Our group shopping activity (SHOKiN) feels like a never-ending adventure, and yesterday was yet another day to come together and spend HBD. After a quick poll, the majority agreed on visiting Chicken Republic—our second trip there. Coincidentally, the SHOKiN date fell on the same day as the environmental sanitation exercise in my city, so it took a little longer for everyone (myself included) to arrive. While the meeting time was set for 11 a.m., it was almost an hour later before we were all there grabbing quick bites on the go. The lively atmosphere added to the fun, and the cheerful staff made the experience even better.
After taking some fun group pictures, it was time to place our orders. The choices were endless, but I couldn’t resist the classic jollof rice and chicken combo. The spices were just right, and the flavors hit all the perfect notes. While I was a bit pressed for time and couldn’t sit with everyone for long, I was still glad to have been part of the experience.
As usual, a lot of friends showed up to make the day more enjoyable. I’m talking about @bummblebee, @debbydaniels, @luchy, @ugoglory, @nellybestie, and @bakinba—just to name a few. And of course, there was @brainbrian, who somehow managed to disappear the moment I walked in. I guess he was so very eager to share his chicken with me. Nice try, we shall see in the next shopping day. In fact, it was exciting to see older members of the group who hadn’t been around in a while, like @sammyhive and @zeal72. Their presence added to the excitement we felt at the event.
One of the major highlights of yesterday’s SHOKiN activity was the long-awaited distribution of our personal SHOKiN badges, crafted by our talented local guide, @fokusnow. After weeks of anticipation, the badges were finally ready, and receiving mine filled me with so much pride. Wearing the badge gave me a real sense of belonging to something bigger, a community of like-minded individuals committed to making our initiative thrive.
It also made us stand out, not just as a group of shoppers but as a professional team with a clear mission. The design was simple and thoughtful, showcasing our identity in a way that sparks curiosity and opens conversations about what we do. It was amazing to see everyone wearing their badges with bright smiles creating a sense of purpose among us.
The badge doesn’t just symbolize recognition, it’s also a tool for awareness, making it easier for others to approach us and learn about our activities. Thanks to @fokusnow, this simple yet impactful addition to our SHOKiN days has added a layer of professionalism and pride to everything we do. It’s safe to say that these badges will play a big role in amplifying our efforts and connecting us with more people.
It’s moments like these that make weekends so much better. There’s nothing quite like spending time with lovely friends over a good meal, sharing laughs, and creating memories. Even though some people couldn’t make it due to the sanitation exercise, or maybe just decided to skip I’m sure we’ll catch up on the next SHOKiN day.
Until then, happy spending, everyone! Let’s keep the energy going and look forward to more fun times ahead.