Sulia Kan, Aiyetoro Kan

Anyone that has seen the movie “Jenifa” will definitely have no trouble whatsoever with the slogan above 'Sulia Kan, Aiyetoro Kan'. Prior to yesterday, I had never heard about this spectacular movie until my friend called me and said it’s a must watch. She said I would laugh from the beginning to the end of it. Without wasting time, I set out to watch the said movie. It was completely hilarious. To also think that I watched the first part while at work- now don’t even go there; do you work in your office at all? How come you can watch a movie? Na u sabi o but truth is I do work and I still have fun. Got a problem with that? – I could not help but laugh out loud. Though I tried to stifle it as much as possible, I just could not and if you have seen this movie I bet you do know what I am talking about.

Anyway, as funny and as entertaining as the movie was, I got the message. It was a clear message. HIV/AIDS is still real; Promiscuous behaviours will definitely not go unpunished. I was left wondering about how people still go on living their lives in the view of ‘living large’ yet being so careless as to forget what’s lying in wait for them in the long run. It’s unbelievable.

Nigerian girls, African girls and girls at large, it’s another call for us all. How are we living our lives? What do we do when no one is watching? How do we make use of our freedom? How much do we value our chastity? Are we ready to lay down everything, and I mean everything just to be a ‘bigs girl’? These are very important questions we need to ask ourselves.

Nigerian guys, African guys and all guys in general, you are also concerned and I am glad that Funke Akindele (she wrote the script for the movie) found a way of bringing this as well into the picture. I know the girls do not give room for themselves to be respected but are we taking advantage of this at every given opportunity? How are we also living our lives away from the watchful eyes of people? How free is our freedom? How do we present ourselves to the public?Are we out to impress the female gender and intimidate the less privileged? Do we feel so powerful that human lives mean nothing to us? We really need to ponder on these things.

A Yoruba adage says ‘Aabo oro la nso fun omo luabi, toba de inu re a di odindi’ meaning, it is totally left to a responsible individual to heed a wise warning. If you are no longer who you are meant to be, you could still retrace your steps. It would also do you good to come closer to God. Draw near unto Him, and he will draw near unto you.

I definitely have to say a big well done to Funke Akindele and everyone that helped in making ‘Jenifa’ a success. God bless you all.

Remember, if you have not seen ‘Jenifa’, you need to do so pronto.
'Sulia 1, turned Jenifa 1'

A belated new year note

'As soon as I get home, I would update my blog'. This was the same thing I kept telling myself everyday but I never did. Anyway, here I am finally updating it with my belated New Year message and here it is:

2008 has come and gone.
Resolutions were made and forgotten.
For some, it brought joy, happiness, peace and prosperity. But for some, it brought pain, sorrow, tears and death.
For some it was the start of a new career but for some the end of a career.
Some got married, while some lost their spouses either through divorce or death.
Some gave birth, while some were born.
Life changing decisions were made.
Some earned more, while some could barely manage.
The credit crunch really hit hard. It made a lot of people jobless and financially crushed.There was a clash of authority and power.

For me, 2008 was another year which unfolded with new surprises as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months.
It was a year of staying close to my family.
It was not a year of total accomplishment but close enough.
It wasn’t all smooth and rosy obviously but the difference was that I decided to make the best use of my opportunities.

Anyway, enough about 2008 and let’s focus on the New Year.
2009, what has it got to offer? Would you rather sit and watch things go wrong without you standing up to it? Would you rather sit and let 2009 dictate it's events in your life? We are into the year already and many "resolutions" have long been forgotten.

For me, I intend to do my best with the help of God to get the best from this year. I know man proposes and God disposes but still, we’ve all got our parts to play. We need to pray for guidance in taking key steps that will propel us to our greater heights and a step closer to fulfilling destiny.
At the end of the year, I pray that when we look back and speak about this year, it shall be all good news.
Enjoy the year as it brings forth all its surprises.

It's me
--Damsel from the Villa