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Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
city Yaoundé, Cameroon
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In Trending 2 min read
THE DEVIL WEARS BALENCIAGA.
The recent outrage on the global Paris-based brand , Balenciaga after releasing photos of their ad campaign for their kids collection featuring a toddler dressed in bondage outfit, is evil hidden in plain sight . From the court documents displayed about "virtual child porn" to the toddler wearing bondage clothes holding a teddy bear in sex clothes and lots of other disgusting items displayed in the ad campaign is clear evidence that the world has lost its way. What Balenciaga did is not a singularity. It is merely an opportunity to get fashionistas , brand slaves and otherwise less informed people, gain awareness on a much bigger agenda. An agenda that is INVESTED & DEDICATED to grooming children across ALL areas. Medical industry (transitioning propaganda), Kindergarten & Primary schools (pushing sexual content on children under the disguise of education) High schools (exposing students to perversion such as the recent case of the teacher wearing a pornography prosthesis breast to class at a high school in Canada , or pushing terms such as MAPS (minor attracted people) on students as was recently filmed, as well as universities. The case at Old Dominion University where the trans teacher enforced the term MAPS on students caused outrage. This is an agenda of Pedophilia and for the fashion industry to serve this grander agenda is nothing entirely new as Disney and Hollywood have been rumored to be the largest grooming machinery that goes right above people's heads. For this agenda to be pushed all across the world is just a matter of time. Balenciaga making apologies on their socials when their cryptic messages were discovered on the ad campaign wasn't because they were sorry but rather because they were caught red handed by the masses and subsequently deleting all their other IG posts as people kept digging and seeing in clarity who they truly are and what they represent. Protect your children at all costs . Let me know in the comment section your thoughts on the Balenciaga controversy.
THE DEVIL WEARS BALENCIAGA.
By Mwambo Kate
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Suzanne Nanyonge
city Buea 3 months ago
This has rendered me speechless.

Score | 602
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1055
20879
91
25
In People and Society 3 min read
When truths are lies and lies are truths
Often times, I have asked myself, friends and even colleagues "what really is the best way to live life meaningfully?" The fact that not even one of them has been able to provide a satisfactory answer to the question gets me bothered because of course, they do not know and as such, want answers too. Day after day, there are a lot of teachings and preachings out there, in our schools, places of worship, workplaces and training centres about fate, faith, failure, success, determination, love, hope, destiny, winning strategies, attitude, creativity, scientific innovations, artistic creation, healthy living, and many more. However, it is baffling that after all these, people are still caught up in the web of confusion about what exactly it means to live meaningfully. In an effort to provide a standard that people need to follow in order to live a "fulfilled life", a lot of religious institutions have rolled out myriads of doctrines for their members. However, even with these doctrines, the confusion becomes more ntense. Truth is, humans have tried and worked so hard to condition and put a stake on life, forgetting that life itself is so limitless and as such, cannot be controlled by anyone. We have become so glued to rules,regulations and norms to the extent that we let them deternine our fate at every given time. More worrisome is the fact that we have become so feeble and vulnerable to the extent that we let in unhealthy beliefs, assumptions and thoughts into our hearts and minds without scrutiny, possibly because they came from our 'Papas' and 'Mamas,' 'Senior Men and Ladies' among other people who we hold at high esteem. Some of us have lost our sense of intuition, refusing to question bad and ugly situations, just because we feel it is morally unjust to challenge authorities and call out peoples' wrongdoings. But later, we complain bitterly of the pains and sufferings we go through because of the same evil we refuse to condemn. Who did this to us and how did we get here? It is no news that so many of us including myself has at one point or the other been brainwashed with a lot of fallacious teachings and assumptions that have ended up affecting our right sense of reasoning. Some of us, in an effort to practice these teachings, ended up ruining our relationships, quitting our jobs, ending our careers and losing our consciousness. In the end, I dare to ask "what if all these teachings were all a lie? What if all the preachments about Heaven, Hell, Success, Failure, Prosperity, Money, Fame, Wealth, Love, Life and Death were all social constructs fabricated to regulate our thought pattern and control our lives? What If there was really no need for the unnecessary competition and fights that we engage ourselves in just to prove a point? what if there is really no need for all stress we put ourselves through just to create wealth that would end up taking away our peace and creating for us more challenges?what if the meaningful life we seek is non-existent? I have always believed that there is no one formula for achieving greatness in life because all that we need to survive have been given to us. They are in our hearts and minds; not in the hands of people or making of doctrines. So, if we really want to live meaningfully, then, we have to begin by shunning unhealthy comparisons, following our intuition and prioritising our happiness.
When truths are lies and lies are truths
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Cyrus Majebi
city Lagos 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Really enjoyed listening to this, can't wait to listen to your new stuff.

Score | 275
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
1155
19672
113
55
In Politics 2 min read
FAILED CONGO COUP AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
<p>Recently it seems like the world is a continuous series of political intrigue, I came online to find news about the failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which involved about three American citizens.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>It was reported that gunfire erupted around 4 am in the capital Kinshasa as they attacked the presidency in the city centre. It was also reported that the leader of the opposition who was in exile in the United States, Christian Malanga was identified as being behind the attack and was reportedly neutralised during the assault.</p><p><br></p><p>This is a case that can become a huge diplomatic incident because it quickly draws up the dark history of political interference in the West. Especially at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine has everyone cautious in picking sides.</p><p><br></p><p>It also shines a light on America's history of political interference in foreign countries in the past. Some of these include Hawaii, Panama, Honduras, and Nicaragua to mention a few.</p><p><br></p><p>It's amazing to think that citizens of a foreign nation can be seen as linked to a coup in a sovereign nation, but these are the realities we find ourselves in.</p><p><br></p><p>This situation shows that the lack of unity is an avenue that can be exploited at any time to break into a Nation's security structure. A position in which Africa has always found itself for the longest of time, though this is not exclusive to us only.</p><p><br></p><p>The US ambassador has released a statement expressing shock and assurance of their support in investigating the situation, it still is a bad look and I'm sure they will be eager to have the matter cleared up as it calls our attention to certain grim realities. As the matter progresses, I wonder if there would be penalties and if the UN would weigh in on the matter.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
FAILED CONGO COUP AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
By Oluseyi Vandy
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta 5 days, 4 hours ago

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


Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
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Samuel Ibok
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Godwin Erite Project Manager @ Acceler8ed Marketing Services
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Career and Jobs 1 min read
A Beginning at the End
<p>At the beginning, there was a fire that burns unquenchably the thirst for knowledge unrivaled, triumphing over every obstacle. The goal is crystal clear, focus was sharper than ever. Like a fearless lion, charging through adversities, relentless in pursuit of achievement, unknowingly bearing the weight of physical and emotional burdens.<br></p><p>Yet, amidst this relentless pursuit, the need for care remains unspoken while happiness slowly dies. Motivation, once ablaze like a roaring flame, begins to flicker and wane. Learning persists, but the initial spark is gradually starved of fuel, drained by thoughtless words and a lack of empathy. </p><p>As the end draws near, it is not truly an end but a prelude to a new beginning. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding persists, yet the ability to endure diminishes. This is a moment to acknowledge that, like all humans, you too need care and compassion. </p><p>Here's to recognizing that an end is not a conclusion, but a threshold, but a gateway to new possibilities and growth. </p><p>May empathy guide us forward, reigniting the flame of curiosity and resilience. In every ending lies the seed of a new beginning, waiting to be nurtured with kindness and understanding. </p><p>Alas, balance remains a mirage, the cost of happiness is in the pursuit of happiness.&nbsp;</p><p>Be careful .</p>
A Beginning at the End
By Godwin Erite
0:00 / 0:00

2
views 235
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Score | 423
Bryan Emejor Content Creator @ TwoCents
city Ughelli, Nigeria
482
3915
22
9
In Music and Entertainment 2 min read
No doubt me, I go bring you Grammy
<span class="html-content"> <p>&nbsp;I am pretty sure the OGs will remember this popular lyric from 9ice. I guess it is obvious that the Nigerian music entertainment sector has always had a thing for the Grammys. Being a foreign recording academy award, it is very recognised as a global recognition of an artistes work. </p> <p>So, you can only imagine the excitement and rave when people found out that Laycon has become a part of the Grammys voting committee, literally announced via their official Twitter account. Yup, that's right 😆</p><p>One cannot help but remember this BBN housemate, gathering fan love from viewers of the show, who came into the game a newbie, trying to just promote his music. You see the steady growth in his path and right from the jump, he was always about his music.</p><p>From raking in millions in 2020, winning the BBNaija show and pursuing his music pact willfully, to performing for the Grammy Recording Academy and sitting at the "Big Boys" table of committee. I think it is obvious they were very pleased with his performance of his hit song, "All over me".</p><p>There is no reason to downplay or be modest about this, it is quite a big deal. I mean, this is where most artistes try to be for years and he got it 2yrs after the house&nbsp;</p> <p>A star in the Big Brother Naija house and a bigger star outside the house. Leave it to the Hiphop head to make it fun by saying, "My price just went up". You cannot even be mad about this, it's Laycon! 😎</p> </span>
No doubt me, I go bring you Grammy
By Bryan Emejor
0:00 / 0:00

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Unpopular Opinion

God is a God of all religions, including the African Traditional Religion (ATR)

by | Ugochukwu Asiogu
I have always believed that the beauty of religion lies in the peoples' unique ways and approaches of upholding it. In other words, religion is best practiced in situations where there are less criticisms of whatever one is revering and whoever one is worshiping. Of course, religion is a way of life and as a matter of fact, it is a representation of man's spiritualism - an aspect of man's lif...
Score | 375
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
1140
24059
139
34
In Politics 2 min read
Èmi lòó kán
Whenever I get the chance, I don't fail to point out how interesting this political season will be. Till this point, this has proven true with revelations, accusations and counter accusations are being made here and there. On June 8, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged the Presidential candidate of APC for the February 25, 2023 election at the party's presidential primaries, held at the Eagle Square, Abuja and since then, it's been a very rocky ride for Mr. Tinubu and his camp. It seems one new secret is being spilled every other day about him and although, Tinubu has always been a controversial figure, he gets even more controversial lately. From his complicity in the murder of the EndSars protesters to the Alpha Beta issue to the Bloomberg reports to missing certificates to his age and health issues, Mr. Tinubu comes off as being morally deficient for the highest office in the land. Mr. Tinubu is being accused of perjury and irregularities in the documents he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It was just recently discovered that his primary and secondary school certificates are missing. It is reported that he left both columns blank in the forms he submitted to INEC. He claims to have lost them during a looting of his property while he was out of the country or as he put it, self-exile between 1994 and 1999. It is even further alleged that he didn't have these certificates when he contested as a governor in 1999. It makes one wonder what kind of politics we play, as no word on the certificate saga seems to have been mentioned until now. Tinubu's wealth is another subject of public debate. Its source seems to be shady and linked to drugs. From the Bloomberg papers, it was discovered that Mr. Tinubu's funds totalling $1.8m were seized by the U.S government and he had to agree to a plea bargain to forfeit almost $500,000 before the funds were released to him. Before his time as governor, he didn't have much but as governor, he didn't have much but as governor he entrenched himself in the nerve centre of Lagos economy by fixing his cronies in every area imaginable and years after leaving office he still seems to control Lagos state, it's economy and finances by proxy. Even then, not so covertly. Some call it mentoring and raising the next generation of politicians but how is it mentoring when the aim is quite personal and selfish. Alpha Beta is a case study among many others.
Èmi lòó kán
By Tari Ogbowei
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3
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Score | 378
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2478
59508
425
131
In Business Development 3 min read
SIGHT SOUND AND SMELL!
<p>Dear Salesperson, I would like you to consider the caption as the "3 S" of selling. These are important as they are tied to our senses—eyes, ears, and nose! Don't worry, this is not a biology class, but you can as well call this the biology of selling!<br></p><p>Most products designed for humans typically have some form of visual appeal. Accordingly, you have to be deliberate about the packaging of your products. You don't need all the money in the world to give your product the ideal look. I believe you can give your product an expensive and appealing look with the resources at your disposal. For example, if you sell clothes physically, your business environment has to look tidy. This would give clients the idea that you are organized. </p><p>Even if you're selling digital products, they must be appealing. Have you ever wondered why companies have good website/graphic designs and good interfaces? You must also realize that you, as a salesperson, are a product. Yes, you're a product! If you are selling to high net-worth individuals, you would have to present yourself as someone in their class. Don't give them a trenches look! </p><p>Remember, "as you dress, so shall you be addressed." In other words, the way you look speaks volumes about you and it would influence your business. </p><p>You also have to SMELL nice. If you feel this is unrelated to selling, it is my pleasure to inform you that it is. Imagine if you walked into a room full of people who haven't showered in weeks. You would obviously feel disgusted. Now, imagine if that same room was a shop with products for sale. I'm sure you wouldn't make a purchase. I have seen someone who was disqualified from an interview on the basis of smell, and I have seen someone who got a job on the spot because he smelled nice! You must, however, note that this is just one variable and not a guarantee that you would seal that deal. However, it could give you the opportunity to pitch. </p><p>As a sales professional, you have to SOUND right. This implies knowing what to say and saying it the right way when pitching to prospects. You must develop your communication skills. Sound is not limited to verbal communication; it is reflected in written communication. What's your body language like when you're engaging prospects? Selling is not rocket science. The need to develop your communication skills cannot be overemphasized. </p><p>One hack is to rehearse your pitch in front of a mirror. You could also record yourself or learn from online resources. In this age, the average lifespan of ignorance is one minute. If you seek growth, you must consistently pursue self-development. Have it in mind that the type of clients you meet will determine the tone of your conversations. However, the element of respect must always be present. Bear in mind that you must be sold on your product to sound right. This means that you must have product knowledge and you must be fully convinced of the value your product provides. </p><p>Additionally, it's crucial to stay updated with industry trends and consumer behaviors. The market is constantly evolving, and keeping abreast of the latest developments can give you a competitive edge. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences related to your field to gain insights and network with other professionals. This continuous learning will not only enhance your knowledge but also equip you with new strategies and techniques to improve your sales performance. </p><p>Learn Unlearn Relearn.</p>
SIGHT SOUND AND SMELL!
By Samuel Ibok
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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
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41397
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In People and Society 3 min read
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
<p>Quick question - that brand of phone or fashion item you recently acquired, can you beat your chest and say it was out of your uninfluenced free will you made that choice? Wait! Please read the whole thing before you give your answer.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Mind control is real. As a matter of fact mass mind control has been in existence for a long time and we are well and truly under its influence. It is after all the greatest weapon in the arsenal of consumerism. I guess we've seen this a couple of times in a movie, perhaps in one or two books. Yet, we brushed it aside, because; fiction right?</p><p><br></p><p>While movies like "Sorry to Bother You", "Parasite" and "Fight club", might be unsettling. The real life effects of consumerism is much more disturbing. Corporations are always thinking about how to influence consumer behavior and reaction inorder to get them to buy their stuff. One of the most effective methods, is through conditioning - mind control if you please. Gently ushering the minds of the consumers towards a particular 'need', which in most cases have nothing to do with the actual product they manufacture.</p><p><br></p><p>For example, why is an iPhone associated with a high social class and elitism, when most of its features are available on other phones. Can anyone tell me a basic smartphone feature present in an iPhone which is lacking in let's say a Samsung? (I genuinely want to know). Through years of careful and purposeful advertisement and campaigns, Apple has been able to condition its customers to associate the brand with class, even though there is no concrete proof of this.</p><p><br></p><p>It is why millions of people do whatever they can to get an iPhone - it's really not about the phone but the desire to be counted among the elites and separate themselves from the poor masses who Android phones are created for. Same also applies in several other industries like skin care. A lot of people who delve into skin care and the ridiculous purchase of over priced skin care products do so not from the advice of a dermatologist, but from the need to 'glow' and possess a skin testament to their 'good living'. Same can be said of fashion, real estate etc. If you think about it, a lot of these 'upgrades' and lifestyle only start after exposure to the capitalist conditioning.</p><p><br></p><p>The most effective way to manipulate a human being into doing what you want, is to make him believe that is what he wants. Capitalism knows that and you can't even hate the corporations who use this technique because it's so simple yet brilliant. Some people call it brilliant advertising, but it's just mind control - same tricks mentalists use. Consumerism extends its tentacles and latches on to your mind, from where it is able to covertly influence your decisions while keeping the mirage that you are in charge.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Are there side effects to the excesses of consumerism? Definitely. I will give you one - the rise in non biodegradable waste as a result in the increase in fast fashion. There are also side effects that affects us as humans, and one of them is the constant feeling of emptiness and pursuit of the new trend. We now judge quality of life strictly by the capability to keep up with the next consumer obsession - hence we become exhibitionists and performative beings.</p><p><br></p><p>Because companies have to the main goal of selling, they have to keep making you feel like what you have isn't good enough. A new iPhone is released and suddenly, you feel the need to upgrade because of the ever so subtle nudge to do so by the manufacturers. The worse part is that you can never fully upgrade as there will always be that one new thing.&nbsp;</p>
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Omoladun
Hiya. Funny thing this was my research topic for my undergraduate degree but my focus was in relation to personality types. This piece is...
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
Score | 583
Emaa Ezeifeka Media Relations, PR and Social Media Management
city Lagos, Nigeria
956
10076
67
25
In Health 3 min read
WHY WAXING BEATS SHAVING
<span class="html-content"><p>The first time I waxed, it was because of peer pressure. I had seen a lot of people do it- my friends inclusive so I decided to try it, in order to understand what the fuss was all about 😅. First of all, I’m a cry baby with a very low tolerance for pain. A soft babe ! So when the lady was cleaning my underarms in preparation for the procedure, I was laughing; cackling even (did I mention that I am very ticklish ?). My brain went from 0-100 real quick as soon as the hot wax left my skin with a huge chunk of my hair; the laughter turned into screams 😩😭. Ouch ! I swear it hurt, but only for that moment. She repeated that step a couple of times so you can imagine how many “ouches” left my throat during the session. It hurt like a beech. But as soon as it was done, I said to myself “it was definitely worth it”. Throughout that week, I kept showing my fresh-looking armpits to anyone who cared to look; my mum, my aunts and my partner(of course). Not sure why I did that… which is why I’m currently hiding my face in shame🙈.</p> <p>It’s 2023, you should ditch shaving for waxing. Here’s why…</p> <ol> <li><p>First of all, let's talk about time. Shaving is like a chore, it has to be done often. Who has the time for that? With waxing, you only need to do it every few weeks, depending on your hair growth. That means more time for other things like; sticking your nose into someone else’s business 😌. (I do not recommend that and I shall not be responsible for whatever happens to your nose).</p> </li> <li><p>Yes, waxing can be uncomfortable, but it's a quick and efficient way to get rid of unwanted hair. Plus, the more you do it, the less it hurts. The first time I waxed my underarms, the pain was 4 on a scale of 1-10 and like I said, it hurts only in that moment that the hair is getting pulled out; it doesn’t hurt afterwards. A person with a high threshold for pain would probably feel nothing. After I did it 2 to 3 times, I became used to it.</p> </li> <li><p>With shaving, you're risking nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, shaving bumps and razor burn. And let's not forget the itching that comes with regrowth. Who needs that kind of wahala in their life? As long as you do your “after care” after waxing, you will be fine. I have never had any “after-wax” issues since I started waxing. Waxing just makes your underarms (and other parts) fresh and aesthetically pleasing 😉.</p> </li> <li><p>Waxing leads to longer-lasting results. When you shave, you're only cutting the hair at the surface level, which means it grows back quickly and prickly. Waxing removes the hair from the root, so it takes longer to grow back. This can also lead to a reduction in hair growth over time. By continually removing the hair from the root, you can actually delay its growth and when it eventually grows, it's much softer and smoother. Emphasis on SOFTER and SMOOTHER 😌. Shaving, on the other hand, will cause the hair to grow back faster, thicker and darker.</p> </li> </ol> <p>In conclusion, waxing is the clear winner when it comes to hair removal. It's more efficient, longer-lasting, and can even lead to reduced hair growth over time. So, ditch that razor and make the switch to waxing. Your skin (and your schedule) will thank you. 🤗 </p> </span>
WHY WAXING BEATS SHAVING
By Emaa Ezeifeka
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Waripamo Allen
city Yenagoa 3 days, 7 hours ago

That's a great point about waxing leading to reduced hair growth over time! It makes me wonder, are there other areas in our lives wh...

edited

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In Business Development 2 min read
Don't hire your friends!
I'm sure someone reading this has a few points to justify the importance of having your friends as your employees. Well, you're probably right, but the point of this article is to highlight why friends don't always make the best employees. First, they are your friends, meaning they don see you finish! There's a place in the Bible where Jesus said; "Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.". What are friends for if not for bad advice and inconveniences? It's possible they would disrespect you in a subtle manner, and this could be intentional or unintentional. They know some of your dirty secrets... I think this is a dangerous point everyone should take seriously because it means they've got leverage over you if things go south. If you think this is unrealistic, you should search for stories of people who saw shege because they employed their friends.  Don't get me wrong, you may feel like you're doing them another favor if they're not financially stable, but it's a business, not an NGO. Similarly, your friends could dent your integrity. Imagine your friend giving excuses frequently at work. If the excuses came from other employees, you would almost certainly sanction them. This could give other employees the impression of bias, and that's bad for business. Your friend may rob you. This could play out if you share sensitive information with them, or they could find blind spots and exploit you. With this few points of mine, I hope I've been able to convince and not... You can complete the sentence! You can equally replace friend(s) with family. Finally, let us be cautious in our interactions with others and be prepared for anything!  Learn Unlearn Relearn
Don't hire your friends!
By Samuel Ibok
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta 6 days, 8 hours ago

This is very true.. I started a business with a friend some four years back. When we ran into debt, I was left alone to cater for ever...


Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 409
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
1140
24059
139
34
In Politics 2 min read
OBI AND THE TWO THIEVES 😁
<span class="html-content"> Various online polls have been carried out and Peter Obi always comes out winning. It shows that he has the support of majority of Nigerians. He's quite popular among Nigerians especially the youth despite being from one of the most despised tribes in the country. A lot of people are willing to put tribe aside to stand behind and support this man. Personally, I've always felt an Igbo President will do Nigeria a lot of good and he seems just to be the right type of Igbo president the country needs. The way the youth support him and have become interested in politics is unprecedented. The number of people marching to INEC offices around the country especially the South to register for and get their PVCs has never been recorded as there is usually voter apathy. The entrance of Peter Obi into the race brought this change. It feels like they're dragging their fathers' land with their wicked uncles. People are offering refreshment in some areas to encourage others to come get their PVCs too. Some men of God have offered their churches as well as branches to INEC to be used as registration centres while also encouraging their members to register and get their PVCs. Someone even described the PVC as Peter's Victory Card. The support is massive. It can be said that he brings light and hope into the Nigerian political system. <p>Peter Obi is a whole movement. He is a wave that threatens to wash our wicked and greedy uncles away, put them in political retirement and make them insignificant. He feels like a Messiah and without him, Nigerians would have been left to make a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea or rather a choice between sniper and otapiapia 😂 When his picture is put in between Atiku and Tinubu, it's reminiscent of "Jesus and the two thieves" on the cross. The only twist here is neither of them will be going to heaven.</p> </span>
OBI AND THE TWO THIEVES 😁
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon
city Ota 2 years, 8 months ago
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 you gotta be kidding me

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Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Design 4 min read
The Architecture of Grounded Freedom
<p style="text-align: center; "><em>"Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom."&nbsp;</em></p><p>Imagine a world where buildings breathe in harmony with the wind, where structures seem to defy gravity, reaching for the boundless sky. This is the world of the Air Nomads in Avatar: The Last Air Bender, a civilization where architecture transcends mere function and becomes a testament to their core air bending values. Unlike the imposing fortresses of the Earth Kingdom or the aggressive flames embodied in the Fire Nation's structures, the Air Temples are a different narrative altogether. Crafted from wood and bamboo, these mountaintop havens celebrate openness, sustainability, and a profound connection with nature. They are a physical manifestation of the Air Nomads' moral compass and emphasis on peace and harmony.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout history, societies have left their mark on the world not just through their actions and ideals, but also through the physical structures they have built. Architecture serves as a fascinating window into a civilization's soul, reflecting their values, priorities, and relationship with the world around them. The grandeur of a palace might speak of a society that prizes hierarchy and power, while the sturdiness of a fortress could signify a focus on security and defence. In the same way, the design choices of the Air Nomads – from the selection of materials to the placement of the temples themselves – offer a profound insight into their core principles.</p><p>&nbsp;In the Avatar: The Last Air Bender series, we are introduced to four Nations comprising individuals who can manipulate one of the fundamental elements each; The elements are water, Fire, Earth and Air. These Four nations each move through different political states and have varying levels of industrialisation and development, but everything in their respective borders is shaped by the element of the nation and the values they are most predisposed to as a result. The air nomads are a people of peace and spirituality; they have detached themselves from worldly concerns and are focused on living in harmony with the natural world. This way of life is expressed in all of their dwelling places across the Northern, Eastern Southern, and Western Air Temples; Towering and awesome structures weave their way into the clouds along and atop the sides of Mountains detached from the world below.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Values Reflected in Architecture&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Having a closer look at the architecture, we can observe the way it shapes and is in turn shaped by the principles of its oft-wandering inhabitants. In the Air temples, the walls of the expansive chambers are adorned with murals telling stories and teachings of air bending and philosophy; Sunlight streams through large windows, illuminating the polished wood floors and casting dancing shadows on the intricately woven tapestries. Gone are the heavy stone walls and imposing gates found in other nations; instead, light wooden pillars rise towards the sky, supporting multi-tiered roofs that seem, although tethered to the mountain, to yearn for the heavens; the first prevalent values are <strong>openness and Flow</strong>. The Large rooms have shared spaces and a minimal presence of walls. This openness is not merely aesthetic; it reflects the Air Nomads' commitment to peace and non-violence. The absence of confined spaces discourages feelings of aggression, and selfishness fostering a sense of freedom, togetherness and tranquility that mirrors the flow of the element they bend.</p><p>The second Main tenet of the people of the Air Nation is a<strong> harmonious existence with nature</strong>. To achieve this harmony they meditate spiritually every day, connecting with the state of the physical world and the spirit realm; Meditation chambers, small and secluded nooks, provide solace for quiet reflection, a cornerstone of the Air Nomad way of life. Beyond the main temples, specialised structures support the other daily activities. Training grounds with obstacle courses and platforms facilitate the development of physical air-bending skills while also promoting mental discipline and respect for the power they are entrusted with. These training grounds are often open-air spaces, reinforcing the connection with nature and fostering a sense of freedom during practice. Air benders, like air, move unencumbered, and freely through all obstacles even with a firm discipline. Their spaces are attuned to this.&nbsp;</p><p>Because of the desire to be one with Nature, the permanent and more temporary structures are all made with sustainable materials and are built into the readily available terrain. Training grounds sprawl across the mountainside, not as imposing battlefields, but as obstacle courses crafted from natural materials. Platforms for training turned playgrounds, and ramps for glider launches seem to merge seamlessly with the environment jutting out from the mountainside. Everything not carved from the cold steadfast mountains is built from warm wood and resilient bamboo; materials readily available and minimally processed at the expense of the local ecology. Renewable materials and their construction techniques, likely relying on traditional carpentry and joinery methods, demonstrate a profound understanding of working with, not against, the environment.</p><p><strong>Influences From the Real World</strong></p><p>The Air Temples draw heavily from real-world architectural traditions, particularly those of East Asia. The towering pagodas with their multi-tiered roofs strongly resemble structures found in China and Japan. These pagodas served as religious and educational centres, mirroring the dual purpose of the Air Temples as both monasteries and training grounds for Air Nomads.</p> <p>Another influence is the concept of Tibetan sky monasteries, built on precarious mountain cliffs. This reflects the Air Nomads' preference for high altitudes, allowing them to live in harmony with the element they bend and practice their aerial techniques. The monasteries' dependence on natural elements for light and ventilation also resonates with the Air Nomads' philosophy of living in balance with nature. </p> <p>The Air Temples transcend mere structures; they are a testament to the enduring power of morality to shape the physical world. By understanding how the Air Nomads' values are woven into the very fabric of their architecture, we can gain valuable insights into how design choices can promote a more peaceful and sustainable future. </p> <p><strong>Bridging Worlds: From Fantasy to Reality </strong></p> <p>This essay serves as the first chapter in a series exploring the architectural expression of values in the Four Nations of Avatar: The Last Air bender. Each nation, defined by its element, embodies distinct morals. By delving into the architecture of the Air Nomads, Earth Kingdom , Fire Nation, and Water Tribes, we can gain valuable in sights into the relationship between a society's values and the physical world they create. Furthermore, by examining real-world influences on the sefictional structures, we can bridge the gap between fantasy and reality, prompting reflection on how our own built environment reflects and shapes our values. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we'll explore the Earth Kingdom and how its architecture reflects their emphasis on stability, resilience, and connection to the ground.</p>
The Architecture of Grounded Freedom
By Joshua Omoijiade
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Hi, it's Joshua, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
My broad range of interests include art, design, philosophy and writing about where they might intersect. Find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/mw...
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
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41397
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging 2 min read
Kids really just want to be kids
I often think about how different it was being a kid then, and a being kid now. No.. this isn't a piece on the difference in disciplinary methods. This is more about something else - stay with me. As kids then, other than the usual adult supervision and protection, there was this freedom that allowed us to be what we were: kids. We were not exposed to as much identity politics and influences as is the case in modern times. The media rarely tried to draw our attentions towards such topics, or expose us to certain agenda. Our rights to just be kids were not threatened or a tool of propaganda. Let's examine the role of media in the lives of today's children. Some weeks ago, I sat with my nieces, as they watched some of their cartoon programs. I couldn't help but notice the amount of propaganda and agenda being pushed in each show. It got me thinking whether all that was necessary. Characters are made to be a certain way, do or say certain things, which all just came across as a form of campaign. It all took away the entertainment value. Atleast for me. There are some children's programs these days laced with a little bit of sexual and racial identity politics. All in a bid to make them inclusive at a young age. It is believed that if they can get on the inclusivity train that early, they'd make better adults. However, the problem with constantly shoving a particular ideology on to humans, is that it builds an eventual resistance. I watched cartoons as a kid, with other kids. And I do not recall any one of us being drawn to a character because of his sexual or racial, or political affiliations. I cannot remember any of my mates who loved or disliked spider man or superman, because they were a couple of white guys. We didn't care about that. We just loved their abilities and personalities. We acted like the power rangers, without caring for their sexual orientation. In all these, what mattered to us was the fun we had while we watched these programs. There is a lot of talk these days about catching kids young, and teaching the importance of inclusivity culture. But the question is; are these studios genuine about their intentions, or is it just another marketing strategy? The intent of an idea, is important to its success or failure. Now, I am not trying to invalidate any movement or orientation. What I am trying to say is sometimes we should let kids be kids, and not try to make them unofficial adults.
Kids really just want to be kids
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Esther Omemu Design Associate @ Hera Marketing
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Career and Jobs 4 min read
This thing called ‘work esteem’
Yes, it is a real thing and even though it was something I made up that is yet to make it into any dictionary, not even urban dictionary, I still stand confident that it is a real thing that we must talk about. Work esteem is a concept I developed through my years breaking into the labor market and trying to just survive. As a new graduate with no idea about my skills, what I could offer to the market, and my relevancy in this world, I already had a bad start to the beginning of what eventually became an overwhelming rollercoaster in the labor force…and I know that I am only one who felt that way. Imagine this: You have spent four or five years gaining theoretical knowledge about a course or field that you somehow found yourself in. You managed to scale through by crook and nook and sacrificing your mental health but all that is finally over, you have graduated. You start celebrating, high on life, filled with hopes for the new future you are about to experience. For some of you, you are lucky enough to already know what you want to do when you leave, for others you have legs long enough to take you anywhere, and for others, you are trying to eat your rice in peace because the thought of the future is an instant panic attack. Clearly, I was ‘others’ but let’s not digress. Halfway into the rice, the realization that you have gone from undergraduate to unemployed starts to painfully sink in and whether or not you are ready for it, you still worry a bit and you wonder how it is going to be. Fast forward to a few months later, some of you are settled nicely in your cushion offices, holding on to the coattails of whoever squeezed you in with their power. Some others are still running around trying to figure out what they need to do, CV in one hand and application to Japa in the other. The final batch made it into a company, they don’t know what they are doing there other than the fact that they can finally brag that they are gainfully employed. Yay! You finally have a job, but whilst you are super excited that you can finally join the big boys and tell people you work now, you are also starting at the bottom of the ladder, doing something you’ve never done before, and as a result, your confidence and esteem takes a real hit. For some, it starts from the first day, you’ll already start hearing a tiny voice in your head telling you that you’re not good enough and that you’re probably going to get fired soon. Stick with me…don’t stop imagining. At this point, this is where ‘work esteem’ becomes a thing and basically it means the same thing as self-esteem except it is especially suited for the work environment. I didn’t agree with myself at first that this was a thing until I started having regular mental breakdowns on Monday to Friday and then when the weekend rolled in, I was absolutely fine. I was confident in myself, my appearance, and everything else but the moment someone mentioned anything about my work or capacity, it was back down to breaking down. I concluded then that having relatively high self-esteem in my life did not translate at all to my work. I entered the labor market very beggarly because I was unsure of what I had to offer and I was too scared to ask for more or reach for more...and I spent my first two years, working aimlessly just to get scraps of compliments from my bosses. This is the moment where some people start to experience imposter syndrome and then fear of failure for others. You panic every time the phone rings, you worry every time someone comments on your work, your heart skips a thousand beat once your manager calls and almost every night, you are wondering why they haven’t fired you yet. You work like a slave and take on more tasks than you are paid for because you worry that if they fire you you can’t somewhere else or that you have to do it to properly earn your pay. You magnify every comment about your work and emotionally dwell on past failures. For me, I nearly quit many times but then again I didn’t even have the confidence to quit so I guess in a way, my low work esteem protected me. Everywhere you turn, there are a million and one people who are so much better than you. You graduated with a first-class, worked at a big company for your internship, and acquired relevant Coursera certificates yet there is one guy who is younger than who, earning nearly three times as you, started three companies already, and is the consultant for the company you work for. At this point, you have been working for a while but it feels like there is no progress, your salary is becoming even more useless but you don’t know if you can ask for more because you don’t think you deserve it. You are already hating your job, everybody on LinkedIn is working their dream jobs and earning millions of dollars at 18 and there’s you, you who is just trying to not quit and wondering why you studied 5 years in university only to suffer like this. You are considering starting a business but when you can barely send an email without typos, how would you start a business? Your ‘work esteem’ here has basically hit rock bottom. Let me tell you something, if you are experiencing this and you are wondering why this is happening to you…and why everyone else seems to be fine...I’ll let you know one thing. You are not alone. I can’t say for all people but I can boldly say this happens to a lot of people and it is okay. So here’s what you can do to overcome it. First, step out and see the light. No, sorry, that’s the wrong advice, definitely not for this post. The first thing I did to overcome this was to sit back and draw a list of the value I bring to work. What can I do? What do I do? Where am I relevant? You’ll be surprised to see how much you have been underselling yourself. If you can’t answer these questions yourself, find someone who will tell you. It could be a work colleague or a good friend, just find someone who you trust and let them sit with you through this conversation. Once you figure out what you can do, then you need to go around and search for the market value of your skills. How much are my skills worth in the market? If you realize you are worth more, then you need to decide to either stick with where you are and demand a pay raise or go somewhere you will be better appreciated. Some companies are great enough to evaluate and increase your salary without prompt but most will not…because who doesn’t like cheap labor…so you have to do it. I died a hundred times when I sent an email about an increase in my salary and even then I approached it so beggarly but surprisingly, the feedback was so positive, I wondered why I was suffering for so long. Once I started earning better, my work esteem was greatly boosted. The next thing I did was to begin to take louder initiatives so rather than labor in silence and earn nothing, I worked louder. Basically, be more proactive, and be seen. Within a few months of doing this, I got promoted twice...and up my work esteem went. Yes, you are a fresh graduate and you don’t have a lot of experience, yes, everyone else seems to know better than you and you don’t have much to offer…but it doesn’t matter. Sell yourself bigger than you truly are and then work to meet that standard…that’s the principle I now work with…and it works amazingly well. Finally, challenge yourself out of your comfort zone. Accomplishing things you were afraid to do will not only boost your work esteem but position you for better opportunities. Identify your strengths and capitalize on them; rather than dwell in misery about your weakness, make noise about your strength and make it so relevant that they can’t do without you. Let me give an example, in one of the places I worked, I created a niche department that added significant value to the company but my work esteem was too low to appreciate it. I still worked beggarly and settled for scraps. It wasn’t until I got sick one day and requested a three-day leave that the reply email read ‘due to the importance of your position, we can only offer you one day's leave’...It was at this moment, I realized how much I had undervalued my efforts for the company. I decided to add more strength to the niche department, capitalize on it and make so much noise about it until I was promoted to the head of the department. If you look back at how far you have come, you’ll be surprised at how much you have done and how much better you are than you think. So this is my little message to new graduates and fresh workers, don’t sell yourself short. Ask for more than you think you deserve at interviews, be shameless about your worth…and don’t let loyalty to any organization drag your work esteem to the trenches. Peace Until next time!
This thing called ‘work esteem’
By Esther Omemu
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David Adaaja
2 years ago
This was literally me a couple of years ago. Even made a huge mistake at work. But I've found my feet and confidence.

Hi, it's Esther, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
A creative writer born, bred and established in art of advertising...Feel free to check out my work samples here https://copyfol.io/v/mnw7r7...
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
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In Politics 3 min read
BAT
The Tinubu certificate saga has been one hot topic in the past few days. A few days ago, a picture of Chicago State University's reply concerning his studentship from 1977 to 1979 was making the rounds. Just last night, I stumbled upon another narrative saying that a "Bola A. Tinubu" attended Chicago State University but it wasn't our beloved BAT. Personally, I take this rumor with a pinch of salt but this is what you get when your facts don't line up. It's quite easy to get dents in your image especially politically, when your stories begin to sound like "Tales by Moonlight". Imagine BAT saying he didn't attend primary and secondary schools and then saying soldiers took (stole) his university certificate. We are about to enter our exodus from Buhari's hellish two tenures after he told us, he didn't have a WAEC certificate and now another one without certificate from the same party is offering to rule us? Is this the new norm? That our leaders don't have the minimum certificates required, as demanded by the constitution for such an important job, the office of the president. But Bachelor's degrees aren't enough to get our youth an entry level position in a firm. One pertinent issue is that of his age. Why has his age been altered so much on Wikipedia? It got so bad that Wikipedia had to lock Tinubu's page for persistent vandalism after his age was edited a whopping 84 times. What is he hiding? In some quarters, it is said by those who claim to know him that he may be as old as 80 years as opposed to 70 years which he claims to be. This leaves a huge question mark. Another point to note is the issue of his name. There seems to be this unsubstantiated discovery that BAT's real name is Yekini Amoda Ogunlere. It is alleged that he changed his name at some point but for what reasons. Could this be true? If this is true, it dents his image even further. Three days ago, it was reported that BAT had flown to France for a "business meeting", a cover up for medical checkups and treatment. The same person who is being touted to have made Lagos state what it is, travels abroad for medical tourism. Did he forget to add hospitals when he was making Lagos? This same BAT returned from a three-month medical trip to London last October. Knowing the effect of Buhari's medical tourism on the economy and state of the nation, we can't afford to have another sick president who takes a three-month medical vacation to treat an ear infection that his personal doctors and our health system can't handle. It is the country that needs a revival and not the other way round. Yet, he wants to be president. His only justification, "Èmi lòó kán" which translates to, "It's my turn". Èmi lòó kán which was introduced into our political lexicon by none other than BAT himself is one of the newest and hottest phrases right now. It seems to be the unofficial campaign song for the BAT camp. Laying his stake on the presidency with nothing other than "Èmi lòó kán", BAT depicts a complete disregard for our democratic processes. His now infamous phrase holds a lot of hidden, negative connotations. This man with an obvious lack of probity is who some Nigerians, even youths who should rather be contesting for the same office are rallying behind. A man whose public persona is clothed with deception and his defence riddled with too many holes. The only thing that seems true is that, BAT is a relic of the past, a memento of a bygone era and an ancestor that needs his rest.
BAT
By Tari Ogbowei
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Alfred Lagos
2 years, 7 months ago
"BAT"... Man

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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Nigeria 2 min read
THERE WASN'T A COUNTRY
<p>Four years ago, I joined millions of Nigerians to make demands of the government. These demands were under the umbrella of #Endsars. We walked the streets of Nigeria, asking for things that should ideally be provided. Imagine begging for your own rights. It's sad how things turned out. I believed that would have been the protest that would change Nigeria. I'm sure the joke is on me for believing that we can actually rewrite history. On October 20th, 2020, a generation was silenced. I dare say that the protest was the most united Nigeria had ever been. Now I understand why our parents tend to stay silent over political issues. The truth is that they know what it means not to have rights. They've arguably seen it all. They lived under military rule, so they know a lot about premium shege.</p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/1722693773846.jpg" alt=""><br></p><p>But then, who did we offend? How come we're still suffering? What did we do wrong? Only shege and football unites us. It is crystal clear that the greatest threat to any government is a united people. Growing up, we saw movies that spoke of the American Dream. What is the Nigerian dream? Is there even one? Because na nightmare, we de like this ooo. The same guy who said "Nigeria may never happen to you", lost his life in the #endsars protest. The Nigerian dream is to be fulfilled abroad. If you can afford to Japa please do o! Pariotism is sweet from the abroad. No allow make person go whine you. Could it be that the labour of our heroes past is part of why we're still backwards? Were they even heroes or villains in white cloak?</p><p>Let's be rational here: even if the present government is replaced, will things get better? It seems we're all looking for the lesser devil to lead us. I think it's high time we redefine what it means to be a Nigerian. What are our values? Make we no de Bobo ourselves with the Giant of Africa narrative abeggg. What will our children say we did? We are gradually becoming ancestors. I want my kids to remember that their dad helped forge a system that works in Nigeria. The goal is not to change the entire country but to do something significant in small spaces. My people have a saying that 'Tep tep ayuk abang'. It means that little rain drops will eventually fill the drum.</p><p><img src="/media/inline_insight_image/images (55).jpeg"><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Wait, my kids go sha get dual citizenship It's by far the second-best gift to your kids after good values and hoooge funds. The Constitution part is a given. Our lawmakers should try for us abeg. No, cancel that, abeg, they should do their jobs. Each and everyone should embrace accountability. Remember that when the centre can no longer hold, things fall apart.</span></p><p>Keep hustling in case things get wersser.</p><p>Make I go buy agbado abeg. Nigeria will not be the end of us.</p>
THERE WASN'T A COUNTRY
By Samuel Ibok
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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


Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
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In Politics 3 min read
THE EXPOSÉ ON BAT
Just yesterday, the Nigerian internet space was agog with David Hundeyin's expose on Tinubu's sordid past. His involvement in drug trafficking in Chicago, USA in the 90s. Nigerians already had an idea that BAT was involved in drugs at some point but never knew to what extent. There have been rumors, insinuations and then a few articles on it but the details were always sketchy. David Hundeyin's article is so damning. It includes exact dates, names, pictures and court documents, everything in BAT's past he had tried so hard to keep hidden and suppressed. It has enough details and supporting evidence to indict the accused person 10 times over. One may question and even doubt the veracity of this exposé as the internet is full of fake news and anyone can easily concoct "chilled zobo" to drive in engagements. For this, we have to look at who David Hundeyin is and his antecedents. David Hundeyin is an independent investigative journalist who was quite an active voice during the EndSars protests of 2020. He went into exile with a few others like himself after the protests, when the Buhari government started a clampdown on those who they felt were instrumental to the protests. Since then, his main medium has been Twitter. He single-handedly investigated the Ini Umoren murder case, doing the work of a whole team of police investigators and was able to pinpoint the murderer and his cohorts with almost a 90 percent accuracy given the information at his disposal. He was even able to indict a serving Superintendent of Police who was also a serving DPO for complicity in the crime, yet nothing was ever done. He investigated African tech unicorn, Flutterwave, for sexual misconduct, fraud, perjury, insider trading, money laundering and some other misconducts. A huge defense was put out but only recently, it was reported that the Kenyan government had frozen accounts in their country linked to Flutterwave for alleged money laundering. For years, Nigerians had heard that Boko Haram had sponsors among the affluent of the Nigerian Muslim society and also within President Buhari's government. This was even backed up by foreign security reports from America and even Dubai, yet our government didn't do as much as bat an eyelid and then here comes, David Hundeyin with his "Cornflakes for Jihad: The Boko Haram Origin Story" article. This particular article had irrefutable evidence against our Minister of Communication, Isa Pantami as a sponsor and Boko Haram sympathiser, who the American government had on its terrorist list but our government with its attitude of impunity went on like nothing had happened. Mr. Hundeyin's sources and stories have been proven to be credible time and again. His work is impeccable and he is touted as being so good, he can dig up dirt on anyone and even give one a history of themselves or their parents, which they have no idea about. He has taken on individuals, large corporations and even the government and has been proved right everytime. Mr. Hundeyin, as a result of his work and his satirical responses to would be attackers has been given many names on Twitter, like "The chief cook of vawulence", "The coach of vawulence FC", and "The principal of vawulence secondary school" among many others. Recently a poll was conducted and he won the title, "The king of clap backs". He is a terror to perceived enemies as they don't dare to cross his path out of fear of their dirty dealings being exposed. Mr. Hundeyin doesn't just write for content and engagement but to help Nigerians see properly, the deceit of the current order which they would ordinarily not have access to. He spends his time and scarce resources to keep Nigerians abreast of truths, swept under the carpet and forgotten to enable the bulk of Nigerians make informed decisions and do away with the current order. Yet, after all of these and his very recent exposé on BAT, some people are still so adamant and blind, that they have decided to follow BAT, even if he leads them to "Hades". In my opinion, anyone, especially from the lower class who after reading Mr. Hundeyin's exposé and still decides that voting for BAT is the right thing to do is the Pharoah of his own destiny. The Egyptians he sees today, he will see tomorrow and keep seeing forever. For the purpose of context, find the link to this exposé below: https://westafricaweekly.substack.com/p/bola-ahmed-tinubu-from-drug-lord?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share
THE EXPOSÉ ON BAT
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon
city Ota 2 years, 7 months ago
My dear, I will say it time and again, vote for who you want and PREPARE for the CONSEQUENCES because they would be dire.

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Are ‘African solutions’ like Kenya and Ethiopia’s intervention in Somalia any more legitimate or less controversial than other international effort...
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What are your thoughts on brand activism and cause-marketing and how brand mangers could use this to connect effectively with consumers?
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics 3 min read
The EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE 2023 ELECTIONS: FLASHLIGHT ON TWITTER
Since the creation of the internet, the world has gradually become a global village. The advent of digital media like social media sites makes this village even smaller. The likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp have evolved the manner in which information is shared as they are now the main means of disseminating information. The unique features these social media sites come with, make them really popular and it seems almost everyone with a smart phone has at least one social media account. The most popular of them seems to be Twitter, as it has little restrictions unlike the others. We live in a very fast-paced world nowadays and people can’t be bothered to spend a lot of time reading blogs or full-length news articles. Thus, the birth of microblogging—allowing people to share their thoughts or information in 280 characters. Twitter has the effect of giving people the feeling of being neighbours in a virtual street. Everyone and anyone with an account is accessible. Twitter encourages a high level of interaction with people all over the world even without any form of personal relationship. You don't have to know a person directly or be on their friends' list to have an interaction with their content. One could literally be in Nigeria have people in America interacting with their content. Although on social media, ordinary people can speak to anyone, even those in power without fear or favour but it goes a notch further on Twitter. Tweeps as Twitter users are called enjoy some form of identity protection as they can use pseudonyms as account names if they wish. Ordinary people have dared to call out, insult and even expose president's, politicians in general and large organisations and gone unscathed as these tweeps are largely untraceable. A lot of companies use Twitter to provide instant customer support. It provides faster communication lines than traditional support via phone. Twitter’s popularity as the go-to source of real-time news worldwide is the top reason why people visit the social networking site. It’s a popular outlet to report breaking news. Traditional marketing is not enough these days to maintain brand visibility in line with the business' target audience. Social media platforms play a huge role when it comes to promoting products and connecting with customers. Twitter remains a popular social media platform for marketers. All of this contributes to it's huge popularity and this is supported by the statistics. It is said that Twitter has some 330 million active users (MAU) based on its last reported data that leveraged this metric in the 1st quarter of 2019. As of 2020, Twitter’s monetizable daily active users (mDAU) stands at 166 million, which represents a 24% growth from 2019. Meanwhile, in the US alone, Twitter has 69.3 million active users as of January 2021. In Nigeria, Twitters popularity and usefulness was put to the test when it was used to organise the famous EndSars protest of 2020. That protest was one unlike the country has ever witnessed before, as the protest was coordinated in the 36 States of the federation and the FCT basically on Twitter. Dates, venues, safety tips, warnings and all were all passed on Twitter. Nigerians defied odds, disregarded ethno-religious sentiments and banded together to protest bad governance and oppression. It is that same energy that many Nigerians are bringing into the 2023 elections and have been using social media platforms especially Twitter, to campaign for their respective candidates. One candidate's popularity seems to visibly soar above that of others and many people, probably out of concern or rather fear keep pointing out that it's just social media hype. They say the supporters of Peter Obi are only on social media and not "on ground". To this, I reply, are the owners of these accounts not real people? Mr. Obi's supporters are touted to only be on social media, yet you find photos and videos of those running campaigns for him from their offices, homes, on the streets and in the markets, sensitising others on the need to register for and get their PVCs. Social media support is unreal and only virtual, yet other candidates seem to be making extra effort to have a social media presence. It is being rumoured that a certain candidate has recruited a number of influencers to help boost his popularity while undermining that of his opponents. Whatever anyone says, it is obvious that social media is the real deal and the candidates are doing everything to court the attention of the Nigerians online and improve their ratings as this would have a huge effect on the elections.
The EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE 2023 ELECTION...
By Tari Ogbowei
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Esther Omemu Design Associate @ Hera Marketing
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Content Creators 3 min read
The True Art of Advertising is Dead! (Part 1)
<span class="html-content"><p>I dare digital marketers or social media managers to argue with me on this.</p> <p>I was born, bred, and established in advertising, this is the first line of my bio on my portfolio and it is the truest statement I have ever made. I was born at the age when people who worked in advertising were some of the coolest people to walk the face of the business world. A time when people sacrificed their personal and family time to tell their client’s brand stories and create unified beautiful memories for customers that lasted the test of time. Time when visiting my father’s agency was the most exciting thing for me as a young child and watching them work would always make me marvel.’</p> <p>Advertising is no longer what it used to be. I can say this over and over again…I weep when I see billboards or hear radio adverts these days…Like ‘how on earth did we get here’. I am tempted to drag brands but I’ll leave that for another post. It is almost depressing to watch the creative ingenuity that used to dwell in the world of advertising fall so badly; to see how real creativity has been replaced for mediocrity and how visual craftsmanship has been discarded because everyone is busy chasing after algorithms and big data or how people who have no business leading agencies, people who are simply voracious consumers of the internet and loud noise makers on social platforms have designed themselves ‘digital marketers’ and are dragging the art down to the mud.</p> <p>When my dad and I talk about work these days, our stories would always start with ‘back in the days’ and end with ‘oh the good old times’ because there is hardly anything new to stand as a reference for good and proper advertising. Some brands are trying their best, struggling and holding onto the thin threads left of what advertising used to be but really, in all truth, the true art of advertising is dead.</p> <p>The advertising that brought us memorable and iconic campaigns has been upended and now we are left with the low effort, low budget, ‘how hard can it be’ campaigns that reveal how truly the mighty men of advertising have fallen. How the advertising industry used creative imagination to achieve commercial impact was something we used to be in awe of. How bright minds would gather, tell stories, and dig deep into their repertoires to harness craft and skills that gave us things to laugh at, to cry at, and to remember for good. The ads back then were more than ads, they were exceptional pieces rich in art, storytelling, and innovation that left lasting impressions. They entertained, informed, and influenced changes in their time. Think of Mama Do Good- Indomie1 or "Papilo" by Peak when they harnessed the story of a young man who rose from grass to grace and infused it into the reality of so many Nigerians that it felt so much like drinking peak milk was all we needed in life to make it. Remember ‘Boom sha sha" by Mimee Noodles or "To me, to me" by Indomie. The ad was more than just a sales pitch for Indomie but a relatable idea about making the world a better place. Many children and adults who downloaded the jingle solely for listening enjoyment were motivated by it, and the sound of that music continues to this day to bring back pleasant recollections of earlier times. What about Step by Step" by Blue Band, this stirs so many memories that sometimes you are moved to tears. There is"Cowbell our milk" by Cowbell or "B without BB" by Blue Band.</p> <p>Oh…the good old times!</p><p>Now, I am not done...there's a whole lot to be said about this topic...stay tuned for the second part!</p> </span>
The True Art of Advertising is Dead! (Part 1)
By Esther Omemu
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Oluseyi Vandy
city Lagos 2 years, 1 month ago
I remember the era of blueband, wilson teamate bread, indomie, knor even sky banks and guiness era then. Art

Hi, it's Esther, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
A creative writer born, bred and established in art of advertising...Feel free to check out my work samples here https://copyfol.io/v/mnw7r7...
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Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
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In History and Culture 3 min read
A Peep At The Famous Kalacuta Republic
It would be quite unsurprising if I am told that those who were born in the late 90s and even 2000s do not know about the famous Kalacuta Republic or have never heard about it. The reason of course is not farfetched. It is either they do not care to read history textbooks, listen to Nigerian history documentaries on the radio and television, or they are just knowledge haters. Yes, you heard that right. People are so different and weird when it comes to knowledge seeking. That notwithstanding, let us get straight to the main focus of this article. Derived from the "Black Hole of Calcutta Dungeon" located in India, Nigeria's famous Kalacuta Republic is the name given to the residence where Nigeria's popular afro -pop musician - Fela Kuti, his family, band group and recording studio lived. Interestingly, Kalacuta is also a mockery of a prison cell named "Calcutta". Located presently at No. 14 Agege road, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria, the Kalacuta Republic accommodates a recording facility as well as a health clinic. It is on record that upon the musical icon's return from the United States in 1970, exactly after the Nigerian Civil War, he declared the Kalacuta Republic, an Independent entity or nation so to speak from the Nigerian State and her military government which he repeatedly referred to as "Wayo government" meaning fraudulent government. Consequently, the compound - a part of the Kalacuta Republic was burned to the ground on February 18, 1977 after an assault perpetrated by Nigerian soldiers (based on an order given by the military government). This was obviously a rage that erupted because of Fela's reference to them as 'ombie' in his song. You know that saying - the truth is bitter and when it is told, it discomforts the offenders? The same thing happened to the military junta which decided to react offensively against Fela Kuti. In the song Zombie, Fela ctiticised Nigerian soldiers of his time for obeying orders blindly and foolishly, allowing themselves to be used as tools to wreck havoc against the same people they pledged loyalty to defend and protect. Having being frustrated with the Nigerian army's rank and file that allowed corruption and the intimidation of the people to thrive unceasingly, Fela vehemently expressed his dissatisfaction and outright rejection of the government's impunity. His song 'Zombie' was so popular in Nigeria to the extent that it drew the attention of then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was unhappy with Fela Kuti's constant lambasting of his government. During the attack at the Kalacuta Republic, it was unfortunate that Fela Kuti's mother, Frances Abigai Olufumilayo was thrown out of the window of the second floor, an infamous event which led to her death after being in coma for about two months. On February 20, 1978, the Ace afro-pop giant secretly married twenty-seven women - his back-up singers who were popularly known as the Kalacuta Queens. When asked of his reason for marrying these twenty-seven women, he explained that he did what he did in order to give them social and economic security and save them from the thorns of unemployment and poverty especially after the recording studio had been destroyed. To Fela Kuti, these women needed to be protected as the Yoruba tradition demands. Even upon Fela Kuti's demise, the Kalacuta Republic has remained a legendary and historical site for the remembrance of Nigeria's struggles and quest for equity, fairness, justice and good governance. This explains that the trouble with Nigeria never started today or even yesterday; it began the moment men began to think with their nose, see with their anus and lead with their ego! The problem of Nigeria began the moment the British saw Nigeria as a good business conglomerate and Nigerians as perfect commodities of trade. Unfortunately, this same ideology was handed down to the leaders of the first republic who instead of truncating it and creating a new vision for the country, decided to embrace it. Today, the Kalacuta Republic has been rebuilt and turned into a museum - the Kalacuta Museum. It was officially launched and opened for public usage on October 15, 2012 in commemoration of Fela Kuti's 74th posthumous birthday. The museum contains the display of Fela Kuti's dance clothing, Instruments, artworks, restaurant and a hotel. Indeed, the Kalacuta Republic was a Republic in a Republic.
A Peep At The Famous Kalacuta Republic
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Tobi Igbinedion
city Lagos 1 month, 4 weeks ago

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


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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Relationships 2 min read
Love, breakfast, and other meals
This is not my forte, and I haven’t eaten breakfast before. Don’t worry; you'll find out why I said that at the end of this piece. There’s a lot of talk about the future of work and other aspects of life, but there is little talk about the future of love. I know it sounds like a gap in literature, but focus! These days, I picture long distance relationships as remote work. I think the meaning and content of love have been trivialized almost beyond repair. Relax, there’s still hope for you! So, what I see these days is people getting into contracts that they call relationships. The craze over this is becoming unbearable. Even teens are in relationships! I think some people don’t even realize that relationships are technically contracts, and some contracts go south. You could end up on the losing end. So yeah, if your heart is broken at the end of the day, cry (if you’re a lady) or go drink beer (if you’re a guy). I said what I said with my full chest! The post-breakfast period for a lot of people can be traumatic and unproductive. I don’t mean to take matters of the heart with levity, but you should know that sometimes love breaks more than it can fix. Sometimes the person who gives you the world may take it from you. I know someone who started performing poorly at work because she was served breakfast. So yeah, it has a way of affecting your entire being. With what I have seen, I feel like in a few years, every relationship would become mostly transactional. In other words, relationships would be perceived like New Year's resolutions. I do this, you do that, and so on. From here, the idea of love would become vague. If this occurs, the global rate of procreation may be reduced. I'm saying this because people would barely see the need to have children, and if they did, it would probably be one. I also think promiscuity would be normalized, which could cause a spike in cases of STDs and increased abortions. This is because "lust thrives in the absence of commitment". Accordingly, we may have lots of single parents and maybe lots of people involved in vices because of a lack of proper parenting. All of these are partly tied to the contagious "woke" mindset people have. As disjointed as this article may seem, there is an inherent danger in building a society where anything goes and which is devoid of "love." One thing leads to another, and I feel there’d be a chain reaction if something were not put in place. I’m not a preacher of love, but I think the future of love would be quite interesting. I’d like to see your opinion on what "love" would be like in the next 50 years. This wasn't written after breakfast! Learn Unlearn Relearn
Love, breakfast, and other meals
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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
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In Politics 2 min read
Politics and Stomach Infrastructure
<span class="html-content"> <p>This particular political season has been the most interesting yet and promises to get more interesting in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.The choice of candidates, the manner in which they were elected to represent their parties, what the people have to say about it and what they're willing to do about it.</p> <p>Just yesterday, in the wee hours, the APC primary elections were concluded and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) was announced the winner after the overnight event. Two things were visibly notable during the event. First is how BAT was vibrating like a broken blender, his hands shaking like the ambassador for Parkinson disease. It took BAT more than 20 seconds to flip a page from the script he was reading from.</p><p>Secondly was how most of the candidates were withdrawing their candidacy and throwing their weight behind BAT. In a country where corruption is rife and buying of delegates is normal, we could say BAT is a political genius. While other contestants were buying delegates, BAT was buying his fellow aspirants and by extension their delegates. The move of a master chess player, a seasoned strategist with a touch of genius.</p><p>That being said, it has been proven in history that countries and kingdoms which are ruled by weak and sick leaders are usually plagued by wars and economic mishaps during their reign. The fact that the APC would give its ticket to a man who's so old, we're not even sure of his age as he keeps shrouding it in mystery and secrecy like a Vatican antique makes it obvious that it doesn't mean well for Nigeria and Nigerians. After our almost 8 year stint with Buhari, the party is willing to field another senile ancestor who should be in a retirement home is disappointing to say the least. It is surprising as well as appalling to see much younger candidates who I believe would have more to offer allow themselves be bought off but it shows just one thing. Our political class is guided by greed and not what they can offer to the people and country. There is not a single care for the citizenry. All they care about is their stomach infrastructure.</p> </span>
Politics and Stomach Infrastructure
By Tari Ogbowei
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta 1 month ago

It's been almost two years since this write up and it's interesting how all the fears you highlighted came to pass..

What do you...


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Bryan Emejor Content Creator @ TwoCents
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In Music and Entertainment 2 min read
I think there's enough money in the music industry to go around.
<span class="html-content"> <p>Do I have the math to back it up? Probably not but there must be a lot of money, with the rate artistes have been suing each other lately over copyright infringement and intellectual property theft. For those people who have been wondering if the law works in the industry, I guess now we know it does.</p> <p>We have seen the biggest names face lawsuits on infringement, up from 2baba, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid, down to the newbies; BadboyTimz and the latest, Joeboy. Yep! Joeboy has just been threatened with a copyright lawsuit, by Asa and she's demanding for #300 million in compensation. Apparently, this is for his new song, "Contour", there was a sample and producer issue. I get the issue but literally everyone aware of the news is in a frenzy about the amount demanded.</p> <p>I can't remember a time where the music industry had such lawsuits flying around consecutively. I mean, even BadboyTimz sued his former record label for libelous publication. I think it's awesome that artistes are taking the value of their craft more seriously but if these monetary demands flying up and down gets serious, it might be a big problem.</p><p>&nbsp;I hope nobody goes dirt digging into Omah Lay's latest album, "Boy Alone" for any copyright problem o. That was and is still a masterpiece and the sure boy just purchased a mansion on Lagos Island for almost half a billion naira. Yep, I don't think that guy is really alone o. 😅</p> </span>
I think there's enough money in the music indus...
By Bryan Emejor
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Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
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In History and Culture 5 min read
IRONIC VICTIM MENTALITY OF THE FOUNDATIONAL BLACK AMERICAN
<span class="html-content"> <p>One thing I would tell you about Kanye is, there is no one like him. Man just knows how to sell himself and let his confidence flow without apologies.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>I once watched a video of him where he was asked why he stopped talking about "the culture" and he said he has turned his back on it because it celebrates things that lead you down a rabbit hole and there is no accountability (this is me interpreting what he said, it's a whole other vibe when you see it). He said the culture talks about "guns and shooting up a block" and got rappers talking about things that could get them locked up, then when they are released, they start touting "gun control and prison reform". </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Ironic, right? I totally agree 💯</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Because why in God's name would you think that any of that is acceptable and then cry "oppression" </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>I believe he was right when he said "slavery was a choice" and you can see the evidence of it everyday. Maybe the statement was a little controversial but let us examine some scenarios.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>First of all, have you ever heard that someone would come into your house and just make you a slave unless you have them access? Me neither</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>If the "White Man" had the confidence to come and buy people from your country and in exchange, gave you a few shiny things, it means that is the idea you had sold to him. It means slavery was already prevalent. The idea that "we were all kings" is a facade because if we were all kings, who was being ruled? And who sold who to the white man? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Let's jump to spending ability. A Foundational Black American would save up, wait in the queue to get the new pair of Jordans or whatever shoe brand was out, or the latest Chanel bag just to "look rich", while going back to sleep in a trailer or whatever dump he or she lives in. Then you tout "generational wealth" and how you are not getting enough allocation because the whites see you as less than. Have you taken a good look at your financial habits? What are your priorities? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the music and over sexualized portrayal of your race which you seemingly enjoy and also complain about? Because why on earth are you getting a BBL every two working days, or draping yourself in all the gold or icy chains you can find just to portray a certain look? Why would you boast about shooting up a "nigga" or "bitch'' if they blink wrong, yelling"thug life" like it's supposed to be some sort of litany to the gods? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Then you complain about getting shot by the cops, when the rate at which you kill yourselves is higher. You boast about it, you join gangs for whatever dumb reason and kill rival gangs just because. How about stop celebrating silly stuff and calling it "ART" because you desecrate that word on a daily.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the normalization of drug crimes and drug lords(well you get a pass because the Mexicans are the major players)but my goodness, have you seen the content displayed on the Shade room? The normalization of babymamas and absentee father's is appalling and the "ho" culture being celebrated(Diddy) is one for the books.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>What about when you find your fellow "black person" or "brotha or sista' going to school, getting a decent job and talking well, and earning well and you start mocking them or calling them names like "coon", "sellout" "corny" or say they are "talking white"? How about they are pronouncing the words well and not twisting it to what you deem necessary?</p><p>Just two weeks ago, NORE of Drinkchamps podcast complained that the Black entertainers would always prefer to go to white news outlets to promote their stuff, instead of coming to black media.</p><p>But why won't they? When you invite them on your show, it is to ask them questions that do not relate to their music, in a bid to stir up controversy and get "views". There is clearly a difference between white and black interviewers in terms of comfort and professionalism. Not everyone is comfortable with that and when they react, you say they aren't being "real".&nbsp;<br></p><p>Okay Real Housewife 🌝🌚😒😒</p><p>Which brings me to my next point in these so called "reality shows" that help promote and reiterate the stereotypes you claim you do not like. All for entertainment and the paper, right? Yeah🌚</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Or is it the racism displayed just as much, especially when you insult people who have the same skin tone as you, just because they are not in America, and when you get hit, you throw your silly hands in the air, and play the victim card? (Tariq, I see you dropout) You can be just as racist, even to "wypipo" as you call them Caucasians.</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Now, I am not saying the Whites are innocent in any of what has happened to the Blacks, because they have done a whole lot of nonsense and "Karens" are walking around scot free but can we actually do some introspection?</p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>Charity, we are told, begins at home, so why not start being accountable to yourselves and probably see how well things would pan out for you. The change starts from you and evolves. </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>What did I forget to mention? </p><p></p><p></p> <p></p><p></p><p>How silly have these tantrums been and how long have they gone on? Or how wrong am I? </p><p></p> <p></p><p></p> <p></p> </span>
IRONIC VICTIM MENTALITY OF THE FOUNDATIONAL BLA...
By Queensley Okon
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Tomi Walker
city Lagos 3 weeks ago

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


Hi, it's Queensley, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Virtual Assistant, Freelance Writer, and help with your academic research. Reach me here https://wa.me/2348167337301
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Relationships 2 min read
APATHY: THE MOST POTENT FUEL IN THE OBNOXIOUS GENDER WAR
<span class="html-content"> <p>There is a gender war going on, and I believe by now everyone is aware of this. To those however who are not aware, a trip to social media is more than sufficient to convince you. Hardly a day goes by on the social media space, without encountering posts pitting the male vs female genders against one another. Believe me, it is annoying.</p> <p>Soldiers one both sides argue against the privileges of the other side, while refusing to accept their own privileges. Truth is both genders have their privileges and their drawbacks. The question is what is stopping us from acknowledging this?</p> <p>My answer is apathy. Apathy is basically the lack of sympathy towards from one person or group, towards another. It is the lack of concern or interest to things or people around you. In the gender war, this is the biggest dividing force. When one party refuses to acknowledge the concerns of another, we do nothing to alleviate it. There by, increasing the strain in relationship between both parties.</p> <p>With apathy, a man who complains about the societal pressures to provide, is countered by a woman who complains about the pressures of keeping the home. No one genuinely listens to the other, rather it devolves into an argument of "who suffer pass". No one looks to see how they can help ease the grievances or pressures on the other. It is rather a 'carry your cross' affair. Take a look at posts on apps like Twitter or Instagram, highlighting a particular gender's challenges. Such posts are turned quickly into a battle ground for the male vs female war. The truth is, you cannot expect sympathy from others, if you do not also show sympathy.</p> <p>Perhaps if there is a measure of empathy between both parties, we would edge closer to a ceasefire in this obnoxious gender war. Empathy allows us to feel for others, to sympathize with them. The need for empathy in our society, cannot be over emphasized. The ability to put the feelings of others into consideration, makes for a better relationship. Men, as well as women, should know this. Listen genuinely to the grievances of the other party, respect their feelings; this leads to yours being respected as well. </p> <p>I hope we realize and accept this soon, because I am sure we are all exhausted with the numerous daily battles between genders, across social media.</p> </span>
APATHY: THE MOST POTENT FUEL IN THE OBNOXIOUS G...
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Queensley Okon
city Ota 2 years, 8 months ago
So true. Sympathy begets sympathy and in turn, peace. Nailed it

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In People and Society 3 min read
The Matrix Reloaded: In God's Name
<span class="html-content"><p>I believe that "no matter how poor the African continent is, the economy of its churches remains buoyant." In many regards, they are our trophies and a pointer to where we invest.</p> <p>It's quite crazy how a lot of people shy away from having discussions about religion. It becomes more heated when people from different religious backgrounds, or, should I say, opposing religious backgrounds, are involved. Yeah, I chose that term because that's what it appears to be.&nbsp;</p><p>Could it be a design of the matrix to make us fight for a supreme god we've never seen?&nbsp;</p><p>The truth is that religion is at the heart of the decisions we make. Even fashion is influenced by religion. Religion serves as both a motivator and a justification for violence. Yes, people kill for their god. For me, it makes no sense, but most people never had the chance to choose their religion. Even adults can suspend logic for religion.&nbsp;</p><p>Following 911, a new narrative attached terrorism to religion. So when some people think of terror, they think of some religions.&nbsp;</p><p>My question is this: Is religion the issue, or are we just evil? Is there evil locked in the closet of the human heart?</p> <p>Is religion a source of terror?&nbsp;</p><p>Even in democracies, people still vote based on religion. The political elites are masters of this game. I mean using religion to create an alliance. I won't lie; I think I have been equally infected. In this regard, competence is not the core of our selection of leaders but rather their religious affiliation. People vote for politicians based on their religious beliefs, even if those politicians have previously crossed the carpet for obvious reasons such as corruption. Maybe religion has made men mad or man has mastered the art of storytelling and has weaponized religion. It seems the only pure thing from the gods has corrupted us.&nbsp;</p><p>Children, our future, have been used as beggars on the street in the name of religion. In the name of religion, some parents inflict harm on their children. Spare the rod, and spoil the child appears to be a reasonable justification for violence. To me, "pikin wey go get sense go get sense. Notably, we seem to forget that we all have rights and a choice to either subject our kids to violence or let them live as humans. I think it's difficult to experience freedom if your conception of religion is extreme. For example, you think all other religions are fake and yours is real or true. Let's assume that you are right; you don't have to rub it in people's faces. It's extremely uncomfortable to leave an idea you've lived with your entire life.&nbsp;</p><p>I'm certain that the leaders of the Matrix understand the division that religion can cause, so they deploy it strategically to divide us. Also, how come the most religious corners of the world are poor, or should I say underdeveloped? This could make you think of religion as a business where the masses pay taxes to their religious slave masters. Another SWERVE is how some religious leaders are among the top 1% of society. I thought they were supposed to give their all to the lord and society. Conversely, they're humans with rights, and it's okay if they are wealthy. Religious leaders are arguably some of the most powerful people in society. Their opinions are largely bought by their followers. People take their words as the word of God because they perceive them as holy vessels. Shae you wan de whine me niii! Some of them are, but definitely not all of them. I think it's fair to say that we are stuck with religion. We all have to consciously decide the kind of life we live.&nbsp;</p><p>In the end, would religion make you free or would it change you?&nbsp;</p><p>Answer truthfully!&nbsp;</p><p>Maybe religion is the greatest algorithm.</p> <p>The things we do in God's name!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p> <p>Keep an eye out for Matrix Revolutions... </p> </span>
The Matrix Reloaded: In God's Name
By Samuel Ibok
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Udochi Umeha
city Lagos 3 weeks, 6 days ago

Hey Ssmuel. I feel this is probably not as complex as you've made it look.


Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 274
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In People and Society 3 min read
The Moses Phenomenon
<p>Reflecting on this remarkable nation can provoke various emotions from anyone, such as love, frustration, anger, and the need to take action. I've come to realize something significant.</p><p><br></p><p>The responsibility of leadership or the path of a savior is never an easy one. I use the term "responsibility" because that's exactly what it is. While others lead carefree lives, you constantly remain aware of not just yourself, but also of your surroundings. You are conscious of how you and those around you are impacted by harsh conditions. Moreover, you hold yourself to a higher standard because, unlike others, you can't help but feel the need to address these issues. This can be as simple as acknowledging that something is wrong.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout history, there have been numerous great men and women who have been called saviors, standing up and standing out when their people needed them. They brought their people together, instilling belief and trust. We often hear the inspiring stories that propelled these individuals into the spotlight, like Moses, but there is a darker side to their journeys. Moses, for instance, never made it to the promised land.</p><p><br></p><p>Many Nigerians have mentioned that "Nigeria(ns) are not worth fighting for." However, I'm sure you can think of a list of individuals who have not only risked their own lives and health, but also those of their friends and family. They did so not for personal gain, but because they could not bear the suffering any longer. They wanted those around them to believe that life held more than mere survival. Sadly, the reward they receive is often unjust. The very people they fought for may turn against them and tarnish their efforts, or when these helpers face adversity or are attacked, instead of receiving support from the people they fought for, they are met with silence.</p><p><br></p><p>In some instances, after these individuals are no longer around, their people return to the old ways they had fought to change. Alternatively, if they are forcibly removed, they might become topics of discussion online for a mere 2-3 days. Their entire effort is reduced to a hashtag that fails to honor their legacy or their cause, with messages such as "may Nigeria not happen to you and your family," before swiftly moving on to the latest in a string of distracting and senseless topics.</p><p><br></p><p>If you ever wonder why, I can relate, and though I do not claim to have a definitive answer, I do believe that we do not value life, nor do we value ourselves. I do not mean this in monetary terms, as we already place excessive emphasis on that aspect, to the point of overvaluation (if we are being honest). Rather, I refer to dignity and pride, recognizing that no individual should have to beg for food or be brought low for others to feel important or needed. Every person is precious, and if they act foolishly or make mistakes, they should be corrected, yet still embraced and shown love when they repent or learn from their errors.</p><p><br></p><p>The reality of fighting for people's development has caused genuine concerned individuals to step back, while opportunists and "cashtivists," individuals who pretend to fight for the people but are actually motivated by personal gain, have rushed in. These opportunists are swift to switch sides when presented with the opportunity to join the very people they claim to be fighting against. They always have a price and are willing to sacrifice others to attain it.</p><p><br></p><p>So, have you lost your fire to not only do what is right but to speak up, or have you been numbed by society?</p>
The Moses Phenomenon
By Oluseyi Vandy
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Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
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Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Education 3 min read
How being disloyal and Childish can make you a polyglot
Hello, I'm coming clean here on the first line; that title was just to grab your attention. If you stick around, you might find out why it's not too far from the truth. For my first insight on Twocents, I wanted to tell everyone about something I'm a veritable expert in; Me learning languages. I don't have much data on the subject matter, but I have been my guinea pig for the past seven years. I can tell you that I have now taught myself french to an intermediate level and I'm enjoying being a beginner at Italian at the moment. Before I go into where disloyalty and childish traits come into helping me achieve this, I want to establish some facts about the subject in question here (me). For starters, I had already absorbed another language other than English by the time I was six years old. I realise this is important to mention because I have seen multiple studies that say bilinguals find it easier to learn new languages. A study from the University of Haifa is my go-to for this part of my story: "Bilinguals find it easier to learn a third language as they gain a better aptitude for languages". It's all there in the fine print. I unconsciously absorbed Idoma from my mother, another polyglot and maybe I have some edge that I think is worth mentioning; an aptitude for learning languages. That being said, my Idoma is more potent in listening and having absorbed the language without intention, I can't boast of acquiring language learning skills I could easily replicate. Beyond my bilingual background (a disposition I believe applies to most Nigerians), I am unsure of any other constraining factors I can prove here. say "intelligence", for example. On the matter of disloyalty. I developed a fascination with french in my second year of University because it simply sounded excellent amongst other things. We had a french course we all had to undertake that taught us very little in the way of useful french, but when I started, I used any app I could lay my hands on. I had free trials open on Babbel, rosetta stone, tried Duolingo in its nascent form and even when I stayed on it I went about picking its weaknesses apart just so I could find some other app or website that filled the gap. this immensely helped me, so I'm begging you to be disloyal with your learning. pick a Main tool (Duolingo in my case) and find a host of side apps and tools to help where your learning device [read as partner] comes up short. As for being childish; children are amazing. they go around being idiots with pride and they find everything interesting at least till they abandon it (disloyal as they must be to learn). the second ingredient in picking up your next language is childish curiosity and the willingness to be an idiot. I realise I have just told you to be a disloyal idiot, but I have been doing this for seven years now, and I can't complain even if others surely can. I watched films as best as I could in french, I used youtube children's books narrations, I kissed my Duolingo app good morning each day then went out to cheat on it with my other teachers. I played my video games in french, and read my football news in French; I faked being french till I could understand my shows without Les sous-titres; so maybe I know a bit about what I'm saying. I want to conclude by wishing you luck in your learning endeavours and I hope you'll be a slutty foolish learner who speaks many languages eventually.
How being disloyal and Childish can make you a ...
By Joshua Omoijiade
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Tomi Walker
city Lagos 2 years, 1 month ago
I find it very fascinating the number of Nigerians who are actively seeking to learn a new language. I wonder what is the driving factor ...

Hi, it's Joshua, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
My broad range of interests include art, design, philosophy and writing about where they might intersect. Find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/mw...
Score | 418
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2478
59508
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In People and Society 2 min read
SUITS
<span class="html-content"> <p>Suitsssssss!</p> <p>I don't know about you but I do feel a certain way whenever I put them suits on. Well, besides the fact that i look good in them, I think people categorize you as being sane or responsible just because you wear a suit. It's I'm crazy but true. I'm sure you've probably heard the adage that "as you dress so would you be addressed". There's actually a billboard in the University of Uyo that reiterates that fact.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Abeg relax!&nbsp;</p><p>Before you go woke, unapologetic, and king Kong on me, try and get my point. Unapologetic doesn't mean intelligent so calm down. 😅</p><p>Before you start disputing the assertion kindly keep in mind the fact that we are living in a world that is very diverse.</p> <p>Every society perceives appearance differently. It is normal for people to develop certain notions about others just because of what they're wearing. "Every time you put on a dress you are on trial!" Society is the great judge! The question is "what do you plead?"</p> <p>So, I know I don't have to decide what you should wear but posterity would judge me in bad light if I fail to advise you to watch what you wear. They may actually cost you. You must learn to study the trends and compare it to the extant norms in your society.&nbsp;</p><p>Before you reveal that summer body remember that winter is coming!&nbsp;</p><p>No go do pass yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>Advise is like an elective course, not everyone would take it!</p><p><br></p><p>Learn Unlearn Relearn&nbsp;</p> </span>
SUITS
By Samuel Ibok
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Waripamo Allen
city Yenagoa 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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


Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 605
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
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In Politics 3 min read
Nigerians and the 2023 Elections
Since the return to democracy on May 29, 1999, Nigeria's electoral system and processes have been featured by a great degree of voter apathy and by extension, democratic sabotage. This unfortunate situation has gone from bad to worse as the voting population voluntarily refuse to vote during elections thus citing a lack of patriotism, concern or absolute nonchalance towards elections. It is not uncommon to mention the fact that a lot of Nigerians are fed up with the pitiful situation of the country such that they have become so disconnected with political arrangements and activities in the country. This is evident as at most Newspaper reading joints in the country, one may find a few persons who are pleased to discuss and/or argue about some striking political issues in the country; nowadays, these readers take more pleasure in reading local and international sports and entertainment news. However, those of them who read up political events only do so because they do not want to feel left out on the obvious daily negative news of rapacious corruption, insecurity and nepotism across the country. Truth be told, a lot of Nigerians today are tirelessly complaining about the ills of bad governance, lack of accountability, corruption, ethnic chauvinism, nepotism, religious intolerance, social exclusion, unemployment, inequality and poverty in the country. However, it is unfortunate that these complaints, worries and frustrations have been met with little or no serious efforts by the federal and state governments. Today, the Nigerian economy has witnessed two depressing economic recessions in the last six years with the government helpless, and always confused in handling the situation. Again, foreign exchange has incessantly increased to about #800 per $1; inflation has gone up mercilessly, there is food insecurity and shortage across the country and above all, poverty has become the order of the day. In the light of all these worrisome and heart-wrenching occurrences in the country, many Nigerians have become ghosts of themselves and are looking for a helper and messiah that would take them out of Egypt. What they have forgotten is that they are the architect of the challenges they face today. Their nonchalance and lack of seriousness towards performing their constitutional responsibility of voting during elections resulted in letting in quack and inexperienced leaders into government. And of course, when an inexperienced driver is on the steering of a car, people should not expect anything less than a brutal accident on the highway. If Nigerians truly want good governance; If we truly want a Nigeria that we would be proud of, then, we should let go of being apolitical and go get our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Without our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), we would not be able to vote and if we do not vote, here are some of the challenges we should expect in more severe and damaging proportions in the coming years: 1. Not collecting our PVCs and voting during the forthcoming elections would mean that we are being unpatriotic and disrespectful of our constitution which bestowed on us the right to exercise our franchise. 2. Not collecting our PVCs and voting during the forthcoming elections would mean that we are indirectly giving quacks and inexperienced politicians who have no human sympathy and are not developmentally-driven, the opportunity to have access to power and plunder whatever that is left of our natural resources and treasury. 3. Not collecting our PVCs and voting during the 2023 elections would mean that we are promoting corruption and giving politicians the opportunity to rig the elections and remain in power. 4. Not collecting our PVCs and voting during the 2023 elections will add to our depression, unnecessary complaints and frustration towards the political system because we would continue to loose faith and trust in the government. 5. If we do not collect our PVCs and vote, then we would loose our rights to being involved in the public opinion and policy making process of the government. We will equally not have the opportunity of checkmating the excesses of the next government. By collecting our PVCs and voting during elections, we will be able to restore our mandate, rejig our democracy, checkmate the excesses of bad leaders and also place experienced and intelligent leaders at the helm of affairs. A new Nigeria is very possible only if we make the bold step and go get our PVCs.
Nigerians and the 2023 Elections
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
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Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Literature, Writing and Blogging 2 min read
LET ART BE ART
There's a silent threat to contemporary art. And that threat is the conscious effort to infuse identity politics, and force inclusivity into art. This is an effect of the woke mind mentality. Identity politics, include topics such as; gender issues, race issues, sexuality, class segregation, etc. Now do not get me wrong. These are all very important topics, and as such need to be addressed in some form. The problem however is when these issues are forced into art forms, such as movies, books and music; for the purpose of profit or pushing an agenda. It is no secret to creatives that the LGBTQ community for example, is some sort of gold mine for art. The need for members to be represented in media, makes it a community which could be easily exploited. A serious issue with forcing identity politics into art, is that most of the time, the artist isn't really concerned about the interest of the individuals; as much as he is concerned with profit. I was part of a script conference, where the producer asked we (the script writers) to find a way to include sexuality into the topic. Just because in his words 'there is serious money to be made from those guys'. Another problem with forced identity politics in art, is the watered down value of the art. Because there's so much conscious effort to be inclusive, the essence of the art is almost always lost. There is no point to want to highlight race issues in art, if the art is badly thought out. How often have we seen movies on Netflix, that are guilty of this. The subject of the art, may also be neglected, in place of online community wars. Online community wars, are mostly in form of Twitter outrages. For instance, when a movie addressing a form of identity issue is released, it is mostly followed by backlash from members of another community. An example is the black community vs the white community. This wars, relegate the movie to the background. Meaning - the art has been made to suffer. I miss the days when artists made art out of a personal inspiration. When creatives really had something passionate to share. Creative works were a part of the artist, now they have become an avenue to pander to certain communities. I miss the days when art was art.
LET ART BE ART
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
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Oluwadamilola Adesina
city Lagos 2 months ago
Lovely and true words. Any form of art should be an expression of the artist. Even when art is used to show different ideas and society i...

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
Score | 435
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
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In Politics 5 min read
The Ruling and Opposition Parties: The Ideal Ying-Yang of Democracy
<span class="html-content"> <p>The world over, there are democratically elected governments. Aside from their will to carry out their constitutional duties, one thing that keeps these governments on their toes, in line and in check is the OPPOSITION.<br></p> <p>Humans, as higher animals, are blessed with the gift of thought and don't always go together in one direction. This is known as herd mentality. This herd mentality however is not synonymous with humans, but rather with other animals. Even when everyone seems to be moving in the same direction, there's always going to be one or two or a few with dissenting views. It is usually said that in every twelve, there must be a Judas which points to the fact that humans will never totally speak with one voice.</p> <p>It is therefore human nature to exhibit pluralism at every point; there's always going to be a spectrum in actions and thoughts. This inherent human quality is one of those that democracy mirrors, which makes it one of the most popular forms of government if not the most popular. Democracy recognises that humans will always have divergent views, accepts this as a strength rather than a weakness and allows for these views to be brought together in a healthy mix.</p> <p>Democracy ensures the majority has its way while it allows everyone to have their say, hence its support and declaration of the freedom of rights which must be upheld to sustain any democracy. </p> <p>In a democracy, to exhibit pluralism, the people are encouraged to form and be a part of different political parties or movements with obviously different psychologies or schools of thought. Even far right movements are tolerated so long as they conduct themselves with decorum and act within the ambits of the law.</p> <p>These movements always try to out do each other and are in a constant tussle for power. This is where the beauty of democracy lies. It gives the people an array of options to choose from on who will govern them. It also gives these political parties equal opportunities to be selected to govern. </p> <p>As the ruling party controls the government, all others are in opposition. The opposition constantly looks for weakness in the ruling party's government or style of governance, plays on it and uses it to their advantage in the elections. With this, a ruling party which has become disenchanted with the masses can be booted out and an opposition party voted in. A ruling party can become the opposition tomorrow and an opposition party can become the ruling party. All in all, democracy ideally offers the best option to the people. </p> <p>America, the benchmark and hallmark of democracy, the world over has two major political parties: the Democratic party and the Republican party. In the UK, there are the Conservative party and the Labour party which are the two (2) largest parties in the country, have alternated government since the 1920s; although there are other parties like the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and the UK Independence Party.</p> <p>In the aforementioned places, the ruling party is always forced to be on its toes. They try to give the masses the best so they can continue to enjoy the large support of the people and remain in power. This is because the opposition never gives a break, always watching for faults and weaknesses of the ruling party, like an Eagle watching its prey. </p> <p>In the UK, the opposition even goes as far as forming a shadow government which mirrors relevant positions in the ruling government. One reason for this is to have a ready cabinet just in case they are called upon to take over the government. Another is to shadow or monitor the person with the same portfolio in the ruling government for effective opposition.</p><p>Also, another interesting thing about the politics of the West is that they carry out mid-term elections. These elections measure the preparedness of the present government, consequently giving them a scorecard on their handling of whatever the issues of the day are. For example, issues pertaining to high inflation, gas price and the overall state of the economy will be a contributing factor to how voters will vote in the elections. When the ruling party has performed below par or miserably, the opposition will use these as tools of elections campaign and whatnot to ensure they wrestle power back from the government of the day.</p><p>The opposition starts preparing for the next election immediately after the current election is over, but in Nigeria, the opposition goes into hibernation and slowly wakes up when it is close to another election.</p> <p>Now, the PDP which is the main opposition party in Nigeria went to sleep after the 2019 general elections and is just resurfacing a few months to the next elections. Sadly, this trend is common with all other opposition parties in the country. </p> <p>The onus has fallen on highly placed and influential individuals, religious leaders and generally those who have painstakingly decided to bear the brunt of the current government's failure, calling out the government for their aforementioned failures. After all, what then is democracy about if it isn't a government of the people, for the people and by the people? The people have a voice and it must be heard.</p><p>The gross irresponsibility by the government is appalling and cringeworthy. It limits the excesses of the government and thus, makes the opposition look like toothless, thoughtless, portfolio-wielding elder statesmen. How pathetic!</p> <p>Could this irresponsibility stem from the act that Nigeria is a relatively young and growing democracy? Or is it that the PDP which is supposed to be the major opposition party was in power for too long, it never and hasn't understood the concept of opposition politics or/and how it is played? </p> <p>Whatever the reasons are, the opposition parties must play the politics of the day and sing to the gallery when it is convenient. They should politick and device tools to read the voters' pulse and heartbeat. After all, opposition politics or politics, in general, is often dirty, partisan and contentious. Without the opposition, checks and balances, failings in government among other issues will remain mundane and complacent. This is one of the ideal ying-yang scenarios where negative and positive must coexist for the greater good of democracy. Without one or the other, there is hardly a democracy.</p> </span>
The Ruling and Opposition Parties: The Ideal Yi...
By Tari Ogbowei
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Queensley Okon
city Ota 2 years, 7 months ago
My political juggernaut, I must greet you specially!!!! Your face show, your shoe shine

Score | 796
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Business Development 1 min read
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
<p>Hello everyone. I honestly feel like asking, "How market!" Lol. I'm guessing some of you have come across the statement, "Everyone is selling something." If you've not heard it before, you've heard it now. Tell me thank you! One way or the other, you're selling something, and sales is critical to the success of any business. When most people hear SALES, they automatically imagine a financial transaction or a physical market. Well, that's not entirely wrong, but sales is more than that. Your strict parents are selling you discipline, that hard guy who has all of a sudden started sending you poems and love letters is selling himself to be the right person for you, and even our politicians engage in sales. That said, I've decided to bless y'all with some relevant points about sales. These are lessons gathered from experience and research on the brutal world of sales/marketing! See ehhh, it's brutal out here. In fact, sales is not for the faint-hearted. You're probably wondering who's this nice guy that wants to share such value with us. Yeah, I'm generous like that. So, the classes are free, but you have to PAY ATTENTION. Your first assignment is to re-read this post and share it with your colleagues, friends, and foes. Also, kindly write down the lesson you've learned from this post. Be an OBIdient student!&nbsp;<br></p><p>In addition to understanding that everyone is selling something, it's important to grasp the concept of personal branding. Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Just as companies work hard to establish their brand identity, individuals must also build and maintain a personal brand. This involves showcasing your skills, values, and personality in a way that makes you stand out. Whether you're a job seeker, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to make new connections, your personal brand can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. </p><p>Moreover, effective communication is at the heart of successful sales. Being able to articulate your message clearly and persuasively is crucial. This means not only speaking well but also listening actively. Understanding your audience's needs and concerns allows you to tailor your pitch and build genuine connections. Remember, people are more likely to buy from someone they trust and feel understood by. Developing strong communication skills will serve you well, both in sales and in life. </p><p>Lastly, resilience is key in the world of sales. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey, and how you handle them can determine your success. Cultivating a positive mindset and learning from each experience will help you bounce back stronger. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, view it as an opportunity to improve. Persistence and adaptability are traits that can transform challenges into stepping stones toward success. </p><p>By recognizing the various forms of sales in everyday life, building a strong personal brand, honing communication skills, and developing resilience, you can navigate the complexities of sales with confidence and purpose. So, embrace these lessons, share your newfound knowledge, and continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn.<br><br>Kindly watch out for more TWO CENTS. Learn-Unlearn-Relearn.</p>
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
By Samuel Ibok
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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 523
In People and Society 1 min read
Tell Your Story
<span class="html-content"> <p>Growing up, I was lucky enough to have my grandma close by. She told me fascinating stories about tradition, archeological discoveries and science.&nbsp;</p><p>Stories I wish were documented, because they were original, undiluted and truly African.&nbsp;</p><p>On tradition, she told me about how certain masquerades were not to be seen by women , in fact, lights were completely turned off during the procession at night.&nbsp;</p><p>On archeological discoveries, she revealed how some art works were discovered in my village which had some Hebrew inscriptions on them.&nbsp;</p><p>However, this had some correlation with the same discovery at a place called Aguleri in Anambra state.&nbsp;</p><p>On science, she talked extensively how ice blocks fell from the sky when it rains.&nbsp;</p><p>On some occasions, fishes trapped during transpiration fell back with the ice. Yes, Fishes... It didn't make sense to me then till I read&nbsp; about it on one of the Awake publications.</p> <p>Do you think we are getting enough stories from our aged parents and grandparents ?&nbsp;</p><p>What are those stories you were told that you think should have been documented ?</p> <p>Let's have your say.</p> </span>
Tell Your Story
By Hero James
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Tobi Igbinedion
city Lagos 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Okay man, looking forward to it. Yolo.

Score | 174
Godwin Erite Project Manager @ Acceler8ed Marketing Services
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In Nigeria 2 min read
My Life's Chapter 5; Surviving Naija
<p>If life was a book what would be its title for you?<br></p><p>"The Journey of Faith" will be the title, and this chapter will be tagged "Surviving Naija; Keeping the Dream Alive".</p><p>Every Nigerian should earn a certificate of survival at this point because what the f*** is going on here?</p><p>Is this the end of the world for us here?&nbsp;</p><p>If this was a prank it isn't funny anymore, the margin dividing the poor and the rich has grown so tin and more people are seemingly poor than rich, maybe they were rich a few months back but right it seems we have more daylight robberies in the form of utilities and commercial ventures, No blame pushing here to the private sector cause it takes a lot to operate in an economy like the Nigerian Economy, but things are happening, imagine how banks don't have the cash to dispense and POS vendors always having money, like how are we buying the Naira as Nigerians?</p><p>Scratch the banking sector what about the bandits tagged A, B, and C, I heard some are bandless bandits, here's broad daylight robbery cause how the hell do they calculate it, but well on the other hand people do not use electrical appliances like they use to, if you are sharing a prepared meter with your name by now you should be awarded a private investigators batch cause people get know their neighbors bad habits of leaving lights and tv on and its all coming down to bills, unavoidable cost of living, let's not even talk about security.</p><p>Do we have a democrazy or are we crazy?</p><p>They have made us into clowns, who do not know the definition of a democratic system of government.</p><p>Well, we all are tired at this point and looking for a way out...&nbsp;</p><p>But what way would that be?</p>
My Life's Chapter 5; Surviving Naija
By Godwin Erite
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Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
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In Politics 2 min read
APATHY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
When one looks at the Nigerian political space particularly and the African space generally, its structures and players, one is forced to realise that there is a distinction between politicians and leaders, even without a dictionary check or carrying out any research. Naturally, one would assume that it is an African problem but when you look the shores of Africa to black countries in other continents, countries like Jamaica and Haiti, it is obvious the same issues persist. It is safe to assume that it is a problem peculiar, not just to black Africa but to the black race generally. Wherever the blacks are left to self-govern, there is usually a leadership lapse. Basically why we're all third world countries. Bringing it back home, one can almost say Nigeria is cursed with this leadership deficit. Over the decades since independence, Nigeria has seemed to have more of politicians than leaders. There has hardly seemed to be anyone who balances politics and carrying out the constitutional responsibilities of their esteemed offices through quality leadership. Everyone seems to complain about it, as it stares all in the face but what is shocking is that when those who complain the most or maybe have in one way or the other been a direct victim of this leadership pariah get into these same exalted offices, they do same or even worse than their predecessors. In stark contrast, we should think of some of the biggest companies in Nigeria, whether IOCs, construction, manufacturing, auditing companies in Nigeria with international affiliations. These companies are managed day to day by Nigerians, living in Nigeria, yet, they have continued to meet set targets and be profitable year over year (YoY) Why then, is it impossible for Nigerians to be effective in government and public service? The answer is quite simple infact. Those who work in the private sector for these highly profitable multinationals are held to a high degree of responsibility and accountability. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as well as other structures and apparatus are put in place to measure performance and productivity and justify renumeration being earned by the individual. When things do not go as expected, it is quickly noticed and solutions get proferred. Thriving nations emulate these structures and measure performance in one way or the other. The treat government as a business adhering to and respecting the rules while it is the lack of respect for these rules and lack of performance measurement systems that entrench the mediocre leadership that Nigerians get from their leaders as there's nothing to hold them to a high standard.
APATHY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
By Tari Ogbowei
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Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
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In People and Society 2 min read
Our parents tried
<span class="html-content"> <p>This post is not for everyone, although most people would understand it. I think we don't give parents enough credit for what they do. This is not limited to those who grew up with their parents. If you think critically about this, you'd understand the difficulty of raising a human being. Like Kanayo O Kanayo said, "sacrifices must be made." Most parents sacrifice a lot to make sure their kids have the best. Parents always want their kids to have the life they never had. This could make them take decisions and actions that the child may not like, but the intentions are mostly genuine. </p> <p>So, give your parents a break!&nbsp;</p><p>Can you raise yourself?&nbsp;</p><p>Do am if e easy!!</p> <p>Our parents raised us in a time when courses on parenting were not available.&nbsp;</p><p>All they had was their mindset, religion, and society. For me, they did a great job. We tend to dwell mostly on what we wish they could have done, and this is undoubtedly because we compare our realities to others in society. Well, it's understandable as we are humans. I still think we should be grateful for what they did. They created templates we can edit and work on. If your parents or anyone who helped raise you is alive, reach out to them and thank them. Be grateful. If they hurt you, find a way to forgive them. It may not be easy as the scars may be imprinted on your body and mind, but I believe it is worth it. </p> <p>Parents lives matter! </p> <p>Learn Unlearn Relearn </p> </span>
Our parents tried
By Samuel Ibok
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Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta 3 weeks, 6 days ago

I came to this realisation before I turned 20.. this helped love and appreciate my mom and dad more.

And even when they do thing...


Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
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