Is Marriage for All: Who Will Marry You

My suggestion is to honor and respect your husband as both your partner and your leader. When difficulties arise, refrain from seeking help from friends; keep your issues private within your home. Otedola advised his daughter to show respect and support for her husband, saying, "You must yield to the desires and whims of your husband; he is your boss, okay?" He emphasized, "There’s no more 'daddy'; don’t call me" he added.

Before you tie the knot, ensure that you are prepared mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. A thriving marriage flourishes when both partners are stable together. It's essential that you are in agreement. Avoid marrying for superficial reasons, out of fleeting emotions, for material gain, or due to societal expectations. If you choose to marry, do it for your own sake and because marriage is a noble commitment, as the Bible highlights, and it is a rare institution. Temi Otedola's wedding reportedly cost over 14 million dollars, as per various online sources. It's a well-known fact that weddings of billionaires, regardless of how private they may be, are rarely inexpensive. Many of us often question why wealthy individuals tend to marry within their social circles, don't we? The affluent often choose partners from their own circles for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, marriage encompasses numerous aspects, ranging from biblical foundations to traditions and cultural practices.

According to the book of Emphasis, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, while husbands should avoid provoking their wives (Emphasis 5:22-24). "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. No pastor, therapist, or relationship coach can mend a broken relationship that is rooted in physical abuse, infidelity, or disrespect. You might be surprised to learn that some pastors, to whom you confide your relationship issues, are dealing with their own unresolved problems at home. There was a bishop who struggled with his wife for many years because she often reminded him that without her income, they would have no food in their home. Yet, she seems to forget how her husband was once a blessing to her mother and their entire family. Some pastors even go so far as to share their marital issues with church members. To the married couples reading this, please protect your marriage by keeping your family problems private. If you need assistance for your mental health, seek out a professional relationship therapist who can guide you, but remember that the keys to a successful marriage lie within you. If a billionaire like Mr. Femi Otedola can offer such advice to his daughter on her wedding day, I believe it is worth emulating, as there should be no third party in marriage. Resolve your misunderstandings with each other. To all those facing challenges in their marriage, I pray that God brings healing and restoration to your home and shows mercy to your family. May God bless you. Image credit: Temi Otedola's Instagram

What "Do Not Send Me Back To Nigeria“

Recently, I watched an interview with one of Nigeria's wealthiest men who stated, "I will not stop working hard until there are no more poor people in Africa." I believe the journalist should have inquired about his plans to eliminate poverty in Africa. Currently, there are no skills available to address poverty in Nigeria. Is the billionaire working to feed the poor in Africa? Certainly not, as no one can eradicate poverty simply by giving money to the poor. Instead, effective measures for poverty reduction must be implemented, including good governance, infrastructure development, technology advancement, quality education, agricultural development, and job creation for everyone. Ending poverty in Africa requires collective action from world leaders. If no action is taken, it could take Africa another 2000 years to fully develop. The Western world is crucial in helping African countries achieve this goal, as corruption in some nations hinders their leaders from making meaningful reforms and improvements. The current administration under President Bola Amed Tinubu is making efforts with their Renew Hope Policy, but they need to reach those who genuinely need assistance. I've seen some initiatives under the Renew Hope Policy aimed at women, but what about our elderly citizens who have retired and have little to live on? Recently, a retired police officer expressed his distress over receiving only 1.7 million naira after 35 years of service. I hope people will receive monthly pensions rather than just a one-time payment. Additionally, there should be renewed hope for sick and disabled individuals in Nigeria. It frustrates me when I see celebrities or Nollywood actors posting pictures of their ill colleagues on social media asking for help. They could assist their colleagues in private without sharing their images and medical conditions. What happened to privacy laws? There should also be renewed hope for mothers, I am talking about new mothers who have just given birth and do not get any maternity support. There should be renewed hope for those who are less fortunate. Certainly, Nigeria has a very large population, and it will require everyone to support each other in the country. I believe our leaders are aware of all the issues mentioned above. The EU is sending back many Nigerian refugees because they think there are no valid reasons for them to leave their country. However, the high levels of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria will drive anyone to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Right now, due to the inflation rate, thousands of people are struggling to survive. Nigeria needs international help now more than ever! Peace to the world #endpovertynow #helpafrica #helpnigeria

One Day Millionaire

Becoming a millionaire - Yesterday, an elderly man from Nigeria called me. During our conversation, I mentioned the giveaway I’m hosting on my blog. To my surprise, he told me he has never had one million naira in his life and that his wish is to hold one million naira in cash. I responded, saying, 'Oh sir, that’s a good desire; you just want to be a millionaire.' He agreed, and we ended our call. I started reflecting on our discussion and realized I should have asked him what he planned to do with the one million naira. He also pointed out that one million naira isn’t much in Nigeria today. I have friends who asked me for ten million naira when I first arrived in Europe, even though I didn’t have a single cent in my account. One of them owns a shop in Abuja where she claims to sell gold. She seems to have more money than I do, but the common belief in Africa is that anyone who has traveled abroad is wealthier, leading them to seek financial help from those abroad. The irony is that many Africans living in Europe are just as poor as those back home if they don’t work hard. The jobs available to Africans in Europe are often ones that many in Africa wouldn’t consider doing, even if they are in dire poverty. My dear brother Ademola taught me about the principles of giving, saying, 'Don’t wait until you’re a millionaire to start giving; give in your small ways.' He then asked if I understood why he said that, and I replied no. He explained that if you wait until you’re a millionaire to give, you might never give at all. It’s important to give from what you have. Now, after many years, I realize that giving is a grace because it takes grace to share with others when you have little. Don't hold any resentment towards those who don't give you money, as it's not a wrongdoing even if they have the means. I recall a boss of mine in Nigeria, the son of a former governor of Lagos state. His family is wealthy, with properties in Ikoyi, Lekki, and even abroad. He would often invite me for dinner, and afterward, he would give me money for my taxi ride from Lagos Island to the mainland. One evening, I was invited for dinner again, but I arrived very late due to the heavy traffic in Lagos. When I got there, my boss, Mr. O, was waiting outside their gate, about to get into his car. He approached me and said, "You are truly a Queen." He noted the time of my arrival and mentioned that they had already finished dinner and he was heading to the casino. He opened his briefcase to show me it was filled with dollars, explaining that he planned to use all that money to gamble that night. I told him I wanted to head home, and he gave me my taxi fare. I didn't feel upset that he didn't share any of the dollars with me; I understood he had his own plans for his money. Just being able to dine with the wealthy was an honor and a privilege. The last time I was with them, I enjoyed the finest red wine and delicious egusi soup with pounded yam. It truly takes grace to give. Everyone should strive to earn their own money.

There Shall Be No Poor: for a Better Society

End Poverty- I never truly hated poverty until recently. Years ago, as a teenager, I went to a church crusade organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, led by Evangelist J.T., who was a regional pastor at that time. While he preached, he stated, "I can give you 1500 reasons why poverty will lead you to hell." My young mind didn’t fully grasp it then, but his message stuck with me. Later, during college, one of our lecturers entered the classroom and said, "If you don’t have money and you don’t know God, who are you?" I reflected on his words and realized that knowing God is essential, but having money is also crucial in life. Many people in underdeveloped countries like Africa suffer from poverty because they view money as a luxury or a matter of luck. Some even think that money can lead them to hell, choosing to stay poor instead. I heard about a place in the world where the locals are not allowed to become wealthy; they must remain in poverty. The Bible refers to money as a necessity, stating, "Money answers all things." In my view and experience, poverty is like a disease that needs to be tackled and eliminated. While the poor will always be among us, poverty can be linked to various other factors. As the wealthy dine with golden spoons, the poor struggle to survive. Some can afford to eat whatever they want, while others are limited to what they can find. For instance, how does a family with no income manage to survive? This is the reality for many people in Nigeria, who lack means and receive no government assistance. Some even blame their creators for their poverty. Everyone comes into this world with nothing and will leave the same way. If those in power choose to address poverty, they can, and if we as individuals decide to fight against poverty, we can too. Provide food instead of weapons Someone once mentioned that I should refrain from giving money to individuals in Africa. He went on to say that the wealthy remain rich because they do not share their money. Similarly, it has been said that wealthy Africans are not assisting their own people. I question whether they realize that even the richest person in Africa is still considered poor compared to the wealthiest individuals in the Western world. Those who claim that Africa does not require assistance should reconsider their viewpoint. Africa needs support in numerous areas. I recently read a book by Femi Otedola, where he recounted how his late father was given counterfeit aspirin to control his high blood pressure. This same issue persists in Nigeria today, where people are succumbing to their illnesses due to fake medications. They are dying from poor food, contaminated water, and a low quality of life. Instead of European leaders providing aid to these self-serving leaders, they should invest directly in the impoverished individuals they aim to assist.

Fulda Maritim Hotel

I am grateful to my friends and family! Yesterday is a day I will always cherish. It was the baptism of a friend's son, and I felt honored to discuss my book with the distinguished guests at the ceremony. It truly is a timeless experience. What stood out to me was how she summarized my book after reading it. The success of a book or an author is often measured by how well readers grasp their work. I was amazed to see that some had read Mélange A Two-fold Memoir even more than I have. In that moment, I realized that I had indeed accomplished something significant. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Editor who helped elevate my book to a world-class standard as a novel. I also want to thank the publisher for showcasing the elegance of my book to the world, and of course, my dear friend Jennifer, who envisioned the cover design. Everyone who has read Mélange loves it. I met people yesterday who were eager for me to share the summary of my book. While preparing my daughter's meal this afternoon, three words came to my heart that encapsulate the essence of my book: Mélange is my story, your story, and our story. There is something for everyone within its pages, and Mélange is a unique novel that can be enjoyed at any time.

Vanity And Me

I'm considering reopening my fashion blog or finishing my next book. I also want to add to my profile that I am a memoir writer. If you're interested in writing your own story, please reach out to me. Writing my book took years, and I learned that creating a good book is not easy, even after decades of writing. By the way, this Louis Vuitton Sac LV Biker MM is stunning, and the pearl accessories enhance the bag's beauty. Oh, I almost forgot, my birthday is in a few days, and this year there won't be a celebration because of my new book. I would really appreciate anyone who orders a copy of my book as a birthday gift. Please show your support. No gifts, just buy my book and give it as a present to bless someone. Mélange, a two-fold memoir, is a gift to this generation and the ones to come. We are planning to launch Mélange via Zoom for a global audience, and I will send out the link in the coming weeks. Thank you all for your support and kindness.

MÉLANGE: A Heartfelt Note of Thanks

Oh my, what a journey it has been! From dreams to reality, wishes to possibilities, hope to achievement, and from mere conversations to tangible actions—this is the story of my book, "MÉLANGE: A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR”. Writing this book took years of dedication, and the path to publishing it spanned several months. My manuscript underwent numerous rewrites because I was determined to create something truly satisfying. I must extend my deepest gratitude to my dear friend, Jennifer, whose honest critiques were invaluable in shaping the final version of my manuscript. Thank you, Jennifer, for your support! The editing journey for "MÉLANGE A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR" was a global endeavour— I had the privilege of working with a British award-winning author in London, receiving further editing in Canada, proofreading in America, and additional editing in Germany. I am especially grateful to Dr. Omojuyigbe in Nigeria, whose expert touch brought my book to its polished final form. Thank you, sir, for your professional guidance and dedication! I also want to express my sincere appreciation to my publisher and the entire Glory Publishers team. Your graphic design team did a fantastic job capturing the essence of what Jennifer envisioned for the cover. To my publisher, Pastor Mrs. Yinka Oloyede, I cannot thank you enough for your remarkable patience. There were times I submitted my manuscript only to request changes, and yet you stood by me, encouraging me to keep refining my work. Your support inspired me to pen additional poems for "MÉLANGE," and I am so thankful for that. To everyone who has purchased my book, "MÉLANGE: A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR," I want to express a huge thank you! A special shoutout to my American family and friends—thanks a million for leading the charge in purchases; you are the best! I'm also grateful to my adorable godmother, Jacquelyn. To my wonderful friends and family in Germany, (danke schön) for your support—you are incredible! And to my beautiful doctor, whose interview features in my book, I was so touched that you bought a copy instead of waiting for a gift! To my UK family and friends, thank you for your support as well, especially to Prince Paul Manuwa and everyone else in the UK. We're still awaiting orders from France, Australia, Canada, and I'm working on how to get my book to friends and family in Nigeria. The good news is that Nigerians can indeed order on Amazon, and I’ll provide the details in my next blog! To all the medical professionals who contributed to "MÉLANGE," thank you a million times over. Your insights have enriched this journey! To all the readers around the globe, I am forever grateful to you. Your support means the world to me. Lastly, a special shoutout to my dear brother and friend, Nuru Owoduni, for your insightful words that have come to fruition. Becoming an author and novelist has been a transformative journey for me, and I am truly grateful for everyone who has believed in me as a writer. Thank you all for being part of this incredible adventure! “MÉLANGE A TWO-FOLD MEMOIR by Queendaline O.Schneider