Blog

I have been in shock since the news broke about the four young students slaughtered like chickens in a community called Aluu.

At what point did we lose compassion for our fellow human beings? Death is assured for every life eventually, but no one deserves to die like those young men died – no one! Death dishonoured them. Even in justice there should be civility and modesty. That is why we are humans, and not beasts grovelling in the jungle. That is why we are made in God’s likeness so that we can be like Him – kind, merciful and fair.

Ugonna, Lloyd, Tekana, Chidiaka were young men with dreams and aspirations; Lloyd was already on his way to becoming a rap artiste; who knows what else these men had dreamed up for their future? But with many swipes from heavy metals and planks their dreams were slayed. It is the most gruesome act I have ever seen and I am afraid how this action reveals the true state and sentiments of many Nigerians.

Why do we permit jungle justice? Do we feel helpless with the system thus take justice into our own hands? What are our fears? What would ever justify the actions of a community that stole the lives of students who lived amongst them – lives that only God can give?

We may never know the truth of what really led to the killings at Aluu – that truth died with the four of them. All we can ask is for justice.That is the only way the tears of the mothers of these young lives may dry. It is the only way we all can feel safe because no matter the situation, lives should not be snatched so brutally. This is a society with laws.

As we seek for what is right, let death not procure more deaths. We do not need to burn down Aluu community. We do not need to shed more blood. Not every child, mother and father in the community killed or endorsed the killing of the young men. They too deserve to be protected from the brutality that has ensued from all of this.

Life is a beautiful thing; do not steal another’s opportunity to experience it.

May their deaths not be in vain.

It turned out that a surprise party was arranged, spearheaded by my wonderful husband (heehee!). It was so beautiful because I wasn’t expecting anything, except a night out with him. So when I saw people arriving with gifts and merriment I was elated. Like everything else that he does, it was perfect! *Thank you, darling*

I am eternally grateful to my loved ones! And like I said at the very beginning of the new month – let’s all keep our minds busy on all that is pure, true, noble, admirable, excellent, lovely, and praiseworthy!

Thank you all for sharing in my joy. Thank you for all your wonderful comments on twitter, facebook, and on this blog. May you find the peace that surpasses all understanding!

And for all the people who made out time to celebrate with me yesterday – you are loved, you are appreciated. God will reward you in His abundance!

God bless!

[nggallery id=2]

–          Stephanie

Like fresh dew drops of a new day

My life is renewed today

I am a year older

I am joyful

I am flushed by God’s grace

I feel so blessed

My soul is delighted

I will celebrate His goodness

And the break of a glorious day

This day that I was born!

My future is resplendent

I am here – God’s child!

The first time I read Eko Dialogue I knew I had to meet the author. Joy Isi Bewaji is an amazing writer, very witty and smart with words. Eko Dialogue is one of those pert books that gives you a real connection with Eko (Lagos). Joy explores the many voices that boom through this lovable but chaotic environment. When you read it, you can hear and smell Lagos through her detailed description of the metropolis. She’s the content manager/editor of my fabulous blog (heehee!) and we have a great working relationship and have been friends for a couple of years now.

Eko Dialogue is a collection of short stories, and the shortest story(actually an anecdote) threw me off my chair!

It is titled “Frustration-in-law”:

A father-in-law’s list of requirements to his son-in-law to be…

3 bags of rice. 3 bags of salt. 2 healthy cows. 1 pigeon. 5 white cowries. One feather from the bum of a penguin. An elephant trunk. The tail of a zebra. A fang of a crocodile. A scoop of sand from the river bank of Mississippi. A box of assorted lace material. One needle. 6 gallons of palm oil. One crab. One tortoise. A box of chocolate. A drum of diesel. 50 litres of kerosene. N5,000 MTN voucher. Educational funding for two of wife-to-be’s younger siblings. Five hundred thousand naira dowry. And a strand of pubic hair (yours please!)

LOOOOOOOL!!! She’s working on her next book. I can’t wait!

– Stephanie