Andy Eze @andyeze

Today, right after our biochemistry practical class, I was hit by an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. It seemed like I hadn't taken a proper rest in what felt like ages. All I wanted was to head home, collapse into bed, and let sleep whisk me away to a much-needed slumber.

But then, amidst the fatigue and weariness, a thought struck me. I realized that my constant distractions had hindered my ability to focus on my studies. I had been giving in to the allure of social media, endless scrolling, and mindless browsing, neglecting the importance of immersing myself in the world of knowledge.

Just as this realization hit, I made a decision. I wasn't going to let today be just another day wasted in the pursuit of temporary comfort. So, I gathered the remnants of my energy and resolved to stay back in school for a little while longer.

With determination in my heart, I found a quiet corner in the library where I knew I could be undisturbed. I rearranged my bag, ensuring that all irrelevant distractions were kept at bay. It was time to take back control of my focus and channel it into something productive.

As I opened my textbook, the weight of my eyelids seemed to intensify. The exhaustion threatened to engulf me, but I pushed through, knowing that the goal of rejuvenating my study habits was more important than momentary rest.

I started reading, albeit slowly, absorbing each word as if my life depended on it. With every sentence that I comprehended, a spark of motivation ignited within me. The little portion that I covered may not have been significant in terms of quantity, but its impact on my mindset was monumental.

We go again tomorrow !

I've always been fascinated by the idea of baking. So, when I stumbled upon the recipe for chin chin, a popular West African snack, I knew I had to give it a try. The thought of creating those crispy, bite-sized delights filled me with a sense of excitement and determination.

Admittedly, it was quite a tussle getting the dough just right. I found myself vigorously beating the flour, working to mold it into the perfect texture. I added the other ingredients - a dash of nutmeg, a hint of sugar, all carefully measured to bring out that sought-after flavor.

Finally, it was time to fry. The simmering heat of the oil filled the kitchen, and I gingerly lowered the first batch of chin chin into the sizzling pot. The delightful aroma that began to waft through the air made my heart race with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see and, more importantly, taste the results of my culinary experiment.

As each piece of chin chin emerged golden and glistening from the oil, my excitement reached its peak. However, as I took the first bite of the freshly fried chin chin, to my surprise, it was softer than expected – almost doughnut-like in texture. It certainly wasn't what I had imagined, and for a moment, I worried that my effort had fallen short.

But then something magical happened. My worries vanished as the chin chin met my taste buds. The flavor was unmistakably delicious - a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected result. Yes, the texture was different, but the taste was undeniably satisfying. It was an unexpected twist that left me feeling both perplexed and delighted.

Presenting it to others became an amusing affair. They would laugh when they first felt the surprising softness of the chin chin, expecting the usual crunch. However, their laughter turned to praise the moment they took a bite. The joy on their faces and the chorus of compliments that followed were the most rewarding parts of this little baking adventure.

In the end, my first attempt at making chin chin didn't turn out quite as expected, but it surely left an impression – a tale of perfectly imperfect, delightfully delicious, and unforgettable culinary surprise

Esther's neighborhood had gained a reputation for being one of the toughest and most resistant when it came to paying electricity bills. For years, the residents had stubbornly refused to comply with the National Electricity distributing company's attempts to disconnect their power source. Despite numerous warnings, the neighborhood remained defiant, causing frustration and exasperation among the company's employees.

Determined to finally resolve the issue, the company selected a team of experienced delegates to make one final attempt to disconnect the power supply in Esther's neighborhood. Accompanied by a group of security personnel, the delegates were prepared for a potential confrontation as they arrived at the notorious neighborhood.

As soon as the delegates and security men began their operation, the residents of the neighborhood became visibly agitated. The presence of security personnel sparked fear and tension among the stubborn group, who had never allowed any previous attempts to disconnect their power to succeed.

Just as the delegates thought they were on the verge of success, chaos erupted. The neighborhood's residents released a pack of fierce and ferocious dogs, which surged forward, barking and snarling at the shocked delegates and security personnel. Startled and caught off guard, the security men and delegates found themselves running for their lives, desperately seeking safety from the relentless pursuit of the relentless dogs.

Amid the chaos, the delegate who had been in the process of disconnecting the power supply found himself stranded at the top of a ladder, surrounded by barking dogs. Forced to make a swift decision, he made a daring leap from the height of the ladder, landing safely and making a mad dash for safety.

As the commotion subsided, Esther couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight of the startled delegates and security men fleeing the neighborhood with the dogs in hot pursuit. The stubborn residents of the neighborhood had once again succeeded in foiling the company's efforts, and the delegates' unexpected escape only added to their victory.

I stepped out for a short stroll this evening, eager to stretch my legs and clear my mind. As I ambled through the streets, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast from just a week ago. The usually serene surroundings were now teeming with noise and activity. It was as if the whole city had come alive.

A week prior, the streets had been tranquil, the quiet broken only by the occasional passerby or the distant hum of a car. The festive break had prompted many students to return to their hometowns, leaving the city feeling somewhat empty. Now, however, the streets were pulsating with energy and excitement.

Every shop along the way seemed to be bursting at the seams with people. Laughter and chatter spilled out onto the sidewalks, creating a cacophony of sound that filled the air. The entire area was bathed in a warm, inviting glow from the lights that illuminated every nook and cranny. It was exhilarating to witness, like an orchestra of life in full swing.

I couldn't help but feel a rush of joy for the city. It was as if it had regained its heartbeat, with the return of the students infusing it with new vitality and vigor. The spirits were high, and the collective hum of anticipation was palpable. As I continued my walk, I found myself smiling at the infectious elation that enveloped the city. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and I reveled in the sense of life that had returned to the very heart of the place I called home.