It’s the middle of the year which means like most of you, I have been reviewing my 2019 goals and taking stock of the work still to be done.

For the first time however, this time of year is an important landmark year in my household. It marks the end of a very significant journey. We are graduating and headed for secondary school come September.

I have been reflecting on the educational adventure I have shared with my property because it really is a joint enterprise this undertaking.

There have been many fights over homework and lesson teachers, fun projects in art and science and all sorts of drama around costumes for school plays and ITC project parts.

My pride in her is such that my chest feels like it can’t contain it.

To my fellow parents participating in graduation ceremonies, looking forward to sending your babies to a new secondary school, university or the workforce … CONGRATULATIONS, EKU ISE!!!

This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos 

The newest theatre in town.

This is my second outing to a show at the brand spanking new theatre at the Mike Adenuga Alliance Française Centre. The theatre is gorgeous and intimate with spacious plush red seating all with an unobstructed view of the stage.

The performance pieces I have experienced at the venue thus far have both been original and transformative. They have the knack for curating the engaging and adventurous, a trend I sincerely hope will continue.

This week I spent a pleasurable evening watching a performance by Helen Epega, otherwise known as The Venus Bushfires, called Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera.

I had no idea what to expect, after all this was an original composition and the first ever of its kind in the world.

Helen plays the “Hang” which is an instrument in the talking drums family. Accompanied by Chief Olu Okeowo’s Gibraltar orchestra they captivated and moved the audience with soulful, ethereal music. Worth an honourable mention was the beautiful visual effects and graphics accompaniment to the music as well as the graceful dancing couple on stage. It was both a visual and auditory feast of the senses.

Helen has a strong stage presence, a powerful voice and gave an authentic performance that carried you along with the story, it was all over too soon. The opera has already been performed in Europe and South Africa, so catch it while you have the chance, they will be announcing future performance in Lagos in November.

The Mike Adenuga Alliance Française Centre hosts summer language programs among other things, in case you are looking for something to do with the children over the holidays. All levels of experience are welcome for French and native Nigerian language classes.

Aunt Harriet’s

Last year I officially joined the ranks if women in business. I started a small accessories business called Aunt Harriet’s. Aunt Harriet being a name given to me by my cousins for my personality who liked to wear eccentric clothes and accessories better suited to a countryside dwelling retiree, who only cares about her dogs and her knitting. I digress, I had this idea centred around making practical accessories with an emphasis on upcycling all the piles of materials we all have accumulating in our wardrobes.

Upcycling is trending globally because, like in other industries, the production of clothes leads to all sorts of pollution, water consumption and every year an average of 12 million tons of clothing end up in landfills.

You will be surprised at the vintage Aso Oke treasures I found hidden in the back of wardrobes, and decluttering seemed to be quite the cathartic process for some.

I enjoy the creative process of bringing new life to old things and starting a business has been a steep learning curve.
I have had to learn self-motivation; creative marketing and I don’t think anyone will be surprised if I mention the struggle when dealing with artisans.

The huge positive has been the support I have gotten from family and friends. There is no easier way to find out who your tribe is then when they show up and show out for you to support your cause. Thank you, you know who you are, I love you and appreciate you.

For further information about my adventures check out my Instagram @le_Oddbod