MEXY'S PLACE

Sunday started with high hopes and eager energy as I rallied the kids for a family project—processing garri from cassava harvested right from our small farm. It was supposed to be a fun, bonding experience, teaching them the age-old tradition of turning cassava into one of our favorite staples. Little did I know, the day would take a very different turn. The first few steps went smoothly, almost too smoothly. The cassava had been harvested for us and we peeled them with a sense of accomplishment, and tossed the tubers into water, feeling like seasoned farmers. Next came washing, then blending. Yes! I meant blending. We chopped them into small pieces and blended them at home with our blender, then went ahead to squeeze out the water with all the excitement in a properly washed pillowcase (we didn’t have the appropriate sac). The fermentation stage passed days before without drama, and by mid-afternoon of Sunday, we were ready for the final step—frying the cassava into garri. My yo...

Friday was one of those rare, calm days in my world of Corporate Communications. It’s not often that I get a day with fewer meetings, but when it happens, I know it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on all the news stories waiting to be polished and published. With the university’s biggest event just around the corner, this quiet felt like the calm before the storm. The first half of the day was spent at my desk, immersed in edits. It’s funny how even on a less busy day, the work piles up in different forms. A colleague sent over a draft press release that needed sharpening, while another forwarded an article that just didn’t have the right tone yet. The joy, though, is in refining those pieces—finding the right words that will capture the essence of the university's achievements. As the minutes rolled by, I ticked off one task after another, sipping soda and enjoying the steady hum of a day. In the back of my mind, I knew this won’t last long—the preparations for the upcomi...

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 typical day in the world of a corporate communications professional—busy, filled with deadlines, and buzzing with the constant hum of ideas waiting to be transformed into impactful content. But unlike most days, I felt the twinge of fever creeping up as I started my work. Still, there was no room to pause; the show had to go on. I had content to create and post—social media waits for no one, and neither do the audiences we constantly strive to engage. Juggling a fever while crafting engaging posts and captions felt like running a marathon uphill, but the work needed to be done. Each piece of content carried its own weight, demanding attention to detail and creativity. I pushed through, determined not to let my body dictate the pace of my mind. As if that wasn’t enough, there was administrative paperwork waiting for me—documents that needed signing, memos to draft, and reports to finalize. My desk was a battlefield of papers and files, all with urgen...

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 ...

...was too tired to share last night I just plunged in my bed and in no time I was asleep. I had a pretty early day...got the kids ready and dropped them off at school. People had started settling in to work when I arrived to the news of one of my favourite's redeployment from my Unit. Really, it took me time to accept it and guess what, it affected my mood instantly, so much that my colleagues began to ask me what was wrong but I couldn't furnish them with answers as the establishment's management had the right to deploy and redeploy anyone at anytime and to any Unit...lol. So I worked hard at looking bright, had a soft make over and began chatting people up. I had been selected on the team to receive the Resource Verification Team from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria and yes it was good timing so I ran off. The stairs to the Chief Executive's office no be here o. So we climbed amidst lamentations. Arrived the venue of the first meeting panting. Waited to...

OK, so seriously i have been on my toes since I ran off. Didn't remember to mention there was an inaugural lecture in the offing, you know the one now? The one where a professor gives his official presentation and contribution to knowledge from earlier and ongoing research abi?...good, that one. So I was billed to cover the lecture alongside my colleagues and as usual was scheduled to attend to members of the fourth estate of the realm from outside my establishment. Hmmm, na so o. Off I went and out into the Unit's shuttle vehicle like a lightening bolt as I was running behind time. In Nigerian term, sharply I was there and began putting my "house" in order as time ticked away quickly. Suddenly, from my well  positioned corner my boss flags me and its few minutes to when the procession makes its way in. I rush up and he calls me by my first name...when he does that he wants something he believes in me for. So I knew at once I had to deliver on this one. The thing is t...

Giggling and swiveling in my chair...Ok, so we resumed work officially today, exactly 6 months 3 days after a heated industrial action at my establishment. Don't get it twisted o, I have been on essential duty so I have been going to work in an IDP camp, lol, if you know what I mean. Approaching the office was a huge scare only for one reason...the junk factor. The office had over the months become a den of insects and  a dung of dust and greeted us with suffocation. The environmental exercise began, sweeping, dusting, packing, fitting and replacing items that had been taken to our temporal work place. Had been standing and hanging around just before the prayer session began...! Oops, duty calls...be back

Join @inspiringworkingwomen on the 24th of June as we give out 1,000 cartons of noodles to the needy. You can donate boxes of Noodles to support the cause but we enjoin you DO IT YOURSELF. Light the candle of a hopeless hungry family near you with just one carton of noodles. Any brand is fine. Just do it!!! #NoodlesForAFamily #IWW #InspiringWorkingWomen # FeedTheHungry

Its my first day at work after a week of rest or do I say recovery. Trust me I was completely defenceless before the flu that had me through the previous week and I get to the office and people are either steering at me or asking me what I brought back from my trip. Really? Its only in this part of the world that people don't bother about other people's welfare. Let me take u down a little bit of history so you'll understand where am coming from. We are 15 permanent personnel and 3 interns, a total of 18 in my office. Only 2 sort me and called or visited while I was away. Lesson: humans fail but God doesn't/won't. So, I enter the office and the rants heighten. Some of where have you been, others of what did you bring, only my boss' tone differed. It was one of how are you now? Well rested? Fully recovered? I was grateful for that. So as the voices continued to sting my already flu affected head I almost lost my cool and began explaining how unkind they had been ...

Nigeria is going through a recession now. This is the time to help someone out! Things are rough for a lot of people, even the ones one may think are rich or doing well. If you can help someone please do. This is the time to help your gateman pay a child or all his childrens school fees. This is the time to give him some food items - rice, garri, yam, beans, plantain etc. This also goes for your maid, give her some transport money if she/ he isn't a live-in. Increase your domestic staff's salary. If you have unlimited data, share your WiFi with your neighbours. Buy that colleague lunch. He or she is probably not dieting, they just can't afford it. Give some colleagues a lift even if to a certain point. Buy your friend petrol for his or her car and or generator. He's not walking because he wants to exercise. Give that Uncle or Auntie N10k, they're probably in dire circumstances hence they're ringing off your phone. Patronise farmers if you can. It's che...

All around the world over 750 million people go to bed hungry every day. The majority of these people are women and children, who are trapped in extreme hunger and poverty. Some of these people live in your neighborhood. With just £15, with $20, with #5000 naira, you can put a smile on the faces of 10 people this Christmas. I am challenging you to treat the hungry and destitute in your neighborhood this season to a home cooked meal or buy them some groceries. MARGARET MEAD said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world". And I say to you let's change the world together starting with one street, one neighbourhood, one community at a time. It begins with you!!! If you are taking the challenge please comment with : Inspired #iww #inspiringworkingwomen #feedthehungrychallenge. Please share and spread the word. see: https://web.facebook.com/uloma.benmella/videos/10154668742529534/

John 1vs1...In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God...

A strong work ethic is vital to a company achieving its goals. Every employee, from the CEO to entry-level workers, must have a good work ethic to keep the company functioning at its peak. A work ethic is a set of moral principals an employee uses in his job. Certain factors come together to create a strong work ethic. Integrity Integrity stretches to all aspects of an employee's job. An employee with integrity fosters trusting relationships with clients, coworkers and supervisors. Coworkers value the employee's ability to give honest feedback. Clients trust the employee's advice. Supervisors rely on the employee's high moral standards, trusting him not to steal from the company or create problems. Sense of Responsibility A strong sense of responsibility affects how an employee works and the amount of work she does. When the employee feels personally responsible for her job performance, she shows up on time, puts in her best effort and completes projects to the best...

Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, the Deji of Akure has condemned the placing of fetish objects at the Secretariat of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Akure on Monday morning. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Michael Adeyeye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deji on Monday. He condemned the attitude of those who sealed the entrance of the party secretariat with palm fronds which is the traditional means of sealing-off premises in Akureland. “The sacrilegious act carried out at the Ondo State Secretariat of the All Progressive Congress early this morning is condemned in its totality. “We want to state that carrying out traditional sealing-off of premises remains the prerogative of the palace. “The Deji of Akure remains non-partisan and a father to all political aspirants and never authorised such. “The palace is apolitical and therefore should not be dragged into the internal wrangling of any party,’’ Adeyeye said. According to him, Oba Ogunlade frowned at the a...

The University of Ilorin, Nigeria in collaboration with six other Nigerian universities have developed home-grown anti-plagiarism software, designed to check academic fraud. According to the University Bulletin, the other universities are Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin and Covenant University, Ota. Others are Delta State University Abraka, Benue State University Makurdi, University of Jos and Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, all in Nigeria. According the publication the software programme development was at the instance of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU). This, it said, is the umbrella organisation for Vice-Chancellors of the nation’s federal, state and private universities. It said the AVCNU had mandated its Information and Communication Technology Sub-committee, chair, and the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, to assemble IT team from Nigerian universities. The publication said this would develop the home...