Talk To Me --- Again

Mention it, and I'm sure that someone, somewhere is experiencing it. When I started the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio, I wanted to talk about everyday issues. One year later, I still want to talk about everyday issues. However, I also want to talk about everything else. Bring it on. I want to talk about it. I want to learn. I want us all to learn.

Below are some future shows that I need co-hosts for (and by co-hosts, I mean people who have experienced or are experiencing said issue):

1.  Until Green Card Do Us Part: There are too many stories about a citizen marrying an out-of-status person, thinking it's a real marriage, only to be dumped unceremoniously after said out-of-status person gets a green card. Whether you're the dumper or the dumpee - wrong choice of words, maybe - I'd love to hear your side of the story >> radio@verastic.com

2.  Yes, Nigerian Women Do Cheat: The title is pretty much self explanatory. As a woman, I love, almost more than anything else, to talk about how men cheat. But the reality is that we, too, cheat. If you're a woman who has cheated, is cheating, or are planning to cheat (do people plan these things?), I'd  love to hear your side of the story >> radio@verastic.com

3.  Battle Of The In-Laws: Take it or leave it, in-laws can be mean and vindictive. And... they can break marriages --- if you let them. If your marriage was broken or is about to be broken by vampire in-laws, tell me about it >> radio@verastic.com

4.  Layaway Wife: Good wives are hard to find in America (or any country that is not in Africa), so men would rather get a wife in Nigeria and groom her until she's ready... to be shipped to obodo oyibo. If you're a man who laid your wife away in Nigeria, are currently laying her away, or if you're a woman who was laid away or is currently being laid away, I'd love to hear from you >> radio@verastic.com

5.  Of Demons And Of Demons: Has anyone ever wondered where there are more demons: Nigeria or America? I've wondered. I still don't know the answer. What's more potent? Juju or black magic? Vampires or witches? Please, don't contact me if you're a witch, a wizard, or a vampire. However, contact me if you have something knowledgeable to say on the issue  >> radio@verastic.com

6.  Originality: It may seem like all Nigerians work in the health, engineering, law, business, or social work field, but there are those who do uncommon jobs (ex: Barack Obama's chest massager)  I'd love to hear the uncommon job you do (and if you're aware of a job opening to become Barack Obama's personal massager, I'd lover the information, please) >> radio@verastic.com

7.  My Tribe Is Better Than Yours: You may believe your tribe is better than everyone else's. And that's fine with me --- as long as you come on air and talk to me about it --- with proof to back up your claim, of course >> radio@verastic.com

8.  Bad Career Wife: Is it actually possible to be a career woman AND a good wife, or are they mutually exclusive? Hey, don't look at me. My career is only beginning. Oh, and I'm not married either >> radio@verastic.com

9.  Personal Pesin: As much as we'd like to think it's easy, it actually isn't. Having a friend who is closer than a sister (or brother) is something that doesn't come easy --- especially among women. For this show, I'll need two friends who have been friends for at least 8 years >> radio@verastic.com

10.  Battle Of The Rings: Am I the only one who wants to know the significance of the engagement and promise rings? I know, I know. Their names are self explanatory. Well, not to me >> radio@verastic.com

11.  The Silent Killer: That's what they call heart disease. I'd appreciate a doctor (no, not a native one) telling us about heart disease. Most of us may be young, but it's never too early to know how to take care of our hearts >> radio@verastic.com

Seriously, talk to me >> radio@verastic.com 

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"Kill Me," Says Babangida

The more I hear and read from or about Babangida, the more pissed off I become. The nerves he has! You'd think that after all the atrocities he committed in Nigeria, he'd be too chicken to even reside in the country, but alas, that is not to be.

I watched a recent video interview of him on CNN, and speaking of the annulment of the 1993 election (you know, the one we all hate him for), he said, "[Nigerians] look back and in retrospect they say 'wait a minute, I think we judged him unfairly; we judged him harshly'" Uhm, excuse me?!?!?! What Nigerians is he talking about???

When asked if he ever apologized to the Nigerians (for annulling the votes of 1993), he said he told the Nigerians that his action was wrong.  And at exactly two minutes and four seconds (2:04) into this video, he said (talking to the Nigerians), "Don't kill anybody. Kill me."

Sooooooo....are you thinking what I'm thinking? 

Disclaimer: The words in quotes are the actual words of Babangida himself. Vera Ezimora does not take responsibility for the acts of anyone due to Babangida's words (or Vera's words  - written or verbal - in response to Babangida's words). In other words, kill (or attempt to kill) Babangida at your own risk.

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The Debaters Season II Begins

The Debaters is back!

"The Debaters", a TV reality show produced by Inspire Africa returns after a successful debut in 2009 in partnership with GTBank.

The talkmates on The Debaters

Watch our 14 Talkmates, a unique blend of 7 Ladies and 7 Gentlemen talk their way to fame and fortune in a bid to be crowned "The Debater of the year 2011".

Week after week, you will be able to view the debating prowess and follow the fortunes of these young, talented and motivated adults and future leaders as they discuss the pros and cons of important societal issues in Nigeria.

More than just a reality show, The Debaters allows viewers the unique opportunity to follow, week by week, the behind the scenes progress of the chosen Talkmates as they are groomed for success.

Watch "The Debaters" and vote to keep your favourite Talkmate in the Talk Academy.

Showing On:

Africa Magic: Saturdays 8pm

Silverbird Television: Sundays 8pm

Channels Television: Monday 7pm

For Video Clips, Please visit our YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Thedebatersng

Become a fan on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/TheDebaters

Follow us on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/TheDebaters

For more information on The Debaters please visit our website:

http://www.thedebaters-ng.com/

Oratory, the Power to Change!

Moments With Mo Election Specials

In view of the forthcoming general elections, Moments With Mo presents:

"Moments with Mo Election Specials"

Mo Abudu will be conducting issue based interviews with some of the presidential candidates in order to avail Nigerians with information that will enable us make informed decisions come the 2011 elections. 

Do you have any issue-based question for these candidates? Please post your questions here or email Mo at mo@inspire-africa.com

More about Moments With Mo

Tomorrow On Moments With Mo: Moments With Kufuor

The spotlight beams on the former Gold Coast, as Mo shares some golden moments with ex-president of Ghana, John Kufuor. John Kufuor takes us on a trip into his successful presidential reign, and life afterwards.

Exclusive interview

Mo and John Kufuor

Then, we look at some of the best sights and sounds from Ghana, also considered to be the Island of Peace, and we’re off on an exciting visit to the Monarchy of Ghana.  

Make it a date with us as we profile one from one of the most thriving democracies on the continent.

Watch this episode of Moments With Mo tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th 2010 on Mnet West Africa at 9:30pm.  If you miss it tomorrow, you can watch a repeat episode on Wednesday, September 29th 2010 at 2:00pm, and on Saturday, October 2nd 2010 (all on Mnet West Africa).  Happy viewing J

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Because Gay Nigerians DO Exist

Since I announced the upcoming show about the existence of gay Nigerians, I have been asked - both privately and publicly - about the details of the show.

1.  What do you mean, gay Nigerians?

2.  Are your co-hosts gay?

3.  Are they Nigerian-Nigerians or Akata-Nigerians?

4.  Are your co-hosts gay-gay or are they just experimenting? 

5.  They're gay? And they're Nigerians?

There's only one reason why I'm having this show on Saturday, and just like the name implies, it is because gay Nigerians do exist. But I can't tell you much more than that. I'm sure you'd rather hear it from my co-hosts mouths. Akwaeke Emezi and Abi will be live on the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio this Saturday at 10am U.S. Eastern. 

Listen live here

Time: 10am U.S. Eastern / 3pm Nigerian Time

E-mail: radio@verastic.com

Radio Call-In Number: 1.646.929.1905

General Number: 1.443.934.9039

If you have any questions concerning this show or any future shows, feel free to contact me through any of the means above. If you have a story you'd like to share or a comment you'd like to make, e-mail it before the show to radio@verastic.com

Disclaimer: Because this is a sensitive topic, I'm appealing to everyone to please be cordial and respectful when you call in to air your views. You're allowed to disagree with my co-hosts and/or their lifestyles, but you must be respectful about it. I'm promising to drop any caller that does otherwise. No hard feelings.

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Book Review: Oil, Politics, And Violence by Max Siollun

When I got this book, I was terrified. The two hundred and fifty-five pages, the title of the book (Oil, Politics, and Violence), and what seemed like a smaller than normal font that hugged the white pages, it all terrified me. When will I finish this book? The book wasn't about fictional characters with dynamic personalities. It wasn't a book with a plot full of suspense or drama. It was a book based on facts. Political facts. Nigerian political facts. Nigerian political facts on its military coups. Great. Could it get any worse?

But then I convinced myself that perhaps, I needed to read such a book. Maybe I needed to learn a bit about this beloved country of mine. Maybe I did need to know just a bit about the military coup culture. That's what I told myself. I don't know how much of it I believed, but I managed to convince myself that believed what I told myself.  And so, the reading the began.  

To say that this book is like nothing I have ever read would be a gross understatement. Everything I sought in a fiction novel - the drama, suspense, etc - were in this book, too. The only difference is that this was a true account. What was it, if not drama, when Mr. E. O. Oke shamelessly flung a chair during the Region House of Assembly meeting? And Mr. F. Ebubeduike, God bless him, followed suit by grabbing the speaker's mace AND trying to club the speaker with it. This was in 1962 (two years after our independence). Clearly, our problems started a long time ago.

In Nigeria, it turns out that the best way our leaders could think of dealing with a coup - whether it succeeded or failed - was to plan a counter coup. Yes, and look what mighty favor it has done us. Did you know that before the British people decided to "form" Nigeria, we (the people of Nigeria) couldn't be any more different from each other? We were a ticking time bomb, and I don't know if we have gone off yet. Culturally and religiously, we couldn't be more different. 

From the distrust among the Igbos, Yorubas, and Hausas for one another, it is evident that the issues we have today started a long, long time ago. But I did not know this prior to reading this book. For someone who almost did not give a hoot about Nigerian politics (or the coups that preceded it), this book has had quite an effect on me. It left me with a strange feeling of nostalgia, irritation, regret, anger, and enlightenment. I've even secretly pictured myself running for office! Sure, I'm pissed at the things that have happened, how they happened, why the happened, and the fact that they would have been avoided. But I now know more than I did. 

I'll sum it up: Max Siollun did an excellent job of delivering the happenings of Nigeria's infancy in my mind's eye and in my heart's head.  He has written the book in such a way that you cannot help but be flooded with some type of emotion, wishing and hoping that you were there because maybe, you would have made a difference. This book exposes our primitive thinking way(s). While we have evolved, started having better cell phone reception and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lagos, we're still just that - primitive.

Get the book. Read it. You're going to love it.

Visit Max Siollun's blog | Connect with Max Siollun on Facebook | Buy Oil, Politics, and Violence from Amazon US | Buy Oil, Politics, and Violence from Amazon UK | Buy Oil, Politics, and Violence from Amazon Canada | Buy Oil, Politics, and Violence from Amazon Germany  | Buy Oil, Politics, and Violence from Barnes and Noble.

To have your book, product, service, or event reviewed, contact me:

P. O. BOX 7893

Essex, MD 21221

United States of America

1.443.934.9039

reviews@verastic.com

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Tomorrow On Moments With Mo: Hot 50s!

If you think being 50 means life is over, then think again! For these men and women aged fifty and beyond, life is just beginning! Mo showcases men and women in their golden jubilee, who are glowing, and ageing gracefully. 

Then celebrity fitness instructor, Nike Oshinowo-Soleye, gives expert advice on nutrition, exercise, and the secrets behind blossoming throughout life.

Mo and Nike Oshinowo discuss nutrition and exercise

Mo and vibrant guests aged 50 and above

This episode will fascinate the old, give the young something to look forward to, and prove to be a real eye-opener! 

Watch this episode of Moments With Mo tomorrow, Tuesday, September 21st 2010 on Mnet West Africa at 9:30pm.  If you miss it tomorrow, you can watch a repeat episode on Wednesday, September 22nd 2010 at 2:00pm, and on Saturday, September 25th 2010 (all on Mnet West Africa).  Happy viewing J

The Single Married Man

There are men who are married, but apparently don't know they are married. Or maybe they know, but they don't really care that they are married. I think it's the latter. I'm sure that everyone and their mama has heard about cheating married men. Everyone probably knows at least one cheating married man. I don't know if every woman has been offered the position of mistress in the life of a married man.

A little while ago, I was offered that position. A very young married man offered me the position of mistress in his life. But he was kind enough to say that I should not worry about his wife because I have him (and I guess she doesn't?), that he would let me get married when I'm ready to, and that while he's not rich, he would still take care of me.

I was shocked. It was not the first time I was approached by a married man. It was, however, the first time that a married man clearly stated his marital status and his intentions for me. To further convince me, he told me that no man can stay with one woman because men are naturally polygamous. If God cannot give me a faithful man, then I'd rather be single for the rest of my life. That's what I told him - among other things. I still stand by it.

That said, the Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio resumes its regular schedule this Saturday. Are you excited? It appears I'm a bit nervous. Or maybe just overly excited. I even forgot to put up the weekly poll. Tune in this Saturday at 10am U.S. Eastern (3pm Nigerian Time) to listen to us live. Mustapha will be bringing his A-game on as my honorable co-host. You don't want to miss this.

Listen live here

Time: 10am U.S. Eastern / 3pm Nigerian Time

E-mail: radio@verastic.com

Radio call-in number: 1.646.929.1905

General number: 1.443.934.9039

If you have any questions concerning this show or any future shows, feel free to contact me through any of the means above. If you have a story you'd like to share or a comment you'd like to make, e-mail it before the show to radio@verastic.com

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Soooo... She Got Pulled Over

Mom was jejely driving when she got pulled over. Before she finished her story, I was ready to say, "I told you to stop driving like that!" My mom is notorious for giving people an almost-coronary-attack while she's driving. Let's just say her way of switching lanes and making turns are neither friendly to her SUV nor the passengers that let themselves be transported in it. But I digress.

Mom has been pulled over before, most times for driving above the speed limit. But this time, she was pulled over for something else. I'll quote the warning citation before I explain it.

"You have received a warning for the following violation(s):

DRIVING A VEHICLE WHILE A REMOVABLE WINDSHIELD PLACARD IS HANGING FROM THE INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR"

What it means: My mother was busy cruising around town with what you see below:

The culprits

And what that means, essentially, is that my mom was driving around town with a Hello Kitty stuffed face and a Winnie The Pooh face. Oh, and a rosary! Apparently, it is illegal to drive around with anything hanging on your rearview mirror. Seriously? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Maryland cops must have stolen the Jesus that used to be on my rearview mirror!

Since the offense on my mother's traffic violation warning has an actual code, I guess it is in fact a real offense.  Thank God it wasn't a ticket.  That said, I only have two questions:

1.  How many people know that this is an offense? I certainly did not. And lots of people - if not most - drive around with some kind of "removable windshield placard" hanging on their rearview mirror.

2.  How many people has this cop pulled over for this offense?

Mom's theory: Since it was a White cop who pulled her over, he clearly did it for the classic reason: DWB (Driving While Black). He had nothing else on her, so he decided to give her a warning for daring to drive with Hello Kitty and Winnie The Pooh hanging on her rearview mirror.

My first theory: Cops have a quota of how many traffic violation tickets and warnings they have to hand out each week/month/season/quarter. The cop that pulled my mom over clearly hadn't reached his quota and was desperately trying to do so.

My second theory: The cop that pulled mom over was a rookie (new) cop, had milk on his breadth, and he was just happy to exercise his new found power, pulling drivers over for whatever and handing tickets and warnings to them.

Oh, then there's this third theory: The cop noticed my mom from afar, instantly fell in love with her with her high yellow skin tone, and did what he could to speak to her.  He has since been camping outside our house, stalking his new found love, and daydreaming about their wedding in Africa. He just wishes he knew which animal he'd rather ride on for their wedding: an elephant or a hippo?

What say you?

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Tomorrow On Moments With Mo: No Boundaries

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, because you’re in for a surprise!

Mo features brave and courageous women who have broken barriers, and plunged head-long into places where only the strongest, fearless and bravest survive. 

Tope Oshin-Ogun (Tinsel Box Producer) & Nngest Likke (Director of Phat Gurlz) with Mo

Aero Contractors Flight Attendants & Mo

Discover the driving force behind these passionate women, and join Mo as she journeys from the life of a female mechanic, to a woman who derives passion from driving a tanker, to a woman who’s taking over the skies.

Tune in, and be inspired by the real stories of these brave every-day women. 

Watch this episode of Moments With Mo tomorrow, Tuesday, September 14th 2010 on Mnet West Africa at 9:30pm.  If you miss it tomorrow, you can watch a repeat episode on Wednesday, September 15th 2010 at 2:00pm, and on Saturday, September 18th 2010 (all on Mnet West Africa).  Happy viewing J

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Finally! I Got To Live A Life-Long Dream Of Mine

I'm not sure when this became a dream fantasy for me, but I have always wanted to pee in the men's bathroom. Several times, I've considered sneaking into the men's bathroom, but I have been too chicken to follow through, fearing that there may be too many men in there, and they will catch me and do me something. Reasonable fear, isn't it?

Well, on Tuesday, September 7th, I went somewhere. I have deliberately chosen to leave out the name of said place. You never know who might be reading. They just might have a surveillance clip of me in their custody, and next thing, I'm streaming live on YouTube, sneaking in and out of the men's bathroom with my eyes wide open, looking like a deer caught in a headlight.  But that's by the way.

So, I went somewhere on Tuesday, and just as I was about to exit the building, the urge to pee - which I had been ignoring - became intense, and I had to go back in. The first women's bathroom I found was locked. Desperate, I immediately attempted to enter the men's bathroom that was across it. It was locked too. I walked some more and found another set of bathrooms. This time, the women's bathroom was open, but I couldn't use it because it was being cleaned, and I was not allowed in there. Now very desperate, I looked around, no one was looking, so I sneaked into the men's bathroom!  

And this, my friends, is the very commode I squatted on. Don't worry, I wiped the extra pee I splashed on it.

The urinaries! I did consider peeing in one of them, but I wasn't sure how to position my v-jay-jay without having half the pee on myself. Tough one! Plus, I did fear someone would walk in, and I'd have no way of explaining myself.

Even their mirrors look just like ours! I had to position myself perfectly between them, so I don't appear in the picture.

Now that I've done this, I have to start planning how to live my next fantasy: having a male roommate ... even if it's just for a weekend.

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Vampire Shit

Have you ever had that kind of shit that vows it must tear your butt hole before it makes its grand exit? It's very hard and  very long. Please, get your mind out of the gutter. It's so hard to come out that you have to hold both ankles just to give yourself the illusion that the shit is suddenly sliding out better.  The difficulty with which it forces its way out makes your eyes water. You yelp out, moan, and groan --- not for pleasure, but for pain. 

It's that kind of shit that while you're at it, you beg God for forgiveness and promise swear that you will never, ever, ever disobey His word again, that you'll go to church three times a week, that you'll become a better worker in church, and that you'll evangelize His goodness to the world.  


It's the kind of shit that has everybody in the house spitting and saying, "Hmm! Tufia kwa!" as they walk around. They ask, "What did you do in that toilet? It stinks!" It's the kind of shit that stinks so bad that you don't even bother using an air freshener. Why bother?  When you get up from the commode and stir back at the object of your misery, you are filled with shock, confusion, excitement, and trepidation. A fleeting thought passes by: maybe you should take a picture and put it on Twitter. Those folks would love to see anything. You quickly dismiss the thought.


I call it the vampire shit.  Have you ever had that kind of shit? 


No?


Me neither. Just thought I'd ask.

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Tomorrow On Moments With Mo: Is This Love?

Children are adorable, aren’t they? But when these precious little angels go from cute and cuddly to mischievous and naughty, what do you do to instil discipline? And how far is too far?  In this episode, Mo tackles one of the most sensitive issues in the world – disciplining children.

Listen as celebrities talk about their upbringing, and share their fascinating views on raising kids. Then, we critically examine corporal punishment and attempt to answer the ultimate questions: Should children be raised with more love or more discipline? Should kids learn the hard way or the easy way? Does this make or mar them? How do we find a balance in raising our children?

Mo and Radio Presenter YAW discuss his upbringing and how it shaped him.

Mo speaks with Charly Boy on his upbringing and his views on raising kids.

If you are a parent, an aspiring parent, or you’ve ever had to baby-sit a child, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss! 

Watch this episode of Moments With Mo tomorrow, Tuesday, September 7th 2010 on Mnet West Africa at 9:30pm.  If you miss it tomorrow, you can watch a repeat episode on Wednesday, September 8th 2010 at 2:00pm, and on Saturday, September 11th 2010 (all on Mnet West Africa).  Happy viewing J

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Of Course, You May Get Divorced

But....

You must refund my money! I have attended a lot of weddings. I am shocked and perplexed whenever someone tells me that he/she has never been to a wedding since they came to America donkey years ago. Each year, I attend at least three weddings.  Attending weddings can be expensive, depending on who the couple is and your participation level in the wedding. Let me break it down. The boxes represent the cost.

Category	Wedding outfit	Asoebi	Gift	Money to throw while they’re dancing	Misc.	Total
Going as part of the wedding party (bridesmaid/groomsman)
Going as a family member
Going as a close friend
Going strictly as a guest
Going as a guest’s guest

In case you did not notice, going as a guest's guest costs nothing --- unless you want it to. I have attended weddings as all of the above, and attending as part of the wedding party has been the most expensive for me. It's understandable. I'm not complaining (about the financial cost).

The problem is that the divorce/separation rate among Nigerians has been on a steady rise, and I take personal offense to it. Why? Because I spent my money to attend their wedding, damn it! I look left, right, and center, and people are getting divorced, separated, or being given eviction notices from their matrimonial homes.

Henceforth, I am stating publicly: If I attended your wedding and spent a dime for/at it, you may get divorced, but at the time of your divorce, I want a complete refund of all my money --- plus interest.  Gbam! Let no one say I did not say it.

*** In other news, Verastically Speakin' Talk Radio would be making a bold come-back on Saturday, September 18th at its usual time (10am U.S. Eastern/ 3pm Nigerian Time). We'll be talking about the Single Married Man. Mustapha will be co-hosting. Set your reminder.

*** In other, other news, I saw the movie Piranha yesterday, and I am now a firm believer that there does exist something more ferocious than the fury of a woman scorned. The way that man's penis was chewed and spat out, Lorena Bobbitt was just an appetizer. The preview is below.

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