The Evolution of the Nigerians' Voice

Nigerians have been known to be in the press for a number of reasons, good and bad: their love of football and export of this treasured skills, their economic contribution to the western economy albeit at a price of leaving behind their beloved homeland and emigrating in high quantities, their supply of precious oil, the high level of corruption, fraud etc (need I say more).

Nigerians have neither been happy with the state of affairs within their homeland nor the perception of the outside world with regards to their tolerance of the mismanagement, incompetence and  lack of consideration by the relative minority being granted their trust to run the affairs of the state. Although they continuously express their distaste of the way the country has been run to-date, they have never seemed to either make their voice coherent or strong.

In recent weeks, the Government announced the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy granted to ease the burden of the cost of fuel supply to its citizens and Nigerians as usual were led by the Labour Union to embark on a strike action to make their displeasure known to the Government. This could have been a business-as-usual strike action of no clear message being spoken on behalf of the people and violence unleashed where possible by an idle few but it certainly wasn't the case. Nigerians gathered in their thousands in strategic locations to speak in clear terms with a united voice on their displeasure and anger at the Government's treatment of the resources very precious yet scarce to its people. 

Femi Kuti

Demonstrations were staged in major locations across the city with speeches, encouraging words and music provided by notable artists. The mood was heavy with criticism of the mismanagement of the country's resources over the last few decades but it was tinged with a sense of togetherness and camaraderie of a people dealing with the impact of the Government's decisions on the future of its people.

Ojota Bridge

Maryland

Nigerians are ready to stand up in one accord using their voices and creative expressions to stand against irresponsible politicians, leaders and government officials. The Government needs to address the continued lack of consistently functioning infrastructure, electricity, competitively priced fuel, quality education, economic growth and development, and fight against growing terrorism. I applaud Nigerians for a peaceful yet effective protest and activism and I hope to show more of these images as they evolve and their voices grow stronger, more powerful and life-changing.

The Presidential Performance Score Card

Tuition Fees of Lagos State University have been increased to 250k

Nollywood couldn't be left out of it

Photography: Dele Nedd

Every Dark Cloud has a Nigerian's Silver Lining

Whilst the activism was going on and Nigerians were protesting the removal of the subsidy, it was business (commercial business that is) for some. Isn't  it something to see and understand that Nigerians will never cease to trade, work, or earn an income under any circumstance. This fighter instinct is what keeps the people going regardless of the turmoil and strife around them.

The rest of the world could certainly learn a thing or two.

Non-Subsidy Price

The new craze "Alomo Bitters"

Alomo Bitters

Photography: Dele Nedd

A New Art Form

Nigeria's Creative Expressions

KEY2FREE Day - Stand Against 21st Century Slave Trade

Today is the global KEY2FREE day where everyone around the globe takes a stand against human trafficking and 21st century slave trade. People around the world are wearing symbols of a key which stands for the freedom of one person from captivity and enslavement.

It is hard to fathom or comprehend that there is still actively a slave trade market going on in the world around us. Statistics currently show that there are 27 MILLION people being trafficked around the world today. As I type away at my keyboard, a girl is being sold into the sex trade industry or being trafficked for monetary gain.

It is easy to sit there and think, it is far removed from your lifestyle and surroundings however, it has become apparent that human trafficking can occur from the most innocuous of situations and can happen to your sister, friend, cousin, or relative.

A classic example of how close this is, can be garnered from the story of Natalia, a rescued victim. She went out on a blind date with a guy introduced to her by her friends. While she was in the restroom, he drugged her drink and she was thrown into his trunk and trafficked across the world. Her life was never the same after that one date.

Human Trafficking is one degree of separation from your doorstep, don't let it happen to someone you know. Click here to watch the Video.

Human trafficking can happen to a boy or girl, look around you and see the injustice taking place in the 21st Century. Stand against the enslavement and trafficking of human beings and take a step towards fighting this act of crime. Everywhere around you, services are being provided to you by victims of human trafficking, someone somewhere could be actively participating in human trafficking, or someone is ignoring an obvious act of human trafficking. Report any suspicious activities, support the fight against this heinous crime, or spread awareness of this crime to prevent someone close to you becoming a victim.

The A21 Campaign actively engages in abolishing human injustice in the 21st Century, go to http://www.thea21campaign.org/ for more information on human trafficking.

Get active, take a stand, become aware, join in the fight.

The Battle of the Wardrobe



TM Lewin Shirt

 I seriously have to share this thought with you guys.

So, yesterday my colleague had a go at me for looking slightly too casual next to her. I look at myself in my short black dress, knee-length boots and thick cardigan (seriously, the facilities team need to remove the bloody air conditioning system. Who needs an air conditioning system in this country?) and retort at her, what do you know about looking good. It wasn't a fair reply but I had to get my two cents in (and besides she knows I have lots of time for her).

Anyway, I got thinking about my first years as a worker and the overload on tailored shirts, slinky slim skirts (I was too skinny back then), and heeled pumps. it was a repetitive look and an expensive one to maintain on my meagre income.

Fast forward a few years and my creative side surfaces with no interest in strictly formal office wear, I am all about the shift dresses (knee-length of course), feminine blouses, frilly skirts, and funky footwear. Who's complaining?


ASOS Shift Dress with Boat Neck

The UK office environment is all about the "formal casual" with the emphasis on casual and it suits my mood and personality just fine. What would I have done if I hadn't discovered this side of the world? Beats me, haha.

So here's my final say on the debate, discover yourself and dress to it. Spend less money demarcating your wardrobe into work vs weekend and ride the boundary train, just don't get fired for looking like a slob.

My friend needs a few tips on styling and she's going to get it. She's reading this right now and ready to give me a comeback. Can't wait.

A Snapshot of my Winter Lookbook

For the first time in months, I took a serious look at my wardrobe and groaned. It was crying for attention and an update or two. Being a student was beginning to show on me, seriously every penny counts, yet I never remember to ask for student discounts when I am buying anything (Note to self: ASK).

Out of the gracious corners of my fashion heart (she says laughing at her ridiculous statement), I am sharing my a few looks out of my personal lookbook.

Marks & Spencer Cotton Blend Jeggings



Zara Cardigan



Jeffrey Campbell Kelsey Wedge Boots

My craving for colour meets the desire to look as skinny as possible in the REALLY SKINNY jeggings from high street store, Marks & Spencer (no student discounts though). Lovvvvvve it.

If you haven't noticed the wedge boots fever gripping Europe, I don't know about the rest of the world and we lead the pack anyway (don't shoot the messenger), then you need to get out there and pay attention. I am seriously hounding the Nordstrom website for this Jeffery Campbell pair of boots but I have a seriously "can't wait to wear pair" from a UK store so I'm holding back.

Seriously, temperatures inside and outside buildings in London are below my comfort level and this Cardigan from Zara cannot be overstated,  it is helping a LOT.

This is me, the budget-watching student telling you to look too cool for school (if you can figure out how).

Ciao.

Change of Direction

I have been away for a few months rethinking my principles, values, and passions in life. It has been a dramatic year so far and as it winds down, I am looking forward to sharing a lot more with you on my blog.

As a foreigner (not entirely true, but it feels like it) trying to build a career in the UK, it has been a roller coaster ride. Who ever knew that building a career would take more than an undergraduate/postgraduate degree and a crash course in likeability. It takes sweat, tears, evaluations, abrupt changes, focus, and a whole lot more, including for me, a close reliance on God, to stay sane and keep going on a chosen path to build a solid career. It would be interesting to hear what other professionals have to share on their climb to the so-called top?

As an unmarried woman in her thirties, it's another story entirely trying to keep it together emotionally. Can I despise the freedom and time to pursue my own interests and dreams without interruption or compromise, not really. However, how would I feel to have the shoe on the other foot, that would be interesting to see and only time will tell whether you'll have the opportunity to laugh at my expense while I try the "so-called" shoe.

As a student engaging in adult education, I can definitely confirm that the older you get, the less enthusiastic schools sounds or feels (don't tell your kids that when you are scolding them about their grades on the other hand). Sometimes I ask myself, what were you thinking?

In the mean-time, it feels good to be back and therapeutic to talk about the  issues most people keep off their public profiles.

Who wants to join me in stripping off the layers of oppressive silence and let it all out here on these pages? If that's you, sign up and let's kick off these conversations.

I am back and it feels good.

DMSquared - Running (It's all about the Maya Fridays)

New York Minute- Dmsquared

Fresh Scoop from my very own Motherland - DMSquared Feat Femi Nuga & Tony New Wine

Click on the link below for the very hot scoop for this week from my homeland, Nigeria

The N Word - DMSquared Feat Femi Nuga & Tony New Wine and Plumbline