This is beyond giving you a solution. It’s helping you find the answers inside out. Because all you need is within you!
.
Are you at that point in your life where you are:
-Afraid to take the next step
-Mentally stressed
-Not sure of your leadership skills
-Struggling within
.
BOOK YOUR FREE 30 MINUTES SESSION TODAY
With our Life Coach & Associate Partner @express_shun
Jasmine Navaro
.
We believe in you and your dream!
Massive love from all of us @express_shun
A Lockdown Story
By: Lawrence Mbata
My lock down experience is one that I can call “A Transition” or “A Rebirth.”
I had moments of understanding myself better.
I understood that life should not be taken too serious, because everyone is gonna die someday.
I have never been as charitable as I was during the lockdown. I used the moments to show more kindness.
I studied Social Psychology and Theology. I became more aware of the possibility of paying less attention to the few things we give too much value to.(Internet, Mobile Gadgets, Businesses etc.)
I gave more attention to loving and bonding with family, friends and neighbors I never talked to for even once before now.
Love became an option.
At some point I asked myself these questions: “What if the pandemic is not contained? What if we no longer have a means of surfing the internet or buying data for browsing? What if we have to stay away from even our own brothers, sisters, kids, & friends? What if we can no longer step out to get something to eat?
My lock down story was a question phase that has made me ready for death at any time.
Lawrence Mbata (B7ackPOET)
A Note From Eden: Dear Sir Law,
In all depths and boundlessness, your words pierce, stirring a moment of personal reflections. A moment of truth. A moment of reframing our priorities, broadening our perspectives and relearning kindness. You possess a rare kind of wit, and your heart is a reflection of the sunshine you carry. Thanks for sharing your truth with us at Express-Shun. The world is dark enough. Continue to shine the light that you are.
Cheers!
Much love!!
Under the bridge, in street corners, on doorways, in free public spaces then to waking up before dawn to use cheap public bathrooms or opt for open defecation – this is what shelter means to the homeless.
After this ritual, the older ones disappear into the street to find their daily bread, mainly a day’s job and survive on it proceeds, living the lyrics of the song “One Day E Go Beta”. But how will they cope in a time like this? Who caters for their welfare during this lockdown?
At nightfall, the homeless are the direct receivers of moonlight, they know the rhythm of the night, sometimes they are comforted by stargazing which ends in ecstatic sleep, they shiver through cold nights, juggle through shattered umbrellas and blankets, they camp in uncompleted buildings and hide under thin bushels on rainy days, while some have no choice but to be drenched.
Image By: Joshua Oluwagbemiga
Since the lockdown, public toilets are hardly functional, public spaces are rarely open and the most important aspect, Survival. How do they survive with no money, no job, no loads to carry? The streets of Lagos are empty, no hustling and bustling, no one to beg from, they just sit and watch with hands akimbo.
How are they handling hunger, how many of them will be reached by the palliative measures of the government? From those reached so far, how many can be sustained in a time like this? How about those with school-aged children with no access to electricity, the internet or Tv for online classes? Can we just neglect this section of the society and keep silent?
Image By: Oshomah Abubakar
According to data published by the World Bank in 2018, Nigeria has a housing deficit of 17 million units and about 108 million homeless Nigerians, these figures include those displaced by natural disasters, violence and poverty. These are Nigerians who also believe in the Nigerian dream, families raising children that will lead us someday. Yet, we are very far from addressing this issue. As of 2018, Nigeria provides less than 100,000 housing units per year as against the 700,000 advised by experts.
Image By: Namnso Ukpanah
There is a huge challenge for the homeless in Lagos. As one of the 3 States experiencing total lockdown for over 4 weeks, there is a need for more people to get involved in helping the destitute and homeless around us. We can expand the words of Chief Obafemi Awolowo that “The children of the poor you failed to train will never let your children have peace” for the homeless we fail to help today will make peace far from us in the days to come.
This is not an article that plans to stop at extolling our challenges and weaknesses in helping the homeless, it goes beyond numbers or government actions and inactions on this issue, it is a call to reach out as individuals to the homeless in a time like this. We need to answer the question – How will the homeless survive during this lockdown?
How can you help the homeless during this lockdown?
Acknowledge and Engage:
We need to admit the fact that there are homeless people around us, and they need our help no matter how small it is. It is about being deliberate, rather than tagging them as beggars, we should get involved.
Use your skills to get involved
Many are really interested in helping the homeless but they don’t know how to help or where to help from. We need to start with what we have, volunteer to teach them new skills while remembering to keep social distancing, help them with what we have – cook good food for them and with them if possible, help them mend their clothes, provide them with necessary information.
Be ready to help anytime
One of the greatest gifts we can give others is the gift of time, we need to be willing and ready to help the homeless anytime we see they are in need. Most of the time our own convenience is not suitable for them. So we need to go the extra mile.
Ask Questions
We need to ask where they need help and not just assume, one of my voluntary outreach to the homeless went sour as the food we provided was rejected, because we fail to ask the right questions about their needs before going for the outreach.
Image By: Babatunde Olajide
Donations
We need to give too! Donations are not just about money. We can give other things – food supplies, household goods, medical supplies, and information. Information is one of the reasons some are homeless, they need to know about the latest housing scheme or other organizations focused on helping the homeless.
Donations to organizations helping the homeless in a time like this will go a long way.
Don’t give up after one bad experience
This is very important, especially when we have experienced hostile homeless people. Some of them are just scared of how they will be treated, we need to be seen as someone they can trust.
Advocate For Affordable Housing
Join the campaign for cheaper housing, the average conducive apartment in Lagos is between N150,000 and N200,000 and other levy by house owners and caretakers. We need to join the campaign.
Image By: Ouinuchi Ejiohuo
Safety first while helping out
In a time of this pandemic, it is very important to obey health regulations and other safety rules in helping the homeless.
We need to get involved, we need be part of those putting smiles on people’s faces.
By: Jegede Joseph,
Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally Published By: Etu Odi Communications
World Cancer Day 2020
Theme: I AM AND I WILL
Her name is Nkechi. She was just 25 years old when the news struck. Regardless of how gentle the doctor announced it, the word ‘cancer” still had its way of striking a chord. Injecting fear, and seemingly putting life on a hold.
Our burning passion,
leaves a tribal mark
printed on our smiles
We,
are a beautiful a capella
of selfless goals and dreams.
Our heartbeats
make sweet melodies of loud strength
in silent places
We are the Stories
of sunshine
glowing on rainy days.
We are the Colours
of the rainbow
smiling through the clouds
We are the twinkling stars
dancing bravely
on dark heights
We are the beautiful flames
that burn and light
in duality.
To all we are
And all we’ve been
Cheers!
Written and Dedicated to all the Nominees of the Super Woman Under 30 Awards 2019
Growing up, (during my primary school days) I became a ‘little’ addicted to the cartoon, Justice League. I could skip any other cartoon, but I never missed this one on Thursdays, 3pm; not even when I was flogged or scolded for always watching this cartoon with my school uniform still on, or at least my school bag. I felt these super heroes all had a peculiar uniform, so, even when I was ‘dragged’ out of my school uniform, I would still hold on tight to my school bag. Holding on to the two hands of my bag, gave me so much positive vibes. It made me feel I would fly like the animations I was so engrossed with.
The next day in school, my friends and I would gather during our break time, talking about how the last episode went, and screaming which of the super heroes we were.
“I am Batman!” One would say.
“Me, I am Wonder Woman! Another would shout.
And I would scream with all the life in me:
” I am Superman!!!! ”
He seemed to be the leader of the pack, was he? I loved a lot about him, from the storyline of how he became who he was, to his intelligence. How he would stand, hold his head to think, and formulate strategies for challenges. How he would literally break the grounds with his bare hands. Fling a huge car on a ‘bad guy’. Hold back a gigantic building, from falling on a little child, and to crown it all, how he flew blew my mind.
He didn’t need to ‘over stretch’, disfigure himself, use a web or anything. He was among the super heroes who just did what seemed to me as an effortless soar.
And for a long time in my life, I insisted that I was “Superman”.
Until gradually, life began to teach me about life:
I began to understand:
-one needed no uniform to fight the battles of life. You just fight!
-challenges may not come with the large scary faces in cartoons, but they would come. They came.
-Speaking about soaring: Sometimes, the pain from the sores beneath our feet, will help us find our wings. A test we can pass in flying colours.
And most all, I finally realized:
– One doesn’t have to be a man to be super.
So, when I hear a woman call herself King, I wonder if she feels being a Queen makes her less. Superwomen like Queen Ngozi of the Benibos, Queen Elizabeth of England, Queen Adichie of Literature, Queen Michelle of Obama and Queen Serena Francis of the Super Women Awards Tribe, are picture perfect proves to this…
However, this is the beauty of life, in the end, we all need each other (male or female), regardless of our ‘super powers’, talents or intelligence.
It’s left for us to discover these super powers and use them while we still can, on earth. I discovered mine quite early. Writing.
Although I didn’t know how to use it initially. As a little girl I would write on everything I saw. Including walls, calendars, just any paper! I became a terror in the house, writing jargons o! On any book, including important documents. I finally got the beating of my life, when one fateful day, I wrote on my mother’s Bible!!! To be contd.
..so that was how it started for me, till I began to write words that made meaning. Mome said, some of the words were just too much for my age, in both meaning and the context they triggered.
Initially, I just wrote for myself. The art was a healing process to me. I would write, feel better and hide what I wrote. But you can’t hide light, you know. Especially one quite bright.
My works were found by friends, shared, and that was how the spread began.
Today, I may not fling a huge car on a ‘bad guy’ or hold a gigantic building from falling on a child (like it fell on me) but I am glad I can break grounds with my hands (writing) and somehow lift a weight from a heavy heart. This and more are the joys my super powers bring.
Here are some clues to how my ‘super journey’ began:
At three
I was grown.
Grown enough to be Mome’s shock absorber,
Life electrocuted too
At five
I learnt to fly
My heart had lumps of dreams too thick to dissolve,
Solid enough for take off
At ten
I had become the sky
A reflection of boundlessness untapped,
The dwelling of twinkling stars awake
At fourteen
I found myself trapped in me,
Beneath golden diamonds in poetry shapes.
The stones were rolled away
At sixteen
I began to live
Unafraid of the deaths I had died
A discovery of the undiscovered.
…and my story goes on and on with me left with the beautiful responsibility of carrying my Father’s legacies along.
Many times I just like to be in a corner, unnoticed. Quiet. But I guess the super powers will always push me out, somehow into a leadership position or a kind of fame or just one height from nowhere. The awards started coming, the recognitions and most of all the fulfilment in knowing your words have a positive impact in the lives of others.
Particularly, the Superwoman Under 30 Awards 2019 means a lot to me. The name alone is a reflection of my childhood fantasies.
Gradually,
I am becoming
The wishes of my yesterday
And the goals of my today for tomorrow.
Ngozi Justina Benibo
Ngozi Benibo
My sister, brother (sometimes), friend (always), father (in between) being a mother. No, she’s not an Angel, she’s the god sent by God to guide and guard His Garden, Eden. How much more Super can a human be?
Serena Francis
Serena Francis
“Here’s To Strong Women,
May we raise them
May we know them
May we be them.”
Stars need not announce themselves, they simply shine. Neither does light, it glows, even from afar and so does she.
But most of all, I am in awe at the level of empathy she commands, effortlessly. How much more super can a woman be?
Oke Iwhewhe
Oke Iwhewhe
Some years back, I got to know I was nominated for an award, just a week to the event. An error made that happen though. So, when I was finally contacted, I was told to send in a lot of details via phone calls for easier access (due to the timeframe). But this wasn’t the issue, the issue was that, I had to always give a rather lengthy ‘explanation’ whenever I called…
But this wasn’t Oke.
She would even call you by your name and the rest is history..
Giving each person a personalized feeling is no small feat. This, was one of the most beautiful and unique attributes of the awards.
Indeed, some are blessed with jara superpowers! How much more super can a group manager be?
Mercy Olufunmi Sunshine
Mercy Olufunmi Sunshine
I call her Melzy!! I knew her long before the awards. She was one of my very first roommates and big sisters in Uniben.
Now among others, here’s a short story about what Melzy did to me.
It was few days to my matriculation and my mum promised to bring along the the gown for the event, when coming. In all Melzy kept insisting she doesn’t disturb herself to bring any gown. I agreed with her, but in a different direction. I felt I could wear any old gown in my box, to save Mome the stress of getting a new one.
Meanwhile, I nor know say na different plan Melzy get for mind.
Hey! That was how Melzy told me to escort her to go get a gown for her younger sister, who was about my size. I innocently followed her.
And when we got to the market, we finally saw one that fit perfectly.
For my mind, I like the gown erreh
But no be my own na. Na just testing..
Suddenly, Melzy started asking- “are you sure you like this one?” I nodded.
But I was still wondering why she wasn’t asking “do you think my sister would like it.”
..and that was how Melzy told me the gown was mine! For my matriculation!!
It’s more than four years after that day already, but how do you forget people like this?
How much more super can a heart be?
Ofon Emmanuel
Ofon Emmanuel
Thanks a lot for reaching out to me, even in my ‘hidden’ corner. Knowing you is a blessing too❤
Justina Anurika Godwin aka Gist with Tina
Justina Anurika Godwin
My Mome’s namesake! Thanks for the laughter your words triggered, and thanks for the happiness shared. How much more super can sisters be?
Elizabeth Benibo
Elizabeth Benibo
Sadly I couldn’t go for the awards. (You know my stories are always long) make we leave that wan.
So, it was just a day to the awards and the news struck! The person who was to stand in for me, couldn’t do so anymore. (It’s fine, she had her reasons though)
Then we started to brainstorm! Until my Super Aunty Lizzy flew into our minds. Like why on earth did I skip telling her in the first place. She is that brave, jovial, ‘no dull moment’ kind of person, always. And I heard she did justice standing in for her girl, Eden.
How much more super can an aunt be?
Finally, I must ‘say’ this one!
Maybe I wouldn’t have travelled to Port Harcourt this Christmas, but thanks to the Super Woman Under 39 Awards 2019. I had to travel to go thank my aunt and see my cousins who insisted I come take my crown, myself
And seeing them after two years was one of the most beautiful moments of my 2019.
“The things that make us different –
those are our Super Powers.”
–LENA Waithe
First Black Woman
To Win The Emmy For Comedy Writing.
With this, I salute everyone out there, being super in their own unique way.
May we continue to shine the light that we are, now and always!
Much Love
Eden Benibo
To some, it’s holiday already! While to some others, the work still goes on and on, nonstop. However, the two categories notwithstanding, it’s the year 2019 gradually gliding to an end and we cannot deny the fact that music, in it’s own unique way, played a paramount role in our lives as individuals. Whether during just our time for relaxation, or giving us the right vibes during one “parte” or another in the course of the year; the colours that music add to life cannot be overemphasized and the sweetness it brings is beyond words.
There is this heartwarming connection it creates beyond language differences, tribal sentiments and all other sort of boundaries.
Well, they say music is a universal language, and we all have that special genre that gives us the liberty of fluent expression in diverse music forms.
From the peace that comes with listening to a song, to the joy and excitement another song triggers, these all reflect that music is indeed food to the soul.
With this, I’ve dug out 7 Amazing Scientific Benefits of Music
(Whispers: You probably didn’t know) Just so you add up to your knowledge bank, before the year runs out.
Here:
Music Helps One Eat Less
If you’re watching your weight this Christmas, and you knoe you may be tempted to ‘eaaaat wild’, then this is for you! What???? You may ask! But yeah! It has been discovered that listening to soft music while eating can help one slow down with meals, consuming less food at a time. Let’s just say it kind of creates a divided attention that makes for a diminishing return in consumption.
Music Helps Premature Babies Stay Calm and Alert in Duality
Scientific research shows that sweet lullabies and live music has a way of impacting suckling patterns and feeding behaviors in premature infants, this in turn helps their calmness and alertness.
Music Reduces Depression
From top celebrities down to our neighborhood, the rate of suicide recorded in this year 2019, which ultimately generated from depression is alarming. With the dwindling economy, emotional struggles and various negative vibes choking survival, the reasons for depression are not farfetched.
However, we must consciously guard our inner peace and fight for our happiness at all cost. Music is one veritable weapon we can use to reach the goal of fighting depression. “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between notes and my back to loneliness”- Maya Angelou
Feeling down or just overwhelmed? Kindly shut the ears of your heart to the noise of this world and find your way to that favorite song that sets your soul on fire!
Music Improves Memory and Learning
Although there is currently no cure for the Alzheimer’s disease, music therapy has been used to help people with the disease recall seemingly lost memories. Experts has shown that repetitive elements of rhythm and melody aid the brain pattern that enhance memory. In a study of stroke survivors, listening to music helped them experience less confusion and better focused attention.
Music Can Improve Our Relationships
Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioral investigator with Science of People revealed that “hearing music alters the neuro chemicals in our brains and triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins. These neurotransmitters boost our mood and allow us to share that positive chemical rush with people we are with.”
Music Helps Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Yet another studies on children with spectrum disorder who received musical therapy showed improvement in social responses, communication and attention skills.
Music Lessen Anxiety
Time and again, music have been seen to help relax patients before and after surgery. It is also an inexpensive and widely available stress management tool.
So yes! Beyond even entertainment and the general vibes it brings, music goes a long way in facilitating our mental health and wholeness as individuals.
Indeed, Music is Life!
And Yipppeee
It’s just two days to Christmas
Do Have A Most Fulfilling Holiday Ahead!!
Much love!!!
Today on Express~Shun and in celebration of the International Girl Child Day we have Egbele Theresa, a young Nigerian poet with the pen name –Enero Aji. Theresa has been writing for 3 years, although she had a few months break sometime last year, we are super glad to have her back to the League of Writers!
In this month of October, with the theme of Freedom, we asked Theresa to write and share a piece on what ‘Freedom’ means to her, and in what seemed like a jiffy, she had a lovely piece to offer!
From the springs of her beautiful mind, Enjoy her poem on Freedom:
I am free
Am I bound by chains?
I can put one feet beyond the other
And do not have to look over my shoulder
Dully anticipating
The whip-lash of the whip
You can say I am free.
I am free
I am told not to kill my sisters
I am told that it is a sin
To choose to stop breathing
I am told that my wrists will be tied
If I plunge my manhood between thighs
Unwanted
You can say I am free.
I am free
The sun beats against my skin
Black on black
As my tools dig into the soil
Pointless toil for a meal
Listening to my child squall for milk
In long dried breasts
Mumbling excuses as tears burn down his cheeks
You can say I am free.
I am free
Rock hard heels drumming
On the expressway
Lagos expressway
As I try to seduce weary traveler
To buy one more chips
Cleavage jiggling
Just one more!
My mouth watering at a mirage
Of cool shades and chilled water
You can say I am free.
Am I free?
Dropping votes
With a godly dose of prayer
Not for political parties
Nor prayer for the thieves
But I pray that my choices
Will not lead to tears and curses
You can say I am free.
© Enero Aji
About The Author: Ebele Theresa is a hundred level English student in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Before she started inking papers, she had a healthy dislike for English, especially the oral parts. According to her, it wasn’t because she was bad at it. She was quite good, but just didn’t believe one could love English and not be a teacher.
Poets like ‘Lere Oladitan, a celebrated professor in OAU and her colleagues (generally) inspire her greatly – (especially her crush..)
Here’s what Theresa has to say on what she hopes to achieve with her writing:
“I want to write something so good, something so thought provoking that I am recognized in every aspect of writing. I dream of my works to be something students appreciate and quote in class, something that springs out of teachers and fellow writers lips when they need to express their thoughts artistically.
I’m a person that lives off emotions, I believe it to be the center of the universe…. That, and money. I’m automatically friendly to anyone who’s a writer, even though people tag me as an Introvert. I love reading and listening to Rap, my favorite artist is NF, I have two astoundingly lazy cats who do not hesitate to remind me that I am very lucky to have them in my life.”
Yaaaaas! With just this peep into her mind, we’re sure you’ll agree with us when we earlier said it’s a beautiful one.
We look forward to seeing all Theresa’s lovely dreams turn reality!
You can reach Theresa via the following platforms:
[email protected]
Ig: eneroaji_theresa
Twitter: TheresaTheNerd
Achieving balance is a never-ending journey. When issues on gender balance are discussed, words like “equity” and “equality” are thrown around, hence, the need to understand them as tools for bettering the balance.
• Equality connotes equal treatment of people, irrespective of gender, social or cultural differences while Equity means the quality of being fair and impartial.
• Equality advocates for equal quantity of both gender in giving positions and various offers while Equity fights for same access not necessarily for an equal number of gender (quantity) but quality.
The Women in Marketing and Communication Conference/Awards (WIMCA) 2019 held recently, served as a platform to discuss these issues extensively, with top professionals from all works of life sharing their working-life experiences. During one of the panel sessions, Mr. Charles Nnochiri, Head of Marketing, PZ Cussons, when asked about his thought on Equality, noted that the paradigm has shifted, as the “NEED is now key”, when dealing with issues on Equity or Equality. He noted that as the owner of an organization, he wouldn’t build the same number of restrooms for male and female staff, rather he would provide three cubicles for the male and five for the females because their needs differs due to their constitution. With this example, he explained that equality should not be the focus, but equity. In other words, equal number of men and women should not be the priority, rather, both genders should have the same access, the same cut-off marks, and the same salaries for the same jobs.
Mr. Nnochiri further revealed that during a recent assessment conducted in his firm, the only person who got exceptional (grade/ assessment) was a woman who was out on maternity leave but gave her best for the period of time she was around and emerged the best. Imagine if she was denied access because of her pregnancy? What became a win-win for both the organization and the woman, would never have happened if Equity was not applied.
Wimca 2019
Dr. Ndidi Nnoli – Edozien, Group Chief, Sustainability and Governance, Dangote Industries Ltd, gave an in-depth lecture on- ‘Better the Balance in The Work Place; Equity or Equality’. She described equity as access, and access meaning – to give people equitable resources that will help them grow.
“It means meeting people where they are
No matter what their gender is”.
The Team Spirit
Regardless of the setting we find ourselves, the fight for gender balance is a fight for all, especially by team work, love and support for each other.
This begs the question of how current female leaders are nurturing the next generation of women in their various fields? Research shows that many women are afraid of being mentored by other women. Dr. Nnoli proceeded by advising female leaders to make efforts to teach and mentor the next generation of women in their spheres.
Dr. Nnoli further accentuated the need for women to build and support each other in thriving beyond all odds. Using her experience of growing as the only girl amongst boys, and having to stand as the only woman amongst men at various stages in her career and how these various encounters gave her a better understanding of the male and female structure which can help shape the degree to which a better balance is fundamentally attained.
Eden At WIMCA 2019
She painted a graphic picture in the minds of the audience, of how most games for boys (while growing up) had to do with team work- football, basketball and the likes. For example: a football team would still shake hands and possibly hug their revivals before and after the game. This team spirit tends to grow within the boys till they become men, directly and indirectly. Men are seen watching their favorite sport with their revival team supporters, yet supporting a goal, sharing drinks and signing big business deals on such friendly tables, regardless.
To confirm her illustration, some men in the audience attested to the fact that many business deals were closed at recreational centers and even at the bar.
In contrast to this, Dr. Nnoli pointed out how most games and competitions for girls are more individualistic. For her as a little girl, she was a ballet dancer and also engaged in swimming, which are a few examples of activities and games which had to do with one’s individual ability on the pitch, even when representing a team. These growing up experiences tend to shape how both sexes react to what life throws at them as individuals.
The consensus reached by the well-seasoned speakers and panelists stressed that, in bettering the balance, we need not talk from only the numerical, social, political or leadership perspective but most especially in terms of ACCESS. For example, access to capital, opportunities and information. A woman who is financially empowered becomes more financially independent.
Therefore, equity should be the focus in creating a better balance in the marketing and communication industry and beyond.
Written By: Eden Benibo
Published by: Etu Odi Communications
Today on Express~Shun, we have one of Nigeria’s young voices, Umeh Chisom, passionate about using the art of writing to relate what lies within.
Here’s what Chisom has for Our Dear Nigeria at 59:
I’ll write for Nigeria at 59
Yes, I will
Oops!! Nigeria is 59.
Dear Nigeria,
How are you and how are you coping with the load on you?
How often did you drink water after solving each problem like maths?
How exhausted is your brain?
Crazy right?
No.
My dear fatherland,
I always wished I saw my heroic fore fathers.
Obafemi Awolowo
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Tafawa Balewa
Murtala Mohammed
My best friends in stories I read about them.
How they fought to save us from falling
Now,
All I see is a country sinking.
Loud whispers of:
“Nigeria is a crawling child at 59” fill the air..
Ahhh!!
How can she be so old but still crawls and mess herself up while awake?
She cries out blood,
But is left to bleed.
Her leaders are sincerely overlooking her worries, Because their hands are busy with the billions
While the needy are left to these cold hands..
It’s your birth month,
I wish you long life and prosperity.
I hope you see this letter
And I hope things turn around for good
Continue to grow in God’s faith and mercy
Things will surely get better
Chetakwa n’ogadinma
Thank you Nigeria
For all that you are
And all you will be.
Thanks for staying strong.
Yours Truly,
Proud, Resilient & Hopeful Daughter
Umeh Chisom
About The Author:
Umeh Chisom is a Writer and a Blogger, who does poetry and short story writing.
She’s currently a student of Medical laboratory science at Madonna University.
Her writing journey began after her secondary days.
To her, it began as a the killer of boredom, which later transcended to become a huge part of her.
She was inspired to keep her pen moving after she read one of the novels of Chimamanda Adichie.
Stories of little children facing a whole lot of ups and downs ignite her belief in writing.
She hopes that those who are subjected to silence would have a voice through her and also hopes being a public figure would bring light in the dark, for her.
We look forward to seeing Chisom’s dreams turn reality, as she thrives on in the literary field and beyond.
Lately, I was assigned to do an article on ‘Mental Health Awareness Among Creatives’.
During my personal research before starting the article proper, I got caught up in the middle..
Perhaps, because I put in my entire being whenever it has to do with writing.
I got swept away along the line, having researched deeply on depression and past suicide cases by creatives ranging from Vincent Van Gogh, Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath to the most recent cases in Nigeria. This was overwhelming for me.
However, I’m glad I shook off the clog, proceeded with the article and delivered a fulfilling result.
.
Many thanks to Etu Odi Communications for giving me a platform to be part of the campaign on Mental Health.❤
.
With a totality of my research, absorption and experience
Below is the link to the full article:
http://www.etuodi.com/mental-health-awareness-among-creatives/
Hey!
Let’s thrive on💕
I died.
When I saw I was posted to Yobe.. Yobe, one of the farthest North. The younger brother of Sambisa, precisely.
I really began to understand what it means to have a HEAVY heart.
I died so many times, but before any of the deaths..
Naaa, I didn’t cry oo
Me, cry ke.
I wept!
Like that kind of weeping where you don’t have to make any sound for the tears to keep ‘ringing’ all over..
.
Firstly, I didn’t even sleep that night. I was just online looking for possible solutions, till I found many other Yobe candidates online, mourning too😂
.
The thing is, I had very very limited options while selecting states for deployment, because results came and upload on senate list came out quite late, so did my registration go.
To me, Yobe was the least on my expectation list.
.
Zoom to the next day and beyond.
The news started to fly to even my village people. Calls began pouring in.
Come and see prayers everywhere!
But you know those kind of prayer points that will make one even more depressed.
Naim I see o. Prayers that will make you see even the negative angles you never thought of🙆🏻
.
At a point, I made up my mind not to go at all. (The reason I went to camp quite late).
Loved ones asked why I didn’t ‘work it’ to Lagos..
But one thing about my life erreh, I never ‘work’ anything. (Admission, job and all) Sincerely, if I do, the ‘workings’ no go work.
So, I’ve concluded that God is so jealous with His Eden and loves to take every drop of the glory.
.
Finally, I decided to go, because dem talk say if you reach camp, na automatic redeployment, cause Yobe is one of the state with insecurity issues..
And so Brethren😂
I think going to Yobe was one of the hardest yet best decisions of my life!✨
Yobe turned out to be Bae❤
~In Yobe, I met so many super lovely people. I’m glad I didn’t miss meeting such diamonds.
~Camp was so exciting (far more than I thought).
Oh! I forgot to add that there were so many Igbo and Port Harcourt pipo in camp. It really felt like home in a strange land.
~So much favour and an overflow of God’s Blessings. (I nor fit talk everything na)😉😋
~And the ultimate of it all (the main goal of going)😘
I was REDEPLOYED directly by NYSC to OGUN STATE close enough to home (Lagos) without paying any extra extra.
The whole experience taught me a lot more..
Indeed, all things work together for good..
.
Many thanks to NYSC
For making me reach Yobe in my lifetime.
The Lord knows nothing would have made me go there but for NYSC
Like na excursion? Abi na wetin for carry me go?
I’m glad I went though.
Potiskum precisely was where we were.
Beautiful Place, Beautiful People.
But for the distance and insecurity, maybe we for stay o.
.
Many thanks to Mome, Big Mummy JC, Uncle Ken,Mr. Taiwo,Daddy Shairnom, Uncle Ikenna, Chuks,Manuel Creative, Wendy, Ayomiposi, Tamara,Obinna,Ralph,Sam De Poet, Josh,Pablo,Iprince,cousins, Alalibo, friends (more like siblings),Mummy Joy and family for having me in Kano and everyone that stood by me all through.
.
Ogun get ready!
Poetry is coming to yoooo
.
Let’s thrive on Fam😘
Regardless of whatever..
Ace. Pace. Grace
Life of Eden
Are you an inspirational young person, doing amazing things to make a positive difference in the world?
– Do you know any young leader, entrepreneur or activist who can inspire us and our global network with ideas and actions?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We are seeking passion driven young persons around the world who are impacting the lives of others through their talents, skills and inspirational works in various fields and endeavors.
About our organization –
RoundTable Global is an International award winning learning and development organisation passionate about making a difference in the world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Submission Is Easy!!
Simply send an email to- [email protected]
Include-
the full name, email address and web links of your nominee.
Also provide as much information as possible, with a proven track record of actions. ie- a record of anything you do, that affects the life of others positively.
Sure! Self nomination is allowed.
NB- The earlier you send yours, the better.
~~~~~~~
Those selected would be contacted via an email by Tanith Harding, Head of International Projects.
Submission ~~~ C L O S E D