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...

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 ...

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 ...

There’s something about the thrill of storytelling from behind the scenes. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of words, how they can shape perspectives, mold opinions, and inspire change. And yet, in a world that craves visibility and spotlights, my journey as a communications professional has led me down a different path—the quiet, powerful one of being unseen. I remember my early years. A young graduate, fresh-faced and eager to make a name in broadcast journalism. My dream? To be the face people saw on the nightly news, delivering stories that mattered. I had no idea that my true calling wasn’t in front of the camera, but behind it, crafting narratives, writing press releases, and shaping the reputation of organizations. September 26th, 2024—another day where my profession demands the art of being heard without being seen. A high-stakes media activity looms. It’s my role to craft the message and ensure the right tone is set. All eyes will be on the Institution, but it’...

Yesterday started like any other day: with the quiet hum of anticipation in the air and a to-do list that could make the most seasoned multitasker shudder. I inhaled deeply, knowing I was about to dive into the deep end of a jam-packed day, juggling hats like a magician in the middle of a Vegas show. But hey, when you're The Journalist Next Door, that’s just another Tuesday. It all kicked off with the Editorial Meeting. Ah, yes, the meeting where every voice is louder than the last, and opinions fly faster than you can catch them. We sat around the proverbial round table, each of us armed with ideas, insights, and a burning desire to have the best story pitch of the week. The pressure? Palpable. The excitement? Even more so. Picture this: a cacophony of ideas clashing like cymbals in an overzealous orchestra, everyone trying to outshine the next. What story should we spotlight? Who’s got the best angle? What fresh spin can we put on the same old, same old? My brain was doing me...

The life of a journalist is literarily a life of service....So, yesterday started off like most workdays, calm and quiet. After a light breakfast,i got off to preparing mentally for the day ahead. The stillness of the morning was a welcome buffer before the assignments would inevitably start flooding in. By 8:30 AM, had long reprted at work after dropping off the kids at school and I was right in front of my computer, several pages open, scanning through a sea of to-do items. Media inquiries, event invitations, follow-ups from PR pitches—each demanding attention. I tackled the most pressing ones first, carefully responding to reporters needing more information about a press release I had earlier sent. With each response sent, I felt the weight of the inbox lighten, if only slightly. Once the emails were under control, it was time to shift gears. The previous day’s event at the University needed to be transformed into a news story. I began weaving the narrative, ensuring it would cap...

In a world dominated by digital streaming services, where entire music libraries are just a click away, it’s surprising to witness the resurgence of vinyl records. Yes, those large, round discs that once collected dust in basements and attics are making a comeback, and not just as vintage relics but as coveted items for music lovers, collectors, and audiophiles alike. What’s fueling this vinyl renaissance? For starters, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about holding a physical record, slipping it out of its sleeve, and placing it on a turntable. Unlike the instant gratification of a streaming playlist, vinyl demands patience. You have to flip it over halfway through, and there’s no "skip" button to leap from track to track. This tangible experience is a refreshing contrast to the ephemeral nature of digital music. Then there’s the sound. Vinyl records are prized for their "warmth"—that slightly imperfect, analog quality that audiophiles claim digital music ...

The Power of Strategic Communication in Nigeria: A Subtle Shift... Imagine this: You wake up one morning to find that your phone is buzzing with alerts from Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. A story is spreading like wildfire—something about a new policy, an upcoming election, or perhaps, a health scare. The details are unclear, the sources uncertain. But before you even have time to check the facts, your friends and family are discussing it, sharing it, reacting to it. This is the reality we face today in Nigeria. Our digital world moves faster than ever, and information—both true and false—travels at lightning speed. In a country with over 100 million internet users, communication has become more than just sending a message; it’s now a powerful tool capable of shaping public opinion and, in some cases, influencing decisions at the highest levels. Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. When the virus first hit, there was a flood of information—some of it helpful, some of i...

THE JOURNALIST NEXT DOOR IS BACK! Seven years. Seven years of growth, discovery, and invaluable experience. Now, the wait is over. It’s time to announce my return to blogging, with a renewed passion and perspective. This journey has been anything but ordinary—stepping back has allowed me to dive deeper into the intricate world of communications and protocol, honing skills that I’m eager to share with you all once again. From corporate communications to crisis management, the landscape has evolved—and so have I. Welcome back to “Journalist Next Door,” a space where stories come alive through the lens of my 15-year career in media relations, public relations, and content creation. This blog will once again serve as a window into the world of strategic communications, where the balance of words and actions can make or break reputations, relationships, and industries. Join me as I explore the fine art of professional storytelling, dissect the nuances of effective communication in ...