Happy Sunday everyone #TEAM 2

PUNCH Newspaper *The unseen crisis facing Nigerian men (moment Otunba Kunle Akinyele collapsed)* *Message not just for Men alone, but for everyone* 5th May 2025. Ganiyu Olowu *When Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a respected hotelier in Lagos, slumped and died at his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving, the nation gasped in disbelief. One moment, he was celebrating life and love; the next, he lay lifeless at the altar of joy*. The video is haunting — *a man gesturing, gasping, reaching for help in a sacred space, surrounded by those he loved but alone in his final battle.* This was not just a death. It was a metaphor of silent suffering, buried exhaustion, and what men have come to normalise in the name of strength. Akinyele’s case is not isolated. It is one of many chilling examples of how Nigerian men, particularly in their mid- to late years, are collapsing under the weight of responsibilities, unspoken pain, and undiagnosed illnesses. According to the World Health Organisation, men in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are 2.4 times more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes than women. This alarming disparity is fuelled by cultural and behavioural factors: men are less likely to seek medical help, more likely to suppress emotional turmoil, and often glorify suffering in silence. In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and untreated mental health conditions are among the leading causes of sudden deaths in men. So This Happened (215) Reviews Death Of Lagos... In 2019, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya—admired for his strength and spiritual leadership—passed away quietly after years of enduring deep emotional losses and reportedly ongoing health complications. His resilience was legendary, but it masked what many now see as untreated grief, intense stress, and likely silent medical conditions. Then came the sudden death of veteran broadcaster Ayo Oduleye, better known as MC Loyo, who slumped while compering an event in Ibadan. His charm and humour lit up stages, but in the blink of an eye, the microphone fell silent. Just like that. Similarly, the passing of Mr Ibu (John Okafor) in early 2024, after months of battling illness, reminded the country of how many male entertainers struggle financially and physically behind the scenes, putting on a show while their bodies deteriorate. Masculinity, when warped, can become a silent weapon—not just against others, but against oneself. *ENDEAVOUR TO TAKE GOOD REST PLEASE* Globally, the story remains the same. In 2014, beloved comedian Robin Williams died by suicide, a victim of masked depression. And in 2022, cricket legend Shane Warne died suddenly of a heart attack, a casualty of silent coronary disease and an overstretched lifestyle. Yet while statistics shock and headlines haunt, the everyday grind of the average Nigerian man tells an even sadder tale. Take Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital—the city that never sleeps, and where many men now barely do. A significant number of working-class men reside on the mainland or in Ogun border towns like Mowe, Ikorodu, Sango Ota, or Ibafo but must commute to the Island for work—a journey that often begins by 4:00 a.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. on return. This is no exaggeration. Studies from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reveal that Lagosians spend an average of four to six hours daily in traffic—with many men doing these five to six times a week. That is over 1,400 hours a year lost in gridlock—time stolen from rest, from family, from reflection. For these men, the day begins before the rooster crows. They rush into overcrowded buses, endure fumes of frustration, only to return home when their children are already asleep. There is no room for hobbies, hardly any time for checkups, no outlet for pain. Sleep is a luxury. Rest is a myth. And joy is rationed, like fuel in a scarcity season. This modern man is constantly running on empty—physically present but emotionally absent, financially committed but spiritually depleted. And society applauds his hustle, without asking at what cost. The idiom says, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” but what if the crown is invisible, made not of gold but of expectations, bills, unspoken grief, and sacrificial silence? Men are praised for providing, for showing up, for being “rocks”. But even rocks erode—silently, slowly, and then all at once. The greatest tragedy is not that they die, but that they are dying unseen. Consider the tragic case of a 42 year old engineer in Port Harcourt who collapsed at his workstation after weeks of working overtime to meet project deadlines. His colleagues described him as “dedicated to a fault”, but his sudden death revealed the dangers of ignoring signs of burnout and hypertension. Another heartbreaking example is the story of a young entrepreneur in Enugu who passed away in his sleep after complaining of chest pains for weeks. Despite his family’s pleas, he refused to visit a doctor, citing his busy schedule and financial obligations. His autopsy later revealed undiagnosed cardiovascular disease—a silent killer that could have been managed with timely intervention. One unforgettable story is that of Samuel Okwaraji, the gifted footballer and patriot who gave everything to his country on the football pitch. In 1989, during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Okwaraji collapsed and tragically died of congestive heart failure at just 25 years old. His life, so full of promises, was cut short under the intense demands of national expectation. The harsh conditions of the game that day, combined with the immense physical and psychological pressures he faced, ultimately proved too much. These stories compel us to ask: What are we doing to ourselves in the name of strength? Why does the world celebrate silent suffering but frown upon seeking help? Dr Salawu Abiola, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, offers critical advice for men navigating these pressures. He emphasises the importance of prioritising rest, adequate sleep, and regular health checkups. “If you work and die today, someone will replace you at the workplace, but no one replaces you in the family,” he warns. Abiola advocates setting realistic goals, managing time effectively, and creating moments of joy and relaxation amid life’s challenges. He also highlights the need for men to engage in positive activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising with supportive people, to release built-up tension and foster mental well-being. Check your vitals before you check your wallet. Monthly profit means nothing if your heart gives out unexpectedly. Your strength is not in how much you carry but in how well you manage your load. Therapy is not weakness. It is a repair. Just like a car needs servicing, your mind and soul need realignment. Build relationships where you are more than a provider—where you are allowed to cry, collapse, confess. A good name is better than riches, but good health is the foundation of both. As Chinua Achebe once said, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must also change.” The drumbeat of life today is faster, louder, and less forgiving. Men must adjust their rhythm. Health is the new wealth. Silence is no longer golden; it is dangerous. *Ganiyu Olowu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos*. punchng.com ©️ 1971- 2025 Punch Nigeria Limited *MAY WE ALL LIVE LONG IN JESUS NAME* 🙏 CULLED #olufaderomi #grace

No shortcuts. No secrets. Just work. Success isn’t something that magically happens — it’s built, day by day, brick by brick. You want the results? Then you have to show up. Every. Single. Day. Late nights. Early mornings. Sacrifices. Discipline. Learning. Failing. Trying again. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to work for it. So if you're tired, frustrated, or feeling stuck — good. That means you're in the process. Stay in it. Keep going. Put in the work. The results will follow. #knowledge #gbemiking #Motivation #HardWork #SuccessMindset #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #KeepGrinding

LET LOVE RULE AM GLAD I JOINED THIS FAMILY #Paddylay #Passion #Nakupenda @everyone

#Discipline THE SECRET OF A SLAY QUEEN WHO ONLY SLEEPS WITH MAD MEN Her name was Maliya—fierce, bold, unapologetically beautiful. On the outside, she was every man’s fantasy and every woman’s envy. Slay queen by title, heartbreaker by reputation. But what nobody knew was that behind her polished nails, heavy makeup, and thousand-dollar shoes was a twisted obsession—one that could ruin her life forever. Maliya didn’t sleep with rich politicians, or musicians, or sugar daddies. No. Her secret desire was far darker. She only felt true lust for men society called “mad.” The street wanderers. The mentally unstable. The forgotten souls. The kind who talked to the air, laughed at nothing, and roamed in tattered rags. She believed madness held a kind of freedom no rich man could ever give her. At night, when her friends were clubbing or posting half-naked pictures online, Maliya would sneak out in disguise. She wore an oversized hoodie, no makeup, just a scarf. She’d go behind the abandoned rail tracks where she knew one of them always slept. His name was Dogo. People said he had once been a brilliant university professor before something snapped in his head. Now he danced naked in the streets and barked like a dog. But to Maliya, Dogo was beautiful. She brought him food, bathed him, whispered to him, and made love to him like he was a king. And the terrifying part? He remembered her name. Every single time. “Maliya,” he would say, looking into her soul with eyes that once knew more than the world allowed. “They’ll never understand you, but I do.” She thought no one knew. Until one day, her closest friend, Anita, followed her. Anita had always suspected something strange about Maliya’s behavior. So when she saw Maliya sneaking behind the slums, she trailed her—and what she found left her speechless. Maliya on her knees, feeding a mad man with such devotion it almost looked holy. Anita tried to confront her. “Are you sick in the head? What if someone finds out? Your brand, your endorsements, your family—everything will be gone!” Maliya didn’t flinch. “I’m already gone, Anita. I’ve been gone since I was twelve and I watched my stepfather beat my mother to death and everyone called him a pastor. Madness feels safer than sanity to me.” Anita backed off. She didn’t understand, but she knew better than to question a pain she couldn’t imagine. But secrets don’t stay buried. A vlogger spotted Maliya a few days later, in her disguise, embracing another mad man near the river. The video went viral within hours. “Famous Slay Queen Seen Kissing Lunatic,” the headlines read. Her followers dropped. Brands cut ties. Her family disowned her. But strangely, she didn’t cry. She laughed. Laughed louder than ever before. Because now—finally—she didn’t have to hide. She took Dogo and two other mad men, moved into a remote area outside the city, and built a shelter for the mentally ill. She named it “The Free Mind.” But what she didn’t know was that one of the men she loved—one of the supposed “mad” men—wasn’t mad at all. He was a billionaire’s son hiding from a murderous conspiracy. And everything was about to change. To be continued.... Written by Real Life Stories Follow Bleeding pen for more

"When did you start putting on makeup?" Chisom asked, watching her roommate struggle to apply mascara. "Lately," Danielle replied, still focused on the mirror. "I don't know what this is, but you have to stop it," Chisom said, getting out of bed. She slipped into her fluffy pink slippers and walked into the bathroom. "Are you jealous of me?" Danielle shouted after her. Chisom burst into laughter. A few minutes later, she came out, wiping her face with a towel. Standing akimbo, she looked at her roommate, who now resembled a runaway clown. "Why would I be jealous of you?" "Then why are you opposing my choice of appearance?" Danielle asked, trying to fix her hair. "You're changing yourself to fit into that flashy group you joined last week. You're trying to please them, but you're displeasing yourself. In the end, you'll only confuse yourself," Chisom said, climbing back into bed. Danielle pouted, silently reflecting on what Chisom had just said. --- Have you ever found yourself doing things you normally wouldn’t, just to fit in or impress others? Maybe you’ve compromised your values or changed your appearance — not because you wanted to, but because you were afraid of being left out. Here’s the truth: People-pleasers often try to satisfy everyone but end up pleasing no one. The people you're trying so hard to impress may never be satisfied — and worse, they might even see you as fake. At the end of the day, you lose yourself. So don't live to please people. Be true to yourself. That’s where real confidence lies. © Juliet Chinenyenwa Alex

Protect Your Peace Not everyone deserves access to your energy. It’s okay to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no without guilt. Your peace is your power — guard it. 🌸 You owe no one an explanation for taking care of yourself. #knowledge #gbemiking #ProtectYourPeace #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyBoundaries #SelfRespect

I can vividly remember the first time i walked in for an interview in Jos. Before then i had prepared for every question except salary requirements. When i was asked, i panicked and said "pay me anything" but then they insisted i give a figure.. i was going to say 100,000 naira but i couldnt, it seemed like a huge money.. i ended up asking for 30,000 naira because of fear of loosing the opportunity. I worked as hard as everyone else having the same Bsc just to realise later on that i was the lowest paid. But during that period i gained experience, i added value to myself and confidence boosted. This time around when i walked in for the position of a sales manager in a bubbling city like Abuja, i knew better than to let history repeat itself. I researched their pay range and negotiated higher, when the interview was over, i walked out confidently like a boss and guess what i got the job!. Kill fear with value and experience. If you loose self esteem is cause you havent gained value. Believe in yourself that you can do it and then work on yourself. Do you think negotiation skill is important in every organisation? Have you had such experience? Please share in the comment section FOLLOW FOR MORE! #nakupenda #team 2 #Mindpower #imagination

*HOW TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN THE GROUP YOU BELONG TO.* 🙄 *(1).* Take everything as joke. 🙄 *(2).* No one is bigger than others in the group. 🙄 *(3).* No one is too important for the group. 🙄 *(4).* Everyone should do his or her best. 🙄 *(5).* When having issues with a group member, don't leave, but stay to resolve and address. 🙄 *(6).* No one gets paid so it's a thing of love and volunteering efforts. 🙄 *(7).* Live your normal life, you are unique and without you the group will be boring. 🙄 *(8).* Never expect someone else to build the group, but do your best by making your contribution. 🙄 *(9).* Group members should learn how to socialize, meet new friends and improve on their social skills. 🙄 *(10).* Always respond to greetings by leaving out pride, arrogance, and boastfulness. 🙄 *(11).* Anything that happens outside the group must remain outside. 🙄 *(12).* Groups are always for fun, so let's make and have fun out of whatever is posted. Don't just read a post, make a comment to enrich it. #Emacraft #Consistency #Nakupenda

Your Vision is everything. If you loose it, you loose Direction. Stay Disciplined! The world is your Stage, you've got to see it clearly. Everyone is Waiting. Show up! #Discipline #Stephen Jesse

Your Vision is everything. If you loose it, you loose Direction. Stay Disciplined! The world is your Stage, you've got to see it clearly. Everyone is Waiting. Show up! #Discipline #Stephen Jesse

Please help me with an honest answer. Between men and women, who cheat more? #everyone. #nakupenda. #truelove.