True
Join TwoCents
Write
|
Share
|
Earn
Get started How to earn on TwoCents
A knowledge marketplace for Africans around the globe.
CareerHub
Inspiring Career Insights and Stories from successful individuals across all works of life.
Recent Insights
News
Recent
Between Communication and Comprehension, W...
People and Society
by Waripamo Allen
A MAN'S PATH: You Can’t Understand
Africa
by Godwin Erite
How we started TwoCents | Part I - Learnin...
Technology
by Cyrus Majebi
The Great Pre-Marital Dilemma: Love, Lust,...
Relationships
by Ofonime Koko
Are the Constant Accidents on the Kugbo Ex...
Health, Safety and Environment
by Favour Adeyemo
Just some little exploration
People and Society
by Elizabeth Toluwanimi Olawale
Dear Sporty
Entrepreneurship
by Samuel Ibok
THE FIRST BORN SYNDROME
Relationships
by Praise-el Ogedegbe
The Unspoken Hierarchy of Friendships: Who...
Relationships
by Ofonime Koko
YODO- YOU ONLY DIE ONCE
People and Society
by Samuel Ibok
The first audio insight on TwoCents
Technology
by Cyrus Majebi
¿Un tonto? ¿O un amante?
Literature, Writing and Blo...
by Dolapo Oludairo
Hidden Battle of PCOS
Health
by Boluwatife Gbolahan
My Early morning Rant about the Constructi...
Construction and Real Esate
by Tobi Igbinedion
The Heart of Kindness: Finding Joy in Giving
People and Society
by Ofonime Koko
Love in the City of Hustle: Finding Romanc...
People and Society
by Ofonime Koko
IT’S UP TO YOU
Literature, Writing and Blo...
by Emetekefe Akpovwovwo
Comparative Education ( Canada and Nigeria...
Education
by Shepherd umele Obella
UNDERSTANDING AKADA
Education
by Waripamo Allen
Leadership begins with us
Leadership
by Rosemary Adelani
Smiling: The Free Gift That Keeps on Giving
Career and Jobs
by Ofonime Koko
DON'T BURY ME
Literature, Writing and Blo...
by Samuel Ibok
The Devil’s Bride
Literature, Writing and Blo...
by Dolapo Oludairo
Testing the microphone
Literature, Writing and Blo...
by Belinda Chiazor
Living on the Edge
Career and Jobs
by Godwin Erite
Score | 1164
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 3 min read • Oct 17, 2022 23:45p.m.
The significance and interpretation of Kolanut cotyledons.
I am very much aware that most of my readers would be bothered about why I have decided to write again on Kolanut. But you see, the truth remains that " a man cannot exhaust the payment of a woman's dowry in just one day." Sorry, I will not explain the meaning of that proverb because of the Igbo aphorism that says " Onye atuoro ilu, kowara ya, ego ejiri luta nne ya ghoro ahia" ((whoever receives a proverb and also demands an explanation of same proverb, the dowry paid on his mother's head is meaningless). Issues bordering on the symbolism, usefulness and interpretation of the Kolanut is not something that can be treated, understood and analysed in one day. So, I beg you to patiently sit and enjoy the read. What we know today as Kolanut belongs to a plant family called 'Sterculiaceae'. It has about 125 species of trees native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. From time immemorial, Kolanut has been a fruit of social and religious importance to the people of West Africa. According to oral traditions, a Portuguese explorer who visited West Africa in 1587 observed that a lot of people he encountered as he transversed the region used the fruit to relieve thirst and improve the thirst of water by chewing it. Additionally, these people used the nut as an elixir for stomach ache and even liver diseases. Moving away from West Africa in general, to Nigeria in particular, it is important to note that Kolanut is grown in large quantities in many parts of the country like the southern part of Edo State, South Western States, Cross river State, non-riverine areas in Rivers State, riverine areas in Kano State, Ilorin in Kowara State, southern parts of Adamawa State, among others. Significantly, in Nigeria, the Yoruba are well known for planting Kola, the Northerners are known for eating Kola (mainly Gworo) while the Igbo are known for their reverence and regard for Kolanut. Igbo people believe that the Kolanut is not just a mere fruit but rather, a vehicle that transmits their prayers to their ancestors (Ndi Ichie) and spirits. Let me not forget to say this "Oji (Kolanut) is to the Igbo people what the Bible is to Christians. This explains why a traditional Igbo man believes that Kolanut has ritual powers for healing, unity, long life and prosperity. In Nigeria, there are two main species of Kolanut namely: Cola Nitida and Cola acuminata. While the former is mainly chewed by people in northern Nigeria, the latter is what Igbo people call 'Oji' which translates to: O - Omenala (Custom), J - Jikotara (unites), I - Igbo. When put together, they all mean - custom unites Ndi Igbo. Cola acuminata is also that type of Kolanut that has different lobes with their respective representations. In Igbo land, any Kolanut with one love is called - Oji Ogbi (dumb Kolanut) or Oji Agbara (Kolanut of the spirits). Although this type of Kolanut is rare to find but when seen, it symbolises an abomination. Furthermore, a two lobed Kolanut according to Igbo cosmology lacks balance and is retarded as unstable. Maybe, this could explain why twins were killed during the pre-colonial times in Igbo land. This type of Kolanut is also known as Oji Agbara. A three-lobed Kolanut is known as 'Oji Ikenga'. It symbolises good omen in the land. Interestingly, it represents the structure of the Igbo family where we have the Father, Mother and their children. A four-lobed Kolanut is known as 'Oji Udo na Ngozi' (Kolanut of peace and blessings). It symbolises the four market days in Igbo land - Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo which are sacred. A Kolanut with five lobes or cotyledons is known as Kolanut of increase, procreation, prosperity and protection. It is called 'Oji Omumu (Kolanut of abundance). Finally, while a Kolanut with six cotyledons is known as 'Oji Ogbugbandu' ( Kolanut of covenant/bond) between the gods and the people, a Kolanut with seven cotyledons (Oji Asaa/Asato symbolises royalty and is highly associated with supernatural effects because it also represents the gods of the four market days, the four-day week cycle and the three dimensions of men and the trinity. So, having known the interpretation and types of Kolanut in Igbo land, you can now be able to say a word of prayer with it to Chukwu Okike (God almighty) in expectation of massive blessings, breakthrough and protection upon you and your family. Iseeeeee.
The significance and interpretation of Kolanut ...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
4
views 1147
0 share
Score | 352
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 2 min read • Mar 01, 2024 15:26p.m.
KIDS KNOW BETTER
I'm of the weird believe that we were born with the knowledge of what we want to be or in another term; 'the idea of our purpose'. However, as we grow and spend more time on earth, the reality of the world we live in makes us lose sight of whatever that might be. It might be a crazy theory but think about it. Cast your mind back to when you were a kid without the pressures that life is constantly throwing at us at the moment. With no bills and responsibilities, we allowed ourselves to be drawn to what really resonates with us. Using myself as a case study, my interest in filmmaking has always been a part of me even if it seemed like I only discovered it in my final year in the university. As a kid, I had quite the imagination that went several steps further than the usual. I considered myself an oddball for acting out a feature length movie (created by me) using nothing but my mom's hair brush. Fast forward years later, and I was lost on a career path to pursue. Advices from parents born out of the need to see a son succeed veered me off a path I was already aware of as a kid. I consider myself fortunate enough to be able to rediscover that passion. Not everyone is that lucky. It's not news that our world can be unfair. It constantly rips us away from our dreams. Adulthood comes with so many sacrifices and a deadline to make these sacrifices. The fact that we are constantly reminded of how easy it is to fail, and the consequences that follow such failures, influences the major decisions we make as adults. There are so many people stuck in jobs they'd rather not do - it is only the desire for financial comfortability that spurs them. It's not an entirely sad thing, because a lot of people veer off and still attain success. I guess my point is that, maybe life would have been much easier if that knowledge remained with us as we grew. Maybe we would be happier if we didn't chose paths influenced by the rat race and pursuit for financial freedom. Or maybe it's best the way it is. In all, my go to advise to anyone who is conflicted and searching for his/her purpose, is to go back to the days of your childhood. Remember those things that ignited a spark in you - a lot of which might be quirky or even eccentric. Once you are able to find it, you can then begin the process of repositioning yourself on the right path.
KIDS KNOW BETTER
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
4
views 327
2 share
Comments
Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 1 year, 1 month ago
Such a relatable post! Life is strange in a way.
Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/themi...
Score | 438
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In Politics • 2 min read • Jul 05, 2022 11:32a.m.
FOR THE LOVE OF OBI
Let's talk about the man of the moment, in Nigeria. None other than Mr. Peter Obi. The presidential flag bearer of the Labour party. Mr. Obi enjoys an overwhelming amount of support from the Nigerian citizens, something I'm sure even he never expected. He is the one the people seem to have chosen as the messiah to lead the country to a glorious rebirth. It's quite a good thing to witness. Nigerians look to wage war against ineffective leadership, and Peter Obi is the weapon which has been chosen. The question I often ponder is: Is Peter Obi being set up to fail, should he eventually win the forthcoming election? Before you come for me, let me explain the reason behind that thought. Whether or not we like to agree, we live in a country were citizens actively dodge responsibility and avoid accountability. A country were majority look for ways to cut corners and short change each other. Also, whether we like it or not, these are some of the resistance to a working country. An average supporter of Peter Obi, believes that all would be okay with him becoming president. What that supporter fails to realize is that for that change to happen, we all need to work in accordance to his vision. I was in a discussion with a friend few days ago, and in that conversation, I mentioned the eagerness of Nigerians to bend the rules. In all I said, her response was you cannot change people or tell them how to act. Seems to me like an excuse for bad behavior. If we cannot change people, what is the chance that they would respect and adhere to the policies of a president who has a good intention. Another worrying thing, is that we do not seem to bother about the other government offices closer to us. Offices such as that of the governor, house of representatives, local government chairman and councillor, are all too important in the development of a society. If these other officials are not in line with the vision of Mr. Obi, there's little change which can be effected. Nigerians claim to be tired of the APC and PDP, but seem to be okay with them producing the governors of the various states. Why are we not clamouring for deserving candidates as governors too? Do we really expect an PDP governor to fully support a Labour party president. Truth is, they would likely do all within their power to sabotage his government. We cannot afford to ignore other offices of government. If truly we want Peter Obi to succeed, we must be willing to put in the effort. Take our civic responsibility seriously, be accountable and obedient to the rules. We must ensure that he is surrounded with like minded politicians at every level, who would work with him, rather than against him. Failure to do these, is tantamount to setting him up for failure. I hope we take necessary action for the love of Obi!
FOR THE LOVE OF OBI
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
1
views 430
0 share
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...
3 Ways to Earn.
Contributor Rankings
See the top contributors on TwoCents
Samuel Ibok
Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
Score | 2653
Date joined | Jul, 2022
Writes on People and Society and 17 more spaces
1
Jefferson Nnadiekwe
Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
Score | 1821
Date joined | Jun, 2022
Writes on Literature, Writing and Blogging and 11 more spaces
2
Dr Mo Ameer
Intern doctor at MUH (Mansoura University Hospitals) @ Mansoura University
city Al Manşūrah, Egypt
Score | 1551
Date joined | May, 2022
Writes on Health and 8 more spaces
3
Getting started with earning.
1
Build your score.
Get a Contributor Score of 100+. Publish insights to build your score.
2
Complete your profile.
Ensure your profile is 100% complete. Add your education, bio, phone number etc.
3
Become verified.
Share at least one insight per week for 5 weeks and become a verified contributor.
Learn more
Insight of the day
Listen now Share
Explore spaces
Score | 820
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In People and Society • 2 min read • Sep 23, 2022 15:43p.m.
LET'S TALK ABOUT FAKE FRIENDS
Quite often, we see post from contacts on our social media, about fake friends. Friends who do not reciprocate the energy or affection given to them. Some of us do not vent on social media, but we rather have it on our minds. And I am not going to lie, I once was guilty of this. However I got thinking, are these fake friends guilty of not reciprocating energy, or is it that they do not give as much as we want? The truth is some people are more expressive with their emotions than others. So if Mr A is more expressive than his friend, Mr B, does that make Mr B a fake friend. I would like to share an experience with a friend. Sometime, while I was ill; this friend made it a duty to call multiple times each day, to check up on me. A gesture I very much appreciated. Weeks later, she fell ill. I did same - called to check up on her, but not multiple times each day (morning and evening). However, she was offended by the fact that I did not call as much as she did. And I was branded with the fake friend tag. The experience got me thinking - maybe I wasn't being a good friend. But then again, I expressed concern about the state of her health. Just not as much as she'd have expected. Sometimes I still ask myself if I did a wrong thing. Sometimes, the people we brand as fake, are doing the much they can. But our expectations, blind us to see that. A lot of people have cut ties with valuable people in their lives because of expectations. I believe friendship should be measured by the impact a person has on another's life. And not based on some baseless record of reciprocity.
LET'S TALK ABOUT FAKE FRIENDS
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
3
views 802
1 share
Comments
Elizabeth Toluwanimi Olawale
city Ikeja • 1 month, 3 weeks ago

I love this.

I can be a friend that does not like to show her feelings and do things at extreme, but trust me, I still love you ...

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 | 606
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 2 min read • Dec 16, 2022 11:50a.m.
DO YOU KNOW THAT IN AFRICA, WIVES COULD BE STOLEN LEGITIMATELY? 😄
<span class="html-content"><p>I know you would be wondering what the heck i mean by wife theft in broad daylight Africa. Well, relax and read along. You see, one thing that I have always admired about Africans is their culture and traditions . Africans are s very cultured people and as such are the most interesting people to relate with in the entire universe. But come to think of it, why would a so-called cultured people allow their wives to be stolen? Isn't that abnormal? Well, here's the story behind the act.</p> <p>The Woodabe tribe is a Fulani tribe that reside in Niger, West Africa. In the tribe, men are regarded as vain because popular belief holds that they are the most handsome set of men in the world. Funny enough, these men walk around the entire community with mirrors to always check their faces and body parts in order ensure that their beauty keeps glowing without fault. </p> <p>In Woodabe, marriage is always contracted in infancy and all women are free to have as many sexual partners as they desire. The tribe holds an annual festival called "Gerewal". During this festival, men dress elaborately. They were make-up and participate in pageantry. They dress and act to impress their women and also the wives of other men. 👀 </p> <p>The people of Woodabe firmly believe that beauty can be judged by the whiteness of the human eyes and teeth as well as the strong straight bridge of the nose. Prior to the festival, it takes men about six hours to prepare and get ready to dance and show off. They paint their faces with red clay, use eyeliners to make their eyes appear whiter and wear a shade of lipstick that will make their teeth appear whiter. In addition, they wear white Ostrich feathers in their hair in order to appear taller. </p> <p>During the festival, three of the tribe's most gorgeous women as chosen as judges of the event. Aside the women judges, wives of other men in the community who participate in the festival usually admire the men they desire to choose as their second husband. If in the course of the festival, a man successfully gains the attention of a woman and goes on to whisk her away without being caught, the man automatically becomes her husband and the community blesses their union. </p> <p>The Woodabe tribe is polygamous and as such acknowledge extended family life and marriage. </p> <p>Overall, may your wife/husband never be stolen in broad daylight all in the name of festival 😀</p> </span>
DO YOU KNOW THAT IN AFRICA, WIVES COULD BE STO...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
3
views 592
0 share
Insights from our top writers
THE THIRD FORCE by Tari Ogbowei
Since 1999, elections have always been a 2 horse race between, the ...
Old Dumb Man by Friday Okwori
Babatunde recently finished the mandatory one-year National Youth S...
Navigating the Tech World as a Woman:... by Nwobu Chidimma
Navigating the Tech World as a Woman: A Nigerian Perspective ...
IRONIC VICTIM MENTALITY OF THE FOUNDA... by Queensley Okon
One thing I would tell you about Kanye is, there is no one like...
KIDS KNOW BETTER by Jefferson Nnadi...
I'm of the weird believe that we were born with the knowledge of wh...
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAG... by Oluseyi Vandy
What is propaganda? It is information, especially of a biased or mi...
Finding meaning with anything anywher... by Joshua Omoijiade
Once, in the Northern part of France, in the Parisian Cafes on the ...
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL by Samuel Ibok
Hello everyone. I honestly feel like asking, "How market!" Lol. I'm...
THE QUEEN WAS NOT A SAINT! by Samuel Ibok
This would be a very short post. I promise! The demise of Q...
GOD, GODS AND THE AFRICAN TRADITIONAL... by Ugochukwu Asiogu
There is one important point I wish to make in this article...
"In dire need of compassion and chara... by Ugochukwu Asiogu
A story was told about a man who was walking near the park and hear...
WHAT IF MUSICAL CHAIRS WAS MORE THAN ... by Jefferson Nnadi...
We definitely know the fun children's party game of musical chairs....
My Life's Chapter 5; Surviving Naija by Godwin Erite
If life was a book what would be its title for you?"The Journey of ...
LET'S TALK ABOUT FAKE FRIENDS by Jefferson Nnadi...
Quite often, we see post from contacts on our social media, about f...
Central Bank Digital Currency by Ntamugabumwe Vi...
THE CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY The world of finance is evolvi...
Colourblind - coffee black and egg wh... by Cyrus Majebi
I wasn't sure how to start this post, I'm sort of just going with t...
THE GAME CHANGER: A BIG WIN FOR DEMOC... by Tari Ogbowei
Politics in Nigeria has always been gimmicks and fanfare. The polit...
BHM by Queensley Okon
Not to worry, I'm writing in cursive(as SZA fans would say), you kn...
OBI AND THE TWO THIEVES 😁 by Tari Ogbowei
Various online polls have been carried out and Peter Obi always...
How The Media Manipulates You To Love... by Chinomso Uzoeto
My father was the first person I ever heard criticise Governor Bola...
SAY YOUR PIECE BUT THIS GATE WOULD BE... by Queensley Okon
Have you ever wanted to share something beautiful with friends or a...
Unpopular Opinion

The True Art of Advertising is Dead! (Part 1)

by | Esther Omemu
I dare digital marketers or social media managers to argue with me on this. I was born, bred, and established in advertising, this is the first line of my bio on my portfolio and it is the truest statement I have ever made. I was born at the age when people who worked in advertising were some of the coolest people to walk the face of the business world. A time when people sacrificed their pers...
Score | 732
Chinomso Uzoeto Growth Marketing @ TwoCents
city Lagos, Nigeria
1032
7467
15
7
In Politics • 5 min read • Jan 05, 2023 01:22a.m.
How The Media Manipulates You To Love The Wrong Politicians
<span class="html-content"><p>My father was the first person I ever heard criticise Governor Bola Tinubu.</p> <p>He remarked that Tinubu “ruined Jakande’s progress in Lagos”. And that comment puzzled me at under-11 years.</p> <p>You see, if you grew up in Lagos like me, you probably loved the governor. He was a “champion” of democracy and was rarely ever reported in the news negatively.</p> <p>Now an adult, that love is lost. So, I have tried to understand what changed for me.</p><p>As one who applies psychology in my work, I am familiar with the common biases that children have about older people and those in authority:<br></p> <p>Kids irrationally believe that adults are perfect beings, only to grow up and realize that it is not so.</p> <p>Yet, I am sure that this does not explain why younger me liked Governor Tinubu…because I equally disliked President Olusegun Obasanjo.</p> <p>I remember feeling that the man was the symbol of bad authority. I never heard anyone speak of him in a good light. He was tyrannical, incompetent, and corrupt.</p> <p>Corruption is evil. Yet I remember the rumours of Governors Tinubu and Fashola’s corruption being excused by…</p> <p>“Even if they steal money, they still worked.”</p> <p>Hearing adults say this gave me the idea that corruption is an inevitable part of governance.</p> <p>However, it is curious that this grace was not extended to Obasanjo.</p> <p>If you’re thinking that we were being manipulated somehow, you may be right.</p> <p>Say hello to the Nigerian traditional media. The tool for mass orientation.</p> <p>This election season, my position as a non-participating, but keen observer of political conversations and dynamics over the years has proved helpful as I tried to process and understand how I arrived at my current political leanings.</p> <p>You see, though I only started engaging in political conversations in 2014, I was not oblivious to the events that influenced the national mood.</p> <p>I recall the the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests, Buhari’s comments on Boko Haram, and the Sanusi Lamido Samusi debacle, etc.</p> <p>However, being in the boarding house as a secondary school student until 2013 meant I had limited access to news, and to mates who were interested in politics.</p> <p>Those events, however, informed my dislike for candidate Buhari and his APC. Hence, I rooted for President Jonathan. Yet, I would not vote because I only turned 18 after the elections.</p> <p>Anyways, Buhari became my president, and I had to live with that. It was time to believe the best about him.</p> <p>But imagine my dismay at his performance.</p> <p>I believe that Buhari’s government has failed. And I think any non-party affiliated Nigerian will agree with me.</p> <p>Yet, over the last 7 years, I've observed how news reports were constantly manipulated to downplay his failures in security, support his terribly designed economic policies, and excuse his nepotism.</p> <p>The only problem was that this time around, they also had to attempt this decoration on social media in order to manage national outrage. And social media is a tougher terrain for that kind of business.</p> <p>Let me explain:</p> <p>Before now, we got news from the TV, radio and newspapers. Which meant that breaking news only ever spread the next day, or hours later.</p> <p>This gave those with the power to influence news ample time to kill or tone down any unpalatable report from being broadcast, or to limit its spread.</p> <p>Today, we get news as they happen, with video or image evidence, via unofficial sources, on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Sometimes even before the government agents get wind of them.</p> <p>Hence the battle frontiers for dis-information are now broader and the resources required to control perception have exploded.</p> <p>Now, we can compare news we saw on social media with the reports made on TV and newspaper reports, and can tell when mischief is afoot.</p> <p>They’re still able to deceive many who are off social media. And this is not to say that social media is immune from information manipulation.</p> <p>However, it is now harder to achieve results like before, because there is no monopoly of news sources, and anybody from anywhere can rain on the parade of propagandists with evidence-backed reports.</p> <p>Too often we have seen government propaganda and narrative setting dismantled by eye-witnesses or field experts on social media. That was not possible before now.</p> <p>For propaganda to thrive on social media, the government will need to censor the internet as China does.</p> <p>The democratization of news sources has elevated the consciousness of the masses. And that is a good thing for democracy.</p> <p>To tie this up…</p> <p>As the economic capital of Nigeria, Lagos serves as the home of many of our biggest media houses.</p> <p>This is why in every political regime, the Lagos state governor is more popular than all his peers, and second only to the President.</p> <p>Hence, just like it is with entertainment, where any artiste whose music makes it in the Lagos market gains national acclaim.</p> <p>It also happens that the popular sentiment in Lagos rapidly spreads across the rest of the country, both in the news and on social media.</p> <p>For example, while EndSars protests started in Delta state, it didn’t take off or make the news until young people in Lagos took to the streets and refused to leave.</p> <p>Now, it so happens that the Godfather of Lagos politics, Bola Tinubu, is the owner of 2 of Nigeria’s biggest media houses, The Nation Newspaper and TVC, and maintains influence in the Lagos TV, PM News, and other media groups.</p> <p>And if you have monitored these media groups over the years, you can tell that they manipulate the news reports to project him and his associates in a good light.</p> <p>Learning these helped me to disabuse my mind from blindly trusting whatever is reported in the traditional media.</p> <p>Finally, as I read accounts of Tinubu’s acts over the last 30 years mostly on social media – which curiously never made it to traditional media – I am certain that my baby boy love for him was not based on merit but was the product of media orientation.</p> <p>So was I also manipulated into disliking President Obasanjo?</p><p>NB: see the comments</p> </span>
How The Media Manipulates You To Love The Wrong...
By Chinomso Uzoeto
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 701
5 share
Comments
Chuks Oraka
Not far from the truth.
2 years, 2 months ago
Score | 598
Queensley Okon Information Officer @ Covenant University
city Ota, Nigeria
1419
28050
196
76
In People and Society • 3 min read • Jun 16, 2022 12:06p.m.
MENTALLY MASCULINE..
As you may know, this is Men's Health Week and it crowns itself on Sunday with Father's Day. Honestly, if I didn't keep up with important articles, I would have no idea that this week was dedicated to the beautiful beings called MEN. I see no companies with targeted campaigns or flashy adverts that would sensitize or inform us Matter of fact, it's real quiet in the social media district These give you a sense of what it means to be a man There is a saying that "to be a man is not a day's job" and I wholeheartedly agree. Men rarely get believed for being violated, whether domestically or sexually. Okay, if a man comes to you and tells you that he has been violated and needs help, what is your first reaction? I bet you an average person would probably laugh or look at him weirdly, like "guy with all these muscle person beat you?" Tell me you haven't been in that situation 😒😒🌚🌝🌝 Or is it when accusations come up, especially the sexual kind and people are up in arms, crucifying him before he gets investigated. D'banj can tell you how it felt to be in that situation, because he lost his endorsements in one swoop. The influencer Tife was crucified for months on Twitter for this purpose. Hell, UG, another influencer, almost lost his reputation, if not for some receipts that vindicated him The world really is not fair to the men and when they finally get vindicated, it is already too late. This was the case of Izu, a talented designer tailor who committed suicide. He had just come out of a depressing state, looking to change his life and got hit by false claims just because he rebuffed a girl's advances. We are familiar with the Johnny Depp scénario which led to studios dropping him from projects, and it took years for him to decide to get a court hearing which finally vindicated him and exposed the true nature of his psychotic ex-wife, Amber Heard. Men are not allowed to be vulnerable and that specie of a man is seen as weak and stupid, as if vulnerability is some curse, instead of the healthy human attribute it is supposed to be. It is shown in how Will Smith has been treated in the media. Instead of sympathy, he gets memes and funny articles and videos made about him. Say what you want about the guy, he is someone in need of help but is not getting it, but rather, he is being crucified on the media cross. Then when we are left with a lot of emotionally unavailable men, we start to complain without realizing how much we have contributed to that happening Last year, I posted on Men's Day, asking the guys on my contact list to tell me when last they got birthday gifts or gifts of any kind. The responses were beyond heartbreaking I tell you. Some said it's been a while, another said from me and one other girl which was his birthday that year but none before that. One guy actually told me his last gift was when he was 8 years old. It's sad to see this happen but it should not continue to be the norm. I know some men contribute to these tropes as they love to be seen as some demi gods or untouchable but this article is not about those men. Men, allow yourselves to be vulnerable, talk about your feelings, be good, be kind, protect yourself and leave toxic relationships. Allow yourself to heal so you do not continue the hurtful vicious cycle. The solution starts with you and I and what choices we make now In all, go be the person you would be proud of, that your son or daughter would be proud of, that your wife and friends would adore You matter, you rock and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being the best and most honest version of yourself Finally, HAPPY MEN'S HEALTH WEEK!!!! Tell me about some things that need to change in the society regarding men's health and wellbeing
MENTALLY MASCULINE..
By Queensley Okon
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
5
views 570
2 share
Comments
Tari Ogbowei
city Yenagoa • 2 years, 9 months ago
Lovely article. Had no idea it was Men's Health week or it's gonna be Father's Day soon. Can we really do anything to change the situatio...
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
Career and Jobs
On top how much! by Samuel Ibok
Some companies would show you pepper. I'm no company slayer, but ...
The Eagle’s Nature by Godwin Erite
The eagle, bold and regal, soars high above the skies, but even thi...
A useless life hack that (might) work by Esther Omemu
A quick disclaimer before I go into a long rant about this discover...
HSE by Hero James
Did you know that every worker has the right to refuse work if it i...
Even Giants Were Born Babies by Godwin Erite
As I sit here, lost in thought, a simple yet profound truth echoes:...
A Beginning at the End by Godwin Erite
At the beginning, there was a fire that burns unquenchably the thir...
Math, Medicine, and a Dash of Confusion by Ofonime Koko
Back in secondary school, I was that rare breed - good at both arts...
Social Media Paranoia by Anita Koske
If you are like me and you are not comfortable sharing your life on...
Smiling: The Free Gift That Keeps on ... by Ofonime Koko
Ever had a day so rough that you spent two hours in Lagos traffic, ...
Fear of Failing by Godwin Erite
I never truly grasped the fear of failing until I spent countless h...
Why is Health and Safety needed in th... by Hero James
Health and Safety compliance can never be overemphasized. Not ever...
Things I Learned from the First Chapt... by Jide-Jegede Tir...
I decided to read Atomic Habits by James Clear because I needed hel...
Working Remotely is no longer working by Esther Omemu
Working remotely as an introvert is slowly weighing down on my ment...
I QUIT by Samuel Ibok
I don't consider myself the best counselor regarding staying or qui...
ERGONOMICS by Hero James
Ergonomics is the science that deals with the fit between peopl...
The Pursuit of Loneliness by Godwin Erite
In life's journey, we were taught from a young age to be dogged and...
Have you heard of ERGONOMICS? by Hero James
Amaka lives in the busy city of Lagos and works 9-5pm in one of the...
The Big EdTech Journey! How I got int... by Guembe Blessing
Like many tech bros out there, working for Udacity has been one of ...
Lessons Learned: Starting a Career jo... by Esther Omemu
This was either you at some point or you right now… You are abou...
Ten rules for success in life (Person... by Dr Mo Ameer
1- Your health is your wealth 💵💵 Your physical, mental and psychol...
The Broken Glass: A Cautionary Tale by Godwin Erite
There are wounds that heal with time, scars that fade into faint wh...
FEATURED
SERIES
by | Samuel Ibok
The Matrix | 4 min read
Those who want freedom must embrace restraint, and those who want order must choose the...
The Matrix Reloaded: In God's Name | 3 min read
I believe that "no matter how poor the African continent is, the economy of its churche...
The Matrix Revolutions: Gender, Pronouns and other Ingredients | 4 min read
I think boys should be boys, girls should wear skirts, and men should cry! Calm yo...
THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS: BEYOND MIRRORS | 3 min read
The possibility that the bulk of what we know could be a lie is enough reason to look w...
Show All
Write
Share
Earn
Score | 693
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 3 min read • Feb 10, 2023 09:33a.m.
Opening the page of Nigeria's most educated musical icon of the 20th century - Victor Uwaifo
Image copyright/credit: Discogs
Officially named Victor Efosa Uwaifo, he was born in Benin City, Edo State on March 1, 1941. As a young boy, he obtained his secondary school education at Western Boys High School, Benin and St. Gregory's College, Lagos, from 1957 to 1961. The young Victor started playing guitar at the age of twelve (12) and it is on record that his earliest popular music influences were Spanish recordings and latin American songs. Little wonder, he was so good with the guitar strings and chord. He was so good in them to the extent that people got carried away with the melody they invoked even before he begins to sing. Uwaifo did his first degree at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, where he studied graphics and graduated in 1963 at the age of twenty-two (22). He also obtained a Bachelor's degree with first class honours as well as a Master's degree at the ages of fifty-four (54) and fifty-six (56) respectively in the University of Benin where he studied Fine and Applied Arts. The thesis for his PhD in Architectural Sculpture was entitled " A Reinvention of Benin Royal Ancestral Pieces". Uwaifo played with Olaiya's All Stars band during his school days but upon the completion of his secondary school education, he went on to play with E.C. Arinze's highlife band during late hours. He also worked briefly with Stephen Osadebe as well as Fred Coker before he formed his own band, Melody Maestros in 1965. At least, he learnt from the best before opening he's. His band released the song entitled"Joromi" which later became a hit "back to back" not only in Nigeria but also the rest of West Africa and Africa in 1996. Sir Uwaifo is known for his development of the Akwete rhythm between 1965 and 1968. In 1969, he launched a new beat which he called"Shadow" - an admixture of Akwete and Twist. After the launch of Shadow, the Melody Maestros went on tour at different Nigerian cities. The legendary singer and guitarist made use of vocals in making his beats and this added flavour to his songs. This is evident in his masterpiece - Joromi, a song he composed and sang in his local dialect, with its solo, a blend of skills with a variety of musical equipments like electric guitar and piano. In 1971, Sir Uwaifo opened the Joromi hotel in Benin City and about ten years after, he established a private television studio from where he produced a national weekly music and culture programme. Sir Uwaifo had a total of twelve (12) golden records. In 1983, he was given a National Honours Merit award by the Federal government and was also appointed a Member of the Order of Niger (MON). Sir Uwaifo also lectured at the department of Fine and Applied Art in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. He died on August 28, 2021 at the age of eighty (80). He was an accomplished man, father, musician and academic. His blend of music and the academia is enviable and according to him, was as a result of his commitment, discipline and determination to succeed. The 20th Century Edo finest and Superstar's hit songs - Guitar Boy was a continental hit in 1966. It was sang by everyone both young and old. His other songs include: Kirikisi, Ebibi Tupepe, Obodo Eyo, Ekassa 26, Jesu Boy, Hope of man, Ohue and the likes.
Opening the page of Nigeria's most educated mus...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 678
1 share
Score | 543
Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
city Lagos, Nigeria
1021
12707
114
37
In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Mar 08, 2023 14:09p.m.
In Praise of the Every Day
In the late 1950s, a Dutch Artist called Johannes Vermeer created a painting called “The Little Street”. This painting though worth discussion features nothing remarkable at all. If you look closely you can see a woman in a doorway of a house on that street of delft, sewing; a couple of children were at their games on the floor adjacent to that same building; you can make out a woman in a white scarf, red patchy blouse tucked in a blue patchy skirt, in the yard getting some work done and these little slices of the delft life are contrasted by a four-story building of all brick and chimney and glass. In the background, you can make out the red mountains that blend in with the building and the sky is pregnant with the promise of rain despite its bright colour.  I have chosen to highlight this painting because, at the time, it was notably out of the ordinary. The paintings of merit in that age were mainly those depicting the aristocrats and people of worthy feats of military excellence - The extraordinary. This defiance reminds me of the magic that exists in those very forgettable parts of the days we currently lead. The little street makes me smile because nothing is more relatable than the daily traffic of day-to-day - nothing as universal as the mundane.  Last month I quit my job to pursue other interests for the time. Four days before my last day I booked a ride with my colleague home so I could split the cab fare and carry all my stuff home. We were nearly at my house when I saw one of those Gated estates I see shut so often, ajar. The gates were wide open and a school bus was turning in slowly, Children plastered to the windows in varying degrees of boredom, excitement or disinterest. I stared out the Lagride and this forgettable moment catapulted me into a moment of clarity. “in a few days my every day for the past two years will be no more. Once, like those children that were my every day and now it is no more.”  For the last two years at my job, I had gotten up mindless after the first months; I dressed after reluctantly washing myself in the morning’s cold. I hopped in my father’s car or walked some 15 minutes to get a bus to the office before the daylight could break. Fifty Naira became a hundred and then a hundred and Fifty was required to get to the office. I walked by a gated house in particular where two dogs not dulled by their old age barked loudly at me till they both got put down after my first year doing this. I went into the Daytona supermarket hundreds of times and bought or thought to buy before making it to my desk five minutes away. Some days it was a relief to make it to my faulty chair, sometimes I just made it to the couch of the office for the rest of my sleep but for the past two years, these standard days were the company I had.  If I haven’t lost you, all this flashed before my eyes as I saw those children and remembered myself in and out of those high-fenced estates on the school bus and I think it’s because we tend to recount the mundane only at the times they are forever changing. Maybe Johannes Vermeer didn’t want to wait till he was called away from the town delft to smile on his simple street knowingly. “ this remarkable ordinary home of mine that I ran past even as these children”, I imagine he might have thought as he finished that painting. I think the mundane requires more attention from us. Not only at the points we shift from one big moment to the next. Look around your home and the static chairs and tables and take in the smell of the air of your street. See your journey to and fro the office differently because the mundane is likely all we have in between those big moments that might never come. Even when they arrive, those graduations, resignations, deliveries, beginnings and ends; even they soon become the ordinary everyday.
In Praise of the Every Day
By Joshua Omoijiade
0:00 / 0:00
|
Thank you for your time! if you enjoyed reading this and would like to help me create more, please leave a tip and share - no amount is unwelcome 😊
Send tip
3
views 521
2 share
Comments
Udochi Umeha
city Lagos • 1 month, 1 week ago

This is the reality of life. To be so focused on moving forward and making progress that you may not get the chance to take that short...

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...
Business Corner
Employees Are Customers Too!!!
597 Views
By Samuel Ibok
The Power Of Collaborations
627 Views
By Mwambo Kate
Why Every Man Needs A Diverse Skill S...
176 Views
By Roy Msoli
So You Think You Can Sell - Your Nich...
450 Views
By Samuel Ibok
Why Everyone Should Take The Ican Exa...
74 Views
By Unique Moyinoluwa
Collaboration: Key To Innovation
195 Views
By Oluseyi Vandy
Own Goals
439 Views
By Samuel Ibok
Event 101
36 Views
By Samuel Ibok
Green Gold
138 Views
By Godwin Erite
You Only Have To Be Right Once.
467 Views
By Cyrus Majebi
Politics Corner
Unmasking The Greatest Politician To ...
1777 Views
By Chinomso Uzoeto
Lessons For Nigeria From Peter Obi's ...
602 Views
By Chinomso Uzoeto
United In Greed - Part 3
412 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Ethnicity Over Country: The Niger Rom...
412 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
An Igbo President
393 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Everyday For The Thief, One Day For T...
1566 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Nigeria: The Workings Of A Failed State
442 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Politics, Religion And Shenanigans.
450 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Twitter President - Part 4
439 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Ukraine 🇺🇦 Vs Palestine 🇵🇸
608 Views
By Dr Mo Ameer
Score | 463
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In People and Society • 1 min read • Aug 13, 2022 08:47a.m.
SHOELACES
<p>I can’t remember the first time I ever tied shoelaces. I also cannot remember where and how I learned it, let alone who taught me. Well, I always tie my shoelaces the same way and I am not sorry for that! No judgment, please. 😁 Shoelaces and customs are in many regards alike as we imbibe norms in our society consciously and unconsciously. The crazy part is we are so used to them to the point that we suspend rationality or logic and categorize critics of our customs as enemies or rebels. For me, these customs are both motivation and justification for our actions and inactions. I can literally tie my shoelaces with my eyes closed and I'm sure it's the same for most people. <br>In the same vein, when we discover new and perhaps better ways of doing things, it somehow becomes very challenging to unlearn what we are already acquainted with. I think this is because those things have become part of our default setting. I once tried to learn a new style of tying shoelaces and it was somewhat frustrating. This was because the style I was conversant with represented EASE for me mentally. There was a time I flung my shoes away because the style I was learning was difficult. Relax, I'm actually a very patient person! With time, I deliberately adjusted, and I can now tie them in different ways.</p><p>One interesting aspect of this process is how our willingness to adapt and change can lead to personal growth. Embracing new ways of doing things, despite the initial discomfort, allows us to expand our horizons and improve our skills. For instance, when I eventually mastered different methods of tying my shoelaces, I realized that the frustration was worth it. This experience taught me that perseverance and an open mind are crucial when facing new challenges. In the broader context of societal customs, this same principle applies: questioning and revising outdated norms can lead to a more progressive and inclusive society. Therefore, while it may be difficult, pushing through the frustration and continuing to learn and adapt can result in significant personal and collective growth.<br><br>CHANGE takes time and may be frustrating. Growth is more and less. <br>Learn Unlearn Relearn. </p><p><br></p>
SHOELACES
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
try change fail will
|
Thank you for reading my insight. Your TIP means the world to me 💙
Send tip
3
views 449
0 share
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 | 537
Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
city Yaoundé, Cameroon
1488
22025
145
146
In People and Society • 2 min read • Jan 16, 2024 22:21p.m.
AVOIDING IT, FACING IT.
Picture this : an email pops up in your inbox with a tricky, important, or stressful problem that needs to be solved. Do you …. 1. Read it through and then ask yourself, " okay , what do I need to do about this ?". or say to yourself, "I'm going to figure this out." 2. Scan through the email quickly, immediately feel overwhelmed and close the email saying, " I'll think about this later". These examples of two different coping strategies. The first is called "problem-focused".. In this strategy, you try to approach the challenge from different angles, look for information about how to address it, or break it into manageable pieces. The second is called 'avoidance-focused". The problem stirs up uncomfortable emotions within you, and because they feel overwhelming , you avoid the problem, pretend its not happening, or personally blame yourself for it. Problem-focused is related to wellbeing, while avoidance - focused is related to depression, anxiety,. That's why , if you are more of an avoidant coper, it's important to learn the skill of problem-focused coping. Start practicing with smaller problems. The next time one pops up (in your inbox, in your home, in your life), and those painful emotions start to arise within you, you just have to do one thing : breath through it. Focus on your breath until your emotions fade away. Don't close the email or walk away from the issue. Breathe in, breathe out. Stay with it. Congratulations! you just faced your discomfort and came out the other side. Now that you're here, you can ask yourself : " what is one way I might start to address this problem?".
AVOIDING IT, FACING IT.
By Mwambo Kate
0:00 / 0:00
Anita Koske
Send tip
4
views 512
2 share
Comments
Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 3 months ago

Reading this insight was both amusing and motivating. It reminded me of a conversation I had just a few days ago, where I encouraged a...

Check out some past sessions
Managing Director & Computer Science PhD Student @ The Diasporic Group & Cornell University
STEM
Human Rights & Humanitarian Lawyer @ Avocats Sans Frontieres Humanitaires du Cameroun
Law and Governance
HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa
Companies and Firms
Bridal Makeup Artist, Makeup Educator, Makeup Special Effects (Sfx) @ Vogue by Prylla
Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle
Project Deployment Manager, West and Central Africa Area @ British American Tobacco
Career and Jobs
Senior Lecturer Advertising and Marketing Communications @ University of Greenwich, London
Business Development
Youth and Apex Performance Mentor | Initiator @ PureBreedSbe
People and Society
Senior Lecturer @ The Technical University of Kenya
Law and Governance
Doctoral Student @ MIT
STEM
Senior Digital Communications Analyst @ Oando Plc
Business Development
History and Culture
The Famous Calabar Carnival
590 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Would Nigeria's Bola A. Tinubu Earn H...
696 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Okrika Has Been Saving Lives Since Th...
644 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Opening The Page Of Nigeria's Most Ed...
678 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
The End Of Colonialism: An Unpopular ...
349 Views
By Oluseyi Vandy
Who Said Women Were Not Powerful In P...
555 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
The Significance Of Nzu (White Chalk)...
3090 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Sharo Festival: The True Test Of Afri...
635 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Ibibio Art Heritage: A Study Of Nwonimo
594 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
History: An Antidote To Man's Ridicul...
579 Views
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
Score | 846
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In Business Development • 1 min read • Jul 25, 2022 15:51p.m.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
<p>Hello everyone. I honestly feel like asking, "How market!" Lol. I'm guessing some of you have come across the statement, "Everyone is selling something." If you've not heard it before, you've heard it now. Tell me thank you! One way or the other, you're selling something, and sales is critical to the success of any business. When most people hear SALES, they automatically imagine a financial transaction or a physical market. Well, that's not entirely wrong, but sales is more than that. Your strict parents are selling you discipline, that hard guy who has all of a sudden started sending you poems and love letters is selling himself to be the right person for you, and even our politicians engage in sales. That said, I've decided to bless y'all with some relevant points about sales. These are lessons gathered from experience and research on the brutal world of sales/marketing! See ehhh, it's brutal out here. In fact, sales is not for the faint-hearted. You're probably wondering who's this nice guy that wants to share such value with us. Yeah, I'm generous like that. So, the classes are free, but you have to PAY ATTENTION. Your first assignment is to re-read this post and share it with your colleagues, friends, and foes. Also, kindly write down the lesson you've learned from this post. Be an OBIdient student!&nbsp;<br></p><p>In addition to understanding that everyone is selling something, it's important to grasp the concept of personal branding. Personal branding is the practice of marketing yourself and your career as a brand. Just as companies work hard to establish their brand identity, individuals must also build and maintain a personal brand. This involves showcasing your skills, values, and personality in a way that makes you stand out. Whether you're a job seeker, an entrepreneur, or someone looking to make new connections, your personal brand can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. </p><p>Moreover, effective communication is at the heart of successful sales. Being able to articulate your message clearly and persuasively is crucial. This means not only speaking well but also listening actively. Understanding your audience's needs and concerns allows you to tailor your pitch and build genuine connections. Remember, people are more likely to buy from someone they trust and feel understood by. Developing strong communication skills will serve you well, both in sales and in life. </p><p>Lastly, resilience is key in the world of sales. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey, and how you handle them can determine your success. Cultivating a positive mindset and learning from each experience will help you bounce back stronger. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, view it as an opportunity to improve. Persistence and adaptability are traits that can transform challenges into stepping stones toward success. </p><p>By recognizing the various forms of sales in everyday life, building a strong personal brand, honing communication skills, and developing resilience, you can navigate the complexities of sales with confidence and purpose. So, embrace these lessons, share your newfound knowledge, and continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn.<br><br>Kindly watch out for more TWO CENTS. Learn-Unlearn-Relearn.</p>
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
marketing resilience focus sales
|
Thank you for reading my insight. Your TIP means the world to me 💙
Send tip
3
views 832
0 share
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 | 618
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In People and Society • 2 min read • Oct 11, 2022 13:51p.m.
Girls, not brides
<span class="html-content"> <p>Hannatu grew up in one of the remote areas in Adamawa state, Nigeria. I didn't even know a place like that existed. She grew up playing with boys, which was a big issue for her parents and neighbours. She was only a child and her innocence blinded her to the prejudice that plagued her society. Boys were boys, but girls were women!&nbsp;</p><p>Also, boys were free while girls were bombarded with a plethora of chains. Their freedom came at a price, and defiance wasn't an option. Accordingly, Hannatu was given out for marriage when she turned 13. From birth, she was betrothed to a man who was her father's age. She became a woman overnight because it was the norm. Culture is, in many regards, peer pressure from the creators of the god concept. At this point, she lost her childhood forever. She could no longer go to their little village school and she was forcefully introduced to BEDmathics. A course she never opted for and wasn't ready for. Like other wives, she had to occasionally sleep with her husband. She was constantly in pain and kept to herself.&nbsp;</p><p>Before she turned 30, some relief workers from the government and UNICEF visited her village. They preached against child marriage and educated the villagers.... By this time, Hannatu's heart was already hardened, and she let her pain rule her. She was at the front of the fight against the relief workers. She wanted other girls to experience what she had felt as a child.&nbsp;</p><p>She had given up on society. She led other women to resist the relief workers. Hannatu was later arrested and she was placed in a rehabilitation center. She was eventually given an opportunity to share her story, which she did. Her story is similar to that of many other young ladies who married as children.</p> <p>There is a need for a strategic alliance between the government and the private sector to address this issue.</p><p>Social media can be used to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of child marriage.&nbsp;</p><p>Children's rights must be preached and protected. It's our responsibility to protect and empower children, as they are our future.</p> <p>Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.</p><p><br></p> <p>'Happy International Girl-Child Day'.</p> </span>
Girls, not brides
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you like my insights, you can encourage me by sending a TIP. Thank you!
Send tip
4
views 601
0 share
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...
People and Society
'We go get sense by force' by Jefferson Nnadi...
'We've never had it this bad'. I have heard a couple of people say ...
Changing the world one stanza at a time by Samuel Ibok
Growing up, we were taught several virtues through songs. Writing...
To succeed You must fail by Oluseyi Vandy
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, as stated in Newto...
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL by Oluseyi Vandy
Imagine going out to an occasion (let's say a kids party), you're h...
Jungle Justice by Samuel Ibok
A few days ago, I witnessed two people fighting. In the space of 5 ...
The Unspoken Gesture by Waripamo Allen
A Tale of Pride, Humility, and Ti...
Igbo men; the downsides of being with... by Emaa Ezeifeka
The truth is, Yoruba men get a lot of bad PR. I’m not saying they’r...
Why do they stay? by Samuel Ibok
I like ladies. I said that with my full chest. Besides, what's not ...
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT by Oluseyi Vandy
Many unwritten but accepted rules exist in society. The social cont...
AVOIDING IT, FACING IT. by Mwambo Kate
Picture this : an email pops up in your inbox with a tricky, import...
MOVING TO A NEW CITY ?? Challenges yo... by Emaa Ezeifeka
Moving to a new city for whatever reason can be an exciting but als...
There's more to Mama Africa... by Anita Koske
‘There’s more to Mama Africa than poverty and war’, is a line from ...
Time and Seasons by Oluseyi Vandy
You know the saying "there's a time for everything". This is one of...
Love in the City of Hustle: Finding R... by Ofonime Koko
Lagos, a city known for its fast-paced and often chaotic environme...
Have you ever messed up a first impre... by Mwambo Kate
First impressions are extremely important in establishing credi...
The Enduring Legacy of Africa by Waripamo Allen
Unpacking the Profound Correlation between the Continent and its Vi...
A 'FAILED' MARRIAGE IS ALSO A WIN by Mwambo Kate
I think a lot about how we as a culture have turned "forever" into ...
THE QUEEN WAS NOT A SAINT! by Samuel Ibok
This would be a very short post. I promise! The demise of Q...
The Matrix Reloaded: In God's Name by Samuel Ibok
I believe that "no matter how poor the African continent is, the ec...
RECOVERING FROM A “GHOST” by Emaa Ezeifeka
Our generation is weird. Almost everyone I know has been ghosted at...
Social media (in)tolerance? by Jefferson Nnadi...
I would like to believe that social media was created to bolster an...
SPACE
IN FOCUS
View space Share
Relationships Corner
Your Best Smile
86 Views
By Bolanlejesu Akinola
Love's Last Reward
232 Views
By Godwin Erite
For Richer <Del>For Poorer</Del>
489 Views
By Tobi Igbinedion
Apathy: The Most Potent Fuel In The O...
586 Views
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
The Evangelism Of Self Love
465 Views
By Queensley Okon
The Great Pre-Marital Dilemma: Love, ...
69 Views
By Ofonime Koko
Karma, Are You Stuck In Lagos Traffic?
48 Views
By Christianah Oparinde
Aya Mi (My Wife)
583 Views
By Tobi Igbinedion
Before I Do
634 Views
By Samuel Ibok
The Fine Art Of Love Letters
440 Views
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
Score | 535
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In People and Society • 2 min read • Dec 02, 2022 22:24p.m.
From Alms to Arms
I believe everyone loves children. If you don't, kindly see a therapist! This may sound crazy, but I think children are like coins, and their experiences influence their impact in society. I think they could be our future or our end. People in Africa would understand better. Deprivation leads to frustration, which in turn determines the actions we take. Children are generally feeble, and in most cases, they cannot think for themselves. They depend on their parents or the older folk for provision and protection. Now, the absence of a parent figure leaves children exposed to unscrupulous people. In other words, the children are left to choose either order or chaos. I can say for free that every day I see at least 10 children begging on the streets. Sadly, these children are found begging around the very institutions that are meant to cater for them. Today they are begging for alms; tomorrow they could take up arms. They could perceive other citizens as part of the reason for their plight, and they may find refuge in the closets of cultists, bandits, and terrorists. Yes, hunger gives direction! It exposes them to the danger of being in the company of thrives, but then where would they rather be? I think it's high time everyone became more responsible. I'm not saying we would do it all in a year, but can we at least start? Parents should do better, and the government should rehabilitate and reintegrate street children back into society. Collaborations between the government, civil society, and NGOs are pivotal. Let us remember that together we can do so much. Every child will eventually grow up. The question is: what kind of adult would they become? The answer depends on our actions and inactions.    Learn Unlearn Relearn
From Alms to Arms
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you like my insights, you can encourage me by sending a TIP. Thank you!
Send tip
3
views 517
1 share
Comments
Waripamo Allen
city Yenagoa • 3 months ago

Beautiful 🙏🏽

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 | 526
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In People and Society • 2 min read • Jun 21, 2022 13:37p.m.
Money and its power to unmask
There is this popular notion amongst Nigerians; 'you never know a person until he has money'. Another one goes 'money changes people'. On surface level, these seem to be true. But a deeper scrutiny may prove otherwise. A really important question to ask ourselves is: does money actually change people, or does it give them the opportunity to become who they truly are? A lot of times, I've had people say that money makes people proud and arrogant. The truth is, a man who suddenly seems arrogant when he gets money, has always been arrogant. The only difference is, he was in a state of lack before. And we all know that when someone is in need, he has to swallow his pride in order to receive aid. But when he becomes successful, and can afford most of his needs, there is no need to swallow any pride. Hence, making a naturally proud person revert to his nature. With every man, there is who he appears to be and who he truly is. Certain factors however determine which face he wears. True humility, does not require the presence or absence of money. But true humility is a tad difficult to attain. Most people who seem humble, are 'forced' to be. It's not innate, it is just merely a form of adaptation. The weird thing is, a lot of people cannot tell the difference, even in themselves. When I say humility, I do not mean the absence of pride, but rather the ability to channel and control that pride. After all, every man should have a measure of pride. A man who is genuinely humble and nice, remains the same, irrespective of his financial status. Do not be deceived by those who act nice and are eager to please in order to gain favours. These set of people are not nice; a nice person does not have to try to convince you. The thing with money is that, it is a confidence booster. And as such, it allows us become ourselves with no apologies. It enhances our true self, and allows us shed whatever mask that we may have had on. So, no. The truth for me is that money does not change people. I would however like to know what you think..
Money and its power to unmask
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
5
views 506
0 share
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...
Literature and Creative Writing
OFFENDING SENSITIVITIES by Jefferson Nnadi...
Modern social courtesy demands that we be economical with opinions ...
“Men-Watching” by Belinda Chiazor
One of my favorite things to do has always been “people watching.”&...
Finding meaning with anything anywher... by Joshua Omoijiade
Once, in the Northern part of France, in the Parisian Cafes on the ...
Blood On Lekki Express-Way by Belinda Chiazor
Today, I want to do something different. I want to share an ex...
My coaching experience by Jefferson Nnadi...
I was among the beneficiaries of a free coaching program organized ...
BEAR OR MAN by Jefferson Nnadi...
It's been a few weeks since the Bear or Man question trended on var...
OMÓ ÉSAN by Samuel Ibok
They say the apple does not fall far from the tree, but I was the e...
WATCH, WAIT! by Chidera Odom
I was watching the traffic, and I thought of you, You in all your ...
THE IMPOSTER WITHIN by Jefferson Nnadi...
Whenever I am about to share an insight, I fight a little hesitatio...
HUMANS WANT TO CONNECT by Emetekefe Akpov...
Why do some people look like they’ve just swallowed a lemon when yo...
DEAD BEN: LETTERS TO THE LIVING (BRID... by Samuel Ibok
The youngest in the fold, "The Tough Cat" that bites. The one who s...
PAMO’S EPIPHANY: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DI... by Waripamo Allen
Pamo, a 29-year-old man from Bayelsa State, was driving his sleek M...
INSUFFICIENT QUALIFICATION! by Jefferson Nnadi...
* takes a drag of my imaginary Cuban cigar.Alright, let's get into ...
PRINCESSE VAILLANTE !!! by Chidera Odom
By the walls of Notre Dame, she sat wallowing in her pain, Waiting...
HOW AFRICAN IS THE AFRICAN NOVEL? AN ... by Emetekefe Akpov...
There has been a lot of discussion about how African the African no...
A letter to Adam from Eve by Bolanlejesu Aki...
I hope you see me when I laugh. I hope you see me when I cry. I h...
CHEERLEADERS AND ONLOOKERS by Jefferson Nnadi...
It is very important that we learn to differentiate between the che...
FORGIVENESS HAS A COST by Emetekefe Akpov...
Over the past few weeks, I have been pondering the concepts of forg...
Some friendships don’t end- they just... by Christianah Opa...
There’s always that one friend.The one who was once the loudest che...
THE MEETING by Samuel Ibok
Sometimes it takes one meeting for our lives to change forever.&nbs...
THE CASE OF MENTAL COWARDICE by Jefferson Nnadi...
It's often thought that brave men are brave because they have no fe...
Share your first insight - an insight could be something you learned recently or an idea you have about a certain topic.
Check out our collection of Q&A sessions with some amazing minds on the continent of Africa and in the diaspora.
Follow spaces and people to enrich your experience on TwoCents.
Nostalgia corner
In 2022, we launched the Feed.
Here are the first few insights ever posted on TwoCents.
We Should Talk About Bruno....Clearly
567 Views
By Queensley Okon
Monkeypox New Old Virus 🦠 - In Shorts
553 Views
By Dr Mo Ameer
Show Me How Much You Love Me
491 Views
By Queensley Okon
Some Survival Hacks For Young People
449 Views
By Mwambo Kate
The 360
545 Views
By Queensley Okon
Women In Rap/Hip-Hop
470 Views
By Queensley Okon
Covid-19 Deaths In Africa
566 Views
By Dr Mo Ameer
Igbo-Ora
702 Views
By Mwambo Kate
Why Is Health And Safety Needed In Th...
437 Views
By Hero James
Twitter President - Part 1
551 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Twitter President - Part 2
427 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Twitter President - Part 3
460 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Twitter President - Part 4
439 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Ten Rules For Success In Life (Person...
502 Views
By Dr Mo Ameer
Justin Sold His Catalog For A Hundred...
968 Views
By Queensley Okon
United In Greed - Part 1
443 Views
By Tari Ogbowei
Score | 600
Dr Mo Ameer Intern doctor at MUH (Mansoura University Hospitals) @ Mansoura University
city Al Manşūrah, Egypt
1551
21999
189
153
In Health • 2 min read • Jan 22, 2023 17:16p.m.
Aliens and medicine
The field of medicine and the study of extraterrestrial life, or "aliens," are not directly related. Medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in humans and animals, while the study of extraterrestrial life is focused on the search for and potential discovery of life outside of Earth. However, there are some areas of overlap between the two fields. For example, astrobiology, which is the study of the potential for life elsewhere in the universe, could have implications for the search for new medicines or the study of the effects of space travel on human health. Additionally, if intelligent extraterrestrial life were to be discovered and communication established, it could potentially lead to the exchange of medical knowledge and technologies. It is important to note that while the possibility of extraterrestrial life is an intriguing topic, it is currently purely speculative, and currently the field of medicine is limited to the study and treatment of life on earth. While the direct relationship between medicine and the study of extraterrestrial life may be limited, the field of medicine has been influenced by space exploration and technology in various ways. For example, medical equipment and techniques developed for use in space have also been adapted for use in terrestrial medicine. NASA's medical research has contributed to the development of new technologies such as the CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Additionally, NASA's research on the effects of microgravity and radiation on the human body has helped to improve our understanding of osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and other medical conditions. Moreover, the field of telemedicine, which involves the use of telecommunications technology to provide remote medical care, has been developed and tested by NASA and other space agencies. This technology allows doctors to remotely diagnose and treat patients in remote locations, such as in space or in developing countries, where access to medical care is limited. In conclusion, while the field of medicine and the study of extraterrestrial life may not have a direct relationship, space exploration and technology have had a significant impact on medicine and continue to shape the future of healthcare
Aliens and medicine
By Dr Mo Ameer
0:00 / 0:00
Tobi Igbinedion
Send tip
6
views 569
2 share
Comments
Udochi Umeha
city Lagos • 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Imaginative and interesting.

Score | 467
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In Business Development • 2 min read • Aug 01, 2022 14:43p.m.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL - Your Niche and Product knowledge
<p>It's common to hear Sales Professionals with a successful track record of conversions say that they can sell anything. Although that statement ensues from expertise and not pride, they don't venture into selling everything. Yeah, they can sell anything, but they don't sell everything. In other words, no be everything you suppose de do! Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of multiple streams of income, but you have to be wise about it.<br></p><p>If your intention is growth, then you must have laser focus. A good understanding of your niche is a good starting place. In this regard, NICHE implies your business. What kind of business are you into? It is pertinent that you understand your industry if you ever plan on growing. To this end, you must intentionally study the trends in your INDUSTRY. This is pivotal because you won't be the only player in your industry irrespective of how novel your business is. </p><p>Similarly, you must be invested in understanding your product. I'll define product as the object upon which conversion is made. Conversion would only take place when the client sees the need for the product. Well, your kind of business and product would determine how much you invest in learning. But then, I think you should push yourself more to learning about your product. </p><p>Imagine a customer asking you what the benefits of a particular hair product are or asking why your bread is unique!!! Some questions would throw you off balance if you're not knowledgeable. Don't forget that most times the customers always have options. </p><p>"Available doesn't always mean special, and your worth is revealed in the midst of options." <br><br>Additionally, leveraging technology can significantly enhance your sales process. Utilizing tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, social media platforms, and data analytics can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends. These technologies help you tailor your approach to meet specific customer needs, thereby increasing your chances of making a sale. Staying updated with technological advancements and integrating them into your sales strategy can give you a competitive edge and streamline your operations, making you more efficient and effective in your sales efforts.</p><p>It gets more tricky when you're selling something intangible - "A promise". In this case, knowledge and conviction on your part could win you the deal. No one would beg or force you to learn. "Only those who seek to know would know". Remember that the world of sales is brutal. I am certain that knowledge will boost your confidence. Knowledge and confidence could gift you that hard sale. Knowledge and confidence are your advantage. You can't sell what you don't understand. Be open to learning from your competition. </p><p>Don't let pride make you reject learning. </p><p>Learn/Unlearn/Relearn. </p><p><br></p>
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN SELL - Your Niche and Prod...
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
sales product knowledge niche
|
Thanks for reading. Your TIP means the world to me 💙
Send tip
4
views 450
0 share
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...
Interview questions & answers from our past sessions.
logo
TwoCents
June 4, 2021, 1:04 a.m.
Currently what is the biggest highlight of machine learning? In five years wh...
Chinasa T. Okolo
Managing Director & Com... ...
The biggest highlight for me is the ability to save lives and also democratize acc...
logo
TwoCents
Oct. 3, 2021, 8:21 a.m.
What do you consider as the most important skill a CEO should have?
Dr. Mofor Cleme...
Personal Brand Therapis... ...
Who is a CEO? Is being a CEO a job or an inherited position?Is there a CEO schoo...
logo
TwoCents
June 2, 2022, 10:02 a.m.
How can we foster an africentric approach towards crypto for monetary soverei...
Ainomugisha Barry
Co-founder & director @ Ski...
That's an interesting question that can be best answered with a rhetoric question ...
logo
TwoCents
June 29, 2022, 7:09 a.m.
What made you become a cosmetologist?
Priscilla Ofosu...
Bridal Makeup Artist, M... ...
I have always had a passion for beauty and style. Growing up, I enjoyed playing dr...
logo
TwoCents
Oct. 3, 2021, 8:21 a.m.
As an entrepreneur, what business sector do you think is currently overlooked...
Dr. Mofor Cleme...
Personal Brand Therapis... ...
Media and content creation: insightfully speaking, with the out break of Covid, ...
logo
TwoCents
July 7, 2022, 12:30 p.m.
What are some of the bench marks outside Africa that we can engineer a sound ...
Loic Bethel Dje
Youth and Apex Performa... ...
Quite a number of advocacy groups which I can't mention. I'll list just two and in...
logo
TwoCents
June 2, 2022, 9:58 a.m.
What are the benefits of using cryptocurrency and crypto assets?
Ainomugisha Barry
Co-founder & director @ Ski...
There are various benefits of using Cryptocurrencies since crypto assets can be us...
logo
TwoCents
July 16, 2022, 4:14 p.m.
What are the most important skills for getting a job today and why?
Akorfa Ama Akoto
Communications Assistant @ ...
Critical thinking, leadership, project management, storytelling and open mindednes...
logo
TwoCents
March 10, 2021, 1:50 p.m.
Where we can see practical applications of data science and computer vision i...
Ifueko Igbinedion
Doctoral Student @ MIT
We see these every day as we navigate the internet. From analyzing images through ...
logo
TwoCents
March 11, 2021, 1:54 p.m.
Do I have to be an artist to be an Architect?
Dr. Abraham Owo...
Educator @ Covenant University
Oh no! You don’t have to. Architecture isn’t all about arts and paintings, it’s la...
INTERVIEW ANSWER
IN FOCUS
TwoCents
Are ‘African solutions’ like Kenya and Ethiopia’s intervention in Somalia any more legitimate or less controversial than other international effort...
Dr. Othieno Nyanjom
Senior Lecturer @ The Technical University of Kenya
What could ‘African solutions’ possibly be in an increasingly globalized era? After the 1945 end of the Second World War, the Cold War polarized the world into the East (Second World; communist; Warsaw Pact) and West (First World; capitalist; ...
View session Share
Smart African Women
Akorfa Ama Akoto
Communications Assistant @ Ministry of Education, Ghana
Accra, Ghana
Toyin Jolapamo
Senior Digital Communications Analyst @ Oando Plc
Lagos, Nigeria
Yewande Orenuga
Creative Director @ Thalia Bespoke Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria
Dr. Mofor Clementine CENDOH
Personal Brand Therapist | Bus Consultant | Relationship Counsellor | Content Creator @ NEST Consolidated
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Dr. Mofor Clementine CENDOH
Personal Brand Therapist | Bus Consultant | Relationship Counsellor | Content Creator @ NEST Consolidated
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Njoke Tangwing Raisa Ngwenyi
Tech enthusiast, climate activist, media personnel @ Bamenda
Bamenda, Cameroon
Abigael Anaza-Mark
Lead the volunteer team, design and manage projects @ SheSOLVES
Lagos, Nigeria
Priscilla Ofosu Mensah
Bridal Makeup Artist, Makeup Educator, Makeup Special Effects (Sfx) @ Vogue by Prylla
Accra, Ghana
Chinasa T. Okolo
Managing Director & Computer Science PhD Student @ The Diasporic Group & Cornell University
New York City, United States
Ifueko Igbinedion
Doctoral Student @ MIT
Boston, United States
SESSION ANSWER
IN FOCUS
Adebisi Adenola
What are your thoughts on brand activism and cause-marketing and how brand mangers could use this to connect effectively with consumers?
Dr. Emmanuel Mogaji
Senior Lecturer Advertising and Marketing Communications @ University of Greenwich, London
I think it is very important for brands to reflect their target audience. This is the time of being 'WOKE' but it must be done right. Compare Gillette's advert We Believe: The Best Men Can Be and Nike's advert with Colin Kaepernick. Gillette's advert didn't do well because people could...
View session Share
Top answers from our past sessions
Yes, this is a image recognition process that has been done in multiple ways before. I would suggest looking up relevant literature for inspiration and browsing around competition sites like Kaggle or Zindi to get access to datasets!The coolest project I have worked on probably was something I did with a startup to recognize different hairtypes and hairstyles!
Chinasa T. Okolo
Managing Director & Computer Science PhD Student @ The Diasporic Group & Cornell University
Hello Ebunoluwa, I'm glad you found the session useful. My approach to life is that I'll never get given anything I cannot deal with, so the fact that I'm faced with that particular challenge means I have the ability to overcome it. Then, I go into learning, it's my first point of call with most things. Not necessarily structured learning, I spend a lot of time reading, not books, just blogs and articles on things I am curious about, or need knowledge on, sometimes I turn to podcasts, or videos - an easier way to learn for me. In this space, you have to cultivate a culture of learning as it is so dynamic and forever evolving. I also rely a lot on my network, no one is an Island right? You cannot be an expert at everything, so rely on people who can offer their expertise when you need it, or coach you.
Toyin Jolapamo
Senior Digital Communications Analyst @ Oando Plc
I think that the answer below on drones for agriculture and food security addresses many of the main advantages we can take. Using drones can reduce the manpower necessary for high throughput and can help monitor and optimize resources, which can be very beneficial for the public. However, we must look ethically at every stakeholder that would be affected by these integrations before we can truly understand the benefits.
Ifueko Igbinedion
Doctoral Student @ MIT
I think that often times people assume that one's identity as a black women is by default interwoven into one's academic experiences, and while that may true, I never believed that the marginalization I face based on my identity meant that there was something I could not achieve. Quite frankly, someones racism or sexism towards me is their own problem, and over time I've become immune to it. Additionally I believe the glass ceiling is a metaphor people put on us that inadvertently gives some people imposter syndrome. To me, there are no glass ceilings. I know that if I'm able to build technology solve problems for many people, and advocate for myself while doing it, I'll be able to have whatever impact I want on the world and gain recognition for doing it. Obviously I've faced misogynior in academia, and you'd be hard pressed to find any black woman at an institution with billions of dollars at their disposal to to have been shielded from that. But numbers can't be denied, and when you walk into interviews, proposals or pitches with compelling data, concise arguments and confidence, it's often hard to be ignored. That being said, we have to acknowledge that there are very few people in general in this field. Our lack of representation as black women doesn't mean that we aren't capable, just that we haven't been shown what we can do. Consequently I believe that helping others see their potential is the greatest way I can share and create value with my knowledge, whether that be through building human-centric technology that focuses on bringing value to a user personally, or inspiring others to see their own skill solve important problems themselves.
Ifueko Igbinedion
Doctoral Student @ MIT
At its core, computer vision involves taking in images and processing them for real-world significance. In terms of living spaces, people have used computer vision for things like home construction planning, decoration arrangement planning, and trying out furniture in your house. This is cool and all, but I really wish we would explore computer vision for accessibility in our living spaces. If we had robust visual understanding systems that had seamless integration with natural language synthesizers, we could provide more enhanced accessibility tools for the blind living alone. If we had visual assistance robots that could do household tasks like cooking and cleaning, those with mobility issues could really benefit. There will always be an unexplored importance in areas that don't make tech companies money, and those areas often have the greatest impact.
Ifueko Igbinedion
Doctoral Student @ MIT
I dare to enjoy the process along the way. Cyndy trimm said in her book (rules of engagement) that the only difference between a dollar bill and a tree is the process. See, as the challenges hit me, I know it has broken the hard nuts and opened for me new amazing opportunities. What if the was no stress, how will I be able to get the experience I now have?
Dr. Mofor Clementine Cendoh
Personal Brand Therapist | Bus Consultant | Relationship Counsellor | Content Creator @ NEST Consolidated
Hi Daniel, I think for this you just need to put yourself out there. Write more, put your writing online, on Medium, LinkedIn, even Twitter. Work towards becoming a contributor on platforms that are aligned with your style of writing. Build the right connections by going to writers workshops, interacting with the right people online, etc. Also, it sounds random, but make it clear you are a writer, use your bios wisely. At the end of the day, you want people to search your name and see your writing skills.
Toyin Jolapamo
Senior Digital Communications Analyst @ Oando Plc
HR is threatened same way as other departments. With improvements in technology, creation of shared services, outsourcing, integration of processes etc, headcount will mostly be affected.As individuals, whether in HR or other departments, we need to always prepare for tomorrow. Learn new things, manage our resources well, be open to new challenges,etc
Dolapo Onasanya
HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa
Thank you Temitayo. It is easier to transit within same Organization. You can show interest in HR during development conversations and also get involved in HR projects (if any) while still in your current department. You must continue to deliver on your job while planning to move to HR.If you are fresh out of school, you can write professional examinations in HR to prepare you for opportunities. You only have control over your readiness while you hope for the right opportunities by actively searching
Dolapo Onasanya
HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa
As I suggest above, this appeal to/for an African agenda is grand romanticism, not real politik. We know from theory and from empirical studies that top-down trickle-down approaches are unlikely to solve Africa's fundamental problems of poverty, illiteracy and disease. A look at AU for instance, suggests we are too focused on being like the UN, instead of recognising our resource constraints and cutting our suit according to our cloth. But beyond that continental body, what is the value addition of the 12-odd bodies duplicating activities across the continent? Eight of the 15 ECOWAS countries belong to UWEMOA, the only divide being that the latter are Francophone. Among SADC's 15 members, 4 belong to SACU, and 8 belong to COMESA. Some of these countries belonging to multiple organisations, paying millions in membership fees, cannot even feed their people at home! Good governance requires prudent management of government. The richer countries of Europe have a single primary membership body, EU...and NATO if you like. So why do we allow France to sponsor UWEMOA as a means of dividing ECOWAS? African countries are burning money they do not have in such organisations; but they also burn money internally through corruption. The bottom line is the failure of good governance on the continent.
Dr. Othieno Nyanjom
Senior Lecturer @ The Technical University of Kenya
Score | 440
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
1197
26467
139
35
In Politics • 2 min read • Aug 12, 2022 23:55p.m.
THE THIRD FORCE
Since 1999, elections have always been a 2 horse race between, the PDP and AC until the merger that brought APC in 2015. The entrance of Mr. Peter Obi brings in the much needed difference in the political and electoral structure. It's obvious it's not business as usual. The PDP intended to use religion as its ticket to victory while the APC banked on employing regional sentiments. Enter Peter Obi and the Labour Party who brings in the competence argument. This issue of competence and a track record of service and excellence is what makes Peter Obi so alluring. Since his emergence in the presidential race, he has become increasingly popular, especially among the youth. There's so much that reveals that both the camps of Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC are worried about Peter Obi's popularity this is mainly because of the support he's getting from the youth. Both the APC and PDP are doing everything they can to woo the youths and carry out youth based campaign but it seems majority of rhe youths have pitched tent with the Obi camp. A recent statistics revealed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that about 71% percent of the 12.2 million newly registered voters are youths. According to the statistics released by the electoral umpire, about 8.7 million are between the ages of 18 and 34 while about 2.4 million are between the ages 35 and 49.   Those between ages 50 and 69 are about 856, 017 while about 127, 541 are over 70.   Nigerian youth have never been this interested in any elections for a long time now but the body language and follow up actions tell a new tale. They want to change the status quo. They have taken it as a war between their generation and the older generation. Chimaroke Nnamani, an Igbo man, a former governor of Enugu state who is a PDP member has thrown his weight behind Tinubu. This shows that it is not about regional sentiments or party loyalty but about a particular generation holding onto power with all they've got. A lot of Nigerians are tired and I have met younger people who are members of other political parties throwing their weight behind Peter Obi, either overtly or covertly. Governors and bigwigs who are also fed up with the status quo are beginning to support Mr. Obi. One of his biggest endorsements is that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. All of this is because of his performance while he was governor of Anambra state. The emergence of Peter Obi in 2023's presidential election is a glimmer of hope to Nigerians. It creates a THIRD FORCE that is much needed but has seemed almost impossible. Nigerians can now make a choice outside of their known oppressors.
THE THIRD FORCE
By Tari Ogbowei
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
4
views 423
0 share
Score | 251
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Jun 11, 2024 11:57a.m.
GIVE THE AUDIENCE WHAT THEY WANT
<p>If you are a filmmaker, I bet you would have heard the phrase 'give the audience what they want' on multiple occasions. It can be frustrating, especially in the Nollywood scene where producers/directors lord their superiority over writers and are dead set on their beliefs over what the audience wants.</p><p><br></p><p>And while it's true that movie goers have certain tropes which they seem to have become accustomed to, I do not agree that creatives have to follow those tropes at all times - personally, I feel it's lazy and limiting filmmaking. One of the many beauties of filmmaking is experiencing diverse point of views of a particular ideology or completely different ideologies altogether. Therefore, I think it's sinful to deprive thousands, maybe even millions of people these experiences by churning out slightly altered versions of the same movie.</p><p><br></p><p>I recall once at a seminar, a popular producer boldly told us : ' if you are not producing comedies or glam movies, then forget about it'. This singular experience was one of the most depressing of my journey in filmmaking. While I appreciate well done comedies, I am not drawn to writing them (at least not yet) and I am definitely not big on the idea of using glam to cover up shoddy plot, acting or production. So did this mean that I had no future in the film industry?</p><p><br></p><p>Thankfully it didn't as there are people who appreciate my work for what it is. Plus my foray into ghostwriting has afforded me the opportunity to flex my creative muscle in various genres and creative media.</p><p><br></p><p>I can hear someone murmur 'Hollywood does this too'. Yes, they do, but they also have a long list of evidence that they also take risk by birthing new ideas (Star wars, Avatar, Black Mirror, and these are just a few). But somehow we only draw inferences with the shortcomings of Hollywood and never their hunger to break new grounds. Hollywood isn't as obsessed as Nollywood is with 'giving the audience what they want'.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The big question now is what does the audience want? Is it a watered down theme or on the nose and preachy dialogue so they get the message? Or the needless infusion of cringe comedy so they can laugh and have a good time? Perhaps it might be the cheesy and poorly executed love dynamic between a man and woman (looking at you YouTube movies). On careful consideration, we find that giving the audience what they want is vague. Like I said earlier it's just an excuse to churn out mediocre works intended as cash grabs. Again, YouTube Nollywood, I see you.</p><p><br></p><p>This write up would piss off a lot of Nigerian filmmakers if they see it, and I hope they do. But I'm not sorry. We've swam in the ocean of mediocrity for so long, the permanent stench of the water lingers on us. I was not drawn to filmmaking from childhood to get lost in the sea of mediocrity, I know what wonders films can do. I know the undiscovered emotions a good movie can evoke within a person, and I know first hand how well crafted and carefully thought stories can inspire.</p><p><br></p><p>Moreover, the audience is due for something new. A couple of months ago, a teaser to the upcoming movie 'Finding Messiah' sent social media agog. It wasn't the regular stuff that the audience was used to, but the hype that has been built around it is mind-blowing. You cannot assume that a child would only eat beans and nothing else, when all you serve him is beans.</p><p><br></p><p>It's common knowledge that a lot of people don't watch Nollywood movies in the cinemas. It is not because they are unpatriotic to their own stuff, it's because their excitement hasn't been aroused - a lot of them do not see the need to see something that has been done a thousand times. Create something good and exciting, create something fresh and watch how these same people wholeheartedly pay to see it.</p><p><br></p><p>I absolutely believe there's a lot Nollywood can achieve if we stop boxing ourselves into an obviously crammed space in the name of giving the audience what they want. The most beautiful thing about art is that it should not be tamed.&nbsp;</p>
GIVE THE AUDIENCE WHAT THEY WANT
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
THIS INSIGHT HAS STARTED RECEIVING TIPS
Send tip
2
views 229
1 share
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...
Most viewed insights
The Resource Curse
by Samuel Ibok
In
Africa
My Time Is Now
by David Ebuka
In
Arts and Crafts
Central Bank Digital Currency
by NTAMUGABUMWE VICTOR
In
Banking and Finance
ENHANCING YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY
by Diweri Mangiri
In
Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle
TO THE MOON AND BEYOND
by Queensley Okon
In
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
EVEN TECH BROS GET BROKE!
by Samuel Ibok
In
Business Development
This thing called ‘work esteem’
by Esther Omemu
In
Career and Jobs
Everything Rises and Falls on Interpretation
by Tobi Igbinedion
In
Christian Theology
Bedrooms and Boardrooms
by Samuel Ibok
In
Companies and Firms
The New Era of Housing
by Esther Omemu
In
Construction and Real Esate
DOCUMENTATION: THE SECRET CHEAT CODE TO EASILY CREATE CONTENT
by Oluseyi Vandy
In
Content Creators
The Architecture of Persistence
by Joshua Omoijiade
In
Design
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
by Oluseyi Vandy
In
Education
Meeting a billionaire
by Cyrus Majebi
In
Entrepreneurship
If all I have is N100,000 where do I begin?
by EDOBONG AKPABIO
In
Farming and Agriculture
Be calming down!
by Samuel Ibok
In
Fitness and Body Building
ALTERNATIVES TO POTASH (KAUN)
by Diweri Mangiri
In
Food and Cuisine
WHY WAXING BEATS SHAVING
by Emaa Ezeifeka
In
Health
A Green Nigeria
by Esther Omemu
In
Health, Safety and Environment
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in Igbo Culture
by Ugochukwu Asiogu
In
History and Culture
Nigerian Muslims and Abuse Of Polygamy
by Peter Ajetunmobi
In
Islam
THE FISH HOUSE
by Rosemary Adelani
In
Journalism
Rise of the Machines
by Oluseyi Vandy
In
Law and Governance
"In dire need of compassion and character".
by Ugochukwu Asiogu
In
Leadership
A little about the Nkwerre people
by Jefferson Nnadiekwe
In
Literature, Writing and Blo...
Medical School Struggles
by Dr Mo Ameer
In
Mental Health
JUSTIN SOLD HIS CATALOG FOR A HUNDRED MILLI
by Queensley Okon
In
Music and Entertainment
The Land of Promise
by Samuel Ibok
In
Nigeria
RECOVERING FROM A “GHOST”
by Emaa Ezeifeka
In
People and Society
Eren Yeagar and Freedom's cage
by Joshua Omoijiade
In
Philosophy
THE LUXURY OF THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
by Jefferson Nnadiekwe
In
Politics
Mental Masterbation
by Mwambo Kate
In
Psychology
But you said you LOVED me!
by Tobi Igbinedion
In
Relationships
Life Happens
by Friday Okwori
In
Religion
What Is your body count ?
by Emaa Ezeifeka
In
Sex and Sexuality
The World Cup is upon us
by Tobi Igbinedion
In
Sports
THE MOTHER OF Wi-Fi
by Mwambo Kate
In
STEM
Social media is not an actual place
by Oluseyi Vandy
In
Technology
NAIRA REDESIGN: EFFECT ON THE ECONOMY AND PEOPLE
by Tari Ogbowei
In
The Economy
Opobo Nkoro, The Little Big Town
by Oluseyi Vandy
In
Travel and Tourism
THE DEVIL WEARS BALENCIAGA.
by Mwambo Kate
In
Trending
LET'S TALK ABORTIONS
by Queensley Okon
In
Women
Score | 475
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
1197
26467
139
35
In Politics • 4 min read • Sep 18, 2022 22:11p.m.
THE QUEEN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CIVIL WAR
On the 8th of September, 2022, the British monarchy lost its head monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Within minutes of her passing, the whole world knew she was dead and tributes began pouring in  from all over. Although, different people had quite distinct reactions to the development. Many were mournful, others liked the Irish expressed joy and a few others like me were indifferent. While the Queen was on her deathbed, one Uju Anya, a Nigerian-born American professor made a controversial tweet. She tweeted, "I heard the chief monarch of a thieving raping genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating." While it might be morally wrong to disparage a person who is dying, or actually dead, we shouldn't forget that everyone has the right to free speech. This is one of the charters of the UN convention. Logically, no crime has been committed but from the standpoint of humanity and morality, it is all shades of wrong. In her defense, one could easily say she made the tweet in reference to the British empire's colonisation efforts in places like Africa and India; the death and bloodshed that followed, and the direct result of the "Potato famine of 1845". Although, the Queen Elizabeth wasn't even born when most of these things happened or started but she met them when she ascended the throne. She never for once acknowledged that whatever her progenitors did was wrong and apologised for it. She carried on as if all is well. In the area of colonisation, she continued with the family legacy. It could easily be assumed, that she supported the actions of her ancestors and in this light Uju Anya's take on Britain being a thieving, raping, genocidal empire is valid. Uju Anya's tweet went viral and the rest of the world made sure to gaslight her for her unsavory remarks on the "dear Queen." Jeff Bezos, the second richest man in the world, among many other prominent and famous people, called her out in no unclear terms. Infact, one could say she was almost lynched with words. Nigerians who are known to be supportive of their countrymen came to the rescue. Now, this is where I have a problem. Uju Anya, being Igbo, mainly Nigerians of Igbo extraction came to her defense. Not that anything is wrong with this but if you want to defend something, do it intelligently and not based on sentiments and uninformed hot takes. I read things that made me question my knowledge of political history. Many of these people hurled vitriol at the late Queen, using the Nigerian civil war as their excuse, juxtaposing two parallel arguments. Their argument was that Britain under the Queen refused to sell arms to Biafra, supporting the Nigerian government against Biafra and that Britain was somehow responsible for the lives lost from the war. While I disagree with this argument, it is a fact that for any event, there are causes and effects. A lot of Igbos have refused to acknowledge the causes of the war but are quick to remember the effects, solely because they bore the brunt. The Nigerian Civil war was ignited by a series of unfortunate events that began from the January 1966 coup led by Kaduna Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Ifeajuna which culminated in the murder of 22 people, mainly from the North and Mid Western regions by people of mainly Eastern region origin. It was agreed by the coupists to kill the regional leaders of all the regions but at the end of the coup, the leaders of the Eastern region were all alive and well while those of the Northern and Mid Western regions had been killed. This is why the January 1966 coup was nicknamed an "Igbo coup." After the coup, another Igbo man in the person of Aguiyi Ironsi became the Head of state. He promised to try the coupists and serve justice. This calmed the nerves of the North but at the end of the day, it was discovered that the coupists were only arrested but never tried. Infact, they were being paid their full salaries while in detention and were even billed for promotion. All this led to a counter coup by Northern military officers on July 29, 1966 and the unfortunate pogrom of 1966-1967 and the Civil war of 1967-1970. If we go back to a few years after independence, it was Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great Zik of Africa that decided against the inclusion of a secession clause to the constitution. Today, his posterity is suffering from it. All of this shows us, as a people, we are not aware of our history and because we are not aware of our own history, we have distorted it, such that propaganda and pseudo history has been orally passed down from one generation to another. This is why many people believe they were just sitting down on their own, minding their business and "Hausa" people came and attacked them. There was no provocation or trigger that preceded the Nigerian Civil War. Hausa people just woke up one morning and decided to descend on the people of Eastern Nigeria because their breaths stunk and they didn't like their faces. But this is definitely not what happened. However, since we have refused to write our own history, and worse still, we have refused to teach it in schools, there are millions of people who believe in this version of events. The really unfortunate thing is that this misinformation and misrepresentation of facts will continue. In light of all of this, I believe it is obvious that the Queen, albeit being the biggest beneficiary of the atrocities of her progenitors, is not responsible and had hand no hand in the cause of the Nigerian Civil War. If we're looking for who to blame, we shouldn't look too far. We should look at ourselves. If any Nigerian wants to blight the Queen, it should be on the basis of the fact that the British monarchy as an institution, of which the Queen is the single largest beneficiary plundered, pillaged and raped a large part of Africa for its personal benefit.
THE QUEEN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CIVIL WAR
By Tari Ogbowei
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 456
2 share
Comments
Hero James
city Lagos • 2 years, 6 months ago
You don't tell a victim of war how to air her grievances. Her choice of words is proportional to her pains. Secondly, the coup was never...
edited
Score | 350
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
1233
22147
117
61
In People and Society • 3 min read • Jun 18, 2024 11:38a.m.
WESTERNISATION
<p>As a secondary school student sitting in Social Studies class (or was it Government? 🤔) I never knew how much relevance that word held. Yes, I knew on some level the cartoons I grew up on as a kid influenced my thoughts and educated me a lot. But now, many years later, I see how much it has advanced and derailed us.</p><p><br></p><p>Anything done in excess, no matter what it is can have a negative impact. This is why Nigerians' ability to assimilate and adopt other people's cultures has had such a negative effect on us. This quality is one to be praised and makes someone a beacon, but when done in excess you not only lose the core of who you are, but you stand the risk of taking traits and habits that can be detrimental to you. This is where Nigeria finds itself.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Over time we have adopted The Good, The Bad and The This Shouldn't Even Be A Topic. We took in all these with the shaming tactic that our ways were primitive and in some cases barbarian. While I will not argue that some customs or traditions needed to be left in the past, the problem now is that there is this underlying inferiority complex and belief that most of the things from the West are better than ours.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>We forget that they are human and are prone to being wrong as well, or some cultures were made to solve specific problems. Let me set an example. The idea of disciplining children. This topic is so horrific for many, but humans (and yes even kids) by nature want to test boundaries to learn what they can get away with. Why? Because human nature prioritises pleasure and immediate gratification, call it our animal Instinct. If a kid could have candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they would find a way to get it, but the parent has to be the firm hand to tell them no and then instil discipline in them so they don't end up with diabetes. This is what disciplining children does, it shows them what is and what isn't acceptable. This frees them to know how to interact with the larger world and not be confused when an action their parents never told them was wrong, gets them punished or ostracized by others in society.</p><p><br></p><p>We forget that also, life has stages and as much as we are enamoured by how awesome the Western standard of life is, they have the freedom to live the way they do because either the government or the people fought to preserve it no matter how imperfect it may be. In translation, you cannot live in a developing nation and want to mimic the same culture of a developed nation that has the luxury to do so, you will just plainly appear delusional and out of touch with reality.</p><p><br></p><p>Before we copy from them we owe it to ourselves, and our family to analyse and think through what we want to adopt. Cultures are different because realities are different. Take the best of other cultures and use it to build yourself, but know where to draw the line, do not underestimate and belittle the beauty of your culture and traditions.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
WESTERNISATION
By Oluseyi Vandy
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you enjoyed this insight, send a tip
THIS INSIGHT HAS STARTED RECEIVING TIPS
Send tip
2
views 328
1 share
Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
Score | 471
Tari Ogbowei Content Writer and contributor @ TwoCents
city Yenagoa, Nigeria
1197
26467
139
35
In Politics • 1 min read • Jun 05, 2022 11:18a.m.
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 3
<span class="html-content"> <p>People of every Nigerian ethnicity keep supporting him daily, irrespective of political affinity. He moved from PDP to the Labour Party and his support base has rather grown than dwindle. He seems to be the man of the people. He is the underdog that will give the main contenders a run for their money. If social media, especially twitter were the real world, I'd have concluded already who the next president will be but alas, it is not. 🤦🏽‍♂️</p> <p>I have seen a number of persons ask, "What structure does he have?" He may not have the textbook structure but I believe the people are all the structure he needs. The Chinese under Chairman Mao had no conventional army but formed an army of peasants from the people with which they smartly used to fight off their aggressor, Japan.</p> </span>
TWITTER PRESIDENT - PART 3
By Tari Ogbowei
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 460
0 share
Score | 348
Belinda Chiazor Writer and Filmmaker @ Middle Girl Productions
city Lagos, Nigeria
841
6830
69
59
In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • May 07, 2024 00:23a.m.
The Impact Of Our Kindness
<p>I follow an Instagram page called “Diary Of A Naija Girl.” It is run by a very vocal, intelligent and successful woman entrepreneur who shares her life experiences as well as the experiences of others, and us who keep up with her posts can seek advice and connect with each other, as we’ve grown to become a strong community of women – both home and abroad, bonded through our similar struggles.</p><p><br></p><p>I stumbled on one of DANG’s (for short) posts today; about the kindness of a stranger. She was a “fresher” as we call first year undergrads, and while trying to register her courses and navigate college life one fateful day, she found herself stuck in the rain, completely drenched and worse – stranded right in front of her home, as her roommates were not around to let her into their shared apartment.&nbsp;</p><p>This stranger who happened to know this lady’s roomies invited her to her place; giving her shelter from the rain, then proceeded to offer her a change of clothes and also heat up a glass of beverage for her.&nbsp;</p><p>According to the narrator, this experience occurred 24 years ago, but has remained in her mind and in her heart till this very day. And even though this is something I’ve always known, I’m reminded that kind gestures are so powerful, they can outlive the person who extended said kindness.&nbsp;</p><p>It is the same thing with vileness. You can be so vitriolic, the negative impact on other people’s lives remain with them forever.&nbsp;</p><p><em>That’s why it’s important to choose kindness every day because would you rather be remembered for kicking a person when they were down, or for lifting them up? If your answer is negative, you be weyrey. 😩</em></p><p>Imagine somebody remembering you over two whole decades since they first encountered you; simply because of a moment of benevolence.&nbsp;</p><p>The aforementioned story about the undergrad also reminds me of Adele the iconic singer, on stage, recounting her early teenage years with a particular favorite teacher of hers who was kind and took the time to be there for her students in special ways that the singer never forgot.&nbsp;Fast forward to being a multiple Grammy award winner years after, and Adele was on stage, telling the world the story of this teacher of hers. The teacher was in attendance as a surprise for Adele and when her presence was revealed, she moved the famous singer to tears. So memorable a person, your teenage students become fully grown adults, but can never forget you.&nbsp;</p><p><em>What a legacy!&nbsp;</em></p><p>I too have experienced the kindness of friends as well as strangers, as we all have.&nbsp;</p><p>One particular moment I’ll always be grateful for, was a friend driving me to lend some money from another friend of his; so I could have transport fare to travel outside of Lagos where I reside, and star in my first feature film. Today, everytime that movie comes up on the Iroko Tv platform, I remember the person who made it possible for me to be in that movie and I mouth a silent prayer to God, blessing them for what they did for me.</p><p><br></p><p>A singular act of kindness can change not just your life but the life of the recipient and years later, you and them can still reap the rewards of that one symbolic gesture.</p><p>And in the wise words of one commenter under Dang’s post, specifically the one about the caring stranger — <strong>‘Always be kind to people, that’s how you live forever, in their hearts.’&nbsp;</strong></p><p>And I completely agree!</p><p><em>Please endeavor to spread some kindness and cheer as you go about your day to day, I assure you, the world will be better for it. 😌😊</em></p>
The Impact Of Our Kindness
By Belinda Chiazor
0:00 / 0:00
kindness social impact humanity
|
If you enjoyed my writing, pls consider leaving a tip! Your support encourages me to continue to create content that you can enjoy. Thank you!
THIS INSIGHT HAS STARTED RECEIVING TIPS
Send tip
2
views 326
1 share
Hi, it's Belinda, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
If you’re looking for a creative director for your visuals, or a writer for that book, I’m your girl. ✍️🎬 https://belindasplace.curio...
Score | 550
Ntamugabumwe Victor
city Kampala, Uganda
570
2526
12
5
In Politics • 2 min read • Apr 22, 2023 13:14p.m.
WHEN LAW MEETS POLITICS - UGANDA MINISTERS' SCANDAL AND RIGHT TO BAIL
You may have heard or watched the news from Uganda on the most recent scandal where Ministers shared government aid that was meant for relief for one of the remotest places in Uganda - the Karamoja region. For clarity, this is the area with the highest rates of illiteracy, and economic development and with a semi-arid climate that has hampered their agricultural space and has always influenced their life as nomadic pastoralists. During the affirmative action discussions, the legislators saw it fit to create a Cabinet Ministerial position for Karamoja Affairs. Recently the Minister sought a supplementary budget to purchase iron sheets for the region in form of aid. The money was allegedly shared amongst some legislators and ministers through corridors of power. This led to the arrest of some of the Ministers during the last 2 weeks. It should be noted that these Ministers and legislators belong to the ruling party - the National Resistance Movement. Earlier, the ruling party had sought to abolish the constitutional right to bail for certain political wrongs inclusive of corruption. This move was a political strategy engineered to ensure the opposition politicians under certain charges do not get access to the right to bail and as such stay in the cells for as long as the political power structures agree otherwise. The irony is that now the same ministers face the same stand off with many of them have failed to meet the bail requirement. Well, that is what has been in Uganda. Share any similar scandal from where you are across Africa. Please share certain insights on how such scandals may be handled by the courts of law with respect to bail and whether such offenses should be bailable.
WHEN LAW MEETS POLITICS - UGANDA MINISTERS' SCA...
By Ntamugabumwe Victor
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
4
views 529
1 share
Score | 476
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In Nigeria • 1 min read • Sep 23, 2022 08:59a.m.
This is Lagos!
<span class="html-content"> <p>I think Nigerians, particularly those residing in other states, have different views about Lagos. However, there's a generic perception that it's an opportunity hub. Let me clearly state that only a few people in Lagos are sane, and I am one of those people! I'm saying it with my full chest, and I'm in my house! Come and beat me 😅 Nollywood has given some people the impression that you can "easily blow" once you move to Lagos. Let me give you a brief analogy. Emeka who is frustrated in the village somewhere in Owerri, moves to the City- "Lagos" to serve his older brother, and in 3 months he becomes a millionaire.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;HOW NAAAAA!&nbsp;</p><p>In another case, he could fall in love with Nneka, who is from a wealthy family, and they could eventually live happily ever after irrespective of the objections from her family.</p> <p>SCAM!!&nbsp;</p><p>BIG SCAM!!</p> <p>A part of me wants to believe this is actually possible, but the other part is in utter disbelief. My dear, Lagos is not for the weak. Your temperament may change. I know mine did! It's not all glamorous as some may think, but you can do great things here.&nbsp;</p><p>You must give it your all because --"THIS IS LAGOS"--</p> </span>
This is Lagos!
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you like my insights, you can encourage me by sending a TIP. Thank you!
Send tip
3
views 458
1 share
Comments
Samuel Omoyele
city Abeokuta • 3 months, 2 weeks ago
This post reminds me of a line from a poem I was taught back in secondary school– "Life is not a bed of roses". Your post is really screa...
Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
I'm a Creative Writer and Poet on a mission to Tell Stories That Torch! You can find some of my works below https://www.instagram.com/p...
Score | 459
Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
city Lagos, Nigeria
1021
12707
114
37
In Design • 3 min read • Mar 01, 2024 17:59p.m.
In Paise of Perrons
I peered from a rooftop one cloudy afternoon and from that vantage I saw the sides of towering houses and offices in Ikoyi; Perrons. That day, a realization dawned on me: I cherish the sight of these external staircases gracing the sides of buildings. For clarity, let me define "Perron" - it's simply an external staircase leading to a building's entrance. Despite that specific definition, I’ll use it to define all stairs on the external sides of buildings in this piece I had just begun working at my current firm and just like the day you tasted your best food for the twenty-eight or one-hundredth time, it was finally a fully formed thought: I love this food - I love these Perrons.  My first encounter with incorporating external staircases in a design was instinctive, though I admit, a bit of an afterthought. It was my second year in university. Consumed by meeting deadlines, I became fixated on the interior layout, meticulously placing rooms like puzzle pieces. Only after finalizing the arrangement did I realize the fire escape staircases were missing from my proposal. A playful idea struck me: "Just add them to the exterior wall!" It wasn't a novel or ingenious solution, just a practical one born from necessity.  Fast forward to another school design project, and I found myself revisiting the concept of external staircases. The brief called for an embassy that captured the essence of Prague. I decided to elevate, literally, the street life and walkable culture of Czechia. It was here that the seed of appreciating perrons as beautiful features began to sprout. It might seem strange to discover beauty in something so familiar, but isn't this similar to a childhood friend who blossoms into a romantic partner, or a familiar meal that suddenly becomes a favourite flavour? On that rooftop, I acknowledged out loud, "I am enamoured by these floating steps." I share this passion because I finally understand why. I could attempt a poetic description, but my appreciation is rooted in something more concrete. Recently, I read the book, Humanize by Thomas Heatherwick and he articulated therein, a few points on the beauty of buildings. Particularly impactful, were his ideas regarding the prevalence of bland and uninspired designs in modern architecture. In my understanding, a building that fails to capture attention often has the following in varying degrees: It will usually have a flat facade - a plain-like thing with no crevice, moulding, bump or relief. These “boring” buildings will be void of life on their faces - even at street level, the humans and the rest of nature will seem to be repelled; These self-absorbed structures are designed with only thoughts of their interiors; they often present cold uninviting exteriors to the world. he discourse on "ugly" and "boring" architecture could extend indefinitely. However, enlightened by Heatherwick's perspective, I saw it all differently. What's one way to break the monotony of a tall, concrete box? How can we make these closed-off structures more open to the world? How can we infuse life into the very walls of buildings? Stairs. Bring out the stairs. With the use of Perrons, as I intuited earlier, one could create steps that seemed to passersby at the ground level to go up to the heavens like in a Jacobian dream. Much like it came to my aid at the end of spatial design, we can turn to these Perrons for beauty. With stairs on the outside, I envisioned a sequence of vibrant promenades and unfolding stories. They function excellently as fire escapes and provide additional interior space, but we should truly embrace their aesthetic potential. Imagine these perrons adorned with lights and flowers, transforming them into reverent elements of the building's composition. They are beautiful because they inherently hold the potential for storytelling. Staircases are usually a very active part of a building’s interior. They can be the places of neighbourly interactions, the home of miniature gardens and the relief on the building side that catches the eye. I have hopes for more usage in Nigerian architecture and I’ve pondered a few reasons designers and clients might elect against them; The workmanship required might be lacking, the developers might have found some other trend more desirable; or as I decided, they have simply fallen out of style. Will they ever return? I can only speak for my designs. I simply write in praise of this alternative path to beautiful buildings.
In Paise of Perrons
By Joshua Omoijiade
0:00 / 0:00
|
Thank you for your time! if you enjoyed reading this and would like to help me create more, please leave a tip and share - no amount is unwelcome 😊
THIS INSIGHT HAS STARTED RECEIVING TIPS
Send tip
4
views 423
3 share
Comments
Cyrus Majebi
city Lagos • 1 year, 1 month ago
Very well written Josh. Took my mind on a trip.
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 | 579
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 3 min read • Dec 07, 2022 17:19p.m.
Who said women were not powerful in pre-colonial Nigerian society? Has he or she heard about Ibaan Isong?
<span class="html-content"> <p>Prior to the advent of Westernisation to this part of the world, women were not only in charge of their societies, they also contributed immensely to the political, economic and social development of their societies. Women created lofty ideas as well as mediums through which they checkmated paternal excesses in their respective homes. They were brave and courageous such that their presence was highly revered. </p> <p>In traditional Ibibio society, women governments or associations existed one of which is called "Ibaan Isong." While "Ibaan". means women, "Isong" means land. Thus, the association signified "Women of the land." Ibaan Isong was a powerful association for women in Ibibio land. It is believed that when the men were engaged in battle, members of Ibaan Isong used to perform a ritual war dance in male attire to give the enemies the impression that the warriors had not left the village. What a strategic art and act of war? Also, when a warrior was killed in battle, it was members of Ibaan Isong that carried him for funeral. </p> <p>The women association also had judicial functions in Ibibio land as members always sought and obtained redress for any injustice meted out to their members by men. Interestingly, it is believed that any man who allowed his stray animals to destroy women's crops during planting seasons could be punished by the group. Again, foul and subjective languages against any member of the group.was subjected to severe punishment by the Ibaan Isong. These penalities could take the form of beating, house arrest, curses, status dwindling songs, material and monetary fines and forcing the victim to look at the private parts of women.</p> <p>Elaborately, having gotten a report of an abuse of a woman in Ibibio land, the women would surround the compound of the culprit very early in the morning and wake him up. When he comes out of the house, he would be surrounded and members of the compound would be ordered to leave the premises. When this was done, they prayed to God who created women and endowed them with the sexuality which enabled both men and women to pass into the world, but which the culprit had disgraced to kill the man, and not give him any child. They equally prayed and called upon the Gods and Goddesses to kill the man whenever he attempted sexual intercourse with any woman. </p> <p>Consequently, it is believed that men who face this situation die immediately after the visit to his compound by the women, if their demands were not met. And it was in this manner that Ibibio women gained respect from their husbands among other people in the society. But come to think of it, who would not want to respect these women knowing fully well of its repercussions?</p> <p>Imagine being surrounded by a group of women by 6am in the morning and beaten mercilessly or even forced to look at their private parts? Such punishment is indeed ridiculously damning for a man and his ego during the in time in question. </p> <p>Overall, women in pre-colonial Ibibio society were revered and included in the trend of important events that matter. The Ibaan is evident to this assertion.</p> </span>
Who said women were not powerful in pre-colonia...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
5
views 555
1 share
Comments
Queensley Okon
city Ota • 2 years, 3 months ago
Song idem oh, women are truly phenomenal
Score | 660
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
1233
22147
117
61
In The Economy • 4 min read • Dec 12, 2022 07:47a.m.
GHANA VS THE EUROPEAN UNION
Chocolates, one of the most loved treats, commercialized in American pop culture as one of the remedies to a broken heart, right next to ice cream. The commercial machine has for years sold this product, till it became a $116.61 billion industry (numbers vary depending on where you look, but it is generally within the $100 billion mark), at least that was its market size value by 2022, and expected to reach $156.74 billion in 2030.  There is an age-old saying that there are no emotions or sentiments in business, and while that may be true; it can at least be fair. Ghana is the highest producer of cocoa, alongside Ivory Coast but earns less than 6% from the $100+ billion industry. Farmers earn about $2 or less a day, especially if they don't grow organic cocoa, that is if they use pesticides or have small plots of land for farming because the foreign countries they export to want a certain grade of pure cocoa that they then use to produce chocolate. The lands are also being overused, keeping in mind this, farming and export trade started in about 1876, as they were colonized by the British, till 2019 when Ghana and Ivory coast came together to address the poverty of cocoa farmers, introducing a fixed price system for cocoa. A $400 premium was added to every ton of cocoa exported, the money going straight to the farmers, this was named Living Income Differential (LID). It may seem like a lot, but compared to the billions made by the big corporations, it was nothing, especially if you factor in the loss for the years in their trade relationship.  Well until 2020, the president of Ghana; Nana Akufo-Addo, at a press conference announced a shift from Ghana processing just 30% of their cocoa and shipping out 70%. He said that they would be processing more of this cocoa themselves at least about 50% of it, even more daring, he said this at a press conference in Switzerland with the top Swiss ministers present, Switzerland being Ghana's biggest customer. Ghana had decided that the era of foreign countries just taking the raw materials without really giving back value to Ghana was over, they wanted to produce their chocolate and get a piece of the profits for themselves, boosting their economy with this potential source of national revenue. So fast-forward to a few years later, there arose issues in illegal mining, and chemicals entering their water, also affecting the cocoa produced, amongst other issues, some countries like Japan were not pleased as they were not meeting with the agreed upon standard. The European Union then threatens them with sanctions demanding they become more environmentally friendly or face a ban. In a bid to find the solution to the issue, Ghana asks how they can meet up to said standards, and the European Union asked them to purchase carbon credits. For those who don't know what Carbon credits are, it is a permit you pay for, because your company is producing carbon and other harmful substance that poisons the atmosphere which furthers global warming and the greenhouse effect, your money is then used for projects that reduce these harmful effects... more or less, or paying someone not to pollute. So in summary, with the already lopsided deal they are trying to get better negotiations for, they are still being asked to pay the same European Union not to pollute, so they can ignore Ghana not being environmentally friendly, which cancels out measures to improve cocoa farmers' incomes, taking them back to where they began. Ghana and Ivory Coast ignored the meeting of the World's cocoa foundation in Brussels, to show their displeasure while hiring experts in the field and began manufacturing their chocolate.  As fate would have it, there is already a production of synthetic chocolates, which is working to remove the cocoa from the equation. Coincidence? I highly doubt it. While I applaud technological advancement, I can not help but notice a pattern. Africa, like in the days of colonization is a source of resource extraction, then they decided to push for more and end up getting outplayed, all while they use the moral high ground to sell their movement in a new direction. In this case, the need for this new form of chocolate; protecting the environment, fighting child labor, etc. It is hard not to look at it as not just another marketing strategy to take away power or leverage from Ghana while pushing this new product that can cut out Ghana from a seat at the table, while they continue their revenue flow, if not increasing it, as the resources needed for this product is more readily available. Ghana could be left holding the bag, valuable leveraging power reduced in a move that could be likened to one out of the Game of Thrones series. I believe Ghana should be applauded, if for nothing else, for realizing what they had and making an effort to get better out of the deal, Africa as a whole should wake up and realize that they are trading gold for sand. They could use their raw minerals to manufacture finished products rather than exporting and then paying for the finished products at whatever price they set for it. I also hope Ghana does not completely lose out, and they actually fix the issues associated with the illegal mining.
GHANA VS THE EUROPEAN UNION
By Oluseyi Vandy
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
3
views 642
1 share
Comments
Tomini Fubara
An insightful write-up. Africa as a continent should know that European countries are not out looking out for their interests. They are m...
2 years, 3 months ago
Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
Score | 576
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In Fitness and Body Building • 1 min read • Dec 10, 2022 21:49p.m.
Be calming down!
If you visit the gym consistently, you'll find this group of people who people stare at because of the volume of weight they lift. Now, keep in mind that they didn't get there overnight. So yeah, resist the urge to step up your weight game before time. This is crucial to avoid injury. Besides, if you get hurt, the most you'd get is sorry. Like we say in Nigeria, "no go de do pass yourself!" A while back, I saw a clip of someone who nearly died because he somehow convinced himself to attempt to add 20 kg to his barbell weight. It's just ridiculous. Even if you've been training for a while, you could still get hurt. So, be guided. "You should add the weights progressively rather than abruptly." He was lucky someone was there to spot him. That leads to another crucial point. It's okay to have someone spot you. This is regardless of how long you've been training. It's not for competition but rather to ensure proper execution of the exercise. Your form could be wrong, thereby wasting your reps. So yeah, it's okay to have someone by your side. In other words, swallow your ego and be safety conscious. Learn Unlearn Relearn
Be calming down!
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you like my insights, you can encourage me by sending a TIP. Thank you!
Send tip
2
views 565
0 share
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 | 455
Mwambo Kate COO @ Enchird Technologies Sarl.
city Yaoundé, Cameroon
1488
22025
145
146
In Career and Jobs • 2 min read • Aug 10, 2022 17:14p.m.
INTROVERTS, stop hiding!! (Its costing you your future.seriously.)
<span class="html-content"> <p>If you are an introvert, I know putting yourself out there is HARD.</p> <p>The fear of saying things in public and risking judgement and ridicule is REAL.</p> <p>I know its easier to stay in the background and not say a thing.... But hiding is costing you so much more than you realize.</p> <ol> <li><p>You are missing out on your Purpose : By staying in the shadows, you are missing out on what you are MEANT to be doing... At this very moment, you could be impacting others with your true calling and changing their lives.</p></li> <li><p>You are missing out on Recognition : All vanity and ego aside, you can finally be seen and heard as the REAL you who has so much to offer. You deserve to be recognized for your talents and gifts. Let the world see you!</p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Community :&nbsp; The connections that you make from like-minded folks who truly get you are so much valuable and rewarding than you realize. In a world were we are sometimes isolated, it makes us feel less alone. </p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Income : Your talents have the ability to make some serious money which can change the trajectory of your career.</p> <p> We're living in an age where your personal brand can legitimately become your retirement plan. Take it seriously!.</p> </li> <li><p>You are missing out on Opportunities : There's no limit on how far you can go. There're opportunities everywhere - but they won't happen if people don't know that you exist.</p> </li> </ol> <p>You are sitting on a goldmine of talent and you don't even know it.</p> <p>Get off the shadows or atleast take a peek.</p> </span>
INTROVERTS, stop hiding!! (Its costing you your...
By Mwambo Kate
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
3
views 429
3 share
Comments
NGI KEVIN AYUK
2 years, 7 months ago
Thanks for the Psychological touch you bring to this platform
Score | 463
Samuel Ibok Marketing Supervisor @ Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited
city Lagos, Nigeria
2653
66365
454
150
In People and Society • 2 min read • Nov 09, 2022 11:27a.m.
Dear woke people, Wake up!
<span class="html-content"><p>Dear woke people,</p> <p>Wake up!</p> <p>This post represents my thoughts, and this post is not for everyone.</p> <p>Let me start by saying that it is becoming increasingly difficult to live as a normal person in this mad world. Yes, the woke march hasn't been fully embraced in Africa, but those of us who see it can identify little patches. Woke.com is gradually gaining more followers, and if you haven't subscribed, they'll come for you. There is nothing crazier than the idea of relativism in the context of gender, sexuality, and culture; you can add the rest yourself. If everything is relative, then perhaps we have all been fooled since birth. The uninformed and the informed are the most dangerous! Those who, with words, make others build towers leading to the heavens My advice is to stay dogged, irrespective of eloquence. Sometimes you must protect your ignorance, as it may be your innocence. Besides, unapologetic doesn't mean intelligent! Don't accommodate ideals you don't understand or aren't comfortable with.</p> <p>We've told people their words count, irrespective of how uninformed their opinions are.</p> <p>It's basically the "fence mentality" we're pushing. I wonder how our people fare in climes where wokeness is democracy. Well, who am I to judge? I could be wrong, but is wrong not right depending on the beholder? I mean, right and wrong are on a spectrum. I hope you got the joke!</p> <p>I feel free speech gives room to wrong speech. These days, we can't correct people without being called names. This is my TwoCents to woke people. </p> <p>Learn Unlearn Relearn</p> </span>
Dear woke people, Wake up!
By Samuel Ibok
0:00 / 0:00
|
If you like my insights, you can encourage me by sending a TIP. Thank you!
Send tip
2
views 452
0 share
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 | 3107
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 2 min read • Jan 06, 2023 13:38p.m.
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in Igbo Culture
<span class="html-content"><p>Nzu (White Chalk) is a very significant substance in&nbsp; Igbo culture. It is a symbol of purity, innocence, peace and progress. Nzu, as it Is called by Igbo people s believed to have the capability to reveal the mysteries and activities of that take place in the spiritual realm. Although, going by its physical feature, one may mistake It for an ordinary clay substance that could be thrown away but the truth remains that that same clay substance stands as a representation of both the physical and metaphysical world.</p> <p>In Igbo land and according to the Igbo culture, Nzu can be used to perform many activities and functions, each having its distinct meaning. Some of these functions include the following. First, it is used to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to Chukwu Okike Abiama (God), in which it represents purity and justice. Alongside Oji Igbo (Igbo Kolanut), or even separately, Nzu can be used to offer sacrifices of plea and request from the gods.</p> <p>Second, it could be eaten and this is usually done by pregnant women based on the belief that it could prevent them from vomiting and spitting uncontrollably. In fact, in Igbo land and even outside Igbo land, there is hardly a pregnant woman who doesn't know the relevance of Nzu - their biggest but minute companion.</p> <p>Third it could be used to welcome visitors in which case, it shows that the visitor is well received with open and very clean heart. When the host presents Nzu to his visitor, it signifies his homeliness and guarantee of the visitor's security while in his house. The moment Nzu is offered to the visitor, he usually takes a piece of it and makes a drawing of four or eight parallel lines on the floor depending on his social status in the society. For instance, if the visitor have received any title such as Nze or Ozo, he is qualified to draw more lines that a non-titled fellow.The ritual of drawing lines with the Nzu in this situation becomes a symbol of "Igba ndu" (Covenant) which serves as an indication of absolute trust between the host and the visitor. </p> <p>Fourth, Nzu can be grounded into powdered substance and used for decorating important personalities occasionally. Some of these personalities include: dancers and warriors. </p> <p>Fifth, it is used by native doctors because it is believed that Nzu possesses spiritual powers. Igbo people believe that when a native doctor rubs nzu on his left eye, it helps him connect with the spiritual world and make divinations.</p> <p>Sixth, the white chalk comprises medicinal substances that helps smoothen the body abs keep it in good shape. It treats skin illnesses like measles and chicken pox. Nzu can also be used to write on the wall to keep record of important events at home and in the society.</p> <p>Overall, just like mustard seed, Nzu does more wonders that one can ever imagine. Though, it looks small and tiny, it does big and nighty wonders.</p> </span>
The significance of Nzu (White Chalk) in Igbo C...
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
4
views 3090
0 share
Score | 333
Jefferson Nnadiekwe Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer
city Lagos, Nigeria
1821
46555
221
98
In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Mar 06, 2024 16:36p.m.
AESTHETICS
I watch in horror as the meaning of words and their associations are constantly being changed into something entirely different. The most common example that comes to mind is 'Rainbow' and everything associated with it. That's a whole different topic and I wouldn't want to go into that... yet. For today, let's take the word 'Aesthetics' into consideration. A quick dictionary search tells us that 'Aesthetics' means something concerned with beauty or an appreciation of beauty. In art terms, they are those things an artist uses to improve the overall look and beauty of his work, making it pleasing to the eye and mind. To bring it home, the aesthetics of a building, are the decor, furnishing, arrangement and adornments that we appreciate. But like a scary movie where an evil spirit slowly takes possession of something pure and harmless and defiles it, the word 'Aesthetics' has been given a new context - People! Yes, aesthetics is now associated with human beings. We are in a world where people make friends with others for aesthetic purposes - if you don't understand, I'll explain. A guy or girl choses to be friends with another they consider 'aesthetically pleasing'. And if it seems like it makes no sense to you, that is because it doesn't. I find it quite disturbing that value and substance are thrown outside the window in favor of who looks the most pleasing standing next to you in an Instagram photo. It gets worse, some people proudly and openly put out a call for 'aesthetically pleasing friends', I kid you not. I might need a psychologist to help me out here, is this a sign of a mental illness? Or in Nigeria lingua; is it ment? Our obsession with surface beauty as a generation is quite appalling and that's me putting it mildly. It is what corporations take advantage of to market harmful products, and it is certainly what manipulators use to lure us into abusive relationships. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying beauty isn't attractive or is evil, this is definitely not one of those 'vanity upon vanity' rants. However, picking friends based on looks is absurd. The essence of friendship is finding those we can create a special bond with, and share memories together. It is having people who offer value and impact our lives mentally, emotionally, knowledgeably, and even spiritually. When you throw all of that away, it is most likely to find yourself amongst people who you have absolutely nothing in common with. Asides the reels and pictures, it's important to have people who are genuinely willing to stand by your side. Quite honestly, I blame social media for the increase in this anomaly; this is not to say that there weren't individuals with this mindset before social media. The gimmick of social media apps hinges on what is pleasing to the eye. Right from the creation, developers look to achieve a top notch blend of colours. Updates keep coming because there's always something to do to upgrade the quality of said app. Now let's consider the contents uploaded by users. For an app like Instagram, lighting, filters, exotic places etc are pushed to the fore. What was once intended to be a platform for people to share photos of their regular lives, slowly morphed into an unnecessary need for validation and conflict for who has the perfect life and who doesn't. Somehow that shaped us and transcended into real life. We now want real life adornments for our lives, and it comes in the form of people. If Mr. A doesn't fit, you have to run through different people till you find those that fit. Probably, we might wake up one day to discover that there's been a barricade separating the beautiful ones from the rest. If you're one of those who fall into this category of aesthetic hunters, I already know what your response to this insight would be. You'd most likely conclude that I'm not 'fine', therefore this is the ranting of a pained man. It's a gaslighting technique and I'm sorry I won't fall for it - I take it as a duty to call out as much anomalies as I can. I sincerely hope one day we snap out of our obsession with surface appearances and start to appreciate humans for their essence.
AESTHETICS
By Jefferson Nnadiekwe
0:00 / 0:00
people appearance aesthetics surface looks
|
I know you like my insights 😁. Kindly consider leaving a tip.
Send tip
1
views 321
1 share
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 | 804
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
1233
22147
117
61
In People and Society • 4 min read • Feb 08, 2023 07:11a.m.
Optimist Anonymous
My name is _____ and I am an optimist.  When people hear the word optimist, they think of always being happy, and delusional, my middle name is Hope detached from reality. As much as I would like to agree with the Hope part cause it's a great name, no that is not my name, and no, I'm not always happy that would just be exhausting, and quite frankly, a case can be argued that someone always happy has few screws that have shaken loose. What does it mean to be an optimist? Google would tell you "a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something." The funny part is that everyone has hope, as far as you have lived, you do, once did, or will at some point, multiple times. Except you don't want anything in life, and humans do; it is a feature of a living thing, the difference is how complex the wants or needs are, and man has the gift of planning years into the future. This in itself is hoping, and believing you will be alive for that long when the unpredictability of life is a constant, still we say things like "see you tomorrow" when it isn't promised. Since it's clear that everyone at one point in time has hoped and will hope, why isn't everyone an optimist? Well, let me put it this way, the globe is filled with many that can sing, but not all of them are artists or musicians, in summary, hope, and belief is a way of life, their default, come rain or shine. This does not mean that they don't lose hope, get doubtful, or see the reality that surrounds them. It's like courage, the word exists because of fear, or the reality of a scary situation and the person chooses to defy that fear to act, quicker than those around. There is an understanding that optimists have, you can even say it's one of the laws of the universe (though if we are being honest, every trait of humanity is in response to one law of the universe or the other), they know that every situation no matter how bad comes to an end... or at least hope that since most things come to an end, the bad does as well. They have a calm and confidence that is rooted in whatever you may call it, higher power, God, actions, and/or the malleability of reality. This is why everyone can look at a situation and freeze at that moment, but they know that action brings a reaction, and this reaction if done well and frequently enough, will cause change. Why am I an optimist? Because I am a student of history and Faith. I know the world is full of suffering, but people that have suffered the worst and the cruelest nature or aspects of humanity have still risen to the highest heights, because there was a time the thought of man flying would be considered madness if you were not referring to angels (I imagine the mockery the Wright brothers went through), but now there are planes and jetpacks. It's so overlooked and underrated that people can now change gender (my views on the matter aside). Imagine you could go back in time to the pre-colonial era and show them a cellphone, and its ability to take pictures. You'd be hung, burned, or drowned and accused of witchcraft, and that is from the Westerners; probably would go something like "*gasps* My God! (S)He is capturing the souls of those (s)he snappeth. Vile sorcery". It takes faith, knowledge, time, and will to challenge the present for you to create, even if the creation has never been dreamed of by anyone. You may not be the one to accomplish it, but you may very well set the foundation for someone in the future who may have the resources, and time to. This is what the optimist knows and tries with each challenge to exercise over the present, or a situation; because the mind is the most powerful tool we have, everything that has been made was first thought of, even the ones by accidents were a result of some other thought that led to action. It is decisions that lead to change, so though society might shame you for your sunny disposition, it is what makes you different, and you are not alone, welcome to Optimists Anonymous where we teach you how to get addicted to the kind of mindset that keeps you going just a little longer when people would normally give in. Our motto is “situations can change at any time”. Let's be honest, which is better? Not hoping for the best, so you do not bother to give your all, because... "let's face reality," or you give it everything you've got and hope. One at least has the chance of you winning, the other? You certainly won't.  Glad to have you, I hope to catch you at the next meeting.
Optimist Anonymous
By Oluseyi Vandy
0:00 / 0:00
|
THIS INSIGHT HAS STARTED RECEIVING TIPS
Send tip
6
views 766
2 share
Comments
Elizabeth Toluwanimi Olawale
city Ikeja • 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Can you adopt the use of more white space to your writing, to make it easy to read?

I know I can always listen, but I prefer rea...

Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
Score | 1051
Oluseyi Vandy Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling
city Lagos, Nigeria
1233
22147
117
61
In Education • 4 min read • Dec 12, 2022 08:35a.m.
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
What is propaganda? It is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. The term “propaganda” apparently first came into common use in Europe as a result of the missionary activities of the Catholic church. In 1622 Pope Gregory XV created in Rome the Congregation for spreading the faith and regulating church affairs in heathen lands. (Lifted from American Historical Association) So, while the term may have been created for action with a moral justification and cause, we have seen it morph over the years to mean something else. There is no better time to discuss this than election season. With the birth of the internet, the gatekeepers and the old guards who restricted those who were not trained from airing their views were bypassed. There is not as much institutional control over information, this brought about a boom of growth because it gave easy access to information to those who needed it, no matter where in the world they were. We also learned an important lesson, every good thing, no matter how noble has its dark side, and this was EVERYONE had access to air their views.  What makes propaganda a real danger and threat is the fact that it looks like the truth and real information at the surface level. They put out actual footage; video, pictures, etc. So you think to yourself, if the picture or video is there then it's real. The said facts or evidence are in reality altered or warped to fit the narrative the publisher wants. So while two people get the same general information, the understanding of events is like Night and Day, completely different. In summary, you do not realize you are being played or manipulated. While I'm a believer in freedom of speech, and expressing opinions, I know enough to know that freedom can only truly exist if there are laws, and rules guiding it, and consideration for your fellow man and his experience. This is the paradox of life, without restrictions, your freedom will impede on the freedom of another, ultimately resulting in misunderstanding and chaos. This is what in some ways began to happen more frequently with the news. The point of this post is to help make you aware of when you are being fed propaganda, at least to some extent. 1. Slow down: The internet is a place where content and information hits us per second; especially if you have a great internet connection. The idea of social media is to flood the user with so much content that they do not have a second to get bored, because if they do, they leave. This is because each second you are on, engaging, increases the chances of you clicking on/ viewing paid ads or patronizing the business of someone else on the platform, which convinces them that the platform is a great place to do business, so they are most likely more convinced to click the ad button to boost publicity, aiding the loop that is the cycle. This has a way of sucking us in, so much so that we react to things without thinking, completely on instinct. Have you caught yourself about to type something, then you go 'Nah, it's not worth it?’ The same thing happens when we see propaganda, we react without pausing to ask ourselves questions, "is it real, true, or why?" Asking why someone would do something is a good place to start, as it reveals the motives and what they stand to gain, which reveals more information the more you ask "why?"  2. Check the source: I know it can be exciting to see certain headlines, this is generally because they do that for a living and have mastered keywords and phrases they know trigger people, but when you read that caption or that short clip edited, make sure to check; is the site a trustworthy one? A gossip blog or page with a track record for factual news and not one that is more likely to post content to get you riled up just for profit.  3. Google and get the full context: In other words, do a mini search, few minutes of googling the news or searching for the full clip will let you get the full context or information. I can speak for 40 minutes about why men are providers for example, and one person will edit out a few seconds of my saying "women are meant to be taken care of by men," they could post captions heavily pushing that agenda and leave out where I say something like "but women should also learn to be resourceful and help support."  4. Check if other platforms have the same news: By this, I mean read-through to see the narrative reported. Students not allowed to write exams because of school fees payment is a normal occurrence we all know, as it is a business that needs money to pay its staff. But when it's reported highlighting the owner of the institution, it turns from just reporting the news to expecting a certain reaction targeted at the owner of the school. 5. Check the date: When people push propaganda, they can from time to time take old clips, and images presenting them as current to push a narrative. 6. Check your bias: Sometimes we easily swallow something because it agrees with our world view, thesame way we fight what goes against those views, no matter how glaring the evidence before us. Try to make sure that you take in information with an open mind, and most importantly, remember because you see it on the internet, does not automatically make it true.
CRITICAL THINKING: HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
By Oluseyi Vandy
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 1036
1 share
Comments
Wilson U. Uzoeto
city Abeokuta • 3 months, 1 week ago
This is good insight.. thank you
Hi, it's Oluseyi, thanks for reading & listening to my insights.
Let me tell you a story https://instagram.com/reneg...
Score | 659
Ugochukwu Asiogu I conduct research and provide critical analysis on human security, and development issues.
city Uyo, Nigeria
1128
23227
92
25
In History and Culture • 3 min read • Dec 30, 2022 00:14a.m.
OKRIKA HAS BEEN SAVING LIVES SINCE THE 1950s
<span class="html-content"><p><span class="html-content"></span></p><p>Most times I do ask myself how Nigerians, including myself would have coped without okrika? How would have the common man in Nigeria managed to cover his nakedness if peradventure there were no Okrika clothes, belts, shoes, caps, hats amongst other wears. Of course, the result would have been uninteresting and on the other hand ridiculous as we probably would have had situations where people normalise walking through the streets, roads and markets naked and bare footed. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>Okrika is a term that refers to 'used' or 'second-hand' clothes in Nigeria. As a term, 'okrika' is derived from a small port town in Rivers State known as Okrika where all second-hand clothes were shipped to and sold to the locals. Interestingly, the origin of okrika clothes in Nigeria can be traced to the 1950s, when Okrika was the only port through which clothes (used) were shipped down to Nigeria from Europe. During this time, okrika clothes were said to be in high demand based on the fact that locally manufactured clothes in Nigeria were not only ery expensive for people to purchase but also were allegedly lacked durability.</p><p></p> <p></p><p>One thing about Okrika wears is that they are not selective and thus, are attractive to both the rich and poor. However, despite the fact that often times, it is believed that okrika clothes are meant for the poor, needy and those without sophistication and class, the "sought -after" commodity also receives a greater number of patronage from the rich. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>In Nigeria, okrika business is done by men and women, young and old. It usually comes in different grades namely: grade one (comprising very clean and durable used clothes) and last grade (comprising leftover clothes that do not look appealing to buyers). It is a very competitive and profitable business that helps people to gain easy access to clothings. Today, okrika clothes and wearables can be found in all parts of the country both rural and and urban and in these diverse areas, it is known by different names and for different things. For instance, while it is known as "bend down select" in some parts of the country, it is equally known as "bo si corner" "Belgium" "Tokumba"amongst others. </p><p></p> <p></p><p>These names are ascribed to okrika clothes in Nigeria based on the fact that first, :most sellers display their clothes on the ground and in a bid to take a close look at them, buyers bend down to select their choice of clothes amongst others and second, a greater number of customers are very ashamed to put on the clothes on the open to avoid been seen by the public. Instead, they prefer going through the corners so that no one would seen them.&nbsp;</p><p></p> <p></p><p>Overall, it is important to say that inasmuch as Nigerians enjoy the usage of these clothings, it is rather unfortunate that they patronize it more than the local fabrics and clothings made in Nigeria.&nbsp; Could this still be part of the consequences of&nbsp; colonialism on&nbsp; African minds or is just an aberration of a distracted or dislodged human thoughts buried in confusion and hopelessness?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>It better be one or both of these options otherwise I do not see any justifiable reason why Nigerians should be happy and fulfilled wearing and firmly patronisimg&nbsp; 'used' and most times 'worn out' clothes imported from&nbsp; far away United Kingdom, United States amongst other European countries!&nbsp;</p><p>But wait a minute, who did this to us?</p><p></p> <p></p><p><br></p> <p></p> </span>
OKRIKA HAS BEEN SAVING LIVES SINCE THE 1950s
By Ugochukwu Asiogu
0:00 / 0:00
Send tip
2
views 644
1 share
Comments
Mwambo Kate
city Yaoundé • 2 years, 3 months ago
Woah! I had no idea of the origin of the name till now. We Call it Okrika in Cameroon too.
Score | 602
Joshua Omoijiade Architect @ James Cubitt Architects
city Lagos, Nigeria
1021
12707
114
37
In Psychology • 5 min read • Jan 28, 2023 14:21p.m.
How I developed a personality test Obsession; why I won't fix it.
It's getting obsessive. I would say I'm going to only some lengths to do a new test or discuss it further. Still, I am thoroughly captivated by tests and exercises that I can do and get feedback on some portion of who I might be. The first type of personality test or literature I encountered was a book about four temperaments and how they blended into each individual uniquely. I know now there is a difference between temperament and personality. Still, I took it as sacred knowledge at the time - I was hooked. I ran with it all the way. I investigated my entire family and then my friends individually - no one was safe from my probes. The appeal of these tests and studies was simple; I could take shortcuts to find out who exactly I was - who doesn't want to know that? I could also do this for many people in my immediate circles. I took it upon myself to learn just why each person about me might be acting strangely, adequately, or for the sake of it; I just wondered why they were the way they were.  So my first personality test wasn't a personality test; that would come later. Along the way, I might have done one or two I forgot - might have even taken zodiac signs seriously for an afternoon there - but eventually, the Myer Briggs 16 personality test rocked my world. It felt like someone who had been spying on my every desire came through and slammed answers right in my face. "here you are, in the fine print. Your exact person codified in detail like never before", they would have said. I took that lengthy test with many expectations, which did not disappoint. "Architect", it said. The test declared I was an INTJ, a turbulent one, and this was one of the essential pieces of information I could get on the internet at the time. You see, many people don't care about things like this. I was puzzled when I found this out a lot later. Still, this summation of my person was like a sit-down with the counselor telling me I was exactly where I needed to be. INTJ meant I was an introvert; I was pretty intuitive, spending time deciding on what things might be, and I was more in touch with my thoughts than my emotions. The J part says I judge or make more fixed decisions about things rather than letting them be. The site offered me summaries and shared findings about people with this particular arrangement of traits. That last part is where it became different for me. Before this test and all its detail, I mainly wanted to know who I was for the sake of self-actualisation or clarity (at least in an explicit sense), but now, this test was a very rough map. I could understand in a vague sense why I didn't like certain groups of people, why all the friends closest to me were logicians (INTP ), Debaters (ENTP) or other members of a section described as analysts. I held on to the test result quite loosely till I finished my second degree and had another go. This time I was an Advocate. INFJ. I found this just as fascinating because I realised what I must have known intuitively; personalities can be fluid, especially with traits closer to median values.  So my map moved from INTJ to INFJ. All the fictional, historical and contemporary characters I had earmarked as references had to change slightly. I stayed INFJ for two years till I came across more credible studies on personality. I took a course recently delivered by Jordan B Peterson on what was defined as the Big Five personality traits. In each of us, to measure, the traits of Openness, Extroversion, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Agreeableness exist in bespoke levels of intensity. The combinations are infinite. It gets even more detailed. Openness is broken into openness to experience and intellect; extroversion into enthusiasm and assertiveness; conscientiousness splits into orderliness and industriousness; neuroticism into volatility and withdrawal; agreeableness is divided into compassion and politeness. I would share all the intricacies of the test or my particular results if it were manageable. The depth, however, drew me to this specific personality test.  Furthermore, the research favours the choice. Most scholarly articles on personality assessments cite the big five more than any other testing version. So far, I've established my obsession and shared details of two of the most telling versions of my person. However, I have yet to tell you why - The benefits that keep me engaged with this obsession.  I'll wrap up here. Say you're on the edge of a vast forest - unknowable to you. In this forest, dark and ancient, there are predators guarding treasures. There is nourishment, of course, because this is the way with forests. When you leave this forest on the other side, you will have completed a quest with the utmost satisfaction, ready to take on the next quest in your wake. A guide is the best thing you can get before going through such a place. The next best thing is tools with particular uses. You might look to your side and see a fellow traveller with a shovel while you have a knife. He'll have advantages with that shovel; your knife will do you some specific good. Approaching these sorts of forests is how we tackle different portions of our world. Each respect is an unknowable forest. You approach your job selection, relationships, and self-fulfillment like great unknowns because they manifest themselves this way. In this analogy, that knife versus that fellow traveller's shovel? Those are your bespoke personality traits; they come with a rough map through these obstacles, and I strongly believe in knowing what I'm working with when I stand against predators that may be. Know what you're working with on the edge of life's forests.  When I wonder what job to take or why there's social anxiety, I remember this is normal; I'm high in openness, so I look to be creative; I'm not very agreeable, and my social batteries will give out too quickly because I'm pretty introverted. Among other things like IQ and factors beyond my control, I stick to this slight obsession because it's a low-resolution map of the universe I inhabit.
How I developed a personality test Obsession; w...
By Joshua Omoijiade
0:00 / 0:00
|
Thank you for your time! if you enjoyed reading this and would like to help me create more, please leave a tip and share - no amount is unwelcome 😊
Send tip
4
views 573
3 share
Comments
Tomi Walker
city Lagos • 2 years, 2 months ago
This is really good.
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...
Login to view more content
TwoCents
For the generation changing Africa.
A knowledge marketplace for Africans around the globe.
CareerHub
Inspiring Career Insights and Stories from successful individuals across all works of life.
What is TwoCents? ×