Author

Odilichukwu Frances

Featured with the intellects 2020

ASOEBI SALES – Celebration or Mini hustle?

written by Odilichukwu Frances

Intellects and Chill Time

Hello! It is another season for Intellects and Chill and this episode is mouthwatering. Remember the first episode was about the unfulfilled promises of tailors and seamstresses, as well as the amazing styles.

You will agree with me that there are lots of burial ceremonies and wedding parties these days, and the bridal train or asoebi is an important spice in these events. However the spices do not make themselves, real people make real efforts to bring this spice, and we will be talking about that spice in this post.

Ladies and men buy materials for the asoebi, or bridal train, or men in suit. While the both genders are involved, for some reason that of the ladies seem to be more popular.

Notwithstanding, the question is do you think Asoebi materials (as it is popularly called nowadays) should be sold or given free of charge (FOC)?

Personally, I think it should be given FOC!

Here’s what others think…

Spoiler: some think it is okay to sell, for some there’s an element of greed and witchcraft.

(Grab a popcorn for this read)

Maybe

Wills

Yes it’s ok.

I believe for an asoebi to be selected by the bride, it must have gone through scrutiny and approval by her bridal train. Meaning they know the quality of the material and the cost.

Also, the choice of material and cost depends on the economic class of friends selected for the bridal train. Those who can’t afford it can join other units to support their friend.

It is not a big deal.

Jane

Wahala no dey finish oo.

Well Asoebi is good for both sides and just for a few number of persons. But if you like rainbow on your D day let your friends form a committee and decide from your list of colours then sort themselves out in terms of buying materials and matching accessories with this whoever can afford it will buy.

As for the bride selling her Asoebi 3x the price she got it is witchcraft…I mean is better I don’t sell my Asoebi and get reasonable gifts and cash from friends than I sell n get glass cups as gift.

Thalia

You see this aseobi own

First off, as my friend, you no patronize me, or have never, or have never housed or fed me or supported me one way or the other

Please don’t bother to near me😒

It is not a bad idea to sell asoebi material to if u can’t afford to buy for a few. Most ladies like plenty asoebi cos it’s colourful but I rather have just 5 supportive hyping friends than the ones that my smile won’t matter to them
Check your class of friends, even u check yourself, the price u r putting, can u comfortably pay for it without taking from runs or sugar daddy

2b. If you know lace will be expensive, simply use ankara, it’s even cheaper to sew, u see Nigerian tailors, another Wahala with their prices when it comes to sewing lace

I see it as supporting my friend to make her day colourful, Omooooo if ur price pass me and u no book me for makeup, I no Dey buy, I no Dey fear person face, I will just tell u eyah I’m booked for that day😏

Lindsey

I don’t feel good about it, especially when it’s ridiculously expensive and the bride equally feels entitled to it and try to guilt trip you. They’d dictate everything you’re going to wear down and how you’d wear it, from style down to your accessories.

On top of one day wedding o.

😂 I say I no do hair say I no fit do packing gel, na natural hair I carry, so e no go last. Aunty say make I relax my hair. I come ask am weda na me and am on top bed for wedding night. Na so she go tell her mama, dem come call me family meeting! 😂

I’m all for glamor and glitz but, any of friends (friends o) that knows me and asks me to come and buy asoebi that is more than 5k is a serial killer and I should know enough to avoid that person!

When I achieve icon stat and we’re rolling in dollars, then we can buy 50k asoebi. Nobody should stress my bank account biko.

On a reals tho, there are lots of other ways people that are truly your friend can support your wedding, I’m of the opinion that if you can comfortably get your material for 3 of your friends, then those 3 should be on your train, the rest can decide to buy the general material or show up in the color of the day and everyone’s happy.

I for one won’t want a picture perfect wedding where all of my friends low-key resent me for making them go through unnecessary expenses.

Ify

So I think it is about your circle of friends. Understanding people around you and being considerate is the key because the main objective was to support the bride but seem we are deviating from that by using it to make money.

I personally think that people should support their friends but it should not be limited to only buying of Asoebi, just like men do COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS and they come together to deliberate on how best to help in a friend’s wedding and not limiting it to a specified area which is buying of clothes that you might not wear after the said wedding. As a friend if I consider your Asoebi expensive then will go ahead and buy an affordable gift for you instead and wear what I have to your wedding.

In conclusion, Asoebi is good when done with the sole aim of supporting a friend and not as a means of making money (it should be affordable) and supporting a friend should not be limited to only buying Asoebi because there are other ways.

I’m being supportive when I leave every other thing to be there on your big day.

Cheederah

But why would someone sell asoebi?? I think is better you give freely or give at the price which you got the material than adding unnecessary cost to someone.

Mackup

Omo I just believe that your wedding shouldn’t be a means of generating income. Asoebi materials should be given to the bridal train to go and sew. Your husband buys material and gives you then you sell it? Most times these ladies don’t even have the money for these materials but because they don’t want to disappoint the bride they end up making sacrifices to buy the said materials. But women would always tell the man not to interfere as regards whatever she chooses to do with her Asoebi material and for peace to rein you as the man just have to let go. But in my own opinion, I don’t encourage selling of asoebi material.

Gentle heart

I don’t think it’s ok to sell asoebi cloths, allow people to support you the way they can, some can volunteer to pay for their clothes you can also give free to your friends that can’t afford it. The most important thing is that they are there for you and sacrificed their time to support you on your big day, wedding is not a business extorting people in the name of asoebi to me is greediness, I don’t pay for such

Kamilla

Everyone is right with their answers.

I’m just going to point out a few things that we shouldn’t do both as the person hosting the event and as an attendee.

Stop making your asoebi girls slave for you… The main reason they are there is to add color to your day, cheer you on not to help you cut salad and share food… It should be solely out of their own desires

Stop hustling to buy asoebi that is beyond your paycheck, if you cannot afford it, politely decline if it’s a distant friend and finish your close friend who knows your pocket size… Most times it turns you to a bitter person or an unconcerned individual.

You come to your friend’s wedding with your face like shit and pressing phone, killing everyone’s vibe because the money dey pain you or you are not even interested in the bride’s welfare or if she is happy or enjoying her big day because you have spent so much money on the asoebi so you must catch big fish and not allow the money waste.

In your doing, be wise… Tankio!

Sparkle Beauty

In my opinion, it’s okay if you can buy the asoebi for them and they sew it themselves. You should be able to provide a comfortable place for your asoebi.

Ogoo

Well, it all comes down to understanding and being very considerate.

I am always of the opinion that, you have to live within to your means and budget. Selling of asoebi to me, is not totally wrong. Of course you do not put a knife on anyone’s throat to buy it.

If you have circle of friends that are still struggling to get their life in order, it is only kind of you to bring down the price to what they can afford or if you can, give it to them FOC and they cater for the making/sewing.

Adambano

There are cheap materials you can buy, even if na Ankara just give them or if you no get much money just sell it to them at the same rate you got them simple, even if you want to add okay make e be waybill money

Stanley

The real question is, what is the meaning of asoebi? Who invented it and why? Must it happen? What connection does it have with the concept called marriage? 🌝

McAnelka

Asoebi is a uniform to identify with your guest at a particular event
What if I say that practice came into being during colonization.When the Portuguese came to enslave our people, they give the captives uniforms to know where to belong and to differentiate 9ja salves from slaves of other country (fabricated).
Must it happen? Yes… Cos today, it is now a means of generating income from party guests. “You won’t just come to my wedding and eat without contributing to it”…lol.
Not just for marriage, it is now for almost every ceremony 🏃🏃🏃

Shuga

My own is, don’t plan your wedding in another person’s pocket. You’ll buy materials and add extra 10k (ten thousand naira) because you want to use the money to settle DJ or photographer. Everything must not be a money-making avenue

Chiniee

Thank you for this question.

In my honest opinion, selling asoebi is not bad… but where I draw the line is when you try to make money from your friends/ acquaintances through asoebi.

You see someone that will buy material at 5k and come to sell at 15/20k, is this not evil? Some asoebi materials are not worn past that wedding day.

There is no amount that is too little or too much, but sell with Jesus conscience biko and put yourself in the shoes of your friends, if the tables turn, will you buy what you’re selling at that price?

Personally like I said, I have no problem with buying asoebi, I do it with joy especially if you’re my close friend but don’t try to cheat me off my hard earned money in the name of asoebi.

There are cheap Ankara or lace you can buy and give out for free sef. My sisters gave their asoebi to their friends for free, not because they have all the money but they understand that not everything is about buying and selling. These people are coming to celebrate with you, at least let that one enter your head kwanu.

Judy

I see nothing wrong with asoebi, but my problem with asoebi sellers is the exorbitant price – like I don’t understand. They forget that the asoebi ladies will still transport themselves to the location, and most times provisions for feeding and accommodation are not even made for them, they’d still buy matching shoes (these days) and make matching hairstyles plus the face beat they’d still pay for and after all these expenses, not even rubber sieve will be given to them as souvenir…o wrong na.

Also, bride to be should stop beefing their friends or acquaintances who can’t afford or choose not to buy the asoebi. It’s nice having friends and acquaintances wear matching outfits for you on your big day, so yes asoebi can be sold to support the bride on her big day but the bride should also make necessary arrangements for the ladies…tankio!

Dozie

This issue is something that the bride should know how to navigate. You know your friends and their capabilities? You can’t tell someone earning 30k a month to give you 50k just for asoebi… courtesy demands you subsidize the fee so as to make it cheaper for them since you will be the one needing their help and not the other way round.

Thanks

Cheena

It depends on your level. If I carry 50k Ashoebi come here, nobody go answer me 😴. So let me talk from my level. Asoebi is fine but if we buy Asoebi finish, kindly make provision for us. That is, food, clear view at the reception and fine souvenir

I cannot buy Asoebi more than 20K. I feel happy buying Asoebi especially if you be my Gee. If you are not my Gee, I’ll be thinking you waka loss

Why do they keep buying if they find the price exorbitant? (Suffering and Smiling)

Kamilla

Because people don’t like being sincere to themselves. They don’t know where to draw the line between friends and acquaintances. Also the fear of being the odd man out.

Oluchi

They don’t want to be their friend’s enemy, but I will be your enemy in Peace.

Judy

Husband hunting my dear! Husband hunting!!

EXPERIENCES

Chioma

This ASOEBI also affects the male not only female, because I have seen a man pay 55,000 for ASOEBI.

Rejoice

A school mate was planning her wedding for a while, she took 10k from us (till now they never do wedding), and so I had to remove sentiments and asked her to please pay me my money. She stopped talking to me. Me I send kwanu? (But we talk once in a while now). She said the 10k is for material and sewing. Then I asked her to show me the material, abi asoebis are not supposed to see their material?

Later she said the tailor had it, so I asked for the tailor’s number she said tailor no get smart phone, I mean this was someone I rap with one on one, mehn! I nearly entered bus go her state o and I was hunting for the husband’s number to tell them give me my money re-invite me when they are ready.

Story cut short, it took me months for my money to come back to me. Finally I use the money to enter Onitsha 😀😀😀

Andili

I remember when someone told me 2 yards of lace is 20,000 with gele 25,000 😂😂😂

What will I use 2 yards to sew??? I will have to buy material to add … Told the lady I will wear what I have to her big day.

Oluchi

Imagine! One didn’t say thank you to us or ask if we ate. She came to the group to accuse of stealing her jewelry

Judy

I don buy aso ebi 25k before when I was serving (yes, I was once stupid). This girl didn’t make any reservations for us pertaining accommodation, we also had to buy our own food.

After bridal shower the next day, we all went home cause nobody budgeted for extra expenses. This girl had the guts to text us on the whatsapp group that she created for the asoebi that were wicked, yen yen yen. I just had to exit that group and I said to myself never again.Had to give out that cloth cause each time I remember how much I spent and I didn’t even get to wear it, e still dey pain me.

I was in Enugu then and the wedding was in Asaba

Thalia

I brought someone to a friend’s shop, I follow see prices o. She inflated her prices, in the name of she’s not working, she needs to cover extra charges. Na so material of 1350 a yard, take reach12k for 3 yards.

I followed her for market runs o, gave a heavy discount for makeup as per childhood friends, me thinking this babe will even sell mine at the price she got it, she refused o, that I must buy 12k like others, e cos big fuss, she even deducted it before sending my balance, I go tailor, tailor charged 15k to sew (e still dey tailor hand since 2020 December 😏).

I took the material, allowed her have her way before I become the witch that was against her marriage, I sha wore my statement jumpsuit to d wedding, but that brought an end to d friendship, like this she’s at arm’s length, can never be the same.

Make I buy your aseobi, u no gimme food or souvenir (nne we go dig am, I will drag u😩). It’s one thing to buy aseobi, It’s another to sew. Have matching shoe and purse. Pay for makeup/gele /jewellery, transport still spray money, still contribute to buy gift 😒. The last one I did at osuofia 120k d men paid 😂🤣 for dog head. We ladies paid 20k.

(Thalia must have a handful of experiences.)

Ginika

My last asoebi experience was not funny o. We already paid for material (lace), gele, and hand fan. We travelled a day before the event, one of us was asked to enter kitchen if we are hungry that night. Then the next morning from 6am till 5pm, none of her relatives gave us food to eat. Anyone you ask they’ll say go and meet who invited you. We asked the bride, she said her head don full.

Forget about the rest of the story, cos I found a cooler of chicken laps and took some home.

Hope

My cousin was saying something about his asoebi being 50k and I was only calculating how much value he has contributed to my life…cloth I’ll just dump after 8 hours.

Na only one person for my family know say I fit buy asoebi when she dey marry. The rest already know they’re either giving it to me free or simply going to hell.

I almost use Ankara wipe one aunty like that when she came with one rubber rubber Ankara with her own price to give my dad. I told him to give her back the material, if he feels like helping them with money it shouldn’t be under the guise of buying some silly material for person wey don die. He sha paid for it on a later date after still contributing his own quota to the burial. Mtcheww

Burial asoebi don make me know how people are related in this my area even after burial. 😂😂😂

Na burial cloth people get for this area. In a day you go see about 3 people wearing the same Ankara material.

Luchy

During my Traditional Wedding, I bought the fabrics I could afford; Lace & Gele, and gave it out FOR FREE to my Asoebi ladies. They were 16 in total, 2 groups of 8 ladies each. I also made hotel bookings for the Aso-Ebi ladies that were coming from afar. If I were richer, I’d have given them N20k each for sewing. I do NOT succumb to the idea of selling fabrics for Aso-Ebi. Worst are those who buy low quality laces of N500 per yard and sell them for N5,000 per yard or more. You rip off your friends as a condition to attend your wedding. If you must sell Aso-Ebi fabrics, sell for the actual price you bought them. Your wedding is NOT a business or bazaar for you.

Anyway, I don’t blame you people. It’s the people who buy your fabrics at ridiculous prices that I blame. The fact that your friends are going to pay transport and hotel bills, spend time and money and their resources on you is enough honor. The ripping off in the name of selling Aso-Ebi is unnecessary.

Also, KNOW YOUR FRIENDS AND THEIR FINANCIAL CAPACITY. If your friends are University students, I don’t see why you should try to sell them N50k or N100K Aso-Ebi. At most, N10k Aso-Ebi should do for University students. There are lots of nice laces you can buy for N2k per yard; N8k for 4 yards plus N2k gele.

But, if you work in a multinational company where you and you colleagues each earn over N500k per month, then your friends can afford a more expensive fabric. These things require you to USE YOUR BRAIN.

I made up my mind before I got married that of I cannot give out fabrics for free, then no Aso-Ebi. The Aso-Ebi thing sef is not compulsory. Although it’s beautiful to see your friends in uniform supporting you on your big day. If you can’t afford Aso-Ebi, wear one of your nice clothes and attend your family, friend or relative’s wedding.

If they say “no Aso-Ebi, no wedding”, then just know they are stewpid. Stay in your house and sleep that day, or use the time and energy on something else, more productive.

When people attend your wedding, they are doing you a favor and honor. Stop acting like your wedding is the “Festival of Life” where long life and prosperity is being given out. Instead of you to plan your wedding according to your budget, you want to use selling of Aso-Ebi to extort people to fund a wedding you can’t afford.

REACTION TO EXPERIENCES

Ladywhyte

This one na pure wickedness o people should learn to plan their ceremony according to their capacity. You must want everything whereas you can’t foot the bill. Imagine not having a reservation for your bridal train that came from another state to grace your occasion. People get mind o.

Adambano

Ashoebi girls suppose get separate souvenirs, food and special attention.

Oluchi

Anybody who extorts people who came to celebrate with her does not deserve God’s Blessings

Here comes the end of this episode, No go do pass yourself. Meanwhile, feel free to join the conversation by dropping your opinion or sharing your experiences in the comment section. Do not forget to like or share.

You can reach us through the WhatsApp icon on the homepage.

Thank you for reading us.

August 24, 2022 2 comments

BOWING HEARTS Impacting your world with the right values" data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/greeting-picture.jpg">

Culture

BOWING HEARTS Impacting your world with the right values

written by Odilichukwu Frances

Greeting time!

INTRODUCTION

Hello there! Thank you for reading us on this good day of “greeting”. If you have been reading us, you know by now that our major task is to help you impact your world with value. In that way we are able to through our various capacities be the agents of the change we want to see. There is a high rate of decline in our value today. This decline is responsible for the delinquencies we see in our society today especially among the Gen Z.

In this season, we are committed to bringing these values to the spotlight for our greater good. We will also have these in our family podcasts for children, teens, young adults, guardians, and parents. The first value we will be discussing is, “Greeting”.

WHAT I WAS TAUGHT

Growing up, greeting was one of the major traits my parents inculcated in my siblings and me. I remember walking down the streets with my mum and intentionally walked pass an adult without greeting. I do not remember my age at the time, but I am certain I was in the junior secondary.

My mother called my attention to the omission. I told her it was intentional as the man always ignores my greetings . After listening patiently, she asked me to go back and greet the man.

Grudgingly, I walked back to where he was and greeted him. His response was still the usual silence. Well even if he was going to respond that day, the long face I wore would repel it.

WHAT I SEE TODAY

Let’s fast-forward to this day of the Gen Z where it is a norm for children to greet who they know when they want. Remember this is not written to throw stones, but to help us be the agent of change we desire to see.

Today, I see parents plead with their infants and teenagers to greet. I also hear young adults say things like “anybody can greet first, it must not be the younger person”. Sadly, I hear adults verbally abuse people for not greeting them and how pained they can be over the incidence. These series of occurrence bring one question to my mind, “Why greet?”

LET’S INTEGRATE

One of the major problems Nigerians have with colonization is the lack of cultural integration. This is because we do not know why our ancestors did what they did, so we carry it on without asking the question of essence; whether good or bad we carry it until something else snatches it from our shoulders and the trend continues.

Now back to the question, why do we greet? Of what importance is greeting especially in our society today. Do we greet because people are older than we are? What then happens with your age mates, how about your boss who is younger than you are? What of the stranger? It is true that insecurity makes us avoid talking to strangers but then you know a decent environment when you find yourself in one.

GREETING

I have spent a lot of time asking myself the essence of greeting and why it should be an obligation. First things first, greeting is generally and exchange of pleasantries or the first step for an introduction. However to understand why we should greet, we need to know how we greet, perhaps the knowledge of this will tell if there is any need to still greet. I will be particular with the Igbo culture here.

In the Igbo culture, there are different greetings for the time and activities. For example, in the morning you say, “I bola chi?” or “I puta na”, or “iteta go”, or “anyi aputasia”. All of which means welcome to a new day.

However if you choose to translate these sentences directly to English they may lose their meaning. One may say, but we greet “ututu oma”, yes we do as a result of the direct translation of English to Igbo (Good Morning).

While this has become a norm, this is actually not the right way to greet in the Igbo society before colonization. Like good morning, ‘ututu oma’ came with colonization and prior to colonization Ndi Igbo exchanged pleasantries and children greeted parents, just as you would expect from a communalistic society.

During the day or at work we say, “disike , daalu”, and other greetings that inquire about the activities or encourage the person. When it is dismissal, we say “ka o di”, “ngwanu”, “ka emesia”, and for bedtime we say “ka chi fo”, “ka chi boo”. The dismissal and bedtime are basically a wish to see you again or the hope of a new day.

An examination of these greetings show that they imply good wishes, humility, and care. Basically this is what greeting is about in the communalistic Igbo society; a symbol of care, humility, and good wishes.

SALUTATION

You probably may be puzzled with the thoughts of how you know who should greet who, especially since these greetings do not necessarily have sir or ma attached to them. Well that’s where salutations come in.

Salutations are hails of the senior by the junior, or the older by the younger. Hence, adults are traditionally greeted based on their identity. For instance, you would just hail the Obi of Akokwa “Obi ooooo” politely and he waves back and that’s it. You could further attach his the title of his royal dynasty as the Obi to it.

Here’s a clearer example, “Ogbuefi! 1 na Akokwa”, and that suffices. Same way you would say ‘Mama I teta go?’ (In direct translation it sounds like Mama are you awake?) That’s not what it means, it actually means mama welcome to a new day, and pleasantry goes on. It is a sign of honour and respect.

While everyone deserves honour and respect, there is a hierarchical order which is why it is mostly expected of the younger ones, and juniors. Hence you get salute your boss irrespective of the age difference.

WHY WE SHOULD GREET

The best part of communication is passing information, hence for clarity the reason for greeting will be stated here. These reasons are derived from what greetings and salutations mean to us traditionally. Here greeting also represents salutations.

Greeting is a symbol of good wishes hence it does not matter who greets first. Greeting is a sign of respect for oneself and the other person. It is a token of care and sometimes it does not matter who shows it first. Finally, greeting is a symbol of honour, this is the part we neglect today in ignorance.

The greater person always blesses the lesser person that is to say that the one who is higher blesses the one who is following, the comparative here is not about who is better than the other, or who is worth more than the other in the context of (inferiority/superiority) complex, no. It is rather about the one who is higher by times (age) and rank.

There is an honour attached to greeting anyone at all, especially an older person or a senior. Remember the only commandment with promise that says, “honour your father and mother that your days be long in the land the Lord your God has given you” (Exodus 20:12). Your parents here include your bosses, and people who are older than you. The law of honour opens us up to so many blessings that we may not know. The impact of this is such that the reward for honour will find its way to you, even if you seem unnoticed.

CONCLUSION

Today find out the traditional way of greeting in your place, know it, understand it, and see how you can pass it on to the next generation. Greeting is a sign of humility, bowing hearts in honour. This is not to say that greeting good morning or ‘ututu oma’ is wrong. No, it is rather a call to understand our greeting and salutation culture properly.

If you have never taken any of these into consideration before, now is still a good time to do that and start bowing hearts as we become agents of the change we want to see.

August 1, 2022 6 comments

THE HOOD NEVER MAKES THE MONK Let's talk about the shell..." data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/hoodie.jpg">

Featured

THE HOOD NEVER MAKES THE MONK Let's talk about the shell...

written by Odilichukwu Frances

The Hood does not make the Monk

After our last post, we promised to not leave any webs, and here we are, with the issues that bother us today.

The hood does not make the monk is an adage people have heard times without number when capacity and ability are measured. While we claim to know and accept the implication of this adage, the culture we promote today is a clear notification that we do not know this adage nor do we comprehend its meaning. Hence, in this article, we will explain how the hood never makes the monk and why changing your sexuality does not make the world a better place.

Let’s talk about the shell…

Transgender is not a new practice, as a matter of fact it has happened in a various ways and the homosexuality or gay practices contribute to this menace. However our focus here is on why there is no need for a monk to permanently seek refuge in another hood.

Embracing your sexuality begins with understanding your sex as male or female and embracing all the strengths and vulnerabilities that come with this sex. Understand that the sex you are born with is basically the hood that veils the person you are, and a vessel for the good change you can bring to the world. Have you ever imagined what the world will be like if we all chose to change our sexes overnight? Did you know that the human race will go extinct? Did you know that the human world will be overthrown by ailments and anomalies that humans have no solutions to? Take a minute and think about this.

Photo credit: BlogSpot image

Tell me about the hood not being good enough for the person you believe you are, then I will tell you about deliberately and constantly mending the hood, decorating the hood till it is fit the person you are—but first you must understand and appreciate the hood in its entirety–its strengths and weaknesses.

Take a break from these riddles and the trend and think about how women are complaining about transgender folks taking over female sports. Variety is the spice of life but seeking to abhor variety is a deliberate effort to make life lose its spice while we are still living.

Can Square Pegs Ever Fit Round Holes?

Do you not think you are losing a heritage by throwing your hood to trenches? Imagine driving a car in the wheels of the bicycle, how far can you get really before the car becomes a wreck? The reason may be to feel good and stay happy but is it normal to be happy in tight shoes? For how long will you be comfortable in misfit apparels?

What you consider the case or legible for changing your sexuality may actually not be as correct as your proof of work says, you may just need to look a little deeper through this proof of work and see what the missing link is. Only the monk makes the hood so you must confront all the insecurities that makes you think it is okay to change your sex for self fulfilment or societal acceptance.

Conclusion

In you is a desire to make the world a better place and you have all it takes in your natural body to live up to this desire. Your physical appearance is a shell that provides you with all you need to overcome the hurdles that come your way as you add colour to the world. So know that embracing yourself begins with accepting your sexuality, and taking care of yourself equals understanding your body. That is the real body positivity.

May 13, 2022 10 comments

DANFO ART: THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ART. A reflection of Lagos state" data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG-20220503-WA0036.jpg">

Arts Featured

DANFO ART: THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ART. A reflection of Lagos state

written by Odilichukwu Frances

Art is a beautiful tool for impacting the world, and Danfo is a wonderful dimension of art that has been unexplored in Lagos for decades. In this read we will be sharing how Mr. Danfo is impacting the world of art with the geometric artworks inspired by Lagos ‘Danfo’.

Photo Credits: Ebenezer Okike

Danfo was curated by Linus Seidougha Eyimiegha who is also known as Mr. Danfo, to replicate the streets of Lagos and the activities of people who live there. His art is simply inspired by the streets of Lagos which is flooded by its people and their everyday hustle and bustle as they journey through life.

Photo Credits: Ebenezer Okike

Photo Credit: Ebenezer Okike

Using simple geometrics patterns, Mr. Danfo dares to impact the world with stories about Lagos by getting people engage in conversations about the not-too-friendly situations that people who live in Lagos experience. The symbolism of this work is intentional as it makes it easier for everyone to absorb the situation of Lagos and talk about it in a way that provokes the desire to change the status quo.

Photo Credits: Artist

There is a solo organized ongoing exhibition by Mr. Danfo, titled “Portraits of Public Figures in Lagos” that spans through April 8 2022 to May 14, 2022 at Alliance Francais, Mike Adenuga Centre Ikoyi, in Lagos state where it all began. Talk about Lagos state and join the wave of positive change today.

Let’s Help you Impact Your World Today!

At the Intellects Magazine, we are committed to providing you a platform to be seen and heard, as well as impact your world.

To our dear reader,

We have left a few cobwebs here since our last post in 2021, so we apologize for that and promise to not leave you thirsty for the content you need to make an impact. Do not forget to reach out to us through any of the social media links in this site. Remember that creating a platform where you can impact your world is what we offer you and helping you acquire content for value is our reward for your company. Finally, we will be in the comment section for our usual interactions.

May 3, 2022 4 comments

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INTRODUCING PRIMING PODCAST

written by Odilichukwu Frances

We are excited to introduce something as new as PRIMING PODCAST here!

Raising a generation of balanced children

The times we are in today require that we be on our toes so that our eyes are blinded by lather when we have an ocean to scoop from by our sides.

So from now until we get access to other podcast platforms, PRIMING PODCAST will be featured here, because we cannot hesitate to share with you how you can heal the world by raising children right.

Our society is broken because so many individuals are broken, but we are here to show you how we can with one mind, fix what is broken, and save our children from chaos!

We cannot fix everyone, we cannot heal everyone but we can prevent more lives from being broken, it begins with me in my tiny corner, it begins with you in your own corner, and most importantly it begins in our homes.

Feel free to interact with us as we raise a generation of balanced children.
Click on the link below to listen/download

Introducing Priming Podcast Download

Priming Podcast Episode1 Download

May 21, 2021 4 comments

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE TRYING TO START A CAREER (Career Development) " data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/C03A44E7-0A64-4529-9205-56BCFC718DC5.png">

Career development

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE TRYING TO START A CAREER (Career Development)

written by Odilichukwu Frances

Dealing with career challenges

Starting a career is not as easy as saying the letters of the alphabets; even the kindergartens do not find saying all the letters of the alphabets easy despite the songs, and the numerous guides they have to that. After reaching a decision to start a career, challenges will definitely surface to perhaps test the waters of our decision, or to see how determined we are to stick with our decision and achieve our aim. Whatever the case may be, how you choose to deal with these challenges will really determine your possibility of achieving what you really want to achieve.

In this section, we will be looking at some of the challenges encountered while trying to start a career, and the right attitude for dealing with these challenges

SOME CHALLENGES YOU MAY ENCOUNTER WHILE TRYING TO START A CAREER

Here is a list of some of the challenges you may encounter while trying to start a career.

The challenge of starting itself:

One of the major challenges encountered is the challenge of starting itself, especially when the career is not directly related to your first degree course (that is a career you chose after graduation). You may be faced with the challenge of what the best first move should be, should you keep an old job while trying to start this out, do you have requirements for the new career? These and so many other similar questions make starting a career quite difficult.

To deal with the challenge of starting itself, you must make firm resolve of why you decided to start in the first place. Intent is key in life. The intention for starting a career is a good drive for really taking a journey through that path, which is why it is important to know why you are choosing a particular career (short term or long term).

The challenge of timing:

Life is filled with passing moments, and you actually may have the challenge of timing for starting a career because the career may not seem to have the ability to foot your current bills, or perhaps you are above age required for an entry level in the job and you think it’s no use starting out, or perhaps you will require to get a few more qualifications which you don’t think you have the time for may be because you are married, or because you have a lot pressing issues that all you need for the time being is to start earning, don’t worry because you are no alone.

Dealing with this challenge is not easy, but it can be handled. To handle this challenge, one must be clothed in the virtue of patience. It is true that we are all in different situations and under different circumstances, but trying to think long term and walk with patience will yield better results. If you have exceeded the age required for an entry level, you can go on to acquire further certifications for that job so that a potential employer will not necessarily consider you a novice. You can also start out with intern jobs, or trainings, just to wriggle out of the age limitations. Now this particular choice may not earn you a decent pay in the beginning but with you will be glad you took the step. Be patient with yourself in your journey.

Another way to deal with this challenge is by setting your priorities right. Sometimes, the pressure we get from timing is as a result of wrong priorities. You are the one in your situation, so why set your priorities with what you think every other person is doing? Understand your situation, know your goals, and see how you can overcome your situation to actualize your goal.

The challenge of rejection:

One of the reasons people fail to do anything at all is the fear of rejection. Maybe you have had bad experiences with your clients or bosses before, and you think similar things will happen again, or you assume you may not be good enough for the role, whatever it is that may give you the feeling of rejection as you decide to start your career.

The truth is that sometimes our fear of rejection comes from our seat of ignorance. So should this be your challenge, you need to focus on being more valuable than you used to be, and feel better about yourself. Wear a regalia of confidence, look at the person in your mirror and speak the life you want to that person. Accept yourself and the career role you are interested in and keep the thoughts of you getting to the peak alive. Once you have conquered the limitations of self, nothing else can conquer you.

The challenge of finances:

It is possible that you need finances to meet up with the requirements needed to begin your career, or that you need finances to solve your problems or those of your family. Money is not everything, but it is a necessity.

Think of how you can fill needs and earn money to get your requirements or reduce the density of your financial issues. This is why having a skill or vocation is important. These days it is called “side hustle”. If you are not too proud or ashamed to do something legal to earn honestly, you will definitely be able to fill a need that get you a certain level of financial support till you eventually start your career and start earning as well. However, you must have a budget, and scale preferences so that you don’t run out of cash for irresponsible spending or things like that.

Don’t be in a hurry to make money than you are to add value. Obtain value, add as much value as possible, and money will come after you for the value you possess, but you must first be patient and intentional.

The what if’s

Finally, another challenge that could hold us back if we let it is the bag of what if’s. Like, what if I don’t get a job? What if I don’t like this career in the long run? What if I don’t get a promotion when I am due for a promotion? What if I get fired almost immediately? And so many other doubts and nostalgia that comes with trying to start a career.

Rather than focus on this, find out what you want for yourself and what can help you achieve success in your career and pursue them. If you make mistakes, you learn. If you are unjustly fired, you can get emotional, but you just pick yourself up afterwards and keep moving for the bigger picture. Don’t be afraid to lose your job as long as your attitude is not the problem, just start your career.

If you don’t get hired by anyone, think of how you can begin something for yourself in that career line, maybe teaching it, and the kind of service you can render in the same field. Implore yourself to think and you will discover something you can do.

CONCLUSION

Finally, to start out a career successfully, leverage properly. Don’t be shy to ask for partnerships, as long as you have value to offer. Starting a career can be challenging but you have the ability to rise above these challenges.

Activity

1. Think about all the challenges that are stopping you from starting your career.

2. List them (writing down your challenges is a sign that you are aware of them and awareness is the very first step to solving these challenges)

3. List the resources within your reach (do not neglect any)

4. Match these resources to this challenges

Feel free to reach out to us for further guidance. Also follow this link to read our previous articles on Career Development.

April 7, 2021 6 comments

A CAREER LIST (Career development continued) " data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/8825175E-9872-4EE9-AEC7-C0531D64733A.jpeg">

Career development

A CAREER LIST (Career development continued)

written by Odilichukwu Frances

Know more

In our last article on career development, we shared some pragmatic steps one can take in choosing a career, in which “getting to know” is one of such steps. This section will share a list of career choices every one looking to build a career should know before making a decision; even after making a decision (especially in the midst of uncertainty).

However, it is important to know that any career choice you make is professional, whether the academic curriculum recognizes it or not, and you must treat that career with full professionalism. Again, no career is superior to the other, neither is any inferior to the other. Career is matter of choice, dedication, and long term goals.

A list of career options:

This is stated in no particular order.

Blogging and Vlogging
Digital Marketing
Fashion Styling
Modeling
Data Analysis
Hair Styling
Graphics and Web designs
Digital Arts
Visual Arts
Interior Decorations
Event Planner
On Air Presenter
Financial Planning
Confectionary
Content Creation (different genres of writing
Driving
Sports (any globally recognized sporting activity
Marketing (realtors included)
Customer Relation Management
Project Management
Lecturing/Teaching
Public Speaking/ Facilitator
Content Editor (writing/video/photo)
Bakery
Transcription
Information Product Sales
Photo/Videography
Fitness Coach
Administration
Nutrition
Farming
Carpentry
Architecture
Accounting
Therapy (physical/mental)
Building
Tax Preparation
Human Resource Management
Engineering (all forms of the practice)
Dermatology
Medical Practice (All forms of the practice)
Legal Practice (arbitration and paralegal inclusive)
Theatre Arts
Music
Banking
Prints and Publication
Zoology
Horticulture

Any of the careers on this list can be done long term, depending on the individual’s choice because an individual can earn a living while doing any of this. What is important is understanding these options and getting equipped for any chosen career.

What to do

Write down the career options that are new to you from the list in this article
Carry out basic research of this career options
If you are currently working, where do you belong on the list? Do you know other opportunities therein?
If you are yet to begin, have you spotted what you have qualifications for?
Do the qualification for what you want?

Engaging in these activities will tell you more on the career path you should choose.

March 16, 2021 13 comments

HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER (Career development continued)" data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/A0F9597D-F6DB-4597-BDE6-68D10C85A903.png">

Career development

HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER (Career development continued)

written by Odilichukwu Frances

The basic interest of The Intellects Magazine(TIM) is to help you “Impact your world” and one way to do that is- by being on the right career path, which is why we launched a career development category.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER?

In the 1990’s and early 2000’s students were made to believe that the only career path that mattered was the career path in the faculty of sciences, except for a careers in the arts faculty. So if a teacher walked into the classroom and asked a class of fifty what they wanted to be in the future, this is what the data was.

Doctor = 15

Engineer = 9

Lawyer = 15

Accountant = 3

Pharmacy = 5

Banker = 2

Teacher = 1

This is the most moderate distribution, usually three-quarter inclines to Law and Medicine, and other professions get scrambled by less than one-quarter. In fact, before a pupil or a student choose to be a teacher, the classroom teacher would have cajoled them to believe that teaching is a noble profession. Some teachers go as far as imposing professions on their pupils rather than giving them the proper direction. A brilliant pupil will be told in primary (basic) four that she or he will be either a Lawyer or a Doctor, as if the pronouncement is not enough, the teachers go on to telling parents, some of whom start talking about it all over the place and over time, the child grows into struggling to be what is expected of him or her.

In the senior secondary class two, some students will keep switching from the science class to the art class, or from the art class to the science class in clear confusion because their sub consciousness echoes what their parents and teachers said about their future, yet their interest and performances do not tally so this child finally settles for something and waits on JAMB (joint admission matriculation board) while in the tertiary institution, the confusion magnifies because some are not able to get the only courses they know, some sulk into depression because they already think that the course they are studying will leave them wretched in life.

No disrespect to teachers, but please stop telling pupils and students what profession to choose, parents stop imposing your personal ambitions on children, please stop it. Already, students have lost faith in the guidance and counseling, the ones who should guide a child to picking a more suitable career; sadly, they echo “medicine and Law”.

PRAGMATIC GUIDE TO CHOOSING A CAREER

It is true a lot of young people have pushed around hence are unable to make better career decisions, it is however important for youths to know that it is only a lost battle when they stop trying to navigate their career paths by themselves.

Here are some pragmatic steps you can take to gain control over your career and your life.

Get to know more:

Before choosing a career, one must be aware of the large career opportunities open to everybody. Ask a senior secondary class three student what they know about human resource management, project management, content creation, sculpturing, and so many other courses and hear them tell you about their hobbies, because they are ignorant of these courses.

Read widely, attend seminars, and other interesting programs where you meet people from different professions, learn and network because this is the only way to know more. More traditionally, by all means acquire proper formal education, from basic education to the tertiary institutions.

Decisions are made from the throne of known to the stool of unknown, so do not get limited by what you hear around you, be inquisitive and stay informed.

Get Involved:

No one ever became anything by being passive, so be willing to try out new things. Volunteer with organizations you find interesting, participate in extracurricular activities, take the holidays to acquire skills, be curious, and be involved.

If you are a graduate get involved immediately, volunteer or intern. Start building small!

Evaluate yourself:

While you get information and get involved, you should also evaluate yourself and see what interests you. Find out why you are interested in that, is it substantial or pleasure? Is it long term or short term? Then look out for a career you can build from it.

Sometimes a vocation is different from a career, and other times they can be interwoven. So pay attention to yourself and understand why you are interested in a particular activity.

WHAT TO DO:

Did you participate in the “to do activity” from the previous section?

If you did, then continue from here:

Do you have any clue to solving the problems that existed in your environment as a child?
Do those problems still exist?
Are you aware of your strength?

If you are yet to participate in the previous activity, please do so as soon as you can.

Choosing a career is not an easy so stick with us on this, ask your questions in the comment section, or reach out to us through the whats app icon on the home page of the website, let’s walk this phase with you.

March 8, 2021 10 comments

CAREER DEVELOPMENT Odilichukwu Frances Jombo" data-src="https://theintellectsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/D6A4A5D0-09F7-4A40-A874-1FACA3739FB6.png">

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT Odilichukwu Frances Jombo

written by Odilichukwu Frances

We are back from the long break, and it is our first post for the year, on the first day of a new month!

Our aim is to help you impact your world, and this year we are more determined than ever to give you practical steps to start making impact in your world; hence we are launching our career development ideas with this post.

CHOOSING A CAREER

Career is a part of one’s life spent working in a particular field sometimes till retirement, other times for just a period of time. Some people try to pick up different careers in search of greener pasture, some follow the trend to earn a living, while some consciously choose a path, focus on that path and build their lives around it. That’s what we will be looking at in this coming series, finding a career path and building life around it without losing our family or loved ones.

For students and graduates, choosing a career is one of the toughest decision to make in life because there are various factors that surround such life changing choice. In the beginning, it feels like a path should be chosen for you from birth, sometimes it feels like you know what you want, and boom it feels like you are blank and the motivation is gone, more desperately it feels like you should catch on the train and grab the bag by any means possible, and it is perfectly okay to feel that way! Every successful career icon you know experienced one of these, if at not all of these at different stages of their career growth and development.

However, before showing you how to decide on a career path, it is important to share some of the factors that can consciously or unconsciously affect your choice of career or how you feel about choosing a career.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT CHOOSING A CAREER

Here are few factors that affect choosing a career:

Nature
Nurture

Every other factor you will be reading here falls under the two N (Nature and Nurture). We are a product of nature and nurture, in that we have innate traits, and strengths we inherited by merely being born or by gene, and these potentials become actualized and utilized based on our trainings, and largely our environment. Whatever a man becomes is determined by these key factors, and it is the anchor of our freedom, responsibility, and predestination as humans.

NATURE:

There are traits inherent in our lives from birth, they are usually genetic. The adage “an apple does not fall far from its tree” illustrates this more. A more practical exam is in the career path dominant in a family. There are families that have more people doing business, overtime their children begin to pick up businesses regardless of how they choose to brand it. there are cases of having a long family history of lawyers, teachers, doctors, writers, and what have you.

Now it does not mean that every child born any of those families will definitely pick up a career on that path, some children can choose different career paths giving that being born into such they have the knowledge of a career path and what they know about it helps them choose if to choose that career path or not.

NURTURE:

Our environment affects our choice of career. This includes school, church, social institutions where we socialize, and eventually home and its environment. As we go through professional trainings, interact with others and our environment, we consciously and unconsciously become open to changes, personal growth, and personal development which help our innate traits find expressions.

Overtime, our reception towards our nurture becomes a guide to what we want to do, and how we want to do it. It does not always start out clear, nor in a linear direction, it just unfolds as we progress towards time.

Nature and nurture are springboards of passion, and academic interest. Paying close attention to these factors determines a lot in one’s career path.

WHAT TO DO:

Are you on the verge of trying to choose a career path? Here is your first task:

List the vocation, jobs, career, or business of the members of your family
List the problems inherent in your physical environment (where you grew up, and where you stay now).
What activities did you enjoy doing as a teenager? Do you remember them? Do you still like to them?

I know this maybe new to you, but find time to be honest to yourself as you answer these questions. We are on a journey to make impact and you will not be left out.

March 1, 2021 51 comments

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