For most Nigerians, Christmas is a season for hosting of extravagant events, attending unending glamorous parties, indulging in expensive shopping and vacationing, engaging in social media show off of real and unreal gifts. There's also the usual exodus to country homes and villages where huge sums of money are donated or pledged during launchings and meetings for different feasible and infeasible projects. It is always a season to "loud it" in order to be seen as the happiest person and biggest spender which is why many are wondering how we are going to celebrate Christmas in the face of the daunting hardships plaguing us.

When I published the post, Recession, Christmas and You in 2020, we all thought life was hard and survival was a feat reserved for the brave. We struggled, wept and felt it would be our last woes. Sadly, the swift movement from truly bad to worse has left us yearning for the years we dreaded. The current situation in Naija has made us to realize that indeed, the difference is in the taste. Infact I'm guessing that if a poll were to be conducted many would want this years Christmas season postponed. Survival is now a huge task the fittest cannot even achieve and most of us are wondering if it is not wise to set aside the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the face of our despairs.

"Aagaghị eji maka mgbagbu ghara ọgụ" is an Igbo adage which literally translated as; one cannot abandon a battle because of death or the fear of being killed. As such we cannot relent. However, something needs to give. Hence, since we obviously cannot continue in our old paths due to our new economic realities, the question we need to be asking ourselves at this point is; what do we truly need for Christmas?

This Christmas season, instead of the usual giving of or expecting to receive expensive gifts, spending limited funds to pepper some people who do not care or faking it till we make it, all we need to focus on is cherishing and making better the perfect gift we received from God which is our country Nigeria. This is the only trusted and best way we can ensure the celebration of many glorious Christmas seasons in the near future. We need to start working towards building a better nation for ourselves and our children by re-learning how to shun corruption, saying no to sharp practices and all forms of evil/illegalities and demanding for good governance from all levels of government. We must learn to love ourselves, appreciate the uniqueness of our diversity and be ready to advance our great nation despite the pitfalls.

That, my friend, is all we need for Christmas🎄

Let's laugh small
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Growing up, I heard stories about haunted houses, the living-dead, spirits and tales of people who embraced the welcoming arms of death screaming, yelling or fighting for an extension of their earthly timeline. As a Christian I grew up learning and believing in what the bible teaches about death, resurrection, purgatory and so on.

As an inquisitive teen and young lady, I read books and stories on time travel, souls departing the physical realm and saw movies like The Omen, I know what you did last summer, hammer house of horror, Back from hell (never had the guts to finish that one), our own Willy Willy and Nneka the pretty serpent which by the way always got me screaming my lungs out and yeah, there was Mel Gibson's passion of Christ which was a detailed (in my opinion ) portrayal of the agonizing death of Christ. That movie had me crying for days.

Between the movies and the books, I would say the movies were more impactful because they vividly portrayed in pictures and videos these horrific scenes in a way that always left you feeling that you were one of the victims or part of the whole story. Back then, the problem wasn't seeing those movies or hearing mind-blowing tales of the dead or spirits living amongst humans from friends. Noooo! My wahala usually started when the gist was over or the movie showed "the end". My eidetic memory would tenaciously grasp onto the most horrific and gory scenes and start replaying them once the lights were out. Usually, I would end up being afraid of my own shadow for months. It was so bad that even going up to my room alone would become a battle. Let's not even talk about being left alone at home. Horrible I must say, although some people find scary movies fulfilling.

Anyway, one day, I finally realized that it wasn't my thing and boldly accepted my preferences and limitations. I decided to choose my battles wisely and firmly sealed my decision to stay away from any thing called a horror or scary movie. But that was years ago and I thought I had outgrown all those childish fears. Who was I fooling?

So, last winter I took a trip with my friends. We checked into this comfy airbnb surrounded by trees and nature somewhere in a quiet town far away from the city bustles. Our lodge sat next to a cute brightly lit remodelled wooden house we were told belonged to a wealthy old man. Though our lodge and most of the houses we passed on the way were not modern wooden houses, you could see they were solid and properly maintained. Since our tour of the city ended late and driving into the woods took longer because our navi was obviously designed by a drunk (rolling my eyes), the moment we got our keys, I hastily rushed to my room, took a quick shower and buried myself under the soft sheets. I must confess, that bed and the whole environment was therapeutic and sooting.

In the middle of the night I woke up extremely thirsty

If the events of the last few days or weeks did not trigger an emotion in you then I don't know what would.

The anxieties, diatribes and resultant loss of lives and properties. The aggression, pain, agony and the blame games that usually follow our gradual but steady return to our old and unchanging routines got me thinking; Nigeria, will we ever get it right? When are we going to end the politics of violence fueled by either tribalism or religion?

Anyway, today I want to share something most of you might already be familiar with. It's called; Maslow's hierarchy of needs as can be seen in the table here

I won't bore you with so much talk but a look at the table shows that physiological needs are basic needs which are vital for our survival. Some of these include; water, food, air and sleep. Maslow was of the belief that a person who does not have or is being denied these basic needs, would be unable to focus on the other necessary needs on that table. Infact the other needs would be irrelevant to him until and unless he is able to satisfy his basic needs.

Therefore, it is only when a person has achieved these basic needs would he turn his attention to his Security and safety Needs which are also important for his survival. By security needs, Maslow meant; steady employment, emotional and financial security, health insurance, safe neighborhoods and his overall wellbeing. For Maslow, neglecting these needs could result in a mental health condition such as anxiety disorder or even post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

At this point, it is important to mention that Nigeria as a nation recognizes the importance of these basic needs. As such Chapter two (2) of the 1999 constitution elaborately provides for the well-being of Nigerians but somehow, the drafts men decided to rob the people of their power of demanding for the enforcement of these rights by making them non-justiciable. This has resulted in chronic underperformance by our leaders and groomed their insatiable hunger for power and the national cake.

Over the years these our smart leaders, who are aware of this major deformity in our constitution, have continued to drive the nail into this slowly capsizing ship called Nigeria by ignoring or outrightly turning a blind eye to the demands for an amendment of this section of our law. An amendment that would free our nation from the burden of corruption and open the doors to improvement and development.

I'm sure you're wondering Why? The answer is not farfetched but this is not a political or legal essay and I will not derail by delving into an over flogged issue.

If you are still reading my thoughts, then some questions are undoubtedly running through your head at this point. Like you, I have some pertinent questions;

How would Nigerians ever get to the last level of need on Maslow's hierarchy which is self actualization? Will Nigeria as a nation ever be able to move on to this level of advanced development when more than half of the population cannot meet their basic needs simply because of the corrupt practices of a few who are continuously draining the system to enrich themselves?

Well, we all know our corruption is almost endemic but my main worry is; how and why would the same poor masses who have and are being robbed of their fundamental rights be clamouring, fighting each other and campaigning for these tin gods who are responsible for their woes? The same men and women who have over the years denied us all of our basic life needs?

After pondering and meditating for awhile I concluded that indeed, true change needs to start with the liberation of our mindset as a people and our choices as a nation. Only when that is done, would we become truly liberated and independent.

NikkyivyBlog (NIB)

For laughs

A new addition to mental disorders is called "Obsessive Japa Mental Disorder" (OJMD). This disorder is prevalent in Nigeria and has the following causes and symptoms.

No fight me o...just feel free to add other causes and symptoms

Causes

1. Naija economy

2. Childhood trauma

3. Adulthood trauma

4. Genetics

5. Sudden wealth

Symptoms

1. Anxiety

2. Depression

3. Inability to think other thoughts, obsessed, preoccupied with and daydreaming of japaing or life abroad

4. Aggressive when others who have japaed complain of their environment.

5. Up and down moods (mood disorder) often as a reaction to inability to japa yet.

6. Constantly and almost obsessively following people who have japaed or live overseas on social media

7. Feeling inadequate and sometimes inferior that they have not japaed.

8. Frustration, ready to do anything to japa and easily angered when they fail to japa after trying to japa once or severally.

Treatment

If you have any signs or symptoms of this disorder, see your doctor, primary care professional or a mental health professional.

Lol!!

nikkyIvyblog

yrhuhfy113:


Be encouraged... AT LEAST YOU GET TO DISCOVER THAT YOU DON'T REALLY LOVE THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS FOREVER BEEN LOYAL TO YOU...... YoU.

Why call it ROUGH.... if its about love. THEN SHOW YOURSELF LOVE, abi you no get money and you see guys as ATM.

Sis, self love is best and healthiest.... go out of your way and give love to someone today.... send someone data, send money to your parents.... pay someone's school fees..

IF THIS OFFENDS YOU, THEN YOU ARE SELFISH.

find the true story of VALENTINE and you won't feel the way you feel.

TODAY IS JUST 24HRS..... don't let it ruin your mood.



IF YOU WANT A RELATIONSHIP THAT LEADS TO MARRIAGE, go online and join Legal nigerian matchmakers and you will meet potential suitors.

RELATIONSHIP is not an orphanage... it is not for cashing out. It is for complimenting someone else you love.

I wish you well sis.

Online relationship be like one chance. I don't want a eg

Zonefree:
Menascum, but the Valentine is rough

I'm glad today is rough for you. Menascum!

It doesn't mean men are not scum oo fogerrit

This Valentine is rough sha...No money No Bae to buy me gift na to just de look Africa Magic whenever Power Holding release light.

Wallai this is the worst. Make I focus eat my agbado. Atleast nobody will serve me breakfast

Abeg who is feeling it this bad like me

I know it's not the Valentine Season but permit me to share my story with you. Feel free to share it on your blog, it's fine with me.

Normally, I categorize people into grades or strata. People who are born with the silver, golden or diamond spoons are at the top while those born with plastic, wooden or even damaged cracked spoons are below them. Those born with no spoons occupy the lowest strata and that was where I found myself the moment my cognitive sense became developed. Since no one is given the luxury of choosing their parents or the family they should be born into, I concluded that growing up in an orphanage was something that gets thrusted on you because your opinion didn't count at the time of creation and birth.

The moment you resume school and start mixing with the society, you are weighed down by the realization that you are different from other children. This kicks in the initial confusion followed by questions, explanations and acceptance of life's realities. Somehow with the aging process, you get used to the extremely large "family" ties within the orphanage and the fact that although you are not blood relations, you are not alone. This also translates to you getting to learn how to be self sufficient from a tender age. It also means that you have to work extra hard to prove you can achieve your dreams despite the absence of a close knit family. But this story is not about my tough life, rather its about the December experience that changed my life.

After years of struggling with life's challenges, I successfully graduated from a state owned university. Whether by providence or my face which could be classified as beautiful in today's society, after the NYSC passing out parade and certificate collection, I was retained by the company I worked with during the program. I was ecstatic but as usual, my joy was short lived. Due to economic depression, the company had to downsize and some of us were let go. Losing a job after enjoying allowee for a year especially when I had nobody to ask for assistance was a big blow but I was not deterred and a month after the tragedy, I was blessed with another employment at a hospitality company.

Hospitality was never a dream job of mine and definitely not my field but the meagre salary was better than my jobless situation. Sincerely, it was my first time in a hospitality company so I was lost for almost a month even with the trainings. I was eventually deployed to the food and beverage section and yes I made several mistakes but I was born for tough cases so, before long, I became well grounded in the daily routines. Within months I was made an assistant to the assistant manager and my life started swinging between being stable to a gruesome chore until that day in December 2021...

[/b]See full story on nikkyIvyblog at [b]

#nikkyivyblog

As we are all aware, 2023 and the much awaited presidential election will soon be upon us. Undoubtedly you have been following the campaigns, slogans, rhetorics and "vawulence" both online and on the streets. Therefore I am diving into this narrative based on the belief that you would agree that our country is witnessing a historical shift in the tides and Nigerians are no longer navigating the previous illusory murky waters of politicking.


Whenever I witness the stamina of the various political groups and their intense albeit intriguing retorts on social media which closely resembles the wranglings of a wrestling duel I am left with my mouth open. At this point, I should mention that Nikky is a fan of WrestleMania right from the days of Hulk Hogan, Andrew the Giant... oh I was a tiny girl back then but yeah, it was awesome entertainment.
Anyway, let's get back to the political arena. For the looming "Championship" we have two main contenders - The OBIdients alias Vawulence group and the BAT group.

On the far side of the ring are the OBIdients comprising of youths and the younger generation of Nigerians.

They remind me of the biblical Israelites who were ready not only to abandon their dark days in Egypt but boldly and eagerly embarked on a journey to embrace the promised land. Unprecedentedly, the youths, who were once labeled "lazy" and alluded to as the leaders of tomorrow are now showing an unwavering eagerness to become the leaders of today. From the various diatribes, it is obvious even to the blind, that they have ditched the old dance steps of their fathers and are creating a novel path for themselves through a younger candidate; a man who preaches and has shown an implacable passion for astute development. A man whose desire like that of the biblical Moses, is to set the once regal giant of Africa free from the myriad of problems tearing down her banners. For him and his numerous progressives, forward ever, which is the slogan of their preferred party, means taking their destinies into their hands today.

Brawling it out with the OBIdients is our second contender; the BAT team. This group often nudges my mind to reflect on the old wine, new wine adage so I will refer to them as the old wine lovers.

From their thrusts, it is obvious that nothing tastes better than an old wine. As such, the mantle of leadership belongs to and should remain in the lair of the still roaring great lion of the Niger, who is far from being weary despite being longevous. For them, the old tune of change should not be allowed to wane and the highest seat of power should be bestowed on BAT, a man whose credentials, they chant, reeks of pedigree and loyalties gained from years of mentorship, persistence, diligence and maturity. A man of the people, a political godfather and colossus, their only trusted bridge between the past, present and future of Nigerians and Nigeria. In the eyes of the BAT group, today is for their legend and the youths should await their turn tomorrow.

Indeed, we are witnessing an intensely remarkable politicking era and one does not require a soceress to be able to unravel the question thumping in the hearts of many Nigerians; who will ascend the throne come 2023? I'm sure you already have your perceptions and loyalties. I also know that like me, most of you find our contenders and the intellectual prowess of their field marshals refreshing and admirable. However, despite our political inclinations and as we choose to become either Atikulated, OBIdient or BAT compliant in the forthcoming elections, we must not lose sight of what is at stake here; our future as a nation.

As always, the choice is ours.

------

NB: we did not forget the Atikulated and other groups/political parties but the selected contenders were our main focus for this article.

NikkyIvyblog

This has been on my mind...

Jesus asked God to forgive those that crucified Him. He also forgave them but after the resurrection, He didn't go looking for them. I can't see anywhere he went back to start fraternizing with or performing miracles for those that nailed Him to the cross. Instead he appeared to his friends "disciples" and even gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit (being afraid and fleeing is different from delivering the killing blow).

The simple lesson: its okay to forgive somebody for deeply offending you but don't go back there my sister/brother. It doesn't mean you hate them. No! Just Pray for them from a distance. Be wise. Learn from Jesus today.


Happy Easter
From me to you

Today, I saw another gory news of a young girl dismembered by her teenage boyfriend and I asked myself; what is going on? How did we get to this stage? Our teenagers are now engaging in this false belief called "money making rituals"!!!

I am vexed and won't dwell on this issue. I won't go for the usual target; our near comatose government nor would I point accusing fingers at our failing family system. My focus will be on our dear Nollywood as a public educator.

Research has shown that Television, and other media devices, influence children and in extension, the society. Children who constantly view violent programs, movies or clips have a tendency to become more insensitive, violent, aggressive and most times, depressed.

In our society the effect is evidenced in the recent events and the increasing number of teenagers dabbling into crimes in the name of money rituals and other ignominious acts. The glamorous depiction of violent tendencies, quest for wealth, lasciviousness and exhibition of wealth in these movies are now the new thrills being embraced. Sadly, our children and younger generation are ignorantly and blindly sampling the perspectives viewed on the widescreens of their television sets or other electronic devices.

Based on the above premise, I think the time is ripe for Nollywood to change the direction of our movies. We are tired of witnessing how these stories which are meant to entertain are now swaying young naive minds, influencing choices and negatively affecting our society. Simply put, we cannot afford to lose our future generation to this madness.

You might argue that most of these movies usually end with the villain getting punished or that they are rated PG. Indeed, you are right but the reality is that morality has finally taken the backseat in our society and most parents hardly know their roles as guardians. Consequently, most of our children are not equipped to differentiate between fiction and reality.

Does this mean that Nikky is dumping all the blame at the feet of our movie industry? NO! Is it a call to ban Nollywood movies? NO! Rather, I am advocating for an improvement in the quality and encouraging more positive movies and screenplays.

Therefore, we say, enough of the movies on money-making and yahoo boys. Enough of the violence, blood letting, hacking and killing. Enough is enough.

... thank you

cooljude:
���� very funny

Welcome bro

vetrovialMan:



your story made my day. thanx bro

Thank you for patiently reading everything

enigmatious:
Too long oh but interesting

Awww i am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading.

AVECDEO:
I'm enjoying my vacation and your story has contributed to the enjoyment...kudos.

I started laughing so hard atvthe point your main competitors were running towards and passed you till the end of your pleasant story.

I enjoyed every bit...thank you so much.

I always look back with nostalgia to my teen years back in the 90s. Nikky Christmas was fun on another level back then especially because it was a time for eating delicious delicacies, wearing your Christmas cloth, enjoying a bottle of drink alone instead of sharing it with others, watching masquerades and dance troupes to exhibit their skills.

My big dream was to join a masquerade group and get to be the masquerade. So i was excited when some boys in my class who also lived on my street decided to form a masquerade group and asked me to join them. My dream was coming true and I gladly became a member. We turned into designers and picked rafia from the bush, colored, sewed them together to make a garment for our masquerade.

Our meeting point was under the staircase of our flat and some parents encouraged us by donating old rickety metal gongs (ogene). We were excited and could not wait for the Christmas day to arrive so we would show off our own masquerade at the famous Obiagu square (where all the masquerade in the state used to gather to celebrate Christmas).

A week to Christmas, we were rehearsing when a strange boy from the next street came with a message from their own masquerade group. Those boys were older.

We all gathered round and opened the rumpled paper. It was straight to the point;

"don't show up at Obiagu. If you do, we will beat all of you!"

At first we were scared but somehow we encouraged ourselves and decided to teach them a bitter lesson but we didn't know how to go about it. After many days of thinking, we came up with a plan. One of us went to the bush and got some very itchy plants (I can't remember what they were called), we carefully put them inside a big empty milk tin and made a concoction from it. The plan was to pour our concoction on their masquerade and flee. It was a perfect plan and we could not wait to see the effect.

Christmas day finally arrived. In the evening, after all the enjoyment, we gathered under the staircase. You could hear the sound of other masquerades performing far off. It was time to decide who would wear the rafia that Christmas and I was overjoyed when I was selected. I hurriedly dressed up while my wing men carried our smelly milk tin. Hitting the rickety gongs loudly, we emerged amid cheers. My sister was peeping at us when I wore the rafia and must have told my mom so they were cheering the loudest. I danced around briefly before hitting the streets with my guys behind me.

Small girls were waving at us and I was showing off my acrobatic skills on the road when suddenly one of us pulled at my rafia. I peeped through it and saw some boys and a masquerade running towards us at top speed. I recognized the letter bearer from the other day and my tender heart went FIAM straight to my throat. Sweat broke out all over my body and that rafia bag started itching as if someone poured our concoction on me...

What could be pursuing them? My guys stopped hitting the gongs and you could feel our fears as if it was a living thing but somehow, we bravely stood our grounds wielding our milk tin, ready for war. We were surprised when some of them ran past us without stopping. We were still determined to show them we have become men when their masquerade hastily tore off it's rafia garment, threw it at us and continued dashing down the street. It felt like a movie so we were laughing and feeling victorious when suddenly one of them, with tears running down his face yelled at us;

"Run ooh! Run oh!!"

We thought it was all a prank and were still praising ourselves when all of a sudden one of us screamed. We turned as if in slow motion and my heart stopped beating. At the other end of our street, a giant masquerade flanked by bare chested men with rippling muscles welding long sticks and canes was approaching at top speed. To make matters worse, they were pointing at us. Before I could push the rafia off my face to see clearly, all my friends and the small crowd of girls clapping for us earlier disappeared as if by magic.

I had never seen that type of masquerade before and my legs Somehow became glued to the hot road, refusing to move. I was shaking in the sun, scared and sweating profusely as those men approached. I knew it was over for me because the big masquerade would think I was challenging it by staying on the road and that meant being flogged by all the men plus the masquerade.

Tears started running down my face as I saw a vision of myself being flogged by them. I was about to collapse on my shaking legs when I heard a familiar voice screaming my name, telling me to run. It suddenly felt as if something snapped in my head. Turning on my heels I fled down the road in my rafia. You would think I had wings like a bird. Infact Ben Johnson of those days had nothing on me.

The milk can was abandoned on the street as I peeled the rafia off my itching body while running home to my mummy. The painful part was not that I peed on myself when fleeing for my dear life, but the sound of the small girls on my street laughing so hard at me as I ran home. Infact I was traumatized and it took months for me to recover from being the topic of every jest. Anyway, that was how my masquerade career ended...lol!

nikkyivyblog@.com

[quote author=Shellsploit post=108808559]
No, i didn't. Hopefully they will come back[/quote

If they waka enter your neighbor's compound that is the end oo

Validated:

You dey work on Christmas day? Na your company clear this sky abi na atheist country you dey ni?
Merry Christmas anyhow. Trully Christmas sweet pass for Naija. Here na only you and your family, unlike Naija wey you fit go joint go chop better nkwobi and assorted. Cruise as you like till cocoroko. Here no cock dey crow ooo! But sha, no bandits to worry about and nothing like ... up Nepa!

Hahahahaha! E sweet pass

Awkabigboy:

You're absolutely right, we lost one of our priest to winter, he froze to death

May he RIP

Le2money:
I can understand how you will be feeling right now Cox the little Experience I got while I was on 12 hours trip to Ethiopia ( Adaddis ababa )....even Without snow, my heart, lungs were seriously shivering ....to make the matter worse, I thought if I had a drink ( beer ) it would make my body hot oo.....when I sip the Beer like this, it was like swallowing real Ice oo....it was then I did what I had not done before in my life oo....just to save my shivering heart and lungs, I then took their weed oo when I couldn't get a cigarette Cox I used to watch white men smoking during winter on TV, hmmm....this made matter worse oo....I nearly run mad....was seeing everyone as tiny as an ant �....infact, it was really a bad Experience..... I'm Cha happy I could survive the night before I tear race go airport the next day and flew back to my Nigeria oo....Now, if I could feel like that in a country where there was no snow as at that time oo....how would you feel in a country covered with snow...see ehn, the experience no be here

Hello Nikky,

I love the pictures you have been sharing with us this season. But I just want to share this my first experience Of White Christmas with you and everyone.

As a teenager, I always loved watching or seeing Hollywood Christmas movies especially on Hallmark movies Channel. Its something I looked forward to every Christmas.

The best part was always the part they play in the snow, build snow men or when I hear stuff like; "its white Christmas!" I remember I used to wish we had snow during Christmas in Naija. I would have given anything to convince God to change our yeye harmattan to winter.

Anyway to cut this long story short, somehow I traveled abroad and it was a wonderful experience. All my mind was like; finally, I will experience white Christmas. November arrived, and the cold was okay. Snow came and I was waiting for the type I used to see on TV.

When December arrived with the snow, I just began packing my bags. The cold no be here! It felt like living inside the freezer. Infact it was worse. My heart nearly froze. It was under a thick blanket and with my heater running at full blast 24/7 that I realized white Christmas na Scam. It is fine only in the movies ooh. Infact, the cold made our cold harmattan Christmas feel like childs play. I could not even go out not to talk of building snow man abi woman.That was how my childhood dreams came crashing down on me �

I am happily back and enjoying the Christmas season and our local delicacies with friends and family. Our electricity is not stable but the weather is simply the best for a Christmas celebration and I am loving our harmattan season with my full chest.

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant

- Robert Louis Stevenson
______________________________

AFLOAT S2 E.7

"Oga Maurice, how your missus nah...yes she is okay...no! I'm outside, I can't call your name when I'm with her come on... I'm a graduate oh, I no be block head like you..."

Stanley smirked as his friend yelled curses at him over the phone. He had met Maurice during his days inside the dungeon. He had saved him from the gang issues down there, he owed the man his life.

"The car? It's there...I'm just waiting for the time...okay okay. Surely. I will tell you once it's done...see you."

Stanley breathed in the fresh air and sighed before flexing his muscles. After this job he was going to get a long rest, he promised himself then turned back and quietly pushed open the door. The sight across from him made him pause at the spot; the girl was twisting and struggling to undo the ropes around her. In her attempt she had succeeded in moving the chair towards the other end of the room and pushing her lose blouse that would fit a toddler further down her bare shoulders.

He watched her, fascinated by her attempts which he knew were futile. Just then a thought raced through his mind; how are you going to subdue and get her into the car when she is like this? Stanley cursed under his breath with frustration.

Yes, this was his first body delivery job but this oversight was totally unacceptable and risky. How come they never thought of it? The girl was obviously stubborn and too feisty so he didn't need an oracle or a seer to reveal to him that she would put up a fight the moment he tried to move her out. He slammed the door shut and she jerked to a stop. He paced around the limited space of the dimly lit room confused.

Should I call Maurice? No that is out of the question. Do I strike her again since that had earlier put her out?

He nearly cursed out loud. He had never hit any woman before. It was something he detested. Though he had sold his soul to the devil, he had not attained the rank of a demon yet. What's the difference? Kidnapping and sending an innocent girl to her death should gain you a seat next to the devil! The voice in his head taunted him. Stanley pushed that thought out of his mind and just then his alarm beeped and she yelped like a frightened puppy. He swiped the screen of his phone and the irritating sound stopped. It was 23:00 and almost time. Stanley's face contorted into a frown.

Dammit! He yelled internally. His mind raced as he tried to figure out a way out of the mess. The girl was sobbing, she never stopped anyway, so he decided to follow the first thought that crossed his mind;

“Listen, hey! I said listen!"

He grated out as he took a step closer to her. She cringed and tried to turn away from him before hurriedly looking down at her bare feet.

"I promise you will soon gain your freedom but if you try to fight or stress me out with any smart moves then you will leave me with no other choice... I will drive this into you." He pulled out a pocket knife and she gasped out the moment she caught sight of the blade. "Do you want me to do that?"

His voice sounded fierce even to his own ears so he was not surprised when fresh tears started streaming down her slightly bloated face as she vigorously shook her head. Trying not to make a sound, she bit down on her lips and Stanley found his eyes wandering from her face to her lips. He sucked in a breath as a familiar sensation ran down his spine. His eyes lingered on her full lips as the fantasies he had safely tucked away flashed through his mind. Dapper! Yeah, he knew her nickname and every single detail about her.

The girl had a strange charm he was finding increasingly difficult to resist despite his vow to stay off her kind as a way of immortalizing his wife. He loved his wife but somehow thoughts of her seemed to have receded. His eyes slowly slid down her disheveled apparel, taking in her exposed skin before finally settling on her face.

They said she was pure, untouched by any but he was a man starved, though of his own volition but none of that mattered anymore as Stanley gradually considered being the vanquished in the war raging within him. Her long lashes fluttered severally before she finally got the courage to look up. The clouded depths of her swollen eyes called out to his soul and Stanley slowly covered the distance between them like a man in a trance.


Nikkyivyblog

LisaAnneMia:
What will you now say when you see this?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFcBBXEVr5I

Wow!

As a kid I could not handle this scene of the Jesus of Nazareth movie (it was not even this brutal back then). I remember telling my dad to stop them from beating the kind man ��‍♀️ fell sick from all the crying and that was the end of the movie for a loooooong time in the house ��

From Covid-19 lockdown and resultant loss of jobs by most Nigerians to the sudden hike in petrol pump price and electricity tariff. Out of frustration over insecurity, bad governance and police brutality our youths hit the streets chanting EndSars. This was followed by allegations of shooting at peaceful protesters, deaths, massive looting of covid-19 palliatives from warehouses to attacks on shops and businesses of innocent retailers by suspected hoodlums.

Just when we were starting to shuffle our feet, tighten our belts and motivate ourselves that impossibility is nothing, news of recent unabated gruesome attacks and massacre of our local farmers hit the media despite the harsh reality that we are being dragged under the tides by the second recession battering our economy.

Flowing from all these unresolved issues plaguing our nation, ordinary onions no dey market again. Pricing even our local rice is like pricing a luxury apartment. Beans and Garri are now foods for the gods because sons of men can no longer buy enough for their families. Livestock and poultry farmers are lamenting and screaming so we might have to pay exorbitant figures in order to eat meat this season. Simply put, life has become unbearable for most Nigerians.

To make matters worse, money seems to be in the hands of the privileged few who are holding onto it tightly because of the crippling fear of speedily descending from grace to grass. Infact with all the challenges we are being saddled with, we are suspecting that even Santa Claus will be unwilling to visit our children this year.

In the face of all these crisis, Nigerians are now beyond desperate and worried about our stability as a nation. The questions on the mind of most Nigerians are; how are we even going to celebrate this Christmas? Can we pray these issues away? How are we going to adjust to these challenges with Christmas almost upon us?

To answer these questions and many more NIB will, as usual, be chatting with some of our NIB members (you can also drop your comments here or send your opinions to our email - nikkyivysblog@gmail.com). We will be gathering and publishing your views on ways to celebrate Christmas with ease in the face of all these wahala we are being faced with as individuals and as a nation.

Stick around and be patient...