Pictures From the Meet Chat Buy Naija Books Event

On Saturday 25th of January, I was at the Meet, Chat and Buy Naija Books event organized by Tunde Leye and hosted by Patabah Bookshops, Surulere shopping mall. It almost clashed with the book launch but since it was an opportuntiy for me to meet so many wonderful peeps I know online, I knew I had to go. I missed seeing Phiri of SecretLilies, as well as Florida and Doll, but that's Lagos traffic for you.

The Letter That Got Ali Baba Mad at Pastors Living Large Instead of Funding Enterpreneurs in Church

About a week ago, comedian ALi Baba shared some tweets where he suggested that the pastors of large churches needed to have development funds for their church members instead of using the church tithes and offerings to enrich themselves and stock up on more exotic cars for their garages. He received a lot of blowback from his followers defending the practice. Today on his facebook page, he shared the reason for his tweets. I wish he had named and shamed. Anyway, read his account below...

What Nigerian Women Will Do To Get Married - Fact or Fiction?

By Neeta

"Statistics show that only 3% of single women of marriageable age in Nigeria are undisturbed by their lack of a spouse! The other 97% would do just about anything to become Mrs. Somebody''.

As we read on, we are going to see some rather unorthodox things Nigerian women will do in their quest to bag a husband! Some are bizarre, some are skanky and some are downright sad but if you are willing to try anything and getting a husband is the only activity left on your bucket list, you might want to try a few! (Men beware). In no particular order:

[Advice Corner] My Boyfriend Broke Up With Me Because I'm Too Gentle and Never Argues

Dear myne...I'm a regular follower of your blog and i really learn a lot from it....i sincerely hope you publish my story because i need answers to the questions in my head..

I'm in my early 20's on the verge of completing my degree...i've shyed away from relationships because i felt i was not ready for them. Not until i met my boyfriend who literally swept me off my feet and our few months of dating has been wonderful. By nature, i'm a very quiet and reserved person though,cannot be classified as boring cuz i'm very full of life with a great smile...

Hairy or Smooth Chests on Men, Which Do You Prefer?

Men are usually more hairy than women, and I was recently telling a friend I'm not a big fan of hair on men. Everything in moderation, and if possible the men should shave off the ones they can, like the pits, and pubes. In a recent interview, actor OC Ukeje talked about being nude on film and his experience with being near naked on some promotional material for Hoodrush and the reactions to his hairy legs. He said of people's attitude to the pictures,

Who Wants to Be Part of a TV Studio Audience This Wednesday?

Yes, it's another invitation. And an opportunity for you to appear on TV while asking me that burning question you've always wanted to throw at me. LOL...Third Eye is a programme that puts creatives on the spot, plumbing the depths of who they are and where their art comes from. And it is my turn to defend my writing and the thinking behind my genre. Ozi Okoli is providing the HOT seat, now, we need a studio audience to help fire the questions. So...

If You Had Only Three Months to Live, What Would You Do?

Amanda @TrappedatmyDesk was a goth who liked to have fun, and then she was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. She tweeted about the journey to her final days, and one of her followers, Shannon, has made this video below to commemorate her. Amanda travelled to South America and made up with her estranged mother. What would you do if you knew you would die after a fixed period of time?

Mommy Time - Nadia Buari and Her Mother in Matching Outfits

Nadia tagged this picture "Twinnie" on Instagram, and they look indeed very close, in age and everything.

A Week of Tortoise Tales by Kate Iffy - Author Interview

Kate Iffy Chukwu is the author of A Week of Tortoise Tales. She attended Federal Government Girls’ College Onitsha, before moving to England where she still lives with her family. Kate has a degree in Business Economics and a master’s degree in Creative Writing. Along the way, she's done some TV presenting - reviewing African movies - and she has also featured in a couple of Nollywood movies. Since Kate became and author, she volunteers by reading and telling stories in local schools. In this interview, she shares her writing an life with us...
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On Food - You're Not Only What You Eat, You Are What You're Eating Ate

By Ebele Mogo,

Dustin is a health coach and nutrition counsellor. He had once given me a healthy-shopping grocery store tour and after that I often email him to ask for his input on some health and nutrition questions. The post below is his email answer to one of my questions. I decided to share it since I bet we all want to know.

Family Time - Peter and Paul Okoye With Their Wives and Children

It's one big happy family! Peter Okoye of PSquare celebrated his daughter's birthday today in Atlanta, and with him to mark the occassion were his wife Lola and son, Cameron, as well as his twin brother, Paul Okoye and his own wife, Anita Isama, and son. See more lovely pictures below!

[Advice Corner] We're Having Difficulty with Sexual Penetration

Dear Myne, It's a lovely and mature group of readers you have on your site. Having not had sex for about 7 years I now have a boyfriend. I am nearly 40 and when we tried to have intercourse it was hard to get it in all the way. What do you or your readers suggest we try to get past this. He said I was tight. I have had two children and it didn't used to be like this with my husband who passed away.

A Cordial Invitation - NS Publishing Launches 14 Titles as it Hits The Market

Hello All (Bloggers, Readers and Friends)

INVITATION TO THE NAIJA STORIES BOOK LAUNCH HOSTED BY NS PUBLISHING LIMITED AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL

NS Publishing Limited in collaboration with the British Council is pleased to invite you to the launch of our branded Naija Stories fiction books. There will be 14 titles premiered on that day, 10 of which are collections of short stories from our highly popular website, www.naijastories.com

Tuface Shares Picture of Cute Baby Daughter

Tuface shared this picture of his new baby with Annie Idibia, delievered on the 3rd January, a few minutes ago. He says "Say hi 2 olivia idibia". Lovely name and adorable baby!

The Principles of Courtship - How to Get What You Want [Part 2]

By Dolly Singh

This is a continuation of the guidelines, [Part 1 HERE] for navigating personal and professional relationships. These Principles of Courtship can apply equally to both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you’re looking to land an amazing career opportunity, a key client, or that amazing friendship or relationship, following this basic set of principles will help you court the right opportunities, both in 2014 and beyond.

Mercy Johnson Shares Pictures of Her Daughter's First Birthday

Actress Mercy Johnson's Daughter, Purity Okojie was one year old at the close of last year, December 2013 to be specific, and Mercy and husband, Odianosen, hosted a small party for friends and family to celebrate. The proud mum shared these pictures recently.

Was I The Only One Who Read Flowers in The Attic by VC Andrews in Nigeria?

Flowers in the Attic is a horror story, of children locked up in the attic after their father's death by their weak mother and wicked grandmother, and gradually poisoned so the women could inherit a massive fortune. The book is by VC Andrews, and comes as a series, I read three of them as a teenager, Petals in the Wind and  If There Be Thorns.

So Toke Makinwa is Married to Maje Ayida - Why Does it Feel Like a Media Gimmick?

I'm just reading news that Toke Makinwa got married to Maje Ayida in secret - though an anonymous person was kind enoug to send the pictures to key gossip blogs. Well, after a much publicized breakup such a low-key wedding makes me go hmmmm.

In Which I Find Myself on TVC

Soon after I arrived in Lagos last November, I attended a writing and publishing workshop as part of the Lagos Books and Arts Festival 2013. At the event, TVC was one of the channels there to cover it, and the producers asked for a quick interview which I granted. I do not have TVC at home, and it was friends that called or wrote to tell me they saw me on AfricArts, a TVC programme that promotes all things Art. Today, I finally learnt it has been on Youtube all the while. Enjoy...

The Principles of Courtship - How to Get What You Want [Part 1]

By Dolly Singh

Have you ever known someone who seems to be able to get everything they want? The ones who seem to breeze through life effortlessly, making up their own rules as they go along, unaffected to the mundane realities of everyday life?

Daddy Time - Kanye Hangs Out With Daughter North West

Dads and their daughters make such pretty pictures! North West, Kanye's daughter with Kim Kardashian seems like she already has her daddy round her little fingers :)

Psst…Here's What Women Secretly Hate In Their Dates

By Vani Chugh

What do women really want? Hard to figure out right, since most men aren’t given the gift to eavesdrop on their mental conversation like that lucky sod Mel Gibson! Good news is that women talk and discuss about what they like, so there’s some plenty of information out there. Then of course, yours truly is a woman who knows a thing or two about a thing or two!

Playing by Her Rules by Sifa Asani Gowon - Novel Excerpt

Kay was furious, cursing his bad luck and more convinced than ever that he was being punished for something. This time the instrument of his torture was some random lunatic woman who couldn’t drive. He had seen the shock on her face when he had come out of the car, feeling a slight pang of shame at the fear in her expression as he took a step toward her. What did she think: that he was going to attack her? As he approached he noticed that she looked unwell, her face pale with the sheen of sweat as she swayed lightly on her feet.

Vibrant Lagos - A Photo Story by Devesh Uba

The city of Lagos is like a wonderful mosaic of colours and energy. The streets here have captured the imagination of Indian street-photographer Devesh Uba, who is in Lagos these days. In these pictures, he tries to share the colours of the city as seen through his camera.

Family Time - It is The Carters: Beyonce, JayZ and Blue Ivy

Beyonce, JayZ and Blue Ivy look great all dressed up to welcome the New Year. I love JayZ's blue suit :)

Fugue - Short Story by Thelma Nwogbo

She woke up with a start. Where was she? How long had she been this way? She didn't know.
No one could tell her. It was dark outside. Where was Mark?

He should be home by now. They had fellowship that evening, she was to lead the choir, Mark was to do the Bible readings. Where was Mark?

Short Film - Everything Happens for a Reason

This is a Namibian short film shot in one single take. Written and directed by Florian Schott, and starring Chops Tshoopara, Muhindua Kaura, Joel Haikali, Lize Ehlers, David Ndjavera, Lynn Strydom, Armas Shivute, Norman Job. What makes this one stand out for me is that it's a mystery/thriller and the narrative style, you have to pay attention :)

Top 10 Things Men Can Do To Win Over The Women

Sometimes it’s the smallest thing that makes a lasting impression with women. A smart comment or a couple of small gestures can really impress a woman, while an offensive remark or a display of carelessness can utterly doom your chances. This list of habits and behaviors could make the difference between getting her number and getting a dirty look.

Short Film - Blurred Lines

Afrinolly Competition has a couple of entries on female infidelity, and this is my choice of the two for the way it presents the theme. Blurred Lines is an apt title, playing on the sequencing of th movie as well as the story itself.

8 out of 10 Nigerian Men Don't Use Condom, According to Society for Family Health

Bright Ekweremadu, the Managing Director of Society for Family Health, said over 1.8billion sexual activities occur in Nigeria yearly, and 80% of them are unprotected. Mr Ekweremadu said if Nigerian men were to use condoms, no supplier in the world would be able to afford the quantity of condoms Nigerian men would need. I am not surprised. Are you? Read on...

Bovi Ugboma on How He Met His Wife, And His Connection to Basketmouth and AY

In these new videos by Soarnaija, comedian Bovi Ugboma reveals everything previously unknown about his alliance with Basketmouth, endorsement deals, future plans, meeting his wife and much more. See another video below...

Domestic Violence and the Enugu State Association Washington DC Metro Area

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. According to some Nomore.org, some signs of an abusive relationship include:

FIVE - Short Film

Five is another short film entry in the Afrinolly competition. It is one of those stories you just never know how it'll go from how it begins. But when it clicks and you get it, you're like wow! I really loved this. If you do too, vote HERE.

Congrats to Kaffy and Husband on Their Baby Daughter

"Say hello to my princess Eliana.." This was how Joseph Ameh, Kaffy the dance queen's husband,announced the birth of their baby daughter. The proud dad posted these photos on his instagram page tagging the one of their older son with the baby, "Big brother Sean @liljameh already chilling with his baby sister.." Congrats to the Ameh family...

Short Film - Big Man Via The Afrinolly Competition

In Big Man, Uzoma loves playing games with his little brother, Chize, in spite of their father's warnings that being the older brother, he is a big man. One day, one of his simple games has serious consequences, and Uzoma has to come to terms with really being a Big Man. There are other interesting shorts on the Top 10, but this is my favorite, the acting, the setting, the direction, production, the sound, everything was on point. If you like it too, vote HERE, or check out the others too when you log in. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday...

Short Story - Forgotten Love By Thelma Nwogbo

I retired to the bedroom, tired of waiting up for Derin. The room was lavish and very spacious, but it was the bed that did things to my mind and body. Especially as all the sheets were silk and the pillows were filled with what felt like feathers. No wonder the minute I got into it I always fell asleep. Except Derin was there with me of course.

Couple Love - Uche Jombo Shares Birthday Message to Hubby

To mark her husband, Kenny Rodriguez's 40th Birthday, Uche Jombo shared their wedding picture above on Instagram, with the message, "There are Few people you meet that can change your life for the better and ....forever!!! Happy birthday to this guy right here!!! You are an amazing human being Kenney Rodriguez LOVE YOU!#youSureGoingToTurnThe40sIntoTheNew20s #FitKROD #CapricornMan #10thJanuary. 

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde on CNN African Voices - Behind The Scenes Photos.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is featured on today's CNN's African Voices. The programme which brings on board some of Africa's biggest personalities already, through its CNN correspondent, Vladimir Duthiers, interviewed her where she talked her upbringing, career, achievements, activism and future plans. Check out some behind the scene pictures...

Why Men Cheat And Other Answers From One Man To Other Men

By Onuoha Obinna

In a world where there are many broken homes & relationships, where marriages are even over before they begin and where the young ones detest the idea of marriage or have certain prejudices regarding it, the nobility, faithfulness and fidelity of partners comes to the limelight raising the question "Is there anyone faithful?"

My Confession On Dencia's Whitenicious And Gluthathione - I Have Used Skin Toning Creams Too

I've been meaning to write this post for almost a month now, since the soaring popularity of Glathathione hit the news. Now I'm reading news that Dencia's whitenicious skin care line has just sold out within one day of being launched. It could be a marketing gimmick, but being here in Lagos, it's not hard to see that a lot of girls are actually crazy about lightening up their complexion.

Congrats to Tuface and Annie Macaulay Idibia on Their New Baby Daughter

Annie Macaulay Idibia delivered her her baby three days into the new year. She and husband, Tuface Idibia were blessed with a healthy and beautiful daughter and baby sister to Isabella, their first child together. Annie's friend, Maryann Bassey shared these first pictures of the baby, on her social media. Congrats to the Idibia family.

Relationship Advice For Nigerian Women Via Skuki of Peeshaun

It was around this same time last year that a lot of entertainers shared their relationship wisdoms with the rest of us. Maybe these nuggets from Skuki of Peeshaun are the beginning of another round of celebrities doing their bit as agony aunts and uncles. The truth is that many need that life and relationship coaching as there is glaring lack of professional therapists or counsellors in Nigeria.

Couple Love - Comedian and Actor Okey Bakassi Poses With Wife

Okey Bakassi is a Nigerian comedian and actor, and star of Onye Ozi, an Igbo language movie by Obi Emelonye. This is the first time I'm seeing his wife, and she's so cute, love her smile!

A Safari Wedding - Corey and Lynette Perkins Renew Their Wedding Vows with Elephants in Attendance

An interracial couple, Corey and Lynette Perkins got married three years ago in the United States, but her family couldn’t make it, and the couple were in the middle of a green card process so Lynette couldn’t travel at that time. So they had a small ceremony with just Corey's close relatives. The couple recently renewed their vows in Zimbabwe, where the bride's family, and some elephants and giraffes, were able to be in attendance.

Married Women Who Contract HIV While Seeking For Babies

This is a long article, but do try to read to the end. In this in-depth article in the Punch, Toyosi Ogunseye tells the stories of women who contracted HIV while desperately seeking to have children and the societal pressure that pushes them into the hands of quacks and pseudo-medical centres.

Rape is No Joke - Basketmouth Offers Weak Apology For Sexist Rape Tweet

I've written a lot about rape on this blog, it is one of the subjects that riles me up no end with male patriarchy, the rape culture that means that most men, and a lot of women too, see nothing wrong with rape, blaming rape victims, making jokes about rape, and actually advocating rape! Which is what Basketmouth basically did in the tweet below! What is wrong with some people?

Family Time - Obi Emelonye With His Wife and Kids

Obi Emelonye, the director of Nollywood blockbuster movies including Mirror Boy and Last Flight to Abuja, shared this picture of his beautiful wife and cute kids over the holidays. Lovely!

Couple Love - IK Osakioduwa and Wife in Dubai

A visibly ecstatic IK Osakioduwa who is on vacation with his family in Dubai shared these happy pics with his wife while the children was being cared for by others. He tagged the above, "Love and friendship go together. Always marry your friend." and below, "Love moments like this. @O_osakioduwa and I chilling. The kids are locked up inside. Ain't nobody got time to chase no kids."

Stepping Stones~ A Short Story By Unoma Nwankwor

“Excuse me, excuse me coming through” I raced through the airport, the announcer had called the final boarding call for my flight. I was about to miss my flight due to all the prayers my family insisted on having which if you ask me where excessive. Missing this flight was not an option I was willing to entertain; I had to get out of this country and fast.

Okechukwu Ofili will be signing Books, Hugging people and Kissing babes at Patabah Tomorrow

Patabah bookstore hosts author/artist Okechukwu Ofili as he talks about his latest and slightly controversial book How Intelligence Kills: our dangerous Addiction To Respect, Religion, Intelligence and Lots More.

[Advice Corner] My New Suitor Only Texts But Has Never Called Me Since We Were Introduced?

Dear Myne, Can you please post on your blog? I'd like feedback from your readers, thank you. :-)

I was introduced to a guy by a colleague/friend a while back and he sends me text every few days to say hello but he's never called. This has been going on for a while but the conversation never goes beyond that. I try to ask and know more about him but he doesn't seem to get the hint.