PIECE OF MY MIND: #OCCUPYAEDCmx

If you live in Niger state (the power state), precisely Minna the state capital, then you are aware of the incessant blackout that has become the order of the day these past few weeks. What started as an unsteady power supply turned in to a full blown blackout! The majority of the areas in Minna were have been victims of this blackout.
Once upon a time few years ago, we had such steady power supply and everything was moving on swiftly. It gradually started to deplete. It turned into a sort of time table we all memorized. we had light for eight hours each day. four hours in the morning and four hours at night. After all the complaints we all changed our agendas to fit the time frame that the power would be supplied. as if that was not bad enough. A few months ago, it turned into fours hours each day; two hours in the morning and two at night. Still, the peaceful people of Niger state-with no one to intervene for them- were left helpless as they continued living their lives. The AEDC officials were however never late to deliver the outrageous bills or to disconnect the power. As soon as the month end draws near, YOU WILL START TO SEE THE RED LADDER HOISTED ON POLES, WITH AN OFFICIAL IN RUBBER GLOVES CUTTING OFF WIRES. As if that wasn't enough torture. Suddenly the power supply was completely cut off resulting in the loss of so many food items that were stored in the fridges. I, myself was a victim of that. The only way you would have light in your house for these past few weeks was if you were fortunate enough to fuel your generator. The nation is in a recession. Majority of Nigerians are broke, some people can hardly afford three square meals a day, their small businesses have been halted by the lack of power supply. Still, the peaceful people of Niger state endured the torture.
About a week ago, I went to an area only to discover that there was light. I was shocked! that was most definitely not the time range for the power supply so out of curiosity I ask a resident. The shock from his answer was greater than the initial shock. He said they always have power supply and if it ever goes off, it would be returned shortly. I was dumb founded, if I hadn't seen the light for myself, I probably wouldn't have taken him seriously. Then again, all around the area they were people selling ice block! Ice block fa! So the whole power outage had not been a general problem as I had suspected but instead it was just 'selective.'
I heard about the #occupyAEDCmx on sunday but the shocker came yesterday. I can not remember the last time we had that much power supply. Then it suddenly struck me, so these people have just been depriving us of power because they can. I was furious! I honestly still can't understand why they would do such an unjust thing to the peace loving people of Minna. They are now shamelessly trying to bribe their way out of it by giving us unusual hours of power supply just to stop the peaceful protest. Can you imagine this shameless act? Haba AEDC!
Even as I am writing this post, there is power supply of full voltage even. just like other Nigerlites, I too support the peaceful protest! #occpyAEDCmx

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: Improve your self esteem and confidence

Self esteem is the armour and your confidence is your weapon. For what you may wonder. For every single second of every day. These two are very important for us all.
1- Rise above failure
Perfection does not exist. We all make mistakes but what makes you is your ability to rise after failing. The courage to show up again after being beaten. The zeal to try again. This is what makes you. This is what will lead you to success.

2- Be positive
Always look on the bright side. It can be better,much better than it already isNegativity is not your friend. Consider it an enemy of progress. Build your confidence by avoiding negative self talks. Tell yourself "I can do it!" "I will survive!"
It becomes true as long as you believe it!

3- Do more of things you love
Make time for doing the things you love. This will put you at ease. It will free you from all the stress that may have accumulated. It helps you to relax and think positively.

4- Start small
Start today, start small even if your hands are trembling. The important thing is that you start and then work your way up. It won't be easy but it will be worth it!

5- Set goals to acheive
Challenge yourself. Set realistic goals for yourself. This will help you to grow and get better.

6- Help others
Spend sometime helping others. This is so uplifting and enlightening. It helps you feel better about yourself.

7- Express yourself
Expressing youself can help you clear all the cobwebs in your mind. Learn to express yourself by taking a class in painting, poetry, art or music.


Have a blessed and productive day!

HANEEM'S DIARY: A not-so-lame discourse

I went jogging one quiet morning. I was jogging back down our street when I decided to take a break. I sat on a slab by the road side. A few minutes later a tall shadow fell over me.

"Don't be lazy!" a deep voice said over me.
I raised my head to look at the voice's owner.

"Good Morning to you too!" I said sarcastically.

He smiled then answered. "I apologize for my rude manners."

"Ah, He actually has manners! What was that about laziness?"

"You are supposed to be on the move yet you're here," He stated.

"I would say the same for you. Why are you here?" I inquired.

"You're a typical Nigerian, you answered my question with a question," He remarked.

I laughed. "This whole conversation is your laziness antics. You have rested for about as long as I have!"

"No! I just felt the need to remind you why you came out," He insisted.

"You could have done that while you were in the move," I said.

"And risk having you think I'm a lunatic? No, thanks!"

"That's a possibility," I said with a smile.

"Care to explain why you're resting?" He insisted.

"Well I just needed a break."

"Ladies are just too lazy! No matter how hard you try."

"What?"

"Yes. You've only been on the move for some minutes but here you are” He said waving his fingers across me and the slab.

"Well, I'm a lady, I'm not as agile as you are but that doesn't qualify me as lazy!" I protested.

"Maybe you're not as agile but I still expect more from you."

"My being here right now says a lot about me."

I got up and we started to walk back slowly.

"Well it kind of does!"

"You know on the average, a lady does more hectic chores than a man which counts as exercise."

"I don't completely agree. What is so hectic about house hold chores?"

"Wow! This conversation is about to get interesting!" I blurted.

"I don't see anything difficult in house chores!"

"I have a feeling you were sent specially to argue with me this morning," I mumbled. Can you survive without a woman's help for a week? "

"Of course yes!"

"Can you actually get everything done by yourself including showing up at work on time? Be honest!"

The stranger burst out laughing!
"What's so funny?"

"I totally got you!" He blurted.

"What do you mean?"

"I saw a lady quietly resting and I decided to trouble her now look I successfully altered her quiet state"

"I can't believe this! I just knew you were out to get me!"

"This argument works all the time!"

"It’s a lame topic!" I retorted.

"But it works!"

"I suppose." I probably wouldn't have responded to him if his approach was different.

"Then it’s not-so-lame!"

"Arrgh! You're at it again!"

He laughed. "Well I'm taking this turn," he said pointing to the turn by the left.

"And I'm taking that turn," I pointed to the right.

"Have a nice day!" He said as he jogged towards the left.

FIVE FUN WAYS TO SPEND TIME ALONE

We spend so much interacting with people that we forget to take time out time for ourselves. These interactions often drain our mental batteries. Spending time alone is how you recharge them. Here are five fun ways to spend time alone.
1. Read a book
I know the bookworms will love this option. However for those of you out there who are not fond of reading, this is a very good option. It is something you don’t normally do; it’s out of the ordinary for you which is good. Trust me just find a good book and read it patiently, let the story draw you in, you won’t regret it. For the bookworms, read something different. Try a genre that you don’t normally read. Who knows you might end up loving it!

2. Take a walk/watch people
Take a walk down a street that you haven’t been to in a while. This is a really good way to relax your brain while noticing the things that might have changed in the street. I know watching people sounds a little bit crazy but hang on. You can walk down a crowded place, take a seat, relax and observe all that goes on there. This is a very wonderful thing to do because you will get an opportunity to see things that you don’t normally notice.
3. Watch a movie or a documentary
This is another good one too. There is always that movie that you want to watch. Why not watch it in your free time? You can also watch a documentary. I bet this is something -I included- many people don’t do. However this is a great opportunity to learn something new, there is always beneficial knowledge in documentaries. Be it about history or on national geographic there is always something new to learn. Remember learning never ends!
4. Learn a new skill
Before you think anything remember that time is precious and cannot be bought. Why waste precious time when you can learn something new. The internet is your friend. Youtube is your friend. There are so many things you can try out. It doesn’t have to be something complex. For instance you could learn how to make a beaded bracelet or learn how to knit a handkerchief or sew a tote bag.
5. Meditate
Meditation is a process of training your mind to promote relaxation. It helps to clear your mind and relax your body. This is a good way to spend time alone because it helps relieve all the stress and worries that come from your everyday activities. Take a seat, close your eyes and concentrate on the positives!

Have a great day! xx

The late muslim heavy weight champion made some very inspirational and thought provoking quotes.


Have a blessed day!

Here are five of such inspirational quotes.

1. He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

2. Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

3. It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.

4. I've made my share of mistakes along the way, but if I have changed even one life for the better, I haven't lived in vain.

5. The man who has no imagination has no wings.

RAMADAN KAREEM!

Ramadan Kareem!

HEALTH TIPS FOR RAMADAN
1. Do NOT skip suhoor!
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before beginning the days fast. It is the only meal you will be able to tale throughout the till dusk. The nourishment from the suhoor is very much important for your body that needs to keep going.

2. Drink lots of water during Ramadan
It is very easy to get dehydrated during Ramadan. Therefore it is advisable to drink at least 6 glass cups of water everyday in little quantities so as not to get bloated.

3. Do NOT overeat!
You shouldn't try to make up for the meal you missed at iftar. That is unwise and unhealthy! Eat moderately during Suhoor and Iftar.

4. Introduce salad in to your meals
There are lots of nourishments in vegetables. This will do your body a whole lot of good especially during Ramadan. Also,be creative with your salad this way you can get more nourishment from it.

5. Break your fast with dates and fresh fruits.
It is highly advisable to take even number of dates to break your fast. This will help take care of the dizzying feeling you might get during fasting. Fresh fruits too should be taken before your main iftaar so as to provide more nourishment to your body.

Be healthy and make lots of duas!

P.S: I am so sorry Its coming late. I have been so busy with school that it has been impossible for me to keep on posting. I will try to make a post at least once a week. It won't be easy but I really do want to try.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: DON'T QUIT

Don't quit! Don't you dare quit! The road may be long and full of potholes but no one ever said it will be easy. Good things take time and a whole lot of energy. Energy that you have within you. Trust yourself,be strong have faith! Do not even consider quitting,it is out of the question. Just smile through it all. Keep your smile beautiful and work hard. You will get there some day soon! Good Morning and have a blessed day!

BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK

Hello beauties! Do you know the benefits of rice water? I mean the water you usually throw out when washing your rice. Rice water is used widely by Asians to beautify their skin. It contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can help nourish the skin. You can make your own rice water,it is an easy and cheap way to beautify your skin. All you need is rice and water. First wash your uncooked rice once to remove dirt. Then pour water into the rice and leave it to soak in for about 15 minutes. Strain out the rice and transfer your rice water into an air tight container. Keep your rice water in the refrigerator and it can last for about five to seven days. Rice water serves as a facial cleanser and toner. Just dab on your face with cotton wool and leave on for some minutes then wash off.

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: HARD TIMES

Hard times..we all have them and it feels like it will never pass. difficult times take so much energy from you and drains you but only IF you let it. Success would not be worth it if we don't pass through tough times. The hard times teach us a whole lot;endurance,patience and perseverance. These are key ingredients in what ever you set out to do. So let it go,smile and let it make you better! Hope you had a wonderful day?

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: IGNORE THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS

Hello there,Good Morning! You are a shinning star and you are much more than what their eyes see. Do not be discouraged by people's mean comments,perhaps that's all they have. But you,you are so much more,work on being a better version of yourself. Tap in to that inner strength and find your true purpose. You will succeed but only if you keep trying relentlessly. Give it your all,work harder than you did yesterday but also remember that your body has a right over you. So rest well. Don;t let anyone dull your shine! Have a blessed day!

HANEEM'S DIARY #14: THE PHONE CALL

I promised to visit Ralia after my exams but then I had traveled to Kaduna so I made up my mind to visit her as soon as I returned.

“Assalamu Alaikum!” I said as I entered inside her house.

“Wa alaikumu Salam!” she cheerfully replied.

“Ralia was seated on the three-sitter opposite the entrance door. She immediately stood up to hug me.

“You have finally decided to visit me!” she said.

“I’m so sorry! I just got so caught up with everything,” I said. Honestly I hate visiting Ralia not because I don’t enjoy her company but because I can’t stand her flirty husband.

She walked out of the living room and returned with Juice and two glass cups. She poured the juice in to the cups and kept one in front of me.

“It’s alright you’re here now,” She said cheerfully. There was this glow to her, I had not seen her that relaxed in a long time.

“You look great! Actually you’re glowing! What is the secret?” I asked.

“Is it that obvious?”

“It sure is baby,oya spill it!”

“Oh Haneem, my life has changed so much these past few weeks.”

“How?”

“You know how I went ahead and married a ‘womanizing freak?”

I nodded but then it came to me as a surprise because she had never said it so bluntly.

“Well my dear, God intervened and just like that its history!” She said with a smile.

“Are you sure? I mean its not like I’m not happy, no I’m thrilled but old habits…”

“Die hard. I’m aware, but I have never been so convinced before in my entire life!”

“That is great news! Tell me how this happened,” I inquired.

“That is the best part. My husband was on one of his business trips and I was home alone watching a soap opera. It was exactly thirty minutes after ten at
night that he called me. I was so shocked immediately I heard his voice, it sounded like he was in so much pain yet he strongly claimed that he was
alright.

“You don’t sound well at all, did something happen? Please tell me the truth,” I cried.

“I assure you that everything is all right please believe me,” he replied.
“Why then do you sound like you’re about to cry?’
And then he burst in to tears. Haneem, he is one of the strongest people I know, he had been through a number of tragedies without a single tear. Naturally I was frightened. I thought perhaps his sweet Mother had passed away or something terrible.

“Please talk to me, you’re scaring me,” I said,

“I’m so sorry Ralia, I am so deeply sorry!”

“For what?” I was dumb-founded.

“For everything I put you through, for all the time I hurt you,” he confessed.

“I sincerely don’t understand what is happening?”

“You have been nothing but a perfect wife for eight months of marriage and I have betrayed you repeatedly even in your presence…please forgive me?” He pleaded.

“I swear to God I’m so confused right now. You called to tell me this?”

“I fell asleep early after all the seminars during the day and I had the most scary nightmare that I had ever had!” He blurted.

“Umar, Get up, perform ablution and pray before sleeping. It was just a nightmare.” I said dismissively believing that he was only frightened by his dream.

“You don’t understand. I can’t find peace if you don’t forgive me, I have been an idiot all this time…please”

“What did you dream of?” I queried.

“I lost you to my foolishness and it was hell on earth for me!” He replied.

“But I am alive and well relax,” I said. It was painful hearing him apologize I felt all the pain at once and I just didn’t know what to do.

“You have broken my heart a thousand and one times, what makes you think a phone call at an odd hour can fix that?” I demanded.

“I am ready to be the a responsible husband, I can’t change the past months but I promise to be better,” He said.

“Please don’t play with me! You’ve done that too many times,” I said but deep down inside my heart I was convinced that he was remorseful.

“I know but I’ll be home tomorrow In Shaa Allah (God willing), I’ll prove myself to you”
So he came home and we had the longest, deepest conversation ever.

“My Goodness! I feel like I just read a book or watched a movie!” I blurted.

“My dear, I felt that way at first but he has managed to convince me,” Ralia said.

“You never reported him to his parents or to yours, I’ve always wondered why.

“A part of me was hoping we could sort it out on our own. I prayed a lot, cried a lot and I got closer to God.”

“And you won! You are so strong and he is so lucky to have you!” I said.

“I think he knows that now and you have no reason to avoid my house now!” Ralia said cheerfully.

BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK

Hello there! I am an advocate for all natural things that enhance beauty. Have you ever wanted glowing skin? here is a tip. Mash your fresh tomato and add honey to it. Mix the thick paste and use it as a face mask. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water. Honey as a natural cleanser will clear your skin. Tomato has vitamins A,C and K that will nourish your skin. Be consistent and a little patient and you will see results!

PLUS

Have a blessed day!

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: DO YOUR THING

This quote has said so much already! Have a blessed day!

ABUBAKAR SADIQ INTERVIEW: THE DREAM CONCEPT

Meet Abubakar Sadiq, a 28 year old graduate from Federal University Of Technology Minna. He is the brain behind ‘The dream concept’ photography. Abubakar is Nupe by tribe from Kwara State but he was born and brought up in the Federal capital territory, Abuja.

What attracted you to photography?
I randomly edit pictures from peoples display pictures and send to them. They get to love them and appreciate the artwork. Then from there I thought of capturing my own pictures and edit them. I improved by getting tutorials from the internet and sometimes I freestyle on my own.


Did you go to school to study photography?

Nope I didn't. I just picked it up on my own.

How long have you been a photographer?

Well I started when I graduated from uni in 2012 but since I didn't study photography, it took me a while to know the in and out of photography at least to a point. If u want something you don’t have to wait for someone to put you through just go ahead n take d risk.

What inspired the name ‘The dream concept?’

*Laughs* Ummm,‘The dream concept’ just came in like a dream.

What type of camera do you shoot with?

Canon.

You shoot beautiful outdoor Photographs, what is most challenging about outdoor photography?

Location. You hardly get nice free open space to snap you have to pay for most of them.


How do you get people to model for you?

My friends model for me. They volunteer and sometimes people get in touch with me asking if they can model for me but it’s just a voluntary stuff.

A photographer who inspires you

Almost all photographers inspire me because when you get to understand the nature of photography you get to appreciate them all. It’s not easy.

What would you have done apart from photography?
I would have ventured in to Business.


What is your advice for aspiring photographers?

Having passion and love for what you do is enough to keep you going, coupled with prayers and determination. Also, always be respectful to people anywhere you find yourself working.

Share with us 20 photographs of your work.

You can reach Abubakar on
Email: ballycool2003@Yahoo.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/thedreamconcept

INSPIRATIONAL MONDAY: Don't worry!

Hello there! I know most people are guilty of worrying. During the course of our daily lives so many problems may arise which can cause us to spend a great deal of time and energy trying to solve. Worrying weighs you down a lot and it is not known to solve any problem. It will only make you more anxious which affects your ability to reason and try to create a solution for your problems. Most times you may end up worrying about things that are not worth your time and energy. Always remember to take things easy,its only life. Your time and energy can be used for better things. Keep in mind that not all things are worth worrying about. Good Morning and have a blessed day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello readers! Happy new year! I hope you achieve all your goals and more. I pray you have a fruitful and productive year! Say goodbye to procrastination and be a better version of yourself. Chase your dreams at top speed and be the best version of yourself. Have a blessed year! xx