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Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Feb 20, 2023 21:03p.m.
Finding meaning with anything anywhere all at once
<span class="html-content"><p><span class="html-content"></span></p><p>Once, in the Northern part of France, in the Parisian Cafes on the left bank, a diminutive son of a sailor named Jean Paul Satre was playing his part in making philosophy cool. He was a famous thinker who dealt with a branch of philosophy described as existentialism. After one of my essays on how we matter on a cosmic scale, I got into a discussion where someone said: “ Each of our potentials is crazy, and this universe is so massive that being lost and forgotten is very easy.” There was more to the conversation, and my post about cosmic significance meant something a little different - but it got me thinking about two things. Existentialism, and my best film of 2022: ‘Everything everywhere all at once’.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>I’m heavily biased towards this picture for some reasons; it describes the limitless potential we might all hold and the different circumstances the universe could, theoretically, allow us to express ourselves within. It even shows a noble way to maybe deal with the bizarre versions of everything. I return to Satre. In his thoughts and literature, he put forward the idea that the absurd nature of existence was freeing - it liberated us from any predestined purpose. Like the other existentialists, he believed we had so much we could be, so we should take responsibility for choosing our own meaning. “Being precedes essence”. This school of thought took hold as people became increasingly disinterested in religion and metaphysics. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>The movie, Everything Everywhere All At Once follows Evelyn Quan Wang, a stressed failure of a woman who discovers that she is connected to every version of herself in every possible universe. She sees the versions of her that mysteriously each excels at all the many hobbies she currently clings to in her life. She even discovers she is the one Evelyn that has failed to excel at even one. As she navigates this complex web of connections, she begins to understand that every choice she makes has a ripple effect that echoes throughout the multiverse. She even has the unique opportunity of glimpsing all of the possible versions of reality all at once. It nearly breaks her. She glimpsed what the existentialists defined as the absurd - the meaningless sphere of existence with no inherent purpose. The absurdity of it all had broken the antagonist, Jobu tupaki</p><p></p> <p></p><p>At first, this realization takes her to the point where nothing matters. She imagines if every choice we make is insignificant in the grand scheme of things, then what's the point of trying? But Evelyn’s journey teaches us that the opposite is true. Every choice we make is connected to something bigger than ourselves, and even the smallest action can have a profound impact. I realised long ago; in the face of a meaningless universe, a brave and kind disposition, bearing your cross of purpose in that uncertainty is not the only logical conclusion. People can logically decide nothing matters; people can logically despair.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>In this film, however, Evelyn makes a calm and brave choice to fight for the family and life she currently has, but also telling is how two other characters decided to deal with the mass of nothingness that surrounds them. Waymond Wang, Husband to Evelyn, interrupts a big bloody fight in the end to preach kindness; he tells everyone he knows they are fighting because they’re confused. “Please be kind, especially when we don’t know what’s going on”, he says. As he speaks, Evelyn lives a memory of another life with a Waymond she could not marry. “You think I'm weak, don't you? ……. When I choose to see the good side of things, I'm not being naive. It is strategic and necessary. It's how I've learned to survive through everything. I know you see yourself as a fighter. Well, I see myself as one too. This is how I fight”.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>It’s the most moving part of the film for me, and I bring it up not because I’m prescribing kindness as a remedy to the questions of purpose in an absurd universe; I bring it up because whether you have an infinite view of reality like Jobu Tupaki or on the other end, you’re just as confused as Waymond, Satre and the existentialists are saying you get to choose how you fight. You have all the say in how you face all the versions of yourselves. Maybe it’s a lot. I call it the dizzying wind of transcendence. But you can be many other yous, or you can stay right there even if all you arm yourself with is kindness.</p> <p></p> </span>
Finding meaning with anything anywhere all at once
By Joshua Omoijiade
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Udochi Umeha
city Lagos • 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Somewhere inside that philosophy of existentialism lies the propagator for a disorder popularly known as "Bipolarity".

Yes, I fe...

Hi, it's Joshua, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
My broad range of interests include art, design, philosophy and writing about where they might intersect. Find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/mw...
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Cyrus Majebi Co-founder @ TwoCents
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In The Economy • 4 min read • Dec 06, 2022 00:07a.m.
WHAT PRAYER DOES THE CASKET MAKER SAY? OR, THE BROKEN WINDOW FALLACY
Ever since I was old enough to know what a casket is, and who casket makers are, I’ve always wo... Login to subscribe, read & listen
Ogechi Amonu Paul-David Maijeh Daluchi Iweanya
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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 • 3 days, 6 hours ago

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

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In People and Society • 2 min read • Feb 11, 2024 13:27p.m.
What in the name of yoga is 'Hakini Mundra '?
To an average Nigerian who definitely does not 'like stress ' but of course, cannot afford living without it for obvious reasons, the title above could mean spiritual tongues expressed by pastors and other bible preachers whenever they are under anointing while to some others, it could also be a melodious lyrics meaning wealth and affluence. Well, to your greatest shock, non of both answers captures the correct meaning. So, what is Hakini Mudra? For people who have little or more knowledge about yoga and others who participate in it, Hakini Mudra is 'sacred' hand gesture and meditation practice that is usually done during yoga. Featuring both spiritual and psychosocial relevance, Hakini Mudra is named after the Hindu goddess named Hakini- goddess of the third eye or Ajna Chakra as it is commonly known in the yogic tradition. In her artistic form, Hakini, the goddess has six heads and sits on a lotus flower. Unsurprisingly, the six heads symbolises the brain power through which energy flows increasingly, making it possible for humans to be able to draw the strength and ability to have control over their emotions. In addition, it also has five fingertips, each with its own explanation. The thumb represents fire; the middle finger, etherr,; finger; ring finger, earth. index finger air, water, and little finger,, water. Literally, Hakini means - power to rule while Mundra on the other hand translates to the practitioner's ability to take control over the mind. Hakini Mundra is also a representation of wisdom and intuition. This is why people tend to practice it in the first place. It can be done anywhere and at any time by anyone, but this comes with a great level of psychological and physical preparation in order to be able to attract the overall gains of the practice.. It is interesting to note that sign and practice of Hakini Mudra is entirely not different from other non-verbal communication queues done with the hand. However, given its spiritual and physical impact like awareness creation, mental relaxation, self-esteem, and self-consciousness on the human system, it is believed that it is therapeutic as it plays a greater role in ensuring mental stability and physical well-being in the human system. Nonetheless, it is quite absurd why a lot of Nigerians feign ignorance over the positive impact of Hakini Mudra and rather choose to complain about the 'satanic' representation of Hakini the goddess as well as the hand position. Some people even go as far as calling it an Illuminati expression! Illuminati? For a simple exercise? When I look at things like this, I become very worried on how insensitive religion has made most of us
What in the name of yoga is 'Hakini Mundra '?
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Oluwadamilola Adesina
city Lagos • 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Maybe when a Nigerian puts his hands together in the Hakini Mudra position, hoping to benefit from it's therapeutic benefits, the thing t...
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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
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In Nigeria • 3 min read • Jan 14, 2023 19:12p.m.
The Lines That Divide
<span class="html-content"><p>It's no news that the 2023 elections in Nigeria are around the corner, and our politicians, some of whom are ambassadors of poverty, have started moving into the trenches to convince and not confuse you that they deserve the crown. If you look carefully, you can tell that tensions are high in all camps, probably because there are new dogs in the game and people seem more interested in governance this year than in previous years. Lack of political education is a major reason for the crisis we currently face as a nation.&nbsp;<br></p><p>Sadly, most people, or should I say, the average Nigerian, perceive governance with levity.&nbsp;</p><p>Putting the blame on those in power seems satisfying, but we actually put them there. Maybe not all of us. It's great that we have the right to vote, but we should also make informed votes.&nbsp;</p><p>So whether you are OBEDIENT, properly ARTIKULATED or you are certain IT'S YOUR TURN, do well to use your head before they use it for you.&nbsp;</p><p>Beware of shadows and false prophets.&nbsp;</p><p>You'll be 8 years older when the next government leaves office. Do well to meticulously analyze the portfolio of candidates. Objectivity may seem abstract, but try to think beyond ethnic lines. I believe that's part of why we are in our present state. We tend to favor our brothers, even when they are the least qualified people. Take a deep dive into the candidate's character, vision, and history.&nbsp;</p><p>Follow who know better road!</p> <p>Keep in mind that even if your JAPA plans are nearly complete, someone else would be affected by your vote. Be a part of history.</p> <p>I want to clearly state that there would be several attempts to brainwash people prior to the elections through gift items, and we would start seeing throwback doingz of these candidates. Don't be deceived.&nbsp;</p><p>Some gifts are technically payments for something you would have to do later.&nbsp;</p><p>Think of those gifts from politicians as an avenue for you to commit to their cause. Ask yourself if that's what you want. Have you ever wondered why they appear as angels just before the elections?&nbsp;</p><p>Politics is a game in which emotions are mostly on the bench and may never appear.&nbsp;</p><p>Nigeria's image in international society is nothing to write home about. We still take great pride in our past achievements and cherish the title "giants of Africa."&nbsp;</p><p>Are we true giants, or have we taken a SWERVE down the drain?</p> <p>Oh, just so you know, just because the seemingly better candidate wins doesn't mean change will be automatic. However, maybe our hope would be restored. So when you stand before that ballot box, think beyond yourself.&nbsp;</p><p>I feel like saying Hallelujah!&nbsp;</p><p>Be vigilant during the elections and resist the urge to fight. Some people would be strategically planted at polling units to disrupt peace. In other words, make your eyes shine. Let's vote, irrespective of religion and ethnicity.&nbsp;</p><p>Nigeria will rise again. We hope to be a part of its rise.</p><p>You matter; your vote matters.</p><p><br></p> <p>Have you gotten your PVC?</p><p><br></p> <p>Learn Unlearn Relearn</p> <p>#swerve</p> <p>#LEarn</p> </span>
The Lines That Divide
By Samuel Ibok
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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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Esther Omemu Design Associate @ Hera Marketing
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In Construction and Real Esate • 3 min read • Feb 01, 2023 16:44p.m.
The New Era of Housing
<span class="html-content"><p>With the blaring alarm that the world we live in is going to end and all the apocalypse, world-ending movies will become a reality, countries and individuals became more environmentally conscious, making the ‘green’ version of everything and anything. Some countries started banning plastic bags and containers, some companies began to invest in more eco-friendly and sustainable materials for production, and others started recycling and practicing zero waste…we have even gotten to the point of making organic food and as someone who spent most of her life working with ENACTUS, an organization focused on making sustainable social ventures to create a better world, this is very exciting news for me. It will be even more exciting when this new wave of environmental consciousness begins to spread across various sectors, serving as premium solutions and a lifestyle for the future. </p> <p>In other news however, amongst all the aspects of life that have been positively impacted by this ‘green-ness’, one sector that I think will make a mind-blowing influence on a country especially third world countries that still struggle with providing basic amenities is housing….and here’s why</p> <p>‘As the economy continues to bite harder, over 30 percent of Nigerians, translating to nearly 62 million people are now facing serious housing challenges’ - Vanguard</p> <p>This is why when I stumbled upon the idea of shipping container homes, it felt like I struck a gold mine and I am using this platform to increase the volume on it because this is something we need desperately in Nigeria.</p> <p>So what’s the big deal about shipping container homes? It is simple</p> <p>A shipping container home is a livable space produced from cargo containers which are huge reusable multi-purpose compartments used in transporting merchandise by sea. They can also be used for office spaces, short lets, hostel accommodations, shops, workstations, salons, kiosks, bars, gyms, cafes, etc. This new form of housing is an alternative construction method that is strong, portable, easy and quick to construct, cheaper, and most importantly, eco-friendly. A typical shipping container home is made from recyclable materials and can cost as low as 450,000 naira. It is also about 20-40% faster to build and is designed to be exposed to heavy loads, and regular rough handling, which perfectly solves safety concerns. </p> <p>Containers are the strongest structure available–stronger than wood, concrete, and even regular steel buildings. They are resistant to every type of natural calamity, including tornadoes, earthquakes, and even hurricanes, whether they are single units or a network of connected units. Teak and birch, two heavy-duty hardwoods, are used in the construction of the lower levels. So if you are worried about lifespan, you can be rest assured that they can withstand harsh weather conditions and salt water and have a very long lifespan.</p> <p>With the housing sector challenged by affordability issues, the rising cost of building materials, the difficult process of accessing land for housing, and hardly a structured mortgage sector the adoption of container technology will provide great economic, environmental, and sustainable solutions to housing in Nigeria. </p> <p>Imagine how many Nigerians will finally be able to afford their own homes and how the containers that would normally be abandoned and constitute a nuisance to the environment can be upcycled to create affordable living. This really is something that both the Nigerian government and individuals can begin to invest in and push the agenda for in order for this nation to not only achieve some of the SDG goals but provide basic amenities for its people. </p> <p>Until next time!</p> </span>
The New Era of Housing
By Esther Omemu
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Halima Abubakar Rita Atuhaire Erhuen Edafe
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Samuel Ibok
city Lagos • 2 years, 1 month ago
I'm imagining an island with just container homes. It could be called Tin Island! I think this is an area that needs to be explored consi...
Hi, it's Esther, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
A creative writer born, bred and established in art of advertising...Feel free to check out my work samples here https://copyfol.io/v/mnw7r7...
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 3 min read • Jun 30, 2022 18:13p.m.
BAT
The Tinubu certificate saga has been one hot topic in the past few days. A few days ago, a picture of Chicago State University's reply concerning his studentship from 1977 to 1979 was making the rounds. Just last night, I stumbled upon another narrative saying that a "Bola A. Tinubu" attended Chicago State University but it wasn't our beloved BAT. Personally, I take this rumor with a pinch of salt but this is what you get when your facts don't line up. It's quite easy to get dents in your image especially politically, when your stories begin to sound like "Tales by Moonlight". Imagine BAT saying he didn't attend primary and secondary schools and then saying soldiers took (stole) his university certificate. We are about to enter our exodus from Buhari's hellish two tenures after he told us, he didn't have a WAEC certificate and now another one without certificate from the same party is offering to rule us? Is this the new norm? That our leaders don't have the minimum certificates required, as demanded by the constitution for such an important job, the office of the president. But Bachelor's degrees aren't enough to get our youth an entry level position in a firm. One pertinent issue is that of his age. Why has his age been altered so much on Wikipedia? It got so bad that Wikipedia had to lock Tinubu's page for persistent vandalism after his age was edited a whopping 84 times. What is he hiding? In some quarters, it is said by those who claim to know him that he may be as old as 80 years as opposed to 70 years which he claims to be. This leaves a huge question mark. Another point to note is the issue of his name. There seems to be this unsubstantiated discovery that BAT's real name is Yekini Amoda Ogunlere. It is alleged that he changed his name at some point but for what reasons. Could this be true? If this is true, it dents his image even further. Three days ago, it was reported that BAT had flown to France for a "business meeting", a cover up for medical checkups and treatment. The same person who is being touted to have made Lagos state what it is, travels abroad for medical tourism. Did he forget to add hospitals when he was making Lagos? This same BAT returned from a three-month medical trip to London last October. Knowing the effect of Buhari's medical tourism on the economy and state of the nation, we can't afford to have another sick president who takes a three-month medical vacation to treat an ear infection that his personal doctors and our health system can't handle. It is the country that needs a revival and not the other way round. Yet, he wants to be president. His only justification, "Èmi lòó kán" which translates to, "It's my turn". Èmi lòó kán which was introduced into our political lexicon by none other than BAT himself is one of the newest and hottest phrases right now. It seems to be the unofficial campaign song for the BAT camp. Laying his stake on the presidency with nothing other than "Èmi lòó kán", BAT depicts a complete disregard for our democratic processes. His now infamous phrase holds a lot of hidden, negative connotations. This man with an obvious lack of probity is who some Nigerians, even youths who should rather be contesting for the same office are rallying behind. A man whose public persona is clothed with deception and his defence riddled with too many holes. The only thing that seems true is that, BAT is a relic of the past, a memento of a bygone era and an ancestor that needs his rest.
BAT
By Tari Ogbowei
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Alfred Lagos
2 years, 8 months ago
"BAT"... Man
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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
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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 • Jan 14, 2023 04:54a.m.
Sharo Festival: The true test of African Masculinity?
<span class="html-content"><p>I used to think that African men were moulded not with clay just like others, but with mineral resources like Zinc, Columbite, Coal or Gold. The reason behind this thought is based on the fact that African men are one of the toughest, strongest and courageous beings on the planet earth. They are strong-willed, highly traditional and goal-oriented. This equally explains why they prioritise their cultural heritage because while it projects their status symbol, it also gives them a sense of responsibility to protect and defend their society. In regard to protecting and defending whatever they deem dear to them at all cost, the calibre of African men that come to mind is the Fulanis. </p> <p>The term "Sharo" is of Fulani origin which literally means 'to flog..' Sharo is a renowned and highly revered tradition of the Fulanis whereby two suitors seek for a woman's hand in marriage and battle it out through flogging competition. Flogging competition? In this 21st century? Yes, you heard that right. It is a flogging competition that is usually carried out to ascertain If a young man is mature enough to go through the pains of becoming a man and withstanding the challenges that the responsibility of familyhood brings. The event also presents an intense situation where two men have to courageously plan to take out each other with the sole aim of marrying their wives. </p> <p>In the course of event, the competing men would be accompanied by friends and family who would be motivating them to to absorb as much pain as they could and not shed tears, nor shout during flogging. As the rules of the competition hold, if a man sheds tears during the process, he would be considered weak and consequently, would be rejected by the woman's the woman's family. </p> <p>In Northern Nigeria, the Sharo Festival begins with different kinds of skits from maiden dancers though the primary focus of the festival takes effect with the arrival of bare-chested single young men who are accompanied to the centre ring by pretty young maidens. During the display, spectators are expected to cheer the contenders whose families are engrossed with much expectations, wishes and prayers of not to be disgraced by their sons. Having been put to the know that the absorption of pains have its limits contenders are fond of making recitations of motivating mantras when the flogging begins. While the Sharo is going on, the youths acting as referees meticulously observe the exercise closely ensuring that strokes are adequately administered. </p> <p>Each of the contenders are expected to put his whip on the rival's body for at least ten times and at the end of the event, whoever that survives the brutal exercise is successfully incorporated into manhood and is expressly granted the right to marry the girl over which the competition took place. It is necessary to point out that a Fulani man can marry as many as four wives as long as they are fit and ready to withstand more pains.</p> <p>To these men, the scars they get in the course of the flogging remains a sign of respect and ego. They see it as the true test of maturity and adulthood in society. The Sharo Festival has remained one of the most interesting marriage ceremonies across the globe where instead of the groom rejoicing, he is either nursing his wounds or developing scars of brutal pains. </p> <p>What else can be better used to explain to the future generations how their ancestors 'wiped cord' on each other's bodies in order to pick their wives and how this truly proved their maturity?</p><p><br></p> </span>
Sharo Festival: The true test of African Mascul...
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In Politics • 3 min read • Jun 24, 2022 16:49p.m.
Voting Patterns: North vs South
In the new age, democracy has spread to almost every part of the globe and it has trumped out almost every other form of government, be it communism, socialism, or whatever kind you can think of. Citizens of countries who practice other forms of government, especially those in suppressed societies constantly hope for democracy. Even those who live in democratic societies, keep fighting to have the best version. It is known that in democracy, elections are held and in these elections, the people cast votes. The candidate, party or option with the highest vote goes on to win the election. Democracy is about the majority. A simple concept as this may seem, the workings behind it are far more complex and even philosophical as there are always interests of various kinds. It is to be expected. Politics is a game of interests. In a country like Nigeria where interests are sectarian, ethnic, religious and basically between two rivals: the Muslim dominated North and the Christian dominated South whose cultures seem different in every respect, well thought out political philosophies would be in the best interest of both sides. Taking just face value, it would seem that there are no philosophies save those of elitism, greed, brainless looting, corruption and ultimately socio-economic destruction. Only, this is not the case. The South might obviously have none as it can't seem to band together and take its place as a force to be reckoned with in the scheme of national affairs. It's political class can't seem to agree on anything but rather act like privileged spoilt kids, fighting for their parent's attention. The North on the other hand seems a bit different. Asides the usual greed, looting and corruption which characterises both North and South, the North seems to have a philosophy which is to perpetuate its hold on power. For a long time, it seems to have had this sinister motive and it's philosophy becomes more obvious as the days go by. This is evident in the creation of more states as well as LGAs in the North, employment and promotion of citizens of Northern extraction in the federal civil service and military, lopsided appointment of northerners as heads of MDAs and parastatals. All these definitely have an effect on the political playfield. This philosophy is also evident in the voting pattern of the North. In the achievement of this philosophy, northerners will vote for any muslim of northern exctraction whether qualified or not, even when there's a more qualified Southern candidate. The average Northern Muslim is more politically conscious than their southern contemporary. When it's time for elections, you see them running back home to exercise their franchise, from whatever part of the nation they may be. During elections, the South is almost devoid of northerners as your usual cobblers, "mai ruwa", keke riders, meat sellers and abattoir operators, etc become scarce. Even beggars of Northern extraction are not left out. 🤧 They all go back to their places of origin to vote. Down South, you find a direct opposite in voting patterns. A typical Southerner will not go out to vote except there is a promise or evidence of vote buying. He wants to be paid to carry out his civic duty even when the polling unit is just a few metres from his house. He wants politicians to provide free transportation to his hometown to vote. This is the difference. Politics in the North is based on interests while politics in the South is transactional. It will be expected, that the South with a higher literacy coefficient will be a shining example to the "less literate" North in the area of politics and voting and other areas but it seems education takes a back seat in these matters.
Voting Patterns: North vs South
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 2 months, 1 week ago

Don't you agree that the southerners, with their high literacy rate make a better choice as it relates to not voting when you consider...

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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
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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.
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In Career and Jobs • 2 min read • Aug 10, 2022 17:14p.m.
INTROVERTS, stop hiding!! (Its costing you your future.seriously.)
<span class="html-content"> <p>If you are an introvert, I know putting yourself out there is HARD.</p> <p>The fear of saying things in public and risking judgement and ridicule is REAL.</p> <p>I know its easier to stay in the background and not say a thing.... But hiding is costing you so much more than you realize.</p> <ol> <li><p>You are missing out on your Purpose : By staying in the shadows, you are missing out on what you are MEANT to be doing... At this very moment, you could be impacting others with your true calling and changing their lives.</p></li> <li><p>You are missing out on Recognition : All vanity and ego aside, you can finally be seen and heard as the REAL you who has so much to offer. You deserve to be recognized for your talents and gifts. Let the world see you!</p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Community :&nbsp; The connections that you make from like-minded folks who truly get you are so much valuable and rewarding than you realize. In a world were we are sometimes isolated, it makes us feel less alone. </p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Income : Your talents have the ability to make some serious money which can change the trajectory of your career.</p> <p> We're living in an age where your personal brand can legitimately become your retirement plan. Take it seriously!.</p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Opportunities : There's no limit on how far you can go. There're opportunities everywhere - but they won't happen if people don't know that you exist.</p> </li> </ol> <p>You are sitting on a goldmine of talent and you don't even know it.</p> <p>Get off the shadows or atleast take a peek.</p> </span>
INTROVERTS, stop hiding!! (Its costing you your...
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NGI KEVIN AYUK
2 years, 7 months ago
Thanks for the Psychological touch you bring to this platform
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In People and Society • 1 min read • Aug 10, 2022 11:43a.m.
Do INSTINCTS have correlation with the Evolution of Man?
According to Agatha Christie, "Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can neither be explained nor ignored". Instincts reminds us that, at the end of the day, humans are just mammals that evolved beyond the rest. Aside survival instincts, which involves all basic behaviours that helps you preserve your life and health. We also have, Reproductive Instincts: This involves the preservation of species. Religious Instincts: This indicates that humans have an innate need to find meaning in their lives. Life Instincts: This includes the sexual instinct, they are equitable to the survival instincts. Social Instinct : This includes the need for power, company, prestige, company and property. Maternal Instincts: This could be referred to as the joy of motherhood. That natural feeling or bond a mother has towards her children. If majority of these instincts are found in other mammals, then Are Humans just mammals that evolved beyond the rest ? Cc: Charles Darwin
Do INSTINCTS have correlation with the Evolutio...
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Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 2 years, 7 months ago
Charles Darwin and his theories tho..lol
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Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
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In Content Creators • 3 min read • Dec 19, 2022 09:40a.m.
A CONTENT CREATOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE
Sit with me for a second and imagine this, after countless hours, thoughts and passion poured into creating content, ideas pulled from the depths of your imagination, and then the promotion. After sending those DMS, where you “pestered” your friends and loved ones to share and tag people. After the moments of fun and meaningful engagements, people commenting about how good your stuff is, or how it meant a lot to them and came out at a time when they and the world needed it, how you should keep going and never stop because what you are doing serves a purpose and has meaning. After all this, you start getting a following; more eyes are now on you, and your satisfaction and pride in your push and determination approaching an all-time high, then you log in and are asked to log out. It's a glitch you think, it barely registers as a standout event, until you try to log in and get a response like this account has been breached our policy and has been deleted, or suspended, or someone else has hacked your account. The way your heart will skip; like you misplaced the most important thing you need to present in the next 2 seconds is guaranteed.I think this is one of the highest things that qualify as a creator's hell. Social media serves one major purpose; a vehicle to connect with your target audience/customers. A tool to get your product and service to as many people that need to know about it with high-speed feedback at the click of a button, which if you are marketing inclined, you know is more material for content and advertising to show others your content gives satisfaction. But, if you are business inclined; you would think even further. The platform is not mine, and what is not yours can easily be taken away from you. If you saw the now-deleted tweet thread by Twitter support on Sunday, then you got a quick glimpse of this nightmare. In summary; twitter was proposing a new policy of removing accounts that were created with the major purpose of advertising certain platforms, diverting Twitter followers off the platform. This even got the former CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey to comment; simply asking "why?" Freedom of speech at its best, but I digress. So how can I preserve the content I have? You may be thinking: 1. Always have a backup: Like I have mentioned in a previous post about documenting, always have a backup. This could be distributing one content across various platforms, except it's a targeted attack, the odds of losing all your accounts are pretty low. Still, you need to store your content on the cloud, or in like 2 separate hard drives. May sound paranoid and feel like too much work, but you should see your content as Intellectual property that can work for you time and time again, while you sleep, it spreads the word for you without needing you to open your mouth. 2. Get a website: This is so you are not completely subject to the rules of other people's platforms, you get followers and direct them to your platform where they know they can get all things concerning you. Products, feedback, merchandise.  3. Statistics: A content creator knows that his only leverage or claim to being an influencer is how many people listen to or view their posts. Not having a way to still reach them if you should lose your account, is a gamble that is guaranteed to leave a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when or if the deed should ever happen. So think beyond just creating content, think to own.
A CONTENT CREATOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Been doing content creation for two years now, though majorly on gospel content, and this year myself and the teach have decided to go...

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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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
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In Nigeria • 1 min read • Sep 23, 2022 08:59a.m.
This is Lagos!
<span class="html-content"> <p>I think Nigerians, particularly those residing in other states, have different views about Lagos. However, there's a generic perception that it's an opportunity hub. Let me clearly state that only a few people in Lagos are sane, and I am one of those people! I'm saying it with my full chest, and I'm in my house! Come and beat me 😅 Nollywood has given some people the impression that you can "easily blow" once you move to Lagos. Let me give you a brief analogy. Emeka who is frustrated in the village somewhere in Owerri, moves to the City- "Lagos" to serve his older brother, and in 3 months he becomes a millionaire.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;HOW NAAAAA!&nbsp;</p><p>In another case, he could fall in love with Nneka, who is from a wealthy family, and they could eventually live happily ever after irrespective of the objections from her family.</p> <p>SCAM!!&nbsp;</p><p>BIG SCAM!!</p> <p>A part of me wants to believe this is actually possible, but the other part is in utter disbelief. My dear, Lagos is not for the weak. Your temperament may change. I know mine did! It's not all glamorous as some may think, but you can do great things here.&nbsp;</p><p>You must give it your all because --"THIS IS LAGOS"--</p> </span>
This is Lagos!
By Samuel Ibok
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Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 3 months, 1 week ago
This post reminds me of a line from a poem I was taught back in secondary school– "Life is not a bed of roses". Your post is really screa...
Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
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In Career and Jobs • 2 min read • Dec 22, 2022 17:17p.m.
The Salary Algorithm
<span class="html-content"><p><span class="html-content"></span></p><p>Sincerely, sometimes when I look at my account balance, I hear a still, small voice saying, "De play, just de play!"&nbsp;</p><p>This is quite crazy because I have multiple streams of urgent 2k income! I've never really paid much attention to the issue of salaries until I spoke with a friend who earns three times my pay for doing a third of what I do. It got me thinking about my life and my future.<br></p><p></p> <p></p><p>Walahi! </p><p></p> <p></p><p>So yeah, you probably see why I'm writing this piece. My current perception is that the conversations about multiple streams of income could be reduced if your pay is quite great. I mean earning enough to not think about money. This doesn’t mean just settling for less, but actually not having money problems. There are people who aren’t big on the whole doing a lot (having different streams of income), and these guys are not lazy. They are just okay with how much they earn. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>This life no hard, na you go promise your mama private jet!&nbsp;</p><p>Liberator general!<br>On a more serious note, where you work and where you live can sometimes show up in your bank account. The cost of living in Lagos and Akwa Ibom is different, so the quality of life for two people earning the same salary in both states would differ. By implication, sometimes being broke is just based on location. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>Broke by location- You heard that from me first!</p><p></p> <p></p><p>I also feel that depending solely on your salary can be tricky. But doesn’t that depend on the salary? Also, you may suspend your other business plans or adventures because you’re hooked on your pay. Well, there’s probably no conclusion on this matter. Sometimes companies play dirty by taking all the time and paying people less or just enough to keep those guys satisfied, or in my words, unhungry! This means you end up using the bulk of your productive time and energy on official duties, leaving you drained when you want to do things for yourself. The kind of work you do equally counts with regards to whether you will live a soft life or remain in the trenches! </p><p></p> <p></p><p>Regardless, make sure you're grinding and staying out of the "broke curve."&nbsp;</p><p>By all means, resist the urge to compare your income with that of others unless you can handle the aftermath of those thoughts! </p><p></p> <p></p><p>Does the perfect salary exist, or is it a mental issue?&nbsp;</p><p>Are salaries designed to keep us chained in the guise of contentment?</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Stay Driven</p><p><br></p><p></p> <p></p><p>Learn Unlearn Relearn</p> <p></p> </span>
The Salary Algorithm
By Samuel Ibok
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Queensley Okon Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
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In Politics • 3 min read • Oct 07, 2022 23:59p.m.
THE FAMED NIGERIAN POLITICAL STRUCTURE
When one gets into a conversation that leads to talking about the problems of Nigeria and proffering solutions, sooner than later, you realise that in analysing one problem, there is another problem that is connected to the initial one. Before even getting to the part of solutions, you realise that Nigeria is a myriad of problems interwoven and interconnected to each other like a spider's web. Corruption as it stands seems to be the biggest problem Nigeria is facing today. Corruption in Nigeria is a hydra. It is multifaceted and multilevel. From the head down to the tail, it's all infested. Let's look at a few cases. If we talk about the menace of police brutality, we'll all agree that there are laws which prevent these kinds of things from happening. Infact the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has its rules of engagement which guides its activities and its interactions with members of the public, yet you still have members for the NPF acting with so much impunity and high-handedness. From this one problem, it is not difficult to notice that there are other issues which are directly related to it. Firstly, you find out that there is a lack of political will by those in the police higher ups as well as our political class to enforce the laws and regulations that guides the NPF to achieve the needed professionalism. This lack of political will also stems from the fact that those in the higher ups and political class benefit from the chaos that the unprofessionalism of the NPF creates which is another problem in itself. Another thing is that the people who bear the brunt of the recklessness, high-handedness and brutality of the NPF fail to stand up for themselves. For many reasons they allow themselves to be extorted, maligned and mistreated by members of the NPF. This can attributed to a high level of illiteracy, poverty and ignorance. The police brutality example is just one of many in the sea of problems we exist in and refer to as normal. While we started from corruption as a problem, we have now gotten to the point in this piece where we recognise illiteracy, poverty and ignorance as problems too. At this point whose fault is it? While some might argue that the government doesn't own total responsibility in creating wealth and employment, and also improve the educational standard of its country or locale, of which I agree that both government and citizenry have their own roles to play. We must realise that it is government's responsibility to form sound policies that will drive these sectors and create the enabling environment for them to thrive. Alas our government has failed to do just that. This is primarily so because the political class, like I mentioned earlier benefits from the chaos this lack creates. They have intentionally kept the people poor, hungry and beggarly, and have become experts at weaponising the widespread poverty. More recently, they have continued to intentionally reduce the standard of education by funding it less and creating policies that create bottlenecks for educational growth like that which the National Assembly passed a bill to remove history from the secondary schools' educational curriculum. In developed countries, government ensures the prosperity of its people and by extension its nation by educating its people and ensuring their presperity, while the Nigerian leaders, a political class bereft of ideas does everything within its power to ensure its people are poor and illiterate so that there will be no one smart and bold enough to challenge it while ensuring its perpetuity as the gate keepers of power. The ignorant and poor masses who can't stand up to its slavers, and will do their bidding for the biblical pot of porridge is who the political class refer to as their POLITICAL STRUCTURE. Anything other than this is a threat. This is why a prosperous and educated citizenry will never appeal to the greedy and inept who continue to invent new ways to perpetuate its hold on political power.
THE FAMED NIGERIAN POLITICAL STRUCTURE
By Tari Ogbowei
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Ayebaibomo Praise Atalawei
city Yenagoa • 2 months ago

Until Nigerians collectively rise up to demand accountability and good governance, the cycle of corruption, poverty, and oppression wi...

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Score | 845
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2649
66265
454
149
In Business Development • 1 min read • Jul 25, 2022 15:51p.m.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
<p>Hello everyone. I honestly feel like asking, "How market!" Lol. I'm guessing some of you have come across the statement, "Everyone is selling something." If you've not heard it before, you've heard it now. Tell me thank you! One way or the other, you're selling something, and sales is critical to the success of any business. When most people hear SALES, they automatically imagine a financial transaction or a physical market. Well, that's not entirely wrong, but sales is more than that. Your strict parents are selling you discipline, that hard guy who has all of a sudden started sending you poems and love letters is selling himself to be the right person for you, and even our politicians engage in sales. That said, I've decided to bless y'all with some relevant points about sales. These are lessons gathered from experience and research on the brutal world of sales/marketing! See ehhh, it's brutal out here. In fact, sales is not for the faint-hearted. You're probably wondering who's this nice guy that wants to share such value with us. Yeah, I'm generous like that. So, the classes are free, but you have to PAY ATTENTION. Your first assignment is to re-read this post and share it with your colleagues, friends, and foes. Also, kindly write down the lesson you've learned from this post. Be an OBIdient student!&nbsp;<br></p><p>In addition to understanding that everyone is selling something, it's important to grasp the concept of personal branding. Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Just as companies work hard to establish their brand identity, individuals must also build and maintain a personal brand. This involves showcasing your skills, values, and personality in a way that makes you stand out. Whether you're a job seeker, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to make new connections, your personal brand can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. </p><p>Moreover, effective communication is at the heart of successful sales. Being able to articulate your message clearly and persuasively is crucial. This means not only speaking well but also listening actively. Understanding your audience's needs and concerns allows you to tailor your pitch and build genuine connections. Remember, people are more likely to buy from someone they trust and feel understood by. Developing strong communication skills will serve you well, both in sales and in life. </p><p>Lastly, resilience is key in the world of sales. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey, and how you handle them can determine your success. Cultivating a positive mindset and learning from each experience will help you bounce back stronger. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, view it as an opportunity to improve. Persistence and adaptability are traits that can transform challenges into stepping stones toward success. </p><p>By recognizing the various forms of sales in everyday life, building a strong personal brand, honing communication skills, and developing resilience, you can navigate the complexities of sales with confidence and purpose. So, embrace these lessons, share your newfound knowledge, and continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn.<br><br>Kindly watch out for more TWO CENTS. Learn-Unlearn-Relearn.</p>
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
By Samuel Ibok
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marketing resilience focus sales
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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 435
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2649
66265
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In People and Society • 2 min read • Oct 03, 2022 08:36a.m.
Changing the world one stanza at a time
<span class="html-content"> <p>Growing up, we were taught several virtues through songs. Writing this has brought back a lot of good memories. At home, school, and religious gatherings, certain virtues were communicated through songs. I somewhat think that it made it easier to remember those virtues because of the medium through which they were communicated.&nbsp;</p><p>Think of this-- What if we applied this same strategy to the issue of climate change?&nbsp;</p><p>I'm certain we have over a million songs on love, loyalty, politics, freedom, and others. For me, this would be a great strategy to grow our children—the future generations—with the climate in mind. I'm sure most of us only realized the concept of climate change as adults, and some are yet to understand it. There are a number of reasons for that, but that's not the point of this post. Imagine the good that we could have done if we knew this early in life. We cannot recover lost time, but we can consciously make better efforts.</p> <p>Whether or not you believe in climate change, I think it's reasonable to at least make better choices.</p> <p>Humans are very creative people, so I guess we can create songs and teach our children so they can grow up with a consciousness of the climate. </p> <p>Imagine if Africa's biggest artists had one track that focused on climate change in their albums! That'd be laudable, although it probably won't totally change people's mindsets. It's still a good start.&nbsp;</p><p>Just so you know, climate change, according to the United Nations, refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.</p> <p>I believe we can change the world one stanza at a time!</p> <p>Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.</p> <p>Learn Unlearn Relearn</p> </span>
Changing the world one stanza at a time
By Samuel Ibok
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In Career and Jobs • 3 min read • Mar 22, 2024 12:05p.m.
Navigating the Tech World as a Woman: A Nigerian Perspective
<p>&nbsp;Navigating the Tech World as a Woman: A Nigerian Perspective </p><p>As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, the tech industry continues to grow and evolve at a rapid pace. Yet, for women, especially those from underrepresented regions like Nigeria, entering this male-dominated field can be a daunting journey filled with unique challenges. Today, I want to shed light on the struggles of the mind transitioning into tech as a woman, particularly from the perspective of a Nigerian, and the added difficulties of securing remote jobs in this competitive landscape. </p><p>For many women, making the transition into the tech industry is not just about learning new skills—it's about breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. In Nigeria, where gender inequality is still prevalent in various sectors, pursuing a career in technology as a woman requires resilience, determination, and a strong support system. From battling societal expectations to overcoming imposter syndrome, the journey can be emotionally taxing and mentally draining. </p><p>One of the most significant hurdles faced by women in Nigeria aspiring to work in tech is the lack of access to quality education and resources. While the desire to learn and excel in this field may be there, the means to acquire relevant skills and knowledge are often limited, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, the absence of female role models and mentors in the tech industry further exacerbates feelings of isolation and self-doubt among aspiring female technologists. </p><p>Furthermore, the pursuit of remote job opportunities adds another layer of complexity to the equation. While remote work offers flexibility and freedom, securing remote jobs as a Nigerian woman in tech comes with its own set of challenges. Limited access to stable internet connection, unreliable power supply, and cultural biases against remote work can hinder progress and limit opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, navigating the intricacies of remote job applications, such as cultural differences and time zone constraints, requires adaptability and perseverance. </p><p>Despite these challenges, Nigerian women in tech are resilient and resourceful. They are carving out their space in the industry, leveraging online learning platforms, networking opportunities, and support networks to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. Organizations and initiatives focused on empowering women in tech, both locally and globally, play a crucial role in providing access to education, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. </p><p>As we strive for gender equality and inclusivity in the tech industry, it is essential to recognize and address the unique challenges women face, particularly those from underrepresented regions like Nigeria. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting diversity in the workplace, and providing equal opportunities for all, we can create a more equitable and vibrant tech ecosystem where women can thrive and succeed. </p><p>In conclusion, the journey of transitioning into tech as a woman, especially as a Nigerian, is filled with obstacles and uncertainties. However, it is also a journey of resilience, empowerment, and endless possibilities. By overcoming challenges together and championing diversity and inclusion, we can build a brighter future where every woman has the opportunity to shine in the tech industry. </p><p><br></p>
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Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 2 months, 1 week ago

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In Politics • 1 min read • Jun 05, 2022 11:21a.m.
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 4
<span class="html-content"> <p>As much as I want the Peter Obi presidential aspiration to become a reality, it is only a dream at this point. Until people leave social media and go into the real world where it actually matters, it will only remain a dream. Until these ardent supporters get their PVCs and actually go out to vote on Election Day as most do not even have one, PETER OBI is only the TWITTER PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.</p> <p></p> </span>
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 4
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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. 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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
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In People and Society • 2 min read • Sep 02, 2022 21:50p.m.
SUITS
<span class="html-content"> <p>Suitsssssss!</p> <p>I don't know about you but I do feel a certain way whenever I put them suits on. Well, besides the fact that i look good in them, I think people categorize you as being sane or responsible just because you wear a suit. It's I'm crazy but true. I'm sure you've probably heard the adage that "as you dress so would you be addressed". There's actually a billboard in the University of Uyo that reiterates that fact.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Abeg relax!&nbsp;</p><p>Before you go woke, unapologetic, and king Kong on me, try and get my point. Unapologetic doesn't mean intelligent so calm down. 😅</p><p>Before you start disputing the assertion kindly keep in mind the fact that we are living in a world that is very diverse.</p> <p>Every society perceives appearance differently. It is normal for people to develop certain notions about others just because of what they're wearing. "Every time you put on a dress you are on trial!" Society is the great judge! The question is "what do you plead?"</p> <p>So, I know I don't have to decide what you should wear but posterity would judge me in bad light if I fail to advise you to watch what you wear. They may actually cost you. You must learn to study the trends and compare it to the extant norms in your society.&nbsp;</p><p>Before you reveal that summer body remember that winter is coming!&nbsp;</p><p>No go do pass yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>Advise is like an elective course, not everyone would take it!</p><p><br></p><p>Learn Unlearn Relearn&nbsp;</p> </span>
SUITS
By Samuel Ibok
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Waripamo Allen
city Yenagoa • 2 months, 3 weeks ago

My traditional Ijaw attire from Bayelsa is more than just clothes - it's a symbol of our rich culture and heritage. When I wear it, I ...

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In Nigeria • 3 min read • Feb 04, 2023 21:27p.m.
The Land of Promise
Image copyright/credit: The Sun Nigeria
<span class="html-content"><p>Most people live their lives without seeing true beauty. Most Nigerians think they've seen it all because they've been to a few places. My dear comrades, if you haven't been to the Land of Promise, you haven't been anywhere. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a place many consider mythical—a land flowing with milk, honey, and oil!</p> <p>Akwa Ibom is derived from the Qua Iboe River, and the state is located in the coastal south of Nigeria. We have a few languages, and believe me, our language is special. Some say it sounds like Chinese, and others say it sounds like Korean, but we know our language is great. Oh, we also have an accent! I'm not going into details on that. Akwa Ibom State is wealthy. We are blessed with both human and natural resources. For a state created in 1987, I will say we've come a long way, and we are setting the pace for others.&nbsp;</p><p>Because of our strategic location and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, you can find several beaches in Akwa Ibom. Yeah, you've probably never heard of them, but they exist. The most well-known is Ibeno Beach. Fun fact: Ibeno Beach is actually the longest sand beach in West Africa. Let me rephrase: the longest sand beach in West Africa is found in Akwa Ibom State. The beach is a marvel with its beautiful coastline, which attracts thousands of tourists with an eye for beauty! Several festivals and games are held at the beach. Guess what? We share a border with Cameroon.&nbsp;</p><p>Akwa Ibom is blessed with oil. Anything oily can be found in the state! from crude oil to palm oil to groundnut oil, etc. The state is currently the highest oil-producing state in the country. In other words, we are the ones fueling the nation! You can find some oil multinationals, such as Exxon Mobil, in the state. One thing we don't joke about in Akwa Ibom is education. There are several schools in the state, and in some neighborhoods, you can have as many as three schools. Some are neighbors! This demonstrates our appreciation for learning and our conviction that education liberates.&nbsp;</p><p>You've probably heard about the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 30,000. The state hosts a number of sporting events, and some of its athletes have competed in international events. Notably, we have our own state-owned airline, Ibom Air. It's the only state-owned airline in Nigeria. Mad thing now innit. Akwa Ibom people are largely hospitable and kind to our brothers from other parts of Nigeria. We enjoy politics, but we despise wahala. But when our lives are in danger, we are very good at giving people woto woto.&nbsp;</p><p>My favorite part is the food. You haven't eaten good food until you eat a meal prepared by an Akwa Ibomite. I don't mean the Lagos branch or diaspora branch of Akwa Ibomites oooo! Delicacies include Affang, Atama, Editan, Edikan-Ikong, Ato mboro, and Ekpan Ku kwo. I'm salivating just typing their names. Just so you know, they taste better than they sound. People of the earth, if an Akwa Ibom woman cook for you, Akwenge (It is finished). You are taken because you won't recover from it. You will just fall in love. I guess it was love at first chow.&nbsp;</p><p>Talking about our ladies, they are the personification of beauty, and they are blessed. I don't want to say "well-endowed." Just know that dem go carry you go wey you no know! Our men are equally good-looking and edible! If you doubt me, just look at my profile picture or look me up on Instagram (@iamsamuelibok). We fine die! Our beauty can make you SWERVE. Some people have the conception that Akwa Ibomites are excellent in Bedmatics! Akwa Ibom is the ideal place for people who want to relax and live the baby girl or baby boy lifestyle. The most time you can spend in traffic is 2 minutes, and things are relatively cheap, particularly house rent. It's a place where anyone can feel at ease.</p> <p>Akwa Ibom Ayaya...</p> </span>
The Land of Promise
By Samuel Ibok
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Now I'm eager to visit Akwa Ibom 🥺
8 months, 4 weeks ago
Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
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In Politics • 3 min read • Jul 30, 2022 00:59a.m.
ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY
<span class="html-content"> <p>Just a few years ago, in 2014 precisely, the dollar traded between #150 and #170. Today it's trading at #720 to a dollar, a whopping 367% increase. </p> <p>Our excess crude account has shrunk from $35.37m to $376,655, the lowest it has ever been since the beginning of the fourth republic. What this means is that we have virtually no savings and by implication nothing to cushion the effect of any economic misfortune we might run into. </p> <p>Meanwhile, the NNPC has a daily crude oil sale of 1.6m barrels per day at $100 per barrel. That's $160m per day without taking cognisance of gas sales, yet we have just $367,655 as our foreign reserve. 🙄 What this means is that someone somewhere, most likely in the presidency is shortchanging Nigeria and Nigerians. </p> <p>As at May 2015, 1 litre of petrol was #65. Today it is around #180, 176.9% increase. In May 2015, a bag of rice was sold at #7,000. Today it's over #30,000. This is over 328%. The price of many other commodities have also increased with at least a 150%. Bread which is one of those foods in high demand has done at least 200% increase.</p> <p>The naira is in a free fall. In less than no time, it will be trading for #1,000 to a dollar. Our political elites have hoarded forex which they have used for their primaries and are also planning to use in buying their ambitions in the forthcoming elections, thereby starving businesses, importers and manufacturers of much needed forex which in turn puts a strain on an already fragile economy. </p> <p>If we faced the same circumstances we had in 2015, we would definitely enter a recession we might never come out of and Zimbabwe would be a walk in the park in comparison. </p> <p>All these, coupled with the yearly double digit inflation rate result in the erosion of the purchasing power of the naira. Nigeria being an import based economy, will soon be brought to its knees by all its negative KPIs. </p> <p>In all of this, a broke country as Nigeria whose debt servicing is more than it's income still borrows and for what? To steal the said funds, further impoverishing the people and mortgaging the future of generations unborn.</p> <p>All of the aforementioned stem from one source, the leadership of an inept president who had no real reason why he wanted to be president. A man who had no solutions to the problems we had but only wanted to be president for the fun of it. So he exaggerated our problems and made himself look like the only one who could solve them but rather made things worse. </p> <p>From the first day he assumed office, it was obvious that he wouldn't do well. It took him 6 months to appoint his cabinet. He ordered the DSS to blow up and invade the homes of some judges in the guise of fighting corruption while all he was doing was cowering the judiciary into submission. Today it seems the judiciary is an appendage of the executive arm of government. His draconian and anti-people policies have even made things worse. </p> <p>While all these were ongoing, some Nigerians, social media influencers, like Dr. Dipo Awojide, Segalink, Omojuwa, Odanz, etcwere cheering him on and called others wailers. Today, in the light of all that is happening, these set of people no longer have a voice. We are all wailers now. Funny 😁</p> <p>In spite of all these, that Buhari and the APC has put Nigerians through, the APC still has the effrontery to ask Nigerians to vote for it in the forthcoming elections. It is fighting for continuity. Continuity on what exactly? The existing bad legacy? Seems like the APC wants continuity to finish Nigerians pata pata but it is said, "ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY" I don't know but I feel Nigerians have woken up and are ready to take back their country from clueless and inept, tyrannical, far right winged dictators who think Nigeria's presidency is "turn by turn."</p> </span>
ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY
By Tari Ogbowei
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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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A creative writer born, bred and established in art of advertising...Feel free to check out my work samples here https://copyfol.io/v/mnw7r7...
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In History and Culture • 3 min read • Feb 11, 2023 07:07a.m.
I AM NOT THIS SKIN
I don't know how many of you are real music fans because if you read my title, a particular musician should come to your head Yes, the one and only Indie Arie!!!!!! 🎶🎶I am not my hair, I am not this skin🎶 Okay I will stop now because I have a responsibility to my readers 🌚😎 But Indie is so talented and her voice is so soothing I sometimes forget what that feels like I'm music Everyone just sounds different and good but not soothing She and Sade have a unique ability and I appreciate them so much Anyway, let us get down to business Sometimes I sit and wonder, why do we stay fixated on skin color to determine our worth? Race, skin, whatever, why do we do that? We are very unique, each of us but for some reason, one person or a group of people managed to convince us that one colour is more valuable than the other As if we do not have enough things to fight about as humans, we had to add more division hence the thriving of slavery I mean, look around you, it takes a while for someone to admire someone who is darker skinned than a lighter toned person I remember growing up, people used to only call fair people beautiful and they were always the first pick before the darker ones It never felt right to me because it now generated a dislike for fair people Well not dislike, but it helped form my preference for dark skinned guys. Actually, I always liked dark guys There was just the way they looked that was so beautiful and kept my attention Funny how my dating history tended to negate that but I digress🤣🤣🤣 Yeah, so this was really terrible because that was also the time when bleaching became rampant You would see someone who used to be dark would all of a sudden develop a fairer complexion but the knuckles always have the person away. Of course there were those who did it successfully but you always noted how terrible their skin looked after a while especially without makeup or early in the morning The esteem issue color brought with it was really damaging And you see it in other climes how degrading it is, especially in movies and music. Executives would rather push those who look lighter in complexion, regardless of talent(female rap game now) and if you are darker, they tend to give you makeup that betrays your complexion. It may seem funny but it is not and is really damaging But that's not my direction with this post My point with this post was to highlight something Idris Elba and Nia Long had said recently that really makes a lot of sense even though it rubbed some people the wrong way. Nia Long stated that calling movies "Black" made them dismissive and was limiting the extent it could go. For her, they are movies and doing the same thing other movies are doing. It just limited its reach and it makes sense As for Idris, he stated that he does not want to be called "First Black" anything as for him, it puts him in a box and limits the roles he may get and undermines his talent. For him, his worth is not tied to his skin color or is not his name. He is Idris and it should be based on the value he brings as removing the "Black" in front of his achievements helps break more barriers. I actually agree because I think we have gotten to the point where we attach some irrelevant things to achievements and everyone is desperate to appear different and special, it begins to look like a token adventure and now brings your talent down to skin color or any other addendum and not just the fact that you did a great job. Of course a lot of Black Americans were up in arms with these statements, calling it "erasure" or "them not being proud of being black" or calling them sellouts or "color blind" . I can understand their anger because Black Americans fought through slavery to get into a lot of rooms and these statements to them would look like those fights are being undermined. Some said putting "Black" in front of anything is a celebration of their blackness I'm not really sure what that means, what is "blackness" and why do you need to celebrate it that way? Of course I cannot tell you how to live your life or do your thing but if you don't want reminders of what you went through, why do you always feel the need to remind people that you are "Black"? Or what is the difference between "Black films" and "nigga films" because that is how it sounds or appears to me? And it definitely looks limiting because no matter how good you make a movie, it would just be regarded as a color film rather than just a movie in a certain genre. And here is the thing, they say they are celebrating their blackness but get offended when "white people" celebrate their own whiteness So the question is, are you celebrating your ethnicity or race or you just want to appear superior or maybe it is still an esteem issue because I can understand that? You were mocked for your features but they are celebrated on other people now who aren't the same as you Your hair, your lips, shape(Sara Baartman) were very sensitive points adn still are. I mean, braids are seen as not official in the office which I find comical. But where do we draw the line? For me, these things were borne out of low self esteem but became defense mechanisms which is understandable. But they also are limiting because you say you want to be global but label your work "black business", "black owned", and go on with the "Black movies", "Black Girl Magic" and whatnot. This now becomes limited because you see them ending up being restricted to "Black roles" instead of just being actors And there is the pay gap which is definitely not their fault but is worrisome I don't know but for me, I feel we should start seeing ourselves as more than skin colors because your color determines nothing, you just can't be like the next person. That's how you came out the womb so embrace it Your value should be in the work you out in, your self-assuredness and it should be reflected in the lives you have touched. But hey, I may just be talking out the side of my mouth so what is your take on this?
I AM NOT THIS SKIN
By Queensley Okon
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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 • Jan 06, 2023 13:38p.m.
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in Igbo Culture
<span class="html-content"><p>Nzu (White Chalk) is a very significant substance in&nbsp; Igbo culture. It is a symbol of purity, innocence, peace and progress. Nzu, as it Is called by Igbo people s believed to have the capability to reveal the mysteries and activities of that take place in the spiritual realm. Although, going by its physical feature, one may mistake It for an ordinary clay substance that could be thrown away but the truth remains that that same clay substance stands as a representation of both the physical and metaphysical world.</p> <p>In Igbo land and according to the Igbo culture, Nzu can be used to perform many activities and functions, each having its distinct meaning. Some of these functions include the following. First, it is used to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to Chukwu Okike Abiama (God), in which it represents purity and justice. Alongside Oji Igbo (Igbo Kolanut), or even separately, Nzu can be used to offer sacrifices of plea and request from the gods.</p> <p>Second, it could be eaten and this is usually done by pregnant women based on the belief that it could prevent them from vomiting and spitting uncontrollably. In fact, in Igbo land and even outside Igbo land, there is hardly a pregnant woman who doesn't know the relevance of Nzu - their biggest but minute companion.</p> <p>Third it could be used to welcome visitors in which case, it shows that the visitor is well received with open and very clean heart. When the host presents Nzu to his visitor, it signifies his homeliness and guarantee of the visitor's security while in his house. The moment Nzu is offered to the visitor, he usually takes a piece of it and makes a drawing of four or eight parallel lines on the floor depending on his social status in the society. For instance, if the visitor have received any title such as Nze or Ozo, he is qualified to draw more lines that a non-titled fellow.The ritual of drawing lines with the Nzu in this situation becomes a symbol of "Igba ndu" (Covenant) which serves as an indication of absolute trust between the host and the visitor. </p> <p>Fourth, Nzu can be grounded into powdered substance and used for decorating important personalities occasionally. Some of these personalities include: dancers and warriors. </p> <p>Fifth, it is used by native doctors because it is believed that Nzu possesses spiritual powers. Igbo people believe that when a native doctor rubs nzu on his left eye, it helps him connect with the spiritual world and make divinations.</p> <p>Sixth, the white chalk comprises medicinal substances that helps smoothen the body abs keep it in good shape. It treats skin illnesses like measles and chicken pox. Nzu can also be used to write on the wall to keep record of important events at home and in the society.</p> <p>Overall, just like mustard seed, Nzu does more wonders that one can ever imagine. Though, it looks small and tiny, it does big and nighty wonders.</p> </span>
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in Igbo C...
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Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
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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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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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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics • 4 min read • Nov 04, 2022 19:31p.m.
THE GAME CHANGER: A BIG WIN FOR DEMOCRACY
Politics in Nigeria has always been gimmicks and fanfare. The political space has always been a cocoon for mediocre minds, out of which reverberates this eerie cacophony of ineptitude. Elections are supposed to be issue driven, backed by solution proferring to woo the minds and gain the support of the populace. Campaigns are meant to reveal those who understand the ever present needs of the people, feel their pains and showcase the problem solving abilities of the candidates. The yearnings of political office seekers to serve should resonate with the wishes of the people for better well-being and improved living standards. Suffice to say, that those in government and political positions should be a reflection of the needs and wants of the people. The people’s heartbeat. And as such, their aspirations for the hallowed halls and chambers must be in tandem with the wellbeing of the people. This should be felt from well drafted manifestos which explain in detail, what a candidate has to offer and how they intend to achieve it. This is the ideal. On the other hand, we have a real situation that screams just the opposite. An election culture were candidates, just before election go to the streets and take pictures with the less privileged and homeless children. A culture where candidates go to market places, pretend to buy the wares of poor market women, help them to carry and feed their babies, strap the babies to their backs and pretend to help them roast corn and sell their wares. A culture were candidates abandon their posh cars for a few minutes to hop on motorcycles and tricycles, just for photo props. They do this to hoodwink the people that they are part of their everyday sufferings and as such understand their plight. This has always worked as the people fall for the mind games. The lack of a healthy debate for these candidates to showcase their myrtle. Another factor is the choice of the candidates to always play the ethnic card, Nigeria being a conglomerate of ethnic nationalities. Believing that one who shares their pain, and understands their situation will make things better. How many times has this white lie been been proved to be a lie? Once in power, these candidates abandon the people, only to return to them at the expiration of their tenures to repeat the same gimmicks with poor showmanship. Many a time, the people see through it as it has become a norm but can't do much because they have to choose between two people who both sell the idea of collective poverty. Either the man who goes to a government primary school, pretends to eat "ogi and moimoi" with the children of the poor or the man who visits vulnerable almajiri children and pretends to share a plate of rice that looks like it underwent fractional distillation in its cooking process. In the light of all these, it's funny to notice how these manipulators have failed to employ their old tactics in this campaign season. A verse from the Holy book, John 1:5 says, "And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. The entrance of a particular candidate in this presidential elections seems to be the game changer. An election which would have otherwise been a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea, a choice between poison and venom, a choice between Hades and hell. An election and campaign which would have involved the usual gimmicks and rhetoric, stylized by an unstealthy and uncouth mediocre crop of politicians has taken a wild turn. Whether he wins or not is inconsequential. The entrance of Peter Obi in the presidential election has brought a ray of renewed hope. His style of issue based campaign, international and local consultations with both Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, diplomatic consultations and bridge building with other countries who have a lot to offer Nigeria even when he isn't the president speaks volume of one who has a lot to give. His progressive views and aggressive "pan Nigerianism" puts him on a pedestal, in a class, a league of his own. He has raised the electoral bar so high, the other candidates are finding it difficult to measure up, and are, in the usual Nigerian style, beginning to think of how to cut corners and subvert the electoral process. Any attempt to employ the tactics of the magician, performing before a crowd to appeal to their fantasies instead of their critical minds would spell doom and be tantamount to political suicide. Whether he wins or not, the mere fact that these political con artists can no longer apply their garri and soup approach of collective poverty is a big win for democracy.
THE GAME CHANGER: A BIG WIN FOR DEMOCRACY
By Tari Ogbowei
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In Politics • 3 min read • Jun 19, 2022 20:36p.m.
18 and Responsible
A legal adult is a person who has attained the age of majority and is therefore regarded as independent, self-sufficient, and responsible. The typical age of attaining adulthood is 18, although this definition may vary by legal rights, country, and psychological development.~ In some countries like Scotland, Cambodia and Vietnam, it's 16. In Nigeria, it is 18. At this age, it is expected by law that you should be able to take rational decisions, be responsible for your actions, be responsible for yourself as well as others. Internationally, it is required that to fly a plane or learn how to fly, you should be at least 17 years old. Flying a plane puts the life of others in your hands and not just yours. So if at 17, you can be expected to make decisions to guarantee the safety of tens or a few hundred people, then at 18 and older, we can be capable and responsible for a whole lot more. At 18, we are handed the right to vote and select out leaders who are responsible for the safety and welfare of millions of people. That being said, it becomes an insult that a person who's over 18 will allow themselves belittled to the point of being brainwashed on who to vote for. Like this is your life we're talking about here and the factors that determine your future and the conditions your unborn children will be born into. If you can't think of the future generation as a generation, at least think of your own children who will definitely come because as parents, it is by nature your responsibility to protect and provide for your kids. Often times, you hear people say, "We're waiting for our leader to give us directions on who to vote for", oshey! lost sheep, agbaya oshi. May you not lose your direction in life. Some will say, "My pastor said we should vote for. . . ". It is surprising and even more appalling that the educated amongst us are guilty of this. Quite recently, I tried engaging a neighbour on my street who's over 50 years old and a PDP faithful on the forthcoming elections and his response was, "We never know who to vote o. Them never tell us", after which, he tried convincing me against supporting Obi by playing the ethnic card. "Peter Obi na Igbo man o and you no go fit ever trust Igbo man for anything, not to talk of President. Igbo people na very bad people". Taaaaaah! Get out! 😁 You no fit vote on your own but you sabi say Igbo man no suppose be President. Of course, I said this in my mind. There's no way, I'd have said that to him. If you're in any of the above categories, shame on you. You're a disgrace to the rights you've been given and you don't deserve them. If you're educated, then your education is a total waste. You should have just gone to Oluwole to buy your certificate. Worse still are those who sell their votes. They collect #5k, some, as low as #1k and #500 in exchange for 4 years of retrogression, societal degradation and poverty. Some sell their votes for a pack of Maggi, some for a packet of salt. Haaaaa! What an insult. 🤦🏽‍♂️ Not to digress, I would leave these ones for another time.
18 and Responsible
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon
city Ota • 2 years, 9 months ago
Hmmm
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In Fitness and Body Building • 1 min read • Dec 10, 2022 21:49p.m.
Be calming down!
If you visit the gym consistently, you'll find this group of people who people stare at because of the volume of weight they lift. Now, keep in mind that they didn't get there overnight. So yeah, resist the urge to step up your weight game before time. This is crucial to avoid injury. Besides, if you get hurt, the most you'd get is sorry. Like we say in Nigeria, "no go de do pass yourself!" A while back, I saw a clip of someone who nearly died because he somehow convinced himself to attempt to add 20 kg to his barbell weight. It's just ridiculous. Even if you've been training for a while, you could still get hurt. So, be guided. "You should add the weights progressively rather than abruptly." He was lucky someone was there to spot him. That leads to another crucial point. It's okay to have someone spot you. This is regardless of how long you've been training. It's not for competition but rather to ensure proper execution of the exercise. Your form could be wrong, thereby wasting your reps. So yeah, it's okay to have someone by your side. In other words, swallow your ego and be safety conscious. Learn Unlearn Relearn
Be calming down!
By Samuel Ibok
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In Africa • 3 min read • Nov 20, 2022 22:19p.m.
Why have African societies failed?
Where 2 or 3 Africans are gathered, conversations about our countries are sure follow. And the conversations haven’t changed much for decades. We’ll ask ‘who is to blame for Africa’s lack of progress?’ and answers will range from colonial masters and their legacy, to a global conspiracy by the West, to African leaders and more recently followership. We seem to intuitively understand that someone has to be responsible for the job of moving society forward and our current crop of leaders have failed to rise up to the occasion of real leadership. So who is to blame for Africa’s failure of leadership and development. The answer is simple. But it might not be who you expect. Africa is failing because Africa’s INTELLECTUAL CLASS has failed to rise to the occasion of leadership. “The tail wags the dog”. The dog doesn’t wag the tail. This is a phrase that is used to underscore the fact that often in societies, a very small number of people control the whole society. These people have undue influence on the fate of the collective. The values and effectiveness of this small set of people offers determine the outcome of group. Now back to Africa’s intellectual class… All great nations grow on the back on an effective intellectual class who organize, manage and steer the affairs of their nations (the tail). They are astute students of history, philosophy, economics, sociology and the sciences and are able to firstly on a fundamental level, determine the values by which a society should function, secondly steer the course of political affairs through laws, policies and force, and third are able to set an economic agenda to ensure the development and prosperity of the nation (the dog). Effective intellectual classes possess a set of ideals the society need to aspire to, they set the moral compass of the society. They are also highly industrial, building factories, businesses, media, financial institutions on a global scale , which empowers them to influence the politics of their nations from a position of power. An effective intellectual class is also highly political, acting are guardians of the political realm by ensuring that highly principled emerge in positions of power. They’re also equipped to utilize force to keep the overall system stable. Unfortunately, Africa’s intellectual class has been found wanting. They are unempowered, lack industry, lack vision and have accepted a fate where thugs, ex-fraudsters and drug dealers out muscle and out maneuver them to attain power. They blame leadership for Africa’s failure. Failing to realize that a nation is only as good as its best and brightest. If you intellectuals can’t organize, strategize and lay a vision for the next 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 years, then the wilderness journey will continue in perpetuity. It’s no surprise that while global educational institutions are becoming billion dollar entities, Africa’s universities are constantly going on strikes because their favorite piggy bank (federal governments) haven’t released funding. These institutions with Africa’s top professors to me are reflective of our intellectual class. If these are our best and brightest, then I’m afraid to say, I don’t see where help is coming from. If Africa is to move forward, it will start with the fixing and reorientation of the intellectual class. Only when we wake up is there going to be a chance for a future on the continent
Why have African societies failed?
By Tomi Walker
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Udochi Umeha
city Lagos • 2 months ago

I don't know why I haven't seen this post since.

Clearly, some Nigerians (probably including myself) have gotten used to mediocr...

Hi, it's Tomi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
A believer. A builder. I help product organizations find zen in the chaos. I believe in the power of the few to transform the world http://www.tomiwalker.com/
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Nse Obot Writer. Teacher. Singer
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In Trending • 5 min read • Jan 17, 2023 20:37p.m.
The Valley Of Elah
And so it turns out that the champion of Gath, a man most feared by men, Goliath by name, a warrior whose skill in swordsmanship had kept him in fame for the longest of time. This mountain of a man presents himself before the armies of Israel. His mouth filled with words boastful as well as challenging. He seeks a show from a worthy opponent. His voice and mien inspire fear so much so that the men of Israel withdraw, none dares come close, all speak but in hushed whispers. Help and hope seem far from the Saul, Israel's sitting monarch hence, he places a mouth-watering reward for a man - any man - with balls and guts big enough to face the bragging Philistine foe. Israel's fear, now Philistines' sport. Morning and evening, the big muscled bully spits vitriols on Israel, making a mockery of her. It is in such a time, a lad walks into the camp. A father's concern for his sons had informed the errand that introduced a boy into a scene that made men's spines crawl. He's come with edibles and then, something more; an uncharacteristic fearlessness for a boy his age. He - the lad - hears the the sneers from this giant warlord and curiosity leads his feet to the soldiers who had been reduced to nothing but frightened onlookers. Words of the proposed rewards spill from their lips but their hearts were paralyzed by fear to stand before the one standing between them and the goodies promised by their king. Asking about the reward, he is told all that's up for grabs. Eliab - Jesse's eldest son and one of those whose welfare was the chief reason why the lad had been sent to the camp - overhears his youngest brother in a conversation with fellow comrades and he fumes at the latter's presence there. For who in their right senses would allow their loved one anywhere near the scene. For crying out loud, this was war and not some event fitting for a youngling. He scolds him right away but then, the lad protests, something every last-borns are wont to do. The rebuke from his eldest brother does nothing to douse the burning flames of curiosity in his young mind as he makes it to another group to yet again inquire of the reward that awaits whomever confronts the champion of Gath. Maybe he wants to be doubly sure. His questionings must have been noticed for him to have been reported to the king. The young inquirer is summoned. Catching a glimpse of the lad, one can only wonder what crossed Saul's mind. All indications seem to point to the ridicule of the lad standing in front of the king, gutsy enough to want to face Goliath. "You're only a boy and he's been a man of war" Saul says tersely, attempting to douse his fatal ambition. Saul sees a suicide attempt. But the lad, like an applicant putting in for a job, goes ahead to drop his credentials; he's come with testimonies of his triumphs over the lions and bears that came at his sheep. Saul's eye pop when he hears a boy reliving his very unusual experience of killing a lion and a bear. At least, I'd like to believe it did. The lad goes on, adding that if he was able to kill the beasts of the wild, he undoubtedly would do same with the one he had, at some point, referred to as an uncircumcised Philistine. An audacity the rarest of its kind. Maybe the king is persuaded because he gives his armour - which by logical inference, should be the finest among Israel's armies - to this enigma of a chap standing before him. I wonder how many of the soldiers would have loved to wield the king's bronze helmet; the finest of steel crafted by the very best blacksmith, the breastplate made for kings and other paraphernalia of war. But this lad of a diminutive physique finds them most uncomfortable. He opts but for a plaything; a sling and stone. You are Eliab - the elder brother who, not too long ago, had scolded his youngest brother for stepping foot on the unsafe grounds of battle and you notice someone with a frame like his. You squint to get a clearer view and true to your suspicion; it's him, it's really him. Your heart sinks, drops to the dark underbelly of the Mariana trench. In that moment, you try to think up a story - anything - that would be good enough to tell your father back home; how your brother, his youngest child was killed by Goliath. The story leaves a nasty taste on the tongue. You should not be watching this but it's too late to send that stubborn child back home. The lad walks towards the direction where the very dread of Israel's army stands, not fidgeting as though he was forced against his will to meet an early death sponsored by the single swing of Goliath's sword. He sees the giant approach and the fear he doesn't feel, he hears from the indistinct voices belonging the men of Israel. Goliath is incensed, rage seeps through his veins because the lad standing before him is not only a tiny little thing but spews words that make his blood boil. He decides to make it a swift kill, then feed his flesh to the birds. It gets interesting because as the war champion makes a dash for his target, not fit enough to be called a rival, the latter charges towards him. Picture Eliab; seeing your youngest brother insane enough to run to and not away from the Philistine champ, he covers his face not wanting to see his sad and certain end. A never before used war tactic is employed; a sling is shot and with an unerring trajectory, the stone travels like a homing bird to the forehead of the giant and found a lodgment there. The giant goes down with a thud. Silence ripe with shock descends on the valley of Elah because Goliath's back finally meets the ground. Who would have thought? Stunned into speechlessness, the mouths of the Philistines hang wide open as the lad is seen beheading their champion. He succeeds. Everyone takes in the unbelievable sight as the lad raises the severed head of Goliath.
The Valley Of Elah
By Nse Obot
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Tobi Igbinedion
city Lagos • 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Man, lol. You totally should resume sharing your Views here.
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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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Esther Omemu Design Associate @ Hera Marketing
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Content Creators • 3 min read • Jan 07, 2023 08:17a.m.
Good artists copy; Great artists steal
<span class="html-content"><p>Now, this is one interesting quote…don’t you think? Unfortunately, I didn’t come up with this. I wish I was cool enough to though but then again, it did say ‘great artist steal’ and I am a great artist if I do say so myself so considered this quote legally stolen by me. </p> <p>As a content writer, I have never been more fascinated by a quote as much as this one by Pablo Picasso (Didn’t I just say I was going to steal it. I suppose the fear of plagiarism is the beginning of wisdom) and so I dug deep into the <em>great</em> channels of celestial wisdom (google) to understand this quote as much as possible. I did it so you don’t have to…</p> <p>So here’s the tea. </p> <p>Many writers or content creators generally get the sense that they are not being creative unless they come up with original ideas or write things from the scratch. I laugh in burnout and eventual madness. How would you keep up as a content creator in the world of fast-paced information and rapidly evolving trends if you have to create from scratch every time you need to deliver? That is why you must apply wisdom and Pablo Picasso has developed the ultimate key: Steal</p> <p>Yes, you read that right If you want to be a great content creator who is able to creatively think and produce ideas at the speed of light then you must master the art of stealing. Now, calm down a little bit. I am not asking that you channel your inner Bonnie and Clyde because that is just you actively seeking prison. What I am saying however is;&nbsp;</p><p>A good artist will study the work of other artists and attempt to imitate that work as closely as they can.</p><p>&nbsp;A great artist will choose components from another artist's work and add them to their own special synthesis of influences…let me break this down a little more with a paraphrased quote from T.S Elliot “The ‘great artist’ welds his theft into a whole of feeling which is unique, utterly different from that from which it was torn” Basically, the greatest level of originality is being able to conceal the origins. As Einstein once said “the secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources” </p> <p>Conclusively, “Great artists steal” is really about drawing inspiration from other people's work and using that as a springboard for fresh creative effort. To generate new work, artists may reinterpret, remix, replace, or otherwise combine previously published works. Now, this is not an encouragement to use this as an excuse to justify plagiarism or appropriation but rather I am encouraging the mastery of ‘stealing’ pieces from many sources and then skilfully fusing their ideas to produce something wholly original.</p> <p>A well-known example of this is Google. Google was not the first company to create a search engine, in fact, it came late to the party but I suppose there were great artists in their midst. Google instead took the concept of search engines and applied a super simple interface to it, using a special algorithm that regularly produced excellent search results. They created a unique-looking product from a collection of existing ideas. </p> <p>Don’t delay your success by putting yourself under the necessary pressure. I’ll have you know that even your most ‘original’ idea belongs to someone else 10 years earlier or three minutes before you. So take a deep breath, go to Google or your nearest library and just feed yourself with ample information to steal perfectly. Harness creative ideas from your life experiences or other people’s experiences and make them so unique that it becomes yours only. </p> <p>You will be amazed at what you can create when you learn to steal like an artist.</p> <p>For more on how to steal like a pro, Austin Kleon wrote an excellent book on the subject and it has been highly recommended: Steal Like an Artist.</p> <p>Until next time!</p> </span>
Good artists copy; Great artists steal
By Esther Omemu
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Oluseyi Vandy Samuel Ibok
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Elizabeth Toluwanimi Olawale
city Ikeja • 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Reading that book by Austin Klein opened my eyes to alot about creation.

There's no new idea, some ideas that might feel new to ...

Hi, it's Esther, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
A creative writer born, bred and established in art of advertising...Feel free to check out my work samples here https://copyfol.io/v/mnw7r7...
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Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
city Yaoundé, Cameroon
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In Psychology • 2 min read • Sep 13, 2023 00:01a.m.
Mental Masterbation
Hi guys! Been a while . Well, I’m glad my country Cameroon 🇨🇲 just qualified for the African nations cup . Now, that’s by the way!! You would agree with me that we are at the age of information overload right ? Podcasts ,YouTube videos, IG reels, twitter spaces, and so on … So, Lately, I found myself consuming excessive development content yet it seems I wasn’t making any progress with what I was consuming. Any one else on this table ? Seemingly, this endless consumption delivers a powerful dopamine hit but it can ‘’fool ‘’ one into feeling satisfied when you aren’t taking any action . What actually happens is when you constantly consume such content but never really acting on it, the brain gets tricked into believing that you’re actually doing it even though you’re just passively watching someone else do it . Afterward , you would feel like crap because you have that ‘what now ?’ feeling after the video ends and the dopamine rush starts to wear off . Motivational videos for example are a great source to reignite our passion . But we ought to take way more action often towards our goals than after watching these videos where a guy is yelling at us to take action . Some of us wait to finish reading self-care books before taking care of ourselves . Lol but that’s not so helpful. Just start doing the necessary while at it . A great book I’d recommend to help with a good mindset is ATOMIC HABITS . Every chapter of this book has very unique and different perspectives towards understanding habits because habits have a vital role in life . So, it’s important to strike a proper balance between learning and acting on what we’ve learnt . YES! learning feels wonderful , and has a seductive quality about it, and it’s often why we become obsessed by it . But then we look back and realize nothing has changed . We haven’t implemented, we’ve made no progress . So it’s better we learn something ,then implement, refine and reflect . Then learn the next new thing (only once you’re satisfied with the first) . And the cycle starts again . Real progress hinges on APPLICATION not CONSUMPTION. So, if you’re stuck in this trap like I was , try out this 5 -step LEARN method . L : Learn : Choose a topic and dive in E : Extract : Identity key insights A : Act. : Apply the newly found knowledge R : Reflect. : Assess and adjust as needed( usually overlooked yet it’s essential for growth) N : Next. : Once you’ve mastered it , shift your focus forward This is a great framework for moving from passive consumption to active application . Another helpful tip is designing certain days and time for self development while you spend the remaining days for execution . Cheers to taking scrappy action . Do you ever get stuck in the excessive consumption cycle ? Share with us in the comment section below ⬇️
Mental Masterbation
By Mwambo Kate
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