It’s a different kind of hurt when you hear those words from the other end of the call coming out of the mouth of the one who taught you how to keep Snapchat streaks.

You have no right to protest because you wanted the distance, and now you have it. Enjoy it in silence and forever hold your peace.

It’s been six months since I moved to this city and my life has taken a dramatic turn.

Someone should please tell my mummy that I am tired of eating chicken pepper soup and rice. Give me back my tomato stewww. I miss Kano terribly. I really do.

Wait. It’s been 178 days since I last wrote to you. Omg! Where did all the time gooooooo? I promise that you’ve been on my mind for so long.

Every time I am eager to write to you, I do not know where to start. I have a lot to say to you, and I still don’t know where to start.

* whispers

I don’t know how it happened, but I started attending YACU, and I found myself with the media team.

I now have a lot of responsibilities, and on some days it’s both mentally and physically draining.

No, I’m not complaining.

All I’m saying is that Ata (the overall media head) stresses me soo much, and I will call him out at every given opportunity.

A for Ata. P for please. S for stop stressing Fortune!!

On decisions

I think I made a bad decision in June. Maybe bad decision is not ideal to describe it but for lack of better words, let’s go with bad decision.

I woke up on the first day of June and put out a video on Obasanjo’s internet stating that I was going to challenge myself to make $3,000 by the end of the month.

Who sent me???

*covers eyes in shame.

In my defense, I was doing all that for accountability. Again? Who sent me???

There were a lot of “I’m rooting for you” comments from friends and well-wishers (which I deeply and sincerely appreciate from the bottom of my heart).

For the 100th time, who sent me?? The videos are still up on my IG even though I’ve contemplated archiving them like 50 billion times because I felt like I was oversharing. Now over to you: do you think it was a bad decision?

Michael thinks otherwise. One time I put up a post on my IG story about how it felt like I was sharing so much on the internet by announcing the challenge and he responded with this.

On Friendships

I do not have a lot of friends but I know a lot of people. Blessing would drag me by my shirt whenever I say those words. She vehemently disagrees and I do not blame her. To her, Fortune has thousands of friends but it’s not true.

I got this message from Sweetness on my birthday.

People see the intentional things my friends do for me and begin to wonder how I have bagged such friends. There is a lot of intentionality that goes into maintaining adult friendships. Yo!! They literally blew my mind on my birthday. Hold on, I’ll come to this particular gist.

I am the kind of person that will try as much as possible to be present for my friends even when it is not convenient for me. That’s what friendship is supposed to look like; you show up regardless even on hard days.

I was telling Favour the other day that one of the main reasons (asides from the fact I am just 24 hours older than her) our friendship survived after almost 16 years is that we started to keep Snapchat streaks.

A daily glimpse into each other’s lives really goes a long way, aaaand we have the one who taught me how to keep Snapchat streaks to thank for that because how I for wan take sabi wetin be streaks?

About Intentionality

I’m gradually rubbing off on my sister because tell me how this baby girl decided to pull a fast one on me for my birthday. Water full my eyes mehn. This girl ganged up with my friends to give me a box of 27 letters!

I made a reaction video here.

My friends really showed up for my birthday this year o. Nah, I have the most intentional friends everrrr. I was blown away. Literally. I love them a lot. So so much.

Even though I was not in town (I traveled to Calabar for COESSING2026), they still found a way to make me feel really special and loved on my birthday.

Wdym I received a mail everyday for a 30 days countdown to my birthday?? I got a cake two days before my birthday, Sammie wrote me a long ass letter and gifted me a wireless microphone for my content creation? Mary? She sent me foooood and goodies!

Woke up on my birthday to a hoooge alert from Favour. Eunice gifted me a very beautiful gown. The bag I was rocking at COESSING was a gift from Blessing. Ndiana sent me a whole kit of almost everything I needed for my travel. I could go on and on but I’ll stop here.. What about the monetary giftss? The emailsssss? You guyssssss!

My COESSING experience deserves a different newsletter entirely because how do I wanna tell y’all that I had the best time of my life! I have pictures and videos plastered all over my social media in this regard.

I came back with chubby cheeks. Dem just dey feed us wetin no goood.

The bottom line is that I met and connected with great minds and I am forever grateful for this.

People sabi book for outside o. School no be scam ooo.

Well, I’m stepping into my physical oceanography + product design + content creation era.

The past few months have been really challenging. I have been in situations that have tested my faith severally. But in all of that, I do not fail to wear a happy face because Jesus is taking care of me.

—

My sister started a brand. She sells girly aesthetic things, you people should patronize her so that she can buy G-wagon for my next birthday.

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Hear me out

I met someone who doesn’t fail to say, “you are so beautiful” to me every single day. I wholeheartedly love Nutri choco. The one who didn’t want to be friends anymore is now dragging to be friends by fire by force. Messi is the greatest of all time. They should ban relationship people. I miss fixing my nails. Ibiso is getting married. Elliot was not supposed to be in the third season of mlwtwb! You’ve been in a loop for too long and I think it’s time to get down. Nurse Titi wants to challenge me on substack. Jesus is coming soon.

About the Bible study challenge I started this year…

*in Nilsa’s voice

I’m trying my best. I said I’m trying my best you guys, I’m trying my best.

A little advice

No matter how busy your day gets, never fail to intentionally pray daily. Emphasis on “intentionally” because it will save you from a great deal of temptations.

I’m telling you this from experience o. The devil is very very wicked. Please, pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pleaseeee.

Thank you!

Bible verse of the week: Pray without ceasing

I Thessalonians 5:17

Ademola released a new album. You should go check it out.

I should stop writing now. Till I come your way next time.

I love you and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.

With love,

Fortune.

Allow me to be the last person to wish you a happy new year nauu.

*inserts Akwaman’’s voice.

Allowed me nowwww. Allowed meeeee.

HAPPPYYY NEWWWW YEARRRR!!!

So, life update?

The year began with me making a very, very tough decision, and I’m glad I did that. Wouldn’t be going into details right now, but let’s just say I’m finally at a place where I can be me for me. I don’t know if that makes sense to you, but God is good.

I started the bible in a year plan with Glory, and the subtle crash-outs have been valid because what was exactly going on in the Old Testament!!!??

One moment I’m complaining about rejection mails, and the next moment I have a job(s). Yo!! God is good.

When I saw the “what happened in 2016” thingy on social media, I was so excited to write you a letter about what happened to me in 2016, but I lost the excitement along the way. I cannot explain this one to you. I’m sorry.

Believe me when I say I’ll send out a special newsletter just for that. I definitely will.

To my new subscribers who are here right now because of my comment on Osas’s newsletter about my 2016 gist, I hope you’re not disappointed that this is not the letter.

Welcomeeeeee to every single one of you. There is enough moi moi to go round. I love you big!

—

Relationship people celebrated Valentine's Day, and I was very happy for them.

Feb 23, 2026

I’ll be leaving Kano for good in two days, and I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this is a reality.

Packing my bags and moving out of the town where I was born and spent my teenage years feels weirdly strange.

This is for the best, right? RIGHT!??

There are a lot of memories tied to this place. This house. This room. I’m lying on the chair in the room, and I remember when I went to write the common entrance for secondary school.

I’m staring at the picture from my first day at school. My daddy took the picture of me. He had a digital camera that he used to document our lives.

I will miss Kano a lot. I really will miss Kano.

This place has always been home, regardless.

The people. The environment. Church. Everybody!

The harmattan during December. The way the people behave and interact during Ramadan.

Rams and cows tied to the neighbor’s houses during Sallah.

My God! I’ll miss Kano. I’ll miss my friends too.
I still cannot believe that I have a whole new life ahead of me. Maybe not new life per se, but yeah, you get the gist.

Feb 24, 2026

Fixed my nails today, and my mummy is giving me side eyes. I know. I know.

We are leaving on the 26th, and this still feels so unreal. I don’t know how to behave. I don’t know what to feel. This is my reality. I am leaving Kano for good. God is good. Good is God.

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Feb 25, 2026

Our load left today. Austin came around to help out with the packing. He says he’ll miss me. I say I’ll miss him too, but he doesn’t believe me. I don’t blame him sha. I’ve always been one to put on the ‘hard girl’ suit.

It’s past 8 pm, and Eunice is here with me. She cannot believe I’m leaving Kano for good. I understand her. It feels like a dream to me, too.

Isaac and John come to bid me farewell. They came with wine. Lucky is here too. They are all cracking jokes and laughing. I want to cry, but I hold it in. It hit me now that moving forward, I’ll speak about the ancient city of Kano in the past tense.

“I used to live in Kano.” “Oh! I attended that program in Kano. “It’s wayyyy cheaper in Kano.”

Sigh. This is going to be my reality right now. No, I’m not crying, you are.

Feb 26, 2026

It’s an empty house with no beds.

The day is here. It’s today. I slept in the same room with my parents. We have an early flight for 7:30 am. It’s my mummy’s first time flying, and she is nervous.

I reassure her that it’s going to be fine. I take videos of them (my parents). It’s been a long time coming.

It’s finally bye-bye to Kano state.

The layover at Abuja was for over 10 hours. I stepped out to see Blu and Luna. We visited the Nike Art Gallery.

Did I forget to mention that I pissed off Gideon in the process? We are good now. After I had apologized a gazillion times.

Scary times for me, mehn. Really scary times.

—

Now, I’m in Uyo. It’s been eight days in this city. This is my life now, and I’ll have to accept it.

By the way…

A certain someone stopped being friends with me because I did not want to be with him. I admire the bravery. I miss the friendship on some days, but it is what it is.

Mary did not remind me to write a newsletter because she’s busy with her new business.

Shoutout to Gladys for reminding me to send out a newsletter after 3000 yearssss.

—

How are you doing?

I’d really love to know how you’re doing in the comments.

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Bible verse of the week: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Joshua 1:9

I will write to you again.

With love,
Fortune.

I did not sleep well the week I got my Product Design certificate.

Every night, I’d be on the internet, applying to every entry-level role I could find. I remember one time when I stayed up until past 4 a.m., sending out applications.

It was truly tiring, I won’t even lie, but what to do when you’ve already set a goal for yourself to land a role before the end of the year?

You go all out, right? Right.

There was this company I applied to, where I was really hoping I would get accepted. I delayed in taking their assessment because I was scared and didn’t want to make any mistakes.

I had seen so many tweets from people complaining bitterly about how insanely difficult their assessment was. Maybe that was what fueled my fear. But man, I was scared!

The day I finally decided to take the assessment came, and I had heart palpitations throughout the process. It clearly wasn’t what I was expecting. What were those questions???

Let’s not even talk about the limited time. Lmaooo.

Well, maybe not ‘small’per say. But, come onnnnnnnnn.

I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the email that just popped up on my screen. I saw it was from the company and didn’t want to open it.

I waited till it was nighttime before reading the mail. I don’t know why I waited the whole day to read the mail. But I did.

Yup! You guessed right. It was an outright rejection.

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A few days after that rejection, I got another one. Oh yes! I was served again.

This one hit me. Hard.

But you know what’s funny? I’ll chest this one like a big girl, or…not.

Wo, if you people see me selling pepper tomorrow, you people should patronize me o.

I saw a tweet where someone mentioned and tagged a company, saying that it was his sixth time applying and also their sixth time getting a rejection, but that won’t stop them from applying to that same company.

I admire the audacity o! Six times ke?

That is the type of audacity I aspire to have in 2026.

The truth is, I haven’t really dealt with rejection like this before. In the past, I have secured the jobs I applied for, and the rest have come through recommendations. I knew the tech space was saturated, but nothing truly prepared me for back-to-back rejections like this.

Nothing.

I’ll hold your hands while I say this to you: If you’re planning to learn a new skill next year, I want you to add something else to your plan: rejection.

How will you handle it when it comes? Would you see it as an opportunity to improve and become better? Or will you abandon everything and start selling pepper like me?

As for me, no, I will not leave Product Design to sell pepper. Yes, I’ll keep applying until I get that big break. And I think you should, too.

Sometimes, life uses moments like this to remind us not to settle for less or be less. There’s always room to become a better version of yourself every single day. The people bagging these roles don’t have two heads. If they can do it, you can too.

And when it finally works out? This story will hit differently.

In other news

A lot of good things really happened to me this month. Got a major miracle I was praying to God for for so many yearssss.

Wait. Did I mention that I got my very first paid Substack subscriber in November!!? You mean somebody thought my writing was worth paying for??

#Tearssssssss.

Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!

By the way

This country is out to get our sweat and blood because what’s up with this new tax policy?

A wise man said to me this morning: Avoiding tax is legal; evading tax is illegal.

I’ll suggest you find ways to ‘avoid’ taxes so you do not end up in serious tears next year. Speak to a lawyer about this for more clarity.

Merry Christmas in advance and Happy New Year in advance!

Bible verse of the week: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

Song Recommendation: Listen to F’OPE by Delight Ayobola

I hope to write to you again before the year ends.

With love,

Fortune.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but today doesn’t seem like a Monday. I woke up with a heavy heart this morning. A neighbor died yesterday, and I’ve been trying to process the whole thing, and it feels so unreal, just like a dream. This was someone I would greet every time I left my house, because he always sat outside.

Why is life so fickle? One minute, this person is teasing you about you not spending your NYSC allawee with them, and the next minute, they are gone.

I was with his youngest son last night, and he told me how he was the one with his father when he passed on. He wasn’t crying, but as he began to empty the burden in his heart, it broke me. His eyes spoke louder than his mouth did. It was sad. Achingly sad.

I began to ask myself questions. Why exactly do we struggle so hard to be able to afford the finest things in life?

When one’s eyes are closed forever, that is the end. END. Your money, your cars, and whatever you’ve worked for become useless and worthless in that moment.

But as believers, we have hope that there is life after death. That one day, we will be with God in heaven. And that, I believe, is enough compensation for leaving this wicked world.

I’ve been learning.

I’ve been learning how to control my emotions, and I think I’m doing a great job. Coincidentally, in yesterday’s sermon in church, the preacher spoke about how it was very important to set emotions aside and apply logic backed up with the scriptures.

Now, there is a context to this, but I’ve come to understand that sometimes, being overly emotional about certain things would do more harm than good.

I’ve started reading again.

I loved how reading Fatima Bala’s Broken: Not a Halal Story made me feel. It was such a feel-good book, mehn. For the 100th time, I really hope Ahmad Babangida is having a good day wherever he is.

I dropped a review here.

Reading The One by Adesuwa Nwokedi sent me on a spiral of emotions. My God! That author really did me and my emotions dirty mehnn. (You see why I’m learning to control my emotions?)

Well, I wrote a review here too.

I have a secret.

I’ve been lurking around a door for a while. An open door.

I was too scared to enter and obviously too scared to shut it.

I think I might have unintentionally shut that door, and I don’t know how to feel about it.

Shhhhhh… don’t tell anyone.

See ehn..

I’m so sure I would see Mary Gasper in my dreams if I didn’t send out a newsletter. This babe has been on my neck and I looooveee itttt!

—

Hey you,

It’s almost the end of the year, and I hope you’re not putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. I hope you’re extending grace to yourself, no matter how much or how little you feel you’ve achieved.

Take a deep breath. You’ve come this far, and that’s something to be proud of.

I’m your biggest fan and I’m rooting for you.

I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment.

Leave a comment

Song recomendation of the week: By the Water by Sondae.

Bible verse of the week: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10

With love,

Fortune.

I am writing this newsletter on the 31st of August, but you will get to read it on the 1st of September because you cannot beat me …because we are besties …because you love me, and I love you too.

The last time I wrote to you was in May.

Is this a safe space?

I travelled to Lagos for a wedding in June, and I may or may not have regretted it.

Again, is this a safe space?

I’m not even going to lie, I really had fun in Lagos. Met new people, created memories; it was truly beautiful.

But then again, is this a safe space??

There was this person I met in Lagos. Farook. That was his name. For some weird reason, he was always so fascinated by everything I said or did. Baba go just dey laughhh. We vibed sooo well for the few days I spent there.

Did I mention that he always laughed at my jokes? Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

You know that kind of hype man energy? Yup! That was Farook.

It was time to leave.

I know you’ll be thinking we exchanged numbers and whatnot. I mean, he was such a great conversationalist, plus he laughed at my jokes.

The day we parted ways, he said to me, and I quote, “Fortune, you’re such a fun person to be with, and under normal circumstances, I would collect your number to keep in touch, but I’ll not lie to you, I’m very bad at texting. I don’t even chat. Right now, na money I dey find like maad!”

I had a VERY wide smile on my face because he was being very honest, and I could relate soo well.

Why am I giving this gist?

Not everybody you vibe with is supposed to stay in your life.

Some people are meant to be passerbys: like a really great song you hear on the road but never get the title of. They just add sweetness to the moment, and that’s enough.

Sometimes, we force connections just because they feel good in the moment. But real growth comes from learning to appreciate people for the role they play, no matter how brief.

Farook taught me that not every beautiful encounter needs to become a permanent relationship. Some people are just reminders that life can be full of fleeting but genuine connections. And that’s really okay.

I will not tell you that I missed my flight back home and I had to pay an extra 55k to reschedule for a later date, so you will not laugh at me.

In August?

I had the best birthday ever!! August would always remain the best month of the year for me, abeg.

Let me confess something.

I had already written a newsletter about my birthday, but I couldn’t bring myself to send it because I had written all about my friends, the gifts they got for me, and how grateful I was for everyone of them.

I felt people would see it as doing “too much”

I dunno sha but that was how I felt. That being said, I just want you people to know that I have the best set of friends in my lifeeeee!!

Glory Chris wrote a whole newsletter about ME!

I read that newsletter and cried wetin no good. You can read it here.

My sister mobilized some of my friends to record a video of them wishing me a happy birthday.

I really don’t know how she was able to pull that off, sha. Trust me to watch the video with teary eyes. Sigh.

Let’s not even talk about the cakes, Favour, and Mannie sent. What about the gifts from Austin and Victor??

The plentyyyyy moneyyyyyy I received from my other friends. Oh chimmmm!

I’m not gonna list their names on here, so you don’t steal my friends.

My friends literally blew my mind on the 11th of August, and for this, I am grateful for the gift of EACH and every one of them.

I’m really going to go band for band with them because, omoooo.

God should just give me plentyyyyyy money to do my own back.

Is this a safe space?

There’s this person I used to be really close to who sent me money on my birthday. And honestly, it felt less like a gift and more like she just wanted to ‘pay me back’ for the money I once sent her during a celebration. Deep down, I felt she didn’t need to.

I didn’t talk to her about it because I didn’t want her to feel some type of way.

Hi, if by chance you’re reading this, I just want you to know that when I send you something, it’s never so you’ll feel indebted to return the favor.

A gift is a gift, yeah? No strings attached, really.

Wait. This is weird. This feels weird.

Pretend you didn’t read this. PLEASE

I survived my very first speaking engagement!!

There are pictures and videos on my Instagram to back up this claim.

Meanwhile, I’m falling deeply in love with Product Design and taking my LinkedIn seriously.

Wait. Did I mention I got a Mac as a gift?

In other news…

I’m officially a co-host with Glory on the Blank Page Podcast, and I can’t wait for you all to experience what we’ve been cookinggg.

Big purrrr!

August was a great month, and I’m very sure September will be better.

It's just four months left till the end of the year. Let’s do well to make the best of it, okay?

We are breaking the jugular this month, yes?

Song Recommendation: Jugular Jugular by Lawrence Oyor & Greatmantakit

Bible verse of the week: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

With Love, Fortune.

For the sad part? I can relate on a higher level.

An event occurred a few weeks ago that made me sad for days.

Even though I tried to pretend that it didn’t get to me too much, it did. It did, like mad.

I was hurt. I cried. I prayed.

I poured out my heart in my journal. Journaling has always been my go-to coping mechanism whenever I’m feeling down, and I love that for me.

Hey, I’m fine now.

It rained here for the first time this year a few days ago. We have been experiencing serious heat waves before now, I kid you not.

The kind of heat that will make you wake up every day and mutter, “God, please, I don’t want to go to hellfire.”

The scorching weather had me feeling extra grateful for all the times it rained and I complained. Life sure has a way of teaching us to appreciate what we once took for granted.

On the little things…

*inserts TikTok sound.

What a confidence booster! Fling Fling Fling!!
Look at that highlight. Haiboooo….Haiboooo!

You know what else matters more than we realize? Giving your friends that extra push when they casually mention an idea, a project, or some wild dream they’re afraid to say out loud.

It doesn’t seem like much in the moment, but it’s like watering a seed. That simple encouragement? It can be the push they need to believe in themselves a little more.

Words bloom. And sometimes, yours might be the sunlight someone didn’t know they needed.

Let me tell you a personal story.

The year was 2018.

We had just closed from church. I was hurriedly leaving the church premises when a not-so-familiar face stopped me.

He greeted me with a smile and introduced himself as one of my friends from Facebook.

He went on to talk about how a piece I wrote on my page held him through the darkest phase of his life. He told me how whenever he felt down, he would go through my page and read the words I scribbled there because they made him feel hopeful again.

And then he said, “Please, keep writing. You don’t know how many lives you’re touching.”

He even recharged my phone as a little “thank you.”

But the real gift that day was what he said. Those words lit something in me.

They reminded me that sometimes, the things we do quietly, without applause, make an impact.

So yes, telling your friends you believe in them can literally change everything.

If a friend ever shares a dream with you, even in passing, don’t just let it float by.

Say something.

Speak life into it.

You never know what those words might unlock in them.

And sometimes, all it takes is someone saying, “I see you. I believe in you.”

So today, be that someone. Water a seed.

Bible verse of the week: Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16: 24

Song Recommendation: Listen to ZA by Anendlessocean.

With love, Fortune.

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Let’s play pretend; You are a stranger, and I am meeting you for the first time at a music-listening party.

I’ll paint a scenario.

A Facebook friend reached out to me to attend his music listening party, and I obliged. Fantastic sound, beautiful music–why not?

The event is supposed to begin at 4 pm, but I arrive at 4:38 pm. I know I am thirty-eight minutes late.

Why?

The driver of the Keke I entered decided to stylishly stop for everybody on the road who looked like they needed a ride.

“Oga abeg, I don late. No dey stop for road every two two minutes.”

I do not let my intrusive thoughts win. I refuse to say those words. Instead, I wear a fake smile every time he looks at me pleadingly through the rear mirror. Plus, I don’t have money for Uber.

I’m here now, so what does it matter? I’m just thirty-eight minutes late.

Everyone is fixated on the girl on stage reciting a poem. She’s not doing it in the conventional way; no dramatic pauses, no theatrical voice.

Just her, standing there speaking softly while some ambient music plays in the background.

I can’t tell if the music is meant to set the mood or distract us from the words. Either way, I don't get it, but everyone else seems to.

I see an empty seat and journey to it. I am seated next to you.

You: (Leans over slightly with a smile) Hey.

Silence.

I am fiddling with my phone, texting my friend that I just got here. I scan through the room, but I don’t see him anywhere.

You repeat yourself to make sure I hear you.

I heard you, I just don’t want to talk to you.

I am lying. I want to talk to you. You are a stranger, so talking to you would feel easier, safer, or…maybe not?

I stand up without thinking too hard and motion for you to follow me outside.

Who in their right senses follows a stranger they know nothing about to God knows where.?

But you do.

Because you are curious. And let’s be honest…you like amebo. Just like how invested you are with reading this newsletter.

If you haven’t subscribed to this newsletter, please subscribe so we can continue playing pretend.

We are standing opposite each other just beside the building. You wear a confused look, like you are trying to figure out what’s going on or maybe searching for the right words.

Me: ( blurts out) I don’t know how to speak my language, and I hate that people fault me for it.

You still look confused. I like that you are confused.

Me: People make fun of me, and it’s really not fair. How do I explain to them that being born in a particular place does not equate to automatically learning the language? The place you grew up, and the people you interact with play a huge role. (Pauses)

Both of my parents are not even from the same place so I didn’t grow up with either of them speaking their languages to me.

I’ll literally punch the next person who makes statements like “It’s such a shame that in your big age, you do not know how to speak any language.”

I heave a sigh of relief. I am relieved that I stated my piece.

You: (Smiling) Oh wow! It is such a shame that in your big age, you do not know how to speak any language.

I think you realized I was serious about my threat when you landed on the ground.

Newsflash: I JUST PUNCHED YOU IN THE FACE!!!

If this is your first impression of me

I am not a violent person, please. I just miss writing fiction dazzol. You can visit my profile to read my other newsletters where I not punching you but being all sweet and loving to you.

*Kisses!

I saw something on IG

Someone asked this question: “I keep falling into sin and asking for forgiveness. I’m wearing of this lifestyle. What do I do?”

Here is the answer by Minister Darasimi Oyor.

In case you don’t know

- Rufaida Yogurt has me on a chokehold. Especially the strawberry flavour. I don’t know how to stop. Please, helppppp!!

*Whispers: I mean, send me plenty money so I can buy more.

- I’m gradually getting a hang of this Product Design thingy and I looovee ittt. I mean, I literally just designed my very first mobile app. *Flips imaginary ponytail and winks.

- I watched The Summer I Turned Pretty, and I’m team Jeremiah. If you think otherwise, you like toxic people, end.

- I’m seriously rooting for Ebun’s relationship! I love love. Scratch that, I love intentional love. Dear God, thanks on her behalf.

- Matt Bennett (Robbie from Victorious) is on a tour with the songs from Victorious. It feels like I’m reliving my childhood watching video clips from the tour on TikTok. It also feels like I’m healing from a trauma I never knew existed.

- Please stop billing me, I don’t have moneyyyy. I’m my parents’ firstborn. Thank you, God bless! Amen.

- Jesus loves you.

Bible verse of the week: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14: 26

Listen to Peace by JerryLaz

I love you, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
Bye for now, till I write to you next time.

With Love,

Fortune.

Real-life issues like ;

Do you say, rice and beans when the rice is more than the beans or beans and rice when the beans is more than the rice?

These are the issues.

I miss the life I had before coming back home. I miss it like mad. That one-week special treatment you get from your parents when you’ve been away from home for a while has expired on my head.

If I say let me run away from home (it’s not like I have a place to run to o, let’s just assume), I’ll miss home after a few months.

My body will be doing me to visit home and when I eventually do, I will want to run away after seven days.

WHY?

I miss the troublesome chickens that lived next to my window. Their noise was a constant reminder that I was still serving Nigeria.

I do not hear them anymore. I am done serving Nigeria.

Oh, my Shaylaaaaaas. No offense to the main Shaylaaaaaa, please.

You’re not a chicken in Jesus name, Amen.

There was this old man at the junction of my house in Ekiti who was always very excited to see us coming back from work.

By us, I mean, Ibiso and I.

There’s always a wide smile on his face when he waves and says ‘‘Una Welcome o!”

He seemed really nice.

Let’s get on with the real-life issues for real now..

How would you feel if God treated you the way you treat Him?

Happy? Sad?

You always go to him when you are in trouble. You forget all about His existence when everything is rosy for you. WHY?

*inserts TikTok sound

Na wa for you o, bruhhhh!

Let’s be honest. Will you be happy if someone constantly texts you just to ask you for money? I bet that every time you see that person’s text, you squeeze your face.

Even though you’re Father Christmas, you’ll one day express your displeasure, right?

I want you to have it at the back of your mind that every time you approach God for His gifts rather than a relationship with Him, you break His heart.

It’s like treating Him as a means to an end rather than the end Himself.

We wouldn’t want that in 2025, right?

Place your hands on your head and repeat after me;

This is 2025 and I will not be a bread and butter Christian.

AMEN

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Small Amebo

My friend’s babe broke up with him a few days before Valentine’s Day and he hasn’t been feeling really great.

Can you please drop words of encouragement for someone going through a heartbreak in the comments? Thank youuuu!!!

P.S: I started a YouTube channel. I haven’t posted my first video yet, I just wanted you to know.

Bible verse of the week: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mattew 6:33

Listen to Alignment Chant by Lawrence Oyor.

I loooooooooveeee you and there is nothing you can do about it.

Till I write to you next timeeeeeeee. Byeeee!

With Love,

Fortune.

I won’t even lie, the year started on a very good note. It was the year I did Big Things—

The year I wore adulting with pride, and boy, I did so well.

I’ve always had responsibilities, yeah? But in 2024 I took up a whole lot of responsibilities and I couldn’t be more proud of myself.

If you’re the firstborn child, you’ll understand better.

If asked to rate my 2024 out of a ten, I’d give it a solid 8. Oh yes!

Let’s get on with the review.

Highlights

• NYSC happened so I had to leave home to live in a strange land.

• Bought a phone.

• Survived

• Worked with She is Near (A blockchain community for women) as a Social Media Manager.

• Worked with over five brands to help manage their Social Media.

• Survived

• Got my first Fiverr gig.

• Learned a new skill.

• Survived.

• Got jobs I didn’t even apply for.

• Attended YMR.

On Friendships

The year I became more intentional about my friendships. I can remember praying to God to connect me with the right friends and also help me be the friend I desire and long to have.

Long story short, God did. I have friends that push me to do better and be better.

Friends that I can conveniently call to go on a fast with me.

Friends that won’t fail to have difficult conversations with me when the need arises.

Friends who will call to ask why I didn’t attend church service.

Friends that love me wholeheartedly and want to see me grow.

I do not have a lot of friends but I know for a fact that I am grateful for the ones God placed in my life.

PS: I don’t share my friends. *tucks hair behind ear.*

On Managing Emotions

I do not know how to hide how I feel. If it’s excitement, you’ll see it on my face. Sadness? I’ll look like I’m carrying the problems of this world on my head.

Hurt? I’ll cry till I have no tears left and write in my journal.

Did I do a good job at managing my emotions in 2024? I can’t say.

There have been times when I’ve sent emails reflecting how I felt in the moment, and it hasn’t always been the best decision.

I notice I end up saying things I’m not supposed to say, and as a result, the recipient gets their feelings hurt in the process.

I’ve learned to pause, take a deep breath, process my emotions, and then respond only if necessary.

On Finances

I don’t have money ooooo. You people should help my lifeeee.

Okay, let’s be real. In 2024, I got to the point where my siblings would call me asking for money, and the next thing they’d see was a transaction receipt on WhatsApp.

A point where I was able to celebrate my friends and family on their birthdays and send random money home.

Financially, I’m not where I want to be yet but I’m definitely not where I used to be.

This is such a big flex. God, thanks!

On Career

Before now, I have always been associated with writing. Many people don’t know this but I am a published author. As in, I have a book with my name on it. Skrrrrrrrr!

You can get the soft copy of Torn Apart here.

In 2024, I took on Social Media Management seriously.

I also learned how to do Graphics design and currently learning Product Design.

I do not think SMM is something I want to do for a very long time.

Sha bring jobs, na me go tell you the one wey I no fit do.

I’d love to write fiction again. Let’s see what 2025 holds for us.

On Love

I love you,

You love me,

We are a happy family,

With a great big hug.

And a kiss from me to you,

Won’t you say, you love me tooooo.

End of story.

Events?

I missed out on many events in 2024 because of NYSC. But, I attended DevFestAkure. I even made a vlog about it. You can watch here.

I’m sooooo putting myself out there in 2025. Seminars? Workshops? Webinars? Name them! I will be there like maaaad.

On Self-care

I started skincare in 2024.

Quick question; why is skincare so expensive???

I kuku don’t have money to buy big brands so, I started small.

I also added a few kgs. Don’t playyyyy and let my cheeks do the talking. *inserts moon face emoji.

My sister said I started skincare and neglected hair care. This is changing in 2025.

It is me and my hair against the world, baybeee!

On Faith

People that do life without God, how do you people do it?

You know that bible verse that says: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty? I saw the literal manifestation in 2024.

If you don’t dwell, the shege that the devil will use your eyes to see will be televised.

Do you know what it means to be UNDER the shadow of The Almighty?? Eiii.. I’ll stop there.

On Giving

I gave the most in 2024 and God willing in 2025, we do moreeeeee!

In 2025

Twenty-twenty-four was the year I did big things.

Twenty-twenty-five is the year I will do bigger things. I won’t limit myself, I’ll do it afraid.

I’ll take those courses, do hard things, try a new skill, say no when necessary, and be daring.

Most importantly, I’ll read my Bible and pray every day. You should too!

On today’s episode of Do It Afraid.

I’ll leave you with these words:

Stay with God this year; let him cook you.

Min. Dunsin Oyekan just dropped Judah. You should streammmmnmmmmm.

I’d really love to hear about your 2024 in the comments section.

Bible verse of the week.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭

Don’t forget to tell me about your 2024 in the comments section and please subscribe if you haven’t.

Happy New Year!

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It’s 12:52 am on a Tuesday and the harmattan in Ekiti is not harmattaning at all. Sane humans are probably fast asleep, grinding, or trying to see how they can make $20k before the end of the year. 

But here I am, writing to you because the last time I sent out a newsletter was in September and it feels like I’ve committed a grave offense.

There’s no light right now, and the chickens that live just by my window are fast asleep. Wait till it’s 5:30 am and hear them scream down my roof. Such nuisance!

Sometimes I want to pay evil for evil. Maybe scream till my throat hurts so that they’ll not have peace of mind; that’s exactly what those little demons to do me every single day.

I have never had a day of rest since I moved into this compound.

I really want to hurt them in ways they cannot imagine. Any ideas? 

I promise. Those evil creatures have been after my life from time immemorial. 

“Time immemorial?” It feels weird writing that.

WETIN BE THAT?

Nah, don’t gimme that look. I’ve really missed writing to you. 

I know I keep saying I’ll turn a new leaf aaaaaand I never did.

I think at this point, it’s prayer and fasting I need from you people.

Sigh.

I took this bad character to Web3 Twitter, and now they’ve disowned me.

In October, a really nice and sweet girl reached out to me and asked that we become accountability partners by committing to posting every day of the month.

I obliged. I even made an announcement post on Twitter on how I was gon do the challenge.

A what? A joker.

It’s really not what you think. I got swamped with work. I couldn’t keep up with everything that was happening around me at that time.

Not enough excuse but valid, yes? I don’t know.

Truth be told, I wasn’t disciplined enough.

I’m learning that discipline is prioritizing what you want the most over what you want now.

On the bright side…

Over the past few months, I have gotten incredible compliments/reviews on my work rate and it really means a lot to me. 

“You’re so hardworking and dedicated to your job, well done!”

I don’t have the biggest of dreams. Nah, I don’t.

I just know that I want to be great at what I do and give the world the gift of me.

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The October Edition of Hallelujah Challenge was IT!!!

It’s been raining testimonies in my life since then.

GOD is GOOD!
—

This NYSC thing is almost over and I couldn’t be more grateful.

*Screams inside pillow.

Suspect is tired of the clarion call o.

Suspect is not doing again.

*swallows anxiety pills.

It’s that time of the year again, and trust me, most people are beginning to get hit by the waves of sadness and introspection that come with it.

Hey, you did great! Just as Sisi Yemmie has said, it’s okay if the only thing you did this year was get through it.

There’s really no point in getting sad/depressed. No point whatsoever, boo. 

You’re ALIVE and HEALTHY, be grateful.

GOD DID!

Special Shoutout.

These two people— T_maann and MrM4gnus from Twitter will not let me rest. They kept asking for a newsletter. Eii.

Thank you both for the trolls sha. I’ll try to be consistent, Amen!

If I do not stop writing right now, I’ll go late to CDS later in the day and they’ll tell me to pick dirt from the floor.

When I say I’m seeing shege in this NYSC, you people will think it’s a joke.

Bible verse of the week: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Joshua 1:9

Listen to SYSTEM EUPHORIA by AEO

Merry Christmas in advanceeeeee!

Bye for now.

Hi, bestiesssssssss!

*Covers face in shame.*

I literally just sounded like one of those overly excited YouTubers. 

No shades to anyone, please. I loooove their energyyyyy.

I do not intend to sound all dramatic right now but let it be known that my friends outdid themselves on the 11th of August.

*drops mic.

They left me speechless with the love I received on my birthday. 

It rained credit alerts on my birthday.

Well, Maybe “rained” is a bit of a reach but what I’m trying to say in essence is that people sent me money on my birthday.

I laughed so much. I cried too. My parents called to pray for me.

There was a mini party at my house. There was rice and chicken too.

My Landlady came with wine.

I got cute emails.

I got a second cake from a very nice sissy.

The story behind the cake is on the note.

I received really nice and thoughtful gifts.

I was gonna do a gift haul but I’ll pass. *Evil grin.

I felt loved, appreciated, and seen. 

It’s the little things, fam. It’s really the little things. 

At the end of the day, I’m just a girl. 

It was another round of tears when I got to the office the next day.  I became reaaaaally emotional when I heard my colleagues say nice things about me.

I’ve always been a crybaby and I can’t even deny that one.

Hearing those words made me want to do better and be better. 

Again, I felt seen, loved, and appreciated.

Yeah, the birthday ended after 24-hours but the love I received is still right here in my heart.

Jesus loves me ooo.

Jesus loves me like maaaad. That’s why he placed really amazing people in my life.

I made a tweet

…and I got a couple of reactions. While some set of people were being sarcastic in the comments section, another set of people felt I was throwing jabs at them.

I know for a fact that my friends try to match the loveeee and energyyyy I give out. I mean, someone legit sent me emails every day from the 1st of August till my birthday. 

If this is not love, I don’t know what is.

So this is loveeee, uhuhun uh hunnnnn

This is what Tijesunmi has to say…

I believe we should give all the love we can, regardless of how others reciprocate. Jesus loves us with reckless abandon, so why shouldn't I love my friends with the same openness and generosity?

This is for my new subscribers.

I don’t know you but I love you. Thank you so much for being a part of me…us.

There’s enough puff puff to go around. Please, stick around and share this newsletter with your friends too.

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This is for my OGs

Sending hugssss and kisssses! I love love love love you guys.

P.S: I am currently reading the book of Job for the month of September and I think you should too if you do not currently have a bible study plan to follow.

Here is a link to the bible study plan and how to go about it.

Bible verse of the week: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15: 12.

This song feels like a big warm hug from Abba..

You should listen to it.

Till I write to you next timeeeeeeee. Byeeee!

With Love,

Fortune.

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I have a big grin on my face as I type this.

Nope. I don’t.

I’m a little sad because I’ve dreaded this age for so long.

What is the seriousness in this age!??? HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Was it not just yesterday I celebrated my 16th birthday? 

What happened to timeeeeeee!?

Two days ago, I was hit by the common wave of depression everyone experiences when it’s close to their birthdays. Or maybe not everyone, but some people.

I was speaking to a friend about it and I went on about my frustrations and whatnot.

The convo ended with my friend praying for me and after that, I discovered that I had been somewhat ungrateful.

I mean, the year started on a very very beautiful note. Looking back at last year and now, I can confidently beat my chest and say that I’m not where I used to be. Even though I’m not where I’m supposed to be, yet.  Cliche right?

There’s been a shift and it’s evident.

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I think my 18th birthday has been the most memorable so far. Let me give you the gist.

I was joyfully saving up money for a photoshoot and birthday cake. My hard earned money o.

I was going to do two shoots; a pre-birthday shoot and the main shoot. I was sha on some kain soft funds that year mehn.

Right now, I’m broke pleaseee, send helppppp.

Here is what the pre-birthday shoot looked like.

After the shoot, the only money I had left was for my cake. This is where the story gets really interesting.

Stay with me…

I boarded a cab to go get my cake. It was when I came down from the cab to pay for my transportation fare that I found out that my money was missing.

LOL

E do me like film trick. (This was a day to my birthday)

Long story short, I cried back to the hostel. I was reallyyyyy so pisssed and angry!!! My God! I cried ehn. I really cried.

I just went about my daily activities on that day without stressing.

Then I got to the hostel that evening and saw that my roommates bought me a cake to celebrate me.

Nah, that was really so thoughtful of them. I cried happy tearssssss.

—

For the past 365 days, God has literally carried me in His arms and for this, I’ll forever be grateful.

He has given friends that turned family.

He always came through for me in the nick of time. 

P.S: He is never too late. He is always on time.

He held my hands like His baby.

Plans for the day?

Well, it’s a Sunday so I’ll obviously go to church, come back home, read y’all messages, and smile from ear to ear.

Oh yeah, please do send me emails. I’d love to read them—marvieoma@gmail.com

I’ll be back with the gist of how the day went.

Bible verse of the week: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Psalm 46: 5

With love,

Fortune.

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Una too love meeeeee…aka the love is massiveeee!!

Love. 

Love is the only explanation here right now because how do I explain y’all sticking with me even in my inconsistency? Wow! I’m touched, guys, Y’all are making me emotional, fr.

I. WILL. WEEP!

I’m back like I never left. If you missed out on the first part of this gist, click here to read.

Getting settled in this strange land hasn’t been easy. I mean, the popular means of transportation here are Bikes.

Okadas. Machines. Motorcycles #Tearssssss.

I really do not like this fact but there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it.

Let’s not even talk about the hiked prices of foodstuffs and other necessities.

I was initially posted to a school but along the line, I found myself in a place where things and things are happening.

I think it’s at this point y’all should ask me to blink twice if I need help.

Oya, ask. I’m waiting…

You get the gist abi? I certainly cannot go into details right now for obvious reasons. E be things.

*Blinks 50 times.

It’s been tough mehn. Really tough.

Above all, I know that God sent me here for a reason and even if it doesn’t look like it right now.

I’ll keep hanging in there because you do not tell the Potter how you want Him to mold you.

You just willingly submit to His will and let Him handle you. It doesn’t promise to be a sweet ride, but it’s going to be worth it in the end.

*Pats self on the back.

If you’ve read up to this point and you’ve not subscribed, please subscribe. Ehn? Fine Girl? Fine Boy? Abeg.

Subscribe now

Small break

I took a break from Web3, came back and everything is turnioniown. Bruuhhh, a lot is happening.

I’m back to grinding like my life depends on life. Oluwa o!

Bring Jobssssss.

Newsflash!

I’m taking a course in Product Design! Your babe is about to become a badass Product Designer!!!

I really can’t wait to take y’all on this journey with me. I know I haven’t been consistent with my learning process but I promise you, I’m trying my bestttttt.

Hay God! Adulting is harddddd. 

My sleeping pattern these days is disorganized. I don’t even know how I haven’t broken down yet. Adulting is harddddd.

I’m currently job hunting and it’s really taking a toll on my mental health.

I don’t even get the rejection emails, I just apply and get ghosted. Adulting is harddddd.

P.S: If you have a job for your girl, please reach out to me. Thank youuuuuuu.

HE cares for you like madddd

One thing I’ve come to realize in this service year is that no matter how busy life gets, you should try as much as possible to prevent a decline in your relationship with God.

God cares for you like maaad. God cares for you baje baje. Kicking Him out of the equation will do more harm than good. 

It’s not too late to come back when you’ve wandered afar off. 

I promise you, It’s not. Been there, done that.

—

So far so good, Ekiti hasn’t been all that bad sha. I’ve met a couple of people who I now call family.

I sincerely love you all and I cannot wait to write to y’all againnnnnnnn.

I’ll stop writing now.

Bible verse of the week: We love him because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

I John 4: 19 & 20.

I sincerely love you all and I cannot wait to write to y’all againnnnnnnn.

Byeeeeeeeee!

With Love,

Fortune.

Please, do’nt jugdgeeeee meeeeee…Don’t judgeeee meeeeeeee.

I know, I know.

I know what’s on your mind. Please, don’t say it.

The last time I wrote to you, I gave a breakdown of how 2023 went right? Well, it’s just four months into the year, and it feels like two years have passed already. 

I already feel like I have grey hairs and I’m just a babyyyyyyy.

I had mixed feelings when I found out that I was posted to Ekiti instead of Abuja. First, Ekiti of all places?? No offense but what is an EKITI???

No, my direct posting to Abuja didn’t go as planned aaaaand I may or may not have made a fuss about it.

Again, I am just a babyyyyy…

I had a bitter-sweet experience at the camp in Ekiti.

-When I got to camp, I was told that I would not be able to register because of the arrangement of my name. Ah! The people I came with had all registered. I was the only one left; only me. Me me me me me, and it was really weird.

So you mean after crossing seven seas and seven mountains to this place, y’all will send me back because of the arrangement of my name?

It felt like my village people were after me o! Ah! I couldn’t even tell my parents about the matter. I just chested the whole thing and reported it to God.

A very nice NYSC official helped me fix the problem and voila! I registered and was given my Khaki.

-Please tell me why I got stuck with a roomie (Sylvia) that made it her life’s goal to wake me up by 3am EVERYDAY???

Ahan… I’ll have to wake up by 3 am, hurry, and take my bath just to get ready for early morning meditation. Nahhhh, It wasn’t a funny experience.

I miss Grace.

Grace was my camp buddy. We were always together to the extent that someone named us “Two-in-one”.

I didn’t like SAED classes for anythinggg. Bruhhhh, I just want to sleep! Why are you keeping me under the sun for 5 hawasssss?

Is it the by-force parades? I always escaped to drama rehearsals o.

-I met really amazing and annoying people in camp. For example, Emeka made it a point of duty to always disturb me during SAED.

His babe didn’t like me o! She thought I wanted to steal her man (this one is another gist for another day sha)

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My Platoon officer called me his 100-level Corper aaaaaaand trust my platoon members to jump on every given opportunity to tease me with the name.

Na slim I slim oo.. I no kee person.

Weird things happened to me in camp;

1. I’d always bump into Emmanuel whenever I was at the tap washing my clothes. It didn’t happen once, twice or thrice. Crazy weird right? I know.

2. Teniola thinks I’m a reserved person because he never saw me make trouble and we always bump into each other when I was alone and calm. (Dey play my fanssss)

3. A certain someone always took unaware pictures of me. Apparently, he had a crush on me.

   

4. Two of my white shorts were stolen! I SAID, THEY STOLE MY SHORTS IN CAMP OOOOO. (Let’s not talk about this thing. My mummy will beat me if she finds out)

5. I tried out the Shawarma from camp and purged out all the evil things in my body.

6. It’s 5 days to the end of camp, boom! Tom-Tom decides to be friends with me. Tragic.

7. People cried when their relocation didn’t work out. Yup! Big big Uncles and Aunties were crying like babies.

8. Let’s just say a handful of people fell in love with me.

Whilst camp was fun to some, it was a dungeon to others. There you get to meet people from different walks of life.

One thing was certain; everyone looked forward to the day of our release from prison. E.g meeeeeeee.

I couldn’t wait to go back to my NORMAL life for God’s sake.

I hurriedly ran back home after camp then, it hit me after the Easter celebration that I’d be going back to start life afresh, all by myself in Ekiti.

I’ll stop writing now.

To be continued…

Bible verse for the week: Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another

1 John 4: 11

Love one another o. Uhmmmm, love one another.

You know I love y’all right? Let’s love each other. Thank you, byeeee!

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Share Fortune's Newsletter

If I do not send out this newsletter, I'm pretty sure some people will come for my head.

For example, Lois sent me this tweet just to spite me.

On the other hand, Simba won't let me rest. 

Because what is this message? Lmaoooo.

It's 2024 !??

How is that even possible? 2023 just went from January, February, March, zftgmwfovxgtesnftrffr, and December.

No jokes! 

I've read a couple of end-of-the-year reviews and for every time I scroll, I mouth a God abeg. In as much as for some good number of people, 2023 was their year, but it wasn't the same for others.

Can I say the same for me?

I wouldn't want to dive deep into the happenings of 2023. It was a whole lot

I'll just give you a highlight of what went down.

January

I got a remote job that would soon become my worst nightmare. E shock you!? Ever heard of the saying, not all that glitters is gold?

I had to go through the stress of writing thousands of words to struggling with PayPal to receive my payment. Hei God!

Mind you, I didn't have a laptop (I had sold the one I used to have). I was using Pretty Boy's laptop which would soon develop an overheating issue that will make it shut down at will.

I really struggled mehn.

Wo, I don't even know how I survived. GOD DID

February

On Valentine's Day when everybody was doing me and mine, you and yours, and gbogbo ti gbo, my phone crashed on me twice.

I was still struggling with my job and was seriously praying for a new laptop.

March

My area was having light issues so I spent the whole month going to a workspace.

Paying #400 for every time I go there to work.

Shout out to GteraHub! Una sha chop my money wella.

April

My friend, Mercy was getting married so I abandoned work and travelled to Abribra aka small London in Abia state for the wedding.

For the first time in my life, I experienced what it felt like to be in another person's village and I looooved the experience.

I had so much fun at the wedding and left Abia state with two toasters constantly calling me till date.

May

I packed my bags and decided I was leaving Uyo for Kano State. I didn't have a laptop, I had a job that was stressing me so, I just wanted to go home and cry to my parents.

A good samaritan will now send me over 300k to get a new system. E shock you? E shock me too.

I can remember writing it down in my prayer journal during the Hallelujah Challenge in February that I didn't want to buy my laptop with my own money. I did that with faith and prayed about it.

God answers prayers, fam. He does answer prayers.

June

This was the month I became really lazy. I spent most of my time drinking Kunu, sleeping, and fantasizing about starting a newsletter. Yup! I did start sending out my newsletters in June.

My friends went all out to support meeeeeeee. *Faintssss.

You can click HERE to read the very first letter I sent out.

July

I think I came to this life to eat Gideon's money. Yasssssss! I spent most of July trying out eateries in Kano state; courtesy of Gideon. 

I'd randomly call Glory just to rant about my laziness.

P.S: My babe was in Law school at the time. The Law! The bench! The bar!

I salute you ma.

I became really sick and collected drips for the first time in my life.

August

This is my birth month. The month started out pretty well with Baby Favour bugging me about my birthday. She even had to follow me to my shoot. A very solid babe!

On my birthday, I and my baby girl for life and almost birthday mate, Favour would talk about how broke we are.

"Yomabasi, we don dey old ooo. We no even get money. See as birthday dryyyy."

I would get a call from Blu who is now a very important part of my life.

Ended the month really sad when I found out that I wasn't going to go for  NYSC with my mates.

September

Channeled all my anger and sadness into the Web3 space. I had gotten a recommendation from Austin to work as a content writer for a Web3 community.

I began to research about the crypto space and connected with Luna. 

I forgot to add that my babe, Favour sent me a new month's note (the very first of its kind) and I screameddd!!

See, I'm always the cheesy one and not the other way around.

I would have loved to show the content of that note but my phone crashed again during that period and I lost everything.

Did I mention she carries my matter on her head like gala?

She'll always share my newsletter and urge her friends to subscribe.

My baby girl for life!! Lysm my Chidiebere. Coman take all my moneyyyyyy!

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October

Blu would always tell me to participate in thread contests but I was scared about not being good enough.

I decided to give it a try after much persuasion and took part in my first-ever thread contest. You guessed right! I was among the winners.

I participated in another thread contest and was still among the winners.

Isn't God good!? He is.

Oh! There've been nights I've cried and worried about the ill happenings around me but in all, I'm grateful for God's mercies and the beautiful friends He surrounded me with.

November

Mannie would accuse me of ghosting him and I'll call to apologize. I began to live in constant worry and fear because it seemed as if God didn’t want to answer my prayers. 

I’ll call my friends just to rant. I don’t know why they didn’t get tired of me because I was tired of my constant bickering. 

Seeee, it’s one thing to pray and it’s another thing to patiently wait for the answer. 

Again, I am grateful for the gift of the amazing friends I have. I’m definitely buying y’all two two Benz each. Amen? Amen!

I reconnected with a friend of over ten years who is now an officer of the law. He wouldn’t fail to always remind me that the Air Force is a noble job.

Shout out to you, Officer Kolo!

Putting it out here: Officer Koko promised to gift me 50k if I visit up to 10 states in 2024.

December

The month of our Lord Jesus Christ. A bitter-sweet month, I must confess. Relationship people wanted to wound us with pajamas pictures. I was not jealous. Rubbish!

I attended a blockchain event and I’m proud to announce to you that I was the social media manager for that event.

I posted some tweets that looked like a cry for help and this sparked a couple of reactions. Made me connect with an incredible mind like Joel.

Wo, I won’t say much. Just have rich tech friends.

—-

I thought I just wanted to give a highlight. What is this epistle I just wrote?

Let’s just say I’m trying to make up for all the times I ghosted y’all. Hugs!?

Don’t lie, you had a nice time reading my 2023 recap. Why? Because you too like gistttttttt.

Let me point out a few things 2023 taught me.

1. There is no taking God out of the equation.

2. Surround yourself with Godly friends

3. Shun imposter syndrome and try, you never can tell how far you can go.

4. Trust God with the whole of your heart.

This is 2024!

And the unofficial slogan for the year is, No Gree for Anybody. I take God to beg you, no gree for anybody.

It’s the fifth day of the year already and some people have finished reading 5 books. I kid you not!

Some have written out business plans and have started implementing them. Others have set goals and are working tirelessly towards achieving them.

I know a friend who just registered for the gym and has been consistent with it.

In as much as it is beautiful to set goals, pray for consistency. I promise you that it’s not every day you’ll wake up and feel like reading the bible or praying.

But then, let’s ride with the no-gree-for-anybody wave.

In 2024…

1. Hold God tight.

2. Pray oooo. Pray!

3. Be nice to people.

4. Spread love as much as you can.

5. No gree for anybody

6. Send me all your money.

7. Read number 1.

8. Read number 5.

My heart is full…

I want to sincerely thank over 200 of y’all gorgeous people for sticking with me. I do not take the show of love for granted. 

I love y’all with the whole of my heart and I’m rooting for you. 

—-

Bible verse of the week: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Psalm 23:6

Song of the week: Undignified by Dunsin Oyekan

I’ll say bye for now till I write to you next time.

With love,

Fortune.

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I know that the above information is none of your business but I also know that you like gist!

Yes, it’s true and it is not a bad thing.

First things first, who missed meeeeeeeee?? I know you did. I missed you too!

It’s been a minute or two monthsss. I can’t even hide my excitement about writing to y’all again, it’s been ages!

Permit me to wish you a Happy New Month.

There… I’ve wished you already.

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A whole lot has happened since the last time I sent out a newsletter. There have been moments where I have questioned my ability to be still and know that He is God.

It’s all cute to sing, “I’ve still got joy in chaosssss” until you’re deep inside the chaos and you are looking everywhere for the joy to come.

Ha! I can assure you that it is a not-so-beautiful experience.

Nah, I’m not here to complain or whatnot. I’m here to tell you that having joy in chaos is a thing.

Web3 Saga

I got neck-deep into Web3 when everyone was farming $tip. If you have no idea about Web3, DYOR.

Whoooosh!! See me throwing Web3 terms arounddd.

Oya, I’m sorry. Stop rolling your eyes at me, I’ll tell you.

Web3 is basically the third generation of the internet that focuses on decentralized protocols and technologies.

When you hear people talk about crypto, blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, and the likes, it’s all Web3.

DYOR stands for Do Your Own Research.

Happy now?

I got to explore and learn more about the ecosystem. I spoke on Twitter spaces, networked, and even joined some amazing communities.

Seeeeee, let me tell you people something: Web3 guys have moneyyyyyyy. I repeat, Web3 guys have plenty moneyyyyy.

If you have any friend that is into Web3, this is your cue to bill them. (Minus me sha, I’m still a newbie in the system)

Send them your Christmas wishlist!

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Have I made any money since I joined Web3?

Well, your girl participated in a thread contest and she was among the winners!

Yup! I won a few dollars. Don’t gimme that look abeg, I don’t have money at all.

God is Kind!

I attended a prayer conference in November and I had a swell time in God’s presence! The testimonies choookeeeee. Ayyy! I learned joy in chaos during that prayer conference. God is Kind!

Jesus Iyeeeeee!

*Inserts Jesus Iyeeee by Nathaniel Bassey*

This song is unarguably my song of the year!

That part that says:

What was impossible (Baba)

You made possible!

Is my jam! That has been my testimonyyyyyyy!

P.S.: I wasn’t joking about the POS guy in my area being a medical doctor. Nigeria is just onekain.

The system is just messed up and everybody is trying to make ends meet.

On Growth

I love that I am learning to be more expressive of my feelings. I do not bottle up emotions anymore and I am really glad

Ayyyyy… God has been faithful!

Disappointment here and there but we keep on grinding. I am sooo positive about December and what it has in store for me.

Laziness will not put food on the table ooooo. Except you’re a trust fund baby sha.

It’s the last month of the year and I’m here to tell you to remove pressure from your diet.

It is just Benz you didn’t buy, you dinor kee person. Be thankful for life and fresh air!

Always remember that Fortune is rooting for youuuuuuu.

Till I write to you next time, Ciao!

Wait, our bible verse for the week…

Bible verse for the week: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also me.

John 14:1

Song of the week: Jesus Iyeeeee by Nathaniel Bassey.

Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a comment.

Fortune loves you!

Compliments of the Season!

Ba-bye!

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This is a very personal newsletter and I think writing it will make me feel better.

If you’re reading this and you’ve not subscribed, pleaseeeeeeee, subscribe.

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I think people who continually ask questions like, "When are you getting married?" and "When are you going for NYSC?" are in the same WhatsApp group.

It's not like they really care to know. They just want to make you feel some kind of way and it's really not nice.

When are you going for NYSC?

I can't begin to recount the number of times I've heard the above question from family, friends, and even those who you know are just looking for ways to gossip.

Trust me, it's been the most annoying and insensitive question I've been asked. Well, aside, when are you getting married?

Class of 2020 that graduated in 2021 because of COVID-19. Everyone expected me to put on the Khaki next.

They didn't care about how I struggled to finish up my project and how my department was the last to finally defend.

Nope!

What about the mental stress that came with working immediately after school just to make ends meet?

Oh no! Not all you see on social media is true.

I see your work pictures. You look really happy! You're enjoying o.

Nope. I'm not. I'm mentally stressed. I'm just trying to survive!!

Pheeew!

It took a miracle for our results to get senate approval. This meant that it was time to go for service, right?

I traveled up North without completing my final clearance. When I found out that my department had already started internal mobilization for NYSC, I went haywire and began to make travel plans.

The unthinkable happened. I feel really ill that I could not travel. I had to send my documents to school via DHL.

Guess what!? I couldn't beat the deadline. So yeah, this meant that I wasn't going for service this year. I would have to wait for the next batch.

You know how you've already mapped out a plan and some situation comes out of the blue to destroy that plan?

It's really not a nice feeling and I didn't feel good for a very long time.

I cried o. I cried.

I asked God a lot of questions. I really wanted to know why it didn't work out as planned.

I got the response to TRUST HIM regardless.

It was sweeter to say, ‘I'm not ready’ when being asked when I was going for service because the delay was general and nobody in my department had been mobilized.

Right now, it's not the same.

I really do not want to stress about it anymore. I want God's plan for my life to be fulfilled.

You might be in the same situation as me. It can be really daunting but I want to trust in God regardless. His ways are not the ways of men.

I want you to always remember that God is NEVER late.

P.S: Following God’s plan is the best thing that can ever happen to you!

Anyhoo, I have decided to channel my energy somewhere else and make the most of these three months.

If you're thinking it’s about making money, that one too dey. *wink.

Let me beg.

I do not like how I've made it a habit of coming to beg you people to forgive my inconsistency.

Seeee, life happens really fast.

One minute, you're trying to draft out a newsletter to your lovely subscribers and the next minute you're on Web3 Twitter farming tip. (This story is lonnnng. Let’s make the billions first and I’ll give the full gist.)

I'm sorrrrrrryyyyyyyy.
*covers face in shame.

September is over! We have three months left before the year ends.

No pressure, fam. No pressure.

Hehehe..

I think the cutest compliment I got this month was from someone saying that my laughter is the eighth wonder of the world. Hehehe… I’m shy…

Let’s finish up with the Bible verse of the week.

Thank you for sticking with me. We are a 200+ strong army and I’m sooooo happy to have y’all in my corner.

If you’re at this point and you’ve not subscribed, It’s not good ooo.

Subscribe now

It doesn’t hurt to leave a comment below. You should share this newsletter with your friends too. Thanksssssssssssssssss.

Okay, byeeeeee.

With love,

Fortune.

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*inserts TikTok sound.

There is no logical reason why anybody should eat nine slices of bread, are you a werewolf?

You are not a werewolf. It is a joke ooo. It is a joke. You can even eat fifteen slices of bread, It's your bread and appetite.

That's precisely what happens when you're hungry; you eat like a werewolf, or not.
I'm sorry. I didn't ghost you guys.

I really don't mind. *hugs!

Have you people forgiven me? *inserts crying face emoji.

It's the last day of August and it's past 5 am in the morning, and I've killed eight mosquitoes already.

I don't know how the two that escaped managed to do so. Traitors!

Are you people still angry at me?

I really do not have much to say but I know for a fact that August was a great month.
It came with a lot of blessings and answered prayers.

I literally saw and experienced a miracle this month (I'll give the full gist in the future).

GOD is good!

August Dump?

Birthday didn't go as planned because you people dinor complete the contribution money for my car. But, guess what!?

That ship has sailed a long time ago. It is aeroplane that I want you people to buy for me.

Your heartfelt birthday messages and emails were the highlight of my 11th August. Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face.

Thank you!

I think people love to be associated with greatness. If you're not doing big things with your life and the likes, you'll find out that nobody will send you.

At the end of the day, it's just you, your parents, and three friends in your corner. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I babysat a three-year-old boy, it was the most chaotic moments of my life. Mothers are really trying because whaaaaaaaaat!!??

If you're a mother reading this newsletter, tiri gbosa for you!

Gbosa! Gbosa!! Gbosa!!!

Y'all are the real MVPs.

One minute, this child is acting all cute and stuff. The next minute? I'm screaming:
"Eat your food!"
"Stay one place!"
"Why did you poo poo on your body?"

I attended a lot of Zoom meetings because why not?

I love how I try to not take the people in my life for granted. I'm forever grateful for the gift of men. *hugs!

It's Decagon szn...

My fave, Anendlessocean released his album!!!!

You can click HERE to stream.

AEO really ate with that album. *tearssssss. My favorite track? What We Have.

It's such a beautiful love song that portrays the amazing relationship God has with his children.
Trust me, you won't regret listening to the whole album.

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On the Streets of Twitter…

It’s been God’s faithfulness all through. GOD is good!!

This is for you…

2023 has really been demanding. I mean, TINUBU is President!!!!

#Tearssssssss.

Remember that, The Sender is also The Keeper.

Are fuel prices hiked? The Sender is also The Keeper.

Is feeding becoming an issue? The Sender is also The Keeper.

Did they your school fees? The Sender is also The Keeper.

The list goes on and on but always have it at the back of your mind that, The Sender is also The Keeper.

Bible verse of the week: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33.

Song of the week: Jireh by Maverick City.

I should stop writing now. Thank y’all for sticking with me.

Much love from me to you.

Muaaaah!!!!

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Let me officially usher you into the month of August; my birth month! You just have to sit, relax and enjoy all the goodies that will come in this month.

August is actually my favorite month of the year. It's not even because it's my birth month or anything, I just can't explain it. I mean, Legends (e.g. me) are born in August.

Remember how in my last letter I mentioned that I wasn't going to write to you in a while? Well, Malaria and her elder sister; Typhoid, came to visit me a few days after I sent that letter.

Whaaaat? Let’s not talk about how that week was the worst!

I was going to legit give y'all the breakdown of all that happened but I wouldn't want to bore y'all with the gist.

Seeeeeeee, good health is truly underrated. Ah! It was at that moment I realized this and it gave me a lot of concern.

For the first time in my life, I took drips. It wasn't a funny experience sha. But in all, I thank God for good health.

July was good. There were a lot of tears, laughter, and more tears but I didn’t break.

August will be better. Amen.

Birthday Plans

For the first time in a long time, I am not clouded by a wave of birthday depression. That feeling of nothingness and emptiness that comes with clocking a new age is not hereeee!!!!

Last year? Birthday depression wan finish meee. It wasn’t funny at all.

I just sat in one corner and started thinking about my life.

This year? No pressure. I just deyyyyy.

God, thanks!

I just wanna stay in my house, eat pepper soup and drink jwice.

Will there be a photoshoot? I'm still thinking about it sha. Lerrus see how it goes.

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What is Delusion?

This question was asked on Twitter abi X app.

See, this thing that Elon Musk is doing is not good.

The way he just woke up one morning and decided to change our bird to X is annoying.

Some of the responses were deep:

It doesn’t matter if people don’t go above and beyond for you when you do the same for them. What matters is that you did whatever you did from a place of genuine love.

Someone said and I quote;

“I won’t regret the love I give. Any love I give is yours to keep, It is between you and God whatever you want to want to do with it.”

Change what?? Sorry for the laugh.

Next!

Hehehehehe you’re gonna have to wait for a very very very very looooong time.

Anyways…

I’m still reading the book from my last newsletter.

My all-time favorite artist just dropped a single. You should click HERE to listen to Alone by Anendlessocean.

Bible verse of the week: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Duet 31:6

I don’t know what your goals for August are but, I know God’s gat you big time. Just keep trusting and keep pushing.

I wish you the very best!

With love,

Fortune.

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I followed my sister to visit a couple last week and that small yawo inspired this newsletter.

I said let me coman do small amebo with you people.

Guysssss, I heard the cutest love story ever! *inserts heart on eyes emoji*
Hay God! I can literally feel butterflies from typing.

The story proved to me that can you find love ANYWHERE.

You just have to open your eyes and look, abi?
Right.

This Auntie was gisting us how she met her husband on 2go.

"I met him on 2go when I was 19" she said as we journeyed out of her apartment. I couldn’t help but notice the bright smile on her face that suggested fond memories.

"2go!!?" I asked in excitement.

"I didn't do 2go o!" My sister chipped in.

Yeah, right. Children of this generation didn't do 2go. They didn't know the fun we had back in the day.

The thrill of sneaking into my parents’ room to use my mother's phone to reply my 2go messages. I miss miss old times.

If you're reading this and you don't know what 2go is about, call me, Aunty. I'm your senior sista.

Back to the story.

She told us how she was in a particular 2go room where a topic on if having seggz in a relationship was mandatory.

She was of the opinion that one can be in a relationship and not do the do. She noticed a guy random guy in the room supporting her aaand boom! They became chat buddies.

They kept communicating for two years without any physical meet. They were to meet up for the first time when she got admitted into his school.

But then, he wasn't in town so, he directed her to his family house.

Imagine trusting a stranger you met on the internet to the extent you let them stay in your family house despite your absence.

Such love! God, when?

They started dating and it was all cute and stuff till he left for his NYSC. They had a huge fight during that period that almost ended their relationship.

Apparently, he was the Papa at his fellowship and there was this lady that had her own plans.

I mean, she saw a very fine man who happens to be easygoing, caring, and above all, a Man of God.

Whooooosh!

"Fortune, I cried o! I cried to the extent that I was blaming myself for falling in love with him."
I laughed as she went on and on about how deeply hurt she was during that period.

Such love.

But then, he was mature enough to set the appropriate boundaries and stick to them.

Now to the most interesting part, she got married to this boy she met on 2go and they are blessed with the most adorable baby girl I’ve seen this year.

Damn! That baby is prettyyyy.

She ended the gist by telling us how they both kept themselves till their marriage.

“Fortune, the temptation will be there but you have to be disciplined enough to resist it.”

Well, that's all there is to the story. Did you learn something? Anything?

I’m pretty sure you did. Oya, subscribe.

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I was having a discussion with someone.

This person was trying so hard to convince me that you can love more than one person at the same. I disagreed.

I don't know if it's just me but, I'd really love to hear from you guys. What do you think?

Can you love two people at the same time?

Let me hear your honest take in the comments section.

Change Your Bad Character!

Oh well...

Some people are not okay. This conversation ended in chaos. Lmaooo.

I want to Confess

Errr… So, you might not get to receive letters from me as often as you should. To be very honest, it’s not my fault.

I really don’t want to go into details right now but, jsyk, I have you in mind.

This might be the last letter for the month, or not. It totally depends on my schedule. I’ll definitely write to you whenever I get the chance.

Bible verse of the week: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

1 Peter 2:9

My Current Read: The Way I Used To Be by Amber Smith.

Favourite Song right now: Firm Foundation by Maverick City.

I’ll stop writing now. Don’t forget to drop your opinion on if you can love two people at the same time.

Bye for now.

With Love,

Fortune.

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