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You have to be living under a rock if you are oblivious to the 'war' presently happening in the music industry. And if you have, this might be the first time living under a rock is an enviable position. Lucky you! This week kicked off with a number of interesting events ranging from the increasing fuel scarcity and consequent hardship, to one of Afrobeat's 'big 3' waging a plainly ridiculous and dumb Twitter war on his colleagues. As a netizen, you are presented between two trending topics to lend your voice and opinions to. Surprise, surprise, a lot of people jumped on the Wizkid vs the rest of the industry beef, and have refused to take their teeth off that. I have tried to ignore it, but as you can tell by now that I did such a poor job at it. This isn't one of those 'where's your priorities at?' kind of post. Rather it is one born out of utter confusion as to why we care so much about whatever Wizkid and Davido choose to do or say on Twitter and how it affects the lives of their fans. We also need to reevaluate our 'stanship' and the absurdities associated with it. If one fanbase isn't getting verbally abused and broke shamed by their master, the other fan base are victims of physical assault from members of their leader's entourage. What started the exchange of words between the two musicians was already stupid enough, but watching fully grown up adults choose camps and go at themselves on social media is just pathetic. Wizkid fc vs 30BG, what is really wrong with you? Seriously, seeing these guys go at each other over two guys who are probably running PR is appalling to say the least. You'd think it was just for a few hours and everyone would get it out of their systems, but nah - it's been two days with no sign of slowing down. I said earlier that this isn't a 'get your priorities straight' kind of post, but I lied. I needed you to read all the way to this point where I ask you this: what the hell are your priorities? This shouldn't upset the innocent ones but for the guilty, I know you're stung and I like that you are. Moving about this week has been hell! Businesses and individuals have one way or the other been affected by the lingering fuel crisis which threatens to get worse. It's quite annoying that we rather feed so much attention to a probably pre planned PR tactic. I get we need to get our minds on other things and all, however it is concerning when it starts to look like the fuel situation is the distraction from music industry world war. Need I remind you that neither of these guys face the problems of the common citizens. And quite frankly, neither of them are deserving of the loyalty that is being showered on them. They are clearly getting a kick of what is going on and will keep milking it for continuous relevancy, while the so-called fans dwell at the bottom rung of Maslow's pyramid as they battle with themselves. It has indeed been an interesting week. Contrary to the general consensus on why it has been interesting, I dare say it has been interesting because it's like someone decided to conduct an experiment on the Nigerian youths. The result I'm afraid is going to leave whoever it is completely dumbfounded. Fuel may be scarce but it's good to know the fuel needed for fan wars is in its abundance. Yay!

In People and Society • 3 min read • May 01, 2024 09:36a.m.

FUELLING FAN WARS

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Oluseyi Vandy

Freelance writer, audio producer, 3D modelling

Lagos, Nigeria

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In History and Culture • 3 min read • Apr 29, 2024 07:16a.m.

THE END OF COLONIALISM: AN UNPOPULAR OPINION

What if I told you that Independence was a scam? That the labour of our heroes' past though honoured and hallowed forever in our Nation's story was a lie, a play on the grand stage of Global politics.  In school, I was taught about multiple tipping points that led to the successful fight for independence; one being the education of prominent citizens who fought the white men for independence, another being that our participation in foreign wars made us see through the mysticism that was the powerful white man. We saw that they were indeed mortals, mere flesh and blood. But over the years of reading, I have come to realise that like every good story, history is easily rewritten, edited and also can easily be made up. To understand what happened and get the full story, we need to zoom out and expand our lens past the geography of Nigeria and see the world like the colonialists saw it, a chessboard with moving pieces and parts; i.e. any nation that wasn't predominantly white or European. Because there were 2 races at that time; the powerful whites and every other primitive inferior one.  Like the fight for intelligence, nuclear power or the space race, they competed for who had the most colonies. In that era, colonises signified power in the form of resources. After the abolition of slavery, they had to go for the next best thing, natural resources and if they could also get the minds of the best of that race working for them indirectly, was it really a loss? They played the game of benevolent masters or vindictive and spiteful lords, depending on which got the job done, or which was more economically feasible. Because you see, wars have always been costly; preparing ammunition, paying men enough to risk their lives, providing food, water and welfare, and then shipping all these to a faraway land was a venture not to be taken lightly, especially if the reward was not high. So, this was a period where the powers that be and European nations shared sovereign nations like a slice of pie, some getting the indigenes to sign documents which literally said they were under the protection of the colonial master. Just like gangsters telling you to pay protection money, except this document was a proof of ownership. They showed the other European nations the document and it meant "They are mine, stay clear." These were the rules of engagement among them, breaching it meant war because the first rule is "do not mess with the money."  A beautiful book I read called "A Peace to End All Peace" by David Fromkin speaks beautifully on how the British and other nations fought for and carved up the Ottoman Empire into what we now know as the Modern Middle East. Most importantly, it gave me an insight into why the British had to re-strategise their approach in other colonies, this is because those in the Middle East fought them nonstop. So they kept needing to move men around to recapture and defend territories that they had occupied. It costs them time, money and infrastructure. They made deals and counter-deals with different clans and even blood relatives, turning brother against brother and even father against son. Then there was World War II, which put a massive strain on the power structure and world order. They used every resource available to them, including their colonies, conscripting them in a war that didn't directly affect them. The agitation, scuffles and struggles to put out the multiple fires in the different British colonies had left them stretched thin. America spoke against the colony arrangement and a new agreement was made. The colonial masters were to pull out and give back sovereignty to the nations. But before they left, they had one more card up their sleeves.

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Belinda Chiazor Writer and Filmmaker @ Middle Girl Productions

Lagos, Nigeria

In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 4 min read • Apr 28, 2024 07:02a.m.

The Evolution Of The Troll

The term “Troll” originally referred to mystical creatures in folklore that were known to stir up trouble and mischief, and if you’re a Potterhead Agbaya Millenial like I am, you would remember the troll in ‘Harry Potter And The Philosopher/Socerer’s Stone’ that was let into Hogwarts by Professor Quirrel. A couple of other movies like “Trollhunter, “Ernest Scared Stupid”, and even a movie called “Trolls” have yup, you guessed it…all featured trolls. It is no wonder, the term describing these fabled creatures known for being rascally as well as slow-witted has in more recent times – and in the context of the internet – come to describe individuals who create discord in online communities. In other words, a troll is an a-hole! Excuse my French. And they seem to be getting more persistent and chaotic. How did they even come about, if we may ask? Well, the evolution of internet trolling has been quite fascinating. I think it first started with pranks and rabble rousing in the early days of online forums and chat rooms. Remember the days of aol and yahoo messenger? Then as time went on and apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram came about, trolls became more sophisticated, using various tactics, spreading misinformation, berating other users, and manipulating discussions for their amusement and to push their agenda. As we all know, trolls can basically build fake profiles online to specifically target individuals and even groups and communities. Someone would have a personal quarrel with another person and hide behind a fake account on a medium like Instagram, to continuously taunt the individual they have a problem with. These apps have tried to curb this menace through different means. One of these methods is by sensitizing users, as well as taking down comments they perceive to be offensive and inappropriate. But the downside of the moderation measures like we witness with Instagram, is that it’s taken the fun out of socializing online. The bots that are designed to pick up trolling comments and actions that go against their guidelines; often mistake people with the right intentions for the wrong sort. And before you know it, you’re booted off the platform while the real trolls continue to roam free. Folks who use their online accounts to run businesses and have lost them as a result of these measures, will tell you how painful it is for them. Why Do People Troll Others? I’m no psychiatrist, psychologist, or human behavioralist, but I have small sense and I would say nobody even needs to be an expert in any of the aforementioned areas, to know there has to be something fundamentally wrong with you as a human being; for you to decide to become a troll. People bully others on the internet, because I think it gives them a sense of control. When you’re a bum in real life, hiding behind anonymity and the knowledge that the person you’re making fun of doesn’t know you and can’t get to you, makes people type crazy things on Beyoncé’s internet. A lot of people dealing with low self esteem, frustrations in their personal lives, try to seek validation online by being mischief makers. Unfortunately and as we all know, some victims of their unruliness have been so badly affected, they took their own lives. Of all the comments from trolls I’ve seen on social media, the one that haunts me till this day, is the person who literally wished that a former housemate from the popular “Big Brother Naija” show, would cease to exist and not return from a trip they were on at the time.  I remember feeling chills all over my body. I couldn’t believe just how mean-spirited people could be. We know humans can be nasty as well as evil but when you see it happen up-close, it can be shocking. On the bright side, there are often repercussions for trolling, as we’ve witnessed once in a while. I won’t mention any specific incidents abeg, but we’re all netizens, so we read about these when they do occur. Trolls are sad creatures; fabled or real, and if you’re guilty of trolling others whether on or even offline, you need divine intervention. And throw in therapy while you’re at it. Breaking people’s spirits will not build yours back up, and what you say to others says more about you, than them. In summary; let us all try to be decent users of Mark Nsukka Bread’s internet; as life is hard enough for a lot of people. But if a troll comes for me, I will choose vawulence, always! Till next time…

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Samuel Ibok

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In Career and Jobs • 2 min read • Apr 27, 2024 19:31p.m.

INTERVIEW 101

All banks in Nigeria have my CV! You may think I'm joking, but I believe it's true. In fact, you can call me the king of applications. I've gotten to a stage where I apply to all kinds of jobs because I believe there's nothing I can't learn. After over 50 physical interviews, I think I can share a few insights on how to get hired! I've seen many people hold back during interviews. Some speak with a low tone and without an iota of hustle. Omo, interviewing for Nigerian companies has taught me you must be wise. In most cases, you have to tell them what they want to hear. You have to be memorable during the interview. Give them a lasting impression. I recently mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo and my interest in farming during an interview, and I could clearly see that it got the attention of the interviewees. It became a conversation and not an interrogation. Perception is everything. Again, perception is everything. Your body language should reflect confidence. You can be wrong and still be confident. You won't be flogged for being wrong. Speak boldly and be audible. Be careful not to engage in a debate. In other words, be diplomatic and choose your words wisely. There are instances when the interviewer will throw questions at you to shake you off. At this point, you have to keep your cool and stay composed.You must research the content of the role you're looking for. Also, it is wise to do research on the company's core values and its management structure. Another key element is to look at the industry, pay attention to the updates, and identify other key players. Before you go for that interview, be clear on how you can add value to the company, even if it's a graduate trainee role. Don't go for an interview without a value-adding mindset. You shouldn't have one CV!I have about four different CVs. I think it's wise to always tweak your CV to align with the job you're applying for. I'm not suggesting that you lie. Just ensure you point out things that relate to the role you have in mind. I've reviewed a number of CVs, and it's clear most people aren't strategic. I know you have 10 years of experience, but please, why are you submitting a 7-page CV? Some research publications aren't even that bulky! Your age shouldn't be stated unless it's requisite for the role.

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Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading my insights.

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Oluseyi Vandy

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Lagos, Nigeria

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In Africa • 3 min read • Apr 26, 2024 08:47a.m.

THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS

How do you get someone reliant on you? To get them to follow your every instruction? The answer is to give them what they can't get anywhere else, or make them believe so. Some call it love bombing; you give so much that they wouldn't think they could get that from (where/one) else. There have been stories across different cultures of people "making deals," pop culture calls it "selling your soul". It makes me remember a quote from my secondary school math teacher; "The devil will give you shoes and take your legs." We see a degree of this in politics, the people are kept hungry and then given charity by the very same people who steal their commonwealth. This charity makes them loyal and willing to fight to be used. We see artists do the same; they cry over deals they signed because of their ignorance or excitement in closing the deal. They say people unaware of their history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. I believe that we never really left the colonial era, it just got rebranded and sold to us in a different light, but that is a topic for another day. Today, we focus on a lot of charity we see from foreigners. We forget that when they first came to Africa, they came with gifts and left with resources that dwarfed what they brought. I hold no ill will against some of their actions, I've even come to respect the brilliance in some of them. The issue is that as a continent, people still have an image of them as saviours. They see charities as a sign of goodwill and love but don't know that the perceived selfless act is in its right a power move. Nothing is free, even in Freetown. Even if the cost is not immediate payback of the loan with interest, there is some form of quid pro quo, an exchange of some sort. This in itself is normal in global politics and international relations, the main issue is when a nation becomes over-reliant on the charity of another.  Not only is it a bad look on the global stage, such a country will forever be subservient. As it says in the good book "The borrower is servant to the lender."  This is the worst place for a sovereign nation to be, because the interest of their own people becomes insignificant, especially when you have a debt that is too great. The price for this type of relationship is signing away precious resources that could have been used to better the lives of the citizens, especially future generations.  While charity is good, know that some gifts are like the Trojan horse. It deserves careful thought and deliberation, weighing the cost and price. I'm sure the Trojans would have benefited from looking at a gift horse in the mouth.

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In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 4 min read • Apr 26, 2024 01:18a.m.

Is Answering Questions Mandatory Or A Social Obligation?

Hello, world people! 👋 My name’s Belinda, and this is my first insight. Whew This is a little nerve wracking as I hope I do this first attempt justice - and that’s because I used to blog in what now seems like a lifetime ago, and didn’t do it well enough, even then. I am thankful, nonetheless, that with life comes the chance to do certain things over. Not all things of-course; but definitely things like revisiting a hobby. So, my topic of conversation today comes in form of the following question: Are questions mandatory for one to answer or are they simply social agreements? This topic was inspired by the comments section of two separate Instagram posts regarding two separate incidents. The first, revolved around a certain African American singer who hid her pregnancy for its entire duration – although there had been a lot of speculation from her fans and foes alike, on whether or not she had been truly pregnant. Turns out the speculators were right once she put to bed. She came online afterwards, soliciting advice, and dishing out some of hers on her new experience as a mother. Under the comment section of one post of the singer asking a couple of questions pertaining to motherhood, a comment stood out for me. It was full of disdain, and dismissal, shutting down her questions because to the person, she didn’t have any right to ask any; after being secretive about her pregnancy. One reply to the vitriolic comment said the singer in question, had every right to ask her fans the questions she was asking. This comment section went on to spark several debates among a bunch of virtual strangers with clearly too much time on their hands. Well, to be fair, we’re all guilty. It became “comment wars” as IG users went back and forth, sharing bits of unsolicited information, dragging each-other like Tiger gen. The second incident involved those content creator types; whose specialty is granting street interviews to random people going about their business, who I’m sure would rather be left alone. No be me talk am o!And just as with the first post, the interviews the content creator granted, sparked controversy in the comments. This was because some of the people the interviewer approached, declined to answer his questions. One person in the comment section asked why they were being rude, for to this person, once asked a question you were obligated to respond if you bothered to stop. Their logic was, if you couldn’t, then you shouldn’t stop to hear what the interviewer had to say in the first place. Another “commentator” opined that questions and its accompanying terms; are social agreements consensually agreed upon, not moral obligations, and I completely agree. Time to insert my own personal opinion, ofkess! Because why would anybody think otherwise? Nobody owes you an answer to your question and why should they? Do you own their tongues? To me, questions are social agreements, not obligations. If you were a Christian and someone asked you “if you weren’t a Christian, what religion would you practice?” It is your prerogative to not play along and just say “i wouldn't choose any other religion outside of Christianity” or simply refuse to respond if you do not consent to the conditions of the question, or are simply not in the right frame of mind to engage. Everyone has the right to set boundaries and choose how they engage in conversations. If someone feels uncomfortable answering a question or doesn't want to participate in a certain line of conversation, it's entirely within their prerogative to decline or redirect the discussion. At the end of the day, respecting each other's boundaries is fundamental to healthy communication. In summary; I however encourage courtesy and politeness in every social interaction. While you’re not obligated to respond to a question, or to even respond with respect, it is just good manners to extend some form of courtesy, at the very least, to your fellow human beings. I’m sure not everyone will even agree that you owe others good manners, but this is a topic for another day. Like my mum would say: when you’re out in the world you’re not only representing yourself, you’re representing your family, where you come from. While you’re free to decline to engage in conversations that may not serve you, and to withhold your response to any questions you don’t feel comfortable answering, do so politely. Because that is what my mother would like. I kid, I kid! No pun intended.  What do you think? Are questions mandatory to answer? Do you also believe you should answer both questions I posed above, as well as this?👀

Jefferson Nnadiekwe

questions social obligations random musings

Jefferson Nnadiekwe

Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer

Lagos, Nigeria

Noblesse oblige. Such a fancy term I hadn't heard of till a few nights ago. I was scrolling through status updates on Whatsapp and came across the term on a contact's status. She had just learned the word and typical with every new thing we learn she too passed it on to me albeit unknowingly. It gets more interesting than it already is when you discover the meaning. According to Webster's dictionary, Noblesse oblige refers to the idea that people who have high social rank or wealth should be helpful and generous to people of lower rank, or people who are poor. It's funny that this is a general belief shared by quite a number of people in society, we just didn't know it had a name for it. Now that we know, let's talk about this ideology.  We can coin the word 'noble' already from it, which means that it is a noble thought. However, does the fact that something appears noble automatically make it valid? Is it really the duty of the wealthy amongst us to help the poor? I mean, we all had our own share of opportunities to become successful didn't we? So why should those who utilized theirs be responsible for the others who did not. Most men who are asked their motivation to attain wealth, will tell you first and foremost that it is to be able to give themselves and their families an avenue to a better life. Then a few would add helping others as subsequent reasons. It is after all human nature to think first about our needs as we are inherently selfish (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Having agreed that it is normal to be selfish as humans, let us also bear in mind that in as much as selflessness exists , so do kindness and empathy. Beyond the gratification of the soul, these virtues exists as a form of societal balance. Yes, we all have our opportunities at greatness, and yes, some people make use of said opportunities and work harder than others. However, there are some other factors other than hard work that determines the success of a person. There is chance, time, and may I say; luck.  Honestly, everyone can't be rich - it's chaotic. Can you imagine a world where everyone has the means to get whatever they want? On first thought, it sounds like an utopian world, but careful examination will make it clear that it would be a world driven by unhealthy and toxic competition. This is simply because the wants will certainly outweigh the available resources leading to disruption in the natural order. Therefore, in order to avert that, the universe in its wisdom has set two sides - rich and poor. Even the holy book states that the poor will always be among us. By nature, it is the duty of the wealthy/upper class to help the poor/lower class. I say it's by nature because the disparity will always exist - It is not entitlement like a lot of people like to think. Earlier I stated that Noblesse oblige helps maintain societal balance, let me explain. Class difference is already an uncomfortable reality, then think about what neglect adds to it. I will give you a hint, a combustible situation. Uprisings and revolutions sometimes are triggered when the less privilege of a given society feel abandoned and neglected to a point it becomes unbearable. If all people of higher rank are concerned about, is gathering wealth for themselves without empathy for their counterparts on the opposite spectrum, it is only a matter of time before chaos ensues. I once heard someone say that every human being on earth is fighting to come out of a tunnel, and that the first thing that you do when you eventually come out, is to look back and help the next person out. God blesses men so they can in turn be a source of blessing to other men. Life is fickle, all the wealth we accumulate will not accompany us to the grave when it's our time to go. Isn't it better if it's used to impact several lives while we are on earth? Perhaps our government officials and elites should be introduced to the term 'Noblesse oblige'. Who knows, it may just be what is needed for a health and conducive society.  Then there are those who have used Noblesse oblige as a tool in their manipulation kit. But we shall talk about these guys some other time.

In People and Society • 4 min read • Apr 24, 2024 11:51a.m.

Noblesse Oblige

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading my insights.

I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/...

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Lead the volunteer team, design and manage projects @ SheSOLVES

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Bamenda, Cameroon

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Share insights weekly

April 22, 2024, 8:59 a.m.

Amazing insights and answers from the generation changing Africa. Share high-quality insights weekly.

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by | Samuel Ibok

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Samuel Ibok

Writer @ The Handshake

Lagos, Nigeria

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In Relationships • 2 min read • Apr 20, 2024 17:17p.m.

RELA'Y'TIONSHIPS

One of my favourite track events is the 4x100m relay race. Against popular opinion, this event is more about proper baton exchange than speed. Maybe it's a mixture of both. The fastest team doesn't always win, and this plays out when the baton falls. Most times, we play down the fact that most relationships are transactional. For me, that is at the very core of human relationships. You may argue that it's unfair to ask your friends for stuff, but I think that's just how things work. It is what it is! Humans are asking beings! I think people fall out when one party perceives these transactions to be one-sided. In a certain way, the person is justified.As we age in life, our circles become smaller, and we lose touch with friends we thought we would be attached to for life. Truly, life is in phases. I'm a big fan of keeping in touch with your guys, but I will say this: do not beat yourself up because you haven't reached out to someone in a while. I think we must change the narrative that not talking to someone for a while means the person is no longer your friend. If that's how Instagram works, I would probably have only 10 followers left!I have a friend that I speak to probably once every 6–7 months. Irrespective of the frequency of conversations, we still bond and vibe well. The call could last for ours, and the goosebumps are still there. I know life gets lonely at times, and we need human connections to stay in touch with sanity, but we must not make grave images in the name of friendship. Put differently, we shouldn't find meaning only when we are with others. That's pitiful and would only hurt you in the long run. How dare you shrink your value and self-worth because people are currently not in touch with you? You have yourself. You are married first to yourself! I hope that makes sense. We must learn to live with ourselves and enjoy our company. What becomes of you when those you hold dear die? For those who are constantly taking without reciprocating value, you have to change. People will get tired of you. Don't work under the impression that you're not asking too much. That may be entitlement in disguise. People are not necessarily obligated to come through for you. Sometimes we feel like reaching out to certain people but are held back by the construction in our minds that those people are currently bigger than us or are doing better than us. Ogbeni, reach out! Sha no go de bill person too much abeg!Unlike in a relay, where you get disqualified for improper baton exchange, in real life, you could pick up the pieces and rebuild. Lasting friendships stem from deliberate efforts by both parties.Add value. More love, less ego.Cheers!

Tobi Igbinedion

Mwambo Kate Oluwakemi Vandy

friendship values

Hi, it's Samuel, thanks for reading my insights.

I'm also a fitness coach and I can give you simple nutrition & wellness tips to boost your health. https://www.instagram....

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Jefferson Nnadiekwe

Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer

Lagos, Nigeria

Whenever I am about to share an insight, I fight a little hesitation that pops up. It pops up because I start to think if what I am about to put out here is good enough. Unfortunately, it's not peculiar to this platform or short articles. I take on commissioned script writing jobs and whenever I am about to turn in the finished work, guess who appears - Mr. Hesitation. As usual we do our little dance and I defeat him then go ahead to submit the work which is mostly accepted with high commendation. You'd think the number of positive reviews my works get would have finally slayed Mr. Hesitation, but nope! He keeps coming back and the cycle continues. You may or may not be wondering why this skepticism keeps recurring each time. I did too, atleast before I knew of what is known as 'Imposter syndrome'. To explain it as plain as I can, imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt, anxiousness and dissatisfaction usually associated with creatives and artists (not to say that every other person is incapable of experiencing it). Simply put, imposter syndrome robs you of the gratification you should experience in your career. People experiencing imposter syndrome often feel like whatever they do isn't good enough. In my own experience, sometimes I think whenever people give positive reviews or acceptance of my work, they are just being nice and trying not to hurt my feelings. Of course this does not happen all the time - there are times I know for a fact that I have just created a masterpiece. Unchecked, imposter syndrome is the biggest obstacle to career growth and development. Because you feel like you do not belong in a certain environment, you tend to pass up available opportunities as well as going as extreme as hoarding your work. Again, I know this because I too once hoarded my works. I was scared that putting it out there would expose the 'fraud' I thought I was. That however was when the self doubt was at its peak. Luckily I was able to shake it off and started sharing the things I created. Imposter syndrome isn't peculiar to upcoming creatives by the way. You'd be surprised to know how many of your favorite celebrities secretly fight this fiendish feeling. Famous people like Lupita Nyong'o, Emma Watson, Tom Hanks and even the Michelle Obama have shared stories about their struggles with imposter syndrome. According to Michelle, her imposter syndrome 'never goes away'. It is a common mistake to assume that success erases imposter syndrome. While it might be the case for a group, to others; the more successful they become, the more they fight this horrible phenomenon. This is because imposter syndrome tells you that you do not deserve what you have achieved, or rather; you achieved all of it through sheer luck. So we know that this thing is horrible, the next agenda is how do we overcome it? Frankly, I do not have the definite answer you are looking for as I myself am still finding my way around it. A tip though, is that you should learn to embrace your success. Whatever you achieved, you did because you put in the work and you are good at it. When people say good job, don't think of it as them being nice - you have actually done a good job worthy of commendation. Another one is to challenge the negative thoughts. So you are working on an art piece, and a little voice in your head is telling you that it sucks or it isn't the next big thing you hope it is. Instead of wallowing in that thought and quitting, strive to prove it wrong. Use the negative thoughts as a driving force to inspire you. Keep going at it! The goal of imposter syndrome is to make you quit, don't let it.  If you have any more tips that you consider helpful to anyone dealing with imposter syndrome, kindly share. You'd be doing a world of good with your advice.

In Literature, Writing and Blogging • 3 min read • Apr 17, 2024 12:04p.m.

THE IMPOSTER WITHIN

Hi, it's Jefferson, thanks for reading my insights.

I'm a creative screenwriter, photographer, cinematographer and creative director. You can check out some of my works here https://instagram.com/...

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Top answers from our past sessions

I would rather see it from a point of collaboration as against company versus workers.<div>A company is as good as its people, HR helps the company to shape policies and procedures while also coming up with initiatives to drive employee engagement in line with the vision of the company.</div><div> </div><div>When employees are engaged, productivity is higher. </div>

Dolapo Onasanya

HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa

With a straight up answer! There is nothing happening under the sun for the first time. It is a blessing to have someone who can truthfully hold your hand up your search for success. It is a blessing to have someone you can ask for help to organise the puzzles of life. Lastly don't forget to have wisdom along the way. When they speak once, hear 3000times deeper

Dr. Mofor Clementine Cendoh

Personal Brand Therapist | Bus Consultant | Relationship Counsellor | Content Creator @ NEST Consolidated

Find a problem worth solving around you, solve it and make a business out of it.

Dr. Stephen Oluwatobi

Founder @ Pertinence Group & Edustart

Hello Michael, <div> </div><div>You must treat your competition like your best friend, you always need to be ware of what steps they are taking, so you can stay one step ahead. In some instances, partner with your competition, they already have target audience you need, why not tap into that, if they are happy to. </div><div> </div><div> </div>

Toyin Jolapamo

Senior Digital Communications Analyst @ Oando Plc

Data will be critical....things like predictive analytics etc will shape HR and business decisions in general 

Dolapo Onasanya

HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa

Thank you Temitayo. It is easier to transit within same Organization. You can show interest in HR during development conversations and also get involved in HR projects (if any) while still in your current department. You must continue to deliver on your job while planning to move to HR. <div> </div><div>If you are fresh out of school, you can write professional examinations in HR to prepare you for opportunities. </div><div> </div><div>You only have control over your readiness while you hope for the right opportunities by actively searching</div>

Dolapo Onasanya

HR Manager @ Pernod Ricard Western Africa

Yes, we have lots of our youths doing great in the digital space. The ideas they have is out of this world. Very little funds are needed to create any solution around the digital space. All that is needed is the skill and the idea, that is all. Also, some Nigerians are running back to the country to start their businesses to be able to meet the needs of other countries. Someone met me last week about having a start-up around setting up charging stations for electric cars. If this is done, then electric cars will be available sooner than we think. We may have issues with power and bad roads, but I don't see it stopping the ideas of our youths The raw materials and people are readily available aside from the fact that you have to train them. Therefore, Nigeria is a fertile ground for digital entrants. It may be expensive at first but will become cheaper as time goes on. I hope I answered your question? Kindly feel free to get back to me with further questions.<div> </div>

Dr. Mayowa Agboola

Deputy Director/Coordinator @ Open and Distance Learning (ODL) & Curator, HSL

If Africa had not been colonised, I wonder where we would be today!!! Yet, given the globalised nature of the planet, I do not even see how that issue arises: today one can talk of neutral states, but in those days, a territory either colonised or was colonised on encounter. Technological advancement defines what is 'better off', i.e. where people want to go... and colonisation set us off towards that better-off. But that 'better-off' is a dynamic situation, and tenure among the 'best-off' - whatever the globally accepted measure, this is a game of musical chairs with tenure changing with changes in various situations. This dynamism also applies among the developing countries which belong to the lower echelons of the better-off ladder, aspiring to haul themselves up it. So colonialism was a necessary evil... While some of our founding fathers (sic) appreciated in the evil in - averse effects of - colonialism, they were up against those leaders who did not see that evil, and the mighty, white-washing force of neo-colonialism. Africa missed an opportunity to unite in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The colonialists and ex-colonialists divided and ruled: they convinced most individual African 'nationalists' that their best interests lay in going it alone. Contemporary pleas for African unity are mere nostalgic romanticism: corporate forces are more powerful that those of political idealism. That is the greatest adversity inherited from colonialism.

Dr. Othieno Nyanjom

Senior Lecturer @ The Technical University of Kenya

The most amazing things about Skill Haven are; <ol> <li>We have created tangible impact in the mushrooming crypto space in Uganda. Some people who have been part of our education programmes and events have picked up crypto/blockchain focused careers like crypto content creators, journalists, writers, Web3 developers, influencers etc </li> <li>The other most interesting thing about Skill Haven is that we are the only crypto & Blockchain Education focused start up in Uganda.Skill Haven has various programmes and we've reached out to over 500 participants in our education programs through open public events/meetups and personal encounters. I can't point out the most amazing thing but people are making great strides in the crypto & blockchain space and that is our ultimate pride. </li> </ol>

Ainomugisha Barry

Co-founder & director @ Skill Haven - crypto Start up

Thanks, Dafe for this insightful question.<div> </div><div>What can be done when spaces are not purpose-built to suit the users' persona and psychographics: renovation and remodelling. If the property is bought, a full remodelling can be done. If rented, a renovation can be done. For example, adding a workstation at the corner of a room for remote work, or a reading corner for the children at the children's bedroom or a changing vanity top in one of the toilets. </div><div> </div><div>The beautiful thing about the perspective brought about by the pandemic is that it has informed design professionals for planning better spaces especially residential developments. </div>

Dr. Abraham Owoseni

Educator @ Covenant University

Jefferson Nnadiekwe

Freelance scriptwriter and creative photographer

Lagos, Nigeria