OLUWAJIMI . J . THORPE

                In a state of oblivion, I search for a missing piece in me. In a state of oblivion, She was my only companion. In a state of oblivion, She wisperd words that lifted my fading heart. She gives strength to my fading heart when I hear her voice, Yet it goes dime like a candle in the wind. She makes my fading heart to reminisce on how she lifted my fading heart in a state of oblivion. She gives pleasant sounds that gives hope to the hopeless in a state of oblivion. In a state of oblivion, I searched for my resurrection. In a state of oblivion, watching and praying. In a state of oblivion, Her sounds gives me hope that lightened my faded heart. In her "The musical organ" I find Hope. ©ojthorpe THANK YOU FOR READING MY PUBLICATION THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR WOULD BE BIGGER AND BETTER.          THE END 

Man, O Man! When without money, eats vegetables at home. When he has money, eats the same vegetables in a fine restaurant. When without money, rides a bicycle to and from home. When he has money rides an  ‘exercise bicycle’ at the gym. When without money, walks to earn food. When he has money, walks to burn fat. Man, O Man! Never fails to deceive thyself! When without money, wishes to get married; When he has money, wishes to get divorced. When without money, wife becomes secretary; When he has money, secretary becomes wife. When without money, acts like a rich man. When he has money acts like a poor man. Man, O Man! Never can tell the simple truth! Says share market is bad, but keeps speculating. Says money is evil, but keeps accumulating. Says high positions are lonely, but keeps wanting them. Says gambling & drinking is bad, but keeps indulging. Man, O Man! Never means what he says and never says what he means.. Life is not about what you ...

The budding shoot ripens unharmed by the scythe, Without fear of the press, on vine branches lithe, Through spring-tide the green clusters bloom. Is't strange, then, that I in my life's morning hour, Though troubles like clouds on the dark present lower, Half-frighted shrink back from my doom ? Let the stern-hearted stoic run boldly on death! I - I weep and I hope; to the north wind's chill breath I bend, - then erect is my form! If days there are bitter, there are days also sweet, Enjoyment unmixed where on earth may we meet? What ocean has never a storm? Illusions the fairest assuage half my pain, The walls of a prison enclose me in vain, The strong wings of hope bear me far; So escapes from the net of the fowler the bird, So darts he through ether, while his music is heard Like showers of sweet sound from a star. Comes Death unto me? I sleep tranquil and calm. And Peace when I waken stands by with her balm. Remorse is the offspring of crimes; My ...

I have noticed that some men have been relocating their families abroad due to increased and increasing hardship and insecurity in Nigeria. It is important for them to also know the implications of such dangerous decision. When I was appointed the managing director of the Orient Bank of Uganda in 2013, I couldn’t wait to return home to break the news to my wife. The appointment, I reckoned would improve my earnings, career and was in line with my set objectives. “That means that I’m resigning from my own job right away”, was my wife’s instant response to my announcement of the appointment. She was not yet done. “The children will also go with us. I shall make enquires about good schools in Uganda to ensure that our children don’t lose a session”. For my wife, she would not sacrifice her marital harmony for economic benefits or her career. She was a branch manager of a topmost bank in Nigeria. I was shocked. I pleaded, “please give me some time to go to Uganda, settle ...

This is the story of the first oil war, which was fought in the 19th century, in the area that became Nigeria. All through the 19th century, palm oil was highly sought-after by the British, for use as an industrial lubricant for machinery. Remember that Britain was the world’s first industrialised nation, so they needed resources such as palm oil to maintain that. Palm oil, of course, is a tropical plant, which is native to the Niger Delta. Malaysia’s dominance came a century later. By 1870, palm oil had replaced slaves as the main export of the Niger Delta, the area which was once known as the Slave Coast. At first, most of the trade in the oil palm was uncoordinated, with natives selling to those who gave them the best deals. Native chiefs such as former slave, Jaja of Opobo became immensely wealthy because of oil palm. With this wealth came influence. However, among the Europeans, there was competition for who would get preferential access to the lucrative oil palm tra...

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love with a passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints, -- I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! -- and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

1. THE EVADER- claims not to believe in love…He won’t love you or even try to…..remember, he already told you upfront that he doesn’t believe in love…..Love is a verb….a doing word…All he is saying is that you should have no expectations from him….he won’t do anything for you,…he won’t even bother…..Run 2. THE PHYSICAL ABUSER- hits you physically and claims you made him do it……..you caused it……you should have kept quiet when he said so…….he won’t do it again…….run, run, run….as far as your legs can take you? 3. THE BORROWER- always broke and loans money from you…which he never pays back of course……….he is always “on the verge of a breakthrough”…….just about to hit it big……all he needs is your money and continued support……tells you “you are doing this for us”…….a major sign of financial abuse and emotional manipulation…….don’t stay there…..Run! 4. THE MANIPULATOR- wants you pregnant before marriage to “prove” your ability to have babies at a particular age…..and how do you ge...

How majestic is the sound of a Pipe Organ Majestic sounds resonating through a Church or Cathedral. When you hear a Pipe Organ, you feel a strong reverence to the Creator, Sublime sounds infiltrating our hearts and mind. Beautiful exquisite tone combinations you will rarely find. Uplifting a tired heart, raising our consciousness Through organ music, the veil is lifted Transporting us from the mundane to the Divine, Releases us from being spiritually blind, A great calling, a wonderful gift to share, God is the author of all that is beautiful in creation, Its diverse sounds touching our Souls, filling us with such elation, Next time you are in Church, sit quietly and listen. Let the soothing sounds drive away all fears, Transporting us to another dimension, Illumination dissolves all material ties, Let the majestic tones solidify within us. (c) Andrew Pell 

They say silence is Golden, I believe it is true, Because in that Golden silence, my thoughts occur of you. You are the flame in my candle that lights the darkness of my room, You are the scented flowers that makes my heart full bloom. You are the butterflies that flicker in my stomach all day long, When I know I will be holding you before my day is done. You are the stars that shimmer and shine, You light up the skies above In this Golden silence it's truly you I love. You are the thunder of the night, your lightning strikes whenever, Into my soul that makes me whole, and excites my heart forever. You are my paradise, my oceans wide, My mountains standing tall, So in this Golden Silence I love you most of all. Artwork by: Chika Idu

Males are seen by society as the stronger gender who need no loving or protecting, and people who will always be good regardless, but this is not true. Men have valid needs just like women do, and it’s your responsibility as his woman to attend to most of them, at least. But how do you satisfy needs you know nothing about? Well, here’s a list of some of the things men want in a relationship. TO BE LOVED THE WAY THEY ARE Love can make people do anything, even the ones they’re most uncomfortable with. Your man has probably tried to impress you all the while you’ve been together, but the truth is that deep down, he wishes you’d just take him the way he is, and he doesn’t have to impress you. It’s not a bad thing to reassure your man that you love him regardless of looks or status; it goes a long way in boosting his confidence. UNDYING SUPPORT Men are also humans, and they need support in every way you can imagine. When he goes broke financially, he deep-down expects you to a...

1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down. 2. Learn how to cook a signature dish. 3. Spend 30 min a day reading up on current events. 4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer. 5. Request the late check-out. 6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it. 7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard. 8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. 9. Play with passion or don’t play at all… 10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye. 11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be. 12. Stand up when she enters the room. 13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her. 14. You marry the girl, you marry her family. 15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath. 16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone. 17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room. 18. Never turn down a breath mint. 19. A sport coat is w...

1. Once upon a time I met a man who told me that telling the truth and making someone cry, is better than telling a lie and making someone smile and happy. 2. He said to me your true friends are those who will never avoid you just because they have met new friends. 3. As he kept on speaking to me, he said If some people do not appreciate and value my presence, I should work hard to make them value and appreciate my absence. 4. He said I must not be angry with anyone who is quiet on me because there must be a reason why they are quiet, and that I will get to know the reason later. 5. He told me it is always better to be a blessing to others at all times than to be a burden at all times. 6. He said I must learn to forgive others not because they deserve it but because I deserve the peace that comes with forgiveness. 7. I must know that everyone deserves a second chance and many more chances if they ask for forgiveness, but I must not loose my guard over their intentions. ...

There are many who, like me or you Seek gain without a loss We work and work, by hook or crook To win and be the boss. To win alone, we've all been shown, Is only an illusion. The balance holds, that truth unfolds. This law you can rely on. Advance. Retreat. By love, complete. We seek illumination. Our loss offset by love's duet The 'Law of Compensation'. By Him alone, the Work gets done For all, both less and greater. He comes to Earth in human form To be Here Now in Matter. The World you see’s 'dualities'- Defines our point of view. To seek to win, ' not lose again, Is just my need to beat you. When love's the way I live my life I give my self to others To be a light to show the Way To live as sister or brother.

The Buhari Administration has commenced construction of Cattle Colonies, rebranded “RUGA” in 36 States of Nigeria. The project has started in Kotongora, Niger State on a 31,000-hectare piece of land.  The project will be initially replicated in 12 States with six (6) of such colonies to be constructed in each State. What is RUGA aka Cattle Colony? RUGA or Cattle Colony is a SETTLEMENT for Fulani Herdsmen, their families  and cattle/livestock. It will contain ranches, grass or feed farms, abattoirs, dairy, meat and skin/leather processing plants, housing, religious houses, schools, roads, power and water supplies and the complete range of infrastructure required to support and sustain an ultra-modern local government area . Okay, lets talk now FACTS FIRST. 1. Taking a cue from the first RUGA in Kotongora in Niger State, the land size or landmass  of each RUGA is at least 31,000 hectares of land or 310 SQUARE KILOMETERS.  That is the size of an average ...

I am not all rose If you do come close You’ll realize I am a mess A beautiful mess in yesterday clothes But if you like art You will love me If not, don’t come near. Ladies come around me like critics Adorn in fancy clothes Looking at a piece they can’t afford Wondering what’s special about me And why my price is damn high Making sure collectors don't patronize my type of art Or come any near The curator makes a muse of me But the paper review isn’t so amusing. Interesting discussion on the pollution of souls Burnt magazines, texts explaining demon engineering Handshake, but no clue what was sold Oh! What’s that smell? I understand some men are demons Burnt beyond recognition But not me, am blessed beyond human satisfaction Some may criticize or hate the choices I make Question my person because hearts, I refused to break I am left on the wall naked Whilst other arts get purchased Dare not question collectors over choices they make But am not a...

Tell me no more of thy love, papeeha, Wouldst thou recall to my heart, papeeha, Dreams of delight that are gone, When swift to my side came the feet of my lover With stars of the dusk and the dawn? I see the soft wings of the clouds on the river, And jewelled with raindrops the mango-leaves quiver, And tender boughs flower on the plain..... But what is their beauty to me, papeeha, Beauty of blossom and shower, papeeha, That brings not my lover again? Tell me no more of thy love, papeeha, Wouldst thou revive in my heart, papeeha Grief for the joy that is gone? I hear the bright peacock in glimmering woodlands Cry to its mate in the dawn; I hear the black koel's slow, tremulous wooing, And sweet in the gardens the calling and cooing Of passionate bulbul and dove.... But what is their music to me, papeeha Songs of their laughter and love, papeeha, To me, forsaken of love? Artwork by; Dudu Emmanuel

Respect in a relationship determines a lot. When couples respect each other, the relationship will grow stronger with each passing day. It’s important for both couples to have respect for each other. Here are five ways to make your girlfriend respect you. 1. Be more independent The act of depending on your parents or other family members is something that never works well when it comes to achieving respect from your girlfriend. By being independent and not expecting the people around you to do everything for you, you will earn her respect. 2. Respect her even when she is not around Respect should not just be present when someone is with you. Rather, respect should be extended even when she is not around. Disrespecting her when she is not around will make her change her perception of you and this might lead to losing her respect towards you. 3. Respect yourself Don’t expect to be respected if you cannot respect yourself. You can only earn your girlfrien...

My life is a movie and everyone's watching So let's get to the good part and past all the nonsense Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing When the pressure's coming down like lightning It's like they want me to be perfect When they don't even know that I'm hurting This life's not easy, I'm not made out of steel Don't forget that I'm human, don't forget that I'm real Act like you know me, but you never will But there's one thing that I know for sure I'll show you I'll show you I'll show you I'll show you I got to learn things, learn them the hard way Gotta see what it feels like, no matter what they say Sometimes it's hard to do the right thing When the pressure's coming down like lightning It's like they want me to be perfect When they don't even know that I'm hurting This life's not easy, I'm not made out of steel Don't forget that I'm hu...

I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed- and gazed- but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

I marvel how Nature could ever find space  For so many strange contrasts in one human face:  There's thought and no thought, and there's paleness and bloom  And bustle and sluggishness, pleasure and gloom.  There's weakness, and strength both redundant and vain;  Such strength as, if ever affliction and pain  Could pierce through a temper that's soft to disease,  Would be rational peace--a philosopher's ease.  There's indifference, alike when he fails or succeeds,  And attention full ten times as much as there needs;  Pride where there's no envy, there's so much of joy;  And mildness, and spirit both forward and coy.  There's freedom, and sometimes a diffident stare  Of shame scarcely seeming to know that she's there,  There's virtue, the title it surely may claim,  Yet wants heaven knows what to be worthy the name.  This picture from nature may seem to depart,...

The power of positive thinking, The impetus within, The commencing of an inkling, The joys that make us grin... The quintessential quickening, The springboard to success, The calculator figuring The odds of happiness... The hearts that pine for miracles, The prayers that rise each day, The hopes and dreams and spectacles, The visions on the way... The obstacles to work around, The setbacks dead ahead, The courage there, meant to be found, The answer to our dread... The burdens carried, problems shared, The bold tenacity, The dedication still prepared, The dazzling energy... The effervescent faith that flows, The insights God outpours, The friendship love that grows and grows, The Saviour as the source... The mystical, the spirit realm, The angels hid from view, The King of Kings now at the helm, The grace that guides us through... The promises the Prophets told, The truths that they revealed, The mercy that's as good as gold, The passing time t...

You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose, you're not alone, you have no idea what you don't know. You are the person who will decide where to go, You can never cross an ocean until you have the courage to loose sight of the shore. When you let go of what you are then you become much more, The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. You will only be able to see further when you go as far as you can see, you make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give. A man not willing to die for something is not fit to live, There are two aspects to every circumstance so put everything to the test. I might be as bad as the worst, but thank God I'm as good as the best.

Were Segun Awolowo to be alive today, he would have celebrated his 79th birthday on January 20. He would have likely become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria or a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He might have become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He could also have been the Governor of Ogun State of Nigeria. Or may be a Senator of the Federal Republic. Olusegun Awolowo was born on January 20, 1939. For anyone familiar with the history of Obafemi Awolowo, the years preceding 1939 were one of the most tempestuous of his life. Awolowo, as a fledging but ethical businessman, became a victim of the economic downturn of the 1930s. Awolowo lost his investment. His house was auctioned. His prized car, a Chevrolet, was sold as part of the auction. Not only that, his clothes and other properties were also auctioned. And his marriage was less than two years old. It was during this tumultuous period that Segun was born. Oluwasegun – Almighty God gives me victory – ...

You would no doubt agree with me that history has a way of painting peculiar faint pictures especially when the ink resides in the hands of men. Like the story of Cleopatra and Neferneferuaten Nefertiti, Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Sibongile Khumalo, Thenjiwe Mtintso and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala. Courtsey the hand which holds the pen and the ever manipulative media, we may never be able to discover the very heart, and soul that lay within these women. But we would never forget, for their impacts, their names and memories would never leave our hearts. And like Maya said, “They could write them down in history with their bitter twisted lies, but just like moons and like suns, with the certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high, they’ll rise still, even in death.” It’s a shame that somehow history has been rewritten to suit a certain taste and it’s very core adulterated. But haven’t you wondered how time could pass so smoothly and names and memories would be er...

Growing up will kill you. Black sheep black sheep Have you any wool Yes sir yes sir Six bags full But i see my mates doing twelve Who would my six impress Community looking at me  "You should be next." Birds travelling through season, "Leave your mothers nest." Though my body and age changed I remained the same inbetween this shells, My creativity, is wildlife, childlike, wildfire. I'll say to you "Growing up will kill you" Because lately when i think about my age and mates My mindset change. I forget about it all I just want to go hustle Because money runs the world. Artwork by: Anthony Clarkson