Faidah's Musings

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder… But Memes Help Too!!

Dearest Readersssssss,

First, I wanna wish whoever invented the use of memes an eternal blessing! My favorite is “Brother ughhhhh”

It’s been a while since I last wrote here, I know, I know. I’ve missed you, too. Funny how I use WordPress every week for work, and I just never had the time for my own. You can give what you just read a meaning because there definitely is one. School has officially resumed. Mehn, now in my second year. It’s crazy to think that graduation is just around the corner next year. So many classes, projects, hustle, and just trying to balance everything else has been a whirlwind lately.

The funny thing about growing older and chasing big goals is that it often means being farther away from the people you love, and over the weekend, all I thought of was the people that keep us grounded- My friendsss. The whole situation of everybody being scattered around the world brings joy when you consider the future. You can easily travel anywhere because you have someone in that city. But what does it do for us right now? How have we been maintaining those bonds?

Well, I like to think I’m something of a pro at this whole “distance” thing. Funny story, I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for three years now (yes, three! LOL)…..with my cats. I haven’t seen my besties in over a year, the worst part? These people are not in the same places, so when you think of the logistics (got a friend who’s been using this word so much lately and now it’s stuck with me) of seeing all these people, coupled with the state of the economy…. it just needs more time, and you know what does not wait for anyone? TIME!

If there’s one thing I can tell you as a self-renounced pro in this game, it’s that it teaches you something valuable. Keeping the connection alive across miles takes intentionality, creativity, patience, and, of course, memes. I’m quite passionate about this topic. This post might sound depressive, sad, and ranting at the same time. It depends on what situation a reader is in.

You can’t just “drop by” or catch up over Abula or Peppersoup like we used to. Now, it’s random voice notes and texts. I send my farts in a voice note, lol. Tbh, it’s not a bad thing…..I’m just the funny friend, duh. I’ve laughed until I cried over a silly meme, had my girl stay up late just to hear my voice. Again, intentionality and those little gestures, no matter how small, become the jollof rice that holds the friendship together.

Long-distance friendships also teach patience and empathy. People have busy lives, and sometimes they don’t respond immediately. On your own, you learn to give that little space, pardon delayed responses, and celebrate the little facetime you get.

So yeah, memes help, and effort matters as well. But, the biggest and heart of it all is that friendship home and away requires you showing up, even when it’s a bit inconvenient. There are so many ways to be there for our friends. There’s so much on the internet. All you need is 30 minutes to sit through and do some research. Calls, texts, share playlists, TikTok videos, and IG reels. You see something that reminds you of someone, send it to them. Sometimes, during my midnight shenanigans, I even look at what my bestie has liked loool.

Anyway, it’s getting long, but I honestly could keep writing. So tell me, how have you all been keeping your circle alive?

See you all in a bit, readerssssssss!

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Between Work, Life, America and Lagos… I’m Reading Again

Dear readersssssss!

I don’t really remember so much of my childhood, maybe because I moved around a bit. From mommy, to grandma, to my aunt, and back to my mom again. Lool, life must have been really happening then. But one thing I do remember was that I really loved reading.

Books were my thing, my mom used to buy me those simple storybooks with visuals over texts and attractive covers… remember? I read everything she brought home. I can still picture myself lying on the floor with my feet in the air, flipping through the pages.

In secondary school, Literature was my favorite subject. I wasn’t just good at it, I actually enjoyed it. I still remember everything about Kambili and Father Eugene’s story. The tension was loud in the air. It’s been years, but readersss, that book is GOLD.

In Uni, between those lectures and life. On a few occasions, I still squeezed in time to read “Romance fiction” on my phone. Reading and writing were really my thing. I think they are my own “Find what you love” thing motivational speakers always talk about.

But then, life happens. I graduated, started working, trying to survive Nigeria, and basically entered that adulthood phase nobody prepares you for. I still bought books. I remember getting “Nearly All Men in Lagos are Mad”, read a few pages, loved it, and then left it sitting pretty in my booth with its shiny yellow cover. I’d tell myself I’d read them when I had time. But let’s be honest, the “time” never came. Between work and Lagos traffic. We all just get drifted away from our habits and what we love.

Now, this summer, with the new environment and maybe a little more time on my hands. I’ve decided, I will be reading again! I’ve missed that feeling, when a good book grips you so tight you carry it everywhere until it’s done. I want that again.

Someday, I want to write a children’s book too. Something simple, fun, and full of love. So yeah, this summer, I’m reading again. One page at a time.

What old habit are you ready to return to?

Holding onto Ramadan’s Light

Dear Readerssss,

You didn’t think I’d let Ramadan end without sending you my love, did you? C’mon!

It feels like just yesterday, the first Taraweeh on a Friday, we were preparing for suhoor on the first Saturday, intentions, and embracing the energy of fasting. And now, here we are, on the final day of Ramadan, a month of mercy, reflection, and growth slipping through our fingers like grains of sand.

Ramadan has a way of softening us, teaching us patience, gratitude, and the beauty of worship. The quiet before iftar, the moments of dua when our hearts felt closest to Allah, the joy of sadaqah, and the love of community, these are the things we carry beyond this month.

One of the most inspiring things I’ve seen is how we are embracing the month with open hearts, that Friday of the first Taraweeh, there was a kid at my mosque that was truly excited to clean and arrange, how we are all seeking knowledge and learn more about Islam, my friend Delima (May Allah reward you!), from the first day at every 12am would send us a new prayer, and just how we are all making conscious efforts to hold onto the blessings is beautiful to experience.

The journey doesn’t stop here though, Ramadan leaves us with lessons to carry into the months ahead. And speaking of beautiful Ramadan moments, I got to create something special this year, a Ramadan special on YouTube with my new friends, Zack and Ahmed. We played Islamic Trivia games, reflections, and shared love for this blessed month. If you haven’t seen it yet, trust me, it’s worth watching!- https://youtu.be/bnHf2ItNVJY?feature=shared

I pray the light of this Ramadan stay with us, guiding our steps, filling our hearts with kindness, and keeping us connected to what truly matters.

Ramadan Mubarak my Readersssssss! I love you all!

Start Now! Learn as you go.

Dearest Readerssssssss……

Noticed we have our domain name?!!!! yayyyyyy!!

For the longest time, I hesitated and procrastinated. I had ideas—small ones, big ones, and many scattered thoughts that excited me, but I was always held back by something. Would anyone care? was I good enough?…bla bla. Anyways, one day, I did the “Just Start” rule.

Boom! I recorded my first YouTube video, messy, imperfect, but I did anyways! Hence, we have two wins to celebrate today. Our YouTube & our new domain name.

Like I said, it gets better with time and more practice. Rome wasn’t built in a day yunno, and the best part? It’s just the beginning. Side note, how’s the heat on your end? The prices of AC and OX standing fan is sending me to the village, I feel bad for everyone experiencing the heat!

So, what’s the power of starting something even when you feel unready. I remember my mom told us when her boss at the office advised her to get a land in ikorodu when she did back in the day which took years to build, loll. but, the point is she started small and anyhow. Very often, we always want to wait for the right moment (which is cool sometimes), I do know someone while we were in uni. and whenever she’s going back home after exams, since its another state, she would always buy a gift home for her mom and in her words, “you start small”. We tell ourselves, we’ll do it when we are richer, prepared, learned everything that needs to be known. But the truth is, Growth happens while doing, not before.

If I had waited for the perfect background or camera or editing skills, I would never have started and probably won’t be writing this post with so much excitement instead of self-doubt. So, whatever idea you have popping in your mind, waiting for the “right time”, stop, sigh and start now!

It does not need to be perfect, just start. Probably dedicating this write up to my best friend who wants to start something but she’s waiting for the right time (shamelessly calling you out because I know how good you are with this! sorry!)

I’d love for you to check out my latest blog and video! Let me know what you think. Talk soon readers!

AI Adventures: Why you should start embracing the AI Revolution Now!!

First of all, please accept my apologies my readersssss! It’s been a while!

You’ll be shocked to discover that many of us still haven’t fully embraced these amazing tools. Few days ago, I asked my baby sister if she uses “ChatGPT.” and she casually replied, “Yeah, I use it for my assignments sometimes.” It was clear she had not really tapped into the tool’s full potential. Hence, this blog post!

We all understand the struggles we face daily in Nigeria, unemployment, and rising costs of everything. This technology wave is something new or should I say cool. It provides us with the tools to navigate some of these tough times. Whether you’re in secondary school or university, or even a graduate, AI can be the stepping stone you need. It can help you explore new possibilities.

AI is already here, and it’s more accessible than you’d think. It simply means computers are now performing some tasks which use to be done by humans. These tools can help you develop important skills. You can also enhance the skills you already have. I practice public speaking with ChatGPT to increase my confidence whenever I have to speak to a larger group of people and it has been of great help!

Let’s start with school! These AI tools are there to assist and aid your learning! You don’t understand something that was taught in class? Tell any of these AIs to simplify the topics for you. Explain to the AI what you understand. Then, tell it to help you understand better. Writing, designing, brainstorming, content creation, etc.

Know that AI won’t solve all our problems in this country. However, you can make use of it for your personal development. Prepare for the future because it’s here to stay, embrace it and play with it. It’s about taking control of the skills we have access to and leveraging them to our advantage.

Naming a few that I use regularly; ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DALL-E, Otter, and Meta AI, etc. Trust me, there are plenty for different niche and whatever you need it for. Just ask a search engine!

ALL IMAGES WERE AI-GENERATED BY CHATGPT.

I wrote a blog to motivate you; Did it or did it not?

Readerssssss!

Let’s just take a sec to pat ourselves on the back, shall we? Seriously, think about it, despite all the craziness going on in Nigeria (and trust me, there’s a lot), look at how much we’ve grown! It’s impressive, if you ask me.

I mean, come on, have you seen what we’re dealing with? Insecurity, crazy high food prices, you name it. It feels like every day is a new battle just to get by and it’s not just about complaining anymore, it’s about survival.

It breaks my heart to think about all the people out there struggling to put food on the table. Some can’t even manage one meal a day, can you believe it? people are out of jobs, dreams fizzling out, and businesses folding up faster than you can say due to exchange rate. It’s tough out there, no doubt about it.

But here’s the thing: despite all the chaos, there’s still hope. I’ve seen it, felt it, lived it. In fact, I’d say I’ve grown more in the past few years than ever before.

For starters, I’ve tried appreciation, from navigating relationships to understanding the importance of having good people around me, it’s been one heck of a ride.

Secondly, being open-minded. Turns out, it’s really handy when you’re faced with all sorts of challenges, and I’ve come to realize just how crucial love and kindness are, especially when everything else seems to be falling apart.

Speaking of falling apart, I’ve learned a thing or two about picking myself up and dusting myself off. Have something to focus on, whether it’s a hobby, a side hustle, or just a passion can make all the difference.

But you know what’s really been a game-changer? Gratitude. Yes, counting your blessings isn’t just some silly advice, it’s a real deal.

So, to all my fellow warriors out there, keep on keepin’ on. We’ve come this far, and there’s no stopping us now. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing’s for sure: we’re stronger than we think, and we’ve got each other’s backs.

I love you all!!

Stay strong!

Evolution and Flexibility; A write up to the lower class: My Aunt’s case

Readerssss!

Do you know that some Generation X and few of the millennial did not grow as life was changing and technology was evolving. You see, stove wool production use to be a big deal in Lagos Nigeria as far i know. It was big, I even did it one time. It was quite a simple process that requires long hours of sitting.

My aunt was a big shot in this business, she even bought land in Ikorodu and started until change happened and people stopped using stoves. Hence, I think she could have easily evolved/expanded to the LPG business as that was the new trend in society. She didn’t and that was how she went out of business and then closure. Pardon me to add an Islamic hadith here which goes “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim“. We cannot stop learning. Learning is relative to living. As far as you’re still breathing, you will continue to learn.

Even though, there are good Nokia Android now. You must agree with me that they took too long to evolve. Nokia when I was younger was the most popular mobile phone, Nokia and Blackberry. Do you think its happening to organizations as well, such as moving to hybrid and telecommuting mode? Let’s talk in the comment!

Am i late to the party that i just finished Young Sheldon and Big Bang Theory? Long but great movies i must say!

Guinness Record Breaker & Dangote Refinery- A brief blog

Readers have you seen Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway yet? I cannot describe my emotions watching that movie. Amazes me how women can be scared, courageous, bold and bold at the same time.

Congratulations Nigerians!

Hilda Baci!!!!!!! I call her a FORCE!

Guinness World Record for the longest cooking hours; she cooked for 100hrs, cooked varieties and everything she cooked was shared with the people in attendance. Nigerians were at the venue to support her, few Politicians, celebrities and influencers such as Governor Sanwo Olu of Lagos State, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Dremo, Enioluwa, etc were in attendance. The crowd was crazy, I was there. Food was free, and drinks were free. It was an all round refreshing experience. It was definitely a free concert!

Faidat Bello of 360GistWithAyoka at the Hilda Baci Cookathon

A big shoutout to all the brands that supported! It’s a beautiful thing to see people believed in what her best friend, Ama, described as a “Livingroom talk”.

650,000 barrels of crude oil per day??! The 22nd of May 2023 was a great day in the history of Nigeria as we commissioned the Dangote Refinery. It’s the world’s largest single-Train to produce 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Guess what? We will have a surplus for export!

It’s magnificent and I hope this will be the start of a turnaround for the Nigerian economy! I hope the price of everything reduces and it leads us to a more stable economy

Anyways; readers, when last did you see Dangote group recruitment?

Let’s talk ENTERTAINMENT!

I think that people should wear whatever they want for AMVCA and probably still make it a little bit or show us some of “Africa” in it. AMVCA 2023 was full of beauties, the dresses and suits were gorgeous. Ifu enada had 720hrs making tyres on, Tacha had $20,000 on! It was a lot! We all have an issue with the nomination list and hope AMVCA board do better next year!

Thank you for reading!

Who is also waiting for the UK prime minister’s decision this Thursday? See y’all next week!

Reflection on 2022: How are you, my reader!

Best year yet for me I must say!

Tell me, my friend, how has it been so far? Do you think you’re better than last year, waiting for the end of December before reflecting, or are you in the “whatever” category?

This year choke, the same thing we all said last year. is it ever going to be better? do you believe 2023 will be better? Campaigns, floods, fuel scarcity, and crazy traffic! We are going through a lot in Nigeria and if you’re in Lagos, You’re definitely going through a lot multiplied by one million.

Reader, hold on! Have you given yourself credit for the little you have done so far in 2022? Appreciated your parents, siblings and friends? Tell them how amazing they are and you’re so proud of what they have done in 2022! I want to tell my younger sister, I am very proud of her as her results so far have been astounding! Super proud of my best friend and every other final year student that ASUU has delayed, I want you all to know “DELAY IS NOT DENIAL”. Congratulations!

Readers! appreciate your people in the comment section!

Life is soo unpredictable and the year has been a rollercoaster for all of us. Some have it easier while its the opposite for others. I want recommend a song for y’all, its titled “The Nights” by Avicii. There’s this line that reads “One day, you’ll leave this world behind, So live a life you will remember”. So readers, tell me, have you lived a life you would be remembered for, in the process of living the life or you don’t care to be remembered. See ya in the comments!

Most of us are still in the process of building our lives, not even sure what a purposeful life is. We are just living by God’s will. We all have different ways of reflecting, I just sit and think sometimes with music on, some meditate, some people read a book and some prefer to speak with someone. Whatever works for you, please do!

At the beginning of every new year, there’s this positive and energetic feeling. Like it’s definitely going to be a good year. It’s a short one today and the last one for the Year 2022. To sum up, you should not be the only person left to see Blood&Water on Netflix. EOD!

My Current Situation In Nigeria: Inflation, JAPA, Naira Depreciation, ASUU Strike!!!!

People: Faidat, are you still in the country, where are you, why have stopped writing, guy you don japa, I don’t even see your status on WhatsApp again, you have stopped selling Okrika, you don blow Abi, etc! (I got these questions/statements since I took the break)

So my turn! Tell me. How’s Nigeria treating you boo? How much do you spend on food now? Indomie Table is now #100, use to be #50 🥹 I eat three when I’m hungry hungry. How about my brother who consumes 6 when he’s hungry hungry. That’s #600 aside pepper, egg, etc. That’s on food! Now, to those of us who are still on team ‘LEGEDIZBENZ’ (I don’t even want to go deep in the transportation issue, I might as well just cry this part out and let you all imagine the traffic and struggle for bus in your head because it’s HARD!)

If I continue to write on the increase of everything. WordPress won’t be enough. I need a podium and a megaphone!!

Hence, let’s talk about the ASUU Strike! To every victim of this strike that’s gonna read this article. I am so sorry 😞 I know you have gotten a lot of find something to do with your life, learn a skill, do a business, etc but you still wonder how you can do any of that with little or no funding. Must be frustrating! To every other person who knows or is friends with those responsible for calling off the strike. Do something and don’t just read through!! If you don’t, then you’re an ACCOMPLICE

As for me guys, I haven’t japa nor have I blown. I got a 5am to 9pm job and I have been posting status. If you don’t see my status, you’re either blocked from seeing (most likely impossible because the only people I blocked are my Aunties who reminds me of marriage after they view every status)or you don’t have my number saved. I am a lover of Nigeria and I believe she can be fixed!

So tell me, how’s she (Nigeria) treating. Are you in a toxic relationship with her or you’re trying your best not to let her win just like I am doing! Let’s chat in the comment box peopleeeeee!

One last thing, have you seen Justice Served and Godse on Netflix. While I was watching the movies over the weekend, I was imagining few things in my head 😂