THE DYNAMIC HAJIA

Overview of my Social Impact Project The HeForHer Project is a community-driven initiative tackling the pervasive issue of violence against women in Ife, Nigeria. This project confronts harmful masculine norms and promotes gender equality, empowering men to become allies and advocates for women's rights. Violence against women is a rampant issue in Nigerian communities, with alarming rates of physical and sexual violence. Harmful masculine norms perpetuate this cycle, silencing survivors and normalizing abuse. The HeForHer Project addresses this critical problem by challenging societal norms and promoting healthy relationships. The project's ultimate goal is to create a society where men and women can live without fear of violence, promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. To achieve this, HeForHer focuses on educating men on healthy masculinity, gender equality, and respectful relationships. By mobilizing men as allies and advocates for women's rights, the pr...

Indeed, my living and my death are for Allah. The early hours of July 6, 2023, were ones I did not do any self-reflection because I did not want to. Regardless, I would like to receive a birthday mail from you (dynamichajia@gmail.com). Love you, dear dynamite.

  "Khadijat, what on earth is this?" Those were the words of a client who requested for a proposal letter, but to whom an untallied essay was delivered to- I wrote an unrelated essay! You should ask for what went wrong. I had received a phone call from Mr. Obi( pseudonym for the client) after the new year festivities, and after about fifteen(15) minutes of our virtual conversation of which all I could recollect uttering were, "yes", "well", "okay", the call ended. The beginning of the year was quite cloudy. I had a lot on my table, yet my mental health was slowly draining- almost running out to about 1%. Mr. Obi was referred to me by a friend. However, unfortunately, I had just finished crying an ocean when his call came in. Not only was I empty-minded during the course of the conversation, I was also frustrated and could not wait to press the "red button".  When I was finally able to grab my pen, I made a GUESS at what he wanted. Hence...

Maxims. Sayings. Proverbs. Whichever you will stick with usually weigh beyond the words. Truly, the intellectuals who came up with them had a motive- to make better YOU and ME. Maxims usually impart knowledge, offer advice, teach or reinforce morals or aid in understanding. Let's look into three of my favourite Nigerian maxims, shall we? #1 " The day on which one starts out is not the time to start one’s preparations. " My mom would easily pass as a life coach, and one of the pithy words she greatly revere is, "you do not wait for the storm to come, you PREPARE in anticipation of it". Dating back to when I was in elementary school, my mom would ensure that our assignments are done from the root to the branch on Fridays, laundry is sorted on Saturdays, and on Sundays, my sister and I would visit the salon to weave our hair. While the voices of our neighbors yelling at their children on Monday mornings, hastening them to get done with their assignments, would stri...

  If I were paid a dollar each time I thought of what to pen to you after the long months of my writing recess, I'm convinced Uncle Mark would be banging at my door to knock out the lady who is trying to displace him from his position. Lol. Dear dynamite, how is it going? It's the nineteenth day of a new year, have you drafted your new year resolution? Or like me, do you just wobble to wherever life pendulum tilts?Whichever category you belong, grab your pack of something (say "Munch it") to munch on. On a phone conversation with the sweet baby girl, M.Y. Alli, on new year eve, I recounted how much growth I felt in 2022, and how proud I am of myself to have survived the hurdles the year unleashed on me. In all honesty, I didn't have a smooth ride in the year- I however trusted ALLAH with the process. 2022 was the year I least showed up on my blog as a lifestyle writer and storyteller, and on the stage as a performance/spoken word poet, I however showed up for myse...

Hi dynamite, welcome back! To everyone who responded to the last survey, merci! If you are reading for the first time,  click here to pore over the question. Thank you.💟 What is MY opinion on the question? Scroll down to read. Yesterday made it exactly seven (7) months since the exasperating ASUU strike struck the hearts of so many Nigerian students in all federal owned Universities, and some state owned Universities. However, while some affected students have been tied up with and are thriving in several expertise, others are still scratching their heads- their brains are already red, and their minds are distraught. Most students that fall in the latter category are at a point of distress, and feel intimidated by those in the former category. Dear reader, if you fall in the latter category, then this is for you. I understand how disturbing it is to not feel good enough. And how upset one's mind could get when others are flourishing, while one's life seems stagnant- or maybe ...

Hi dynamite, welcome back! I conversed with my mind a thousand and one times before finally grabbing my pen to write to YOU . It'd be unjust to not ask how you have been faring (I'd be in the comment session to read the gist{s}). For me, I've been doing my best to make myself and my society sane and safe (the "HOW" would be revealed soon). For now, just wish me the BEST! Something caught my attention about the hullabaloo of the ongoing ASUU strike, and the thought of throwing a question as regard it drifted into my mind. ________ So, shall we? I'm convinced that you must have been seeing some "ASUU-affected" students attest that the strike is a huge blessing to them; while some have signed up for and are sharpening new skills, others have found a space in the wealth system (they are making MONEY, gaining INFLUENCE, and are NETWORKING). Here is the question, and a really HONEST answer is required; Do you feel INTIMIDATED  reading their stories, or do ...

 "I lost my only daughter in January, 2020. It's been over two years, however, I am yet to let go of the grief. I learnt that time heals all wounds, but my heart still races each time I open the door to her room and every time I go to our courtyard–her favourite spot. Am I okay?"- Mrs A. I have personally faced the challenges of grief, just as Mrs. A is currently enduring. However, it is important to note that this piece is not about me; it is about Mrs. A and everyone who is navigating the difficult journey of grief. Let's talk about GRIEF , shall we? Lily Tomlin when questioned about his take on the phrase time heals all wounds said, " tragedy plus time equals comedy ." Tomlin is right, yes. Sometimes, we stare vaguely into the sky, ruminate over certain past hard or painful situations in life and now laugh about them. But the main point is that time is just a concept used to measure seconds, minutes, hours,..., years. Time is not a healer. It is quite und...

Have you read about Emmanuel Omole ? If you haven't, here is an overview of why he trended last week: Emmanuel had the choice to live or d.ie, and he opted for the latter. Emmanuel (now of blessed memory) ended it. Read in details here On the street of social media , netizens took the issue up and debated from varying viewpoints. Below are the two most prominent counterarguments: Ms A: He could have held his faith a while longer. S.uicide is not an option. Sir B: If you have an idea of what emotional trauma is, you will see through him and realize his decision to end it was much needed. He found his peace. I am happy for him. ________ This piece is for those who support Ms A or Sir B, and also those who might have the thought to make the news just like Emmanuel did, I mean those who want to end it also. Before you proceed, ensure you eject all iotas of prejudice, breathe in and out, and off...you go. Between September 2018 and January 2020, I broke down a thousand and one times, li...

  #guestpost Trophies don't always matter But braveness of the snail that raced with a cheetah It's not always about being a winner But reviving the long dead spirit of a learner It’s not always about feathers touching the sky But determination of the hen that flew high Winning over quitting deserves a medal For there's inequality in each success ladder So bury sadness, oh unsung champion! For it's dangerous than the venom of a scorpion ©️S-one speaking (+234 7087 6674 79) (Dedicated to those that are yet to achieve their dreams despite their effort).   Poem Analysis:  The poem projects that sometimes success isn't always about achieving ones’ dream but the ability to work on the dream amidst all odds. Some people will achieve success in a blink of an eye,while some will take years before they achieve their success. What really matters is the determination to keep striving, which according to the poet, deserves a medal.

Hi Dynamite, It feels good to write to you again. How is life with you? May you find peace amidst the chaos of life. Trending is Peter Obi's exit from the renowned People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Nigeria. You must have heard about it too, yeah? Surfing the street of Twitter, jumping from comments to comments, all I could mumble to myself was HE LEFT . I do not know why he did, I do not think you do too, but he does. And I'm convinced that he took the step for his GOOD. In June 2021, I discontinued my employment with three writing agencies. I didn't want to. But I did for my peace and sanity.  It took a long battle between my spirit, brain, and pocket(if you know, you know) before I could pluck up the courage to send my resignation text. And in less than thirty minutes, I became an erstwhile employee at the industries. I had thought that afterwards, I would have a red, bulgy eyes with my tissue paper offering condolence to my eyes and nose. But surprisingly, I was ann...

  Sometimes last year, I was invited as a guest poet to perform at an event. I did accept the invitation, but did not make the necessary preparations until it was two days to the D-day; it was then I discovered how taxing the theme was, and that I should have kicked off with the preparation long enough. The theme required analytical researches,  but my annoyingly relaxing nature made me ignore the preparation until later.  What I felt that day can be likened to the feeling of discovering a new topic in the examination hall. I was destabilised. I knew I could come up with meaningful lines, but I was convinced I'd have had an almost perfect presentation if I had taken not with levity the task.    'God no go shame me' was the word I muttered before taking the courage to grab my pen, plead with my brain, and tease my heart to put down some words. In fact, I almost chickened out in the course of the preparation.   The day came, and I did perform. I did get the a...

  Dear reader, I see how much you yearn to earn those feats. I see how much you shiver down your spine to breathe life into your aspirations. I see how tirelessly you toil on the soil to dig out your goals. I see how much sweat you perspire to create for yourself a future worth living. I see the heap of works ahead of you. I see EVERY effort of yours. I need you to beam a beautiful smile. And pat yourself lightly. You sef don try. You are not enough. You are more than enough. Your goals are valid and achievable. Dear Dynamite, like the river, you will flourish. Like honey, sweetness shall not disperse your life. I am super proud of you. I celebrate your existence. YOU WILL BLOOM. Love, The D.H.❤️ PS: Ramadan Kareem to y'all Muslim Dynamites. I pray ALLAH Ta'ala accept our fast as an act of Ibadah. Aameen You can reach out to me via; Mail @ dynamichajia@gmail.com WhatsApp @ +234(0) 806 9296 704 Facebook @ Khaddie Sunmola Instagram @ the_dynamic_hajia Twitter @ Dynamic Hajia

  'Dear me, I will bestow you with happiness if you could win this', this was my vow to myself about six months ago after clicking on the 'publish button'. I have written over a hundred essays, but none I won. Well, not until five months ago when I received the most anticipated call of my life. I won the essay contest! I have always thought that winning an essay competition would trigger my adrenal gland to oversecrete its hormone. But surprisingly, I stayed cool even after receiving the message. I wasn't sad but I wasn't elated either.  Ever felt this way? Kindly share your story in the comment section.

  She cannot rule her world Her voice is too tiny to be heard Her body is too feeble to withstand the hurdles of life Her strength is channeled towards only one thing... procreation Lifeless is her time, it cannot exist Like a stick, her will can be bent She cannot even stick to a cognomen, her maiden name And like the lame, she settles wherever she's pushed Even the fame she claims is the product of her shame...her harlot#y In case she plays the game, tell her the win is for the gents Tell her men take the lead She has to be led All these are but words of the thoughtless So, let me tell you a story👇🏽   The story of Jane Austen, the one whom pen bleeds great words Maya Angelou, the Phenomenal woman Queen Amina of Zaria, the legendary queen Queen Moremi, the Messiah of the Yoruba Marie Curie, beauty with brain Let me tell you the story of Chimamanda, the writer of the nation Naomi Osaka, Asisat Oshoala, the queens of the pitch Serena Williams, the slam goddess Ngozi Iweala, O...

  On the 14th of February, my timeline was red; not bloody, but dripping with red emoticons and red boxes with cosy gifts. How sweet love is!  As I jumped from WhatsApp to Instagram, I grinned with excitement, the sight of love is so heart-warming! How much warmth will the actual feeling of love give? Dynamite, you will agree with me that everyone deserves to be loved, right? yeah, yeah, I received your positive response. What will be your reaction if everyday is declared Valentine's Day? Aww! sweet, but that might incur big-ticket expenses, right? Well, maybe not. What if I tell you we can share love without spending a dime?    As much as people hold dearly in their hearts the flowers and gifts, so also do the smile, care, warm hugs, beautiful words, encouraging messages, acts of service, and support linger in their memories. So dear, you do not have to run into debt to show someone you truly care. Of course, there are times financial aid is all a person needs, but ...

Fatima, Hadassah, Zaynab- Muslimahs The veiled damsels Your elegance dazzles Your radiance is a reminder of Jannah Your smile, a therapy You are the reflection of the Sunnah Dear Hijabi, you are a champ A queen in her queendom An epitome of modesty The star amongst women Sister, the crown on your head Is your wealth Guard it jealously Accept more, not less Do good, not bad Do not shrink to fit into your life Do not sink into your head their hate speeches Do not be lured by the flashy things Do not frown at- The 'Alhaja'- when your eyes haven't seen the Kaabah The 'Eleha'- when the ray of the sun still touches your face You are beautiful just the way you are Remember, you and not the Qur'an is read by them You are the ambassador of the Deen The model of the Sunnah The influencer of Modesty The invisible crown Is your pride Strength is your demeanor Greatness is your embroidery So, rock...my STARS IN HIJAB Thank you for reading. You can contact The Dynamic Hajia o...

  Welcome back! I did miss you. 🥺❤️ This is a #featuredpost and our distinguished guest, Ore-Ofe Oguntola (Cowry god), would be taking us through the rollercoasters of her life. Enjoy! TO BE A GIRL AGAIN- ORE OFE OGUNTOLA (COWRY GOD) I used to explain many things before, these days, I find myself having both deep and surface knowledge of everything yet I find it difficult to explain myself, and when asked, I tell people it is personal. I am gradually losing emotional attachment towards everyone and everything, it feels like I have gotten myself to the middle of a sea and I can't go back, I either swim or die. The feeling is mixed, I have joy that I have achieved all I wanted to achieve five years ago, and my new aims and objectives seem tough but I know they are achievable, yet a feeling of in-depth pain and loneliness accompanies me because I am still twelve years old. He was my best friend, I was 12 when he died, and till today, all I have sought in every of my relationship is t...