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GERTRUDE SAYS: WHO ARE YOU?

Can or are you able to really say honestly who you are? Someone once said if you do not know who you are, other people’s opinions will give you a false interpretation of who you really are? Well, I think that is very understandable right? This is because we as much as our friends, families and loved ones may know the ‘basics’ about us including our name, our place of birth, our parents, probably our age (probably not the case where people decide to hide their ages for some reason best known to them…wink**) and others.

Well, this is not the concern here? But aside these ‘basics’ what about what you are made of? Your character, attitudes, dislikes, your deep seated demons, pretence games which come to play once in a while…among others. These things constitute who a person really is. I mean given different situations, we can all be nice, compassionate, gentle, interesting, hold good conversations and the likes….but that character exhibited there may just be a nine day wonder! You know that deep down you are acting (living a lie or pretending to be someone you are not, at least for a while).

And you know one thing about acting? It has to be BELIEVABLE ( an attribute some movie actors lack, but hey they still make their monies right?). But one thing is, assuming or making a character come to life does not mean that is who you really are…For instance I don’t think a person who plays the role as a drunkard or a womaniser in a movie is like that in REAL life. Yet, many people even after the movie has been sold out and producers making their profits and all still associate the character with the person such that they are quick to believe that the actor is like that in real life (meaning they REALLY played that role really well right?). I once heard one Nollywood actor say he was walking down the street and people starting insulting him and throwing things at him just because he PLAYED the role as a LOVER BOY in a movie, breaking the hearts of girls here and there.

Isnt that interesting? Well it is, because the same way that people who ‘acted’ or ‘played’ out a character very well are being abused just because they were very believable, I think the same could be said for most people in the world today. This is because they are playing the character of someone else and made it soo believable to the extent that they HAVE become associated with it. This means you have killed your REAL SELF in order to allow your OTHER SELF (like I learnt in Social Studies) to come to play. This is very dangerous as such anybody who gets to this stage needs to do a serious self re-examination and identify the root cause like How did I get here?

More so, some people are very comfortable living the lie. Why? Because it may get them to some position they have been craving for, FOR A VERY LONG TIME or in order to someone or keep up amidst a group of friends. In fact there is always a benefit lying in there…somewhere. But the HONEST truth is, people will end up falling in love with the wrong person (which is not you) but that person you are trying hard for them to accept and LIKE. At the end of the day, different strokes for different folks! You decide to show your TRUE self for people to appreciate you or hate you OR show them your OTHER self and let them love you or hate you. Because at the end of the day, either ways, not everybody will like you anyway so PERSONALLY, I always do myself a BIG favour and be REAL…no need for fakeness (Not in my dictionary).

Thanks for reading. God bless you all!

 

About Gertrude

My name is Gertrude Asumadu, a 24 year old young lady who is passionate about women empowerment, girl child education and overall helping others to achieve their own dreams. I am a graduate of University of Leeds with a degree in BSc (Hons) Economics. My time in university was the turning point for me I believe as I have been able to stretch myself and in essence on way to achieving my purpose.

 

Email: asumadugertrude@yahoo.com/asumadugertrude@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Gertrude Asumadu

Twitter: @AsumaduGertrude

Facebook: Gertrude Asumadu

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LYDIA OLADEJ0:#ENDSARS SHOULD SARS REALLY BE SCRAPPED OFF?

#EndSars is trending all over social media and oh well, I have mixed feelings about it. Nope, I am not supporting that SARS be totally scraped off. Yes, I have seen these people chased a young man wildly and even though I didn’t know him, I was so scared they might hurt or worse, shoot him down. I was once in a cab with three other guys that I didn’t know from Adam and we were stopped and searched and accused for no tangible reason whatsoever…but yes, I still maintain my stand. There was a motive and purpose behind the existence of Special Anti-Robbery Squad and we should not forget what their original mission and purpose is, even though some of them have completed deviated from their mission and turned to Special Advanced Robbers Squad. Rather than scrape off SARS altogether, I say we join hands and end careers of the corrupted ones among them. If you are harassed for no reason whatsoever, make sure you go to any length to fight for your right and protest your innocence.

Too many people have lost their lives from being irrational with these irrational people. Stand your ground with common sense. We all know how many Nigerians will sit behind their laptops and phones to form ‘Jagunlabi’ but when it comes to action, they will hide their coward faces. It is not every time you fight violence with violence. That is why they have put numbers out there that you can call if you are harassed or you see anyone being harassed by them SARS, I mean the ones that are Special Advanced Robbers’.

Let the ones that are doing their jobs in a sensible, professional way, do their job. Call the ones that are plainly going out of line of their job, to order.

Let’s not forget that another security force can and will always be created, even if this one is scrapped off. All it takes is just a change of name and uniform…Criminal acts still needs to be curbed, remember?

*drops pen

© Lydia Oladejo

 

Lydia Oladejo is an Editor at Women Of Rubies, a writer, and a Fashion Designer.

Facebook: Lydia Oladejo

Instagram :@lydiaoladejo

Email :lydiaoladejo@gmail.com

 

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NAOMI ONI, AN ACID ATTACK VICTIM, SHARES HER STORY AND IT IS INSPIRING

Naomi Oni, an acid attack victim has opened up about the day her life changed forever after a strange person throw the hot liquid on her.

Naomi was just five minutes from her house. She says that at that moment she felt very uneasy and attempted to cross the road to distance herself from the stranger.  But as she turned her head, she felt a splash and what happened next will forever be like a dream.

According to her,

“I remember being on my way home, getting something to eat. ‘I got off the bus and I was on the phone to my boyfriend. ‘I had a funny feeling – I looked behind me and saw a person in a niqab. I don’t remember hearing footsteps or seeing anyone getting off the bus after me
.

No words were spoken. There was no dialogue. I looked back and remember the person just staring at me. The eyes were cold – it was a cold stare.
.

That’s when I thought, someone’s out to kill me. I thought, “this person is not going to take my life”. I just started running straight home. I knew it was acid. It feels like something is eating away at your skin. I felt it most on my scalp, more than on my face.
.
After the attack I asked “why me?” I work so hard, I’m a good person. I was shouting all sorts of things. I started to question so many things. Am I a bad person? I don’t argue, I don’t like confrontation. Being an only child I shy away from it. I like to keep myself to myself in my own little corner.’
.
“The attack has had a huge impact on my life. I’ve found it difficult to get close to people since the attack, especially after being betrayed so terribly by someone I thought was a friend.

“I’ve got scarring on my face, neck and chest and there have been times when I’ve felt suicidal
.
“After the attack I couldn’t bear to look in the mirror or leave the house.
.
When I saw my face, I couldn’t stop crying. I thought, “Who’s going to want to marry me like this?” I felt so low, I didn’t want to live.’
‘The guy I was seeing looked past my scars to the person I am inside
.
He said I was gorgeous and completely took me by surprise – he approached me in the street and said he’d read about my story and thought I was so inspirational that he wanted to take me out
.
Things didn’t work out with us and we’re just friends, but it’s boosted my self-esteem.

It made me realise the attack doesn’t have to ruin my life.”

 

 

Source: fabwoman.ng

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#ONBECOMINGEMPOWERED: TOKE MAKINWA GIVES OUT GRANTS TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

Media personality and entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa, who recently launched her bag collection, has organised the #OnBecomingEmpowered grant which was a move to help young entrepreneurs get financial support.

The event held yesterday the 3rd of December and it was one to remember. Veterans in the media and entertainment world such as Stephanie Coker,  Bolanle Olukanni, Toyin Abraham, Tallulah Doherty were panelists of the grant competition and they did a pretty good job.

See her Instagram post below

Credit: fabwoman.ng
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BBNAIJA HOUSEMATE, URIEL, PENS EMOTIONAL LETTER TO HER MOM SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA

BBNaija’s 2017 ex-housemate, Uriel, took to Instagram to pen down an emotional post to her mum, who is suffering from Dementia.

According to her, even though her mum’s disease wants to take her away, she’s got enough memories of her to last a life time.

She wrote;

 “Even though your sick and you most times you are confused and scared you always support me,You follow me to work interviews and shoots.

Even though you sometimes forget how to walk, I will always be your legs I will take you any where you want to go.. push you on your wheel chair fast or slow.
Even though you can’t remember how to cook, mummy no need I learnt from the best I’m all you need that’s the truth.
Even though you can’t dress or wash your self,mummy pls don’t worry every day is your spa day.. plus I love being your stylist.
Even though you forget how to pray Your Amen is enough you raised a prayerful daughter.
I love you sooooo much
Even though Dementia wants to take you from me.. just know I have memories to last a life time.
Happy sunday yaaay . Feeling blessed
IN ALL GIVE Thanks
My inspiration. Mrs Blessing Jerry Oputa” she wrote.

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MEET GERALDINE GITAU, KENYA’S FIRST PERFUME MAKER

Scents by Geraldine is a Kenyan perfumery which creates and develops high-end beauty products with the aim to revolutionise how beauty and beauty products are received in Africa.

Founded by Geraldine Gitau, a 33-year-old mother of one, the brand sets out to carve a niche for good quality perfumes in Kenya.

(Photo: Instagram/Scents by Geraldine)

Even though the scents are mixed in Germany, the bottling and all of the rest of the finishing is done in Kenya, which the founder says qualifies it as a local luxury brand. Scents By Geraldine sets out to bridge an existing gap through providing quality perfumes, as opposed to some of the counterfeits and low quality brands that the Kenyan market is saturated with.

The debut scent collection Whole By Geraldine was launched recently. About the new perfume collection, Geraldine said:

“Whole by Geraldine is a unique fragrance celebrating the modern and independent woman.

It combines flowers, fruits, citrus and oriental notes to bring a warm and gentle fresh scent.

The soft fragrance creates a feminine spirit perfect for day, night and everyday life.”

With a large range of scents from vanilla to citrus, the perfumes come in 15ml, 30ml and 50ml bottles and 100ml to come for high end customers. In the near future, they aim to start a bespoke perfume line, tailored specifically to the scent the person prefers.

For more information you can check out their website, or follow Scents By Geraldine on Instagram and Facebook for updates!

(Photo: Instagram/Scents By Geraldine)

(Photo: Instagram/Scents By Geraldine)

 

 

culled from konbini.com

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ABIKE DABIRI EREWA REVEALS THAT THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ISSUED WARNINGS TO NIGERIA NOT TO GO TO LIBYA

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs has revealed that the office of Foreign Affairs issued warnings to Nigerians not to go to Libya.

This is following the global outrage over a CNN report that exposed an underground slave market where young Africans are sold.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels TV program, the presidential aide also wondered why Nigerians take a lot of risk to go abroad for greener pastures.

Dabiri-Erewa said;

“NEMA, my office, IOM told Nigerians that avoid Libya, it is deadly, it is dangerous, don’t go there. Also on the news, you have cases of Nigerians being brought back from Libya on a regular basis. So Nigeria has been bringing back its citizens from Libya.

“You can imagine the dangerous journey. Walking about 3,000kilometers that’s flying for about three hours if you are going to Europe. This might be attributed to poverty. Yes, the government must do the needful by creating enabling environment and jobs but it goes beyond that. What do you say of a mother who sells her land and pays off $4,000 for her daughter to go to Europe?”

“We should look at the family value and the systems. For every person who goes on that journey, a trafficker is being empowered, a trafficker is getting richer,” she added.

According to AFP, survivors of slave auctions in Libya have described as hell their experience in Libya’s underground slave camp.

Moussa Sanogo, a migrant who flew back to Ivory Coast after spending four months in Libya, revealed that they were beaten regularly, and forced to work in the fields.

“For the Arabs (Libyan jailers), black-skinned men are nothing but animals — animals were treated better,” Sanogo said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, called on the Federal Government to summon Libyan Ambassador to answer questions concerning reports of slave trade.

source: pulsenews

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‘CELEBRITY POLICE’, DOLAPO BADMUS, PROFESSES LOVE TO HER HUSBAND AS THEY TIE THE KNOT

Zonal PPRO, Dolapo Badmus, who hails from Ekiti State supervises the Public relations department of both Lagos and Ogun state police commands.She was appointed Lagos State Police PRO in January 2016 and was months back appointed zonal police PRO for Zone 2 to which her appointment took effect in March 10, 2017.

Dolapo and her husband got married yesterday, December 1st 2017. She shared this beaitiful pre-wedding photo they took and professed love to him.

Read what she wrote below:

‘Today I will love you like there is no tomorrow! And tomorrow, I will do it all over again! You are my today and all of my tomorrow. I Loved you then and I Love you still, and will always do! A decade of togetherness, tying the knot afresh ??is a confirmation that no one will be permitted to put asunder and ours shall be forever! Congratulations to us once again my sweetness ♥??? #DOLAK2017. Facebeat by @glambyesthy’

She shared:

See more pre wedding photos below;

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SELENA GOMEZ COVERS BILLBOARD MAGAZINE, OPENS UP ABOUT HER KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SURGERY

Hollywood actress and award-winning singer, Selena Gomez is the cover star of Billboard Magazine’s ‘Woman Of The Year’ issue 2017.

In her interview, she gave some insight into her recent surgery where she had a Kidney transplant as a result of complications from Lupus. Selena shared how she had to get comfortable with her scars.

Despite her struggle with accepting her body, she revealed that now she looks at her body and feels better about everything she has been through.

Read excerpts from her interview below

On how comfortable she feels with her scar:

I do. I didn’t, but I do now. It was really hard in the beginning. I remember looking at myself in the mirror completely naked and thinking about all the things that I used to bitch about and just asking, “Why?” I had someone in my life for a very long time who pointed out all the things that I didn’t feel great about with myself. When I look at my body now, I just see life. There are a million things I can do — lasers and creams and all that stuff — but I’m OK with it. And by the way, there’s nothing wrong with [plastic surgery]. Cardi B has been my inspiration lately. She’s killing it, and she is proud of everything she has done. So there is absolutely zero judgment on my end. I just think for me, it could be my eyes, my round face, my ears, my legs, my scar. I don’t have perfect abs, but I feel like I’m wonderfully made.

On how she feels about the recent increase in women speaking up against their predators:

I feel all those things. I’ve cried. But I definitely feel hopeful. As people speak out, I hope that feels powerful to them, because they deserve to feel that. I’m fortunate enough not to have experienced some of the traumatic things that other women have had to go through. I’ve known people in my family who’ve gone through those things. I try to let people come to me and open up, to make a safe environment for them to do so.

On whether or not she is working on new music:

I am. I mean this in a very loving way, [but] my label has been itching for all the music that I’ve been creating, and there is such power in saying “no”. I like how we’ve presented the music this year, because it wasn’t in an aggressive way; it felt very genuine. I’ve canceled the past two tours I’ve done, so that’s something I’ve considered deeply too. How will I step on that stage and just completely own it and wear it proudly? In the past, I just kept reaching for something: “The costume is not glittery enough. What is going to pull them in? Everybody keeps looking at me like I’m this young girl.”

On what brought Justin Bieber back into her life:

I’m 25. I’m not 18, or 19, or 20. I cherish people who have really impacted my life. So maybe before, it could have been forcing something that wasn’t right. But that doesn’t mean caring for someone ever goes away. And [that goes for] people in general. I mean, I grew up with Demi [Lovato]. Nick and Joe [Jonas] and Miley [Cyrus] — we’ve gone through seasons in our lives. I don’t think it’s as serious as people make things out to be half the time. It’s just my life. I grew up with all of these people, and it’s so cool to see where everybody is. It comes back to the idea of me remaining full. I think a true representation of love is beyond just yourself. It’s me going to get coffee earlier this morning and talking with a woman who was celebrating her birthday and going to Disneyland for the first time. I told her about my favorite things there, and she got excited, and then I got excited because she was excited. The littlest things are impactful.

 

 

culled from fabwoman.ng

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