Pre-Exam Prayers

 Tomorrow Morning, over a million people around and even outside Nigeria will be writing the entrance exam into Tertiary Institution.
 This is one of the most dreaded exams in the academical calender here in Nigeria, students spend over all of the three years of senior secondary school, and sometimes even more to prepare for it, This exam raises the confidence of people, makes their future and takes them from being boys to being men, at the same time, it has reduced "Big Boys" to "Little Babies". It even drives some people to the point of suicidal tendencies.
 Some people write this exam only once and get the desired results, while others have a couple of tries at it before getting their desired results, while some have written it over five, if not ten times, and are yet to gain the much sought after admission into Higher Institution of Learning.
 I happen to have a couple of friends (Over Five of them, including my best-friend as well as my younger sister who are writing this crucial exam tomorrow, some of them are confident, while others are scarred,  some of them are optimist, while others are pessimistic and skeptical. I do have a word for everyone of you, "Fear Not, God is with You".
 I pray you find favor tomorrow, find the exam easier, and meet questions from areas you have read.
 May God's Presence and Favor be with You, Go in Peace, The Lord is Your Strength.
 To All JAMB/UTME candidates, this is to wish you the very best, God bless you.

Song Of The Day: D.J Khaled & Others - All I Do Is Win

 Tonight's song is dedicated to all the candidates of Tomorrows JAMB/UTME exam in Nigeria. I want you all to be in a positive mood, and enjoy the Night before your exam.
 Use tonight's song to take away the pressure of your preparations for the exam and confess something positive into your life.
 Remember, "All We'll Do Is Win, No Matter What!!!"

D.J Khaled & Others - All I Do Is Win (Video)

D.J Khaled & Others - All I Do Is Win (Remix Video)

D.J Khaled & Others - All I Do Is Win (Audio)

D.J Khaled & Others - All I Do Is Win (Lyrics)

Love 101: What Is Love?

(Before reading this piece, I strongly advice you get a copy of today's Song Of The Day, Bob Marley's I s This Love? a.k.a "I wanna Love You". It will help you understand, flow with and articulate this piece.)
Love is easily one of the most misused words in the history of mankind, it is defined in different way by different people, under different context, and in different circumstances.
Everyone has his/her own definition of what love is, but it remains one of the most difficult questions to answer, I'll try my best to answer it, you might not agree with my definition, but feel free to tell us what love means to you.
Love is the indescribable feeling of unexplainable connection between two individuals.
It's not describable, cos it's a feeling that's just impossible to be appropriately described, and it's unexplainable cos it's better felt and expressed than explained.

I made a compilation of my favorite definitions and description of what love, (which I've culled from different internet posts over the years) and I'm happy to share it with you.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds,
'What does love mean?'
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined
See what they think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'
Rebecca- age 8
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'
Billy - age 4
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'
Karl - age 5
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'
Chrissy - age 6
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'
Terri - age 4
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'
Danny - age 7
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that.
They look gross when they kiss'
Emily - age 8
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'
Bobby - age 7
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'
Nikka - age 6
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'
Noelle - age 7
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'
Tommy - age 6
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'
Cindy - age 8
'My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6
'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'
Elaine-age 5
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'
Chris - age 7
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'
Mary Ann - age 4
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'
Lauren - age 4
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)
Karen - age 7
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'
Mark - age 6
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'
Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.
When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,
'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

WHAT IS LOVE?
LOVE IS:
The strongest feeling known
The all-compassing passion
An extreme strength
An overwhelming excitement

LOVE IS:
Trying not to hurt the other person
Trying not to change the other person
Trying not to dominate the other person
Trying not to deceive the other person

LOVE IS:
Understanding each other
Listening to each other
Supporting each other
Having fun with each other.

One Baptist preacher has aptly said:
“Love is not a namby-pamby, loosy-goosy, warm and fuzzy feeling. That’s Hollywood love. That’s sub-teen puppy love.. . . Love is not a warm glow in the gut; that’s probably heartburn. . . . Love is more than tender words and affectionate glances. Love is more than gracious gestures, good table manners, and finely-tuned social skills. Love is more than feel-good.Love is self-sacrifice. Love is giving beyond what you have to give and moving into what you want to give.”

 "Where There’s Love.":

Where There’s Love . . .
There’s an elegance of simplicity
An affluence of frugality
And a display of humility
Where There’s Love . . .
It is home in its true place
Even outside its own race
Destined there by divine grace
Where There’s Love . . .
It calms every fear
Provides a listening ear
And wipes the sobbing tear
Where There’s Love . . .
Compassion is its fight
Gentleness is its might
And forgiveness is its right
Where There’s Love . . .
Its friendship is very real
Risking all is no big deal
For helpfulness is its zeal
Where There’s Love . . .
Innocence is its age
Childlike trust is its face
And patience is its pace
Where There’s Love . . .
It finds excuses to share
And offers a daily prayer
For God to keep it from care

In conclusion, Love is more than what most people take it to be, in subsequent posts, we'll talk more about what love is, and what it is not.


It is best we stop striving to define love, and instead look for an appropriate way to express it.

Remember.....
God Is Love....
Love Is All.

Song Of The Day: Bob Marley - Is This Love (I Wanna Love You)

I don't know why, but I just couldn't stop listening to this song today.
It's unexplainable, some people might not agree totally with his lifestyle (I kinda love him, maybe too much) but no matter your argument, even if you're not a reggae person, you just can't help loving this song.
This song is a legendary classic, and will always remain an all time favorite.  Doesn't matter the time, place, or audience you play it for (except in a church) you're sure to get a positive reception.
Doesn't matter if it's a crowd of oldies, rockers, hipsters or hardcore hip-hop heads, they are sure to sway to the song.
If you've never heard this song, then you sure are new to this planet, or have probably lived all your live in a monastery.
So Ladies and Gentlemen!
Welcome to the show!!
Enjoy the Music!!!
I Wanna Love You!!!!

Bob Marley - Is This Love(Song)

Bob Marley - Is This Love(Lyrics)

Child Abuse and Women Molesting.

I know it's the start of a week-end, and everyone have activated their relaxation mode,  but while trying to pick a "Song For The Day", I played a couple of songs, and then I listened to Luda Cris and Mary J. Blige's Runaway Love.
That song just changed my day, it opened my eyes to an obvious fact, which most of us see everyday, but may of us have succeeded in silencing our conscience whenever it points this out to us.
Child Abuse and Women Molesting is now a common sight in our society, and many of us are doing nothing to stop it, we feel "if it does not affect me, then it does not concern me". but this is wrong.
There is a saying that "evil triumphs if the good people do nothing about it", and another one that says "Where you live should not decide if you live". but this is becoming a norm in different part of the world.
As I listened to this song, (Runaway Love), I'm reminded of one of my literature text in secondary school, "The Joys Of Motherhood" written by "Buchi Emecheta".
I am constantly witnessing violence against women and children, and worst of all, the Female Child. I call upon all government all around the world, willing NGOs, and every individual, to always lend his voice and support to anyone being victimized. You can also search for NGOs that render help to victims of abuse and molestation, and seek for ways you can be of help to them. Report all culprits to the police, and the police should not treat such cases with Levity.
To every woman, Lady, Child or Girl out there, who is a victim of violence and abuse, seek help, report to the nearest police station, as well as all relevant government agencies. Please, Seek for help, don't loose your life to a heartless person who does not value you. And any woman who is in an abusive relationship should quit, no matter what you stand to gain or lose, it's not worth you losing your beauty, body part, or even life for.
May God be your help and refuge, And may His grace be Sufficient for you. (Amen)

Song Of The Day: 2Face - Outside

Africa's Finest, "2Face Idibia"

WITH YOU IS WHERE I'D RATHER BE. That's what I've always believed was the title of this song until I saw the Video, that's when I realized the title is actually Outside.
This is a song you just can't help but love, each time I listen to this song, I get to love it even more, and it reminds me of all of my sweetest memories, as well as all the people I ever and still love.
This song could be used as an alternative definition for the word "Love" (But not in an examination).
This song brings out the genius in 2Face Idibia, and remains one of his master-piece.
I'm dedicating today's "Song Of The Day" to everyone I love, as well as everyone who is in love.
And to everyone I love, as well as everyone who loves me, remember, "WITH YOU IS WHERE I'D RATHER BE".

2Face - Outside (Video)

2Face - Outside (Audio and Lyrics)

2Face - Outside (Audio)

Song Of The Day: 2Face- Only Me

This song became a second National anthem in Nigeria, and it had ripple effect across Africa. When this song was released by 2Face Idibia, the whole of Africa stood up to acknowledge a true son of the soil.
The song went on to win multiple awards in Nigeria and across Africa, making it one of his all time fans favorite (Maybe second only to his earlier release, "African Queen").
If I was asked to rank 2Faces song, I'll rank Appreciate it as Number 1, Only Me as Number 2, and one other one as number 3, but most ladies in Africa would always rank African Queen as his all time best song, (But I have a problem with that, well, I'm not a girl).
But Only Me is like a song of consolation to those still at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, letting them realize that they could still make it, and telling those who were already successful to treat others with respect as as the guys at the bottom might be at the top in the future.
The song as a comical feel to it, as it's tells of the boredom that will be apparent in the life of a millionaire, if he has no one to spend the money with. But it's a true fact, wealth is best enjoyed if it is being shared with friends and people we care about.
Ladies and Gentlemen I present to You, from one of Africa's finest, From the best selling album, Unstoppable (International Version).
Join me and enjoy the song for today, "ONLY ME".

Song Of The Day: 2Face- Only Me(Video)

Song Of The Day: 2Face- Only Me(Audio)

Song Of The Day: 2Face- Only Me(Lyrics)

Reminiscing (Nursery and Primary School)

Today, I spent time reminiscing over my bitter-sweet memories of the first formal school I attended. (I think it's the second or third, but I'm not sure). I remember being inquisitive, and wanting to know "the story behind the story".
I always wanted to know why black is black, and white is white. In the process of doing this, I meet some of the greatest individuals ever (in my innocent mind). I'll spend the next couple of paragraphs talking about my childhood friends.
I remember as a kid, I had two close friends, and we were more or less triplets, at school, you can hardly find one of us without the other two, there was Junior, Mubo (or Sumbo, I'm not exactly sure of the name anymore), and there was me. Junior was one of the most intelligent boys in my class, while Mubo was, and still remains one of the most beautiful, and most intellient girls I've ever meet.
At this point in my life, we were less than seven years old, and every one of us acted with the innocence of our childhood knowledge, and our minds were unpolluted with the serious stuffs of life.
Mubo lived next to the school, while Junior's house was just a stone throw from school, but my house was kinda far from school, but I can remember spending a reasonable amount of time at the house of the both of them, and I can remember going to Junior's house with Mubo before school resumed in the morning, and sharing in a plate of rice, stew and fried plantain. (in my innocent mind, it still remain one of the sweetest plate of food I ever eat outside of home). And there were still loads of other fun things we did together.
After leaving the school in primary two or three, They were what I missed the most at my new school, and I still miss them much till now. i sometimes wonder what my life will turn out like if I had remained at the same school with them, maybe I and Junior will remain best of friends, and maybe, just maybe, I might be dating Mubo now,  that's if Junior isn't dating her already (Since I've come of age, I always fancied my chances with her, and what we'll look like as a couple). I know they would have influenced my choices of other friends, education, relationships and career. One thing for sure, with them remaining in my life, my life would surely be different, (hopefully positively) but still, I'll give anything to go back in time and go through my teenage years with them.
They remain an essential part of the story of my life, and I'm actually making moves to reconnect with them once again, (thanks to a mutual friend) and I hope they have also made remarkable progress inlife.
Mubo and Junior, I've always prayed for you, and will continue praying for you.
I pray you achieve your dreams, and live up to your potentials.
I hope to see you guys soon, and tell the world more of your greatness.
I've always and will always miss you(until we hook-up again).
May God continually keep and protect you.
I miss you and Love you. God bless you.

Song Of The Day: Nneka - My Home

From her recent Album, "Soul is Heavy" we'll be listening tonight to Nneka's "My Home"
.This is a song that talks about returning to the roots.
In life, we sometimes leave our "Home" or "place of comfort" in search of adventure, love, experience, money, fame, and other things. In the process of doing this, we sometimes sacrifice the relationships we have built over the years and make new ones.
Sometimes, this new relationship proves to be profitable,  and even better than the previous ones while at other times, it proves dastardly, disastrous, and ends up as a costly mistake.
At such time, we go back to our "First love" to find comfort and refuge. Our earlier friends and companions do not reject us, they welcome us with open hands and hearts, they help us through our grieving and healing process, make us better than we were, and make us emerge from each experience as a stronger person.
Whatever you do, always remember, "make new friends, but keep the old ones".

Nneka - My Home (Video)

Nneka - My Home (Lyrics)

Agege Bread

Agege Bread

I don't exactly eat much, (As I use to) but there's one food I just can't stop eating, BREAD.
Now, there are different types of breads, (and I've eaten most of them) but I can assure you, there is no bread comparable to Agege Bread.
Slice bread are delicious, but it does not have the ruggedness and filling ability of Agege-Bread, but even Agege Bread has it's own categories.
If you live in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos state, (or you go through that place regularly and you are fortunate to have bought the right type of bread there) you'll attest to this fact.
I don't think there is any place in Nigeria where such amount of bread is produced and consumed on such a large scale, Bakeries are one of the largest employer of local labor in Iyana-Ipaja, and "almost" all of this bakeries are registered and pay tax, so they are money earners for the state government.
Thanks to Agege(Iyana-Ipaja) bread, a lot of young men and women are employed, from bakers, to mixers, to packagers, to marketers. And assuredly, over a thousand people in this community are employed by all these bakeries.

Nigerian Music Stars P-Square celebrate their Birthday with "Agege Bread"

If every place in Lagos state were to have their own slogan, Iyana-Ipaja own will be "Bread basket of the Nation"
I'll love to use this medium to call on banks, NGO, state and federal government to consider ways of improving the "Bread Industry" in this place, as it could help in providing more employment, curbing youth restiveness, and keep a healthy economic life for a lot of people. They could do this by giving loans to bakers who are willing to expand their production capacity, and this could help the government in achieving their M.D.Gs.

President Goodluck Jonathan eating "Agege Bread" during a F.E.C meeting.

From the pictures above (pictures don't lie) you can tell that Agege Bread has been to many places, stood shoulder to shoulder with other breads, endured the competition, and is loved (eaten) by all.
If you have not eaten it before (you definitely are not a Nigerian) or you are already missing the taste, while not grab one quick.
Finally, to everyone involved in producing this "National Masterpiece" which know no tribe and is accepted by all, I want to say "Agege Bread, Na him We Love."

Song Of The Day: Asa- Preacher Man

This is a song describing how a lady who used to be a saint, becomes a sinner, and wants to come back to become a saint.
This songs fully tells the story of Asa'a album, "Beautiful Imperfection"
It tells how one might fall from grace, but he'll still have the choice of rising back up, or remaining at the bottom.

Asa- Preacher Man (Live Performance)

Asa- Preacher Man (Lyrics)

Double Birth Day Wishes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACINTA

Today is one of the Happiest days of my lives, Two of my best friends are celebrating their birthday, and I'm very happy for them.
I may not have a lot of friends, But I've learned to value the few friends that I have, and I've never regretted having anyone of them as a friend.
Celebrating their Birthday today are Timothy and Jacinta. Interestingly, they were both born on the same day, in the same year, and have me as a friend in common, but to the best of my knowledge have never meet each other, still they remain two of the greatest friends I've ever had.
I met Timothy through his relationship with my elder brother, and he has been like an elder brother to me, teaching me stuffs I might never learn from anyone else, and giving me priceless advice that have helped in shaping my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TIMOTHY

I met Jacinta in the first year of my senior secondary school. (High School) We didn't become best of friends immediately, but I had a lot of admiration and respect for her, because not only was she beautiful, but she was also well behaved and Highly intelligent. This made me yearn to know more about her, and over the years I had the privilege of getting closer to her, and knowing her better, she became my friend and confidant, and I'm happy and will forever cherish every moment I spent with her (Speaking, chatting, calling or visiting.)
To two of my greatest friends ever (and my long time crush) I wish you both a Happy Birthday.
With long life filled with Joy, Satisfaction, Love, Success, and everything your Heart desires.
From a caring friend, to two Priceless Friends, I say a big....
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!" 

Song Of The Day: Dr. Sid & D'banj - Pop Something

I'm in a celebratory mood today, as two of my best friends are celebrating their birthday on the same day, so I'm requesting the service of everyone who sees this post to join me and "Pop Something"
Big ups guys,
Cheers.

Song Of The Day: Dr. Sid & D'banj - Pop Something(Video)

Song Of The Day: Dr. Sid & D'banj - Pop Something(Audio)

So feel free to join us the Naija way, and "Pop something."

The Police Is Your Friend.

That is one thing you'll find on the walls of every police-station in Nigeria (as well as "Bail is Free.") This has hardly ever been true, except in miraculously exceptional cases, but in recent days, this statement is becoming true.
The average Nigerian is almost tempted to run whenever he sees a policeman, and this is thanks to endless cases of police brutality, victimization, bribery and extortion. This is even made worse with the slow reaction of the police to crisis calls, as well as delay in execution of justice, as well as the slow pace of most police investigations.
But it seems things are changing, as the new Inspector-General of police has made it a personal mission to change the face of the police force, with his ban of "check-point" almost every Nigerian is singing his praise, and are beginning to have faith in the police-force once again.
If this positive trend continues, and the crime rate is significantly reduced all over the country, then every Nigerian will begin to see the Police as His/Her friend and will no longer fear them, but love and respect them.

Song Of The Day: Naeto C and Asa- Share My Blessings.

To me, this is the best song Naeto C ever put his voice on. As much as I love his other works, they all pale in Comparison to this. I believe it's the "Asa Factor" or how else do I describe it.

He did something he has never done on any of his songs. The Lyrics were educational, Positive, Moral and Inspirational.

But each time Asa takes her part, Most especially the bridge, the feeling is simply "Out of this World."

First time I listened to this song, I felt goose-bumps (This hardly happens to me) That was how powerful and enchanting it was, I had to listen to it for the rest of the day.

Practically speaking, I actually put it on replay for over 12 Hours in one day. Take a few minutes to listen to it, you may learn a lesson or two from it (I learned to value everyone I love.)

Feel free to share with us what you learned from the song.

Naeto C. and Asa: Share My Blessing

LYRICS:

Naeto C

All white kaftan like the stripe on a tom tom
See how we got famous where we come from
walahi it's from teaspoons to lump sums - What a conundrum!
All I did was make plans like when ABC bus comes
Now they saying tread softly with caution
You attract the wrong people when they know about your fortune
I’m worried maybe that will be my portion.
I don’t need a new cut to feel level headed
My experience has justified where I’m headed
So when they talk about the things that I do wrong
I just pat them on the back like a new born
Cos that’s the rumor starts to spread like a bed sheet
I’m calculating money on excel spread sheets.
I’m too blessed to be stressed
So I’m giving out some love cos I'm getting it in excess
Now that you could respect.

Hook

It’s moving over me
It’s taking over me
And I’m feeling my way up now.

When heaven puts a hand on me
Come and share my blessings.

Naeto C

Firstst day of the year
my best-friend died in a car crash.
Couple of months before that, I survived in a car crash.
Now that's the irony of life
She was good enough to be a wife
I only cry once a year but that year, I cried thrice.
So dear friend, let me give you an advice
Keep your loved ones close cos they won't live twice
I should have told her how I felt but I couldn't be precise.
I didn't reply her emails even though she broke down her feelings in detail.
I was busy dealing with all sorts of female
Now it's hard for me to even open up my g.mail
I wish she had the same luck as me
but that's what i couldn't give unluckily.
And so I pray that my blessings extend
to the rest of my family and friends.

Hook

It’s moving over me
It’s taking over me
And I’m feeling my way up now.

When heaven puts a hand on me
Come and share my blessings.


Asa

Gbogbo ohun tan fe
...iyen lan fe f'omode ati awon agba
Eh Iya mi
Ireti mi
Koni dofo
Koni daru
Lai

I'm moving on
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine (let it shine)

Hook

It’s moving over me
It’s taking over me
And I’m feeling my way up now.

When heaven puts a hand on me
Come and share my blessings.

la la la la la la
yes Boss!

Who Am I?

Think about a young boy who is determined to make a difference.
I'm not exactly the most knowledgeable, neither am I the most intelligent. I'm not an outstanding sportsman, neither am I an Awesome artiste. I might not be handsome or perfect, but one thing for sure, I am ME.
I've made a lot of mistakes (That makes me Human)
I've picked some wrong attitudes over the years (That's experimenting)
I've built a fortitude around my self to hide behind (That's me responding to Life)
I might not be lovable, friendly, or perfect, but There's a story behind it all.

I've decided to share with the world my daily activities and thoughts. This blog is gonna be like my Diary, Memoir, and Personal note book. I'll be sharing news and tips I pick from different websites and blogs, and adding my own perspective and views to them.

I'm entitled to my opinion, even when it seems religiously or morally wrong to you. It might also contradict yours, but I'll be glad to hear yours, so feel free to share your opinion with whatever I drop here by leaving your response/comment.

I'll be updating you on what I'm doing, what I'm listening to, which movie I'm seeing, My future plans, and other BIG and small things. Feel free to tell me how you feel about this things.