‘The best things in life are free…’ (well sort of): 5 things I am thankful for during Lockdown

It has been a crazy time in the world of late. As if we are seemingly moving from one pandemic to another. First COVID-19, then racism (an accumulation of hundreds of years of racial injustice, but in this present season, triggered by the death of George Floyd in the States). Who knows just what is … Continue reading ‘The best things in life are free…’ (well sort of): 5 things I am thankful for during Lockdown

“I’ve had enough” – part-time precarious work, poverty and the London experience

I recently had my hair braided at an ‘Aunty’s’ house. The woman who does it is comfortably into her late 50s, possibly older and I call her Aunty by default. We are not related but, as is customary in West African cultures, I would never dare address her on first name terms so Aunty it … Continue reading “I’ve had enough” – part-time precarious work, poverty and the London experience

‘I can take the cold weather but I can’t take cold hearts’ – Tom

It was a crisp, autumnal morning and the skies were slightly overcast, threatening rain. The day started off seemingly uneventful; the usual morning commute comprising a leisurely stroll to the office – providing necessary thinking time – whilst also drinking in the scenery of this beautifully historic part of London. But as I walked through … Continue reading ‘I can take the cold weather but I can’t take cold hearts’ – Tom

Don’t give me tat!

Having spent numerous afternoons sorting through donations in a charity shop as a child, I was always amazed by the things people would give ranging from high quality goods to pure junk. Last summer I was sifting through items to be sent to refugees in Calais, France along with some other volunteers. Many useful things … Continue reading Don’t give me tat!

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Nigerian party gifts

We Nigerians are a generous bunch; whether it is a wedding or a funeral, we enjoy giving gifts to our guests. Our generosity is legendary simply because the range of commemorative goodies given at parties range from the sublime to the utterly ridiculous. My uncle and I recently spoke about the most memorable random gifts we have … Continue reading Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Nigerian party gifts