@Hyrret

@Hyrret 20 June 2020

Aroma Ufodike: The Legend.. In the eyes of many, this was a feat that was never achievable. Truly it was a herculean task that never seemed surmountable. People with great pedigree had tried but all to no avail..until he came; Aroma Ufodike. Prior to his arrival on the show, the host; Frank Edoho had faced the good, bad, and ugly and at every occasion, his intimidating personnel had always come out tops. He always came out smiling cos' the 10 million naira question was never attempted or answered..but not this day..and not this man. Just like every other participant who had sat on the 'hot seat' he aced the 'fastest finger first' segment against all odds. Dressed in black he walked into his world and sat gallantly on the chair right before Frank Edoho. He gave an account of his life and boom went the shot. His first question just like every other person's wasn't one to shake him off. As expected, he answered this with a lotta swag and with this same energy he caused havoc to every question and hope that he would fail. Gradually the beads of sweat were forming around his fore head, but when he got to question 11, he enveloped himself in a sigh of relief. The subject of the question; Linus Mbah lived right above his flat so why would he miss such a voucher. After gracefully making us understand that Linus Mbah gained fame trough refereeing and getting to the 1 million hallmark, he was left with the task of surmounting four questions to be the first one to win a whooping sum of 10 million naira in one night. Nothing was going to stop him..so continue he did. Unlike everyone who had sat on that seat, he never made use of his lifeline; until the 14th question. However, he didn't use this option out of a lack of knowledge as to what the answer was. He used this option cos' he needed to ascertain his answer and to the boosting of his eloquent ego; Columbia was the right answer. At this point, he was one leg in history and another out. Only one person before him had gotten to this stage, so when it was time to answer he paid close attention to the details and that was when we discovered something; Aloma Ufodike is human!!! For the first time he didn't know the answer. Thanks to the fact that he hadn't been using his lifeline he chose the 'call a friend' option. Now this is an aside; in trying times, you get to know who is your friend, and also in trying times, you get to realize if your friend is worthwhile. Whether it was down to pressure or a poor call connection, Aroma could barely hear his friend's response. It took Frank's intervention for him to know that his friend had said 'Peace' was the answer. He didn't know if to go by it or not, so he took a breather, asked for water,then died. He died to fear, he threw caution in the wind and went with his friend's response. The result? He was seen there reenacting Usain Bolt's record breaking celebration while confetti embraced the air. What manner of man was this? The answer; he was a man with vast knowledge, travelling, and bright experience. Aroma Ufodike, with the whole country behind him proved that nothing in this life is impossible.

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@Hyrret 20 June 2020

Woman like Khaddy... There are people who you meet and your whole life just makes a shift from the normal to 'a normal.' Suddenly life without them becomes so boring and you begin to wonder if you've been hypnotized. That's how Khaddy left me feeling after we first met. Khaddy was not the regular girl who would sweep you off your feet. She didn't have gigantic back side, or those kinda boobies that would leave you in a state of disarray. Khaddy had this thing going on with her smile; if she had joined the money heist team she would have been of great help cos her smile is enough to melt gold. When she smiles, her cheeks give you that pancake look, her eyes brightens you up with a message that there is hope for today, and then her teeth..oh her teeth..her wonderfully arranged teeth, I can stay looking at them for an eternity. She was also tall and slim while having a stomach as flat as a wall (without an intention to body shame, I would say I never really liked ladies who had big tummies). To top it off, she has great ethics. Never keeps you waiting for too long, keeps the conversation going always. She even applauds your little efforts by showing how interested she is in your work. Sometimes I wonder, "was she teleported from the 1900's, cos babes these days don't really care about your dream and goals, all they bother is how they could strap you off your cash..and speaking about strapping one of his cash, she wouldn't do that. How do I know? She's got a business of her own!! She's an hair stylist. Not just an hair stylist, but a very good hair stylist.. However being the cool and calm person that she is, she'd never boast about how efficiently she uses her talent. Khaddy is a million fold of beauty, but... I haven't seen Khaddy..I haven't touched Khaddy..I haven't even heard her voice.. If you know her, or you ever see her, tell her of how much I wanna see her..of how tightly I would hug her if our paths crossed, cos she did sweep me off my feet.

@Hyrret 19 June 2020

Yesterday, Today, and Forever... Job had descended from wealth to wretch In the eyes of all he'd never go back to his best But after all said and done, he was better than his best How? God did it Famine had struck the Land Everyone was cutting down their cost to avoid losses Isaac on the other hand was busy filling up his storage Why? He followed God's directive David and his army had just returned to base But their families were gone with no trace Against reasonable doubt, they recovered all Why? God allowed it Corona Virus is here Acting like it has no end Still, breakthrough is yours Why? God hasn't changed.

@Hyrret 19 June 2020

Biscuit and Sweet. Children would always be Children. At such, everything that keeps them bubbly and cheerful is their interest..what better than biscuit and sweet to motivate a moody child? The fact that everyone has a child in them is something to be reckoned with. However, you might not be someone who's into biscuit and sweet..so you might be thinking this post is not for you.. Well, it is... By biscuit and sweet, I mean that factor that makes you bubbly and cheerful. That thing that turns your dark and cold night into a sunny afternoon. It's not farfetched if I must say, it's something that most people don't even know. For some women, it's their children, or their husband. While some would find theirs in a makeover or a sitcom on Telemundo or Zee World. Men? It's not so hard for them to know theirs. It could be a football match, sex, delicious dinner, or a simple "you are looking more handsome today" from their heartthrob. Teenage boys would always find theirs in Computer Games, Street Football matches,or a hangout with friends while their female counterparts would brighten up when they get a new doll, or a guy approaches them. I might be wrong tho, yes I might be wrong with my predictions. One thing I'm right on tho is the fact that our definition is biscuit and sweet is personal. It is something we have moulded out of clay from a time unknown to us. So I beseech you my dear reader, go after the recognition of your biscuit and sweet, cos in trying times you'd be needing a load of em.

@Hyrret 19 June 2020

Growth. There was once two Caterpillars who hung from a tree in their cocoons. Every night they slept they hoped the next day they'd wake up as Butterflies. It did happen, only that one of them became a Butterfly. The Caterpillar shockingly asked with a frown on its face, "You changed?" ..and the Butterfly looking surprised reluctantly answered, "Yeah...I...did.." That's how people are, they expect you to be loyal to them even though you have a better option. However, there's one thing you should understand; Your life is yours, not theirs to live..

@Hyrret 18 June 2020

A New Era.. **Uncertainty is the order of the day** **It looks so much like there'd be no room for Games** **People are quavering and muttering** **For fear that Tomorrow is hiding in shadows of Yesterday** **If only they had a manual they cried** **They'd go back to factory settings in a twitch** **The ones who had a little to salvage** **Are making sure their family has coverage** **The local Man that cannot can** **Is desperately hoping he makes the count** **If there's one thing Time has made me understand** **It's the fact that no Man stands forever** **The law of Equilibrium might not make a stand** **But it will get a chance** **Then everyone would realize** **That a new order has set before our eyes.**

@Hyrret 18 June 2020

The Bold Ones.. As a boy growing in the company of women, life was interesting to say the least. I was allowed to feature predominantly in their world. I not only was open to seeing scantily clothed women, but I was able to see through their heads. **One of the things I saw was how they saw guys..** As a growing man that I was it was a privilege to always be in their company as there was one or two things I could learn about the issue of relationship. Based on the fact that they were beautiful ladies it was always a delight to have the eyes of guys trailing our every move. However, there was something they didn't like; my beautiful sisters. They didn't like guys who only looked and had nothing to say. For all they cared, he was too scared to talk to them and it only infuriated them. So most a times I would smile when they hissed or rolled their eyes at guys who just looked without saying a word. On other occasions where they got as little as an hello from a guy, their joy knew no bounds. They'd smile and linger in their movements..cos to them, that was a bold one. He had the guts to confront their beauty. Boldness is a beauty when exhibited and that is something guys need to understand. Admiration is not enough to have a girl say yes..all it takes is walking up to her and convincing her that you are true..***which in most cases is not so hard to do.*** So if you used to be one of the scared ones..shake it off like Taylor Swift and walk up to her to convict her. Should I tell a first hand secret? ***Ladies are scared of bold guys.***

@Hyrret 18 June 2020

Cuisine: Fried Beans and Fried Diced Potatoes. Thanks to the lockdown so many families have come to be knitted tighter and suddenly everyone is becoming a Chef. To keep the family's together, happy, and going strong for a long time so many things come to place, one of such being food. After realizing how great a Cook I am, I would like to take you on a journey. Nigerians are major consumers of carbohydrates, at such we see rice, bread, cassava products like Garri and Lafun (White Amala) being the centre of daily menu with little portions of protein and vitamin here and there to help brighten the dish. Beans which is rich in protein is one food loved by Nigerians because it goes with almost all the Carbohydrates (if not all that is). Beans could be boiled and served with rice, yam, spaghetti, and bread as a side meal which would need the services of a properly cooked stew to bring its purpose to fruition. Now that we are taking a saunter through beans, I feel I should let you know that beans could also serve as soup to edible meal (swallow). Today, we would not be having beans soup or boiled beans, rather we would be having fried beans and fried diced potatoes. Ingredients are the go to items to get the meal started. For Fried Beans we'd be needing the following items; beans, fresh bell pepper (rodo), fresh tomatoes, onions, crayfish, palm oil, maggi, and salt. For our Potato meal all we'll be needing are potatoes and salt, with vegetable oil (ororo). The process of Cooking doesn't start when the fire is ignited, it starts with the thought of what to cook. Our ingredients needs to be made simpler first; starting with the onions, I advice three large pieces (one for boiling and two for frying). After slicing the onions, we grate our pepper, tomatoes, and ⅓ of the sliced onions, with little water. After this parboiling the beans is next, under mild fire conditions we boil the beans for 10 minutes. As the time elapses we drain the water off the beans and pour it back into fresh water already boiling, with ⅓ of our sliced onion (this helps in softening the beans faster and adds flavour). While the beans softens and consumes the water we'd dice the Potatoes. When the beans gets done with boiling we'd go on to frying. First the pot is placed on the fire to get hot, then the palm oil is poured onto it. It is deemed fit for frying when it gives you that golden red colour, at this point we pour our remaining onions onto the oil to fry for two minutes after which we introduce the pepper, tomato, and onion combo, as well the crayfish to fry for at least five minutes. By the time you start perceiving the aroma of stew application of salt and magggi is next. Once this happens, we'd allow to fry for a while then pour in the beans, evenly distribute the stew, then cover the pot for a few more minutes. Beans is ready! All that's left for our stomach to have a glorious concert is the potato's arrival. Salt is being applied to our diced potatoes and evenly distributed. While that is being done our vegetable oil is being heated. Upon it getting hot we start frying and Vola!! Food is ready!!! I know by now you must be consumed by the aroma of your food, on my own part; there is something in my tummy going bum bada bum bada bum. Until I see you again, learn to add more protein and vitamins in your meal.

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@Hyrret 17 June 2020

Peace, be still! They were about seeing their lives vanish before their eyes. These were not amateurs in fishery, they were seasoned fishermen, yet a storm; one like many they had encountered was putting them in a state of disarray, so much that out of panic and fear they woke their master with a distress call; "Lord, save us; we perish!!" As thick as hippo skin is fear over the air these, people seem to have lost all sense of control and coordination. The ones who were in the fore when we needed help are now in their own humble and secluded way seeking help for themselves. I bet you can make a list of people who have come unto you seeking help in recent times, I can also with certainty tell you that firms and industries that used to be the 'in-thing' would now be the outcast. It is things like these that are beginning to make people shriek and tremble under their covers. In times past we have seen our founding fathers in Bible days out of encounter with turbulence migrate and sacrifice precious belongings in an attempt to survive, but one case journeys through a different route. Isaac witnessed his father, Abraham migrate when he was struck by famine, so haven learnt by example and experience he decided the way forward was to trail daddy, but God must have looked at him and be like, "did I ask you to go?" As against the advice given to his father, God insisted that he stayed back, and we all know how the story turned out to be; he became a subject of envy thanks to his immense wealth which was generated in that same period when every other person was counting their losses. I have taken a critical look at this scenario, and I must say that it is confusing to the literal mind. Earlier on God spoke to Abraham and his words were to move to Egypt, but this time around He said stay. What is this saying? I'd leave you to ponder over that for a while as we continue. Back to our story from the Gospel of Matthew 15: 23--27, we see Jesus' disciples trembling for fear over their lives after trying everything humanly possible to stop their boat from drowning. O e would question their position, after all they most of them were great fishermen before being converted to being disciples of Christ, they had been faced with a lot of storms, one more wouldn't be a reason to fret, right? Come down from your high horses, even Jesus wept. Cases as simple as a fever or a headache is enough to makes full grown man throw in the white towel. After realizing that their power was not enough to calm the Storm, they brought to life Zechariah 4:6; "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts," they ran to the one who could fight for them. Christians of today have seemingly forgotten that the title 'Lord of Hosts' is God's battle name, but you might ask "who would be courageous enough to fight God?" I can't imagine being the Lord of the famous 300 Spartans and when war brews against me I tell them to watch from the stands, NO!! Instead troubling people would be my delight cos' I know I have the hands to fight with. Over and over again, God has stated His position of superiority over us, and with it comes His approval (which is seemingly a plea) that whenever we call on Him He would answer. What better time to call on Him than in times like this? You might have garnered knowledge which would enable you function in times to come, but as my father would say, not every door is an open door. The Bible goes on to say there's a way that seems right to a man, but the end is destruction. I remember giving a brain teaser, what message did you get from the change of directives from God? It's simple; His word is new every morning. That he said GO yesterday doesn't mean He'd say the same today. This is why that despite haven garnered all the knowledge we still need to seek Him. Praying without ceasing is s channel to know His heart, David knew this and took advantage of it greatly. The Disciples knew of it and utilized it and from being meat for Fish, they were bold survivors. God's word is like moisturizer, it's calming and helps you glow; but most importantly, it gives you peace. Your effort is important, but God's word is importanter.

@Hyrret 17 June 2020

COVID-19: Opening Worship Centres or not? The event of waking up early on Sunday morning, getting ready, leaving the house, arriving in Church with little minutes to spare, singing, dancing, listening, taking the benediction, chatting with folks, then arriving home tired is a thing which is gradually becoming of the past. If there's one thing COVID-19 has cone to do, it is to change the narrative. People are suddenly becoming antagonistic towards peer-to-peer interactions. No one shakes or hugs anymore; except you are someone extremely close and trusted (and the hug would be a very cautious one still). So when I hear people talk about how badly they want Church to resume, I roll my eyes, hold my face in my hands, then sigh. Church as was originally invented was not a religion. It was a way of life which was noticed by the natives of Antioch. They didn't call the disciples of Christ Christians cos' they saw them clap or sing; they called them Christians cos' they exhibited Christ-like features. Christ-like features which are now nonexistent in the lives if Christians today. What is the use of assembling as a group if we cannot edify ourselves? The Bible says "iron sharpeneth irons" but all I see these days are ice cold Christians who can't even define their faith. All of a sudden healing a sick person has now become a miracle. Is that what Christ died on the Cross for? That we become shy and cowardice in the exhibition of the grace that His death offers us on a platter of gold? If I would be clear on my point, I would say we have stopped becoming Christians and now become Religious folks; who assemble like the Pharisees in the streets that they may be seen. Unlike the Pharisees, Christ did something which I would admonish us to do; He developed Himself after the Holy Spirit rested on Him. Growth can only come when you decide to work on yourself..yourself, not ourselves. A few areas we should work on are; Prayer: Many a Christian cannot pray for an hour in their closet, but when you see them in the gathering of the brethren, they're busy prancing about like a caged lion. A prayer less Christian is a Christian bound to fail on his journey to purpose fulfillment. Ethics: Recently, there's been a wave of Christians who want the public to applaud them, so they fake almost everything about themselves; especially in the presence of the pastor. Thereby forgetting the main goal; pleasing God, our Father. Self Discovery: When you go to Church you see someone with a beautiful smile and cheerful spirit work in the technical studio, when meanwhile she could be an usher. We need to start asking questions pertaining our purpose. Fellowship: When I say fellowship, I don't mean the gathering of the brethren. I mean father and son fellowship. In an average African Church, you can put an estimate on amount of people who can say they hear from God directly; and that estimate is usually low. It's high time we go back to our first love; God. I'm certain that if all these be, our Christian journey would be one to reckon with. It's high time we stopped having Church goers and start having Christians.

@Hyrret 17 June 2020

Alia lied! My guess is that you're wondering who Alia is.. Alas! There is no need to panic!! Just walk with me. In a small town adjacent to the wild forest a handful of natives lived. Their major profession was cutting wood and making tools out of it. This made them interact with the public more. On every last Saturday of the month they'd troop out in their numbers to sell their stocks..did I mention that they did this with trembling feet? Before things were so, they lived happily with the tribe; until Alia. Alia was the spoilt brat who doubled as the towns heir and a notorious bully. She never made it easy for anyone who dared look up when she talked. That was until she saw Axel; a strong, young, conservative lad whose idea of life was nothing near Alia's understanding. To be able to fill in his agenda she'd have to condescend, and condescend she did. In no time they became buddies, spent time together frolicking around town and the forest. Love could have no better expression. The flame of their love burnt so hot that they were extinguished by it; until Damian (Axel's father) put it out. Unlike now where the freedom to choose who to marry is predominant, Axel had to allow his parents choose for him. Alia knew this would in a way alter her chances but she didn't want to walk out of her paradise just yet. She begged Axel to convince his parents that she was all he wanted, which was in no way a lie. He did, but Damian wasn't taking any of that; his son wasn't going to get married to a bully. So he chose Alita; the daughter of his close friend of a score years. All hell was let loose. You see, they say that hell hath no fury like a lady who knows her father's concubine.. That is a mirage. Alia cried for a week, and in her tears, she took a stand; she won't be the only one crying. She arranged with a few of hers; she was going to accuse Axel of rape. The set day came, she invited him to the forest as usual; this time, she said she wanted a last rendezvous (she knew he wanted it too). As planned, she screamed for help, tore her clothes, and in a few tinny winny seconds Axel was in shackles. The punishment for rape was death, but this was the Chief's daughter, so murder wouldn't appease him. He gave his sentence; murder for Axel and banishment for his family. They tried to appeal but it made no difference. While the executioner was sharpening his knife, Alia was getting ready to reunite with her lover. She wanted him and this time, death wasn't going to part them, it'd reunite them. Her poisoned drink made sure of that.

@Hyrret 16 June 2020

Love On The Brain.. Sometime mid way through Rihanna's blossoming musical career she sang a song with this title. According to her, her lover was taking advantage of her because her love for him was now off the hook; she couldn't think straight without him. Well, that is how love is supposed to be; not being able to think without your lover's picture having a flash in your head, but being taken advantage of..I'd say a big no to that. Love on the brain to me is a situation where all my sorrows and anguish are gone because I'm in the presence of my lover. It is me being able to trust blindly what he says even though I sense there's danger; cos' I know for sure he's never wrong. It could also be me not being worried about my future cos' I know if it is spent with him, it'd definitely be worthwhile. However, if my little experience of love would count, I would say that my idea of 'love on the brain' do not spring out of the blues. To have these experiences listed above, a few things need to be done.. First things first, friendship. Yeah friendship. I tell people that unless you are friends with him you wouldn't know if you love him. Unless you're friends with her, you'd never know who she is. Knowing who your partner is is the factor that would cause you to be worry-less when with him. Patience is a virtue, once said a wise man. A properly cooked dish is rest of mind to the cook, because she knows her visitors would drool over her offering. To have the effects I mentioned earlier, you must have an armour of patience cos' for a certainty you'd be attacked over and over again. I'd stop with this; company. Imagine knowing your father without meeting him. Imagine understanding Calculus without studying it. You definitely would never know how Gelato taste unless you do have a taste. You'd never know who your lover is unless you spend exclusive and intentional time with them. By intentional, I mean properly planned, don't just go see them cos' you wanna see how their complexion looks now..be intentional. Love is a beautiful thing, when it is being understood. Love is not a mystery like the Bermuda Triangle, it is a mastery like Mona Lisa...

@Hyrret 16 June 2020

TRUANCY: Leaders Leading By Example As a Science student I studied a lot of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, but I would never forget Government in SSS1. Government stood out for me amongst every other affiliate subjects back then. I remember my first class, how my teacher introduced the topic 'Government.' According to him, "government is an entity which is of the people, by the people, and for the people." That definition stuck to my memory like Fufu smell on one's palm and came to the bedrock of my definition of politics. Further study led me to realize that the definition was birthed out of one of the most iconic speeches. The Gettysburg address (as it is called now) was delivered by late President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of November, 1963. In his speech he said, " that those dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish." (Source: Wikipedia) The Nigerian Government from time to time has come under scrutiny. From appointment of ministers, to its administrative function, and response to matters. This would prompt to wonder if these scrutiny I is grounded or not. The democratic rule started way back in 199 under the rule of Rtd. Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, from that time till this moment I write;; twenty one years have strolled past and if I am being candid, I would ascertain the claim that little or nothing has been done, but that is not on the menu for today. The matter on ground that needs flogging is COVID-19 Pandemic in relationship to our Government. I remain adamant that if prompt reaction had been made by the Government the spread of the virus would not have hit a milestone. For one, airports were shut down way too late and not only that, preventive measures were not taken by the Ministry of Health; returnees should have been quarantined. Upon realization that lockdown was the next best route to take, it was imposed on citizens. Now I must say the government needs to be applauded for coming up with such initiative, only that I wonder why we suddenly turned out to be the proverbial farmer who goes to farm without his tools. Nigeria is a country where most citizens live from hand to mouth, it'd only be a suicide mission if they decide to sit at home, at such our loving government promised to make provisions, but I still itch for answers as ti why the promised made were not fulfilled. Considering how much came in through donations I see no reason why the dreaded one million boys robbery gang would attack, or why Lagosians would flaunt the law. When PMB addressed the Nation he made mention of the magnitude at which the Virus was sweeping through the country and the danger going back to associating poses, but he ambiguously made mention of how relief funds and provisions was going to be shared. His speech was in direct contrast to the Gettysburg address; instead of pacifying people, it generated disdain towards his approach on welfare. This quarantine has helped Nigerians discover so much about their career, relationship, spirituality, and Government. The efficiency and sympathy of the Government has now been exhibited and I must say that we Nigerians are really touched by it's sincerity.