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Exclusive: LEGENDARY PSALM EBUBE OUT WITH A NEW BOOK: STAY ALIVE (VOL 3)

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Award-winning African gospel artist and crooner of the world Civility song of the year, Amb. Dr Samuel Akinyemi, known as Psalm Ebube has released a new book, the third in the STAY ALIVE series.

Click here to get the book

The full title of the book clearly states what it meant to achieve: STAY ALIVE : LIFE SKILLS: Effective Grand Strategies, Self-Values to Maintain your Mental Health and Multi-level Prevention on Suicide, Grief, Depression and Anxiety Among Adolescents & Youth

STAY ALIVE is a powerful collection of inspiring stories, life skills, self values of hopefulness, and resilience written by top professionals from all facets of life who spoke at the stay alive civility global Summit 2 – World suicide prevention and awareness summit 2021. Where speakers came together as solution finders and not only did they come together as solution finders, they have decided to put their ideas, best practices, tips, and resources that they have collectively collected over decades in this book.

If you want to delve deeper and begin your transformation, take advantage of our complimentary exploration and get ready to feel enlightened as each co-author pours their heart(s) into expressing the greatest depths of their journey(s): From Worthless to Worthy. From Bitterness to sweetness. From Helpless to be Hopeful. From avoidance to acceptance. From Pain to Gain. From low self-esteem to confidence in our authentic selves. From trauma to triumph. Feeling lost to finding one’s path. From going almost bankrupt to becoming a millionaire. Being stuck to finding peace. From tears of pain to tears of joy. From mourning to dancing. Processing grief to celebrate and honor the lives of the ones we love. From stagnancy to resiliency. From being shattered, meaningless life to meaningful life, abundant and joyous life for eternity.

This book will help you identify your negative self-talk, self-value and showy you how to transform your inner dialogue into an empowering, optimistic voice. We strive to guide you towards optimal clarity, work-life balance, and wellness to promote greater success in your career and personal life by offering tangible tools and therapy services to live your best life.

The forward was by Prof Clyde Rivers. Some of the contributors include: Gail Williams, Dr. Shirley Pierre Robertson, Sabriya Dobbins, Gaby Declutter Queen,
Buck Dumbuya, Amit Ambegaonkar,
Maria Moguel, Amb.Sarah Sanchez, Dr Gina Evans, Dr. Rosalind Willis, Shawn L.
Saxton, Apostle Dr. Peggy Elliott-Pugh,
Shenal Arimilli, and Anne-Marie Colle

Psalm Ebube is a world-renowned statesman for youth matters to ICN USA. The African Civility Educator of the year 2021. ICN Challenged Champions and Heroes Champion Diplomacy Presidential Legacy Award USA . He earned his Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities from the United Graduate College and Seminary International, USA for his work with youth in many countries.

Dr. Psalm is a certified youth coach and leadership expert. Psalm has extensive experience providing expertise on topics including suicide, mental health, life- skills, and leadership. He’s also suicide prevention and awareness advocate featured by Guardian News. Psalm has shared the virtual space with legendary world-renowned leaders, Les Brown, Brian Tracy, Grant Cardone, Don Green, Clyde Rivers. Psalm Ebube — Co-Author and creator of the Stay Alive Book Series. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria. He is happily married. Visit him at Psalmebube.org or @Officialpsalmebube.

He said :


We live busy lifestyles and barely get time to sit and actually process our thoughts, which is likely a reason why mental health issues , suicidal ideation, depression or underlying problems go unassessed.
In life everybody falls, but it takes several minutes to get shattered like a glass and just a second to bounce back like a ball .As far as life is concerned you have a choice either to be a glass or to be a ball.
Being a glass – you have no choice but to get shattered. Being a ball – you have a choice but to bounce back and find yourself.

Everyone knows that we are in a Turbulent era, a period of frustrations, depressions, confusions, terror, stress and the likes. Everyone’s trying to meet up their target in life . All these increase the risk of high BP which also consequently leads to heart failure or attack. Of course, we expect sudden death, which is now rampant. Please move away from being provoked easily by your kids, friends, colleagues, superiors, subordinates, partners, husbands and wives. Avoid reacting to things aggressively. Isolate yourself from disturbances, isolate yourself from toxic people. Avoid too much thinking when no salary or food at home, imagine it’s on the way coming. Avoid exchange of words with people at home, markets, offices, chambers etc. Always check your BP, take drugs, follow instructions, and exercises. Avoid cholesterol foods. Go to see your doctor immediately if you feel changes in your body, especially chest. Stay in peace and never fight anyone, pray always.Your health is far better than any worldly thing. Beware of transfer of aggression. STAY ALIVE and have a fruitful time always.

Stay Alive book increases awareness about suicidal behaviors and how to effectively prevent them, provides effective grand strategies, self-values to maintain your mental health and multi-level prevention on suicide, grief, depression and anxiety among Adolescents & Youth,”


He said in every 40 seconds someone takes their own life according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That’s about 800,000 people worldwide every year , although some estimates put that number closer to 1 million. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 and for every suicide that results in death, there are as many as 40 attempted suicides. What we know for sure is that there’s a lot to live for.


Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.


September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month , a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.


Throughout the month of September, SAC ” Stay Alive Civility will highlight “ Suicide prevention & awareness among adolescents and youth , Together for Mental Health,” which encourages people to bring their voices together to advocate for better mental health care, including a crisis response system. SAC ” Stay Alive Civility wants any person experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors to have a number to call, a system to turn to, that would connect them to the treatment and support they need.



HOW TO OBSERVE STAY ALIVE LIFESTYLE


CONNECT: Reach out to someone who may need help. It’s widely known that certain behaviors indicate the possibility of suicide. We can all learn the warning signs of suicidal ideation. If we spot them early enough, we can take action. The use of media as a tool for promoting awareness.



DISCUSS: Talking about this issue is an important first step in ridding society of the idea that mental health issues should remain hidden. On Stay Alive Global Summit, host or simply attend a panel discussion on how mental health problems intensify thoughts of suicide.


SEARCH FOR RESOURCES: STAY ALIVE BOOK SERIES provides a lot of resources for young people to learn more about the reasons for suicide and how to prevent them. You will find countless books, music , and stay alive global summit events online to point you in the right direction. Knowledge is not only power — it can save someone’s life.


WHY STAY ALIVE BOOK IS IMPORTANT

Suicide affects all of us. Many people know somebody who has taken their own life or someone who has lost a friend or family member to suicide. STAY ALIVE BOOK will help you to reflect on the value of life and that no matter how bad things seem, there’s always hope.



Awareness Resources

During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we will provide I formations , music , stay alive book links and graphics you can use on your website and social media accounts. Use #SuicidePrevention


While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength around a difficult topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide, because just one conversation can change a life.

With awareness comes action

One of the main goals of Stay Alive Civility Global Initiative is to increase awareness about suicidal behaviors and how to effectively prevent them, if you have a friend who confides in you about having suicidal thoughts or you see a concerning social media post.



The strengthening of nations capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention.



Stay Alive Book is a reminder that society needs consistent and increasing advocacy for mental health resources so that people struggling with mental health disorders can find the help they need. It shines a spotlight on mental health issues


What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

Suicide is preventable. If someone is thinking about suicide, it should be taken seriously and non-judgmentally. Help the individual seek a professional, and do not leave them alone. Emergency steps may need to be taken.


Work with us to reduce stigma. We are all in this together.


There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but one thing remains clear: people need access to mental health care and support. SAC ” Stay Alive Civility is here to ensure that no one is alone on their mental health journey.






This book will help you identify your negative self-talk, self-value and show

you how to transform your inner dialogue into an empowering, optimistic voice.

We strive to guide you towards optimal clarity, work-life balance, and wellness to promote greater success in your career and personal life by offering tangible

tools and therapy services to live your best life.




https://thenationonlineng.net/youth-advocates-national-strategy-against-suicide/


https://www.sunnewsonline.com/youth-advocate-psalm-ebube-tasks-fg-to-expedite-action-on-suicide-prevention/


The strengthening of nations capabilities to develop and evaluate national policies and plans for suicide prevention.



Stay Alive Book is a reminder that society needs consistent and increasing advocacy for mental health resources so that people struggling with mental health disorders can find the help they need. It shines a spotlight on mental health issues


What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

Suicide is preventable. If someone is thinking about suicide, it should be taken seriously and non-judgmentally. Help the individual seek a professional, and do not leave them alone. Emergency steps may need to be taken.


Work with us to reduce stigma. We are all in this together.


There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but one thing remains clear: people need access to mental health care and support. SAC ” Stay Alive Civility is here to ensure that no one is alone on their mental health journey.








CLICK THE LINK 👇🏿





#USA 🇺🇸


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CWDLQG3/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_awdb_R6Q91PCKT08PHZX17Y16


#UK🇬🇧

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09CWDLQG3/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_awdb_XEW9RWA5DWBKSEYKPA5N



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https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09CWDLQG3/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_awdb_RCZR2H2J03TJW582W0X1



#FRANCE 🇫🇷

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#SPAIN 🇪🇸

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#ITALY 🇮🇹


https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09CWDLQG3/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_awdb_6ZQTPSACNR6GK31KFK0J






STAY ALIVE is a powerful collection of inspiring stories, life skills, self values of hopefulness, and resilience written by top professionals from all facets of life who spoke at the stay alive civility global Summit 2 – World suicide prevention and awareness summit 2021. Where speakers came together as solution finders and not only did they come together as solution finders, they have decided to put their ideas, best practices, tips, and resources that they have collectively collected over decades in this book.


This book will help you identify your negative self-talk, self-value and show

you how to transform your inner dialogue into an empowering, optimistic voice.

We strive to guide you towards optimal clarity, work-life balance, and wellness to promote greater success in your career and personal life by offering tangible tools and therapy services to live your best life.


____________________



“Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behavior, that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life”

– Dr. Psalm Ebube – Africa.



“More than ever, it is imperative that we The People take the time to invest in the wellbeing and safety of those whom we love and care for. Know someone who needs this book? It’s about staying alive to fulfill your divine purpose in the Kingdom. It’s about focusing on the mental health of each other in a civil world. Let’s Do It! YES, WE CAN!!”

– Dr. Shirley Pierre Robertson USA 🇺🇸



I recommend this book to anyone looking for inspiration, hope amid hopelessness, and uplifting. Thank you, Psalm for allowing me to play a small part. Blessings!

– Dr. Donald d. Toldson, Sr. USA 🇺🇸

Broker Associate / Real Estate Advisor Engel & Völkers, Author at Speaking 2 Impact & Change.


This book is priceless to the core of humanity, because every life is to bring a contribution to the world. Thank you for leading the way to life.

– HRH KING DR. CLYDE RIVERS

President of I Change Nations USA.



We begin a month-long international virtual book launch today September 1st .


September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.


National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.


World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

KAYODE – Final Saga (Story of the Autistic Child) by Omolara Jegede

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By Omolara Jegede

The August visitor was Aunty Bola my mum’s elder sister’s daughter. It was her norms to visit us whenever her school gave them long vacation, she would come to assist my mother with family chores.


Aunty Bola’s visit was a rare one , She was in her third year in the university then as she came in to
our house with her bag I saw fire in her eyes, yes fire,quite strange isn’t it?

The normal Aunty Bola I knew appeared to be transfigured with an higher or extra power (dunamis).

I began to weep profusely as soon as she came in,I didn’t understand why I was crying myself but I knew something was unusual about her.

“Welcome Bola, how was your journey and how is studies?” my mum said with a bored smile.

“I am fine aunty, how is your health now?” she responded.

“Better, thanks for coming around you don’t know how much this means to me”.my mum replied with a weak face.

“My Kayode” She opened up her arms to embrace me

“grin! grin!! I felt a shock across my spine I felt so lighter I guess that was the first step to my deliverance”.

Aunty Bola had encountered Jesus in her second semester 200l since then she didn’t come to our house but this her coming was like the coming of a lion.

Every day and night I noticed aunty Bola muttering words like prayers for my mum and I. I stared with smile as tantrums flow all over my cloth, she showed me love, she sang for me , carried me, unlike my father, neighbours I felt love from someone else aside my mother.
I always thought God hated me for permitting me to. look like this or I was accursed. Aunty Bola made me realise I was loved irrespective of how I look like.
So many times she would bring out papers and give me pencils to write anything, writing became difficult cos I was never schooled I began to draw effortlessly to express my intention.
I could draw virtually every diagram you can think of but I was still throwing tantrums . ..

One beautiful night Aunty Bola slept off

“Dear Lord,visit my aunty on her sick bed open her eyes to her inheritance,quicken her and open her eyes to know that in her identity lies the victory of Kayode” Aunty Bola always mutter that line of prayer for my mum.

She had a dream,

“Bola, Look at this” The angel of God told Bola

She saw her aunty(my mother) tied to a pillar with chains and shackles amidst tears and sweat her aunty was so bent on releasing herself but why my aunty was tied yet the agony if her child filled her heart. She needed to be free so as to set Kayode free.
.
The angel pointed forward to where Kayode was lying aimlessly his case in the spiritual realm was more critical than in the physical. I was about running to release Kayode, I heard a powerful voice from behind.

“Don’t loose him” The angel said.

“But why my angel” Bola responded.

“The devil will keep tormenting him the only destined saviour that can deliver Kayode his is mother” The angel responded.

“Why his mother, the bible says he that the son sets or make free is free indeed why” Bola answered restlessly.

” She is the real target the devil intends to frustrate. Thereby tormenting her with the boy she is the only one that can stand up with holy anger to save this child. Kayode can receive divine intervention but he needs (his mother) to fight the battle”The angel responded.

“Angel why then did you send me here to spend this vacation with them if my quota isn’t needed”

“You are needed the mother’s health restoration is tied to your destiny, she will be healed and saved from your birthing in the place of prayer.”

“Hmmmn, I will keep interceding till the victory be visible” Bola answered.

The dream ended Aunty Bola stood up from her bed she paced around the room and after so much pacing she began to pray again. Indeed she was a war woman.

My mother’s health was restored she had met the saviour during her stay bedridden period.
She came back stronger and more tougher.

Few weeks later,

She saddled me behind the back of her car, she packed some food stuffs and drove out of the compound.

We travelled for over three hours and forty minutes the car came to a static position.

My mother alighted from the car to pick me up from the back seat of the car, she also packed the foodstuffs. She mounted the mountain with pains and sweat with me and the food.

“Lord, I had seen you and your mightiness in my dream last night come and prove it here and now” my mum wept as she called on God to intervene in my case.

The whole atmosphere changed, the clouds became heavy with darkness as if it was going to rain heavily.My mum closed her eyes as she pleaded I was the only one witnessing the whole drama.

I saw a strange hand on me I vibrated for about ten minutes unconsciously later on I opened my eyes everywhere was crystal clear again, my mother was still talking with God.

I was about distracting my mother by calling her “Baaa Baaa” the way I had always called her since birth but to my amazement.

“Mummy” I called out.

She opened one eyes to be sure it was not me that just called upon her.

“Kayode, Did you call me now” My mother ran towards me
I nodded like an agama lizard, it must have been a mistake.

“Say that again Kayodemi” she pleaded.

“Mummy” This time I exclaimed I was too excited that I had called mummy that I began to jump up from one end of the mountain to another.

“Kayode did you just stand by yourself and jump”
My mother was amidst tears indeed this God is true.

God of awesome wonders that’s his name…….
The duo thanked God for the miracles.

Kayode was enrolled into school his academic performance wowed his mother. God is at work

Years later,
Kayode had a foundation for the physically challenged(children with special need) a home of comfort. God grace was on him he became a healing evangelist. Kayode’s father showed up to claim his son and live with him

Here is the question readers: If you were Kayode would you forgive your father for neglecting you all through the years?

Use the comments section please.


Love the autistic child, they are special. We need them around to make the world colourful.


May the Lord heal them and restore their health.

Thanks for reading, You are loved kpa!

#Kayode
#Dexterity

Just Believe

I Believe

Lady Omolara T. J

KAYODE – The Story of an Autistic Child (Series One) – Dexterity

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By Omolara Jegede

The Oladeles had been married for five years with no child. They had gone through every medical treatment, herbal means, physical means yet all proved abortive.

They got exhausted of trying until a faithful day God himself blessed the couple with a baby.

“Dear, guess what?” Mrs Oladele queried her husband during their dinner.

“Hmmmn, you know am not so good at guess games” He replied.

“See this” she stretched forth her hands towards him to see the result of the test from their family doctor.

“What is this again? you and surprises” he smiled as he unwrapped the result.

“Wow! This is enormous it calls for celebration babe” Mr. Oladele lifted his wife up like a brand new baby he was so elated.

“Awnnn, Let’s thank God for remembering us this season”she responded.



During her pregnancy period (antenatal) her husband pampered, coddle her till her delivery day.

Theirs is what you could call a lovey dovey something smiles! butterflies in my belly right now.


keep reading


Nine months later,


I am Kayode Oladele (bring goodness along) that’s the name my parents gave to me but did I really bring goodness to my parents.

On the day of my welcoming ceremony to the world I was shown so much love by everyone, family, friends and well wishers came to celebrate my parents on my arrival.

Weeks later my father got promoted at his work place indeed the name Kayode was working for me and my family we became financially transformed until I got to age five.

My parents discovered I had autism after my fifth birthday.



My mother became worried sick about my health ordeal.

“Dear,There’s something I would like to discuss with you about Kayode” my mum

“Alright! I am all ears” my dad responded

“I feel bad whenever I see our neighbour’s children playing with Kayode and he isn’t responding normally as every other child I am so bothered, I see the hatred and weird looks on the faces of the other children the more reason why I stopped him from playing outside”she said looking downcast

“Woman, I think I once told you that boy isn’t my son you better take him to his father” he hissed as he stared complaisantly at his newspaper.

“Haaaa, So you mean I brought to your house a bastard!” She exclaimed in tears.

“Yes, this is even more than a bastard last I checked my family’s gene no autistic child is in my family we are all healthy. Maybe in your family lineage you have imebecile and physically challenged children there” Mr. Oladele said with discontentment.



Kayode sat aimlessly he could detect a problem but his condition was too worse to do anything, his arms were tiny, tantrums travelled from his mouth to his shoulders.

His mother picked him up to his room as she took him inside all that came to her mind was this(someday he will Kayode that is he will bring goodness to her heart) but how?

Days increased to weeks, weeks to month and months to year.


Kayode was seven he couldn’t speak well,walk well or think straight. All the doctors they visited said he was an autistic child and it was only God’s intervention that would make him whole.

One particular Sunday evening Mr.Oladele had invited his friends over to the house for dinner his wife was preparing the dinner she was too busy that she forgot Kayode was still in the sitting room. His father came in with his friends only to see Kayode with saliva flowing from his mouth this disgusted them.

They all managed to eat the dinner casting weird and pitiful glances on the Oladele’s at the state of their only child.

After the dinner,

Mr.Oladele saw his friends off to their cars
“Thanks for the dinner”Leke one of his friends said

“Don’t mention please” Mr.Oladele responded coldly

“Always take that your imbecile child inside that’s if you still want us to come to your house for dinner” Goke one of his bone straight friend said.

“I almost throw tantrums as I remembered the boy while eating that dinner, I think that boy isn’t your child” Ray added.

“That’s alright, thanks I have been hurt already don’t add to my wound” Mr. Oladele responded.

He returned back to his house with shades of anger

“Welcome dear” my mum

“What is welcoming in this house, you better go and kill that your God forsaken child he is a trans generational embarrassment” He vented ill words.

My mother began to lose weight and balance my health issue became a burden to her, She became sick as a result of this.



My father stopped coming home he left the big cozy apartment for myself and mother we later heard that he got married to another woman.

Everyday our neighbours made mockery of my mother.

“That one is a witch with a demon possessed child at her back” Iya Risi the pepper seller adjacent our house gossiped to her friends

“I heard her husband left her and the boy, what a poor man” Iya bisi replied.

“Who knows if the boy was their propitiation to wealth if you remember it was after the birth of the boy that they bought those cars and the man even got promoted at work, I am just connecting the dotted lines together anyways” Iya Orebe added.

“Na their problem be that, all that matters is how to sell all my pepper” Iya Risi concluded.

My mother was behind the pole she heard every of their gossip it was another backlash, She didn’t rest or display her discontentment before me.



I, Kayode knew that behind the smiles of my mother there were so many wounds and hurts. Often time I tried calling my mother it only sounded like I was a sheep doing the ‘baa baa ‘ sound.



Months later,

After my father’s departure from the house my mother was bedridden for two months. We had an august visitor

Something happened when the visitor came to our house.

Guess???



TO BE CONTINUED

#Kayode
#Seriesone
#Dexterity

Jesus is committed

Just Believe

I Believe

Lady Omolara T.J

TOLANI

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By Omolara T J

Love is indeed sweet when you are with the right person welcome to the Jacob’s family.

“Dear, welcome back hope you had a stress-free day at work” Mrs Jacob smiled to her husband.

“Yea! Thanks” His eye brow jacked downward as if there was a secret up sleeves.

“Is everything alright honey why are you cutting corners with your eyebrows” She asked intriguingly.

“I missed my period” He replied.

She smiled looking at her timid, funny husband for the past fourteen years of their marriage that was the figure of speech he had created to inform her about his cravings for sexual intercourse on similar occasion.

Isn’t that funny? Yes it is. Keep reading.

“Okay sir, Don’t worry I would fly you over to Jerusalem” she teased him.

“That’s my bea” he managed to say his eyebrows still downward.

“Freshen up and let’s have our dinner of plantain frittata and sponge buns with your favorite pineapple juice” She said swiftly.

“Yummy,” He said salivating.

“When will the kids be home for the third term break I have a surprise for them” he added.

“Next week their school sent a mail to our joint email address I should pick them up on Wednesday hopefully”

“Oh! That’s good endeavour you prepare something nice for them, I trust you anyways”

“Hmmmmm..  I would be heading upstairs let me go and prepare the way” she said beaming with smile.

“Which way? Oh I almost forgot for our Jerusalem trip. Occupy till I come” The duo bursted into laughter.

*****

I know you are smiling already mbok seat properly don’t allow your phone fall off keep digesting.

 Every student is hereby advised to buckle up we are aware the first toppers have access to scholarship for the next session.

“Hello Dad, next week is our break I like mummy to prepare my favorite” Flora Jacob said selfishly.

Lucia, her elder sister, snatched the phone from her to speak with their father.

“Good morning dad, Please don’t listen to her vain request just tell mum to prepare anything can’t wait to be home and have some of mum’s delicacy she is the best cook in the world anyways so any meal would be great” Lucia said boastfully .

Flora stretched forth her hands to grab the phone back but it was too late her sister already divulged her words she walked away lividly.

“Flora!” Lucia beckoned on her from behind.

Flora kept walking till she finally entered her hostel

*******

A group of JSS2 students sat together to have what they call group reading. Flora was the group leader, no doubt. Right from her basic school till the present time she had always topped her class.

“What is pollution?” She asked turning her eyeballs eastward towards where Tolani was seated.

“Polution is … is …is… Am sorry, I don’t remember what I read” Tolani  Larafe replied dumbfounded.

“Why are you always like this few weeks to vacation or holidays” Gloria another girl jerked.

“I just can’t place my hands on what is wrong also you perform so well in class on every normal day but once its our mid-term or examination period you start fluctuating like a generator without fuel in it” Deborah added.

“That’s enough” Flora said to calm everyone down. Aside the fact that she was intelligent, she also had what we can call an inherent leadership ability.

Leadership will make some sense when the leader possess more quality than their follower’s, grab a smoov (chapman) drink. Let’s kwantinue.

Everywhere was silent. Flora stood up to lift Tolani up from where she was sitting and guess what Tolani was all soaked in tears.

“I am sorry I can’t do this anymore” Tolani said.

Shock ran across the other girls’ spine they thought it was their harsh words that made her vented such response.

“I can’t keep this any longer” Tolani continued.

“What?! “The other girls chorused in shock and dismay.

“I have a story to share with you” Tolani said as she continued sobbing.

********

“Foolish man, infidel, kill me since you are a murderer” Tolani’s mother said to her husband.

“You call me foolish, Haaa… this woman you are toying with the lion’s tail. If I beat you now people who were not there when you opened your dirty mouth to call me a fool would call me a beast” Tolani’s dad responded.

“Insolence! Don’t you look like a beast even your mother and father are parents of a beast, Come near me I would pour this hot water on you”

“Did you just mention my parents as beast, You mean your inlaws are beast I can’t bear this any longer” He replied as he stretched forth his hands for a blow.

“Argh…… Am dead ooo he has killed me, my ancestors I am coming to join the invisible choirs” She dramatized.

“Mum………. Please stop fighting with daddy” Tolani pleaded she was in basic three and before then her father and mother had always been acting up as undertaker vs John Cena in a wrestling match.

My mum and dad fight almost everyday even our neighbours got tired of settling their disputes everyone has their personal issues to settle. Often times I would lock up myself in my room to cry all night I thought that was all life meant to be unhappy at times why I got to Basic Five.  I sat down to watch a telenova series when my dad came in with another woman. I thought I had seen it all. The next day mummy did the same.

The guy mum brought home that day was a drug addict. Since that day till date, he fingers me. It hurts knowing that under my parents’ roof I am being molested without the consent of my parents.

Since then till now, going home for vacation is never my joy. How I wish the school would just let me stay in the hostel alone.

“Ha……”Flora said.

“We’ve been friends for over two years and half and you never mentioned this” Flora lamented.

She had always admired Tolani and every time she had wished Tolani could be her best friend before now.

“Yes, we are reading mates but I was never close to anyone specifically that I could have share this with I am psychologically sick” Tolani concluded.

“How can we be of help” Deborah said spreading her arms into the air other girls too felt bad.

“Help?  There is possibly little or no help you can do am only sharing this with you so that you can know the reason for my mood swing and academic problem.”  Tolani said.

“I would be of help, there must be a way out of all this mess” Flora said.

The other girls casted glances on Flora what was she up to again this time.

******

Mrs.Jacob drove her blue Honda Element car into Holgate International Schools. It was vacation. She couldn’t wait to see her beautiful girls. She had always thanked God for the gift of them to her and husband.

“Mum, Good afternoon ma” Flora and Lucia echoed in unison.

“God’s gift, How are you doing” she hugged the girls she has always called them both God’s gift indeed they were gift from God.

“Good day ma” Another voice echoed from behind.

Mrs. Jacob turned to see who the young girl was and guess what it was Tolani.

“Mum, meet my best friend her name is Tolani” Flora jacked in.

“Oh! I see. How are you Tolani?” Mrs. Jacob said giving Flora a “you never told me you have a best friend look”

“Mum her parents won’t show up to pick her up can we help her to our place today and then by tomorrow she would leave for home” Flora pleaded.

All this while Lucia stood still looking at the play her little sister was putting up, She knew Flora had always mentioned Tolani as one of her casual friends but when did he status quo upgraded to best friend.

“Okay, Tolani are you sure your parents won’t be bothered about this idea” Mrs Jacob cut in

“No ma, I would call them since its late already that I can’t make I home” Tolani said.

“That response isn’t okay by me, I will speak to your mum that you’ll be staying over at my place tonight and tomorrow I will personally take you home” Mrs. Jacobs replied

“Thank you mum” Flora gave her mum a big peck

******

“Dinner is served girls, the dinning is set” Lucia said opening Flora’s room slightly to inform them about dinner.

“Let’s go Tolani” Flora said.

“Thank you so much,Flora for accommodating me in your home” Tolani said

“Glory be to God” Flora responded.

The whole family blessed the food they were all set for the dinner of Rice,Plantain and fish sauce.

*******

“Useless man, woman wrapper I have been told that you flirt around with young girls in the vicinity jumping from dark skinned to light skinned colour”. Mrs. Larafe shouted lividly at the top of her voice.

“Now you are Jealous that another woman will soon take your place in this house?”Mr. Larafe responded.

“Jealous of what? Is it of the gonorrhea or the syphilis or AIDS in your body tufiaka (God forbid),  Association of foolish married men president” She added.

The duo heard a knock on the door, Mr. Larafe thought it was one of their supposed peacemaker  neighbor’s he reached for the door to vent words on whoever was at the door to his amazement he saw a total stranger with their only daughter. So many questions ran across his head.

“Good morning sir” Mrs. Jacob and Tolani echoed together.

“Morning please how may I help you and Tolani go and drop your bag in your room” Mr. Larafe showed Mrs. Jacob to their unkempt living room.

“Thanks a lot sir, I would be leaving very soon anyways”

“Oh! You are welcome and Thanks for accommodating Tolani over at your place”

“Oh! It’s nothing, I should be leaving now sir”.

“Okay, Madam its our pleasure having you here this morning”

“Alright, Tolani bye dear”

“Bye ma” Tolani

 responded from dinning.

********

“God, I am tired of my family status help mummy to love daddy and vice versa. Indeed when two elephants are fighting the grass on the field suffers the loss. Heavenly father avenge for me” Tolani prayed silently in her room.

********

Mrs. Jacob flashed back at the scenario that popped out of Tolani’s family earlier that day.

Why would parents be that negligent about the drama they put up before their wards? Flora wouldn’t mind if Tolani stays over at her place for decades all that matters is that Tolani is safe from the acclaimed molestation.

“Dear God, save this family if not for anything do it for the sake of the girl” Mrs. Jacob sighed.

*****

Days later, Tolani had developed a seizure she couldn’t breathe well it’s been weeks she discovered her ill-health but her parents were either in one quarrel or the other.

On one of the occasion she had an attack she lost her breathe while their neighbor was frying plantain while her parents wasted away in their arguments.

“Mum” Tolani managed to call she was dying helplessly on the floor.

Her father pushed her mother towards Tolani room the door flung open that was when they saw Tolani on the floor hopeless they rushed her to the hospital.

“Foolish man” Tolani’s mother said to her husband as she paced across the hospital.

“Are you a mother or a murderer all you know is to pick up fight with me. You didn’t observe if the girl was alright all this while”

“Fatherer you that observed and didn’t do the needful, please am not in for all this talk of yours” she replied.

The doctor walked past just in time

“Doc, what’s happening please speak to us”

“You brought her just in time, she is safe”

“I would like to see you sir” The doctor pointed to Tolani’s father

“For what sir? I am her mother she suckled this breast for nine month. Say anything you want to say here or else my husband knows me that I am a mental case”.

“Oh! Oh! Your girl has been diagnosed with asthma”

“How?” The duo chorused.

“I don’t know too, but it must be hereditary” The doctor said.

“I know that this isn’t in my family but it’s from yours” Tolani’s father said.

“Laughing! Nonsense man so you think my family has health issues, see who is talking your aunty is on the wheel chair battling with stroke your uncle aunty’s mother is having epileptic seizure. Don’t let me even start at all” Tolani’s mother said.

*******

Few days later, Tolani was discharged from the hospital under medication and medical care.

Later that evening, the Jacobs came to pay Tolani visit Flora was all around her gleaning she wished she had moved closer to Tolani before now.

“We brought you this” Mrs.Jacob pointing at the beverage she had brought for Tolani

“Thank you ma” Tolani managed to say.

“You are welcome, we would’ve on our way now”

“Thanks ma, Good bye” Tolani waving at Flora and her mum.

********

Days later, Tolani’s mum was preparing beans for lunch when her daring husband came in

“Can’t you greet? I don’t even know how I managed to end up with you” Tolani’s father said.

“Awnnn! Goodman why don’t you greet first before you start with your brouhaha am not in for your regular argument let sleeping dogs lie ooo” she responded.

Tolani peeped to see what was happening it was the regular combat in their house she withdrew back to her room.

Minutes later the beans got burnt giving a chocking odour.

Tolani suffocated till she gave up the ghost, Yes she died.

 “Is it not your stupid food that is burning pathetic” Tolani’s father alarmed.

The whole kitchen was in total mess with smell.

“Tolani, I need to go see her in her room” The careless mother said.

“What?”

“She is dead” The doctor said as he turned back to go.

“Arghh! You killed my daughter witch” Tolani’s father lamented.

“No, I didn’t kill her” Tolani’s mother wept on her kneels.

***The End***

When the destiny of a glorious child is tied into the hands of negligent parent(s), the loss will be painful.

Dear readers, parents please let your children live we may say they are too young to understand but they understand beyond what we think.

It is called the home not the ring for boxers or wrestlers, pay attention to the little ones in your homes they also want peace. Children are God’s heritage treat them as one.

I hope this refurbishes a home.

Save a child

#Tolani

#Dexterity

Just Believe

I Believe. Lady Omolara T. J