MAYA

™

I had left the island of Malta.

Many things had gone awry, fate had frowned on me, life had happened.

My flight would leave in 30 minutes.

As I walked into the plane and checked for my seat. I found it, it was next to the window.

I sighed!

I loved sitting next to the window.

I love the scenery as we get suspended in mid air, love seeing the magical view of a country turn smaller and smaller until the sea wraps it arms around it. I love watching the clouds speed past as I release my thoughts into its wisps.

I had sat on my seat, staring absentmindedly through the window, waiting for the other passengers to check into theirs so we'd prepare for take-off.

Then it came back to me.

Everything I had gone through in past years, the trials, the struggles, the pain.

The reminisce of how I had gotten so close to victory until the devil walked in.

I was still lost in a plethora of thoughts when I felt some weight crash into the seat next to mine.

I didn't budge, I didn't turn.

It didn't concern me, it was none of my business, I just needed sometime to brood.

When I eventually turned I was met with the face of a white girl, a blonde with the most amazing eyes I had ever seen - deep blue with a shade of hazel.

I didn't know when I spurted a "Hi"

She replied with a "Hi" too.

And I gently turned back to my thoughts.

****

It was the voice from the speakers that tapped me back into consciousness, as it asked that we fasten our belts and prepare to fly.

I was making to strap mine, when my headphone fell. And before I could reach for it, she had picked it and gently offered it to me.

I took it from her and said ' Thank you '.

Thereafter we didn't say much to each other as I was engrossed watching a movie - The Jungle Book, from a screen right in front of me.

In a matter of minutes, we would arrive Istanbul, Turkey. Where I would be having a 16hr 25mins transit, before connecting with a flight to Lagos.

But 20 minutes before our plane touched down on our destination, somehow we got talking and I asked her why she came to Malta.

I had watched her face turn pale, her smile disappear. And what was left in its wake was sadness.

She didn't want to discuss it, so I didn't prod further.

The speaker came alive again, asking that we straighten our seats and brace ourselves for landing.

*****

As we walked out into the arrival lounge I had asked that she stayed around, that we sit together since she also would be on transit for 2 hours before departing for Lithuania whence she came.

She agreed.

And together we went looking for a comfortable space to share.

Then for a first time I noticed she was really beautiful. Asides the crippling magic in her eyes, the endearing cascade of her flowing hair, she was indeed beautiful!

Not the sexy kind of beautiful, not that kind that comes with huge curves and graceful edges.

I mean a beautiful kind of beautiful.

A look that makes you think of wild mountains, extinct flowers and lush gardens.

I was a little hungry and suggested we go get a meal ticket from the airline office since I personally was having a long transit.

She wasn't hungry she told me, and asked that I go get mine, while she watches over my hand luggage.

I left.

And after some minutes came back with a tray of grilled chicken, chips and a can of Pepsi.

I offered her some and she with a soft laugh brushed my hands off.

" I am really not hungry truly, else I'd have eaten some " she said.

" I am also not so hungry myself, but I wanted this moment with you, to watch how beautifully you eat "

I said as I offered her the tray.

She laughed.

The most beautiful sound I had heard in recent times and took some chips.

And when she made to eat, I stopped and watched.

I had never before seen an angel, but at that moment, I thought she was Uriel.

After we had eaten, we talked some more. And it was while we talked that she opened up about her visit to Malta.

She had gone to see her Father. He was down with cancer.

Separated from her mother.

She had stayed in the hospital with him until he lost the fight and breathed his last.

Waited until he was buried, and now she was going back home.

I felt sorry for her.

I understood the feeling of having lost a parent.

I did.

Without thinking I took her hands in mine and whispered her my condolence.

She felt better.

She probably did cuz she smiled and told me it was okay.

****

It was time for her to leave.

Her connecting flight would start check-in in exactly 30 minutes.

She thanked me for staying by her, for listening to her story, for sharing mine.

As she made to leave, I asked if I could hug her, and my question was replied with her throwing her arms around me as a thousand eyes stared at us wondering if we were love birds.

I know many would ask if I collected her contacts .

No I didn't.

Cuz I have come to realize that some things aren't meant for one to have, no matter how beautiful.

I remember waving at her, as she hurried through the crowd into oblivion.

And myself turning back to my thoughts, praying and hoping that the future has promises for me.

Her name was Maya!

#Maya

© Noel Ijezie

THIS SENSE MAKE SENSE?

Make I speak English and Pikin as e take enter my mouth...

When civilization never come wey our people no get sense, naira was equal to dollars and pound sterling, traveling overseas was nothing. Graduates were entitled to car loans etc.

But now that we have sense and are civilized, dollars is 360Naira, to travel abroad now is like escaping from hell, unemployed/frustrated graduates everywhere, even when they decide to go into okada & keke riding which is always the last option to survive, government will ban them.

Naija is now poverty capital of the world now wey we get sense/civilized, something that didn't happen when we no get sense.
I just dey imagine if this sense make sense at all.

Written by TOBECHI JAMES AMOBI

WHAT DID YOU LEARN LATE IN LIFE

WHAT DID YOU LEARN TOO LATE IN LIFE?

Life does not become easy we just get more resilient.

You don't have to explain yourself, just say no and keep quiet.

Never let anyone pick your college degree for you. Go do what you love the most.

People will always judge you by your financial status, keep working hard.

Do not compare yourself to others, do not even envy others. Your time will come.

If you are a man you have to work for the life you want.

Don't burn bridges, you never know when you might want to cross the river again.

You don't have to participate in arguments, if you are right make your point then don't pressure it.

What people think about you is none of your business.

Always do whatever you love, do what makes you happy.

You don't need a reason to cutoff toxic people in your life.

Avoid negative people or a negative mindset, it can be done..stay positive.

Go to the gym now or prepare for medical check ups later. Being fit is the key.

Spend time with your family, call them, support them. These are the only realest people in your life.

You just need to start with what you have. Stop waiting.

Most opportunities don't just come, you have to work for them.

Patience. Patience. Patience. I can't stress this enough. Good things will always come your way, you have to prepare yourself for them.

Learn to stand up for yourself. Even before your parents. If you make mistakes you will learn from them.

Never live by what other people think, you won't enjoy yourself.

You will remember the times you never spent with friends or had fun in college more than the times you failed or never attended classes. Become more outgoing.

When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you should do is make your bed.

Learn how to depend on yourself at an early age, this will prepare your mind for the future.

We are all going to die someday, so why not live the life you want?

Karma really is a bitch, but you can make it your friend.

Start traveling when you are young and you have little responsibilities, when you are old, fitting these in your budget is hectic.

You don't have to have kids early in life. Kids are just bestfriends who are always broke. Make sure you are prepared before getting them.

Respect people and stay humble.

Don't be the loudest in the room, people are more interested to hear your story when you hold it back.

Your ego and pride will always determine the things you'll have in life. Make sure you keep them high and know when to lower them.

Its okay to be angry with God.

The best is yet to come, never ever lose hope. Be smart and stay winning

Do you relate?

Written by AJAH RICHARDS OBINNA

Dear Brother, DO NOT MARRY A WELL SHAPED DUMMY

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐌𝐀'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄...

Dear Brother, DO NOT MARRY A WELL SHAPED DUMMY!

If she cannot slay on her knees and dedicate time to presenting your home before God than how much time she dedicates to building her physical beauty, her beauty would count for nothing when life’s vicissitudes surround you.

The woman was created to be a help meet. A partner and a support system. How well does she fit into that purposeful role? How well of a good and smart thinker is she?

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐔𝐏, 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅?
Beyond her well shaped body, how well can she help in shaping your vision and purpose?
Beyond her sweet look, how submissive can she be?

Without the fear of God, a woman’s  beauty and perfect body can undo everything you ever cherish.

Please be guided Bro.

Written by 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝

Dear Sister, 𝐷𝑂 𝑁𝑂𝑇 𝑀𝐴𝑅𝑅𝑌 𝐴 𝑊𝐸𝐿𝐿 𝐵𝑈𝐼𝐿𝑇 𝐹𝑂𝑂𝐿 𝑂𝑅 𝐴 𝐻𝐴𝑁𝐷𝑆𝑂𝑀𝐸 𝐹𝐴𝐶𝐸𝐷 𝑀𝑂𝑁𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑅!

𝐴 𝑅𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐌𝐀'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄..

Dear Sister, 𝐷𝑂 𝑁𝑂𝑇 𝑀𝐴𝑅𝑅𝑌 𝐴 𝑊𝐸𝐿𝐿 𝐵𝑈𝐼𝐿𝑇 𝐹𝑂𝑂𝐿 𝑂𝑅 𝐴 𝐻𝐴𝑁𝐷𝑆𝑂𝑀𝐸 𝐹𝐴𝐶𝐸𝐷 𝑀𝑂𝑁𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑅!

If he cannot pray and take charge spiritually, his muscle, cuteness and abs will count for nothing when the real issues of life begin to confront you.

Do not get me wrong. I admire handsome and well built men. They are  so good to behold and relish.
Of course, your man should make you proud with how cute, smart and strong he looks BUT make sure 𝑇𝐻𝐴𝑇 𝐼𝑆 𝑁𝑂𝑇 𝐴𝐿𝐿!

Be sure that his '𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬' are firmer than his '𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬'.

Make sure his spiritual packs are even more developed than the physical packs.
Make Sure 𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄  & that 𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐒  𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐄!

Written by 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝

LOST OF INNOCENCE

We were all kids
we played naked in the streets of Lagos,
life was fun and the feeling was sweet.

But then we heard that there is a sweeter feeling
so we wished to be like those bros who always brought in different ladies.
we were impatient to experiment
since we couldn't see what they always did,
we wanted to get a feel of it.
Then we were introduced to films with blue background;
Later heard it's called blue film.
 We got addicted to feelings that became more like an addiction.
we became the reigning guys because we gat experience.
Experience of how death tastes like...

... but now,
all I plead for is the innocence of my childhood.
I don't even know where I lost it.
Because I knew what I should have known now when I

was barely 3.
I'm confused if i was even innocent in the first place.

SHE IS NOT YOUR GIRLFRIEND

All my life I've been teaching myself to love for my heart sake,
But for my heart sake, I fear to love.
The concept of love I thought was perfect sank with the Titanic ship.
And it's incarnation only dwells on our lips.
The only place that exists on our minds is the social media- connecting us to the far world- but disconnecting us from the real world.

These are the days when even our wives are not possessions for our eyes only.
Talking about the husbands? It's a spit on the grave.

Talk not about "The girl-boy-friends"
It has become an auction commodity that goes with time and the highest bidder.
So rejoice not when the smiles come for your money sake
Neither should you rejoice when the money comes for your endowmemt sake- "The beautiful ones are not yet born remember?"

I am no saint.
I'm not even afraid to be a devil
But I fear to be that angel you don't know.
If you ain't my girlfriend, then let the turn pass me by
Because relationship shouldn't be a trade by barter.

WORRY OVER NOTHING

Some years back, it was the most beautiful house in this community. The owner was the richest man in whom all looked up to for support.

The vehicle was a cynosure of all eyes. It was like a dream come true when the owner added both house and vehicle to his list of possession.

But today, the properties have grown old and in fulfillment of the natural law, must collapse for a new house to develop.

Should anyone be found living inside this building as it stands now, such a person is labelled as "insane" and must be kept at arm's length.

Nothing in life is worth fighting for. Your best clothes is someone's rag.
Your account balance is someone's donation at a function.
Your girlfriend/ boyfriend/ fiance/ fiancée is someone's ex.
 Every single prostitute you see in a hotel or on the street at night was at some point in time a virgin. So what is the squabble all about? Life is too small to feel bigger or better than anybody.

"We are all naked to death," says Steve Jobs. Nothing can save us from it.

I hate to see people who brag about wealth, beauty, intelligence, level of education, fame and material possessions. There is nothing you have achieved in life that no one else has never gotten. There is only one thing that is worth bragging, which is: "Life in God Almighty". So, be good to your fellow man and always make friends. Always remember that the people you trampled upon on your way up a ladder will be the same set of people you are likely to pass on your way down.

So, because no problem for others because if you do, they will become your very problem one day. Finally, even banana stems will one day become dried leaves. don't be foolishly driven by material possession. It will soon grow old and die.

Copied! 

WHY MARRIAGES FAIL

Anyone living or has lived in the 20th century will concur that the concept of marriage is, or will I inarguably say, totally different from the last century we read about. Some of us are privileged to hear all it from our grannies.

How and where we misplaced that old concept is not a focus of this article because I believe it didn't start to become a societal epidemy beyond our control. We gradually embraced it individually, especially when we accepted the white man's culture. We accepted the totality of it. So to curb why marriages fail, we must swallow the bitter pill individually.

Now let's look at why marriages fail. You can add yours, because this is s

Marriages fail because we humans no longer acknowledge the author of the union(God). We jump into plans without seeking his guidance.

Marriages fail because we are desperate to fulfill societal obligation just to avoid pressure.

Marriages fail because young ladies marry for financial benefits instead of love, they run away immediately the man becomes broke. No endurance is considered at all.

Marriages fail because husbands no longer value their wives, they commit adultery openly without shame thereby inviting the devil to dominate their homes all in the name of "MEN ARE IN CHARGE."

Marriages fail because couples forget their vows so easily and fail to forgive a partner so quickly for his/her wrong.

Marriages fail because some churches have mislead some christains who do not know their stand in God and the purpose for marriage.

Marriages fail because society has brainwashed couples especially women from respecting their husbands. Instead of submission what we see is competition.

Marriages fail because parents no longer show good examples to their kids, know that the way you treat your spouse in front of your kids is same mentality he/she will grow up with.

A foundation built on God, love and tolerance can never be shaken. Divorce shouldn't be considered as the first option.


written by ©Nancy Daniels

MAMA and PAPA

MAMA AND PAPA...

Mama carried as many oranges her tray could contain on her head to hawk in the market,

Papa placed his shovel on his right shoulder and headed under the  bridge to wait for the tipper that would convey him and other laborers to the construction site - a fearful little prayer that Kamsi's common entrance fee would be complete before the setting of the sun, he muttered as he stepped out that early morning. He made up his mind to work over-time despite the fact that his waist was reminding him of how old he was

"Papa, my teacher say I no go follow write our common entrance exam if you no pay the money this friday."

Papa looked at innocent Kamsi with remorse.
"Okay, I don hear." He muttered almost under his breath.

 "What does she know?" He shook his head with pity.

He couldn't sleep all through that night.
Watching papa's sleeplessness took sleep out from mama's eyes too.

Mama encouraged papa. She told him that he was trying as a real man would. It was with whisper she spoke. Their five children surrounded them on the mats like how mountain surrounded Jerusalem.

It was death that reduced their children to five. Chiemezie, who was suppose to be the last child died of acute coryza. Papa literally gave up the struggle to safe his life since there was no how he would get the deposit the doctor asked him to bring even for three years except everyone would starve- and besides which hospital management would allow such instalmental payment, let alone the balance of the payment.

Papa had only one day more at 7pm to get the remaining one thousand, two hundred Naira to complete Kamsi's common entrance fee. His effort was worth it despite the fact that he would really need rest after paying the fee.

Chikere was the first child of Mama and Papa. He decided to relieve his parents the burden of still catering for him when he was 16. He fended for himself and brought back the remains home to support his parent.

"Papa, mama, I wan go Europe." Chikere finally let the cat out of the bag after nursing the thought for two months.

"How manage? You wan rob bank? who go allow you go? No allow all these useless boys wey you dey smoke with deceive you o." Mama was full of questions.

Papa didn't send as long as things would get better for them.

Papa and Chikere sat at a corner in the backyard of their face-me-i-face-you compound. "I no know anything about how you wan take move, but I know say God go lead you well. Chike, abeg remember where you from come out. Na beg I dey beg you..."

Two months after Chikere set out for Europe through Morroco, news reached home that He died fighting his way through.

Papa couldn't bear the loss because he put all his hope on Chikere to be the saviour to bring them out of poverty. His heart failed, and he died.

It wasn't easy for mama who started falling sick at every change of weather condition.

The weight of the family rested on Ngozika's 19 years old shoulders. She was able to secure an early marriage with a young boy, who just finished serving his master, when she got pregnant for him.

Neche wasn't left out in the league of pregnancy three years on. But for her, unlike her immediate elder sister, the young man who impregnated her kicked against marriage but took the responsibility of taking care of her and the baby.

Chinedu, the fourth child became the man of the house after papa died. He became a street hustler and later joined agbero boys at the bustop collecting money from buses, kekes, and bikes.

Kamsi proceeded to the University amid lack and starvation. The joint efforts of her older siblings was all she needed to stay focused.

Standing at their mother's grave, the four of them wished papa and mama could hold on up till now. They wished Chikere hadn't embarked on that journey.

Kamsi has grown to secure a high paying job after graduation. She later set up businesses for Ngozika, who now has 4 kids already and Neche, who has two for different men.
Chinedu lives with a Yoruba lady he impregnated few months back.

This is the tale of Papa and mama.

BE THE STRENGTH YOU NEED TO GO FAR IN LIFE

Just look at me! I am in wheelchair, I have my own strength too and I'm utilizing it effectively. You too can!
I could remember using tricycle to school for lectures in 100Level, I sometimes have to ride myself alone but as I do so, people did come from nowhere and offered assistance and pushed me to school; I will feel relieved, but also learnt they never came to my lodge to push me to school or to campus to push me from there until I find MYSELF RIDING MYSELF.
learn to b the strength that rides you to greatness firstly.

I learn to start before others push me if they care, I learn to cub my weakness to strength by not waiting until someone finds me a mean to do well before living well in my world.
The best in you can only be felt by others through yourself, the strength to break yokes, mentalities, to live undefeatable, to achieve your desires is in YOU!

We all need person(s) to keep us fit in journey to greatness; they begin to come into our lives sincerely when they see that you are not stagnated or dormant. learn to be your own strength; if you don't have the courage to walk alone, people will lack the courage to walk with U.

Be the strength You Need Because:
1. People can only support your dreams but they can never give you a dream; dream bigger and push harder; your help is coming!
2. People's strength can never satisfy your desire, what u want is not what they want. Your own strength should be the highest force.
3. Humans can only support fellows to be great, they cannot make anyone great; to become great requires personal discipline, determination and undaunted strive. They can't give these, they live within personal strength and strive.
4. Test your own strength; it may be enough to take u there, doubting the efficacy of your strength is dangerous to going far in life.

Use yourself in getting to there, God's angels are always on the express picking souls. Your strength will introduce U 2 HELP

Written by Smart JP

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE?

Nigerian guys be like "if all a girl could bring to the table is sex, then she's useless."

But let's look at this thing sef;

Sex is overrated, sex is overrated but you threatened to dump your babe because she refused to open her legs.

You claim sex will make the relationship more stronger yet sex is overrated.

She doesn't give you sex you go elsewhere yet sex is overrated.

You claim you want to know how good she is in bed yet sex is overrated

What is her academic qualifications?

Did she drop out due to where she's coming from?

What measures did you take to see that she goes back to school after all, education is important.

How many times have you sat down to discuss business with her?

You are okay with her coming over every weekend, you have a feel of her opened legs and culinary skills and as she leaves you give her money for uber and you claim you are bringing something to the table?

How many times have you contributed intellectually to her business?

How many books have you gotten her to help her grow?

Most girls are into business without a plan because they simply want to survive considering where they are coming from, how many times have you sat her down to teach her the importance of understanding the circular flow of income and spending?

You don't discuss work with her.

You don't discuss business with her.

You don't discuss ideas with her.

You are not bothered that she's the same girl you met years ago, no positive growth, just new clothes, new hair and glowing skin.

You are not bothered that all she cares about is makeup, new clothes, new shoes, new bags, new hair.

You are not bothered that she lives in an expensive apartment yet she's jobless but can slay for the world.

Your own is to hold her hands to the club, to bars, to restaurant so you could show off that your babe is loaded front and back.

Exactly what are you bringing to the table if you can not talk about important things with her to see her level of IQ and how you can help upgrade her after all you are the MAN, and men are natural born leaders.

If all you do in this relationship is give her money, my brother, you are the same with her.

She's bringing sex to the table, you are bringing money to the table.

If you could get sex elsewhere, trust me there are a million and one places for her to get that type of money.

So you two bring nothing to the table

So, it's safe to call you two;  BIRDS OF A FEATHER.

Same way you feel men need sex, women needs money and not just wants money because as you know, women needs maintenance hence many live the life they are living.

But, to be outstanding is to be different, every woman needs a man who can help her grow positively.

If you are not helping her grow, bro, you are bringing nothing to the table as well.

So while you are busy complaining that she brings nothing to the table, I hope you are bringing something to the table.

Is this post one sided? I don't think so.

Written by Laura Ejike, a seamstress 
#ThatVillageGeh

IS IT A CRIME TO BE A WOMAN...

Is it a crime to be a Woman in Africa especially Nigeria?

You get Body shamed, Guys on social media always talking about the wideness of a Woman's Private part like they have no mother or like they weren't raised by a Woman., they laugh at her saggy boobs, laugh at the amount of Men she has slept with, like they don't sleep with women aswell, they are always promoting and acknowledging the fact that it's okay to always cheat on your wife, always shaming women with stretch Mark's, when I open social media, I always see posts degrading women.
Women this, women that, how it's a woman's fault if a Marriage isnt working or if the husband cheats, how a woman must always satisfy her Man no matter what, else she should take what comes from it. Pressure from family members for a Woman to be perfect.

Even fellow women not been there for their fellow woman, instead they also contribute in bringing down their fellow woman.
How girls are always been insulted as long as they collect one kobo from a guy.
I also read where one Ewu said as long as a Girl is not a virgin, she has no right to refuse sex.

Truly, It's Really a crime to be a Woman in Africa. Tufia. Both In Religion, women are been downgraded, in politics the same thing, in the society it's worse.

I am of the opinion that women  should work and earn their own money, but still working and earning isnt still enough. Women will still get insulted regardless.  The disadvantage of working and earning is that such women find it difficult to value a Man, they feel they don't need a Man hence thay have money which I dont support, and secondly, even if a woman works, earn and pay her Bill's, she might end up marrying a Man who will change all that, either he tells her to quit her job or she changes location which will affect her job. The sacrifices that comes with being a woman is soo much and disheartening.  What else should a woman do to be happy in this society? Yes there are some Perfect Men who will Appreciate a Woman and make her feel special, but they are very few.

I am not happy at all. I pray this will stop when Biafra is Actualised , else, I'll have no option than to keep praying, working hard and try and save to leave this country Nigeria and continent called Africa.

Women deserve better.
The Shaming is so devastating.
No respect for Women in Africa/Nigeria.

#itsacrimetobeawomaninAfrica