smaj publishing house

. . The rehearsals were over and I asked her out on a date. She obliged and we both agreed to visiting an in town resort centre. Anyone seeing both of us together would never doubt that we were love birds. The bright smile on her face always greeted my manly approval of her. Her eyeballs glowed with passion and love. Although I still await her response, I knew I got her already. I was already cooking up the perfect pet name for her. My long ultimate search found the hidden treasure when I asked her about her other names. 'Why do you want to know?' She queried, with a facial expression that communicated, ' I would really be glad to let you know'. It was the feminine style of saying, 'I want you to press harder so I could feel more special before I tell you'. ‘Please.....for friendship sake,’ I pressed. I was content with the first name on the list of four other names. Before then, I never knew she answered to Ayoade. She would later tell me that she stop...

The industrial training exercise was now few days from winding up. It was more of work affairs and less of love affair - as logbooks won't fill themselves automatically. But on my part, it wasn't a big issue. All the supervisor wants to read are well articulated words, spiced up with fascinating delivery, all of which I was naturally good at and even much more. It only took me some hours - what some of my colleagues did for days - to complete the whole thing - although I had started initially and paused along the way. It was then that I realized I had paused immediately I made the proposal to Jumoke (although I kept a daily record of practical experiences garnered in a notebook). Things you do for love, some would say - but that was a deficiency on my part as I could not manage both well. 'Mere stupidity', I said as I laughed at myself. I had always opined that no lady can ever get so much into my head and I would misbehave. The reality of not standing by my resolut...

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...

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...

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...

. . 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...

Man is a kind. Angels are a kind. The living creatures are a kind. The kind called Man has a domain and it is named earth. Earth was designed for the kind called Man. Many clamour for going to heaven. Heaven is not a permanent dwelling place for man - it's a place to be for a time. Earth is man's permanent dwelling place. Pollution happened in Eden - an handing over of authority/dominion willingly by man to Lucifer. Lucifer obtained it with the instrument of deception and enticements. That was how man lost dominion over the created things. The created things were made for man . Little wonder why God is grieved (to His heart) when  man worship stars, moon, sun - those are created things that do not even worship man for they know their place in the scope of things. They understand their assignment. But pitiably, man would worship them - which is an abomination in the sight of the maker of man. He never made man to be subservient to the created things (on earth). He made hi...

. . 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. ...

. . 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 ...

. . ***** Do you believe in love at first sight? I believe in love at first sight because I love humanity generally - but it depends on your definition of love. My love is not romance. If you talk about an attraction, that’s normal with humans - even animals are attracted to one another. We are always attracted to something, someone or another. If you are going to base your love life on attraction, that means we all would be practicing polygamy - because even in a day, I would see three, four, more men that I'm attracted to - but that does not imply that I would accept every of their proposals. Doing that would make me a high definition prostitute. Liking or having an attraction for someone is normal. It's OK to like or love at first sight - just appreciate verbally or any other ' ly ' and move on. I have listened to great speakers and got so fascinated to the point of desiring a relationship - friendship. It doesn't infer that I long to be married to them ...

‘Welcome to class!' Omidan Wura announced as she stepped on the platform for yet another session of her mentorship class for the week. I was not able to take much of your questions during the last class. The microphone is yours today. But before that, permit me to share briefly, based on popular demand , my views and perceptions on relationships generally. We all are created for relationships. A relationship is all encompassing - it's not just about romance and sex. We are humans and we need to relate with one another on that basis. Kinds of relationships 1. Family bonds - You are born into a family. You grow into it. You cannot choose it - you cannot choose your siblings, neither can you choose your parents. You would have to accept them in good faith and if you don't want to, pack away from the house. But that does not sever the bonds still. It remains until eternity. 2. Friendship - You have the chance to pick as you want. No restrictions of age, gender, race, c...

. . ‘There was a time in my life that I made up my mind never to get married,’ Elder Adeyinka began. I was scared of the noble institution because of the experiences I had had. May you not have a taste of a turbulent home! ‘Amen’ I left my parents at a very early age due to frequent sicknesses. I was the only surviving male child of my mother, the others had died mysteriously. My survival was a narrow escape. I can say that I lived my early life practically as a house boy. Although, most of the families I lived with never saw me as such. I was always taken in as a son. But you know, if it’s not home, it cannot be like home. The level of freedom you enjoy with your own family is incomparable. I once lived with a family that made marriage appear like a constant war of superiority and inferiority – a home where morning pleasantries is a combination of rhythmic proverbial songs between the couple. You would wonder if they slept in different house...

. . # Throwback Just as Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth would sit under the palm tree of Deborah judging Israel; Elder Adeyinka Rogers would sit back in his much revered fourplex as he receives couples, protégés, and family friends amongst others. He often claims that wherever a king lives automatically becomes a palace; even if it’s deep down in a tight hole. He is so much imbued in his identity in Christ that the royal bloodline runs in his veins. The life of a Christian he would say, ought to be more of practical than theoretical. Omidan Wura had come on her quarterly visit to glean from her mentor’s wealth of wisdom. Destiny brought them together two years ago; when her local church organized a seminar on marriage, relationships and family life. Elder Adeyinka was the guest speaker. Amongst the so may church members there seated, it was as though the Elder came just because of her. She had never found such wisdom in her entire life! While...

. . 6. Respect marriage but don’t worship the idea of marriage. ‘ Thou shall have no other gods before me’, declares our Father, the creator of the heavens and earth. Marriage is His invention. He calls it honourable. But He intended not for us to worship the idea of marriage. You would be amazed at how so many have paused their life’s assignment - all in the name of waiting to be married, then, play. This endeavour has led into so many complications among couples. The best location s/he ought to find you is right there at the centre of your assignment. If you have not yet found that out, please, forget about marriage for now. While counseling a young couple some months ago, I was stunned to hear the wife’s long tale. They were at the verge of divorce. They were barely a year into their marriage when the husband came back home that fateful day with a resignation letter in hand. He said it’s all over with secular jobs and that God has called him...

. . 4.  Exercise your body and mind E.W Kenyon would say, ‘Make your brain work, it would sweat’ . Engage your mind with reasonable thoughts. Do not leave it to wander around. Thoughts are things – you first empower them, then they rule over you. The mind is like muscles, it needs stretching. Set great goals and work at achieving them. I like when someone say a thing is impossible. If it’s in line with my life’s purpose, I embark on it immediately to prove that nothing is impossible. . Few tips on mind workout . - Expand your knowledge base: Food is to the body as reading is for the mind. Feed your mind daily with inspiring thoughts and patterns that are noble and reputable. Do not stop learning! Learning is a lifelong process - we do not retire from it. In fact, when you do you start dying. You should speak more intelligently today than you did yesterday. . - Embrace obstacles and challenges: Opportunities they say always come wrapped up ...

The Onikan Stadium, Onikan, Lagos was parked and full as teenagers and young adults as well as parents who cared much about them converged for a worship/word fiesta – with loads of side attractions. It was the first of its kind. OmidanWura and her loving husband had drove in some minutes before kickoff time. She was scheduled to speak to the participants. An ecstatic atmosphere emerged as she stepped out of her branded car – few people not really knowing who she was but joined in the applause. They simply flowed with the atmosphere. Protocol officers were on standby to usher the duo to their seats in a dignified manner. As her culture is, all she was heard saying was, ‘thank you’, ‘God bless you’, ‘a great privilege to be here’. The voice of a teenager was picked from the rear as she screamed, ‘I want to be like you when I grow up, MA!’ The worship fiesta got real well on course as the platform was graced with worship leade...

The long awaited call came in. It was Obajimi. ‘How did it go?’ I asked hastily. ‘You won’t believe it. Kabiyesi cunningly sided Juwon. It was a heart rendering experience.' ‘I was not expecting less from him!’. The dog is his first heir to the throne. I know he would do anything to protect him and his own personality. ‘So, what was the resolution?’ ‘He said we should bury it... like make it ‘ oku oru ’ . He claimed it’s a family affair and we ought not to spread our dirty underwear for public sight. I was infuriated, at the expense of whom? Omosalewa! ‘Does he have an idea what that poor girl is going through? The aftermath of being defiled by your own brother! How would she live freely in the palace without an obvious reprimanding measure melted out to Juwon? This is practical male chauvinism. ‘No better word, my dear’. I can now say emphatically that the princesses have little value befo...

The next movie was scheduled for 2:30pm. We stopped at the ticket stand to book two seats. Luckily, one of the movies cued for the time was Sci-Fi. We both are passionate lovers of science fictions. I could feel a radiant smile springing naturally from within her – maybe it’s how I wanted to feel anyways – but a feeling of fulfillment ran through me all the same. We sat at the table for a quiet meal. I ordered two bottles of malt drink, followed by a plate of fried rice, salad and chicken breast. ‘What would you like to have, dear?’ ‘I am not hungry,’ she replied without much thought. I pressed in more but she insisted - until she finally gave in to having a cup of ice-cream. I topped that up with a request for a freshly made Sharwama . I tried out my usual deals. ‘Can we eat your servings together, followed by mine?’ ‘Huh! Huh! No way! Not at this time’ ‘Alright, fine by me,’ I responded mildly. ...

There she was, her face buried in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. I could not think of the right words to use at this time. I drew close, pulled her off the floor and sat close to her as she rested on my shoulder, weeping. She began to download the details firsthand. 'I sat quietly in my room this morning - engrossed in the book you mailed to me last month on purpose discovery. I opted for a reclusive 40 days break to really focus on the nuggets in the book. Shortly afterwards, I got Juwon’s message, requesting I come over to help out with his breakfast. I wished I foresaw his gimmicks – he had often been making jovial advances to me before now but I never took it seriously. This time, he claimed to be sick. I obliged immediately and went over to make his breakfast. Since I was full, I declined sharing the meal with him but he insisted I take a glass of juice – pointing to the direction of the pineapple juice sitting on the tray close to his bed. I took a glass a...