SUCCESS STORIES AFRICA: BUY THE FUTURE

23:00

Hi guys, happy Saturday o, hope y'all are doing great. Like I said in this post, I'd be attending some great events this month and I don't want you to be left out. You know there are some events and programs that should never be missed because it might just be a word or phrase from one of the speakers that would turn right our life around positively. The Success Stories Africa annual conference is one of such events you just must attend.

Chude Jideonwo, Ayeni Adekunle, Monalisa Chinda, Detoun Ogwo, Omojuwa, others to share their stories at Success Stories Africa

CHUDE JIDEONWO

AYENI ADEKUNLE

On September 12 2015, young Nigerians will be empowered to buy the future and change history at the 5^th edition of the Success Stories Africa.

Widely recognized as the most impacting gathering of young people in developing communities, Success Stories Africa is aimed at increasing the number of empowered youths above the weaklings.

“Contrary to widespread believe, greatness is actually replicable and just anyone can make a difference if they care to know and do what it takes,” said Isaac Oladipupo, Founder, Success Stories Africa. “We are converging young people in neglected areas to be empowered with previously unknown stories of seasoned achievers who will reveal breakthrough ideas, habits and principles that have shaped their lives alongside acquisition of skills. This is not a motivational conference; it’s a destiny-shaping gathering.”

MONALISA CHINDA

JAPHETH OMOJUWA

DETOUN OGWO

Speakers and Panelists who will reveal their stories at this

revolutionary gathering include

Chude Jideonwo [CEO, Red Media Africa],

Ayeni Adekunle [CEO, BHM Group],

Detoun Ogwo [CEO, SkillsDevt],

Monalisa Chinda [Award-winning Actress],

Japheth Omojuwa [Founder, Omojuwa.com],

 Segun Odubela [Ogun State Commissioner for Education],

Yemi Akamo [Curator, TEDxGbagada],

GaiseBaba [Afro-fusion artist] and

Sisi Yemmie [Vlogger] among others.

This defining event will also feature free training sessions in different crafts to be facilitated by

James Abinibi [CEO, Abinibi Multimedia],

African Farmer Mogaji [Agricultural consultant/Ashoka Fellow],

Fola Folayan [Broadcaster, Nigeria Info FM],

Rhoda Agbeyo [CEO, Rhoda Michaels Fashion Academy] and Vanessa Odofin [CEO, Vanadale Makeovers].

Date: Saturday, September 12^th, 2015

Time: 9AM

Venue: Foursquare Auditorium, 7/9 Akintoye Street, Crossing Alagbado, Lagos.

Admission to the Success Stories Africa 2015 is absolutely free; simply visit www.successstoriesafrica.com to register. For enquiries, please contact 08027855262, 08039612164, 07059612290.

If you are in Lagos on the the 12th of September, you should be at this event. Let me know if you would be around so we can meet and grab a drink together.

Personal

1ST POST IN SEPTEMBER + LIFE UPDATE

13:39

Wow, today is the 4th day in the 9th month of the year. It has been a long journey from January till date. Mine has been filled with laughter, pain, great friendship, rejection, disappointments, ups and downs. This year has by far been the most challenging year in my entire life but it has also been my best year ever. The challenges and disappointments had taught me how to make sweet lemonades from life's bitter lemons and that is what makes life beautiful.

My September started rough, like really rough. I had to take some very critical and seemingly 'crazy' decisions, I had to cut off temporarily from some set of people who refused to believe in me, my plans and my dreams. Those decisions drained me emotionally and even physically (cause my whole body was shaking literally) but the one thing that kept me going was the word I got from God personally on the 1st of September. God told me this month would be a month I'd remember for good and forever and that gave me strength when I was weak. This month, I'd be meeting and networking with new and great people, I'd be working with the planning committee for several events like this one I talked about some weeks back and I can't wait to meet some super awesome people cause I know my life would take a positive shift towards the right direction after meeting them. Yeah lest I forgot, I am working full time on my business now so stay tuned for some great info I'd be sharing about that. So folks, how have your year been, how is September going, are you at the verge of giving up on that dream, does it seem like nothing is working right? Please don't give up on yourself even if the whole world does. Trust me there would be times when the people that should naturally support and believe in you, your friends, loved ones and even family call you useless and your plans stupid (I've been there and done that). It's going to be a very tough decision to make at such points but please let go of all the hurt and keep pushing, Keep taking those tiny steps towards your future. Very soon you would look back with a smile, grateful that you didn't give up on yourself.
Have a superb September, make it one you would always remember.

P.S. I gave my life to Christ in the month of September some years ago and I have never regretted that decision. You should do the same if you haven't done that yet.

Hair

NATURAL HAIR UPDATE: WASH DAY

08:12

Happy child, stay happy always

Hi guys, hope y'all are having a great weekend. For natural haired ladies, wash days are usually on weekends. Yesterday was mine and so I'd be sharing with you how it went and how a typical wash day should be generally. I was on a protective style(P.S) for 2 weeks and 5 days, I made the well known African threading and yeah I made it myself (I'm a DIY lover for those who don't know)

Protective style: African threading

When I took off the P.S, my hair was quite soft and moisturised cause when it was on, I moisturised my hair when ever it felt dry. Protective styles are great but if you don't care and moisturise your hair when it's on, your hair would dry out and that can lead to hair breakage and loss.

Straight Outta Protective style.

It's been 10 months since I had my big chop and my hair has been growing well. I'd do a length check soon.

Steps to a successful wash day
1. Prepoo: This is done to protect the hair strands during the shampooing process. I mixed coconut oil, castor oil and vegetable oil, then I divided my hair into four sections, sprinkled water on in and applied the oil from my roots to the tips till my hair was saturated with the oil. I weaved each section, wrapped my hair into a shower cap and allowed it to stay in for an hour.

2. Shampooing and detangling: I rinsed out the oil from my hair and washed it in sections concentrating on my scalp. Then I used my wide tooth comb to detangle each section from tip to root.
3. Deep condition: This step is done to restore lost nutrients, oils, shine and strength to the hair. I applied the deep conditioner concentrating on my tips because they are the oldest part of the hair and they are more prone to breakage. After applying the deep conditioner, I braided my hair in sections again, I wore a shower cap and wrapped my hair with a towel(to help generate some form of heat). This should be left in for an hour at most before rinsing out but I left mine for more than an hour cause I was quite busy.
After rinsing, I allowed my hair to dry a bit, then I applied my hair oil and sealed with my shea butter mix. Viola!!! It took a while but twas worth it cause at the end my hair was clean, shiny, moistured and ready for another protective style.
How was your wash day? Share with us in the comment box below.
Have an amazing week ahead, remember to always stay happy and take charge of what ever life throws at you, quit fear, have faith and put all your trust in God. You'd be just fine.

Lifestyle

'THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN'

10:58

The past few days has been quite challenging and trying for me. I was sick so I couldn't go anywhere. I spent most hours on my bed reflecting, thinking and making some critical decisions for my life. I wrote my plans in my journal and reading them made my body shake and quake at the same time. Thinking about my plans and dreams made me weak, I had never felt that way before. At a point when I couldn't hold it in anymore I cried out to God for help because I knew I couldn't do anything by my power. I was filled with fear of the unknown, fear of taking the first step, fear of the outcome and result I'd get, I was scared of my future.

As usual I plugged my earpiece into my ears and this song started playing. I finally found strength to take that step I long feared.

"Walk On The Water"

You look around and staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there
Will you hear my prayer
When you take that first step into the unknown
You know that He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water, too

So get out and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don't wait
And don't you turn around, and miss out on
Everything you were made for
Gotta be, I know you're not sure,
So you play it safe, you try to run away
If you take that first step into the unknown
He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water, too

Step out, even when it's storming
Step out, even when you're broken
Step out, even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
Step out, when your hope is stolen
Step out, you can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting, what are you waiting for?

So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities
They try to hold to you
But you know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes
And you can walk on the water, walk on the water, too

This is for folks out there who are scared of taking that step of faith into your desired future and destiny. "The fear of what if that keeps you still is the fear that kills - Unknown".

Lifestyle

JUST DREAM IT!!

03:06

Josh the eleventh and favorite child of his father was a die-hard dreamer. His friends and siblings called him a ‘wierdo’ cause his dreams were always unrealistic and vague to them but made so much sense to him. His dreams were deep, beyond human’s natural understanding, no one could interprete his dreams but him. His dreams made his brothers hate him, they just couldn’t understand how their younger brother would rule over them. Josh believed so much in his dreams and was not moved by the hatred and jealousy from his family. In fact, the more they hated him, the more he dreamt. Before long his wicked brothers sold him out to slave traders who took him to a far away land and sold Josh to an officer of the king to be his servant. Poor Josh could have spent all night crying and asking God ‘why me?’ and the day sulking and complaining but instead he choose to be diligent in his little corner. He was not disconnected from his source, God and before long he was spotted from the other servants by his master and promoted from a servant to an overseer. This was a perfect time to become proud and have the feeling of accomplishment but not Josh, he was grateful for the height he had gotten to but he was not satisfied because he knew where he was headed, he knew his destination.

His master's wife became attracted to him and wanted him to have sex with her but because he feared God and his master he refused. Much pestering and pressure from his master's wife made him to run away from the house. To cover up, his master's wife lied against him to his master and Josh was sent to prison. “Damn, what is wrong with me? Why now when I’m close to fulfilling my dreams? I’m close to the top of the ladder today and I’m at the end of it tomorrow, would I ever live out this dreams of mine?” I’m not quite sure but perhaps all this was going on in the mind of young Josh. In the prison he again choose to put on a joyful demeanor and attitude, before long he was promoted again. Josh took it upon himself to make sure the prisoners were fine.

He didn’t stop dreaming, instead he started interpreting the dreams of others. His gift of dream interpretation led him to the palace, he interpreted the dreams of the king and that led to his final promotion from a PRISONER to a PRIME MINISTER.

Lessons to learn from JOSH.
1. There is no limit to the dreams your mind can conceive. You are your own limitation.
2. Along with dreams are obstacles. Your dreams must be ten times bigger than the obstacles if you are really going to fulfil your dreams.
3. If your dreams does not send cold shivers down your spine, if your dreams does not leave others amazed or confused then your dreams are so small. Dream big, broad and deep.
4. You don’t have to tell everyone your dreams because no matter how long you try to explain it some people wont just understand. Their minds are too small to conceive your dreams, do not relate with such people. Like Josh brothers, they would plot to terminate your dreams. Tell your dreams to someone that would spur you into acting out those dreams.
5. Everyone has got talents and gifts. The Bible says “ a man’s talent makes way for him”. Don’t relegate your talent to the background no matter what it is. God gave that talent to you so that your journey to the top would be less stressful and so much easier. Show the world that talent you’ve got.
6. Possess the right attitude in your ‘becoming’ stage. You have your dreams, they are so clear in your mind, you can almost touch it. You are not where you should be yet, you are a work in process. To come out refined you need the right attitude, you need to be patient, you need to stay positive, you need to constantly remain connected to your source which should be God and nothing else.

7. If you can dream it, if your small mind can conceive it then you can do it. Don’t be scared of dreaming, JUST DREAM IT.

Guest post

ETIQUETTES BEFITTING VIRTUOUS LADIES

03:21

Hi guys, it's been a while. Hope y'all have been great. I've been sick for about a week, hence my absence here. I was chatting with a friend some weeks ago and he asked if he could share some traits virtuous ladies should possess according to his view or perspective and I said 'sure'. So, enjoy.

Some people define etiquette as visual poise. The Godly Woman’s Guide, a Christian magazine defines visual poise as ‘how we carry ourselves. It is social grace, or as some may prefer to call it, class or etiquette. It is also our facial expression, voice, posture, and stance’. The first part of Proverbs 31 verse 26 says ‘She openeth her mouth with wisdom….’ which is talking of a virtuous woman or a ‘blessed’ woman as she is described in verse 28. A virtuous woman is also priceless as emphasized in verse 10. We, therefore realise that two major questions that pop into anyone’s mind on seeing the headline above have been answered i.e.what are etiquettes and who is a virtuous lady?

In talking about etiquettes, it is important to note that it varies at different social settings and environments. What goes in Nigeria may not be same in Ghana. What is predominant amongst females of the Yoruba land may not apply to females of Igbo origin. I could go on and on but the bottom line here is that your visual poise should not go against your belief as a Christian. Your carriage, demeanour, and mannerisms should therefore, make all and sundry easily attracted to you. When you get strange looks coupled with complaints from others about your etiquettes, then you need to watch it and take necessary corrective measures because your life is an ‘open book’ for others to read.

YOUR CARRIAGE

In my few years of relating with females, I realized that those with low self-esteem i.e. those that seemed to not realize their value, had bad etiquettes. How do I mean? Imagine a lady who doesn’t seem to hold her own in a gathering because she lacks self-confidence. You’ll notice she will tend to possibly walk awkwardly or sit inappropriately which is an indication that her lack of self-esteem has affected her carriage which is an integral part of social etiquettes. Ladies, carry yourself with pride (godly pride though). This can discourage unnecessary attention from unserious men trying to derail you in your endeavours.

YOUR DEMEANOUR

Who dare says how you look doesn’t matter? Your facial expression and articles of decoration seen on you at any given time can hint one on the kind of etiquettes you will exhibit. Someone dressed shabbily whose eyes seem to wander up and down on the road for instance, can be assumed to be a villager who is expected to act against social norms as expected in a city. Sulking, pouting, ‘boning’ and exaggerated show of distaste for something especially in public should be avoided. Look cheerful, relaxed and calm always as much as possible. Never point or stare, especially at people with disabilities or those who are “different’’.

YOUR MANNERISMS

This is the part I have been looking forward to. Why do ladies say the wrong things at the wrong time and still claim to be adhering strictly to most etiquettes? Someone says “oh, you look so pretty.” And the lady responds with “hmmm” or something like “you are not serious.” The ideal response to any compliment is “thank you.” Be helpful. Open doors (regardless of gender).To the men: always open doors for women. Do not ask too many intimate or invasive questions the first few times that you meet an individual. To strangers/new ones: Do not comment on personal appearances or clothes in a negative way; if you cannot say something complimentary, do not say anything at all. When the phone rings speak distinctly and politely, e.g. “Hello, this is Mary speaking.” I read somewhere that you should let the number you are calling ring six to eight times before hanging up, as the person may be busy and not able to answer straight away. Never hang up abruptly. The same article also said “always allow the person you called to hang up first. Don't be a “phone hog” as other people may want to use the phone, or someone may be trying to reach you.” Mobile phones should either be switched off or set on “vibrate” or “silent” during meals, in church etc.

This article is nowhere exhaustive of the issue at hand. Nevertheless, it is important to note that etiquettes or visual poise form a major crux of the personality of a person and therefore taking due cognisance of this fact when you meet people everyday as you live the Christian life can not be overestimated.

EMMANUEL AKINSOLA

Have an awesome week ahead.