From diaspora with love/ 4th's Super 8 AVC

Dear Mr. President,

*Kilode? 

Sincerely,

A concerned Nigerian.

To begin with, since I can remember I have loved my country and believe it would take a lot more than terrorism, austerity and malaise to change this truth. 
You see, as a young child while waiting for RSTV to start the day's transmission in the early 90’s, I read story books which in a way preserved Nigerian people and culture and on occasion, my grandmother's retold stories of the great hunter, farmer and the industrious trader. 
Then there was the ultimate treat ‘tales by moonlight!’ the lessons from this television program was that ‘good conquers evil’.

From past history of the Bini’s, Calabar’s and heroines of the North to name a few, I have learned that no matter how difficult things become, Nigerians will find a way to survive.

I noticed early signs of things to come in my senior year of secondary school when I tried to register for Nigerian History and was told the subject had been scrapped.

Question:

How can you plan a future when you have no lessons with experience from the past?

In the developed economies we are trying so hard to emulate, before any decision is made, they do something called an impact assessment. 
It is not magic.
They explore the possible impacts both negative and positive of any policy they intend to enact and make plans for mitigation or resolution of the potential conflicts BEFORE decisions are carried out. 
They are a government of the people, for the people and by the people. 
If we copy their, culture, their cuisine and political hierarchy, why then have we refused to copy their strategy? Is it because it could be a good thing?

Looking at fuel scarcity, the restriction of cash withdrawals abroad, oh and let's not forget the epileptic supply of power in the country. Do these issues characterize a government that thinks before it acts?

Once upon a time, we had national parks, game reserves and family picnics. The Nigerian industries manufactured products that could compete with international standards.

Before get rich schemes like dirty politics, twerking and oil monopoly became popular, our economy survived on agriculture, industry and surprise - surprise; innovation!

Do you remember?

Oh my bad. You probably don’t because the sources of Nigerian history these days are badly written Nollywood scripts!

I decided to further my education in hopes of contributing towards the survival of the Nigerian economy but as a result of restricted access to my humble savings back in the fatherland thanks to the government of change which has not put measures in place to protect their "beloved citizens" in diaspora , I considered giving up and returning home to join the unemployed disgruntled masses. 
However last night while plotting what would be the concluding course of the journey I came across a song. 

It gave me hope and reminded me that Nigerian’s are fighters.

I am now back to believing!

I know my roots and I am proud of where I come from. 
Although we are faced with the problem of terrorism, austerity and malaise Nigerians are resilient, I would survive.

The songs below would either make you want to leave the one you are with and start a new relationship with erm, I don’t know or take you to a time when Nigerians were people that asked ‘what can I do for my country’ rather than ‘what can my country do for me’ listen, enjoy, share, celebrate!

8.    Super God – Gbemi Jorge

Beginning this countdown is the uplifting song ‘Super God’. The lyrics of the song are like a prayer from the heart straight to God’s ear. I can’t write exactly how liberating this song is. The best way to understand is to listen by hitting the download link Super God-Gbemi Jorge

7.     Ogene – Zoro ft. Flavor

Warning this song would cause you to move, dance… gyrate! I honestly don’t know what he is saying and do hope someone is kind enough to interpret but the way the words blend with the instrumentals is really something beautiful. Hit the link to listen Ogene-Zoro ft Flavor 

6.     Open and Close – Simi

Open and close could be described as the musical interpretation of the slang “Warri no dey carry last”.  Simi combines nostalgic phrases with relatable responses to real life situations to create a track that is fun, humorous and fast paced.

5.     Get it Together – Tiwa Savage, Paul PSquare

Done in collaboration with the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health   Initiative (NURHI). This track in essence extols the virtues of proper planning before action especially in the case of sexual activity and parenthood, a procedure I am afraid is lost on the decision makers in our country.

4.     Love Nwantiti – Da Roc

Closely following the advice of planned parenthood by Tiwa and Paul is this song by Da Roc singing out his heart for the sake of love. Love Nwantinti - Da Roc

3.     Love don’t care – Simi

There is something about this artist's voice that keeps me coming back for more. I thought it was a one time thing when I could not get enough of 'Jamb Question' I guess I was wrong. In ‘Love don’t care’ she basically reiterates the known fact that when it comes to matters of the heart, logic and reasoning have no place; “the heart wants what the heart wants”.  

2.     All I want is you – Banky W. & Chidinma 

This song is my ringtone, message alert, morning alarm and reminder notification. I enjoy it so much that I compiled an 8-track playlist and put the song in slot’s one through to eight. The audio features the unmistakable voices of Onyeka Owenu as well as Zack Orji with the video following the story of young love and happy endings. The song has Rhythm, Melody and Texture and really should have been my number one.

1.     Mama Oyoyo – Yemi Alade, Olamide, Tyrion Lannister Iyanya, Tekno, Selebobo.
      This track combines the talent of various artists and once more celebrates strength in diversity, although this song carries on for a bit and gets a bit tiring towards the end it is my number 1 in this countdown not because of the engaging instrumentals or the rich cultural flavor but simply because it is in honor of mother's and well, my mum rocks!

* Kilode is a Yoruba for  ‘what is it'/'what is the matter?’

Spice Rack: Cassia

PREFACE

Spice Rack is a story series prepared with a mixture of six spicy characters – Cinnamon (Sin), Chili (Lilian), Cumin (Morayo), Cassia, Curry (Ray) and Celery (Lera). Although the persons on the cover picture are real, the stories are in no way about them. Spice rack is a work of fiction and bares no resemblance to persons either living or dead. I hope you enjoy reading each serving as much as I enjoyed cooking them up. Feel free to participate. Leave a comment or share an opinion - Sketch

Cassia

“We are slowly coming to the end of today’s edition of Why? What? Wednesday. Today’s discussion was ‘why women cheat’ and as usual you guys didn't fall my hand! The lines have been crazy busy with so much calls and text messages that I’m like muaah! Muah! Muaah!” she made smacking noises while she blew out air kisses. “in short unna too much!" She scrolled through the notes she had been making during the program. "While Ete from Somolu say’s it’s because husbands don’t give their wives attention, Joan from Ajah says women do it because they know their husbands are busy with another woman.” She placed the finger of her left hand underneath her headset and tugged slightly on her earlobe. “Guys listening in, I know you can’t see me but I am pulling my ears for you. Pay attention to your wives oh and stop playing for the other team oh or else!” she clapped her palms and made a hand washing gesture.
After scrolling through the screen on the monitor beside her, she resumed talking.
“While Hauwa from Mile-Two say’s some women's 'censored word' are under demonic possession and need the hand of God, Latifa from Ogba say’s some women are so broken inside that they look for quick fixes in the arms of several men. While I am neither a pastor nor a psychologist, my own is that you do unto others what you would like to be done unto you and whatever game you choose to play you should play it safe. HIV is real yo! Not to talk of so many other sexually transmitted diseases.”
Her director made a signal for her to round up.
She nodded and continued to talk. “I see the phone flashing guys and I am so sorry. Although I am having so much fun as always only have time for a final call before we call it a day.” She leaned forward to hit a button, after a slight hesitation, the caller began to drawl. “Kaysiya I just called to say that I love you, You are a fine geh, a sexy geh, I mustu marry you. I listened to this song by one really hot artist Crucificxo. Although he is not as buriful as you, he made me think of you. Can you play the song for me? The name of the song is-” without missing a beat Cassia interrupted the caller. “Thank you for that ma. While I am flattered that you called to profess your love to me, this is neither a request show nor hook up program. Dj A-jax and Ogechi will be on air from six-thirty pm tonight to take all your requests and shout outs.” She disconnected the call.
“With that interesting call from my latest lover,” she paused to make a bunny quote with her finger. “We’ve come to the end of Why? What? Wednesday. Until next week, it’s been your girl Cassia keeping it real with you. Message me on twitter and Facebook with your comments and questions and I'd message you right back. I love you guys, buh-bye!”
When her director gave her a thumbs up sign, she took off her headset and walked out of the boot.
Going to her locker, she reached for her bag, pulled out her phone and dialled a number.
When she was connected she muttered loudly. “Sin you are just an arsewipe! Love ni love kor?” She held away the phone from her ear to avoid the deafening peals of laughter from the other end of the line.
She asked how she knew it was her voice. “Why wouldn’t I recognize your voice? How long have I known you - you this useless child? Besides you are the only one I hear ranting about this Crucificxo guy. You think I don’t know his picture is the screensaver on your phone?” She rolled her eyes as Sin began her litany and praise of the musician. When she paused to catch her breath, Cassia interjected. “Ehen! I wanted to ask you about Lilian, Ray called me last night she said-.” She was distracted by her colleague who was making hand gestures she could not comprehend.
She shook her head signalling that she did not understand that he was trying to say and rose two fingers meaning he should give her sometime to be done with her call.
He nodded and walked away.
“Sin I’d call you back, have to attend to someone.” She disconnected the call and returned her phone to her bag, Making a beeline for the toilet, she shut the door behind her, got out her toiletry case and tried to freshen up. When she was done, she left the toilet and went in search of him. She did not find him.
Disappointed, she got out a pack of cigarette from her bag, took out a stick and lighter put them in her pocket and made her way to the back of the building.
She put the stick in her mouth and was about lighting it up when he materialized from the shadows and grabbed the stick of cigarette from her mouth.
She yelped in surprise. “Shit Imoh you scared me!” He kissed her. “I’m sorry about that.” She pushed him away and looked around to make certain no one was watching. “Don’t do that again.” He held her waist and pulled her into an intimate embrace making her aware of his need. “Come home with me tonight, I have something more satisfying than nicotine for you.” His smile was infectious she returned it and eased out of his embrace. “You sir are the smoothest talker on planet earth.”
She pulled out a bunch of keys which included his car keys from the belt loop of his jeans and wove them in his face. “I am driving.”

Imoh rolled over and turned towards her a look of worry lining his face. “Cassia we need to talk.” A feeling of anxiety came over her she placed the fingers of her right hand lightly over her chest. “Imoh are you breaking up with me? Right now? Just after we've-” she reached for the nearest piece of clothing and pulled it over her head; it was his shirt. She swore. “Shit.”
Not taking his eyes off her, he blindly reached for something on his night stand, grabbed an envelope and handed it to her before getting up from the bed.
With shaking fingers Cassia accepted the envelope. “You are breaking up with me and can’t even say it to my face?” She began cursing as she struggled to open the envelope curious to see what was within.
She started calculating how fast she could get dressed and leave his place. If Ray would be able to come pick her or if flagging down a cab would be faster. She did not want to start crying or getting emotional in front of him but wanted to know what was in the bloody envelope.
They were both mature adults and started this affair with the intention of not making any commitments. She did not consider the possibility of falling for him or how crushed she was feeling right now.
When she opened the envelope, there was a piece of paper folded inside.
She picked out the piece of paper, let the envelope drop to the bed and unfolded the paper with both hands.
It revealed a handwritten note which read; ‘psst look at me’ confused, she drew her gaze away from the note and noticed him kneeling in front of her holding up an engagement ring with a sly smile across his face.
“What do you say? Yes? No? Maybe?” she covered her mouth with her left palm and massaged her lips with her fingers at the same time fighting the urge to smile and cry. She cleared her throat and feigned disinterest.
“Is this because you want to be kissing me in public?” He cocked an eyebrow. “ Well actually, the station manager put me up to it. He figured out what we were up to ages ago, pointed out that your wife material was high quality and threatened to introduce you to his brother if I didn't put a ring on it." Beginning to feel uncomfortable from the pressure of the weight of his body on one knee he stopped smiling and looked at her. "Cassia how far na? I’m kneeling in my birthday suit with my heart in the palm of your hands help a brother out.” She smiled wickedly and held her left hand out to him nodding and wriggling her fingers. “I kindda liked the view.” He slipped on the ring and got up.
Picking up her phone, handing it to her and waiting while she took pictures of the ring on her finger, he pulled on his briefs and sat beside her. “Are you going to call your mum?” She shook her head. “Not now. I’m calling my sistaz! It’s too bad I can’t take you with me for D-day. You are quite a catch.”
She got out of bed and admired the ring as it caught the light glittered.
She had an amazing job, just got engaged to a man she was in love with and was going to spend the weekend with her best friends. Life was good!

*

*

* Ps: unlike the Characters in this story, Crucificxo is real. Aside from being a 6ft tall delicious serving of handsomeness and charisma he actually knows how to ‘spit’. I’m presently stalking following him on twitter and believe he is the real deal.
Here is the download link for ‘Living my life’ my present favourite track Livin my life - Crucificxo have a listen and tell me what you think! (about the song and not his body)

Spice Rack: Chili

PREFACE
Spice Rack is a story series prepared with a mixture of six spicy characters – Cinnamon (Sin), Chili (Lilian), Cumin (Morayo), Cassia, Curry (Ray) and Celery (Lera). Although the persons on the cover picture are real, the stories are in no way about them. Spice rack is a work of fiction and bares no resemblance to persons either living or dead. I hope you enjoy reading each serving as much as I enjoyed cooking them up. Feel free to participate. Leave a comment or share an opinion
- Sketch.

Chili

Ray wove her hand in signal to Lillian in a bid to get her attention.
It worked.
She watched as she made her way towards her struggling with her shirt buttons while trying to finger comb her expensive looking hair extensions.
They embraced. “Girl did you change in the toilet again, I don’t know why you don’t like to move around in your uniform oh. Me I think it's sexy. You are the only policewoman I know who drives a jeep and has time to look as stylish as you do." She battled her lashes playfully at her. "You really must tell me your secret.” Lillian swatted at her jokingly . “Go jo. You are just a clown.” Climbing onto the stool opposite the one her friend occupied, she reached for the glass in front of her, took a sip from its contents, spat out almost immediately and squeezed her face in disgust. “wetin dey this cup?” Ray laughed. “Person force you drink am?” She pulled her glass away from Lillian’s reach and took a sip and smiled in mischief. “Its soda water mixed with natural herbs. This mixture is fabled to enhance the libido.” She scuffed. “ This concoction you mean? Wetin you wan use enhanced libido do abeg, you be man?” Ray leaned closer, pulled down her shirt so her breast were slightly exposed and winked at her while licking her lips suggestively. “We all have our little secrets.” Lillian pulled back and cringed in disgust eliciting a bout of laughter from Ray. “ You should see the look on your face girlfriend! Meanwhile, have you seen this?” she flipped through her cell phone, brought up a web page and slid the phone over to her. Lillan did a quick survey, returned the phone and looked at her in confusion. “Which one is Zika again?” Ray leaned back and sighed. “Apparently, it’s the new thing attacking man kind. Zika is a virus. For now we know mosquitoes and most recently bodily fluids transmit it. Although it has been around for a while, ordinarily when you have it you get the regular malaria symptoms you know; fever, aches and blah. You are sick for a couple of days and then you are done but sadly it becomes a problem when it's caught by a pregnant woman. It kind of affects the development of the baby and they end up giving birth to babies with birth defects.” Lilian gasped. “Gosh, that is terrible.” “Yeah I know. Luckily the outbreak hasn’t reached Nigeria yet.” Lilian signaled to a passing waitress. “So, are you guys like preparing for it or what?” She nodded. “Ever since the incidence of Ebola and now Lassa fever it helps to be aware of the ‘trending’ stuffs. Know their symptoms, treatment and how to prevent It.”
Their conversation was briefly interrupted by the waitress who arrived to take Lillian’s order.
Ray studied her friend while she spoke to the waitress. Something was off about her; she did not seem like her usual upbeat self.

Lillian folded her hands and rested her elbows on the table. “ There I was thinking that the worse thing I could hear today was how a man was nearly lynched by angry tenants for taking a dump besides a sign that read ‘do not defecate here.’ Meanwhile here you are giving me more reasons to be afraid of mosquitoes. It is a good thing we have doctors like you who are always updated and prepared.” Ray blinked, shook her head and held up her fingers. “Wait, go back. Why did the man pooh beside the sign?” Lillian laughed. “According to him, he was pressed. He was of the opinion that if he shat beside the sign and not directly below it, he wouldn’t be causing an offence.” Ray threw her head back and laughed. “Gosh that’s so hilarious.” Lillian leaned in. “speaking of hilarious, when last did you speak to Sin?” Ray scrunched her eyebrows in concentration. “About two – three days ago. Why?” The waitress arrived with her drink. Lillian smiled in gratitude and responded to the question. “I am not sure but I think I saw someone like her hiding behind a purse and sneaking out of her office complex on my way here.” Ray shrugged. “I wouldn’t put that behavior past Sin, she acts odd on occasion but she doesn’t fool around when it comes to work.” She caught a glimpse of the time on her wristwatch and cursed. “Lillian I have to leave now, I need to be home and well rested. Have an early shift tomorrow.” A pained expression crossed her face as she whined. “Haba, but I just got here now.” Ray contemplated for a moment before asking. “Chill are you okay?” In response to the question, she plastered an obviously fake smile on her face and wove her hand in dismissal. “I am okay girl!” Not believing her she shook her head in doubt and reached for her other hand and persisted. “I can tell something is wrong and I am going to make you tell me. We’d talk about it over the weekend. Hope you are still coming?” She replied flatly. “It's D-day we are talking about, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Ray dropped some notes on the table picked up her handbag, got up and gave her a kiss on the cheeks. “Babe sorry to leave you hanging. Please settle my bill for me, have to leave now before traffic starts.” Lillian nodded and wove her off. “Go, I want to chill out here for a bit, I will be fine.”
Watching her walk away from the bar, Lillian felt her shoulders drop in despair.
She was certain she was not going to be fine.

She felt like dying.

She was heartbroken, confused and disoriented.
She did not know how to react or what to do with the rest of her days. She had gotten so used to the life she had that she never thought of what she would do if anything changed.

Chief called her this morning to break things off with her.

She was still in shock.
She had been with the man for over eight years now. He had practically sponsored her and her siblings through school; provided them with a house, food and security. If she didn’t count the amazing sex they had on occasion, he was the closest thing she had to a father.
After graduation from university, when she was finding it difficult to secure a job, it was through his influence she became an Assistant Superintendent.

Chief had been married for up to twenty years she was happy to be his faithful mistress.
She loved him.
Why did he decide today that what they were doing was wrong? Why did he choose today of all days to be faithful to his wife?
Did he have to end things with her?

She suspected it was because the bloody woman had dangled that baby boy she miraculously gave birth to after twenty years in front of the man that he started singing the loyal, faithful and honest anthem.

She never would understand what the big deal was about having a male child. Weren’t all his six beautiful girls gifts from God? Why start making drastic decisions and acting irrational because another man was about to join the billion and one male population?

She took a swig directly from the bottle and ordered a second drink.

She needed to talk to someone.

Of the lot of them, it was only Morayo that knew about her affair with chief. She had to wait until the weekend before she could talk to her.
Faced with the possibility of drinking until she was drunk and breaching their agreement and drunk dialing Chief to demand that he talk to her.
Lillian signaled for the waitress to bring the bill.
She was going to go home and have a good cry.
She hoped by tomorrow morning she would not still be feeling as bad as she felt now.
They say life goes on, Chief or no Chief for her, it had to.

Spice Rack: Cinnamon

PREFACE
Spice Rack is a story series prepared with a mixture of six spicy characters – Cinnamon (Sin), Chili (Lilian), Cumin (Morayo), Cassia, Curry (Ray) and Celery (Lera). Although the persons on the cover picture are real, the stories are in no way about them. Spice rack is a work of fiction and bares no resemblance to persons either living or dead. I hope you enjoy reading each serving as much as I enjoyed cooking them up. Feel free to participate. Leave a comment or share an opinion
- Sketch.

Cinnamon
Four days to D-day, yeay!
Sin was looking forward to the break. She had been pushing herself to accomplish more than she knew was humanly possible these past weeks as a way of absolution since her company lost the Sawyer account. She somehow felt it was her fault because she knew that if she had not broken things off with the famous Sawyer grandson, her company would not only still have the account but by now, she would have been a constant on all the popular gossip columns.
Imagining how the rest of the gang would react to her ‘trending’ caused her to laugh out loud. She would not look bad in the papers though; being light complexioned, heavy chested with subtle curves that ended beneath an oval face crowned with a neat thick and long nappy hair would definitely warrant a second look. Standing at 5’8, she was the tallest of her ‘sistaz’ and the only one with unnaturally straight teeth thanks to years of braces therapy. She was not done with the bloody thing though; as she still wore a retainer to bed but obviously not when she had company. She sighed. It was not like she had had company in a long time.
She eyed the decorative brush on the wall bracket in the corner away from her desk and considered using it to dust her lady parts. That she was not getting any action did not mean it had to be all cobwebey and forsaken.

She checked her wristwatch "aha!" It was 4:30pm closing time her favorite hour of the day! Packing up her bags, she had begun to log out of her system when she looked up, caught a glimpse of him standing in an office facing her's and felt a wicked pang of regret.
Olise Sawyer.
Her pulse quickened. It felt like her racing heart would push past the walls of her chest, pop out of her body and explode right in her face. Ruining her makeup, nice office shirt and all that “What is he doing here?”
She watched as a female resembling a plastic doll complete with artificial hair, drawn on brows and ridiculously high heels came out from within the office he was in, wrapped her manicured fingers around him and swished her hair this way and that."Obanje" Sin did not realise she had hissed out the word until a colleague gave her a questioning look.
Although she knew they could not tell she was watching, she leaned away from her desk and hid her very unmanicured fingers under her desk. She tried not to strain her neck in a bid to codedly watch him.
Apparently, the girl had his undivided attention. It was because of people like her that she had turned down his advances. Olise belonged to the world of the rich and famous, with celebrity friends and colleagues who spent weekends in places with really expensive vowels in their names. Their girlfriends brought weaves that were 1million naira ‘only’ and brought their accessories straight off the runway.
While she was a regular girl with an average monthly pay that just about covered her expenses, he was a walking fantasy.
With an air of old money, a charming personality, the height and build of an athlete, skin the color of warm dark chocolate and lips that ah.
She kissed him.
Just once, right there in the office.
Kissing people she hardly knew was something she never did but did not regret at all.

She was working late that day, it was the first time she met him. Although she had no idea who he was, because of the way her boss was all over him she assumed he was an important client and was extra nice and courteous to him whatever that meant.
He turned out to be an interesting and engaging person to talk to. Well the fact that he was killer gorgeous as well might have made it difficult to find something wrong with him.
By the time he turned down her bosses offer for lunch and opted to stay with her instead, she was ready to move in with him and have his babies.
He sat by her desk all day and insisted on waiting till she was done so he could drop her at her place initially but settled for her bus stop.
Whatever it was they begun to have came to an end when they left the office complex and got to the car park and were ushered into his vehicle by a driver who had been waiting all day.
She stupidly spent the rest of the night googling him and came to the conclusion that the both of them would never work.
The dude had a wiki page!!
That was several weeks ago. From what she read in the papers, he had since moved on and forgotten about the nappy haired assistant he met once upon a time.

If that were true, what was he doing here?
Okay considering the fact there were like 10 other offices, a movie theater and a couple of eateries in the complex there was a possibility that he might not have come for her but still there were other places to go in Lagos, this was her building!
She cursed the architect/designer for making most of the offices partially see through, the complex was supposed to be a green building with energy saving and all that rubbish but today she was not feeling ecofriendly.
Holding her breath, she turned off the computer, picked up her purse and tried not to think of their earth shattering stolen kiss while she headed out of the building praying first that he would not spot her sneaking away and that the fact that he was here was a coincidence.
Sin was hardworking, happily single and believed she deserved a break. She was really looking forward to Saturday with all its multiple possibilities and was so not in the mood to let any man, whether gorgeous, sexy or rich ruin her mojo.

Untitled One

For a couple of seconds, it seemed like they were the only things in existence. She squeezed her fist and whispered anxiously “will I see you again?” letting out a sigh, she did not expect a response because she already knew what it was going to be. She was confident though because no matter which way the tides turned, she knew, they would eventually be within reach if only for brief interludes.
For now, she just had to let go.

It was not an easy task, letting go never is.
She worked really hard to get to this point, she could hold on, it would not make her happy but since there was no way to let go and hold on at the same time, it was better to let go.
Everything that had transpired in life had led her to this point.
Time had nurtured her she had grown… evolved
She was however grateful for the experience, the time it took to get there and the amazing skills she picked up along the way.
She would survive.
With an air of finality, she let go of her ATM card and smiled at the cashier. “ I am ready, go on with the transaction.”
With a wiggle, a shove and some punching, the deed was done. She was alone once more. Without the comforting company of her hard earned Naira's to call her own. Grabbing her groceries with one hand, she solemnly returned her ATM card to her purse and headed towards the exit.

The end