MAKE-UP CRAZE!

So I have been meaning to write this article for a while and maybe I didn't just find the right motivation, but I got it this morning. Sure you are wondering 'how e take concern me'? Well, that's story for another day.

I saw this pretty lady yesterday on her way to church; apparently, my cousins Landlords daughter, and she was looking really nice with her face padded and lips glittering red. This morning I saw her again, this time in her pyjamas and natural face, and I almost didn't recognize Seun anymore, trust me she looked a lot more prettier than the lady I saw yesterday; dazzling light complexion, seemingly invisible mustache and bright eyes, I was moved say hello, and I sure did tell her she looked really pretty. You can vet she gave me the famous reply; "Like this?" They never believe they are pretty unless they have their make-ups on.

Make-ups have increasingly become more of a 'ritual' than a what they are meant to be; 'make-ups'. Eyebrows on fleek, eye shadows (sometimes of weird colors), foundations in multiple layers, contours, and lips almost dripping from coloring, and sadly any lady who isn't able to have all these on, especially on an outing, feels less than a lady. This is even outside the recent explosion in the make-up industry, where literally almost every lady has become a make-up artist.

If you think am kidding, the next time you go on a public function, look out for a Lady who isn't on some serious makeup, you may only find, in this category, children less than 12years of age, and may not even find a lot of them. I know some people are getting their axes ready to chop my head off, but hear me out first.

Make-ups are great. Even the very heavy ones are great on a few occasions, and can save some people a blackmail on their self-esteem, but make-ups are not necessary all the time, and more so not even really necessary for some people, because without mincing words; it completely masks their beauty.

So my point is, make-ups are not meant for every lady. The African woman was created beautiful; with amazing finishing and every feature factory fitted by God. So my dear lady, find out what works for you! Could be just a little powder to keep your face dry, a little lotion to keep your lips moist. But if you must do the whole eyebrows, eye shadow, foundation and all, then good luck with those, and while you are at it, at least be modest. By the way, guess I should let you also know that the 'gentlemen' like it natural. Or gentlemen, am I missing anything?

50 YEARS ON: REMINISCING ON THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

WARNING! Some of the pictures attached are graphic. Viewers discretion is advised!

I can't believe I finally got myself to write on this subject. I had deliberately decided not to make any statement about all of these, not like I had any magic words though. But beginning with the May 30 2017 curfew declared by easterners in the south southern and especially south eastern regions of Nigeria, to the October 1 ultimatum by the Northern youth in retaliation to what they considered a breach of the constitution and citizens right to freedom of movement and association, and the mounting agitations for secession, here I am, asking myself the very same questions you might also be finding answers to...

On Thursday, July 6th 2017, which coincidentally happened to be my birthday, Nigeria marked exactly 50 years since the declaration of military action against the Republic of Biafra by the General Yakubu Gowon led Federal Military Government on the 6th of July 1967. The next 30months from this date witnessed what has till date accounted for the bloodiest and most devastating conflict since the history of the entity called Nigeria. This antecedent is particularly significant especially in the wake of the recent and growing call for secession by the Igbo's to create a Republic of Biafra, and the many waters that are getting troubled thereby.

Having conscientiously built what many, and even he called 'the biggest army in black Africa', Ojukwu was convinced that a war would bring the freedom needed to emancipate the Igbo's from oppression, marginalization, deprivation (all of which are claims of today's Biafra agitation) by the Nigerian government. The war was full scale; approximately 915 days (sunset and sunrise) of bleak hopes, maimed bodies, sour experiences, whether they knew or not the issues resulting in the war, or whether or not they were in support of it. Even Biafran women were at the mercy of Biafran soldiers, children were coerced into combatant roles, older men and women were left vulnerable to flying aimless, and most times targeted grenades and bullets. Having expended two and half years, approximately 5million dollars and loosing close to two million lives, the Biafran leader; for whatever reason, left his soldiers on the battle field and sort asylum abroad, bringing an end to the Civil War, with Biafra defeated. The 'gains' and 'spoils' of the war are subject to whatever arguments you have of them.

Wars, some consider as 'continuation of politics by other means', some others as 'a process for making peace'. Whatever the understanding, regardless the rationale for them, wars are ALWAYS initiated by and serve 'a few' interests, as opposed to those of the masses. The recent Biafra agitations, as apt and timely as they may be thought to be, require more diplomacy than irrationality, more dialogue than conflict. Regardless how beautiful the Biafran dream, it shouldn't be built on the blood of Biafrans themselves, neither is the Unity of Nigeria worth any Nigerian life...

50 years down the line, the sad stories of this unfortunate conflict continue to be told in homes, schools and indeed everywhere across the state, it's ugly scars are still visible even in the economic, political and social life. The question however is, have the lessons being learnt? Your guess is as good as mine.

I wish both Nigeria and the IPOB the very best in the days and months ahead.

"If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men".