< PROLOGUE The trees swayed left and right as the gentle breeze of the cool Saturday evening drove them on. Bluebirds made lovely noises as they flew by adding extra glory to an already magnificent atmosphere in Eko city. I stood on the verandah of my upstairs home that looked out to the street. I waved to a couple of friends passing by. "Holler bro" Adefemi shouted from the street. He was putting on his black rollerblades and was in company of five of our clique. “What’s up fm" I hollered back” I figure you guys are going to roll" I added. "Yeah, and I’m surprised that you are still perched like a duck up there. The guys from the other street would be waiting." 'I think I would pass on that bro" I replied already knowing what was coming next. Adefemi aka Fm didn’t disappoint as he shot back in an instant. “oh, aha, hear that guys" he laughed as did the other members of the group." don’t tell me the wizard himself is scared of the rolling contest" he continued "Nah bro, I’m kind of still feeling the pain from the fall I had last week. But no p, you guys go ahead, and I wish you luck". "No qualms bro, heal fast and don’t forget you still owe me one race". That said Fm turned on his heels and with others not far behind glided off majestically- as always. I smiled as I watched them roll, twist and jump their way to the entrance of the street before they finally disappeared into tiny dots in the distance. As I continued watching and listening to Bruno Mars’- The lazy song on my beats by dre, a figure came into view. As he drew nearer, I sucked in my breath; it’s a rarity to see a mad man on our street. But the man walking all the more nearer was nothing short of one. His hair was so haggard and unwashed since God knows when, eyes sunken in that a gaping hole replaced it, and worse still, he was putting on clothes that was extremely dirty. He was clutching a polythene bag with holes in a million places. He walked on but the kids playing on the street ran headlong into their marbled compounds amidst shrieks with none chancing a look back. He was dark- I don’t know if it was his natural complexion or the coat of grim strewn all over his body. He wore a gray agbada which helped a bit to conceal the lean and crooked body underneath. He picked an empty bottle here, a can there and both he dumped into the bag which he held so fiercely that I wondered if his heart was inside the bag. The fleeing kids peeped from the slightly open gates. While some still showed signs of visible fear, others resorted to mocking and making derilous remarks at the dirty stranger who was roaming our street. I couldn’t stay out long to see where he went to or what he did next as I was called in by my mum. It was three days later I saw him again, loitering around an empty spot some distance from the entrance of my street. Three weeks later- three weeks of hard labor for the old man-, and the empty spot was transformed into an awkward home. A home which had discarded asbestos roof as its walls, palm leaves made up the roof itself and hard as I look, I could not make out a window. And due to the lax town planning enforcement and environmental management in Nigeria and the tendency to let anything go- the house remained. And the haggard man with the agbada started shoe mending and shining in the front of his shabby home. CHAPTER ONE “what would you like to be son?" my dad asked me on one of the rare days we conversed as father and son, mainly because my dad was hardly ever at home. We were sitting in the expansive living room. "I want to be a journalist dad,” I answered almost without taking a breath, the reason was that I had already made up my mind a long time ago on what I wanted to become- a journalist. If I was expecting my dad to smile about my answer, I was wrong as he wasn’t buying my choice of career. "You want to be a what? “A journalist dad" "But how can son, the son of Mbadiwe can’t be some errand boy!" "No dad. journalism doesn’t mean I am going to start selling papers in some ramshackle stall by the roadside, actually it is a very prestigious profession and I think I would be fulfilled if I dedicated my life to it” it looked I wasn’t convincing enough , my dad didn’t seem to bulge a bit. "why not consider studying law, I know you always like to defend people, so it would be just ok if you made it official, going to court and bailing everyone in the country" my dad said with a smile on his face. I smiled too and pondered it for a while. True, after journalism, law was my next love and with my dad cajoling, I was beginning to tilt towards the gown and the wig. “Ok dad, I would give it a thought. Thanks dad” I went over and sat by his side on the big sofa and he crossed his hands over my shoulders before he muttered “ok son”. I didn’t take as much time as I thought I would before I decided to go for law though it meant jilting my other love. So, knowing law wasn’t a walkover course, I put in extra effort as I prepared for my upcoming final exams in high school. I was returning from school on one particular day, striding along the road and whistling to myself. The sun going down as it was about getting to four in the evening. I was on the road leading to my house which was at Simpson Street, Lekki. Actually this was a longer route to my house and I took it on purpose so as to spend more time before going home- I wasn’t so eager to get home, maybe because I loved the fresh air outside. I hadn’t gone far from the bus-stop when I heard a strange sound. At first I didn’t know where the sound came from, and then my sole of my feet suddenly felt as if I was walking barefooted. On looking down, the sole of my shoe had pulled out; I had even taken a step or two without it. Treading backward I picked it up. I couldn’t go home with one leg uncovered. I was about flagging down a bike to take me the short distance home, when I remembered that there was the cobbler just ahead, so it was better I got the shoe mended than taking it home like that. Actually it was one of my precious shoes, my kid sister got it for me on my last birthday and made me swore that I would wear them till I was sixty, and I was sure Ada would be so mad if she knew I was already going back on my promise after just two months! I trudged along heading to the cobbler, I was certain that I would find him there coz all the while that I have been going through this way to and from school I saw him at the doorstep of his house which also served as his spot for practicing his cobbling act. On getting to the cobblers shade though, I didn’t see him. Pa Mutiu was the cobblers name and apart from that nothing else has been known about him since appearing on our street some weeks back. He had no friends and sought no friendship. Though friendly as can been seen from his ever ready smile, he made it obvious that he didn’t want anyone too close and everyone kept their distance. Pa Mutiu’s gray agbada which I hadn’t seen him change seemed to complement the gray color of his asbestos roof which served as the walls of his home. I looked around but there was no sign of him, so I crossed the road to the mai guard that was operating a kiosk in front of the building opposite Pa Mutiu’s home to inquire about him. “Hi. Good evening" I greeted him "Wetin you wan buy" "Give me two tom tom" While he was still getting it, I asked "Please, this man that repairs shoes over there" I pointed towards Pa Mutiu's home “have you seen him today?" "That old man?" "Yes" "I never see am today. In fact for two days now, I never see am anywhere around" yesterday was a Sunday. "Are you sure' “I sure na, no be dey stay here." “but has he been away like this before" I probed further, the journalist in me taking hold. "no, na just this days e neva come out, but wait, wetin make you dey ask me all this questions sef?" he arched a brow "Don’t worry, I only wanted to mend my shoes' I collected my sweets and left. Deciding to finally take the bike home and try my best to make sure Ada didn’t discover my misdeed- I fear her tantrums more than the mystical Shadrin in my favorite series, Legend of the seeker. but then, I didn’t move too far, before I turned and headed straight back to Pa Mutiu's doorstep, and coming close for the first time, though not a power-filled freak, I picked something up, something real but not visible at the same time. It hit me hard, the pains and despair hanging stiffly around this mysterious abode of a much more mysterious person. I stood at the spot for almost five minutes listening, still no noise from inside. I could feel the eyes of the mai-guard boring into my back; he must have been perplexed by my actions. I was too, but I was more astonished by the fact that I could not stop myself. I tapped gently on Pa Mutiu’s door made up of thin and dirty clothing, no answer, I was now burning with curiosity, and although aware of the fact that going into the home of somebody without authorization was illegal, I just had to damn the consequences; something told me that if he was inside, he was probably in trouble. I didn’t know for sure, but I was such a person that didn’t let things go so easily. Call it over-sabi and you may not be wrong but nothing was stopping me from going inside and satisfying my curiosity. I pushed the curtain aside, and peered into the darkness, my eyes looked left and right, but then, as more stream of light came in through the open curtain, I saw what looked like a log of wood, but then this log had eyes, nose, and mouth that was dripping with spittle, if not for some invisible power that held me back, I would have run out in total fright because Pa Mutiu lying on that floor cut a deadly sight, I stepped in cautiously and went down on my knees, felt his pulse and was relieved he was still breathing, thinking that what how he slept, I turned back to terminate my intrusion into his privacy, then he spoke, faintly at first "water, water" I almost didn’t hear him till he managed to speak more audibly as I opened the curtain and had one of my legs outside, "my son, please water, water" I turned back to behold a sight so horrible I shook my head in a bid to dislodge the imprint of it in my mind, I don’t know how death may look like, but Pa Mutiu at that point could be used as a symbol for death, with his lips slightly open trying to form the words water for the fifth time, the creases on his face became more clearer and his skin all the more whiter. I hushed to him to suspend the idea of repeating his request as I saw he may not survive even the first syllable. I ran back to the mai-guard’s kiosk, "Give me one bottle of Eva water" "Na three hundred naira" "Don’t worry, bring it" I gave him five hundred naira and forgetting my change dashed back to Pa Mutiu, this time he was coughing heavily. “Pa. I have the water here' I said as I knelt back at the spot I discarded some moments ago. He seemed not to hear me but on sighting the bottle of precious liquid there seemed to be sparks across his eyes. I helped his head up and opened the bottle to his mouth; he gulped like I have never seen anybody drink water before. So it was little surprise when emptied the hundred cl. he laid back, closed his eyes and to my horror, his heart stopped.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
AN EXCERPT FROM MY NEWEST BOOK, TITLED: MY GREY HAIRED NEIGHBOUR
< PROLOGUE The trees swayed left and right as the gentle breeze of the cool Saturday evening drove them on. Bluebirds made lovely noises as they flew by adding extra glory to an already magnificent atmosphere in Eko city. I stood on the verandah of my upstairs home that looked out to the street. I waved to a couple of friends passing by. "Holler bro" Adefemi shouted from the street. He was putting on his black rollerblades and was in company of five of our clique. “What’s up fm" I hollered back” I figure you guys are going to roll" I added. "Yeah, and I’m surprised that you are still perched like a duck up there. The guys from the other street would be waiting." 'I think I would pass on that bro" I replied already knowing what was coming next. Adefemi aka Fm didn’t disappoint as he shot back in an instant. “oh, aha, hear that guys" he laughed as did the other members of the group." don’t tell me the wizard himself is scared of the rolling contest" he continued "Nah bro, I’m kind of still feeling the pain from the fall I had last week. But no p, you guys go ahead, and I wish you luck". "No qualms bro, heal fast and don’t forget you still owe me one race". That said Fm turned on his heels and with others not far behind glided off majestically- as always. I smiled as I watched them roll, twist and jump their way to the entrance of the street before they finally disappeared into tiny dots in the distance. As I continued watching and listening to Bruno Mars’- The lazy song on my beats by dre, a figure came into view. As he drew nearer, I sucked in my breath; it’s a rarity to see a mad man on our street. But the man walking all the more nearer was nothing short of one. His hair was so haggard and unwashed since God knows when, eyes sunken in that a gaping hole replaced it, and worse still, he was putting on clothes that was extremely dirty. He was clutching a polythene bag with holes in a million places. He walked on but the kids playing on the street ran headlong into their marbled compounds amidst shrieks with none chancing a look back. He was dark- I don’t know if it was his natural complexion or the coat of grim strewn all over his body. He wore a gray agbada which helped a bit to conceal the lean and crooked body underneath. He picked an empty bottle here, a can there and both he dumped into the bag which he held so fiercely that I wondered if his heart was inside the bag. The fleeing kids peeped from the slightly open gates. While some still showed signs of visible fear, others resorted to mocking and making derilous remarks at the dirty stranger who was roaming our street. I couldn’t stay out long to see where he went to or what he did next as I was called in by my mum. It was three days later I saw him again, loitering around an empty spot some distance from the entrance of my street. Three weeks later- three weeks of hard labor for the old man-, and the empty spot was transformed into an awkward home. A home which had discarded asbestos roof as its walls, palm leaves made up the roof itself and hard as I look, I could not make out a window. And due to the lax town planning enforcement and environmental management in Nigeria and the tendency to let anything go- the house remained. And the haggard man with the agbada started shoe mending and shining in the front of his shabby home. CHAPTER ONE “what would you like to be son?" my dad asked me on one of the rare days we conversed as father and son, mainly because my dad was hardly ever at home. We were sitting in the expansive living room. "I want to be a journalist dad,” I answered almost without taking a breath, the reason was that I had already made up my mind a long time ago on what I wanted to become- a journalist. If I was expecting my dad to smile about my answer, I was wrong as he wasn’t buying my choice of career. "You want to be a what? “A journalist dad" "But how can son, the son of Mbadiwe can’t be some errand boy!" "No dad. journalism doesn’t mean I am going to start selling papers in some ramshackle stall by the roadside, actually it is a very prestigious profession and I think I would be fulfilled if I dedicated my life to it” it looked I wasn’t convincing enough , my dad didn’t seem to bulge a bit. "why not consider studying law, I know you always like to defend people, so it would be just ok if you made it official, going to court and bailing everyone in the country" my dad said with a smile on his face. I smiled too and pondered it for a while. True, after journalism, law was my next love and with my dad cajoling, I was beginning to tilt towards the gown and the wig. “Ok dad, I would give it a thought. Thanks dad” I went over and sat by his side on the big sofa and he crossed his hands over my shoulders before he muttered “ok son”. I didn’t take as much time as I thought I would before I decided to go for law though it meant jilting my other love. So, knowing law wasn’t a walkover course, I put in extra effort as I prepared for my upcoming final exams in high school. I was returning from school on one particular day, striding along the road and whistling to myself. The sun going down as it was about getting to four in the evening. I was on the road leading to my house which was at Simpson Street, Lekki. Actually this was a longer route to my house and I took it on purpose so as to spend more time before going home- I wasn’t so eager to get home, maybe because I loved the fresh air outside. I hadn’t gone far from the bus-stop when I heard a strange sound. At first I didn’t know where the sound came from, and then my sole of my feet suddenly felt as if I was walking barefooted. On looking down, the sole of my shoe had pulled out; I had even taken a step or two without it. Treading backward I picked it up. I couldn’t go home with one leg uncovered. I was about flagging down a bike to take me the short distance home, when I remembered that there was the cobbler just ahead, so it was better I got the shoe mended than taking it home like that. Actually it was one of my precious shoes, my kid sister got it for me on my last birthday and made me swore that I would wear them till I was sixty, and I was sure Ada would be so mad if she knew I was already going back on my promise after just two months! I trudged along heading to the cobbler, I was certain that I would find him there coz all the while that I have been going through this way to and from school I saw him at the doorstep of his house which also served as his spot for practicing his cobbling act. On getting to the cobblers shade though, I didn’t see him. Pa Mutiu was the cobblers name and apart from that nothing else has been known about him since appearing on our street some weeks back. He had no friends and sought no friendship. Though friendly as can been seen from his ever ready smile, he made it obvious that he didn’t want anyone too close and everyone kept their distance. Pa Mutiu’s gray agbada which I hadn’t seen him change seemed to complement the gray color of his asbestos roof which served as the walls of his home. I looked around but there was no sign of him, so I crossed the road to the mai guard that was operating a kiosk in front of the building opposite Pa Mutiu’s home to inquire about him. “Hi. Good evening" I greeted him "Wetin you wan buy" "Give me two tom tom" While he was still getting it, I asked "Please, this man that repairs shoes over there" I pointed towards Pa Mutiu's home “have you seen him today?" "That old man?" "Yes" "I never see am today. In fact for two days now, I never see am anywhere around" yesterday was a Sunday. "Are you sure' “I sure na, no be dey stay here." “but has he been away like this before" I probed further, the journalist in me taking hold. "no, na just this days e neva come out, but wait, wetin make you dey ask me all this questions sef?" he arched a brow "Don’t worry, I only wanted to mend my shoes' I collected my sweets and left. Deciding to finally take the bike home and try my best to make sure Ada didn’t discover my misdeed- I fear her tantrums more than the mystical Shadrin in my favorite series, Legend of the seeker. but then, I didn’t move too far, before I turned and headed straight back to Pa Mutiu's doorstep, and coming close for the first time, though not a power-filled freak, I picked something up, something real but not visible at the same time. It hit me hard, the pains and despair hanging stiffly around this mysterious abode of a much more mysterious person. I stood at the spot for almost five minutes listening, still no noise from inside. I could feel the eyes of the mai-guard boring into my back; he must have been perplexed by my actions. I was too, but I was more astonished by the fact that I could not stop myself. I tapped gently on Pa Mutiu’s door made up of thin and dirty clothing, no answer, I was now burning with curiosity, and although aware of the fact that going into the home of somebody without authorization was illegal, I just had to damn the consequences; something told me that if he was inside, he was probably in trouble. I didn’t know for sure, but I was such a person that didn’t let things go so easily. Call it over-sabi and you may not be wrong but nothing was stopping me from going inside and satisfying my curiosity. I pushed the curtain aside, and peered into the darkness, my eyes looked left and right, but then, as more stream of light came in through the open curtain, I saw what looked like a log of wood, but then this log had eyes, nose, and mouth that was dripping with spittle, if not for some invisible power that held me back, I would have run out in total fright because Pa Mutiu lying on that floor cut a deadly sight, I stepped in cautiously and went down on my knees, felt his pulse and was relieved he was still breathing, thinking that what how he slept, I turned back to terminate my intrusion into his privacy, then he spoke, faintly at first "water, water" I almost didn’t hear him till he managed to speak more audibly as I opened the curtain and had one of my legs outside, "my son, please water, water" I turned back to behold a sight so horrible I shook my head in a bid to dislodge the imprint of it in my mind, I don’t know how death may look like, but Pa Mutiu at that point could be used as a symbol for death, with his lips slightly open trying to form the words water for the fifth time, the creases on his face became more clearer and his skin all the more whiter. I hushed to him to suspend the idea of repeating his request as I saw he may not survive even the first syllable. I ran back to the mai-guard’s kiosk, "Give me one bottle of Eva water" "Na three hundred naira" "Don’t worry, bring it" I gave him five hundred naira and forgetting my change dashed back to Pa Mutiu, this time he was coughing heavily. “Pa. I have the water here' I said as I knelt back at the spot I discarded some moments ago. He seemed not to hear me but on sighting the bottle of precious liquid there seemed to be sparks across his eyes. I helped his head up and opened the bottle to his mouth; he gulped like I have never seen anybody drink water before. So it was little surprise when emptied the hundred cl. he laid back, closed his eyes and to my horror, his heart stopped.
Kelly adventure series
Kelly is a journalist, a sinfully good one, she's got eyes for the big and complicated stories, so often overwhelmed wit nausea if asked to do simple cover ups., she knows her way about, digging up earth and spurning dirt, stepping on toes and staking up foes, bt she doesnt care, she's got a passion, a fire burning within that she must flare out else she may burn within.. Her bosses are eternally grateful for their luck in having in their fold such a rare gem, she practically keeps the media house running, her exposé and scandalous outleaks makes the paper a bestseller. But she's stepping on toes and staking up foes. They get livid, she's catching up on them, her newest quest, they are her newest quest, she must come any closer else they are busted, but she nva stops, she sniffs, she thinks, she ponders, kelly nva gives up until she find her prey.. They know, and so they are jittery,but they swear nva to go under whining, kelly would hav to pay if she comes any closer. But would she stop, would she listen to that odd voice, the voice of her sister whose murderers she was gunning after, would she take her sisters advice to let vengeance avenge itself, would she, ? No, kelly nva fights a personal battle, she gives her job her all and keps her life different, but they fired the first salvo taking what she held dear and they must pay for it. She searches, they employ the hiding game, she knows this may well be her last escapade but stil she dares it,. The search is growing kenner, the net is drawing tighter, the bastards are been roped in and The DANGER IS ON THE INCREASE, stil she forges ahead. The battleground is the basement of a tower, she's made provision for police support, but the evidence to warrant immense commitment from the police is stil lacking, but she must stil go on, no turning back. She steps into the tower, a bit dark and smacking of disuse, a perfect place for d hounds she seek, not knowing their number, she stuffs up wit enuf ammo to kill an elephant., she climbs down d stairs, creaking and eerie sounds, she gaze about at the world not knowin if it would be the last view,gun in hand, she tethers towards the door that led to the group , she could practically feel their heat coming from inside,she was damn sure they were unaware of her presence, she heaves a long laboured sigh and push open the door, .. A tinglying sensation on the back of her head, a wierd feeling running down her spine, just one foot into the room and she spurns around with fingers on the trigger, too late, a group of stern looking men all holding automatics pointing at her tells her shes a gonna... To be continued.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Trying a little more for a change.
How best to succeed?
Give up hours upon hours upon hours after the last man throws his
hands up in surrender.
Its a new year, its 2013, so many things occured in 2012, but then
that year is all gone in the annals of history never to been seen
again. The only use 2012 would have for us is to enable us do some
really good soulsearching and reflection. How did we spend it? What
was our attitude to life; work, education and the family. Were we
commited to the things that matter most, or were we just nonchalant
about the activities in our life. 2013 beckons, it beckons with the
vigour of a sterling in its prime, waiting for us to exploit it and
achieve so many things in different spheres of our life while
contributing our lil bit to making the world a better place.
How do you want to spend 2013? What plans do you have? Do you have set
goals for the year? Drawn up calenders to align your efforts for the
year with?
These and many more questions need to come readily to our minds as we
start the journey of 360+ new days.
Its 2013! Where would you be found, what would be your contribution to
your sorroundings? Would you be that goal getter who never believes in
impossibilities and limitations? Or would you belong to the group who
sees a mountain in every single challenge? Its 2013! A year we are all
given another chance to chart a new course for a brand new year. What
course do you want to chart for yourself? Is it been less concerned
with academics and work, or dedicating yourself to the things that
matters most.
Is it been distant from families and friends or keeping those who
matters most close.
More importantly, is it keeping God in the background or drawing
closer to the source of all strength?
2013 beckons, its open to all those who really want to get out
something from this great year.
----- my dreams for 2013...
Martin Luther jnr once dreamt, though awake, he dreamt what was deemed
impossible in his time. That's the secret, challenges can limit your
physical efforts but not your dreams, and when your dreams are not
limited, there would be tremendous output since dreams are the little
firewood that fuels the materialization of our every expectation.
My dream for 2013?
Let there be peace, not just here in my country Nigeria, but over
there in Somalia, in Irag, in Syria, in every single part of world
where peace is needed.
That's my dream, what's yours?
Give up hours upon hours upon hours after the last man throws his
hands up in surrender.
Its a new year, its 2013, so many things occured in 2012, but then
that year is all gone in the annals of history never to been seen
again. The only use 2012 would have for us is to enable us do some
really good soulsearching and reflection. How did we spend it? What
was our attitude to life; work, education and the family. Were we
commited to the things that matter most, or were we just nonchalant
about the activities in our life. 2013 beckons, it beckons with the
vigour of a sterling in its prime, waiting for us to exploit it and
achieve so many things in different spheres of our life while
contributing our lil bit to making the world a better place.
How do you want to spend 2013? What plans do you have? Do you have set
goals for the year? Drawn up calenders to align your efforts for the
year with?
These and many more questions need to come readily to our minds as we
start the journey of 360+ new days.
Its 2013! Where would you be found, what would be your contribution to
your sorroundings? Would you be that goal getter who never believes in
impossibilities and limitations? Or would you belong to the group who
sees a mountain in every single challenge? Its 2013! A year we are all
given another chance to chart a new course for a brand new year. What
course do you want to chart for yourself? Is it been less concerned
with academics and work, or dedicating yourself to the things that
matters most.
Is it been distant from families and friends or keeping those who
matters most close.
More importantly, is it keeping God in the background or drawing
closer to the source of all strength?
2013 beckons, its open to all those who really want to get out
something from this great year.
----- my dreams for 2013...
Martin Luther jnr once dreamt, though awake, he dreamt what was deemed
impossible in his time. That's the secret, challenges can limit your
physical efforts but not your dreams, and when your dreams are not
limited, there would be tremendous output since dreams are the little
firewood that fuels the materialization of our every expectation.
My dream for 2013?
Let there be peace, not just here in my country Nigeria, but over
there in Somalia, in Irag, in Syria, in every single part of world
where peace is needed.
That's my dream, what's yours?
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Xmas!!!!!!!
Wow. The sky is aglow with the lights from a thousand sources. The
stars are merry, twinkling with the joy embracing the whole universe.
The songs are loud and gentle all around me, goes straight to my heart
and makes me reflect on the reason for the season- Christ is born, a
new born king, a Saviour for mankind.
Its christmas, and my smile is so easily set on my face as the
happiness within threatens to burst out rending my heart with it. Its
christmas, a time to do what Christ would do on his birthday-
remember, Christmas is all about celebrating our Saviour.
Christmas is all about forgetting ourselves, for once, giving
ourselves out to bringing gladness to the hearts of others. A little
smile there, a kind word here, a nice present there, all add a glow to
christmas and really gives it its essence.
Christmas is a time to let go of all bitterness, strife and hostility,
its a time to let down the hair, play, have fun, but not vulgarly, and
build those bonds that hold us together.
Christmas is a time to reach out to that needy individual, that family
who needs a little help, christmas is a time to show the true essence
of love, as Christ whom we celebrate today is a true embodiment of
Love.
Celebrate, be kind, share Love, have fun, coz its Christmas.
Merry Christmas From the Twinklepad Team.
stars are merry, twinkling with the joy embracing the whole universe.
The songs are loud and gentle all around me, goes straight to my heart
and makes me reflect on the reason for the season- Christ is born, a
new born king, a Saviour for mankind.
Its christmas, and my smile is so easily set on my face as the
happiness within threatens to burst out rending my heart with it. Its
christmas, a time to do what Christ would do on his birthday-
remember, Christmas is all about celebrating our Saviour.
Christmas is all about forgetting ourselves, for once, giving
ourselves out to bringing gladness to the hearts of others. A little
smile there, a kind word here, a nice present there, all add a glow to
christmas and really gives it its essence.
Christmas is a time to let go of all bitterness, strife and hostility,
its a time to let down the hair, play, have fun, but not vulgarly, and
build those bonds that hold us together.
Christmas is a time to reach out to that needy individual, that family
who needs a little help, christmas is a time to show the true essence
of love, as Christ whom we celebrate today is a true embodiment of
Love.
Celebrate, be kind, share Love, have fun, coz its Christmas.
Merry Christmas From the Twinklepad Team.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Christmas just around the corner
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Giving everyone a good life
Seven billion at the last count, and still counting. The population of
the world seem to be increasing by the day, filling up every available
space but not much can be said about a corresponding increase in the
standard of living of this seven-plus billion people around the world
especially in the developing parts of africa.
So much work still lie ahead inorder to stem the tide of pathetic
living conditions and sub-human standard of living in order to give
everyone a slight chance at a decent life.
Some steps I believe need to be taken inorder to control the rate at
which the human population increase inorder to ensure that adequate
resources are made available to cater for the needs of majority of the
population.
Although versed in the african tradition of letting nature have its
way when it comes to the issue of procreation, I honestly think that
time has come for some serious steps to be taken to conciously control
the birth rate to make it possible for the resources available to
cater for the needs of the people.
A situation where a single family gives birth to about ten children is
not advisable when the econmic wherewithal is not there to support
such large family.
It would be most unwise for a man with a monthly paying job of 15000
naira ($10) to give birth to even six children. Add to the mix, the
certain external relatives he would have to take care of then you get
a true picture why reason should be brought in when deciding how many
children one ought to have.
So many stress that one can't decide which children would survive or
do well so validating the need to have as many as possible, but the
truth is, having the number of kids one can give adequate care to
increases the odd of them turning out good in life in contrast to
having so many kids with the inherent lack of economic power to take
care of them raising the chances of them not turning out too well or
going through hardship and deprivation in their formative years.
Then, I know that almost all religion do not agree with birth control
and are solidly behind leaving procreation under the control of
nature, I choose to believe that a time has come when such power
should be taken from nature if we are not to end up in a world where
so many do not live what could pass as a -manageable life.
I read in a book where the author stated that procreation was left
undisturbed under the influence of nature in the old past and so was
the death rate under severe natural control - through wars, famine,
drought, diseases, etc- thereby helping to maintain balance on the
population of the world. Then man learnt to revolt against such severe
way by which nature reduce the population of the world and devised
methods to bring the death rate to the bearest mininum, mission
accomplished, but forgot another important aspect of the puzzle, it
didn't devise a corresponding way to reduce the birth rate at least to
maintain the balance nature was effectively doing while unhindered.
This is what I'm advocating, a sincere way through which birth control
can be established effectively which I believe is for the good of all.
the world seem to be increasing by the day, filling up every available
space but not much can be said about a corresponding increase in the
standard of living of this seven-plus billion people around the world
especially in the developing parts of africa.
So much work still lie ahead inorder to stem the tide of pathetic
living conditions and sub-human standard of living in order to give
everyone a slight chance at a decent life.
Some steps I believe need to be taken inorder to control the rate at
which the human population increase inorder to ensure that adequate
resources are made available to cater for the needs of majority of the
population.
Although versed in the african tradition of letting nature have its
way when it comes to the issue of procreation, I honestly think that
time has come for some serious steps to be taken to conciously control
the birth rate to make it possible for the resources available to
cater for the needs of the people.
A situation where a single family gives birth to about ten children is
not advisable when the econmic wherewithal is not there to support
such large family.
It would be most unwise for a man with a monthly paying job of 15000
naira ($10) to give birth to even six children. Add to the mix, the
certain external relatives he would have to take care of then you get
a true picture why reason should be brought in when deciding how many
children one ought to have.
So many stress that one can't decide which children would survive or
do well so validating the need to have as many as possible, but the
truth is, having the number of kids one can give adequate care to
increases the odd of them turning out good in life in contrast to
having so many kids with the inherent lack of economic power to take
care of them raising the chances of them not turning out too well or
going through hardship and deprivation in their formative years.
Then, I know that almost all religion do not agree with birth control
and are solidly behind leaving procreation under the control of
nature, I choose to believe that a time has come when such power
should be taken from nature if we are not to end up in a world where
so many do not live what could pass as a -manageable life.
I read in a book where the author stated that procreation was left
undisturbed under the influence of nature in the old past and so was
the death rate under severe natural control - through wars, famine,
drought, diseases, etc- thereby helping to maintain balance on the
population of the world. Then man learnt to revolt against such severe
way by which nature reduce the population of the world and devised
methods to bring the death rate to the bearest mininum, mission
accomplished, but forgot another important aspect of the puzzle, it
didn't devise a corresponding way to reduce the birth rate at least to
maintain the balance nature was effectively doing while unhindered.
This is what I'm advocating, a sincere way through which birth control
can be established effectively which I believe is for the good of all.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Show more kindness and save more lives
The night is cool, almost cold. The stars are out in their numbers but
the moon is hid somwhere in the cloak of dark cloud.
The richness of the earth can be felt with just a faint sniff as the
gentle hum of trees signal the passing of soothing wind on a pleasant
night.
Staring outside my windows, looking transfixed at the peaceful lull of
nightfall, my mind wanders far away, far far away but I don't complain
coz its so much a pleasant trip that leaves me smiling out at the star
filled night, nodding my head in rhythm with the noiseless beat of
swaying palms here and there.
I try to capture the night, to put its perfection in words, but try as
I may, I just don't grasp the right phrases to describe the richness
of tonight.
In midst of such perfection and beauty, I tend to reflect much.
So as my mind wanders I ask myself silently 'How much value do I add
to my world. To the people close around me and to my community. How
much did I add to someone's life today?
How many people smiled because of me and how many lives were
transformed coz of my existence?"
Life sometimes is not just about US. We begin to live life when we
stop thinking of happiness as when we personally don't have any
trouble bothering US.
So many people out in the open are desirous of kindness coz they don't
have any to show them such. That's where you and I come into the
picture. A little kindness here and there do actually add a tremedous
lift to the life of somebody. A kind word, kind smiles, gifts and
sincere love adds a glow to lives that have previously been in
shatters and do in fact help to change a life.
You don't have to be a non-governmental-organisation or own or belong
to one to stretch out hands of kindness to the needy nor own a fat
money-bag to be of help to those in need, what is actually needed is a
kind heart, an open mind and a friendly spirit.
Do you know you can brighten a person's whole day through your smile alone?
Your little act of kindness could be the turning point in the life of
someone who was so very close to losing out in the battle of survival.
I can't stress much on how much a little kindness all around the world
can take care of big problems our atomic bombs, space research & all
can't solve, but what I need you to know is that someone's happiness
out there depends on you.
You would be far happier when so many people draw their happiness from
you. #its a fact I've proved. Love more and show more kindness in
order to bring smiles on the faces of as much people as you can.
the moon is hid somwhere in the cloak of dark cloud.
The richness of the earth can be felt with just a faint sniff as the
gentle hum of trees signal the passing of soothing wind on a pleasant
night.
Staring outside my windows, looking transfixed at the peaceful lull of
nightfall, my mind wanders far away, far far away but I don't complain
coz its so much a pleasant trip that leaves me smiling out at the star
filled night, nodding my head in rhythm with the noiseless beat of
swaying palms here and there.
I try to capture the night, to put its perfection in words, but try as
I may, I just don't grasp the right phrases to describe the richness
of tonight.
In midst of such perfection and beauty, I tend to reflect much.
So as my mind wanders I ask myself silently 'How much value do I add
to my world. To the people close around me and to my community. How
much did I add to someone's life today?
How many people smiled because of me and how many lives were
transformed coz of my existence?"
Life sometimes is not just about US. We begin to live life when we
stop thinking of happiness as when we personally don't have any
trouble bothering US.
So many people out in the open are desirous of kindness coz they don't
have any to show them such. That's where you and I come into the
picture. A little kindness here and there do actually add a tremedous
lift to the life of somebody. A kind word, kind smiles, gifts and
sincere love adds a glow to lives that have previously been in
shatters and do in fact help to change a life.
You don't have to be a non-governmental-organisation or own or belong
to one to stretch out hands of kindness to the needy nor own a fat
money-bag to be of help to those in need, what is actually needed is a
kind heart, an open mind and a friendly spirit.
Do you know you can brighten a person's whole day through your smile alone?
Your little act of kindness could be the turning point in the life of
someone who was so very close to losing out in the battle of survival.
I can't stress much on how much a little kindness all around the world
can take care of big problems our atomic bombs, space research & all
can't solve, but what I need you to know is that someone's happiness
out there depends on you.
You would be far happier when so many people draw their happiness from
you. #its a fact I've proved. Love more and show more kindness in
order to bring smiles on the faces of as much people as you can.
Play a part in changing your world.
We know we can't get the whole side of things all the time. That's why
twinklepad is open to articles from our dearest readers.
Do you think there is something you ought to say, an information you
ought to put out to public glare, here is a right platform for it,
send us your articles and join the movement of changing our world.
We value feedback from our readers in way of rejoiners to articles
published, self-authored articles, photos, comments and suggestions.
It you may, feel free to email us via ---> twinklepad@gmail.com
Please ensure that your email contains your name as we don't accept
anonymous emails (unless under special circumstances).
As part of our privacy policy, we strictly don't make available the
email address of our contributors to third parties without prior
consent of the owner of the email.
Also, libelous, racist, adult-content articles or photos are not
considered and is not solicited to be sent to us as they won't be
published on the blog.
Your articles give you full credit and also the responsibility attached.
Send your articles to twinklepad@gmail.com
Signed
The twinklepad Team
twinklepad is open to articles from our dearest readers.
Do you think there is something you ought to say, an information you
ought to put out to public glare, here is a right platform for it,
send us your articles and join the movement of changing our world.
We value feedback from our readers in way of rejoiners to articles
published, self-authored articles, photos, comments and suggestions.
It you may, feel free to email us via ---> twinklepad@gmail.com
Please ensure that your email contains your name as we don't accept
anonymous emails (unless under special circumstances).
As part of our privacy policy, we strictly don't make available the
email address of our contributors to third parties without prior
consent of the owner of the email.
Also, libelous, racist, adult-content articles or photos are not
considered and is not solicited to be sent to us as they won't be
published on the blog.
Your articles give you full credit and also the responsibility attached.
Send your articles to twinklepad@gmail.com
Signed
The twinklepad Team
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A billion reasons to believe in Africa
Coca-cola, the carbonated soft drink giant scored another giant first
with the launch of its- A billion reasons to believe in Africa-
campaign. The timing of this campaign can't be any more perfect. With
the turmoil that africa is going through at the moment,- from
terrorism in Nigeria, military coups and fragile governments in Mali,
border wars between sudan and south sudan,rebel activities in
congo,(and the list goes on), there is every need to remind the
african people that there is still viable reasons to continue to
believe in the dreams of the continent even in the midst of
heart-rending difficulties.
Coca-cola with this have demonstrated that the company is not just all
about making profit and expanding the brand but about giving back to
the african people and supporting them in the midst of the trials
plaguing the continent.
Now, a billion reasons to believe in africa, do you have any? I know
so many people can't even list as little as one, it won't be easy
seeing your loved ones been maimed and still be told to believe in
africa, having to run for dear lives when your homes are been
destroyed for no pluasible reason is enough reason to forget about
africa. The millions of kids still grappling with sickness and hunger
would be justified if they decide to give up on africa.
Though I know all this, (as coca-cola does), I refuse to give up on
africa. Africans continued belief in africa is the first step towards
reforming our continent, the zeal and the commitment must be ever
alive else africa's future is doomed meaning the trevails of the
present would be a child's play compared to what is to come.
The hope of the future generations rest on us, and we can't tell them
we bequeathed a smoldering continent to them because we were facing
diverse challenges, or that we allowed africa to crumble under the
weight of the atrocities ravaging the length and breadth of this
blessed land just because we couldn't stand up to evil, No, the best
option is to rise above these challenges, pool our strength together,
have our resolve rekindled and set a machinery in motion to make good
our land, and this is what coca-cola hope to achieve with this
delightful campaign, its a tool to awaken the true african spirit that
never says never, the african spirit of brotherhood and love,
sincerity and discipline, creativity and genuis.
So I call upon every african to use this campaign as a medium to
double their efforts in order to bring positive growth to africa.
These changes though must start from the top, so, every government in
africa must as a matter of fact begin to put the needs of the african
people ( and I mean in every perspective) before and above their own
personal aspirations. So doing, the chronic corruption, ethnic wars,
bloody struggle for power with its attendant casualties would be
brought to the bearest mininum giving the african people a new lease
of life. The african people must on their part begin to show
commitment in whatever they do, privately and openly, only doing
things which would promote the march to greatness of the african
continent.
Rebels should drop their guns, stop the killings and embrace peace.
Suicide bombers and terrorists should rethink their actions and know
they only hurt their homes which I believe should weigh hard on their
conscience.
There is so many reasons to believe in africa, I have as many reasons
to, do you?.
with the launch of its- A billion reasons to believe in Africa-
campaign. The timing of this campaign can't be any more perfect. With
the turmoil that africa is going through at the moment,- from
terrorism in Nigeria, military coups and fragile governments in Mali,
border wars between sudan and south sudan,rebel activities in
congo,(and the list goes on), there is every need to remind the
african people that there is still viable reasons to continue to
believe in the dreams of the continent even in the midst of
heart-rending difficulties.
Coca-cola with this have demonstrated that the company is not just all
about making profit and expanding the brand but about giving back to
the african people and supporting them in the midst of the trials
plaguing the continent.
Now, a billion reasons to believe in africa, do you have any? I know
so many people can't even list as little as one, it won't be easy
seeing your loved ones been maimed and still be told to believe in
africa, having to run for dear lives when your homes are been
destroyed for no pluasible reason is enough reason to forget about
africa. The millions of kids still grappling with sickness and hunger
would be justified if they decide to give up on africa.
Though I know all this, (as coca-cola does), I refuse to give up on
africa. Africans continued belief in africa is the first step towards
reforming our continent, the zeal and the commitment must be ever
alive else africa's future is doomed meaning the trevails of the
present would be a child's play compared to what is to come.
The hope of the future generations rest on us, and we can't tell them
we bequeathed a smoldering continent to them because we were facing
diverse challenges, or that we allowed africa to crumble under the
weight of the atrocities ravaging the length and breadth of this
blessed land just because we couldn't stand up to evil, No, the best
option is to rise above these challenges, pool our strength together,
have our resolve rekindled and set a machinery in motion to make good
our land, and this is what coca-cola hope to achieve with this
delightful campaign, its a tool to awaken the true african spirit that
never says never, the african spirit of brotherhood and love,
sincerity and discipline, creativity and genuis.
So I call upon every african to use this campaign as a medium to
double their efforts in order to bring positive growth to africa.
These changes though must start from the top, so, every government in
africa must as a matter of fact begin to put the needs of the african
people ( and I mean in every perspective) before and above their own
personal aspirations. So doing, the chronic corruption, ethnic wars,
bloody struggle for power with its attendant casualties would be
brought to the bearest mininum giving the african people a new lease
of life. The african people must on their part begin to show
commitment in whatever they do, privately and openly, only doing
things which would promote the march to greatness of the african
continent.
Rebels should drop their guns, stop the killings and embrace peace.
Suicide bombers and terrorists should rethink their actions and know
they only hurt their homes which I believe should weigh hard on their
conscience.
There is so many reasons to believe in africa, I have as many reasons
to, do you?.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Why you should read this blog.
What do you guys actually do on twinklepad? The questions have been
endless coming in diverse forms all wanting to know the same thing-
what is this blog all about. For a relatively new blog, its not
unusual to get such requests, people want to know exactly why they
should spend their time reading the posts and the benefits it would be
to them.
Though I cant answer all questions at once , I would try my best in
this post to give answers to the most crucial of questions so that our
esteemed readers would know exactly the idea and philosophy behind
what they are reading and why they should come back to read more.
I have always enjoyed reading newspapers as a kid, even my dad noticed
and I became his right hand man when it came to analysing the dailies.
I enjoyed the reporting a lot but not as much as i enjoyed reading the
columns of veteran journalists over a wide range of subject matters.
I not only wanted to read about facts in the dailies but i wanted to
know the implication of such facts and the views of respected people
concerning it.
I followed a select group of columnists (Dimgba Igwe, Femi Adesina
etc) who I admired not just for their beautiful use and choice of
words but also for their bravery. I'm always mesmerized when I read
how they bear their mind on the issues at stake without caring whose
ox was gored and going ahead to effect positive change and influence
the readers for good.
I believe that so many wrongs can be made right if only they are
brought to light. We here on twinklepad try to shed more light on the
critical issues at stake
globally in diverse areas helping our readers to form better opinions
and give an unbiased analysis of whatever we are commenting on.
Twinklepad is a group of diverse characters who come with different
dimensions so that at any time, the inquisitive mind would have a
right source of information on which to based his or her arguments.
The best part about twinklepad team is that we are all young. We
believe that age should not be a barrier in our quest to make use of
our words to change our world. Though young, we try as much as
possible to give analysis on the basis of strong insight, sincerity
and courage.
We dont believe in defamation or libelous articles so we dont
encourage such on twinklepad but at the same time the twinklepad team
believes in calling a spade a spade and wont hesistate to draw
attention to any event or character we deem unacceptable.
We welcome feedback from our readers in form of comments or articles
which help to enrich the arguments.
endless coming in diverse forms all wanting to know the same thing-
what is this blog all about. For a relatively new blog, its not
unusual to get such requests, people want to know exactly why they
should spend their time reading the posts and the benefits it would be
to them.
Though I cant answer all questions at once , I would try my best in
this post to give answers to the most crucial of questions so that our
esteemed readers would know exactly the idea and philosophy behind
what they are reading and why they should come back to read more.
I have always enjoyed reading newspapers as a kid, even my dad noticed
and I became his right hand man when it came to analysing the dailies.
I enjoyed the reporting a lot but not as much as i enjoyed reading the
columns of veteran journalists over a wide range of subject matters.
I not only wanted to read about facts in the dailies but i wanted to
know the implication of such facts and the views of respected people
concerning it.
I followed a select group of columnists (Dimgba Igwe, Femi Adesina
etc) who I admired not just for their beautiful use and choice of
words but also for their bravery. I'm always mesmerized when I read
how they bear their mind on the issues at stake without caring whose
ox was gored and going ahead to effect positive change and influence
the readers for good.
I believe that so many wrongs can be made right if only they are
brought to light. We here on twinklepad try to shed more light on the
critical issues at stake
globally in diverse areas helping our readers to form better opinions
and give an unbiased analysis of whatever we are commenting on.
Twinklepad is a group of diverse characters who come with different
dimensions so that at any time, the inquisitive mind would have a
right source of information on which to based his or her arguments.
The best part about twinklepad team is that we are all young. We
believe that age should not be a barrier in our quest to make use of
our words to change our world. Though young, we try as much as
possible to give analysis on the basis of strong insight, sincerity
and courage.
We dont believe in defamation or libelous articles so we dont
encourage such on twinklepad but at the same time the twinklepad team
believes in calling a spade a spade and wont hesistate to draw
attention to any event or character we deem unacceptable.
We welcome feedback from our readers in form of comments or articles
which help to enrich the arguments.
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