First of all, our education system must shift from a Western-centric perspective to one that reflects our own values, beliefs, traditions, history, and heroes. I don’t want my entire education to revolve around Abraham Lincoln, Aristotle, Karl Marx, or Thomas Hobbes, while African giants like Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Joshua Nkomo, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o are ignored or footnoted.”

“What’s happening in Iran clearly shows that the Western world doesn’t actually give a damn about the democracy they claim to cherish. Stand in their way, and you’ll be crushed, directly or indirectly. The double standards between Iran and Israel are eye-opening.”

“African writers and pro-African books remain largely inaccessible. Our intellectual liberation is being suffocated not just by economic barriers but by systems that decide whose voices are worth hearing and whose should be silenced.

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Oh babe, I remember the first day I laid eyes on you.
You were just like every other beautiful girl,
Your tiny eyelids, delicate like a unicorn’s,
Your soft, radiant smile, as gentle as a dove.

Every part of you seemed carefully crafted,
Yet that alone didn’t make you unique.
There are millions of girls with stunning beauty,
But then—I saw through your heart.

That’s when I realized…
I had seen an angel without wings,
A diamond hidden in the depths of a dungeon.
I only hope you’ll be my light when the darkness comes.

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If you enjoy reading, you may have come across something online that depicts your life, even though the writer is unaware of your existence. When we are familiar with a writer, we attempt to relate their work to our own lives, imagining that they are writing about us. However, the truth is that we have all encountered similar experiences, allowing us to find connections where they may not truly exist. Writing is an art that has the power to communicate with everyone, even without directly addressing any one individual. Personally, I have a fondness for writing that surpasses my love for speaking.

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Greetings, 2024!

Life, by nature, is an unpredictable journey,
And you have arrived gracefully, like a gentle white dove.
You have nested at the doorstep of every soul,
As we bid farewell to the year that has passed.

You whisper sweetly to each of us,
As we feel the anticipation of your arrival.
Just as we did in 2023, we have set new resolutions,
Some fulfilled, while others remain works in progress.

I hope you bring with you a bountiful basket of joy,
And a suitcase filled with sweet moments.
I believe you will touch our lives with tenderness and care.

May those who shed tears in 2023 find reasons to laugh in 2024,
May those facing financial struggles find stability,
And may those who welcomed new life in 2023 find the means to nurture their loved ones.

These are my heartfelt wishes for you, dear 2024.
Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year!

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A Tribute to 2023: Embracing Life's Ups and Downs

Dear 2023, you appeared in our lives like a vibrant rainbow in the sky. It feels like just yesterday when we joyfully exclaimed "Happy New Year," eagerly anticipating the unknown future that lay ahead. We hoped that you would grant us our deepest desires and aspirations.

I cannot deny that you offered us both joys and challenges, for such is the essence of life. The unpredictability of our journey is what gives it meaning and purpose. Some experienced losses and gains, while others experienced gains and losses. And those who never experienced gains still found solace in the gift of life, expressing gratitude with heartfelt "Alhamdulillah."

Personally, you bestowed upon me a precious gift that I will forever cherish and hold dear. You granted me the gift of life, a life flowing within my very own veins. As you now become a part of the past, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Thank you, 2023.

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My first enchanting abode
It was as serene as a dreamy escape
Though dim like a cozy nook in my chamber
Inside, it radiated a warmth like a gentle embrace
The temperature was never too chilly or scorching
Though it was a solitary sanctuary
But occasionally, I would feel a soothing touch
A touch that glides tenderly through my body
At times, I would hear the whispers of guidance
As if the divine itself whispered in my ear
My first home is not just a dwelling, but a universe
A universe that resides within a soul
A realm where there is no agony or despair
A world where there is no strife
A realm where I feast upon my desires
And reject what I detest effortlessly
A pristine sanctuary where sin has no place
Whether heaven be a figment or a reality
My first home is the closest resemblance
My mother's womb is my celestial haven
A place I long to return to one day
The nurturer, protector, and sustainer
For your mother is your first glimpse of heaven.

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The quality of a restaurant is not determined by its fancy furniture, but rather by the quality of the food it serves. Similarly, a man's worth should not be judged solely by his appearance, but rather by his vision and how he treats others. Likewise, a woman's value should not be measured by physical attributes, but rather by the peace and comfort she brings to those around her.
✌️

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Regardless of how you choose to live your life, whether it be in a quiet, calm, noisy, humble, arrogant, or virtuous manner, there will always be people who criticize your lifestyle and personality. However, it is important to remember that you should not change who you are just to please someone else's idea of who you should be.

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As we age, our progress and development may not be as rapid or substantial as it was in our youth. However, the growth and development that occurs later in life can be even more significant. For instance, it may take a baby 22 years to reach a height of 6 feet, but maintaining that height for the remainder of their lifespan, while also experiencing changes like growing beards, grey hairs, and loss of skin elasticity.

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Many things we got cheap appeared cheap because we couldn't see the true value of what we got, while we tend to value the cheap things we bought just because we overpaid or because they were polished to look expensive. Remember, not all that glitters is gold.

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