Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Dream Count

After more than a decade, Adichie is back with Dream Count, weaving together the lives of four women—each carrying the weight of love, trauma, and fierce resilience. With her trademark empathy and clarity, she reminds us that no life is a single story.

Pemi Aguda – Ghostroots and more to come

Aguda’s Ghostroots is a stunning collection of short stories that explore motherhood, identity, and what it means to haunt the past. Winner of two O. Henry Awards and a finalist for the National Book Award, Aguda stands out for her eerie grace and haunting depth. Her upcoming novel, The Suicide Mothers, is already one to watch.

Tlotlo Tsamaase – Womb City

From Botswana comes Tsamaase, whose speculative fiction bends reality with beauty. Her novella The Silence of the Wilting Skin is dark and lush, while Womb City—a Locus Award top-ten finalist—welcomes readers into a world where architecture and magic intertwine.

Aiwanose Odafen – We Were Girls Once

In her second novel, Odafen sharpens her lens on womanhood in Lagos. We Were Girls Once is unflinching and lyrical, exploring friendship, betrayal, and what it means to grow up in a world that’s always watching

Mubanga Kalimamukwento – Obligations to the Wounded

Zambian author Mubanga’s stories unveil lives shaped by trauma, love, and survival. Obligations to the Wounded won a Minnesota Book Award and landed on several best-of lists this year. Her prose rises from the ashes of colonial and personal grief to voice something fierce and unshakeable.

Hemley Boum

From Cameroon, Boum’s storytelling is both powerful and profound. Her fifth novel, Le Rêve du pêcheur (The Fisherman’s Dream), explores intergenerational trauma and mental health with poignant precision — earning her the Grand Prix Afrique in 2025. Her writing bridges past and present, emotions and insight.

These women aren’t just writing books; they’re shaping culture. In 2025, African female authors are leading with stories that demand to be read — and you don’t want to miss them.

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This is what Pastor Stephanie Ike Okafor unpacks in her teaching “The Power Of God’s Love”. In her message, she takes her audience on a deeply personal and biblical walk through the truth so many of us struggle to grasp: that we are fully, completely, and relentlessly loved by God. This is about identity, intimacy and God’s divine rescue plan for your soul.

“You are the object of God’s love. And there is nothing you can do about it.”

It’s the kind of line that sounds simple until you sit with it. Many of us grew up earning love, performing for acceptance, or believing that love had to be proven with struggle. But Stephanie reminds us that God’s love doesn’t play by human rules. It’s not cautious. It’s not temporary. It’s not based on your perfection. It’s based on His character.

She dives into 1 John 4:7-10, explaining that we don’t define love; God does. Love started with Him. And He demonstrated it not in words alone, but by sending Jesus to die while we were still sinners. That means love found us broken, not perfect. Unworthy, but chosen.

“We are not trying to get God to love us. He already does.”

Throughout the message, she breaks down how love is not just something God feels; it’s who He is.  His love is what rewrites your story. His love is what heals the parts of you that trauma tried to bury.

But even more than that, Pastor Stephanie makes it personal.

She talks about how shame and pain make us believe we’re too far gone. How so many of us wear masks and armour, even in church, because we don’t want to be truly seen. But the love of God is not intimidated by your darkness.

“You cannot hide from the love of God. Even in your lowest moments, His love is still in pursuit of you.”

Pastor Stephanie says the reason many people struggle with their faith isn’t because of doctrine, it’s because they don’t believe they’re truly loved. And when you don’t believe you’re loved, you question everything: your worth, your purpose, even your prayers. But she says God’s love is so committed to you, He’ll find you in your hiding place and cover you with mercy, not condemnation.

She makes it clear this is not the kind of love that flinches at your failure.

“God is not surprised by your mistakes. He loved you before you even made them.”

This is a message that makes you feel known because it pulls back every false version of love you’ve accepted and puts the real thing in front of you: love that is patient, restorative, and intentional. Love that doesn’t give up.

But that same love? It doesn’t always come as a “yes.” Sometimes, it comes as a stop. Pastor Stephanie shares how we often think it’s the enemy delaying us, but sometimes it’s actually God who’s doing the stopping. She asks plainly, “What happens when God is the one who stops you?”

In a world that glorifies always pushing forward, she reminds us that God’s correction isn’t rejection, it’s redirection. His interruption, she says, is still love. Even when it doesn’t feel good, “God’s love will correct you.” It’s not punishment; it’s protection.

So, she issues a challenge: don’t just hear about the love of God. Receive it. Let it change the way you see yourself. Let it shatter the lie that you are too broken, too late, or too much.

Because the truth is, God’s love doesn’t flinch at your failure — it finds you in it.

If you believe you are loved, not based on your wins or your weaknesses, then everything changes. You pray differently.
You live differently. You love differently.

And that’s the power of God’s love.

Watch the full video by Stephanie Ike Okafor here:

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That’s exactly what Nigerian developer Dára Sobaloju set out to explore with Pewbeam AI, a new tool designed to make church services more immersive and spirit-led through technology.

Pewbeam AI automatically displays Bible verses in real time, not from preloaded slides, but from the pastor’s own words. As the message unfolds, the AI listens, understands, and projects the corresponding Scripture for everyone to see. It was first tested at CCI Global, Ibadan, and the response was powerful: a seamless blend of technology and the Word that enhanced—not distracted from—the worship experience.

Dára explained that his inspiration came from seeing how often technical delays interrupt sermons. “I wanted to build something that serves the Church,” he said. “A tool that keeps the flow of the message intact and helps people connect more easily with the Word.”

What he’s created is more than an app; it’s a glimpse into how innovation can honour God when it’s rooted in purpose. It’s proof that AI isn’t inherently evil; it’s a tool. And like any tool, its impact depends on the intention behind it.

For many Christians, there’s been growing tension between faith and technology. But projects like Pewbeam AI are rewriting that story. They show that the Church can embrace digital tools without losing its spiritual depth. They remind us that creativity, even in tech, comes from the Creator Himself.

You can watch Dára Sobaloju explain how Pewbeam AI works here

Story source: TechCabal

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So what are the smart side hustles women are leaning into right now?

1. Freelancing in High-Demand Skills

Think content writing, copyediting, UI/UX design, digital marketing, and virtual assistance. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn are where women are pitching, pricing, and profiting all from their laptops. You don’t need to know everything, just something. Free resources on YouTube or Google can help you grow fast and earn faster.

2. Personal Shopping via Shein, AliExpress & Co.

People want trendy outfits, accessories, or household items, but many don’t know how to order online, or they simply don’t want to. That’s where this hustle comes in. Women are helping others shop on platforms like Shein, AliExpress, and even Amazon, managing everything from size guides to delivery tracking. You charge a small fee or build your profit into the order. It’s low-risk, service-based, and in high demand.

3. Social Media Management

There are businesses everywhere, but not all of them know how to “show up” online. If you can create content, schedule posts, manage DMs, or write engaging captions, you can land clients fast. You don’t need a marketing degree — just creativity, consistency, and a working phone. Many women start with one client and grow from there.

4. Mobile Beauty & Wellness Services

Makeup artists, nail techs, and massage therapists are ditching shop rent and taking their skills to the client. House calls are not only convenient for customers, they’re lucrative for you. With a well-stocked kit and good word-of-mouth (or Instagram reviews), you can build a premium service without needing a physical salon.

5. Reselling (Fashion, Food, Skincare — You Name It)

Whether it’s thrift fashion, perfume oils, hair extensions, zobo, or skincare in bulk, women are flipping products for profit. You can sell from your house, on WhatsApp, Instagram, or even Jumia. It’s not about how big you start, it’s how well you brand, price, and serve.

Side hustles aren’t just a trend — they’re a strategy.
A way for women to stay empowered, take up space, and fund the lives they truly want. Whether it’s for “japa” goals, savings, or just the soft life God promised, women are moving differently. And smartly.

So don’t just scroll and wish.
Learn. Launch. Earn.
Your next stream of income might be a DM, delivery, or decision away.

The post Smart Side Hustles Women Are Using to Grow Their Income appeared first on Queen moremi.

Being present in a church service brings something unique. Even if you aren’t focused on everyone around you, seeing people gather for the same purpose is quietly reassuring. Community exposes us to testimonies, encouragement, correction, faith, and support that expand us spiritually. Sometimes clarity and peace arrive not from reading or listening alone, but from the rhythm and shared energy of a physical space devoted to God. Your personal devotion matters. But your connection to the house of God matters too.

Isolation can make your faith comfortable, but comfort doesn’t always make you strong. When you’re by yourself for too long, it’s easy to drift, easy to lose fire, easy to reshape your walk around what feels convenient. But when you’re in a church community, someone notices when you start withdrawing. Someone checks on you. Someone prays with you. Someone reminds you of what God said when your heart is too tired to remember. You can pray at home, yes, but you can’t sharpen yourself the way iron sharpens iron.

Faith grows when it is nurtured, not just observed. When two or three gather in His name, there’s a tangible sense of God’s presence — something that transforms ordinary moments into experiences that refresh the spirit. Corporate worship, corporate prayer, and shared faith help your burdens lift, your hope rise, and your heart strengthen in ways you cannot manufacture alone. Accountability and encouragement naturally follow, creating an environment where faith is stretched, sharpened, and sustained.

Serving within the church also shapes character. Whether you sing, teach, organise, or help others, using your gifts in a communal setting builds humility, discipline, and compassion. Your gifts grow when applied in the context of community, not just acknowledged in solitude. It’s a reminder that God designed faith to be lived in connection with others, and that your journey is enriched when shared.

Ultimately, going to church matters because God didn’t intend for you to journey with Him alone.

The post Why Going to Church Still Matters for Christians appeared first on Queen moremi.

One of the biggest ones is sleep. Not the rushed kind you squeeze in between scrolling and alarms, but real, intentional rest. Your skin repairs itself at night, and you actually wake up looking different when your body has time to heal. The dullness, the dryness, the random breakouts, many times, your skin is just exhausted because you are.

Then there’s water. Not a “drink 10 litres a day” kind of pressure, but enough to keep your body hydrated so your skin isn’t struggling from the inside out. Well-hydrated skin behaves better — it feels softer, looks calmer, and doesn’t react to every small thing.

What you eat also shows up on your face, even when you’re not thinking about it. Your skin responds to the balance in your meals, the fruits you eat without thinking, and the vegetables you add because you feel you should. It’s not about dieting, it’s about giving your body what it needs so your skin isn’t trying to survive on vibes.

Sometimes even the small, almost invisible habits make a difference — like your pillowcase. You lie on it every night, and it quietly collects oils, sweat, and tiny bits of product from your hair. Changing it often gives your skin a cleaner place to rest. And honestly, fresh sheets always feel like soft therapy.

Stress affects your skin more than people admit. When your mind is constantly tense, your hormones act up, and your skin follows. Sometimes the real glow comes when your heart is rested — when you slow down, breathe, pray, journal, or just take time for yourself. Peace makes people look different.

And sunlight — good, gentle sunlight — has its own way of lifting your skin. Not sun-bathing or being outside till you’re burnt, but a little morning sun, a little fresh air, a little bit of being human and not trapped all day indoors. Your skin likes warmth, light, movement, and the world.

All these things happen quietly in the background, but they pull the biggest weight. Natural skincare isn’t always about routines; sometimes it’s simply about taking care of the body that carries you. When you’re rested, hydrated, nourished, less stressed, and more present, your skin reflects it.

Soft glow. Calm skin. No product in sight.

The post Natural Skincare Tips: The Secret to Better Skin appeared first on Queen moremi.

Faith isn’t a shield that guarantees safety. But faith is an anchor in these storms. Even when gunfire and terror seem to win, God is not absent. We are reminded that God walks with His people — not to eliminate pain immediately, but to carry them through it with purpose and presence. The families and communities affected are not headlines; they are human beings living through fear no one should ever know. Their cries are not “content” for the internet; they are calls for mercy, for justice, and for God’s intervention.

As we watch these tragedies unfold, we cannot look away. Our response must go beyond sadness. We can pray earnestly — for comfort, for protection, for justice, for peace. And even when we feel powerless, we can choose to carry these stories in our hearts intentionally: speaking their names in prayer, refusing to let their pain become “normal,” and holding space for national lament. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is stay spiritually awake, to mourn with those who mourn, to refuse silence, and to continually call on God to intervene where human strength has failed.

And in all of this, hold tightly to this truth: God has not forgotten Nigeria. He has not forgotten His people. Even in the midst of violence, He is near to the brokenhearted and gathers every tear. This season may feel heavy, but it will not have the final say. There is still hope. There is still God. And there is still a future He is shaping for us because God never abandons His people in their fear, their mourning, or their confusion, even if right now all we can do is trust Him through the ache.

The post Christians in Nigeria: Holding On in Fearful Times appeared first on Queen moremi.

The truth is, opinions often come from a mix of upbringing, culture, and personal bias. Some were told tattoos are sinful or that multiple piercings are for the “wrong kind of person.” Others simply don’t like the look. And many just haven’t questioned why they feel that way at all.

Even from a Christian perspective, it’s worth asking why we make certain choices. Tattoos or multiple piercings carry weight beyond aesthetics, and it’s important to reflect on whether the decision honours God in how you present yourself. Sometimes it’s less about the look itself and more about the heart behind it — the motives, intentions, and the values you hold.

What really matters isn’t what society labels as “acceptable” or “sinful,” but the questions you ask yourself quietly: Why do I want this? Does it align with my values? Will I feel the same way years from now? What message does this send to myself, and to others?

Perception matters, especially in communities where certain appearances are associated with “bad” behaviour. Choosing to pause, reflect, and seek wisdom can help navigate those judgments. The goal isn’t to hide or feel shame, but to make choices that bring peace, clarity, and confidence in your identity, mindful of how your decisions resonate both spiritually and socially.

The tension isn’t only about the ink or the jewellery. It’s about identity, personal values, and the kind of image you want to carry with you. And that’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choices like these deserve thought, not judgment.

Appearance trends will always change. What lasts — conviction, peace of mind, and living true to your beliefs — matters far more than whether something is “in” or “out.”

The post Tattoos & Piercings: Navigating Personal Convictions appeared first on Queen moremi.

The trick is choosing outfits that feel good on your skin but still make you look intentional. It’s why co-ord sets are a travel favourite — soft fabric, matching colours, nothing complicated. Joggers with a fitted top, wide-leg trousers with a light tee, a midi dress with a denim jacket, or leggings with an oversized sweatshirt… anything that lets you stretch, sit, and walk without adjusting every two minutes. Sneakers always win. Slides if you want something lighter. Neutral colours if you want to look effortless with no stress.

But looking good at the airport is not just about the outfit; it’s the little things you carry that make your travel day easier. A neat tote big enough for the things you actually need, not the things the internet says you should pack. Your boarding pass, a small hand cream, lip balm, your charger, power bank, a book, AirPods, and something light to freshen up before or after the flight. Nothing dramatic. Just what makes you feel human while dealing with queues and announcements you can barely hear.

That’s really what airport style is: softness, simplicity, and a little bit of ease in a place where everyone seems to be in a hurry. When you’re comfortable and confident, it shows — and suddenly, even the stress of travel doesn’t feel as heavy.

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Natural hair is beautiful and versatile, but it requires attention. To keep it healthy and strong, focus on moisturising regularly — use water-based leave-in creams, natural oils like coconut or shea, and avoid heavy products that weigh it down. Detangle gently using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage. Protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns can reduce stress on your strands and promote growth, and deep condition once a week to restore strength. Even simple habits, like sleeping with a satin scarf or pillowcase, make a big difference.

Relaxed hair can feel easier to manage day-to-day, but it’s not maintenance-free. Moisturise your ends daily, as relaxed hair can dry out faster. Use heat protectants when styling, avoid overprocessing or over-straightening, and touch up roots carefully to prevent breakage. Regular trims keep your hair looking neat and prevent split ends from moving up the strand. Hair masks or protein treatments once a month can strengthen hair weakened by chemicals.

And then there’s the debate that sometimes surfaces in faith circles — some people claim relaxing your hair is a sin, that it’s “rejecting the hair God gave you.” For many women, that perspective adds an unnecessary layer of guilt to what should be a personal choice. What matters is that you care for your hair in a way that works for your life, your schedule, and your comfort.

Here’s the thing: neither natural nor relaxed hair is inherently better or easier. Some women love the pride, texture, and versatility of natural hair; some love the sleekness, confidence, and low-maintenance style of relaxed hair; some switch between the two depending on mood or season. What truly matters is care, not judgment.

At the end of the day, your hair is your crown. How you wear it, care for it, or change it doesn’t make you better or worse — it makes you, you. Giving it the attention it deserves, whether natural or relaxed, is part of taking care of yourself.

The post Natural vs Relaxed Hair: Which Is Easier to Maintain? appeared first on Queen moremi.