I've set fires to my house and person three times in my life. Honest to heaven, they were all accidental. Looking at my history, I’m sure that somewhere in the world, I’d have been brought up on charges
We, Oghenerukevwe and I, had just arrived at college. We were excited about everything; the number and diversity of people, the buildings, landscaping and even the very air. We’d worked hard to get to
There are those moments in this life when time stands still. I mean, it’s not in slow motion. Just, still. Your belly does a little somersault and suddenly, you have the inordinate wish for the earth to
“Ordinarily, you should be a housemaid somewhere in Lagos. Your parents must have really worked hard to be able to send you to the university.” This was said to me by a friend’s roommate, in my second
I read this hilarious thread on Twitter, written by one Ukhanki. I was finding it a little hard to believe, until some guys in the replies affirmed that it is true. But seriously. How are you gonna treat
Yesterday, I tweeted that I tend to find myself in the most dramatic situations. Apparently, the Fates were listening. First of all, I need a car. For ages, I’ve been asking my friends and family to pull
Itam Junction was noisy and teeming with the usual morning crown going to and fro on the four roads that led to it. Men and women hurrying off to work, mingled with street hustlers and roadside hawkers,
My name is Idara, I am 30 years old and my friends and family think I’m badly in need of an intervention. Because another valentine is here and I’m still unmarried and happily so. My friends say I should
The black van slowly cruised down the windswept Itam street, its tinted windows masking the presence of the three men inside, each carefully scanning the area for any sign of the freelance skilled labourers
Once upon a time... These four words have become the timeless signal that a story is about to begin. When I was much younger, I used to get very excited whenever I opened a book and saw those words or
Let me tell you the first rule of every vacation. Always make proper toilet arrangements. Especially if you’re going to do some sightseeing. Learn from my experience. I was on a 2-week vacation to Lagos.
"A father’s love builds, validates and empowers. Most men don’t realise how important it is to play a significant role in their child’s upbringing." - Chidera Muoka. I was in Primary 1. Couldn't
I have been to twenty-five states in Nigeria, including the FCT. Travelling to new places is a hobby, one that I indulge as often as I can. Apart from a couple I went to on business, the others have been
A conversation with my nephew. Him: "Ah auntie, good evening. Thank God you're here." Me: "Why are you so happy I'm here?" Him: "Because I need help with my homework." At
What is creative writing? “Creative writing is any writing that goes outside the bounds of academic, journalistic, technical or professional forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on
In the hands of a stranger I found peace. In the midst of the chaos she cast a smile when she saw me. In the twinkle of an eye I became conscious. Then I burst into tears, wondering what I had done to
Household accidents. Cut a finger while chopping onions or grating coconut. Pour hot water on your body while trying to fill up the water flask. Normal stuff. Except when it comes to me. My own accidents
A Nigerian man recently had to go to his daughter's school to set things straight. The girl had been given an assignment. When asked who cooks for the home, her answer was, "Daddy." The teacher
"Escort me, escort me, na so slave trade start." When I was much younger and quite naïve, I loved escorting people to places. My mum caught tried, but couldn't whup the aspiring escort out of
About twelve years ago, I moved from home to a new city. I was alone, with no friends, and was so afraid of failing in the new endeavour I’d embarked on. During that time, my self-esteem hit rock bottom.