#NigeriaDecides: 2015 Elections - The People Have Spoken

The Nationwide elections results, which held on 28th March 2015 in Nigeria, has finally been collated and Nigeria will welcome their new president, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari on 29th May 2015. Congratulations to him. 

The results are as follows:-

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professir Attahiru Jega announced there were 14 political parties all represented by 14 presidential candidates. The votes for each party are outlined below. 

Nigeria's population - 182m 

Accredited voters - 31,756,490
AA - 22, 125
ACPN - 40,311
AP - 30,673
ADC - 29,666
APA - 53,537
APC - 15,424,921
CPP -, 36,300
HOPE - 7,435
KOWA - 13,076
NCP - 24, 455
PDP - 12,853,162
PPN - 24,475
UDP - 9,208
UPP - 18,220
Total valid votes - 28,587,564
Rejected votes - 844, 519
Total  - 29,432,083

The real hero in my eyes is incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for conceding to defeat. He is a real hero of democracy and history will certainly remember his name for that.

Please read his official statement to Nigerians today after the results. 

Fellow Nigerians, 

I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the March 28 General Elections. I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure. 

Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.

As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.
 

I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28^th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.

 

I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

  

To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

 

For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation. 

  

Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism. 

 

I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

 

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.

  

May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 
I thank you all. 

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

 

President,

 

Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

March 31, 2015

As for Nigeria as a nation, it is everyone's desire to have a peaceful nation. For our country to move forward and improve on matters like security, the eradication of corruption, the economy, unemployment, poverty, healthcare, education etc. 

I love the fact that Nigerians are so passionate about the future of the country and are willing to participate in the democratic process of elections. Well done to all Nigerians who voted, had their voices heard and ensured a peaceful election. 

 

God bless Nigeria. Be Inspired

xoxo

Children's Knock Knock Jokes!

Q- Knock knock

A- Who is there?

Q- Lettuce

A- Lettuce who?

Q- Let us in, it's cold out here

Q- Knock knock

A- Who is there?

Q- Harry

A- Harry who?

Q- Hurry up and answer the door 

Q- Knock knock 

A- Who is there?

Q- Iver

A- Iver who?

Q- I have a sore hand from all this knocking

Q-Knock knock 

A- Who is there?

Q- Police

A- Police who?

Q- Please stop telling these awful knock knock jokes

Be Inspired 

xoxo

Tips on Timekeeping: Preparation Is Key

If you are ANYTHING like me, even in the slightest way possible, you have a little problem with your time-keeping. Running late here, there and everywhere and sometimes it gets embarrassing when it looks like a habit. You never wake up thinking you will be late for something. You wake up with the best intentions to be on time for everything. Your excuses are genuine. It's more than just, I woke up late, my car broke down kind of excuses. But having said that, if you think you have a little problem with your time keeping, maybe now is the best time to tackle it once and for all. 

Here are my few tips on how to keep on top of your time so you can always be on time. This is also a note to self. As always.

1. Prepare the night before. Everything you will use the next day should be brought out the night before. It saves a lot of time when you have to look for that missing sock or glove. Also if any ironing needs to be done, do it the night before. The breakfast table can also be pre-prepared against the next morning to save you all that time setting the breakfast table. Dishes, tidying up and laundry should also be completed in the evening after dinner so you don't have to tackle it in the morning before rushing out of the house. Keep all your daily necessities in one place. For example, your keys, your wallet, yor phone, your make up. Once they are all together, you can grab it and go. 

2. Set your clocks forward by at least 15 minutes. Have you ever reached your destination late and wished you got there 15/20 minutes earlier? Well, now is the time. Ordinarily you will still spend the same amount of time to get ready but if all your clocks are set 15 minutes ahead, you are guaranteed an extra 15 minutes for any last minute emergency for example, if you have to run back in for your keys, or your child needs to go to the toilet all of a sudden. You could also set your alarm to remind you what time you are to leave the house. 

3. Ask a friend/family to remind you. Sometimes, even when you have done number 1 and 2 above, you still find yourself struggling with your time keeping. Ask someone to assist you for only one week until you get used to it. Ask your friend to call you at exactly the time you are to leave the house. What happens is, no matter how busy you are and how carried away you get with time, once you have your alarms ring off and then 15 minutes later, you are  getting a reminder call from your friend, the pressure will help you speed up. 

4. With whichever mode of transport you chose to travel by, calculate the commuting/driving distance between your home and your desired location. When you do that, try to add an extra 10 minutes on top so you can give room for the occasional hiccups or traffic along the way.

5. Try to be early. What I have noticed over the years is, I've always tried to be on time. I can organise my time according to the time I am to be at a certain destination be it school, work, church. Sometimes, I will be late even when trying to get there just on time. On occasions where I plan to be early, I am always always on time or better still, early. When you are early, you have more time to settle yourself before you start your meeting/event. So endeavour to be early, not on time. 

I hope these few tips help you as much as it will help me. 

Be Early. Be Inspired.  

xoxo

Black Girls Rock 2015

I love watching this every year. It's so uplifting and inspiring. This year, Mrs Michelle Obama graced the stage to empower women and highlight the importance of getting an education. 

Read this article culled from Huffington Post

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Michelle Obama celebrated the beauty, power and tenacity of black women while spreading her own message of education for girls at Black Girls Rock!, an annual event honoring trailblazing women of color from all walks of life.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are beautiful," Obama told the crowd, which included many young black girls.

"I am so proud of you. My husband, your president, is so proud of you," she added. "We have so much hope and dreams for you."

Obama was not among the honorees at Saturday night's festivities, held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. That distinction went to actress Jada Pinkett Smith, singer Erykah Badu, actress Cicely Tyson, "Selma" director Ava DuVernay, educator Nadia Lopez and Dr. Helene D. Gayle, president and CEO of CARE USA, a humanitarian organization.

However, Obama was the most celebrated participant. Wearing a form-fitting white dress, she jammed to performances from the likes of Badu, Fantasia, Sheila E!, Estelle and others and applauded the honorees.

But Obama got among the night's loudest ovations as she came on stage and declared "Black girls rock!" - the slogan and name of the organization founded by Beverly Bond, which is designed to uplift young black girls, a group that often has difficulty finding positive and reaffirming images of themselves in the world.

Obama acknowledged as much in her speech to celebrate three young honorees.

"I know there are voices that you are not good enough," she said, acknowledging that she often lacked self-confidence growing up despite encouraging parents.

"Each of those doubts was like a test," she said, "that I either shrink away from or rise to meet. And I decided to rise."

Obama, who recently completed a trip to Japan and Cambodia as part of her worldwide push for better educational opportunities for girls, lauded the young honorees for excelling in their studies.

"There is nothing more important than being serious about your education," the Ivy League-educated Obama said. "That's why I am able to stand here tonight. ... I want every one of our black girls do to the same, and our black boys."

Obama's speech was just one of many highlights of the nearly four-hour event, which will be shown Saturday, April 5, on BET.

Will Smith gave an emotional tribute to his wife, Jada Pinkett, who received the Star Power award. Smith alluded to persistent rumors that the couple's marriage was in trouble.

He said when one rumor got out of control, he had a chance of reflection.

"In that brief moment my heart jumped for a second and I started to imagine what my life would have been like without that woman," he said as the couple's daughter, Willow, beamed from the audience.

When Pinkett Smith accepted the honor, she alluded to recent slights of black girls and women - including a college baseball player's slur against Little League pitcher Mo'ne Davis - as reasons why Black Girls Rock! is necessary.

She also implored black women to celebrate and be aware of their own strength.

"I need you to understand that we are the women who marched from cotton fields into fields of medicine ... politics ... entertainment," she said. "We have found a way to march into a White House."

Tyson also spoke to the resiliency of black women as she accepted her legacy award from hosts actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King.

"The moment anyone tries to demean or degrade you in any way, you have to know how great you are," Tyson said. "Nobody would bother to beat you down if you were not a threat."

DuVernay, whose civil rights drama "Selma" received an Academy Award nomination, making her the first black woman to notch such an achievement, name-checked a host of other black filmmakers in her speech as she accepted her Shot Caller award, and implored women to "figure out what you need to do to be the heroine of your own story."

The show peppered songs from entertainers like Jill Scott, Estelle and others with inspiring stories from the award winners. One of the members of the group Sister Sledge sang the song "We Are Family," with the refrain "I've got all my sisters with me," as the audience grooved along.

And sisterhood was the spirit of the evening, evident when Obama came on stage to close the show with all the honorees. When an embarrassed King flubbed a line, Obama gave her a hug and then jokingly rubbed her back.

The actress and director then shouted with glee, "I've got Mrs. Obama pumping me up!"

Also check out THE BLACK GIRLS ROCK PLEDGE below

I AM a black girl. I AM what extraordinary looks like. 

Picture by http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com 

Be Inspired

xoxo

Best Man Holiday - Can You Stand The Rain

I was a late comer watching This movie. I literally waited for it to come into sky movies before watching it. You can't blame me really because I was still a baby(cough) when The Best Man movie was first released and I just never got round to watching it.  As you will imagine,  I wasn't really buzzing about its sequel. So when it did come on, I was on it like a bee on honey. I couldn't get enough of it. Every time I had a visitor, I would force them to watch Best Man Holiday with me (again) if they hadn't already watched it. Yes, the movie is THAT GOOD on every level. What I loved about this movie was its portrayal of one's absolute trust and faith in God and Love for your family. I was moved especially by the cancer storyline.

One of my favourite scenes from this movie is the dance scene where all the male characters performed Can You Stand The Rain by New Edition. Epic scene. 

Please Enjoy!...... And sing along .... "Sunny days, everybody loves them, but tell me baby, Can You stand The Rain..."

Be Inspired
xoxo

Germanwings Crash: Co-Pilot Wanted The Plane To Crash

Update on Germanwings Crash

This is incredibly sad. May the souls of all those departed rest in perfect peace. 

According to BBC News

The co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed in the French Alps, named as Andreas Lubitz, appeared to want to "destroy the plane", officials said.

Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin, citing information from the "black box" voice recorder, said the co-pilot was alone in the cockpit.

He intentionally started a descent while the pilot was locked out.

Mr Robin said there was "absolute silence in the cockpit" as the pilot fought to re-enter it.

He said air traffic controllers made repeated attempts to contact the aircraft, but to no avail. Passengers could be heard screaming just before the crash, he added.

Details are emerging of the German co-pilot's past - although his apparent motives for causing the crash remain a mystery.

"We hear the pilot ask the co-pilot to take control of the plane and we hear at the same time the sound of a seat moving backwards and the sound of a door closing," Mr Robin told reporters.

He said the pilot, named in the German media as Patrick S, had probably gone to the toilet.

"At that moment, the co-pilot is controlling the plane by himself. While he is alone, the co-pilot presses the buttons of the flight monitoring system to put into action the descent of the aeroplane.

"He operated this button for a reason we don't know yet, but it appears that the reason was to destroy this plane."

Mr Lubitz was alive until the final impact, the prosecutor said. Mr Robin said "the most plausible interpretation" was that the co-pilot had deliberately barred the pilot from re-entering the cockpit.

He added that the co-pilot was "not known by us" to have any links to extremism or terrorism.

Passengers were not aware of the impending crash "until the very last moment" when screams could be heard, Mr Robin said, adding that they died instantly.

After Thursday's revelations, several airlines have pledged to change their rules to ensure at least two crew members are present in the cockpit at all times.

Meanwhile, relatives and friends of the victims have been travelling to the Alpine region where the plane came down, near the town of Seyne-les-Alpes.

The French authorities have provided them with a viewing tent overlooking the crash site, in a remote mountain ravine, the Associated Press news agency says.

The disclosure of the likely cause of the crash has provoked anger. 

"One person can't have the right to end the lives of hundreds of people and families," Esteban Rodriguez, a Spanish factory worker who lost two friends aboard the aircraft, told the Associated Press news agency.

The principal of a German high school that lost 16 students and two teachers in the crash said the latest news was "much, much worse than we had thought". 

Residents of Alpine villages near the scene of the crash have also expressed shock.

"For the pilot it's suicide, perhaps, but it's an attack on the other people. Yes, an attack," Charles Bosshardt, a mountain risk adviser, said.

The second "black box" - that records flight data - has still not been found.

Lousy Day

I had a pretty lousy day today. I can't really put my finger on it as to why I was incredibly miserable. I think it was a combination of matters I have been bottling up for months. I felt stressed, under pressure and unhappy. This was obviously topped with a 10 minute full blow out "I'm feeling extremely sorry for myself today" cry. I blew snot bubbles an everything. So yes, very lousy day. 

But I attended our weekly cell meeting this evening with the children and somehow it lifted my spirit. What in particular did I hear that made me cheer up? We were advised to be reminded of who we are in Christ. Despite our present challenges, we should keep prophesying great things into our future. We may not see ourselves there immediately but we will get there. 

So for anyone how had a lousy day like me, cheer up! Something good is about to happen. 

Be Inspired 

xoxo

True Talk Thursday - Priorities and Options

Yesterday I found myself giving advice to a young lady (I do that sometimes, I just exercise my God-given right to TALK and give unsolicited advice). Those that know me are used to me doing that. Sometimes they come to me because they know I keep it real, go straight to the point and just simply give them my own opinion. In a diplomatic way. Judgement free. I thought I could share those words with you here. 

Enjoy!

Listen carefully Girls!

* Don't make a boy/man your priority when he only sees you as an option. 

* Don't waste your time with someone that doesn't see you in his future. It's like going on a journey with no destination. 

* You should be a man's first and only. Don't settle for being the side chick. 

* Know your worth and value yourself. Understand that God values you. See yourself the way God sees you. You are a royal priesthood. 

* Don't give boys/men your most treasured and precious possession until they have proven themselves worthy of you and made you their wife. Life is a lot less complicated for us women when we live our lives and conduct our affairs the way God wants us to. 

Choose wisely. Pray on it. Let go and then let God. "

You are going to be just fine, young lady.

Be Inspired 

xoxo

Why I Started Blogging

I always talk to myself. I am constantly having a conversation with myself. It doesn't matter what the topic is, me, myself and I will discuss it. It gets so cool because if it is a topic I am passionate about or unsure about, I find myself debating the pros and cons or doing on the spot research regarding that matter. So yes, my mind is always busy. 

In secondary school and years after that, I had a journal where I would write poems or letters to myself. I would sometimes write lifetime plans and goals into my notebook just as a point of reference. I just formed this habit of putting anything in my mind onto paper. Most times I lose that paper anyway, but just writing it down helped organise those thoughts. 

When my first daughter was born, I used to write letters to her. Save it in a folder in my email and just leave it there. Sometimes I will just write what we did for the day, what she did and her latest developments. I wanted her to know what she was doing on those given days. It didn't have to be detailed but just with a little information, I am sure she will welcome it as an adult. I would also write to her to remind her about how much I love her and I will always be there for her. Over time, my letters became less regular especially when I got busy doing other projects and then had another baby and then another one after that. For a while I didn't write anything at all because I didn't know what to write, how to write it and who to address it to. Should I write a letter to each child or should I generalise it to all my children?

Starting this blog for me was a way to document what is going on in my life right now. It's keeping up with the ins and outs of our lives. To write about what is around me, things that inspire me, things that make me laugh and my general thought process. My moods, my state of mind and life challenges. Moving forward I know it is something I would love to keep doing, not just for myself but also for my children and grandchildren. For them to remember me by when I am gone. And even as they grow and I am obviously still here, they could probably use it as a means to further understand their mum. For them to have it in writing how much I adore all of them. I smother my children with love everyday because I never want a day to go by where my children ever feel alone. Why? Because I've got them! It's so easy to be in a room full of people yet feel completely alone. To feel misunderstood. To feel judged. Sometimes even feeling not good enough. I never want my children to feel that way. I want them to always know that mummy loves them no matter what.... And daddy too of course. They are never alone. I will always understand them. I will never judge them and they are ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS good enough. 

Another reason is, I know God has blessed me with a very active and imaginative brain and God is always putting ideas in it and words of encouragement to back it up. By actually having it on a blog as a back up means I can refer to it all the time. What I am working on is super amazing and it will all unfold with time. 

Blogging for me is visual expression of my thoughts unfolding. I love life and I love laughing. Ride with me. 

Picture: Forbes.com

Be Inspired  

xoxo

Words Of Encouragement - By Sister Esther

Listen brothers and sisters: There is no storm in your life that is strong enough to blow away God's purpose for your life. His purpose for your life is IMMUTABLE!

Word!

Be Inspired!

xoxo

A.S.A.P - Always Say A Prayer

The great thing about God is, he doesn't force you to pray. Neither does he give you scheduled times to pray. You can always pray to him when you want and as many times you want. 

Always Say A Prayer, morning, noon and night and every other moment you get. God is graceful enough to hear and to answer all the time. If you don't already pray regularly, now is the best time to start. With time, you will develop the habit of praying all the time and dedicating quality time to God, meditating on his word and communicating with him in the spirit. 

Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. You too can start by saying these few simple words. 

Be Inspired

xoxo

Sudoku: Favourite Pastime

Remember this? Playing Sudoku as your favourite pastime? I couldn't go a day without solving one of these. Easy or hard, it became a part of my daily routine especially on the train to and from University and then on the train to and from work to while away time. Whatever happened to that? Maybe I just stopped reading the paper newspapers and moved to reading the news online. I remember buying a sudoku book because the tables in the newspaper just wasn't enough. I finished the book and i just couldn't get round to buying another one. I probably got too busy and too preoccupied I had no time for my favourite pastime. 

Be Inspired

xoxo

Think Different - Steve Jobs

A healthy body always starts with a healthy mind. 

Maybe if we start thinking differently about our eating habits, we might truly make that change we so  desire and in return seeing results. The issue should not be on our looks as women, but our health. Living a healthy life so that we can live that extra longer for our children. If we fill our body with junk, it is not getting the right nutrients to function effectively. I can't begin to count the number of health effects that eating wrong contributes to like heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc. Think about it like this. Imagine you are a car. Yes, I said a car. Now concentrate. If that car is only allowed unleaded fuel and every so often, you put diesel into the car, or worse, kerosene, what do you think will happen to that car over a period of time? It would not function as effectively and soon, it will start experiencing problems it probably shouldn't have if you put the right fuel into it. Food is like that fuel, and your body, the car. No matter how much you wash and polish the car, the car will still not work properly. So what you put inside matters a whole lot. Let's start controlling our daily intake. Working out is great, but it only works hand in hand with a good healthy balanced meal.

Examples of junk/guilty pleasures to gradually  cut out of your diet: 

1. Soda

2. Crisps

3. Cakes

4. Chocolates

5. Biscuits

6. Chips

7. Pizza

8. Ice cream

9. Bread

10. Sweets

This is a lot easier said than done, I know. But it is worth a try. You are not doing this for anyone else but yourself. It's your life! You better do right by the body God has given to you. Indulge less and eat more fruits and vegetables over time, your taste buds will change and you will grow to love all things healthy. 

Don't Be Afraid To Think Different. 

Be Inspired

xoxo

Date Night Ideas

Date Night is

1. a prearranged occasion on which an established couple, especially one with children, go for a night out together.

   
   

Once a couple starts having children, date nights become few and far between. It becomes increasingly hard to spend quality time with each other, and even when you do, you have the issue of sorting out suitable childcare for your child(ren). 

Date nights are still very important. How many times a month or a year you go is all dependent on each couple. Date Nights that are always prearranged are always the best because as habit will have it, if you don't schedule private time out for you and your partner, you will never have your own private time. Of course there are times when you are alone together, but this goes a little beyond being alone. It's being alone but with an activity in mind. This way, you get to learn new things, share interests and revive that love that you share. 

Here's the issue. Ever found yourself wondering what to do and where to go for your date nights? Does it always have to be in the night? No. You could steal some hours during the day. You have to do what works for the both of you. Sometimes the simple ideas are always the best. Less fuss (especially when you are both busy) but with maximum impact.  Other times, pushing the boat and doing something different works better for couples who get bored of the same routine easily. 

Here are a few ideas I have picked up over the few years, things we have done and also ideas I would love to try. Enjoy!

1. Theatre

2. Comedy Club

3. Dinner

4. Movie 

5. Strawberry Picking

6. Dance/exercise class 

7. Cake tasting

8. Spa Date

9. Swimming 

10. Art class

* as a bonus, you could throw in a last minute weekend getaway if you have time and resources. 

http://beezuskiddo.com/

Be Inspired 

xoxo

Courageous Kids

I must confess, my children teach me something new each day. If they are not teaching me something new, they are surely reminding me of what I already know. Sometimes through the words from their mouth and sometimes through their actions.

Today was my daughter's music concert in her school. One of the perks about being self-employed is, I get to spend quality time with my children. I don't miss a school play, I don't miss a recital and I don't miss sports day. I can also volunteer to join them on school trips which I never got the privilege to do when I working for a company. 

So, after picking her up from school, we had almost three hours before the concert. We went home, did the usual, she changed into her home clothes and when it was time to leave, we left for her school. Getting there, she realised that the whole school was still in their uniform! And she was a part of the choir and had her own musical instrument to play. At first she was nervous, so her teacher gave her a school cardigan to wear to cover her dress. Her dress was grey anyway and from where I was standing, I didn't even notice the difference. She just blended right in. At first she was shy and then she relaxed. She sang and she performed and as always, I was beaming from ear to ear. When she came out, I asked her how she felt her performance went, she said, she was reaaaaaaaaallllllllllyyyy shy, but then she realised that she was fine because God was with her so she had nothing to be afraid of. I thought wow, you thought about something that deep just like that. She was so courageous. She didn't chicken out despite how awkward she felt. 

It's amazing because when we take them to church, we think they are not listening to what they are being taught in children's Sunday school, but they do. They hear and they listen. They only apply what they have been taught when they need to. The word of God has already been deposited into their spirit and they make use of it as and when required. I am so happy because my children are already seeing the work of God in their lives. That can only be God's doing. All glory and honour to Him alone. 

Be Inspired  

xoxo

Forever Graced

My daughter, G2 was a little unwell on Sunday evening. We all prayed for her and laid hands on her and thanked God for her speedy recovery. Monday, she spent the whole day in bed. So as a treat, when G1 got home from school, we decided to put on a little performance for her to remind her how special she is to us and how we can't wait for her to go back to feeling herself again. We also brainstormed and came up with all her lovely qualities and why we love her so much. As we read it out to her she thanked us. I could see how happy it made her and how grateful she was. 

 

Today, Tuesday, I said, "my baby, you don't have to go to school today if you don't want to. You can stay at home and rest! She said no mummy, u want to go to school, I miss Cassidy". She went to school and now I am happy to announce she is back to her playful self. I just really want to thank God for the grace upon her life. Christ is in her. It is so amazing because despite the way she felt, her confession never changed. If you asked her how she was feeling she will always say, "I am well, I am better, I am ok, I am strong, I am not sick". If I dare said anything to the contrary, she will correct me immediately. Today when she came back from school I said, how are you feeling my baby. She said with excitement "Much Better!". So I said, "Isn't God so awesome. Our prayers worked! She said "yes mummy...I wish I could give God a hug right now and say thank You". My daughter is only 4 and she (as well as her sisters) are a constant reminder of God's abundant love. Praise God. Thank You our Heavenly Father. You are always doing mighty and glorious things in our lives. Thank You Lord. 

Be Inspired  

xoxo

Agbalumo Cherry Mojito Cocktail!

I saw this picture on my cousin's blackberry messenger display picture (bbm dp) this morning and found it hilarious. 

Hilarious because I actually really love Agbalumo aka Nigerian cherry. I don't know what to make of this drink though. I know Nigerians are always trying to reinvent their original food and drinks so that people from other nations and cultures will be more open minded to try Nigerian cuisine. For that, I will say kudos to them.

Would you ever try this? Just for laughs maybe? I don't think I am that open to try it. I will stick with the fruit and enjoy it as it is. 

Are You Inspired?

xoxo

Heartbreaking: Children Now For Sale In Nigeria

I only post news that stands out to me and really gets me fired up in a positive or negative way. I think I might make this a regular daily occurrence.

I find this particular report incredibly sad and heartbreaking. Is this now the new Nigeria? Which way forward, Nigeria? My heart bleeds for Nigeria. Such a terrible shame. 

According to CNN

Editors Note: Nearly a million Nigerians have been displaced to date by Boko Haram. According to UNICEF, over half of them are children. CNN's Nima Elbagir and her team, producer Lillian Leposo and cameraman Fabien Muhire, investigated claims that many of the children are sold and trafficked, then filed this exclusive report.

(CNN)"It really depends what you want. Boy? Girl? Young? Old?"

The man on the phone was offering us young children with the casualness of a market trader. After a week of back and forth phone calls, his initial caginess had given way to greed. He'd heard my foreign accent and clearly decided I would pay more than the domestic rate.

"We can get," he said.

We'd been put in touch with the man through a contact on the ground. We were told he was one of the men running this "unofficial" displaced camp -- one of the many that has mushroomed in the town of Yola as the influx of people fleeing Boko Haram has grown beyond the capacity of the official camps.

It had all been heartbreakingly simple. We'd asked who had children available to "foster" -- a catch-all code word designed to conceal the true intent of those offering up the orphaned children. The man on the phone was the end result of those inquiries.

When our colleague want to see them, he was shown a group of children and asked which one he wanted to take. One, two maybe? He escaped by saying he needed to check with his "madam" -- me. 

I called. The man picked up and began referring to me as "sister." I told him we wanted to know what we'd need to do, if we decided we did want to "foster" the children.

He told me, "Sister, Jesus will reward me," so the "fostering" was free, he said. No need for any pesky paperwork -- just a reassurance from me that the children, if I chose to take them, would "live in my heart." If I could also then find it "in my heart" to donate to those still in the camp, then that would be "God's work."

In spite of the harsh measures the Nigerian government has put in place to punish human traffickers, by the government's own admission, 8 million children are currently engaged in forced labor. 

The Global Slavery Index says Nigeria has the highest number of people in modern slavery of any sub-Saharan country. Paradoxically, the group also rates Nigeria's anti-trafficking agency, Naptip, as one of the strongest government responses on the continent -- but it's clearly overwhelmed by the realities of working in what is now a zone of military operations, Nigeria's north. As the insecurity in the region has spiraled, the worry is that more and more children are falling through the cracks. And as Boko Haram increases its reliance on child suicide bombers, concerns are growing that orphaned children could end up in the hands of the terror group.

At the camp where we finally met the man face to face, there was no attempt at subterfuge. We spoke in normal tones in full view of the children playing. I could have had one of them, I was told, but because I'd specified a younger child, they'd only identified one so far -- a 3-year-old. Did I want to consider an older girl? A 12-year-old maybe? She could look after the 3-year-old, and cook and clean. Either way, two girls would be ready tomorrow, he said. I could see them then.

Our last phone conversation revolved around what an appropriate "donation" would be in exchange for the children. He couldn't, he said, bargain for it. He then proceeded to do just that, laughing down the phone at my first tentative guess of $200. Laughing again at $300.

We finally found a figure he didn't find funny -- $500. I put the phone down and we traveled back to the capital that day to show Naptip what we'd found.

Remember Me As.....

I think it is so remarkable how my children go out of their way to show me how much I am loved everyday.  They use their own creative resources to come up with impeccable ideas to make me happy. The truth is, I love them a million times more every day. Now when I am old and grey and ready to meet my Heavenly Father Jesus, I would like my kids to remember me just as they see me now. Through the same cute adorable lovable beautiful eyes. Above is a card that my very clever daughter made for me on Mother's Day as an expression of their love for me. In it, she wrote "Thank You for being.... Extraordinary, fair, smart, kind, loving and encouraging". How sweet. I couldn't stop smiling and crying. 

When I do go many many many years from now, I want my children to know:-

*  That their mummy ALWAYS put them first. 

* That their mummy loved them all equally and unconditionally. 

* That their mummy will do anything to make them happy. 

* That their mummy prayed for them day and night. 

* That their mummy will always have their back. 

* That their mummy was their backbone, pillar and strength. 

* That their mummy loved holding them and singing to them. Preaching to them and sharing words of wisdom with them. 

* That their mummy was always by their side through everything. 

* That their mummy was immensely proud of them. In everything. 

In my eyes, they are all I ever wanted, all I ever needed and more. They are my mirrors. My priority. My bright shining light. My gifts from God Almighty. They are my angels. My superstars. My diamonds. My princesses. My babies. My girls. My children. I love them to the moon and back. To infinity and forever. 

Thank You My Girls For Being Who You Are. I Wouldn't Change A Moment Shared With You. 

xoxo

Fleek and Bae: Words That Should Now Be Extinct

Fleek and Bae

I've heard these words too many times in the last year it just has to go. It's just another word that someone has made up that is not in the dictionary and so everyone else has to copy it and say it to sound on trend with their friends. 

For those who don't know, according to Urban Dictionary, Fleek means on point. For example "Eyebrows on point", you could also say "Eyebrows on fleek". "Pretty on Fleek". Seriously, even "On-Point"! That's another pointless trend that people still use. Bae is a Danish word that means poop! But in social media, Bae now means baby or sweetie. How about just say baby or honey when referring to your loved ones and leave Bae to its original meaning, poop! I can imagine someone standing next to me and saying "Bae on Fleek, eerthang is so on point".  I will just grab some bar soap and wash their mouths with it!

Well sorry, I struggle to follow trends. I was just getting used to Hi5 (no one talks about this anymore) when Facebook came out and that took me 5 years before I finally jumped on the bandwagon just so I could keep in touch with my friends. Now there is Twitter, Instagram and whole other grams I'm not on and some I don't even know just because too many social media sites confuse me. 

So yeah, back to the words. I will say them if they are in the English dictionary, in its appropriate context and if its a word I can use freely in front of my pastor, my boss and my children. 

"...Of life" has come and gone. So has words like Bruh, Innit, Seen/Skeen and Turn Up/Turnt Up! Well, maybe not totally,  but it should. It really should. And the newest one I think from 2015 because I only recently heard it... Thot! Huh? We all know you didn't mean to say "you thought". "Thot" is now a derogatory word used to describe a woman (Correct me if I am wrong). My ears and eyes are burning. Speak English please. You are not obliged to speak Queen's English when you speak or write on social media, but remember, maybe not your child, but A child would read that, copy it and speak it and think it is the correct way to talk. They will struggle as adults because no one will take them seriously professionally. 

Please let's stop inventing all these random words and saying it to look cool!

Our babies copy all this nonsense. 

Rant over. 

Picture: kappit.com

xoxo

President Obama Encourages Nigerians

The President of the United States of America has today sent out a video encouraging Nigerians to exercise their right to vote at the upcoming elections on Saturday 28th March 2015. He also spoke about refusing the call to violence despite the outcome, remaining peaceful and keeping Nigeria as one.

See the video below. 

Be Inspired
xoxo

Teach A Man To Fish

It is as simple as that. When you teach a man/woman a skill, they will be able to better provide for themselves in the future. The Holy Bible says "The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow." (Deuteronomy 28:12 KJV)

It doesn't matter what the skill or trade is, but if you are trained at anything, turn it into something. God will bless it. That way, you too can be a blessing to someone else. Not by giving them handouts, but by teaching them, so they too can get their own bread and butter for a lifetime and not a day. 

Be Inspired

xoxo

Bible Quote For The Day

Ponder on this for a moment....

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (1 Chronicles 28:9 KJV)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to serve you rightly. With a perfect heart and a willing mind. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Be Inspired!

xoxo

Top 5 ULTIMATE Holiday Destinations

Here is the top 5 places I would love to visit. This is by no means exhaustive neither is it a bucket list. I intend to visit ALL these beautiful cities within the next 5 years give or take. Hopefully with this blog still running by then, I will give a full account of every journey made!

See the list below....

1. Israel 

Jerusalem is the holiest city in planet earth. It is my ultimate holiday destination. I will go, but not as a tourist. I will go as a pilgrim. I have always had a deep rooted desire to go on a religious tour. A holiday with a significance. To encounter God through places of interest and most especially, places that were used as a point of reference in the Holy Bible. When I go, I will not return the same. I am confident of that fact. The top  attractions for me will definitely be the Church of the Goly Sepulchre, Mount Olives, Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall, Mount Zion.

2. China

China is such a large country with diverse and mind blowing history, I can't conclude on only one city. I might either make a full 4-week holiday out of this to spend at least a week in one city at a time and soak in the culture and its richness. I would love to visit Beijing and walk up the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Next stop will be Shanghai, popularly known as China's biggest city. It is modern and has the New York feel here. I would probably go on the Guangpu River Cruise as part of my stay here. Naturally, after that, my next stop will be Hong Kong and then I will head straight to Hangzhou to visit the West Lake, etc. 

3. Australia 

Australia is my third choice simple because it is such a beautiful country. It is located between the Indian Oceans and the Pacific Oceans. Australia is the world's largest island and the world's smallest continent. As it will be my first time there, I will head straight to Sydney and take a cruise under the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

4. Italy

Italy is another country I love for its simplicity and its passion in their culture.  I have already been here before but I loved it so much I want to go back. I want to share the same and even more experiences with my children. Going there I know I will enjoy the food, the ambience, the people, the art, the treasures and the fashion.... Places of interest for me would obviously be Venice, Florence Milan and Rome! Yes, all four cities on one holiday trip. 

5. Dubai

I would love to book a hotel room at the Burj Al Arab, the only 7 star hotel in the world and go to the Desert Safari. This holiday for me I think will be a little less educational and more of a relaxing holiday to enjoy the sun with the kids and bask in the ambience of such a beautiful country. 

So there you have it! 

My Top 5 Ultimate Holiday Destinations!!!!

Be Inspired

xoxo

Song Of The Week - Awesome God by Michael W Smith

As I settle down to prepare for service tomorrow, this is the song that I am singing within my spirit.

Our God is an Awesome God! Oh Yes He is! Hallelujah!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Be Inspired 

xoxo