Getting Started with Notion: Your Guide to Organizing Work, Life, and Everything In Between

 

Yemi Olakitan

If you’ve heard about Notion but feel overwhelmed by its blank pages and endless possibilities, you’re not alone. Notion is more than just a note-taking app—it’s an all-in-one workspace where you can write, plan, collaborate, and organize. Think of it as a digital playground for your thoughts, tasks, and projects.

This guide will help you cut through the noise and get started with confidence.

What Is Notion, Really?

At its core, Notion is a flexible workspace that combines:

Notes & Docs: Like Google Docs or Evernote.

Task & Project Management: Like Trello or Asana.

Databases: Like Airtable or a simple spreadsheet.

Wikis & Knowledge Bases: Like Confluence.

The magic is that all these live together in one app, connected and searchable.

Step 1: Sign Up and Set Up Your First Workspace

 

1. Create Your Account: Head to [notion.so](https://www.notion.so). Sign up with your email, Google, or Apple account. The free personal plan is incredibly powerful and will be enough for most beginners.

2. Choose Your Initial Templates: Notion will offer you templates. For now, select a simple one like “Personal Home” or “Getting Started.” You can change everything later.

3. Meet the Interface: You’ll see a sidebar on the left (your navigation), a main content area in the center, and a block-based editor. Don’t worry about the icons yet, just know you can click and type anywhere.

Step 2: Understand the Building Blocks: Pages and Blocks

This is the key to understanding Notion.

Pages: Everything in Notion is a page. A page can be a simple note, a to-do list, or an entire project dashboard with sub-pages inside.

Blocks: Every piece of content you add to a page is a block. A paragraph is a text block. A heading is a block. A to-do list, an image, a video, a database—they’re all blocks.

Try it now: On a new page, type `/` on your keyboard. This opens the block menu, your toolbox for everything. Type `/todo` to add a checkbox, `/head` for a heading, `/image` to upload a picture. Play with this—it’s how you build.

 

 Step 3: Start Simple: Your First Project Hub

Instead of trying to build a perfect system, start with one practical project.

1. Create a New Page: Click `+ New Page` in your sidebar.

2. Give it a name: “Learn Spanish,” “Home Renovation,” or “Blog Ideas.”

3. Add Content with Blocks:

    - Use a `Heading` for main sections.

    - Add a `/to-do` list for tasks.

    - Embed a `/table` to track resources or links.

    - Use `/callout` for important notes.

4. Make it pretty: Click the `⋮⋮` next to any block to drag and rearrange. Hover over text to change its style. Click `Add cover` or `Add icon` at the top to give your page personality.

Step 4: Supercharge with Databases (The Game Changer)

Databases are where Notion’s power truly shines. A database is a structured collection of pages (like rows in a spreadsheet). You can view it in multiple ways.

 

 

Simple Starter Database: A Personal Task Manager

 

1. Type `/table - inline` to create a new database.

2. Rename the default properties:

    - `Name` becomes `Task`.

    - Add a new property: Click `+`, select `Select`, name it `Status`. Add options: `Not Started`, `In Progress`, `Done`.

    - Add another: `Date` property called `Due Date`.

3. Switch Views: Click `+ Add a view` above the table. Choose `Board` and group by `Status`. Now you have a Kanban board (like Trello)! Choose `Calendar` to see tasks by due date.

You’ve just created a multi-view project tracker in two minutes.

Step 5: Explore and Adapt Templates

Don’t build from scratch yet. Notion’s Template Gallery is a treasure trove.

For Personal Use: Try “Habit Tracker,” “Reading List,” or “Life Wiki.”

For Work/Study: Try “Meeting Notes,” “Project Wiki,” or “Class Notes.”

 

To use one: Click `Templates` in your sidebar or type `/template` on a page. Add it, then reverse-engineer it. Click into the databases to see how they’re built. This is the fastest way to learn.

Pro-Tips for Beginners

1. Keyboard Shortcuts Are Your Friend: `Ctrl/Cmd + N` for a new page, `Ctrl/Cmd + /` for block options, `Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + L` to toggle dark mode.

2. Use the Quick Find (`Ctrl/Cmd + P`): Instantly search and jump to any page.

3. Share and Collaborate: Click `Share` top-right to invite others. You can share whole workspaces or individual pages.

4. Get the Apps: Install Notion on your phone and desktop for a seamless experience.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t Over-Engineer at First: Your system will evolve. Start with what you need today.

You Can’t Break Anything: Everything can be deleted, moved, or recovered. Be bold.

Sync Isn’t Instant: Notion is online-first. For critical offline notes, have a backup.

 

Your First Week with Notion: A Challenge

Day 1-2: Set up your personal home page. Add a simple to-do list for the week.

Day 3-4: Create one project page using a template. Add a small database.

Day 5-7: Create a “Notes” database to capture ideas, articles, and meeting notes.

 Embrace the Iteration

Notion is less about getting it perfect on day one and more about creating a workspace that grows with you. Start small, solve one problem, and gradually connect the dots. In a few weeks, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore Notion’s official guides and community forums when you’re ready for databases, relations, and formulas. But for now, just open a page and type `/`.

What will you build first? Share your starter Notion pages in the comments below!

Aje: The Yoruba Spirit of Wealth, Prosperity, and Divine Balance

Yemi Olakitan

                            

Among the revered deities in Yoruba spirituality, Aje occupies a cherished place as the Orisha of wealth, markets, prosperity, and abundance. In a culture where commerce, craftsmanship, and communal exchange are central to daily life, Aje represents both the material and spiritual forces that allow individuals and societies to thrive.

Aje is often described as a powerful feminine energy, though her presence transcends gender. She embodies the principles that make prosperity possible, diligence, fairness, creativity, and the mystical forces that open pathways to success. Traders, artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and even rulers seek her blessings, believing that wealth reaches its highest purpose only when aligned with responsibility and harmony.

Traditionally, Aje is honoured at marketplaces, sacred groves, and family shrines. Early in the morning, especially on market days, devotees offer prayers, water, kola nut, honey, cowries, and other symbolic gifts. These rituals are not mere transactions but acts of gratitude and alignment, acknowledging the unseen hands that guide fortune.

 

In Yoruba thought, Aje is not just about money. She represents ase, the spiritual power that draws opportunities, strengthens intuition, and nurtures ventures. Her presence teaches that wealth must circulate, just as markets depend on movement and exchange. A hoarded fortune stagnates, but shared prosperity multiplies. This philosophy shapes community life, where generosity is celebrated and success is a collective pride.

Folktales portray Aje as both compassionate and exacting. She rewards honesty and hard work but withdraws her favour when greed or injustice takes root. In this way, she becomes a moral compass, reminding people that true wealth emerges from balance ,between giving and receiving, ambition and humility, personal gain and communal wellbeing.

Today, Aje remains deeply relevant. Entrepreneurs invoke her guidance when launching new ventures. Families pray for abundance and stability. Artists and creatives seek inspiration from her flowing energy. Across the diaspora, she is honoured in various forms, symbolising resilience, enterprise, and the eternal connection between the spiritual and material worlds.

To embrace Aje is to recognise prosperity as a sacred force, one that demands respect, intention, and a heart open to both effort and blessing. She reminds her followers that wealth is not a destination but a living current, sustained by wisdom, integrity, and the invisible grace that shapes every journey.

Why Nigeria Needs Community-Based Anti-Terror Squads Now!

 

Tinubu

Yemi Olakitan

 

For too long, the narrative of terrorism in Nigeria has been one of distant threats,     centralized responses, and communities left vulnerable in the agonizing gap between a distress call and military arrival. Our gallant armed forces are stretched thin, fighting a hydra-headed enemy across vast terrains. It is time for a paradigm shift. It is time to weave a security fabric so tight that terrorists have no room to operate. The solution lies in the creation of a federally and state-funded, military-trained.

 

Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad (CBARS).

The current model, while brave, is reactive. We need a proactive, pervasive system that places the power of security directly into the hands of the people, backed by the training and firepower of the state.

The Intelligence Chasm: Winning the War of Information

Terrorism do not emerge from vacuums; they live and plan within and among communities. They rely on the fear and silence of the populace. A centralized security apparatus often struggles to penetrate this wall of silence due to distance, distrust, and cultural barriers.

A CBARS unit, composed of vetted and trusted members of the community, shatters this dynamic. These individuals know the landscape, the families, and the subtle changes that signal danger, a new face asking suspicious questions, unusual movements at odd hours, or a sudden change in local dynamics. They become the eyes and ears on the ground, providing real-time, actionable intelligence to the military. This transforms the fight from a game of catch-up to one of pre-emption, dismantling terror cells before they can strike.

The Golden Minutes: The Need for Rapid Response

In a terror attack, every second is a lifetime. The delay between an attack in a remote village in Niger State or a market in Borno and the arrival of army reinforcements can be the difference between a contained incident and a mass casualty event.

A CBARS unit, stationed within its Local Government Area and equipped with arms, communication gear, and rapid-response vehicles, can be mobilized in minutes. Their primary mission is not to engage in prolonged firefights but to provide an immediate, organized response to secure the area, protect civilians, and frustrate the attackers until the military arrives. This "first responder" capability will save countless lives and deny terrorists the time to execute their plans unchallenged.

A Unified, Nationwide Front: Equipment and Readiness

For this to work, the CBARS cannot be a poorly equipped vigilante group. It must be a standardized, professional force.

Training: The Nigerian Military will be responsible for a rigorous training regimen in counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence gathering, civil relations, and the rule of law.

Funding: A joint funding mechanism from the Federal and State Governments will ensure uniformity in equipment, salaries, and logistics, preventing the squads from becoming politicized or under-resourced.

Structure: Each of the 774 Local Government Areas would host a CBARS unit, linked to a central command at the state level, which in turn is integrated with military operations. This creates a seamless, nationwide security network.

Terror Prevention through Omnipresence

The mere existence of a vigilant, officially-sanctioned security unit in every community is a powerful deterrent. Knowing that every community is a hardened target, with trained personnel ready to raise an alarm and respond, makes the country a significantly less attractive operating ground for terrorists. This strategy shifts our posture from defense to active denial, preventing attacks before they are even conceived.

 Reclaiming Our Territory

The war on terror cannot be won by the military alone. It is a national struggle that requires a whole-of-society approach. By empowering our communities, leveraging local knowledge, and creating a rapid-response infrastructure that covers the entire nation, we can finally turn the tide.

The Community-Based Anti-Terror Response Squad is not just a security strategy; it is a statement of national resolve. It is the embodiment of the truth that the people are the ultimate guardians of their own peace. Let us equip them, train them, and integrate them into our national security architecture. It is time to build a Nigeria where no community is left waiting for help, and where terror finds no sanctuary.

Let's discuss this! Share your thoughts in the comments below on how we can advocate for this initiative.

The Place of Osanyin in Yoruba Spiritual Life: Guardian of Leaves and Hidden Cures

Among the many divinities honoured in Yoruba tradition, Osanyin stands out as the keeper of secrets tucked away in roots, leaves, and bark. He is the Orisha of herbal medicine, the patron of healers, and the spirit believed to whisper knowledge of nature’s pharmacy to those chosen to wield it.

 

Osanyin is often depicted as a one-legged, one-eyed, one-armed figure, an image that symbolises his unmatched focus and mastery. Nothing distracts him from the mysteries growing in the wild. In Yoruba cosmology, these physical features do not denote weakness; they highlight the divine intensity with which he guards the powers of the forest.

 

Herbalists, known as oníṣègùn or babaláwo, often invoke Osanyin before gathering medicinal plants. They believe every leaf has a spirit, and only the Orisha’s blessing ensures the medicine works as intended. His staff, the Opa Osanyin, decorated with birds perched at its crown, represents spiritual surveillance and the ability to perceive unseen dangers. The birds symbolise witches, forces of nature, and invisible energies that interact with human life.

His worship is rooted in respect for the environment. Devotees see the forest not as wilderness to be tamed, but as a living library. Rituals dedicated to Osanyin emphasise balance—taking only what is needed and offering prayers in return. His shrines, often placed under large trees, are reminders of the bond between humans and the earth.

Osanyin’s story also teaches about humility. Though he holds the deepest knowledge of herbs, Yoruba myths say that no single Orisha can solve every problem alone. Even Osanyin’s medicine reaches its full potential when guided by wisdom, character, and cooperation among the divinities.

In today’s world, where modern medicine and traditional healing often intersect, Osanyin’s legacy continues to thrive. From rural herbalists to urban spiritual practitioners, many still honour the Orisha whose domain is the life hidden in leaves. His place in Yoruba belief remains a testament to the enduring respect for nature, ancestral knowledge, and the unseen forces that sustain welleing.

 

Yoruba: Most Influential African Ethnic Group in the World

Yemi Olakitan

The Yoruba people are among the most influential and widely dispersed ethnic groups in Africa and the global diaspora. Known for their rich culture, sophisticated traditions, and far-reaching history, the Yoruba have shaped art, religion, and philosophy far beyond the borders of Nigeria.

With an estimated population of over 50 million, the Yoruba are often regarded as the largest ethnic group of African origin in the world, with communities spread across West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

This article explores who the Yoruba are, where they come from, and how their culture continues to shape the world today.

Origins and Homeland

The Yoruba homeland is located in Southwestern Nigeria, covering major states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti, and extending into parts of Kogi and Kwara. Yoruba communities can also be found in Benin Republic and Togo, making them a major cultural group in West Africa.

 

According to Yoruba oral tradition, the ethnic group traces its origins to Ile-Ife, the ancient city regarded as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba civilization. It is believed that the world was created in Ile-Ife by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people. From there, his descendants founded several kingdoms and empires, such as Oyo, Ijebu, Ife, and Ekiti, Egba and Awori, each developing distinct but related traditions.

 

Population and Global Spread

Today, Yoruba people make up one of Africa’s largest ethnic populations. Nigeria alone is home to over 40 million Yoruba, but millions more can be found across the world due to migration, trade, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Significant Yoruba-descended populations exist in:

Benin and Togo, traditional Yoruba settlements like Ketu and Sakété.

Brazil, where Yoruba religion influenced Candomblé

Cuba and the Caribbean, shaping Santería  and Lucumí practices.

Trinidad and Haiti: where Yoruba spirituality and drumming live on through Orisha worship.

The United States and United Kingdom: where Yoruba descendants are active in academia, music, and art.

 

This global presence makes the Yoruba not just an ethnic group, but a cultural powerhouse, connecting Africa with its diaspora communities.

Language and Communication

 

The Yoruba language (Èdè Yorùbá) is spoken by millions of people and serves as a major unifying factor among Yoruba communities worldwide. It belongs to the Niger-Congo language family, and it has many dialects, including Oyo, Ijebu, Ekiti, Egbado, Akoko,  Awori and Egba.

Yoruba is also widely taught in universities around the world, and in Nigeria, it is one of the three major languages used in education, media, and literature.

 

Beyond its linguistic richness, Yoruba is tonal, meaning that pitch and intonation can completely change the meaning of a word. This gives the language its rhythmic, musical quality, often reflected in Yoruba poetry and songs.

 

Traditional Religion and Spirituality

Before the spread of Christianity and Islam, the Yoruba practiced a highly organized traditional religion centered on Olodumare (the Supreme Being) and hundreds of Orishas (deities or divine manifestations)

 

Some of the most revered Orishas include:

Sango – god of thunder and lightning.

Ogun– god of iron and war.

Osun – goddess of fertility, love, and the river.

Obatala– god of creation and purity.

Orunmila (Ifa)– deity of wisdom and divination.

 

Yoruba spirituality emphasizes balance, destiny (ayanmo), and moral living (iwa pele). The religion’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria,  through the African diaspora, Yoruba deities and rituals have merged with local traditions, forming religions like  Santería (Cuba), Candomblé (Brazil), and Ifá worship,  across the Americas.

Political Systems and Kingship

The Yoruba are known for their well-structured systems of governance, built around kingdoms ruled by traditional monarchs known as Obas. The Oba is both a political and spiritual leader, supported by a council of chiefs (Ijoye) and community elders.

Famous Yoruba kingdoms include:

Oyo Empire – once one of the most powerful pre-colonial empires in West Africa.

Ife Kingdom – the spiritual heart of Yoruba civilization.

Ijebu and Egba kingdoms– known for trade, wealth, and diplomacy.

 

Even today, the traditional rulers, such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and Awujale of Ijebu, continue to play important cultural and social roles in modern Nigeria.

Art, Culture, and Identity

Yoruba art is deeply symbolic and spiritual, often serving as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds. From the ancient bronze sculptures of Ife to modern wood carvings, beadwork, and textiles, Yoruba artistry reflects a deep understanding of beauty, divinity, and identity.

Cultural expressions like drumming, chanting, and dance are integral to Yoruba life,  used in festivals, worship, and ceremonies. The Yoruba are also known for their proverbs, poetry (ewì)and  oral storytelling, which preserve wisdom and moral values across generations.

Complete Guide to Yoruba Festivals

  Yemi Olakitan

From the sacred groves of Osogbo to the royal courtyards of Ijebu-Ode, Yoruba festivals offer a deep journey into one of Africa’s most enduring cultures. Whether you’re a traveler, researcher, or cultural enthusiast, these festivals open a window into a world where tradition, spirituality, and celebration coexist in perfect harmony.

 

The Yoruba people of Nigeria are known for their vibrant culture, deep spirituality, and colorful festivals that celebrate everything from harvests to deities, kingship, and ancestry. These festivals are not mere spectacles, they are living traditions that connect the past with the present, the spiritual with the earthly, and the people with their gods and community.

If you have ever wanted to explore Yoruba culture in its truest form, attending a festival is the best way to experience its rhythm, music, and meaning. In this guide, we’ll take you through the most important Yoruba festivals, their origins, what they symbolize, and what to expect when you attend.

 

1. Eyo Festival (Adamu Orisha Play) –Lagos

The Eyo Festival is one of the most famous Yoruba cultural events, celebrated in Lagos Island. It features masqueraders known as Eyo dressed in white flowing robes and wide-brimmed hats (Aga), carrying staffs called Opambata.

 

Originally, the festival was held to honor the passing of an Oba (king) or a high chief, but today it also celebrates Lagos’ heritage and unity. Streets come alive with music, chants, and dancing, as thousands of people gather to witness the spectacle.

When: Dates vary, but often held between February and May.

Where: Lagos Island.

Highlights:Procession of Eyo masqueraders, drumming, street parades, and traditional chants.

 

2. Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osogbo, Osun State

 

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is one of the most sacred Yoruba festivals, held in honor of Osun, the river goddess of fertility, purity, and love. Devotees, traditional worshippers, and tourists gather at the Osun Sacred Grove,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to offer prayers, songs, and sacrifices.

 

The festival reaffirms the bond between the goddess and the people of Osogbo, especially during the annual procession led by the Arugba (a virgin girl who carries sacrificial items on her head).

When: Every August.

Where: Osogbo, Osun State.

Highlights: Procession to the Osun River, cultural performances, drumming, and blessings for fertility and prosperity.

 

3. Olojo Festival – Ile-Ife, Osun State

 

The Olojo Festival is one of the oldest Yoruba festivals, celebrated in Ile-Ife, and regarded as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people. The festival honors Ogun, the god of iron and war, and commemorates the creation of the world according to Yoruba cosmology.

During the festival, the Ooni of Ife (the traditional ruler) appears wearing the sacred Aare Crown, believed to possess spiritual powers. It’s a deeply symbolic event that attracts thousands from across Nigeria and beyond.

 

When: September or October.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Appearance of the Ooni, rituals to Ogun, drumming, and cultural displays.

 

4. Ojude Oba Festival – Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

 

The Ojude Oba Festival (meaning “The King’s Forecourt”) is a grand celebration of unity and loyalty among the Ijebu people. It is held every third day after the Islamic festival of Eid-el-Kabir.

 

Different age groups (regberegbe) parade in colorful traditional attire, accompanied by music, horse riders, and performances in front of the Awujale’s palace. The event showcases Ijebu pride and cultural heritage.

When: Two days after Eid-el-Kabir (usually around July–August).

Where: Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Highlights: Horse parades, drumming, regberegbe displays, and royal reception.

 

5. Egungun Festival – Across Yoruba Towns

The Egungun Festival honors the ancestors, who are believed to return from the spirit world to bless and guide their descendants. The festival is marked by colorful masquerades representing ancestral spirits, drumming, dancing, and communal feasts.

It’s both a spiritual and social event — a time to remember the dead and to renew family and community bonds.

When: Varies across communities.

Where: Ibadan, Oyo, Ede, and other Yoruba towns.

Highlights: Masquerade displays, drumming, and traditional dances.

 

6. Sango Festival – Oyo Town, Oyo State

 

The Sango Festival celebrates Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. Sango was once a powerful Alaafin (king) of Oyo who later became deified.

The festival features fire displays, drumming, chants, and rituals performed by devotees dressed in red, Sango’s sacred color. It’s one of the most energetic and visually striking festivals in Yoruba land.

When: August.

Where: Oyo Town, Oyo State.

Highlights: Fire-spinning performances, rituals at the Sango shrine, and royal parades.

Red is the prefered colour of Sango

7. Ogun Festival, Across Yoruba Land

Ogun, the god of iron, war, and technology, is highly revered among the Yoruba. The Ogun Festival celebrates his strength and protection, especially among hunters, drivers, blacksmiths, and warriors.

Animals are sacrificed, palm wine is poured on iron tools, and prayers are offered for safety and prosperity.

When: Varies (often in August or September).

Where: Ire-Ekiti, Ondo, and many other towns.

Highlights: Processions, sacrifices, drumming, and feasting.

8. Edi Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Edi Festival celebrates the defeat of Moremi Ajasoro, a legendary heroine of Ile-Ife, who sacrificed herself to save her people. The festival features dramatic reenactments of her story, traditional songs, and rituals of thanksgiving.

It’s a celebration of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism, virtues highly valued in Yoruba culture.

When: November.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Reenactment of Moremi’s legend, processions, and cultural dances.

 

9. Ifa Festival – Ile-Ife

 

The Ifa Festival honors Orunmila, the deity of wisdom, divination, and knowledge. Priests of Ifa (Babalawos) gather to perform rituals and offer prophecies for the coming year.

It’s a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal for devotees of traditional Yoruba religion.

When: June or July.

Where: Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Highlights: Ifa divination ceremonies, prayers, drumming, and sacrifices.

Why Yoruba Festivals Matter

Yoruba festivals are not just cultural performances, they are powerful expressions of faith, identity, and community. Each event tells a story, honors the ancestors, and keeps the traditions alive in an ever-modernizing world.

For visitors, they offer an unforgettable glimpse into Africa’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage. For the Yoruba people, they reaffirm who they are and where they come from.

 

 

Tips for Attending Yoruba Festivals

 

Dress modestly and traditionally, if possible, wearing, Adire, Ankara or Aso Oke shows respect for the culture.

Respect sacred sites; avoid taking photos in restricted areas.

Go with a local guide, who understands the rituals and language.

Be open-minded: Yoruba spirituality is symbolic and layered with meaning.

Relax and enjoy yourself

DROP YOUR COMMENTS