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SHATTERING THE TABLE

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This should be a welcome party but the menu and party favours require your thinking cap as plates…

How then would I adequately transmit the pressure, reproach, snide remarks cum comments, scorn and castigation of being an unmarried single after your early thirties?

It must be your fault … You are too selective (unto say husband na Abakiliki rice, abi na beans with stones)… We don ready to chop rice o( have you not been eating rice in your various homes?), I don choose aso ebi colour for you ooo, infact na me go supply am ( have you been prancing about in your birth day suit all these years?)… eeeh long time no see, are you now married? Your children must be so grown… ( awwwwn, are you not yet dead? the mortuary must be eager to house your corpse)… These  poisonous innuendo glib abound.

Infuriating, are the religious colourations like: oh it is spiritual… She is plagued by a dream husband…  something is covering her face “I know a prophet that can help you…” Jamila must have gotten fed up of hearing them. How else do I explain how Jamila  has become a dedicated customer of prophetic prayer houses?  Infact her monthly expenditure has six pastor prophets on constant payroll. She has taken part in uncountable assignments, two hundred spiritual baths as at our last count, even the melted  wax from various prophetic candles could produce other life enhancing materials… Need I describe the repugnant fume mix from an array of  incense which has turned the ambience of her house to an imitation of a world class perfumery, albeit  a lousy one… Different jars and tablets of spiritual soap litter her bedroom drawers; I almost forgot to add the holy water cans that one could start a palm oil retail sales business line…  she is currently saddled with the onerous task of explaining the source of a suspicious pregnancy from a certain prayer contractor! Rites, rituals and unending spiritual exercises thus far has not changed her marital status but the pressure wouldn’t allow her take a break from all these physical and economical sapping adventure.

Once transiting your twenties to your mid thirties, hitherto protective parents, aunts, uncles,and well-wishers who were protecting you from the devouring wolves of the opposite sex , now cast you into the “you must present a husband” battle field! Thrown in without equipping you with the strategies and arsenals needed for survival and victory… This is the summary of Abike’s  current dilemma… 43years old, formerly a protected only child, living with huge resonating ghosts from the various voices of her chequed childhood. Leading the pack, overbearingly loud is her mother, “now that you have started menstruating, if a man touches you, you will get pregnant. Let me just warn you, if you get pregnant, do not come back here, just go to his house and stay there…”  Inerasable, is the near death thrashing meted on her, when she was “caught” by her mom innocently hanging out with Nnamdi at 19… Her Igbo mother didn’t just thrash the “looming prostitution” spirit out of her, no, it wasn’t the beating that scarred her, it was the pepper which her mother applied to labia minora to destroy every iota of sexual urge for Nnamdi or any other useless boy before she brings shame to the family… Oh, did I tell you she secretly saved the family and herself of shame ten times as at the last count, procuring unsafe abortion from the untrained nurse two streets from their home? So now you know. While she still awaits the miracle of marriage, the demons in her head still wage a war of dominance which a psychologist needs to fix.⇞⇞⇞⇟⇟⇟????

Chioma’s nightmare lies in the money machine her married siblings have turned her in to. Presently 48, she practically clawed herself out of the grip of poverty right before the eyes of her brothers. Currently an assistant to a highly placed official with a “minimum wage” take home pay, the brothers seem to have an insider notice about pay day and dutifully arrive to squeeze out obligatory support to cater to the needs of their families, after all “you are not married and have no family, so what do you need so much money for?” The day she stood up to one of them in a fit of liberation rage, she was summoned back to the east by Umunna who fined her heavily for being disrespectful. In their words, “it is not her fault but too much education. In times past, we would have married you off before fifteen but now, too much sense has made you an old layer. Be grateful that you even have caring brothers who ask you to assist them. Do it joyfully so that the gods of your ancestors will have pity on you and bless you with a husband.”

The plaguing question is: when will the pressure, shaming, profiteering and undermining end? Who will deliver Nigerian single women in this category from the clutch of the cultural, societal and psychological pressure agents?

Just incase you are seated on this table, with a plate awaiting your portion, the duo of Cobhams Asuquo and Simi have a message for you just a click away if you please

https://youtu.be/-ToE7IIf2E8 .As the street parlance goes, nothing wia Musa no go see for gate … Very soon una go ask me weda no be love wia  wan mek Jack drown for titanic… Abi una  wan mek I go research wetin turn Caro from house girl to Madam? Tori plenty ooo but if you ask me, na who I go ask? The matta wia my eye don see, e heavy my mouth o. Mek I kuku shake this table small small because  beans dey fire, e go soon done and no be floor we go siddon chop am… Abi how una see am? This countri no need epp so  for dis mata?
I See You!
Glory
The Talknowcrat

Special Features

Bodex Social Media Hangout 4.0: Shaping the Digital Landscape for Positive Impact

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The 4th edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout, held at the prestigious Radisson Blu Ikeja, Lagos on 21st October 2023, brought together an ensemble of digital experts, thought leaders, and social media enthusiasts for an event that left a profound mark on the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Themed ‘Social Media: Hope or Hubris,’ the event explored the evolution of social media, transforming from its early days as a platform for personal connections to the complex landscape it has become today. Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to engage with a remarkable lineup of top-tier digital experts who shared their invaluable insights on various digital topics.

The driving force behind the Bodex Social Media Hangout, the esteemed convener Bodex Hungbo, commenced the event with a thought-provoking narrative. She recounted the fascinating journey of social media from its inception to its current role in society, highlighting its original purpose: “to bring sanity to netizens” through the annual gathering of experts.

Guest speaker Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, shared his insights on how social media has emerged as the new leader, accelerating communication in an interactive and effective manner, surpassing the limitations of traditional media. His compelling discussion resonated with attendees, emphasizing the significance of this dynamic medium.

Keynote speaker Obi Asika, the founder of Omniverse, captivated the audience by shedding light on the astounding growth of Nigerian influencers in the digital space, amassing billions of followers on social media platforms. His perspective underscored the global impact of Nigerian content creators.

Ray Sharma, lead partner at Global Tech and a seasoned investor, delivered an engaging talk on the rapid growth of social media platforms.

He pointed out that Instagram took two and a half years to reach a hundred million users, TikTok achieved this feat in just nine months, and ChatGPT, a testament to cutting-edge technology, took a mere month to reach a hundred million users.

The head Mass Media Writing Department School of Media Communication at Pan-Atlantic University Dr. Chike Mgbeadichie also gave a compelling speech on the importance of cultural competence in content creation. He emphasised the inevitable need for cross-cultural knowledge and skills in creating content that respects the cultural and religious sensitivities of others.

Izzi Boye who is into smartphones maximization also taught some hidden features on smartphones leaving the audience jaw dropping as they never knew such features existed on their phones.

The Bodex Social Media Hangout 4.0 also featured three enlightening panel sessions where savvy panelists shared insights on different topics. Moderated by Ekezue Anthonia Ezenwa, the first panel featured Dr. Morayo Brown, Victor Ogunyinka, Ekemini Ekerette, and Elsie Godwin, discussing how social media can inspire hope for individuals in today’s turbulent times.

The second panel, moderated by Mercy Frank, featured Hon Gbenga Omotoso, Charles Olojede, Mariam Bakre, and Taiwo Adeyemi sharing their informed opinions on the essentiality of digital media in various sectors, including business, governance and citizenship participation.

Moderated by Lanre Basamta, the third panel featured JJ Omojuwa, Olubiyi Tudors Ogunbiyi, Naijabrandinfluencer and Dami Adenuga dispensing enlightening thoughts on the prospects of social media for economic empowerment. All sessions proved engaging with remarkable takeaways for the audience.

Overall, the Bodex Social Media Hangout 4.0 succeeded in fostering a renewed commitment to using social media as a force for good, emphasizing responsible engagement, and highlighting the incredible potential it offers for both personal and professional growth.

For more information about the Bodex Social Media Hangout and its mission, please visit www.bsmhangout.com

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Many men can’t manage women in the spotlight, says Ara The Drummer

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A popular female talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, aka Ara, has opined that many men cannot handle women in the spotlight, and this is one of the reasons why some women’s careers die.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, the new Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria Governor, Lagos chapter, said, “When a woman gets married, the husband takes over. And the problem we have as females is that spouses, who see us and ask for our hands in marriage, already know what we are into.

“However, the moment they come into that picture, there’s a problem. This is because many men cannot manage women in the forefront. It’s not just music, it’s in every sector. So, this kills the drive. Some men tell their wives to choose between marriage and their career, and some women go for marriage and let the career die, although some stay put in their careers. Why should a man marry a career woman when he cannot cope with her career?”

On if it is important for female artistes to be able to play music instruments, she said, “Having a musical background is a plus. Playing an instrument is another plus. There is nowhere it is said or written that one must play an instrument to be a good musician or entertainer. If one is able to do that, then one is blessed.

“We have a lot of talented people among the female musicians in Nigeria. I am privileged to be able to sing, dance and play a musical instrument. Not everyone has that privilege. Angelique Kidjo doesn’t play any instruments, but she’s a fantastic entertainer. She’s one of my role models. Not being able to play an instrument does not denote that one is not a good artiste. One’s voice is one’s instrument as a matter of fact.”

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Bodex Media unveils Koffi Tha Guru as Bodex Social Media Hangout 4.0 Host

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Bodex Media, organisers of the annual Bodex Social Media Hangout, BSMH, have announced veteran entertainer, singer, actor and comedian, Koffi Tha Guru, as the event host to anchor of BSMH 4.0 scheduled for October 21.

According to the Convener of BSMH, Ms. Bodex Hungbo, the award-winning entertainer, Koffi, would bring his professionalism and experience to bear on BSMH 4.0, holding on the theme, Social Media: Hope or Hubris?, to explore social media as hope, future for netizens or as just business-as-usual fad. She added that Ahine Arthur, carpet host and OAP, will be the Green Carpet host at the Hangout.

On the uniqueness and excitement surrounding this year’s edition, holding at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Bodex said: “This year’s edition has some powerful Social Media influencers, media practitioners, content creators and government officials.

“Creative industries leaders, entertainment executives like the Social Media Week and The Omniverse Convener, Obi Asika; Head, Mass Media & Writing Department School of Media & Communication, Pan-Atlantic University Dr. Chike Mgbeadichie; media consultant, author and ‘Your View’ on TVC host, Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, will be there.

“Also, author and political analyst, JJ Omojuwa; fitness expert, Kemen of Big Brother Naija; influencer, Mariam Bakre; APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel; lawyer and consultant, Dr. Uzoamaka Orakwue; auto/real estate influencer, Ola of Lagos; Jennifer Etito, Founder Naija, Brand Influencer; talent manager and influencer, Dami Adenuga; Biyi Tudors of Tutors Digital; and many more in the lineup that promises quality conversations and unrivalled entertainment.”

Bodex said the event will start with cocktail, networking, fun-fest and celebrity meet-up, then gradually move into the main event of keynote speakers and panellists.

“Bodex Media has promised this year’s edition to be impactful and fun with opportunities for networking with attendees and celebrities from all walks of life.

The guests, speakers, moderators, media practitioners, content creators, fans, online participants and the general public are promised an experience to remember at BSMH4.0,” she assured.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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