smaj publishing house

I returned to the location that Sunday afternoon after taking the weekend off to refill my empty storeroom with foodstuff. There was Lanre right in our Lodge. He had come visiting shortly after I left on Friday. By now, my suspicion of few strings attachment between Jumoke and Stanley was becoming true. I noticed that whenever both of us are together, Jumoke does not feel free talking to me. At times she would turn off completely and when I queried, her response would be, it's none about you. At a juncture, I came out clean asking if I had offended her in anyway and she claimed she would have told me before I asked if anything went wrong between us. I couldn't keep my cool as I felt our friendship was being affected. She would often shrink back into silence at conversations that formerly made her laugh out loud. ‘It's a mere mood swing,’ she insisted. The swings had persisted for weeks and it's now becoming a month. Lanre's presence changed the atmosphere. I w...

Stanley's Birthday was around the corner but no party in view. He was now often seen with Jumoke than me - a new development I gladly embraced. They began what appear to me as a journey to spiritual growth together. They played together, studied the Bible together and all other in-between. I had initially wanted to take that up with Jumoke but I refrained. I didn't want to cloud her vision or influence her choice of eventually accepting my proposal. They spent evenings together and when Stanley would retire for guy's gist in the evening; nothing would be said about how the day was spent with regards to her. He hardly even mentions her now during our conversations. My instinct was a little bit suspicious initially but I silenced it's suggestions. I was sure that what I now know about her within some months, Stanley can never have known even though they had been friends from campus. I sat on that vantage point as a leverage over any other suitor. They both embarked ...

The attitude I had towards guys still remained when I entered college. But amidst the so many ‘ Magas ’, David distinguished himself. He made it clear from the start that he was for real and I was for keep. He constantly reveals the queen in me. A part of me would want to release myself into him but another part would refrain. He was persistent for over two years until I finally agreed to give him a chance. Time soon proved him to be who he really claimed to be; but he was overtly jealous and I soon began to be irritated. He insisted that if he must have me, he must have all of me. I was not permitted to see any other guy let alone keep their photos on my phone. I dare not use a friend’s photograph as DP on social media platforms – not even on their birthdays. I loved him and I really do but at least, there was no ring on my finger yet – and even if there was, that should not prevent me from making and keeping male friends. It wasn’t funny on a p...

Femi came right on time! He was friendly. He provided a shoulder to lean on and before I knew what was happening, I had already fallen in love with him. He was a working class man with a reasonable take home every month. He showered me often with gifts and affirmed that he was ready for marriage. He promised marriage won't affect my academics and he would be responsible for its continuation. I trusted him to the call but kept something back from him - a visit to my house. I was hunted by past encounters. Sade, a female friend of about a year had earlier called off our friendship when she visited me. She had claimed I was not in her class. I was ashamed of myself and vowed since then not to allow even female friends visit me except those I had known from childhood. It wasn't long before I found out that Sade was Femi's ex. I was just checking through photos on his phone that fateful day when I came across Sade's pictures. Not one, not two. And the poses in the pictu...

I had never expected your visit to be that soon although I knew it was imminent. She began as she started to narrate what seem to me like the complete dosage of apologetics. You would be the very first suitor to visit me - as a matter of fact, the first guy. I was lucky mum was not around when you came, I could have been faced with endless questions about your identity. The only male friend she knows with me is Lanre. I met Lanre years ago at where I would call a crossroad in my life. He was indeed God sent - perhaps I would have been long forgotten now if not that our paths crossed. I almost ended my life out of frustration arising from rejection. He stood by me all through. I have long regarded him as the elder brother I never had and he had never failed at proving his worth. I could say, he is an adopted member of my family. Going through several heartbreaks from both males and females alike had pushed me into hiding my real identity. My first ever romantic relationship began...

We all left the location to secure our voter's card. Since I already had mine in my possession, the period was just a time to visit friends and family. I decided to spend the days at an aunt's place - the same city Olajumoke resides - but that would entirely be without her prior notice. While flipping throw her photo album back at the location, I had seen a familiar face whom she introduced as having known since childhood. Adesua had been a close friend on campus - hardly would a day go by and we won't exchange pleasantries either on social media or physically on campus. I had discussed my seeing her in Olajumoke's album with her and she affirmed they grew up together in the same Church only that they had never been very close. I could give Jumoke a surprise visit, the thoughts ran through my mind. And since I now had a good contact, I do not need her to give me her house description. Adesua already knew we were fond of each other but she had never posed a direc...

The presidential election was now very well underway. It was only few months away. All media platforms had been loaded with flyers and bills for electioneering campaign. Our Vice Chancellor, a politically inclined man himself, had announced a two-day lecture free period to enable all eligible students obtain their voter's cards. The news reached us at our location - thanks to social media networks - information now travel very fast. I recall an instance some years back when I had to use the postal service to deliver a notification of my homecoming in few weeks time. I was shocked to receive the letter myself after few days into my arrival at home. The system was that sluggish. But things have changed now - news travel within the twinkle of an eye. We approached the HR head and after much pressing, he obliged to our two days break. The break would be prolonged by the weekend - so, work would only continue the next Monday. Although there were over thirty registered parties accor...

. . Back in the days, our official currency was pound sterling. That was when money was still valuable. There were no paper notes then. Money was kept in money bags and not wallets, the way we have it today. While I was in school, at about your age, the best way to differentiate between the kids with rich parents and those with humbled parents was the noise that emanates from their pockets as they walked  - deliberately swaying from right to left. My parents were well to do, so I had the privilege to join the caucus of the rich boys - although I never relied on the wealth of my parents. I believed, ' atelewo eni ki i tan ni je . ' The vacuum he left in my heart after his departure, none could fill. Everything went on smoothly save for his absence until the customary mourning days were over. On that fateful Saturday, we played host to my dad's relatives. I thought they were only around to tender their condolences as well; only for them to begin a long tale of how t...

. . Maybe I should say providing a shoulder to lean on during those times yielded our current fondness for each other or better still further endeared her to me - because on my part, the love for her knew no bounds. I assumed I ought to be the party that would be shying away. While I was much younger, I had a friend who upon proposing to his best female friend then, he could no longer look her in the face. She became more like his Lord. She had also stated that his proposal was a shocker to her. In fact, she proceeded to saying that all that could ever be between them was friendship. I was awestruck when he broke the news to me. I could not hold back the words that rang in my head. ‘Is she God? Knowing today, tomorrow and next,’ I submitted angrily. Only to find out later that she accepted the proposal but it was then too late as my bosom friend already zeroed it from his mind and simply enjoyed the friendship. He is happily married now with lovely kids. ‘At lea...

. . The interview was successful and they were asked to return in a week's time for the final screening and letter of approval. She already started compiling an endless list of how the money would be spent. Upon returning from the trip, I noticed she didn’t return with her Personal Computer – I summoned courage to ask about it and she began the long tale of how she had to leave back her PC based on the firm’s demand of it. They were told they would require a software installed on their computers – which would take about 24 hours to be completely installed and activated. She could have stayed back to come with it but she thought about missing another week at work as well as the scheduled visit of supervisors from the school the next day. Since they would still be back the following week, she just concluded that leaving it behind won’t be a big deal at all. I immediately smelt something fishy – nursing a probable thought of trickery with leverage...

Standing right in front of my door was Olajumoke. Diverse thoughts ran through my mind immediately – I felt the set time had come. She rarely comes to my room, not even after I made the startling proposal (in her words though) . What a surprise! ‘Please, come in.’ ‘Thank you,’ She said - wrapped up with smiles like one who had just won a visa lottery to the States. ‘You look bright and radiant in that smile,’ I complimented. ‘Ade, guess what? I just got a really big contract. I have been pushing this for months all to no avail – only to get a message from Olaide saying we have been invited to an interview scheduled for next Monday. I am talking about thousands of naira here and a sponsored trip abroad.’ Olaide was the only female close friend I knew with her. Her growing up had been filled with more male friends than female. Mine was the other way round. I relate well with female friends than males. I just love the natura...

‘Ade, I am thinking of giving Jumoke surprise treats on her birthday,’ Stanley said Oh! That would be great. I actually discussed a party with her last night but she insisted she was currently broke ‘Exactly what she told me too. But I feel we could make up something for her. Or what do you think?’ By now, I just resolved in my heart that whatever I would do would be for friendship. ‘Alright, count me in,’ I responded. The plans began immediately. When it comes to party plans, Stanley was always in his natural element. The items needed were listed and the total amount required was split into two, but I took the large share. I never wanted it to appear as though I was paying my way through, to winning her heart – so, I struck a deal with Stanley. I made Stanley promise me that praises for the money spent would go to him exclusively and that I would be content with a ‘thank you’ for supporting with the planning and logistics. H...

. . Olajumoke’s birthday was now around the corner. Our communication level had dropped drastically. She told me point blank on one occasion that my proposal was still a shocker to her – more like she was disappointed to receive that from me. . I tried consoling myself by assuming that the proposal should have been delayed for some months – but words cannot be swallowed and I knew quite well what I was getting myself into. --- ‘Your girlfriend’s birthday is in two days,’ Stanley said. My girlfriend! ‘I don’t remember telling you I have one,’ I replied ‘Um…pretense! Even a blind man can see the writings on the wall clearly.’ ‘Please spare me the details,’ I replied bluntly. But that was enough reminder that Olajumoke’s birthday was in two days. I suppose that would be a good topic for discussion later in the evening when I go check on her. --- ‘Good evening dear, how was your day?...

. . Every of those correlations became to me like signs and proofs. But I never put out a fleece like Gideon in the first place. I wasn’t asking God to prove to me if the helpmeet He had been preparing is wrapped up inside Olajumoke or not. I was simply busy with my assignment in the garden of the Lord. I took a weekend off the location to really know what was next. The truth was that I loved her person – but not for a marriage relationship. After much hearty communions, I got peace within to go ahead. All along, I never discussed it officially with Stanley but I was sure that he would be thinking towards that direction. He didn’t mention it either. They both still enjoyed friendship. I eventually made a formal proposal. We were both in a relaxed mood, talking about the friendship brimming with fondness and mutual affection when I verbally submitted the content of the proposal. ‘Olajumoke, can we build a future together?’ I asked. (Shocked) She sai...

. . With time, I spread my tentacles, seeing that it was an opportunity to make more friends. My attraction to Olajumoke became so obvious that Stanley was beginning to be suspicious. They had both shared a cordial relationship from campus but he affirmed that there were no strings attached. Our friendship heightened so much drastically that I spend a bulk of my after work time in her room, ‘ gisting .’ What further endeared her to me was her curiosity for knowledge too. Right there beside her bed was a pile of books on subjects like spiritual growth and discipleship. We were soon discussing our likes, dislikes, goals, life assignment and hobbies - each one blending well into the other. But even at that, I nursed no intention of making a proposal for a marriage relationship. I was simply enjoying friendship. The rhythm began to be even more melodious when we started discussing childhood experiences and how growth had been thus far. The similarities were awe-striking -...

. . An idle mind they say is the Devil's workshop . I decided not to play host to him, let alone allow him construct a workshop in my heart. I opted for my long neglected passion. Hours upon hours were pure on books - so much that I became addicted to reading. I would often be reading out loud to myself on my bed and mum would wonder if I had a company right there with me. I envisioned myself sitting with the authors of the books I'm studying and having a table talk with them while they explain their thoughts in the books. I was indeed a bibliophile. It helped me channel my thoughts per time. I read everything - like everything - including the copyright laws, the publisher's name and year of publication. I read wide - so wide. Cutting across leadership, management, business, career, relationships, male and female anatomy and health, parenting..... I read all. I could barely speak with you for five minutes without making few quotations from materials I had studied - i...

. . We were both grown-ups - at least to a reasonable extent. I was twenty-four and she was some years younger. Prior to this time, I had resolved that it's a total NO to any romantic relationship on campus - even with the conclusion and firm belief that I would walk down the aisle at twenty eight. My resolution was based on no other than His words that He would provide by making a help comparable to me. These words of Scriptures became to me like a directly spoken word than a written word, at seventeen - while I was pressurized by peers to try out a romantic affair. I had since then been at rest, but not with few trials to confirm my innate prowess as regards asking a lady out. I just wanted to be sure I was bold enough because friends often tease me - claiming I lacked courage to utter the sweet words a lady can fall for. So, I decided to take up the challenge. I braced up and made my first approach while I attended JAMB coaching in preparation for my college admission. ...

. . The Omidan Wura train journeyed from the far West just like the Queen of the South did to listen to the wisdom of King Solomon. She travelled with some of her choicest protégés as they pay homage to the elder marriage man himself, Elder Adeyinka Rogers. - ‘Daughter, it's good to have you around’ ‘The feelings are mutual, dad.’ ( Looking in the direction of her entourage ) Hope my assumptions are right? Your protégés! 'Yes Sir. I could not come with a larger number due to the festive season we are in. Most of them travelled home already.' 'That's alright. Prince Aderopo is already in the country too. In fact, with my calculations, he should be here in some minutes - their flight was a bit delayed.' 'I was about asking too. I can't wait to meet them.' ( He turns to Omidan Wura's protégés ) ‘Sons and daughters, you are welcome. Wuraola, please get them something from the refrigerator.’ 'I trust mummy. She w...

. . What age is right for a marriage relationship? Ladies, especially we sisters (in the Christian faith), want someone who would be a spiritual giant (that should be the default anyways) with all other aspects of his life totally perfect. But a point of caution here is this – the fact that a brother can call heaven down and he looks like God’s younger brother does not make him the best match for you. In fact, in some cases, that might be a mere public persona. We often judge based on what we see in public – try to know his person and be sure that’s really a lifestyle. Don’t fall into wrong hands! Many have mixed with the fold today with an intention of devouring godly sisters and all they need to do is ‘ act ’ for a while. They just try to discover what you want and pretend to possess those attributes – when indeed they do not. A man can do anything or go any length to get what he wants. Some are also of the habit of approaching ...

. . Are all guys/men sex freaked (oriented)? ( Smiles ) I do not know. I do not know because I have not met all men. But if the first thing a man wants to have with you is sex, then you need to check yourself. If the neck up is empty, neck down would be the prey. If that’s not the case, then it’s a clear pointer to you that such a man is not an eligible suitor. - It gets to me when a man meets a lady and the first thing he thinks about is sex. Does it mean that she has no other value/thing to offer? Some ladies do not help matters either – they demand from the initial stage and that makes the ( foolish ) man think nothing goes for nothing. He might choose to be remunerated by demanding sex. This to me is a high definition of prostitution. - How do I get to know him/her better then? Be good friends and share things together freely. Take your time. Enjoy friendship. Who says you cannot get to know him/her while you are close friends? You could even know and ...