Haidar's Corner

Introduction 🌟 African literature is an intricate tapestry interwoven with diverse stories, voices, and cultures. This vibrant literary tradition provides a lens through which we perceive the complexities of the continent, unraveling themes from identity, culture and tradition to colonialism and modernity. In the realm of African literature, readers embark on journeys of discovery, gaining profound insights into the multifaceted nature of the African experience. 🌍 Diverse Voices and Perspectives 🗣 ️ The essence of African literature lies in its stunning array of voices and perspectives. Chinua Achebe's masterpiece, "Things Fall Apart," stands as a towering testament to Nigeria's narrative prowess, depicting a nuanced portrayal of Igbo culture. Achebe's exploration of the collision between traditional values and colonialism challenges stereotypes and paints vivid pictures of African life. Similarly, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's "A Grain of Wheat...

Evolutionary! That's the word I would use. But then I wouldn't even call what I do 'blogging' per se, but what do I know!  Anyway, by opening Haidar's Corner, I've had the opportunity to preserve my writings (both private ones as well as the ones I make public) express my feelings and emotions (which has been cathartic and led to personality growth), and finally it has enabled me to hone my writing skills by giving me a platform to try out different genres of writing.  Of course poetry has been my most visible medium of expression because of the depth it affords in the use of language and literary devices. Nevertheless, I have also been able to curate a number prosaic pieces which I have archived for future development. Similarly, I have been able to identify skeletal outlines and overviews of non-fiction writing projects I would like to pursue. For my private writings, Journaling has been something I've used my blog to do and I think I evolved to a certain ...

 Introduction: The enthusiasm that comes with setting New Year's resolutions often starts strong but can wane as the months go by. As we approach the halfway point of the year, it's the perfect time to revisit those goals and reignite your motivation. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies to catch up with your New Year's resolutions down the line. 1. Review and Reflect: Begin by revisiting the resolutions you set at the beginning of the year. Take time to reflect on the initial excitement and the progress you've made. This introspection allows you to assess whether your goals are still relevant and attainable. 2. Celebrate Small Wins: No achievement is too small to celebrate. Recognize and appreciate the progress you've made, even if it's just a step in the right direction. Celebrating these minor victories can provide the motivation you need to keep moving forward. 3. Adjust Goals if Needed: Life is dynamic, and circumstances can change over t...

 "Housed in a darkened cove is a new life-form gradually growing to term. For nine months, a biological miracle takes place and in that time the complex genetic code embedded deep within is slowly unwrapped in preparation for its activation upon meeting the right conditions.  Nature vs Nurture! The existential riddle that has held many a philosopher captive in trying to establish which amongst the two is responsible for intrinsic behaviours peculiar to humans.     Whichever it is - between Nature/Nurture, ‘Scammability’ is one of those skills that the foetus will be armed with as a requisite tool to face the new world it will be arriving into.  Already in the safety of its aquatic home, swimming lessons are being perfected in earnest and Scientists have advanced that foetuses start to ‘learn’ from within the womb though it is not actually known how ‘effective’ this learning is. Suffice it to say that the foundations of an innate ‘skill’ are being built!...

  Hypotheses:  1.        Sugarcane is sweet. 2.        Sugarcane is not sweet. Research Questions: 1.        What is the nature of the sweetness of sugarcane? 2.        Why is sugarcane sweet? Analyses: 1.        All respondents vehemently replied that sugarcane is sweet and that it is offensive to even attempt to prove otherwise. 2.        Using Einstein’s laws of thermodynamics, the nature of the sweetness of sugarcane is as follows:                                  i.             Zeroeth Law: If a person takes two chunks of sugarcane and they are sweet, then that perso...

Introduction In recent years, Africa has witnessed an exciting surge in new entrants, technologies, and business models, creating a conducive environment for innovation and economic growth. Nigeria, as a prominent player in the African landscape, stands at the forefront of this wave of opportunity. For young, aspiring entrepreneurs, the time is ripe to harness these developments and carve a niche in the ever-evolving market. This article explores the dynamic landscape in Nigeria, shedding light on the numerous opportunities that young entrepreneurs can take advantage of to create thriving businesses and remain relevant in the global arena. The Booming Tech Ecosystem Nigeria's tech ecosystem has been experiencing exponential growth, with vibrant start-ups and incubators sprouting across the country. The government's support for technology and innovation, coupled with a burgeoning internet and mobile penetration, offers an ideal environment for young entrepreneurs to dive into th...

"You see these white hairs, I like them very much because they tell you the truth. There's no pretence about them. If you had any doubts and were still thinking in your head that you can do acrobatics or are as flexible as a 25 year old, then they will bring clarity to the matter. It's like when a tree gets to the season of shedding leaves. You're being told to prepare for the next phase of life (old age/transition). May we be granted blessed lives and may our forebears rest in peace! Ameen."

Our bodies are yours.  We're merely renting them as vehicles to traverse your vicinity.  We'll soon finish our tour and return from whence we came.  What awaits is everything...with yours being but a semblance!  Though you are magnificently designed, your similitude is that of Plato's Parable of the Cave.  How can shadows claim to be real when a dream is nothing but smoke that'll dissipate soonest? I know you've seen several eons, but put together, it is but a single speck of sand from Eternity.  So I look forward to giving you back your rightful inheritance when the Call comes... Any moment now.  I know I'll not be ready (few rarely are).  But I know it is what must happen.  So for now we wait...me, You, and the rest of All who await!  . Yours,  The Sojourner.  . Haidarwali 202306100908hrs

 According to the Thinkific Digital Learning Trends Report, in 2023, content- and course-creation has to be about the 3 Cs: Community, Convenience and Control. Community: Your community is your most valuable — and maybe most underused — asset. Engage with them early, often, and authentically, and they’ll (gladly) do a lot of work for you, from ideation and market research to lead generation and quality assurance. In order to scale your business, you need a direct line of communication to your community, so make sure how your learning products are hosted can support that kind of growth. Convenience: The content you create needs to be convenient, tailored to how and when your audience wants to consume it: short, sweet, and designed for mobile. Anticipate their needs through every step of their customer journey so that just before they find themselves asking “You know, a ______ would be super helpful right now,” they’re getting content from you that fills in that blank. Control:...

 -Competition for our attention has accelerated over the past decade, which is why we need we need strategies to help us reclaim some cognitive space. -Critical thinking helps us to evaluate the information we come across, but it may not be enough in a digital world that contains more information than the world’s libraries combined. -This is why we also need to learn ‘critical ignoring’ – the ability to choose what to ignore and where to invest our limited attentional capacities. Read more: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/critical-thinking-ignoring-brain/

Harmattan is a dry and dusty season that usually occurs between November and February in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and other Sahelian countries. The season is characterized by cold and dry air, low humidity, and high levels of airborne particles, which can affect respiratory and skin health. However, with the right tips and precautions, you can stay healthy and enjoy the season without any health issues. In this article, we'll share some useful tips for staying healthy during the harmattan season. Stay hydrated: Harmattan season is characterized by dry and cold air, which can cause dehydration. You should drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and flush out toxins. You can also drink other fluids like herbal tea, fruit juice, or coconut water to replenish lost electrolytes. Moisturize your skin: The dry and dusty air during the harmattan season can cause your skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky. To avoid this, you should moisturize your skin regularly wi...

In today's rapidly changing world, people are seeking out places where they feel a sense of belonging. This trend has significant implications for how brands are built and how they engage with consumers. Accenture Research conducted an online focus group that revealed a majority of participants have tried new hobbies or joined new communities in the past six to nine months. This highlights the growing importance of communities in people's lives. Three key developments are contributing to this shift towards community-first branding. Firstly, communities of belonging are being established on platforms such as Reddit, Discord, and Twitch. These communities bring together people with shared interests and provide a space for them to connect, engage and support one another. Secondly, token-gating is becoming increasingly popular, with exclusive access being reserved for "token holders only." This creates a sense of exclusivity and rewards those who are most engaged with a b...

Literature has been a medium of self-expression and communication for centuries, and it continues to serve this purpose today. However, it also holds a unique place in society as a tool that can enhance critical thinking. Critical thinking involves analyzing information, arguments, and perspectives objectively, making informed decisions, and reflecting on our own beliefs and biases. When we read literature, we are exposed to a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideologies that may differ from our own. This challenges our beliefs and encourages us to think critically about the world around us. Literature also provides a safe space to explore difficult topics and emotions, such as oppression, injustice, and conflict, without the fear of direct confrontation. By reading about these topics in a fictional context, we can better understand and process them, leading to increased empathy and a deeper understanding of the world. Additionally, literature can help us develop language skill...

"These giants of the forest are something to behold. Some have been growing for a thousand years, and each tree contains its own story of the centuries’ long struggle for survival. Looking at the annular rings of the wood, you can tell what seasons they have been through. In some drought years they almost perished, as growth is barely perceptible. In others, the growth was far greater. So is life: the very problems you must overcome also support you and make you stronger in overcoming them."  The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown 

1. Understand your audience: Determine who your target audience is and tailor your content to meet their specific needs and interests. 2. Conduct research: Gather information on industry trends, competitors, and customer insights to inform your writing. 3. Use a clear and compelling headline: A strong headline will grab the reader's attention and entice them to read on. 4. Write in a conversational tone: Use a natural and easy-to-read tone that speaks to the reader and makes your content more engaging. 5. Use storytelling: People love stories, and incorporating them into your writing can help to make your message more memorable. 6. Use visuals: Use images and other visual elements to break up text, and to make your content more interesting and engaging. 7. Optimize for SEO: Use keywords and meta tags to help your content rank higher in search engine results. 8. Keep it concise: Use simple and direct language, and avoid using jargon or overly complex sentences. 9. Proofread and edit...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks and responsibilities you have to take care of in a week? Are you struggling to keep up with your New Year's resolutions and follow through on your goals? If so, you're not alone. Many people find it difficult to balance their work and personal life, especially in today's fast-paced world. But with the right techniques and strategies, it is possible to streamline your activities, stay focused, and achieve your goals. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for doing just that. The first approach you can take to streamline your activities and follow through on your goals is to use the Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves breaking your work into 25-minute intervals, called "Pomodoros," separated by short breaks. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break. This helps to keep you focused and prevent burnout. Another tip is to prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. U...

There are several techniques that can help with overcoming a fear of public speaking and delivering a presentation without stammering or losing your thought process.  Some of these include: Practicing your presentation beforehand: Rehearse your presentation multiple times before delivering it, in order to become more comfortable with the material and the flow of the presentation. Focus on breathing: Take deep breaths before beginning your presentation and continue to breathe deeply throughout. This can help calm your nerves and steady your voice. Use positive visualization: Imagine yourself delivering a successful presentation, and visualize the audience responding positively. Use positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations to help boost your confidence and reduce your anxiety. Make use of humor: Use appropriate humor, it will help to relax you and your audience. Use props or visual aids: Use props or visual aids to help keep you on track and give you something to focus on. Make ...

According to Coursera's e-book: The Job Skills of 2022: "Skills-based learning provides tailored learning experiences to meet the particular needs of individuals at a specific point in time. It delivers the very specific know-how needed to enter a new job or progress in a career. Relevancy and focus with regard to an individual learning journey are at the heart of skills-based learning. It contrasts with approaches such as open-learning models, in which learners take whichever courses they want, or guided-learning models that feature courses recommended by a specific team or peers."  "The fastest growing skills are those which have seen the biggest increase in their overall ranking in this time period, and therefore are expected to continue to grow or stay popular in 2022." 1. Digital skills "UNESCO defines digital skills as “a range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information.” Digit...

Starting a volunteer community can be a rewarding and meaningful way to make a positive impact in your local area or on a larger scale. Here are some steps you can follow to set up a volunteer community:  Identify a need or cause that you are passionate about. This will help you focus your efforts and attract like-minded volunteers. Determine your goals. What do you hope to achieve through your volunteer community? Create a plan. This should include details such as how often you will meet, where you will meet, and what tasks or projects you will focus on. Recruit volunteers. There are many ways to find volunteers, such as through social media, local events, or by contacting organizations related to your cause. Set up a system for organizing and communicating with volunteers. This could include a website, email list, or social media group. Plan and execute your volunteer projects. Make sure to provide any necessary training or resources for volunteers, and follow up with them afterw...

As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, it's important to be aware of potential cyber threats and take steps to protect ourselves. Here are a few resources that can help you guard against cyber attacks: Antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your device from malware and other cyber threats. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and run regular scans. Firewalls: Firewalls can help protect your device from malicious traffic by blocking incoming connections from the internet. Virtual private networks (VPNs): VPNs encrypt your internet connection and can help protect your online activity from being monitored or tracked. Two-factor authentication: Many online accounts offer two-factor authentication as an added security measure. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code sent to your phone or email to log in. Cybersecurity training: Familiarizing yourself with cybersecurity best pra...

In today's digital age, online privacy is a hot topic. With so much of our personal information available online, it's important to be aware of how to protect ourselves and our data. Here are a few things you need to know about online privacy: Understand your privacy settings: Many online platforms, such as social media sites, offer privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your information and activity. Take the time to understand these settings and adjust them to your preference. Be cautious about what you share online: Think carefully about the personal information you share online, such as your full name, address, and phone number. Only share this information with trusted sources. Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and make sure to use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and keep track of strong passwords. Use a VPN: A virtual p...

In today's digital age, cyber awareness is crucial in the workplace. Cyber attacks can result in the loss of sensitive data, financial loss, and damage to a company's reputation. Therefore, it's important for businesses to prioritize cyber awareness and take steps to protect against cyber threats. Here are a few reasons why cyber awareness is so important in the workplace: Data protection: Businesses often have sensitive data, such as customer information and financial records, that must be protected from cyber threats. A cyber attack could result in the loss or theft of this data, which could have serious consequences for the company and its customers. Financial loss: Cyber attacks can result in financial loss through direct financial damages, such as the cost of recovering from an attack, as well as indirect losses, such as lost business or damage to a company's reputation. Damage to reputation: A cyber attack can damage a company's reputation, as customers may lo...

As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, it's important to be aware of the various cyber attacks that we may encounter. Here is a look at some common types of cyber attacks: Malware: Malware is short for malicious software, and refers to any software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer or device. Malware can take many forms, such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. It can be transmitted through email attachments, websites, or software downloads. Phishing: Phishing attacks are designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or bank account numbers, by pretending to be a legitimate organization. These attacks often come in the form of emails or messages that appear to be from banks, government agencies, or other trusted sources. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom from the victim to restore access. These attacks can be particularly devastating...

As the internet becomes an increasingly important part of our daily lives, it's important to protect ourselves from cyber threats. Here are 10 tips for staying safe online: 1. Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and make sure to use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and keep track of strong passwords. 2. Enable two-factor authentication: Many online accounts offer two-factor authentication as an added security measure. This means that in addition to your password, you'll also need to enter a code sent to your phone or email to log in. 3. Be cautious of emails and links: Be wary of suspicious emails, especially those that ask for personal information or login credentials. Don't click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. 4. Keep your software and devices up to date: Make sure to regularly update your operating system, web br...