Robtakes

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 16th July, as I listened to OAPs Sholz and Ifeanyi Atama transmit through the airwaves their excitement over the news that Beyoncé would be working with Nigerian artists Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Mr Eazi in the music production for The Lion King movie, I remembered this conversation I heard about the lion king a long, a…

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What is it about giving that gives givers the edge? What is it about giving that gives givers the top crest of pleasures? Does it have anything to do with what they know? That the best fruits are often plucked for us by others? Grandpa Aminu Dantata has given quite a lot away over the years but why he would give away the first Mercedes…

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Can we redirect all that energy? Can we redirect all that ingenuity? Can we change the narrative to something more in line with our once cherished values? Something more in line with the dignity of labour and the virtue of delayed gratification? For those who do not know, Yahoo-Yahoo is the name of one of the dominant evils of our time. It is the phenomenon…

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When asked by The Elder, played by Said Taghamaoi, in the movie, John Wick, Chapter 3, if he wished to live for the memory of love, John Wick answered that he wished for a chance to earn it. A chance to earn the memory of love. He spoke of love but we saw nothing but anger, brute force and almost an unprecedented level of callousness…

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When news filtered into town recently that Ebola was planning to make another appearance, fear began to flex its muscles because of how freely it roams when the monster is in town. So naturally, I went looking for any of my neighbours who provide pleasant company. Inspired by the remarkable sacrifice made by Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, and fully convinced that her life itself was…

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Serena Williams, or Coco Gauff, for that matter should not have been allowed to play the Wimbledon 2019 Championships. And this has nothing to do with the colours of their skin, for those who are quick to judge an individual simply by the colour of their skin. Serena should not have been allowed to pocket almost 1.2million pounds as her winning prize, being the runner-up…

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When is a parent’s work done? When does a parent get the feeling that all the efforts, struggles and challenges that come with looking after nature’s best gifts have been worthwhile? Here is the answer: When they see, hear or receive information that former toddlers and once helpless infants are continuing their most prized traditions. Independently. When parents with traditions of diligence, faith, patience, service,…

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British-Japanese writer and Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro could easily make Nigeria the third country that may authentically lay claim to him, for how so aptly his book, The Buried Giant, explains much of the Nigerian condition, especially prevailing conditions of the moment. By the way, why did he use giant, one of the dominant motifs long associated with Nigeria? The Buried Giant is extremely relevant…

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Many, many years ago, late Emir Ado Bayero who reigned as king in the ancient city of Kano, taught his lieutenants, and some guests an important lesson about discretion. The non-verbal lesson left a profound impression on the lieutenants and everyone present in the palace on the day. In those days, many successful business persons in the ancient town who recognized the important role played…

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“If you don’t want to have anything to do with me, don’t breathe my air” “What is that supposed to mean?” “Exactly what you understand it to mean.” “Your air? Do you hear yourself?” “Loud and clear.” “I should not breathe your air.” “Are you talking to me?” “It is too early in the day.” “What are you implying? Do you think I do not…

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