Senator Gbemi Saraki, the beautiful daughter of the late godfather of Kwara politics, Senator Olushola Saraki, is presently enjoying a new status in Kwara politics. At the recent state PDP congress, held last week, Gbemi shocked other political heavy weights in the PDP when she made it clear to all that others needed rare political skill to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when political matters are on the cards. This is understandable, because she was born into politics and also spent 12 years at the National Assembly under the tutelage of the late Wazinrin of Ilorin. After the congress that lasted for two days, Senator Gbemi Saraki emerged as the state PDP leader, registering herself as a master and authority in the game. The senator made others face a crushing defeat and had their pride and political egos deeply wounded and deflated. The ever-smiling senator has revealed an innate resilience and passion that has kept her going against all odds.
Category: Saturday Magazine
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Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa Chinda part ways
It has never been in doubt that there is a thin line between love and hate. And the line between fame and infamy is even thinner. Actress Monalisa Chinda and Lanre have not only ended their romantic relationship, they have also ended their business relationship. Last week, Monalisa confirmed the story when her publicist issued an official statement.
The statement read: “We regret to officially announce the resignation of Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda from Monalisa Magazine, which also marks the end of her partnership with Mr. Lanre Nzeribe, due to ‘irreconcilable differences’. Over the past few months, both parties have made concerted efforts to retain their partnership, to no avail, which led to their mutual agreement that a separation would be the best course of action.
“Though she has, so far, committed so much time, energy and resources into the project, it is high time she moved on as she pursues renewed ethos to raise her standards of professionalism and focus on projects closer to her heart. Monalisa Chinda extends her sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the company for the great working experience. She wishes Mr. Nzeribe and the staff all the best in their future endeavours. She also wishes to express her profound gratitude to her wonderful fans for their unreserved support through the years. ”
But despite the reason being put forward for the collapse of the love affair by Monalisa’s publicist, insiders say that it was Lanre who pushed out the divorcee mother of one. He was said to have locked Monalisa out of his business offices where Monalisa shared as Editor-in Chief of the Monalisa Magazine.
It will be recalled that Lanre, the beefy businessman and proprietor of the now near-comatose Abuja-based Lantana Transport Services, had in the past dated former screen goddess, Liz Benson. Dhitto former NTA big girl, Grace Egbagbe.
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Death of a tricyclist sparks outrage in Delta
LIKE most teenagers, Mr. Friday Igwe dreamed of the day he would gain admission into a Nigerian university. The thought of financial independence, which he would enjoy upon graduation, excited him. Even though life was tough, he was hopeful that he could make it. He toiled day and night as a commercial tricycle rider on the mean streets of Warri, Delta State, to make ends meet and secure a better life.
He was a prospective candidate in the recently concluded UTME, which held April 12th across the country, but that was not to be as he was clubbed to death on February 10th in broad day light allegedly by members of the task force of the Delta State Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Union, Uwvie Chapter.
Friday Igwe, according to his cousin, was working as a commercial motorcyclist so he could save enough money to further his University education.
Lamenting the death of his cousin, Samson Alli, a 28-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, who claimed he witnessed the gruesome murder of his cousin, said the deceased left P.T.I taxi rank at PTI junction conveying, commuters to Effurun Roundabout.
According to him, shortly afterwards, he also headed to Effurun Roundabout where he saw his cousin allegedly being beaten by 15 boys over his failure to renew his commercial motorcycle’s identity card.
He said the failure of his brother to pay the N5, 000 fine imposed by the task force provoked the fatal beatings. He said when he tried to intervene, he was hit with a club and dealt some slaps.
He said the deceased was beaten to a state of pulp, following which he collapsed and died. He expressed apprehensions over his own safety as the suspected culprits kept on threatening his life.
His words: “On the 10th February at about 3.00pm, my brother comot with passengers from P.T.I park after some time; when my keke full with passengers, so I follow my brother, but when I reach Effurun Roundabout I see crowd gather around someone wey dem dey beat; when I look well, I see say na my brother task force people dey beat with big big stick.
“But task force no listen to me as I beg dem reach. After dem leave my brother for ground, dem say na epilepsy dey worry am, but before we carry reach hospital, my brother don die. So I go Ebrumede police station go complain. So police come arrest three people, but police don free the people and everyday dem say dem go kill me”.
Continuing, he said: “Everyday, task force no dey let me rest. Dem dey beat me and threaten me. I no know wetin to do now, but make government help me for dat my brother wey dey mortuary”.
But Friday Igwe’s death has sparked outrage among the civil rights community in Warri following accusations of an attempt by the Delta Command Police Command to shield the alleged perpetrators of the crime.
In a petition to the IGP made available to The Nation, the Coordinator, the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHD), Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, accused the police Homicide Department of compromising the investigation.
He said: “In view of the way and manner the above matter was investigated by the said team of policemen, our client has no confidence in the same as it is evident that the police team compromised the investigation”.
Ikimi accused the Delta State Police Command of conducting a post-mortem examination on the deceased by a pathologist sponsored by the suspects without the knowledge of the relatives of the deceased.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officers, Tina Kalu, said she was not aware of any petition against the police, saying she would find out and get to our correspondent.
The Delta State Transport Commissioner, Hon. Ben Igbakpa, however, rejected accusations that the state government is supporting any association of tricycle operators instigating violence in any guise.
He urged aggrieved unions to work for peace. His words: “Government is not involved in any form of collection of levies. Levy collection has been outlawed in Delta State since the inception of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s regime.
“Any group of persons claiming to be working for government is not telling the truth. We want to shore up our IGR, but the action of the union members can never be sanctioned by government. We have not empowered any association to collect any levy on our behalf.
“I have tried to bring all the unions together, including the national commercial tricycle riders and owners associations, since I came into office. I’m appealing to them. I have been discussing with their lawyers to see if they can withdraw their case from the Court of Arbitration in Calabar.”
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Yinka Osobu, Sade Kazeem reconcile
Not a few people were shocked to their marrows when they sighted two Lagos big girls, Yinka Osobu and Sade Kazeem, together at a party recently. Although their rift endured for many years, those in the know disclosed to Celeb Watch that they were reconciled by some of their friends who brokered peace between the two friends recently. It will be recalled that while their rift lasted, concerted efforts by friends and associates were rebuffed by the duo, even as they avoided each other like a plague. While some people attributed their rancour to the husband-snatching scandal that rocked their clique and friends years ago, other sources claim they had been nursing some grudges against each other long before the news of the scandal broke.
We gathered that Yinka, owner of thriving Lagos-based furniture interior firm, CMC, is not happy with Sade, whom she believes was against her wish to marry her lover, Tayo. The rest is now history as the two friends are now back together. They now attend A-list events regularly in Lagos.
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Bose Adedibu slows down
While her husband was alive, many women in the social space always wanted to associate with her. She knew what it meant to be the heartthrob of a fiery political godfather. She also understood what it is to be courted by the lowly-placed, the high and mighty seeking innumerable favours from her husband. But no sooner did her husband died than Alhaja Bose Adedibu, widow of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Alaafin Molete, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, began to taste the bitter pill of betrayal. In friendship, she found treason. And now it appears her whole world has come crashing down like a giant iceberg.
The reasons are not far-fetched: no sooner the remains of her powerful husband were lowered into the grave than his friends and political associates began to desert his political empire and family. One after the other, they deserted the Adedibu family and would not want to have anything to do with the people he left behind. The situation also forced Bose to shun her late husband’s political associates, particularly those he assisted, but who later turned their backs on the family. But such dismal happenstance is now a thing of the past. In effect, Bose no longer appears in political space. It is, however, unclear how long she would keep off the political space.
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Big brands for INDABA 2014
Among the biggest and most prestigious tourism products and services from across the African continent are confirmed to exhibit at INDABA 2014. They will showcase their offerings to the 1441 confirmed top quality travel and tourism buyers (registration is still in process) keen to capitalise on exceptional growing inbound tourism growth to Africa.
To date, less than two months before INDABA 2014 opens on 10 May, 398 main stand exhibitors have confirmed their places, and among them are not only international big-name brands like, Tourvest, Mantis Management, Seasons in Africa and the Amalinda Collection and many others, but also the cream of African leisure tourism products, services and experiences such as Singita.
Together, these exhibitors have a vast global appeal in both the developed markets (namely USA and Europe) as well as emerging markets (namely Africa, Asia, Latin America), and attract the volume of inbound tourists that the continent wants and needs.
Excitingly, a great new addition to INDABA 2014, the TechZone, gives the premium digital service providers to the tourism industry an exciting space to meet both buyers and exhibiting delegates. Confirmed so far to exhibit in the INDABA 2014 TechZone are Travelstart (South Africa’s leading online travel agency); WAYN.com (the world’s biggest travel and lifestyle social networking community website); TripAdvisor (biggest destination marketing organisation in the world); Expedia (one of the world’s largest online travel booking agencies); Springnest (offering simple web, mobile and social marketing for small tourism businesses) and Nightsbridge (that offers the industry real time software and marketing links), with a few others still anticipated to join INDABA 2014.
“It has never been more important to plug into Africa’s tourist trade. According to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Barometer, Africa attracted three million additional arrivals, reaching a new record of 56 million in 2013. INDABA 2014 is the single biggest and best platform for doing business in African tourism,” says Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer at South African Tourism.
Many INDABA exhibitors are veteran attendants, with about 62 percent of them attending between 11 to 20 years.
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Guidelines for an exciting marriage (4)
Dear Reader, so far, I have opened you up to possessing a right perspective of marriage, keeping yourself pure, and working on yourself to be the kind you like to attract, as guidelines for an exciting marriage. I see God giving you a change of story in Jesus’ name!
There’s a unique fusion that occurs with the merging of two separate individuals into one. No one keeps secrets from himself. It is not possible for the toe to hurt without the brain knowing it; they are both members of one body. Similarly, God expects that when two become one in holy wedlock, nothing should be kept as secret between them. Both must be open to one another and walk in sincerity. This is why today, I will be teaching on the Power of Openness.
The devil often leads people into thinking that if they open up completely, they may never be accepted for who they are or that when their spouses hear the whole truth about an issue, they won’t love them anymore. But this is a lie of the devil. God’s Word says: And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25). If, in the beginning, the man and his wife were naked but did not experience shame, then it follows that if you apply the same principle of openness to your marriage, shame will not be your portion.
When a wound is covered, it tends to fester and worsen; but when it is opened, however, healing comes. Whatever is covered will eventually be exposed. When it comes to light, it may come with shame and disaster (Proverbs 28:13).
Even after marriage, important things that happen in our day-to-day lives should be shared. Openness breeds trust, and trust is the foundation for effective communication. Don’t speak in parables. Be truthful in your communication.
For instance, be free to tell your spouse when you’re not happy about his/her lack of personal hygiene or anything else. You’ll be surprised that it’s such little things that cause big problems. Let your conversation be filled with sincerity. Don’t tell half truths. A half truth is a whole lie. Good marriages are founded upon effective communication. Learn to discuss freely with your spouse. Openness is not only for women; men also need to learn the art of opening up to their wives. God’s Word says:…Hide not thyself from thine own flesh (Isaiah 58:7).
When a man takes a woman as wife, the Bible declares that in God’s eyes, they are one flesh. In Ephesians 5:28, God declares: …He that loveth his wife loveth himself. God says in Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh.
Intimacy is often thought of only in terms of the physical relationship. But when God says one should cleave to his wife, He is saying that there is total intimacy of spirit, soul and body. If there is no intimacy of the soul and spirit, then the physical relationship will not be fulfilling.
Build closeness. Sit down frequently and talk things over. Be a good listener! Communicate! Share your feelings! Let your spouse know that he/she is the most important person on earth to you. Many times, after marriage occurs, times of intimate sharing become less frequent, the early super-romantic feeling dwindle, and the first tingly love is lost. Then some married partners say they are not “in love” anymore. But the early romantic spirit of courtship must continue to grow, if the marriage is to be a successful one.
Through wisdom, the Bible says, is a house builded; and by understanding it is established (Proverbs 24:3). Homes are established upon understanding. Understanding enables you to read between the lines.
Many homes have been destroyed because of lack of understanding. The husband misunderstands his wife’s actions, the woman also reads meanings into simple statements made by the man. When your spouse speaks, his words may be few, but because you understand him very well, he successfully communicates (1 Samuel 25:23-25).
When you understand your husband or wife, less friction is bound to occur. Woman, with a good understanding of your man, you can pass across things you have observed that he does, which may not be profitable. May the Lord give you understanding in Jesus’ name.
To have an exciting marriage, you have to surrender your life to Jesus Christ. This is by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I believe You died and rose on the third day. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your Precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am a child of God.
Congratulations! You are now born again! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org and Tel. No: 07026385437, 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Family and Success In Marriage (Co-authored).
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Coping with diseases: Genital herpes
Herpes is a generic name for a group of viruses that cause a variety of diseases. The ailments people generally associate with herpes are those that produce small blisters on the skin, which open and are replaced by a crust before they heal completely. Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV2), which causes crusted sores, commonly around the lips and mouth (“cold sores”) and the genitalia. The infectious condition itself is also known as herpes simplex.
The virus is intermittently present in the mouth of healthy carriers and is spread by personal contact; genital herpes is spread by sexual contact with an infected person and is a venereal disease. Although some forms can be transmitted through the air or by contact with infected articles (especially towels) used by someone with active herpes, infection usually occurs through direct physical contact.
An attack begins with itching of the skin in the affected area, quickly followed by redness and swelling. Within a few hours fragile blisters (vesicles) appear and rupture to exude a sticky serum like fluid which rapidly crusts. Unless secondary infection with bacteria occurs, the lesions heal without scarring within about a week.
Because herpes blisters individually are the size of a pinhead or smaller, they may not be easily visible. Generally, the affected area will be red, tender, and mildly to severely painful. Fever, headache, and general malaise may also be present.
Genital herpes infections may cause a painful cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) in women, with ulceration and a vaginal discharge. The results of recent research studies have suggested that women who develop herpes cervicitis may have an increased risk of developing cancer of the cervix in later years. The condition is now seen as a reason for regular screening by Pap smears, which can detect early cancerous changes at a stage when treatment is simple and curative.
In men the genital infection is usually less severe. However, those whose immune response is impaired (such as cancer patients, HIV/AIDS sufferers or organ transplant recipients) can be very susceptible to herpes infection.
Genital herpes may be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during delivery. Babies infected during birth by their mothers’ active genital herpes are very likely to die or suffer severe brain damage because they have little or no resistance to the virus.
Once the virus enters the body, in stays there for the rest of the person’s life, unless a natural remedy is applied. Recurrent attacks may occur, usually during periods when the person is feeling run down, anxious, or depressed, before menstruation, or after sexual intercourse.
In holistic lifecare, the best prospect of prevention and total cure of genital herpes is in going back to nature in terms of personal hygiene, protected sexual contact and use of potent herbal remedies. Also, a body kept healthy by proper nutrition and exercise has the best chance of keeping the virus under control.
The holistic remedy being suggested for total cure of Genital Herpes is a combination of natural extracts of Eugenia caryophylatta, Citrus lemonis, Euphorbia unispina, Hypericum perforatum and Echinacea augustifolia.
For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.
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Stocking your medicine cabinet
Continued
For itchy eyes
Allergy eye drops relieve dry or itchy eye. Ketotifenfumarate is an ophthalmic antihistamine that is available in over the counter preparations. Ophthalmic decongestants such as Visine-A contain naphazoline/pheniramine which are also antihistamine drugs.
Sleep aids and stimulants
Over the counter sleep aids contain such drugs as diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate. They can help you sleep well again. However you should still see your doctor after suffering sleeplessness because insomnia could be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Stimulant preparations such as NoDoz and Vivarin generally contain caffeine. Even though they are available over the counter, the dosages should be strictly adhered to. Parents should make such drugs available for their college students studying under pressure or time constraints to prevent them from resorting to drugs of abuse and peer pressure.
For nausea, stomach, and digestion problems
Travelers may suffer from motion sickness and medications containing such drugs as dimenhydrinate or meclizine may help. These anti-emetics alleviate nausea and vomiting.
When visiting the village or an undeveloped area, city children are exposed to unusual risks of diarrhea and vomiting and subsequent dehydration and malnutrition. For babies, a manufactured oral rehydration therapy such as Pedialyte orRehydralyte could be handy. The solution should be refrigerated after opening. Older children and adults suffering from severe diarrhea can constitute rehydration fluid using a little common salt and some glucose in pure water. Stooling can be stopped with an antidiarrheal medicine containing drugs such as attapulgite, bismuth subsalicylate, or loperamide.
For painful stomach acid or “heartburn” antacid containing aluminum, calcium, and magnesium salts or an anti-acid secretory drug such as cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, or omeprazole can be used. Antacids neutralized the acid that is already in the stomach. Antisecretory drugs prevent further secretion of acid.
A laxative such as polyethylene glycol is handy to relieve constipation. Substances such as polyethylene glycol power for beverage and glycerin rectal suppository are hyperosmotics that retain water. Also, check your pharmacy for bulk laxatives such as polycarbophil, psyllium, and methyl cellulose preparations and intestinal stimulants such as bisacodyl and senna. Stool softeners include docusate sodium.
Some people have lactose intolerance or lactase deficiency and react to dairy products. Lactase is an enzyme that alleviates their gastrointestinal symptoms.
Also have nonprescription broad spectrum worm medicine handy. Ask your pharmacist for advice because there are a variety of worms and worm elimination can be tricky and even precipitate worse problems especially when you are not sure of what you are dealing with. Drugs such as pyrantelpamoate can be bought over the counter but eliminate only certain worms.
Sometimes we eat too much. Over the holidays and at certain stages in life we just want to enjoy eating or we just cannot help indulging. Naughty, but thankfully we can lose some weight with a drug such as orlistat which is an over-the-counter weight loss agent that can be taken with each meal in combination with low-fat, low-calorie dietary control and exercise.
For poisoning
Activated charcoal can be obtained from a pharmacy. It is prepared for accidental poisoning. Syrup of ipecac was formerly used but is no longer recommended. Activated charcoal binds chemical substances in the gut and prevents further absorption into the body so that toxins are excreted in the stool. Palm oil has been used traditionally in cases of poisoning.In case of poisoning, you should try to reach a clinic as soon as possible or call for advice. We will discuss antidotes in details as our next topic after the medicine cabinet.
Dr. ‘Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910 or 08160944635
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‘I live a double life — angel by day, hustler by night!’ (5)
Having made up my mind on what to do, I swung into action. I began making traveling arrangements with an agent Bibi introduced me to.
Two weeks before I was to travel out of the country, my mother came visiting. She had informed me about the visit some time ago but it had skipped my mind until she called me on phone to tell me she was coming in two days time.
I called Sasha and had a talk with her.
“My mother is coming this weekend. You know what that means. You have to behave- no drinking and smoking in the house while she’s here. And tone down your dressing and make-up as well. Those your false eye lashes look like caterpillar legs. Get rid of them! I don’t want her to get the impression that my housemate is a slut!” I said firmly.
She eyed me and gave a short laugh.
“So! Am I not one? And you nko? You are no reverend sister yourself!” she countered, laughing.
“Cut that out, my friend! This is no time for jokes! My Mum doesn’t know what I do for a living and I want to keep it so. She is a very conservative and religious person. She’s even a deaconess in her church. Imagine the shame and embarrassment it will cause her and the family if her church members hear about my escapades- that Deaconess Martha’s daughter is a high class prostitute. I love my Mum very much and I want to spare her that humiliation,” I said. I wagged a finger at her, warning her to behave and act like a good girl or…
“You will kick my fat butt out of here!” she concluded for me, laughing again.
I smiled then. That was one of the things I liked about Sasha- she was a fun person who took things in her stride and hardly ever got angry. The only time I had ever seen her lose her cool was when a client failed to pay her the exact amount they had agreed on. Then, her bitchy, nasty side would surface and I bet you, it’s not a good sight to behold.
Anyway, my Mum finally came and for the one week she stayed with us, we were very well behaved especially Sasha. Her long Brazilian weave that reached up to her waist was replaced by a short wig that made her look very young and innocent looking. She wore minimal make-up and her clothes were more demure than her usual outlandish dress style. I did the same too and hid the sexy and revealing clothes I often wore.
In the mornings, both of us would dress up in suits- trousers or skirts- looking like those banker ladies or any of the corporate ladies in town who work in offices. We would pretend as if we were going to work.
“See you later, Mum,” I kissed her on the cheek, on the first working day of her arrival.
“Alright my dear. Come home early o! You these Lagos people and night waka! Always coming home late from work!” she said.
As soon as we left the house, we headed to Bibi’s house which was not far from where we lived.
“Babe, how long will you keep up this pretence, this double life,” Sasha enquired as we drove off.
I turned to give her a searching look.
“Forever if possible. She can’t find out about my lifestyle. It would kill her,” I replied.
She shrugged and gazed at her image in the car mirror.
“God! I look like crap. This your little make-up rule is not funny o! I can barely recognise myself! she grumbled, bringing out her large make-up bag to apply more lipstick to her mouth.
Sasha was right; she really looked different. Gone was the usual heavy layer of make-up, fake lashes and nails, long weaves and other beauty aids she and our group loved so much.
She now looked more natural and even in my view prettier than when she was in her full get up.
We spent the whole day at Bibi’s place just hanging out. By evening, we returned to the house, looking as if we had just closed from a hard day’s work at the office. That was our routine for the one week my Mum visited.
A mother’s advice
The night before my Mum was to return home, she called me into her room.
“Doris, my dear,” she began, calling me by my given name, which the rest of my family called me with. “I will be returning home tomorrow but I just want to let you know that your father and I are very proud of you. We also appreciate all the support you have been giving the family. At such a young age, you have taken up the responsibility of training your younger brother, David in a private university. I know it’s not easy but my prayer for you is that God will continue to bless and prosper you, that you will keep getting promotion at your place of work. All your hardwork will not be in vain,” she prayed.
“Amen!” I intoned, wondering if she would pray so fervently for me if she knew my source of income. David was the last born in the family and the only one left in school. I had two older brothers and a sister, Mary, the first born who was married with two kids.
My mother was still speaking.
“But my daughter, there’s one more thing you need to do. You are already 28 years old and at the prime of womanhood. This is the time you need to bring a suitor home to your father and I for assessment, so you can settle down,” she noted.
I looked at her, frowning slightly.
“Mum, I’m not ready for marriage now o! I’m too busy with my job,” I told her.
“I know. But your job can’t give you children! I know most of you young women of today especially the career ones like you don’t take marriage seriously; you feel marriage is bondage, tying yourself to one man. But as your mother, I will advice you to reconsider and think seriously about settling down. You see, a single woman in our society is seen as a boat without a captain and as you know, every boat needs a captain to steer it to safety. A woman needs guidance and protection which a man can give. So think about it, my dear,” she said, patting me on the shoulder.
Then she added: “By the way, who was that young man that came to see you the other day, the one you were talking with outside the gate?”
“That was a colleague at the office. He brought my damaged laptop which he had helped me fix. Why do you ask, Mum?” I wondered. The guy in question was a client, one of the few I allowed to visit me at home. But I could not tell my Mum that, of course.
“I thought he was your boyfriend or fiancé,” she stated.
“I’m not engaged so he’s not my fiancé,” I said.
“Then get one and bring him to your father and I!” she insisted, getting up from the bed and heading for the bathroom.
It was not the first time my Mum had spoken to me on the issue of marriage. But I had never taken her words seriously until now. Settling down was the last thing on my mind especially with the type of ‘work’ I did. But since I was planning to ‘retire’ anyway, getting married in the future did not seem such a bad idea. It was part of the things I needed to do to reform myself.
On the day of my trip abroad, Sasha drove me to the airport.
“Don’t forget to buy the items I told you about,” she said as we drove past the busy Oshodi area of town and headed towards the airport road.
“You want me to buy all those stuff for you. How much did you give me?” I countered.
“Ha, Vanessa! Am I not your friend again? So, you can’t even buy a few gifts for your friend from Dubai out of all that money Jacques gave you! Stingy girl,” she said.
“And you, you have long throat!” I told her and she laughed.
That trip turned out to be a turning point in my life. It was on the trip I met Ron, who would later have such a profound effect on my life…
To be continued
Names have been changed to protect Vanessa’s identity and other individuals in the story.
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