THE CHALLENGE!

THE RED VELVET WRITING CHALLENGE!

#AwakenYourLiteraryMind

ONE WINNER!

$100!

The objective of this challenge is to awaken our creative minds in terms of writing.   Instructions will be set out below and please you are advised to read and adhere to these instructions CAREFULLY as they will be part of the criteria for judging any entry submitted.

HOW TO ENTER FOR THE COMPETITION

1.      You MUST begin your story (fiction or non-fiction) with this opening line - "He/she always walked amongst them, watching quietly, unseen, unnoticed….”

2.      Your story MUST be between 300- 500 words. Do not EXCEED the 500 word limit.

3.      It MUST have a title of your choice and the hash tag above, both at the top

4.      Your entry MUST be written in MS WORD FORMAT (no pdf files please) and attached to an email stating your full names, phone number and the number of words you have written.

5.      Your entry MUST be submitted via email –redvelvettsofficial@gmail.com OR redvelvettsofficial@yahoo.co.uk on or before Sunday, 7^th December 2014

6.      The writers of the TOP 5 entries chosen for the competition will be informed and will be expected to do the following to enable them win :

v  Get their friends/public and family to view and read their entry

v  Get their friends/public to comment on their entry saying they are voting for it to win

7.      The entry with the highest views and comments/votes will emerge as the winner of the grand prize - $100 or its equivalent on or before 24^th of December 2014.

8.      Direct further enquires to :

·         ELLA- nwandoella@gmail.com OR +447535883660

·         ADESUWA – adesuwailuobe@gmail.com OR +2349094302026

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPETITION ITSELF BETWEEN THE 5 SELECTED ENTRIES WILL BE FOR 7 DAYS STARTING FROM THE DAY THEY ARE POSTED ON THE BLOG. 

LIFE AS SHE SEES IT- FOR HER .....by Adesuwa

"Heyyy!" He hugged her and lifted her off the ground. He didn't let her go "I have missed you".

"Same here" she murmured. While his hands lingered around her..her eyes rolled behind him,Your squashing my tummy!

"You look so beautiful and have added weight at interesting places" he winked

She smiled. "Come in"

"So how are your parents? How is Odion? I hope she is still not angry with me o?"

"They are fine..she is not"

He was just so happy to see her. Today was the day they had started dating five years ago. He was excited.

He watched her as she stood by the window...He felt blessed to have her. " 'Khere.." she was faraway and flinched when he moved close to hold her waist. she leaned into him and sighed. "Are you okay?"

"Yes I am..do I look otherwise?"

"You arenot here..please share"

"Time flies...I am remembering all we have been through"

He hugged her and smiled "it's been beautiful despite our challenges you know.." Then he drew back and went one knee, bringing out a ring... same one she chose one day while they surfed the net ...

"Marry me...Marry me because it has become evident that I cannot do without you..please say yes and let me get this off my chest  " he had asked her a year ago. She wasn't ready.

Were those tears he felt in his eyes...Akhere started crying and joined him on the floor "yes!!!". They clung to each other and cried.

They stayed the way for a while "'Khere, it looks like it would rain soon do you have clothes outside? " the curtains were billowing and the room suddenly felt chilly.

"Yes!" she got up and dashed out.

When he was sure she had gone, He jumped up and dived on the bed . Happiness was an understatement as to how he really felt. Akhere would be his wife!

He grinned and grabbed one of the pillows, as he did he felt something like paper. He set aside the pillow to look at it...and froze.

It was a marriage certificate between Akhere Omorodion and Kunle Adegbite, dated five days back. He saw an envelope and opening it, he saw pictures.

He threw the pictures and certificate on the bed and scrambled up...hugging himself, he realised he was shaking.

"Hey! Sorry I took time..The rain has..." she first saw the pictures and then the certificate. She let out a small cry and rushed towards him.."it's not what you think!"

He stepped away from her.

Tears streamed from her eyes.. "Frank am sorry.." It was not her fault. Her mother would not hear of her marrying Frank. In her opinion Kunle was a better choice. Kunle was based in America, he had money and he was respectful. Herself and Frank were classmates, he had just started working.

She subconsciously rubbed her stomach and then sat down. Kunle visited last two months. She couldn't help the fact that he is was quite handsome and did make her feel like she had butterflies in her stomach.  

She never meant to hurt Frank..but she couldn't bring herself to tell him all this while. She did her best to avoid him and kept up the story that she was still at Ibadan. She loved Frank still and didn't want him to leave her.

"I am sorry...we can work something out..please. I tried to tell you.."

"When?"

"It has not been an easy phase...and Mum wouldn't let me be because she didn't want me to start showing..."

"Showing?.."

She immediately held her mouth

"Showing what?!"

She was mute.

"Answer me!!!" he was mad

"I am pregnant...for him" she was looking at her palms.. like she wa reading from bit. "That's what mum hinged on to ensure that we got married" she got up and knelt before him "please...let's talk about this as we have always.."

His head reeled with so many thoughts... raw pain was all he felt. Hands clenched, and still shaking, he  stepped back staggering. He looked lost, turning around he rushed for the door and let himself out of her house.

"Frank please don't go!" Akhere called after him.

He didn't answer her...even the rain didn't jolt him from the shock.

Image source: imgarcade

WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS EH?!......by Ella

Naturally, we humans like to shift blames, accuse and criticise the next available “scapegoat” of the same things we do. In Nigeria blame shifting and criticism is a happy trend.  We love and enjoy blaming everyone else for our problems while forgetting that we are bigger culprits. I guess because it’s safer. A lot of us (the regular man on the street) who for example, criticise the government’s corruption are deep in the game too. Going back home recently opened my eyes to a lot of things which I will highlight briefly to drive you where I am headed.  These things have been there long before now but this time around they struck me a different cord in me.

SCENARIO 1

I was driving through the Berger round-about when the traffic warden raised a hand to stop those on my side from moving. Of course this was to allow motorists on the other side move. Now, I was driving behind a lady and was already slowing down but she was obviously bent on beating the traffic. Fortunately and unfortunately for her, the traffic warden saw her plan and promptly blocked her way and motioned to a police officer standing close by to get to the lady’s car. As the police officer approached, the lady was reaching to what looked like a bag at the back seat and brought out two naira notes (probably #1000). On getting to the car, the police officer spoke to the lady then after a short laugh, walked away. She didn’t take the money.

My concern is this - the lady driver was about to violate traffic rule but was obviously not bothered about what will be done to her because she knew she could 'settle' the officer even before she was approached! i watched this and began to question myself – “Are we (Nigerians) that bad now? Is everything now all about money? No one cares about laws and rules anymore?” From all indications –the offender holding the money ready to offer it to the officer and the officer sharing a laugh with the offender and waving her off –apparently yes! 

SCENARIO 2

I walked into a bank to make a transaction. From the 'security personnel' (because honestly I don’t think they know what exactly they should be checking for) who swiped his electronic gadget (if it works) over me to the ones who man the gates, I got comments of “Aunty anything for your boy?” “Anything for the weekend?” Boy? Huh??? Looking at the person saying this, it’s obvious he is way older than me and I should be the one calling him “uncle” if I had to. I smiled and walked away. I came back the next day and lo! He wasn’t so friendly anymore. Aha! He remembered me- the stingy lady who refused to dash him money!

I laughed but it actually got me thinking. Isn’t this all part of the corruption we keep accusing 'big men' of? Asking to be tipped especially when you are being paid for the service you just rendered screams CORRUPTION to me!

You begged God for this Job (whatever the job is), you swore that you will never do this or that again if God ever gave you this job and now you have it, you think the pay isn’t good enough. It is okay to want extra but not at the expense of others. The security man asking me for money does not know if I have just gone into banking hall to send my last cash to my ailing father. We simply don’t care so long as we are on the receiving end.

Maybe we do not realise that Corruption stems from greed and lack of contentment. The sole reason politicians and public servants steal pubic funds is greed! They have enough but want to acquire more even for unborn children. This is the same way I look at a “security man” who thinks it’s his right to demand and be dashed money because he opened the door or gate for you! No difference.  Just as sin is sin, whether you lied, stole or killed, so is corruption. There is really nothing as small corruption. It is our tiny bad and selfish actions that make a huge mountain of CORRUPTION.

The scenarios painted above may not be a big deal to somebody but it definitely shows how the minds of people in the society at large works while we keep throwing stones at the people we think are committing “bigger sins”. It reminds me of the adulterous woman who the Pharisees wanted to stone to death because she had sinned forgetting that they themselves were not without sin too.

Our government and politicians are corrupt, agreed.  What are you doing about it? Fuelling it by adding your own quota of corruption? (Stealing the little you can from your place of work or bribing people so you can have your way) Doing nothing and merely talking?  Please don’t ask for the government to change if you haven’t changed yourself. Ever heard the saying – remove the log in your own eye before removing the speck in your neighbour’s eye?

So, next time you want to accuse/blame/criticize the Government, President Jonathan or Babangida for syphoning all of Nigeria’s money and for the downfall of the country, ask yourself if you are ENTIRELY free of guilt!

ELLA.

Image courtsey of vanguard

FOR THE LOVE OF JOLLOF RICE!! ..... by ELLA

So Jamie Oliver decided to make a "twisted version" of Jollof Rice? WHAT???!!! Hmmn!  All these international celebrity chefs tho! (Rolling my eyes) Apparently he posted his quirky recipe sometime in June which went unnoticed but furious comments began appearing on the Jamie website last week and has attracted over 4,500 comments. What he didn't know was that no one messes around with the Black man's food and goes scot free! He never esperedit! lol.

To say that he murdered our darling Jollof Rice is an understatement o. No exaggeration here. Traditionally, as we know, Jollof Rice is made with just tomatoes, pepper and spices abi?

what a normal regular Jollof Rice looks like....err...not sure of that leaf tho..lol

 But Jamie’s version included whole vegetables such as “on the vine” cherry tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and scotch bonnet. It went on to advise readers to use coriander, parsley, and a slice of lemon.

Errr....Lemon? Parsley? Huh? EXCUSE ME??!!!

JAMIE'S VERSION: THIS CAN'T BE JOLLOF RICE! NO!!!

Since i saw this a few days ago, i have been unsure what/how to feel. At first i thought it was hilarious but later i began to see the annoying side of it. I can completely relate with Africans who are protesting. MotleyMusings wrote on the issue and i agree with all she said. Why do these people feel they have a right to change anything about us eh? Sigh…They have succeeded in changing our dressing, imposed their language on us, forced us into the jet age, made us too conscious of our bodies (hence the increase in implants & liposuction) and now our food?? NO! Yes i love Jollof Rice that much. Ask Motley and she will tell you that Jollof Rice is one of the seven wonders of Africa. lol. I agree o! Especially the party Jollof Rice that has that amazing-life changing-burnt-smoky-firewood taste!

More annoying is even the way a spokesman for Jamie Oliver said: “Obviously there was no intention to offend anyone which is why the recipe printed on the Jamie Magazine website is described as 'Jamie's twist' on Jollof rice.” Eh?!! I am offended o! Twist ko! Twist ni!  Don’t they realise that this word "twist" is infuriating?  Didn't he read about how the same Jollof Rice also caused a stir last year when a big British supermarket Tesco was forced to remove its Jollof Rice recipe from its website after Twitter users branded it inauthentic? He should have known better not to mess around with our scared-sunday-wedding-owanbe-every child's favourite-Jollof rice all in the name of twisting it!

On a more serious note, the good thing that seems to have come come out of this whole incident is the fact that:

·         First, Jollof rice has become internationally famous. Even the hashtag #JOLLOFGATE has been created on twitter too. (seems hashtags are now the new means of drawing the world's attention to any problem including Jollof Rice twisting!) Now the world knows Jollof Rice and will learn to respect it!

·         Second, this has shown that food is another factor besides football that can give nearly a whole continent one voice. I was amazed to see that even my East African brethren that are not into Jollof Rice like those of us in West Africa ,Nigeria especially  (Ghana please park well! our cold war over the ownership of Jollof is still on...lol) spoke up against this so called  recipe (if we can call it that!) this shows that we are very sensitive when it comes to our food.  Some of the comments on his blog showed that some people were ready to maim him for this “ATROCITY” yes! that is how important Jollof Rice is to us!

So next time, Please, DON'T TOUCH!

ELLA...xoxo.

Image Sources- Jamie Oliver, SPB food

MY FATHER, MY FRIEND, MY HERO...

You meant the world to me...and much more!

I came home (to Nigeria) after I was told the shocking news of Dad’s sudden death hoping that it was a wicked April fool’s joke being played on me in September. But alas! It was sadly true.  It still feels like a sick nightmare which I am yet to wake up from.

As I sat thinking of writing this tribute I thought –How can I say a few words that will do justice to a man as great as him? Honestly, this is the hardest thing I have had to do in my entire life because I know him to be a man so full of life. I believe my real tribute to dad will be the actions of my life –becoming a testament of the love and lessons he instilled in me!

Growing up, every child thought his or her father can do anything. But as I got older, I realised that in my dad’s case it was true. Everyone close to me knows that I always say that my dad was one of the most intelligent and smart men I have ever come across. Not because he was my father but because it is the truth.

As though to confirm my belief, while I went to work in Kebbi State, I met a colleague of his at the NYSC camp Kebbi who said to me “Your father is one of the finest minds in the scheme” I never forgot those words and it made me even more proud to mention his name anywhere.

I realised early enough that my dad was very talented and gifted especially in the area of administration and organisation. Thus, it was never a surprise to us at home that he kept record of everything in separate files down to the TV and refrigerators. He was that meticulous!

Dad was also one of the most hardworking men I knew. He had a knack for keeping to time.  Even though he was a civil servant and could afford to go to work late as he got up the ladder, he didn’t. He promptly has his coffee and eggs at 7am -7.15am and left for work at 7.30am. As a State Co-ordinator, it was no different. To him “Hard work never kills so there is never a good excuse for failure” He often told me that he believed that things should be done properly even if others are not doing it right. “That is the only way to stand out” he would say to me.

Dad was very versatile in many areas –politics, history, football and even law. There was literally no topic he couldn’t discuss intelligently. This was constantly a challenge to me because I always wanted to impress him when we had our discussions on politics and law. I always sought his opinion for most of my academic work even at masters’ level and incorporated most of his ideas in my writing.

His love for books was simply out of this world! Dad was never tired of buying or reading books. Not just books in his field (Public Administration) but books in almost any field you can imagine. I studied international human rights law which is nowhere close to his field but he always had books from his collection to lend to me. His passion for books made me love them too even as a child.

Dad was a wonderful writer as well. A perfectionist in writing. He had such an impressive vocabulary that made me proud. If you wanted anything put into words or written on paper, Dad was the man for it anytime. This gift rubbed off on me and each time someone tells me I am a good writer, I laugh and tell them they need to meet my dad.

As a family man, he always wanted the best for his children and gave us the best especially when it had to do with education. Very recently, he sold and made me buy the idea of pursuing a PhD in my field. I fought this idea and said I was tired of schooling. He simply asked me a question that changed my mind “What then is your edge over your peers if you stop at this level?” Oh! Dad was such a lover of knowledge, he didn’t believe in limitations and always wanted to know more! That is why despite his busy schedule he found time to enrol for a PhD programme which he had almost concluded before his untimely departure.

I could go on and on about my dad but in simple terms, he was simply one of a kind and a man clearly in a class of his own. The things I will miss (and already) miss about him may seem insignificant to you but they mean so much to me.

I will miss his unique laughter that made me smile…

I will miss seeing him drink coffee with his tiny teacup every morning and evening …

I will miss him checking out my car when I hear a funny sound in it…

I will miss him scolding me for not checking the water and oil level in my car…

I will miss him calling the NEPA technicians for the compound when the transformer gets faulty…

I will miss running home early to avoid getting his lecture on being a responsible young lady…

I will miss us talking or arguing about the Nigerian government and politics…

I will miss watching and analysing the news with him…

I will miss teasing him about eating rice and stew everyday…

I will miss watching the twins run around with him…

I will miss twisting his arms (literally) to collect more money from him….

Above all, I will miss him calling me “My friend” or “Gigi”…..People probably thought it was weird but I loved it and made me feel special.

Daddy, I loved you more than I can put into words. So many things I want to tell you. So many questions I want to ask God. But I believe He knows best. You will forever live in our hearts and will never be forgotten. I promise to tell the twins about you when they are old enough to understand. I promise to be there for mum and the boys. I promise to make you proud.

Till we meet again at the feet of Jesus….GOODNIGHT DADDY.

FAREWELL.

Barrister Emmanuela Nwabundo Enweonwu

(Daughter)

N.B- There will be a service of songs on Friday, 17th of October at our residence in Abuja by 5pm

The burial will take place on Friday, 24th of October at my home town Onitsha. 

contact me on 07037279082 or facebook or BBM for more details

WOMEN AND GOLD DIGGING! ......by Ella

I only just realised that it is nearly a month since I last wrote a line! I have been meaning to write about this issue for a while now but to say that I have been busy is an understatement especially with my mother around. Phew! But I must confess that I am enjoying it.

Ok, so I was at a café few weeks ago and couldn’t help overhearing a conversation by these 3 girls. It was mostly about work, men and people generally. One particular line by one of the girls caught my attention (and going by her accent, I suspected she was Nigerian) –“I wish I could marry some rich man and never worry about working!” And they all laughed. I smiled.

When we were much younger, my friends and I would talk and day dream about this same thing. Especially those of us who were never fortunate to date a guy who had it all (money wise). Honestly, it made so sense back then and even now! Imagine having money at your beck and call and doing, buying whatever u desire and travelling wherever u wish anytime u want? Tempting right?

Fast forward to 7-8 years later and I bet you will never catch me even unconsciously having such mediocre thoughts! Why? Oh, I got wiser and realised that wishing and praying for a rich dude to come pick my bills was a foolish and unreasonable thing to do. Of course I like good things including lots of money but can I please be the one to have it?

Most of us, including myself, just want an easy life with nothing to worry about or with enough resources to solve all our problems. To be fair, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. What worries me is the way we (some ladies) want to go about achieving this. Some ladies meet a man and all they are thinking and planning to do is to dump all their financial burden on him. In turn they milk him dry while they are free of any responsibility. A girl I used to know once told me that she believes that she was the responsibility of her then boyfriend and she will collect even money for her toiletries from him without batting an eyelid. Don’t you think that being in a relationship with the sole aim of a man taking care of your needs is being rather selfish? Comm’on! The world is moving ahead and things have changed.

How about you aiming to become financially independent so much that you won’t have to wait for anyone to pick your bills? What happened to working hard to make a name for yourself and earn the respect of a man? You have a degree don’t u? ok, you don’t but u have got brains, hands and legs abi? Use them!

I honestly do not envy men most times because I think the society (women) puts them under so much pressure to prove themselves. Most men now do not get married early because they are trying to "make it" first. The economy isn’t helping too. Plus they have girlfriends (not even wives o!) who they have to cater for. No, don’t get me wrong. I don’t have a problem with a boyfriend giving his babe money because if mine gives me I will collect gladly. But I do have a problem with making a man your money pot! He is human like you too and not created solely to cater for your needs. How about his own needs? Have you given a thought to his own needs? Ever thought of how you could meet them or contribute meaningfully to his life? Am sure y’all know am not talking about financial needs here because I am the last person to advice a girl to give money to a man just like that.

Maybe growing up had a big role to play in my way of thinking now. Maybe it is the kind of people i now roll with and look up to.  one thing is certain, i definitely do not approve of sitting on my butt and wishing for a man who has it all to come whisk me away. I also want to be on top of my game and handling that cash too. Oh yes, I do want my man to be comfortable enough to support our family too but I am more concerned about myself and the kind of perception a man has of me.

I sincerely believe a lady should think more about the value she can add to her relationship and the life of her man than the financial benefit she can get from him so if tomorrow you leave his life by any chance, you will still be a reference point for him. As for me, I will rather want a man to regret letting me go because of the value I added to him than for him to be glad I am gone because I was a financial thorn in his neck!

Don’t sit tight and wait to leech onto a money bag, become your own money bag!

Love, always,

Ella...xxx

MY STORY...

Have you ever been so down? Have you ever being so disappointed by the people you look up to and love? Have you ever cried so hard till your nose is blocked ,your eyes swollen so much that one would think you took bot-ox injections? Have you ever had so much regrets ,realising that you wasted some part of your life? That your choices could have being different ? Have you been  shamefully reminded of all your faults and lack of  achievements by the people you trusted , that contributed to you being there? Have you continually been put down again and again and again by the people who you could have done almost anything for? Have you lived in the lowest level of low self esteem?.Have you lived more than half your life being nagged, criticised and told what you can and cannot be.?.....HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF SUICIDE?

YEP..! i said

When i first heard of Robin Williams death , i was in so much shock and pain , as a human i wondered how a seemingly successful man could live all his fame and wealth behind, as a religious person,it would have being easy to judge based on my beliefs,but as a teenager who was suicidal i could understand to a little level,  what comes into the mind of one who feels the need to live this heartless world and hopefully have some 'peace' at least that is  what we believe at that point in time.

Yes! i used to be suicidal , i have only told one person this, because i did not want people to think i was a Freak ,but with the increased number of  suicide actions all over the world and the growing trend of many Nigerians turning to it to avoid their problems, i feel i need to come in my own little way and say that it is not the answer...

Many people who know me now, will tell you i am opinionated, ambitious, strong, talented ,even some will say i am beautiful, but if you could just rewind to more than 12 years earlier, you probably be shocked , to see the kind of lady i was.  This is a blog not a book , so i will give a little description of the kind of girl i was.

 I came from a very poor background , no food , no money, my mum sold everything even up to her used nail polish just to send us to school, a mad man would tell you that my home was inhabitable cause of the bad environment, in school i was not the most attractive prospect of that kind of friend you should have, i was often neglected by so called 'family friends' who saw me as an embarrassment, i would  resort to white , grey, purple lies and gossip to gain attention and pity, i was not the most intelligent or the most pretty, no way. I was a big boned fat no OBESE  girl, who looked like a boy, no grace ,always head down, belonged to no circle , i mean no circle at all.

Imagine living all the days of your life being told words like this 'Silly ass'  'you are an embarrassment''  '' you wont amount to anything in life'' and consistently be compared to your friends and publicly shamed for your weight. Some will say i did not have God , but i was Born again , even zealous to a fault, it helped some days but other days it hurt. I had grown with no self confidence or self esteem that it even affected my choices in areas of relationships. I would date guys who showed my even a grain of affection and fall in love with them, looking back i can say half of them weren't worth my salt, but that  is what a feeling of neglect and self inferiority can do to you.

It started with cutting myself by mistake when i washed the plates , and then i did it purposely. When i got depressed then, i would go to the pharmacy in front of my home to ask for sleeping drugs and lie it was for my mum. There were the suicide letters too, so many of them. At that time ,death seemed so attractive, the thought of leaving this world so that many can be happy. Pills looked so absolutely delicious, like  candy and cutting myself felt like a challenge .

I am no more suicidal.

It was a process that started from a sermon i listened to in Church where the Pastor said;''if you kill yourself, guess what? life will continue the world will not stop rotating cause you are no more in existence''  It was then that I told myself to change my thinking.

But it was not easy. I had my days , i had  God  and good friends who have served as human angels to lift me up when that feeling sets in. I do not battle with low self esteem any more ,maybe a little self doubt but it quickly disappears after little push from people who believe in me. I have more cool and accomplished friends, i travel around the world, i pay no words to my haters and critics anymore, and i do not feel the need to force myself into relationships of friendships anymore. I have grown into my own woman, become more educated and qualified, exposed and more accomplished, my confidence is still a work i progress, but i am by no means a pushover anymore. This is who i am now...i have had a lot of regrets in my life , but i know now that if i had allowed the monsters in me win i would have more unforgiving regrets..CAN YOU IMAGINE ALL THE EXPERIENCE AND BLESSINGS I WOULD MISSED?!!

The world is cruel and as we keeping growing ,we are going to meet even worse individuals, but no person no situation no attack , bullying or criticism ,no matter where they are from is worth taking your life for. You were created for a purpose. We all have a seed of greatness within us , lets live our lives striving to achieve them. Yes, we will all die one day, but let our 'Landlord' be the one who takes it in his own time.. So with this i live these encouraging quotes from our friends at Google Image

That was a long one ....just felt i needed to let that out and help anyone , the Part 2 of my post Things i wish many parents to know will come up soon...i love you all and i wish you a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend and week ahead!

Love,
Faith.N

LIFE AS SHE SEES IT- FOR HIM .......by Adesuwa

10.00am

She rolled on her bed at the same time grabbing her pillow, then used it to cover her head..

"Good morning good morning missy miss.." her alarm rang, the tone was that of a parrot with a shrill voice. She made a mental note to change her alarm tone and reached out to silence it.

It was Saturday. Jide had called to let her know that the soup and stew she made for him last week had finished. She had to go make another for him after stopping at the market.

She loved him and was happy to help out.

"Come in!" she called out from under the pillow, someone had knocked and she knew who it was.

"Aunty..good morning. I have made your food" Isi said. She was the housekeeper and cook.

"Good morning. Thanks..I will be down soon" she was tempted to ask her to make a pot of stew and soup, but Jide would go on and on about how she is to prove her love by actually cooking it for him. She got up and set about having getting ready.

When she was done,  she stood in front her mirror and observed. She hoped Jide would like this. He worked with Zenith bank and always told tales about how classy his colleagues looked and expected same from her. She was the daughter of a business mogul after all...even though she was simple at heart and didn't think it was necessary to always dress to the hilt , she loved Jide...what he was asking was not difficult.

11am

No one was at home, her parents were out of the country on vacation, so thankfully she needed not explain or lie about where she was going. Being an only child, she was smothered with loads of care.

She flagged down a taxi and headed to the market. Her feet ached already..so much for heels. She stopped driving to see Jide because he drove a 'baby boy' and hers was a Mercedes 2013 'bullet' as people called it. It worried Jide... she observed.

12.30pm

What happened to prawns? She could not seem to find any, she had walked the length and breadth of the market. Jide loved prawns. She tried not to let stares from the people she walked past bother her...it was not new being a yellow sisi. She gave up the search, he would not mind the slight change today...90% of Nigerians had no prawns to eat...talk more of getting it to eat free of charge.

1pm

She knocked at his door...

'hey babe! am starving! " he said opening the door and hugged her. He stepped back and studied her "you went to the market dressed like this?" She was wearing a turquoise halter neck jump suit and a black pair of stilettos.

She looked down at herself "but you said.." In her opinion she looked stunning.

"You should have gone to the market and then gone home to change " he snickered and shook his head " anyway am starving.. please do your kitchen-magic" he walked back to the sitting room leaving her laden with all she was carrying. Man U is playing.

2.30pm

She served him fried plantain with vegetable stew and fish. She tried to be fast about everything because he was starving.

"Prawns...I see no prawns babe" he noted

"I didn't find any to buy at the market dear"

He sighed...and started eating after he had thought about it for some seconds.

As he finished eating, his phone rang.

"Heyyy my guy...see as we dey score you na!...where you dey?" he laughed "see groove! make I come?...Okay now., I go show"

She could not believe her ears "don't tell me you are going out?!"

"Babe don't start your nagging now.. you know weekend is when I see my boys" he inched closer to her and started caressing her arms. Soon her protests were drowned by his kisses...their clothes came off and they had sex. To her, sex with him had always felt like a chore, she did not enjoy it or see the need for it. She knew it was the wrong thing to do, but she wanted him to be happy...it included faking orgasms.

He collapsed on her and slowly settled to lie by her side...they had started at the couch and ended on the floor. She felt spent and tired.

"Babe" he murmured after some minutes..."let me go and meet my boys...you were great!" he pasted a kiss on her lips and got up "don't forget to take postinor" he shrugged and walked off.

She didn't not say anything but laid there thinking. She came hoping to spend some quality time with him after cooking. She remembered what her friend had said on Thursday "hmm...if a man can't give you love or inspire you to be a better person then at least he would give you money...your so-called Jide here is doing neither! Yet you cook for him, clean his house, shop for him for free! Sleep with him! That's fornication you know?" Then you would be pumping your system with postinor and other drugs... what are you waiting for before you dump him eh? There has to be value added to anyone in a relationship! It has to be something...what are you gaining please?"

She loved Jide...he says he loves her too.

Life Of A Lagos Newbie - HOW NOT TO GET TO MAGODO ON A MONDAY MORNING by Ngozi Ilondu

You know how you hate certain courses in school and convince yourself that they are not relevant to justify your failing them. Well sometimes we were wrong. I am saying this because I hated geography and paid no attention to it but writing this article has made me see its relevance to life or how else am I supposed to explain where the heck Magodo is located in Lagos, Nigeria. But since I know I am not alone in the Geography illiterate club of Nigeria, may I suggest you Google Magodo and figure it out yourself. SO what was I doing, going to Magodo on a Monday morning.

It was a normal Monday morning that had everyone rushing to work on top speed. Bus conductors screaming on top of their voices while raining abuses on whoever crossed their path, a constant reminder to me on why I seriously needed to get a car. To get a car meant I had to wow the panel I was on my way to meet. Yes! I had a presentation that morning. It was one of those job interviews that cared less about what you said and more about you proving yourself. I had worked on my presentation on the task we were given and was fired up, determined to sweep the panel off their feet when I met him. The red eyed, shirtless, hairy armpit conductor who ushered me into the bus that would redefine my idea of a Monday morning. Instead of giving you gist, I will share what I learnt that morning on my way to Magodo for a job interview. Here goes:

DON'T LISTEN TO THE CONDUCTOR: I mean stuff your ears with ear plugs and refuse to dance to their constant tune on how they know where you are going and can take you there. One thing you must plaster on your forehead to survive in Lagos is, “The conductor cares about his money not where you are going.” There are exceptions sometimes though but they are one in a million.

TAKE A BUS THAT SOUNDS FAMILIAR: and by that I mean, the moment you realize you haven’t heard the call for the bus that sounds exactly like the directions you were given. Biko kwa, wait there until you hear it or you might just be going to Ibadan without knowing.

DON’T SHED A TEAR: and when you realize that you have entered the wrong bus and stopped at the wrong bus stop with the whole Lagos waiting at the bus park to jump on any bus that stops, Don’t shed a tear. I know crying may seem like the best thing to do right now but it ain’t gonna solve your problem. Try getting a Taxi and if they call a crazy price because they know you are obviously missing your road, enter the next familiar bus.

DON’T BECOME A GOOGLE MAP: When you stop at the next confusing yet familiar bus stop, ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t automatically think you can figure this out on your own. Lagos roads are tricky, ask someone for how to get to magodo from there.

DON’T EXPLORE YOUR TREKKING SKILLS: Before you think trekking will solve your problem and help you figure the way out. Read no. 4 advice o because that road you want to trek will lead you to Maryland, miles away from Magodo.

PATIENCE…DON’T TAKE OFF YOUR EAR PIECE: Before all these happened, you were enjoying great music on your phone, don’t take off the ear piece now and succumb to the frustration gnawing at you. Keep the music playing. You need it to stay sane.

DON’T CRY WHEN YOUR SKIRTS TEARS: and when you realize that the only way to get into the estate where the office is located is through okada and you wore a pencil skirt that rips as soon as you got on the bike, don’t cry. There is always a way out and you will never see it, if you don’t stop crying. Just slowly untuck your cardigan and pull your skirt up. Yes, it may mess up your garb but it will save you for the day.

HOLD ON YOUR MONEY IS IN YOUR BAG: Patience girl, don’t panic now, keep searching your money probably hid under a book, it wasn’t stolen. It’s in there. Pay the bike man and walk away smiling.

And when you are called upon to present, BREATHE IN CONFIDENCE AND BREATH OUT ALL THE ANNOYING HAPPENINGS OF THAT MORNING, GIVE A WONDERFUL PRESENTATION, POUR OUT YOUR INTELLIGENCE AND BOW OUT.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU ON YOUR WAY TO MAGODO, WHAT MATTERS IS THAT YOU GOT THERE ON TIME, DELIVERED AN AMAZING PRESENTATION, GOT THE JOB AND NOW ON YOUR WAY TO DRIVING THAT FORD EDGE YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED, CAN I GET AN AMEN!

#Lifefromtheeyesofalagosnewbie 

LEAVE A LEGACY! : LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM DR AMEYO STELLA ADADEVOH.....by Mikkie

DR ADADEVOH : Gone in the line of duty

Sometime last week, I read a tribute to Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh by Professor Chudi Anselm Odinkalu that really touched my heart in a deep way. (Read the full tribute)  Dr Adadevoh was the brave doctor that made sure Mr. Sawyer was quarantined so that the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) won’t spread as rapidly to the general populace. To put it in perspective, First Consultant Hospital, where Mr. Sawyer was admitted is in Obalende: the very heart of Lagos. Imagine if Dr Adadevoh and her team did not demand that Mr. Sawyer stay in the hospital, he would have walked out the hospital as a deadly weapon spreading the EVD to the broader public. The ripple effect would have produced far graver consequences than what we are grappling with now.

Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues literally acted as human shield for the whole country. They put their lives at risk by doing this huge service to humanity and indeed the whole country owes them respect. They saved a nation and for this act, they should be honored as national heroes.

As I read the tribute to Dr Adadevoh and the comments that followed, I was just in awe of the kind of human being she was. You could tell that she lived an authentic life – one that genuinely cared for people and made a meaningful impact in the lives she encountered every day. She exhibited a kind of excellence that flowed in everything she did; especially in the way she interacted and dealt with her family, career, and people.   

It made me question what kind of legacy I want to leave in this world. What will people remember me for?

As human being we need to constantly ask these deep questions so that we can intentionally live our lives in such a way that we stay true to ourselves. As women, it is important that we put what is paramount to us in front of our mind. It is very easy to be carried away by the numerous worries of life that we lose focus of what truly matters to us.  Thus, identity matters! Knowing who you are and clearly defining the type of character you want to exhibit is key in leaving a lasting legacy. These days, a lot of things are craving to define who we are: society, family, fear, friends, social media etc. and because we want to play to the gallery, we allow ourselves to be deceived.

To be honest, it is not easy to live an authentic life in this day and age. I mean, must everybody know I failed woefully in my attempt in business or that TDH guy left me hanging dry or I didn’t get that great job that everybody was convinced it was practically mine.  My sister, I know.  It is not easy! We are so used to having this “I-got-it-all-together” mentality that it has clouded our view of life and made us lose sight of traits that really count. Like passion, vision, perseverance, and sacrifice. For real, is it such a bad thing to fail? At least you tried. Or aren’t there other fishes in the river?

My dear, relax! Life is too short to waste. We must strive to make it count. Every day is surely a battle, but victory is certainly within our grasp.

So I ask “what are you going to do TODAY to make your life better and be one step closer to your dreams”?

Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, in my book, is a hero. Even though I never met her, she has touched my life in many ways I cannot possibly express. Just because she chose to truly live! Death may have taken her life too soon, but it can never take away the lasting legacy she left behind: a sacrificial heart that saved a nation! This is what she will be remembered for.

I am reminded to live authentically! To live fully! To live out loud!

Will you?

Miriaku Obioha a.k.a. Mikkie is a contributor for Red Velvet.  Read more from her on her blog http://www.miriakuobioha.blogspot.com/

LIFE AS SHE SEES IT....BELIEVABLE (inspired by a true story) BY ADESUWA

The reception had been very successful. It started immediately after they finished from church.  Overflowing with gifts, choicest food, wines and souvenirs. The bride and groom had danced to their hearts content... It was a relief to friends and family that they had finally tied the knot. The couple appeared to be so much in love the way they held hands, whispered to each other, kissed and laughed...it made one want to marry fast.

A surprise after-party was organised for them by their close friends at the couple's new home...

The party was winding down…at a corner of the garden a lady was having chitchat with her friend when a man walked up to them.

"What are you two doing? " he demanded.

"We were talking about.." she smiled and started explaining excitedly.

He didn't listen and turned to her friend "what are you discussing with her?!"

Her friend couldn't answer.

"What's wrong with you?" She asked clearly confused

"Are you asking me? You are asking me?!" he grabbed her hand and drew her as he walked inside the house.

"Leave me alone! Leave me! What has come over you?" She tried to lower her voice so as not to attract attention.

He didn't flinch, but led her to a room and locked the door. " you are my wife! I would not watch you play around with men! I have been warning you!"

"What in the world are you talking about? Since when did discussions translate to playing around? I was only chatting with him!" She was hysteric

"You are my wife!" he shouted

"And I know that" she shouted back and turned away from him

"Look at me when am talking to you!" he dragged her back

She made to push him, but he caught her hands and slapped her hard.

She cried out and lunged at him, blowing him with her small hands…"how dare you lay your hands on me! What has come over you?" She drew back and pulled off her wedding ring and threw it at him " I am sick of you already!" 

He had always been a jealous man, at first she thought it was love. She married him to save her the hassles of being a single mom. She still had feelings for him too...but for how long would she continue like this...she had hoped it would get better in marriage, but the reality of her life in the next 10 years was staring at her in the face. All of a sudden she felt she had taken enough.

"pick that ring up! " he thundered

"I will not!" and she turned around to leave. She got to the door and found it locked and then she remembered that he locked it. "Give me the keys!" she demanded and whirled around to look at him, as she did she heard the sound of glass.

He was holding a broken bottle "I married you to own you! I am talking to you and you have the audacity to walk away?!" he was shaking with rage.

A grave feeling came her..."what are you doing?.." she whispered. It used to be shouts, blows...she had learnt to handle all that over time...but a bottle?

As he came close to her she took steps back. "I would give you a taste of what you want!", he said as he raised the bottle in his hand.

With her eyes wide open, she fell to her knees "Ade please!...our child....stop this.."

She couldn't describe what she saw in his eyes but felt raw pain when he stabbed her arm and then her stomach. She screamed in anguish and tried to block the stabs with her hands, as she did each of them got sliced with the bottle...He didn't seem to hear her cries or screams. He was like a beast with no heart.

He stabbed her continuously... while shouting "you brought this on yourself! You are my wife!" he appeared to be possessed, no emotions in his eyes...they were dead cold.

She struggled at first but as he kept stabbing her, she felt the bottle go into her sides... and then her right hip..she gave up the fight, "Ade" she whispered.

She soon laid helpless as the jagged bottle went in and out of her body with pieces of flesh laced around its edges.

Life ebbed slowly from her... she faintly heard someone shouting 'he has killed her o!" she was going .

As she took in laboured breaths she ran her hands slowly across her gown, her hand stopped midway across her chest...she had no more strength. She remembered how much it had cost. Now it was soaked in her blood. She closed her eyes, she felt cold and could not move, she soon felt some one shake her and was crying. "Keep him away from my daughter" she said in her mind but couldn't say the words "Lord have mercy on me". She had thought of her life in the next ten years...now she was not even sure she  had ten seconds left.

"She is dead!!!" someone shouted.

Ade stood transfixed...and watched as two of their friends tried to rush his victim to the hospital...what had he done? When did he do it? What was he thinking? Her sister flung herself at him, wailing and hitting him with all her strength "You killed her you scumbag! I warned her but she would not listen! Today of all days!...you are the devil...!" she said crying, makeup mixed with tears smeared her face...she still had her gown on. She was the Chief bridesmaid.

He looked stunned, he could not feel her palms hitting him..his eyes were transfixed on his wife, the love of his life..the only woman who could bear his excesses...now she was being carried out of the room.

After 7 years and a child, he got over himself and finally decided to marry her.

He had just killed her on their wedding day.

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