Uncategorized Stories & Experiences

After finishing secondary school, I worked as a sales girl for a while.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday because it was one of the most horrible days of my life.
Note that my boss was always in the shop except when he travels to Kano to buy goods which was usually toward the end of the month for about two days. Apart from those two days, he was in the shop 24/7. Whenever he travels like that, whatever goods I sold was paid directly to his account.

I was surprised when he called me on a monday to say he won't be in the shop because of an urgent matter and that whatever cash I accured at the end of the day should be given to his brother who also owned a shop next door.

I worked diligently that day, I made about 32k which I gave to his brother as directed, I locked up the shop at my usual closing time and went home.
On coming to the shop that fateful Tuesday, I found my boss was already there and was going through the log of what I sold the previous day.
I greeted him and set about cleaning the shop. When I finished, he called me over and the following conversation ensued:

Him:How much did you sell yesterday

Me:Thirty two thousand sir

Him:But I'm seeing a total of thirty five thousand here

Me:I don't understand

Him:I summed up all the items you sold yesterday and it is thirty five thousand, yet you submitted only thirty two, where is the remaining three?

I was shocked and thought that he might have calculated wrong. I asked him to check again and we checked together and arrived at thirty five thousand. He asked me if I borrowed anybody his money or sold anything on credit, both of which I did not do.
My boss called his brother and this grown ass men started blasting me, they insulted the living daylight out of me and called me all sorts of names, told me to bring my parents the next day so they could see that their daughter was a thief.
Throughout that day, I was not myself, I kept wondering what could have happened to the money. My boss didn't let me out of his sight, even to go and ease himself, he'd call his brother to come and stay with me in the shop.

Towards evening, a woman came, she collected daily contributions from people who signed up with her and I suddenly remembered that I gave her three thousand as my bosses contribution for the previous day. I could not believe how it escaped my mind, probably because my boss always gave her the money himself.
Mystery solved, neither my boss nor his brother apologized for all the name calling. I closed from work that day, went home and never went back.

In the garden of our hearts, love once bloomed,
Like a rose in full bloom, its beauty consumed.
But as time passed, the petals fell,
Silent whispers of a fading spell.

Promises made in the moonlit night,
Now shattered in the harsh daylight.
Words left unspoken, feelings unsaid,
A love once vibrant, now filled with dread.

Like a river once flowing, now runs dry,
Tears fall like rain from a darkened sky.
The laughter we shared, now echoes in pain,
A love once strong, now strained.

Yet in the depths of this failing love,
There lies a glimmer of hope above.
For in the embers of what once burned bright,
New beginnings emerge in the dimming light.

So let us embrace the lessons learned,
From the love that once brightly yearned.
For in the ashes of what has passed,
New love can bloom, strong and steadfast.

Smart skills
I could remember learning repairs, it was like a big war between my brain, imaginations, and my thoughts. Sometimes I can sense the right approach but then how do I put it to work is a problem.

But not until I ask my boss sir please how are you able to trace those faults, are you sure they're no magic or even rituals behind your excellency and accuracy. Because to me it's almost impossible to understand the working principle of all of this circuit.

It will interest you to know that in a TV circuit board there is about 1000 resistors 500 capacitor 300 diodes and lot more the damage of just one resistor will cause the full circuit not to function effectively. How do I encapsulate this whole stuff into my memory was a challenge.

And then he said, take one day at a time and feel yourself in what you are doing, correct your failures and celebrate your wins.

wow those words entered deep inside me and as days turns into weeks weeks into months and as months ran into years those words begins to found expression.

The story became more interesting when I understand that you don't necessarily need to know everything in the circuit but if that is your interest maybe you can consider electric engineering as a discipline in the university.

But so long you are here all you need is NAVIGATION ( The mind that tells you! If this is this then this should be that and if this is happening then that should not be happening) pardon my choose of words. 😁😁😁

It was one of those dusks when Heloise would stand on the castle wall and watch the sunset, perhaps, he got unnatural peace from basking there. There was a growing urge to explore the massive forest that lay silent but inwards, he was tired from fighting all his life, he let out a loud sigh. "Are you okay, Commander Heloise?" his aide, Ghal asked, "Y-y-yes, alright," he stuttered in response.

Over years of fighting, Heloise and Ghal, had formed a strong bond that sparked envy between soldiers — it was supposed to be a military relationship not friendship. Heloise knew how much he had been saved by his dear aide and wouldn't replace him with another person. Several times, he opposed suggestions for a replacement, insisting that Ghal is an intelligent youth who understands he acts.

"Commander Heloise, King Darius summons you" an informant shook him out of his thoughts, "This better be good, I'm done fighting until new moon" Heloise murmured getting up from the bench. Ghal followed him until they reached the throne room and Heloise gestured for him to wait outside while he speaks privately with the King.

"Long live the King!" the Commander hailed, bowing in reverence, "Rise! My esteemed commander," the King admonished.
"How's your family?" The King asked, chewing on a walnut. "Everything is working perfectly, your Majesty," Heloise replied with a grin, wondering why the King asked.
"You see, most kings don't know about the lives of their loyal servants. Heloise, you've dedicated your entire lifetime fighting for the kingdom and I ought to know your well-being, right?" he paused to stare at the Commander who responded with an approving nod.
"I summoned you to break the news of my daughter's approaching wedding in two months" the King disclosed, "W-well, good news, good news!" Heloise exclaimed.
"Go now, spread the word to King Sun and King Arnel. Instruct your servants to carry the news across the kingdom. You may depart now," the King dismissed him.
"Surely, consider it done, your Majesty," Heloise responded and exited the throne room, not sure if he was dreaming. 'No battling today?' his thoughts roamed wild.

...to be continued

When I was a little girl, there used to be a large tree in front of my father's house, I can't clearly
remember but I think it was a Baobab tree.

We used to call it the witch tree because it housed the nest of an owl. The owl usually begins hooting around seven each evening and continues throughout the night.
As a kid, it was very frightening and once it began hooting, nothing on this whole earth could make me step outside of the house.

One particular evening, a little boy of about seven years was brought to the tree, he was tied to it and a man in black clothes began beating him with a broom stick, claiming that the boy trapped the soul of his parents inside the tree. I don't know if he actually did that or not but what I do know is that the next morning, my dad and our other neighbours gathered together and brought down the tree.

Yesterday, the church recognized its finalists, marking the end of an era and the start of a new one. Smiling faces mixed with tears as many went up on stage to give heartfelt testimonies. As they related their experiences, struggles, and victories within the community, there was a strong mix of palpable emotions in the air.

Shout-outs were read to the gathering, acknowledging the contributions of each finalist and the impact they had made on the congregation. Laughter filled the air as fond memories were shared, and tears flowed freely as the reality of parting sank in. But amidst the sadness, there was a sense of joy and gratitude for the time shared together.

The finalists let loose with their dances, which proved the love and connection that united them as a single family. Hugs and promises to remain in touch were given as the evening came to an end, and prayers were said for the path ahead. Those left behind felt a fresh sense of purpose, even if their absence will be noticed.

We said goodbye to our cherished finalists with a heavy heart and a positive attitude, knowing that they would take the church's light with them wherever they went.

Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, there lived a young girl named Elara. Elara had always been fascinated by the stars, spending countless nights gazing up at the sky, dreaming of exploring the cosmos.

One day, while wandering through the woods, Elara stumbled upon a hidden clearing where an ancient telescope stood, its lenses polished to perfection despite years of neglect. Intrigued, she peered through the telescope and was amazed to see a distant galaxy shimmering in the darkness.

Determined to uncover the mysteries of the universe, Elara devoted herself to studying astronomy. She spent hours each day reading books, conducting experiments, and mapping the stars. Her passion ignited a spark within the village, inspiring others to join her quest for knowledge.

As years passed, Elara's reputation as an astronomer grew, attracting the attention of scholars and explorers from far and wide. Together, they embarked on expeditions to distant planets, discovering new worlds and unlocking the secrets of the cosmos.

But amidst their adventures, Elara never forgot her humble roots. She continued to visit the clearing where it all began, finding solace in the quiet solitude of the night sky. And as she looked up at the stars, she knew that her journey was just beginning, filled with endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

A man once became rich and his lifestyle changed.
Previously, he would give to charity, care for others and help them as much as he could. Now he had become hard-hearted and miserly.
He cared only for himself and never had time for others.
One day, he was visited by his wise old professor who had taught him in his school days about acts of kindness…..
The rich man showed off his beautiful home and boasted to the professor about his wealth.
Perceiving the change in his former student, the professor called him to the window.
Pointing to the outside, he asked, "What do you see?"
"I see poor people passing to and fro trying to earn a living," he replied.
Walking over to a large mirror the professor told his rich student to look in.
"Now what do you see?"
"Myself, of course."
"I don't understand," said the Professor. "both the window and the mirror are made of glass.
Yet when you look through the window, you see the other people outside, including the poor, but when you look at the mirror, you see only yourself!"
"The reason is simple!" said the rich man. "The mirror has a silver coating which prevents you from seeing through. However, the window has no silver coating, so you can see through"
“Interesting,” the Professor said, “both the window and the mirror have glass. But the glass of the mirror is covered with a little bit of silver. And no sooner is the silver added than you cease to see others, and you see only yourself.”
Maybe you'd be better off without the silver!"

Sometimes our troubles begin when a bit of silver was added into our lives, and we start looking at and stop looking through.

Many years ago in the land of oré, there was born a boy with six fingers and six toes.

As at that time it was considered an abomination in the land for a child to be born with six fingers and six toes. For any child born of that trait is been casted away into the forest far from the village.

When Inyi was born, his parents had no choice but to cast him away, they took him to the forest and kept him beside an iroko tree and left him there to his fate.

Inyi lay beside the iroko tree in Oji. For two days he cried and cried but no one came to rescue him.

The second day in the evening, A hunter was passing through the Iroko tree in Oji and found the little baby who was abandoned by his parents. The hunter took pity on him and carried him to his house.

The hunter took Care of the boy Inyi as a son and Inyi lacked nothing. The hunter later became the ruler of Oji Kingdom.

Among the sons of the hunter, Inyi grew more stronger and smarter than the biological sons of Oji.

Inyi did the farm works, fed the animals and many other things.

When the hunter grew old, the Eze Mmuo(Chief Priest) asked the hunter to bring forth all his sons as the gods wants to selected a new king after him from them.

Then as the tradition of the land the king brought forth all his children except for Inyi the child he picked beside the big iroko tree.

The Eze mmuo told the children to put their hands in the pot in front of them filled with soldier ants. The soldier ants were visible and coming out of the pots.

The King's children were too scared and non could put their Hands in the soldier hands pot. The Eze Mmuo(Chief Priest) was surprised, he knew that the gods can never lie. So again he asked the king, Are this all your sons? The king said yes. These are all my sons. The Eze Mmuo pointed at the young boy who was rearing goats at the back of the kings house.

What about this boy? The Eze Mmuo asked. His name is Inyi, He is not my son, he is just a boy I picked from the iroko tree down the outcast of the village. The king said, But the Eze Mmuo demanded that the king brings the boy forth and he asked the boy to put his hands in the pot filled with soldier ants, and without fear the Inyi put his hands inside the pot.

Immediately he was named heir to the kingdom.

Many years later when Inyi became king and named his kingdom after his name Inyi there was a great famine from the land of his birth which he was banish from. The people of the land had to come to Inyi land to seek for food because the land of Inyi became the land with the biggest market among the neighboring villages.

The fate of the people from his birth land was now laid on his hands.

Morals: The rejected stone becomes the chief corner stone.

when we think we are doing evil to someone, God is rather using the Evil we did as the good to that person.

The ways of God is not the ways of man.

I, Mayor Ikima, came to a Junior High School here in Makurdi with a heart full of shea butter – hope. As a man raised by the Benue, science and technology were like the mighty rivers that flowed through our land – powerful and ever-changing. I wanted to share that wonder with these young minds, but respect, especially from these city children, wasn't guaranteed.

The first day, I walked in with my worn copy of "Elementary Physics" under my arm. The classroom buzzed like a startled beehive. I started with a folktale, a story passed down from my grandfather about the trickster Tortoise who used fire (chemistry!) to outwit the mighty Elephant. Their eyes widened. Science wasn't just textbooks, it was woven into the fabric of our lives!

Next, I brought in yams from my own farm. We talked about how to store them using the right technology (ventilation!), preventing rot, just like how our ancestors used knowledge to survive. The students, many from farming families, saw the real-world connection. Their questions flowed like the rain after the harmattan – "Why do yams sprout?", "Can we grow them faster?".

For technology class, I used old radios from the marketplace. We took them apart, piece by piece, like deconstructing a folktale. The students, used to sleek phones, were fascinated. We built simple circuits, using copper wire from discarded coils as our bridge to the modern world. They learned the magic behind the very tools they used every day.

Slowly, the respect bloomed. Even the toughest boys, known for causing trouble, were tinkering with wires, their faces alight with discovery. The teachers, initially skeptical of my unorthodox methods, saw the spark I ignited. They started incorporating local examples into their lessons – the mathematics behind our marketplace bargaining, the history of iron smelting techniques used by our ancestors.

One day, during the annual cultural festival, my students presented a project. They built a solar phone charger using recycled materials! The whole school was buzzing. The old principal, a man with a beard as white as guinea corn, approached me. "Uncle Mayor," he said, his voice thick with pride, "you've shown them that science and technology aren't foreign things. They're part of our story, our Tiv story."

Now, when I walk the halls, I'm not just a teacher. I'm Mayor, the man who brought science and technology alive, who showed them the connection between the wisdom of our ancestors and the future they could build. The respect and, I dare say, love, is a gift more precious than any harvest. It's the sound of the Benue flowing strong, carrying the knowledge of generations forward.

Two friends who lived together in our compound got a Job in a firm.

So when one of them Sandra was going through the her email and discovered she got the job. She also decided to check her friends email, since her friend was in the bathroom and she saw that her friend also got the job and they were to resume work they following day.

But the problem began when she saw that the salary that they company stated to pay her friend and roommate was higher than hers with N50k gap.

She became jealous and angry, its not like her roommate was schooled more than her, they were of same level, why would her salary be higher than her. Out of jealously she deleted the Congratulatory Job message the company sent to her friends email and also from the trashbox. So she became the only one with a job.

When her friend finished bathing, Sandra pretended as if she was going through her email again. Just then she screamed as her roommate precious was rubbing Body lotion. Babes I got the job and the pay is N100k She screamed with excited. Is It from our last job interview? Precious asked. Yes na. Sandra replied.

Help me check too na. Precious told her friend. Sandra checked. Babes its like you didn't get the job. So sorry. Sandra said. Precious was heart broken, but of course she had to congratulate her friend.

Should i follow you to the firm tomorrow for moral support? Precious asked. No. I don't want to stress you.

The following day Sandra went to start her new job, on reaching there she discovered that the firm was an organization full of hardened kidnappers who pretend to give work to less privilege but end up kidnapping them after they release their victims they Change their location. She was kidnap and had to call her family to pay the kidnappers to release her.

She confessed to her friend Precious what she had done after her release.

What she didn't know was that when she thought she was doing evil to her friend, she was actually saving her friend from a greater evil.

Morals: Karma is real.
Not that glitters are gold.
Beware of Friendnemy.

Once upon a time, there was a village where a large pot sat in the center of the town square. No one knew where it had come from or what was inside it, but it was a curiosity to all who passed by.
One day, a young boy named Daniel was walking through the town square when he noticed the pot. He was curious about what was inside, so he decided to peek inside. As he lifted the lid, a strange, green mist emerged from the pot and enveloped him.
The next thing Daniel knew, he was transported to a strange and fantastical world. There were talking animals, enchanted forests, and magical creatures of all kinds. Daniel was completely captivated by this new world and the adventures that awaited him.
As he explored, he soon realized that he was not alone. There were other people who had been transported to this world by the mysterious pot. Together, they set out to uncover the secrets of the pot and how to return to their own world.
Their journey took them through many dangers and trials, but they persevered. In the end, they discovered that the pot was a gateway to other worlds, and that it had been created by an ancient sorcerer for the purpose of exploration and discovery. With this knowledge, they were able to use the pot to return home.
However, the adventure had changed them. Daniel and his companions had grown in strength and wisdom, and they returned to their village with a newfound appreciation for their home and the world around them. From that day forward, the mystery pot was seen as a symbol of adventure and possibility, and the village prospered under its influence.
The end

"A Costly Step"
Jane took a deep breath as she stood in front of the door. She was about to make the biggest decision of her life. Should she take the leap and do it, or should she turn and run?
It had all started three months ago. She had been at a friend's house when she had first seen him. He was tall, dark, and handsome - everything she had ever dreamed of in a man. They had locked eyes across the crowded room, and she knew that he was the one.
But there was a problem. He was her best friend's brother. She had known her friend since childhood, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing her friendship over this. But the attraction was too strong, and she couldn't deny her feelings any longer.
She knocked on the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She heard footsteps, and then the door opened to reveal him. He looked at her with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
She took a deep breath and said, "I came to tell you that I'm in love with you."
There was a moment of silence, and then he said, "I'm sorry, but I can't return your feelings. You're my sister's best friend, and it would be wrong to betray her trust. I'm flattered, but I'm not interested."
The words hit Jane like a punch in the gut. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she fought them back. She couldn't let him see her cry.
"I understand," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Thank you for being honest with me."
With that, she turned and walked away, her heart breaking as she went. She knew that she had made a mistake, but it was too late to take it back now. The damage was done, and she would have to live with the consequences.
As the days turned into weeks, Jane tried to move on with her life. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get him out of her head. She thought about him all the time, and she couldn't seem to forget the way he had looked at her that day.
It was a few months later when she got the news that changed everything. She had just been settling down to watch her favorite TV show when her phone rang. It was her friend, and when she picked up the phone, she could hear the tears in her friend's voice.
"What's wrong?" she asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach.
"It's my brother," her friend said, her voice breaking. "He's been in an accident. He's in the hospital, and he's not doing well."
Jane felt like the world had stopped spinning. "What happened?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"He was driving home from work when a drunk driver hit him," her friend said. "I don't know if he's going to make it."
Jane's heart ached for her friend, and for her friend's brother. She had never wished harm on anyone, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness towards the drunk driver who had caused so much pain.
The next few days were a blur. She went to the hospital to visit her friend's brother, and he was in bad shape. He was unconscious, and the doctors didn't know if he would ever wake up. Jane sat by his bedside, holding his hand and talking to him, even though she knew he couldn't hear her. She just hoped that somehow, her words would reach him and give him the strength to fight.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he began to show signs of improvement. He started to open his eyes and respond to commands. It was a slow process, but he was making progress.
As Jane watched him get stronger, she felt a mix of relief and guilt. She was grateful that he was on the road to recovery, but she couldn't help but feel responsible for what had happened to him. If she hadn't pursued him, he wouldn't have been driving home that night. She had put him in danger, and it was all her fault.
She struggled with these feelings for weeks, but eventually she realized that she couldn't blame herself. The drunk driver was the one who had caused the accident, and it wasn't her fault. She couldn't control what other people did, but she could control how she responded to it. She decided to focus on the positive - her friend's brother was getting better, and she was grateful for that.
Over time, he made a full recovery, and Jane was there every step of the way. She was so relieved that he was okay, and she knew that she had been lucky. The experience had taught her a valuable lesson - life was fragile, and it was important to appreciate every moment. She would never take anything for granted again.
As time went on, Jane's friendship with her friend's brother grew stronger. They had been through a lot together, and they had a special bond. They talked about everything - their hopes and dreams, their fears and insecurities. They were like family, and she was grateful for that.
And as for her feelings for him, they had changed. She still cared about him deeply, but she no longer felt the same way she had before. She was happy to have him in her life as a friend, and that was enough.
The experience had changed her in other ways, too. Before, she had been so focused on her career and her future. Now, she realized that the most important thing in life was the relationships she had with the people she cared about. She made an effort to spend more time with her friends and family, and to make sure they knew how much she loved them. She also made a point of living in the moment, instead of worrying about what might happen in the future.
She had come a long way since that fateful night, and she knew she was a different person now. But she was thankful for that, because it had made her appreciate the things that truly mattered.
Jane had come to the realization that life was a precious gift, and that every moment should be savored. The experience had changed her perspective on life, and she was grateful for that. She was excited for the future, and she knew that whatever happened, she would face it with a new appreciation for the things that truly mattered. And as for her friend's brother, he would always have a special place in her heart..
THE END.

Woke up too early for a Monday adventure, it wasn't even 7am yet, the previous night was brain wracking. A couple of hours were invested into battling with the anatomy of nerves. Midnight struck right when I couldn't bear the weight on my head anymore, a reminder that the weekend is over? Or a wake-up call to the tasks that have laid siege throughout the week.

At 8am, I sprung to my feet, whispered words of prayers and left bed to avoid dozing off again. Grabbed my toothbrush, "Another day, same old routine." It was amazing to reflect on my productivity in recent weeks, staying committed to improving everyday academically was challenging but my perseverance won't let it flop.

An impromptu information arrived, a class scheduled for midday had been revised for an earlier time; about three hours back, I wasn't well disposed for this. I weighed my priorities, investing that time to push forward with a topic I've been trying to understand will prove advantageous.
With the resolution, I proceeded to prepare breakfast and set up the day before time closes down on me. A while later, we completed yet another cooking conquest, a win for the tummy and an headstart for the day.

Alas! Everything was set, I smelt the fresh air and affirmed, "Today is a delightful day!" I don't know how far I can go today, but I'm determined to pull out all the stops to have a productive day. What's left will be tackled another day, let's seize the present while it lingers.

Once upon a time, there was a large, old house that sat alone on a hill in a small village. The villagers all knew that the house was haunted, but they never dared to go near it. They said that the house was cursed, and that anyone who went inside would never come out alive.
One day, a young boy named Samuel was playing in the woods near the house. He had heard the stories about the house, but he didn't believe them. He thought it would be fun to explore the house, and see if it was really as scary as the villagers said. So, he walked up to the front, as Samuel approached the house, the wind began to howl and the trees swayed in the wind. A cold chill ran down his spine. He hesitated, wondering if he should turn back. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he took a step forward.
He reached the front door and, with trembling hands, he turned the doorknob. The door creaked open slowly, revealing a dark and shadowy interior. Samuel's heart was pounding in his chest, but he took a deep breath and stepped inside.
As soon as he crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut behind him. Samuel turned around, but there was no door handle on the inside. Samuel was trapped inside the house. He tried to keep his fear in check, but as he looked around, he saw shadows moving in the corners of his vision. The temperature in the house was dropping, and he could see his breath in the air.
He heard footsteps creaking on the floorboards above him. As he looked up, he saw a dark, hooded figure at the top of the stairs. Samuel's heart was pounding so hard he could barely breathe. The figure began to descend the stairs, slowly and deliberately. As it got closer, Samuel could see its eyes glowing. The figure reached the bottom of the stairs and stood before Samuel. He could feel its cold breath on his face. He wanted to run, but his feet were frozen to the ground. Then, the figure raised a hand, pointing a bony finger at him.
"You shouldn't have come here," it said in a deep, raspy voice. "Now, you must stay here with me... forever."
Samuel tried to scream, but no sound came out. The figure reached out, and its hand passed through Samuel's chest. He could feel his life force draining from him. The last thing he saw was a bright light, and then, he found himself standing in a field, bathed in sunshine. He was back in the village, where he had been playing before he entered the house. The sky was a clear, deep blue, and the air was warm and gentle. He turned around and saw the house on the hill, but it looked different. It was no longer dark and foreboding. It was a beautiful, light-filled home, with flowers blooming in the garden.
Samuel realized that he had escaped the curse of the house. He had been given a second chance at life, and he vowed to make the most of it. From that day on, he was kinder and more helpful to others. He was always looking for ways to make the world a better place. And he never forgot the lesson he had learned from the haunted house: that darkness can only be defeated by light.
So, even though the house on the hill still stood, it was no longer a place of fear and dread. It was a symbol of hope, reminding the villagers that even the darkest places can be transformed by love and kindness....
THE END....

A man established a zoo and made the entrance fee of 300$ but no one went there. He reduced it to 200$ but still, no one came.
He then reduced the fee to 10$ but still, people didn’t come.
Finally, he made it to the FREE entrance and soon, the zoo was filled with people. Then he quietly locked the gate of the zoo, set the lions free, and made the exit fee of 500$ and everyone paid!

Moral Of The Story: As you go about in life, beware of cheap or free offers, they can be terrible.

No business is free

@emmilex

The midday Makurdi sun beat down mercilessly as I cycled towards the IBB Way. My usual route took me past the bustling new market, the air thick with the aroma of spices and sizzling meat. Today, however, a detour was necessary. The sound of distant shouts and whistles drew me away from the familiar chaos of the market, towards the APC secretariat.

Curiosity, a weakness I readily admit, tugged at me. I steered my bike closer, the shouts growing louder. I neared the secretariat, the red and blue party flags a beacon amidst the dusty streets. Suddenly, the air crackled. Shouts pierced the market din, sharp and panicked. One passenger in a bus yelped, "Trouble! Turn around!"

Too late. A wave of bodies surged forth - young men mostly, faces grim, a few wielding sticks and stones. Ahead, a line of police, their shields glinting, braced themselves. My heart hammered against my ribs. Nowhere to go. I was caught in the crossfire.

A rock whizzed by, shattering a car window. I whimpered, cowering on my bike. Chaos reigned. Police whistles blared, a tear gas canister arced, releasing choking fumes. The crowd roared back, defiant.

The governor's ban on political gatherings in the state had done nothing but pour fuel on the fire. They said it curbed violence, but to those whose voices were already stifled, it felt like a fist slamming shut.

Blindly, I gunned the bike engine, swerving around a fallen barricade. The acrid tang of tear gas stung my eyes, tears streaming down my face. I clung to my faith, my voice almost a terrified squeak.

Somehow, I broke through the turmoil, bursts of adrenaline propelling me past the worst of the melee. Reaching a side street, I finally pulled over, gasping for air.

"They just want their say," a passenger in a close by bus croaked, his face pale. "Just a chance." I nodded silently, the lump in my throat mirroring his fear and frustration.

I sat there, the rumble of distant clashes fading. The governor meant well, maybe. But the road to the party supporters voice in Benue was paved with stones, and passions blazed hotter than any ban could extinguish.

My bike and I, we were just humble witnesses caught in the storm, survivors of a day when democracy's voice turned hoarse with shouting.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
If I did choose another it still be you
Pray the cloud shines up when you are feeling blue
With this token I present my love (agape) to you

To the extraordinary you

The staffroom buzzed with the end-of-day lull as I slumped into my chair. "Guess what?" I said to Sarah, my confidante and fellow teacher.

She glanced up, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Headteacher sprung a new surprise?"

I nodded, deflating further. "They want me to mentor the new teachers. Apparently, I'm 'passionate,' 'intelligent,' and the whole 'dedicated teacher' spiel." My voice tinged with sarcasm.

"That's great news, Em! Recognition at last."

"Except," I interjected, "the pay isn't changing. It's already a constant struggle, and now they're adding more work?"

Sarah's smile softened. "I hear you. But don't they value what you bring to the table?"

"They say they do," I sighed, "but appreciation doesn't pay the bills." My gaze met hers. "I need to talk to the headteacher about a raise. This extra responsibility deserves recognition, wouldn't you agree?"

Sarah squeezed my shoulder. "Absolutely. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your skills and effort. Let me know how it goes, alright?"

"Thanks, Sarah. Having you in my corner means the world."

I stared at my cooling coffee, a newfound resolve settling within me. It was time to stand up for myself, for what I was worth. Perhaps mentoring could be the key to unlocking the value the school truly placed on their "passionate, intelligent, and determined teacher."

Dogs Are Best Friend of Human
Dogs are friendly and they love human. Your dog waits for you by the door, face smiling, mouth open and tail wagging, ready to dote on you, his best friend in the world. When you're happy and excited, your dog will leap about you and share in your joy. Dogs are playful. They love physical activity such as going for walks, fetching sticks, leaping into ponds, and racing wildly to and fro.
Dogs can be trained so that they can easily cohabitate with us in our human-built dwellings. They can also be trusted to act appropriately around other people and in public. Dogs can learn to save nature's call for outdoor walks, to walk on a leash when on public roads where cars lurk, and to sit and to stay whenever and wherever necessary.
The family dog is as much a part of daily life within a home as is any human household member. They can readily go places with us in cars, everywhere from a romp in the local park to a family vacation. Because they can travel with us, they can be a part of our lives in a way that most other companion animals can't. As dogs can participate in many of our most unusual experiences and outdoor adventures, they become forever associated with many of our most treasured memories. Does the family have a large fenced yard where a big dog can romp in safety, or a cramped apartment suitable for small dogs only? Can the family pet care budget support a large dog with a large appetite?
A safe environment is, of course, a must. Indoors, be sure that cleaning products, medications, houseplants and other potential poisons are kept safely out of reach. Our dogs are always there for us, day and night, sharing in every activity from breakfast time through a cozy evening spent watching TV. Above all else, dogs deserve gentle handling and an abundance of our time and attention. Love can make a dog's world go round as much as love makes our world go round.
https://bakarsir.blogspot.com/2024/02/motorola-moto-g-stylus.html

QUIET TIME

there once was a farmer who discovered that he had lost his watch in the barn. It was no ordinary watch because it had sentimental value for him.

After searching high and low among the hay for a long while; he gave up and enlisted the help of a group of children playing outside the barn. He promised them that the person who found it would be rewarded.

Hearing this, the children hurried inside the barn, went through and around the entire stack of hay but still could not find the watch.

Just when the farmer was about to give up looking for his watch, a little boy went up to him and asked to be given another chance.

The farmer looked at him and thought: “why not? After all, this kid looks sincere enough.” So the farmer sent the little boy back in the barn.

After a while the little boy came out with the watch in his hand! The farmer was both happy and surprised and so he asked the boy how he succeeded where the rest had failed.

The boy replied, “I did nothing but sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, i heard the ticking of the watch and just looked for it in that direction.”

A peaceful mind can think better than a worked up mind. Allow a few minutes of silence to your mind every day, and see, how sharply it helps you to set your life the way you expect it to be…!