Shalom Kasim’s Post

This week, I talk about: 1. So, who was awarded The Nobel Prize? 2. Form vs. Content 3. Is 'a good day' overhyped? 4. It's okay to be ‘still learning.’  5. Does an 8am-made-up bed scream something? 6. If you kill for something, you are just a murderous owner.  7. Should you say ‘thank you’ for services you paid for? #K

This week, I talk about: 1. Do you really find something when you stop looking for it? 2. 64: Do we now get the title of Sarah Ladipo Manyika's novel? 3. Here today, gone tomorrow.  4. If I am at the restaurant, it’s either I am eating eba and egusi, or I am not eating eba and egusi –because I just ate eba and egusi. 5. Teaching, darling, is still the noblest profession.  6. Your friends are getting older! 7. What does the Chimamanda book announcement say?  

This week I talk about: 1.   The Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat; 2.   FIDA; 3.   Some bold professional moves I made this week?; 4.   The Chatham House Rule; 5.   Dewormers? Yes, please; no, please; 6.   Jack of owl trade, master of noon; and 7.   Impromptu. Click to read more. #K

Fear made me do this...

Ahead of the International Peace Day 2024, civil society organisations, government agencies, and peace practitioners in Jos, Plateau state, came together for a Walk for Peace organised by the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA). The event took place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in line with the global theme, “Cultivating the Culture of Peace.” It commenced at the Old Airport Junction and concluded at the Secretariat Junction. The procession saw a great turnout, with participants wearing their organisational branded T-shirts. Cultural displays from different ethnic groups were also exhibited. Following the walk, PPPN announced the unveiling of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Journal on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Government House. The journal will document the network’s activities and progress in promoting peace within the state, as well as the challenges and successes encountered in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. #K

One of the perks of being the Managing Editor at Mud Season Review is that I get to be part of the creation of something beautiful like Jon Doughboy's fiction, "The Mango Cart," which got published in our #75th issue. "The Mango Cart" is the story of a man and his longtime friend sharing drinks, as she shares a surreal dream she had, involving a black woman selling mangoes on a desolate highway. In the dream, the mangoes turn into the heads of people from her life, including family, friends, and ex-lovers. The mango seller tosses the heads away, leaving her distressed and unable to respond to them, especially when her mother’s silent mango head is discarded. Now, isn't that a beautiful read? I will share the link to the story in the comments section. #K

My next interview for Naija in the Mix will be with JL Maikaho. JL is a storyteller, and beyond that, an advocate for exploring the spiritual dimension of creativity. As the founder of Shoshana Global Media, a faith-based literature and entertainment social enterprise, Judith has spent years working on the intersections of mysticism, faith, and the artistic process. Her works have appeared in Brittle Paper, Kalahari Review, Nantygreens, and more, consistently earning recognition for their originality. In our upcoming interview, JL will open up about her creative journey, her beliefs about the divine, and the spirituality that informs her writing. We’ll discuss the challenges and beauty of writing about mysticism, how she balances faith with the demands of the modern literary world, and the influence of her personal spiritual experiences on her work. JL will also share insights into her role as a project manager, radio presenter, and alumna of the SprinNG Writing and Advancement Fellowships. She will speak about her selection for the inaugural Flame Tree Writers Project, her award-winning prose, and how her journey as a writer has intertwined with her spiritual growth. If you’ve ever wondered how spirituality can fuel creativity, or how a writer channels the mysteries of the divine into art, you won’t want to miss this conversation, so join us as we discuss the sacred, the creative, and the mystical. https://lnkd.in/dvP7WeJM #K

As someone who has just joined the development sector, I have realised that my years of experience as an editor have equipped me with a valuable skill: pitching. For the past four years, I’ve been pitching ideas to my editors (say, an editor's editor), and I’ve also had my fair share of being pitched to. Funny enough, it’s not all that different from writing concept notes or grant proposals. The essence of pitching is to sell an idea (a story, an article) to make the person on the other end see its value and why it is worth investing in. It's the same for grant proposals. You’re presenting a concept, except that this time, it is [mostly] about solving a problem that has existed for years. What I have found is that research is key. Before submitting any proposal, it is important to understand the funder’s priorities. Just like when pitching to an editor, you need to know what they’re interested in, what drives them, and how your story aligns with their editorial goals. Tailoring your proposal to meet those expectations can make all the difference. Then, there’s the place of storytelling. In both pitching and writing grant proposals, the ability to tell a story that connects emotionally with the reader is what will set you apart. More than just listing what you’ll do; it shows why it matters. How will your project change lives? What is the real impact here? If your proposal doesn’t paint a clear picture of the difference it will make, it becomes just another document in the 100+ pile. Another thing I’ve learned is the importance of being specific with your outcomes. When pitching, I always make sure to highlight the exact benefits of my ideas to the editor -particularly, their readership. The same approach works in proposals: funders want to see measurable results. They want to know exactly what success looks like and how you will achieve it. So, I focus on writing a proposal that outlines clear objectives and indicators of success. And of course, transparency is critical. Just like pitching, where you need to be honest and upfront about what you can deliver, your grant proposal’s budget needs to reflect realistic and justified costs.  Funders appreciate a well-thought-out budget that aligns with the scope of the project. It shows that you’ve done your homework and understand the resources needed to make the project a success. If you don't want to have a problem witn M&E, be upfront honest about what you can deliver. Finally, the editing stage.  I have spent years training my eye for detail, so I know the difference a thorough revision can make. A proposal, like any pitch, needs to be polished, error-free, and well-organised. Content is one side of the coin; presentation is the other. So...if you are like me, transitioning into the development sector, remember those pitching skills you have built over the years? They will serve you well when it comes to writing proposals that attract funders. #K

The furniture was pushed against the walls to make space for everyone, and the center of the room was occupied by a makeshift dance floor where a few were dancing lazily to DJ mixes playing from a portable Bluetooth speaker. The light from a single bulb in the far right corner floor of the room, gave the room a relatable, intimate feel. I stood near the kitchen doorway with my crush, Gift, holding a half-empty plastic cup of zobo. “I can’t believe it’s all over,” Amaka, my friend said with a smile as she moved to serve the first batch of food “Kasim, it feels like just yesterday you were struggling with that first-week orientation madness.” “Remember inter-platoon drama competition,” Success, my very, very good friend who would pass out a month after us, joined. “I thought my legs would never forgive me.” I smiled to yourself, remembering how I managed to escape all of those camp activities. ----- Click to read my new nonfiction narrative published in Erato Magazine, titled C'lela: Another One Has Come to Stay.  It details my stay in Zuru, Kebbi State, where I had my one-year mandatory youth service. Many thanks to my publisher, Celina Tran. I hope you enjoy reading it! https://lnkd.in/dp2uA9vB #K

Last week I had the privilege of representing International Center for Peace, Charities, and Human Development (INTERCEP) at the Civic Space Resource Hub for West Africa training on Digital Security and Protection, from August 27 to 29, 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The training was an enlightening journey through the world of digital rights and security. On the first day, we looked into the essentials of digital rights, understanding their significance and the emerging threats in our digital world. Furthering our discussions on the second day, we explored the areas of Digital Rights Advocacy, Data Protection, and creating a secure online presence. The sessions on digital security tools like OONI Probe and Ayeta Toolkit (thanks to Paradigm Initiative!) were incredibly eye-opening. On the third day of the training, we looked into cyber threats, participated in practical exercises on circumvention tools, and engaged in crisis management scenarios. I was part of a fictive non-profit, Cyber Guardians Global, made up of @Abubabakar Yahuza Abubakar, MATTHEW ORBUNDE from the Alliance for Development Aid , and Eletu Suliyat from Development Communications Network. Angela Onyegbuna would playfully say that 'CGG' sounded more like a political party than non-profit. hahaha This experience was a game-changer for me and is crucial for our work at INTERCEP. As we champion human rights, tackle poverty, manage conflicts, and advocate for good governance, secure digital practices are more important than ever. The knowledge gained will be very essential in fortifying our digital presence and protecting the communities we serve. A heartfelt thank you to the facilitators from Paradigm Initiative and to West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) admins who made this possible: Sani Suleiman Sani, Khadijah El-Usman, and Angela Onyegbuna, the brilliant team from Paradigm Initiative; Vanessa Agyei-Essiful, John P. Frinjuah, and Prince Imosemi from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Thank you! #INTERCEP #WACSI #CSRHub2024 #SafeDigitalSpaces #ParadigmInitiative