smaj publishing house

The love and care was mutual and real. We became best of friends, sharing so many things in common. Friends would tease and refer to us as five and six. It was clear to them that soon, they would receive wedding invitation from us. Part of the resolutions I made even before entering into a marriage relationship was that I was not going to be a burden on anyone. Hence, I learnt to live complete and whole. I would make all the meals I love to eat and much more. I never wanted a relationship for the purpose of fulfilling mundane bodily desires - until the time was right. ( Omidan Wura cuts in) ‘Prince, please permit me to make a submission at this juncture,’ Omidan Wuraola pleaded. ‘Go ahead,’ my dear. I once wrote a pen that flashed through my mind immediately you mentioned being complete and whole. I believe it is worthy of sharing at this juncture. (She ran her finger across her phone screen and in no time found the file - as she began to read.) ...

——— I struggled to pull my body up as it vibrated vigorously. One thing was settled in my heart at that time - If I leave earth now, I would surely be back in a matter of minutes. I was not through with my assignment; hence, I was not ready to lay down my life yet. Sons lay down their lives when they are finished. By now, I was feeling an object move from the sole of my feet....like a poison travelling fast towards my chest region to stuff out life from my heart. I could tell where it was per second. I grabbed my chest as tightly as though that would prevent the blood from conveying the object and depositing it right there. I stood unmoved with a great assurance of faith. Suddenly, a very close neighbor walked into my room. She is more to me like a little sister. She came in with a bottle of oil in hand. I quickly motioned for her to move closer. I rested my head on Ayomi's laps as she stared at me perplexed. She approached with the oil in hand and poured some ou...

We were both back on campus as the new semester would begin the following week. I had been feeling the need for a long period of rest but never really regarded it. I was stretching myself beyond limits - as I do not even believe in limits in the first place. I had little time for rest - assignments and responsibilities here and there. Just few days before resumption, I broke down completely. It started with just a mild headache. It soon resulted into my head banging as though someone engaged the use of a mortar on it. Ayomi was around all through - a great comfort indeed. She nursed me like a newly born and I did relax too to relish her love and affection spiced with utmost care. What I thought would just be for a day or maximally two was clicking a week gradually. I insisted I was not going to engage the use of drugs or be hospitalized and placed on bed rest. I had my body cuddling bed so why should I pay for one at the hospital? I hated the smell of drugs which I won't be ...

The semester's exams would soon set in and the atmosphere was charged up with intense preparations. It was always a time when everyone appears serious with academics. Even those who would never attempt a visit to the library let alone stay back on campus for some hours after lectures to read; would be seen going to spend nights on campus in preparation for the exams. I was never a fan of impromptu or pressured reading. I believe hard work is a mere combination of small jobs. So, I resolved to tackle the small jobs as they present themselves to me, hence, not having to be faced with hard work. Exams period to me was just like normal days. I still see the movies that appeal to me occasionally, relate well with friends - although some would often shrink back into caves - and eat well with adequate rest. My study approach was: read, discuss with a group, refresh your mind and memory by reviewing, and then go all out. It did work for me all through school days and even until now. Yo...

( The phone rang) ‘Hello,’ Ademi ‘Hi, how did your day go?’ I replied lazily ‘Please come over,’ dear ‘Is anything the matter?’ Talk to me ‘Could you believe that Olaide had the effrontery to break into my room in my absence?’ ‘Come on,’ dear. You cannot be sure she’s responsible for that. Don’t create another scene, please ‘Ademi, I know what I am talking about. She moved her things already. Come over and see for yourself’ I immediately concluded that she had stretched the poor girl beyond what she could bear. Olaide is a reserved and easy going girl. She would never act rashly for just any slight reason. She sure would have pushed her beyond her elastic limit into break point. Alright! I would be with you soon. I hung up ***** ‘Ayomi, you frustrated this girl into finally moving her things out of your apartment, I said, not ready to take it lightly with her.’ ...

Ayomi, why not just talk to Olaide about her relocation once and for all?’ ‘I can’t. I don’t want it to appear like I chased her out of my apartment.’ ‘But that’s what your actions say now,’ dear ‘Ademi, I can’t. I would not mind if you can help.’ ‘Help you order her out of your room?’ That’s impossible. Come to think of it, has she offended you in anyway? No! Not at all! I just need some privacy. I also noticed that I have not been growing up spiritually lately. All we do together is chat about irrelevant matters. Spiritual growth! How do you measure that? You guys had been together for years now and here you are talking about not growing up spiritually because of her presence. Sure! We’ve been friends but we have not been living together – except for frequent visits to each other’s hostels and joint preparation for exams. ‘So, what makes the difference?’ ‘Th...

A new session commenced after all the festivities of the end of the year. The lovebirds agreed to resume early enough, securing comfortable hostels. We concluded on getting hostels not too far from each other and so it was. She lived on the street next to mine. Our relationship was brimming with love and affection. We got so close that even her hostel’s caretaker became confused as to whether she was my younger sister, a friend or a fiancée. Olaide soon resumed for the new session. She had not yet secured an apartment so she just decided to put up with Ayomi until she finds one. Lectures commenced and the ride was going smoothly. Few weeks after resumption, Olaide came over to my hostel explaining the sudden change of attitude she noticed in Ayomi. I never expected her to come reporting her sister from another mother to me but she did all the same. I asked if they had discussed it and she said, yes. ‘So, what was her response?’ ‘Mood swings. Yeah! Mood...

I had plans to pay him a courtesy visit soon. It’s all over now. Plans are shattered. I carefully considered the hyphen – very short dash – separating the two years of his earthly existence. I thought to myself, that short dash is all we have; to remember him now. He can no longer do more or less. He can no longer write more books, sing more songs, preach more sermons, deliver more seminars – it’s all over. Prior to that time, the short dash had been carefully placed there after the year of his birth – but things have changed now. Another year had appeared after it – denoting a closure. I would sit on the pavement, get up, walk around the compound, lean on the wall, look up, think back, think ahead and the question that stood right in front of me, staring into my eyes was, ‘but why’? Why would he have to go so suddenly? We still very much need his input around here. A day that ought to be filled with fun, prospective thoughts a...

. . Soon, they got really close and Opeyemi became to her many personalities – a friend, a brother, a mentor, and a father. When she told me about it, I was excited that she had found someone she can be accountable to. It was later I got to know that Opeyemi as well contributed to her final acceptance of my proposal – I had scored high on his tests too - although we never spoke at any time until after she accepted my proposal. Since I had made up my mind to be a friend to all her friends – as much as I can – I connected with him as well. We talked occasionally – our discussions circling around ministry most of the times. He had a good job, hence, the money. He never hesitated to get her a gift if he finds it was something she really needed. Not long after then, Ayomi became sold out into his ministerial outreaches. She became more like his personal assistant. I never really bothered because I now had the assurance that come what may, she is mine. T...

She became a staunch follower of his posts and articles on social media. His central focus in ministering to others blended well with hers. She soon made a formal Introduction of herself and a relationship ensued. Opeyemi Daniels is a young, vibrant and zealous gospel of grace minister. He is focused on reaching out to others for Jesus through outreaches and crusades - no intention of starting up a local church whatsoever. Now, listen to me, this is very important. I'm speaking to those of you who intend or already began the work of ministry. The fact that God has called you into a specific assignment in His kingdom does not necessarily mean you should start up a new church - by that I mean a new meeting place. Many have misconstrued this fact. So many young ministers today are out there seeking fame and popularity but claiming they are preaching the gospel. God can call you right there in your local church for you to function. All you would have to do is approach your pastor...