Am I a proud woman?
Women and homes are compulsorily cultured confidants of each other,
if not women, tables would be under the home’s building,
and the floors would nag being ruthlessly used,
the tiled kitchen might grow walking weeds.
So women owe the home her primary purpose,
I will not leak that women naturally endow youths with attention,
before all others, home is first to women.

Am I a proud woman?
Multiplying my significance smartly as mirror captures its audience,
if I am a daughter first,
can I receive education if not schooling?
So that, I can better the mistakes of expectant parents,
afterwards, a sister I become in myself,
feeding interested minds my listening and remedial heart,
am I not meant to so do?

Am I a proud woman?
In same clothed world,
a friend I receive into my naked arms,
resolving issues by apologizing after being right,
“I am sorry” becoming your dearest utterance.
Loved and purchased into another roof,
I become a wife, rebuilding his joy,
if he attends a thousand of meetings,
I attend some so that he will appreciate me,
in the acknowledgement of his book of 963 pages.

Am I a proud woman?
Anxious to be a mother, another role sneaks in,
I become a daughter-in-law of a long established family,
modifying my habits and patterns to suit my new home,
I fulfill being a mother on the surface of birth
and it is intrinsic that I be a mentor,
closest friend and philosopher to the children.
To do these, I be a professional at my skills,
I must work, for “heads of the family”
now request division of financial functions.

Am I a proud woman?
Wedding off my priceless possessions,
promising unknown ladies from my sons a promising home,
promising unknown men my motherly moments,
as though a firm blood unites us.
I am a mother-in-law?
In same universe of conflict settlement,
I become a grandmother to their children,
cooking for a full party in my small kitchen
at every bell of holidays, “Grandma’s house for holidays!”

Am I a proud woman?
Not only a woman, but also a human,
multiplying my offices for brilliant outputs,
possessing rights of human beings,
to decide my personal life as a winged bird,
to realize thoughts of positive explorations,
to be filled, help others as humans so do.
So I say, “Yes, I am a proud woman!”

RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE
STRIDA – … guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!
©️ 2023

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In 1986, I had the privilege of meeting Professor Wole Soyinka just outside the Obafemi Awolowo University Pit Theatre, where I was a student at the time. The renowned writer had just returned from Stockholm, where he had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. As I congratulated him on his achievement, he extended his hand in a firm handshake, and his deep voice offered words of encouragement. The warmth of that handshake and the assurance of his voice have remained with me to this day, inspiring my own artistic and literary pursuits.

That moment in time sparked a creative journey that has led to the authoring, editing, and co-editing of numerous books. Soyinka’s legacy continues to be a source of motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence in my craft.

Wole Soyinka’s literary genius is a phenomenon that has captivated readers and inspired writers for decades. His exceptional mastery of language, coupled with his ability to craft powerful narratives that resonate with the human experience, has solidified his position as one of the most iconic literary figures of our time.

Soyinka’s command of language is a hallmark of his writing style. He wields words with precision and grace, conjuring vivid imagery that transports readers to the heart of the narrative. His linguistic dexterity is matched only by his boundless creativity, which enables him to weave complex tales that are at once poignant, thought-provoking, and deeply human.

Through his writing, Soyinka has demonstrated an uncanny ability to capture the essence of the human experience. His works are a testament to the universal struggles, triumphs, and emotions that define us as individuals and as a collective. With unflinching honesty and unwavering compassion, he explores themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, from the anguish of political oppression to the beauty of love, complexity of human choices and the resilience of the human spirit.

Soyinka’s contributions to literature are immeasurable, inspiring generations of writers and intellectuals to explore new modes of expression and push the boundaries of creative storytelling. His influence extends far beyond the literary world, with his work informing and shaping cultural, political, and social discourse.

As a literary icon, Soyinka’s impact on the global literary landscape is undeniable. His writing has inspired a new wave of writers, poets, and playwrights, who draw upon his legacy to craft their own unique narratives. His influence can be seen in the work of writers such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, and Helon Habila, who have all acknowledged the significant impact of Soyinka’s writing on their own creative journeys.

Wole Soyinka’s literary genius is a gift to humanity, a testament to the transformative power of art to inspire, educate, and uplift. His contributions to literature are a lasting legacy, a reminder of the enduring impact of great writing on our lives and our world.

Wole Soyinka’s influence extends far beyond the realm of literature, reverberating throughout the social, political, and cultural landscape of Nigeria and beyond. As a dedicated activist, statesman, and patriot, he has emerged as a powerful symbol of hope for a better Nigeria, inspiring generations to stand up against oppression and fight for a more just and equitable society.

Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights has been a hallmark of his career, driving him to confront oppressive regimes and challenge social injustices. His fearless advocacy has led him to confront dictators, challenge corrupt leaders, and stand in solidarity with marginalized communities. Through his activism, he has inspired countless individuals to embrace their own agency and become active participants in shaping a more just and democratic Nigeria.

As a statesman, Soyinka has demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities of Nigerian politics and society. He has consistently called for reforms, advocated for democratic values, and pushed for accountability and transparency in governance. His leadership and vision have inspired a new generation of Nigerian leaders, who are committed to building a more just and prosperous society.

Soyinka’s patriotism is rooted in his deep love for Nigeria and his unwavering belief in its potential. He has consistently challenged Nigerians to embrace their shared humanity and work towards building a more united and inclusive society. Through his writing and activism, he has inspired a sense of national pride and identity, encouraging Nigerians to celebrate their diversity and embrace their shared heritage.

Soyinka’s impact on Nigerian society extends far beyond the political realm. He has inspired a new generation of artists, intellectuals, and activists, who are committed to using their talents to build a more just and equitable society. His legacy has inspired a renewed focus on education, cultural preservation, and community development, as Nigerians seek to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Indeed, Wole Soyinka’s impact on Nigeria and the world, his enduring legacy is a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and creativity in shaping a better future for all.
Through his work, Soyinka has shown us the power of art to transform and uplift. He has demonstrated that literature can be a potent tool for social change, inspiring us to use our talents to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the 1986 handshake was more than just a brief encounter; it was a moment that ignited a fire within me, inspiring me to pursue my passions and make a difference in the world. I am positive this has had same effect on the mind and souls of many many more who came in contact with this genius. Soyinka’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, a testament to the enduring power of art, activism, and the human spirit.

The post AN ENDURING HANDSHAKE: A TRIBUTE TO THE IMMORTAL WOLE SOYINKA AT 90 appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

What the sun beholds
She lashes out in tears
What the earth withholds
She bears as tares
With every seed she bears.

Hidden in darkness
The sun pushes the moon to glow _
Warriors in the skies
Gather stars _ against darkness
Cardinal winds blow battle horns at night
The timid dust alas!
Swears allegiance to the wind
Great storms to make indeed
For men destroy nature
To create their own ills.

Calm skies connote no peace
Little do men know
That the one nation “Nature”
Is waxing stronger in wrath:
Global warming is her global warning !⚠️

Plant a tree today!
Stop indiscriminate burning :
Pollute not nature’s breath
Recycle plastics!
Let nature be placid
For nature rewards
All the gestures shown to her!
All boomerang with trailing blows
For what goes around
Certainly comes around!

The post WHAT GOES AROUND appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Well built and huge as rock is man
Body fortified with strength
Brain with inventions
Born to explore the world
Beasts his wits subdue

Chest so broad and arms so strong
Legs so swift and eyes’re as eagle’s
As huge as rock as man is built
His hope, his joy, his destiny’re controlled
By the smallest flap on his rocky shape

His tongue:
His joy; his woe; his life; his death
He untames his tongue – he destroys himself
If you control your tongue
You control your life.

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Soberly, liberty begat our reality
In reality, the supposed unity stands
Only as a fantasy, speaking frankly
Oh! How they plead and bleed
For only those they prey on?
Freedom fighters’re disarmed
By dripping honey from looters’ bounties.

Castrated youths seek to birth the future
Agonizing mothers keep the urns
Of children’s cremation
Men, alive but lost
Seek finding selves in drinking to stupor.

Locked in a cage
Many dance to the music of freedom
“Liberty! Liberty!!” They call as a friend
While no strategy to outlive their poverty is drawn
Independence gained, freedom lost!

Either Con or Saint
Each draws his fame and fetters
Howbeit shall you answer the call for rebirth
For true Liberty belongs only to the reborn!

The post LIBERTY IN A CAGE appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Coined from the ripples of the ocean waves
Fast current charges the heart with fear
Nature traveling in her circus
En route to comfort all creatures.

In spite of all her attempts
The bolder we become, the more of fear we know
For as we behold the untold
The voices we hear teach our hearts to fear.

Naked, many said we came
But clothed in courage were we birthed
The surge of too much caution is
Electrocuting our undaunted faith.

Still, we rise with the chance to fight
Annihilating regrets of what we’ve learnt
Day in, day out, we win new ground
The shield of boldness
Though unbent like a coin
We have to recast.

Through the bent on old Kent road
We cornered the truth:
“Born with courage, trained to fear”
Oh! What a wrinkle upon our golden coin!
Now shall we thrive:
To unlearn our fears and rebirth our courage!
For we shall count not our loses
But all our gains we shall harvest.

The post THE WRINKLED COIN appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Help!
Downcasts with smiles you lift above
Show them concern and love to live
What’s it your heart desires in life?
Get it as theirs you help achieve.

Kindness!
Medicine that heals the mind than drugs
Each day be sure you touch a life
Help them to reach their heights in life
Watch it the top attain yourself.

Life!
Sunshine, rains and hills and valleys
Make life’s road unsmooth to tread on
Roses, thorns and pain and laughter
Paint lifetime as tough and gentle.

Courage!
Live each day with hope of victory
If each day your best you give life
Don’t give up the best you’ll get here
Though life’s road’s unsmooth to tread on.

The post SPICES OF LIFE appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

My body is designed with pores, cavities and openings
That tell me the story of the world
And teach me about my base desires.

I have relied on the wonders of the five senses
Since I was below six and soundly sensible.
After sixteen, another growing sense came to the scene-

Different… with its depth, felt, but its location unknown
The Sixth Sense was treacherous and daring
Interfering with my thoughts,
Overriding the judgement of other senses.

Sometimes I feel it crawl up in my skin
Giving me dreamy visions and watery mouth.
I wonder if it dulls my primary senses
Or gives them a new consciousness.

My heart was yearning, wandering, wanting…
Until I found you through the antennas of the new sense.
Something in you echoed my condition
Giving me back a better image of my mind;
Championing chapters of a new story.

I could feel that you also have the sixth sense
Whose name is unknown but its effects are describable:
It is like a voice in my heart calling out to just you;
without words that can be seen or heard.
And yours with a corresponding return
That informs and excites with intangible drums.

In the zone where these senses communicate,
There are colours and bubbles and singing
And an ultimate epiphany that reverberates
Anytime I see, hear, smell, touch or taste you.

The post The Sixth Sense appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

There it is on a sunny day
Countless miles above the green
A dark spot amidst the blue
Other birds dare not fly so high
And see… alone it soars along
With the right current… it soars along
No toil, no pain or struggle involved
Easily… it soars along with the current of air.

Amidst the blue it shouts to all:
“Your starting point can be the sky
Dare like me to fly so high
I soar along… you come along
Never the green and not the blue your limit should be
Beyond the sky your goal should be”
Hark! Hark!! Hark!!! It sings along
Eagles don’t flock so don’t you…
To fly so high.

Wonderous power, easy strength
Making it soar so high in the blue
Right-current, you come from where?
Made by the eagle?
“From the Highest Strength I come of course
From Him I come when you call
Always there when you call”.

“Come along”, the eagle calls
“Call to me”, the Creator calls
With the Right-current you’ll soar so high
No frustration or pain involved
Along you’ll soar with His current of grace
Just spread your wings and aim so high
Beyond the blue His grace can take.

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The delight of the sun
Is to work at her pace
For she’s got for her work
To provide for the sea
Of lives to survive
And she does at her pace
For with haste she’ll default.

And the sun at a glance
Can achieve her delight
For her best is displayed
At the ease of her pace.

Your delight you can get
When you work at your pace
And your best’ll be displayed
At the ease of your pace
But with haste you’ll default.

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