UNREQUITED LOVE AND ITS PITFALLS

One thing we desire is to love but another is to be truly loved in return. While some find this on a platter of gold, many others have had a bitter taste of it. Different strokes for different folks, you want to say? But why? 

Then, SuperStory’s TOO BLIND TO SEE is a must watch. 

Genevieve’s Billion Naira inheritance makes her a target for the ruthless gold-diggers surrounding her. Good-looking, sugarcoated-tongued Francis comes into her life. 

He connives with his girlfriend – Tina (Genevieve’s best friend), pretending to be in love with Genevieve. Baba Segun (driver of many years and long time family friend) gets wind of this. But Francis threatens to kill him if he lets this secret out of the bag

With his unflinching loyalty to the family, keeping sealed lips wasn’t an option. After sleepless nights, much pondering and lack of peace within, Baba Segun summons courage while defying all odds, to tell Genevieve. However, his plan does not see the light of the day. Nothing gave Mama Segun, Segun and his sister, Kemi, the inkling that that morning was the last time they were going to see him. He dies in a car crash. Mama Segun rightly guesses “the brakes of the car he drove were tampered with”.

Even on their wedding day, Francis can’t keep his hands off Tina (who is also Genevieve’s Chief Bride’s Maid) as they steal kisses in secret. After the wedding, Francis talks Genevieve into asking Segun and his family to move out of the house. This is tough on Genevieve. But blinded by love, she refuses to see the warning signs and instantly, she finds herself on a path to disaster. She even updates her official documents making Francis her next of kin.

Meanwhile, Francis continues his escapades with Tina.

Poor Genny, not knowing what fate holds for her, goes on a boat ride with Francis. Unsuspecting of the doom about to befall her, he pushes her into the water. The exact area the resort centre had warned tourists to stay away from because of the dangerous animals in it. 

Unfortunately for Genevieve, a few metres from the spot she was, was a crocodile.

Segun loses the only woman he ever loved. The wounds in his heart seem eternal. He challenges Francis’ guts and morals for marrying his late wife’s best friend (Tina) barely a month after her death.  

One fateful day, the water brings Genevieve’s body to the shore, with scars from the bites, from her encounter with the crocodile all over her body. She gets the best treatment enough to see her nursed back to life, thanks to the resort owner, Murphy Adebayo. Genevieve’s murmurs about “being pushed into the water” make the resort owner more interested in her case. 

As she recuperates, she recalls the advice and warnings from Segun and his father as well as how she ignorantly ignored all of it.

 

Notwithstanding, she gets the best treatment and is also taken out of the country for plastic surgery. 

A new Genevieve emerges. 






The appearance of this beautiful mysterious stranger throws everybody into confusion. The chaos that will follow is definitely beyond the human eye.

What’s her plan now that she is back? What exactly does she want? And how far is she willing to go to get it?

The question is 'If you were Genevieve, what would you do'? 

Do you think that couldn't have ever happened to you and why?

Is letting go an option here?

Photos Credit:

www.facebook.com/SuperStorySeries

www.waplimited.com

www.loveweddingsng.com

A MAN'S WORLD ...

I stumbled on this on the Linda Ikeji Blog.

As much as it seemed funny in an annoying way to me... I am sorry if  this annoys you, this is only my own opinion, nothing much!

Trust LIB followers, some can be so ....., and some so blunt. A typical representation of the Naija Society.

A comment in the last picture caught my attention and got me pondering ...

'A man won't marry you for having a kid....' You hide that part of your life because from experience, the typical naija man would run when he smells it.

'.....Yet you marry him even when he has 4 kids from different women'  Poor women! There are actually so many examples of this act, our celebrities are good examples, too many to count. I do not know what to make of it other than the fact that it is a man's world. 

I am still thinking.... but we actually need to have a re-think.

Photo Credit: 

lindaikeji.blogspot.com

MAKOKO: A SLUM IN A MEGACITY

The significance of any successful government administration any time any day is the evidence of good living standards of the governed. This drives home the reason every aspiring good government makes effort to better the lives of her citizenry through the provision of social amenities.

This effort gave birth to the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals initiated by the United Nations in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase the standard of living of less developed communities regarded as slums all over the country by 2015.

In less than five years to the ‘magic year’ 2015, the inhabitants of Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos State, South west Nigeria are yet to come to terms with what it is like to be living in a millennium. Fish farming is the mainstay of the Makoko economy.

A walk through Makoko paints a picture of an over populated slum lacking proper amenities to qualify for habitation by people such as quality housing, good schools amongst others.

The youths are the future of any nation and so they must be prepared through quality education. This statement does not apply to Makoko youths as you find children hawking wares on boats during school hours to complement their parents’ efforts. This development defects the Millennium Development Goals, which concerns itself with achieving Universal Primary Education.

Ironically, for the Makoko residents they seem to be in comfort living in shanties built on water and a polluted water system that serves both irrigation and personal purposes.

The resultant effect of this is a likely outbreak of diseases instead of an outbreak of development that should transform their lives.

Target 11 of the Millennium Development Goal states that ‘by the year 2020, there should be an improvement in the lives of at least one hundred million slum dwellers' but the question is, will the residents of Makoko be a part of the one hundred million lucky slum dwellers in ten years’ time?

The Makoko Community like any other slum in Nigeria may be ignorant of the fact that they deserve a right to a better life but the truth is that it is the duty of the government at all levels to bring the Millennium Goals to fruition in their lives.

BY OWOLABI OLUWABUNMI VICTORIA & FATOKUN REBECCA IMOLEAYO

Note: This article was written in 2010 when 'Bunmi and I were  Mass Communications Students of the prestigious Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.

It was supposed to be an entry for a competition. we didn't win but we were happy to feel the pains of this community. 

The truth is 'can we ever feel their pain'?

'Bunmi is happily married now

Photo Credit:

Fatokun Rebecca Imoleayo

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FRIEND, EBENEZER AKINBOBOLA

Dear Uncle Ebenz,

The minutes, hours and days of your absence have crawled into weeks. Yes, fourteen long days!

It is beginning to dawn on me that no one would call me Roger Becca and Nike, Anikkyshaya Omoge again. It’s been so long a period without you, and a lot has happened. The tears have not stopped neither have the heartaches.

I now have answers to the one question you keep asking me. I am ready to reply now, but you aren’t here to listen.

You accused me of not coming upstairs to see you during the week. Now, I don’t mind coming over every hour.  If I come, will I see you and, not meet an empty seat?

And the tasks reminders on your table, what is to be done now? …

Uncle Ebenz, at your demise, the world unanimously remarked that you were a nice buddy. Your dedication to work, simplicity, humility and ability to let go amazes me a lot. You hated publicity and show off. But your striking personality is a thing to show off.

I miss your indepth analysis of Nigerian Politics and Celebrity Issues.

Little did I know that the zero coke you gave me on Friday, July 9^th was a parting gift! 

I have still not drunk it.

Could this be goodbye for real?

I will miss you.

Becca

(Yes, I prefer to remain Becca if I won’t hear you call me Roger Becca anymore)

MOVIE REVIEW: THE FIGURINE

Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine can best be described as a block buster because it will resonate in the minds of viewers and practitioners for a long time to come, thanks to its good production quality and screen play.

The movie ‘The Figurine’ deals with three friends – corps members who in the course of service to their nation were caught in the web of life mystery as they come in contact with the diety ‘Araromire’ the goddess of fortune and destruction. It is a fusion of traditional folklore with contemporary life.

Sola Fajure played by Kunle Afolayan, a young playful philanderer who turns up at the orientation camp in Araromire though late for the compulsory one year national youth service meets his friend Femi Kalejaiye (Ramsey Nouah) an asthmatic guy with thick glasses and his girlfriend, Mona (Omoni Oboli) who later becomes his wife there. 

These two friends’ lives were re-directed by a 7-year boom and a 7-year doom route map thanks to Araromire which they stumbled upon in an abandoned shrine in a forest during a camp activity. Sola decides to keep the statue against Femi’s advice that it could portend danger.

True to the words of the professor (Muraina Oyelami) revealed upon Mona’s inquiry about the figurine, they had their fair share of fortune, good luck and good health. These friends began to have unexpected occurrences of sheer luck after their youth service. Femi returns from aboard with the disappearance of his asthma attacks to find his father’s cancer ailment gone. Sola got a good job after NYSC and he and his wife are expecting their second baby.

Then began the years of doom, during which it was discovered that the same statue that made them boom for 7 years was responsible for their doom. Efforts to discard it including Mona’s repeated attempts to destroy it all proved abortive.

The Figurine is suspense-filled even till the end as the viewers are left to ponder whether the story was just a mere coincidence or superstition or the making of the figurine which the story picks its central theme from.

One of the highlights of the movie is its picture quality which was of course enabled by the hi-tech equipment used to shoot. Little wonder, the movie bagged the award for the best picture quality (AMAA 2010).

Set in Nigeria, a sub-saharan African country with diverse cultures and traditions rooted in the belief in the supremacy of the deities, one agrees that this might not have been a bad location for this thriller.

With its indirect and unpredicting screenplay, beautiful and logical shots to complement action and sounds, one must just give credit to the director- Kunle Afolyan. But that’s only to mention a few of the qualities of a good production work Kunle fed the viewers’ eyes with. The transition of the characters from youth corps members to high profile personality in the society as exemplified at the McCom Golf Club setting, the transition of the setting from the youth orientation camp to the metropolitan city of Lagos, and the beach road home of Sola Fajure all points out to a quality work.

Another great asset this block buster can boast of is her characters- an all-Nigerian cast. ‘Owambe’ Linda Chukwu (Funlola Aofiyebi- Raimi) is also one character to watch out for in ‘The Figurine’. She did justice to her interpretation of the role of a companion and a listening ear to Mona well not forgetting steady, consistent and all-charming character- Mona.

With all these outstanding production qualities, one would not be surprised ‘The Figurine’ was nominated in 10 categories in film making at the 2010 edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). The movie won awards in cinematography, best picture and also bagged the award for the best film from Africa. Now, if you feel Nigerian movies are sub-standard, then watch ‘The Figurine’ as it will definitely stun you and keep you glued to the screen till the end.

Photo Credits:

www.cnmediaonline.com
facebook.com/fatokun.imoleayo

THE NEED TO VOTE ...

The elections have long begun and in less than two weeks, our president, governors, senators and representatives for the next four years would be known.

Leaders who would lead them out of the wilderness of want and corruption to the promise land are what Nigerians sincerely hope for.

Guaranteed security, uninterrupted power supply, good roads, quality education instead of jumbo pays, poor infrastructure, porous economic policies are what Nigerians crave for.

Before the elections, the question was to vote or not vote?

Why bother to vote when our votes wouldn’t count, this is Nigeria where elections are rigged and someone from nowhere is made to control others.

After, so many promises of a free and fair election, the word became participate, register and vote.

Yes, we should vote to reject all candidates and their parties in the past have engaged in, promoted and celebrated corruption in Nigeria.

Yes, let’s vote for change, let’s vote for transformation, oh yes, let’s vote for a new Nigeria. Let’s vote to make that change we desire.

Yes, if you do not vote, millions of people will suffer because of your action. Do not dash the desperate politicians your votes because they will only dash your hopes and we will be back to square one.

However, my friend, if you want to sell your vote, i won’t say no but make sure it is worth its weight in gold. Wait a little, think of the future, though poverty has been elevated in this country, it has left the pocket to the head. Think of your children’s future and make the right the decision.

So, I suggest you make an impact with your vote.

CONJUNCTIVITIS AND ALL THAT THERE IS ...

Apart from protecting the eyes against the harsh rays of the sun and making fashion statements, these days, sun shades are used to hide eye infections. One of such infection is Conjunctivitis known as ‘Apolo’ in Nigeria. 

Also known as the Pink Eye, CONJUNCTIVITIS is the inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The inflamed conjunctiva will usually make the eye appear red or pink because the tiny blood vessels that are normally within the conjunctiva are now irritated and enlarged.

The white of the eye known as the sclera is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels around there enlarge and become much more prominent, and the eye turns red.

There are many different sources of eye irritation that can cause conjunctivitis.

Bacterial infections can cause a red eye which is associated with a pus or discharge from the eye or a red eye which is associated with crusting of the eyelashes with little or no discharge.

Viruses can also cause conjunctivitis, such as the familiar red eyes, sore throat, and runny nose of a common cold but produces a watery discharge and lasts from one to two weeks.

Allergies, like hay fever, can make the eyes itchy. Other allergies may only produce a chronic red eye. Environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes may also cause conjunctivitis.

Any type of conjunctivitis is aggravated by dryness of the eyes and its symptoms include pus or watery discharge from the eye, pinkness or redness in the eye, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision and a scratchy feeling in the eye.

These symptoms may not necessarily mean that one has conjunctivitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete examination.

Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," can be quite contagious, so, if you think you might have conjunctivitis, you should:

Keep your hands away from your eyes;

Thoroughly wash hands before and after applying eye medications;

Do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others; and seek treatment promptly.

Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, can be treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointment. However, other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can't be treated with antibiotics. They must be fought off by the body's immune system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing.

When treating allergic forms of conjunctivitis, the cause of the allergy or irritation must first be removed. For instance, avoid contact with any animal if it causes an allergic reaction. Wear swimming goggles if chlorinated water irritates your eyes. In cases where these measures don't work, prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.

So, the next time you see any one in sun shades, have it in mind that the person might not be making a fashion statement but suffering from conjunctivitis.