MEXY'S PLACE

In the heart of Lagos, seven middle-aged women, jolly good friends from a certain Estate united for a fun night. Life had taken them down varied paths—corporate managers, homemakers and entrepreneurs—but they held their bond fiercely. This time, they were together to celebrate Adanna’s 50th birthday (fictional name and age, but true story). A club night had been the unanimous choice, something to bring back the zest of their younger days. Days of planning went into this night, with contributions pulled from spouses and mutual friends. When the funds were gathered, they decided they could afford one of the biggest clubs in Lagos but had to be thrifty on the actual spending. The choice was made: they’d secure a cabana, order bottles of wine, some plates of spicy chicken suya, and some bottled water. The grandeur was set, and for that night, they would be "big girls" in Lagos. What they didn’t know however was that their thoughts were mere dreams of what was to be and not th...

Yesterday, I found myself staring at a long list of urgent assignments on my desk. Each one demanded immediate attention, requiring quick responses and decisive action. In the world of mass communication, this is a familiar scenario—information needs to be delivered promptly, and the pressure to stay ahead can be immense. But, as I worked through those tasks, I was reminded of a crucial truth: speed must never come at the expense of credibility. The challenge of balancing urgency with believability is one I’ve learned to navigate. It wasn’t just about completing the tasks on my list but ensuring that every output was trustworthy and accurate. In the rush to meet deadlines, it’s tempting to push through without taking the necessary steps to verify facts or cross-check details. However, this could lead to misinformation or a loss of trust—two things no communicator can afford. Yesterday was a prime example of what mass communication demands today: efficiency paired with credibility. I ha...

In communication, emotional intelligence (#EI) plays a pivotal role in shaping how messages are conveyed, received, and understood. It goes beyond verbal and non-verbal skills, tapping into the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both our own and those of others. High emotional intelligence allows communicators to navigate complex interactions, build stronger relationships, and mitigate conflicts. A key component of EI in communication is self-awareness. When we are attuned to our emotions, we can better control how we express ourselves, avoiding reactive or defensive behaviors that can distort the intended message. This, in turn, helps to foster an environment of open dialogue and mutual respect. Equally important is empathy—the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathetic communicators listen not just to words but to emotions, enabling them to respond in ways that acknowledge and validate the other party's perspective. This enhances...

In the world of #communication, especially in the #media, #PR, and #event planning sectors, we often prepare meticulously, striving to anticipate every scenario. We craft talking points, draft speeches, and rehearse our lines, all in the hopes that everything will unfold seamlessly. Yet, even with the most careful planning, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. That’s when the magic of unscripted moments happens—the moments that require adaptability, spontaneity, and quick thinking. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in my years as a communications #professional is that not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay. In fact, some of the most impactful moments I’ve witnessed or been part of were entirely unplanned, happening in those instances when the script went out the window, and we were forced to adapt on the fly. Take, for example, an event I was covering recently. It was a high-profile #ceremony with numerous #speakers, all following a carefully outlin...

The morning began like any other in Akure, but for me, it was a whirlwind from the moment my boss stepped into the office. I barely had time to settle in after the Morning Prayer, let alone grab breakfast. Just as I was organizing my thoughts for the day, he calls me into his office. "I need you to cover the opening ceremony of a training programme. It starts at 10; I mean 10 for 10" he said, urgency in his voice. I was taken aback. What programme might this be I wondered but there was no answer. This wasn’t on my agenda, but I knew better than to hesitate. So immediately I consented. In quick strides, I gathered my notepad, pen, and personal effects, making a mental checklist of everything I needed and dashed to gather my team. As I dashed out the door, I could feel the familiar excitement of an unexpected assignment coursing through me. The air was thick with humidity, and I knew rain was on the way in accordance with the predictions of the weather forecast. Upon arriving ...

In my professional world where many chase the spotlight, I discovered early in my career that I shine brightest behind the scenes.  The allure of broadcast journalism once called my name, but as I matured professionally, I found that my strength lay not in front of the camera but in orchestrating the magic from the background.  My journey into public relations and corporate communications began as a curious detour, but soon, it became clear that this was where I was meant to carve my niche. I thrive in the delicate balance of planning and management, ensuring everything runs smoothly while remaining invisible to the untrained eye. Whether it is drafting administrative write-ups, managing events, or bridging the gap in times of crisis, I’ve come to understand that the real work often happens away from the spotlight.  The success of every public-facing moment relies on the quiet diligence behind it. That’s where I come in. Working in the education sector, partic...

The pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey. As I reflect on the professional I want to become, I envision a career rooted in purpose, driven by passion, and marked by impactful contributions to the organizations and individuals I serve. Using my own career journey as a reference point, this article highlights the key aspects of the professional I strive to be. Mastery through Experience  With several years of experience in Corporate Communications and Protocol, I’ve come to appreciate the breadth of skills required in this dynamic field. From media relations to crisis management, each challenge has refined my expertise. However, mastery is never fully achieved—it’s a continuous process. The professional I want to be is someone who never stops evolving, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. Whether in the education sector where I currently lead a team, or in any other domain, I want to ensure that my foundation remains strong, while I adapt to the changing ...

In the fast-paced world of corporate communication, mistakes can happen every  now and then.  Have you ever been in a situation  when a seemingly minor oversight quickly spirals into a full-blown crisis? For instance, during a major a event, a press release was sent out prematurely, containing incorrect information about a key speaker. The media caught on, and within hours, your establishment was facing a whirlwind of inquiries. The error wasn’t just embarrassing; it threatened the credibility you had painstakingly built. The first step is to acknowledge the mistake, both internally and publicly. Rather than making excuses, then issue a swift retraction, coupled with an apology to stakeholders and the media. Transparency should become your shield. Also follow up with a corrected release and contact key journalists to ensure the accurate information is disseminated. Behind the scene, analyze how the error occurred, and implement stronger checks to prevent futur...

This weekend has been one for the books, with the rain starting its gentle descent yesterday evening and refusing to let up since. After days of scorching heat and relentless humidity, the cool, calming showers are more than welcome. It’s as though nature has heard our collective sighs of frustration and decided to offer a moment of respite, turning our weekend into a cozy, stay-indoors affair. Waking up to the rhythmic sound of raindrops dancing on rooftops is one of life’s underrated pleasures. There’s a special kind of serenity that comes with it, as if the world outside is wrapped in a soft, damp blanket. The glaring rays of the sun are gone today, replaced with a gentle, consistent drizzle that has kept us inside for hours on end, not that I am complaining though..lol. For many of us, the rain is an opportunity to unwind. It's the perfect excuse to huddle under blankets, catch up on long-overdue reading, or binge-watch that TV series we’ve been meaning to. The usual weekend...

Once upon a time, in a bustling village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a young woman named Laila. Laila was born into a humble family, where her parents toiled daily to provide for their children. Growing up, she watched others her age dream big, but many allowed their circumstances to dictate their futures. They often blamed fate or misfortune when things didn’t go as planned. THE LEAP: Laila, however, believed differently. From a young age, she understood that life was a series of choices. She didn’t have control over where she was born or the challenges she faced, but she knew she could choose how to respond to them. Instead of lamenting her humble beginnings, Laila focused on the small actions she could take each day. She studied hard, sought out mentors, and learned from every experience, good or bad. THE PAY OFF: As she grew older, her efforts paid off. Laila became a respected leader in her community, known for her wisdom and resilience. Many came to her ...

Building a successful career is often about persistence, learning, and adapting, especially in those early days when everything feels unfamiliar. I remember when I resumed work years ago, still somewhat "grey" despite my prior experiences at various places: a brief stint at NTA, the Public Relations Unit of a State University, a telecommunications company as a Marketing Officer, and even as Advert Manager of a small newspaper publishing firm. Those roles had prepared me, but the terrain still felt new. I never allowed myself to be idle. Even while pursuing further academic qualifications to better fit into my vision of becoming a high-flying PR professional, I was always striving to learn more, pushing myself beyond my limits. I wanted to be ready for the challenges that came with the path I had chosen. One aspect that truly tested me was writing. There are many types and styles of writing, and I quickly learned that in a professional setting, your editor holds the final say...

A SURVIVOR'S BEAUTY: THE STRENGTH OF WOMEN WHO EMBRACE THEIR SCARS  For many women, the journey to motherhood is one of love, anticipation, and hope. However, for some, it’s also marked by surgeries, pain, and an overwhelming sense of resilience. These women bear scars that tell stories of strength, determination, and the joy of bringing life into the world. One such woman is a mother of two who has undergone two Cesarean sections (CS) and a fibroid surgery. For her, these experiences are not just memories of medical procedures but reminders of the life-altering decisions she made to ensure the safety and well-being of her children. She wears her scars like a badge of honor, calling them her “beauty logo.” These marks of survival and motherhood serve as daily affirmations of her inner strength. Like many women who undergo C-sections, she faced the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with major surgery. The decision to deliver via CS was not always in her hands but was th...

Independence Day, for most nations, symbolizes a time of great celebration, patriotism, and reflection on the sacrifices made for freedom. It is an annual reminder of the journey from colonialism to self-governance, a victory over oppression, and an opportunity to unite citizens around a shared history and future aspirations. In Nigeria, October 1 marks this historic event, commemorating the nation's independence from British colonial rule in 1960. However, despite the significance of the day, there is a palpable quietness that pervades the atmosphere, a subdued mood often far removed from the jubilation seen in other nations. This reality begs the question: why is Independence Day, in Nigeria, often met with a sense of apathy and quiet? The answer lies in what many have come to refer to as "The Nigerian Factor." The Nigerian Factor: An Impediment to National Pride The term "Nigerian Factor" is often used to describe a multitude of systemic challenge...