And everywhere I go, it keeps ringing like a bell in my ears. I dare to call it a norm. A mere belief which must have emanated from someone somewhere, all of a sudden gets into the air without being questioned and is generally acceptable. Women themselves do not put up a fight to defend the female gender when such is said about them. I keep wondering if all men are perfect in the act. Well, I beg to differ. The mention of those statements: “It’s a woman. It must be a woman” gets me irritated. Am always against anyone who makes that comment and with my humble but detailed defense with cited examples and rhetorical questions, I would stop at nothing but leave my “co-debaters” defeated and make them rest their case. It’s high time we stopped referring to women as weaklings!

The uncultured ones among them go as far as uttering rude words like: “Stupid Woman, Get out of the way. If you don’t know how to drive, park!” Have you had a 1 second thought, what if she were to be your mum, wife or sister? Will you address her the same way? Am in a car and sometimes, the driver attributes any wrong driving to a woman. In response to that, I tease and stylishly add: “You never can just conclude. What if it’s a man, what happens?” Afterwards, you see him grow cold and speechless throughout the ride when we finally discover it’s a man. Granted, women could make mistakes while driving but then the idea that they are always mentioned for that purpose is wrong and unfair. No one is perfect, not even the guys.

I ask: “Have you not seen male drivers who drive recklessly?” “Have you not noticed male drivers breaking road signs?” “Do you claim not to have witnessed male drivers disobeying traffic lights?

Have you ever been driven by a woman before and after the ride, you had a sincere urge to tip her, commend her, peck her, tell her how wonderful she was at it, even own up to the fact that she drives better than you (if a male), pointing out her mastery and carefulness which prompted your nerves to be relaxed to the verge of your dozing off? Am sure you’re nodding your head in agreement, reading this.

Now, let me get down to this. It’s understandable if it’s said that some or most women are clueless once their car breaks down on the road or another bashes their husband-given expensive ride. That particular spot becomes their last bus stop. They simply call their husbands to come pick them or yell at the defaulter. Of course, what would she have done on the contrary? They have and express much confidence in their husbands’ capabilities and saving power. You know the Jackie-Chang kind of expectation, that home-appliance-repairer kind of expectation. Same goes for when policemen or road safety marshals tend to stop and delay them. As a husband, you must live up to it.

In all, the point is that blame should be accorded to anyone who is at fault, regardless of gender. No assumptions and reservations as to who would have done or not done that mistake. Everyone is prone to mistakes, male and female alike. No one is perfect. Afterall, what a man can do, sometimes, a woman can do even better. So, driving is not an exception. Meanwhile, let all strive to be good citizens, obey traffic lights, adhere to road signs and be at our best in all endeavours. It’s for our good and safety. Also, do not drink, smoke, chat, and make/pick calls while driving. Drive as if your family were in the other vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition before starting the engine to move out. Have your papers complete and up-to-date to avoid embarrassment. Be security-conscious.

God bless you for reading. What’s your take on this? Your voice is important.

Source: http://www.onuohaprecious.com/2017/08/23/its-a-woman-it-must-be-a-woman/

Sakasitay:
Hi Precious, Your blog looks good, and it seems you are doing well to set yourself apart. The pink outlook makes one to feel that it's for women only.

Thanks Sakasitay. Yes, you observed rightly, am doing something different. I chose a pink background because am a lady and I love pink, but trust me, the color has nothing to do with the gender of my blog visitors and followers. The blog is for all, male and female, young and old, educated and non-educated. It's way beyond the color, but involves the professionalism, originality and quality services.

osjoshua:
all my friends own a blog..

bloggers are now more than readers..

making money is their ultimate goal

enough of this blogging shit

I think we Nigerians need something new

that's how MMM stole our cash cos we like anything money

and we are ready to kill it

everyone I'd be in MMM now if it didn't go down, even grannies and primary school kids

I know for sure that 70% nairalanders own a blog

and what annoy me most is the creepy same stile like ' 10 celebrity you don't know existed' , 10 this 10 that..

and when you click on them you won't see the article and pics in one place

but rather you need to click next to see the next pics and articles..Yuck..

Nigerians need to stop this style...

its not all about blogging..

go into something new( cooking, Graphic designing, and many more stuff)

if you must blog please stop the rampant and annoying style of blogging

Good morning...

True, I agree with you. That's why I neither like nor follow conventional gossip blogs which carry the same news, do copy and paste or even promote fake news. It can be very annoying.
Personally, am a creative writer, content developer and blogger. I do something entirely different. I believe it's not about the money at the beginning, but one's originality, quality services and earned trust from clients and people over time.

This is my blog www.onuohaprecious.com Look at it and give me your sincere feedback.

In commemoration of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2017 and celebration of women of dignity, passion and excellence, Ventures Platform (VP), a world-class full-service innovation hub in Abuja, Nigeria creatively built with shipping containers and initiator of an intensive 16-week accelerator program, a residence for need-based cohorts and a paid co-working space for free-lance entrepreneurs and professionals, organized Tea Time with Power Ladies at Ventures Park.

It was an interactive session among women bordering on women’s dreams, challenges and successes. This session which held in a conference room started in the late hours of the morning with the moderator Tolu Alade, Co-working & Operations Manager, Ventures Platform, cheerfully welcoming all present. The panelists, Nkiru Amadi-Emina, CEO, Jalo and Nkoyo Veronika Efretei, Strategic HRM/HCD & Founder, Insiteful Solutions were introduced and applauded as they took their seats. The talk of the day which was on the WOMAN JOURNEY, touched all areas of their lives including responsibilities in: career, family, workplace, business as well as their interactions and relationship with all who cross their path in the course of these. Women were urged not to turn their businesses into a charity. It was made clear that individuals whose intention is to break businesses, would definitely come along, but with tact and professionalism, they could be warded off. A major setback in business and any career path was pointed out to be “wrong counseling”, especially from trusted people around us. Being mindful of this threat would save anyone the misguidance, wasted time, wasted resources, frustration and heartache which come from wrong career decision.

In coping with gender inequality in work places, bullying from the male gender and sexual harassment; boldness, self-confidence and ability to deliver and show capability will be the best form of response and defense from the female involved. Additionally, having clearly defined roles strictly on business terms and always pushing business/work forward will keep all in the team, male and female alike, in their right places, as the women strive to uphold their integrity and virtues.

Ideally, power ladies are the targets of men since they seem to have answers and advice to all questions and in all situations: work, career, business, emotions and the rest. Such women must not compromise their standards when attacked by their male counterparts but by involving God and taking their stand firmly, they can win the trying situation. In doing this, wearing provocative dresses must be avoided. The only guy (the ladies’ guy) allowed in the discussion room, Mr. Emmanuel Mimshach Obioha, added spice to the session by reaffirming that women must work twice as hard as men, considering the fact that they have the obligation to prove their diligence and ability, as well as because men are naturally aggressive. Ideally, what an average guy thinks about a woman in any board room, executive committee or management rank of a company is that she got there because “she’s a woman”, relating to the conventional fair treatment given to women because they are pitifully seen as the weaker vessels or still because they had immoral bargaining which they accepted and met. Thus, he advised women to have a voice and have something tangible to contribute at any point in time because they cannot just afford to be empty, thereby, confirming ill-sayings about them. They must understand who they are and own it, rather than being ashamed. In all, he urged women to be smart, knowledgeable enough, be accommodating of themselves and help each other grow.

While talking about women using the power of a lady in business, derivatives included women being true to themselves, not living in people’s images of themselves, looking and acting real. Trying to emulate men would be a wrong move because they are naturally created stronger than the women folk. Women have strong and soft sides which are displayed at different contexts. They have the home, business and career to run altogether and these multiple tasks which run concurrently require that they train their intuition and use every “skill set” given by God in all situations. Women are patient with all their responsibilities, unlike men who naturally and understandably have ego.

Examples of renowned women who got to the peak of their career and failed were cited. Thus, the question of how women can comfortably manage success was raised and fully debated upon. For a married woman who has children, especially tender ones, a job or business and a career, it’s a gamble. In such cases, work-life balance is not easy. One of the responsibilities or positions must suffer for sometime till perhaps, the children become old enough to take care of themselves or for another adult to handle them, but then at the initial stage, there must be a sacrifice. Identifying one’s values (be it family, career, job or business) will help a great deal in making the right decision. Planning well and preparing a schedule for all activities in the home and at work is a well recommended step to be taken by all women because it has been proven to aid efficient time management. Women were advised to grow their emotional intelligence and make good use of their day time; once at work, don’t be distracted and once at home, concentrate fully on home-related matters. A very essential one is for hot-tempered women to work on curbing the emotion, avoid situations which will flare up anger in them and alternatively, train a calmer assistant on the job. It would be bad to think that women can handle all tasks by themselves; therefore, it wouldn’t be out of place to ask for help once in a while.
The Panelists

Now, talking about how to efficiently manage all involvements, women were made to know that the higher they go, the more vulnerable they are to stand out. In the cause of climbing the ladder of success, quite a lot of people judge and misinterpret women. So, women must not put themselves in questionable circumstances. They need to read, ask questions and be in the know. For instance, if one is not comfortable with a meeting venue, it’s not out of place to have it changed. Of course, invitation to events does not entirely mean women should be at all of them; the few important, necessary and impactful ones can be chosen. The female gender should also have at the back of their minds that they are not competing with men; rather they are simply taking their place. Neither also are their businesses and brands competing with the “big names”, but with “Competence”. There arises a need to be competent in speaking, presentation, packaging of official documents/proposals, unique value proposition and service delivery proper. Contrary to some individuals’ thoughts, opportunities in several sectors are not distractions because they’ll help in the future.

For people who do not know and are confused, it’s quite natural to start a business endeavor small, charge small rates, build your clients’ network, allow them have a taste of your quality service, earn clients’ trust, gather traffic, then, charge and aim higher. It is also necessary to have systems and processes in place which will help women make sure no aspect of their life is suffering. These could include finding a partner who really understands their passion and appreciates/supports their schedule; and colleagues too. Well, it would be inhuman to overstretch their husbands, children and colleagues working under them. Explaining situations to these helpful ones each step of the way, bringing them to an understanding and always caring for them would be better steps taken to create a more mutual, friendly and serene atmosphere. This does not mean that all actions taken by women will interest everyone. Some won’t be happy with them and their decisions for no just cause; looking for solutions to please them will be futile and time-wasting. Having one or two persons who the female folk readily listen to will be helpful especially at times when they should be calm amidst stress. Recognizing where their battles are and not fighting those that don’t belong to them will be time-saving. By this, I mean allowing sleeping dogs lie when matters that directly have to do with in-laws and not necessarily needing their attention and input, surface.

In the final part of the session, while taking tea, the ladies pledged to be committed to practicing the lessons drawn from the discussion. They also looked at ways to be helpful to each other, promoting and supporting one another’s values, career and business. The fact that most women do not like working with fellow women, was taken into cognizance. To bridge this gap, it was reasoned that based on research, men are polygamous in nature while women are territorial. This avenue would be used tactically by working with men to balance the ecosystem; effortlessly, they would attract other women and there would eventually emerge a situation whereby both men and women work together. In suppressing the negativity rule, the women present were charged to neglect the bad attitude of women towards fellow women, turn a new leaf, reach out to help each other and invest heavily in themselves individually. An act-it-out exercise was subsequently conducted for all the women present and a good number of them won free office working space from 9th– 31st March, 2017 with good conditions and mouth-watering complimentary provisions. Yours truly won a space too and am indeed grateful to Ventures Platform for this initiative and celebration of /support to women. Then, it was time for group photographs.

Yes, the discussions were really exhaustive. For me, it was a great time learning, interacting, sharing experiences and networking! And this was how I spent my day on the International Women’s Day 2017. Did you learn from this? How did you spend yours? Share your thoughts please.

www.dotunroy.com

www.dotunroy.com was founded in 2013. It is a news website that seeks to project the positive impacts of Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisation and other non-profits organisations as they contribute to major developmental elements such as Health, Education, Human Rights, Good Governance, Housing, Security among others as well as amplify the voices of the masses.

www.dotunroy.com is owned by Oladotun Olumuyiwa Fadeyiye Roy aka Dotun Roy. He is a foremost award winning development blogger in Abuja, and a communication expert with a strong background in the development sector in Nigeria. Roy graduated from the prestigious University of Ibadan. He has a mission to impact positively on the world around him which informed his passion for developmental causes and projects.

Roy has led several campaigns as an advocate and media consultant for several international and local development organisations such Amnesty International, WaterAid Nigeria, ONE, Earth Hour Nigeria, UFUK Foundation, Social Good Nigeria, Affordable Alliance for Internet For All (A4AI), CODE, Montage Africa, YIAGA, Climate Wednesday, Rotary International, Open Knowledge Foundation, ActionAid, YouthWASH, CSACEFA, Henrichi Boell Foundation amongst others.

In 2014, Dotun Roy was selected among the top 20 online development journalists in the world as a Fellow of Centre for Investigative Journalists in London, United Kingdom.

His quenchable passion for humanitarian causes and projects recently earned a nomination at the Rotary International Award for the Best Humanitarian Reporting Award (Online Category) in 2016. He recently won the coveted Youth Advocacy Nigeria Award as an Advocate of Youth Development and Humanitarian Services in October 2016.


www.onuohaprecious.com

www.onuohaprecious.com celebrates rare works of Entrepreneurship. The blog features live events, youths talk, lifestyle and health tips, general advice, poetry, engineering and drama. It tells stories of unique people going against all odds, to move up the ladder of success.

www.onuohaprecious.com is run by the delectable Precious Onuoha, a young Engineering graduate with a burning passion for creative writing, literary works editing, blogging, TV and radio broadcasting and entrepreneurship.

Her blog hosts thousands of readers weekly on entrepreneurship, poetry, drama, life and health tips, general advice, lifestyle, engineering and events.

Ms. Onuoha also offers freelance writing, editing, content development services, biography writing, guest posts, ghostwriting, blog posts, content rewriting, press releases and a host of other literary services.

Her works have been featured on so many platforms such as newspapers (The Nation and Vanguard), widely-read magazines and sites. She currently has a programme she presents on radio.

She loves reading, writing, travels and meeting people.


www.naijamagazineonline.com

www.naijamagazineonline.com is a professionally-packaged news and current affairs page spiced with gossips and events in Nigeria. It was founded in June 22, 2016 with large following in Nigeria, the USA, Germany, Kenya, Russia, United Kingdom among others.

www.naijamagazineonline.com is published by celebrity blogger, Chukwuemeka Okereafor, a professionally qualified development communication specialist with vast experience in communications, management, media, content development and production, international development, strategic planning, research, public and media relations, advocacy and campaigns, knowledge and capacity building, consultancy and event management.

Chukwuemeka is also a professional trainer, publicist, international speaker, team builder and manager. He was trained at the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where he obtained a B.A Honours degree in Theatre Arts, and M.A degree in Communication & Language Arts (major in Communication for Development).

Since 1995, Chukwuemeka has investigated how the communication media could be better deployed to drive social development through measurable behavior change and improve livelihoods in the developing world especially among the socially excluded and economically marginalized. These efforts made him become a media programme maker.

He was Producer of the BBC’s international award winning radio drama, Story, Story: Voices from the Market, broadcast to millions of listeners across Africa, and the rest of the world. Story Story is a programme that explores such issues as governance, poverty, rights, responsibilities and livelihoods. The drama also tackles the poverty issues that stifle development, and which form the eight targets set by United Nations, or the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It also encourages wider public debate and discussion on important social issues.

He has done consultancies for several reputable organisations including BBC Media Action (formerly BBC World Service Trust), World Health Organisation (WHO), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Epos Health Consultants, Germany (managers of the European Union EU – PRIME Project), FIDA Nigeria, PATHS2 (a DFID funded project), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vision Media Services operators of Vision 92.1 FM, Abuja, Action Aid and Voice of America (VOA).

Compiled by Chukwuemeka Okereafor of NaijaMagazineOnline.

Source: http://www.naijamagazineonline.com/2017/03/abuja-based-blogs-to-watch-out-for-part.html?m=1

Wow, never knew people were watching. This is a great one! I am humbled. We are surely soaring higher. What do you think esteemed readers?

And that was how I got an invitation letter from the British Council to be part of the Press Preview event and Building Wrap Launch, as a media personality.

Basically, the “Go Woman Go” Project, being one of the ongoing more than 30 projects programmed by the British Council as part of the UK/Nigeria 2015/2016 arts work season, is a visual arts outdoor installation project in the form of a building wrapped with a specially designed and fabricated textile material. It aims to revive the tradition of textile and print making in Nigeria, in the same vein, empowering women with new skills and capacities in textile design and making them independent financially. By this great feat, new collaborations, partnerships between Nigerian and British artists/institutions/organizations, building of new audiences and strengthened relationships between UK and Nigeria were achieved.

Thus, this project began with a workshop in September 2015 with renowned British Artist from Glasgow, Scotland, Laura Aldridge (who admitted she loves Nigerians because of their kindness, yeyyyyyyy) and 35 other women at the Nike Art Centre, Abuja, Nigeria where they were taught new techniques in textile design. It also included collaboration between Laura Aldridge and pottery makers in Giri Suburb of the Federal Capital Territory to produce some wonderful ceramic vessels. Other collaborations were those of engaging in tying and dyeing of textile materials and production of colourful flower images/structures from plastic PET bottles – practical business ideas indeed. The programme featured trainings, workshops and showcases in art, fashion, design, theatre, dance, music, literature and film.

Significantly, the creative industry was chosen because the creative economy has been identified as a viable vehicle for economic and national development. The idea was to take creative arts work, out of the conventional places where they are normally found like the theatres and galleries, to where people are directly. This particular project “The Go Woman Go” project was specifically organized for the female gender only in order to create an opportunity in bridging the gap between the high men population to the low women population in the creative industry. Meanwhile, the “Creative Hussle” Project is one of the other over 30 projects aimed at grooming youths in changing the narrow mindset of not just being an actor/actress before being engaged in the film industry but exploring other careers like engineering, accounting, management, business, while being actively involved in playing those major roles in the film industry. Through these projects, over 28 million persons have been reached through the media while over 6,000 persons have been mentored one-on-one.

Owing to the kind support of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the watch of Honourable Minister, Senator Aisha Alhassan, the 6-storey Headquarters building of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development strategically located in the Central Business District of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, was rightfully chosen as the building to be wrapped.

The Press event and public exhibition of the building wrap successfully held yesterday, Tuesday, 29th November, 2016. The event had dignitaries like the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan; Country Director of British Council, Connie Price; Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Simon Shercliff; Director of Arts, British Council, Ojoma Ochai, and of course, British artist Laura Aldridge, present. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his address, stressed that the textile industry now somewhat neglected, was a major source of income and development in the Northern part of Nigeria but in a bid to rekindle it, the Ministry of Information and Culture under his able tutelage, has signed an MOU with the British Council to promote Nigerian culture. He also mentioned that women must be empowered to be independent and home makers. Senator Aisha Alhassan, on her part, pledged untold support to this cause and removal of barriers preventing women from participating fully and getting trained and impacted with skills.

Following their addresses, the rest of the evening was enjoyed touring round the arena to view the creative art works, eating and dining, networking, celebration and capturing snap shots.

The evening was indeed fun-filled and inspiring, lovely project I must commend!

So, now you know, be on the lookout on this blog (www.onuohaprecious.com) to get more updates on how you can be part of other upcoming programs and skill acquisition training in partnership with the British Council, as well as events and project launches. More opportunities are coming your way!

Everyone has a daily schedule, which mainly revolves around activities such as: going to school, work, place of worship, attending meetings & fora, going for shopping or to the market, delivering services to clients, making calls, doing the laundry, honoring of different types of invitation, exercising and keeping fit, cooking, bible reading, praying, eating, sleeping; without following any particular pattern. You know best how you do it, it’s personal. Granted, sometimes, other unplanned circumstances and situations are capable of thwarting or causing a slight change in the original schedule.

Ideally, as you go about these involvements, a high level of importance must be attached to each. Accepting an invitation and confirming availability out of your busy daily engagements means there’s definitely a take-home. Benefits can come in form of knowledge acquisition, getting contacts through networking, getting involved in and signing up for subsequent projects, showcasing your talents, getting a team of individuals who share similar vision to brainstorm and work with (collaboration & expansion), skills development, establishment and certainty of future work, partnerships and sponsorships. On the other hand, it could be a benefit for the team or organizers of the forum of which they extend an invitation to a highly-placed successful influential individual to give an insightful talk or share his inspiring life story of how he persistently surmounted all challenges, roadblocks and setbacks, made achievements and got celebrated in his field. The invited guest could be an alumnus of a secondary school in event of a forum organized by the Old Boys Students’ Association or even the school itself, alumnus of a university when invited by the Alma Mata or alumni body, an entrepreneur to deliver a talk on entrepreneurship, or a celebrity to serve and fill in appropriate essential gaps within his purview. The individual serves as not just a speaker at the event but also as a mentor, friend, confidant and sometimes, adopted (professional) father/mother/aunty/uncle and senior colleague. In the real sense, this is a way of “giving back to the society”. And I add that if there are more accessible mentors in different fields of endeavor, there will be less of mistakes and reduction in time wasted in finding the most stable route to success; reason being that these “physical” mentors have made mistakes upon mistakes in the past and have experimented and finally found the sustainable rudiments, foundation and sure path for great achievements. There is no joy greater than the one had once an act of giving is implemented, not necessarily financial giving.

AFRICAN TIME – Appropriate? Your early arrival ascertains your seating position, comfortability, participation, understanding and adequate contribution at any gathering. In the event that the expected guest does not show up at all without prior notice or walks in, in the middle of the occasion, perhaps 2 hours after commencement, this unexpected movement will pose a distraction/divided attention and consequently, wastage of time in rowdiness, recognition of personalities, settling down and getting back people’s attention. Yes, “First impression matters”.

It’s not news that an individual is invited to attend an event which is declared to kickstart at 4pm and he comfortably drags his feet entering the venue sluggishly at 6pm almost at the end of the event without a prior notice that he will be late. It’s more honorable to be there on time, be part of the session to a reasonable point and if pressing, take an excuse to be somewhere else at another invited occasion. Well, courtesy demands you show a sense of responsibility, reasonableness and equality (not superiority) by arriving well on time at every gathering. It would be really unfair if people are to wait for long hours waiting for your arrival before the meeting is declared open. In cases of unavoidable traffic congestion, simply sending a text to keep them in the know, is not out of place. Remember, as dey talk am “TIME NA MONEY”…

It’s common in this part of the world. The name “Africa” has been wrongly associated with this, thus the popular saying “African Time”. We are all guilty of this trend. It must cease being a norm. Therefore, this serves as an eye-opener to all. Once all Nigerians and Africans alike change their belief system, we will all get there. Only when this is done, will organizers of events and programs strictly heed to the intended duration by sticking to the agreed circulated programme of events. It’s better said (late), than never.

Source: http://www.onuohaprecious.com/2016/11/25/african-time/

Our present mummies and daddies, when was the first time you heard of the word “SEX”? Perhaps, the particular year you got married or even in your husband’s house.

Let’s be realistic and true to ourselves. It’s high time we discussed this matter because it would save us a whole lot of life mistakes and mishaps.

In the 80’s, 70’s, 60’s and beyond, “SEX” was one prohibited word to mention in any home. It was a taboo to say it, let alone educate children on it, not considering whether the child is an adult. Fortunately, stubbornness and waywardness were not rampant then. Every child heeded their parents’ instructions, sought their favour and did not want to become the black sheep of the family. Other forbidden words were “Boyfriend”, “Girlfriend”, “Dating”, and “Relationship”. Trust me, all parents were proud teachers because everything went on well, no rudeness, no questioning, no argument and no disrespect, TOTAL SUBMISSION, DO AS I’VE SAID.

Unfortunately, there has been a total turnaround from the way things used to be. In the present 21st century, we have witnessed changes and they keep coming in different forms, dimensions and magnitudes. Our fast-evolving world of technology has made our adult children, teenagers, even toddlers very prone to immorality. They don’t need to visit cyber cafes as in the past. It’s right on their phones, tablets, laptops, television, magazines and so on. Cheap data which gives them enough and quite speedy internet connection to surf the internet, visit dangerous sites and be actively involved in almost ALL social media platforms (An individual has accounts on Facebook, Skype, Twitter, Instagram, Imo, Badoo, Whatsapp, LinkedIn, Nairaland, PInterest, JUST FOR FUN) with no genuine goal, skyrockets the level/rate of mediocrity. Immoral dressing and use of slangs gradually set in. Bad association/peer pressure flavours the taste, romance novels help them practice, while movies graduate them into the hood. The list can go on and on, there are so many subtle factors by which the younger generation is misled. The results are teenage pregnancy, rape and the likes.

The question remains: “What are you doing as a parent to curb the situation. Are you to share part of the blame? Did you do your homework well and in time?” For most parents, it’s NOTHING, YES, and NO as replies to the above questions. So, why complain if your children are misbehaving? The world is helping you train and mould them. Most parents are still basking in the euphoria that they can raise up their children using same old-fashioned faded methods which were effective in the past. No, no, no!!! It doesn’t work that way. We move with the change, else the children outsmart us.

As a parent, have you mentioned “SEX”, “Boyfriend”, “Girlfriend”, “Dating”, “Relationship” and such words to your teenagers? Yes, I said “teenagers” because at this pubertal stage of their life, they need practical and friendly advisers who relate well with them, not commanding parents. You can go as far as narrating how it was for you while growing up, mistakes you made, how you were wooed, people you dated and qualities you were on the lookout for. As much as these details are quite personal, they can go a long way in making you your children’s best friends and confidant. They feel free discussing any personal matter/experience/challenge with you, bearing in mind you will always accommodate them, advise them properly and help them avoid any pitfall.

Unfortunately, some parents do not get to educate their children on body developmental changes, reproductive system of the body, and other necessary information to be passed across to them. As a result, they are naïve, scared and doubt your ability to guard them as they get informed firsthand in school or by friends, most times wrongly… But, how would you impart what you’re not knowledgeable of? Parents and of course, parents-to-be are by this, charged to read and make useful research on these essential personal topics for sex education with their children at the right time. “Sex Education- when is the right time?”, you might ask. I would say, when in their teens. You know their capability and ability to absorb information. You are also aware of the fast-evolving world of technology we are living in.

Our children are our future, our light, our nation-builders and our world. We cannot afford to lose them or have them make grievous indelible life mistakes. So, map it out! Do it right at the right time!

The ball is in our courts…Dear Parents and Parents-to-be.
Source: http://www.onuohaprecious.com/2016/11/09/sex-education-when/

At my less-busy and most relaxed moods, I find my mind wandering about life ordeals and opportunities, good or bad, which present themselves. Sometimes, we find ourselves in tight corners, while at other times, we enjoy the favourable conditions we find ourselves in, whether caused directly by us, our environment, beliefs, prevailing authorities or associates. But, we can spring to our feet and shape our lives, make the best out of it and get our desired expectations, paying less or no attention to mere side talks. Suffice it to say that this in conjunction with the saying: “As you make your bed, so you lie on it.” Victory does not come from who you are, but who you choose to be. When it comes to painful ordeals in life, the female gender can never be left out. Infact, they are the primary target!

Casting my thoughts on and trying to imagine the experiences of women in the hands of their lovers and life partners prompts tears to roll down my cheeks. It is alarming and quite pitiful. Most often than not, these women are nailed to their “offices at home” by this same set of people who profess love to them every now and then. Most women suffer much in the hands of men who do not know their worth. Granted, family life is not an easy but tasking one, generally, but we can undoubtedly, agree to the fact that maltreatment, assaults, battering, infidelity, belittling, heartbreaks and irresponsibility were never part of the deal and contract. It was never said that they would be tolerated on that long-awaited colourful fateful day of resounding “I do”, hearty cheers and celebration. So what’s actually the problem now? How and where did everything go wrong? …It would interest you to know that an unexpected high and increasing percentage of married women in our present generation has become the sole bread winners of their various families. It is not actually a problem if it is an agreement reached by both parties.

Where it poses a fearful threat is when the woman works tirelessly, feeds, shelters, clothes, caters for each and every need of the family, experiences birth pangs, sees to the moral upbringing of the children regardless of the busy schedule of her busy schedule, puts in place all the house chores, prepares all the meals, is subdued to bed forcefully, is questioned and commanded about, and guess what, dies in silence. Not even an iota of appreciation after all the selflessness! Undoubtedly, women sacrifice and go through a lot.

Fellow ladies, girls and women, listen to this: We have our self-respect, dignity, prestige and pride. Do not trade it for anything. Your happiness lies in no other’s hands but yours, so choose to make yourself happy against all odds. Most times, women are not honoured and appreciated for who they are. When a female baby is born into a family, the immediate and extended families yell and bark for a male offspring. Often times, they are not given the necessary or equal attention as their male counterparts and are even denied the opportunity of furthering their education since it is generally believed that “their own education ends in the KITCHEN”.

I say a resounding NO to that. I strongly advocate Female/Girl Child Education and Enlightenment. It’s high time we stopped teenage marriage, female molestation and rape, girl child abuse and human trafficking in its entirety. They deserve the right and opportunity to grow, be educated, work, train, thrive, mentor, become successful and be heard. “Women are great and beneficial assets today.” They have made positive indelible marks in the sands of time. It’s all about the dream, the passion, the flair, the right spirit, the action, the connection… Be entrepreneurial, be bold, and be empowered, fellow ladies!

So, where is the WOMAN’S PLACE?

http://www.onuohaprecious.com/2016/10/11/the-womans-place/

The true meaning of the words “Everything that goes around, comes around” never occurred to me until recently. I decided to talk about this because it’s an intrinsic part of our daily lifestyle and most individuals are guilty of the bad sides, while yet others feign ignorance or are too busy/in a hurry to even notice. Well, whichever might be the case when applied to “YOU” personally, have it in mind that it affects everyone. Therefore, this particular write-up is an eye opener for all, no matter the age, gender, religion, social, economic or educational status, tribe, achievements or personality.

Definitely, we come across fellow humans everyday of our lives. We could have contacts with them at work, school, market, shopping mall, cinemas, salon, bank, place of worship, mechanic workshop, gathering/party/function, hostels, bus and petrol stations, hotels, in a public vehicle, on the road or even in the house, …name them. Knowingly or unknowingly to us, we leave in them a positive mark or an indelible stigma even in the fewest of seconds of contact with them. A seamless friendly and warm smile, handshake or pat on the back, is capable of reinvigorating and encouraging a depressed soul next to you. These acts, as simple and negligible as they seem, can reduce high blood pressure as well as increase one’s life span. In recent times, it seems as if words such as: “Please, Thank You, I am Sorry, Well Done, Keep It Up”, have gone into extinction.

Naturally, everyone would want to feel special, be appreciated/commended and not to be made jest of or made to feel inferior. Afterall, God created us all equal. No matter one’s wealth, fame, position and achievements, we are equal in God’s sight. Nevertheless, no individual can be an island on his own. At one point or the other, we need one another’s help regardless of how little the help is. Suffice it to say that the poor needs the rich and vice versa. No one knows who their helper tomorrow will be or where the helper will be coming from. Therefore, the worst thing to do is to unfairly and proudly step on toes and years later in life, get to realize that in the hands of that ONE PERSON lies your help. It’s better “not to spite those who we meet on our way going up”. That same begging pauper today can grow to be very rich and influential tomorrow. “Change is constant”. So I say: “Help as many people as possible either morally, physically or financially everyday”.

Instead of treating people harshly and making them feel like they have infectious spores all over them, pause for a minute and think of a unique attribute which the individual possesses. I believe each person is unique. Commend someone today! Perhaps the person’s outfit, nails, cologne, pair of shoes, bag, accessories, white teeth, comportment, accent, …anything, there must be something! Life is too short to waste our energy and time on backbiting and jealousy. We would rather divert them to useful purpose. Find your passion, work towards making it a reality, connect with mentors and like minds, research, read, be informed, transform yourself and your mind, start small, give it time, keep developing yourself and your passion, come out in grand style and trust me, in a short while, you will be celebrated. Truthfully, that’s what we need: a global connection and team of sound-minded problem solvers and professionals from different walks of life rubbing minds to see their vision come true.

Finally, I say “Be Good to All”.

helping-hand

If you’re for, say “AYE”

If you’re against, say “NAY”



I believe the AYEs have it!!!

www.onuohaprecious.com

Nice piece Mokoshalb, really practical and helpful, I must say. I have employed 4 out of the 5 suggestions, if not all. Still improving on content and gathering traffic though. Thanks. I expect more coming...
You can check it out and let me know what you think: www.onuohaprecious.com
Cheers!

Cc Lalasticala front page

“Doctor, nurse, please help me. A casualty, a stretcher, a stretcher, a stretcher, please. Save this life, please. Be fast!” Imagine this scenario in your mind’s eyes and hear this reverberating shout and plea for help. A priceless life is seriously at stake! Put yourself in the shoes of the individual crying and pleading for help. The very next move will either resuscitate or kill the casualty. All of a sudden, the next words you hear with a stern voice are: “Yes? Can we help you? You’ve got no patient card. Purchase it with N 5,000 first. Pay N 3,000 for consultation fee, then, we will check if the doctor is available to attend to the casualty. Got that?”

Ill-mannered, harsh, wicked are few out of the numerous adjectives you would qualify the nurse with. You would feel withdrawn, shocked, speechless and dejected. Anger flares up in you and you feel like strangling the nurse or whoever it happens to be to death. Tears fill your eyes and roll down your cheeks as you look at the innocent face of the casualty, perhaps your mum, dad, sibling, only child, lovely husband, beautiful wife; you feel his/her heartbeat as it gradually reduces, the pulse as it stops bit by bit, as the individual gasps for breath, as he suddenly slumps and dies, eyes wide open. You cannot hold it any longer, but you wail and groan. You curse the nurses, the doctor, the hospital, the country, everything in sight. A life has been lost carelessly. A careless death!

At other instances, there might be a midnight emergency. On rushing the casualty to the hospital, the doctor in charge receives the individual into his custody and care, selfishly hands over the patient to the sluggish, careless and inexperienced nurses. “Nurse, where is the doctor I just saw now? The issue is getting complicated and you are here administering drips and injections continuously. Besides, the weather is cold, his temperature is changing drastically, his vein is swelling and the drip is dropping so fast. Oh my God, please call the doctor for me, please!” You get this response: “What do you mean by that? So, I am wasting my time here, right? Didn’t you notice the pain and long minutes it took me to get this single vein? That’s okay, you take care of him then, nonsense!” The door bangs loud behind the nurse.

As a novice, you look round the walls of the hospital ward room, head blank. What do you do next, if not to call out for their help. Afterall, what matters is for your loved one’s life to be saved. Almost at once, his eyes start blinking, his chest thumping, he is seriously gasping for breath, on the verge of dying. A thin line between life and death emerges. “Please, come to my rescue, please, please, please, he is dying.” The door flips open. “Stand up and get out. Go, go, go, can’t you see he is dead?” A life has been lost carelessly. A careless death! These and similar cases account for more than one-third of the deaths recorded today. If it’s not a direct experience, definitely, people around us have undergone it. It seems to be the order of the day. The situation is living right among us.

Additionally, cases of wrong prescription and administration of medicine and unsuitable dosage of injection by medical practitioners unfortunately, cause a reasonable amount of deaths today. Hence, this must be put on check. Medical practitioners must view lives as precious and be competent enough to apply professionalism in their calling of saving lives.

These call for a renewal of commitment and pledge of service on the part of all medical practitioners. How do you feel if there is a report of a death in your hospital? If confronted, your response is: “It was a mysterious death, we didn’t expect it either, a mystery it was. Accept our sympathy.” But come to think of it, was there actually something- an act, however insignificant- you should have implemented to save this lost life?, perhaps, your presence, your prayers, your devotion? Think about it. Dedication, selfless service, love, total care and attention must be imbibed into our medical culture now! Let’s save lives!

http://www.onuohaprecious.com/2016/09/26/careless-death/