Storyscape With Oluwasegun

In Nigeria’s unpredictable economic environment, failure is more than just an obstacle; it’s a crucial component of business strategy. Understanding how to leverage failure can turn economic challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience. Here’s how the business of failure can specifically impact Nigerian companies and entrepreneurs: 1. Learning and Growth Amid Economic Volatility - Adapting to Economic Shifts: Nigeria’s economy is marked by significant fluctuations, such as fluctuating oil prices, inflation, and currency instability. Companies that fail due to these issues gain valuable insights that help them adapt their business models. For instance, businesses that faced challenges due to currency devaluation might pivot to sourcing materials locally or adjusting pricing strategies to maintain profitability. - Building Resilience : Navigating economic downturns builds resilience. Businesses that learn from their failures develop strategies to better handle fut

Intrapreneurship is the practice of fostering entrepreneurial behavior within a larger organization. Intrapreneurs are employees within an organization who think and act like entrepreneurs. They take initiative to develop new ideas, products, or processes, driving innovation and change from within the company. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs leverage the resources and support of their employer to pursue their innovative projects while still being part of the corporate structure. The Value of Intrapreneurs 1. Innovation Catalyst: Intrapreneurs are often the driving force behind innovation in large organizations. They have the freedom to explore new ideas and take calculated risks without the constraints that often come with traditional roles. 2. Agility in Large Corporations : Large organizations can sometimes become bogged down by bureaucracy and a risk-averse culture. Intrapreneurs help these companies remain agile by spearheading projects that might othe

Love is something we all feel, and we show it in different ways. Long ago, people would express love by saying sweet words, doing things to help, giving gifts, spending time together, and holding hands. But now, with our phones and computers, love can be shown in new ways. Saying Sweet Words with Messages In the past, people would say "I love you" face-to-face or write it in a letter. Today, we do this through messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. A simple "Good morning" or "I miss you" in a text message can make someone feel special.  Even sending a heart emoji or a cute sticker can show that you care. But we need to be careful because sometimes, without hearing a voice or seeing a face, messages can be misunderstood. Helping Each Other Through Technology Helping your partner used to mean doing things like cooking, running errands, or fixing something in the house. Now, you can help each other through your phone

I never thought I’d find myself here, sitting across from you, baring my soul like this. But I can’t keep it inside anymore. The weight of what I’ve done is crushing me, and I need to confess. Maybe then, I can find a way to make things right if that’s even possible. Chijioke, my husband, he’s a good man. A kind, hopeful man who has always believed that if he just kept trying, if he just held on, things would get better. For 15 years, he’s worked tirelessly, trying to pull us out of poverty, always thinking the next opportunity would be the one to change our lives. But what he never knew, what I’ve kept hidden from him all this time, is that I’ve been the reason for our misery. I’m the one who’s kept us trapped in this cycle of poverty and despair. You see, I come from a line of women with dark powers witches. For years, I buried that part of me, tried to live a normal life. But as the years went on and our struggles seemed endless, I began to resent Chijioke. His optimism,

I met Tunde when I was 26. He was my first love, the man who made me believe in forever. We spent 11 years together, sharing dreams, laughter, and countless secrets. He disvirgined me, and I believed in our love so deeply that I sacrificed everything for him, even enduring the pain of aborting pregnancies six times because he wasn't ready to be a father. But now, at 37, I face the harsh truth my body can no longer carry a child. Tunde, ever the sweet talker, promised marriage, insisting that I had been the foundation of his success. I supported him through thick and thin, helping him rise in his career. But on the day of our traditional engagement, everything fell apart. His parents revealed in court that another woman was pregnant with his child, and they were already planning a wedding for him and this new woman. I was devastated, but my siblings urged me to continue with the marriage. "You've come too far to turn back now," they said. Torn between their

I sit alone in my small room, the Bible resting on my lap. The verses, once so familiar, seem distant now, as if they belong to another life. I close my eyes and try to find comfort in prayer, but the words catch in my throat. My heart is heavy with the burden of what I’ve done, and I’m unsure if I can ever truly forgive myself. The memory of that day is as sharp as the cane I used. I see Chibuzor’s innocent face, hear his cries, and feel the weight of the cane in my hand. It was meant to teach him a lesson, to correct him, but instead, I took his life. I can’t escape that truth, no matter how hard I try. The trial is over, but my soul is not at peace. Judge Olayinka was kind, I suppose, considering what could have been. He did not send me to prison; instead, he asked that I serve the community and care for the children, the ones I can still help. He also ordered me to support Nneka, to help ease the burden of her loss.  But was it fair? Was his decision just? I wonder if h

It was October 2010 when I joined a very popular school in my area. The school was well-known, and I was excited to be a part of it. I remember the first day vividly, and I might even have a picture of myself from back then. I’ll check my phone album tomorrow morning and drop it in the comments section. The school had a supervisor, a man from the Auchi tribe in Edo State. He was a close friend of the proprietor, who was unfortunately terminally ill at the time (he has since passed away). The supervisor’s two sons, David and his younger brother, Mark, were both on full scholarship, courtesy of the proprietor. The supervisor’s job was mainly to ensure everything at the school was running smoothly. It was the biggest and most popular school in the area back then, with separate locations for the primary and secondary sections. The supervisor’s wife, who everyone affectionately called Mummy David, was a completely different personality from her husband. She was a lovely soul—fun

One afternoon, I realized I had run out of sugar. The thought of stepping out to get some felt like an unnecessary bother, especially since it was such a hot day. As I sat on my porch, I noticed Adebisi, the young girl from next door, playing outside. Her laughter echoed in the air as she skipped along the path, her joy contagious. Without much thought, I called her over and handed her some money. “ Could you help me buy some sugar from the shop down the road, my dear ?” I asked her, my voice gentle. She nodded eagerly, always so willing to help, and dashed off toward the main road. I settled back into my chair, waiting for her to return, but within minutes, I heard the screeching of tires, followed by a heart-stopping thud. My pulse quickened, and dread filled my chest as I rushed to the road, hoping praying it wasn’t what I feared. But there she was, lying still on the pavement, surrounded by a growing crowd. Adebisi, the little girl with so much life, was now lifeless. M

Sometimes, a vendor (someone you buy from) might suddenly ask you to pay more money than what you both agreed on. This is called a price hike . In Nigeria, this can happen because things like fuel prices or the value of money (Naira) change a lot. When a vendor does this at the last minute, it can cause problems for your business. Here’s how you can handle it: 1. Check Your Agreement    - Look at the Deal You Made : Go back and check the agreement or contract you both signed. If you agreed on a fixed price, the vendor shouldn't ask for more money.    - Know Your Payment Terms: Make sure you understand what was agreed on about payments. Remind the vendor about these terms. 2. Talk to the Vendor     - Ask Why : Find out why the vendor is asking for more money. It could be because the cost of things they need has gone up. Understanding their reason can help you decide what to do.    - Explain Your Side: Tell the vendor how the price increase might hurt your business. Be c

My name is Ade, and this is the story of how a simple act of kindness led to a life-altering revelation and a decision that left me seeking advice from anyone who would listen. It all started about ten years ago when I received an unexpected call from an unfamiliar number. The voice on the other end introduced himself as Mr. Williams, a Nigerian who had been living in London for over two decades. He spoke with a warmth that was almost disarming, explaining that he wanted to build a house in his hometown of Abeokuta, Ogun State, and had been referred to me by a mutual friend as someone who could oversee the project. At first, I was hesitant. Managing a construction project for a stranger especially someone living abroad sounded risky. But Mr. Williams had a sincerity in his voice that was hard to ignore. He shared how he had sent money home to various people over the years, only to be disappointed time and time again. His trust had been broken by those who took advantage of

I’m Kemi, and my story is one of love, secrecy, and the choices that change everything. It all began when I was in my final year at the University of Lagos. I had always been the type of person who followed the rules, did what was expected, and never strayed from the path laid out for me. I was the pride of my family, the one who would graduate with honors, land a good job, and make everyone proud. Then I met Tunde. Tunde was the kind of man who could light up a room just by walking into it. He was charming, funny, and had an energy that was magnetic. We met at a mutual friend’s party, and from the moment we started talking, there was an undeniable connection. He was everything I wasn’t—spontaneous, adventurous, and unafraid to take risks.  There was just one problem: Tunde was married. When he first told me, I was shocked, hurt, and more than a little angry. But he was honest with me from the start. He said his marriage had been over in every way that mattered long before

Introduction In Nigeria, "buka" restaurants are more than just places to eat; they are vibrant cultural hubs that reflect the soul of the nation. These roadside eateries serve affordable, home-style meals and are frequented by a diverse cross-section of society, from blue-collar workers to students and even professionals. Despite their humble appearance, bukas play a significant role in Nigeria’s social and economic landscape, offering insight into local food culture and community life. The Buka Experience: A Cultural Snapshot Bukas are known for their no-frills, authentic approach to Nigerian cuisine. Typically, they serve a variety of local dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, amala, and pepper soup. The food is often prepared in large pots, with the aroma drawing in passersby. The setting is usually informal, with diners eating on wooden benches or plastic chairs under makeshift shelters. Cultural Significance: - Authenticity : Buka meals are o