Indeed, Dreams Come True Through Hardwork and Perseverance

by
Indeed, Dreams Come True Through Hardwork and Preserverance

Would I ever achieve my dreams? That was the question Tife asked himself when he failed his third jamb again. Tife was born with a silver spoon, and he was the only child of his parents. While growing up, he never lacked monetary things; everything he needed was always provided for him, barely before he asked. Tife was an intelligent, smart child, and he liked clarity so much, which made him ask questions someone would have thought bigger than his brain capacity, but trust Tife to remember every detail of answers provided to each question. Throughout his primary and secondary education programs, he never had reasons to have a B, all his results were always distinctions. Due to his brilliance and intelligence, he became teachers’ favorite and parents’ pride. Tife’s dreams was to become a civil engineer when he grew up, and he likes solving problems. It was a few months to Tife’s UTME exam when things started going south for his family. His father got duped of a huge amount of money while trying to do business transactions. Their lives started taking turns, in a bad way of course. A family who never lacked before became people who found it difficult to eat 3 square meals in a day. The drastic reduction of his father’s wealth was totally strange to him. He found it difficult to wrap his head around the fact that they were no more affluent people. The thought of his family now struggling affected him a lot, that he performed woefully in his first exam. That was the first failure he recorded ever since he was born. After his father got duped, he borrowed money from different people to run his business again, but he kept running into debt. No sooner than later, he got depressed and died due to depression. It was a month to Tife’s second UTME when his father’s death happened. He didn’t recover from the shock of his father’s death even after he wrote his exam; when the results were released, he performed poorly than he did the first time. His father’s death led his mother to start doing menial jobs. He couldn’t help but look for how he could assist his mother and himself financially. He started doing menial jobs and registered for his third UTME exam with money he got from the savings made while working, but he had little or no time to prepare for his exam because he always returned home tired most days. The exam time came, and he wrote it and did a bit better in it than the previous ones, but the score was too low for the Civil Engineering he wanted. When he saw his result this time, he started wailing. He called himself names and asked his mother if he would ever make it in life, but his mother assured him that through faith and hard work,  he would become what he envisaged himself to be. He gave everything it took for his 4th UTME exam, he didn’t let any bad thought put him down, he prayed like never before because he had dreams to achieve, he wrote his exams with faith, and he did excellently well. He was admitted into the university to study the course of his choice. During his undergraduate years, he did a side hustle to relieve his mother of her burden. He did not let these hustles affect him, and he studied harder, for he promised himself he wouldn’t let anything bring him down. READ ALSO: Fortune Favours The Curious: Embracing The Power of Inquisitiveness He later graduated as the best graduating student in his faculty and department at the same time. While giving his speech during convocation, while giving his speech as the Best Graduating Student, his first statement was, “Indeed, dreams come  true “.

Fortune Favours The Curious: Embracing The Power of Inquisitiveness

by
Fortune Favours The Curious Embracing The Power of Inquisitiveness

In a world constantly evolving at an unprecedented pace, curiosity emerges more than a trait but as a crucial survival skill. The adage “Fortune favours the brave” is widely recognized, but as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that fortune also favours the curious. The curious are the explorers of our time, those who seek to understand the why behind the “what” and, in so doing, unlock doors to opportunities, innovation, and growth. Curiosity: The Catalyst for Innovation across Domains History is replete with examples of curious minds whose inquiries and explorations have led to ground-breaking discoveries and innovations. From the apple falling on Newton’s head, sparking the theory of gravity, to the development of the internet, curiosity has been the driving force behind human progress. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, curiosity empowers individuals and organizations to explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and innovate beyond the confines of current thinking. Curiosity in the Digital Age The digital age has transformed how we learn, work, and connect. With information readily available at our fingertips, the curious mind thrives, constantly seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences. Social media, a cornerstone of the digital age, serves as a double-edged sword in this pursuit. While it provides endless avenues for exploration and learning, it also demands discernment to navigate the sea of information, distinguishing between what is useful and what is not. Curiosity in Creative Arts The creative arts thrive on curiosity. Artists, writers, musicians, and performers all begin with a “what if” that propels them into the realm of creation. Curiosity prompts a painter to experiment with new techniques or mediums, leading to the birth of a masterpiece. In literature, curiosity drives writers to explore the depths of the human condition, crafting stories that resonate across generations. Musicians who dare to blend genres or employ unconventional instruments often set new trends, enriching the tapestry of global culture. The creative arts, in essence, are a testament to the power of curiosity in pushing the boundaries of expression and understanding, reminding us that every great work of art began as a question. The Curious Mindset in Business and Entrepreneurship In business and entrepreneurship, curiosity is the foundation of competitive advantage. It drives leaders and entrepreneurs to question how they can improve processes, create value, and anticipate the needs of their customers. The curious are those who are not afraid to fail, for they understand that failure is often the precursor to innovation. They are the ones who ask “What if?” and “Why not?” and in doing so, they find new ways to solve old problems and create products and services that change the world. Curiosity in Education In education, fostering a culture of curiosity is paramount for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love for learning. Curious students are not content with rote memorization; they seek to understand the “why” behind facts, leading to deeper comprehension and the ability to apply knowledge in novel situations. Educators play a crucial role in nurturing this trait by encouraging questions, promoting exploratory learning, and creating an environment where not knowing is the first step to discovery. This approach makes learning more engaging and prepares students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with adaptability and an eager mind. Curiosity in Family Life Within the family context, curiosity acts as a bonding agent, encouraging open communication, empathy, and shared learning experiences. Curious families often engage in activities that expand their collective knowledge and understanding, from travel to playing intellectually stimulating games or simply exploring the wonders of their local community. Parents who model curiosity to their children, showing interest in their thoughts, feelings, and activities, lay the groundwork for open, trusting relationships. Moreover, by encouraging children to ask questions and explore their interests, parents foster an environment where learning is not just an educational requirement but a joyous, lifelong pursuit. Nurturing Curiosity So, how does one cultivate this invaluable trait? It begins with fostering a mindset of lifelong learning, being open to new experiences, and not fearing the unknown. It involves asking questions, seeking challenges, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. In the realm of social media, it means leveraging these platforms not just for entertainment but for education and constructive engagement. Follow thought leaders, join forums and discussions, and share your discoveries and insights. Keep in mind that being curious isn’t merely an individual characteristic; it’s a collective voyage towards enhanced comprehension and creativity. ALSO READ: How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem Conclusion In conclusion, the old saying “Fortune favours the brave” remains true, but in the tapestry of the modern world, the brave are often those who dare to be curious. They are the pioneers of innovation, the seekers of knowledge, and the drivers of progress. As we forge ahead into the unknown frontiers of the future, let us embrace curiosity not just as a trait but as a principle for life. Ultimately, those driven by curiosity will mould the future, uncovering wealth not merely for personal gain but for the greater good of humanity.  

From Stigma to Support: Youth Mental Health Transformation

by
From Stigma to Support Transforming the Landscape of Youth Mental Health

Conversations on mental health remain shrouded in silence because the majority do not seek help owing to stigma, a lack of understanding, and insufficient access to services. This article aims to shed light on the significance of mental health among youth, explore the barriers to achieving a stigma-free conversation, and offer insights into how education, support, and open dialogue can transform the landscape of mental health for the better. Recent figures present a worrying picture; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20% of young people worldwide have a mental health disorder, while one in four Nigerians is estimated to be living with a mental disorder. The mental health landscape among Nigerian youth, characterized by an increasingly intricate array of challenges, is underscored by escalating rates of anger, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and other mental health conditions among young individuals. This spectrum encompasses other disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anorexia, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), paranoia, and issues related to personality disorders, among others. The implications of these mental health problems are profound, extending beyond the affected individuals to impact their families, communities, and the broader societal fabric. A confluence of contemporary causes, reflecting both global trends and context-specific variables, are leading factors in the prevalence of mental health disorders among Nigerian youth. Several are listed below: Economic Instability and Unemployment: High unemployment and poverty levels lead to stress and depression due to financial pressures. Educational Pressures: Intense competition among students and limited educational resources cause stress and anxiety among students. Social and Cultural Expectations: Cultural norms and societal pressures regarding marriage, career, and gender roles induce stress and feelings of inadequacy. Political and Social Instability: Fear and anxiety stem from safety concerns, political unrest, and social violence. Health Challenges: Diseases and limited healthcare access exacerbate mental health problems. Substance Abuse: Increased use of psychoactive substances results in substance use disorders and mental health issues. Family Issues and Domestic Violence: Instability and violence in the home environment lead to psychological distress. Social Media and Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying and the pressure from social media contribute to self-esteem issues and mental disorders. Stigmatization and Lack of Awareness: Stigma and insufficient understanding of mental health prevent young people from seeking help, exacerbating mental health conditions. Understanding and addressing the stigma around youth mental health is pivotal in encouraging young individuals to seek help. This stigma, deeply entrenched in cultural and societal norms, manifests as misconceptions, fear, and silence, leaving youths feeling isolated or ashamed. The consequences of the stigma are significant, deterring individuals from accessing necessary care, which can worsen mental well-being and negatively impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall life quality. Moreover, the importance of awareness and education in mental health plays a critical role in combatting this issue. Initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and normalizing mental health conversations can diminish stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviours. Education, particularly when integrated into school curriculums, equips students’ understanding of mental health complexities and fosters empathy, promoting a supportive environment. This combination of demystifying mental health issues, challenging stereotypes, and incorporating mental health education in schools, along with public awareness campaigns, is essential for dismantling barriers and changing the stigma landscape, enabling young people to freely discuss their experiences and seek the necessary support to overcome their challenges. Addressing the mental health crisis among youth requires a holistic approach that encompasses raising awareness, enhancing education, and ensuring access to support tools and resources. It also involves advocating for systemic changes and promoting both personal and collective responsibility towards mental health. Ensuring youth have access to information and tangible services, such as hotlines, counselling, mental health apps, and safe spaces for sharing and support in both online and community settings, is crucial. These resources should be widely promoted in youth-centric venues like schools, social media, and community centres to enhance accessibility and awareness. At the policy and societal levels, advocacy for increased funding, better access to mental health services, and the integration of mental health education into school curriculums are critical. Efforts must be made to challenge media narratives to ensure positive and accurate representations of mental health. This includes implementing workplace policies that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements and mental health days, which demonstrate a societal commitment to prioritizing mental health. Conclusion Tackling the youth mental health crisis demands salient strategies encompassing awareness, education, resource accessibility, policy advocacy, and a supportive culture via individual and community efforts. By collectively addressing stigma and fostering an open, supportive environment, we can pave the way for a future where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. This commitment to change and mutual support is essential for enabling everyone to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Let’s all be part of the solution in our journey towards improved mental health. ALSO READ: From Hobbies to Personal Effectiveness

A monument of an unbelievable sacrifice

by
A monument of an unbelievable sacrifice

As I stood in front of the old, dilapidated house that seemed like a house of monument, I was overcome with a sense of unease. It was clear that this place had seen better days, the peeling paint, broken windows and crumbling walls were proof of that. But something did not seem right here, as if there was a deeper story behind the decay. I turned to my friend Ndubuisi, who had brought me here. “What happened here?” I asked curiously. He paused for a while as his expression became serious. “If I had asked you this question a few months ago, you would probably have said that the house was being renovated”, he began, “but that was far from the truth”. As he spoke, I noticed a sadness in his eyes that I had never seen before. He took a deep breath before continuing. “This house was once a haven for many, a place where families lived and loved. But then the world stood still for hours, and the fate of the people was decided”. My heart began to race as I listened to his words, for I did not know where this story would lead. “Lives were changed forever in this house”, Ndubuisi said quietly, his voice full of emotion. “Fathers lost their sons, mothers became widows and children were left without fathers. The breadwinners of the families said goodbye to life and willingly sacrificed themselves for a greater cause”. I felt a lump forming in my throat as I tried to process what Ndubuisi was telling me. “What cause?” I asked with my voice barely in muted tones. Ndubuisi’s eyes met mine, full of determination and sadness. the cause of freedom,’ he said with a certain pride. These men have paid the exorbitant price for us to enjoy our lives in freedom. That we can visit places like Aguorie, Nkutume Guest House and Eke utali Joint without fear of oppression. I remembered the carefree nights I had spent with friends in these places. How could I be so blind to the sacrifices made for my freedom? But then the words of Ndubuisi hit me even harder. “Even the prodigal sons were not left out,” he said with a slight tremor in his voice. “Men who had strayed from the path of righteousness found redemption in their last moments. They fought alongside their brothers because they knew they were fighting for a cause greater than themselves”. Tears stung my eyes as I looked at the house in front of me with a new understanding. This place was not just a dilapidated building, but a monument to sacrifice, a reminder of the price of freedom. It is the desire of everyone of us to free and liberated from every indirect form of slavery. For the love of our dear fatherland, people who have never been to the military fought with every breathe in them. “These men will never be forgotten”, Ndubuisi said with conviction. “Their struggle and sacrifice will never be in vain”. Read also: We Can Make the World Better With Love As we stood in front of the old house that seemed to be a house monument, I could not help but feel a sense of gratitude and awe for the brave people who had laid down their lives. I vowed never to take my freedom for granted and to always remember the sacrifices that were made for it. And when we left the house, I knew that I would carry this story with me and share it with others so that the memory of these heroes would live on.

NIMASA At 18 : A New Ever Revolving Body

by
NIMASA AT 18: AN EVER REVOLVING BODY

On a calm, cold night, I was standing right beside the river. The warm water rushing onto my feet as I wondered how far we had come. How we went from being very insensitive when it came to water bodies to indeed knowledgeable individuals. This is definitely all thanks to NIMASA for enforcing the laws of MARPOL. The pollution of marine bodies, which had been a subject of concern for so many years now, even became more serious around the mid-20th century when industrialization, increased shipping activities, chemical spills, and sewage spills led to an incredible rise in marine body pollution. To an extent, we could say everyone was really carefree, and all we cared about was actually getting rid of our waste. None of us cared to know the damage it was doing to where we dumped it. The ocean, which covers more than 70 percent of the earth’s surface, is definitely far larger than what the land covers. We turned it to an enemy where we could go ahead and dump whatever we wanted; the big factories were also passing out their waste directly into the water bodies. So, when it turned on us and started its wrath, I was not surprised. From experiencing all sorts of waterborne diseases to the effect on aquatic life and, at the end, the effect on us. Shall we even talk about the destruction of properties caused by this? I have an experience to share. We used to live near a river body, but not so close, as it was at least two streets from ours. People automatically turned it into a dumping ground. So when a heavy storm started that night, windows rattled and roofs drummed, and we all, unaware of the heavy rain falling, had nowhere to go. Blocked by the waste that had been dumped in it, the river tore its banks, and, oh my! The destruction it caused was so indelible. People’s houses were stripped, properties carted away, and even the piggery farm near the river was not left out. There was not one single pig left when we all got there the next morning. That was the day I saw elderly people cry like babies; it was really bad. It was the first case I experienced, and it will definitely remain evergreen in my memory. I guess this and several other cases broadcast on TV made NIMASA swing into action, inculcating values from the MARPOL and thereby coming to our rescue. They brought up laws binding the oil spillers, the refuse and sewage dumpers, and the industries that had turned the ocean into waste land. Everyone who contributed to the pollution was held under these laws. If you refuse to obey, you face the consequences. Sometimes I try to imagine what Nigeria might have been like if not for the timely and consistent interference of NIMASA. Oh boy! Disastrous would have been an understatement. Although, we are not where we want to be yet but the level that has been achieved is indeed very significant. We now have to an extent, peaceful ocean bodies, safe and healthy aquatic lives, conscious humans, and, overall, an undisturbed marine life. This indeed leads us to the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day, which is “MARPOL @ 50: Our commitment goes on.” This theme, aside from outlining the achievements of MARPOL, was also to enunciate the need to decarbonize maritime transport for sustainable development. I believe this theme was chosen to highlight the need to reduce carbon emissions from the maritime industry and find ways to make it more sustainable. It is definitely a big challenge, because carbon fuels keep being one of the most dangerous and yet unavoidable fuel of this century. Its effect on the ecosystem has been quite distinct and it has even led to the depletion of our ozone layer. With this, I believe one can only imagine its effect on the marine body. Though it might still seem quite oblique to some people, marine transportation is gradually becoming the new normal, and it has definitely evolved from the traditional one majority of us are used to. The use of ships and vessels, ferries, tourist cruises, and even our naval and military vessels makes use of carbon fuels. These carbon fuels release carbon monoxide, which can be very toxic when inhaled, and also carbon dioxide, which can affect the climate adversely when emitted in high amounts. So when acidification of marine bodies, climate change, a rise in temperature, a gradual destruction of the marine habitat, and the likes kicked up, it served as a wake-up call that carbon fuels were not only depleting our ecosystem but had also started depleting our rivers too. This increased the need to go carbon-free, which I must say that it is about time. There are several other aspects we can venture into and even biofuels are not left out. According to Web Search, “biofuels are fuels derived from renewable biological resources, such as plants, algae, or organic waste. They are considered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels because they can be produced from biomass, which is a replenishable resource.”. There are different types, which include bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and even advanced biofuels. Based on my research, venturing majorly into biogas as fuel for our transport system would totally not be a bad idea. This is because biogas is produced through a natural biological process called anaerobic digestion, which involves the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. Since biogas includes a selection of feedstock like agricultural residues, manure, sewage sludge, food waste, and other organic material, it would serve as a really great method of transferring our wastes into something useful while also not endangering the sea and our ecosystem at large in the process. When the gas is generated through the step-by-step process, it could either be liquefied or compressed and then used as fuel in vehicles. Biogas is renewable … Read more

Love And Unity

by
Love And Unity

Without love and unity, a lot will be left unresolved, deteriorated and issues will always get complicated. The assertion “No man is an Island” as thought by Mr. John Donne over a couple of centuries ago has not ceased to gain prominence. “No man is an island entire of itself; all man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea; Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as any manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind. Therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”. Without love and unity, a lot will be left unresolved. In light of the above-quoted words of John Donne, it is evident that no single being is entirely independent and it is human nature to rely on others as a basic art of survival. Indeed, every human needs food to survive and in this regard, every human that feeds on food invariably depends on the farmer and such is like the connection of humans in all other endeavors. No soul is self-sufficient, but with love and unity, we can reach a greater height. Love and unity undoubtedly, is an indispensable tool for nation building. Unity cannot be divorced from the description of a nation. An example of this is the meaning given to a nation by Wikipedia: “A nation is a stable community of people, formed based on a common language, history, ethnicity, or psychological make-up manifested in a common culture.” The mentality that an Igbo man is generally treacherous, a Hausa man is intolerant, and a Yoruba man does not even accommodate his fellow Yoruba is indeed a threat to national prosperity. Tribalism is a nation destroyer. Cultures and indigenous values must evolve bottom-up policies and approaches to oneness, growth, and development in the country. Every culture in Nigeria has different unique foods, modes of dressing, modes of production, language, greetings, marriage, mode of socialization, and political systems that could be annexed for development. Even values like love, hard work, honesty, bravery, care, extended brotherhood, and filiations are now negatively rationalized as individualism and profit concerns take center stage as imported through globalization. Aside from culture, another unifying factor is sports. Sports is more than ever before commanding global attention to all nations. Sports influences world peace, the economy, and the development of social relationships. Also, recent research suggests that sport-based programs focused on children and youth in areas of conflict. It also offer a means of both resolution and in turn, reconciliation and reintegration of communities. Successful nations in the world have one thing in common: love and unity. The list of prosperous nations on earth is incomplete without the mention of the  United States of America (USA) and China, with much consideration of what the USA and China have achieved as a country. Although both countries are not crisis-free, but their citizens are united more than they are uncooperative. This informs us of why “God bless America” which was a song composed by Irvin Berlin in 1981 during the first world war, has been widely adopted by Americans as their national slogan of patriotism. Therefore, the slogan becomes the symbol of unity of the Americans. James Dobbins, Seth G. Jones et al., in their book: “A Guide to Nation Building” observed that the primary objective of nation-building is to make a violent society peaceful. This is only after the attainment of this economic and political objective be pursued. The view of James Dobbins et al., poses a question, how can a society be peaceful? The answer to this is not far-fetched as peace is only attainable in a society where love and unity prevail amongst its constituents. This implies that lack of cooperation between people, cultures and ethnic groups at large is a threat to the peace of a nation. Therefore, it is known that without peace, the primary objective of nation-building cannot be achieved. Also, the attainment of peace in its entirety is impossible without the spirit of love and unity. It is only with the spirit of love and unity can people of different cultures peacefully co-exist in a country and its only upon realization of this a government can achieve its economic and political objectives. Love and unity indeed is a vibrant tool for nation building. ALSO READ: We Can Make the World Better With Love  

Apocalypse: My Father’s House

by
Apocalypse My Father's House

In loving memory of Thomas Deventis; a father and a brother. The plain words were all I could focus on as the burial ceremony came to an end and the guests began to file out to their houses. It was almost unbelievable that he was gone- I would not have believed any of the drama unfolding before my eyes if I had not been present the very moment he was lowered into the casket. Behind me, I could feel my mother’s gaze penetrating the deepest core of my soul- almost as if she could taste my jumbled mind.

Out of all the turns I could have imagined my life to take after my father’s death, this phase that I was living was definitely not an option. Two months after his death, I could still not understand why the lawyer will insist it was not yet time for his will to be read. This, as a result of the deceased’s order. How my mother, who, for some years now had been separated from my father, believed she definitely had a price to her name in the will and had refused to grant me peace till it was the supposed time was definitely a big hassle to my sanity- at least that was what I thought …

As I descended from the plane, I caught sight of Mr Marco in his regular black uniform, leaning against the car. I was happy to be back after being away for a whole week on an assignment to discuss some proposals about my father’s company. I switched on my phone and was immediately met with a beep sound after settling in the car for the ride to the company.

“Your meeting with the Antonio Groups has been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the mansion” The text from my assistant simply stated. However, the fourteen words seemed technical to dissect. In my four months of working in my father’s company, I never heard of any Antonio Groups and the reason the meeting was at the mansion was beyond me.

“We should head home first” I said to Mr Marco, who from the rearview mirror appeared confused for a second but decided to not make a comment about the change of direction. As I watched him mask his confusion, I contemplated asking if he knew anything about the Antonio Groups since he had worked for my family for almost thirty years. On a second thought, what could he know, he was just a driver after all.

I was met at the door by my assistant who with a pad in one hand, held the door open for me with the other.

“We should head to your father’s study right away” he said right after the exchange of greetings. “Mr Antonio had a little delay on the way and should be here soon” Our attention was drawn to the opening and closing of the entrance door, followed by exchange of pleasantries between the person who entered and Maria, our housekeeper. My interest picked as I watched Maria relates friendly with the strange men. One of them patted her back in greeting; further confirming my assumption- the men must have been here a number of times.

“Oh! There you are, Carmen. How do you do?” The older of the two men said, moving towards me with a smile. “Meet my son, Ace.” He continued before my initial confusion could wear off. Now that they were both close to where I stood, their features were indeed similar. Just as I was about to open my mouth, my assistant beat me to it.

“You are welcome, Mr Antonio” at least now, I had a name to the face.
“It’s been a while, Shane. How have you been?” Mr Antonio replied. I let my eyes wandered past his shoulder as I watched his son check out the living room before turning and leading the way to the study.

Later that evening, I felt numb sitting on my bed replaying the day’s events. “I would leave you to it and ask Marco to let me know when we can set up another meeting with the other members” those were his last words before Mr Antonio and his son left the mansion that morning.

“If I get you correctly, there are certain files I need to go through to get the concept behind what is going on. Right?” I said to Mr Marco, who currently stood across me. “And you cannot direct me to where they are? I probed further. After the discussion with Mr Antonio yesterday, I was restless and needed answers to this madness as soon as possible.

I had summoned Mr Marco to get more insight since his name was mentioned yesterday, but seeing as the discussion went, there was no easy way out of this.

“Carmen, lunch is served” I heard Maria say from outside my father’s room. “Alright, I will be there soon” I replied absent-mindedly. It’s been six hours of me turning things over in search of some files I didn’t know of their existence. I had started with the study room, seeing as it was only logical to assume all paper works were kept there. The guest rooms had been searched one after the other, followed by the bar and gym. “What if there were no such files in this house?” I wondered aloud heading to the dining room until my eyes caught sight of the one door I grew up to find locked all year round.

The room was said to have belonged to my aunt who died from cancer while I was still very young. I’ve been told stories of how strong she was till her last day. My father had kept the room locked to preserve her belongings and memories after her death. The only time I had seen the door opened was when I returned from college one day and found my father and Maria exiting the room. As the housekeeper, Maria had been there to clean the room and my father had stayed back to watch her do it. My happiness of finally being home overpowered my curiosity and so I didn’t pay attention to it.

My legs moved towards the door and as expected, it was locked. Now that my father was dead and had the chance to reconnect with his sister, he had no need to hold on to mere possessions in her memory anymore. So, I ran out and got some tools to get the door open. It appeared to be a distraction from my initial quest but that could definitely wait. After several pushes and pulls, the door flung open, only it wasn’t a lady’s room but a room with shelves full of files. I sank to the floor the same time the hammer in my hand made a thud sound.

It’s been four days I discovered the room and went through different sections of files. Finding out about the room was one issue, realizing that every single person in this mansion was engaged in a business with my father was another. I remembered once when I asked my father how the domestic staff could dedicate so many years of their lives to working for us and why he felt we needed that large number of people to keep this house running, he had said it was for the best and they were not complaining. This could be the reason I was never around for long. If I was not in a boarding school, I was on vacation.

The Deventis Incorporation had only been a front for him. The real channel was not known to the world- not even me, Carmen Deventis. Like my father, his partners had a company to their names; the same way there was Antonio Groups. Right now, I could not care about showing up at the company. What I needed was a chat with Mr Marco.

“Good morning, Mr Marco, or should I say Mr Marco Jones?” I greeted sassily. If he was any surprised by the use of his full name, he didn’t show it. “So, can we talk now?” I quickly added and headed into the house before he could give his response. I try not to look back, as I hear footsteps follow me to the door, knowing fully well I didn’t give him any other option.

“I would suggest we wait for a while as others are heading here for a meeting” came his response. “Really?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “I am beyond shock at how much of an outcast I have been in my father’s house for the past years and even after his death” I said as I massaged my forehead in anticipation of the headache building up. “I would be in my room till then”.
The chatter and greetings downstairs was enough to drag me out of my thoughts. A quick glance at the clock indicated it had not been more than forty-six minutes I came up here to wait for the next puzzle to be unraveled. Deciding to get this behind me, I made for the stairs and soon discovered the “guests” were now in the study. Walking in like a deer caught in headlights, I muttered my greeting and made my way to the available seat.

As they all took turn to express their condolences over my father’s death, then welcoming me back home, and giving a brief summary of what they were in the house for, the only thing that stuck to my head was the word ‘drug’- the part I wanted the discussion to get to. Thirty minutes later, one of the men who I believed was addressed as Mr Rivera finally went into details of how the business had been on hold for two months in honour of my late father. And now that they were here, they would like to get things back in motion.

“Marco, I believe you’ve confirmed the available stuff yesterday, right?” Mr Blackwood directed to Mr Marco who nodded his head. My confusion must have been evident on my face because the next thing I heard was me being addressed by Mr Blackwood himself. “You should come with us, Carmen. You will understand better that way”.

I remained seated and allowed everyone to file out in hopes of getting a change of outfit before joining them. However, they were headed to the same room I had been in days ago when I exited the study. I had just closed the door behind me when one of the men punched in some numbers and a part of the floor opened up and made a pathway beneath the room. All these years, I had believed this was just another random room in my father’s house.

I followed them down the stairs as they chattered like they were walking into a regular bar. Unexpectedly, the underground was well lit, and adequately furnished. I soon found out this was not just a room underneath the ground; it was a labyrinth. As I passively followed whoever was in sight around the different rooms, I started to see some of the ‘supposed’ domestic staff at different stations. They were there in production, packaging, logistics and others. This was not just a storehouse; the whole process took place there.

I soon saw a closed door with the tag DEVENTIS T.O. on it. Despite my shaky hands, I continued to rummage through the different files in the office until a paper slipped out of a particular one with my name on it. Maybe this could provide an answer.

READ ALSO: A Detective Story

Dearest Carmen,
If you are here, I could only imagine what the past days had been for you.
You should know that all I wanted for you was the best. You will find most of the answers here.
Love,
Your father.
…and at that point, it dawned on me that this was a lion’s den, not my father’s house.

 

Morning Routine – Habits for Success and Productivity

by
Morning Routine - Habits for Success and Productivity

How you begin your day has a powerful effect on your productivity and success. Establishing a morning routine enables you to plan for the rest of the day. It also assists you to take crucial steps to complete your goals.  When you build a morning routine, you are sure to do your daily tasks with positive results. At the end of this article, you will learn the benefits of a morning routine. Tips for creating your morning routine for success.  Let’s look at some benefits of a morning routine. The Benefits of Morning Routine Improve Productivity- A morning routine has the energy to handle your daily schedules. It will also prepare your mind for positive results. By planning your daily activities, you will judiciously use your time. A morning routine also increases alertness and prepares you for the task ahead. Stimulate Energy –  A productive routine boosts your energy level. You may feel tired from early morning sleep. Engaging in physical exercise has the power to strengthen. It allows you to stay motivated for your daily schedule. Reduces Stress – Early morning planning is a way to achieve productivity and success. When you plan, making a list of your tasks from the biggest to the smallest helps reduce stress. Meanwhile, knowing what you want to achieve and how to achieve it helps reduce tension. and helps you have control of the task to complete at any time Build confidence –  Planning your daily schedule, helps you know which task requires more attention. You will have the mind of believing in your ability to deal with issues facing you for the day. Thus, believing in yourself enables you to complete your daily tasks. Improve mental well-being – Meditation and mindfulness are ways to have a sound mind. It sustains both physical and emotional stability. It helps you to focus and plan well. There are individual successful individuals with morning routines that contribute to their success. Jeff Bezos, Arianna Huffington, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Barack Obama, among others. You may use this as an inspiration to create your morning routine for productivity. Now let’s dive into tips for building a morning routine. Tips to Develop a Morning Routine for Success A healthy morning routine helps to improve your physical and mental well-being. It has the power to boost your productivity and success. If you want to begin your day, Here are must-have 6-morning routine tips for a productive day ahead. 1. Rise Early  The saying goes thus, early to bed, early to rise. Waking up early has an impact on your success for the day. It enables you to concentrate on your objectives. By waking up early, you have a better chance to prepare ahead for your main daily task. If you find it difficult to wake up early, try setting an alarm 15 minutes before your normal time of waking up. It will assist you in creating a morning routine for productivity. 2. Drink Enough water Drinking water helps boost your performance and increase energy. It also helps in replenishing lost liquid while you are sleeping. Taking a glass of water boosts internal performance and concentration.  Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and lively.  3. Practice Meditation and Mindfulness Meditation helps to relieve anxiety and stress. Early morning meditation straightens you and allows you to stay focused. Cultivating the habit of meditation, and mindfulness is a powerful tool to sound mind. You will experience peace and calmness that will prepare you for the day.  4. Exercise Early morning physical exercise lessens stress. It increases emotional state, boosts cognitive performance, and stimulates happiness. Incorporating morning workouts will help boost your mental well-being. The exercise may be a workout, yoga session, or a few stretches. Integrating this into your morning routine is necessary for an effective result. 5. Eating Healthy Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So it is beneficial to begin your day with breakfast. A nutritional breakfast helps to increase your attention level. It also improves concentration, supports your brain, and controls your emotions. You can start your breakfast with vegetables, whole grains, or your preference. Breakfast helps you to reason well and plan for the day’s activities.  So it is necessary not to skip breakfast to have the utmost support to carry out your daily tasks. 6. Plan your Activities  Planning your day before starting your normal activities is necessary. Listing your task according to others of preference is necessary. It will help you carry out strenuous tasks before handling simpler ones. It will also help prepare you for the day.  Consider prioritizing your task to know the task to handle first before others.  If you practice this every morning you will realize that you will achieve success daily.  Finally, developing a morning routine helps you to start your day on a fresh note. When you invest in building a morning routine in your life, you are sure to be productive. You can study successful people and use their morning routine as an inspiration. Having said this, it is time to choose the right one that will work for you and follow it. . . .  

Mastering the Art of Politely Saying No

by
Mastering the Art of Politely Saying No

In various situations in life, you find yourself in a tight corner concerning a request or favor from a friend or neighbor. If such a request is not in your capability or interest, politely saying no without hurting the person’s feeling is a skill worth mastering. Some people just happen to struggle with declining such requests so as not to seem mean, but saying no helps you set a limit that will be beneficial to your personal wellbeing. It also empowers you and builds your confidence when relating with others. Julie Lythcott-Haims once shared her experience saying no to people for her personal health. She said, “I had to learn to set healthy boundaries so I wouldn’t put myself in a place of breakdown. Making pros and cons lists for hard decisions helped me do this. Now I’m standing up for my ‘no.’ I trust the instincts in my body; I have to trust my instincts without knowing the full picture. ‘No’ is a complete answer. ‘No’ means, ‘I appreciate how much you want this, but I have to say no to you and say yes to myself.” Explicitly using the word ‘no’ can be very hurtful to the personality involved. This essay dives into how you can master the art of politely saying no. It also offers various examples and alternative words that can be used to convey the same declining message. The Friendly No: Keeping it Simple This involves expressing one’s limits with respect and clarity. Sometimes, you just need to keep it simple and friendly by politely saying no. For instance: “Thanks for asking, but I can’t do that right now.” “I’m busy with other things, so I can’t take on more tasks.” Redirecting Requests: Steering the Conversation Positively This involves channeling your requests toward more feasible alternatives. This gives room for a positive shift in the conversation, and it makes it easier for the person to accept your declination with grace. Good words to use include: “I can’t help with this, but I can advise you on how to do it.” “I can’t make it to the event, but I would love to help plan it.” Setting Boundaries: Clearing Expressing Limitations Firmly declining a request does not require you to apologize for it. You clearly communicate your personal limitations without giving further explanations about it. Words to use to assertively express yourself include: “I’m not available for more commitments at the moment.” “I’ve got enough on my plate, so I can’t take on anything new.” Being Honest and Nice: Finding the Balance You can also be honest while politely saying no to a request or favor brought to you. It shows that you are concerned about the feelings of the other person. These examples will work smoothly while declining the request: “I need to decline this offer, but I truly appreciate you thinking of me.” “I’m not able to commit right now, but I hope you understand.” Time Management Prioritization: Emphasizing Existing Commitments It is also important to prioritize things that you are already committed to, and that can be a valid reason to decline new ones. You can let them know you are occupied with other things by saying these: “I’m currently working on other projects and can’t add more.” “My schedule is pretty packed, so I can’t take on extra tasks.” Expressing Appreciation: Acknowledging the Invitation or Opportunity Acknowledging the request with gratitude before politely saying no adds a considerate touch to it. It portrays you as an appreciative person. For instance, words like this better portray you to such individual: “Thanks for thinking of me, but I can’t make it this time.” “I’m honored you asked, but I have to decline due to other commitments.” Passing the Baton: Suggesting Someone Else In situations where a direct no might be too blunt, a polite deflection can be effective. Sometimes, you are not the right fit, and it is okay to direct them to someone who you feel is more capable. Words that can be used to decline such requests include: “I’m not the best fit for this, but I think you can ask [another person].” “I’m currently not available, but maybe [alternative person] could help you with it.” In conclusion, the art of politely saying no revolves around balancing assertiveness and respect for others. Whether you are busy, have other commitments, or it’s not just the right fit for you, these simple ways let you say no without making you feel guilty for it. It also helps you to foster clear communication, build confidence, and maintain personal boundaries without causing unnecessary discomfort. It ultimately helps you maintain your sanity and personal wellbeing.

Understanding Play-to-Earn Models in Android NFT Games 

by
A Boy Enjoying Android NFT games on his phone

The rapid growth of the NFT gaming market is indeed fascinating, with an estimated market size of USD 410.92 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 820.78 billion by 2028. It is worthy to note that Android NFT Games are under this rising market. Recently, there has been an integration of blockchain technology in the gaming industry. The rise of play to earn model (P2E) has given players the opportunity to monetize their game play and earn digital assets with real value. Here, the players are enabled to own in-game content (digital assets/collectibles) while the assets are tradeable and transferable outside the gaming environment. The gaming industry is trending, with a model that appeals to players, P2E games are receiving attention from gamers. Android’s adoption is widespread, making it significant for NFT games. Andriod support to a variety of NFT games is a key tool to the expansion of the NFT gaming market. The ability to play NFT Games on Android devices is a democratized access to blockchain gaming. Players on this platform enjoy the goodies of the play to earn the economy. Definition of Android NFT Games Android NFT Game is a mobile game designed for Android devices to incorporate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as part of its gameplay. Blockchain technology is used to create a game that is unique, with digital assets that players can own, buy, sell, or trade within the game or external marketplace. Key Features of Andriod NFT Games Ownership of digital assets. Players’ ownership of digital assets in Android NFT games are verified on the blockchain. Unlike traditional games where digital assets are controlled by the game’s developers or publishers, Android NFT games are represented by non-fungible tokens, which are unique and are indivisible tokens stored on the blockchain. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that records and verified transactions of NFTs in a secure and transparent way. Interoperability. The assets can sometimes be used across different games and platforms that enhance their utility and value. Players in Android NFT games can use, transfer, or trade in another game or platforms that support NFTs. The utility and value of NFTs are not limited to a single game or environment but can be accessed and enjoyed by a wider audience and market. Scarcity. The quantity of the NFTs are limited, thereby increasing its rarity and value. NFTs quantity are limited therefore increasing the rarity and value of digital token. Collectors and investors sought for it and are willing to pay million for them. Earning potential. The play to earn model that Android NFT Game offers allows players to earn real world reward through gameplay. The Android non-fungible tokens (NFTs) games represent unique digital assests which are used in games.NFTs are based on blockchain technology, which ensures the security, authenticity, and scarcity of the digital assets. Android NFT games often have a play-to-earn (P2E) model, which means that players can make money from their gameplay and assets, especially in low-income countries or regions. Android NFT games have varieties of genres, such as farming, racing, card, RPG, strategy, etc. Some of the popular Android NFT games are Upland1, CropBytes2, Chainmonsters3, and more. Conclusion Lovers of games enjoy suitable benefits from NFT games and having to play on Android creates expansion of the market and rewards. Players of NFT games get to earn digital assets with their phones which they can own, trade and buy. You can enjoy and benefit from these games with hundred percent ownership of digital assets which are Interoperable, scarce and secured.