a major factor, but it is worth noting.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>A devout Muslim President Buhari is famously devout in his worship. More than any politician, he was the most ideal for the Muslim majority of the North for that reason.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>He was preached about in mosques – in the leaked early 2000’s tape of Sheikh Isa Pantami preaching, the current Minister for Communications and Digital Economy mentioned Buhari as one they hoped will soon take over power.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Again, religious sentiment is a major factor in voting decisions in Nigeria. However, I think it may not have been the strongest driving force behind the North trooping to vote for him every time. I believe the next reason was.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>He is not corrupt President Buhari’s edge over every other northerner running for president was the one idea that he is not corrupt, stemming from his time as Head of State.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>He was able to survive the HoS office without the yoke of corruption hanging on his neck due to his regime’s very public campaign against corruption. That reputation convinced most to believe in him, so much that it was the central idea upon which his victorious 2015 campaign was founded, winning him passionate votes from Southerners too.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>This may have been why the North was loyal to him alone, and not even to VP Atiku Abubakar whose reputation for corruption is legendary. And here’s why I might be correct.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Fading out? By 2019, the North, and indeed all of Nigeria, had tasted 4 years under Buhari’s government.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>In those 4 years, he did not stop being a Northwesterner or a devout Muslim. In fact, he was openly biased toward people of his ethnic group and faith as he filled most of the sensitive government positions with people of his ethnic descent and faith. Yet, he lost 686,854 votes from his vote bank of the 3K states.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>With increased influence and power of incumbency, he was able to balance the loss by getting votes from other places, but when 686,000 of your core loyalists – who would always turn up for you without financial inducements decide to stay at home or vote another, you should seek to know why.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>The wool is lifted from their eyes We Southerners can tell you for free what we quickly learned about President Buhari: he is incompetent, not in charge, and corrupt.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>President Buhari is corrupt, and many in the North have realised it.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>He was voted to end the trend of top government officials embezzling funds, but he failed. In fact, corruption during President Buhari’s first term was brazen and unapologetic, with almost zero consequences for getting caught – Buhari even defended governor Ganduje who was caught stuffing wads of Dollars in kickbacks under his babanriga.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Putting the data together with the causes of the voting behaviours, I am inclined to believe that while Muslim northerners always favour fellow Muslim northerners, they also want to have a feeling that whomever they are voting for also has an ideal character.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Before 2015, that used to be President Buhari, the question APC should have asked is, “who is that person now?” or, “who is not that person?”</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Self-sabotage – sweet, sweet justice! It is good that their governors agreed to shift power to the South. It looks like many of the people are open to the idea too. But they might have made a fundamental error in their choice of presidential candidate.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>By picking a man with a storied history of corruption, criminality, and state capture, yet with scarcer evidence of long-time devout Islamic practice, the APC might have shot itself in the foot.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Getting respected Sheikhs to whip up religious sentiments, by preaching that a leader is permitted to be corrupt if they are Muslim, might fail since the idea of Buhari’s integrity was the primary driver of the support he enjoyed.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Northern Nigerians have values that should be catered for. But, by misinterpreting their sentiments, the APC has presented them with a character that runs afoul of the ideal.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Therefore, the APC should not expect anything like the Buhari numbers. That possibility faded with the myth of Buhari’s integrity – it may have further declined with their pick for the presidential candidate.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>There is a rising star in the North. His name is Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and while he may not immediately inherit all the loyalty Buhari used to enjoy, he will surely spoil APC’s parade.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>APC is about to reap the consequences of their self-sabotage, and I am giddy with excitement.</p> <p></p> </span>
Sabotage! What APC Did To Ensure Northerners Wo...
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Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Jan 22, 2023 15:14p.m.
I Love you for Now
Articulating my thoughts on matters we have settled as human beings is usually within reach. Maybe we never know things for certain, but at least we settle them. The difficulty is with the things that refuse to coalesce in our collective consciousness. I spend a fair bit of my time thinking about Romantic love among these unresolved things; I don’t know many things we so collectively refuse to stop failing at like we do with Romance. We meet the one or ones, we sing the song or songs and fall in love all at once. Slowly though, love oft gets taken from us; love dies or leaves before the times we pick or devise. This time, in particular, I cast thoughts to loving someone for only the moment - for the time you’re allowed or maybe because it is all you can do. What might it mean to different people when they say or think to themselves; I love you only for the moment. I had thought the brevity would bother me, but I am more puzzled by the motives. Sometimes people simply loved in waiting; love unrequited wilted and was no more. Others love shortly because they tried; For a season, the love bloomed and then suddenly, without intention, the want was gone. There are those who intentionally look to burn brightly and fast - firework lovers, I call them. In advance, I apologise because I will only leave questions - there will be nothing settled. When I speak on love here, I’m referring to what the romantic genre of media calls “true love”. As to what that is, we have only poetry, cynicism and everything in between. “ If nothing saves us from death, at least love should save us from life”, Pablo Neruda said. Maybe not a definition, but I read it and feel what love might feel like - salvation from my waking mind. The cynic might say it’s all just the chemical workings of the mind, the way nature pairs us up. Some are poetic about it, too;” If no one told me about it, I would never have fallen in love”, I once read. However, Romantic or classic, the commentary on the brevity of true love is Prevalent. Pablo Neruda says himself: Love is so short, and forgetting is so long. A saddening snapshot. More gruesome are the thoughts of Fictional genius Rick Sanchez: "Listen, Morty, I hate to break it to you, but what people call "love" is just a chemical reaction that compels animals to breed. It hits hard, Morty, then it slowly fades, leaving you stranded in a failing marriage. Rise above. Focus on science." Maybe. Maybe they’re both right about the nature of this “true love” my mind settles on a few motives or circumstances for short-lived endearment. Firstly, there are some people that set out to love forever, staying committed to each step they can find. The world sees them and laughs; it conspires against them, and It kills their love even quite literally. These people fall to chance. If life were kind, they would have loved in perpetuity. Others are distrustful - maybe you are like this - love comes, but how can this be? The magic here at my doorstep; If it is, then how much more can there be in the wait for me? This man or woman or boy or girl is greedy or scared; they might even be naive. They love partially but wait for the moment to turn their hearts. They kill the bond before it can be taken from them on unwanted terms. Lastly, if love is not withdrawn by us or taken by life’s force, then maybe it is its nature - here today, gone before the next day. Maybe Love is brief like we are, so we can see how precious it is. A poet may say that. Maybe Netflix’s fictional Nihilist, Rick Sanchez, has it all figured out, and I thought out loud an unanswerable question about chemicals older than even the first men. Maybe no matter what we do, in the truest sense, we might meet the one or ones, dance to all the right songs and even love them but only, at that time, for now.
I Love you for Now
By Joshua Omoijiade
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
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In Religion • 2 min read • Aug 19, 2022 16:24p.m.
Atheists are like kids
Agree or not, but humans historically, always have the need to believe in something. Mostly the existence of a supreme being. A supreme being differs according to an individual. It could be the existence of God or even existence of aliens. Yes, aliens. Everyone who believes in the existence of aliens, attributes superiority to them. They're thought to be a lot more advanced than humans and extremely knowledgeable - supreme. Atheists dispel the existence of God and spiritual beings. To them, these are merely figments of imagination. Atheists do not believe in a supreme being. The question therefore is this, have atheists advanced beyond the human need to believe in something, or are they just living in denial? I like to think of atheists as people in desperate need of a spiritual experience. It is not uncommon that we rather deny the existence of something, if we cannot have it or experience it ourselves. We often treat with disdain that which we want but cannot have. For people who say there is no God, they seem to be really concerned with religious issues. Even more than the ones practicing said religion. They're on every religious posts on social media, throwing what I like to call 'atheist tantrums'. I liken these tantrums to those of children seeking attention. A lot of people adopt atheism as a means to spite God. Perhaps these people asked for something which was not given to them, or have experienced a misfortune they felt was unjust. The only way which they express their anger is by denying His existence. They do not deny God's existence because of their personal conviction, but as a way to avenge their misfortune. It reminds me of something we did as kids. Whenever we felt hurt by the actions or inactions of our parents, we could decide to stop speaking with them or avoiding them. But a little attention from them, pacified us and got us running back to them. Atheists are like kids. Desperately needing an experience with God.
Atheists are like kids
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 2 min read • Jun 16, 2022 13:10p.m.
Politics, Religion and Shenanigans.
I've always been of the opinion that the 2023 general elections is gonna be the most interesting we've had yet and there's already evidence to prove this. Nigeria prides itself as being the most populous black nation on the surface of the earth with a population of over 200 million, approximately half being Muslim and the other half, Christian and the remaining few, practising other religions. It goes without gainsaying that religion is going to be a huge factor when decisions on issues of national importance are made. As a result, a quota system was adopted in almost every area of national life to keep things fair between the Muslim dominated North and the Christian dominated South and the presidency is not left out. There's this widely known gentleman's agreement not to have same religion in the presidency at once. When there's a Muslim president, there must be a Christian Vice President and vice versa. Also if there's a Muslim president, it is expected that the next president should be a Christian. The current President, Buhari, whose tenure ends next year, 2023 is from the Muslim North and it is expected that the next president should be a Christian from the South based on the gentleman's agreement otherwise called zoning. Knowing this, I'd have expected that parties should have accepted only Southerners or Christians as contestants in their primaries election as President Buhari is about completing his second term in office and it is expected that power should shift to the South. Rather, it was free for all and in an unexpected twist, Atiku Abubakar, a Northern Muslim clinched the ticket for the PDP, the major opposition party and Bola Tinubu, also a Muslim but from the South clinched the ticket for the APC. The only candidate who meets the requirement of Southern Christian is Peter Obi of the Labour Party but his candidacy seems like the proverbial long walk to freedom as he is the third force, after the APC and PDP and believed not to have the political structure required to win the presidency. This has all been interesting to witness and live through but the next interesting event will be how the candidates will pick their running mates and who they'll be picking. Who do you think they'll pick as running mates and how do you think it will affect their candidacies?
Politics, Religion and Shenanigans.
By Tari Ogbowei
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Cyrus Majebi
city Lagos • 2 years, 9 months ago
Honestly, I've felt the same way for a while about this election - I'm not sure how, but I know something has got to give.
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