New Slate

Smile.

Made in Nigeria

And people say nothing good can come out of our Dear Naija.

Watch the Video above and you will be impressed.

Directed by Patrick Elis (a renowned name in the Nigerian Music Industry), Sexy Steel's Bebedi Alhaja featuring Vector takes you back to those sweet old days of Highlife-Afrobeats in its rawest form.

Featuring retro costumes and stunningly detailed sets right out of the 70s, the classic video more or less mimics a blast from the past.

^*The video has been out for a while but I just stumbled upon it today (probably stale gist for you but new gist for me :) ).

I was truly captivated by the originality and old-school feel of the video. 

And of course its fuji beat found a way to my yoruba heart (yels ke!!!). 

And to think WE (Nigerians) did it!!!!

I really don't care what anyone says, to me; Nigeria is and will always be a land bubbling with young and vibrant minds ready to explode (in a good way).

And this video clearly supports my point of view.

I really do hope YOU enjoy it.

Smile.

Gracias

Tick Tock.

Just a few more days before we say adieu  to 2012.

And of course, I have so much I want to say about 2012 (I am a typaholic; my fingers just won't stop once they hit my keypad / keyboard).

But today, am going to refrain from typing endlessly.

And instead just simply say:

THANK YOU!!!

Thank YOU for being a part of my 2012.

Thank YOU for making out time to delve into my World.

Thank YOU for making me a part of your World.

THANK YOU and I look forward to a blissful 2013 with YOU.

Smile.

Feliz Navidad

Hello Dear Ones,

Another Christmas is here again.

A time to celebrate the birth of God's greatest gift to Mankind - Jesus Christ.

A time to immerse ourselves in the love and joy that comes with the Season.

A time to share memories with our loved ones and honour those "family traditions" that have been passed on from generation to generation.

Most importantly, it's a time to deeply reflect on God's unconditional love for us, as nothing else can explain why he sent his most priced possession to redeem us.

Emmanuel : God is with US.

Now my bed calleth, just popped in to say:

Merry Christmas to YOU, wishing you boundless love and all the good tidings that comes with the Season.

NB: feel free to eat to stupor, Andrew Liver Salt is still in the market the last time I checked :).

General Pype - Victorious Man

You know that feeling you get when you watch a musical video that immediately gives you goose bumps and touches you deep inside.

Well, General Pype’s Victorious Man just gave me that amazing feeling.

It is a song that depicts General Pype‘s childhood, environment, his experiences and that of loved ones while growing up.

My favorite line in the song is:

“So me made up my mind by the grace of God, kill them with love, I will never give up”

Enjoy :).

 

BaRuQ Material Gurl

The alternative pop/rock iconic singer BaRuQ is back yet again with another smashing single titled "Material Gurl".

The new single precedes his first single "Misconception" which received massive air play on radio.

Material Girl produced by Dr Tim is part of his forthcoming debut album to be released in 2013 and its lyrics resonates the ills of human trafficking and illegal sex trade in Nigeria.

Its pop rock beat will get you swaying to the tune while passing across a vital message.

Its definitely one of my favorite songs for 2012.

And as we do with all good things, we share.

So enjoy :):

Click on the link below to listen to Material Gurl:

15 / 12 / 12

15/12/12 is a day that will remain etched in the hearts of residents and indigenes of Kaduna State.

On this day we lost not just a Leader but a Father.

On this day we lost the ever-smiling and humble Governor of our dear State.

It is a day that will remain in our hearts for a very long time.

Sleep on Our Dear Father and Leader.

Rest in peace Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Na Kowa.

Rest in peace General Owoeye Azazi and others who lost their lives in the ill fated crash.


Adieu.

Insignificantly Significant

Warning: Before you proceed further, the story below may seem inconsequential or a bit silly but do have the patience to read on and you will definitely learn something from it (yes, you sure will :) ).

It all started with a packet of chewing gum (no extra meaning hidden there).

Weekend Quote

Hello Dear Ones,

Here is something for the Ladies to ponder on as we switch into the weekend "mood".

Enjoy:

"You are beautiful not for the shape of the vessel, but for the volume of the SOUL it carries"

TGIF.

Life is Beautiful, Live IT. 

:)

How to Create a Life Plan by Michael Hyatt

In my journey through the Internet, I stumbled across a blog post on How to Create a Life Plan by Michael Hyatt (a renowned blogger on leadership and productivity and also the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, a publishing Company in the U.S). 

I found the post really interesting and practical, and I strongly believe it will appeal to a lot of "planners" out there especially as the Year is fast coming to an end and 2013 beckons with its endless possibilities, no time like now to "plan", so enjoy:

http://michaelhyatt.com/032-how-to-create-a-life-plan-podcast.html

Note: I would have obliged you with a complete outline of the post here but I think it is “sweeter” to go straight to the source (the link will take you directly to the post).

Now we will know those who read the post and those who didn't because my “opinion” will make very little sense to you if you skipped clicking on the link (no “shortcut” for this one *straight face*).

My Humble Opinion: I think this is a great article that reminds you of the need to live a life filled with purpose but on the other hand we get so carried away being the planner and director of our lives that we totally forget God.

Am speaking from experience; at the end of 2011, I had all my plans /goals for 2012 all figured out (which is a good thing, since groping in the dark is not a better alternative) but the flaw in my plan was that I had already made up my mind to "direct" how my goals were going to come to fruition and let's just say God showed me who the "Boss" is, in a kind way of course because I accomplished 90 percent of my goals (which am eternally grateful to God for) but I didn't do them "on my own". I had the goals in my head / written down but God had the final blueprint.

So in as much as this is a great article (which will come in handy as we plan for 2013), let's not forget to have this in mind: "We plan our steps but God directs our paths". 

Make your life plan but refrain from trying to be the director of your life, let God do His work. This way you aren't being reactive (waiting for manna to fall from heaven) but even in your "proactive" state, you still know who the "Boss" is. 

With a "Life Plan", you clearly know what you want, where to invest your energy and what you need to do to get to your point of "optimization", but we must remember to include God in every single step we take in making our "Life Plan" a reality. 

Enjoy "designing" a beautiful 2013 and the rest of your life, if you so wish.

Some people may totally disagree with the “usefulness” of a short-term plan talk more of a “Life Plan”, as they believe it is best to relax and let “destiny” make things happen. 

So which category do you fall under; “The Planner” or “The Destiny Believer”? . As the popular saying goes; "Different Strokes for Different Folks", so feel free to share your diverse opinions.

Smile.

                                                                  

Labrinth feat. Emeli Sande - Beneath Your Beautiful

 
Fell in love with this song the moment I heard it which is quite strange since it is not my usual fast-tempo kind of music. 

Thought to share, for those that have not seen or heard it before.

Enjoy :)

Six Vital Lessons

Hello Peeps,

For your reading pleasure, enjoy and do have a productive week ahead:

Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel."

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.

After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies.

"Great!" the husband says, "did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.
The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak."

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, opportunities for advancement will pass right by you.

Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."

"Me first! Me first!" says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Puff! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Puff! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 4:
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"

The eagle answered: "Sure , why not."

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

Lesson 5:
A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bull shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

Lesson 6:
A little bird was flying south for the Winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and shit on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

Gratitude

Hello Peeps,

Just saw this post and thought to share, it reminds me of how “ungrateful” we get sometimes and how hard it is for us, as humans, to be unconditionally grateful to God.

Enjoy:

A CONVERSATION WITH GOD
Me:  God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure.
Me:   Promise You won't get mad ... ... ...
God: I promise.
Me:  Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do you mean?
Me:  Well, I woke up late.
God: Yes.
Me:   My car took forever to start.
God: Okay.
Me:  At lunch they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait.
God: Hmmm...
Me:  On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call.
God: All right.
Me:  And on top of it all, when I got home ~I just wanted to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?.
God: Let me see, the Angel of Death was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of my Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.
Me (humbled): OH
God: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed).
God: The first person who was supposed to make your sandwich today is sick and I didn't want you to catch what he has, I knew you couldn't afford to be sick and miss work.
Me (embarrassed): Okay.
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give a false report of what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to turn off all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry God.
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the Bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God and let me just tell you God; Thank You for everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...:).

“An Attitude of Gratitude increases your Altitude” :)

Gentle Wahala

Hello Dudes and Dudedets,

So something happened on Saturday that am itching to share and then get "your" opinions.

First of all, it was a great day because I saw two best friends get married (Julie Amafah and Alex Attah) and it was ohhh so lovely and fun-filled :).

While I was basking in this happiness and carrying out my "bridesmaid" duties, a young bloke walked up to me and the following conversation ensued:

"Excuse me, someone asked me to give this to you" the bloke said while pulling out a complimentary card from his pocket.

My first reaction was shock then it slowly ebbed to mild irritation, like really what happened to the "old fashion" way of guys walking up to girls and asking them out or at least delivering the "love letter" (infused with his best perfume...lol) himself?. Am not saying every guy does this but it is getting quite rampant especially in Abuja and I just wonder why???.

So back to the conversation...
"Hmmmmm...I will try not to be rude to you but can you go back to the person that sent you and give him back his complimentary card" I said as calmly as I could manage.

"Ahhhh..stop acting proud now and just collect the card, he even asked me to collect your number" the bloke insisted.

At this point it took all my strength to hold it in, I was so irritated...now am being proud for refusing to collect a guy's complimentary card delivered by a "messenger" and then to add to it all, am supposed to hand over my number and probably say; “please ask your Oga to call me ko"...smh.

"Bros, please go back to the person that sent you, if he wants to talk to me, he should come and meet me himself, end of story" I said and turned around before the bloke asks me to "frog jump" for refusing his "Oga's" request.

Luckily for his sake and my sake too, he went back to his master, but I have been wondering and can't help asking:

Is this the new trend of "toasting"? Is it a sign of authority and "big boyrism" for the "sender"? Abi, is the number of courageous guys especially in Abuja slowly dwindling?.

Please shed more light.

Weekend Quotes

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When it seems cloudy, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the one who makes it right.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you are feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find their way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you've done your best.

Dare to be the best you can.
At all times, Dare to be!!!.

- Steve Maraboli

TGIF...Do have a fun-filled weekend.

Smile