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Word-Perfect Monday (WPM)

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My Lockdown Story – Conrad Opene

by Conrad Opene

A Lockdown Story

By: Conrad Opene

Hanging

Hanging from a pole while my eyes turn

The thought of falling seize my mind as I sway round and around

The sensation I offer makes me happy

My eyes begin to water mixing with sweats from my face

The strong ones never seem to be needy

Who gifts one what they possess

Who says one possesses

Sugar and Salt battle for dominance in a chilled glass of water

Nobody desires this conversation

Nobody talks when there’s nothing to say

Holding firm on the pole while stroking my body upwards and downwards

Smiling back at my enthusiastic spectators

They would keep me for ultimate pleasure

Until I am dropped after culmination

A Note From Eden: Dear Conrad,
I could end this note here already. Because the phrase “Dear Conrad” is in depths. The depths of the value you are to the world. The depths of how should let nothing tell you less. The depths of so many unwrapped gifts within you. The depths of the brilliance you should allow shine more. The depths of the brightness you carry. And the depths of how priceless you remain. 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!!

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My Lockdown Story – Simon Catherine Nkechi

by Catherine Nkechi Simon

A Lockdown Story

By: Simon Catherine Nkechi

Life presents us with a kind of fun that is not funny or aims to evoke laughter.

In between all, we are expected to devise a means to laugh. The past few months have been on funny life event that is not funny, but ironically, laughter is, and would always be the only way one can make sense out of certain terrible situations.

I have been able to discover me better, and also understand that my Creator works in tremendously wonderful ways that cannot be comprehended. Hence, this has been my means and source of laughter this period.

A Note From Eden: Dear Ketch, 

Just the first sentence of your lockdown story made me fall in love with the entire piece from the brilliance of your  mind.  Laughter has always been the best medicine, and we cannot  but use it has a remedy for this choking times we are in.  We stay happy, because without this,  life is empty.  Meanwhile, crying and worrying  leaves us empty in duality. So choosing joy and guarding our peace have always been the best options.  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!!

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort storiesWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

My Lockdown Story: Ayodele Oluwafemi

by Ayodele Oluwafemi

My Lockdown Story

By: Ayodele Oluwafemi

Coronavirus: What A Virus!

During the COVID-19 lockdown, several thoughts invaded the space of my mind. At one point I was angered about the disruptions occasioned by the pandemic, and at another instance, I was relaxed to give way for certain thoughts, regarding the peculiarities of this pandemic.

When the virus started in December, 2019 at the Wuhan Province of China, many of us who got the news of a virus killing people in China, took it as an ordinary disease like Malaria or flu at the initial stage. We never envisioned the spread to over 200 countries. If a prophet had prophesied about what is happening in the world today with the COVID-19 issue, many would have called for his or her head or rather prefer to call such prophet a messanger of doom.

There is something special about this Coronavirus, it has no respect for age, sex, position, religion, educational background, social status and other demographic considerations. What a virus! It started like something that will not threaten the human race, but gradually it spread across continents taking away many lives at will, without recourse to any consideration.

This virus, unlike other virus-related diseases, does not have respect for your position or social status in the society. Those in the high, middle and low levels of the society have gotten their own fair share of the coronavirus. Top politicians like the likes of Boris Johnson of Great Britain, Canadian Prime Minster, Justin Trudean’s wife, Sophie Trudeau, Iranian vice president, Eshaq Jahangiri, Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez, Australian Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton and a host of others at one point tested positive for Coronavirus. Let me come back home, top Nigerian politicians also had their own fair share of the virus. Late Abba Kyari died as a result of coronavirus-related complications. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi state, Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Frank Okiye at one point tested positive, but recovered.

Coronavirus has shown us that it has no respect for the position you hold in the society. Even the great, US President, Donald Trump was scared about the idea of testing for COVID-19. At one point, he refused to test for it, but when he finally did, it came out negative. What a virus!

We have seen how sportsmen/sportswomen, celebrities, entertainers, media personalities and host of other professions were caught in the web of coronavirus. There was no route of escape, in terms of social status. We have even read or heard about the news on how members of the Almajiri group tested positive for the virus, in large numbers. What a virus!

If Coronavirus had spared on the basis of the religious beliefs and ideologies, at this moment, the battle of supremacy of one religion to another would have died a natural death. For instance, if the virus only affect christians, guess what other religion groups would have said. The deadly virus has no respect for religion. Christians, muslims, atheists, hindus, buddhists, agnostics to mention a few have contracted the virus, many members of the different religious groups have died in the hands of the virus. As we battle with the pandemic, religious places of worship have been deserted, some that have not witnessed lock down for ages are currently under locks.

Christians who derive solace in the Bible verse that says, “do not forsake the gathering of the brethren” are at homes reciting another verse that says, “when two or three are gathered in my name, I will be there with them.” Due to coronavirus lack of respect for religious beliefs, magnificent religious synagogues are under lock. Online

Image By: Ouinuchi Ejiohuo

worship has become a norm in the days of COVID-19. What a virus!

 

Few weeks ago, some International and Nigerian online news platforms wrote a news report with the headline “Pastor Who Defiled Lockdown Dies of Coronavirus.” That news report was a surprise to those who believed that Coronavirus is a respecter of religious position. We have seen how religious leaders from the different religious groups lost their lives in the hands of COVID-19. As I was reading through some of the tweets on Twitter, a Nigerian Twitter user tweeted, “Even babalawo (herbalist) sef dey use hand sanitizer, Oluwa (God), wetin dey happen.” As hilarious the statement appeared to be, the underlying meaning is very clear for those who care to understand. Irrespective of your level of relationship with God, (or gods, depending on your choice), if you refuse to take preventive measures, COVID-19 will surely be your undesirable guest.

In the eyes of Coronavirus, our age does really matter. The old, the middle-aged and the young have all gotten their own fair share of the virus. New born babies have been reported to have contracted Coronavirus. I think when this virus looks at us, it does not see our age, bank account, position in the society, religion, and tribe/culture, it sees humanity (blood).

Cases of how animals contracted coronavirus have also been reportedly by the mainstream media. Is that not a surprise to you? The virus is sparing nothing.

Coronavirus did not even spare the economy. Prices of goods/services skyrocketed, oil prices fell to an extent that oil sellers were begging buyers to buy. People lost their jobs and economic hardships took over. Developed countries were able to provide palliatives for their citizens, developing nations like Nigerians, poor and vulnerable people were left to fate, as some of the palliative shared could not get to the hands of many who really needed them.

Within few days, we could no longer engage in things that bind us together as human beings. Countries shut down their land, sea and air borders, stadia and recreational centres were closed, gatherings were restricted and the human world was appearing to be coming to end as the biblical forewarned. Animals were coming out of their natural homes to see what is going on in the human world. I guess some of them would have been wondering what is going on in the human world?

We lost out sanity to Coronavirus. Even as many countries are gradually easing the lockdown, the fear of COVID-19 is still hanging in the air. The ease of lockdown in many countries of the world came with heavy restrictions pertaining to physical distancing.

This pandemic is silently teaching us certain lessons. Another lesson is the displacement of traditional techniques for internet-enabled platforms. We can see how certain physical arrangement moved to the internet, during the lockdown. That is a lesson for the wise. COVID-19 is the silent teacher.

In my next edition of my lockdown story, I will be sharing with us, my thoughts on fake news and conspiracy theories. Untill then, stay safe, there is surely a post-covid era.

A Note From Eden: Dear Dele,

YOU ARE GOOD.  Oops! I forgot to add “too”. YOU ARE TOO GOOD. opening our eyes to not just look, but see many overlooked factors lingering in our lives as individuals and as citizens of the earth. You are brilliance personified. You’re intelligence,  encased in flesh and blood. And it’s beautiful to know that in all of this,  your heart remains a sky full of stars. 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!!

 

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My Lockdown Story: Efe Blessing Ogboru

by Efe Blessing Ogboru

A Lockdown Story

By: Efe Blessing Ogboru

The nature of my job didn’t give me the opportunity to observe the lockdown. Waking up very early on a daily basis to get prepared for work took another turn. I had to be at a particular junction in time in order for one of my colleagues to convey me in his car to the office. This was due to the fact that commercial bus owners weren’t working.

There were some days I just wanted to take my time and get prepared for work, but the thought of not getting to see any commercial vehicle left me frustrated…

My paramilitary job came with its own burden. Getting to talk with different people was almost inevitable.

Sometimes I felt my colleagues and I are more vulnerable due to the exposure, because as humans one cannot be hundred percent careful in trying to stay safe.

Also, as a part-time fashion designer, sticking with clients former body measurements is definitely not a wise idea, because there is a possibility of them adding more weight… I was stuck between utilizing those periods to make their clothes or pausing for a while…

Through it all, I experienced fireworks of God’s faithfulness. And I am overtly grateful to God, families and friends who deemed it fit to check on me! 😊

A Note From Eden: Dear Blessing

Firstly,  let me take this time to ‘say’, from your heart, to your words and your actions, – You  Are Everything  Beautiful. You are  your name personified. A blessing, you are, in deeds and indeed. Your lockdown story is simply a reflection of the Superwoman that you are, and I cannot but love you dearly, for the resplendence 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!!

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort storiesWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

My Lockdown Story – Enoma Christabel

by Christabel Enoma

A Lockdown Story

By: Enoma Christabel

At first, adjusting to this lockdown wasn’t so easy for me. Prior to this time, my everyday life has always been so busy! busy!! busy!!

Having to suddenly pause a lot and face the new phase of life was definitely a drastic change.

Regardless of all, I decided to look on the bright side of everything.
I saw it as a means to improve on myself in all areas.
Unlike before, I started to work out, I also took tons of online classes and workshops to improve on my business, and it’s been fun all the way!

I am grateful for the “break”, not because I am happy there is a pandemic, but because of all I have been able to achieve during this period.

Stay Safe
Spread Love

A Note From Eden: Dear Christabel,
Just in case I have never told you before – You have a BEAUTIFUL heart, and you emit this beauty in all you do.
I’m so glad you too out time to breathe during the lockdown. I’m so glad you were able to see through the bright side, whilst the current darkness the world is faced with. 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

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My Lockdown Story- Dayo Oyelola

by Dayo Oyelola

A Lockdown Story

By: Dayo Oyelola

Well, I will call mine “My Lock Up Story” or what more can best describe the situation you are told where to go and when to go, what to eat and even how to eat it.

You’re placed on a compulsory diet because you don’t know how long your “sentence” is.
I even bought some books to keep me company. I also created a schedule on what to do per time, but all that didn’t last a week.

The news became a dreadful thing to watch. Every normal thing became sacred to the extent of even “ordinary” greeting.

In all, there is only one thing I look forward to every day, and that is just to breathe again.

A Note From Eden: Dear Dayo,
Your story is a masterpiece of truth and light, piercing through the current darkness in the world today.
Calling it a masterpiece is no hype, because what else can we call a story that is able to trigger series of emotions in one swift. From the laughter it evoked, to it’s relatability. Your story is one that leaves the one in solemnity in the end. Thank you 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!!

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsShort storiesWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

My Lockdown Story – Olive Okakpu

by Olive Okakpu

The lockdown which begun on 31st March, 2020 made up so many memories that life stick for a lifetime. My experience during this Lockdown can best be described in three words: Sad. Miraculous. Awesome.

Before the lockdown, everything seemed to be going smoothly. My dad was strong, there was food in the house, my sister was always away at work, my two younger siblings were in the university and I was alone at home, feeling bored, but happy because we were all fine.

After the announcement of the lockdown, the house was full again. My dad had rush to the market to help us get some stuffs. Everything was still fine and we were all happy, although wondering how people would survive the lockdown.

Suddenly, two days after the lockdown on the 2nd of April, which was a Thursday, by 2am!!! My dad fell ill. It would have been worse, but for the mercies of God. I couldn’t have been less grateful. He suddenly couldn’t walk on his own, or even talk clearly. We all woke up to pray for him. I became so overwhelmed, in fact, I could feel my heart sinking. I cried bitterly. I couldn’t even sing praises or pray properly anymore.

The next morning, we went to the hospital through the help of a pastor, because there was no means of transportation (as we all know).
The doctor said my father’s blood pressure was so high, and bla bla bla, but we believed God’s report.
And as always, God didn’t disappoint us! Yep!! This is where the miracle came in. God showed up, he worked on my dad like a physiotherapist and within two weeks, my dad could walk without any assistance. His words became clearer, and he could move his right hand again.

God didn’t only do this, He used this medium to bless us financially. Our house rent was miraculously paid. There was more than enough food stuffs to the extent, we had so much to eat and give out. God fulfilled his words which says in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him”(NIV).

Lastly, the lockdown was awesome because it was a sort of reunion as I spent the weeks with my sisters and baked my first cake during this period. Boredom became history as we shared so many moments where we talked , laughed and just had fun in our own way. I am already missing my siblings in advance!
Also, the online services usually held at home were awesome! It always felt like little Canaanland to me, that is, my church winners chapel.

In conclusion, I would say everything went well to the glory of God. We have no reason to be sad anymore because my dad is in perfect condition. God provided GREATLY, though I am already missing my siblings in advance.

No doubt, the Lockdown came in a time that badly shook my family at first. And it also delayed certain personal goals. I was supposed to have been done with my clearance in school (UNIBEN), and also started my Youth Service.
But in all, I have no regret, because God’s plan will always come through in the end. And as I said before, “All things work for the good of those who love God”.

A Note From  Eden: Dear Olive,
Effortlessly, you inspire by simply being you, always. You are an essence of beauty, and strength in duality. Your depths of brilliance knows no bound. 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!!

 

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My Lock Down Story

by Eden Benibo

It’s funny how this ‘lock down’ had to scream the word ‘REST’ into my ears. Eden, breathe. Rest. Breathe. How often do we include ‘rest’ to our success tips?
.
I know it’s Monday, a very unlikely day to talk about resting- especially in a world where almost everything reminds us of
-how time is running.
-how time flies.
-how we have to catch up with life.
But not so much reminds us of how we need to take a deep breath, because time will keep running, even long after we are gone.
.
I’ve always been a workaholic. I’ve always been that girl who likes to put her ALL into what she does, per time. Well, this is not bad, and not good either, until a balance is created. And creations do not just emerge, it’s always mainly from a conscious effort made.
.
In the earlier days of the lock down, I pulled up a long ‘to-do-list’ (as usual), knowing fully well that, staying at home wouldn’t affect my kind of freelance job. -Writing, editing and speaking, sometimes.
However, like an overused phone, I began to hang😂
My head. My whole body began to speak one dialect -Rest Eden, rest. Reset
.
For a girl who wouldn’t mind working, even while stuck in traffic. For girl who would stay awake from the hours of 2am-5am writing, editing, reading and doing various other personal projects… Rest began to sound like a new word to me, and I had to relearn it, during the lock down.
.
I know how ‘nice’ social media has been to my art and I, but I had to take a break here.
I also did a ‘little what’s app holiday’ and closed my eyes to all the ‘noise’ of the world,
-because “sometimes, we need to slow things down, to speed things up.”
.
And on the seventh day, HE (God) rested.
Why shouldn’t you?
Please, as you make beautiful plans on how you’ll cross seven mountains and seven oceans, add ‘rest’ to your ‘to-do-list’. ❤
.
P. S: Soooon, in my favorite corner at ‘Express-Shun’ I’ll be sharing super inspiring ‘Lock Down Stories’ from some of the most beautiful humans on the planet! Stay tuned
.
Do not forget to create a balance in all you do this WEEK!
Cheers!!
.
#edenbenibo #ace #pace #grace

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Passion :The Key To Thriving In Your Career

by Eden Benibo

There is no career without challenges, regardless of who you are.

It takes more!
It’s not enough to only have dreams and visions for your career, it’s pertinent to also have a driving force which will lead you to those goals in the long run. In other words, It’s not enough to know what you want to do, you’ve got to know what makes you do what you do because this is what will keep you going when the heat gets hotter.

According to Chika Akinwale, founder of Cambridge Leadership Academy, “A vision is fueled by a deep desire or conviction within”. This is where passion comes in.
Passion keeps you going…
The fact is, challenges will come at every stage of one’s career, but, the truth is that, you have the power to either be burned by the heat or go through that heat and come out refined.
Going through the heat is definitely not an easy task in any career; this is why you need to be constantly fueled by passion.

The awesome truth about it is that it is not static. It drives you to thrive, even in stagnant times.
Passion is like a stronghold, when the heat burns at whatever stage in your career, you will gradually rise above the ashes of your fears.
…the language of go-getters
Look through the tunnel of time past, you’ll see stories of great men and women who failed countless times in their various careers, yet, in the long run; they became world champions.
These achievers were definitely not of the same age, race or gender; they only spoke a common language; the language of passion. The fact is, they failed at one point or the other. But, the beautiful truth is that, they went through the heat from the kiln and came out stronger, with well baked triumphs!


The big picture
Here’s the big picture: the same heat that makes gold out of a career; can fold that same career. People go through the same challenges and come out with different results. The big question here is: what makes the difference?
Passion! The difference between those who come out with solid results and others who are left with melted goals.
It takes passion to not just keep holding on, but to keep taking positive steps in spite of the heat, until you get your desired results.
It’s all on you!
Passion will only come effortlessly when you love what you do. When you love what you do, failure won’t be an option. Your passion will keep your eyes on what lies beyond the heat.
Your passion may not prevent challenges, but it won’t let challenges stop you either.
Even with passion, you’ll still ‘sweat’ (that’s why challenges can be synonymous with ‘heat’). It’s high time we understood that without passion, one will definitely be discouraged when the heat in any career starts to burn.


You need not be afraid of challenges, only be alarmed when you have a dwindling passion. With passion, you may fall on your face, but you will have the energy to keep rising.
At the end of it all, the choice is yours! To either glow or blow, to either be refined or burnt; but, always remember, beyond the heat lies a stronger, more fulfilled and refined you!

Eden Benibo

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AloudEXPRESS~SHUNPoetrySalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

The Unconnected Connections

by Eden Benibo

 

Blue-black

The color of the sky and me coalesced

A thick strong bond of smoke and dust

Under naked heavens-

Celestial bodies of half sun and full moon

 

I was born with a cord-

Of twisted fibers that tied the bundle of me together.

 

At birth,

My umbilical refused to heal

Leaving a scar of my escape

From heaven to earth

A cicatrices,

Identical to the one Mome bears on her tummy.

 

We all bear this mark,

Somewhere beneath there

Shaped in our own handwritings

 

Perhaps,

A signature to the wars ahead –

From birth to death

Having escaped the boundaries of a holy capture,

Into the confinement of earthly Freedom.

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AloudEXPRESS~SHUNPoetrySalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Little Things

by Eden Benibo

Today
I gave a slice of kindness
Buttered in love
To the old woman on my street,
Who sat on roads
Half as dusty as the sound of her laughter

Silence,
Made me see the pain
Screaming in my neighbors eyes.
It took just a meaningful stare –
Of one and half seconds,
To realize death was nearby

Beautiful
Was all I said to the artist
Whose works went unnoticed
By a world too busy
Carried away by the things,
That should be carried.

-Eden Benibo

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNPoetryPublicitySalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Gratitude: Super Woman Under 30 Awards

by Eden Benibo

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

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AloudEXPRESS~SHUNWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

A Little Throwback: Felabration 2019

by Eden Benibo

With the above picture, you probably can tell the end of this story, even before a glimpse of the beginning.
Yes, I know today is Monday, and double yes!! I insist on ‘doing’ my own throwback today. Cheers! To everyone that sticks to the Tuesday and Thursday throwback tingly. As for me, I enjoy breaking all these tiny rules here and there.
So, here’s a throwback to Felabration 2019, when I met one of the very queens of my heart.
Like I earlier mentioned on social media (Facebook), I’ve always known somewhere deep deep down in my heart, that I would meet the Queen, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie someday. However, I never knew the day would be this close.
As a Content Writer at Etu Odi Communications, I was assigned alongside a colleague turned sister, Nifemi, to cover selected events and make reports for the company’s blog posts. So, when I spotted that the legendary Adichie would be coming for the Felabration Symposium, my spirit, soul and body, and all the hosts of Heaven knew, I must be there. Perhaps, with the joy and excitement of seeing a name that rings a loud bell in my head, I noted an incorrect date of the event. A date rather closer than the actual day.

When the assumed day came, Nifemi and I were just about booking a taxi, before we discovered we actually had three more days to the D-day.
Fast Forward

Nifemi & Eden

The day finally landed!

Well, I’m one person who is hardly starstruck, but for this case, with the fire and excitement burning in my eyes, even Nifemi could tell that aside just seeing Chimamanda, if I didn’t stand or sit to talk to her, I would have left that hall as sad as sad can be.
Well, I’m glad my heart desires were met though. Lately, I have noticed the swiftness to which my thoughts transcend into reality. (Story for another day)


Brethren, like play like play I spoke to the Prose Queen, discussing personal stuffs about certain ‘self-limitations’, breakaways and breakthroughs for my writing career.
Meeting her made me love her more, and made me understand the gospel she shared even better.
Most of all, beneath that daring and strong woman, I saw a beautiful, tranquil and kind soul beyond words.
Now to the official assignment that made me attend the event.
Below is my cover story of Felabration 2019,
As published by Etu Odi Communications:


The song ‘Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense’ released in 1986 by the great Nigerian music icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is one that can best be described as evergreen. With over 30 years of impact, its conscious lyrics on various social issues remain a didactic guide many generations later.

The song title was chosen as the theme for the recent Felabration symposium held in Ikeja, Lagos. The event kicked off the one-week annual festival of music and arts in honour of the musical legend, Fela. Graced by four outstanding speakers: Prof. Akin Oyebode, Chimamanda Adichie, Bobi Wine from Uganda and Akala from the United Kingdom. All the speakers gave various insights to the theme beyond its literal meaning.

“Music remains one of the

most powerful tools of communication”. – Felabration 2019

Cross-section of the audience

One of the most prominent attributes of Fela was his passion for creating songs that go beyond entertainment. Songs that challenge various inhumane norms, well highlighted during the speech of the Veteran Prof. Oyebode, who channeled the theme towards the capacity of music as a tool to educate and positively influence.

Eden & Yeni Kuti👑

This, in turn, served as a wake-up call to musicians in Nigeria and Africa in general. Musicians were urged to use their songs as a tool for retelling our stories and showing the world a better perspective of Africa.

Using the theme of the event as a basis, Akala, a British rapper, journalist, political activist and poet, related his experience while growing up as a schoolboy in London. Akala shared a lot on how Africa was falsely portrayed to him as a student back in the day.

 

No doubt, this is one of the many reasons for the dilapidating image of Africa, created in the minds of so many Westerners and Nigerians in the diaspora.

In support, Bobi Wine revealed how these wrong teachings are prevalent in even Africa, by Africans.

There is a dire need for restructuring in our Education system. It is no wonder that among African youth of today, seeing Whites as superior remains prevalent.

“Where I come from,

Children are told that a man from England discovered the river right behind”. – Bobi

Eden, Akala and Nifemi

This and many others are examples that further buttress how the stories of Africa have been wrongly told. Bobi Wine disclosed that all these underlying factors led to him changing his music from entertainment to edutainment.

“In this country, we need to know history.

If we start to teach our children civics and history…

They know that despite the flaws we have,

Every nation has flaws and every nation has greatness.

They know that Northern Nigeria, Eastern Nigeria,

Western Nigeria and Southern Nigeria were once

very interesting and vibrant places where people traded. – Adichie

Eden & Jumoke👑

Giving the final speech was the award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who emphasized the need for constant learning, unlearning and relearning; the need to teach the younger generations history, as this will help us to become long term thinkers as a nation.

Adichie further discussed how we confuse fear for respect and also, how we so much confidence channeled in the wrong direction.

“We channel our energy to the wrong things.

We are people known for ‘overconfidence’,

At the same time, it’s almost as if we have forgotten how to be ashamed.”

For instance: Jumping queues at the airport and still claiming to be right. However, we do not display such guts when we should. The writer, therefore, urged Nigerians to have such courage and confidence in retelling our stories and teaching the world our values.

“They think China will matter

They think India will matter, not us.

We don’t really matter. But it’s up to us to make that change.

We can react to this, and it starts with self-confidence. It’s the most we can do.

Self-confidence comes from you knowing who we are.”

This brings us back to knowing our roots and our history, as a good knowledge of where we are coming from will always be of great help in leading us to where we ought to be.

Undoubtedly, the theme ‘teacher don’t teach me nonsense’ was explored from different angles that caused a stir within participants just as the song itself does, decades after its release. Indeed, content is King and this should guide us in the kind of music we produce, the things we do or say, as these carry messages that portray who we are to the world at large.

In all, it was an event where knowledge freely flowed from intellectuals of all calibre.

I look forward to meeting all the speakers time and again, most especially Queen Adichie.  I believe the next time we’ll meet will be a perfection of her words to me, in display!

Cheers!!!

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNPoetryQuotesSalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

The Eden Code

by Eden Benibo

❤ Close your eyes to the “noise” of the world

❤ Never dance to a love tune without a heartbeat

❤ Open your heart to the positives of life

❤ Let your passion be the drive

❤ Expose your art to sunlight

❤ Surround yourself with like minds

❤ Select your friends like beans, to get the proteins for growth

❤ Enjoy the growth phase and don’t fright

❤ Polish your skills and watch you shine

❤ Stars are meant to glow in the dark

❤ The world is dark enough

❤ So, release your fears and doubt darts

❤ Become the dream in real life

❤ Design your goals like a world map

❤ Cross boundaries, obstacles and pitfalls

❤ Show kindness without being seen

❤ Do good, even in the dark

❤ Pay attention like a debt you owe

❤Never add more cracks to a breaking world

❤ You Are Royalty

❤ Walk in the majesty of honesty

❤ (And) Wear truth like a crown

❤ Life may be too short, but it has a long run

❤ Savor every moment before the finish line

❤ Unleash all the diamonds on your inside

❤ You Are Made for More

❤ Thrive!

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AloudArticlesPublicitySalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

The Big Question: Equity or Equality?

by Eden Benibo

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

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AloudEXPRESS~SHUNPoetrySalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Beneath Hard Skins

by Eden Benibo

Here’s a story about the boy

They never told you.

A boy shipwrecked within
Still, strength called him strong on the outside
For the boy slowly drifted into manhood
Gradually developing a broad chest,
Broad enough to occupy the burdens of his heart
As the lips of the waters made mockery of his quandary

I speak of that boy left with the guilt of his innocence
As he staggered through the slippery aisle of rising emotions

Against what we think we know
The boy, like the one you saw the other day
Only had a tint of courage printed on his face
While he moved through his phase
With fading colours within

Here’s a story
About the boy
They never told you.
The one you see sometimes
With so much darkness in his eyes
Darkness, like what you think is freedom.
For the light goes out when bones turn stone
And nature speaks death
When life gets compressed,
To the limitations of freedom.
Freedom,
A freedom not to be free
Free to cry,
For every tear from his eyes
Was another escape long withheld
And every word from his heart,
Another truth brushed aside
So,this remains
A story untold
The very one they never told you
Even when the boy is now a grown man
Striving to become the father he needed as a son.
Once upon a memory that lives on…

~ Eden Benibo

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Grow You II

by Eden Benibo

Our Growth Story!
This is the foundational piece of every success story.
It is a never ending phase of moving from where we are, to where we want to be.
It may be a period of rejections, so many imperfections. Perhaps, a period of falling and rising, a period of self discovery or even a period of just taking one step at a time, but in all, it is never a period of stagnancy.
Beyond all the ups and downs, one must keep at a certain pace, even if it means moving inch by inch.
“We have an innate desire to endlessly learn, grow and develop. We want to become more than what we already are. Once we yield to this inclination for continuous and never ending improvement; we lead a life of endless accomplishments and satisfaction. – Chuck Gallozzi

Be Clear! Be Specific!
In the words of Jack Canfield, an all time success guru
” Whatever your goal, decide where you want to improve and what steps you’ll need to take to achieve that improvement. To keep yourself focused on constant and never ending improvement, ask yourself everyday, “How can I improve today? What can I do better than before? Where can I learn new skill or develop a new competency? If you do, you’ll embark on a lifelong journey of improvement that will ensure your success.”

Take it bit by bit
“No, I’m not the exception. I’m an average ordinary woman who chose everyday to make one more EXTRA ORDINARY decision. ..and all I did was give instructions.. Here
Do this bite size. Bite sized, digestible, palatable pieces of what you can do.
..and when you look up, you don’t have to have a magnificent change over 12 months. Your breakthrough will come in needle point moves.
…and you’ll look up in five years and not recognize your life.”- Lisa Nichols

Indeed! You do not have to suddenly mature into a particular phase of life. That’s why it is called ‘GROWTH’. It’s a process!
It involves stages. You don’t have to rush in and out.
Plant yourself in a healthy and environment void of chokiness. Water yourself, open yourself to the sunshine, breath and enjoy the process, because this will lead you to the YOU of your desires.

Remember! Grow into your next level, do not hop into it and watch ‘you glow before your own eyes’!

~EDEN

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Grow You

by Eden Benibo

 

Living in a world where we wake up each morning to new innovations and improvements on how things were, just a night before shows beyond every reasonable doubt that life is ever changing. Phases fade out, because even life grows.
Therefore, it is a huge risk to remain stagnant in a world ruled by pace and ace.

The Core Meaning of Change
It’s high time we realized that change isn’t just a theoretical phenomenon. Change isn’t a part of life. Change is life itself. So? It’s either we live it or it leaves us behind.
This entails that we should constantly be on the move, in our journey of personal development. This requires the totality of our lives, being conscious of the fact that every move either made or not made reflects on the scale of our progress.

 Build Capacity!
How ready are we for the opportunities that we seek?
Most times we have great plans on how we want to make huge positive impact in the lives of others. We have dreams on how we want to make a difference. How we want to change the world for the better. All fine and beautiful! But how often do we resolve to change ourselves, become better with our skills, our talents and our endowments in general. It’s important to note that true success and lasting positive impact in the lives of others begin within us as individuals. For we cannot give out more than the content of our worth.
Therefore by all means, we must consciously and consistently
-Improve on our skills
-Fuel and refuel our knowledge tank
-Learn something new each day
In order not to be left behind by life.

Remember! Grow into your next level, do not hop into it and watch ‘you glow before your own eyes’!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Join us here for more inspiring and practical steps on how to thrive in your growth journey (which is an endless adventure for all, in an ever changing world)

Look forward to:

-Tips on how to be specific and clear with your goals

And many more!

For now, Yes it’s a new week 💃💃💃 So,  go thrive on!✨✨ Much love!!

-Eden Benibo

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AloudArticlesEXPRESS~SHUNSalted WordsWord-Perfect Monday (WPM)

Dealing With Disappointments: Rise!

by Eden Benibo

There is this weakness that comes with failing. One cannot really tell if it’s that kind of ‘general body weakness’ or something that goes beyond. Something inexplicable. That kind of feeling that makes one feel static, with little or no zeal to move forward.

No doubt failure is often accompanied by disappointment and much pain, which leads to unfulfillment or even depression.

Never Give Failure Power Over You!

It’s important for us to note that failure only has as much power as we give it.

No! This is not saying you should immediately be filled with joy, slot in your best song and start dancing like nothing happened. (Well, you can do this if it works for you)

However, the point here is, the day we determine to deal with those failures and move on, is the day we actually move on. Dealing with failure entails dealing with the dark clouds of disappointment, pain and sorrow that comes with it. Until this is done, every other thing will seem stagnant, as one may not have the drive to move on to the next phase of life.

Life is a Teacher! Take Notes

There are so many schools of success. This is fine and beautiful. We see books on ‘Secrets To Success’ here and there, but I think there should also be books on ‘Secrets To Failure’. This is not to guide one ‘into failure’ but ‘across it’. Knowing the bumps, the dos and donts of getting across where true success lies. When we know the secret to failure in a particular field, it will be easier to either avoid or overcome.

For now, life remains the one school that teaches all, with no exception to failure. This is the reason, moving on doesn’t just require leaving a particular rough phase without taking anything along. Most failures leave us with nothing but lessons.

Whether these lessons are positive or negative doesn’t matter. What matters is for one to take note of the pitfalls in preparation for the next phase of life.

 Life Moves On!

There is never a time life would take a pause because of one’s disappointment. So, the greatest evil we can do to ourselves after experiencing a failure is to hold on too tight to it, that life leaves us behind.

Yes, bring it out! Pour out the emotions even if it means letting the tears escape your eyes, but after all these, move on! Even if you have to start inch by inch.

Start Happening Too!

Life happens, but how often do we happen too, after a particular setback in our relationships, businesses, careers or just our overall private life.

Often times what we do when life happens negatively, is sit in the pain, perhaps in the midst of sympathizers and wait for things to keep happening to us, as it pleases.

The table can be turned around when you join the league of people who happen to life. They may fall at some point, but they choose the better option of rising again. They take their lives in their own hand with a sense of purpose.

They do not remain ‘nouns’ in a world that is a ‘verb’ itself. They move!

Success has no tribe, race or gender. Ironically, failure is even one of the major factor binding the history of most winners all over the world today.

When you fall, there are two choices- either you sit on the ground (till a good Samaritan come pick you up) or rise and move on. Moving on doesn’t mean one won’t feel the pain or shame of falling. Moving on only indicates you’re in control of life, rather than life being in control of you, and this will definitely facilitate reaching your intended desired result.

Start happening! Stop waiting for things to happen. Live again!

Choose wisely today!

We’ll Thrive On!

–

Eden Benibo

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Word-Perfect Monday (WPM)

The Hallelujah of our Tomorrow

by Eden Benibo

Growing up,
I watched my mother
Fold my dreams neatly
And placed them safely
At a corner in her heart.
And even when the storms
Of life tried to blow visions
Out of sight
She always had those dreams in mind,
Constantly reminding me of not who I should be
But who I am.

I watched my mother
Laugh out loud
The sound of her laughter
Rang a bell of assurance,
Even at a point when there were so many pointless reasons to stay strong
.
Whenever she scratched my back
My legs would clap together
As her hands ran through
The exact spot of my discomfort,
She always had a way of making a frown drown in a sea of smiles
.
I watched my mother teach me the rudiments of life.
Her eyes a display of lessons untold
Her voice, the depth knowledge finely knitted.
An intertwined of hope, wisdom and faith
An unconnectedly connected trio
Forming a loop:
A replacement to the loopholes life tried to create in our desire for a better tomorrow
.
She never taught me how to pray,
I mean, pray to have the best
Rather, I was taught to become it
To become that thing called best.
So daily,
She called me best
And in our prayers we knew we were the hallelujah of our tomorrow
.
Sometimes,
I suddenly felt my dreams had become strangers to me
Even when these dreams were already indigenes of my mother’s heart,
And I just wondered how & why
A person would love you even more than you love yourself.
.
They say tomorrow
Will take care of itself
And so did we.
I watched my mother
Watch me grow into a better tomorrow
Who could take care of herself even when the rain refuses to drizzle and the sun decline shinning,
A tomorrow
An envy of our yesterday
And the longings of our today
Gradually,
I am becoming
The wishes of my yesterday
And the goals of my today for tomorrow.
.
From the very beginning,
She saw a future
Tinted in victory
Even when I was colour blind
To see the silver lining
At the end of the tunnel
.
With the masterpiece of my dreams in my being
And a copy still neatly and safely seated at the bottom of her heart
Bit by bit
We see our better tomorrow unfold before our eyes.

-Eden Benibo

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