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Showing posts from September, 2023

STORY TIME: THE LION’S RETURN: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM

an extract from a story.... Written by Promise Odejide While anticipating for LOVE IN THE TIME OF WAR EP 4, TAKE YOUR TIME TO UNDERSTAND THIS FOLKTALE. Once upon a time, in the land of Alkebulan, there lived many different animals who had their own kingdoms and cultures. Among them, the most powerful and respected was the lion, who ruled over the savanna with wisdom and justice. The lion had many allies, such as the elephant, the giraffe, and the zebra, who helped him maintain peace and order in his domain. The lion also had many enemies, such as the hyena, the jackal, and the vulture, who envied his power and wealth and plotted to overthrow him. One of the lion's closest friends was the tortoise, who was a clever and cunning trickster. The tortoise often visited the lion's palace and entertained him with his stories and jokes. The lion enjoyed the tortoise's company and trusted him as his advisor. The tortoise, however, had a secret agenda. He wanted to become ...

LOVE IN THE TIME OF WAR EP 2 and 3

Written by Promise Odejide  EP 2: Cinema, 1966 The scene is set in a cinema in Ibadan, a popular and modern place where people go to watch movies and have fun. It is a night time and the cinema is crowded with people of different ages, classes, and backgrounds. We see Chinedu and Aisha walking towards the entrance of the cinema. They are holding hands and smiling. They are wearing casual and fashionable clothes. They have bought tickets for a Hollywood movie, a romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. As they walk, they pass by several groups of people who are waiting in line or buying snacks. Some of them stare at them with curiosity or disapproval, while others ignore them or give them friendly looks. We hear snippets of their conversations, which reveal the diverse and dynamic culture in Nigeria. Person 1 : Did you see the latest issue of Drum magazine? They have an article about Fela Kuti, the musician who plays Afrobeat. He's amazing. Person 2 : Yes, I saw it. H...

LOVE THEM WHILE THEY ARE BREATHING

Written by Promise Odejide Over the years, I have posted a short message on my social media walls, but some people misunderstood me. They thought I was suggesting they should LUST after someone, but no! I was trying to convey a message that you should love someone today and stop the hatred. Love is one of the most amazing and complex feelings we can experience. It can make us happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. But sometimes, we don't realize how much we love someone until they are gone. That's why it's so important to show our love and appreciation to our loved ones while they are still here with us. Here are some proven tips on how to show love to someone: Don't Wait for Tomorrow: The best time to tell someone you love them is now. Life is unpredictable, and we never know when it will end. Don't wait for a special occasion or a tragedy to express your feelings. Say it often, and say it sincerely. You will make them feel valued and loved, and you wi...

STORY TIME: LOVE IN THE TIME OF WAR EP 1

EP 1: University of Ibadan, 1966 The scene is set in the University of Ibadan, the oldest and most prestigious university in Nigeria. It is a sunny day and the campus is bustling with students and staff. We see a young man walking towards the library. He is wearing a white shirt, black trousers, and a pair of glasses. He has a backpack slung over his shoulder and a book in his hand. He is Chinedu , a 21-year-old student of history and literature. He is from the Igbo ethnic group, one of the largest and most influential in Nigeria. As he walks, he passes by several groups of students who are chatting, laughing, or studying. Some of them greet him with friendly smiles or nods, while others ignore him or give him cold looks. We hear snippets of their conversations, which reveal the tense and polarized atmosphere in the country. Student 1 : Did you hear about the coup d'état in January? They killed Prime Minister Balewa and several other northern leaders. It was a bloody ma...

Timeless wisdom: What I Learned from History, Philosophy, and Culture.

  Written by Promise Odejide  I have always been fascinated by wisdom, the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper meaning of life. Wisdom is not something that can be taught in a classroom or learned from a book. It is something that comes from experience, reflection, and observation. Wisdom is something that transcends time and space, connecting us with our ancestors and their legacy. Well, in this publication, I want to share with you some of the wisdom that I have discovered from various sources, such as historical figures, philosophical concepts, and cultural proverbs. These are not just words or ideas, but lessons that have shaped my worldview and helped me grow as a person. I hope that they will inspire you as well. INSIGHTS FROM HISTORICAL FIGURES One of the ways that I learn wisdom is by listening to the voices of those who have made a difference in the world, those who have left a mark on history with their actions and words. Some of t...

Horoscope Today: Your Astrological Prediction for September 25, 2023

Horoscope Today: Your Astrological Prediction for September 25, 2023 Written By:  Pooja Chandra HOROSCOPE TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023: Check out daily love, relationships, career, finances, health and spirituality astrological predictions for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and all zodiac signs. Horoscope Today, September 25, 2023: From Aries to Pisces, Know How Your Day Will Turn Out on Monday. (Image: Shutterstock) HOROSCOPE TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023:  With the help of this magical Oracle reading, embark on a fantastical trip. The sign of the zodiac becomes involved in the areas of romance, career, health, mindfulness, and travel. Aries unearths a smouldering sensuality, while Taurus reveals an intimate inner landscape. Unexpected connections provide the backdrop for Gemini’s dance, while Cancer finds comfort in growing ties. Leo lives on passionate passion, whereas Virgo enjoys methodical success. While Scorpio enjoys pleasant relationshi...

After This Hustling and Bustling, Why Death?

Promise Odejide We work, strive, sweat, and bleed, Chasing dreams, fighting, taking the lead. Building, creating, loving, and hating, Laughing, crying, hoping, and waiting. But what's the point of all this fuss? When one day, we all turn to dust. Breath gone, hearts still, eyes closed tight, Minds blank, facing eternal night. Why face this inevitable fate? Why not live in an endless state? Why say goodbye, suffer, and die? Is there meaning, purpose, or a why? Or is it all just random chance? Cosmic dance, or a cruel glance? Perhaps life's a fleeting joke, In the end, we're just wisps of smoke. Answers may elude our grasp, Truth obscured in a cosmic clasp. Yet, what truly counts, we might find, In how we love, share, and be kind. Death, not the end, but a fresh start, Not a loss, but a change of heart. Not a curse, but a new grace, Not the worst, but a different space. After this hustle and bustle, why death? Perhaps it's what gives life its breath. Booked: L...

DO NOT LET GO OF YOUR SHINING DREAM

By Promise Odejide  Do not let go of your shining dream, Though life may seem hard and full of pain; Fight, fight against the fading of your beam. Though wise ones may tell you it's too extreme, Because they never dared to break the chain Do not let go of your shining dream. Good ones, who reached for stars with their team, And saw their efforts rewarded or in vain, Fight, fight against the fading of your beam. Wild ones who soared and dived like a stream, And learned, too late, they crashed or flew again, Do not let go of your shining dream. Brave ones, who faced the odds with their scheme, And proved their courage with their might or brain, Fight, fight against the fading of your beam. And you, my friend, who share this common theme, Pursue, inspire, me now with your refrain. Do not let go of your shining dream. Fight, fight against the fading of your beam.

DEATH IS ALL WE WANT

By Promise Odejide   Death is the end of all things that we know, The final silence of the song and the story, The closing of the book, the fading of the glory, The darkness that devours the fire's glow. Death is the enemy of all that we love, The cruel destroyer of our hopes and dreams, The cold and ruthless judge of our schemes, And The shadow that obscures the stars above. Death is the mystery of all that we are, The secret of our origin and fate, The riddle of our being, the gate That opens to a realm unknown and far. But death is also the friend of all that we seek, The liberator of our souls from pain and strife, The healer of our wounds, the giver of new life, The dawn that breaks the night, the light that makes us meek. Death is the paradox of all that we desire, The end and the beginning, the loss and the gain, The curse and the blessing, the joy and the pain, The peace and the war, the water and the fire.

LIFE IS HARD WHEN ONE IS POOR

  By Promise Odejide  After reading Ridwan Obanla's article " THE SILENT BATTLE ," I came to understand that life can be difficult for everyone, but it is especially hard when one is living in poverty. Poverty is not just a lack of money, but a lack of opportunities, resources, and dignity. Poverty affects every aspect of life, from health to education, from work to leisure, from security to happiness. Let me start from Health, Poverty is only one of the major cause of ill health and a barrier to accessing health care when needed. Poor people are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and mental health problems. They are also more likely to die at a younger age than their richer counterparts.  This same poverty makes it harder to access quality health care services, especially in low- and middle-income countries where public health systems are often underfunded, understaffed, and overcrowded. Poor people may face long...

NIGERIAN STUDENT RIGHTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION.

A lecture by Promise Olamilekan Odejide to the ND2 Brainstorming Group, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin, on 9th of September, 2023. Good evening, everyone.  I hope you all had a relaxing day.  It's an honor to be speaking with such a knowledgeable and engaged group of Brainstormers on this important topic: Nigerian students' rights in higher education. The current situation in Nigeria, with the rapid rise in tuition fees and other issues, makes it clear that students' voices need to be heard. We will be discussing the problems facing Nigerian students, and exploring solutions to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all. I'm excited to get started with your contributions to make it interesting What are student rights, and why are they important? Student rights are the entitlements and freedoms that students have in relation to their education. They are important because they ensure that students can access quality and equitable education, e...

INJUSTICE IN NIGERIA

By Promise Odejide  One nation, yet divided  Rich in resources, poor in wealth  Blessed with diversity, cursed with conflict  Proud of heritage, ashamed of history.  Constitution, but no rule of law  Democracy, but no voice  Government, but no representation  Judiciary, but no justice.  Rights without protection  Freedoms, no expression  Dignity, no respect  Humanity, lacking compassion.  Peace without security  Order, no stability  Unity, lacking harmony  Love, without trust.  Faith, no hope  Dreams, no reality  Potential, without opportunity  Talent, lacking recognition.  Problems, seeking solutions  Challenges, needing courage  Needs, lacking assistance  Demands, awaiting response.  We are Nigerians, not just citizens  Africans are we, more than brothers  Humans, seeking for equality  And we are alive, yet not truly living. 

The Silent Battle.

By Ridwan Obanla I've walked through the darkest alleys of life, where despair looms like a relentless storm. I've heard and read the haunting specter of war, its destructive power, and the scars it leaves on souls and landscapes alike. But, through my eyes, I've come to understand that poverty, in its quiet and relentless agony, is the most dreadful affliction of them all. In the midst of a war, there is chaos, fear, and destruction. Lives are upended, homes reduced to rubble, and dreams shattered. The world watches in horror as humanity unleashes its darkest side. Yet, as ghastly as war may be, it is a visible enemy, one that demands immediate attention and often results in collective action to bring an end to the suffering. Poverty, on the other hand, is a silent assailant. It creeps into the lives of individuals and communities, slowly but persistently, eroding hope and dignity. It hides behind closed doors, in the corners of forgotten neighborhoods, and ben...

Where is Our Humanity?

  By Promise Odejide  The story of Mr. Ajenifuja stands as an emotional reminder of the tenuous nature of human compassion. His journey began with a harsh eviction, his landlord showing him no mercy as he and his family were cast aside due to an inability to renew their rent. The weight of his predicament led him to seek a loan from his workplace, only to face rejection once more. Turning to his community for help, he reached out to an influential personnels, hoping for a loaf of hope. But his cries went unanswered. Even his own relatives, bound by blood, offered no solace. Desperation led him to social media, where he pleaded for assistance, only to be met with 2 likes and zero comments - a stark commentary on the digital age's detachment. Undeterred, he messaged friends, each plea carrying the weight of his family's fate. Of the 120 messages, only a mere 10 found the compassion to respond. Among these, only one provided support, while the others could only offer apologies. A...