Let's Play A Game :)

I apologize for not posting anything all day. I have been a tad unwell, and then today is kinnda like Monday (unofficially). We've had a long weekend and normal activities resumed today so it was as chaotic as every other Monday. Phew! How has your Monday been?

Ok, to lighten things up, let's play a game.

Simply fill in the blanks and see how normal your crazy ex was compared to others. :)

......he double-crossed another car and stopped the car right in the middle of the highway to accuse the driver of "starring at his girlfriend". Uhun, crrrrraaaazzzyyyyy. LOL. Let's have yours........

Liar Liar, Pants On Fire.

Some people are natural born liars. They lie about everything. I'm not even talking about the pathological liars here, those ones cannot help themselves sadly. I'm talking about those who lie with clear heads and zero consciences. Often times, they lie out of fear or "respect" as some would rather believe but I think that's just poppycock because if you really respect someone, you won't take them for fools by lying blatantly to their faces. 

Imagine if we could spot these liars, Pinocchio style. You get a call asking where you are and rather than admit you're running late, you tell a bogus lie about how you're 5 minutes away instead and suddenly, your nose grows at least an inch. Hahaha, wouldn't that be something. I know how hard the truth can be when told especially to some people who just cannot handle them, but the fact remains that the truth always sets you free of the burden of a lie. Yes, lies carry burdens. Oh you didn't think that weight within you is solely from the heavy lunch you had, no? Humans tell lies a lot, men, women, even children sadly. In the utopian world in my head, there are no lies nor the hurt that comes from being a recipient of a lie. In real life however,  if you're caught in a lie, simply respect yourself and the victim enough to own up with an apology. Making the world a better place isn't so difficult now, is it? :)

Two Years On...... #Aluu4

I recall the horror washing over me when I watched the #Aluu4 video two years ago.

I recall the helplessness on their faces as they were dragged and beaten and mocked and tortured by a mob.

I recall the hope in their eyes that perhaps, just perhaps, a miracle would occur and ONE person would step in and save them.

I recall the painfully outstretched hands pleading for mercy and begging for their lives to be spared.

I recall the rage, venom and madness that overtook the murderous crowd as they pummeled these young men to death.

I recall imagining what their parents would go through, knowing “fellow Nigerians” murdered their children in cold blood.

I recall crying and cursing at the injustice behind the savage act.

I recall my shock and disbelief at the fact that in that crowd were human beings as well, yet they acted as beasts.

I recall wondering how we got to such a low point in humanity and how such hatred and evil has came to reside in our hearts.

I recall seeing faces of women and youths and men, people with families as well yet they stood by and did nothing.

I recall my utter disbelief and shock at the fact that even the police who were on the scene did NOTHING TO SAVE THOSE FOUR YOUNG MEN.

I recall wondering why they did not shoot into the air to disperse the crowd, why they did not call for backup and if they did why it never arrived before the tragic end.

I recall wondering how ALL those who partook in the lynching as direct murderers and as onlookers slept that night.

I recall pondering on how they could live with themselves afterwards.

I recall the lingering horror that remained with me for months despite the fact that I did not 

watch it to the gruesome end, I couldn’t.

I recall thinking eagerly that surely, with video evidence there would be justice for the families of these innocent ones.

I recall putting my effort into a mini campaign of awareness about the evil in lynching suspects and even convicted criminals.

I recall that up till now, TWO YEARS LATER, NO ONE HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF THAT GRUESOME COLD-BLOODED MURDER.

I fear for what we, Nigerians and human beings as a whole, are becoming.

I vow to do my best to enlighten as many as possible on the ills lurking in the hearts of people.

I vow to do my part for humanity and get justice for helpless victims in any way I can.

I vow to raise my children right and teach them about good and evil and consequences.

I vow not to sugarcoat the truth to those I reach out to and to ensure they know that abnormal things cannot and should not be taken for normal.

I vow to do my bit for humanity and for our beloved country Nigeria.

What would you do?

REST IN PEACE Lloyd, Chidi, Tekena and Ugonna.

(Twitter: @survivor17)

Let's Talk About Sex Timings.

Hello dearest readers, how's your weekend been? Today's topic came about from a conversation I had with some amazing friends a couple of weeks ago. It was about whether sex on a Monday morning is ideal/acceptable or not. Most of us did not see anything wrong in it while a couple others thought it was wrong and as close to an abomination as one can get. The argument against having sex on Mondays was because it sets the wrong tone for the week and also because it could signify joblessness or thoughtlessness. The arguments for, disagreed. We felt sex should have no time-tables whatsoever but should be indulged in by couples whenever the need arises, including Monday mornings before heading out to work.

Bearing in mind that there are different strokes (pun unintended) for different folks, in my own opinion I think there shouldn't be any restrictions or barriers when it comes to sex between adults. I think restraints (well, not physical ones for those into that sort of thing) suck out the fun of spontaneity that should come with the act. I believe sex is a beautiful thing that should be thoroughly enjoyed by both parties engaging in it. 

Imagine a scenario where you have laid rules about the when and how of going at it, and one half of a couple gets an itch before the set time, what happens then? I could tell you a number of things that could happen as a result, but that's not for this post. Thus, I think people should indulge in sex without necessarily putting barriers to it. I recall someone told me something once and I found it very shocking and bizarre. She had had a horrible experience whilst bearing her first child and so in a bid not to have a second child, she made a sex time-table for her hubby. They had sex only a couple of times, every three weeks!!! I tried to educate her about contraceptives and even counting her cycle so the "sex ban" would be narrowed down to her unsafe period but she wasn't having none of it. I tried to make her see how she might be unwillingly pushing her hubby out into the arms of a willing female(s), but she was beyond understanding at the time. I rested my case, even though the thought still bothers me every now and then. 

When you consider how hectic Mondays are at work and the traffic you have to plough through to get there, I'd say one for the road on such a morning will certainly keep you well relaxed and prepared for the day ahead. Remember, continuous communication, understanding and compromise are keys to happier relationships.  

I'm #TeamNoSexRestrictions, but of cause "to each man his own". :)

Today, We Remember Our Fallen Heroes.

Since the war against terrorism started in Nigeria, many a soldier have we lost. These are real men, real people with families and friends that knew them and love them. They made ultimate sacrifices by laying down their lives for the citizens of Nigeria. Are they getting the honour they deserve even in death, from the same country they gave their lives up for? Are their families getting grief counseling and financial compensation to handle their deaths? Are other citizens inspired enough by these selfless sacrifices to want to sign up and risk doing same for us? I do not think we are doing enough to show our appreciation for sacrificing their lives for our safety. By "we", I mean largely the OATTs at the DHQ (OATT= Ogas At The Top).

Perhaps I should walk you through what I feel they went through up to their dying moments just to protect and serve you and I. They enlist and ensure rigorous trainings to become skillful Soldiers/Air Force Pilots. They miss out on a lot of family commitments because their number one commitment and loyalty lies with the Force. They live, breathe and eat everything about the Force. They devote themselves mentally, physically, emotionally and financially to the Force. They OATTs psyche them up to be as brave as super heroes and they buy into it. They are like armed gladiators in uniforms. 

Then comes the time they've been waiting for. A time to face real enemies not the imaginary ones in training. A time to save millions of Nigerian lives, threatened  by terrorists. They are fired up and ready to go and bring these nefarious beasts down, after all, the lives of millions are in their hands. They head out, and come face to face with these beasts. The only thing is this, no one prepared them for the vast difference between their archaic weapons and the enemies' sophisticated ones. Still, they fight on because a nation is counting on them. They fight their best but alas, their weapons are no match for the opposition and they are all brought down. The survivors look around and see their colleagues/brothers-in-arms, lying dead, battered and shattered beyond belief. They get a flash of the faces of their wives and children. They remember their own wives and children as the terrorists drags them away from the scene. The beasts are angry because they took out quite a number of their own army. They want blood. They bay for it thirstily. But first, they must send a message out to the "infidels" who'd dared send the army and their troops to attack them rather than succumb to their demands. They film them, chanting away irrationally about killing for Allah, about doing all they are for Allah. Our boys know it's all bollocks because if their God was strong enough, He would fight for Himself not send them on such toe-curling "errands". They steel their hearts and try to brace themselves for what's coming. They pray for their wives and children and hope they never get to see the footage of them being slaughtered like rams.  They hope their OATTs would do right by their families and compensate them for the ultimate sacrifices they've made for the country. They remain brave soldiers till the end. They remain brave soldiers till the last artery is sliced into. They fade away into oblivion. 

That's just a bit of what our troops go through in ensuring we are safe. It is gory, and sad. What could be worse than that? I'll tell you. It's far worse when these military OATTs DENY THE EXISTENCE, CAPTURE AND SACRIFICES OF OUR BRAVE BRAVE SOLDIERS. First they said those that fled didn't flee but were indulging in "tactical manouvre", next they round them up, bring them in and try them for "cowardice"! 

The picture above is of late Chimda Hedima, an Airforce Pilot whose aircraft was shot down by Boko Haram terrorists. Reports show that he fought bravely till the very end, deliberately refusing to flee and killing about 63 extra terrorists in the process. He was captured and decapitated gruesomely by Boko Haram. Here is a young man with a wife and children and possibly parents. He had friends and colleagues but he thought about you and I and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us all. He is a HERO. 

Sadly, the OATTs at the DHQ have denied his aircraft was shot down and denied the be heading even though the video says otherwise. Because I am remembering our fallen heroes in this post, I will refrain from saying what I should about these OATTs at the Defence Headquarters. 

I just want all Nigerians and the world to acknowledge as appreciate what our troops are doing for us. I pray their loved ones are comforted and compensated in huge ways. I pray their souls will rest in perfect peace. I pray their sacrifices will not be in vain. I pray we will tell our children about these heroes. I pray an end will come to terrorism. I hope we would never forget those who risked their lives for us. 

Rest in peace, o gallant ones. 

Happy Celebrations And Holidays.

 

Here's wishing all my good Muslim readers a Happy Eid-Mubarak today. Send my own Sallah meat o ;) 

Also, happy holidays to all Nigerians. I need this long weekend holiday the most because my body seriously craves sleep and rest. Hopefully my mini-troops will let me get some. These children of mine often make me wonder if they have Duracell batteries in them because they've got way too much energy. You do not want to know what they've been up to this morning already and it's not even close to noon yet. Chai!!!! 

Wouldn't trade then for anything though, bless their energetic selves. Nonetheless, I'm currently hiding in my room and totally ignoring their pummels on my door. Shhh. I need an hour to myself before I erupt, lol. 

Make the most of your weekend/holiday and do stay safe always. Cheers. 

We Can Help The U.S.A.

Hmmmmn.

By now most people have heard that a Liberian has brought the deadly Ebola virus into the Untied States of America and things are not looking good at the moment, in terms of the likely spread. It would be so easy to cuss out all Liberians for these unthinking and plainly selfishly evil acts of deliberately infecting unsuspecting countries by at least two of their nationals, but I think it would be unfair to the entire people of Liberia to do this. Let's hope Sawyer and Thomas Duncan are the very worst in the entire country, and that this is the last we will hear about Liberians deliberately leaving their countries, knowing they have had contact with Ebola victims and the possibilities of themselves being infected before traveling. 

The point of this post, having read up on the ongoing incidence in the U.S.A regarding Ebola, is to give kudos to all Nigerians for a job well done in ensuring we not only contained the deadly virus but we kicked it out of our country by complying with all safety measures. Now, while I know that we are not entirely safe from Ebola in Nigeria because our borders are still porous and open to unsuspected carriers, I think we must be commended for adequately handling and getting it right when it hit us. I also want to appreciate the entire members of staff of the First Consulting Hospital for not letting Sawyer go haywire with the virus in him despite the pressure they came under. Kudos also to the State and Federal governments for stepping and doing right by the people. Thumbs up to the W.H.O and all others who shared the needed information to help curb Ebola in Nigeria.

I sincerely hope and pray the U.S.A can and will contain the spread of Ebola on their soil. Ebola is no joke and shouldn't be treated as such. They need to snap out of the initial shock and denial that comes with the situation and get acting. They need to sensitize their citizens and roll out widespread campaigns on how the symptoms can be identified and how contracting the disease can be avoided. They need to get all residents to pay rapt attention to everything about Ebola. I wrote some posts here and here in the past, which ought to help. Information and discernment are key in containing this dreadful disease. 

I also really hope they can put a stop to this Ebola virus once and for all, globally.

Please find more information (which are easier to digest) about Ebola here: http://ebolafacts.com/ Also endeavor to show it to as many as you can around you. The link has very easy to understand slides that will help even a layman to understand what Ebola is about and how to avoid getting infected.

What About Us? - Poetry

She said:

I want to be happy
I want you to make me happy
I want all the finest things in life
I'm not a fan of strife
I really love myself
I don't do hard work, I'm not an elf
I love being pampered
I don't enjoy being hampered
I love strawberries and hot cocoa
I love flying solo
I love my own opinions
I don't cook with onions
I don't cook at all
I'd rather a man cute and tall

He said:
I? I? I? I? What about "us"?

Renewed Hope.

So a few friends of mine came at me this morning, asking if I had written something great for them, today being Nigeria's 54th Independence Day and all.  I had written the briefest post earlier on this issue because I just couldn't bring myself to write any more on the situation of things in Nigeria talkless of "celebrating" her. 

Then I read a comment from one of my ardernt readers that really touched me and prompted me to write this post I had been mulling over. He said:

" Hmmmm

I'd actually been looking forward to reading something Inspiring and Soul-Lifting from you this morning, but then, I guess even the best of us gets weighed down by the vicissitudes of life in this our Great Country.....so you cannot be blamed for being short on words!!!

However, like you'd say....AllHeartAlways.......

We've chosen to be Patriots (even though that is a very difficult JOB)
We've chosen to believe in Nigeria
We've chosen to be AllHeartAlways......!!!

God Bless You.. "

A very touching and encouraging comment. It certainly cheered me up enough to write this post. Thanks Penfold. 

Just before I read his comment, I came across a piece of news about the first case of Ebola being discovered in America. The victim, who just got back from Liberia, was initially given antibiotics and sent home before the discovery was made two days later. Two whole days later; during which he'd been in contact with several others. Chaiiiii, not good at all. The gravity of this Ebola virus once again dawned on me as I realized how much Dr. Adadevoh sacrificed and put at stake by not letting that dreadful Sawyerr out of her hospital. I mentally gave her a hug and said a prayer for her soul and for all the other medical personnels who died in their bid to contain the virus. 

It dawned on me that their sacrifices are worth celebrating this Independence Day for. Imagine if the deadly virus hadn't been contained, would we even remember today as our independence day? I mean just look at the state of breakdown Liberia is in now. It's a very tragic situation for them. Those who gave up their lives to contain Ebola in Nigeria are true Nigerians that make me proud to be a Nigerian. 

The google doodle at the top of this post has brought about split opinions on social media this morning. There have been arguements for and against the concept and interpretation of the art. I'm not even going to go into all that. In my opinion, as irritating as the picture might be, it speaks the bitter truth most of us remain in denial about. We are not really living in Nigeria, we are merely existing. We smile despite the huge amount of sufferings and challenges we face daily. If this life were to be a game of footie, all Nigerians are the real MVPs!! *claps hands solemnly and doffs hat*

That being said, I want to encourage us not to give up nor despair. I know they make it so damn hard to love Nigeria, but love her we must as citizens and patriots. It is left for you and I to snap out of the delusional coma and deliberate ignorance we have cloaked ourselves with, thus easing the burden of the challenges we are faced with daily. It is up to you and I to go out and vote right when the time comes, sentiments, tribalism and religious bias aside. It is up to us to understand our rights and fight for them accordingly. It is up to us to educate all those around us in order for us to pull in one direction. Educate your maids, mechanics, plumbers, electrician, cab men, labourers, hairdressers, marketers, transporters, etc on how great a country we can be if we vote for the best people that have the best interest of the country at heart. Encourage them to vote regardless of the known stigma of rigging that occurs. Let them know that by not voting at all or voting amiss, we will have selfish idiots rule over us and prey on our intelligence while looting and plundering us blind. Encourage them to be AllHeartsAlways by being so yourself. Read and share my posts over the past three days with them, and let's take and apply the leasons in them. 

I wish us all a successful and productive year ahead and I hope by this time next year, we will be singing a new song. 

Happy 54th birthday my beloved Nigeria. 

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.

 

Today marks Nigeria's 54th independence. We have come a long way, albeit very slowly and not entirely the right way, but a long way we have come.I wish I had the right thing to write about Nigeria right now, but I'd rather just wish everyone a happy Independence day and leave it at that for now.