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Business / Nigeria's Pension Asset Dips #51.3billion In February 2021 by Layze(m): 2:33pm On May 05, 2021
Nigeria’s total pension assets lost a total of N51.3 billion to stand at N12.25 trillion in the month of February 2021. This is according to the monthly pension report released by the Nigerian Pension Commission.

According to data compiled by Nairametrics Research, Nigeria’s pension assets fell to their lowest position in four months, characterized by the decline in bond prices, and profit-taking activities in the Nigerian equity market.

Highlights

- The total pension asset declined by 0.42% from N12.29 trillion recorded as of January 2021 to N12.25 trillion in February 2021.
- Federal Government bonds stood at N7.34 trillion, accounting for 59.6% of the total pension asset under management.
- Also, local money market securities, which stood at N1.62 trillion as of February 2021, accounted for 13.4% of the gross asset for the period under review.
- Mutual funds recorded a decline of 1.3% to stand at N158.96 billion from N162.1 billion recorded in the previous month.
- However, treasury bills increased by 5.5% from N670.34 billion recorded as of the last day of January 2021 to N676.91 billion at the end of February 2021.

Why the decline?
While responding to questions regarding the recent decline in pension fund assets, Oguche Agudah, the CEO of Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), stated that it was due to the decline in prices of fixed securities.


https://nairametrics.com/2021/05/05/nigerias-pension-asset-dips-n51-3-billion-in-february-2021/
Education / Re: How Can You Become A Professional Accountant? (A Thread) by Layze(m): 12:56pm On May 05, 2021
ICAN – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria


ICAN is one of the leading, popular and efficient professional bodies in Nigeria. Established on September 4th 1965, it is a body which effectively represents the interest of its members, regulate its members’ conduct and enhance its members’ interests and goals.

In Nigeria, ICAN is the leading professional body for accountants; the association has constantly churned out scores of great and visionary men and women within and outside the profession.
Great people like Chief Akintola Williams (the first chartered accountant in Nigeria), Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Mrs. Onome Joy Adewuyi and so on.

In order to qualify and practice as an accountant in Nigeria, you need to pass all stages of the ICAN exams; display a level of competence and attain a level of experience. Honestly, it is not a very easy feat but it is very straight forward and achievable.

ICAN Exams

ICAN exams are divided into two broad stages: the accounting technician level (ATS level) and the professional level. ICAN exam was formerly only for the professional level, however the ATS level was later developed for three purposes:
- To cater for small and medium scale enterprises who might not be able to afford the fees and pay of a professional and qualified accountant. The aim is to provide them with accountants who are suitable and are capable to satisfy their needs.

- To widen the profession and make it easier for anybody at all to become a professional accountant. This level has made it possible for someone who has just a senior school leaving certificate (WAEC, NECO, GCE etc) to become a chartered accountant with ease.

- To make the transition into the professional stages smooth and easier.


The ATS level:

The ATS level has three parts (exams): ATS 1, 2 and 3. The body in charge of this level is known as ATSWA (Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa). The exam is done across some West African countries including Ghana, Liberia and so on. Each part has four exams which make a total of twelve exams for the three parts.

After completing the exams in all three parts, you shall be inducted as an ATSWA member and be awarded an Associate Accounting Technician (AAT) certificate. This certificate alone boosts your standing among other junior and mid-level accountants and gives you recognition.

Also, without mincing words and with the exception of few courses, I can tell you for free that this certificate is equivalent to a 400L accounting student in a typical public university in Nigeria. The AAT certificate is recognized in countries like Canada and the UK. With your AAT certificate, you can easily practice as an accounting technician in Canada.


The professional level:

The second and final division is the professional level from where you can become a qualified and certified accountant. Just like the ATS level, this level also has three parts – foundation, skills and professional. This level is where you become a pro in the accounting field.

The foundation, as the name implies, is the entry stage into the professional level. It is the stage where all the basics of accounting as a profession are being taught. Every B.sc and HND holder in any other course aside accounting will start from this level. This level contain five exams to be completed before moving to the next stage – although, this will be reviewed soon according to reports from the association.
For someone who has a B.sc or HND in accounting, he will be exempted from this stage, as it is believed that he shouldn’t have a problem with the basics. Such person will start from the next stage – skills.

The second part/stage in the professional level is the skills stage. It is the pen-ultimate exam to be done before one can become a qualified accountant. This stage is the entry level for all B.sc and HND holders in accounting.

Interestingly, for someone who is an AAT (Associate Accounting Technician), such person will also be granted exemption from writing the foundation stage – he will also start from the skills stage.

The last and ultimate part is the professional stage. This is alpha and omega of all exams in ICAN. It contains five exams which must be duly completed. After the completion of this stage, you shall be inducted as an Associate of Chartered Accountants (ACA) – and your dream of becoming a professional and chartered accountant is fulfilled!


I will be honest with you, it’s not a child’s play, neither is it a folktale journey. However, it is really straight forward and achievable. With focus and dedication, you can become a chartered accountant within the space of two and a half years – for someone who starts from the ATS level (1-3).
For a first degree holder in accounting, you can become a qualified accountant within a year! And for someone who starts from the foundation level, you can become a professional accountant with a year and half.

Dear parents and guardians, your child can become a professional accountant even before graduating from higher institution – regardless of his/her course of study.
My dear brothers and sisters, your dream of becoming a chartered accountant with all its reputation and recognition isn’t lost, it is still very much within your grasp. Make the move today!


Please note, this article is not completely exhaustive as there are packages for OND holders in their ICAN exams. Feel free to throw in your questions.

For more information or questions, reach out to the writer:
Bello Abdullah
Phone/whatsApp: 09066268746
Email: lekanbello98@gmail.com




References:
https://www3.forbes.com/leadership/2021s-hottest-careers-glassdoor-releases-the-years-50-best-jobs-vue/51/
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/102015/where-do-accountants-earn-most-money.asp#:~:text=The%20lucrative%20salary%20is%20based,of%20the%20best%20business%20jobs.&text=%22The%20'Big%20Four'%20accounting,for%20growth%2C%22%20Valli%20said.
Education / How Can You Become A Professional Accountant? (A Thread) by Layze(m): 12:50pm On May 05, 2021
Have you always fancy yourself been an accountant? Do you always have a dream of becoming a professional and chartered accountant? Have you heard of the acronym ICAN before and have always wondered what it means? – seek no more, this article is for you.

In my last article, I explained how one can become a professional in any field. Accounting is a highly lucrative profession because it has so many scopes and can be applied to any field or job.
It is a very diverse and wide profession with so many opportunities and fortune. It is one of the few professions that can never be made irrelevant – no matter the impact of technology and science.


Why should you become a chartered Accountant?

- Chartered accountants are one of the highest paid professionals in Nigeria and all over the world. According to a report by Forbes, financial analysts/accountants fall within the top 50 highest paid jobs in the world in 2021

- A chartered accountant in Nigeria can easily make his transition abroad and start practicing as an accountant without much problem.

- Professional accountants are one of the most recognized and most valuable professionals in every sector all over the world.

- Accounting is a moral and ethical profession and its practitioners hold so much respect and value.

- Accountants are needed in every sector of the economy – commerce, trade, education, technology, science – you name it.

- There are so many fields for you to choose and thrive in as an accountant. You can work as a financial analyst, a financial reporter, a government accountant, a tax consultant, a management accountant, an auditor, a forensic accountant, a business consultant and so on.


The benefits of being a professional accountant cannot be exhausted – it is a very lucrative profession. However, there are some vital information that you must know about accounting:
- Accounting is a professional course: that is, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting doesn’t automatically make one a qualified accountant.

- You need to be professionally certified before you can be a qualified and chartered accountant.

- You cannot provide accounting service to a client in Nigeria, and other countries, if you are not a qualified accountant.
- Anybody, I mean anybody, no matter the course you studied or currently studying in school, you can also become a chartered and qualified accountant.


My dear brother and sister, your dream of becoming a chartered accountant is finally ready to come true! Whether or not you studied accounting in school, or you are currently studying, you can become a professional and qualified accountant in the space of two and a half years –30 months!

As a student, you can become a chartered accountant as an undergraduate. I mean you can become a professional accountant even before leaving the four walls of school!

Education / To All Those Writing ICAN May 2021 Diet by Layze(m): 6:18am On May 05, 2021
Today is the second day of your exams. Whatever happened with yesterday's exam is gone, you have to focus on what's in front.

As usual, don't forget your docket at home; go with your nose mask; your calculator; your writing materials and your self-confidence.

Make sure you hustle for marks, don't allow a question to frustrate you - quickly leave it and do others first.
Remember, exams are not passed by those who read the most but by those who read and write smart.

I wish you guys success in your exams.

2 Likes

Crime / Re: CCTV Video Of Baba Ijesha Molesting The 14-Year-Old Girl Released (Censored) by Layze(m): 9:59am On May 02, 2021
pekisdgee:
the bible says train up a child the way he should grow... base on what i saw baba ijesha never rape her... the girl was even ready for it... she even stood up and locked the door... unknown to him was a set up....Na catch them young put you for this kinda mess...what a pity... shocked


See the trash you're spewing..
Did we watch the same video at all?

2 Likes 1 Share

Education / ATS March 2021 Results Is Out!! by Layze(m): 5:18pm On Apr 29, 2021
Good afternoon guys!

The result for the recently concluded ATS exam for March 2021 is out already.

Kindly check up to know your fate.

I wish everyone success.

PS: If you don't know how or where to check, kindly send a a dm on WhatsApp (09066268746)
Education / How Can You Become A Professional? by Layze(m): 6:41pm On Apr 25, 2021
In my last article, I made us understand the concept of professionalism, its numerous advantages and why everyone should strive to become a professional.

(Kindly read up if you miss the article https://www.nairaland.com/6518025/why-should-professional

How, then, can you become a professional?

No matter the field or career you find yourself, whether formal or informal, you can as well become a pro in your own field. You can become a professional artisan, footballer, designer, engineer and so on in TWO major interdependent ways:

1. Through years of hard work and experience:

There is a general old adage which says “practice makes perfection”. This age-long axiom has always remained true. You can become a pro in your field through hard work and dedication, backed by conscious effort towards growth and development.

By spending a number of years in your job and paying close attention to your growth, you can improve your expertise and become so good in your field to be regarded as a professional. Experience can only be gathered by spending enough time in a particular assignment, learning, unlearning and relearning.

In our world today, however, and especially for formal careers and jobs, expertise gained through long years of work and experience only is greatly recognized but not USUALLY acknowledged and celebrated. I mean such expertise could take you places and give you recognition, but it could also undermine you if you rely SOLELY on it.

This is the harsh reality with formal jobs – accountants, engineers, surveyors, mid-wives etc. A friend of mine has an uncle who is a quantity surveyor. The man is really sound and good in his field and he has handled many high-profile projects for his company. He is someone who should be regarded as a pro.

However, when the MD of his company stepped down, he as the assistant should rightfully take over right? But no, it didn’t happen. To our surprise the company brought in another surveyor who is rather less experienced than him to become the MD and my friend’s uncle remains the assistant.

Why? Why would the company make such harsh decision? This is not right! What is even the difference between the new MD and my friend’s uncle? – Certification.

2. Through Professional Certification:

Certificates, as most people agree, is a mere paper which shows that – in most cases – you have sat down in a classroom, receive lectures, memorize what is mostly a theoretical aspect of a particular field and deliver those in an exam hall. In Nigeria today, there are lots of disagreements on the use of certificates as a basis of evaluation and assessment of a person’s ability.
There are so many valid points to this outcry – especially when considering the dilapidated state of education system in our country.

However, my dear, I am going to break the sad news to you: certificates are still as important as they have ever been. Expertise and experience is very invaluable tool one can have, they serve great use to their owners; however certificates serve as spring board through which the owner could achieve much greater success.

Expertise and experience are like a perfectly constructed mansion with several rooms, beautiful in-house painting and several gadgets, but in which the exterior part of the house wasn’t painted. Passer-by and the public only see the exterior and not the interior of the house.
They might never get to appreciate the beauty of the house because of its lack of painting – except those who are opportune to enter the mansion. We can all agree that the house needed just one thing to stand out and be fully appreciated – that is painting.

Certificates are the painting that attracts and open several doors of opportunities. In the corporate world, certificates, professional certificates precisely, serve as a launch pad and give their owners the platform to achieve great success in their career.
Professional certificate is what will give you the platform to showcase your expertise and experience. It is what will attract the world to your competence and knowledge. It is what will push you to that high place in your career where you can be fully recognized.


My dear students, engineers, accountants, economist, H.R personnel, builders, are you still in the belief that certificates are of no use? Discard these thoughts and quickly prepare for an insurmountable rise in your career by getting professionally certified.

Take the steps today, become a professional and thank me later.
Education / Why You Should Become A Professional. by Layze(m): 1:05am On Apr 22, 2021
Why You Should Become A Professional

The word “professional”, usually shortened as pro, is not an alien word in the world today. It, arguably, is one of the most common and most misused words in our everyday Life.
You often hear sentences like “that guy is very good, he’s a professional”, “that doctor is a pro, he’s really sound”.

A person who is regarded to be a professional is one who has acquired, accumulated and displayed a sound knowledge, experience and expertise in the discharge of a particular field of work. He is a person with whom a high level of trust and standard is placed upon.

A professional is not perfect, neither is he omniscient – he makes mistakes (though very seldom). However, he constantly applies due diligence and avoid negligence and this makes it possible for him to continuously churn out brilliant expertise in the performance of his work.
In our world today, we have professionals in various fields and careers – engineers, lawyers, artists, sportsmen, accountants, builders, designers, managers and so on.

Why should you strive to become a professional?


- Success: A professional engineer is more likely to be successful than a non-professional one. He will be comfortably entrusted with large contracts and large sum.

Being a professional makes you a problem solver, and it means you have mastered the art of problem-solving, which gives you a high chance of being successful because as long as there is a problem you will always be in demand.
Jim Ovia is a highly successful professional banker who created and pioneered one of the biggest successes out of Africa (Zenith Bank). Being a professional gives you an edge and makes you successful.

- Recognition: A professional will always be head and shoulder above others. He will always stand out from the crowd. Being a professional grant you recognition and accolade among your peers.

A professional's expertise will go places far beyond where he could imagine. Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that is recognized in almost every part of the world because of his professionalism.
Dr. Ngozi Iweala is a reputable and well-travelled Nigerian recognized globally for her professionalism, knowledge and experience.

- Leadership: Being a professional automatically makes you a leader. People will be willing to listen to you and follow your lead. You will have authority and influence in your field and even other fields. People will be ready to consider and heed your voice and opinions because they believe you possess the expertise and acumen to lead and coach them.

Dr. Joe Abah is professional and sound political analyst and international relations expert. However, his influence goes far and beyond just that. He influences and leads many Nigerian youths who seek his opinion on almost all aspects of life.

- Liberation: Being a professional liberates you from the numerous hardship and hazards associated with ignorance and inadequate knowledge

Professionalism gives you a platform to achieve greater things and take advantage of opportunities. It draws people’s attention to your craft and makes you the one people seek and not the seeker.
Ben Carson, the world-renowned surgeon, got liberated from the clutches of abuse and uncertainty to become one of the world leading surgeons because of his professionalism.

The importance of being a professional cannot be exhausted. It is simply a prerequisite to achieve and fulfill one’s dream and career. The biggest names in every field and career got there as a result of knowledge, innovation and most importantly professionalism.
Professionalism involves perseverance, dedication, integrity and continuous development.

The question now is – how can you become a professional, what are the things to do to become a pro in your field?

Watch out for my next article to get the answers to these questions.
Romance / Re: 3 Weeks To Our Wedding, I Feel Like Calling It Off by Layze(m): 2:11am On Apr 04, 2021
I don't know if this is a fiction or true story.

But let me first give it to you: your write up was dope man!
I dey suspect say you dey advertise your skill ni. grin.

Back to the matter, at this stage I feel it's better to be mute on the matter for now because your wedding is a few days away and you already mentioned how Grace could be destroyed if she knows about it.
Politics / Re: Adamu Garba Asks Buhari: Are You Leading Nigerians Or Catching Cruise? by Layze(m): 11:35pm On Feb 14, 2021
Sincerely I've never seen anyone who claims to be a leader and who is so docile and indifferent. angry.

He rarely talk or comment on pressing issues. Not until they've spiralled out of control .

He has made it look as if it's normal for the president of a country to be so far away from issues in the country.

And even if he later decides to address an issue, that's after so much damages, they will announce it like 3 days before the day. Like what is special about his speech?

If one is no longer capable, is it a sin to resign?

1 Like

Health / Coro Na Scam? by Layze(m): 8:53am On Feb 02, 2021
‘CORO na Scam’? – A dangerous Nigerian narrative

By Nnadube Jonathan Ejiogu


Coro na scam” has become a convenient rhetoric on the lips of many Nigerians. It interprets that this deadly virus is not real in Nigeria. The reason for such unguided assumption must have originated from the fact that there is a subtle philosophy among Nigerians that the government is only taking advantage of the pandemic outbreak to embezzle money and continue in their corrupt practices.

Even among learned people, this philosophy seems to firmly hold court. Some have mocked the government saying that they can clairvoyantly confirm that Corona virus is not real in Nigeria else why has it not been killing people as witnessed abroad. Some others share the notion that it is a “big man” sickness as they support their claim with the fact that it has only been killing the rich.

In all of these, the coordinating reason for the misinformation seems to have gain grounds because most people do not trust the government’s good conscience and such has distorted the delicate balance upon which the reception for fact is placed. But Is Coro truly a scam in Nigeria?

Someone once said, “we know your dog is friendly and can’t bite, but chain it”. Overtime, we might have developed a rock-solid impression about COVID, making us to care less if we forget to go out without a mask; to you, that homemade aphorism becomes concretized: whether you believe or not, mask up.

On January 4, South Africa announced it has witnessed a new variant similar to the one discovered to have been wreaking huge damage in the UK. To confirm this, Dr. Benjamin Neuman, a virologist at Texas A & M University Texarkana, USA, has informed that the mutation of the virus is expected as viruses do mutate and that “as viruses mutate, their chance of survival increases”. He further adds that “mostly the changes are bad for each individual virus, but together, a population of weaker but more diverse viruses has a better chance of survival than the same sized population of identical viruses”.

The point to note is that, since it is scientifically confirmed that mutation is possible and in fact, expected, then South Africa might be correct in their discovery. Recently, it has been discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been discovered in Nigeria. Although, both Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General NCDC; John Nkengasong, head, African Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Disease, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, have given similar reports on the variant, maintaining that the new variant found in Nigeria is not entirely the same as the one (P681H variant/ B.1.1.7 lineage) found in the UK and South Africa.

However, report has it that the variant is 70% more transmissible. This is corroborated by the fact that Nigeria has since witnessed a 52% increase higher than that of South Africa that is pegged at 40%. This increase is really very worrisome and disturbing, especially upon the knowledge that the majority seems not to care about this fact.

It was announced by the NCDC recently that 1430 new cases was recorded with death toll now in six figures.

Also, a friend called to apologise for not responding to my earlier call some days ago giving the reason that she was down with COVID. She said she did not know she had it, even though she had been a little bit ill, but because she was to travel to the US and needed to get her COVID test to confirm she is negative, she realized she is positive.

Although she is safe now, but the question is, who infected her with it? Who infected the person that infected that person? Who has she infected with it as well? Will these people who may not be travelling ever know that what is wrong with them is not just fever, stress or Malaria but that deadly COVID they thought resides abroad only?

In the same vein, how many people today are walking viruses? As we begin to answer these questions, we should share in the faith of the adage that says “we know your dog is friendly and can’t bite, but chain it”. Since the survival of one rests on another taking responsibility, then the convivial effort in observing all safety precautions is unavoidably important.

As a people, are we doing just enough to contain the virus? Are we actually taking responsibility to ensure our safety and that of others? With the rate of the spread of this new variant/linage and so many people that are yet to be tested, don’t we think that we are all potential carriers of the virus already?

The empirical explanation has not been given as to why, unlike other yonder places, Nigeria seems to be surviving from the catastrophe of deaths littering our streets as people go in and come out of COVID like every other familiar sicknesses. But does that go to suggest that one should continue in this unhealthy health precaution culture? Not long ago, Nigeria lost prominent academicians to this new variant and other prominent people including those from the entertainment industry have come up to admit that they contracted the virus. Are these public figures and even the unknown people making it all up?

One would have thought that by now, there would have been full mask-up compliance. That all offices MUST ensure that their staff mask up at all times and are subjected to periodic test, especially those that engage a lot of staff. One would have thought that our commercial motorists – drivers and conductors- would be wearing face shields and stop those who are not masking up from boarding their vehicles.

One would have thought that by now, the NURTW operatives on field would be shielding up as well and ensure that offending drivers in their union are delayed. One would have also thought that there will be officers on the road who will not only be arresting but cautioning those without masks on the road. There is a need for us to ensure these measures are put in place, if for anything, for the existence of anoth

‘CORO na Scam’? – A dangerous Nigerian narrative https://thenationonlineng.net/coro-na-scam-a-dangerous-nigerian-narrative/
Politics / Re: Senate Passes 2021 Budget Of ₦13.588 Trillion by Layze(m): 4:41pm On Dec 21, 2020
Wahala.. cry

I thought the Senate threatened not to approve the budget until Buhari gives an explanation about the security in the country. Or am I mistaken?


Oh, I think it's the house of Representatives.
Politics / Re: Police And Community Vigilante Rescue Abducted Islamiyya Students In Katsina by Layze(m): 1:02pm On Dec 20, 2020
Seems this is the latest way of cashing out in the North.. cry
Literature / Re: Tales Of Dọtun (dotman) by Layze(m): 3:47am On Nov 12, 2020
SUNDAY - Previous Day

Griiiillll Griillllll…. “Hello Dotman, how far?” “Hello who is this?” “Dotman are you alright? It’s Obi; don’t you recognize my voice?” “Oh Obi I’m sorry, but this isn’t your number you’re using to call me” “yes, I just got a new line. Have you checked your mail this morning?” “No, what happened?”

That Sunday I was on my bed around 2pm watching movies on my old laptop when my friend Obi suddenly called me and started asking questions.
I wasn’t in the mood to talk and was hoping he end the call soon when he said “you haven’t checked your mail? Look at someone looking for job!” he exclaimed.

Before I could say anything he continued “check your mail now, that company I’m helping you to process is doing interview tomorrow and they must have sent you a mail. Get dressed tomorrow and leave early; I wish you the best. I will call you later” with this Obi ended the call. I sighed and returned to the movie I was watching.

My hunt for job began a year ago; immediately I graduated from school. I’ve always heard that the labour market is tough but I wasn’t expecting it to be this tough. I submitted applications to hundreds of firms, both private and public; I was called to several interviews and tests. But it all yielded nothing.
I even attended several free seminars and conventions in the hope of getting a job opportunity.

After eight months of hunting, all my good clothes and shoes have become worn out; I had almost nothing left with me. Then I was left with no choice but to go into a job I’ve always disliked: teaching. I searched and applied to different private schools around my area. I finally got a job in one school where I’m being paid twenty five thousand naira monthly.

I continued my job hunt even after getting this job – I still submitted so many applications online. However it’s been over six months now since I started teaching and it’s not looking likely that I will see a better job soon. So I’ve started giving up.
We are currently on break in the school I work so I spend most of my time indoor. Obi who had been gainfully employed three months after our graduation has been working tirelessly in helping me to find a job.
Literature / Tales Of Dọtun (dotman) by Layze(m): 3:44am On Nov 12, 2020
Hello Nairalanders!

I will be updating the stories I'm currently working on here.

I must confess that I'm not yet a seasoned writer; but I always give my best.

I hope you all enjoy reading them! kiss


JOB HUNT

“Hello can I have your attention please? All applicants can come in now; its time already. Please to avoid embarrassment; if you don’t have the required documents don’t bother to come inside.”
I’ve literally been shivering ever since I arrived; however this latest announcement was the ultimate icing cold – it sent a cold shiver down my spine.

I stood up slowly and walked sluggishly towards the gate “eh take it easy can’t you – “ “Mr. man you just pushed – “ “sorry”. Everyone around me was in frenzy; there was no order at all; everyone is rushing towards the gate at the same time.
I was being pushed around over and over again but I didn’t bother to join the rush; I moved slowly towards the gate.

By the time I finally pushed through the gate, my heart sank: I saw no less than 40 people seated under a canopy at one edge of the compound; some people were even standing. At that instance, I felt a strong urge to turn back and go back to my house; I wanted to just leave. But I found myself walking towards the canopy.

Everyone was seated on a plastic chair. I took the last seat at the back (obviously nobody wanted to sit there) and looked at the sea of heads ahead of me; “no hope for you here Dotman” I thought to myself.
Literature / Tales Of Dọtun (dotman) by Layze(m): 9:26pm On Nov 11, 2020
Hello Nairalanders!

I will be updating a series I'm currently working on.
I must confess that I'm not yet a seasoned writer; but I work hard to produce great pieces.

I hope you all enjoy your time here. �



JOB HUNT

“Hello can I have your attention please? All applicants can come in now; its time already. Please to avoid embarrassment; if you don’t have the required documents don’t bother to come inside.”

I’ve literally been shivering ever since I arrived; however this latest announcement was the ultimate icing cold – it sent a cold shiver down my spine.

I stood up slowly and walked sluggishly towards the gate “eh take it easy can’t you – “ “Mr. man you just pushed – “ “sorry”. Everyone around me was in frenzy; there was no order at all; everyone is rushing towards the gate at the same time. I was being pushed around over and over again but I didn’t bother to join the rush; I moved slowly towards the gate.

By the time I finally pushed through the gate, my heart sank: I saw no less than 40 people seated under a canopy at one edge of the compound; some people were even standing.
At that instance, I felt a strong urge to turn back and go back to my house; I wanted to just leave. But I found myself walking towards the canopy.

Everyone was seated on a plastic chair. I took the last seat at the back (obviously nobody wanted to sit there) and looked at the sea of heads ahead of me; “no hope for you here Dotman” I thought to myself.


SUNDAY - Previous Day

Griiiillll Griillllll…. “Hello Dotman, how far?” “Hello who is this?” “Dotman are you alright? It’s Obi; don’t you recognize my voice?” “Oh Obi I’m sorry, but this isn’t your number you’re using to call me” “yes, I just got a new line. Have you checked your mail this morning?” “No, what happened?”

That Sunday I was on my bed around 2pm watching movies on my old laptop when my friend Obi suddenly called me and started asking questions. I wasn’t in the mood to talk and was hoping he end the call soon when he said “you haven’t checked your mail? Look at someone looking for job!” he exclaimed.

Before I could say anything he continued “check your mail now, that company I’m helping you to process is doing interview tomorrow and they must have sent you a mail. Get dressed tomorrow and leave early; I wish you the best. I will call you later” with this Obi ended the call. I sighed and returned to the movie I was watching.

My hunt for job began a year ago; immediately I graduated from school. I’ve always heard that the labour market is tough but I wasn’t expecting it to be this tough. I submitted applications to hundreds of firms, both private and public; I was called to several interviews and tests. But all yielded nothing.
I even attended several free seminars and conventions in the hope of getting a job opportunity.

After eight months of hunting, all my good clothes and shoes have become worn out; I had almost nothing left with me. Then I was left with no choice but to go into a job I’ve always disliked: teaching. I searched and applied to different private schools around my area. I finally got a job in one school where I’m being paid twenty five thousand naira monthly.

I continued my job hunt even after getting this job – I still submitted so many applications online. However it’s been over six months now since I started teaching and it’s not looking likely that I will see a better job soon. So I’ve started giving up.

We are currently on break in the school I work so I spend most of my time indoor. Obi who had been gainfully employed three months after our graduation has been working tirelessly in helping me to find a job.


MONDAY

I got to the venue of the interview very late. The mail asked us to come by 8:30am but I got there by 9:15am. I actually woke up early but I wasted the whole time on choosing an outfit.
I tried on almost all the shirts and trousers in my wardrobe; they all have one fault or the other. Some are torn, others are worn out or have become faded; I was very confused and frustrated.

I finally settled on one oversized but clean blue shirt and a deep brown trouser. I wore my one and only shoe and took off immediately. I took a bike to the venue and stopped about a hundred steps away from the gate.

There were so many people lurking outside the gate; at first I doubted if I made a mistake but on a closer look at the people around, reality dawned on me: they all came for the interview just like me.

“Excuse me please, you also came for the interview right?” I asked one fair lady who just finished speaking with someone on phone and was walking towards the gate “no I just came here to mark attendance and while away my time” the lady hissed and walked away angrily. How rude! I thought to myself.

Obviously I picked the wrong person. I looked around and saw a petite beautiful lady standing against a wooden pole; she was speaking with a guy whose back was facing me. I walked towards them and asked politely “excuse me please; I believe you guys are also here for the interview; why are we waiting outside or is the interview over?”

It was the guy who replied my question “no the interview hasn’t started, we were told to stay outside until they call us in”.
Thank God, I thought to myself “I hope you have all your documents with you?” The lady spoke for the first time; “yes, I– wait let me check again” I quickly opened the bag I was holding which contains all the documents they asked us to bring.

My mouth suddenly opened wide in surprise “what happened? Did you forget something?” the guy asked. I looked at the two of them and I said slowly “I think I left my certificate at home” “haa!” they both exclaimed in unison. “And they stated it clearly that if you don’t have the requirements you shouldn’t come. I also heard that they are strict with – “ it was at this junction that a voice boomed from a microphone and interrupted the guy. “They are calling us inside; you better run”

The two of them brushed me aside like I didn’t exist and took off towards the gate like a sprinter in a 100m race.




THE INTERVIEW

I sat patiently on the last seat under the canopy we were all asked to stay. I was very worried and anxious but I just sat calmly on the chair. I was worried for two reasons: first I forgot my certificate at home and it’s one of the documents which we were asked to bring. It was clearly stated that failure to bring the required documents will certificate to automatic disqualification.

Second, I looked like a pauper compared to other applicants at the venue with my oversized shirt, faded trouser and worn out shoes. I wished I hadn’t bothered to enter the gate at all. It was the fear of remaining a teacher for another God- knows- when period that prompted me to come in and hope for the best.

Then a man appeared in front of us “everyone should get seated. My name is Mr. Lawani and I will be organizing you guys today with Mrs. Nadia who will be here shortly. Now everyone of you should look at the back of his/her chair you will see a number written at the back with a white board marker; can you all see that?”
A mild noise ensued as everyone began looking for his/her number. “Can we all see it?” “Yes!” we chorused. “Good. We are going to be calling you guys in with your number please ensure you respond promptly when you’re called to avoid disqualification”.

My number was 39 – that was the second to the last number –we were 40 in number. “Number one!” the man’s deep voice boomed in the microphone “sir!” came a lady’s voice. Then a dark plump lady walked briskly from the front row towards the man.

A woman (who introduced herself as Mrs. Nadia) came to join Mr. Lawani and together they started assessing the lady. They checked her documents to ensure she has the required documents and they also assessed her dressing. She was passed and was allowed to go into the office. The rest of us were as silent as a dead meat.

After about 15-20 minutes, the deep voice boomed again “number two” yes sir!”A lanky guy stepped forward. As he turned to face the man and woman who will assess him, I realized it was the guy who, together with a lady, had responded to me earlier outside the gate.
For the next one hour, names were called and applicants went in; we didn’t have any idea how the interview went because we haven’t seen anyone come out.

I was already bored and was feeling sleepy. My number is still very far behind so I started dozing. “Number twenty two!” silence. “Number twenty two!” silence. At this point I jolted awake.

Everyone was looking around and wondering who number 22 was. Then a deep drowsy male voice answered “sir! I’m here sir!” everyone looked at him with surprise; the guy has obviously dozed off. Then Mr. Lawani’s voice came “number 22 is disqualified; please security take him away”.
I became afraid and alert; you can’t afford to sleep here Dotman; I told myself.

There were murmurs as the guy started begging frantically “please sir, I’m sorry sir it was a mistake” the man was taken away by the security despite his pleadings.

“Number twenty three” “sir!” a lady responded and after she was assessed, she went in. About a minute later as the lady went in, a tall heavily built dark man suddenly appeared from the entrance of the interview building and walked to Mrs. Nadia. He spoke with her for a few minutes and walked back inside the building.
Mrs. Nadia turned to her partner (Mr. Lawani) and whispered something to him – obviously she was relaying the message she received from the man who came out moments ago.

Another minute passed, then the bombshell dropped.

“Number thirty nine!” silence. “Number thirty nine” “sir” I answered meekly. Then a sea of eyes turned back to look at me and at that moment I felt my legs crushing. I wished I could wither away like a feather in the wind; I wished the ground could open up and just swallow me. I was taken by surprise.

What happened? Why did they skip so many numbers? How could they jump from number 23 to number 39? These unanswered questions kept playing in my head as I picked up my bag and started walking slowly towards the front row.

My steps were unsteady and slow as I make my way to the organizers. I could hear some murmurs and mild laughter; everyone was looking at my oversized shirt, faded trousers and worn out shoes. I kept looking down as I made my way.

I finally looked up as I arrived in front of the organizers, I noticed that Mrs. Nadia was trying to keep herself from laughing but she couldn’t hide it; I could see the glint in her eyes. Suddenly the mild laughter and murmurs became very loud. I turned around and realized everyone was laughing and pointing at my back.

Oh Lord, I prayed silently, please let it not be what I’m thinking.

But it was.


In my haste to make it early to the venue earlier this morning, and after wasting so much time in selecting an outfit, I didn’t check thoroughly the trouser I finally picked. The trouser is one of my very old one which I had stopped wearing for some time now because it has two small holes at the buttocks area.
As I turned to check I realized it was the same trouser. I almost cried; the humiliation was TOO much.

Mrs. Nadia couldn’t hold herself any longer immediately she saw it too; she burst out in laughter. Mr. Lawani too was amused but he managed to keep himself in check. I thought it was over and I would be sent home in humiliation. I regretted coming for the interview in the first place.

However to my surprise, Mr. Lawani asked me to bring out my documents. I looked at him in disbelief; but he repeated himself “let me see your documents”. I quickly brought it out and after going through it he looked at me with contempt “you didn’t bring your certificate along; why?”

I started trembling; but before I could say a word Mrs. Nadia shocked me with her words “just let him go inside please; we don’t have time. He’s already been cleared”.

I thought I was dreaming as I walked through the door that led into the building. There was a long passage with doors on both sides. I paused at the first door and began contemplating where I am supposed to go. A lady suddenly appeared from a door at the far end of the passage and said “Are you Mr. Apata Dotun?” “Yes ma” I replied.

She then motioned for me to come inside. I walked towards the far end and stopped when I got to the front of the door; I took a deep breath; say a word of prayer and I went in.

Inside the office were four people – two middle aged man and woman, a young dark lady (the one who welcomed me inside) and another fair lady who sat facing the two middle aged.
I greeted everyone but only the dark lady answered. The older people didn’t even look up, neither did the fair lady. “So Miss. Marian, you will receive a message from us tonight or tomorrow morning” the man said. “Thank you so much sir.” The lady sitting in front of them bowed a little and stood up.

Immediately she turned I saw her face clearly – oh so it’s you! I thought to myself. She was the rude lady whom I first talked to earlier in the morning. Our eyes met for a fleeting moment before she stepped around me and left. “Mr. Apata Dotun right?” the woman motioned at me.

“Yes ma” “ok, you know what; just drop all your documents there, we are already overdue here” she pointed to a table at one corner of the room “we will send you a message tomorrow”. “Alright ma” I quickly did as I was asked and I left the room.

Outside the door, the passage was empty again. I heaved a deep breath and started working towards the door through which I came in. The door behind me opened and the lady came out again “Mr. Dotun you can’t pass through there; there is another exit here” she pointed at one of the doors on the passage.

I looked at the door she pointed and saw the word EXIT pasted on it. I opened the door and found myself in another small passage that led me back to the compound. I felt relieved as I stepped into the compound again. I glanced at the canopy where I sat earlier and noticed that the number of applicants has dwindled.

But where are the other applicants going? I wondered to myself as I made my way through the gate and flag down a cab.




TUESDAY

I woke up very late that Tuesday morning. I had a late dinner the previous night and that made me quite heavy. I checked the time; it was 9:30am. I walked lazily to the bathroom and washed my face. As I walked back into the room, I heard my phone beep twice.

I ignored it at first and was about to head outside when I suddenly remembered; I quickly picked up the phone and realized it was a text message. I was disappointed when I saw that it was one of those random messages from service providers.

However, I noticed that my phone continued blinking a blue light, and that indicates an unread message. I carefully checked my inbox and the third message read thus:

"Hello Mr. Apata Dotun, we are happy to inform you that your application was successful and you have been offered a job as a Secretary to the Managing Director. You are to come tomorrow for your employment letter and other necessities".

Mrs. Nadia
HRM.




#ToBeContinued
Politics / Re: Nigeria At 60: A Message For All Of Us by Layze(m): 2:04am On Nov 10, 2020
RedPhoenix:





Wow. You sure right well. Hit me up on WhatsApp

Thanks so much!

But I can't find your number on your profile.
Politics / Re: Nigeria At 60: A Message For All Of Us by Layze(m): 2:03am On Nov 10, 2020
Thank you very much!

But I can't find your number on your profile
Crime / Re: Ilorin Youths Break Into Shoprite by Layze(m): 1:03am On Oct 24, 2020
SalamRushdie:
Foolish people ... ShopRite that managed to come to ilorin you have now chased them out ...Las Las the problem of NIGERIA is not govt but the quality of people we produce ..


The funny thing is, that company is their major refreshment centre in Ilorin.
The locals there worship that place like a shrine ni.. any small celebration like this na ShopRite fiam!

2 Likes

Crime / Ilorin Youths Break Into Shoprite by Layze(m): 12:12am On Oct 24, 2020
After breaking into three Covid 19 warehouses today, the youths proceeded to break into ShopRite and Femtech at about 8pm.

They looted and carted away with loads of goods, electronics and gadgets.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp--B-iN_do
Politics / Re: Wedding Dress: Fatima Ribadu Apologises (Photos) by Layze(m): 11:12am On Oct 07, 2020
muykem:
Only poor Muslims from Africa to Asia still believe in hijab and all other stuff .


If you don't know something, it's best you keep shut.
Politics / Nigeria At 60: A Message For All Of Us by Layze(m): 1:11pm On Oct 01, 2020
NIGERIA AT 60!!

It all started in 1914.

If only the British weren't so selfish;

If only they hadn't conceived that idea of amalgamation;

If only Lord Luggard hasn't signed the bill;

It could have turned out differently.

Our forefathers aren't selfish as we are made to believe;

They aren't corrupt or self-centered as they claim;

They aren't dumb and senseless as the whites always want us to believe;

They resisted and gave their lives to protect the future;

They did their part to secure our motherland;

We all know what they were subjected to;

We all know what they were made to pass through.

Until their grit failed;

Their strength failed and their resolve weakened.

The British taught them how to be selfish;

The whites planted the seed of corruption and self-centeredness in them;

The seed has since germinated and grown;

It is still growing;

And it might continue if something isn't done.

Nigerians are not bad people, we are industrious and hard working;

We are kind and generous;

We have grit, we've got balls and we are determined.

Our dear country isn't failed completely;

It can still be rescued;

Omoye hasn't gotten to the market yet;

Her glory can still be preserved.

The onus is on all of us;

Nigeria can only be saved by all of us;

Her glory can only be preserved by each and everyone of us.

A useless man at 40 is considered useless forever;

However that is not always the case.

Nigeria is 60, but can still be revived;

Our systems can still work perfectly;

We can still have the land our fathers dreamt of when they demanded for our right;

Nigeria can still flow with milk and honey.

However, Nigeria needs us;

She needs us just like we need her.

Let's unite and stay strong;

Let's shun immoralities and embrace love;

Nigeria will be great one day!!!

#HappyIndependence
#Nigeria@60
Literature / Meet My Friend – The Angel And Devil by Layze(m): 3:36pm On Aug 09, 2020
MEET MY FRIEND – THE ANGEL AND DEVIL

Hi guys, happy Sunday! It’s Dotun (DOTman) here again. I want to introduce you guys to my long time best friend Obinna (Obi for short).

We’ve been friends since our days as undergraduates. I tell you what guys, he’s been an angel sent to help me and a devil sent to torment me at the same time. Most times I curse the day I met him, and sometimes, I bless the day we met.
I could remember vividly the first day we met, it was at a centre where we wanted to write our post-utme exam for admission. He was like most admission seekers that day: he dressed smartly and appeared calm; he spoke with respect and humility. You won’t believe there is a beast lying inside of him.

Two months later, we met at our department corridor in school – we had both been admitted. We greeted each other, with more familiarity this time, and discussed how we made it. We had both been given late admission. We started helping each other with the tedious registration process and also catching up with lectures and that is how our friendship blossomed.
Gradually, Obi started showing the angel and devil in him – even after we graduated. Since we became friends, he’s always been my life saver and wrecker at the same time – he once wrote an exam for me when I didn’t show up because I slept off; even though he knew the grave consequence he would face had he been caught.
He once used my phone to send offensive message to my project supervisor because the woman disgraced him in class – that incident almost cost me my studentship. He has lied to my girlfriends on my behalf numerous times just to protect my relationship. He’s also been the reason I lost three of my fiancée.

Obi has always been a blessing and a curse merged together.

Our friendship still continues and it keeps growing. However, there’s one of his curse that he brought upon me and that has always remained with me and it’s one I have been unable to forgive him for. It was an unfortunate incident that he orchestrated with his stupid and evil advice. It happened few months ago.

I was working at a financial company then as an IT staff. The name of the company is Alcon Ltd and our MD then was Mrs. Omo Benson – we call her madam. Madam is very hardworking and kind; she cares a lot for her staff. She would go any length to protect her staff and ensure their welfare. However madam is very didactic: she is too strict and overly concerned with morals and ethics.
She doesn’t hesitate to suspend or even fire any staff who does any immoral/unethical act – but not without giving such staff chances to change.

I never had a problem with madam or her principles and standards, I keep to them naturally. But I had a problem with her daughter Jennifer. Jennifer, the angel-like beautiful lady is the only child of madam and she was a final year undergraduate then. She is very beautiful with a perfect body; she ticked all boxes for the kind of Lady I like.

She comes to the office sometimes whenever she’s around on holiday. I really admire her and I crave her attention but madam keeps coming to my mind. I discussed my obsession for her with Obi one weekend. Obi was instantly charmed when I showed him her picture which I downloaded from her facebook account.
Obi started giving me advice and tips and how to get her without causing problem with her mom. He gave me a perfect, but evil (well not evil initially because I accepted it with joy) plan.

The following weekend I found myself inside a cab heading towards Oyingbo area. On my lap was a shopping bag which contains a flower and a small package; my right hand was holding my phone close to my ear “hi Jenny, I am already on my way and of course I have a surprise for you; can’t wait to see you dear”. I hung up.

We were almost at my destination when I asked the cab driver to stop; I paid him and alighted. I dialed a number “hi, I’m at the gate now” I hung up. I walked gingerly to a black gate on which a bold text was written: BENSON VILLA. I took a deep breath and I pressed the button on the gate twice in quick succession.

Two minutes later, madam showed up.

THE PLAN:
Obi carefully thought out the plan and advised me to follow through. First, he gave me tips on how to successfully get Jennifer’s attention and get close to her. Guys, sincerely it worked. Within two days, I got Jennifer’s attention, got her number and was already calling and chatting with her like old friends. She’s a very sociable person.
We would chat on Whatsapp for long periods, especially at nights. We discussed mostly about her school, our office and her mother. She seems to be a little afraid of her mother, just like we the staff. She was gradually into me and already trusted me with some of her talks.
After few days she revealed to me what she craves the most and how she couldn’t get it because of her mother. Do you know what she craves most? Iphone 11. Her mother wouldn’t allow her to have one even though they could afford it; she told her she can only use such phone when she graduates.

I wanted to back out after she revealed that, I thought of putting an end to my plans of dating her – she seems expensive and I wasn’t financially buoyant at that period. I informed Obi about it and my devilish friend advised me against backing out; he urged me on. He persuaded me to borrow the money, told me she’s worth it because she’s beautiful and her family is rich.
He told me she’s like an investment that will pay in multiple folds; I need to earn her love and trust. Guys, the silly me went ahead and borrow four hundred thousand naira.

I spoke with Jennifer and promised her I’ve a surprise for her. She was very excited. She asked me to come over by weekend because her parent will be going out. On that fateful Saturday, I went to a big tech supermarket and purchased the phone. I also got some flowers at another store.
I called her to inform her I’m on my way and she told me her parent just left the house. I was crazy with excitement. I got down from the cab about a hundred feet from their house. I carefully looked over myself and was satisfied. I discarded the shopping bag and brought out the flower and the small package which contains the phone.

Jenny had promised to meet me at the gate and I wanted to surprise her there. I walked gingerly to the gate and pressed the button. To my utmost dismay, madam showed up.

“Dotun, haha what are you doing here? This is a surprise” madam was visibly astonished. “Em em, I came – I came – “ I stammered. “Did you come for a visit? Well then come in, this is a surprise though” madam gestured me in. I shook my head “no I – “ “did you bring those for me? Wow! That’s very kind of you Dotun. You’ve always been one of my favourite staff” madam took the flower from my hand.

I was slowly moving my left hand behind my back when madam saw it “and that too? You brought that for me? This is so kind of you, what is inside?” madam took the package and opened it; I was practically shaking by this time “what? Dotun you brought this for me? Why? I didn’t know you appreciate me that much” she exclaimed. “I do appreciate you ma” I mumbled. Madam was clearly happy and she insisted I come in but I respectfully refused and I left.

I got home and refused to respond to all the questions Obi kept asking me; I ignored Jennifer’s call too. She later sent a message pleading and telling me about how she didn’t expect her mom to come back so soon. I ignored her message too. I was feeling numb and didn’t even want to think about it.

The following Monday after our usual morning meeting at work, madam called me out and said to the other staff: “in spite of all the stories I do hear about how much some of you despise my strict personality, I can tell you that some people appreciate and love me for that and they don’t hesitate to show it.” She then proceeded to tell everyone what happened.
She brought out the phone and showed it to everyone – madam has even started using it already. Dismay and awe appeared on everyone’s face, chants of “Dotman” “OBO”, “money bag” was rained on me by my colleagues.

I thought of how Obi’s advice had been the cause of all these; I thought of how Jennifer sold me out too and I thought of how deeply in debt I was and how I will have to go broke for up to four months in order to repay the money.

I looked at my chanting colleagues and madam’s smiling face and suddenly tears broke out of my eyes. Everyone was shocked “what happened? Why are you crying?” I looked at their faces once more and I replied “its tears of joy”

Guys, isn’t it tears of joy indeed?



Feed Your Mind Series
© 2020
Education / Re: Surviving Nigeria As A Graduate Today By Deji Yesufu by Layze(m): 11:51pm On Aug 08, 2020
Wow!!
This is an amazing piece..

Thanks very much for this!
Politics / Re: INEC Introduces Election Result Viewing Portal by Layze(m): 9:33pm On Aug 06, 2020
Way to go!

I just hope this will work out as projected..
Literature / Birthday - My Memorable Experience by Layze(m): 6:13pm On Aug 01, 2020
Happy new month guys!! � I wish us all blessings in this month of August.

Interestingly today happens to be my birthday; so u decided to drop this..

Thanks as you read along..

BIRTHDAY – MY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

Hi guys! It’s another beautiful day, another weekend and a new month. Let me ask you this: how many birthdays have you celebrated? Which one is the most memorable and unforgettable for you?

My last birthday is my most memorable one; albeit an unpleasant one. It was memorable because it answers the questions I’ve been asked over and over by different people over the past year: “why are you still single?” “When are you getting married?”
Whenever I’m asked these questions, my mind immediately remembers my last birthday. What happened that day has remained with me since but I decide to share it today; since it’s in the past now.

My birthday came up on a Thursday last year. I woke up as usual and went about my morning routine. I checked my phone and was amazed at the loads of texts and wishes from my colleagues and associates.
I prepared for work and left home very early. I was looking extra handsome that day. I just had a haircut the day before and donned new clothes and shoes.

At the office, everyone celebrated me; I was given a cake and some of my colleagues even went ahead and gave me gifts (watches, cards and so on).
Even my boss who rarely smile or laugh, Mr. Smith, smiled at me that day. It was an almost perfect day. However throughout my day at the office, one thing kept bothering me and I kept checking my mails and my phone: my fiancée Bisi and my close friend Charles are yet to send me any message or even call me.

Bisi was my fiancée but I haven’t met her family yet. I successfully convinced her about taking me to her family one of these days and she finally agreed.
She had been reluctant because she’s afraid of what they might think of me – she told me her family can be tough and hard especially on suitors of their daughters. Nonetheless, I want to meet them; I had insisted.

Bisi’s call or text what was I expected to receive first that morning; likewise that of Charles’s. I kept wondering what could be wrong. By 5pm I was about to leave my office when I received a call from Rose. Rose is my fiancée’s younger sister.
After exchanging greetings she said “are you done at work?” “Yes” I replied wondering why she was asking “could you please come straight to my house?” “Like right away?” I queried “yes please”.

We ended the call and I headed for Rose’s house. I was still sad about her sister and Charles snubbing me on my birthday. I have tried their number but it wasn’t going through.
I was thinking of going to Bisi’s house after seeing her sister; but I decided I won’t. She has a roommate and I am not always comfortable with her.

I got to Rose’s house and I knocked. Rose answered and opened the door after a few minutes. I thought the delay was unusual, ‘why did it take her so much time to open the door? At least she knew I was coming’. I brushed the thought away when I looked carefully at her.

Rose was so beautiful that evening; I always knew she’s beautiful, even more than her sister, but she looked extraordinary that evening – she looked peerless.
She was wearing a short red gown with navy blue flowers lined up around the hand and the neck region of the cloth. She looked radiating and I was instantly charmed. She smiled beautifully and gesture me to come in.
I walked inside and saw how beautiful her sitting room was. She asked me to sit down while she went into a room.

Rose reappeared minutes later; and guess what? She presented a big wrapped gift to me and whispered “happy birthday dear”. Guys, I tell you what, my heart melted; this girl is an angel. She was smiling at my shock-struck face. She asked me to open the gift and I proceeded. I opened it and my heart stopped beating.

Rose just gave me a large frame which contains a picture of me smiling. The work was beautifully done and I was in so much awe. I looked at her still smiling face; she was gesturing about something but my mind wasn’t even there.

I don’t know what made me do what I did next, probably it’s too much of Indian movie, I suddenly grabbed Rose and pulled her towards me. She was obviously confused and was about and opened her mouth to talk “uncle Dotun check the back of the frame and – “my kiss cut her off before she could go any further.

She was very surprised and stiffened; she opened her eyes wide and was trying to break away but I overpowered her and continued kissing her. I broke the kiss and looking straight into her eyes I said “I love you Rose; I really do.” I dropped the bombshell.

At that moment I saw Rose spun around and when she faced me again her clothes was changed; she was wearing adire attire which exposed her stomach and her skirt became long.
Her hair was fuller and she let it fly around her. Suddenly I could hear music and drums; I looked around and saw lots of dancers.
Everywhere was very colourful and bright. Rose was dancing and staring straight at me. I moved towards her and knelt down “Rose I love you; I really do”

Suddenly she started backing away and shaking her head while pointing at something behind me. “You don’t believe me? I love you more than your sister Rose. I’m serious, just give me a chance” I continued while still kneeling down.
Rose kept pointing behind me and backing away with a shaking head and I wondered what was behind me. I finally spun around and my heart sank. I wished immediately for the ground to open up and just swallow me; I wished it was all a bad dream and I would wake up soon.

Indian movies have finally finished me. I had been imagining all the colour and brightness all along. The room didn’t change, neither did Rose’s clothes; there were no drums nor music.

Right in front of me is my friend Charles, my fiancée Bisi and a group of old and young people; which I realized were Bisi’s family; Bisi had brought them to surprise me on my birthday. They obviously have overheard everything. They had arranged a surprise package for me and I’ve ruined everything.

I looked at the back of the frame Rose had given me and I saw a beautiful message from Bisi and one from Charles. Well, that’s how I went back to being single again..

#HBDAbdullah
#HBDLekan

Feed Your Mind Series
©2020

Literature / Re: The Lady At The Back Seat by Layze(m): 2:56pm On Jul 25, 2020
THE LADY AT THE BACK SEAT (CONCLUSION)

Our food was served but I was really loosing it. She took three plates and one yoghurt; plus my own everything totaled #17,000. I remembered I paid the cab man #20,000; that’s #37,000 this evening. I had only borrowed #50,000 yesterday and I have spent almost 80% of it.
I shook that out of my mind and focused on Sandra. I looked at her and thought: I go finish you today. She was devouring her meal like a lion and I kept wondering if she was really hungry.
I resumed conversations with her and all through I only got two responses from her – yes or three. I was getting uncomfortable with the conversation, I asked if she would like to come to my house and as usual I got the response yes.

I called the attendant and after making payment we headed out. I was already imagining in my head how I’m going to make her pay in bed; first for making me spend so much and second for making me awkward throughout with her poor social skills.
We were walking to the road to pick a cab when suddenly a car drove in and parked right beside us. A man and two women alighted and from their white robe I deduced they work in a hospital.

They walked straight down to us “Kemi, where have you been? We’ve looked all over for you since morning. Why are you giving us trouble like this?” one of the women said with a concern face and rushed over to grab Sandra. She hugged her and dragged her to the car; Sandra said “yes” and followed her meekly. I was dumbfounded.

“Where are you taking her to?” I suddenly found my voice, “who are you and how can you just come and take my girl?” I was shouting and walking towards their car.
The man and the women looked at themselves and suddenly they started thanking me, I became more confused. “Brother thank you so much for what you’ve done for her; especially for feeding her. She hasn’t eaten good food for months now”
“What are you saying? Are you people alright?” I was really mad. Our fracas were creating a mini scene, then the man, who later identified himself as Dr. Wale, dragged me to one corner and gave me the shock of my life.


Sandra isn’t her name, her name’s Kemi. She is a psychiatric patient who has been in custody over 8 months after suffering from an accident. She has been recovering steadily but she also suffers from memory loss.
She doesn’t remember her name or even anything at all. She only remembers whatever she heard from people. She told me she’s Sandra because one of the two women (they were nurses actually) bears Sandra and she must have heard people call her that at the hospital.

They have gotten a coach for her who’s teaching her basic words so that she can at least converse with people and express herself. She hasn’t been doing well with the coaching and the only two words that she has learnt so far are: yes and three.
Her family hasn’t been checking on her regularly like they used to and she hasn’t been feeding well because of that. She broke out from the hospital early this morning and they’ve been searching for her since.
They got a call from one of their staff who is off-duty; the person saw us walking into the restaurant and called the hospital right away. They rushed down immediately.

Guys, to say I was angry is an understatement, I was mad. All the stories didn’t even bother me; I didn’t even feel any pity for her.
I looked at the doctor who was thanking me again as their savior who not only got her back but also fed her. “It’s okay doctor, its fine. BUT MY QUESTION NOW IS WHO IS GOING TO PAY ME BACK?”

The doctor and the nurses looked at me with a surprised expression and said in unison “brother, you did all that out of your heart of course, nobody owes you anything!”

Now please, is this right? Am I not to be paid even if it’s for my trouble?



Feed Your Mind
© 2020

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Literature / The Lady At The Back Seat by Layze(m): 8:58am On Jul 25, 2020
FEED YOUR MIND (FYM) SERIES

THE LADY AT THE BACK SEAT

Hello good people! Happy weekend to you all! I’m going to say this to all the guys today: beware of FAIR GIRLS. I had a very unpleasant experience yesterday and up till this moment I’ve not been able to recover.

My name’s Dotun but my friends call me DOT for short. I graduated last year and got a job two months ago where I am being paid eighty thousand naira. Majority of my first salary was used to clear debt as I had already borrowed a lot of money before the month ended.

As a fresh graduate I had to move from Kogi state, where I’ve lived all my life, down to Lagos state because of job issue. I stayed with my sister for a while but I left her place immediately I got the job.

I borrowed some money and rented an apartment; I also bought some nice clothes and shoes. After paying most of the debt with my first salary, I borrowed more money in anticipation of my second salary. Now you are wondering what for right? Well it’s because of my extravagant lifestyle.
Almost every weekend I get at least a girl to sleep over my place; even if it’s just for a night.

Yesterday I woke up early and did some washing. A colleague at work invited me to his brother’s wedding anniversary and I had promised not to miss it. I took my time in the bathroom; I carefully shaved, scrubbed my body very well with a new soap I bought the previous day.
I went to my wardrobe and fish out the clothe I intend to wear: a sparkling white Armani shirt and a brown trouser; which I just bought recently.
I applied my nice perfume after putting on my clothes. I unbuttoned the shirt up to the first two buttons so that my chest will show slightly. I put on my eye glass and my silver wrist watch; I strapped on my brown leather shoes and stepped in front of the mirror – the figure that greeted me was out of this world (I too fine abeg!).

I called my Uber guy and he arrived a few minutes later.

The party was interesting and fun, the couple – especially the wife – looks very beautiful. The food they served was tasty and expensive. I really enjoyed my time there; however, I was disappointed.
My major motive of going there was to wow the beautiful girls with my charm and probably take a fish home – that was my primary objective there. To my surprise almost all the ladies present were older women and teenagers. I was really mad.
I left the party after a while. I didn’t bother call any Uber. I walked to the road and stopped a cab. “Oyingbo” I said to the driver. He stopped and we negotiated the price after I described my exact place. After the agreement I opened the door and sat beside the driver, the car zoomed off.

I didn’t notice at first – or should I say I was still fuming from my annoyance to notice anything – but I heard a feint cough from behind and I looked at the back seat. My goodness! Is this human or goddess? I saw a fair lady at the back seat. She looked up and smiled at me as I turned back.
She was damn beautiful: her face was oval and she has a pointed nose, her hair was plaited backwards in an old style and her lips are painfully red. I was hooked seriously.

What got me charmed completely was the fact that she didn’t wear any make-up. I kept looking at the front mirror just to catch a glimpse of her again and every time I do that, our eyes met.
I was shifting uncomfortably on my seat. I looked at the driver and noticed he was preoccupied with his driving – or so it seems. I asked him to pull over; he did. I pretended like I was feeling nauseous and went to a nearby gutter to pour out saliva.
I went back to the cab and instead of seating beside the driver again, I opened the back door and sat beside my beautiful angel.

The driver looked at me, cocked his head and when I didn’t give him any signal, he zoomed off. I calm myself down and turned to the beauty beside me “hi I’m Dotun, DOT for short” she smiled at me and only gave me “hmm”. “Your face looks familiar from my NYSC days, what’s your name?” “Sandra”.

Guys, that was the only reasonable response I got from this girl throughout my unfortunate evening with her. “Wow Sandra! Even your name sounds familiar. You finished your NYSC programme last year right?” “Three” “you mean three years ago?” “Yes” she said. “I thought as much. Do you stay around Oyingbo too?” “Yes” she replied, my elation knew no bounds.
“So have you started working?” “Yes” “where do you work if I may ask?” “Yes” she replied again. “I mean which company do you work for? As for me I work as an IT staff in a telecom company at Ikeja” “yes” she said again.

I was beginning to feel awkward, I looked at the driver and noticed he was grinning sheepishly – that got me angrier and I decided to go for the shot. “Aren’t you hungry? Should we stop at a nice restaurant and talk over some delicious meal?” “Yes” came the reply. Again.

I told the driver to stop when we got to a very big and expensive restaurant. We alighted and I asked him the fare for the two of us “twenty thousand” he said “haha what happened from where to where?” I almost shouted, then Sandra turn back at my voice and looked at me. I quickly paid the cab man and we walked to the restaurant.

We walked inside and picked our seat at a very nice spot. I called the attendant and looked over the menu – I had my second shock of the evening. Their foods were really expensive. A plate of fried rice and chicken costs #3500; one Hollandia yoghurt costs #1500.
I ordered my food and turned to Sandra who was busy looking around. I guess she hasn’t been to an expensive place like this before.

I was happy she was impressed, that increases my chances of taking her home. “Will you take fried rice too?” “Yes” “how many plates?” I asked just to impress her; she won’t eat more than a plate of course. I got another shock: “three” “you mean three plates?” I asked with a wide open eyes “yes”.

Phones / Re: Social Media Is Ruining Your Life (I Quit) by Layze(m): 12:04pm On Jul 13, 2020
Chris525:

You're right. From having alI the popular apps to only Facebook & I just recently registered here. I can very much relate.

The major issue is joblessness. Most people have too much idle time on their hands which they're not harnessing.

I also dont think staying totally off social media is a great idea. There's a lot to learn, gain & catch up on if we can regulate use & split much of our idle time on other productive ventures that add value to us.

Thanks for this OP. Great job!


You're right bro. But I don't actually believe it's joblessness. I think it's more of unseriousness and misplaced priority.

1 Like

Literature / My Bitter-sweet Escapade by Layze(m): 11:55am On Jul 13, 2020
Hello guys, my name's Abdullah. I'm not actually new here but this is my first post on this forum.
I do write ups and creative, fictional stories. I call it FeedYourMindSeries - because I sometimes write on morals, virtues and ethics too.

I hope you guys will find this interesting. smiley[color=#990000][/color]

[center]MY BITTER-SWEET ESCAPADES

This is my third day at the hospital. I’ve always heard stories of wicked and unkind nurses, but I have never encountered one before. Since my three days here, I’ve met a ton of them. The way they smile at you while still inflicting pain on you is annoying – almost as if they are mocking you. Some of them will insert injection so swift into your skin that you won’t have any option than to curse them under your breath. They made my stay at the hospital a hellish one!
I’ve been diagnosed with gonorrhea, STD and mild malaria. I was shocked when I was told: how on earth can only one person be diagnosed with three different illnesses? I have been going through hell since I got here; my mouth is bitter, I have lost my appetite, everything and everyone is pissing me off. I have always hated hospital and my hatred grew every passing minutes. I thought back to how I got here and I don’t even know if I should be grateful or regretful.
The doctor has been telling me to thank my stars but I don’t know; I’m very confused right now. You are probably wondering what happened right? Don’t worry I will tell you in details – probably you can tell me if I should be happy or not.

It all started about three months ago. I just moved to a new neighbourhood with my wife. The new area is calm and serene unlike our former place. Our house itself is a storey building with four flats; our own flat is at the upper floor: a three-bedroom flat. The first two weekends in our new house was busy – family, friends and neighbours were trooping in to congratulate and welcome us. On the third weekend, my wife and I were practically happy because we haven’t got any call during the week from any family or friend about an impending visit. We had even planned to go out by Saturday evening to celebrate; things were all set – until Titi called that Saturday morning.
Titi is my wife’s best friend; they’ve been friends ever since their University days. Their bond is so tight that even after they both got married, they still remained really close. She called to inform us that she’s coming to see one of her clients in our area and she will come over after her meeting – Titi owns a big fashion store. I started feeling nervous immediately my wife told me she’s coming. My nervousness isn’t because she’s just spoilt our weekend plan; it’s because of something more significant: Titi is too beautiful.

It’s the first thing I noted when my wife introduced her to me years back when we were still courting. I’ve always admire and lust after her in my mind; I’ve never been comfortable whenever she’s around; but I have always try not to let all these appear in my expression or in my relation with her. She’s very pretty; I always wished I had met her first or that I don’t love my wife as much as I do.
For all my feeling and lust for her, I prefer marrying my wife instead of her. My wife is beautiful, although not up to Titi’s level, but that’s not all she’s got. She’s smart, intelligent, loving, caring and kind. One greatest skill I love most about her is her problem-solving ability. She has a knack for uncovering puzzles and complex problem; she has a good forecast skill; she’s also a good lie detector (although I had successfully deceived her on one or two occasions, but that is a rare occurrence).

Titi came by 2:30pm and after discussing generally with the two women for about thirty minutes, I left the sitting room for them and went into my room. I heaved a sigh of relief immediately I entered – I was really uncomfortable in the sitting room. Titi was putting on a pink gown that afternoon and it blended well with her skin, I struggled all through to take my eyes off her legs as I sat opposite her. My wife sat beside her. Titi was really beautiful and I couldn’t get full control of myself. I’m very sure I would have lost myself if I haven’t taken excuse and ran into my bedroom.
I now sat on the bed and busied myself with phone calls chatting with friends and colleagues. After about forty minutes, my wife popped in to tell me that her friend is going. I jumped up happily and went with her to the sitting room; I asked Titi to greet her husband and bade her farewell.
I was about to turn back when my wife mentioned those sentences that started all these problems:
“Titi’s car broke down on the way and she can’t get it back till tomorrow. Can you help her to the nearest bus-stop to her house? You know I can’t handle the car very well”
If I had been told earlier what those simple sentences would cause in my life, I would have said no a hundred times. I looked at my wife with a pleading eyes and she didn’t seem to grasp the situation I was in. she smiled and planted a kiss on my cheek and bade us goodbye. I walked solemnly to the table and picked up my car key. I turned and smiled my best smile at Titi and led the way to the door.
I tested the engine of my car and we got going. The bus-stop I was supposed to drop her is very close to her place; she only needs to enter a bike to take her home. The drive from our house to the bus-stop is just a twenty minutes ride. Guys, that twenty minutes will change my life forever!

I don’t want to go into details of how it happened or the events that led to it, but come the following Friday, I and Titi went to an eatery for our first date after we both left our respective place of work. We started going out after afterwards.

I was really scared of my wife at first and what it might do to our marriage; but it seems the more time I spent alone with Titi the more my sense of reasoning is being clouded: this lady is too charming. We couldn’t see ourselves often because of our respective spouses; but mostly because of my wife. We are both aware of her intelligence and smartness. After seeing each other secretly for one month, we decided to spend a day or two together in a hotel. Titi already planned how she’s going to deal with her own husband but the bane of our plan is my wife; we need to come up with a master plan to outwit her.
We both started brainstorming. By Thursday of the week we planned to enjoy ourselves, I came up with the plan. You want to know? Well, it’s not hard. I spoke with my friend Dan about my situation; Dan is a loyal friend and a very close one – I can’t hide things from him. He advised me against it but still agreed to help me out. Dan happens to know a policeman who works in one of the police stations around.
He called the police and explained to him, the man agreed and after negotiating, I paid him fifteen thousand naira. The plan goes thus: immediately after leaving work on Friday evening, I and Titi will meet at one big hotel in the city. We shall remain there for two days. Throughout our stay over there, my own phone shall be switched off while that of Titi’s shall be available. My wife won’t be able to reach me and I was very sure she won’t call her friend – my wife doesn’t like discussing family matter with anyone no matter how close she is with the person.
Titi will keep her phone on just in case her husband wants to speak with her to avoid any suspicions. By Sunday afternoon, we will leave the hotel and Titi will go to her house. I will then head to the police station and will be locked up in one cell; then my wife’s number will be called. When she arrives, they shall tell her I was arrested while leaving a supermarket due to wrong identity. The officer that arrested me hadn’t look closely and thought I was a fraudster they’ve been looking for.
The D.P.O was not around so they couldn’t release me when I got to the station that Friday. I already informed them that my wife is educated and may want to press charges; they have to be as sorry as possible so that she can forgive them.

Well, the plan was very successful! I couldn’t believe I pulled that off. I called Titi immediately I had the chance to inform her of our success; she was equally elated. I asked if there’s any problem at her end and I got a positive reply. Things went well after all.
After our first weekend together, I couldn’t stop thinking about Titi. The lust seems to be growing stronger on me. I knew I should stop now but I just don’t want to; her charm and beauty won’t allow me. The fact that I successfully outwitted my wife also buoyed me. After another three weeks of secret meetings again, Titi and I decided to have another weekend to ourselves.
We thought and thought and planned meticulously. We were able to orchestrate another grand plan and guess what, it worked too! I was crazy with excitement, I was enjoying life more. Even my love for my wife never faded, it kept growing stronger. I showed her more attention and care; I wasn’t ready to lose Titi so I played my role as a husband very well. I don’t want to raise any suspicions in my wife because I know how smart she is.

My friend Dan has tried to talk me out of continuing with my affairs but I don’t give it a second thought. After another four weeks of hide and seek with Titi, we decided enough is enough; we are going to have a full three days to ourselves. We planned to stay at the hotel from Friday evening till Monday morning; we chose a perfect week.
I was going on leave soon so we chose the weekend of the last week I will go to work before my leave commences. That Friday, I hid two clothes and some shorts into my briefcase as I prepared for work in the morning, my wife hadn’t noticed: she was preparing for work too and was preoccupied with her make-up.
Titi and I had come up with another grand plan and this one was sure as death. I was really excited throughout the day. By 5:30pm, I left my office and went to the eatery around my office to first spend some time. I drank some juice and called Titi, she told me she’s on her way to the hotel already – we had chosen a more expensive hotel this time. I waited for a full forty-five minutes before heading out and driving to the hotel.

I collected the key to our room from the reception and headed to the room. Titi came to answer the door and I stood transfixed in front of the door when I saw her. She was dangerously beautiful that evening. She was wearing only a small top and shorts and her skin radiated. I looked at her from head to toe and was almost lost in awe: her lips, her laps, her skin, her scent, her chest; how could someone be this beautiful?
She laughed and dragged me in. I looked around the room and was amazed at the size and its elegance; we are going to have a wonderful weekend, I was sure.

We had so much fun during our stay there. I never for once thought about anything except the woman sharing the room with me. I never even worried about my wife or even about the plan like I always do whenever we go on weekends like this. I was very certain about our plan and Titi was certain too.
Our plan this time was pretty expensive. Titi had spoken to one of her clients who happen to have a husband who’s a doctor. We had reached out to the doctor and arranged with him about what we want him to do. The doctor had needed lots of persuasions and talk; it cost me fifty thousand naira to get him to cooperate and he even demanded additional fifteen thousand naira if the plan want well. He made me to sign an agreement.
I was annoyed with him at first at what I thought is extortion but the annoyance didn’t last long; the thoughts of what I and Titi are going to do didn’t allow me to think much.

The agreement was that by Monday morning after our mini-honeymoon, I will go to the hospital and will be given some sleeping drug so that I would fall into deep sleep. Then by afternoon, the doctor will call my wife and inform her that I fell seriously ill on Friday on my way from work and someone rescued me before I could have an accident. He would tell her I am suffering from a chronic typhoid and that had led to me losing consciousness and I almost crashed my car.
They couldn’t reach anybody because my phone was badly crushed and they couldn’t find my sim card. It was when I woke up that I told them my wife’s number and that’s how they were able to reach her. That was the plan; it was carefully outlined and we all understood our role.

I had amazing experience with Titi and we were already planning our next outing; she was even suggesting we go out of the country since I’m on leave now. We were excited and wished we had married each other instead. We wished the weekend won’t come to an end.
By Monday morning, I woke up with a slight headache. I looked at the time it was almost 10am – we had slept really late the previous night. Titi was taking her bath already. She came out and told me she didn’t want to disturb me; she received a call that morning from one of her clients and she has to rush down there as soon as possible. She quickly dressed up and we kissed goodbye.
I went to the bathroom and took my bath too. After eating and dressing up I looked up and saw that it’s 11:45 already. I checked out of the hotel and went to my car. The headache was still throbbing me and I started feeling pain in the lower part of my stomach. I didn’t know my body was warning me about the impending problems.

I got to the hospital by past twelve and went straight to the doctor’s office; he shook my hand and called a nurse. They took me to a room in the upper floor and I almost gag with the smell of medicines and blood which smelled strongly in the room. The doctor explained that they just transferred a patient suffering from a very chronic disease from that room into another room earlier in the morning. I consoled myself that it’s just for a few hours because the plan was that I would be discharged that evening.
I thought of telling the doctor about my headache and the pain in my stomach but I thought better of it: I can’t bear an extra hour in this place. The doctor left with the nurse and I lay on the bed after removing my shirt. I kept resisting the urge of switching on my phone; the doctor already has my wife’s number so there’s no need to switch it on. After waiting endlessly, a middle-aged nurse strode into the ward I was staying.
She was different from the one whom the doctor was brought with him earlier. She said good afternoon without looking up. She was busy with the syringe and needle she was holding as she prepared to give me injection. She grabbed me suddenly and turned me over like a lifeless tool and before I could say jack, the needle pierced into my buttocks.
I almost cried out but I controlled myself and kept my cool. She gave me some drug afterwards and left my ward after murmuring “sleep and rest well o”.
I lay back and rested my head on the pillow. Soon after the headache increased; I felt like my head was going to burst. I noticed my temperature was going down and I felt like vomiting. I endured it bravely for few minutes before finally giving up and was rising up to call the doctor when I slumped back and went unconscious.

I don’t know for sure how long I was unconscious; all I knew was that I woke up to and noticed that something was tied to my right hand; my throat was very dry and I felt really weak. I opened my eyes slowly and looked around; it took me a while to come to terms with where I was. I tried to move my left hand and I felt a sharp pain, I looked up and I was confused: I was on drip! Everywhere smelt of drugs. Then I heard footsteps and the door of my ward opened. I quickly closed and pretended like I wasn’t awake.
The footsteps walked to the top of my bed and I knew immediately. I wished I could die at that moment. It was my wife – I could perceive her scent.
She walked around to the side of my bed and I heard the doctor’s voice too “don’t worry madam, he will get better soon. We’re lucky we detected it earlier else it could have been worse.” They had assumed I was still unconscious; I didn’t dare open my eyes. After a while, they left. Reality dawned on me afterwards: I had forgotten about the events that brought me here when I woke up because I was very confused and tired; but my wife’s presence and the doctor’s statement reminded me of everything.

I remembered everything vividly and I felt bitter; I don’t even know how I will face my wife. I was still confused and I needed explanation. After a while, a nurse walked in to check on me and when she saw that I was already conscious she left immediately. My wife came back a few minutes later and looked at me; she didn’t say a word. Then the doctor also walked in with my friend Dan, and that was when I knew I was done for.
The doctor, in a soft voice, dropped the double bombshell: first, I have been diagnosed with gonorrhea, STD and mild malaria; and second, my wife is already aware of everything. Apparently the doctor wasn’t good at lying and had baulked under pressure from my wife – he had eventually spilled the beans.
My throat was dry and heavy. I wanted to ask how the disease came about if it was part of the plan or it was real; I wanted to ask Dan a lot of questions but I couldn’t. I avoided looking at my wife even when she was thanking the doctor for saving my life. They left my ward shortly.

At night, food was brought to me by a young nurse. Her height and complexion reminded me of Titi; I looked away as she dropped the food on the table beside me and left. I wondered what’s going on with Titi. I don’t even know if I should loathe her now or pity her. After I finished eating, the doctor brought my medicine himself.

He told me he was going home. He now explained everything to me: he instructed a nurse to give me the sleeping injection as agreed but the nurse had to attend to an emergency. Then some new nurses whose shift starts in the afternoon resumed work. One of them was asked to give injection to the chronic patient who was formerly staying in the ward I am currently. The nurse didn’t know the patient has been shifted to another ward and she didn’t really recognize him because she wasn’t around when he was admitted.
She was the one who gave me the injection. The injection reacted negatively to my system and it was what made me unconscious. However, the doctor told me that when they conducted a test on me they discovered I was also suffering from some diseases. He told me to thank my stars because apparently the STD has grown and would have worsened if I had spent another day or two without curing it. He said it would have been very bad. I also had gonorrhea and malaria.
He had called my wife immediately and had tried to use the stories we planned but she had caught him right away and was almost causing a scene; he had no choice but to spill the beans. The doctor now told me to be happy for my health because another delay would have caused more complication. I looked at him and his serious expression and I was almost thanking my stars. But then I thought about my wife and the little happiness faded.


I AM CONFUSED RIGHT NOW – SHOULD I BE GRATEFUL FOR MY HEALTH OR MY REGRETFUL FOR MY ACTIONS??

IS MY ESCAPADES A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN TO MY MARRIAGE?


Feed Your Mind
© 2020

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