Myne Whitman Writes

Thandie Newton in Half of a Yellow Sun - I see Oscars not Race

2012-01-27T01:11:00.000-08:00

Things are definitely looking up for Nigerian Literature in Film with the recent news about the adaptation of Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie into a movie. It is heartening that the financing is majorly from Nigeria (private equity), though the British Film Institute is also providing some funding.

Film Bloggers are reporting that the movie will be a directorial debut for another Nigerian talent, Biyi Bandele, playwright, stage director and author of Burma Boys. (If you have not read Burma Boys, you should look for it, I also hope that would be made into a movie someday.) While these roles have not been confirmed, Thandie Newton is billed as Olanna, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Dominic Cooper for the roles of Odimegwu and Richard respectively. I wonder who will act Ugwu, he was one of my favorites in the story, and of course Kainene, Olanna's twin.

Now, the producers of the movie are the same as those behind The Last King of Scotland (Forrest Whitaker won an Oscar for his role as Idi Amin of Uganda), and The Constant Gardener (Rachel Weisz won an Oscar for her role as an activist working in Kenya against Big Pharma). Actually, the main storyline of the Constant Gardener was based on true events in Kano - Pfizer was testing Trovan, an experimental meningitis drug, on children from poor homes without proper approvals from government.

Back to Half of a Yellow Sun, some commenters on the Shadow and Act Blog are not happy with the casting of Thandie Newton as Olanna. If you had asked me before now, I would have said that it should be an All-Nigerian cast. But that could've only been possible if it were Nollywood produced. Since it's not, I can understand the thought behind choosing the named actors. Thandie Newton is half-African, and more than that, she's a great actress and highly recognizable by both UK and the US movie goers. She has also been nominated for several awards, maybe this will be her first Oscar nod, and win?

Anyway, I'm too excited to worry about the politics of race at this stage. I wish them the best, and look forward to the movie. If you haven't read the book, now is the time to do so. I loved it, I laughed, I cried, I learnt a lot, and I highly recommend it.

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. When the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria seceded in 1967 to form the independent nation of Biafra, a bloody, crippling three-year civil war followed. That period in African history is captured with haunting intimacy in this artful page-turner from Nigerian novelist Adichie (Purple Hibiscus). Adichie tells her profoundly gripping story primarily through the eyes and lives of Ugwu, a 13-year-old peasant houseboy who survives conscription into the raggedy Biafran army, and twin sisters Olanna and Kainene, who are from a wealthy and well-connected family. Tumultuous politics power the plot, and several sections are harrowing, particularly passages depicting the savage butchering of Olanna and Kainene's relatives. But this dramatic, intelligent epic has its lush and sultry side as well: rebellious Olanna is the mistress of Odenigbo, a university professor brimming with anticolonial zeal; business-minded Kainene takes as her lover fair-haired, blue-eyed Richard, a British expatriate come to Nigeria to write a book about Igbo-Ukwu art—and whose relationship with Kainene nearly ruptures when he spends one drunken night with Olanna. This is a transcendent novel of many descriptive triumphs, most notably its depiction of the impact of war's brutalities on peasants and intellectuals alike. It's a searing history lesson in fictional form, intensely evocative and immensely absorbing. (Sept. 15)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lessons I learnt from my Mother - Bamidele Kehinde (Guest Author)

2012-01-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

I met Bamidele Kehinde on Facebook and decide to conduct this interview after I found out about her first book titled, Lessons I learnt from my Mother. I loved the idea of wanting to honor one's parents through a book and had Bamidele answer the following questions for me. Bamidele describes herself as a full blooded Nigerian, and from Ekiti state – one of the states in the south-western part of Nigeria. After primary and secondary education in Oyo state, she later moved on to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun state where she bagged a degree in History and International Relations and a Masters degree in Public Administration.

When did you start writing?
I started my writing career not very early enough but I must say at this point that my educational background in History really helped me when I later decided to start writing. My writing started as a favourite pastime when in 2008, I did not have a job after completing the voluntary service in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I sent in articles to the Life magazine in the Sunday edition of the Guardian newspaper as frequently as I could. This was how my writing came into limelight. Presently, I work in Lagos as an Administrative Officer. I hope to still move onto (work in) the other sectors of the economy, travel out of Nigeria to other countries of choice and take my writing career to higher heights in life.

Why did you write this book?
This book came as an inspiration to me on a particular day when I was coming back home from work. I thought of how my mother had deposited so much in our family despite all odds. She died in March 2011 and it was a big shock on all of us. I then thought to myself that her life, the lessons that she taught us and her person must be put to writing. I then decided to go ahead to write about her because I wanted to honour her and at thesame time, I wanted the whole world to know about her. The book is an avenue for me to give people (especially mothers), the chance to emulate her good lifestyle.

Describe the special qualities of your mother.
Initially, before writing this book, I thought to myself that would this title catch attention at all as everyone can almost boast about his or her mother but on the other hand, I decided to go ahead with the book because of these reasons.
First, so many people poured in so much encomium before and during the burial ceremony. The people she worked with and even the church members of the church she attended could not but tell of how friendly she was to everyone. They also made mention of how she was mature in settling issues that could have torn people apart.
Another special quality she had was putting in her best in the upkeep of her family. This is not to say that my father was not the breadwinner but she knew very well how to turn the house into a home. This endeared her to many people as they wanted to learn from her.
She had this habit of giving so much so that she gave whether the person was richer than her or not. This is a special quality because not many people could do this and she also made sure that we learnt this too.
The other qualities are the lessons I mentioned in the book. And most of all, the fact that she helped my siblings and I to be the best we could be is one special quality of hers that I will never stop being proud of.
This is why people should go for this book especially, mothers.

What was your publishing journey like from thinking of the book idea to holding it in your hands?
The whole idea of the book as I said earlier came when I was going home from work on a particular day in 2011 (some months) after losing my mother in March 2011. More so, I wanted to put my writing skills to use as I have never authored a book before. So, first of all, I jotted down the lessons and then made an outline of what I wanted the chapters to look like.
As a result of this, I checked the internet for publishing companies both within Nigeria and outside. It was in the process that I came across iUniverse publishing company in the United States of America (USA). At first, I was sceptical about any company I came across online due to the various fraudulent activities that abound on internet but after making the necessary research/findings, I became convinced about going for one of the publishing packages in iUniverse. I decided to go for the self publishing package. This is an experience of a lifetime as I never expected that the company could give me so much autonomy on my manuscript.
All the staff that were assigned to me were very patient, cordial and efficient. They even helped me to make the payment of the publishing package easy even though I had to pay ‘through my nose’ as I put in all my savings. The publishing processes were not too tedious and I got the value for my money. Finally after about a month, my book was ready. The publishing was finished in September 2011 and I got my complimentary/sample copy on the 3rd of October, 2011.

Is the book divided into chapters, what are some of them?
Yes, the book is divided into chapters. ‘Lessons I learnt from my mother’ is a 72-page book divided into 9 chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 are a brief introduction and her biography respectively. Chapter 3 is the first lesson which is ‘Always put your family first’. Moving further into the book is the chapter 7 which is about ‘Sex Education – A lesson to be learnt early in life’. I think people should get this book in order to get the best of the book in the other chapters. Readers will surely get the value for their money.

What books have influenced your life the most?
I have come across many books in life. I can remember reading Mills & Boon as a teenager. I can also remember reading Silhouette, Shakespeare books, James Hadley Chase books e.t.c. But the books that have influenced me the most are the books written by Bishop T.D. Jakes(God’s Leading Lady), John C. Maxwell, Late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, Heartsong Presents (various titles/authors), Jackie Mize (Supernatural Childbirth) and Joyce Meyer.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If I had to choose, I would go for John C. Maxwell as a mentor because his writings/books are very down to earth and everyone can relate to them very easily. He is not ashamed to mention his flaws and how he has tried to work them out. Also, I have noticed that he makes much effort in learning from other people too, he never sees himself as an island of knowledge. I hope to learn more from him for as long as he’s still in the business of writing.

What books are you reading now?
Presently, I am reading ATTITUDE 101. This is a book written by John C. Maxwell, the American expert on leadership. This is sequel to his books on the topics like Relationship, Leadership, and Success e.t.c and how they influence the way people make it through in life. I hope to read more of the books from Francine Rivers, Myles Munroe and other Christian novelists.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
In a bid to learn more about writing especially from Nigerian authors, I came across Abimbola Nelson (Diary of a desperate Naija woman) in the Laterna bookshop at Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. The book caught my attention as I briefly went through its pages. Other authors include Myne Whitman and Lara Daniels. These two have grasped my interest because they are females who have carved a niche for themselves in the industry and their works are very good reads.

What did you find particularly challenging when writing this book?
What I found most challenging about this book was making the outline of the whole book. I knew quite alright that I wanted to write a book in memory of my mother but it wasn’t easy arranging the chapters of the book. Also, another thing I found challenging was paying for the publishing package. The conversion rate of the Nigerian naira as opposed to the dollars was another challenge for me because the naira that I had to convert for payment seemed almost of very little value. This did not make me happy about my country’s currency.

Who is your favourite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I do not have any favourite author. I am more interested in many authors than having a favourite one because I believe that there are peculiar things that I can learn from each one of them. For instance, I would go for John C. Maxwell books on topics that relate to motivation and leadership. On books related to relationship and marriage, I would rather go for the books of Dr James Dobson. Wole Oguntokun is a columnist who writes for the Life magazine in the Sunday edition of the Guardian Newspaper – he is also one person I’ll love to meet. It is my belief that since there are many authors that their works strike my interest, then I can say that I do not have a favourite author.

What do you think of the Nigerian publishing industry?
The Nigerian publishing industry is an industry that has evolved over the years. By this I mean that so many things have taken place. Before, there weren’t many publishing companies but now, there are quite a number of indigenous companies. Also, awareness is being raised and seminars are being organised for budding authors by various publishing companies. This was not the case some 10 years ago. I think the industry is also producing more authors now unlike before when there were few authors who could only afford the exorbitant prices of the long established companies. The industry can only get better by the day.

What comments do you have about the reading culture in the country?
The reading culture has experienced a downward turn in Nigeria. It has gone so bad that there are but a few who really appreciate authors, their works and book reading generally. Many concerned bodies, civil societies and organisations have tried to raise the awareness of people towards reading but to no avail. For instance, it is very hard to come across a Nigerian reading newspapers or dailies in the bus/traffic on his way home from work unlike what we have in some foreign countries. Although it is not a strange sight to see men at newspaper stands discussing various topics of national interest, many of them hardly get to buy and take away the newspapers after perusing them at the news stand.
It is another sorry sight when one visits the libraries or book stores. You do not find buyers in the bookstores like you would find in the cloth boutiques or fashion stores. The presence of the internet has made matters worse in the sense that people would prefer to dub (copy and paste) the works of authors online rather than make their own purchases of such books. It is my hope that things will turn around for the better in this generation of ours. Wonders they say shall never end!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to those who buy your book?
I am using this opportunity to tell those who will buy my book that they will get a run for their money. Infact, the monetary value is of little importance compared to the intangible value that they are sure to get by reading the book. I know that a larger percentage of people who will buy my book are closer to their mothers so, this gives them a room to see their mums and what they have done in a new light. By reading this book, those who have not been good mothers will see motherhood as a blessing and will be willing to do things right. Those who have been good mothers will have evidence in the book and be able to use it to convince others. Even young girls can learn a whole lot from the book.
In summary, this book is a treasure that everyone who values motherhood and its attendant blessings must have because loving our parents especially our mothers, is something that is done the world over. Lay hold on this book and you’ll never regret you did!

Do you have an online presence e.g. facebook, blog, twitter or a website?
On facebook, you can get to my page and get more information about me by typing in ‘Kehinde Bamidele’. Or preferably, you can email me at chatwithbammy@yahoo.com. You can also find me on the LinkedIn network as ‘Kehinde Bamidele’. I welcome text messages and calls on my cell phone – +2348068903585.

Where can we buy the book, both in stores and online?
The book ‘Lessons I Learnt from my Mother’ is available on Amazon.com, eBay, Google and on www.iuniverse.com. Very soon, the book will be available for sale in bookstores. Thank you!

Thank you Bamidele. :)

My Bouari Weight Loss Experience - Day 1

2012-01-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to the newly opened Bouari Clinic in my area to meet with a health consultant and my contact on the corporate side. You see, I had been accepted to blog about their weight loss programme in exchange for taking part in it. The program normally costs $599 per month, but in exchange for blogging about my experience with it, I will receive all the supplements and unlimited support for free. I have done some research myself and I don't think these supplements are harmful in any way. There are mixed reviews online but in this case, I want to find out myself. This is the official blurb;

Bouari Clinic offers a diet program that is based on endocrine system support through FDA registered supplements (vitamins, minerals and homeopathic preparations) that make your system very receptive to weight loss. The supplements also support energy and depress hunger. The dieter then eats a carefully prescribed program of low glycemic proteins, vegetables and fruits that are low in fat.

After speaking with the consultant yesterday, I am sure I took the right step. As some of you may know from my post on the Relationship 15 and Now that we're in 2012, I have been wanting to lose some weight. My current weight is 154 pounds, up from 135 just before my marriage. It was hovering around 150 most of last year but now all that rest and enjoyment over Christmas have added their bit. My problem is that though I exercise regularly and eat moderately, I don't seem to lose weight. All that seems to achieve is that I only add weight sloooowly, #notwhatIwant.

My goal is to lose that 15-20 pounds in this 30-days programme and then I can use the tips I learn to keep them off. I'm very impressed at the support that is being offered through Bouari, the clinic incidentally is just 10mins away from my house, and I believe it will make a lot of difference for me. For many people, losing weight is about looking good, for me I think I look OK at my weight. However, my BMI is not so good, and I also have a family history of type 2 diabetes, which means I have to be extra careful.

I understand that a lot of hard work will be required from me, but Atala is very encouraging. I'm excited and looking forward to positive changes in my weight and health. Come with me on this journey, as I'll be sharing my progress with you twice a week. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments. If you're losing weight too and want to share tips, please email myne@mynewhitman.com.

New Beauty Secret Revealed - Fotoshop by Adobé

2012-01-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

This is the perfect option for people like me who don't want to watch all those make-up tutorials on youtube. And much more, not stick to that exercise and diet plan, LOL...Perfect!

Seriously though, look at these recent pictures of Beyonce, do they even look like she's the one? Hmmmff!

What Causes Couples to Grow Apart?

2012-01-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Last week when I first heard the initial reports of the impending separation of Heidi Klum and Seal, I was so surprised that I had to tweet about it. It wasn't as if they had been married that long, six years plus, but they had always been open about their relationship, renewing their vows regularly, doing stuff together, and popping out children every other year. So it seemed they had been a fixture for a longer time. Their official statement read in part;

"We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart."

And this got me thinking. What does growing apart mean? We usually hear the term "grown apart" among people who married young, in their late teens and early twenties, when they're still learning who they really are. In my experience, most people build their permanent personalities in their late twenties and early thirties and if you get married earlier than this, you have a harder road ahead in the early years. But in the context of two older people like Heidu Klum 39 and Seal 48, what really happened?

Love is supposed to be forever as is marriage but if we take the statement by Heidi and Seal at face value, love simply wasn't enough. Talk about deja vu, do you remember my post about personalities in relationships? I discussed the whole growing apart issue with Atala and we agreed on some reasons that may contribute;

1. Changed priorities - this may be in terms of goals and needs. So one thinks working 9 - 5 is enough for their job satisfaction, but find out along the way they need the creativity of their own business. This will definitely put a strain on the relationship in terms of time spent together, getting the other party on board if their own goal is tied to the 9 - 5, etc
2. Not knowing each other well before marriage - Say, a man falls in love with a bubbly soul of the party, and after marriage, she turns out to be a homebody who wears hairnet and sweatpants all hours that God made. The dashing bobo becomes a couch potato, satisfied by the news and sports channels. You get the idea. Sometimes this is as a result of a short courtship, pretense by the people involved, or simply the effects of marriage and possibly parenthood.
3. A marriage of convenience - Both people got married for whatever reason that did not include mutual love and respect. Could be that family pressure, societal expectation or the almighty biological clock made them do it. And then, they get the title, gain the responsibility, have the 2.5 children and the shine of the wedding ring wears off.
4. Physical attractiveness changes - this is clear enough. If the woman for example prefers a man with a six-pack, a potbelly that doesn't go away could be the basis for growing apart.
5. One of them does something the other cannot live with - This is where the big guns fall in - Domestic violence, infidelity, abuse of the children, crime, etc. and some smaller ones like loss of income, identity crisis, failing health, and so on.

Okeoghene asked, Is Divorce trending? And I had to answer that maybe it is. If you ask me though, almost all of the marital issues listed above can be healed through discussion, spending time together/apart and possibly therapy. Still, I accept that if a marriage is not working for the couple, and they have tried all other options to revive the love to no avail, it is better they amicably sort themselves out.

To forestall getting to that stage, I have this theory of "The Love Bank" where a couple both keep depositing affection, understanding, time, attention, compromise, respect, good communication, support, and cheerleading. The bank will serve as a buffer and comforter when misunderstandings, differences and down times come, as they sure will. So love is like the plant that keeps growing, it needs to be continuously nurtured or it will wither.

Please share other ways and tips to keep a relationship fresh and strong too. What is your view on divorce?

MWP - Cowards and Christmas Chickens by Seun Odukoya

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in the post about what to expect here in 2012 that I will be featuring some writers from Naija Stories. So starting this Monday, I will be posting some of the short stories that were submitted for the recently concluded Christmas Nostalgia Contest. The Contest Judge, Ikhide Ikheloa, rated this entry by Seun Odukoya 4th out of ten shortlisted stories, and it was one I really enjoyed. Hope you like it too.

The first time I killed a chicken by myself was in 1993 December, in my parents house in Lagos. I nearly kill myself join.

Thanks to my early love for horror movies the sight of blood did not scare me, but I was appalled by the idea of killing something that actually lived and breathed. Besides, I hated the shrieking of the chickens and would not have volunteered that year had it not been for Peju.

She was the daughter of a neighbor; a single mother who lived directly opposite my parents’ house. Absolutely gorgeous; petite complete with blue eyes and yellow hair (more like black eyes/hair; blame romance novels), and she liked me. I did not know events in the cosmos had conspired to help me make a fool of myself that year.

What happened was this: my immediate elder brother who usually did the slaughtering was away in the university; his first year in there and so, probably feeling like a ‘big boy’ refused to come home. The first three, all boys and older than him were out of the country. It was just me, my kid sister who was too young to hold anything bigger than a Barbie doll, our parents and Peju who was in my house because her whole family was away on a spiritual retreat and did not want her along. I was too excited to wonder why.

So Christmas morning dawned, and with it came the question who would do the honors of killing the innocent chicken. Truthfully, I was scared witless and would have stayed hidden in my room had Peju not come to tell me my mum was about to do it herself and then added that she; Peju, was scared like I was which is why she came in my room.

I was angry. Here I was with my ‘dream girl’, and she believed me a coward. I had to redeem myself so – jumping up and speaking in what I thought was a Barry White baritone but was actually a teenage squeak, I asked why mother would bother herself when I was in the house. As I walked towards the kitchen, Peju ran after me and held my hand. I was in heaven.

When I got there, my mum was about to do the deed and I drew back, hoping it would be done before I was noticed. I had forgotten that Peju was with me.

“Seun is here, mummy. He’s here to kill the chicken,” she said (or words to that effect). All the love I had for her evaporated that instant and I snatched my hand from hers, hating her with all of me. I walked on leaden feet towards the sink where mum was, also hating her for forgetting how young I was.

“I’m your baby!” I must have screamed at her telepathically, but she did not hear me, a small smile playing around her lips as she handed me the knife. My hand was shaking so bad I nearly dropped it, but I gripped it harder and climbed on the stool mum placed against the sink for me.

The chicken was bigger than I remembered.

Suddenly its eyes and beak looked really big, reminiscent of the ones I saw on the pterodactyls in the movie Jurassic Park; looking ready to pluck my eyes out. I was afraid, and only the thought that Peju was behind me stopped me from running out of there.

I gripped the chicken’s head as I had seen my brothers do countless times and started sawing the knife back and forth around the neck area, standing in such a way that my body blocked their (mum and Peju’s) view of what I was doing. Within moments I had the chicken’s throat open to the bone and it had stopped struggling, blood spurting sluggishly. Without checking properly, I grabbed it and, moving quickly, dunked it in the pot of boiling water prepared for shedding its feathers.

I dimly recall my mom shouting ‘duro!!!!’, which is ‘wait’ in Yoruba but it was drowned in a loud ‘SQUAARKKK!!!!!!!’ as the chicken, which was only half-dead reacted violently, spraying everyone in the kitchen with boiling water. As I was standing in front of the pot, I got the worst of it. I don’t remember what happened clearly but mum says I screamed, hurled the knife one way and myself the other. All I remember is I never entered the kitchen again that year.

Somehow mum caught me and applied honey on the burns on my arms and most of my chest area, clucking and shaking her head. Fortunately she and Peju had only been lightly touched by the spray. I was so ashamed.

When it was time to eat, I stared at my piece of chicken, half-expecting it to jump out of the plate and attack me. And Peju? She just held my hand through dinner, feeling sorry for me and making me hate myself more. But she never told a soul; which is partly why I carried a torch for her for a long time.

When my brothers came back and heard the story, they laughed and laughed after which they christened me ‘Mr. Hot Chicken’. For the first few months the name annoyed me, but after a while either I outgrew the offense or they moved on, I don’t remember.

Peju’s married now but I still run into her every now and then when I visit, during which she winks, smiles and whispers ‘Mr. Hot Chicken’.

I know.

Check out the discussion about Cowards and Christmas Chickens on Naija Stories

So what do you think of the story? I have to confess at this stage that at least two chickens have lost their lives by my hand. While I trembled the first time, subsequently, I was as steady as a trained assassin.

Have you ever killed a Chicken? If you have, how did it go? If not, do you think you can?

Picture Weekend - For those who like my Braids

2012-01-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I can never be a Fashion Blogger so be gentle with me. I already know there's no sense of style or color coordination. As for the postures, I'm shaking my head at myself this time. What of the Poncho and Sneakers combination? My only excuse is that I'm still looking for a stylist, lol. All credits for any nice shots go to the photographer, Atala. The setting is the Redmond Town Center sometime last year. Continue for more pictures, and do have a great weekend, mwah!

I'm really scared for Nigeria - Multiple Bomb Blasts in Kano?

2012-01-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

What is really going on in Nigeria? Somebody said on my TL that Boko Haram {alleged to be responsible for the blasts} is certainly not working for Islam. And I totally agree. This is more like political terrorism. It's unfortunate that the Government wasted 2 weeks on an ill-thought out reform on the oil sector that had the masses up in arms. Not only were the government ministers and the police distracted, the president equally channeled military resources unnecessarily to Lagos, a perfectly peaceful city. All these while several northern states were still in a state of emergency.

Now Kano, the biggest state in the north, and whose capital city is the economic center has been overtaken. And what a manner of declaring their stand. 20 bomb blasts going off simultaneously in different parts of the city, with security agencies being the main target. The Inspector General's residence and that of the Assistant IG are reported bombed as are several Police stations and an Immigration office. In some places, the attacks are by suicide bombing, while in a few places, the assailants engaged the police in gun battles.

This sounds like a movie, right? But it's not! It's not Hollywood or Nollywood, and that's why it's so scary. Innocent people are dieing for nothing! Because if indeed Boko Haram is behind this, what are they asking for? Sharia? Most Northern states already use that law. Surely they do not want to force it down the throat of the rest of us? That is why I believe this is political. Some people want to make the country ungovernable, some actually threatened it after the last elections. But I ask, at what cost?

President Jonathan mentioned recently that terrorists had infiltrated several aspects of government and recent events seem to bear him out. A suspected Boko Haram member was arrested, but escaped due to the supposed negligence of a Commissioner of Police. With a 24hours ultimatum of a job sack over his head, the IG started playing Kalo Kalo with the media. He has been found, no he has not, catch him and get a N50Million reward. Has the IG been sacked yet? Your guess is as good as mine. What a joke!

I've always suspected that the security agencies in Nigeria are all a joke, there to massage the ego of some top brass. And of course, the SSS is good to round up those who speak out against the government or any of its policies. SMH. How can 20 explosions be planned and no one knew anything? I hear BH is circulating pamphlets in Kano of more blasts to come. Is this a retaliation for their arrested members? What intelligence does the SSS and Police have on what is currently going on?

My final question is, What is the government doing?

Naija4life Launches the "Give a Book" Campaign

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Give a Book campaign aims to collect educational books which will be sent to Nigeria. The chief driver is Naija4life, the blogger behind A Pen and a Heart, a teacher and someone with a deep passion for education. Education has made a huge difference in his life and he says he will regard his life’s journey as unfulfilled if he fails to give back to society in any way he can. According to him, "we can be quite critical about the many wrongs in our society and most times rightly so. But I also believe we can take action by making small contributions that can only help improve our society. I’m a firm believer that whatever change we seek will only happen if we take action to accomplish them."

What is the purpose of this campaign?
Education remainss the key that will unlock Nigeria’s future. Good education can only be possible with access to books, something that many Nigerian children are denied.

How will this campaign work?
This campaign will involve awareness and invite people to donate old or used books they no longer need or are quite happy to give which are in fairly good condition. They can range from academic books, for primary and secondary school age, fiction, non-fiction etc.

Who can get involved?
This campaign is open to all. You can kindly donate a book or several books.

How can you get involved?
You can get involved by help spreading the word via your blogs, websites, through friends, family etc. This campaign is about the ordinary Nigerian children who have limited access to books and whom this campaign will benefit eventually. You can also get involved by choosing to become a co-facilitator of this campaign and be actively involved in its operations.

How long will this campaign last?
It will last for at least 6 months, up to the summer to enable the initial target of 1000 books.

Who will benefit from this campaign?
The plan is to partner with at least 3 schools especially in deprived areas in Nigeria in the first instance. The intention is to ensure that the books are donated for use in each school’s library for use by all students. Where a school library doesn’t exist then we can encourage them to set up one to enable students borrow or use these books for study. Do you know of any school that could benefit from this campaign? If so please get in touch and let me know how you can be of help in making the necessary contacts needed to get things started.

How will this campaign be funded?
This will be a 100% charitable campaign. They are not asking for money, only for publicity, and donations of old or used books for primary and secondary age or any book that will benefit young people. They'll also be soliciting for logistic support to send these books to Nigeria at the appropriate time. All books collected will be accounted for. At the end of the campaign, details of the schools where these books have been donated to will be made available. Regular updates will be made available on http://www.apenandaheart.blogspot.com/.

How can I send my book donations?
If you live in the UK or Ireland, please email me at: nnaija4life@yahoo.com or giveabooksaveourfuture@yahoo.com and you’ll be provided with the address where donations can be sent to. If you live in the US, Canada, or other parts of Europe, perhaps you may want to lead this campaign where you are which will be quite awesome if you can. Those in Nigeria, we would even rely on your massive support in recommending schools and mobilising where you are.

At the present, they've already collected about 100 ICT books which will be of immense benefit to Nigerian young people whose access to books is somewhat limited.

How can I get updates about the work of this campaign?
Naija4life will provide regular updates to show how much books have been donated and by who. Pseudo names can be used for those who don’t want their real identities revealed. He has contacted a media outlet in the UK (BenTv) and is currently in discussion to see how they may help get the word out to the Nigerian community and even others. He's also in the process of contacting VoxAfrica, another UK based media outlet for Diaspora people.

In whatever way you want to support, please feel free to send an email to nnaija4life@yahoo.com. Also please feel free to ask any questions you may have here as Naija4life will be coming over to answer them. He welcomes advice and constructive criticisms too.

Bald and Beautiful Barbie in 2012 - What do you think?

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000-08:00

I saw this on the news over the holidays and when Facebook sent a notification that a friend joined the Bald Barbie page, I visited and decided to post on it. The campaign was started by a group of women who have either battled with cancer or Alopecia or they have children who are going through chemotherapy and have therefore lost their hair. The women want there to be a doll the affected children can relate with, and since I have come to realize that Barbie is a role model for a lot of American girls, this makes perfect sense.

A lot of us, girls and women, are so closely tied to our hair as a big part of our identity and esteem that loosing it is usually traumatic. And in the case of cancer, there is also the pain from the disease and the treatment. So, though cancer is not a disease I'm familiar with - it is not very common in Nigeria and the treatment options are almost non-existent - I can see where the women are coming from. It's often heartbreaking the level of cancer here in the United States, especially among children, and anything that will make the situation easier for them is welcome.

I also remember a blogger (I think she has stopped blogging now) who sometimes posted about her Alopecia, and how it affected her social life and self esteem. The final reason I think this campaign makes sense is that even when you remove the cancer and Alopecia angle, there are people who choose to be bald. Now, if there's Barbie of various ethnicities, Career barbie, driving barbie, etc, surely there should be an option for bald barbie too?

Seattle Whiteout as Major Websites Blackout against SOPA

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

This picture should give you a good idea of what I mean by whiteout. Yeah, it's been snowing and snowing and snowing some more in this part of Washington, and it has been the same since Sunday. On Monday, we got about 4 inches of snow and it was enough to go out on our decking and throw snowballs at each other.
More snow is expected today, up to 10 inches in some places, and it has been labelled the no-school Wednesday in majority of the School Districts. That wouldn't usually have concerned me, except it also means that Atala will be working from home. Hehehe...

Now, add to that the fact that major websites have decided to blackout in protest of the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) and you'll agree with me there's a conspiracy somewhere. Anyway, SOPA is a Bill that may drastically change the way we interact with the web and which the American Congress is thinking of passing. Major websites like Google, Wikipedia, Wordpress, among others that believe it will be a cog in the democracy and freedom of the internet and are leading the campaign against it. It was fun seeing what the sites looked like. Enjoy and click the links for more info. Let me go and disturb somebody...

Knowing your Partner's Personality Type in a Relationship

2012-01-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

I'm the laid back one, chill and relaxed. With age, I've learnt to accord things and situations the necessary seriousness, but most times, I'm happy to go with the flow. Atala on the other hand is more 'do-things-according-to-plan-and-schedule type. I do not see our personality types as opposites, but as complimentary to each other. Still, we've had some adjustments to make. February will be our third marriage anniversary, and Atala and I keep discovering each other and working on a balanced relationship.

This was echoed in an interview by author Dicey Grenor in Woman's Essence Magazine. When asked what attributes she thought a lady should look for in a husband, she replied,

... it depends on the woman. She needs to look for attributes that complement her own. If she’s the passive, laid-back type that needs a take-charge Alpha male, she should look for that. If she’s a Type A, in-your-face, no-nonsense woman, she probably should look for someone who is not. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have commonalities. If she hates sports, she probably shouldn’t pair up with an athlete. Two movie lovers would probably be in heaven together. Complementary attributes bring balance to one’s life. Commonalities bring fulfillment.

I believe her answer is totally on point. During the last episode of Private Practice, one of the major themes was that love isn't always enough, and that sometimes, life deals love a TKO. Pete and Violet are separating, Addison and Sam's relationship is on shaky grounds. Sheldon cares for Amelia but it's not reciprocal, and so on. You just have to look around to see several relationships where love comes out the loser because the two people involved are not on the same page.

As much of a romantic as I am, I do agree that love needs some work if a couple is to match themselves as partners and teammates. For instance, Atala's organizational skills help us to remain on point with our finances and various schedules, and my more chilled outlook keeps up the fun and spontaneity. But there's something else I like which I think is also necessary, we can switch it up. Like when he gave me the birthday surprise, or when I'm the one driving some of our responsibilities.

I don't put much stock in talk of gender differences or roles, I'm more about knowing who you are as an individual. And then as a couple with your SO, you find out what works for you, with mutual respect. This makes you appreciate that a different perspective from the other person in a relationship is not a gender war, or a call to battle, it could be just another aspect of their personality to discover.

As always, I'll appreciate comments. What has been your own experience?

Blogger now supports Nested or Threaded Comments

2012-01-16T10:49:00.000-08:00

According to Blogger Buzz, this "means that it is now much easier to differentiate between whether someone is making a general comment on the thread, or responding to another comment on the thread." Who said Blogger was not a listening platform? As you can see, I've changed my template to take advantage of this development. I can now respond to individual comments without doing the whole omnibus thing with @this or @that. And what do you know, you can too! I mean, you can respond to me, or ask someone else to explain their comments. LOL...I look forward to interesting roundtable discussions going forward.

What do you have to do to enable this on your blog? Maybe nothing. Simply check your comments system and you may already be set. If the reply function is still not available, do the following;

1. Check that you have Blogger’s commenting feature enabled,
2. Change “Blog Feed” setting to “Full”, To check, or change your feed settings, select: “Settings, and then “Full” from the “Allow Blog Feed” dropdown:

3. Ensure you are using “Embedded” comments. To check your current comment form setting, select: “Settings, Posts and Comments, and select “Embedded” from the “Comment Location” dropdown:

Once you've done this, you’re all set to start a discussion with your readers. By the way, what do you think of my new template and colors?

See more details on Blogger Buzz

Picture Weekend - Christmas Eve at the Seattle Center

2012-01-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

Like I said last week, we didn't really get snow in our area last Christmas. However, there are some ways to experience a white Christmas without real snow. On Christmas Eve, we decided to wander into town for a movie and some sightseeing. I wanted to see the City Center xmas decorations at the Pacific Science Center, and Atala also wanted us to catch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol at the IMAX Cinema there.

First stop was the Fisher Pavilion for some skating. I had worked as a skating attendant for a couple of winters while I was in Edinburgh and had got on the ice a few times. I was hoping to get Atala to give it a go but he bluntly refused to fall, which is what you mostly do when you first try to skate. So we'll fall another day :)

There was a cozy display of a miniature town within the Seattle Center House and it was so cute. Everything was covered in white snow like substance and there were a few miniature figures to watch.

After that, we went over to the Fountain area to watch the children play in the water. I later joined them but those kids are sure stronger than I am. Or more carefree sha, I didn't want to get wet.

On our way back to where the car was parked, we detoured to the EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum which was on the way. Since we didn't have much time, we only browsed the public areas. There are a couple of showings I intend to go back for, including one of AVATAR - The movie.

Oh yeah, we both enjoyed Tom Cruise in Ghost Protocol on the IMAX. He was amazing, even if the movie was just there.

The 2012 Bloggies - Twelfth Annual Weblog Awards

2012-01-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, This is short notice, but I hope you'll be able to join in. Last year, as part of the Nigerian Blog Awards promo, I asked what is blogging all about? it was a very busy time for me then and I didn't feel up taking part in the process. This year, I'm more like "Bring it on!" I've just heard about the Weblog Awards, one of the oldest blogging awards out there - it started in 2000. A few years ago, the organizers added the African Region to the already wide range of categories covered by the awards, and this is me asking for your votes in that, and any other category you see fit.

This is the way it works;

1. Go to http://2012.bloggi.es/

2. Scroll down for the nomination forms

3. Fill out the nomination form with the names and URL of at least three blogs you want to nominate. Submit your vote and it will tell you immediately if it went through successfully.

4. Activate the nomination through an email sent to you (so yes, they require a valid email address)

5. You're done.

I nominated several Nigerian blogs in various categories and hope you do too. I wish you all a lovely weekend, have fun.

What Book are you Dreaming of? International Giveaway

2012-01-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

AND THE WINNER IS STACIE RUSSELL! CONGRATS!

The dreaming of Books giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer with several blogs taking part - Check the full list of participants. I am as much a reader as I am an author, and I'm dreaming of reading several books this year. After sometime of reading mostly Romance and Literary fiction, I enjoyed both the Hunger Games and A Song of Ice and Fire series in 2011. My reading will definitely be more versatile this year.

My Gift will be a book that is already out and which you're dreaming of reading in 2012. One Winner will receive their book(s) of choice (not more than $10) shipped from Book Depository. Only people living in countries on the Free Shipping List are eligible. To enter;

1. Mandatory - You must be a follower of my blog, (the Google Friend Connect gadget is to the right) and leave a comment about the book you're dreaming of and your email address.
2. Optional - Like my Facebook Page and state the title of the book of your dreams.
3. Optional - Follow me on Twitter @Myne_Whitman and tweet me about the book.

Comments close Midnight January 18, 2012 and I'll send the winner an email. Here's wishing you all a great year of reading and good luck!

Who should be taller - The Man or the Woman

2012-01-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Of course I know there are no shoulds here. We are all born with our different heights and our hearts will find love where they will. But let's just discuss this in a spirit of fun and no offense to anyone. Most women want a guy who is taller than them, and the reverse is the case for men, they want petite women, at least compared to them.

The Yoruba I hear, as part of traditional engagement, have the man showing he can carry or lift his fiancee. A friend of ours, male, says that in a couple, the woman should not be seen when she hides behind the man. Interesting way to think about it, I guess. I've heard some tall girls bemoan the fact that they only seem to attract shorter men. Some of them accept it and the men gladly, what is height anyway? Others hold out for their dream of a guy they can look up to, or who they can comfortably rest their head on his shoulders.

If you're a petite woman like me or Jada Smith, you may not have that problem. I am 5'1 and though he's no six footer, Atala is about 9 inches taller. I once dismissed all men of average height and dated a basketball player, not sure of his exact height but definitely more than 6 feet. Even I had to run after a while, not to talk of funny asides from people. Khloe Kardashian is tall but you can see how her basketballer puts her in the shade.

But what of the other side of the story? When the woman is either a lot taller than the man, or becomes taller whenever she puts on any type of heels. Are you of the opinion that such tall ladies should always be in flats? Do you know of any couples like that? Are you in one of such?

I'll end this with a joke I heard when I was much younger. My dad said a friend of his, who was on the shortish side, swore after an insult about his height that he would marry a towering woman. He did get his heart's desire, and after that he said his nickname was now Tallest. He said "E kpom Tallest, n kporo gi nwunyem" meaning, call me tallest and I'll call out my wife. :)

What to expect from Myne Whitman Writes in 2012

2012-01-10T00:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, how are you doing? It feels strange to post knowing that some of my readers may be affected by the events in Nigeria. Things are not settling down but are becoming even worse and that makes me worried. I urge everyone to try to remain safe during this period, and hopefully the country will stabilize soon. My heart goes out to those who have lost friends and family in either the subsidy removal protests or in the Boko Haram attacks. May the soul of the dead rest in peace.

By the way, that's my new look for the 2012 by the left. It's also my first weave since I did the big chop. What do you think?

To today's post, which is not really a proper post, I want to share with you all some of my plans for the blog this year.

First off, February. The last two years on this blog, I've usually had a theme for the Valentine month usually along the lines of love. So it was Love Extravaganza in 2010 and Real Love Stories in 2011. This year I didn't start early like I did last year when I sent out guest post invites by November, but I have some good ideas. One involves creative writing and the other love letters and cards. Hmmm...contact me if interested. :)

Next, I have got to the stage in Dunni and Bab's story where I can no longer share excerpts of it with you guys. I'm looking at a publication date in a few months, all things being equal. So in place of the Monday WIP series, I will be hosting stand alone shorts from Naija Stories. There are some amazing writers there and I'm sure you'll love to read their works.

I'm also going to be doing blog hops, both giveaways and blogfests so expect some of that. I'm already checking out the April A -Z challenge and I think I may take it up again this year. I'm talking out some plans with Atala on doing something to build the naija bloggers community, like we did with Cupid's Risk. This won't be story, more along the lines of a Blog Fest. We'll see...

Finally, the Picture Weekends will continue as will the other regulars including relationship talk, roundtable, news de jour, blogging and self-publishing tips, and guest authors. If you want to guest post or have anything you're doing featured, just let me know. I can also add logos and links to my sidebar for a limited time.

I hope you guys like the lineup - if there's something you want to read or see, please I'd love your suggestions in the comments. Thanks!

Picture Weekend - Leavenworth Lighting Festival 2011

2012-01-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

To my disappointment, we didn't get any snow last December, even up to now. Yes, disppointment, because I still like snow even though from my experience in 2010 when I had a book reading cancelled and almost missed my flight to Naija due to snow days, I still just like the idea of falling snow and everything being coated by the white stuff.

Anyway, as if a friend knew, she invited us to this festival in a city several miles from Seattle where she was certain there was snow. Not only that, they also have weekly Christmas Lighting Festivals where the town lights are switched on each evening. Leavenworth is a peculiar town in that it is mostly a tourist destination, and is patterned after a Bavarian Village. They have this to say on their website;

Remember when you were little, and you couldn't take your eyes off all the snow globes for the holidays? You remember your favorite? The one with the olde village straight out of The Sound Of Music? With the big horse pulling a sleigh downtown past carolers and kids sledding? Remember how much you wanted to step inside that snow globe? A trip to Leavenworth is about as close to the real thing as you're going to get.

It was indeed a great getaway. We went in the morning and spent most of the day there. About a couple of miles to the town, snow suddenly appeared by the sides of the road, it was like magic. Luckily, the roads had been cleared so we didn't need to use the snow tires that had been bought in preparation.

Oh yes, the horse-drawn carriage.

My first German Beer. Light and flavored, I loved it.

Schweinshax'n - or simply shank of swine. A bit like pork chops.

Loads of tourists

Our friends recommended the Taffy Shop

The wonderful carollers, they reminded me of my years going midnight caroling with other church members.

Before the lights go on...

The children get their fill of gamboling on the mini slope.

Santa Claus and the Mayor of Leavenworth

And the lights are on!

It was a great outing, our friends were great hosts and we all enjoyed the Christmas spirit of the town. I don't mind adding it to the Christmas must-do's whenever we're here for the holidays and there's no snow. :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Mwah!

Now that we're in 2012

2012-01-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

I can't help looking back to last year and examining the events that took place. I am also looking forward to all the rest of the days and weeks of this year. In the process, I got this list of questions from an author I follow on Linkedin - Dawn James (Raise your Vibration; Transform your Life) as a way to take stock.

1. What are you most proud of from 2011? My relationship with Atala, a new book published in March; A Heart to Mend and A Love Rekindled becoming Bestsellers in July/August.
2. What are you grateful for from 2011? For life and love, for my family's health, for the support from friends known and unknown.
3. What are 3 things you will leave behind in 2011? Those extra pounds that I have yet to shed. :)

4. What has brought you the most joy in the past year? This is a who, and I'm sure you can guess.
5. How can you bring more joy into your life? Do more of the things I enjoy doing, help more people, give of my time and resources in volunteering.
6. What is something or someone in your life that drains you? Something rather.
7. What can you shift in your life to allow you to release what drains you? Indifference and grudges
8. What do you love? Many things.
9. What makes you smile? Couples and stories of love, happy babies, successful women...
10. How do you want to be in 2012? Loving, giving, successful
11. What is your intention for the New Year? Publish more books, mine and other people
12. How will you know you are staying true to who you want to be in 2012? Regular checks.

Of course I have abbreviated my answers here, I have a more personal one. After answering these questions, one is supposed to let it settle! Give yourself time to register what you have uncovered. Then, write out the answer to question # 3 (I would add the answer to #6 and 7 too) on a piece of paper, crumple it up into a ball and dispose of them. Allow these things you listed to be truly left in the dust as you transition to a better you in 2012!

On the Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests

2012-01-05T00:32:00.000-08:00

To say I am appalled by the current events in Nigeria is an understatement. It is unfortunate that the government has remained insensitive to the feelings of the general population on the issue of the fuel subsidy removal. The press statement has gone out from the FEC meeting that the goverment decision put in effect on Jan 1, 2012 would not be rescinded. What a pity.

Even more upsetting is the police brutality recorded in several cities where spontaneous protests sprung up lamenting the subsidy removal. In Kano, 42 people were wounded, and a young man was shot in Ilorin some days ago. I understand that Nigerians are aggrieved, and with the memory of the Arabian Spring, a lot of youths are fired up. But remember that it is not one or the other, it is not death or success. We can have a peaceful boycott that achieves our goals.

What am I saying? This is to those in Nigeria, please stay safe and urge everyone to do the same. For those already protesting, let them do so in a peaceful manner. To those outside Nigeria who are influential via the social media and other means, exercise your influence with caution. Do not ask of others what you are not prepared to sacrifice. Even if the masses succeed, it won't bring back dead protesters. So if possible, let's wait for the NLC organized protests or industrial action starting on Monday Jan. 9th, 2012. They will likely be police approved with less chances of violence.

Aluta Continua, but safety first.

I'm included in the 50 Nigerians who made a Difference in 2011

2012-01-03T00:11:00.000-08:00

By The Nation Newspaper, Nigeria.

Who would have thunk it? :)

Now I don't know who Our Reporter is, but I'm certainly grateful that they noticed and appreciate my work. When I got the email from Google alerts over the weekend, I couldn't believe it till I checked the website. In a list of notables and celebrities which included Goodluck Jonathan, Chinua Achebe, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Sanusi Lamido, Pastor Adeboye, DonJazzy, Dbanj, Mercy Johnson and Babatunde Fashola, I was tickled pink to see my name and the following citation;

Myne Whitman, Author and Literature Promoter

If there's anyone in recent years that have been vibrantly and unselfishly promoting Nigerian literature, that person has to be Nkem Akinsoto. Akinsoto, the author of two romantic novels 'A Heart To Mend' and 'A Love Rekindled', is however popularly known by her pen name 'Myne Whitman', a transliteration of her maiden name Nkem Okotcha, which she adopted as a secondary school student in Enugu.

Armed with a Masters degree in Public Health, Whitman who describes herself as “friendly, caring and fun-loving”, nowadays prefers to write, blog, and promote literature. A member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, she extends her tentacles to Nigeria via robust posts and criticisms on social media and most especially naijastories.com, a website she founded to promote and support Nigerian literature.

Little wonder she facilitated a session, "Social Media and the Book Publishing Industry", for the Publisher's Forum at the 2010 Garden City Literary Festival, Port Harcourt.

OK, so they have completely listed my full names, but it was never a secret anyway. Though I would've preferred a low profile for my person, I'm just too happy right now :)

Thank you all so much for your consistent support, I couldn't have continued on the road without you guys, and believe me, it is a hard road to making a difference. I have to say though, this is a time of small beginnings. By God's grace, the Myne Whitman brand and NaijaStories.com will be even bigger by the end of 2012.

Let's go there!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:47:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to 2012!

May this year be accompanied by success, progress and happiness in all we do.

And may God continue to protect and provide for us all. Amen.

The Naijastories Christmas Nostalgia Contest

2011-12-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

NaijaStories.com is pleased to announce another online writing contest titled “Christmas Nostalgia”. The purpose in running this particular contest is to encourage Nigerian narratives in Non-fiction even as we celebrate the season. There is just something very heartwarming about reading true to life recollections.

In Nigeria, only politicians and war generals seem to write or need (auto)biographies, but this should not be the case. In order to prevent collective amnesia, a communities memory is painted in by the personal stories of the individuals that make it up. Naijastories therefore, wants to encourage memoirs, diaries, and non-fiction of the personal variety.

Dates for Contest:

The contest opens December 12 and submissions end on January 5th 2012.

First round Polls – January 6th – 12th

Judging – January 6th – January 12th

Final Judging – January 13th to January 19th 2012

The winner will be announced by January 20th 2012.

Prizes :

There will be one (3) overall winners in this contest.

First Prize – 100,000 points ($100)

Second Prize – 70,000 points ($70)

Third Prize – 30,000 points ($30)

There will also be 7 consolation prizes of 1000 points each

Contest Guidelines:

1. You must be a registered member of Naijastories.com.

2. Submit your entry as a post with a title that defines your entry.

3. In the body of the post, provide the following;

a, the year and location in which the incident you’re recounting happened,
b, since we cannot determine your reality or fiction, the only rule is that the entry must be written in the first person, “I”,
c, stories should be set in or around the month of December or the 25th specifically,
d, we encourage happy or funny recollections but this is not mandatory .

4. Your entry should be between 500 and 1000 words.

5. Put the entry in the category of “Christmas Nostalgia” and press the button, “Submit for Review”.

Contest Procedure:

There will have 3 stages for determining the winner;

Stage 1. – All the entries that meet the contest rules will be put to the public poll.

Stage 2. – At the same time, the Naija Stories team will score all the accepted entries. This will be added to votes polled on NaijaStories.com to select the top 10 entries. These will proceed to the last round.

Stage 3. – Ikhide Ikheloa will select the winners. (Read about Ikhide HERE)

Judging Criteria:

- The initial site editor will make sure that entries stick to the criteria of non-fiction and the use of first person.

- Second round judges will be checking for clean use of the English language, so polish your grammar and keep typos to a minimum please! We will also be looking for creativity, so go on and give it your all.

- The final judge will be looking for great writing. Be genuine! Be unique! Be original! Use this as an opportunity to pay tribute to the best/worst/funniest Christmas of your life.

If you have any questions, please send a mail to info@naijastories.com.

New Year Giveaway - Win a copy of one of my books

2011-12-29T21:52:00.000-08:00

This New Year giveaway blog hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer with several blogs taking part - Check the full list of participants. My Giveaway is open to people in the US, UK, Canada and Nigeria between Dec. 30 - Jan. 3, 2012. Winner will receive a paperback copy of either of my two novels; A Heart to Mend or A Love Rekindled. You can read the books' synopsis on my Free Reads Page.

Also, to thank you for coming, my novella - Scores to Settle - is FREE on Kindle for the duration of this giveaway. Both Scores to Settle and Love Happens are also available in the Amazon Prime lending library. I hope you enjoy. :)

To enter;

1. Mandatory - You must be a follower of my blog, (the Google Friend Connect gadget is to the right) and leave a comment with the book you prefer and your email address.
2. Optional - Like my Facebook Page and leave a comment on what you plan to do for New Year's Eve.
3. Optional - Follow me on Twitter @Myne_Whitman and tweet me your New Year Resolution.

I will announce the winner in the comments on January 4, 2012 and send them an email too. Here's wishing you all a Happy New Year and good luck!

A Love Rekindled makes AfriKan Goddess Top 10 Books of 2011

2011-12-28T01:50:00.000-08:00

Book List
AG's Top 10 Reads of 2011
By AG Book Review Editor

Read the full List on the Afrikan Goddess Website

WIP - Leave Dunni Alone so She can Get Married!

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

“Who’s there?” a voice called out as Babs pushed open the metal gate to the vicarage. He recognised his father's voice and called out a greeting as he followed his friend into the compound.

Kingsley briefly greeted his father before moving down to the small guest house behind the main building. Babs went closer to the ground floor balcony where his dad sat alone.

“Ekushe, sir,” he greeted, prostrating fully to the ground.

“Welcome, Babatunde. I hope you and your friend did not have any problems out in the town?”

“No, sir. Everything was OK.”

“Good.”

“Goodnight, sir.” Babs turned away to leave.

“Wait a minute; I want to talk to you about something.”

Babs went back to the balcony and leaned on the rails, waiting for his father to speak.

“I was speaking with one of my parishioners some minutes ago, Mrs. Sofola. You know her, don’t you? We met her…”

“Yes, I remember her.”

“She said you interrupted her meeting with her future daughter-in-law, the Fayemi’s first child, is that true?”

That wasn’t exactly how it happened, but Babs saw no need to split hairs so he simply nodded. Feeling like a schoolboy being reprimanded, he continued listening to his father.

“She complained to me that you spoilt her chances of getting to know the girl, and she was afraid you had distracted the girl.”

Babs didn’t know whether to be outraged that the woman was spreading rumors about him, or happy to know that Dunni had been not unaffected by their encounter that day.

“What happened that day?” his father asked.

“Have you forgotten, you sent me to get you something from your desk.”

“Yes, I remember now. But that was before the time I scheduled for Mrs. Sofola’s meeting with…” his father stopped, and then pushed on, “never mind. I just thought to mention it. You’ve helped me around here in the past, and I wouldn’t want you to spoil that. The Fayemi’s and Mrs. Sofola are arranging a marriage between their children, and they’ve asked me to do what I can to support them. Please don’t interfere.”

“Aren’t we adults, Dad?”

“What do you mean?”

“Yes, I actually met Dunni Fayemi in your office, but while I don’t mean to upset your parish members, I won’t live my life to their dictates.”

“I should’ve known you’ll say that.” His father sighed. “Are you planning to marry her?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“So the answer is no. And it is my business because you also met her in my office for crying out loud.”

“I actually met her somewhere else first.” Babs replied.

“Look, Babatunde. Her parents and future in-laws are my parishioners. The young girl needs to be married for her sake and for everybody concerned, and you shouldn’t take that lightly.”

Babs knew his father as well as his father knew him. They had passed the stage where the other was trying to establish dominance over the men. It had happened subtly, but by the time he turned 30, he had noticed that his father spoke to him no more like a child, but like he did to other men. Their relationship, while still not effusive, had become even better after he began to help his father with fundraising and his general church administration.

But he was also not the young man he used to be; hot-headed and fierce, chaffing at the restrictions that always surrounded them as children of a priest. Don’t do this, don’t do that, remember who your father is, his mother would usually say. Maybe that was why he had been so rebellious in his late teens and early twenties. His mother would often sigh in relief that he’d not gotten any girl pregnant during his wild days. It had become easier after he got a job and moved out, and then of course, his parents had left Lagos and couldn’t keep such a close eye on him.

“Babatunde, I’ve tried not to comment on your personal affairs even though your mother regularly fills my ears, but this one is right under my nose! Show some respect.”

“I will never disrespect you, Dad, and you know it. But what’s done is done. I’ve made my feelings known to Dunni so the rest is up to her. Now, I’m going to bed…”

“Promise me you won’t push her.”

“Goodnight, Dad. I’m not promising anything.

“Don’t call her, and don’t encourage her to break the marriage arrangement.”

Babs did not reply as he walked away.

______________

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas? Enjoy!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-24T00:42:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm going to be featuring Nigerian musicians who have caught the Christmas fever. In the picture is Goldie Harvey, whose single, "We no be mate o", was fixed in my mind for a while. Eva Alordiah and Ese Peters in the video are lovely friends on Facebook and Twitter. They also have loads of talent and I know that much accolades await them in the coming years.

So here's wishing everyone a Fabulous Christmas and a great New Year in advance. Be safe and have fun, but don't forget, this is a season for giving. :)

I love you all. Mwah!

Chika Onyenezi - Sea Lavender (Guest Author)

2011-12-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

Chika Onyenezi was born in the idyllic city of Owerri, December 1986. He grew up in Amakohia a little village with a cool, pure stream running through it northward into the West. His literary career began very early as a child poet. Later he tried the short stories genre and penned Whiteman’s Blood. His very first short story, Whiteman’s Blood has been anthologized and critically acclaimed. It achieved “second runners-up status” in a short story competition sponsored by Spiderthief Publishing. It was then published in an anthology, Funeral Pants and other Stories. Later, he wrote his first novel, Locust Invasion. An undertaking that encompassed six years.

During the writing, he met an American poet, John E. Cashwell and his wife Anna online. They volunteered to edit the full manuscript of Locus Invasion because of its historical significance and creative ingenuity. Kimpa Vita Press, Norway, will publish Locust Invasion with more than fifty percent of the profits supporting special projects in Africa. During his Bachelor’s degree study in Computer Science at Caritas University, Onyenezi co-founded CAULA (Caritas University Literary Association) and raised a literary spirit among many students there. He is currently in European Peace University for a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies.

Enjoy my interview with Chika below....

When and why did you begin writing?
For me is a different story, I see writing as an obligation I have to fulfil. If I don’t, a vacuum will forever remain. When I was a child, I was fascinated about the process of creating books. I started dreaming of becoming a writer at the age thirteen. Dreams come through with action, so since then I have been writing. Always eager to improve my craft, studying the masters in the art and forever fascinated by the magic of creation which writer’s possess.

What inspires you to write?
I am inspired by nature and my surroundings. I never knew how beautiful where I grew up was till I left the place. You will see me still going back to the stream down our street even in my Biography. I don’t think I can ever stop being inspired by it and surprisingly it followed me into Sea Lavender. Earth is full of amazement, am getting a different angle here in Austria.

What was your publishing journey like, from thinking of the book idea to holding it in your hands?
Actually i bought a book from a vendor in Enugu; it was the work of Duane Schwartz titled Cobb’s Landings. At the back page I found the website of the publisher, A-Argus Books. So I wrote then about my book Sea Lavender. After two months I received a mail that my book has been accepted for publication with a traditional contract attached and an advance. I signed up with them.

What is the synopsis of Sea Lavender?
The voyage of Adrian, son of Ibem, tells the story of a wrongful coming of age. At a tender age he suffers the loss of his innocence; it marks an event that haunts his path through eternity. Lost in a mirage of “life shaped as a sea voyage upon majestic and malevolent waves,” the sailor Adrian begins to recall events that molded his existence. Beginning with young Adrian in the arms of Her; a maid that raped him at the age of four, he remembers the event darkly as the large mahogany door standing upon its hinges.

Sea Lavender bends a window that reveals the warped manifestations of cultism, violence, death, crime, and corruption at the highest levels of society. Defining one man’s life; a man that could be your neighbor, a man you might find gentle extending a hand of help, a man you might fall in love with, Sea Lavender foreshadows a highly complicated, emotional and provocative journey into the darkest night of human existence.

Do you have a major theme that runs through it?
Wrongful coming of age

What books have most influenced your writing the most?
Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
That is a difficult choice to make, but if I must choose, I will go with William Butler Yeats; his poems feed my imagination. I tried following him toThe Lake Isle Of Innisfree once, but is a difficult journey. I hope to make it up there one day.

What books are you reading now?
Am reading a book that my classmate Bradley gave to me after reading the synopsis of Sea Lavender, he thinks there is some sort of connection between my story and the book. The title is Painted Bird by Jerzy Kosinski.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes, a lot. I think Myne Whitman has done a lot for literature in Nigeria, Adimchinma Ibe for opening a new chapter in Nigerian Literature. I respect Kiru Taye, whom I follow her blog and lots of others worth mentioning.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Yes, giving my writing the breath of life. Without this breath, sea Lavender would be a failure. I was challenged to put things as they are. I couldn’t hide the fact that my character joined a fraternity in the University. If Sea Lavender will survive the taste of time, it needed the truth as it is. So after thinking it over in my quiet times, I used the name of a real cult in the Nigerian university system. But that doesn’t make it the truth, is only historical and still bears the marks of fiction.

Another thing was ending it; I needed an ending that was more experimental than normal. It is a fact that a narrator in the first person point of view cannot die, magically I gave my readers the ultimate power to choose if he survived or not. I had to think it for days before coming out with a perfect solution to that. The end of Sea Lavender is debatable.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I don’t have a favourite Author actually, but I have books that intrigue me, like Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, he can mine emotion from a heart of stone. Am attracted to Dubliners by James Joyce; the style makes me keep reading it over and over, the simple language and structure is something worth learning. Franz Kafka holds a spell in the art of storytelling; I respect him. Wole Soyinka’s Prison Notes is like my bible, I read it always. I will not forget For who whom the Bell tolls by Ernest Hemmingway; the simplicity captures me. It goes on and on and on.

What do you think of the Nigerian publishing industry?
The Nigerian publishing industry is not at its best now. We have uneasy situation there. Most of the works published by the major guys in the block are works of Nigerians who have made it abroad. This situation is discouraging a lot of upcoming authors. Well, am dreaming of the day when big publishing companies like Penguin and Heinemann will move into the market and explore the local talent. But till then, upcoming authors will have to either publish abroad or self-publish. There still one other option left, win an award!

What comments do you have about the reading culture in the country?
For me, Nigerians read books, but the question is: what do they read? Are they patronizing the local industries and indigenous authors? That is where we have problem. Nigerians are reading works of popular western authors. These books also are far cheaper than books published in Nigeria and readily available with super quality. You see we know the symptom’s, but how about the disease? It’s up to the local industry to cure the disease.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I love feedbacks, so feel free to contact me and tell me how you feel about my book. But like my Editor puts it, Sea Lavender will break your heart.

Do you have an online presence, Facebook, Blog, Twitter or a website?
Yes, I have a fan page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chika-Onyenezi/169087263132048 and a twitter acount http://twitter.com/#!/ChikaOnyenezi, my website is currently under construction.

Where can we buy the book, both in stores and online?

The kindle Edition of Sea Lavender was recently released by my publisher, is available in amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UIBW6S/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb and Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sea-lavender-chika-onyenezi/1106603938. The paperback will be out soon, but you can place an order from my publisher’s website http://a-argusbooks.com/Storelavender.htm, soon it will be available in bookstores in USA and also online bookstores like Amazon.

Mid-Winters Eve Giveaway - Gift Card Amazon US, UK, Canada

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

As this year winds to a close, I have been taking stock and counting my blessings. Writing-wise, it has been a marvelous year for me, with my first book, A Heart to Mend becoming an Amazon UK #1 Bestseller for Romance. I want to use this opportunity to thank all my subscribers (You can join by email or GFC), and book lovers everywhere who spread the word and made that possible for me and my books.

This Gift Card giveaway blog hop hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Oasis for YA. Several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts for book lovers. So if you're interested, Check the full list of participants.

In my giveaway, 3 lucky people will each win a $10 Amazon Gift Card (US, UK and Canada). To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter Form below. There are 4 entries, and you must leave a comment on this post to qualify.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WIP - I Have no Intentions of Getting Married yet

2011-12-18T23:53:00.000-08:00

Babs stood where she left him, her rejection ringing in his ears. When it was obvious she wasn’t coming back out, he walked back to where his friend waited, thinking over their discussion. He still found it hard to believe that she would actually go on to accept the arranged marriage her parents were planning. Even though he’d only met her just over a week ago, it appeared out of character that she would follow through with it; her personality just screamed independence. In fact, it was that very independent and outspoken personality that made him think she was the ideal person for a holiday fling.

He considered if it were possible she was leading him on, creating an elaborate plot to get him even more interested in her, but for what? He already desired Dunni, and had made it plain to her. So it was either she felt the same or she did not. He couldn’t believe she was trying to trap him into a situation where he might be forced to marry her. He wanted to say again that she didn’t look the type, but he had to keep in mind that he barely knew her. That they had seemed to connect on a physical level might not really mean anything in the long run.

“So, who is she?” Kingsley asked when he got back to him.

“I met her during the hike to Erin-Ijesha last week.” Babs replied, beginning the short walk back to the vicarage where he was staying with his family.

“Now I know why you were in such a hurry to spend your entire annual leave here in Ilesha,” Kingsley smirked.

“To see my family?”

Kingsley guffawed. “To see more of that fine ass, you mean.”

“You’re an engaged man, keep your eyes to yourself.”

“I’m not a dead man.” Kingsley retorted. “And it seems you have a thing for her.”

“What do you mean by, thing?”

“Well, I saw that you were really keen for her to join us at the Suya place.”

Babs shrugged. Yes, he did have a thing for Dunni, and there was no need giving his friend a hard time over it.

“When are you seeing her again?” Kingley laughed, slapping him on the shoulder.

“I’m not sure.”

“Why not?”

“She’s playing hard to get.” Babs kicked a stone as they turned a corner.

Kingsley laughed again. “That’s not very usual for you, is it? Most women would be falling over you by now. Hmmm…she lives in America, right?”

Babs nodded, an eyebrow raised as he wondered where Kingsley’s thoughts led to.

“Maybe that’s why she’s not playing ball.”

“How are those related in any way?”

“Don’t be daft, Babs. Not many women want to go into one night stands.”

“Who said anything about a one night stand? Not that I won’t take that if it was the only thing on the table, but we could have several weeks together if she wasn’t so stubborn.”

“Listen to yourself, Babs.” Kingsley shook his head.

“What? I’ve had girlfriends who were very happy with the arrangement.”

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely. You’ve seen some of the girls.”

“Are we talking about those your affairs with Lagos big girls that come to our office with their company branded cars? You call those one night stands?”

“OK, not that. But the longest only lasted for three months. Isn’t that short enough?”

“It’s long enough for the women to imagine they would change your mind sooner or later. I’m sure you didn’t tell them at the starting whistle that you just wanted to use them and dump them. I have seen your wooing style, I’m sure the women appreciate the chase. Too bad I can’t use them anymore myself or my fiancée will kill me.”

Babs kept silent as Kingsley rambled about his own relationship. To be honest, it was only with Dunni that he’d come out plainly to suggest a fling, because he’d thought the circumstances of her vacation warranted haste. With his previous girlfriends, he wooed them slowly and they’d just happened to fall quickly into bed with him. But there had been incidents with past break-ups where some of the women had claimed he deceived them. They said that by dating them exclusively, and being very attentive while it lasted, he’d made them think the relationship was more serious than what he said. He’d always found that funny. Why would they discount what he’d plainly said for fantasies in their head?

“If you ask me,” Kingley continued as their destination came into sight, “not only are most women unlikely to take up your offer of a short fling, at a certain age, they’ll slap you for even daring to make that suggestion.”

Babs laughed. “Hmmm…maybe Dunni did come close to doing that once or twice.”

“You see? It’s because she doesn’t live in Lagos or even in Nigeria. Like my girlfriend will say, women need easy and steady access to a man to keep hopes of marriage alive.”

Babs had never thought of it like that. Only with the last girlfriend had he remotely thought of marriage. Shade had been introduced to him by his sister and at first, she had appeared like the type of woman he wished to marry. To all intents and purposes, she was a tame woman that would not give him trouble or interfere in his business ambitions - a wife that would give him children, while he embraced the staid life of a respectably married man. Before long however, she had became too clingy and nagging, trying to monitor all his movements and how he related and behaved with the people around him. And while he considered that marriage was some years away, she had begun to plan the ceremony immediately they slept together for the first time.

After a few months of dealing with her paranoia, he’d changed his mind and walked out of the relationship amidst her tears and tantrums. In fact, it was only this last month that she hadn’t called him to take her back. At the end of it all, he’d decided that when he settled down, it would be with a confident woman who understood his out-going personality. One part of his mind pointed out that Dunni matched those specifications but he shushed it.

“Just as well, as I have no intentions of getting married yet,” he said to Kingsley.

Romance Writers of West Africa Bumper Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

The RWoWA (Romance Writers of West Africa) Bumper Christmas Giveaway is still ongoing. There will be 12 books by 5 authors and 7 winners!

- His Treasure by Kiru Taye (eBook to x1 International winner)
- Love in Paradise and Love at Dawn by Lara Daniels (Paperbacks to x1 US/UK/Nigeria winner)
- A Heart to Mend by Myne Whitman (Paperback to x1 US winner)
- His Sin and Obsession by Netty Ejike (Paperbacks to x2 Nigerian winners)
- Stormy Defence and Beyond the Lady by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku (eBooks to x2 International winners)

How to Enter:

1. *Subscribe to the RWOWA website by completing the Email Subscription form on the website.

AND

2. Follow @RWoWA on Twitter by clicking the twitter button @RWOWA OR ‘Like’ the RWOWA page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RWOWA

OR

3. Leave a comment on the Giveaway Post indicating your Facebook / Twitter name / email. Also indicate your location so we can pick you for the right book. E.g. US, Nigeria, etc.

The 7 lucky winners will be selected on December 30, 2011. The winners will be announced on December 31, 2011.

______
*Email subscription via the website is mandatory. Contestants can choose between following on Twitter or Facebook or both. Note that not all the books are available in all locations. See the book list above for details of availability.

Contestants must complete the above criteria to be eligible.

Rock your Curves - Omotola, Mercy Johnson, and Toolz

2011-12-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

I was doing some blog rounds the other day when Atala looked at my screen and did an imitation of a whistle. He was looking at this picture of Omotola Jalade, and asked if her backside was for real. I looked at his popping eyes and laughed assuring him that it was.

So, this post is an ode to curvy women. If you've got it, flaunt it. That's what Dunni in the book I'm currently writing does, and I tell you, Babs her love interest, definitely can't keep his eyes, or his hands, away.

If like me, your figure has the makings but is not really a coke bottle or an hourglass, be proud of what you do have. I promise you, everyone will still say you look good, if you carry yourself with enough confidence. Patapata, use Victoria's Secrets and Body Magic to create some wonderful illusions. I do think the ones below are real, if just a bit photoshopped. :)

Continue reading for the pictures, and do have a great weekend...

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Mercy Johnson

Toolz

How to Raise Kids without Losing it - Pamela Evbota (Guest Author)

2011-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

Pamela Evbota is passionate about helping women discover their purpose and she blogs at www.ladiesnetworking.com. Today, she shares with us some tips on purposeful parenting. Pamela is also an author, and her "Define Success on your Terms, 25 Simple Tips" is available on Amazon Kindle for $0.99. Her new book, ‘How to Raise Kids without loosing it’will be available for online purchase this week via Creatspace as well as on Kindle. To win a free PDF copy of the book, leave a comment on this post sharing any tips on how you parent your own children, and still manage to stay sane. :) Enjoy Pamela's article...

Four Ways to Parent like a Small Business Owner

It is time to take parenting like a small business - with a strong desire to succeed and achieve desired success daily. Our modern day lives are daily bungled by various activities and we are pulled in several directions as mothers. The guilt is piling up about our inability to be at our kids’ school events as working mothers or the inability to sit and enjoy sweet nothing conversations with our kids. Parenting requires innovative ways and support to turn our feeling of being overwhelmed and inadequate to feeling strong as to what direction we want our lives to be.

Here are 4 supports pillars for the mum who desperately wants balance and support in her life.

1. A coach – To help you bring out the best in you. Your coach could be your mother, mother in law depending on your relationship with them. To me the best coach is God. He will help you through the tough times and stressful days of motherhood.
2. A mentor – Which you can emulate. The mentor could be your mum, a neighbour. It has to be someone you hold in high esteem and appreciate her parenting style.
3. An Accountability Partner – To keep you accountable on your plans and other life issues. Being a mother is not all there is to who you are. You need someone that can help to hold you accountable on other dreams that you might have. An accountability partner keeps you on track. We all need an accountability partner in our lives.
4. A Dream Circle – This is a circle of trusted friends that you dream with. Circle of friends that will cheer you on as you pursue your life purpose. They are there to help you achieve success in business or your job for being a mother is just a fraction of who you are.

You need a team in place as you go through the emergencies and unplanned situations of your life as a parent. A team experienced in various fields of emotions and advice, a team that will not let you down. Above all you need to be a strong willed person to survive the terrain of motherhood.

To Your Success,
Pamela

Synopsis - Mothers, what is your identity outside of being a mother do you know what your identity is? Being a mother or a wife is loaded enough. Just top that with having a job or a business. All these roles can be pretty demanding and we are always expected to perform each task at 100%. The first step in keeping it altogether is knowing your strenghth and when to ask for support. ‘How to Raise kids without Loosing it’ is written in an everyday story manner where every reader can relate with the various situations as the writer herself.

How to Raise Kids without Losing it! will be available for purchase in Nigeria Dec 16. If you would like to pre order the book please also say so in the comments.

On the Budget and the Removal of Fuel Subsidy - EiE Nigeria

2011-12-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

Some days ago, I got this press statement from EiE Nigeria (Enough is Enough) on the current national debate about the planned removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. While I ultimately believe in the restructuring if not removal of the fuel subsidy, I believe EiE makes some valid points in this release. The budget has been released now, and it is even more obvious that the economic team of President Goodluck Jonathan haven't done much work in replugging the funds from the proposed subsidy removal into relevant sectors of the economy. Read the statement and tell me what you think.

_______________

December 12, 2011. Lagos, Nigeria – Despite the concerns raised from different groups and individuals, President Jonathan will, tomorrow, present the 2012 Budget to the National Assembly excluding the provision for fuel subsidy.

In her two appearances before the Senate Joint Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for the public hearing on “The Operations of the Fuel Subsidy Scheme in Nigeria,” the Minister of Petroleum represented the Federal Government’s position as follows:

"The fuel subsidy structure is inefficient, costing us N600bn (~$3.75bn) in 2010 and N1.3 trillion (~$8.125bn) from Jan – October 2011. The Federal Government cannot continue to pay as it’s unsustainable. By removing the subsidy, the savings will be used to provide critical infrastructure and services. Currently, only a small percentage of Nigerians (the marketers, middle & upper-class Nigerians) benefit. When removed, more Nigerians will benefit."

In the words of a Yoruba proverb, the Federal Government has, yet again, left leprosy to treat ringworm. While we understand that the current cost structure is unsustainable, Nigerians can no longer afford to pay for government’s inefficiencies. It’s too expensive (financially; productive man hours and human lives) and it’s also NOT sustainable.

Issues to Consider

1. A lazy, thoughtless approach
The government clearly finds it easier to undertake an unwise blanket removal of subsidy than engage in the discussion of trimming the inefficiencies in fuel subsidy management and in the running cost of government. The language is also deliberately confusing – one minute it’s ‘deregulation’ and the next it’s ‘fuel subsidy removal’.

2. How much subsidy?
The Interim Report on the Process and Forensic Review of NNPC by KPMG states “Based on our analysis, subsidy over-deduction for 2007, 2008 & 2009 was estimated at N2 bn, N10.3 bn and N16.2 bn respectively. A rough estimation of subsidy payment on product losses for the period under review (2007-2009) is estimated at N11.8 billion.”

Clearly, the subsidy management regime is fraught with waste, graft and insincerity; evidence that the ‘N1.3 trillion’ does not accurately reflect the amount of petrol imported or consumed by Nigerians.

3. A matter of trust?
To counter the argument that Nigerians do not trust the government to wisely manage the ‘savings’ from the removal of the fuel subsidy, the government is planning a subsidy savings management program. The details were shared by the Vice-President in a meeting with some civil society organisations on Friday, December 9th. Why has this plan not been made public? The questions and concerns that arise are obvious ones:

a. How does the government plan to calculate ‘fuel subsidy removal savings’?
Will these savings be the theoretical cost of the subsidy – minus cost of corruption – or the current (inflated) figure? Also, how does the government intend to remit same to this proposed quasi-government agency? Will this necessitate the setting up of another special account, in the manner of the Excess Crude Account?

b. The Obasanjo regime wound down the widely acclaimed PTF because it served as a duplication of the work of the ministries.
We agree with this approach.

c. Setting up a new body means an increase in recurrent expenditure for staffing, salaries, pensions, cars, running costs etc. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

4. No Effect on the Poor
The government’s assertion that the subsidy removal would have little effect on the poor is quite simplistic. The resultant increase in the price of PMS would drastically increase the cost of food, transportation and doing business, shutting down many small enterprises which directly or indirectly depend on the price of petrol remaining low. The middle class is the engine of growth by way of consumption and the SMEs that create jobs. Any strain on them is negative for the economy.

The Way Forward

The government should take a more measured and sustainable approach that takes into consideration all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. They need to:

1. Reduce Cost of Governance
The government must drastically cut down the cost of maintaining public and civil servants – security votes, multiple advisers, fuel guzzling convoys, excessive foreign travel and estacodes etc. Expenses such as (a) the Vice-President’s residence awarded to Julius Berger at N7 bn ($43.75m) with a request for N9 bn ($56.25m) more; (b) disbursement of N250 billion per year in ‘security votes’ to the President and Governors; and (c) a N1.7 trillion wage bill (2012 Budget) are criminal and unstainable!

2. Reduce Cost of Subsidy
Why does NNPC get 445,000 barrels of crude a day that it can’t refine? In 2006, there were 3 marketers; we now have 77. According to BusinessDay, “the increase has also been linked to this year’s elections and it has been suggested that the subsidy programme became an avenue for patronage extended to those with political connections.” Significant savings can be made on the bandied N1.3 trillion if the government will prune out the “briefcase marketers”, clean up the NNPC/PPPRA to plug waste and leakages, and tackle smuggling.

3. Restore or Sell the Refineries
This is of critical concern and priority. Increasing the capacity of our refineries would reduce the amount of fuel that needs to be imported into the country. How much has been spent on repairing the refineries in the last 12 years?

4. Provide Power
According to a 2009 report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC), Nigerians spend N797 billion yearly to buy fuel for powering generators. In 2010, President Jonathan said the cost of fuel (to power generators) was $13 billion. NERC’s estimates 32% of generator fuel is PMS. This means Nigerians spend about $4.19 billion or N646 billion on petrol, while the rest goes to diesel. Imagine how much fuel import dependence we can curb if this government fulfills the often-repeated promise of improving power supply in Nigeria!

Why has the government not presented a policy document or engaged openly and directly with Nigerians on this issue? Why the rush to remove the subsidy when other holes have not been plugged?

Enough is Enough Nigeria will continue the conversation by hosting a public Town Hall Meeting within the next 10 days to discuss the issue. In a country that provides no social services and the average citizen provides all basic utilities – water, electricity, and security; the government cannot remove the bread from our mouths while it continues to feed fat on its princely cakes.

We will engage in words and action. Enough is enough!

###

EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens. The coalition includes The Future Project; Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); RISE Networks; LYNX Nigeria; Chocolate City Group; EME and Light Up Nigeria.

EiE Nigeria created the RSVP (Register|Select|Vote|Protect) Campaign to leverage technology, especially social media to mobilize significant participation from citizens in the 18-35 age bloc in the 2011 elections and beyond.

What do you think of Adoption - will you adopt a child?

2011-12-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

So there was this post on Linda Ikeji's blog with a woman asking if she should leave her husband since they're childless. Apparently, there's nothing wrong with her fertility but the husband has low sperm count. I was surprised at the number of comments that called on the woman to consider adoption because I somehow assumed that most Nigerians do not accept or support adoption.

I've heard of some couples who secretly adopt and try to pass the child off as their own. I've heard people say they can never adopt, or advice people they know to adopt. They bring up all sorts of reasons why it's a bad idea to adopt, most of them emotional and maybe based on tradition. We don't do it in our family, they say, or what will people say? Others ask, what do you know of the child, and what if his/her parents have a shady past or background?

Personally, I've always been a supporter of adoption, and still hope to adopt a child someday, as a baby or a child. I will definitely advise any couple struggling with fertility issues to adopt, I read somewhere that it actually reduces the stress on them and may ease their own conception. It's also a way of giving back that is very non-self serving, if at the same time, very rewarding. In this instance, I kinda think nurture trumps nature. My parents brought up a lot of children, including relatives and househelps, and even if they didn't legally adopt them, it is the same difference. I don't agree it is not our tradition.

I'll quit rambling now.What about you, what do you think? Would you adopt?

WIP - Never a worse Place and Time

2011-12-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

They walked in silence for the first few minutes, thoughts running riot in Dunni’s mind. She was beginning to come to terms with her attraction to the handsome hunk walking beside her, but she wished she’d met him in different circumstances. She sometimes imagined they’d clashed in a boardroom on different sides of the table, the heat sparking between them as they vied for a high profile account. For weeks they would ignore themselves, only giving in after she had won the client. Then he would invite her for a drink, forgive her for besting him, and they would find out how much they had in common, which would include Suya.

“So who’s the wrapped suya for?” Babs asked. “Some young children around?”

“None of mine, if that’s what you’re asking,” Dunni replied, “they’re for my parents and me too.” She smiled at the thought of eating the tasty meat again.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’re…”

Dunni waved the rest of his words away. She was in too much of a good mood to be offended, and she knew he meant no harm. Most Nigerians usually wrapped bits of what they had at an outing for the children back at home, and her father actually still did it.

As their destination came into view, Babs stopped and turned towards her.

“How can we see again? I am here for only a week more, you know.”

“Why should I care about that?” she asked flippantly even though her heart began to thud in her chest as he took her hands in his. This time, she did not pull away, hoping to wean her body of the novelty of him. Her palms tingled in his, almost like they were pulling her whole body towards him. She stepped back deliberately, but left her hands where they were.

He covered the small distance between them in one step. “Don’t tell me you don’t know.”

Before she could reply, he ducked down and kissed her. It was a brief kiss, nothing more than him touching his lips to hers, but as she watched him lick his lips like he had just finished a delicious meal, a slow heat bloomed in her. The now familiar smile stretched across his face as if he recognized the look on her face, and he moved in close again.

Dunni was now ready for him, and pulled away from the arms he was about to wrap around her waist.

“No more kisses.”

“What?” Babs leaned back, “You can’t be serious.”

Dunni looked quickly up into his face to see if he was annoyed, but he was smiling wider.

“You can’t kiss me like you did in my father’s office and then say no more,” his voice went low and caressing, as his thumb rubbed back and forth over the lines in her palm. “I still think of that kiss, you know. You don’t want to know about the dreams I’ve had. Hot, sweaty…”

“Enough!” Dunni turned away, scrabbling to hold on to her defenses. It would be so easy to give in to his seduction, but he was so wrong for her. There couldn’t have been a worse place and time as well.

“Tell me the truth.” He came to stand beside her, waiting till she looked at him before continuing, “Would you really have nothing to do with me?”

She blurted out the thought foremost on her mind. “You’re so wrong!”

Immediately the words escaped, Dunni knew she had to gather her wits. It wouldn’t do to expose herself so much to him. She had two more weeks left in Nigeria and she had to remember that her father was her main reason for being here. After her vacation, her life was back in the United States. She shook her head as she recalled his earlier words. The guy was only giving them one week, while she was building castles in the air. In that moment, a way to keep him away occurred to her. As she turned it over in her mind, his voice interrupted.

“How do you mean? You’re here on vacation, and I have some days off to play with as well. We’ve both determined the attraction between us, and I for one can’t wait to explore it fully.”

“You mean you want us to get married?” Dunni threw down the challenge and faced him. She almost smiled as he seemed to jump a foot.

“What?” he snapped.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I’m home to find a husband. So, unless you’ll take me up on the offer, then no thanks, I can’t start an affair with you.”

She enjoyed the sight of the little o his open mouth framed as she plowed on. “I don’t have enough time as it is, so that would just be a distraction.”

He finally pursed his lips, and spoke. “Are you toying with me?”

Dunni couldn’t help laughing at that stage. “Why would I do that? You can ask your father if you doubt me. My mother introduced me to him on Christmas day. Didn’t you wonder what I was doing in his office with that woman?”

“Mrs. Sofola? Go on,” he urged when she did not say anything else.

In the darkness, his deep-set dark eyes had a hypnotic quality that she found hard to resist. Dunni wondered if she was not talking too much. What had started as a way to get him off her back was turning into a catharsis of her frustrations with her mother’s manipulations.

“Talk to me, Dunni.”

Now that they’d spent more time together, he was far from the cocky lothario she had imagined that first time she saw him. While his handsome sexiness was undeniable, he also had a softer, more compassionate side, the side that she had seen as they chatted with his brother at the suya spot. She exhaled gustily, going on to tell him about the needling from everyone about her non-married status, and how her mother had decided it was time she did something about it. “Well, she and Mrs. Sofola have agreed that I am to marry her son.”

“And you will? Marry this man, I mean.”

Dunni nodded, looking away. Of course she would do no such thing. But if this would keep Babs away from her, she would use it.

“Do you know him?” she asked in the silence that followed.

He shook his head, slowly. “I’ve met Mrs. Sofola a couple of times through my father but I don’t know her children. But does it matter who he is? You don’t look to me like the type of daughter that would do something just because her mother wants it.”

“And how would you know that?” Dunni flung her braids behind her.

“That tells me,” he gestured at her hand, still at her shoulder. “And have you forgotten so soon how we met, and the names you called me?”

As he spoke, a twitch pulled at his lips and Dunni smiled back at him. Echoes of their first meeting washed over her and at that moment she felt closer to him than she’d felt to anyone for a long while, except maybe to her family. In the next moment his arms were around her waist, cradling her close to his chest.

“I want you so much,” he murmured into her hair, his breath fanning her ear. “Give us a chance and I swear you won’t regret it.”

Their bodies were flush against each other and she felt the evidence of that desire against her lower tummy. His heart hammered against her breast but as far as she knew he felt only one thing and one thing alone for her, and that was not enough. She believed in love, and she knew Babs was the kind of man she could lose herself in. She closed her eyes as he drew her closer to him, blowing softly against her neck and moving his hands up and down her arms, barely touching her skin. When those large warm hands moved over her shoulders to cup her chin, she knew she had to be strong and push down her own feelings, or she would be lost.

Dunni took hold of his wrists and pulled them slowly away from her face.

“I stand by my words.”

“Really?” Babs asked, “even after what has just happened?”

“Yes.” Her voice was low as she walked away, not looking back when he called her name. She was glad to push open the gate to her parent’s and then close it, putting the feel of his eyes on her back, behind her.

The Big Love Christmas Giveaway - Nigeria

2011-12-11T03:44:00.000-08:00

The BIG LOVE Christmas Giveaway - Making a wish come true, will run from the 1st to 31st December, 2011 providing an opportunity for Companies, Individuals, Families, Groups and Celebrities to give back, no matter how little. Their aim is to improve livelihoods by creating access to items/products/support services that some people would otherwise not have access to/ or be able to afford.

To achieve the needed reach, this initiative is driven by technology through a comprehensive website portal – ‘www.thebiglovegiveaway.org’; where the givers can register their gifts and potential receivers can also register to get specific gifts based on the stipulated criteria for each one. A mobile phone application has also been developed to serve smart phone users and get more people to participate.

Also provided is an opportunity for those who do not have access to the internet to benefit from this initiative through ‘Love Boxes’, which will be packaged with a variety of products received from Givers and relevant to the group or person receiving it. Thus far, commitments in gifts is to the tune of about N1million and more people are still registering to give.

The Big Love Giveaway is the brainchild of Abosede Alimi, a communication and development professional, She was the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Keystone Bank Limited (Formerly Bank PHB Plc) until October 2011. She began her career in Development about 8years ago at ActionAid international Nigeria, after graduating with a BSc in Political Science from Igbinedion University. Ms Alimi participated in the first Nigerian business reality TV programme, the Bank PHB Intern show in 2007 where she emerged 2nd runner up; exhibiting skills and talents that endeared her to the hearts of millions of TV audience that followed the programme on air.

Ms Alimi recently earned a distinction from the University of Reading, UK where she studied for an MSc in Communication for Innovation and Development. Back2Basics Concepts (B2BC) is conceptualized as a development organization aimed at using simple innovative solutions/ideas in media communications, design and technology to solve social, economic and environmental problems. Abosede leads the team as Innovations Director.

How It Works
Simply log in to the website @ www.thebiglovegiveaway.org; register to be a giver or receiver of a gift in one or more of the categories. You do not pay at any point. Participating as a giver or receiver is free. The process of registration has been made as simple as possible and Facebook allows you to do it in less than a minute.

How to apply for a gift?
Simply click on the category from the category list, go through the list of gifts in that category and select the field ‘apply for gifts’. Fulfill all criteria and requirement where applicable to be a receiver of the gift. You will be contacted by email if you are the recipient of a gift you applied for. The BIG LOVE Giveaway team will contact you with details of where to pick up your gift and what to bring for proper identification. Also, there will be general announcements on gifts that have been taken, so check the website from time to time.

Like the Big Love Giveaway Facebook Page

Six out of Ten women in Nigeria are Unfaithful?

2011-12-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know what to say to this news which has been floating around recently. The Durex Sexual Well-being Global Survey conducted by the condom manufacturer, interviewed 26,000 people in 26 countries and ranked Nigerian women as the most unfaithful in the world.

Daily Times reports that "the top two countries with cheating women are Nigeria, with 62 percent, and Thailand, 59 percent. 39 percent of Malaysian women also confessed to having betrayed their partners. Russian women came fourth at 33 percent while Singaporeans are fifth at 19 percent." From a link I got in the comments, I went to the Durex survey methodology page where I found the following information.

- The survey was conducted during August and September 2006 by a research agency called Harris Interactive.
- Random samples of participants aged 16 + or 18+ were sent an email invitation to participate in the survey.
- The sample was primarily sourced from Harris Interactive’s internet panel.
- An online approach was adopted in 25 countries: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands,New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA.
- For Nigeria a face-to-face/self completion approach was adopted, due to the low use of internet and telephone.
- They used a sample size of 1,000 for the majority of countries surveyed.

Which brings me to my conclusion. A sample size of just one thousand is just too small to reference a population of at least 70million women in Nigeria. Also, a face to face interview method tells me that the sampling was not as random as the other countries. I think the location and manner this method leaves it open to more prejudice than an online sampling. For instance, it is very probable that only women in Lagos were sampled, or women found at sexual health clinics, or women who might not really understand the questionnaire. Vera Ezimora also thinks Durex left out the fine print.

With all that said, I'm not vouching women as saints. Women cheat, and where it is likely that men cheat a lot, it is also more likely that the numbers of unfaithful women will be high. Is this the case in Nigeria? You tell me.

Gift Card Giveaway - International

2011-12-08T23:12:00.000-08:00

WINNER ANNOUNCED - Congrats to Jacqui Odell : USA

This Gift Card giveaway blog hop hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer. Several blogs are taking part, with lots of chances to win gift cards and book prizes. Check the full list of participants for more opportunities to win. My giveaway is one $10 electronic gift card from Amazon.com/ co.uk/.ca. The rules are;

1. You must be a follower of my blog - the Google Friend Connect gadget is to the right,
2. Leave a comment with your Country/Continent and your email address.

Thanks and good luck!

White Trousers no go put me for trouble!

2011-12-07T23:47:00.000-08:00

Dat morrin as I wan baff na so I dey put ear for dis babe music, Omawunmi, dat song wey she sing say, ‘If you ask me, na who I go ask?’ My madam don comot tey tey and I know say before she go come back e go still tey, so I say before I baff make I carry my body go upstairs for her and oga room. E get one fine white trouser wey she buy and I be one go taste am because I hear say person yansh dey come out well well for white trouser especially if you no wear pant or you wear g-string. Before I go continue my tori make I talk about my madam and oga dem.

My Madam: She no too good, she no too bad. Sometimes when I go market come back late, she no go even send me. She go just talk say, “Ehen, I know you went to see your boyfriend. Thank God you didn’t stay too long. Now hurry into the kitchen, my baby would soon be back.”

And sometimes when I wash clothes and the ting still get small stain, she go talk say, “You are too dirty Mary, sometimes I wonder if your undies are even clean”; and the annoying ting be say na infront of oga she go shout the whole ting so tey my oga come dey look me one kain.

My Oga: He no too good, he no too bad. Na to dey blow grammer up and down like say im be professor, but I hear say im no even finish unifersity say as im papa die, d guy jus use im papa money push im business so tey the business come grow yakata, now my oga na big man. The man no dey eye me o, na jus jeje all of us be for house.

Myself: Eferibodi know say I be cool babe. I no dey like wahala, na only to dey wish say one day I go be like my madam. I go get housemaid full ground. One go dey wash my clothes, another one go dey iron my clothes, another one go dey cook my food and the last one go dey go market, abi wetin man pickin want again for this world?

So make I continue my tori. As I enter dem madam room, I jus go straight to the wardrobe because I no wan waste time. I rush comot my wrapper, come wear the trouser. Omo men, if you see as the ting fine for my body ehn, you go wan tief me! Na as I dey comot the trouser na im I hear person dey come the room side. Omo, see as I dive enter the wardrobe, even Jackie Chan for give me award. The door open and as I hear my oga voice dey talk with im phone, e be like say dem pour cold water for my body, wetin I go talk say I dey do for dia room?

“Yes, it’s fine. I was thinking we could go for that art exhibition taking place at the art gallery.”

I no know wetin the pesin reply am but I hear as im laff.

“No, Tunde. I am married and you know I wouldn’t stray. If you bring that lady over to the exhibition, I may persuade wifey to come with me and that could be quite unpleasant for the lady and yourself. Quit trying to make me fall man, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt my wife. Look I’m going to put you on the speaker because I want to take off my clothes”

Chei, Oga abeg no comot your cloth, abeg! God where you dey? But e be like say even God dey use me play as my oga comot im cloth finish come even mess on top.

“You are crazy men! Why would you fart like that with me on speaker?” The voice from the phone ask my oga.

“Really, that’s a ridiculous question. I can do whatever I want in my house. Moreover I am alone.”

Abeg Oga you no dey alone o, no mess again abeg. Kai! The mess smell no be small. Shey na de food wey I dey cook dey make oga mess smell like this?

“Hey man, I’ve got to go. I want to have my bath and freshen up before wifey comes home. We’ll talk later.”

My oga cut the call come enter bathroom. I manage come outside as I say make I look for my wrapper wey I throw inside wardrobe wen oga dey come, na im one big abarra land for my back.

“So this is what you and my husband do, when I am not around?!”

All my body shock and piss nearly comot as I bin hear madam voice for my back. Una don forget say I no wear pant and my yansh jus chook outside as I bin wan bend down carry my wrapper. As I turn face madam, I jus weak because I know no how I wan take talk am. Make una helep me!

________

What to do, what to do?

This is a short story by Enoquin. Read more from her on Naijastories.

Vote for Naijastories to win $1000 towards our anthology at the World of Betters website.

Help me win $1000 from the World of Betters Campaign

2011-12-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know about my work with Naijastories.com. The website is now about a year and half and still going strong. We are currently working to publish an anthology of the best stories in the first year. We hope to get the best quality book we can, and also ensure that we can distribute and promote as widely as possible. We would equally like each writer whose story was selected to receive a paperback copy for their libraries. However, our budget is small and I've been thinking of a way to raise more money to ensure these goals.

I believe that by publishing and promoting this anthology, we will be making the world better for both the readers and the selected writers. We'll also be encouraging other upcoming writers, both on Naijastories.com and beyond, to keep writing. If this makes sense to you, vote for my entry at the World of Betters website.

Thank you.

How to ensure other bloggers can follow you back

2011-12-06T03:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, hope the new week has started well?

Today, I'm sharing a blogging tip. This it is something I had come across quite a number of times and never knew how to get in touch with those involved to let them know. You see, new people join my blog regularly and most times, I want to check out their own blogs and see if I want to follow back. What I usually do is to click on their profile picture in my followers box and follow their linked blog back to them. While the curious part of me wonders why some people have locked profiles, I just assume they do not have a blog most likely.

But I'm really frustrated when the follower is not linked to any blog at all. If it so happens that they've allowed to receive mail from blogger, I'll send them a welcome and thank you message. Depending on how much time I have then, I might also check out the recent blogs the person has joined to try to track them. One thing that makes it easier is when they leave a comment, either on my blog, or on one of the other ones. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury of time, or the follower just doesn't leave any crumbs for me to follow.

So, when Nicole at One Significant Moment at a Time blogged about this, I knew I had to share. There is a way for you to make sure that the blogs you follow have an easy way of following you back by clicking on your picture on their followers gadget.

Here’s how you verify:

Go to your blog and under your About Me, click “View My Complete Profile.” Either action will bring up your Blogger Profile, as others see it. Under the heading “My Blogs", is your blog listed?

If the answer is no,

- Click “Edit Profile” on left margin, under your profile picture.
- On the page that comes up, check under the “Privacy” option to find “Show My Blogs.”
- Click “Select Blogs to Display.” (You may have other private blogs that you don’t want others to see, so remember to choose the blog you wish to display.)
- Save your changes.

It’s important to realize that Blogger doesn’t always default to linking your blog on your profile. It’s a great idea to verify that your blog is linked, so people can follow you back.

WIP - More than just a nice smile

2011-12-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

“I hope you weren’t too bothered by that official?” Babs asked, slowing down his steps so that they matched with hers.

“Not really,” Dunni replied, “I knew he could only do so much.”

In a way, the man reminded her of a parking attendant she had once run into in Dallas, who had been about to put a ticket on her windscreen when she’d run over and gotten inside. The man, tall and skinny, had insisted that he would still issue her the ticket but she had challenged him, drawing the attention of two passers-by. In the end, the attendant had walked away, grumbling swear words under his breath.

Babs’s friend walked a few paces ahead of them, and Dunni kept her eyes on him hoping they would get to the suya place very quickly. Now that she was here, all sorts of doubts assailed her. She could be biting off more than she could chew. As she tried to keep her mind on the slow conversation Babs was trying to sustain, it was his words about their kiss that looped through her mind.

She wondered what he actually felt about what had happened between them, and about her. He was a very attractive man and she couldn’t deny the desire that raked at her whenever he was near. The thought of that fiery first kiss had not left her since that day, now almost a week ago. It had been a long time, if ever, that any man had stirred such deep feelings in her, and much as she hated to admit it, he was becoming more than just a nice smile and a pair of twinkling eyes to her. It was just too bad he had only one thing on his mind.

“What are you thinking about?”

Babs surprised her by stopping and taking one of her hands in his. She snatched it back immediately, her gaze flying to his.

“Hey, relax.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Are we at the Suya place?”

“Yes,” he smiled, “right there.”

Sure enough, there was a bar area a few steps from them and beside that a suya arena. Now that she was paying attention, a nutty aroma pervaded the air, of roasting meat and peppery spices tinged with wood-smoke. Two northern-looking men manned meat-laden tables and moved nimbly between those and the meat roasting platforms. As she watched, his brother began to talk with one of the men whose hands wielded the knife he was using to cut up meat for customers with an impressive and dexterous efficiency.

“I prefer chicken suya.” Dunni said, as saliva filled her mouth. Anticipation for the coming sensory overload that was suya forced other worries from her mind.

Babs called out to Kingsley to ask if they had chicken, and Dunni left him there to walk closer to the suya spot. Sticks of kebab meat stood tall on top of one perfectly round platform, the firewood underneath them giving off bright orange and red flames. The heat increased the closer she got to the seller’s table but the anxious desire to taste the spicy meat drew her forward. Bab’s brother had ascertained that her choice was available and she couldn’t wait till it was her turn to order. She was finally before the toothy mallam and asked for enough to take away. Wale and babs laughed at her as she picked a piece out of their order of chunky beef suya before it was wrapped in newspaper. Swallowing saliva, she watched the mallam serving her as he sliced the chicken she’d ordered into even thinner strips. She smiled in anticipation as some spices were sprinkled over the meat and large cuts of tomatoes; onions and cabbage were added to the side.

Babs took her arm and they walked over to join his friend at one of the plastic tables arranged in the bar area across from the serving table. Kingsley had already gotten some drinks and Dunni thanked him as she took a seat.

“It seems you like Suya a lot?” he asked.

“I do,” Dunni replied, popping a piece of chicken into her mouth slowly. She munched on it, savoring the rich taste in her mouth especially when she washed it down with the malt drink.

“So what’s the verdict on this one?” Babs asked.

“Ten over Ten,” Dunni replied, pushing her free thumb up.

“You can’t be serious?” He laughed.

“Well, this is only the second time I’m eating Suya since I arrived in the country, and this is definitely better than the one my parents bought in Ilorin.”

“Are you here on vacation?” Kingsley rejoined the conversation.

Dunni replied in the affirmative and for the next half an hour, the three of them chatted lightly on topics ranging from suya to American politics and finally to the English premier league. On the wall in front of them, a football game played on a large screen TV and the guy’s attention moved sporadically to it. When Dunni said she had no interest in the sport, and knew virtually nothing about it, Wale almost took it as an affront. After she had determined that he was just joking and they were laughing again, she informed Babs that it was time for her to go.

“I’ll walk you home,” he said.

When Dunni protested that she could get there on her own, he insisted and she finally gave in. She gave him descriptions of her parent’s house and he told Wale to wait for him at the Suya spot since Dunni’s home wasn’t too far away before following her out of the makeshift bar.

NaijaSistas Christmas Book Reading Fiesta

2011-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

I was in Nigeria last Christmas and had loads of fun meeting so many lovely people. I attended a lot of book events, and this will be a one of those events that will make me rue not being able to travel this time. The 1st NSBS Book Reading held in September and everyone agreed it was great. The organizers say this one will usher all who attend into a Christmas brimming over with plenty of fresh hope for the new year.

Date - Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time - 2:00pm until 7:00pm
Venue - Radisson Blu - Lekki Room, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos

Please visit the Facebook Event Page for more details. Some things to note;

1. NaijaSistas runs a book stop for member authors and many of them are running Christmas discounts and giveaways. You'll also find my books there, visit NSBS at 26 Festival Road, VI or call Ms. Goodness on 0806 427 5401 to order your books!

2. Are you a December baby? Great! If you plan to attend and were born in December, let the organizers know. There's a nice surprise waiting.

3. RSVP is very important so please do so on or before the 10th of December, if you will be attending.

4. Dress code: Comfortable, Decent and a touch of Christmas ( but this last bit is not by force.....Just would be nice...)

So who will be reading at this event?

Umari Ayim - Author of 'Twillight at Terra Cotta Indigo', a superb superb book!

Dupe Olorunjo - Author of 'Aireginan Dream and Tailed'.

Ekene Onu - Author of 'Can I Be Real and The Mrs. Club'.

Anita O John - Author of 'A Miracle in the Storm'.

A special NaijaSista, Bridget Elesin, will be reading from her new book on Fatherhood.

All Thing Fab - FabXchange Forum and Fabulosity Galore!

2011-12-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Before I introduce the two new fabulous places you should definitely check out on the web, allow me to cry a little. Yesterday, I wanted to crow that I have 1000 subscribers, now they're back to Zero. *Wiping tears* is no one reading my blog anymore? If you're still there, please come over and leave a comment, or reply to this email, I'm so sad :(

Anyways, I've previouly told you about the FabXchange swap events in London. The fab duo are now moving their success online in order to reach more people. Fashionistas can now swap and giveaway fashion items such as clothes, shoes, bags, accessories including books to other fashionistas on the FabXchange Online Swap forum from the comfort of their homes. The FabXchange Online swap forum kicked off on the 21st of November 2011 and already boasts a growing customer base. The online forum gives its members a wider base of fashionistas to swap with and can take part from anywhere and anytime. It allows swaps between members across their country of residence with swappers exchanging fashion items by mail or pick up.

Ardent swapaholics like the FabXchange duo can now conveniently and quickly declutter their wardrobes, update tired wardrobes, offload clothes that are hardly worn, save money and give back to the environment. The FabXchange team have definitely upped the feel good factor of swapping by making it so much easier and the best thing about the online swap forum is that it’s absolutely FREE.

FabXchange is the trendy way to do ‘ethical shopping’ and ladies concerned with keeping the earth green can keep their carbon footprint down by swapping/giving away fashion items while getting something back. You can contact: info@fabxchange.co.uk and also follow Fabxchange on Facebook and Twitter

Your next destination is Fabulosity Galore. This is an online book store created and run by an amazing woman and encourager, Wendy G. Ewurum, of Fabulosity Reads (a book review blog). The store is affiliated to a number of booksellers including Amazon.com and Kalahari..com. Their affiliations are increasing constantly in a quest to find the best book and accessories deals in the market. They also aim to make the best effort to prominently feature books which have been reviewed by Fabulosity Reads . This is to support writer friends in their endeavor to promote and sell their books.

Readers are more than welcome to submit their bookish requests and comments to the store. And last but not least writers they also welcome news from writers about any promotional activities concerning works/books.
They hope to build incredible and long-lasting relationships with buyers, retailers, authors and publishers and cannot wait to hear from new reders and buyers at the store.

Contact: http://fabulositygalore.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html
Book Reviews: http://fabulositygalore.blogspot.com/p/book-reviews_24.html
Fabulosity Reads: http://fabulosityreads.blogspot.com/

Kiru Taye's His Treasure and RWoWA Bumper Giveaway

2011-12-03T04:35:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love that cover? It gives me ideas, lol. Well, Kiru Taye's book is out now and you find out what lies between the covers.

Amazon - $2.99
Breathless Press - $1.99

FYI: rating is steamy *wink*

You also stand to win a copy of His Treasure through the RWoWA - Romance Writers of West Africa's bumper Christmas Giveaway this December. There will be 12 books by five authors and 7 winners! And you can be one of the lucky just by subscribing to our newsletter. The books on offer are:

His Treasure by Kiru Taye (eBook to x1 International winner)
Love in Paradise and Love at Dawn by Lara Daniels (Paperbacks to x1 US/UK/Nigeria winner)
A Heart to Mend by Myne Whitman (Paperback to x1 US winner)
His Sin and Obsession by Netty Ejike (Paperbacks to x2 Nigerian winners)
Stormy Defence and Beyond the Lady by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku (eBooks to x2 International winners)

Contest Rules:

1. *Subscribe to the RWOWA website by completing the Email Subscription form on the website.

AND

2. Follow @RWoWA on Twitter by clicking the twitter button @RWOWA OR ‘Like’ the RWOWA page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RWOWA

OR

3. Leave a comment indicating your Facebook / Twitter name / email. Also indicate your location so we can pick you for the right book. E.g. US, Nigeria, etc.

The 7 lucky winners will be selected on December 30, 2011. The winners will be announced on December 31, 2011.

Not all the books are available in all locations. See the book list above for details of availability.

Contestants must complete the above criteria to be eligible. *Email subscription via this website is mandatory. Contestants can choose between following on Twitter or Facebook or both.

Book Lovers Holiday Giveaway - USA

2011-12-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - CHANGE OF RULES

Welcome to December everyone, I'm so excited for Christmas. Hope you are too. To celebrate, I'll be running giveaways in addition to regular posts throughout the month, so stay tuned.

Today's giveaway is a blog hop hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer. Several blogs are taking part, with lots of chances to win book prizes and maybe gift cards. Check the full list of participants. If you’re new to my site, welcome. You can subscribe to the right, and also check out my books.

I'm giving this giveaway a Nigerian spin and 3 lucky people will win any of the books below by Nigerian writers. Winners must live in the USA. Don't worry, I'll be having giveaways for those in the UK, Nigeria, and international before the month is out. Continue reading for entry rules for today's giveaway.

Option 1 - Leave a comment on my Facebook Page HERE stating which book you prefer.

Optin 2 - Subscribe to my blog by email (please activate)

Option 3 - Follow me on Twitter or

Option 4 - Leave a comment on this post with your email.

Entries must be completed no later than midnight PST on December 6th to be eligible to win. Winners will be chosen randomly by Atala and I'll announce the winners in the comments by 12noon PST on Wednesday, December 7th, and also send an email.

Prizes - These are books I've read and enjoyed. Click on the author's names for more info.

Book 1 - Onaedo, the Blacksmiths Daughter by Ngozi Achebe
Book 2 - The Dust Must Settle by Obinna Ozoigbo
Book 3 - The Only way is Up by Folake Taylor

GOOD LUCK!!

PS- If you're an author and you want to be included in one of my giveaways, contact me. :)

Humor in Nollywood - PHONE SWAP BY KUNLE AFOLAYAN

2011-12-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not usually a big fan of what passes for humor in Nollywood movies, it sometimes gets too manic for me with people screaming or shouting. It's either pint sized Aki and Pawpaw are spoofing as children or adults, or other comedians are speaking strangely or grabbing crotches and breasts. Osuofia (Nkem Owoh) has been lucky with some good scripts but I don't know how that is going. These days, I just opt for the dramas and stay away from the so-called comedy. Even in Hollywood movies, I don't go for movies with crude toilet humor, or unwarranted slapstick, they just come off as cheap laughs.

In the trailer below, Kunle Afolayan presents Phone Swap.

Synopsis - An arrogant business executive and a warm hearted fashion designer exchange lives after accidentally swapping their mobile phones at a busy airport...

I laughed out loud in a couple of the scenes in the trailer and I look forward to seeing the movie. I consider Kunle Afolayan one of the best directors in Nigeria now, and I love the cast of the movie. It appears Zebrudaya of New Masquerade is making a comeback. Nse is cool as a timid Igbo girl, and Joke Silva's belch - incomparable. The male actor is a new face, I saw him in the free episodes of Meet The Adebanjos (a Afro-Brit comedy web series) and he is continuing the laughs here.

Kudos to the team, and looking ahead to better movies, comedy and otherwise from Nollywood.