That Nigerian Girl

Hello! It’s been a while, forgive me.   A lot has happened and I cannot wait to share it with you. So, for those who know me, you would and should know that I am a feminist. And just so we’re on the same page, Feminist: A person who supports the belief that women should have the same opportunities and rights as men. Any idea different from this is not what feminism is about. Okay. It’s been two months at home now because of the Corona Virus, I hope you’re social distancing, washing your hands and being cautious. (Really, I hope you are). In this lockdown, a lot of things have happened. I have gone through a lot of phases and observed a lot of things, and I am going to talk about one of those observations. My Cousin, her children and I live together during this period. If you follow me you must have seen them one way or another. Lol. What I observed put questions on stereotypes for me. Lmao. You know that crap about women being natural caregivers, more attentive, and all...

Hello, Welcome to the new year, welcome to 2020. Like all new years before this, you may or may not have a new year’s resolution. If you did have a resolution for the year 2019, did you achieve the things you set down to? If you did achieve them, congratulations!!!  If like me you didn’t achieve all that you set out to, please gather here for a group hug. If you didn’t achieve any goal at all...breathe. I do know that life happens, challenges occur, curve balls and down times are a thing. If you did experience any life changing setback in 2019, please share with us on how you were able to bounce back. 2019 was a significant year for me, moving away from a 9-5, trying new paths, and being flat out broke.To be very honest, my biggest support came from family. Understanding that I was at this difficult place, knowing that I was trying to find my place, not talking me down or placing a pressure to achieve. I was already under pressure from the goals t...

I was standing at a bus stop waiting for a vehicle to convey me to my destination. Several vehicles passed me by because I was waiting to pay 50 Naira (the original fare) instead of 100 Naira that the taxi drivers who had passed charged. If you're in a hurry to get home that late you wouldn't mind  paying their stated fare and be on your way home ASAP. Not that I wasn't in a hurry to get home, I just felt it was unfair. And even though I had 100 Naira to pay I held on to the thought that sane taxi drivers would go past the bus stop I was at. Don't worry I'm not a stingy human. Random guy approaches me from my right hand side and asks where I'm headed and I respond, thinking he was an actual taxi driver. However, noticing that he was a little bit frantic, my mind immediately goes to 'one chance'. He then tells me "I can drop you off", when I didn't respond he asked me "are you scared?" I start showing visible irritation, frown...

"What tribe are you?" The man beside me asked, while I was waiting for a vehicle that would convey me to work. I guessed him to be in his late forties. "I am Ijaw" I responded. "What tribe are you Sir?" He responds inaudibly and adds that he is from Kogi State. He went on to say how some Ijaw people are nice, and that his brother was taken to Port-Harcourt and introduced to a man, and now this said brother is a very big man. I thought in my head that that was nice, how strangers could be the gateway to the next big thing. Keep in mind that by brother he probably meant a cousin, distant relative, or an individual from the same tribe, or same state of origin. moments of silence "Are you married?" ah ah, just lai  dat? "No Sir" By this time my countenance had changed. I am tired of random men, randomly proclaiming love/likeness and going ahead to make marriage proposals. "You should get married..." okay  "...the...

Silver spoon, Golden fork, or Steel plates. We all have goals We all have dreams 24 hours Might not be enough time, To accomplish the task of the day. 8 hours X one week Might be too much time, Tilling another's field to water yours. How long does it take To understand one's self To realize one's purpose 100 years? Still many leave unfulfilled Wishing they did more. How much time is enough To turn dreams and aspirations to reality? Imagination paints the picture in minutes Decisions are made in a split second Plans unfold in days Reality is lived through years The beauty of your life Rests in your ability to make happy choices Be sure of the picture you have painted Be sure it's that of Happiness, and Joy, and Fulfillment, and Life Take a step...Breathe Wad through... Focused on your picture perfect life Push ahead. Live life... Live truly happy.

I knew her story before it was told I saw her Bouncing up and down, itching to play A beautiful little girl Tugging and pulling 'Let me out' she says Full of energy no one could contain. I saw her She rushed past Beautiful young lady I couldn't believe she grew so fast Yet another interview She had to get a yes this time. I saw her How could I not recognize that smile Beautiful woman Haggling with the plantain seller Carrying her little girl on her back Whispering 'everything is going to be okay' I was too caught up...I didn't see Everything happened in a blur I didn't see her fears and confusion Or get a whiff of the tension Didn't hear the abusive words I am most sorry I should have looked more closely What happened to all that energy...bouncy little girl? Beyond her perfect smile I didn't see the tear stained cheeks Covered carefully with layers of powder Or the finger prints...covered perfectly with her hair. I s...