I am a proud black woman!

My skin sparkles like a beach before sunlight,

my radiance sharpens the beauty of my eyeballs,

Have you seen my legs?

Smooth, silky, shiny, straight and sturdy.

I am a proud black woman!

I am superior to ultraviolet radiation,

I can sit in the sun and smile,

I am innocent of keratosis’ wrinkles and spots,

82 shall find me as agile as Iya Rainbow.

I am a proud black woman!

I am not transparent but opaque,

I jailed the possibility of cancer passing through me,

I have a strong and feasible hair scalp,

I do not turn red over heavy workloads.

I am a proud black woman!

I am the virgin colour,

never lose me to skin toning,

else, regression is only a second away,

and no way to recover virgin black is known by any.

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE

STRIDA… guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!

The post Identity: “Proud Black Woman” appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

On the evening of October 9, 2025, the literary community gathered on the STRIDA WhatsApp Platform for a lecture. This momentous occasion not only marked the passage of time but also served as a platform for introspection and dialogue regarding the evolving nature of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and the art of poetry. The highlight of the evening was a dual lecture featuring two distinguished speakers: Saka Habeeb Opeyemi from Nigeria, who discussed the thought-provoking topic, “Can AI Replace the Creativity of Writers?” and Malivs, a celebrated poet and disability advocate from Zimbabwe, who shared insights on “How to Become an Effective Poet.”

As the event commenced, the STRIDA community welcomed Saka Habeeb Opeyemi with open arms, eager to delve into the complexities surrounding AI and creativity. The discussion around AI’s potential to replicate or even replace human creativity is an ever-relevant topic in today’s digital landscape, where technology continues to shape various aspects of our lives, including the literary arts. Opeyemi’s presence not only enriched the community but also sparked an essential conversation that resonates with writers, poets, and creatives worldwide. In his lecture, Opeyemi presented a nuanced perspective on the capabilities of AI in the realm of writing. He acknowledged the advancements in AI technology that have enabled machines to generate text, craft stories, and even mimic writing styles. However, he emphasized a fundamental distinction: while AI can produce content, it lacks the emotional depth, personal experience, and intrinsic creativity that characterize human writers. Opeyemi’s insights prompted a lively discussion among STRIDA members, who engaged with thoughtful questions and shared their perspectives on the balance between technology and creativity. Opeyemi remarked, “AI can assist writers, but it can never replace the unique human experience that fuels true creativity.” His assertion resonated with many attendees, who reflected on their own creative processes and the importance of human connection in storytelling. The session was highly interactive, with participants sharing their thoughts on how writers can leverage AI as a tool rather than a replacement, ensuring that the essence of human creativity continues to thrive. The STRIDA community’s engagement during Opeyemi’s lecture was a testament to the vibrancy of the platform. Members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on such a critical issue, showcasing the power of collective dialogue in the literary sphere. In recognition of Opeyemi’s impactful lecture, STRIDA presented him with the Certificate of Effective Impact, acknowledging his significant contribution to the community.

Following Opeyemi’s insightful discussion, the stage was set for Malivs, a multifaceted poet and advocate whose work embodies resilience and creativity. Malivs, affectionately known as Victory Mashizha, took the virtual stage to share his knowledge on “How to Become an Effective Poet.” As he introduced himself, he spoke passionately about his journey as a poet, author, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the transformative power of poetry in bridging gaps and fostering understanding. With an engaging and dynamic delivery, Malivs encouraged aspiring poets to explore their potential beyond mere expression. He posed the question, “What does it mean to be an effective poet?” and challenged attendees to rethink their approach to poetry. He explained that many poets often confine themselves to a cycle of sharing their work within familiar circles, without seeking broader avenues for growth and engagement. Malivs urged his audience to embrace the myriad opportunities available to poets, including spoken word performance and published anthologies. Exploring the two branches of spoken word poetry—recording and performing—Malivs provided practical advice for poets looking to make their mark. He emphasized the importance of using one’s mother tongue in performances, arguing that it helps convey genuine emotion and resonates more deeply with local audiences. “Your message matters, and expressing it in the language of your heart can amplify its impact,” he declared. Malivs also shared his personal experiences, illustrating how poetry has served as a powerful tool for advocacy. He recounted his journey as a disability advocate, using his platform to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and the importance of inclusivity. His story inspired many in the audience, showcasing the potential of poetry to effect real change in society. In conclusion, Malivs shared key takeaways for aspiring poets, emphasizing the significance of identifying one’s strengths and weaknesses, experimenting with poetic devices, and continuously honing one’s craft. He encouraged participants to embrace their unique voices and perspectives, asserting that every poet has the potential to touch lives through their art. The STRIDA community responded with enthusiasm, expressing their appreciation for Malivs’ wisdom and encouragement. In recognition of his valuable contribution, STRIDA awarded him a Certificate of Participation and Appreciation, celebrating his engagement and the inspiration he imparted to the audience.

As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that the STRIDA had achieved its goal of fostering meaningful dialogue and enriching the literary community. The lectures from Opeyemi and Malivs not only illuminated the challenges and opportunities facing writers in an age of AI but also inspired a renewed commitment to the art of poetry. The lecture illustrated the importance of community in nurturing creativity and highlighted the significance of engaging with diverse perspectives. STRIDA members left the session with a sense of camaraderie and motivation, eager to explore their own artistic potentials and share their voices with the world. STRIDA reaffirmed its mission to support writers and poets in their creative journeys while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of literature. The platform continues to stand as a beacon of inspiration and growth, fostering a vibrant community where creativity flourishes, and individuals are empowered to express themselves authentically. As STRIDA looks to the future, the themes of AI and creativity, as well as the art of poetry, will remain at the forefront of discussions, ensuring that the platform remains a dynamic space for literary exploration and engagement. The commitment to continuous learning and shared experiences will undoubtedly guide STRIDA into its next chapter, inspiring a new generation of writers and poets to leave their marks on the world.

The post Beyond Pixels And Pages: Strida Platform Lecture Tackles AI And Poetry appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Dear Single Mothers!

If you went against the world to keep your child,

if you never slept with another man like a victim,

to fill the gaps of your child’s father,

be proud of yourself,

ye are a garment of motherhood, from head to toe.

Dear Single Mothers!

If your child’s condition is not desirable,

if the father’s absence is the child’s skin colour,

if everyone knows only your restless purse

is the secret behind your child’s welfare,

ye have no right to be proud of yourself.

Dear Single Mothers!

Let your child answer the name of his father,

understand this logic even in your dark times,

the pride of having a father or mother saves a child’s dreams.

Ye may curse your child’s father only in thy heart,

you ruin a child by telling him or her how bad his or her father is.

Dear Single Mothers!

For every second he requests his child,

let him, it is his right to see his fruit,

not at your mercy

but at the glory of all you invested,

in no time, bills become bliss.

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE

STRIDA…guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!

The post Dear Single Mothers! appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

He is her forever, she is his forever,
their passion is wrapped in the leaves of trust,
in dignity, both minds became one,
their hearts are as compatible
as an iroko tree and its roots.
In sane love, The Lord has been leading…

He is her forever, she is his forever,
in his arms, she loses consciousness all night,
to her chest, he never says “Goodbye”.
Even under the heaviest emotional rainfalls,
their hands still holding tightly,
for the strength of The Lord’s resides in both parties.

He is her forever, she is his forever,
her dream is his dream, so is his to her,
trust is their asset,
busy on separate fields but harvesting in unison.
Their love is a flame that conquers the wildest wind,
such a passion that never bends.

He is her forever, she is his forever,
sharing breath at all dawns,
his touch always finds her,
as though they have just begun afresh,
sharing laughter in admirable merriment,
sharing storms with exemplary approaches.

He is her forever, she is her forever,
years of togetherness growing older,
passion reflecting steadily like sunlight,
I have seen this marital strength,
what an immortal passion!
Now…I pray for you both…

You will be his forever forever,
you will be her forever forever,
The Lord will grant you more Champions,
may your passion remain spotless,
even from the slightest storm, Lord will shield this home,
for His testimony of spiritual Grace.

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE
STRIDA… guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!
November, 2025.

The post ROMANCE: “UNBREAKABLE PASSION” appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Let our bygones be buried,
your eyes are the colour of my romance dream,
yesterday, I felt the sexual sanity of belonging to you,
exactly as you feel, the past hurt me thousands of times,
rise up from the past Ayodejimi…!
We both belong to the present.

Let our bygones be buried,
I am not writing poetry,
my heart is all that I am spilling,
beside you, I shall always stand,
beside me, would you stand?
Okomi…I believe we are the forever of each other.

Let our bygones be buried,
for all your painful past…I am sorry,
give me your wet towels,
rest a minute on my pillowed chest,
it never gets wet, each night you arrive in our white room,
I shall remain your faithful virgin.

Let our bygones be buried,
love me and act it with the energy of waterfall,
just as you innocently did to your first-love,
there is something you see in me,
I also see the same in you,
it is time for us to be truly in love again and forever.

Let our bygones be buried,
show me the ten thousand ways your heart can break,
even one, I will not do.
Call me whenever you need me,
you are the love that no one has ever given me,
the past hurts but we can breathe in love once more.

Let our bygones be buried,
just try, hold my fair hands,
I am as transparent as your requirements,
let us take this chance of light,
love is experienced not only observed,
the passion flows as water, let’s hold our drum together.

Let our bygones be buried,
I want us to stay forever,
till when imaginary rapture announces itself.
I couldn’t eat much like I was pretending,
sincerely, meeting you filled me up already,
Ayodejimi, thank you for reading me besides your brilliantly busy brain.

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE
STRIDA… guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!
November, 2025.

The post ROMANCE: “LET OUR BYGONES BE BURIED” appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Put a mirror before yourself,
look into your eyes,
I mean the black pupil.
What do you see, Conscious Readers?

What do you see?
What do you see?
Can’t you respond?

I see the pride of the globe,
I see an energy that can cope
with life stumbles through a brilliant scope.

I see you as mightily reasonable medicine
that knows the right bin
for each adverse scene.

I see a diamond heart among loamy particles,
raising itself highly to the faithful sky,
for unmatched and transferable progress.

I see in you a fulfilled smile
after the roaring challenges of the world.
Do you also see same as my eyes?

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE
STRIDA… guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!
2024

The post “PUT PASSION” – A POEM ON HOPE appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

In the flooding field of intimacy,
two hearts broken a thousand times
decide to become one with legal terms,
promising to be committed to each other
as branches and stems stand loyally to root.
There is always a reason to keep your marriage.

Let respect be born between each other,
love lasts longer after respect is settled,
trust your spouse as birds trust their wings.
Even when dreams dictate over time,
communicate pleasurably and enjoy little time spent with each other.
There is always a reason to keep your marriage.

Conflicts would arise,
be skillful at recultivating dying roses.
You belong to your spouse every second
as the sky belongs to its timely colours,
value each gift as though it is diamond.
There is always a reason to keep your marriage.

Avoid measuring your partner by your neighbour’s partner,
comparism is a disease, it kills faster than respiratory syndrome.
Develop interest in what he does, and he would so do,
were you hurt by her, him?
Spill not the faults of your partner to third ears.

Marriage is a divine state,
divine states are not forever but rather maintained,
a divinity that exists as a house,
love is the building and mutual respect is the foundation,
forgiveness is the floor, conflict management is the roof.
There is always a reason to keep your marriage.

If not for the respect, for the love.
If not for the love, for the memories.
If not for the memories, for the emotions.
If not for the emotions, for the family.
If not for the family, for the children.
There is always a reason to keep your marriage.

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE
STRIDA… guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!

The post “THERE IS ALWAYS A REASON TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE” appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The one who feared no face,
Standing different amidst thousands,
Thriving with body, soul, and spirit.
Giving up, or being lost, was never in your dictionary.
You didn’t just live — you left a landmark,
A testimony for generations to come,
That Ajakaiye once walked this earth.

Even when friends and family turned away,
Your song was: “I press on.”
OLORI-EBI OF IJAGEMO LAND
Even in your absence, your name rings in the hearts of men —
Ajakaiye Himself.

At weakness, you stood strong.
I am proud to be your daughter.
At the point of dying, you still declared:
“There is no death in my voice,
Even when the body is failing.”

That is true, Daddy — your voice still lives on,
It echoes in my mind.

Omo Ajakaiye ki í ṣe òòjó.
Omo tí èkùn bá bí, èkùn ni.
And I rejoice, for I will see you again.

ABRAHAM AJAKAIYE.

AJAKAIYE OLUWATOBI FASILAT

The post AJAKAIYE appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The night she left, the sky withdrew its stars,
and rain came down in sheets of grief and ash.
She kissed me soft—
a slow, uncertain farewell,
and smiled a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

The silence after her departure throbbed.
Walls pressed in,
the roof became a drum for mourning skies.
Alone, I curled around a scentless pillow,
till two o’clock—
a knock, abrupt, insistent, broke the spell.

She stood there—Arinola—damp with storm,
her lashes jeweled with rain and need.
She said no words; her eyes confessed it all:
the ache of absence,
the hunger only warmth can soothe.

We crossed a line.
Not spoken, but felt—like gravity.
Two souls adrift,
seeking anchor in each other’s arms.

I kissed her first—
her lips were fire and unfamiliar.
Hands moved like tides,
buttons undone like falling leaves.
And when her dress pooled quiet at her feet,
I saw the moon had taken human form.

Her skin—dark silk
drawn tight on curves too cruelly shaped,
her breath a gasp of mint and desperation,
her hair—a waterfall of blackness on my chest.

Her breasts, twin altars, rose with holy rhythm.
Her nipples summoned like compass needles.
I knelt—obedient,
tongue tracing paths that led to sacred ache.
She arched,
and from her parted thighs came rivers warm and wild.

“Don’t stop… go deeper…”—
a litany echoing off the storm-lit walls.
She bloomed thrice under my worshipping mouth,
then stared through me with trembling light.

When I entered her,
it was not lust—it was surrender.
Her hips met mine in reverent defiance,
and guilt, that old priest,
was nowhere in the room.

She called my name—
a hymn both urgent and devout,
her back arched in dogged rhythm,
and the bed—
our only witness—sighed beneath our sin.

At last, the trembling climax came,
and silence, soft as cotton, wrapped us both.

At 5:30,
the phone rang sharp—a blade of light.
My lover’s voice, calm with arrival:
“I made it home.”

And in my arms,
her friend lay sleeping,
her breath still warm upon my skin—
all night long.

The post The Night I Slept with My Lover’s Friend appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Vice Chancellor of Tai-Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Professor Oluwole Sikiru Banjo, has commended Rashidat Olamidayo Ajakaye, a corps member and a First-Class graduate of English Education at Lagos State University (LASU), for her exceptional academic attitude and initiative. Ajakaye’s outstanding achievement is notable, as she broke a barrier of over 40 years in English Education at LASU, earning a First-Class degree in the 42nd year of the program.

Ajakaye has been posted to TASUED to carry out her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. It is noteworthy that Ajakaye is the Corper Liaison Officer of Tai-Solarin University of Education. As a corps member at the university, she has demonstrated her philanthropic and academic attitude by showcasing her intellectual capacity. Her experience at TASUED has been impressive, and she was motivated to compose an acrostic poem for the institution as a gift.

The acrostic poem, which was printed on a banner and displayed at the institution’s Senate Building and College of Humanities (COHAM), is a testament to Ajakaye’s creativity and appreciation for TASUED’s operations. The poem highlights the university’s qualities and attributes, showcasing its essence.

The university management, including the Registrar and the Vice Chancellor, have praised Ajakaye’s effort, stating that the poem will serve as a lasting tribute to TASUED. They appreciate her initiative and creativity, which reflect positively on her academic background and personal character.

Professor Banjo was particularly delighted, as the launch of the project coincided with his birthday on June 30, 2025. He commended Ajakaye for her fascinating academic attitude and ability to initiate a lovely project, which has made a lasting impact on the university community.

The post RASHIDAT AJAKAYE SURPRISES TASUED MANAGEMENT WITH AN ACROSTIC POEM appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.