COULDA WOULDA SHOULDA

Would things have turned out differently if i had defied all odds and followed my dream? That unanswered question haunts me every night. The ghost of my past and the monster of my future.  As I write this, I feel hopeful that it would inspire someone not to leave their dream empty.

My name is Paul. I'm a medical doctor. I find it interesting to treat people and be a hero to many. But I'm really not as happy and satisfied with my life as most people would expect. I grew up in a family so strict that it provided no room for argument or refusal when the final authority  (my father) had spoken. His word was law and anyone who disagreed became a traitor and was treated with as much disdain as is possible at any given time. Punishments ranged from serious canning, to starvation and incisions.  My mother who would have intervened was very timid. She was easily intimidated and even got to bear the brunt of most of our actions. She ended up on the receiving end of all his anger since according to him we got all our bad behaviour from her. He already arranged our destinies. Mine and my two siblings.  Being the eldest, I was to be a doctor,  My sister a lawyer and my youngest brother an engineer.  We offered no argument even as he sounded it into our ears every passing day and pushed us to take all the classes we never wanted.

I watched with pain as my sister's musical inclinations were thwarted and my brother's painting abilities squashed. I loved to write. So i could easily disguise my writing as something medically related and not get caught. My sister and brother gave up their dreams to satisfy my father and escape the heart wrenching punishment that came with disobedience. Yes we excelled in our fields because even if we were pushed into it, we were also pushed to succeed if not for anything but to obtain our freedom.

My siblings and I were brought even closer because of the terrible childhood we had to endure. We had no friends, my father called them distractions.  We were more or less hermits, on exile by our own blood. Now that we've grown up, weve each followed our different paths. Though old habits die hard, my sister Ara sings and plays the guitar freely even if its just to keep her kids entertained and my brother's paintings just went on an exhibition.  I find it difficult to write most times because of the pain I feel each time I remember I could have been happier writing all my life. But i get a thrill from having someone get well from my help as a doctor. So i guess I have my dad to thank for that. I'm still trying to get along with my notepad.

It should not surprise you to say we were all relieved when my dad died. My childhood at least had a closure. My mother followed shortly after as she could not be without her backbone. My siblings and I gave them a proper send off. As we celebrated our revolution.
You might be wondering why we didn't do anything earlier, well blame it on our respect for our parents or you could blame it on our cowardice by  we still got good education and didn't lose out on our passions in the end.

As I write this I look at my own son, born to me 5 years ago by my  lovely wife. I wonder what his future holds. Definitely not anything like my bitter childhood or my painful experiences. I'll give an arm for him to do whatever makes him happy. Same goes for you reading this. You deserve to be happy. Follow your dreams,  your passions. You'll be happier. But then be wise. Count the costs and give it whatever it takes as you alone holds the key to your happiness. Well, I'm on call and my beeper just went off. A life needs to be saved in the hospital.

Thank you for reading. Don't forget to drop your comments and suggestions. Till we meet again next week. You deserve to be happy. Follow your dream, tour passions, you will be happier. But then be wise.

Character is Everything

I've been through a lot. I can't even begin to explain everything.  I was warned.  On several occasions,  I paid no heed. I thought I knew it all but how could I have known i was headed towards destruction 

  My name is Cindy. I'm  beautiful by all standards. I was always top of my class and no one could hold a candle to me. People complained about my pride and lack of manners. To me I was just a classy, educated girl who needed no advice from anyone. I never hesitates to give anyone that crossed my way a piece of my mind, I just say it 'as e dey hot' I saw myself as being candid. 

  "Please can you direct me to UBA? " A young lady asked me on a sunny afternoon.  I was desperately trying to get away from the Sun and to my class. It was a really annoying question to hear and I immediately fired back at her " sister, you are in the university.  Even if you are not a student and can't use your brain at least use your eyes" The light skinned lady stared cluelessly at me. Wondering what she said that deserved such rudeness. She obviously didn't know me and I was in no mood to enlighten her. " didn't you see the area allocated for banks on your way to this place from your obviously undiscovered village?" Her eyes wide in shock, she took several steps backwards and fled. I didn't bother thinking twice about her. I had a class to rush too. 

   I had few friends and they often complained.  They got fewer each day as they couldn't cope with my outspoken nature and attitude. I had one who stuck with me though.  Harriet.

Harriet never stopped warning me about my behaviour but she only got the success akin to one pouring water on a rock.. 

   How did I get to the point of no return.? What made me realize I had lived badly? When did the scales fall off my eyes?

" I'm sorry, we have no place for you In this organization anymore" I stood looking at him. Unaware of the tears that streamed down my face, my quivering lips or my look of pure rejection. For once, words failed me. The shocking statement was made by the managing director of the Firm I worked for. Contrary to what I'm sure you'd expect,  I finished school with a first class and got  a good job. No man wanted to have a long term relationship with Me. As a career woman, it didn't bother me. I couldn't hide my true personality in my place of work. I was a turn at. My underlings had nothing but hatred for me. To me it was pure jealousy.  My parents could hardly correct my behaviour. Of course I paid the bill's. Been doing so since my university days. I was comfortable by all measures. I'd risen to the top of my firm hoping to make senior partner In a few months.  

       " You are a really goodlooking young lady do you work here ?" I turned in the direction of the voice. Standing beside me in the elevator was an old man. White hair all over.  Dressed in a simple attire. I chose not to honour him with a reply. I didn't want him giving me any disease he was probably dying of. " young lady, did you not hear me? " he earnestly asked. " other people in the elevator who knew me were already making strange noises and giving me strange looks."Grandpa. I refused to answer you because i didn't want to waste my breath. But it seems you really need to be put In your place. You are Asking if i work here, let me inform you that I'm on my way to becoming a senior partner. What is wrong with you ok people who won't mind their business" Everyone gasped. Oblivious to the look of embarrassment and anger on the old man's face I continued. " Yes i know I'm good looking. Yes i work here. Kindly keep your mouth that has never seen a toothbrush closed to avoid passing on a disease you are possibly duping from. I know you are going to beg. Make sure you do not cross my floor.  Shameless old coot. " I stormed out of the elevator to my office. 

           And that's how I got summoned for a board meeting. Asking myself why I wasn't preinformed and thinking I'd be made partner at the meeting, I anticipated my crown of glory. As I got to the conference room. I saw all the staff present.  It was so surprising.  Everyone looked at me as I walked in, in amazement and jealousy I thought. All too soon I heard a strong  baritone voice I thought sounded too familiar.  It was the elevator man. " ..... she is therefore sacked and relieved of all benefits and duties" I couldn't believe it.  Mr Wright the founder of the Firm. He had travelled for over 10 years for research purposes.  I didn't recognize him, I didn't know him, I'd never met him before that day. I immediately fell to my knees . Begging was my last resort.  But he paid me no mind. Everyone jeered at me. Took pictures of my tears stricken face. 

  His voice resounded"Character is everything.  You spoke to me with so much disrespect. I was ashamed for your parents.  I can't allow you continue in this firm. Not even one single person here supported you. Kindly go home"

    Flashes of my past ran through my brain. Even as security ushered out. I had lost my job, my pride and security.  I was at point zero. Square one. I could do nothing more than agree 

to two things. One, Karma hit hard... two, character Is everything.

*Thank you for taking your time to read. Don't forget to drop your comments, feedbacks and suggestions. ONE LOVE*

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The deaf ear and the Transformation.

At 7pm at the beer parlour, Mr. Ike Looking at the final green bottle on his table, its content was still full. He remembered the doctor's warnings about what alcohol does to aged men and boys; he remembered that his home is on fire because of his two grown up children that are graduates, he then decided to drink and forget his sorrows. He ordered for more and more bottles until he was tipsy. He knew his wife will suspect that he drank something, he staggered to his infinity jeep and left for home.

At home, his wife kept on nagging and complaining about how his children took over from him: because he never leaves his enemy alone without abusive words or fight in his youthful days.

"The two grown up children of yours are behaving like you; they  fought today because they were competing who will use the gas cooker first, and you are here drinking? Foolish man. What sort of example are you teaching them?" she shouted.

"I will talk to them tomorrow, right now, woman, I need to sleep" he replied; climbed to his bed and slept off leaving the food prepared for him untouched.

At midnight, Mr. Ike rushed out from his room and went to where his wife and his 26 yr old daughter was.

"Mama Obi, I don't know what's happening to me. Something is blocking my heart from beating. Please go and boil hot water for me"

"I will!! I will!!" Mrs Ike said shaking, she made her way to the kitchen immediately.

Joan started pressing his father's chest and was doing mouth to mouth resuscitation. Mr. Ike was supporting his back on the sofa at the sitting room as her daughter kept on trying to bring him back to life.

"Mama Obi! Please be fast; I am dying oo." He uttered using his last strength.
Mrs Ike brought the hot water and gave it to him to drink. He drank it and told her to get something else, because something is coming up to his mouth. Mrs Ike brought a blackish substance called "gbogbomise" and a cup filled with red oil; she opened his mouth and poured in the mixture of both substances. Mr. Ike began to gasp for breath desperately. His pupils began to roll up gradually. He tried to catch his breath but he couldn't any longer. He gave up and was lifeless. White foams began to come out from his mouth and both ears. Mrs. Ike and her daughter shouted to the wake of the other tenants in the compound. Obi woke up from his slumber and went to the sitting room. Afterwards, he called his brother who slept with earpiece on and told him that their father has died.
One of the tenants volunteered to take Mr. Ike to the hospital in his Siena, he was pronounced dead afterwards.

Mrs. Ike couldn't be controlled as she wept. When she was cool afterwards, amidst consolations and words of courage, she granted the permission for an autopsy to be carried out on the deceased.

"He died of heart attack, that is, cardiac arrest." Femi, Mr. Ike's doctor said after glancing at the autopsy report.

"I warned him but he won't listen. The mixture you gave to him helped to block his lungs the more. I hope you will advise your sons to desist from green bottles now and drink water only. It may interest you to know that water stops High BP, it flushes our system and does other things we can't imagine." Femi added.

"Thank you doctor, I will do as you said, so that another death won't occur again. My prayer now is for his soul to rest in peace, amen."

"Okay Madam. I am really sorry for your loss. Accept my condolences"

"Thank you doctor"

THE CARD

                                                                Xxxxxxxxx
Enitan drove into the premises of the Federal Medical Centre; she drove towards the car park and found an empty space and drove straight in.
She never liked a hospital; she hates the “hospital odour”. “The thickness of the ever present smell of antiseptics, drugs, disinfectants and sanitizers nauseates me.”
She has no idea where to go first. She walked towards one of the buildings with doubt clearly written on her face. I think I should just ask someone for directions.
Quickly, she scanned the environment and noticed an elderly woman who looked like a staff. She made quick and calculated strides towards the woman.
“Good morning ma…please ma I would like to see a doctor but I have no idea where to start from…ma.”
The woman cleared her throat “Yes…errmm…du yu haf a kaadi?” Every word heavy with Yoruba accent.
“What... I’m sorry, did you say a do I have a card…ma?”
“Ehn!… yu wee need a kaadi to see the dortor, go to the Record Room, that is where yu wee kollet kadi to see the dortor. Kaadi is free o…yu hear? ”
“I should go to the Records room where I will get a card in order to see the doctor, and the card is free, right?” the woman nodded at every word, obviously mesmerized by Enitan’s British accent.
She thanked the woman and walked towards the direction the woman pointed to. So this is how it is done.

Enitan was born with a “diamond” spoon. She was born in the United Kingdom, grew up and schooled there. She had never gone to a government hospital for medical treatment or anything of such nature. It’s been three years now since she relocated to Nigeria to manage the Nigerian branch of her father’s vast business empire.
“You see, I want you to have an experience of the rich culture and tradition of the Nigerian people. Nigeria is your fatherland, look at me I was born and bred in Nigeria, I schooled in Nigeria and look how successful I have become…” her father’s words rang in her ear again, those words will forever ring in her ear. Enitan never liked coming to Nigeria, but according to her mum, being the first born of the family she had to set a good example for her younger brother, and besides she knows how much her father holds her in high esteem, that meant a lot to her.

“Excuse me, I was told to come here. I need to get a card to see a doctor? Yeah?”
“Aunty, when you know you want to write a new card, why are you just coming at this time? Abi you have a card already…You may not get to see a doctor today o, because all these people are here to see doctor as well and we have just three doctors on seat…”
Enitan’s heart sank. The devil is a liar I must see the doctor today
“Excuse me, did you say three doctors?”
The lady in charge of “the cards” gave her a long look before answering yes. “After compiling your names we will divide you people into three so that you can see the doctors.”
“Does that mean I may not see Dr. Akindele?”
“Is it Dr. Akindele you want to see? Ah!…after dividing you people your name may fall under a different doctor o.”
“Please, I need to consult him.” The devil is a liar today
The lady shrugged. “Don’t worry, I will put your file under those seeing Dr. Akindele but that doesn’t mean you won’t wait for a while, your names will be called in the order of your arrival. Some of these people have been here since 7am.”
Enitan thanked the lady and found a seat. She is willing to wait, as long as she gets to see Dr. Akindele. She smiled, imagining the expression on his face when she works in. Coming back to Nigeria hasn’t been that bad, at least she met Dayo nearly a year after relocating to Nigeria and they have been friends since then. Friendship later turned to something else; she smiled as she glanced at her middle finger once again. Everything has been awesome since they met and he has finally put a ring on it. Soon-to-be Mrs Akindele. She smiled again.

I can’t believe I have never being to this part of this hospital. Whenever she visits Dayo at work, she always work straight to his office but today she decided to give him a surprise visit by pretending to be a patient. She even gave the card writing lady a fake name. I have to be sure Dayo has no idea who is about to come in.
She swept her eyes through the waiting room, she gasped at the number of people sitting on the long benches waiting to consult a doctor. I wonder where Dayo gets the energy to do all this, running his own clinic and still working here! She was jotted back to reality by the loud laughter of two guys standing at the table where cards were being written. She shrugged.

After a while, the card writing lady started calling out names and divided them into three groups. She faced Enitan’s group and asked them to follow her, they were taken to a different building where the lady started calling names again and asked them to sit according to the names being called. When she was done she told them Dr. Akindele will attend to them according to the way they were seated.
Enitan smiled but the smile vanished when she realised the guys who were laughing loudly few minutes ago at the general waiting room were seated in such manner that they would be the first two to see the doctor.
“Excuse me lady, errmmm… these guys just came not quiet long and you told me we will be seeing the doctor according to…”
“And in what way do you have a problem with that?” one of the guys asked standing to face her squarely.
“Really? Are you seriously asking me that question? Some of these women and men have been here since heaven-knows-when and you think you are doing the right thing by bribing your way in?” She was already causing a scene.
The other guy stood up to pacify the one already standing. “Guy! Free am! This one na small pickin nah, she no reach my last born age sef…no dey exchange words with am…na woman!...”
Enitan was boiling with anger “I can’t believe this, you know what? You both are not real men because real men will own up to whatever they have done. You have done something wrong by cheating these people, by swapping cards and you still don’t want to accept your fault, have you no conscience? And you’re not being honest…”
Both guys went back to their seats ignoring her. “No mind am, because one mad man don dey deceive am,dey give am peanut money, she don dey carry fake bag, wear fake shoe, put fake make up for face, she don dey feel important.”
The other guy responded. “No mind am, shey dey feel important, if your papa get money wetin you dey find for government hospital…if e no be say the tin wey I wan do na government hospital dem compulsory for us, wetin I go dey find here. This slut com dey do mouth anyhow, mouth wey no get value…”
Enitan tried to voice her opinion, the guys kept ignoring her, they kept hurling abusive words at her and were having a good laugh, they were obviously enjoying taunting her. She had to leave angrily. It was a nasty scene.
                           
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Enitan literarily ran into the boardroom. Although her father kept her in charge of all matters and everyone answers to her but she doesn’t lord it over any one.
“I’m sorry I’m late…good morning everyone…so shall we begin?”
“Excuse me ma… during the last meeting you said the new recruits will be meeting the board… ”
Enitan cuts in “oh yeah, I’m sorry I was not around during the whole process… what is the latest news on recruitment?”
Her P.A stood up. “We are through with all the process, we actually needed two recruits and I assure you we selected the best two; a male and a female since we are trying to breach gender inequality, in fact they have been asked to go for medical fitness and obtain a medical fitness certificate. Once they have proven to have a clean bill of health, we will then make their employment official by giving them their letters of appointment.”
“Alright, that is fine by me and I trust you guys judgement…please do usher them in.”
The boardroom door opened and it closed, Enitan looked up from her phone to the two new recruits, she smiled at the new lady, lo and behold the new guy was one of the guys hurling abusive words at her yesterday at the hospital.
Mischievous smile played on Enitan’s lips. The guy’s heart jumped into his mouth. “Chai! Bush meat don catch hunter.” Finally, Enitan spoke “This guy right here is a perfect example of dishonesty, a dishonest fellow and I don’t want someone like him in my company or anywhere near my dad’s business. Young man you may leave.”
The room went quiet. Enitan spoke again “Y’all may not understand what is going on here but I have five words for everyone present in this boardroom today….HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY.”

By: Adeosun Adepeju Answer

Action Aid for the Nigerian Girl-Child!

October 11th is the International Girl Child day, a date set aside by the United Nations since 2012 to celebrate amidst mirror the issues affecting the Girl-child all across the world and demand for equalities for girls with their male counterpart. Girl Child across the world face multidimensional challenges due to the traditionalist perception of most society against women.

 Challenges ranging from violence against women rooted in the traditional roles given to men and women in the society,with some held primodial beliefs of role women and girls play in the society devoid of facts,truth and mental ability,which consequently promotes denial of the girl fundamental individual right of. Freedom of choices. Denial of access to education,extra hurdle jump for recognition, construct biases on religious views,denial of collateral rights I.e property or land in some cultural practices,gender based violence amongst others are issues over two hundred million women in Asia, Africa are confronted with.

The Nigerian narrative is horrid with numerous challenges girls and women across the nation battle against the odds for recognition, physical and sexual abuse,denial of right to education,denial of right to individual choices, breach of fundamental right to life caused by fear and violence amongst others are the plight of 1 out of five Nigerian girls.
Its however shockingly tragedic with consternation that this challenges are treated with kid gloves and are brutally normalised in some clans, this however deals an acute blow on socio-economic development,gender integration and social progression on any society that condons such. The situation is even more complacent in Northern Nigeria with a sixty percent mark.

The arising   need for more purpose driven and impactful National self awareness to alter personal behaviours which perpetrate gender bias rooted and premised on the need to accord equal respect and deal with violence against women whether physical or sexual abuse as violence against mankind is pertinent with a rebuking message campaign. Also a network of community support group should be developed for supporting victims of abuses while creating a lead mentality out of such trauma. Boys and Men across the country should also stand up against any form of marginalization pepetrated against any girl in their immediate environment and must display outright disdain against any form of abuse,while championing action cause against such and providing support base for victims and insulation from stigmatization.

The girl child deserves an equal,violence free and social value free society "real men don't abuse women". Say no to psycological, physical, emotional abuse against girls today for a greater society for development and integration. Being indifferent and persive is equal to chasing ants,and leaving out elephants in the room in our bid to soar high and achieve meaningful development our political, cultural and societal values must promote equality and shun "unbridled bias", an urgent call for the National Assembly to expedite process on the Gender equality bill and ensure its passage and operation into our laws to enhance and promote a more gender equal virile Nigerian society in all facets of national discuss.

By: Amos Isaac Tasheyon.

Frankly Speaking

Frankly speaking;Peter Obi

"When I was governor of Anambra state I spent ten million on a trip to Abuja,with about thirty entourage on the forth trip I realised I was the only one that was needed in Abuja,so I decided to travel alone and save the money;Nigerians it is time to take your own destiny into your hands,especially you young people,take back your country it is your future they are toying with,get involved in politics"

Peter Obi former governor of Anambra state.
That were extracts from the most revelling speech of the day on october 1st 2016 at the PLATFORM SEMINAR a leadership summit where notable dignitaries were invited to expound on various national issues of interest.
When former governor Peter Obi descended the podium it was an explosion of chagrin from the gentlemen and women audience everyone giggle and wrinkled with bitter exhalation when he munched out those words, it wasn't an economic expert probably disgusted with the government or a blogger who wants traffic on his blog, neither was it some human right activist or disgruntled politician it was one of the so called elite that was easperated on by the way this so called selfish,henious hearted,jaundicers who have hypocritically manouvred people's mind and enjoy the people's sacred trust into public office  profligately fritter our commonwealth away and leave us in the lurch of brutal suffering and  corroding the future off for the worst even for generation on born.

Public office is so gratifyingly alluring and merchantily in this part of the world that they will rather die than not win elections. But it is suppose to be service to humanity, no that's not the Nigerian perception it is the most lucrative money making franchise, only a few less value adding folks numbering about 469 fritters off about 155billion off the national coffers yearly without generating a dime as revenue for government,but to your huricane 55 complete shocker, their is still an institionalized corruptive system pads the national expenditure dastardly theively and wear a corruption muffler in support of stealing,their is even no more honor amongst theives.

The cost of goverance is just too bogus,the nation is currently recession plagued, what sane government exist on this noble planet that wouldn't  have cut salaries of public office holders and introduce austerity measures not here in Nigeria, the oil money has dipped, no more sharing big from the big pot of money, we might not be able to augment the budget 30percent but presidential fleet and the 150million bullet proof cars must be imported.
I don't want to wail,kick and sob and rant like a noise-maker its only a wake up call for the youths to read the ropes and the signs its foretells,until Haiti was reduced to nothing the parasites will not let the sleeping dog lay in peace.

Get involved and do something great, save our country from the ravenous claws of this rampaging looters who are just undermining our tommorrow, not with a greedy inordinate desire for euphemeral gains but for service to humanity, in the words of Mahatma Gandi who was born on this day he says"A small spirits of determined spirits fired by unquenchable faith in the mission can alter history.....be the change you want to see" Arise oh compatroit Nigeria young people and save the future the looters aint gonna stop until we say STOP!

We must ask for more transparency and accountability,ploughing of resource wastages and over duplication of government parastals,strengthen our institutions and most pertinently reduce to the barest minimum the cost of governance if  Peter Obi could save 368million from refurbishing a fire razed government house and invest it into building roads and infrastructutal developments then we should appreciate heed for a more pragmatic fight against corruption.

By: Amos Isaac Tasheyon

NYSC CDS GROUP IN AKWA IBOM COMMISSIONS PROJECT

Community Development Service (CDS) is one of the four (4) programmes of NYSC in which corps members contribute positively to the development of their host communities throughout the service year.

These programmes are aimed to revolutionized the communities in the areas of education, health care delivery, agriculture, communication, infrastructure, technology, economic empowerment, poverty eradication, social services and above all, national consciousness and socio-cultural regeneration.

These programmes can be executed either personally or group wise.
In view of this, the Environmental, Sanitation and Beautification CDS Group of Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state embarked on the erection of a reinforced concrete sign post, which serves as directional aid for people traveling and shuffling between Ikono and Ikot Ekpene.

The project was commissioned on Thursday 29th September 2016 at Ndiya Etuk which serves as the boundary between Ikono Local Government and Ikot Ekpene Local Government and had in attendance the NYSC State Coordinator who was represented by Mrs. Margaret Udoette (who happens to be the Local Government Inspector of Ikono LGA), the Assistant Local Government Inspector of Ikono LGA, Mr. Isaac Akpan, Corps Members and host of others.

In his welcome address, the President of the group who led the successful execution of the project, Corper Nwachukwu Peter said, the project was born out of a collective desire of the group to render effective service to the country. The project is aimed to give a reasonable aid and clear direction to any road user traveling or shuttling between Ikono and Ikot Ekpene.

He thanked all the group members for their support, dedication and team work. He further appreciated the Local Government Chairman of Ikono, Hon. Pius Itoro Columbia, the Paramount ruler of Ikono, the Village head of Ndiya Etuk, the club’s project coordinator, Corper Christian Efandodor and the structural designer, Engr. Moses Attah,
The Assistant Local Government Inspector, Mr. Isaac Akpan appreciated the group for believing in their joint ability and for also supporting the leadership of the group for the achievement of the project for being the only CDS group that did a public CDS project during the Batch B 2015/16 service year.

The L.G.I Mrs M. Udoette then commissioned the project and expressed her profound gratitude to the group for successfully embarking and completing the project despite numerous odds and challenges they encountered.
The event thereafter featured a photo session and refreshment.
Congrats to the Environmental, Sanitation and Beautification group of Ikono LGA, Akwa Ibom state.

Corper Oladapo Siyanbola
Twitter and IG handle- @dapo_dmart