Better Nigeria: Little Me, Powerful Me

By Iphie Obiechina

Everyday I see things that make me wonder if we are really interested in the change we are all clamouring for, more often than not it is the little thing we do, which we take for granted that makes me wonder. On Sunday morning while trying to get to church, I saw something that again caused me to wonder if we really want this change, I would need to give some background information to help you understand where I am coming from. If you are catholic, you know that this is the peak period for harvest and bazaar activities, and my church like any catholic church in Nigeria, is the middle of harvest activities. What this invariably means is that, masses that were ordinarily wrapped up in under 2 hours now have an additional 30 minutes added to it, automatically this means that people who are coming for the 8am and 10am masses get stuck in traffic while waiting for the earlier masses to be done, so the parking lot can be vacated by those who attended that mass.

JUST MY 2Kobo: HEY I AM NIGERIAN, DO YOU LIKE MY FAKE ACCENT?

BY IPHIE OBIECHINA

What is it with our actors and actresses, our TV presenters and our On Air Personalities (OAPs) and having a fake accent? Most of them just make sounds without communicating; my imaginary dog can do that

I listen to the radio a lot, especially when I am driving alone, I like to have the 'presence' of another person in the car with me, LOL, weird right? But I have had to buy a lot CDs because instead of listening to the fake accent all day, I prefer to listen to music. And it annoys me because there is this presenter I love so much, we share the same ideas on so many things but I just can't stand the fake accent. I also like to listen to the news as I drive, but I can’t do that anymore? I watch Nigerian movies sometimes just for the fun of laughing at their stupidity and it is the same thing everywhere; the fake accent just pains my ears.

Flight

By Adesuwa Iluobe

I woke up at exactly 3.45am. I confirmed the time on my phone and laid down again. I was to catch a 6.45am flight to Port Harcourt today, the cab man I had arranged the previous day to take me to the airport would soon come, I had asked him to come at 4.30am. He was always on time.

As I stepped into the bathtub, something hurt in my heart... it's true Yetunde is gone. I saw her face in my mind's eye. She died on Tuesday, I and my classmates were in shock. why would death choose such a calm, beautiful woman?

My eyes ached, because I did not sleep until 12.30am. Why? I was scared. In the past two weeks, Ella has lost her Dad, Bella lost her brother, Smart too just departed  and now Yetunde...these were all happening  to my friends/classmates...groomed in the same class at the University of Abuja for 6 years. Then we met again at law school. I was about flying to Port Harcourt?

Young and In Charge: Odachi Abah

Over the course of the last four weeks, we have met young people with an interest for acting; this has shown that Nollywood is an industry that has come to stay one that is providing jobs for the younger generation, one that keeps them away from crime and one that should be encouraged. Our young person of the week today followed her love for the theatre, but eventually her love for making people look beautiful took centre stage. What our young persons of these last four weeks have taught us is that, parents are becoming more and more supportive of dreams that were hitherto seen as unconventional, today we see our person of the week’s dad come up with the name for her company and even helps with the registration. The time to start working on your dream is now, it is never too late, today I proud to present our young person of the week, she is young, she is beautiful, she is brilliant, she is creative, she is the whole package, she is young and she is definitely in charge, she is Odachi Abah.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Ok… I’m Odachi Abah (#widegrin# at full name), a freelance makeup artist, I was born on the 25th of March in Zaria, a Christian from Benue state, Idoma by tribe. I’m the fifth of six kids to Steve and Alache Abah. My family is my everything and I am thankful for them every moment that I live. I love what I do and I’ll definitely want to get to the peak of my career. I love food (but have to work hard to keep my weight stable L), music, makeup, fashion. I smile a lot, laugh hard and say very little.

Young and In Charge: Zainab Idris

Parents are gradually becoming more accepting of careers that were hitherto seen as unserious and unprofessional, as we have seen with our recent YICs, parents of the YICs have given them the support and the platform needed to pursue their dreams, and where the support wasn't there at the beginning, they eventually gave in and supported the dreams of their children. Our YIC of the week, had the support of her parent from the get and has perfected her craft to the the point that she now teaches others the business, meet out inspiring young person of the week, Zainab Idris, makeup artist extraordinaire.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Zainab Idris, from Kogi State, I am Ebira to be precise. I am the third out of four children.

What was growing up like?

I come from a very large family, so I grew up having so many people around: cousins, aunts, uncles e.tc. That has taught me how to live amongst people. My parents have always taught us, my siblings and I, how to be independent and that has helped me in becoming who I am today.

Young and In Charge: Mary Chukwu

Its Nollywood season on Abj Loving, LOL, last week it was an actor and today we have an actress. Last week, our young person of the week had the support of his parents from the get go, but our young person for this week didn’t have such luck, but after obeying her parent’s wish for her, she still went ahead to pursue her dream and has eventually won them over. I have followed her work for sometime now, and I must admit she only goes for movies with a message, that in itself is admirable, coming from someone in a generation so obsessed with fame and fortune, its refreshing to see actresses who work strictly based on the quality and message contained in a script. She recently added the feather of directorship to her cap by directing my Church’s passion play, which I must say was beautiful. Meet our young person of the week; she is young, she is hardworking, she is brimming with inspiration, she is Mary Chukwu.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Mary Chukwu, I am also known as Preety MC, I am a very passionate actor and an NMA (Nigerian Movie Award) Nominee for best supporting Actress for my role in the movie Broken.

Young And In Charge: Olufemi Afolabi

It is not everyday you read about parents who are a hundred percent behind their children's dream to act from day one, especially not in Nigeria, the parents we had growing up would have spanked medical doctor or lawyer into you before you could even speak. Our YIC for the week, is a jack of many trades and master of all, he is an actor and an entrepreneur and actively combines these with a full time government job, meet Olufemi Afolabi, young, inspiring and in charge.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Afolabi Olufemi, I was born on the 14th of June in the late 70s. I'm the 1st of seven children.

What was growing up like for you?

I grew up with my parents, an averagely ok family, though we had our tough times but God has been faithful, my parents taught me the cold values of life and many more and they gave me freedom at an early age which has helped me so very much in my walk through life.

Tell us a little about your educational background. 

I have a diploma in International Relations and Trade Unionism from the University of Ibadan, I also have an OND and HND in Public Administration respectively from The Polytechnic of Ibadan and currently doing my masters in Public Administration(MPA) in the National Open University Nigeria in addition I also have a Diploma in Acting and filmmaking from the High Definition film Academy.

What inspired your sojourn into Nollywood?

My inspiration number 1 is God and the fact that I like to be seen,heard and I love to impact into people's lives and I've also got the gift.

How did you parents react to the news that you wanted to take up a profession that is not seen as a professional one in our part of the world?

Well I never had problems with my parents because they've always seen it in me, I've always been the one slowing down, they always say to me “Femi this is what you are cut out for, you are just wasting your time doing other things”.

Along side the acting, you are also an entrepreneur; tell us a little about that. Have you been able to mix all these with public administration?

Aside acting I am also an entrepreneur; I own a boutique and a clothing line called, A Styling Firm.

The grace of God I must say, its not been easy because acting is like a full time job on its own, sometimes you can be on location about three weeks or more, I really can't explain how I do it but God has been my help. I also have a government job added to the mix.

What has the experience been like, civil servant, acting and entrepreneurship?

Wonderful I must say, in life we learn everyday so in acting and entrepreneurship I get to meet people on daily base it gives me the opportunity to learn and I must tell you I'm a good learner.

Are there other hidden talents, which we should know about?

Yes, I sing, I write love poems.

What movies have you been in?

Scent of my desire, The Secret, Triangle, The Scam, Injured, Alpha Base, Complications, Pleasures of a Diva, Binding Duties, The Genius and so much more.

How do you handle the popularity that comes with being an actor? Do people treat you according to the role you play?

It's not been easy but God's grace is sufficient. Yes they do sometimes.

What challenges do you face as an actor and entrepreneur?

Mixing the two has been a bit difficult but thanks to God for the strength he has given me. I have people working under me so it has helped with the business aspect.

What do you love most about what you do?

The fact that I can make an impact in people’s life, the fact that people look at me and want to be like me, shows that I'm passing a positive message.

Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams?

NO

Who or what motivates you?

I have a truckload. They comprise of people I watch and people I listen to, you also can be my motivator/mentor you know. But I love Denzel Washington.

How does your typical day go?

I work in a Government Agency apart from any other thing I do, so I go to work first thing in the morning and later in the evening I go attend to any other thing, while most weekends I'm on location.

What do you like to do for fun?

Well I love enjoying myself, so I hang out with friends, loved ones. I love listening to music, and I love dancing, and eventually play my game when I'm at home in my free time, I play games like playstation, Xbox, name it, don't try me, I love games a lot.

You have a very powerful position, as part of the media, you help inform how people think, what decisions they make etc., how do you intend to bring about change with what you do?

There are a lot of people who are not comfortable with the position they are now, but what was preached to us while we were growing up was to be satisfied with where you are, but I will say this, "it is riskier not to take a risk", there is nothing wrong with been dissatisfied with the way you are, it's not about being greedy it's just about aspiring to be something better, so in other words I intend to change the scope of my fellow youths that if you "look inwards your gift will open doors for you"

With the level of success you have achieved, we are all itching to know how old you are.

I'm in my 30s

A word of advice to young Nigerians with dreams that they are yet to or are afraid to pursue.

I have a saying that goes thus that goes thus, just do it and leave the rest to God, there are sometimes acting just comes to me, just as if I'm acting in my approach to so many things, so to my fans and young Nigerians with dreams, don't be afraid, look inwards everyone has one talent or the other, look at that thing you do without stress and go for it, your gift will always make a way for you.

The media/entertainment industry seems to be to be a money spinner now, what is your take on the industry and what advice do you have for young people that wish to go into this sector and even for those already in it?

Rome wasn't built in a day, its a process, you can't get the cash immediately. No doubt there's a lot of money in entertainment, just be consistent and when the time comes you will be overwhelmed.

Where do you see yourself on a personal level, as an actor and as an entrepreneur in the next five years?

I see myself in the next five years as part of the A list actors and A list Entrepreneur

Femi can be reached through the following means:

Phone number-08035765461

Twitter- @afolfafolabi

Facebook- Olufemi Afolabi

Instagram- Ph6343

  

Just My 2Kobo: Valid Dreams

By Iphie Obiechina

I stopped blogging for a while; actually the blogging thing has been off and on for this year. During my time away, family members and friends kept asking when Abj Loving would be back, awww…. I knew you all loved Abj Loving, I just did not know how much. Let me use this opportunity to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for the love and support, it really keeps me going.

Just My 2 Kobo: The Wrong Cut

By Nnamdi Nwachukwu

Few days ago on my way back from work, the traffic-jam was extremely crazy as usual. I had gotten used to spending hours while coming home as it was a norm to meet hundreds, if not thousands of people struggling to get home all at the same time. My bus driver; a retired formula One champion (as I have chosen to refer to him) was impatient and over-zealous. He decided to drive on the opposite lane, following about 30-35 other renegade drivers (an act popularly known as one-way driving). After about 4 kilometers of doing the wrong thing, we found out that a police team had cut off the one-way drivers and instructed that they turned back and joined the right but gridlocked lane. My ‘retired formula-One driver’ for some strange reason had this crazy belief that after a few minutes, the police officers would backs-down and allow us to continue on the wrong side, he was mistaken! After an hour of futile waiting, he eventually turned back and took the right way. Cutting the long story short, we wasted an average of two hours trying to get home although eventually we did.

Young and In Charge: Joseph 'BraveJoe' Ibeh

The blog has been on and off this year, there is no excuse for that, we would try to be more consistent.
When you have the media in your hands, it gives you a lot of power, the power to to influence your viewer either positively or negatively. Our young person of the week chose to use the power of the media positively, he uses his media power to drive positive change in Nigeria and in Africa at large.I have had the opportunity to be interviewed by our young person of the week, (yes Abj Loving got me on TV, look out for my interview on MyTV Africa and coming soon to DSTV) it was an oppoturnity to watch him use his his power for good. Meet our Young Person of the Week, Joseph (BraveJoe) Ibeh, presenter, producer and media personality.

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Joseph Uzochukwu (Bravejoe) Ibeh. I hail from Imo State, Nigeria. I was Born in the 80's, and I am an optimist. I was born in Warri Delta state. I studied International Relations and History in the University. I love media, lawn tennis, travelling, and a whole lot. 

Just My 2 Kobo: Say No To Drugs

By Nnamdi Nwachukwu

As a young child, I used to be very critical of King Solomon in the Bible. I did not like the fact that he ‘enjoyed’ life in splendor, wined and dined gracefully, womanized extensively and yet he ended up telling the world that ‘vanity upon vanity, all is vanity’ Why wouldn't he let me taste the good life and then conclude for myself. I know that several people are still in that school of thought. How foolish I was.

I am not a saint. I am a regular young Nigerian graduate and by age I am well qualified to fall in the youth category. Like so many people out there, I am trying to find my feet. I am plotting the graphs of life, hoping that soon things would take shape. I am normal, like several millions, I have/had addictions, I am fighting them, for example for the past five years I have been a smoker. Recently, I decided it was time to quit. It has not been easy but facts I read up scared me and I would love to share them.

Young And In Charge: Aderonke Ogunleye

I remember meeting Ronke at an interview and we got chatting about things we were doing with our lives, things that we love doing. I remember thinking that she was very inspirational especially with her helping kids through sports. From reading Economics to becoming a journalist, to being a philanthropist to to being a change agent, Ronke is all sorts of inspirational. I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I do, I hope it inspires you.

Tell us a little about yourself.

As you know, my name is Aderonke Ogunleye a journalist, a philanthropist, change maker and an African.

 

Abj For JJCs: Review of Blu Cabana

Hey guys, so I decided to take my sister’s advice and start reviewing the services and products of the different services and products that I use in Abuja. Hopefully it would make life easier for all you Abuja JJCs and even the older Abujan who are looking for new places.

So for my first attempt, I decided to review a restaurant called Blu Cabanna, nestled in the Jahi area of Abuja. So I would try to talk about the service, the food, the ambiance and basically any other thing I can think of.

Young and In Charge: From Job Hunter to Employee

By Iphie Obiechina

Today as I headed to work, I got thinking about young graduates like me who are still job hunting and decided to come up with a strategy on how to make us more employable. Yes I am still on the job market as work for now with a law firm where I served (NYSC). On my return from the UK where I acquired a Master’s Degree, the Principal Partner was kind enough to let me back in, until I find my dream job. After careful thoughts and considerations, before the close of work, I was able to come up with some ideas that could make undergrads and graduates appealing to possible employers. I wish I knew what I know now, but it is never too late to start.

Habits for job hunters

Young and In Charge: Inspire

We believe that entrepreneurs are ordinary, everyday people. But we also believe that something in every entrepreneur makes them a superhero: 

Perhaps it is that undying faith in their dreams and their vision that causes them to leap into the unknown. Or maybe it is the resilience in them all; the courage to go from setback to setback until they find success. 

Young and In Charge: Ojimaojo Achema

Our young person of the week, is a young Nigerian who is using what he loves to spread the message of unity and national pride amongst Nigerians. With a childhood spent all over Nigeria with ‘uncles and aunties’ from diverse ethnicity, its no surprise that unity and national pride play a central role in his brand. Meet our young person of the week, Ojimaojo Achema, a politicial scientist, HR manager and a fashion designer, whose dream is to see Nigeria, united and for the youths to have an active part in the way we are governed.

Tell us a little about yourself please.

I am Ojimaojo Achema from Idah LGA in Kogi State. I am a political scientist, HR Manager and fashion designer. I am inspired by my background to create items which are modern and afro-centric. 

VALENTINE'S SPECIAL : VALENTINE IS HERE!

VALENTINE IS HERE!!!

So here we are..its Valentine’s day.

 

I feel and see love everywhere. Firstly from God who first loved us and put life, love, passion and desire in our hearts. I see it in the the dawn of the morning welcoming us to a new day, new opportunities, new hopes, new horizons…

 

I feel it from the touch of the sun which reminds me that am alive and it’s the best thing that could ever happen to me.

 

I see it in the smiles of children’s, moreso the ones we feel are dejected…their gurgles and warm grasps. They are most eager to live despite all odds...may more happiness be added unto them

 

I see it on the faces of those who do not have loved ones but have accepted themselves and are given to love and cherish themselves. I say more courage and hope be added unto you.

 

I see it in fallen faces and collapsed shoulders of those who have made efforts to love someone and are not appreciated..but have refused to give up. Not to worry, Love will come to you…

I hear it in the sighs of those missing a loved one whether here on earth an beyond...may the love you feel in your hearts for them never wane.

I see and feel it in the faces and the expressions of those who are in love and are loved in return...May your love never die.

I see it in a country where we have been labelled as one with nothing to celebrate...but its people have risen up this morning with hope and renewed strength and will constitute a large part of the world that celebrates love today, despite all the disappointments. Nigeria I love thee!

 

To you out there, with wishes in your hearts for a most beautiful valentine …the best days are here if you can only believe it. Please do not sulk around waiting to be loved, keep your hurts and fears…reach out! And show love even to most undeserving person.

 

HAPPY VALENTINE TO YOU&YOURS! 

Much love from all of us at abjloving!

VALENTINE SPECIAL - Art Imitating Life: AWAY&ALONE

AWAY&ALONE

BY ELLA ENWEONWU

She lay starring mindlessly at the ceiling, her mind going everywhere and nowhere. Why for Pete’s sake am I awake? She tried to figure out, especially since she had just gone to bed at 1am. It was just 4.45am .Maybe if I concentrate sleep will come she thought to herself and turned to her side.

45 minutes later, she was not any close to falling asleep than she was an hour ago. Her mind wandered again and drifted to Dozie. She sighed…

She seemed to think of him so often these days. And to think that she would have gotten used to being away from him by now and not feel the same pain she felt when she tearfully said her goodbyes at the airport, six and half months ago as she left for the UK in pursuit of a master’s degree. They had grown inseparable in the preceding 9 months before her departure and she had never felt that sad or torn like that in her life as she did that day. The ache was still like yesterday.

'PING!' Her blackberry brought her out of her reverie.. She lazily picked it up to see who it was pinging her so early... Who else but Zite, her cousin

'Uju, u better don’t forget to meet Uche today o. if u like dull yourself and don’t go" and added the *rolling eyes* *straight face* smileys

Uju smiled. She could imagine Zite's face as she typed that message as though she was there. Zite could be dramatic. Since she took it upon herself to "hook” her up with somebody (anybody), Uju has not rested.

"That is my only project for this year" Zite had told her some weeks ago. They were more like sisters so she knew that once Zite sets her mind on a self-given task, she goes all out to accomplish it. Apparently, being married with 2 kids at 26 to a well-to-do young man who had just bought her a brand new Hyundai car as Christmas present left her with no "prayer point" as she literally had the world at her feet.

Of course Zite was well aware of her boyfriend Dozie, but in Zite's world, a girl doesn’t put all her eggs in one basket especially if the "basket" (like Dozie) didn't hold enough promises or signs of being ready for what she wanted ,so Uju has to explore "other options" to be on the "safe side".

Uju ignored the message. "I don't have energy for this kain talk abeg". She thought. "it’s too early biko". She snuggled under her duvet.

7 minutes later.....

PING!

PING!!

PING!!!

Her blackberry continued its annoying sound! She snatched it up rolling her eyes..

"U won’t answer now abi? i know you have changed ur mind. Madam-i-dont-want-to-cheat-on-my-bf, there is nothing wrong in having lunch with a guy. It’s just a date biko. Stop being dry and go joor".

Uju knew that if she didn’t reply the harassment will go on.

"kk" she replied and drifted off to sleep.

9am……

She jumped out of bed. She needed to get to the library and the gym before her lunch with the Uche guy. Moments later as she stood at the bus stop waiting for the bus to come it began to drizzle.

Crap! She thought. She didn’t have her umbrella with her but did the weather forecast say anything about rain today? She tried to remember. But then, this is the UK where the forecast says one thing and another thing happens. Very unpredictable British weather.

Mtchew!

Just then, the couple standing beside her who had been giggling over something began to kiss..Oh no! She groaned inwardly. Not today! On a different day she would have found it cute but not today when she desperately missed Dozie. By the way why hasn’t he pinged or called me today sef? She quickly rummaged in her bag to find her phone so she could send him a "So u forgot me" message on bbm but on finding her phone she smiled at it.

"Good morning sweets....."

Dozie had actually sent her a couple of messages that morning. It must have been while she was in the shower and rushing out. He was at work and missed her too. She saw the bus coming and quickly sent him a reply. She missed him too.

3,45pm......

Buzzzzzz! Her phone vibrated. She looked around for library officers before answering.

"Hello" she answered distractedly even without looking to check who the caller was

“Hi are u alright?”  A voice with a hint of British accent replied enthusiastically

“Am good, you?” Uju answered rolling her eyes.

“We are still meeting at Ming Moon by 4pm right?'”

Uju glanced at her watch. Shoot! When did the time fly past? Deep in her research, she had lost track of time and there was no way she make it to the city centre for this late lunch date.

“Am so sorry Uche, but am afraid i can’t make it. I forgot all about it while I was here in the library. Please can we reschedule for another time.....?” she started to asked

Rescheduling would mean cancelling on him for the third time now, having to deal with Zite's nagging and losing her peace also.

“Ok, that’s fine” Uche responded dejectedly

“Hang on a minute, on a second thought can we make it dinner instead? Say 6pm?” Uju asked instead

“Yea, sure. That’s absolutely fine by me because I work half day today” he said

“Ok then, see you later, same place”

“See you soon “He sounded elated

She packed her books and headed home. All she wanted to do right now was to shower and sleep or watch a comedy. Not dressing up and going to have dinner with some guy she didn’t even know, no thanks to Zite's matching making agenda.

Mtchew! She hissed.

Later on as rode in the taxi towards the restaurant, she couldn't help but notice the high street shops windows all awash with red posters of various offers. Valentine was just 2 days away. Something she didn't even want to think of and wasn't looking forward to. But here, if you don't think of it, they will do well to remind you. Flyers, posters, emails and even her post box had had some offer or promo connected with Valentine's.

As the driver meandered through the traffic her mind went back to the last valentine day she spent with Dozie. She actually smiled. It was quiet. Just the two of them driving through the streets of Abuja, eating sharwama and laughing. He always knew how to make her laugh. Those simple small things made their moments together awesome.

“We are here ma’am” the driver’s voice cut into her thoughts

“Thank you” she paid and alighted

He was at the door waiting. Good looking without an effort. After a quick hug, he held the door open for her. Hmmn, a gentleman. Uju thought. Let’s see how it goes.

The dinner was going on well, he was lively, charming and well mannered, at least for a first meeting. But Uju was not charmed by him. All she was wishing and thinking of was Dozie. On the next table beside theirs, a couple sat having dinner as well and from the way they talked, looked into each other's eyes and the slight touches it was the clear they were lovers. If only Dozie were here, Uju thought again. She saw Uche's mouth moving, saying something but she didnt hear him. “What am I doing here again?” She asked herself.

“Did you hear me?” Uche asked

Uju did not hear. She had missed a point he was making about Nigerian politics.

“Am sorry, you were saying?”   What the hell has he been saying she asked herself

She wanted to leave.

She saw the hurt in his eyes at the thought of her not listening to him

“Am sorry but I don’t feel too well” she lied '” I think I should go”

“But the night has just begun! “ Uche exclaimed, clearly disappointed

“I really think I am getting sick” Uju insisted. Getting irritated with him for no reason

"What is wrong with me sef?" she asked herself. Poor guy and he's not bad at all.

She stood up and began to wear her coat as a signal to him that the evening was over. He reluctantly went to pick their bill. Outside the restaurant, he flagged down a taxi for and paid the driver the fare.

“See you sometime soon?” it was a hopeful question

She smiled weakly at him. She knew she would not see him again

“Take care” she said instead.

In the taxi she sends a message to Dozie 'i missed u badly today sweets'. He didn't reply immediately and she got angry. Considering the time, he could be driving home from work and couldn’t reply and she knew that but right now she didn't care! “Not when I want to hear from him badly” she pouted.

As she opens the door to her apartment, she is greeted by Shirley, her German flat mate, cuddling up with her boyfriend, Sean, on the sofa. She mumbled a reply and walks off in the direction of her room without waiting to chat with them.

Why did everyone choose today of all days to display their love? she climbed into her bed still dressed and bursts into tears.

She missed Dozie. Terribly.

And she didn’t look to see his reply to her message.......

N.B - This piece is dedicated to my CFO! and to everyone who isn't with the one they love at this time. Love is Beautiful. Keep loving!