The book uses storytelling to expatiate on some key principles that are in Chapters 1 to 15 of the Book of Proverbs (in the Holy Bible).
It provides valuable insights for Business and Life Success using stories centered on current day realities.

Ebook and Paperback
Kindle/ Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089K2B1KJ

Ebook only
Flutterwave - https://flutterwave.com/pay/bookofproverbs
Paystack - https://paystack.com/pay/storytellingproverbs

Strategy, Structure, System and Skills – the 4s.
Sometimes System is one word, used and practiced over and over again.

What’s the one word?

Let’s ask the expert, the African Wild Dog.

The African Wild Dog is a social animal that lives in packs/ groups which can be from 4 to two dozen individuals. There is an hierarchy in place among each groups which is led by a dominant couple usually the oldest.

The African Wild Dog is also known as the painted hunting dog or painted wolf. The African Wild Dog is from the biological family “Canidae” which is a lineage of carnivorans that includes domestic dogs, wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackals etc.

The dominant couple of each pack are usually the only ones allowed to breed. Any other female that gives birth usually have its pups kidnapped by the dominant female or the pups are killed.

The African Wild Dog stands at 24 to 30 inches in shoulder height and 28 to 44 inches in head and body length, with a tail length of 11 to 16 inches. The body weight of the adults is usually between 18 to 36 kg. Compared to other Canids, the African Wild Dog is comparatively lean and tall with outsized ears.

The structure of the African Wild Dog is as stated, one dominant couple and the rest are foot soldiers, i.e. hunters and those who stay back to protect the pups.

What’s the (hunting) strategy of the African Wild Dog?

The African Wild Dog is a specialized pack hunter with a hunting success of up to 90%. This is higher than the success rate of a Lion 27 to 30% and Hyena 25 to 30%.

Lions and Hyenas are larger than the African Wild Dogs. From time to time the larger predators steal the Dogs’ food and they also kill the wild dogs.

Continue reading at
https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

Signed
Olumide Holloway (King Olulu)

Let’s revisit the Lion and talk about the 3Cs and the 3Rs.

Are you ready? Okay, let's get it on.

In a Pride of Lions, the male cub is more like a glorified tenant. There is no house, company or assets to inherit. The assets are the Lionesses and the location the pride lives and hunts in.

He is like matter that occupies space, and his position at the "BOD" meeting does not count. As an employee, he is there to follow the rules; his initiative is usually unappreciated. Sometimes that initiative gets him a query (slaps and bites) from the Lion King - his father, the MD.

The Lion King came into power, riding on blood and death. His reign can only end with his death. There is no stepping aside, and it is not a democracy. Also, weakness is not something that can or must be shown outwardly, except and perhaps with his queen(s).

The glorified tenant, the young Lion(s), only has a year or a two maximum to enjoy the luxury of belonging to a pride. Once he begins to show signs of sexual maturity, he is kicked out by his father.

The right to mate is earned via blood and death. It is never given; it is taken. The right to mate is just like power and clout that makes one a market/industry leader. You earn it; you don't inherit.

If the glorified tenant refuses to go, then he ends up dead. There can't be two kings ruling one kingdom. And based on assassination history, the son is no match for his father. If bets are placed, the odds are against the son, 100 to 0, because 10 out of 10 fights, he dies.

When the young Lion is kicked out of a pride, he is like a sacked employee or a startup business. If the young Lion is wise, he would have been participating in the hunt while he was in the pride. Such a lion would be like an employee with a side hustle because he would have hunting skills aka business experience.

Like every new business, the young lion faces two key challenges. These are:
1. Obscurity: People don't know you exist.
2. Seeming irrelevance: People know you exist, but you are an afterthought, you are not considered top 10 or even top 50.

How do you overcome obscurity and stay relevant? Overcoming these challenges will give the 3Rs. But first, you need the utilise the 3Cs to get the 3Rs.

Continue reading at https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

“No matter how hard you search, a man’s destiny can never be found on Google.”

This line had been on his mind for a week. He had heard it on YouTube while watching the performance of a poet called Habeeb Ajijola.

“Baba God o, pick up, pick up,” he said silently, lifting his hands to the sky as he walked down to the bus-stop.

He had finished his afternoon shift at the bank where he was employed as a security guard. He had joined the bank six months earlier after two years of been jobless. The pay was not much, but being six foot tall, dark and handsome made him a favourite of the female staff and customers of the bank, so he got plenty of tips. And being a ladies man, he knew how to turn on the charm with his smile and well spoken English.

He stood at the bus-stop alone for over 5 minutes before remembering Okada and Keke Napep had been banned over the weekend. He shook his head as he thought about the distance he had to cover to get a bus that will take him to his area.

Just as he was about to start walking, he noticed a White Lexus SUV with tinted glasses reversing to the spot he was at. The car stopped beside him and the window came down. He stooped to look inside the vehicle.

He eyes first caught sight of her exposed thighs, then her cleavage (as exposed by a low-cut blouse) before he saw the face of a beautiful light skin woman smiling at him. He liked what he saw, so he smiled back.

“Good afternoon ma,” he said.
“Good afternoon dear, how are you,” she replied.
“I am doing well ma.”
“Where are you headed? Maybe I can drop you off.”
“I want to get a bus to Lekki gate and then another to Ketu.”
“I am going to Gbagada, would Iyana Oworo be okay for you?”
“It’s perfect ma.”
“Ok, come in.”

He opened the door and sat down beside her.

“Hope you don’t mind if I quickly branch home to pick up my bag and stuff before we head off,” she said as she engaged the gear and drove on.
“No problem ma.”
“You work at the bank?” she asked.
“Yes.”

He glanced at her and their eyes met briefly, before she turned back to the road.

“You are a handsome young man,” she said.
“Thank you ma.”
“Your girlfriend is a lucky girl,” she said smiling.
He chuckled and replied, “I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“You don’t? A fine boy like you! I don’t believe that,” she exclaimed.
“No romance without finance ma,” he replied, and they both laughed.

She stopped the car in front of a huge gate, honked twice and the gate opened sideways.

“Hope you don’t mind coming inside to have a drink or two, while I quickly shower and change.”

He glanced at her left hand and saw the wedding ring.
“I don’t want no trouble ma,” he said.
“My husband is not home’ he is away on business, and he won’t be back for a month,” she replied smiling sweetly.

He was quiet and did not move.

She threw her arms around him and kissed him, boldly took his arm and said, “I’ve made preparation for a romantic dinner. For today I scanned around if I would see you, hoping to catch sight of your face—and here you are! I’ve spread fresh, clean sheets on my bed, colorful imported linens. My bed is aromatic with spices and exotic fragrances. Come, let’s make love all night, and spend the night in blissful lovemaking!”

With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him.

Immediately he went with her, like an Ox goes to the butcher shop, or like a male Goat lured into an ambush and then shot with an arrow. Like a bird runs into a trap, he did not know it would cost his life.

For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.

THE END.
Written by: King Olulu, not from Zulu.
Inspired by: King Solomon, not from Naija.
Source Code: Proverbs Seven
Twitter @olulu4ever, Instagram @olulutheking,

Does the suit fit you or do you fit the suit?

Do you do the safe choice or the right choice?

General solution or customized solution?

Do what everyone is doing or do something unique and different?

Does the suit fit you?

You probably have to try on a number of suits to get a good fit. Then you most definitely would also adjust (aka cut and sew) the trouser length.

This is making a safe choice.

You play safe when you go for an existing (general) solution. It has worked for others, so you follow the herd.

Do you fit the suit?

This is when the fabric, the style, the colour, the stitches are all made to your taste, shape and build.

This is not the safe choice, but it’s usually the right choice.

It’s customized solution that is made perfectly for your issue. Yes, it can sometimes go wrong. But what if, it goes perfectly well? It will stand you out from the crowd/ herd.

Does the suit fit you or do you fit the suit?

This is not really about fashion. It’s about relationships, business, marketing, sales, human resources management and life in general.

Does the suit fit you or do you fit the suit?

Talking about marketing, have you considered using spoken word poetry for brand visibility, engagement and equity, as well as, to increase your customer base and impact your bottom line positively.

No art form, can talk about your brand/ business the way spoken word poetry can and will.

And the concept we’ve for you is not a general solution, it’s a customized solution.

Yes, the concept can be stolen or copied, but it can never be perfectly replicated.

Why?

Well, they can buy the fabric, the machine, the stitches and all, but those are the tangibles.

What about the intangibles?

The intangibles make the tangibles work well.

This is why ideas are nothing without proper execution.

Does the suit fit you or do you fit the suit?

Spoken Word Poetry is not the safe choice like music and comedy.
But it’s the right choice.

It’s not the general solution.
It’s customized for you.

Come, let’s take your measurements and make the world take notice of you.

Signed
Olumide Holloway aka King Olulu

Twitter @olulu4ever
Instagram @olulutheking

One movie that I'm anticipating is "A Quiet Place 2."

I just watched the part 1 this early May and I love it.

The movie is almost like the "usual" Invasion of Earth by human eating aliens.

However, there is one tiny detail that makes it totally different from the usual alien movies.

The aliens are super fast, have armoured bodies, are scarily ugly looking with sword like claws.

But...the aliens are blind.

So if you stand perfectly still or walk perfectly quiet, you won't get eaten ���.
Now throw into that mix, a deaf daughter, and a pregnant wife.
How do you give birth in silence?
Or tell a new born to not cry?
Crazy, right?

The things I love about the movie is the way the writer/ director flipped the script to make the alien perfectly imperfect. And for most part of the movie, no words were spoken, just sign language.

I think that is what the business of creativity should embody.
Flip the script.

I know of a poet (78th Psalmist) in which in his spoken word piece, he acted like the translator for a dumb boy who was a victim of domestic violence.
That piece gave me goose pimples.

Go watch the movie if your heart "gree" you.
Whether or not, you watch the movie, as you live, learn to flip the script. Do the unusual. Be different.

It will always catch attention and make you stand out till you become outstanding.

Thank you for reading my TED talk.

Signed
King Olulu, the Storytelling King

Here are the links to my works.


HOW TO ROB A BANK

https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-one-how-to-rob-a-bank/


https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-two-how-to-rob-a-bank/


https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-three-how-to-rob-a-bank/


Smoking Guns and Bleeding Streets

https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-one-the-untitled-movie-by-olumide-holloway/


https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-two-the-untitled-movie-by-olumide-holloway/


The Untold Story of Uriah the Hittite

https://wordup411ng.com/the-untold-story-of-uriah-the-hittie/


https://wordup411ng.com/part-two-the-untold-story-of-uriah-the-hittie/


https://wordup411ng.com/part-three-the-untold-story-of-uriah-the-hittie/


The Way of the Lion

https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-one-the-way-of-the-lion-by-olumide-holloway/


https://wordup411ng.com/chapter-two-the-way-of-the-lion-by-olumide-holloway/

The life-cycle concept is an attempt to describe what happens to products and industries over time.

Thus, the term “life cycle” in this regard, is used to observe and categorize the stages of business (existence) that a product and/ or an industry is at.

And given that all living things go through a cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and death; the inspiration for the concepts of product life cycle and industry life cycle is derived from Biology.

For most (or every) industry and even products, they also go through 4 stages. These stages signify the position they are on their lifecycle.

Industry is a much broader classification than products; an industry consists of many similar groups of products.

For example, in the music industry, a musician is a “product.” In the Nigerian Beverage industry, we’ve soft drinks, tea, coffee, wine, beer etc. We can of course further break down each of the beverage stated above.

There are 4 stages of an industry/ product lifecycle. They are as follows:
introduction, growth, maturity and decline.

While products can come to the end of their lifecycle and “die off,” an industry rarely die off.

Industries have longer lifecycles than products. Though, it can happen that an industry “dies,” but it’s not as common as the decline/ total elimination of a product.

Instead of a decline and total elimination of an industry, what usually happens to an industry is a reinvention of how things are done e.g. from gramophone to cassette player to CD i.e. Compact Disc (to USB) to digital downloads.

So at what stage of the lifecycle is the spoken word poetry industry?

Well, it seems to still be at the introduction stage.

The introduction stage is a season of idea generation, planning, planting, research and development.

It’s a season of low intensity of competition, high emphasis on process design, and a strong drive to increase market awareness.

Few people/ corporates are ready to invest at this stage. They don’t see the big picture, so they wait for those who do to show them the way.

For most (or all) industries, the bulk of the money and profit, is in the growth stage. That is where the music and comedy industry in Nigeria are in right now.

How can spoken word poetry break into the growth stage of its lifecycle?

In my opinion, I think 4 things are needed:

1. Platforms
2. Distribution channels
3. Training outlets.
4. Investors/ funders.

Lemme take a pause here for now.

But what do you think?

Yea or nay.

Cheers.

Signed
King Olulu
2021 and beyond

Twitter @olulu4ever, Instagram @olulutheking,

“Man of God, welcome,” the man said mockingly to him as he entered into the dimly lit room.

He looked at the man that spoke and watched as he pulled up his trousers. But his attention was quickly drawn to the activities on the bed.

There was a man on top of a woman, they were both nakedly naked. The man was thrusting hard and fast into her, like a mad sex starved rapist.

There was a 3rd man, he was half naked, holding his turgid penis in his right hand and engrossed in watching the couple on the bed. The 4th man was seated in the shadows, his large frame was barely visible except for the white cloth tied around his loins.

A range of emotions ran through him, from anger to disgust to sadness and then pity.

The woman on the bed looked at him briefly, smiled and then looked away. She wriggled her frame and circled the man on her with her legs, gripping him tighter and pushing him deeper with her heels.

There was no remorse in her eyes, all he saw was her delight from the sexual pummeling she was getting.

He stayed for a minute or two, before he leaving as silently as he came.

————————————————————————————————————————

Two days later, he returned back to the place.

She was on the floor, naked and unconscious.
There was bruises on her face and bite marks on her neck and breasts.

“Gomer,” he whispered into her ears.

She stirred slightly but did not open her eyes.

He took off his large coat to cover her and lifted her up with both hands.

He did not know which one annoyed him the most, whether it was meeting her naked like a slave or having to pay good money to get her back.

He actually never intended to come back for her.

But the same voice that had always spoke to him, had ordered him, “Start all over: Love your wife again, your wife who’s in bed with her latest boyfriend, your cheating wife. Love her the way I, God, love the Israelite people, even as they flirt and party with every god that takes their fancy.”

This was his nightmare.
His daily nightmare.

There was no waking up from it.

There was no escape.

It was his reality.

His nightmare had started 6 years ago.

After prayers he had slept as usual, awaiting a vision, dream or instruction from his God.

He had waited long to hear from God and he somehow knew this night would be first night of many nights.

That night, for the very first time, God spoke to Hosea.

And God said: “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”

So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim.

She got pregnant and gave him a son.

Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.”

Gomer got pregnant again and gave birth to a daughter.

Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them. Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them.”

After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son.

Then the Lord said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.

Gomer had left him afterwards. She had gone in search of other men.

And he, Hosea, had had to go in search of her as ordered by the same voice he had come to know as the voice of God.

As Hosea carried his wife back home, he spoke into her ears, “From now on you’re living with me. No more whoring, no more sleeping around. You’re living with me and I’m living with you.”

Written by King Olulu, not from Zulu
Inspired by the Book of Hosea

Strategic Business Lessons from the Animal Kingdom


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uai25Tj7iuI

Strategic Business Lessons from the Animal Kingdom – now available for download

https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

Strategic Business Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F4LP9Q9/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_RT9TB2MMZVHZA2H788SP

Three things Spoken Word Poetry can help your company/ business/ organization with are as follows:

1. Brand visibility
2. Brand engagement
3. Brand equity

These can be achieved through the following 2 events:

1. An online (audio) spoken word poetry competition: this will run for 6 to 12 weeks. Your organization will provide the weekly theme which will require uploads of poems based on the specified theme. The theme can be based on your company slogan or any other cause that you support and want to bring attention to.

The poems will be uploaded to a predetermined site and the weekly winners will be determined by public votes.
The uploads of the themed poems and the poets’ request/need for public votes will ensure brand visibility. The public votes ensure brand engagement. While brand equity is achieved by the poems that will be listened to given the increased consumption of content in our present day reality.

2. A Reality TV Spoken Word Poetry Competition: this event will run over 4 to 6 months and have 3 basic stages i.e. entry stage, selection stage and on stage performance/ live show.

The entry stage will involve video submission of entry poems based on your specified theme. The selection stage will involve picking 48 to 60 poets from the video entries. The selected poets will then compete weekly for 8 weeks at the on stage performance/ live show. There will be a weekly theme that will form the basis of the weekly performance. There will also be weekly online voting to determine the poets that will move to the next round.
The live show will have a hybrid audience – online audience that will watch via livestream(s), and offline audience that will be at the venue.

Aside livestreams, the videos of the event will be uploaded on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn as video clips of 3 to 10 minutes, as well as, on TikTok and Instagram Reels as 1 minute videos.

The eventual winner(s) can be brand ambassador(s) of your organization.

The uploads of the themed video entries and the poets’ request/need for public votes will ensure brand visibility. The live event, live streaming, video uploads and public votes will ensure brand engagement. While brand equity is achieved by the video uploads that will be watched (during and after the event), given the increased consumption of content in our present day reality.

I can assure you that these events are cost effective.

I’m available for more information.

Signed

King Olulu

Twitter @olulu4ever, Instagram @olulutheking,

SavageResponse:


Come back and complete the article here

I dey come.

It’s time to talk about the Hippo.

I find the Hippo interesting and worth studying cos of 3 (or more) things, which makes up it’s SWOT.

Of the three animals I mentioned, the Hippo is the only non flesh eating among them. Yet it is has the weaponery of a flesh eater (this is my opinion) based on the following:

The Hippo have large teeth, the lower canines and lower incisors are enlarged especially in males and grow continuously.

The incisors can reach 1ft 4 inches, while the canine reach 1ft 8 inches. The canine are kept sharpened by constant vertical wear against the shorter upper canines. So no dulling, the canines are sharper than a samurai’s sword.

Hippos can open their mouth to a massive 4 feet wide which is capable of biting a 10 foot Crocodile in half as well as a small boat.

Hippos are aggressive and are considered very dangerous.

Unfortunately, their young ones fall victim to adult Hippos temper.

Does that ring your bell? Aka lack of Anger management or incapable of emotional control.

Continue reading at

https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

punisha:
Na mustapha Abi Simba tell you all these one?

Yes na

Let’s revisit the Lion and talk about the 3Cs and the 3Rs.

Are you ready? Okay, let's get it on.

In a Pride of Lions, the male cub is more like a glorified tenant. There is no house, company or assets to inherit. The assets are the Lionesses and the location the pride lives and hunts in.

He is like matter that occupies space, and his position at the "BOD" meeting does not count. As an employee, he is there to follow the rules; his initiative is usually unappreciated. Sometimes that initiative gets him a query (slaps and bites) from the Lion King - his father, the MD.

The Lion King came into power, riding on blood and death. His reign can only end with his death. There is no stepping aside, and it is not a democracy. Also, weakness is not something that can or must be shown outwardly, except and perhaps with his queen(s).

The glorified tenant, the young Lion(s), only has a year or a two maximum to enjoy the luxury of belonging to a pride. Once he begins to show signs of sexual maturity, he is kicked out by his father.

The right to mate is earned via blood and death. It is never given; it is taken. The right to mate is just like power and clout that makes one a market/industry leader. You earn it; you don't inherit.

If the glorified tenant refuses to go, then he ends up dead. There can't be two kings ruling one kingdom. And based on assassination history, the son is no match for his father. If bets are placed, the odds are against the son, 100 to 0, because 10 out of 10 fights, he dies.

When the young Lion is kicked out of a pride, he is like a sacked employee or a startup business. If the young Lion is wise, he would have been participating in the hunt while he was in the pride. Such a lion would be like an employee with a side hustle because he would have hunting skills aka business experience.

Like every new business, the young lion faces two key challenges. These are:
1. Obscurity: People don't know you exist.
2. Seeming irrelevance: People know you exist, but you are an afterthought, you are not considered top 10 or even top 50.

How do you overcome obscurity and stay relevant? Overcoming these challenges will give the 3Rs. But first, you need the utilise the 3Cs to get the 3Rs.

Continue reading at https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

Moblux:


Great work, brother

Thank you.

Iykoto86:
Beautiful write up.

Thanks.

Vaughanlanrewaj:


Wow!! That's good to know. If you have some free samples, we can help you promote it for free on www.freestuffsNG.com

Ok, duly noted.

Hyenas bear a close resemblance to dogs but are more related to the cat family than the canine. Either way, An hyena is neither a cat nor a dog.

It is smaller than a lion, slightly taller/ bigger than a leopard and has one of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. That simply means that if it bites your hand, that hand is no longer yours - blood, bone and skin.

Hyenas eat even the horns and hoofs of its victims.

So how does an animal smaller than the Lion steal meat/food from it?

First, let's talk about how it steals from the cheetah and the Leopard.

I once watched a leopard kill an antelope, and on sighting a hyena, it tried to climb the tree with its kill. But the tree was not near enough, and it can’t outrun the Hyena carrying the dead meat.

So it stood its ground ready to fight. Usually, if it was two hyenas, the Leopard would abandon the meat and run. But at that moment, it was one on one.

The Leopard is faster and has sharper claws than the Hyena. The jaws of the Hyena is supported by a thick skull.

So the Hyena did not bother to start a catfight with the Leopard. It just head-butted the Leopard. The first time, the second time and the Leopard ran away. 

Why head-butt? 

If the Hyena had started the fight using its claws and mouth, the Leopard would have easily slashed its throat. But by head-butting, the Hyena protected its throat and in the same move, used one of its strongest parts, its skull, to daze the Leopard.

In another scene, four cheetahs were eating an animal they just caught, and a Hyena came calling. The cheetahs tried to chase the Hyena away. But it only took one step back, two steps forward. After a while, the Cheetahs left the meat for the hyena: no attack, no fight, just submission.

Why did the Cheetahs give up like that?

Well, because cheetahs are built light, and their lives and hunting depend on their speed.

Any injury to the Cheetah means it will die of hunger. The Cheetah can't afford an injury, and it is not heavy enough to withstand heavy bruising.

So any predator bigger than the Cheetah will chase it away. The Hyena knows this and uses it time and time again.

Four things to decipher from the above are structure, skills, system and strategy.

The Hyena has fighting skills; it has a strategy when faced with other predators. His strategy is based on the knowledge of self, knowledge of the market and knowledge of competitors. It has a structure; team/collaborators/ community/company and each person understands and implements the system (system here means process flow).

So how do these four things work when the Hyena takes on the Lion?

Continue reading at
https://wordup411ng.com/strategic-business-lessons-from-the-animal-kingdom-by-olumide-holloway-is-now-available-for-download/

The Untold Story of Uriah the Hittite

This is an exciting and captivating fictional account of the events leading to the death of Uriah the Hittite on the battle field.

This book also provides an interesting account of his past, especially his relationship with Bathsheba, and his friendship with Joab.

This book is based on 2 Samuel 11.

You can get yours as an E-book via the following links:

(Amazon USA) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CRFHYDT/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_m6fcFbS5YZHZ2

(Amazon UK)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CRFHYDT/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_3egcFb6AQPVBF

(Paystack)
https://paystack.com/pay/uriahthehittie

(Flutterwave) https://flutterwave.com/pay/uriahthehittite

“Today we are going to war,” they sang.

“But,” cried one.

“Today is not a good day to die,” they responded.

“Why,” shouted one.

“The Lord of Host is with us,” they responded.

“And so,” cried another.

“We will slash, hack and bash,” cried all.

“And then,” came the cry.

“We will take the spoils of war,” they sang.

“And?”

“Go back home praising our God.”

“And then?”

“Go home to “know” our wives,” the men cried out and then shouted loudly.

It was the battle cry they usually sang before a major fight.

“It is time to bleed or be bled,” said Gareb as he and Uriah helped each other put on their armour.

“It’s never a good day to die,” responded Uriah, as his mind wandered back to the strategy meeting that held early that morning.

“What do we know about the people of Ammon? Joab asked.

“We know they will come out to fight and not hide behind their walls,” came the reply from Zelek.

“Their most valiant soldiers are usually sent after their archers. But in this instance, we expect them to stay back to repel our attacks if and when we get past the archers,” added Eliam, the father of Bathsheba.

“How do we get past the archers with minimal casualty?” Joab asked.

“We can do a mock charge to engage their archers. That way we ascertain their shooting range and brig our archers into play,” suggested Joseb.

“Hmm, I like the mock charge,” stated Joab.

“I think we should do 3 waves of mock charge. 1000 men each, to really get them worried. Since we outnumber their 10,000 soldiers 5 to 1,” said Abishai, brother of Joab.

“Numbers don’t win wars,” stated Shammah.

“Yes, they don’t, superior strategy do. So we will also flank them on both sides. Once their archers are actively engaged with the waves of mock charge, we will attack them from both sides. This should confuse them and allow us bring our archers in range and into play,” said Abishai.

“This sounds good to me. Or what do you say guys?” Joab asked.

They nodded in agreement.

“I will lead the first mock charge,” stated Abishai, brother of Joab.

“And I the second wave,” said Eleazar.

“No, Abishai and Eleazar will be in charge of the 2nd and 3rd wave respectively,” responded Joab.

“So who leads the first charge?” Eliam asked.

Joab looked at him and said, “Uriah.”

(About 30 years earlier)

“Hey Uriah, no farm today?”

He looked to his right and saw Inarahsu and Daraksu walking towards him. They were twin brothers and the sons of one of the richest merchant in their village.

“No, no farm today,” he replied, looking at Inarahsu as the twins stopped in front of him.

“Why? Don’t you want to be a farmer like your father?” Asked Daraksu.

“I don’t want to be a farmer.”

“But your father is a farmer, you will probably end up a farmer,” insisted Inarahsu.

“No,” responded Uriah sternly.

The boys looked at him strangely.

“Why don’t you want to be a farmer?”

“I’ve not seen myself as a farmer in my dreams.”

One of the boys laughed and said, “so you think you are now like Joseph the dreamer because your papa give you Hebrew name. No deceive yourself, you be Hittie not an Hebrew.”

Daraksu added, “I can’t wait to see your papa’s face when you tell him you don’t want to be a farmer.”

Uriah looked at them and said slowly, “someday you will hear and see my greatness.”

The 2 boys looked at each other and then laughed so hard, they fell over rolling on the floor.

Uriah walked away from them, he knew he wanted more than this life of being a farmer. He just was not sure what else he would do.

Uriah was the 3rd boy out of 5 children. He had two elder brothers and two younger sisters. It was less than two years age difference between each of the children.

His father had a farm and his two brothers were already working with his father, as well as, developing their own farm. It was expected that Uriah would also start on his own farm once he reached the age of 18. For now, he was mainly in charge of the two Cows that lived in their home.

‘You are back early,” his mother remarked as he stormed into the common room.

“I don’t want to be a farmer,” he replied with teeth clenched.

She turned and looked at him. She them moved close to him and hugged him. At five feet 9 inches, he was the shortest male in the family but he was still taller than his mother.

She held him close and said softly, “when the voice of greatness calls you, be unafraid to answer.” She drew back, smiled and said aloud, “now go milk the Cows else you no go chop tonight.”

He smiled back and went to milk the cows.

To be continued….

“Hey bro, welcome back,” Gareb said as he entered the tent. “I heard them hailing you earlier but I was depositing manure into the soil. How you dey?”

They shook hands and hugged.

“I dey alright my brother, all correct, no shaking,” replied Uriah.

He sat down on his bed facing Gareb, who leaned on the table.

“How was the City and home front?” Gareb asked.

“Fine.”

“So what did the King want to see you for?”

“To be honest, I really don’t know. We did not talk about anything serious or discreet. We did more drinking than talking. I guess he misses the Warfront,” Uriah replied.

They both laughed.

“But at least you got to gum body and had a nice time with madam, ” Gareb said as he smiled and winked.

“Nah, I did not go home. I slept at the door of the King’s house with all the servants of my King.”

“Kilode? Why? You for go enjoy wifey’s company”

“My guy, the King suggested that too. But I told him that the ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my Lord Joab and the servants of my King are encamped in the open field. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As the King’s soul lives, I will not do that,” said Uriah.

“Wow,” exclaimed Gareb as he looked at Uriah in astonishment.

Uriah added, “I just did not feel right about it. I had a bad feeling about the whole visitation and insistence that I go home. I would rather be here at the battle front with you guys then be at home frolicking with wifey.”

They both laughed.

Just then, Zaharai, the armour bearer of Joab, entered into the tent. “Uriah, my Lord Joab will see you now.”

Together they marched to the tent of Joab.

“Good day sir,” Uriah said as he entered the tent.

“Welcome back Soldier,” Joab replied and added, “how was the home front?”

“All correct Sir.”

“I am sure you enjoyed Madam’s cooking and the after hours things,” Joab said with a smile.

Uriah smiled, but said nothing.

“Any news from my King David?” Joab asked.

“Yes sir, he said to give you a letter,” Uriah replied. He removed a sealed letter from the waist pouch and placed it in Joab’s outstretched hand.

Joab checked to be sure the seal was unbroken. He then opened the letter, read it and frowned. He looked up to see Uriah watching him and their eyes locked for a few seconds. Out of respect, Uriah blinked and looked away.

“Anything the matter sir?” Uriah asked.

Joab turned his back on him and said, “go back to your tent soldier, I will call you if I need you.”

Uriah hesitated for a moment. He was sure Joab’s voice sounded like a man in pain and in tears. “Ok sir,” he said and left the tent.

Joab held the letter in both hands and raised it above his head. “Why my King? Why?” He muttered as tears flowed down his cheeks.

Joab cried all night and found no sleep or rest to console his troubled soul.

(To be continued).

Smoking Guns and Bleeding Streets is a gritty, gripping, and gravely real crime story.

The story is set in Lagos, Nigeria, West Africa. It brings together an investigative journalist, an assassin, law enforcement agents and some shady characters. They are all in a race to obtain an incriminating piece of evidence.

To download your copy as an E-book, please click on any of the links below:

Flutterwave: https://flutterwave.com/pay/smokinggunsandbleedingstreets

Paystack: https://paystack.com/pay/smokinggunsandbleedingstreets

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FZVKLXB/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_QFHoFbJE4XHDA

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FZVKLXB/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_TFHoFb8KTHXEN

CHAPTER TWO

“…may we not walk when the ground is seeking blood to drink in Jesus name. May bullets not be shot at us and may knives not be thrown at us in Jesus name. May axe not be used to remove our head and may hammer not be used to smash our skull in Jesus name. May birds not eat our flesh and may dogs not lick our blood… “

She chuckled. “This old woman sha, why all these funny funny prayers this morning,” she thought to herself. “Time dey go and I’ve plenty things to do today o. Kai, I need to even iron my skirt before dem take light. I need to call my source for the scoop he promised me. I hope my psycho boss won’t give me stress today. I fit vex yab am o.”

Her mind flashed back to the conversation with her boss over 3 weeks ago.

“You know Fisayo Soyombo went undercover to get into Pedro police cell and Kirikiri prison. He gained international recognition cos of that and also won awards. You should do something like that too,” her boss had stated.

“But oga, I be woman o, what if they rape me?” She had protested.

“Won’t that be the highlight of the story? And will you be the first to be raped?”

“Haa.”

“Look, we are an investigative media organisation. I need scandal, I need controversy, I need conflict. Get me these or get out!”

“But oga, I am handling financial news and stuff.”

“Young lady, all financial institutions especially banks, have skeletons in their cupboard. You have friends working in banks. Get them to show you where the skeleton is hidden. We will do the rest.”

“Hmm.”

“Let’s ruffle some feathers and be seen by power blocs as someone to be taken serious. We can even spur EFCC into doing their job or a media trial or both sef.”

“Ok sir.”

“We will also get international recognition and collaboration, and with that comes funding. Do you understand? “

“I do sir.”

“Now get to work and earn your pay.”

“Ok sir.”

She noticed everywhere was silent. She opened her eyes and saw her grandma staring at her.

“You are not saying amen,” stated her grandmother, who stopped praying to look at her.

“Sorry grandma, amen ma,” Erowo replied.

Her grandmother continued the early morning prayer, and Erowo responded loudly and intermittently with amen.

_____________________________________________________________________________

****************************************************************************

“God bless you and be with you darling,” his wife called after him as he hugged and kissed her on his way out of the apartment.

“Amen,” Lotana said and closed the door behind him.

He got into the SUV and put on the Uber app to set his destination to V.I. He decided to wait a little before driving off in his car.

He had lost his banking job about 7 months ago. And after 4 months of applying for jobs and not getting one, as well as, seeing his wife’s pregnancy steadily progress, he knew he needed to start earning fast.

The need to do something was also heightened by the fact that most of his severance pay was used to offset his outstanding car loan. He had bought an SUV a year before he lost his job. Thus, he had had to dip into his savings and liquidate most of his investments to supplement his cashflow.

Prior to his 7 years stint at the bank, he had worked as a bouncer, security guard, bullion van driver and a mechanic. Given his assorted working experience, he realised that the car can be an asset if used rightly. So he decided to become a Uber driver.

He had also reasoned with his wife that becoming a Uber driver was a way to play it safe. And God willing, he might meet a passenger that can help him get a well paying job.

This was his 3rd month as an Uber driver and he can only be grateful to God that things had not turned out as bad as he had feared. He knew some of colleagues, who also lost their jobs, were working on travelling out to Canada. While some had invested in business and lost it all.

His phone beeped and flashed. He looked and saw there was a request for his service. He dialed the number.

CHAPTER ONE

“Who be rat?”

There was another knock on the door.

“Who is shit?”

Still no answer. But the person knocked again.

“Who dey knock my door?”

“Na me Lado.”

“Why you no come answer before?” Okuta asked as he opened the door. He was bare chested and wearing shorts.

“I no be rat and I no be shit,” Lado answered and pushed past him into the room.

The room smelt of smoke, sweat and sex.

“Wetin you want this early momo?” Okuta asked as he closed the door.

“Na AlawoDre send me.”

“Wetin he talk?”

Lado looked around and saw a teenage girl seated on one of the settee in the room. She had a wrapper around her chest that barely covered her breasts and thighs. The way her elbows held the wrapper in place and her bare back, showed she was naked under. She locked eyes with him, smiled and looked away to continue wrapping her joint.

“Wetin he talk?” Okuta asked and moved from the door to stand in front of Lado.

“He say make I collect back the Iphone and mac notebook your boys snatch yesterday night.”

Okuta grunts, “who get the Iphone and the mac?

“Nothing concern you with that one. Just get it back from your boys.”

“Una no dey even allow person enjoy him stash in peace.”

“The person wey get the things dey under AlawoDre protection. Your boys should never have attacked the car.”

“How dem wan take know na? You know say dem get daily target and if dem no meet am, no food be that.”

“I hear you. Sha gimme the things. I dey wait.”

“I dey come. Make I call them. I sha hope dem never sell am.”

“If they don sell am, dem go buy am back.”

Okuta looked at him with disgust. He walks away to pick his phone and starts to bark out instructions.

Lado looked at the girl.

She was smoking and staring at him. When their eyes met, she smiled and winked at him. The wrapper on her chest slipped down an inch or two, hiding only the summit of her bosom. His eyes followed the drop and then returned to her face. She smiled and winked again.

He looked away.

To be continued…