OLUWAJIMI . J . THORPE

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

 A strong woman works out every day, Pride in her appearance she portrays, But a woman of strength kneels to pray, Her soul in shape, God leading the way.  A strong woman claims she isn't afraid of anything, Looking forward to challenges each day will bring, Women of strength show courage in the midst of fear, Declaring triumph through faith because God is near.  Strong women won't let anyone get the best of them, So skilled in defenses even if they have to pretend, Yet a woman of strength gives her best to everyone, And even on a cloud filled day still bright as the sun.  A strong woman relies on the physical attributes making her tough, In her search for power and money she will never have enough, A woman of strength understands that it's not about material stuff, Knowing that before becoming a diamond first she'll be in the rough.  A strong woman sometimes disguises her feelings shadowed by clouds, Unhinged when challenged on her poli...

The stork flew over a town one day, And back of each wing an infant lay; One to a rich man’s home he brought, And one he left at a labourer’s cot. The rich man said, ‘My son shall be A lordly ruler o’er land and sea.’ The labourer sighed, ‘’Tis the good God’s will That I have another mouth to fill.’ The rich man’s son grew strong and fair, And proud with the pride of a millionaire. His motto in life was, ‘Live while you may, ’ And he crowded years in a single day. He bought position and name and place, And he bought him a wife with a handsome face. He journeyed over the whole wide world, But discontent his heart lay curled Like a serpent hidden in leaves and moss, And life seemed hollow and gold was dross. He scoffed at woman, and doubted God, And died like a beast and went back to the sod. The son of the labourer tilled the soil, And thanked God daily for health and toil. He wedded for love in his youthful prime, And two lives chorded in tune and time. ...