And the landscape...

The landscape was dark and the waters covered them. It was disfigured and yet the tears of its womb silently racked the body. The battle fields crossed them over; she could not afford to miss a thing. The billows of smoke rose and ascended in a crescendo. Nevertheless, not many eyes could see it.

To a little girl, it was hard to explain why this picture is the shape.

I cannot remember when it started, all I can remember is that it was ongoing and it never did stop. Just when I think its over, another takes off. “I must be abnormal”. I muttered to myself. “Something is definitely wrong with me”. “I felt dirty and ashamed, it’s like everyone can see through me.” I remember because I was six and going to start school.

I grew into a tomboy. Refusing to wear anything that defines me as female or feminine. As nature bestowed me I was not also natural endowed in femine structure as I grew into adolescent. One thing preserved my sanity – My pen and it gave me a Voice. I get lost into that world where I am King.

After school certificate, I entered into the mass communication world ready to exert myself and I found a place where I can be me – writing, research, drama, poetry. I grew from television to radio, radio to print media- newspapers and then to magazines and finally online. I thrived in this world speaking and my Voice was amplified.

In 2000, I was invited to handle the women’s page of one of Nigeria’s most widely read newspapers -The Punch Newspaper. Twice a week and a full page. A great effectual door was open and as a survivor of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), rape and gender based violence, I took advantage and explored discussions on sexual violence. As a person who has experienced and realized the impact of the consequences of CSA on the victim, family and Nigerian society which undoubtedly has a large number of untreated young people in similar situations. This led to raising public awareness and seeking institutional support to meet the needs of abused children and prevent the long-term effects of abuse from seeping into the health, safety, and productivity of the Nigerian society. The column was titled, ‘Princess’. Then, I moved into activism working on HIV/AIDS, media and communication advocacy.

Finally in 2003, I left HIV activism to give attention to my assignment and calling, ‘A voice for sexually abused children and survivors of same’.

Along these journeys, I came in contact with the internet. I smile as I remember how fascinating the experience was for me. I have always being a Learner. I love to drink from the nectar of knowledge and I got drunk and I’m still savoring the unending prospects it carries with it. Finally, I partook of an e-campaigning training which opened me up to the beauty and privileges of social media like blogging, Facebook, etc. Now, I can recreate the landscape.