OUR JEWELS, OUR FUTURE !

FASHION OF WEAPONRY!

FASHION OF WEAPONRY                     

Skimpily attired!

Of looks that invite...

 'Notice me' make up to go about 

Wanderers like marabouts

Offensive sense of dressing now, glamourised

Fashion of dangerous weaponry as nudified Shameless display of bodily wares

Of brief clothing- body hugs, body chokes all in tattered wears 

Proclaiming for sale, at sensual top and bottom 

Some 'petticoats' of  many colours

Seeking 'fun-seekers' and other sickening callers 

Haters of modesty 

Marauders of decency

Twerk-ing as they walk, their job enhancer

Dancing while they move, as

 their act enticer

Expectant of complimentary cheers, perhaps of their co-recents

Come repugnant jeers of the old and decents Fashion is it? 

Or madness be it?

Of uncouth traits

Of uncultured and 'untrained'

Yet, some were trained only uncompromising of 'home training'

Unrepentantly garbed in fashion of weaponry unending'

And suddenly came a sound

Its effects that somewhat, had no bound

'Faaa...'the fart came, of one amongst them! 

From that part of her lower arsenal 

In her 'filthy' rags revealing her annals! 

Uwakó run won. 

Eyìn òko run won (ljebu dialect)

Olurotimi Awoyemi, 30th August, 2018

A CEASELESS MOTHER.

A CEASELESS MOTHER

Mama popularly called Olobi, a renowned Kolanut crop merchant in her days, has come to Lagos visiting one of her six children and family from her country-home in Iperu Remo; of the "Akesan Baale Oja" fame, in Ogun State. 

Olobi without doubt, a matriarch at both sides of the family divide. While gradually matching towards her Ninth Decade (90ieth) Anniversary, her frail body tells deep stories of her unwavering life of sacrifice and dedication, essentially geared towards always advancing the good course of humanity- her children inclusive.

This visit was gratifying to the heart of mama’s son--the host, as a token of his modest show of affection and appreciation; to return a mother’s endless love, over her children. Hence the holiday was meant in every sense to be a restful and enjoyable one for Olobi, and nothing was going to prevent all efforts in making it so.

It was just the second week of Olobi’s visit. Then came a loud persistent and deafening yell that traveled far into the night from the neighbour’s quarters. Oh no, not again! 

But the noise was unmistakable. It can only be that of Dora's. No one else, is suspect at this time of the day. Time check 10:05pm. 

And truly, Dora  it was! 

It may well seem to some, that Dora’s nocturnal and disturbing activities were gradually becoming serial and habitual. Though, it is just the cry of a baby but loud enough to disturb and “put-off “ sleep for many. Especially within such a cosmopolitan (town) setting; many would be trying to catch a restful night, against another impending hectic work day.

Dora was just an 18-months old suckling daughter of our young-couple-neighbour, next door. And Dora may just have gone “off-line”, away from her usual gentle and amiable default mode, which people know her with. Unfortunately, at such time as this, with her noise, no one within the hearing distance would be spared the luxury of a serene atmosphere!

Such “angel” she was; with two incomparable dispositions! Gentle as a dove on one side, and fierce “at making trouble” like a lion on the other. Head or tail, it could be safely concluded that Dora was endowed at making big statements!

On a good day, Dora was a mother’s pride, as a matter of fact, any parent’s delight any day! Taking a cue from her parents' charming attributes; Dora full of zest- often beamed with her bright welcoming smile. 

Reason why many were often swayed to naturally give her, as the occasion permits, that warmly return smile; a 'blow-away' kiss; and in the case of a stranger, that socially distant but, irresistible wave of hand. 

Familiar faces and known friends, would usually stretch the game further adopting the “African-styled” cuddle. This, most times, may out-rightly extended to carrying Dora off her mother's (or other bearer's) back, just to satisfy their strong desire to carry the poor infant!

Little Dora was extremely amusing too when reciting her kindergarten rhymes replete with her numerous mumbled words,  only decipherable by the tunes of those popular rhymes. Showing some evidences of her impressive performance at her early in preparatory school.

Again talking of her relentless demonstration of most actions, she saw people do, reflected her smartness and budding intelligence. 

This should send caution signals to us all to always put-up decent and decorous behaviour at all times; since our children are keen observers who mimic everything we do hook, line and sinkers. 

Beyond her name, Dora is truly adorable.

But during this particular night, with those persistent and somewhat unrepentant loud yells, Dora’s mood-swing can be said to be far from being gentle. In fact, to many unfamiliar and uninitiated to acts of child-bearing/upbringing; this innocent infantile protest, may seem totally irritable.

Alas! All of a sudden then, the cry from Dora suddenly ceased, and everywhere became calm! 

But, some murmurings sounds were now beginning to filter in even from same direction. Some people were now discussing late, in the night, and Olobi’s voice came up surprisingly amongst the discussants!

How could this be, at this time of the day, in a stranger’s, nay neigbour’s flat?! 

A quick dash to Olobi’s now empty room, reveals that the back door was left ajar. It confirmed that Olobi has sneaked out to attend to Dora? Hmmm...Abiyamo!"

"...Abiyamø, ti kii gbø ękun ømø ę, koma tatiwere!" 'The personage of esteemed motherhood in Yoruba language, who would rarely refrain, to attend to the cry of her young one!

Now at the neighbour’s flat, Dora was seen fastened to Olobi’s back, while she was giving unsolicited, and an 'unpaid-for', but passionate lecture in mothering! 

Unknown to her son and family, Olobi has behind them for some now, been warming herself gradually into the neigbour’s heart in the past 2 weeks, as their daily visitor- a consummate and willing, ad-hoc Nanny with no-bother-for-pay! 

And Dora, my neighbor's child had not only gotten used to her, but had gotten so well acquainted to Olobi. 

Now aware of our presence, Dora’s parents could hardly hold back their embarrassment and joy, at the same time, with the situation they found themselves. 

Alas, madam Lecturer, started giving her midnight lecture in mothering!

Olobi began: “My children teach your children in the way of the Lord and show them love without limit. Never joke with matters of their health nor yours and ensure all their vaccinations are duly administered. 

Fore-closing all health reasons, there may still be, some reasons for a child’s persistent cry for which you should always note, accordingly. Causes may range from: inadequate or lack of sleep, food and water; discomforts emanating from weather, causing stress of- heat, cold, breeze, smoke, dust; and the discomfort of nature’s call (–i.e pooh, urination). 

And very many times, some inexplicable children’s fondly desire for their mother’s unalloyed attention/care may sometimes be a major causal factor. 

At such times my children, strap your child to your back!'

Olobi continues:  “Look at my flabby chest. It hosts what I call baby friendly! It is God’s mysterious twin prodding fountains of love that binds mother and child together! Give breast milk, extensively, exclusively, and in some particular health cases, following specialist advice. It was 3years during our own days. Giving it to your children will NOT demean the health and beauty of a mother /woman rather; it will enhance it and that of the child”. Olobi concludes.

"Even a professor of health management could hardly have said it better"  Olobi's son whispered to his wife! 

Everybody was proud of Olobi, particularly her son and family.

An accomplished night with an accomplished mother!!!

It was now time to go to bed. At this point, the writer in his reflection, remembers his mother Madam Agbekeola M. Awoyemi (aka Olobi) a true 'Abiyamo' at 87 years, whose life pattern and unequal love for children was the basis of the above narrative that was blended, with some true life instances. How can I ever repay my mother’s milk, love and care?!

And I dare say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY AND WEEK to Olobi my mother and by extension all mothers, for all their days of toiling, caring, sacrificing and prayers for their children which of course truly reflect, and are meant to be, the real MOTHER’S DAYS!

I pray that the joy of all mothers will be full to the brim. (Amen)

Timi Awoyemi, Iyesi Ota   

2nd May 2017.

timiawoyemi.blogspot.com

teamawoyemi@gmail.com

Enters the dragon!

ENTERS THE DRAGON!

By some twist of fate, Mr Barack Hussein Obama the first black American President, who at inception was abhorred for his skin colour in that exalted position , stunned 'book makers' and many others alike further with his humility and good communication skills in policy formulation and execution, all with which he steered the ship of his administration 'into the hearts' of many Americans even as the ship berths historically today 20th January, 2017.

Obama a shinning example of the Democrats, officially hands over today to the 45th President of the United States - Mr Donald J. Trump (a Republican with an emerging character) who made many aghast, recently with some of his unguarded verbal faux pas that are laced in derogatory racial, religious, female gender intonations amongst others. These verbal 'missiles' as dreaded, coming from one that will soon occupy such a well esteemed office as that of 'The President of the United States', beat the imagination of not a few, and leave many to perhaps contemplate that now...enter the dragon! A title from a Chinese film, reminiscence of my secondary school days!

In a manner, the strength of such thoughts and arguments, are damning strong and powerful. For these statements credited to Mr Trump leave sour taste in one’s mouth!

-''Ariana Huffington is unattractive both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man —he made a good decision ''... Phew!

-''You are disgusting ''...Hmmm! Said to an opposing lawyer during a court case when she asked for a medical break to pump breast milk for her three - month-old daughter. These are to say the least very distasteful, self serving, insensitive comments which with due respect, shows Mr Trump in bad light especially that the issues raised bother on persons than on issues.

It is presumed that most American Presidents naturally are gifted with unequaled cranium and oratory prowess which are evident in their statements and writings. For example, the preamble of the United States constitution written in style by the 3rd US President Mr Thomas Jefferson reverberates uncommon wisdom of a well articulated document of all time.

Also, a never-to-be-forgotten statement of President Bush in the wake of the unforgettable 2001 September 11th attack describes the known character and qualities of a typical American President even when provoked. Said he :

''Americans do not yet have the distance of history, but our responsibility to history is already clear; This nation is peaceful, but fierce when stirred to anger. This conflict was begun on the timing and terms of others; it will end in a way and at an hour of our choosing '' To a crowd at Washington's National Cathedral.

Perhaps, it can not be overemphasised that President Obama effective tool of administration was his humble and good communication skills with which he warmed himself into the heart of many. While hoping that Mr Trump will from his 'high pedestal' perceived with a touch of arrogance, learn from this. He should not play into the hands of his ardent critics who believe that he has more to learn politically even with his very impressive business exposures.
It is also hoped that the sanctity of the office of the American Presidency or its figurative '' Nos 1 Police nation of the world", will not be sacrificed on the altar of such careless statements that can lower its prestige from such dizzy height of respect to ground zero.

In every nonsense is indeed imbued with that unseen strand of real sense. What Mr Trump have said particularly, on 'illegal immigrants' should send deep message to those affected in all foreign lands. Its time for all illegal African immigrants to start thinking of leaving for their home lands as, Mr Trump's message is a signal that all illegal immigrants have now overstayed their welcome.
As I wish Mr Trump a successful tenure, an African proverb says :
"He that picks fight with the vultures, as well as all the cock (bird) families, will contend alone the challenge of waking up early without their assistance". Then, Mr Trump and his likes may also contend with all those odd jobs that these "lazy people" Mexicans, Nigerians, Muslims according to him, have now 'stolen' away from them, to do. 

After all, if we all warn that a tree doesn't make a forest, Mr Trump says and rightly so that, a ghost is enough to make a ghost town! Mr. President Sir, "Who U Epp"... Apology Olamide.

Olurotimi Awoyemi

20th Jan, 2017.

timiawoyemi.blogspot.com.ng

Stop these earth attacks

https://timiawoyemi.blogspot.com/2016/07/httpmguardianngopinionstop-these-earth.html

DAGGERS OF ADDICTION!

On Nov 5, 2017 9:22 PM

He was immaculately dressed. Adorning a well tailored three-piece suit, he may well fit the description of a gentleman even in his sitting posture as he lazily stroked his cleanly shaved cheeks and chin with his well-manicured fingers. 

He also had his long and protruding moustache evenly trimmed, but may be unaware of the whitish, powdery particles spotting the tip of his nose and moustache as he quietly sat to nurse the cola-drink that was largely untouched and looked more like a decorative item on his table.

At the corner where he was, something must have struck me about his peculiar gaze, beyond someone just lost in thought.

However, the essence of the rendezvous was to 'cool off' and at that point too, all I needed was perhaps a 'sparring partner' with whom to while away time discussing topical issues of the nation, sports and the likes, as it is traditional in most 'beer parlour' settings.

And his lone occupied table appealed to me the most, being free from the common, noisy, trouser-sagging, halfcladded, often poorly and weirdly dressed fellows, that dot the place all over. This night, I needed a break! Perhaps, some form of sanity too, I thought as I moved to change my table to join the gentleman's table.

The music coming from the sturdy speakers strategically placed within the venue, was alluring, reflecting the mood of the night and I was just trying to settle down at the gentleman's table, when my eyes caught sight of the beads of sweat lined across his forehead.

For him to be sweating profusely, even while not lifting a finger to do any task, baffled me. Again, l also noticed that his nose was, involuntarily expanding and contracting, while his right cheek and that side of the neck started twitching intermittently as if in consonance with the rhythm of the music being played. 

All of a sudden, he raised his head that had been downcast all these while and gave me a probing stare, with eyes that seemed to now bulge out of its sockets. I wished very much that those reddened eyes of his would rather be cast else where! Yet he would not spare me a moment, as he had them continuously fixated on me!

My heart must have skipped a beat! And yet, mechanically again, he turned to  his right, then left and repeated the act many times in quick successions as if following the command of an imaginary person, even as he kept muttering some inaudible words.

This l concluded in my mind, was 'acting' taken too far! And by now, not a few heads had turned towards us, watching as the drama unfolded. With the embarrassing situation, my initial thought was that I may have been caught in the wrong place. How to get myself out of this mess, was now my immediate concern! I was still ruminating over this, and how to do it, when someone amongst the crowd that had gradually milled round our table, and who assumed, we 'came together' to the venue, asked again: 

'What's wrong with him?'

 And yet again, another enquirer said;

 'Your friend is sick!'

To both statements, I was at a loss over what to say. A lump, for all I care, could have settled blocking my throat, as I had difficulty uttering the appropriate response to the statements.

Still, the 'act' continued and now, more audibly. He moved his left hand again, as if  'beckoning' into the air, but to no one in particular. Then I heard him say: 'My coke, gimme ma coke'. 

Now, his face was squeezed together like those irregular patches of clothing materials roughly strewn together!

He was looking in bewilderment, somewhat uninviting, mean and menacing altogether! Yet again, he blurted:

'My coke...ma coke'

Like a good Samaritan, l only stretched forward to hand over the cola-drink on the table to my gentleman friend in line with his earnest request.

That must have been the worst blunder of the night! For this got an instantaneous response from him, and with that his unrepentant 'beckoning' left hand, l got hit with a hard 'backhand' stroke! A 'smashing' stroke for that matter, that can be likened to that from a versatile 'ping pong' tennis player, who with a comfortable lead, is out taunting the opponent with those occasional, unpredictable strokes!

Now, deed done! And the awful act of 'battery' of an addict 'absorbed!' l could only thank my stars! For l was only lucky, not to have been completely caught off guard, perhaps, courtesy of some of my athlete's reflexes, on account of which l sustained no physical injury! Only this unfortunate infraction. This may have saved the situation from further getting worse.

Meanwhile, the thick bottle of the cola-drink had been far-flung chattering into pieces afar, as its content got splashed all over the wall at a farther distance!

For the crowd that had milled all-around, to have been unscathed in any way was, most surprising! However, the response of the Security Operatives within the establishment was spectacular and swift. This quickly brought the situation under control, with the 'bundling' of the 'un-gentleman' out of the scene.

Emerging facts were to confirm the whitish specks found on the man's moustache to be cocaine! And more startling revelations also corroborated his shameful life of drugs and substance addiction/abuse. And obviously his 'pathetic' craving for 'coke' (cocaine) must not to be maligned for the cola-drink also popularly referred as Coke.

The 'Disco jockey', (DJ) at the bar may have overheard the gist going around, for suddenly the music changed. A music track by an artist of the '70s--Dillinger, rented the air:

"I've got cocaine runnin round my brain..." 

Slotted as an ironic comedy and mockery of hard drugs and substances for its users with their litanies of regrets, shame and agonies.

Need this warning, be said all over again, for the umpteenth time?

Stay away from drugs and other hard substances, and save the world from further needless pains, regrets and absolute waste of some hitherto, glorious destinies and resources!

Let's rid this world of those undesirable qualifications like, 'The wretched of the earth'!

Timi Awoyemi  teamawoyemi@gmail.com

5th Nov., 2017.

LEADERS AND DISSENTERS

LEADERS AND DISSENTERS.

 Sadly, for quite a long time, our leaders have enjoyed being served full course meals, in the 'acts of ruling' over a largely subservient, docile, and perhaps gullible populace. And interestingly, it happens that this act of governance, extends over even the knowledgeable and well exposed people who perhaps, just prefer not to query the status quo for inexplicable reason, that is gradually creeping deeply into our national  psyche, part of that peculiar challenge  generally referred to as the 'Nigerian factor'. Now, our leaders with an over-bloated ego understandably, still relishing the good times of the past, would never wish it away! 

 This sad reality of our times, plays itself repeatedly daily, in our leaders' dealing with the populace, and particularly in the unfortunate encounter of January 14^th, 2017 between Governor Isiak Ajimobi of Oyo State and the Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, who perhaps had been tired out with boredom and more, consequent upon an over-stretched holiday of 8-months school's-closure prompting, their demand rightly for the reopening of their school. The uneasy interview, alleged to have been grudgingly granted by our revered Governor, after several efforts, was regrettably well laced with traces of high-handedness, over-dramatisation and traits of a power-drunk, very much reflecting a leader still re-living our ignominious and 'gullible past'. 

Without a doubt, the country’s long sojourn with the military rule has been fingered to be responsible to have affected us in what can be termed to be our leaders "militocracy" psyche (coinage for mixed philosophy between military and democracy) in our fledgling democracy, when they bark out orders with military fiat using slogan as 'with immediate effect' even in their civilian garbs. But the barking out of order and instructions to a people who are conscious of their rights and privileges, will only breed more resentment and show to the public, such  leader's gross incompetence and lack of capacity to deal with situations. Sadly this is what played out in the unfortunate encounter of Governor Ajimobi and LAUTECH Students. It is gladdening that an apology was rendered by the Governor on the sad incident.

 Times have changed, and our leaders do not yet know. Presently, and for the leader that care to know, there has now been an unprecedented awareness and awakening of the consciousness of Nigerians through the country's educational revolution of newly emergent Private Universities and other institutions of higher learning added to the existing Public and Private institutions, that all churn out innumerable graduates now, into the system, and if assumedly at least, increased education should necessarily leads to increased consciousness. It follows that there has now been, a sharp decrease in what can be termed the 'per capita gullibility' of our nation. Alas, a bold sign is now being, brandished, as a warning sign hanging out for our leaders to note, that: 'leaders emptor'! (Leaders' beware notice).

 Frankly speaking, It is also most important that our leaders come to term with the realisation of the fact that, to whom much is given, much would be expected. While our leaders tend to savour and enjoy the honour, respect and perks of their offices, they however, don't want to bother themselves with the intricate demands of their office. Times have changed. And leaders need to realise so now. Otherwise, such regrettable confrontations will only irrepressibly rear it ugly head from time to time. 

 Again as recalled, the catchphrase now made popular from the said unfortunate interview of Governor Ajimobi, records His Excellency, referring to himself as the 'Constituted Authority'. Blimey! For the reasons of democratic education and re orientation, it is essential to recapitulate it for all and sundry, including our leaders that ; the mandate, authority, and power which our leaders flaunt everywhere erroneously as if it is their personal possession and property, primarily emanate and is derived from the people. Part of the core reason, why the pronoun "We" not "I" is very prominent in the preamble of the United States constitution, a democracy to which our country's, is fashioned after. 

Again, It is most pertinent for our leaders to learn to accommodate dissenting voices, as democracy itself thrives on divergent opinions and views. At least after our nineteen (19) undisrupted years in democratic experience, it is not out of place for us, to begin to show signs that we have learnt from our past mistakes and to give concrete evidences of our making meaningful progress. Instances as above show that we still have a long way to go.

 Additionally, our leaders should also be more civil in relating with the populace. The use of maximum force to deal with dissenters, protesters, civil rights activists, and every person(s) that queries the status quo is no longer fashionable and should be discouraged amongst our leaders.  

 Still, some leaders in spite of their hitherto exposures, academics achievements, and discipline/calling etc, it is perhaps as if there is spiritually more to leadership in this part of the world, for as soon as they get into the position of leadership despite their education, but now because of their new experiences of comfort, power, authority, money etc they tend to now exhibit strange attitudes, ignorance, impatience etc as soon as they step into office. Basically, it is the misuse of power money, authority etc especially in the full glare of the public, who do not have, that grow the roots for dissenters. Leader should learn moderation in all they do. 

 Leaders must also value the twin-concepts of 'Authority' and 'Responsibility' that work inseparably. It must be noted, by our leaders that the grand and esteemed position of an 'Authority' begets perhaps its concise scope of 'Responsibility' always. 

 However on the other hand, it is necessary that we sound a note of warning too, for dissenters. Generally speaking it has been observed that, the moral decadence prevailing in our society is alarming. This also caught the attention of the south western Governor’s forum in their baby project marked to develop the region tagged Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). In their recent Ekiti State meeting held 15^th February, 2017, this formed part of their discuss, to “address the declining moral standard and to put in place structures to manage the loss of values and virtues in the society saying that the first step is quality assurance and morality framework as a critical part of the region education”. Time has come for leadership and even our dissenting approaches to be putting the right perspective. While it is not a bad idea to beg to be different, it absolute important for the dissention to be done within the confines of the law. All unlawful dissention are condemnable. 

It should be made amply clear, that no leader is crowned without its divine endorsement. Hence, this signals us, beyond mere dissenting, to apply caution always. Far from just being spiritual, most religious institutions and organisations also admonish all to respect and obey our leaders, as leadership is a concept of fate, which can get entrusted unto any one, unexpectedly.

Again, we need to caution dissenters against improper presentation of their position via disrespectful approach. Our leaders are the symbol of our sovereignty and as such they deserve our full and untainted respect. This goes for some unruly students who are yet to begin to climb life's ladder but perhaps with a degree in-view believe that they have seen it all. It is time for us to start making meaning of the concept of respect for our elders, our customs and for other symbols of authority. Our leaders and dissenters are enjoined to act from the position of deep feelings and mutual respect for others, as leadership and even dissention are both transient.

 TIMI AWOYEMI

timiawoyemi.blogspot.com

teamawoyemi@gmail.com