Mirror of the Sun

Book Launch & Public Presentation of HUNTED BY HAWKS – Obianuju C. Amamgbo

2014-04-04T02:32:00.000+01:00

... A date to remember

Date – Saturday 31/05/14
Venue – Radford Methodist Church, Foster street, Nottingham, NG7 3DB
Time 13:30 pm

2013-11-30T08:09:00.000+00:00

Hunted by Hawks...

New novel weaves intricate story of secrets and lies

Ikenna has been running from his past, but it’s about to catch up with him in ‘Hunted By Hawks’

NOTTINGHAM, England – In “Hunted by Hawks” (published by AuthorHouse) , author Obianuju Chiamaka Amamgbo takes readers to her native Eastern Nigeria for an intriguing story of revenge and secrecy.

“No matter how ugly a secret may be,” Amamgbo says, “it pays to be honest about it, especially to people you love and care about. Honesty will always make a difference.”

Ikenna has worked tirelessly to bury his haunting past. Unknown to him, his arch enemy, Tochi, has been keeping a close eye on him, and when the chance to ruin Ikenna’s young son arrives, Tochi pounces on the opportunity. Now, Ikenna is faced with a serious decision. He can come clean to his once happy family about his painful past, or he can continue to hide the shame that has burdened him all these years. Will Ikenna chose to reveal his secret, even if it means losing his family?

“Hunted By Hawks” explores themes of corruption and deceit and creates a flawed protagonist that readers can relate to and will want to cheer on. “Even though it is fiction, anyone and everyone can relate to the themes portrayed in the story line at one point or another of their lives,” writes Amamgbo. “These events are things people deal with regularly.”

Storyline

Set in Eastern Nigeria, Hunted by Hawks tells the story of Ikenna whose hidden past re-surfaces in his life to haunt him. Unknown to him, Tochi his arch enemy and leader of their notorious gang has been plotting revenge after he was released from prison years ago. Tochi kept close contact with him from a distance and managed to get his claws on one of his sons Emeka. With the strange discovery of what Emeka was involved in, the once happy family was at the verge of being destroyed. By the time Ikenna realised what was happening, he is faced with reliving the past he fought so hard to bury. He has to decide whether to come clean with his family and risk losing them, or to keep his secret and save them the looming agony of his ugly past. Nonye, Ikenna's wife, is equally forced by the ugly circumstance to make a choice. Having built an impressive reputation in her legal career, will the high moral lawyer bend the law to save her husband and family, or will she save her career at the expense of her family?

“Hunted by Hawks”

Dawn in Ụmụogu

2011-11-25T05:37:00.000+00:00

Part 4

Early the next morning, Ifeatụ woke up to an empty house; there was no sign of Akwaugo. He thought she must have gone to fetch water but when it was past her normal time, he got worried and feared she might have left him. He quickly got dressed, and went in search of her. When he could not find any trace of her in the vicinity, he decided to go home, freshen up and prepare to search for her in neighbouring towns and villages. But on getting home, there she was, selecting herbs that were scattered on the mat on the floor.

He heaved a sigh of relief, “Where have you been Akwaugo? I have been all over the place looking for you,” he said expressing his displeasure with her.

“Good day papa. I went in search of healing herbs for Igwe Ọnọchie’s son,” she replied innocently, “I am sorry I did not tell you before leaving but that was because I did not want to wake you up. I felt it was too early to disturb an old man resting his weak bones,” she teased.

“I was worried about your whereabouts, Akwaugo. I thought you left because of the talk last night,” he expressed his concern.

“No way papa, you taught me more than that. I have this burning desire for the Igwe’s condition. Waiting for Ikuku could be disaster; nobody knows when he will return,” she explained.

“You really think you are doing the right thing?” he asked pointing at the herbs.

“Absolutely, papa, I do. Whether they accept my offer is up to them. But I won’t sit here and assume they will throw my genuine help back at me without my trying,” she replied and continued with her selection.

“And when do you want to go over?” he asked as he drew his cane chair close to the mud wall and sat on it. His legs were aching from the long tiring walk he just returned from.

“As soon as I sort the possible combination that I would use,” she replied.

“That would be after you have given me my food. I am hungry.”

“I will check if the food is warm enough now,” she replied and went to the kitchen.

Ifeatụ noticed some herbs he had not seen before and put them aside. He knew a lot about herbs and what they did and wondered where she got those ones. He drew her attention to them as soon as she came with his food.

“Oh those? They are not from our forest but from the Amaogu forest. They have a lot of medicinal herbs in their forest so I helped myself with some. I am even considering raising some here so that I would not be making long journeys when they are needed,” she finished as she sat on the mat and continued with her selection.

By the time Ifeatụ finished eating, she was ready to embark on her uninvited trip to the palace, the same Igwe that banished their family years ago. She wished he would give her this chance to save his son’s life. She packed the herbs and roots in her raffia bag ready to go.

“I shall be back before you know it papa. Pray for a successful mission for me.”

“May the gods grant your request,” he said, placing his hands on her two shoulders.

Akwaugo left that afternoon for the Igwe's palace with hopes raised high. It would be her first time of walking boldly in the day time into the Ụmụogu square since she was born. Prior to this, she often visited when there was communal village farming and every member of Ụmụogu village had gone to the farm, otherwise, she stopped at hidden location to peep.

Walking in her brilliance and elegance, she passed the village square and was aware of the stare she caused. People pointed fingers and made derogatory comments. They whispered and talked in low tones but she heard them loud and clear. Those who did not know her asked questions, taken aback by her beauty. They gazed with hands akimbo and mouth agape but she matched on; she was there on an important mission. News of her identity spread immediately like wild fire, getting to the Igwe before she reached. As soon as she made her final bend to the palace, the crowds were already gathered

“My elders, I greet you,” she began as she stood some distance away from them. She recognised most of them from the times she peeped in her hidden location.

“You are the daughter of …” Ichie Ụzọ began but was interrupted by her.

“I am Akwaugo, daughter of Urenna who was banished many years ago. I am here to speak with Igwe Ọnọchie in connection with Obielumanị’s health,” she explained.

The elders exchanged surprise gestures at each other and looked at her in disbelief. They were amazed that he knew about Obielumanị’s health.

“What are you talking about?” Ichie Mbata asked, baffled that she knew about Obielumanị.

“It is the Igwe I wish to speak to and him alone, if he would kindly grant me audience,” she explained adjusting her raffia sac hung loosely across her chest.

“You are a taboo to our village, or do you not know it?” one of the men asked in fury.

“How dare you come here to place your curse on our land, you evil child?” he barked standing up and moving towards her.

“I am sorry my elders to show up like this, I did not mean to cause any problem. I simply came in peace because of the Igwe,” she maintained, not moved by the name she was called. She knew that would happen and so had prepared her mind for it.

“Peace! You are cursed and an abomination here. Carry your curse and go back the way you came,” and turning around he said, “Let the youths sweep away her defilement.”

“Please my elders, I will leave as soon as I have spoken to Igwe,” she pleaded on her knees.

“Who allowed this thing into Ụmụogu?” another elder asked angrily, “We are having serious deliberations concerning our land and this abominable child walked in. I hope this is not doom for our land ooo,” he said. At that statement there was uproar.

“Please, my fellow elders, let us hear her out first. If the Igwe wishes to hear her speak, so let it be. She seems harmless,” Ichie Njọkụ said trying to calm the crowd.

“Harmless? How could you speak like one who does not know our customs and traditions concerning outcasts? Let the strong men carry her out before thunder struck us,” another elder said.

Just while the youths were about to carry her out, Igwe Ọnọchie came out and there was dead silence.

“Igwe!” they all hailed and with the wave of his hand they became calm. Akwaugo bowed on her knees while the Igwe ascended his throne.

“Igwe! The Chinyereugo IV of Alaukwu land, protector of his subjects, I greet you,” Akwaugo said still on her knees with head bowed. This further surprised the crowd that she knew the Igwe’s title name.

“Rise my dear. Are you who they said you are? You seem fearless and have the guts to come before my throne requesting audience with me,” Igwe Ọnọchie remarked.

“Igwe! I am the daughter of a maiden of this land banished many years ago. I have come on a noble mission about your son, the only heir to your throne,” she said looking up at him.

“Yes, my son is sick and Ikuku is nowhere to be found. Nobody has a clue to when he would return. By the way how did you know about my son?” Igwe Ọnọchie asked. He has become very slow in speech since his son took ill.

“Igwe there is nothing hidden under the sun. The walls have ears and the winds carry what people say to distant lands. I know Obielumanị is very sick and I also know that the Igwe and his people are devastated because Ikuku is nowhere in sight,” she replied.

“May the people of Ụmụogu return to their homes, the Igwe has everything under control,” he commanded and the subjects were dismissed. Turning to Akwaugo he asked, “What has my son’s health got to do with you?”

“I can treat his rare illness.”

At that very instant all the elders were thrown overboard by her utterance and looked at her in total disbelief. The cabinet was made up of elders from Ụmụogu, Ụmụọka, and three other kindred that form Alaukwu village.

“Are you trying to mock Ụmụogu or what?” Ichie Ndụka from Ụmụogu queried.

“No my elders, I have not come to mock you. I am just trying to be of help,” she explained.

“Help? Who says Alaukwu or Ụmụogu needs the help of an outcast?” another blasted. This same elder had always spoken to her with animosity and hatred.

“Please Egwuatụ, go softly with the girl and reduce the name calling. Let us hear her out; there is no harm in trying whatever solution is available now. We should be more concerned with Obielumanị’s recovery rather than who it comes from,” Ichie Mbata stated.

“I agree with Mbata,” Igwe Ọnọchie said. “What is your name, my daughter?”

“Akwaugo,” she replied.

“To what do I owe this gesture?”

“I seek nothing of you, Igwe. I just want to perform an act of humanity in Alaukwu.”

“Are you sure you can save my son?”, he asked. He had suddenly become interested in what she can do for his dying son. His brother Egwuatụ was obviously not pleased with the interest showed by the reigning Igwe.

“It is Chukwuolisa that heals and saves, I only care through herbs,” she replied in all humility to the admiration of all.

“This looks so unreal for you to show up with an offer to save my son. How long have you been doing this?” he asked, not very convinced of her abilities. To him she looked so young to know so much.

Akwaugo saw the doubt registered in the eyes of Igwe and his cabinet. She needed to convince them to give her a chance. “Igwe, since I could utter a word as child, I was taught herbal medicine by my grandfather. I grew up with this act and have practised my skills in distant lands. With my interest in herbal medicine, I have excelled in this area more than my mentor. People in distant lands can testify to my capabilities. I heard about the prince’s predicament and could not help my desire to ask for your permission to prescribe some medication that can save his life,” she explained.

“Are you aware that many powerful dibia failed in identifying what is wrong with my son, and you stand in my presence to say you are greater than them?” the Igwe queried.

“No my Igwe. Surely, I am nothing compared to dibia. I am just an ordinary girl that understands herbs and healing. I do not communicate with the gods like the dibia does; I only speak to trees, plants and herbs. Somehow, they lead me to herbs I need for any kind of ailment,” she explained.

Just then Lọọlọ Ọbịageliakụ the Igwe’s wife rushed in and fell down before him in tears, “Igwe, Obielumanị has got worse ooo. He cannot speak and his body has become so hot. We will lose him if nothing is done,” she wept.

“Calm down, woman,” he replied trying to hold his wife.

“Igwe let me see him, I beg you.” This was an opportunity she needed.

“Igwe, please, allow the girl. This is our only son, the heir to Alaukwu throne. Please, Igwe, give her the chance you gave other people that failed,” Lọọlọ Ọbịageliakụ pleaded tearfully. The Igwe could not refuse any more.

“Follow me,” he beckoned on her to the amazement of his entire cabinet and elders.

“Abomination!” most of the elders shouted, spitting out and shaking their heads in disbelief; but he ignored them and went on to show her where the son lay.

The moment she set her eyes on him and touched his body, she knew what could possibly be wrong. Empting her bag on the ground she set to work. First, she took the akarakara root and requested that it be pounded immediately. Next she brought out already prepared dogoyaro leaves and bark, uriekhue stem, and ihumibo leaves and placed them on the table. When they brought back the pounded contents she squeezed the juice into Obielumanị’s mouth. While waiting for him to respond, she ordered everybody out of the room. But within her, she silently prayed that Chukwuolisa would heal him.

Minutes later he responded.

“Water!” Obielumanị muttered. He was beginning to regain his speech even though it was slow and barely audible.

She rushed out and called the Igwe and his Lọọlọ inside to see their son.

“He wants water but I am going to give him these portions prepared from the herbs,” she informed them. She administered the bitter contents of the herbs, which he barely managed to swallow. She laid him back on the bed and just watched in silence.

“Ok, I cannot keep silent any more,” the Igwe began. “What miracle did you perform to get him talking?”

Akwaugo gave her explanation. On first the sight of the frail lifeless body, and as she felt his body temperature and examined his eyes, she felt it was typhoid fever and acute malaria. Because it had been in his system for long, there was the possibility it might have damaged some organs in his body. That could be the reason why he was too weak to even speak. Therefore, she had to get that sorted out before proceeding with other things. The akarakara root cures partial paralysis of the tongue and lips,. Uriekhue cures typhoid fever, dogoyaro cures malaria while ihumibo cures high fever.

“I will stay for a while to see how he responds to these and I will leave some of the herbs with you,” she finished.

“How did you know all these?” Igwe asked, amazed at the young girl’s knowledge. By this time, Obielumanị had drifted off to sleep.

“Igwe, I have been doing this since I was a baby,” she said smiling, exposing her beautiful dentition.

“And how long would it take for him to respond?” Lọọlọ Ọbịageliakụ asked, sitting beside her son and feeling his body temperature.

“It depends on how bad he is. It could be minutes, days or weeks. But he seems brave and would recover soon,” she assured them.

The next three hours were spent monitoring his breathing and temperature. When it seemed danger was out of the way, she packed up her bag and got ready to go, leaving them with the instructions on how to administer the medication.

“I shall be back at sunrise to see how he is doing. He should eat more of vegetables and water to replenish the lost blood due to typhoid,” she said, as she made her exit, followed by the Igwe and his Lọọlọ.

The Igwe’s cabinet and elders stared as she left without saying a word to her. She knew they thought the worst about her but she was not bothered. She had done what she came to do and was leaving.

By the time she got home, the sun had gone down. Ifeatụ was standing by the pathway looking out for her. On sighting her, he heaved a sign of relief and returned home waiting to hear her story. In excitement, she rushed into his waiting arms and told her whole story without catching a breath.

“I am speechless, my daughter. The gods are with you,” he said, rejoicing over the fact that she was able to achieve her aim.

The next day, they were woken by the Igwe’s guards who had come to fetch Akwaugo and her grandfather. The duo was terrified and when the guards refused saying the reason for the early morning summon, they felt something had gone wrong with the medication she administered. They were even more terrified when they got to the palace and met almost the whole village gathered in the palace, with the elders seated in their usual position, but neither the Igwe nor his Lọọlọ were present. The looks on the faces of the people gathered did not tell them anything. They all seemed worried and were further uncomfortable when Akwaugo and Ifeatụ showed up with the guards.

Few minutes after they arrived, the Igwe made his entrance and was greeted by the entire subjects before he took his seat. He took a look at all of them, his cabinet and elders, and finally settled on Akwaugo.

“Welcome, my people,” he began. “I am sorry to call you out from your peaceful sleep but like our forefathers used to say, there is no smoke without fire,” he was still focused on Akwaugo who was fiddling with the helm of her waist cloth.

He continued, “I will not waste your time but I had to wait for her to arrive before saying anything,” he said pointing to Akwaugo who bowed her head to avoid eye contact with any of them. She could feel peering eyes on her which seemed like balls of fire thrown at her.

“I wanted to say this in the presence of my able council and the people who handed the sceptre of kingship to my ancestors,” he paused for effect before he continued, “We all know what happened yesterday with this young girl and her claims to save Obielumanị,” and the crowds gaze was directed at her as they began to murmur audibly. But the Igwe continued, “Well, Igwe Ọnọchie, the Chinyereugo IV of Alaukwu village gathered you all to say that the sceptre of leadership will remain in my family because of this young girl standing before all of us,” he beamed with smiles as he walked towards Akwaugo and embraced her.

Alaukwu and Ụmụogu in particular were thrown into joyful uproar of rejoicing. The elders and cabinet looked at each other in disbelief before they joined in rejoicing, except for Egwuatụ who nearly fainted. Just then, Obielumanị made his first appearance before his people after several weeks of serious illness, and the crowd was agog and frenzied. The drums were heard and there was instant celebration; Ifeatụ and Akwaugo could only stare while tears streamed down her beautiful face. She looked at the excited crowd and the elders as they embraced and shook her hands. She finally managed to get to the prince who though still looked frail was able to move about. She immediately whispered to him to take a seat so she could examine him further. She was more than delighted that Chukwuolisa had answered her prayers and healed the prince.

“The people of Alaukwu, can I have your attention once more?” the Igwe interrupted the celebration. “Following this noble deed performed by our own daughter, I wish to lift the ban on her family and have them returned to their rightful place, with the permission of my cabinet and elders” and they all concurred without questions. The crowd went crazy at this pronouncement and instantly lifted the girl on their shoulder.

“That is not all, your house shall be rebuilt and we shall make her our herbalist, and you will work with Ikuku in serving the gods, if he deems you fit,” he finished.

At that instant Akwaugo indicated her wish to speak. “Igwe!” she greeted as she prostrated before his royal majesty. “I do not know what to say at this point. Please, Igwe, know that I did not bargain for this restoration. I was merely burdened that I should do for my people what I do for others. My grandfather and I are happy where we are; please do not feel indebted to us. This is only what we do for humanity,” she said. Her humility and respect got the better part of them as they marvelled at her wisdom.

“My daughter, we did you wrong many yeas ago, but today the gods of our land have vindicated you,” Igwe Ọnọchie said remorsefully.

“What can we say? Please, Igwe, I do not wish to serve with Ikuku. I prefer the little acts of kindness,” she said looking at Ifeatụ.

“If the gods found your mother guilty, surely you would not be able to perform this deed. We do appreciate,” he said.

“Yes, yes, yes,” most of the elders, cabinet and crowd agreed.

“Ifeatụ, we owe you a lot for what you did on this girl,” Igwe spoke for the first time to him. He came down from his throne and shook his hand, “You are a true son of the soil,” he asserted.

“I promised my brother that I would bring his granddaughter up like my own child. What I did was for her late mother, who I was convinced was never guilty of the accusations, and her grandparents who believed in their daughter’s innocence,” he replied.

“We misjudged her and the whole of Alaukwu and Ụmụogu apologise for our injustice,” he held his shoulders and looked at his elders for support. They all nodded in agreement.

“We bear you no grudge; you did what you felt was right at that moment,” he replied in all honesty.

“We shall talk more about the past but for now, let us celebrate Akwaugo, our heroine. She succeeded where people we regard highly failed. She is the proverbial belittled small pot that quenches the fire. The gods are with her,” he affirmed as he went back to his throne, with Lọọlọ Ọbịageliakụ and Obielumanị seated to his left and right respectively.

Then Alaukwu youths carried her on their shoulders and began chanting

Bleak was the future of Alaukwu,

Until a friend in disguise, thought to be a foe,
Came in wisdom and love, counting nothing,

But brightened our darkness with her dazzling light

Giving with a radiant smile what she took with painful tear

The gods are with her.

She excelled where great men failed, a thing never heard;
A maiden saves Alaukwu,

A maiden saves Ụmụogu, an innocent maiden,

Therefore the sceptre of leadership shall remain with the people’s choice

This is the voice of the gods; the gods are wise,

Akwaugo is vindicated, Akwaugo is our heroine

She had saved them from the wicked wishes of Egwuatụ, the Igwe’s wicked brother, and so has become their heroine. And there was dancing, singing and celebration.

... The End

Dawn in Ụmụogu

2011-11-14T09:46:00.001+00:00

Part 3

Udobata had gone to tap palm wine in his farm close to the river two months after Urenna was found to be pregnant when he met his untimely death. Urenna craved for palm wine that fateful day and he could not get it from any of the sellers in their village; they had marginalised them because of the allegation of incest, despite the fact that the issue was yet to be decided by the Igwe’s council. Udobata had successfully tapped the first palm tree and was on his second when he slipped and fell heavily on his back. Due to his bulky weight he could not get up and so lay with excruciating pains almost all day. When Chineze got tired of waiting for his return she set out to look for him only to find him gritting his teeth in pain and unable to move his body. She instantly shouted and ran back to the village to get help. By the time they finally got back, Udobata was almost gone. He was finding it difficult to breathe and talk. After three days of medication, he passed away; was buried without burial rites due to the pending incest case.

Meanwhile the villagers did not believe Urenna was raped but maintained she Obidi is the only logical explanation, if the incest was to be eliminated. She could not tell how the cat was let out of the bag about her relationship with Obidi; she did not even tell her close friends Kosi and Añụlịka. Now, she knew that the walls had ears and eyes. But on this occasion it went blind; her predicament was orchestrated by her enemies. When confronted by her best friends about the allegation, she swore to them she was a virgin until the rape incidence but because she admitted being in love with Obidi, the whole village concluded she made up the story. So while they waited for Igwe Ọnọchie, the reigning ruler of Alaukwu , and his cabinet to decide their fate, Chineze and her daughter mourned her husband and father in bitterness. It was during their agony and sorrow that Ifeatụ came into their life, to be a shoulder for his sister-in-law, and father to his niece. He was determined to stand by them no matter the outcome of the Igwe and cabinets decision. For one thing, he had never doubted Urenna’s story because he knew his late brother and his wife gave her the best upbringing.

“And just as we expected, they gave the banishment on the grounds that if it was rape, then it was incest, and if it was Obidi’s, she would still face the consequences. Either way there was sure punishment,” Ifeatụ said.

“Did they not see the wounds on her body?”

“Self-inflicted they called it.”

“That is ridiculous. What about the people responsible, if it was incest? How sure they these people were are even from Ụmụogu?” she spat out.

“Same questions I asked. Your mother and grandmother felt there were people behind it. Anyway Obidi was equally banished and after many years he came to take mother with him to the east. Unfortunately, Urenna had joined our ancestors,” Ifeatụ said sadly as he watched the sixteen year old Akwaugo take the horrible details surrounding her existence.

“What happened to my mother and grandmother?” she asked, her eyes fixed on the sand she was drawing on.

“Let’s leave it for tomorrow. For now we need to find something to eat because the clouds are gathering,” Ifeatụ said in other to dismiss her.

“I have already prepared dinner, washed the lamp and put out the pots for fetching water. You promised me this story and I made sure nothing would distract us once you start. Please, papa, I really want to know what happened,” she pleaded.

Ifeatụ sat back, hesitated and then continued. After the Igwe gave his verdict and the banishment by ostracism was given, Ifeatụ took Chineze and Urenna to their maternal home True to his word he stayed on and as a result he was equally banished due to his association with them. It did not bother him because he was always treated as an outsider by the village due to his different views to the things they did and said. He left the village at one point in search of greener pastures and only came back when he heard of his brothers’ demise. Since his wife and three sons lived in Ọnịtsha and did not want to face similar fate with him, they decided to stay put while Ifeatụ visited them privately.

Chineze became a walking corpse after her husband’s death. It was no surprise she was not bothered by the ostracism. What else did she have to lose when the sun that lighted up her world was quenched. She was left to fight darkness with its upheavals created by Ụmụogu over Urenna. They had never liked her awesome beauty. When she was still a baby, some said she was an Ọgbanje, daughter of the water goddess or the sun goddess. It is believed that an Ọgbanje is a child who came to deliberately plague her family with misfortune. Ụmụogu believed that was the logical explanation to Urenna's beauty. Many times, her death was predicted but to their greatest surprise, she lived. There was nothing strange or abnormal that happened in their family since her birth. Udobata and his family were aware of the gossips being peddled but gave deaf ears to them; hence they did not have many friends. People only came to look for what would become another topic for gossip in the village. But secretly they envied Urenna's beauty and wished they had a daughter.

In her delusion she became weaker by the day, refusing to be consoled; she would stay awake most nights weeping in agony. She lost her mind and could not cope with living in that isolation, away from normal people. She felt locked up with a daughter that reminded her of their predicament, and a brother-in-law that would not understand the agonies of a widow. After Urenna and Ifeatụ tried to put her in the right frame of mind, she began to sober up and have meaningful conversation with them. She begged for forgiveness on her insensitivity towards their feelings. Few days later, Chineze passed on quietly in her sleep.

Chineze’s death devastated Urenna and subsequently affected her health condition. She felt guilty on the reality of the fact that her father died in his bid to satisfy her needs, while her mother died on account of losing her soul-mate. For these reasons, she felt responsible for their death which made her wonder whether the things said about her being an Ọgbanje was actually true. Until now, she began to consider the possibilities of being an Ọgbanje.

Few weeks after her mother’s death, she went into labour due to the emotional stress she was passing through. She had a premature baby. She never recovered from her poor health. She barely managed to nurse her baby for few months before joining her ancestors.

“Your name means precious child. Your mother and grandmother often talked about how precious and innocent you would be, even though you were being punished for no fault of yours,” Ifeatụ told her as he held her hands and looked into those innocent eyes of hers. He saw the pain and hurt lurking behind her radiant beauty, but she was holding strong.

“Thank you papa for telling me this story,” she said giving him a hug. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she said, “You will always be my grandfather and best friend. Thank you also for bringing me up and teaching me all I know. It hurts but then there is nothing I can do about who I am,” she finished as she got up and went back into the house.

That night, they ate in absolute silence listening to the pelting rain fall. It brought with it refreshness and coolness. Ifeatụ did not know what his granddaughter was thinking about but wanted to give her time to digest the story. On her part, Akwaugo could not wait to lie down on her mat and wrap herself up, allowing the built up tears to fall where nobody would see her cry till she falls asleep.

... to be continued

Dawn in Ụmụogu

2011-11-07T11:10:00.000+00:00

Part 2

Ifeatu looked at her beautiful face to appreciate her rare beauty. Akwaugo was a beauty to behold, a pride of every parent, envy to her fellow maiden, and a charm to the men folk. Looking taller than her age, her childlike face spoke of her innocence and amazing personality, secretly admired by the whole village. She was very intelligent and hard-working young woman, who was as brave and fearless as a lion; thanks to him who taught her the need to be strong and independent. Her manly attributes were the result of what she had seen and helped him do. Since there was no other male figure in the family, Akwaugo took over the low chores, as well as female chores quite early in life. Therefore apart from the cooking and keeping the house clean, she equally fetched firewood and at times had to hew them with the cutlass or axe such that she became an expert in handling the tools. She equally cut grass for the goats, fixes the bamboo roof top, and builds the yam barn. She learnt how to put up the barn by secretly watching Ifeatụ do it over the years. It was a big surprise to Ifeatụ when his strength failed him and she took over. Because of the way the tradition frowned at women doing manly chores Ifeatụ tried unsuccessfully to prevent her from doing them, but gave up when he saw he was merely pulling a horse through the eye of the needle.

“Akwaugo my dear daughter, you were rejected by Ụmụogu people due to the circumstances that led to your birth,” Ifeatụ began that afternoon. “Your late mother’s name was Urenna but unfortunately we do not know who your father was.”

“That means I am a bastard papa. My mother must have been wayward and irresponsible not to know who my father is. Is that why I was rejected by Ụmụogu?” she asked looking very sad.

“You are no bastard my child. Your father is someone we don’t know. And that is not why you were rejected,” he assured her. “Your mother happens to be the best behaved maiden this village ever had, that was before you came along. I am sure you equal her in character,” he said smiling.

Urenna was exemplary an youth to the whole community to the extent she was despised for her good and humble nature. But her rare quality endeared her to the few wise men. She was also a dazzling beauty and an admiration to behold. The saying in Igboland that a snake will always produce its kind was very true of Urenna whose circumstantial daughter was her exact replica. Tall, elegant, and slim, her spotless dark shiny skin looked like polished acacia wood. Her long black hair was full and thick, plaited and adorned with beads, making the men stare in utter amazement. To add colour to her beauty she used the uli beauty dye to make beautiful designs on her arms and legs, while the ọtanjele and odo were used for her eyelids. Unlike the maiden of Ụmụogu who wore the jigida waist bead on festive periods, Urenna preferred to wear single jigida waist bead on daily basis. But for festive periods she wore several jigida and adds the ayọ beads on her neck, wrists and ankle. She looked gorgeous and different even when dressed in the typical small waist cloth, and akwa obi tied over the breasts. Then with that smile that got her noticed, she flashed her beautiful set of white teeth, revealing her uniqueness. She became a hot topic among men and women, as well as elders in the village. All of Ụmụogu were aware of Urenna’s beauty; no one dared compete with her. She always emerged as winner during the maiden beauty competition and represented Ụmụogu in beauty competitions to which she was crowned winner of Alaukwu community. In the maiden dance, men would not take their eyes off her vibrating waist as she whined it to flow with the combined rhythm of the xylophone, metal gong, drum and talking pot. She was aware of the provocative effect her beauty had on men and often found it fun when they stared lustfully at her well rounded buttocks which shook as she walks gracefully. The girls considered her a big competition and threat to their getting male compliments, not to mention suitors. This was because it was widely known that every young man had an eye on her. Matters became worse when she emerged winner for the third time in their maiden competitions at both Ụmụogu kindred and Alaukwu community, a feat never achieved by one single person in three consecutive seasons. Therefore, she became the public enemy. Most mothers wanted their daughters to be admired and to have suitors but unfortunately the young men all scrambled for this rare beauty, who was busy enjoying the commotion she caused among them; she could not help it. Urenna was not interested in any of the young men in Alaukwu expect Obidi, a young man from Ụmụọka kindred. Unfortunately Ụmụogu and Ụmụọka kindred of Alaukwu village do not inter-marry because of age long grudge held against each other. While Ụmụogu accused Ụmụọka of using one of their daughters married to them for ritual money, Ụmụọka accused them of killing their brilliant son as revenge. But Urenna and Obidi kept their love relationship secret waiting for the right time to make it public; these two believe long grudge should not be a barrier to their love. They disregarded the laws of their land and went ahead with their secret relationship.

Few weeks after her third consecutive win, Urenna gradually withdrew from public appearance and social activity. They had finished late from the dance rehearsals that night. Because nobody liked walking past the big Ụdala tree when it was dark, she endeavoured to go home before the sun set. But on that fateful day, her friends Kosi, and Añụlịka had convinced her to stay longer to perfect the dance steps since they had an important competition coming up. But Urenna in her typical way was carried away by the new step that she did not know when her friends informed her they were ready to go. By the time she knew, it the people that went along the same path with her had long gone and she was left with few girls, Ụnọka and Chidi, the men who beat the instruments. Because of the long distance to their home and with the threat of rain, they could not walk her home. So she left alone.

Urenna had barely passed the Ụdala tree when unknown men grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and dragged her into the bush. They made her swallow some potion and she passed out. She woke up the next morning in her mothers’ hut with excruciating pains all over her body. She had bruises on her arms and legs and between her thighs. She knew immediately what had happened burst into tears and wailed while her poor mother consoled and comforted her.

“Do you know who did this to you?” Chineze asked her daughter.

“No, mama. All I remember was walking home and they attacked me from the back, forcing some substance down my throat,” she cried. She could see her father Udobata pacing up and down outside the hut, vibrating and threatening lightening and thunder.

“You absolutely did not see anyone?” she asked again for confirmation.

“No, mama,” she replied amidst her sobs. In her sobbing she asked, “Onye ka m mejọrọ, who did I wrong?”

Udobata could not control his temper any more; he barged in to the hut and said to his daughter, “Urenna, don’t worry. Your father will definitely get to the bottom of this. Whoever committed this abomination on my daughter will never go scot-free,” he swore, using his second finger to touch his tongue, the earth he stood on, and finally pointing it to the heavens. That was a physical sign to drive home his words; he must get his revenge.

“Hey! They have put out our light,” Chineze cried. “My husband, this is our only child ooo. She is only a child and men had the heart to do this to her. This is an abomination in Ụmụogu land ooo,” Chineze wept, beating her breasts and shaking her head in disbelief. “May Chukwuolisa visit the perpetrators of this evil at a time they least expect,” she swore as she carried on cleaning the wounds with warm water, administered a mixture of local herbs which Udobata had collected from the forest to soothe and heal the wounds. “Who will I tell my story?” she went on, “What Ụmụogu son had become a monster? My husband, nke a bų arų, this is an abomination. Tụfịakwa!” she spat out in disbelief and cried the more.

“It was a big blow to your grandparents because Urenna was a miraculous child who came after several failed attempts; hence the close bond and attention between your mother and your grandparents,” Ifeatụ continued.

“Wait papa you just said my grandparents again,” Akwaugo interrupted. “I am confused now, you are my grandfather,” she stated.

“My daughter I am coming to that,” he replied and continued while she listened.

Chineze did not conceive for a long time after her marriage to the extent her husband was taunted for marrying a man. It got so bad that they became regular customers to native doctors and herbalists, seeking for solution to end their misery and childlessness. The result was always the same; the couples seemed fertile. But what they could not tell was why it has been so difficult for her to take in. Therefore, at the end of each visit, they were given some locally prepared substances to help her yet none of them worked.

But one day the heavens opened and showered on them a special blessing, a blessing that proved she was a woman. As Chineze went to harvest some corn in her farm, she saw an old woman struggling to balance her basket full of yams, vegetables and fruits on her head with one hand, while she held her walking stick with the other hand. She left her mission and went to help the old woman; she could not stand to watch her struggle and mutter to herself, she offered to help. She had never seen the woman before. When the old lady said she lived over the hills and mountains Chineze thought she was being funny.

“Mama nnukwu,” she addressed the old woman, “adjust your wrapper because I do not have a fat cow to give if it falls off your waist,” Chineze teased, after they had walked some distance.

“My daughter, don’t worry, you shall not be held for seeing the nakedness of an old woman. But if you do see it, consider that an honour,” she laughed. Looking at the sky she said, “It is getting late; you need to go back.”

“I promised to take it to your house,” Chineze insisted.

“I live in Iduu land which is several days journey. You are a young woman and do not have the strength for such distance. My journey is only for the strong,” she replied with a mockery tone.

“Mama nnukwu, are you saying you are stronger than I am?”

“Do I look that old? Listen, men still turn to stare at me when I pass. I am anyanwụ ụtụtụ, the early morning sun that rises from the east, enenebe ejeghi ọlụ, the beauty you stand to watch forgetting your business. My beauty and strength are beyond your imagination,” she bragged in her wobbly and staggering steps.

“But how come you travel this long distance to farm? Don’t you have people to help you? You are too old to be doing tedious work,” Chineze said politely, careful not to offend her.

“Of course, I don’t do this always. I only embark on this mission when it is absolutely necessary for me, maybe once in five years,” she replied and stopped abruptly looking at Chineze. “You must return home and feed your family; your husband and child must be waiting and wondering what kept you,” she took the basket from her.

“No, mama nnukwu, I can still go a little further with you. Besides my husband will not worry if I tell him I was helping you, and I have no child yet,” she said sadly. But it did not strike her when the old woman used the singular form of the word ‘child’ until few years after their only child was born and she saw the old woman again.

“You have no child yet? I am sorry my daughter but you are a nice woman and children would love to have you as their mother,” she remarked.

“Not when they mock my husband for marrying his fellow man,” she replied with shaky voice. “Mama it is a long story and I am more interested in getting you home. Maybe in the future we can talk about it. The night is falling,” she observed. She could see how dim it had become.

“Thank you my daughter. You must return home now. For this good you did for me, may the gods of our land reward you. You shall be as fertile as my basket, and the fruit of your womb shall be like a tree planted beside the waters. The gods are with you,” she finished.

Chineze helped her balance the basket on her head and replied, “Thank you mama. May the gods also protect you” She took the fruit which the woman offered her and headed home.

“May the day break,” both women said to each other and parted ways.

She narrated the story to her husband and both of them had a good laugh at the old woman’s beauty. Few weeks later, Chineze began to feel sick and irritated by certain smells. She craved for more food and often felt dizzy. She also vomited and urinated more frequently; these scared her husband. When they visited Nwaanyị Anịọocha, she confirmed Chineze was pregnant. Nine months later, Urenna became the one and only child. They protected her like a precious egg, an only eye of the blind man, and the centre of their existence. They loved, cherished and nurtured her. Her father often called her Akụabia, wealth has arrived; he bragged to his friends that he would thoroughly scrutinize the pocket of her suitors. That was one of the reasons why his heart ached so much on finding out that his prized possession had been defiled by a relative, assuming her assailants were from Ụmụogu. That would be incest and taboo. The punishment for this crime is ostracism. But if the assailants were from Ụmụọka the neighbouring village, that would equally be a bad news; Ụmụogu and Ụmụọka are like parallel lines that can never meet. The two kindred swore never to have anything to do with each other due to age long grudge. Whoever went contrary to this rule would face the wrath of the land which could be a far as banishment. The families who support anyone involved would equally face the wrath of the land.

“That was the situation your grandparents faced and struggled to cope with till they left this earth,” Ifeatụ told her.

“So you are my grand-uncle?” Akwaugo asked. All her life she had believed he was her grandfather. She had been listening to him in rapt attention as he explained why they did not relate with the entire village.

“Akwaugo my daughter, I am your grand-uncle but I became your grandfather shortly after my brother’s mysterious death before you were born.”

UEFA – At the Emirates 01/11/2011

2011-11-03T09:15:00.000+00:00

Tuesday saw Arsenal held to a goalless draw at the Emirates against Marseille in the Champion’s League fourth round. A win would have meant qualification to the last sixteen for the Gunners’, who are currently leading the group F with eight points.

Marseille meant business as they came out in full force, throwing every punch at Arsenal. They seemed to execute their game plan which was either a win or to settle for a draw. Never would they allow the Gunner’s have it easy so they defended well, and their goal keeper denied Arsenal scoring opportunities.

The Arsenal we saw over the weekend against Chelsea was totally different. Trust Wenger, he gambled with Robin Van Persie who started on the bench. The Gunners were not crisp in performance and seemed like the fire on their boots had been quenched with cold water. My guess is that they must have been drained physically after the tough game at Stamford Bridge (not an excuse though). The game against Marseille was below expectations to the disappointment of fans,

even though there was a couple of brilliance shown. Good to have Vermaelen back in the defence and he did a good job. The likes of Arteta, Walcott, Gervinho, Ramsey, and especially Jenkinson were just okay but not fantastic. None of them could find the back of the net. The talisman of the Gunners, Van Persie, was finally introduced after an hour of play. He made some good runs and play but could not win the match for the Gunners on this occasion.

This leaves me a bit worried for the Gunners and some of the choices of Wenger. He could have approached the game differently. Van Persie could have started the game, get the job done as soon as possible, and then rest him if he wants to. Van Persie has a good energy and influence on the team; had he started maybe it could have yielded a different result to guarantee the Gunners qualification to the round of sixteen. Once the ice is broken, I am sure the Gunners would have scored more goals, and then settle to defend the lead.

But there again we know Arsenal are not very good defensively. It has become a norm from their recent past records to give away cheap goals due to defensive error, which does not seem to have been addressed even with the new signings. Arsenal is always punished in the defence and so when their opponent gets a free kick close to the box, it sends panic through people’s veins. But for some reason that was not the case last night, thank God.

Talking about Van Persie being the talisman for Arsenal, it is even more worrying. In Arsenal’s current scoring form, he is almost like a tree that makes a forest, which we know does not happen. I absolutely love this goal scoring machine but I wish the other team mates would take the bull by the horn. That way RVP would not have to play the fifty matches of the season. That does not in any way undermine the team because they are all amazing players. When a players star is up and shinning, he is unstoppable. For RVP his star seems to be shinning so brightly, and I can only admire this genius.

Having said that I think Wenger has a lot to do especially considering RVP’s contract is almost at its end. Now that he is on fire, he is hot cake in the football market. Wenger should not let him go. Mr Wenger must keep RVP at the Emirates, whatever it takes.

To sign off, I wish Arsenal all the best as they forge ahead in domestic and European competitions.

Cheers.

Dawn in Ụmụogu

2011-10-28T12:52:00.000+01:00

Part 1
Egwu ụmụ nma, iyo oko oko
Egwu ha amaka, iyo oko oko
Ọ dị ka m bụrụ ha, iyo oko oko

That had always been her favourite song on her way to the village stream or to fetch firewood. She loved singing and dancing the maiden dance held annually during special festival. Unfortunately, she was not part of that dance due to circumstances surrounding her existence. With her melodious voice and artistic dancing skills, the damsel displayed for her only friend, her grandfather who had become everything to her. He had become the mother she lost at a tender age and the father she never knew. Everything she knew about life was from him, a good teacher, kind and generous grandfather.

Akwaugo loved the serenity she found when walking to the stream in the early hours of the morning, when the sun was yet to grace the earth, and the people on it savoured the peaceful, quiet sleep; when the plants and trees had a quiet refreshing of the dew, while birds enjoy the freedom of perching from one tree to the other, listening to her sweet melodies. She could feel the trees awake by her presence as they gently swirled from side to side, responding to every sound of her feet and the rhythm of her melody.

“My dear friends, I have come again to take some herbs and save another soul,” she would say to the plants and trees. “Once we save this life, there shall be merriment for us all,” she smiled.

There was an understandable connection and communication between them and her. She would smile and speak to them while they responded by swaying from side to side, while the animals made the noises each of its own kind. She knew because they were all she had known since she was a toddler. Her love to care for people she took an early interest in herbal medication, and was mentored by her grandfather Ifeatụ, who was once a herbalist before his banishment from Ụmụogu. Without customers from Ụmụogu, his skills became useful to villagers close by who patronize him. He often travelled many miles to check his clients till his bones became weak to carry him. She was quick to learn and soon took over from him quite early.

Whenever Ifeatụ went about his daily business of farming, Akwaugo would steal out to Ụmụogu, looking for a chance to interact with them but always met rejection, booing and name calling. She would run back home in tears, complaining to Ifeatụ about the negative reaction from the villagers. He comforted and advised her to stay away from the people as much as she could; she would not understand why she was so despised by the villagers. But he promised to tell her the whole story when she was old enough to understand.

On one of her lonely walks on the village path to collect herbs, she heard some people discussing Igwe Ọnọchie, the Chinyelugo IV of Alaukwu.

“That was why the ikoro was sounded,” Chukwujekwu said sadly as he took off his hat and shook his head. “Meanwhile why were you so late?”

“I left very early to check the trap at Ọtanya. Talking about the Igwe, I am very worried about him. He must be going through hell now. That child is the key to sustain his throne and if anything happens to him, the crown will depart from his household,” Nwaọra said.

“The Igwe’s younger brother Egwuatụ is very wicked and would abuse the authority if he should ascend the throne on the demise of Igwe Ọnọchie. Igwe is very old now and hopes to retain the crown in his lineage. I just pray the great Ikuku will be back from his sudden travel to remedy the situation,” Chukwujekwu said as they continue the slow walk.

“But, can't we consult other doctors? Surely, they must have a solution to this rare illness,” Nwaọra asked in frustration. “I really want Obielumanị to ascend his father’s throne; the whole of Ụmụogu and Alaukwu love the young lad. I mean he is very humble and kind.”

“Unfortunately my dear friend, Ikuku happens to be the greatest of all those other dibia you mentioned. I hear they even go to him for assistance. Like Ole said during the meeting, we can only pray to the gods to bring him back so he can reverse this ugly wind that is about to blow in our land,” he said as he quickened his steps to meet up with his friend he spotted ahead of him. “Let me hurry to Ụka and collect my cutlass he took sometime ago. I will meet you at the farm,” he said.

When the coast was clear, Akwaugo came out from hiding place and rushed home to tell Ifeatụ the conversation she overheard. He felt sad but said nothing about it.

“Papa, I want to administer herbal medication on him; it may save his life and that of our people from having an evil ruler,” she said.

“Akwaugo, are you out of your mind? How can you even think of such thing?” he questioned, giving her a hard look.

“I don’t understand why you are furious,” she replied.

“Igwe Ọnọchie and the entire Ụmụogu banished your mother and grandparents and will have nothing to do with us,” he told her.

“You have always drummed this banishment into my ears. I understand; but that has nothing to do with saving Obielumanị’s life. You taught me how to use the gift you developed in me to give back to humanity, to save people’s life,” she reminded him.

“Do you not understand what banishment entails? Akwaugo, those people rejected you before you were born. They cannot have anything to do with us irrespective of the odd, don’t you understand that?”

“No papa, I cannot understand you. This is against what you taught me about kindness and forgiveness. I do understand that we are rejected but that does not mean we should fold our hands when we see our enemy suffer and we are in a position to help,” she stated.

“Shut up Akwaugo, you don’t use my words and teachings against me. My dear daughter, many ugly things will develop should you think of embarking on this mission. I don’t want to see you get hurt by them. It does not worth it,” he said.

“Why papa, why do you not want me to? Maybe, they will not reject my offer to help. We are talking about the future of Ụmụogu and Alaukwu, our ancestral home. Though we are banished, we are still part of Alaukwu; that cannot be changed by our present status,” she replied. She is the kind of person that does not give up on a worthy mission or cause of action she feels passionate for especially when it has to do with human life.

“My daughter, it is better you forget this …”

“No papa, I will not forget it. If the wicked ruler ascends that throne, Alaukwu will perish. Is that what you want to happen? Papa, you need to see the faces of Ụmụogu people today; there was so much pain and agony on their face. I read the doom painted on their faces and I cannot leave with myself knowing I could have helped. At least, papa, let me try and let my kindness be thrown back in my face,” she went on her knees and pleaded with Ifeatụ.

“Okay, if you insist,” he replied looking away. He was not comfortable with that.

“Papa, I want to help.”

“Fine but before then, I think it’s time we talked about the past. You showed me today you are very mature to know why we were banished. Meanwhile, I commend your guts and instincts. Your late mother will be very proud of you as well,” he said genuinely.

... to be continued

ARSENE WENGER - WE FALL DOWN AND WE GET UP

2011-08-29T17:15:00.000+01:00

Dear Arsene,

I am a massive fan and supporter of Arsenal FC for a long time now. Yesterday's football match against Manchester United left me broken-hearted to the point I physically feel pain in my heart. I am still very broken and in tears about the final result, and could not imagine how terrible the players and you must be feeling. Your job must be very tough (I do not envy you), and I dont know how you can get past this and have something to offer again. It is indeed a pity and if wishes were horses, I would wish there was something I could say to make you all feel better. This season seems to be an uphill task for Arsenal, loosing Cesc and Nasri did not make it easier. It would get tougher but I still believe we can bounce back. This is really very difficult for me as I get so emotional about Arsenal.

Having said that, I want to use this opportunity to encourage you and the lads not to give up. Yesterday was a good and harsh test, but it was worth it (though it still hurts). Know that it can only get better especially now that we hit rock-bottom. At times it is good to hit the bottom, what matters is your ability to pick up yourself and bounce back with an emphatic statement. I genuinely believe Arsenal has a massive chance to become what I have always known them to be. We can start to rebuild and come back to our enviable status. There is no shadow of doubt in my mind that you will rebuild this team to put smiles on our grieving and aching hearts. Please do not loose hope or faith, just keep on believing. I have so much confidence in you and the lads and please tell them to be strong. Sometimes I wish I wasnt disabled so can play for Arsenal FC (smiles).

I know you are already trying to sign new players. Please for the love of God, sign big players that can create something so beautiful and special to bring a massive change to Arsenal. We have the money so please do spend it to lift up the spirit of supporters and fans. I know you are not new to this but I just have to bare my heart so you know people still care. I genuinely do care about Arsenal, and I am standing by the club, no matter what happen. My heart is so fragile and I wish Arsenal will mend it rather than break it. It will be extremely hard for me to deal with.

To the team once again I say keep on keeping on. We can do it. Never give up.

True Beauty of a Woman

2011-04-21T23:28:00.000+01:00

I was engaged in a conversation with a friend who once asked me my definition of beauty. This question arose when he asked me to give him few poetic lines to which I replied

“Life is beautiful for beautiful people; not beauty on the face but of the mind. The mind is what you want it to be because it is beautiful if you say so”. (feeling like a poet!)

I told him the famous adage that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. He went a step further to ask me my opinion on the issue to which I answered –

“Beauty comes from the inside (heart) and radiates to the outside.” (still feeling like a poet!)

Today I just remembered that conversation with him and dwelt a bit long on it. To most people the beauty of a woman is often expressed in the outward appearance – looks, a perfect figure, beautiful and expensive clothes and jewelleries, wearing the right make-up and perfumes and so on. Every woman loves to wear these physical beauties that radiates and makes them stand out in the crowd. More often men on their own part look out for physically (shape and facial beauty) beautiful ladies (chic’s, chikala’s, babes, women) – as they choose to call them. That is not all that counts. The Beauty of a Woman is lots more than these.

Beauty is an inward quality that radiates to the outside and consumes it. It is a characteristic quality of a person that provides an experience of pleasure, meaning and satisfaction. It is an aesthetic quality that is admired and a positive reflection of the meaning of one’s existence. It resides inside people and manifests outside.

The late educator-humorist Sam Levinson says –

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode
But the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her SOUL.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

What determines a woman’s true beauty?

The heart/soul - The true Beauty of a Woman does not come from looking at oneself in the mirror. It comes from looking deep inside oneself to know what makes up their heart because it is the heart that determines a woman's true beauty.

Where can the Beauty of a Woman be seen?

The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. Therefore beauty and love to a large extent are inseparable.

FOR MEN ALONE –

Do you love that woman because she is physically beautiful?

That should not be the case - You don’t love a woman because she is beautiful, rather she is beautiful because you love her. Therefore love brings out the beauty in a woman.

FOR LADIES

·         You do not need a perfect figure to be beautiful – a disarming smile from the depths of the heart makes you completely beautiful and a desire of every living being.
·         You do not need expensive wardrobe to impress – a confident and positive look is far more precious. It sets gives you an edge to win people to yourself.
·         You do not need make-up or new hair style to attract that guy – your joy in life and passionate pursuits make you sparkle, radiating with excitement and energy. He cannot but notice you every time whenever he sees you.

With the physical qualities endowed on you this is what Sam suggests -

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

These will certainly make you a beauty to behold.

The poem below says it all

Adapted from http://www.ldynredk.com/BeautyofWomen/index.html

The beauty of a woman
Isn't reflected in the cloths she wears,
Its not in her figure,
Its not in the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman
Must be seen from in her eyes,
To see the true beauty of a woman
You have to look into her soul.

The beauty of a woman
Isn't found in her smile,
The true beauty of a woman
Is found deep within her heart,
Where only love resides.

The true beauty of a woman
Is shown in her tenderness,
In the care that she gives,
And the passion that she shows.

The true beauty of a woman
Grows with each passing year,
Because every woman is beautiful
in her own way!

Written by Ginger

30 Years After – The National Anthem!

2010-11-13T23:25:00.000+00:00

Do you know that the year 2008 is symbolically relevant to the Nigerian national anthem? This is exactly 30 years that famous and inspiring anthem has been sung from the mouths of the wise and suckling. And have you ever critically analysed the lyrical contents? This is your opportunity to do so now.

Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey.
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.

The Nigeria national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots” was adopted in 1978, that is thirty years ago, in preference to “Nigeria We Hail Thee” which was formally used as the national anthem between 1960 to 1978. The uniqueness of this anthem especially to me is the fact that 1978 was famously known in Nigeria as the oil boom, which we can say was when one can proudly say I am a Nigeria.
Uniquely the lyrics of the current national anthem were taken from five best entrants of in a national contest. The lyrics as written by John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A. Ogunaike, Sotu Omoigui, and P.O Aderibighe were put together to form the national anthem, a mark of unity in diversity.

Thirty years later!

Is the clarion call on fellow compatriots to serve our fathers’ land obeyed? You be the judge. Having pondered over happening in the country from when I can remember, it leaves nothing to be desired. Daily we hear about nation building, but I ask myself is it possible to build a nation when the homes of the so-called nation builders are yet to be built? Is it possible to offer what you do not have? This is where the sports analysts talk about going back to the drawing board to right the wrong.

Service to our fathers’ land with love and strength and faith is dashed to the mud because love is relegated to the background; hence the rampant evils perpetrated in the country. “Where is love when people are killing everyday”, was sang by Bright Chimezie many year ago. Without love it is impossible to serve the nation because the leader cannot manufacture the strength and faith to do so.

People fought in time past to give Nigeria their freedom when independence was granted to the entity now called Nigeria in 1960. The road to freedom was embarked on by our past leaders because they believe in the unionism, right to live and exist for the country. Despite the amalgamation of the two entirely different protectorates with diverse cultures, yet the former leaders sought a way to exist independent of the colonial masters through their toil and labour to ensure Nigeria was liberated from its colonial masters. The likes of Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe worldly acknowledged as the Zik of Africa, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Johnson Thomas Umurakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, Yakubo Gowon to mention a few cannot be too quick to forget. Now I ask, did they labour in vain judging from the current development in the country in recent-past? Our national anthem clearly warns us not to allow such labour and love for our fathers’ land to be in vain. But what do we see today. Wherever these past heroes are today – living or dead, their spirit will continually grieve as they watch helplessly, those who mantle of leadership, stare them in the face to do their worst. Poor helpless heroes.

And so I ask, how can we then serve with heart and might a nation that will be bound in freedom, peace and unity? Can we do that in the face of the current situation where atrocities, corruption, and evil minds abound?

Do you know that there is no smoke without fire? When the national anthem came out, I want to believe that our country had not degenerated to what it is today. But the people who put the anthem together can be said to have the Wisdom of Solomon and eyes like the eagles. They saw into the future. The second stanza aptly says a prayer, in the midst of foreseen calamity, to the God of creation to direct the noble cause of the nation Nigeria and guide our leaders. The ills are not only perpetrated but leaders as they have successfully introduced innocent and unassuming youths into their evil deeds. So we pray that God should help these innocent youths that have been brainwashed to know the truth, and to grow in love and honesty which our leaders lack. This will enable them to live justly and in the truth; they will attain great and lofty heights to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Could that be the reason why it has always been sung that Nigerian youths are the leaders of tomorrow? I bet most of us need to take time and meditate on the lyrics of the Nigeria national anthem. Then we won’t need anyone to tell us what is right or wrong.

Every leader of this great nation should be made to assimilate the message behind this anthem before thinking of leading the Nigerian citizens. He who assimilates it and fails to uphold its unique message stands condemned by himself.

I rest my case.

EXTRACT "Tears on her Pillow"

2010-08-17T11:02:00.000+01:00

Everywhere was dark except for the candlelight by the bedside. The night outside was calm, as the moon shone. Voices were heard but quite low. In the room a big sized picture frame hung just opposite the bed-landscape drawing; and it looked lovely. Beside the bed, a neatly arranged red rose stood on the side with a lamp stand. It still smelled fresh as it was well scented. The wardrobe at the far end of the room was neatly arranged with clothes on the hangers and shoes on the floor. On top of the wardrobe was a set of boxes.

Everything seemed to be in order except in her mind. She lay faced up in her cream flowered nightgown. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she remembered the events of the day. She could not believe that such a thing had happen to her. How could Uloaku do this to her? They never had any misunderstanding before. They got along quite well. Why the sudden change in behaviour? She wondered, as she turned to the other side of the bed and the tears turned to sobs.

She felt lonely and cold, and cuddled her big teddy bear so tightly. “Cry no more,” she told herself loudly. She turned restlessly to every direction and to no direction in particular. Sleep wouldn’t come when it was most needed and NEPA had worsened it by keeping everybody in darkness; at least she would have been listening to music till she fell asleep. Such long nights of no light was not even seen in a country like Ghana not to talk of Europe. If only she had a good job and was well paid, she would have saved enough to buy a small generating set for herself. That is Nigeria for you; the only country where things work anti-clockwise. Well, everything that has some bad aspects has its good sides too, she told herself. Nigeria has some good things and so is her relationship with Obinna. Just remembering his name gladdened her heart and puts smiles on her face. The thought of the sweet things they shared together filled her mind as she finally fell asleep.

Bangs on the door sent her flying out of bed.
She rushed to the door and dashed to the parlor. She nearly tripped not knowing the side stool blocked her way.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed. ‘I’ll be there in a minute,” she shouted as she fumbled with the keys. Finally she opened the door.

“Still in your nightgown Chika, or are you not for work today?” Stella asked making herself comfortable on the chair.

“I over-slept my dear. Jeez, I never knew the sun was already up,” she said looking at her clock. Turning to Stella she said, “Please wait for me while I hurry in the bathroom.” Rushing to the bathroom, she added, “No breakfast for me so relax. I will be out before you know it.”

“Come on Chika, it’s unlike you to over-sleep. Since when did you start drinking that you now over-sleep?” She asked. Chika kept humming a song known to her alone. She hurried through everything; dressing, make-up, and before Stella could check her wristwatch twice, Chika was ready with her bag. And off they went.

She nearly got me with that question, she thought, but decided she would tell her later in the evening. She knew Stella would be angry that she did not call her as soon as it happened; she uses Kemi’s phone on emergency. She will bite off her head with her scolding. The solution is just to be prepared for whatever she tells her.

“Why the sudden dinner today? We normally have dinner together on Mondays and Fridays,” Stella queried. “Meanwhile I enjoyed this salad without cream,” she said, still scooping the last bits on her plate.

“Well, I want to tell you what happened yesterday.” By this time her face had changed in colour. She would just be plain and tell her all. “I was at Obinna’s house yesterday when Uloaku came around. We greeted but she was cold to me.” She tried to hold back the tears as she recounted how Uloaku insulted her for no just cause, calling her names.

“You can’t tell me she said all that to you just like that.”

“Believe me, I was surprised,” she said cleaning her eyes.

“And Obinna did nothing.”

“He left shortly after she came.”

“But … did you have an earlier argument or something even before that day?” Stella asked, munching her salad; she ordered for more.

“Not at all. I just asked her about Jude and …

“Hold on. Now who is Jude?” she interrupted.

“Jude is a new guy that is asking her out.” She told her of how the question sparked anger on Uloaku who seemed to be having a personal grudge against her from the time she came in. Uloaku accused her of sleeping around not just with her brother but other men. The last straw that broke the camels back was when she bluntly told her that her dreams of settling with Obinna will never come true as she will make sure her parents don’t give their consent to that.

“This is serious. But did Obinna make any proposal to you?” Stella asked.

“For where. I just love Obinna... yes… but it has never crossed my mind to settle with him. I have so many things occupying my mind now and marriage is the least. We are just good friends and that is it.”

“Then why is she behaving like that? Maybe …” rolling her eyes in surprised gesture, “… somebody said something to her,” she finished, thinking hard. “Well, that’s not our business, since she doesn’t want to come out plain,” she dismissed the thought. “So what’s going to happen between you and Obi?

“I have decided to pretend as if nothing happened till his sister tells him,” she said brightening up.

“That’s my girl,” Stella said and gave her a high five. “Don’t let that spoil our evening. Meanwhile have you heard from home?” Stella asked sipping her wine.

Stella was good at making things less serious than they really are. From her own assertion of the whole thing it was in fact serious, not that her friend sleeps around but that Obinna may not take kindly to what his sister said. She doesn’t expect him to swallow all that Uloaku will tell him. On her part Uloaku will be very stupid to tell her brother such malicious lies. Later she would talk to her friend to be careful about Uloaku. Being close to her brother, he is likely to take sides.

Chika was more scared than she pretended to be before her friend. She had known Obinna for some time now that she was almost certain she knew what he will do if Uloaku told him such lies. But, why was she so worried, she wondered. Nothing has happened and she is this disturbed. What will she do if he decides to believe what his sister will tell him?

The evening was quite hot. The sun was just beginning to set. Everywhere was hot and dusty. Cars passing were all covered with dust. Shopping by this time could be very hectic due to the rush by people especially as it was weekend. Chika had no choice but to go do her shopping against the coming week; she had nothing left in the house. She loved doing the shopping with Stella but unfortunately Stella went to visit Uche who had just came back from a one-month tour to Ghana. She will probably come to work from there on Monday. She changed into a brown Jeans trousers and a cream v-neck top, took her shopping bag and left. It took her about two hours to get her shopping done.

She was just leaving the plantain stall when the mention of Obinna caught her attention. She stylishly used delay tactics to know if she heard correctly.

“He’II be seeing me tomorrow or next,” one of the ladies said. She was light skinned and slim, not on the tall side and talked very fast.

Chika held her breath.

“How did you contact him?” The other girl asked. She was probably her friend or close relation. She was taller than the light skinned girl but also slim. Both of them looked like gossips.

“Dora saw him and somehow got all necessary information for me,” she smiled. She was buying yams and vegetable.

The name Dora rang a bell in her ears but she didn’t want to conclude. She kept her ears to the ground this time coming closer to them.

“So are you expecting him or him you?” The other girl asked adjusting her shopping bag.

“Jeez Gloria, I am cooking his favourite. It has been ages you know,” she smiled and fished out probably money for her items.

Chika was about leaving trying to convince herself it wasn’t her Obinna: after all people bear the same name. But then she heard…

“Dora said her name is Chika or something like that, and she works at De-Atlantic Company. Anyway she is still investigating but promised to track down where she lives. Then we’ll pay her a visit.”

The two ladies walked pass Chika who just watched them go. She stood rooted to the spot. On a second thought, she started following them but maintained a reasonable distance.

They continued talking but Chika couldn’t hear them well due to traffic noise. On getting to the main road, the ladies were about to cross the road when an Okada nearly hit one of them as the other screamed.

“Watch out Catherine!” She stopped abruptly as the Okada sped off without waiting to see if he hit her. They abused the Okada and cursed and cursed.

Chika took a separate direction and went home. She barely managed to make it to her house. As she washed the tomatoes, her mind wondered back to the conversation at the market. No doubt they were talking about her Obinna. That was not the only thing that bothered her but the fact that this Dora was snooping on her. Reason? She did not know. Who were they - Catherine, Gloria and Dora, she wandered.

As she chopped the onions for noodles, it struck. The name Dora struck her. Yes! The girl they met at the hotel few weeks ago. The visit of this same girl left Obinna in deep thought to the extent of avoiding her. She rushed out immediately to the business centre at the end of her street and called Stella. Her phone kept ringing but she didn’t pick it. She tried over and over again to no avail. Disappointed, she went home and back to the kitchen. She couldn’t do her cooking again. Quickly she put the already chopped onions in a covered plate and put in the fridge. She tidied the kitchen and then went back to her house. She passed Kemi on the walkway without saying a word. Kemi called her back.

“Sorry my dear, my mind was going through a lot of things,” she replied.

“Are you alright?” Kemi asked with concern. “You’ve not really been yourself. I’ve been watching you for days now.”

“Nothing serious. Eh… just the office… has been hectic,” she lied, “… too hectic.”

Both ladies talked for a while and parted.

She went back to the business centre and kept trying her luck to get Stella. When she didn’t succeed again for the second time, she went home sadly. Tears started running down her cheeks as she remembered that Obinna told her he would be very busy to see her this weekend, whereas he would be spending the weekend in another girl’s house. She knew it from that fateful night Dora showed up from nowhere. She told Stella but she made it seem light as usual. She sat on the floor of her room and wept like a baby.

What would she do? She got up and paced the whole room trying to think of something. She got dressed and headed to Obinna’s house. Yes, she would confront him, she thought. She will throw caution to the wind and yell at him. But on a second thought, evidence struck her. She stopped abruptly to ponder over it. She had nothing to prove what the two ladies said. It could still be coincidence. What a fool she would have made of herself! There and then, she turned and went home. Now she can eat something before hunger overtakes her.

Unlike her, she woke up earlier than usual considering it was Saturday. She tried to force herself back to sleep but couldn’t; her mind drifted to the incident that took place the previous day. It was still bothering her. She must see Obinna at all cost this morning. Or better still, she‘II hang around his house and watch his movement. But, how could she go snooping on him? She had no option than to find out the truth about the one man she had ever loved with her heart. She hurried through everything -morning chores, bathing and breakfast. She was ready and set out to Obinna’s house.

Disguise was the only option so that she won’t be spotted. She sat under a tree opposite his house and pretended she was reading a novel.

She wore a cap and blue specks. Twenty-five minutes after she took her place, she spotted Dora knocking on his door. He let her in and within a twinkle of an eye, the door opened again. This time he was dressed up and both of them left in the same direction. Quickly she put on a wig and followed them, maintaining a reasonable distance. She could see them gisting and laughing heartily. They boarded a taxi and she took an okada and followed behind.

The taxi stopped at Adenuga Street and both of them came down and walked to No 16. They stood just thirty seconds and the door stood ajar. Her mouth was agape for awhile, believing she was dreaming. Then she drove off with the okada. She had seen all she needed to know to convince her she was not dreaming.

July rains are not that heavy as it was time for harvesting of vegetables and maize. The town was not left out as it had various types of crops and vegetables in stalls. During this time there was equal rain and sunshine. People were not usually dressed in thick coats but wore more of cotton and lines.

The evening was sunny but cool and good for recreation. Good time to take a walk and ease the mind from a hard day’s work.

He wore his gym suit, as he figured out he may probably end up in the gym. Unfortunately for him his flat mates were not really into his type of sports. So he had to go solo. He loved being accompanied especially by his friends but whenever it had to do with sports, he was usually on his own.

He walked casually down the street humming R. Kelly’s Saved, his favourite artiste.

That gave him the much needed companion as he was almost making some dance moves. He had just walked some distance when he bumped into somebody. He wasn’t looking at all; he was busy with his dance steps. What sort of thing was this; he blamed himself for that accident. It was a lady he collided with who nearly tripped but for his timely intervention.

“Sorry my dear,” he apologized as he helped to steady her, while trying to catch her flying files.

“Thanks, but you should be more careful,” she said adjusting herself. ‘Both of us should be more watchful next time,” she suggested while helping him to arrange the scattered files. You are lucky it’s not a rainy or windy day, she thought.

Both of them were too busy to look up.

“Please forgive me once again,” he said searching for her face. There’s something about this lady that he is familiar with. “Can I give you a hand with that?” He said still trying to look at her face.

“Not to worry, I’ll be fine,” she replied beaming with smiles as she looked up to have a peep at this gentleman. He sounded so caring. But then the colour in her face drained. No! This cannot be true. “You!” She nearly screamed but lowered her voice so as not to attract passers-by. Anger came back on her face as she frowned, remembering their first encounter.

“Impossible!” He said more surprised than she was. The last person he expected to see was XYZ. Both of them stared at each other for a while, and then he busted out laughing.

“What’s funny?” She got up, looking around for his reason for laughing. She found none.

“XYZ right?” He asked.

“And you are ABC, I can’t forget that.”

“For Anthony Benjamin Chima - ABC”

“Really! I thought…” she thought of something better: don’t show your ignorance. “Well never mind. My pleasure meeting you for real,” she smiled trying to hide her idiosyncrasy. She had thought ABC was one of his jokes and so extended it to give her name as XYZ. She felt so stupid realizing her misunderstanding. It was her fault not allowing him finish, thinking he wanted to razel her kid sister.

“So…,” he interrupted.

“So…,” she repeated. She had been lost in thought and didn’t hear his question, if actually he said anything.

“Your name or are you still going to be hostile to me?” He was almost pleading.

“Chika Igwe,” she said extending a handshake to him - a sign of friendship. She wouldn’t like to leave a bad impression of herself.

He took it and held it for a moment as he looked into her eyes. He could see something hidden beneath those beautiful sets of eyes. He loved the feel of her hands; soft, tender, warm and very alive. He could feel her blood pressure racing as much as his own. There was a kind of electricity or current holding them as their eyes were locked on each other.

She saw something very strong in those big eye balls. She wasn’t sure but she will let it pass for now. As he held her, she could feel his masculinity as he wasn’t ready to let go. Every second she read a new meaning to his gentle touch, as his genuine smiles gave her goose pimples. She saw something also in the way he smiled; affection she can’t really place or was she just doing a wishful thought? This can be dangerous, she thought trying to free her hand, but in a most polite way.

“Em…I should be on my way now,” she shifted uneasily as she withdrew her hand, leaving like one in a hurry to catch a flight.

“Come for B-Ball,” he shouted after her. He wasn’t asking but telling her.

People turned to see whom he was talking to, so she had no option than to stop and look back, “I will.” That was too sudden from him and she regretted accepting the instruction or command. She didn’t plan to go there and now it’s late. Damn. He had already started affecting her.

“See you then in an hour’s time,” he said coming closer to where she stood. Excitement was written all over him as he watched to get a positive reply. He sure did.

Too late again, she thought as she turned and headed home. She walked briskly, angry with herself and what she had got into. What was wrong with her, she wandered. She shouldn’t have accepted any of what he said. There was no going back now as she felt her reputation was at stake. He was daring her but he had failed.

Chika knew she was not going to meet up with his timing. It was almost half past four and she had a lot to do before stepping out of the house. She had to wash up the few clothes she soaked in the morning and do her dirty dishes as well. By this new development she cannot arrange the much postponed kitchen arrangement and cloth ironing. What baffled her most was the kind of hurry she saw herself in. All of a sudden Basketball was like a fever she needed to cure as soon as possible. She saw herself looking forward to meeting him in court. By the time she was through with her clothes and dish wishing, it was almost six o’clock. She was doubtful about meeting him so she decided to take a bike.

Anthony had been on the court waiting for her. He expected to see her even before the said time, though he didn’t know how long it would take her to get to her house. How stupid men could be at times, he thought. He had no intention of playing basketball that evening but he had to now she had agreed to come. He changed his plans immediately and went straight to the club.

And there she came, dressed in her sports wear. He saw her walk in smartly. She was tall, slim and nicely shaped. She walked gracefully and wore a beautiful smile. Her brown three-quarter shorts and black T-shirt fitted her well as they clung to her body. He just sat where he was and observed her, grateful she finally made it.

Colour drained her face as she searched for him, walking from pillar to post but wearing her wonderful smiles. Ten minutes passed without a trace of him and she became worried. She was disappointed he couldn’t even wait for sometime before leaving. He probably had other engagements so she wouldn’t blame him that much. Well it would look stupid of her not playing after kitting up in her sports attire. She entered the court to play with those around, even though it wasn’t her original plan. She had thought she would just chat with him for sometime.

“Hello girl,” he called from behind her. She turned surprisingly to see him beaming with smiles and happy he scared her.

She returned his smiles and greeting. Her disappointment was replaced with joy and gladness. She was short of words but just smiled on.

“How good are you at the game?” He asked peering into her eyes as if there lay the answer. He pulled off his shirts leaving only his sleeveless T-shirt.

“It’s been quite a long time since I touched and flexed my hands with the ball. Actually that day was my first in the past three to four years. Wanna teach me?” She was almost certain he wouldn’t say no to that. She needed to be with him to know what kind of person he was.

“If that day was first in three to four years, then you must be a pro. Let’s play one on one at the other court so you can fully bounce back to Basketball world,” he suggested leading the way.

They got to the last court and he tossed the ball to her. They did that for some time and then she made the first move to attack him.

“That’s good. You played in a team?” He asked.

“Yeah, back in school: secondary school.”

“You didn’t join your school team, higher institution. That would have exposed you the more,” he said heading to make a basket.

“No time for that,” she lied, hurriedly picking the ball and playing immediately. She bounced to his side till she also made her own basket. She wasn’t going to tell him she dropped out of school due to family problem. Besides he is just another guy.

“Guess you are a working class lady,” he made a move to attack the ball.

She held the ball a bit longer temporarily stopping the game as she tried to figure out where he was driving to. She gave a sarcastic answer, “Right and why all the question. I thought we were just playing games and not a question time,” she ended resuming the game.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just trying to know you better,” he said getting the ball before she reached the basket. While she was still trying to regain her balance, he made another basket.

“That was very fine in deed,” she said with an edge. He thought he was Michael Jordan that came to Nigeria. Rubbish.

“Did I offend you again?” He asked. He had been saying something but she was far from the present.

She didn’t realize she had just been staring at him with annoyance written all over her. “Nope. Just wandering what you were doing in this part of the country,” she lied and he fell for it.

“Work, just like you I guess,” he threw the ball at her and she nearly missed it.

“Oh!” She bounced the ball and made a six points to show him a little of what stuff she was made of.

He caught the message but pretended not to marvel at her performance. She would be expecting him to complement her once again, but instead he took the ball and went for it. She chased him trying to beat him and just then she tripped and fell hard on the ground. Within a split second he was beside her trying to help her up but she wouldn’t let him touch her. She was in a serious pain and he could see it. She moaned but held back the tears.

“Are you hurt? Let me help you? Where did you hit?” He asked all at the same time. He was really touched by her pain.

She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer so she let it go and allowed him to help. “My left hand,” she said with tears. “It is hurting me badly,” the tears came down.

“I’m really sorry. It was my fault. Come, let’s go and see if they have first-aid treatment.”

Chika was given some pain killer tablets and massage on the arm and after a while, the pain subsided. Thereafter, Anthony took her to the eatery. Chika had her favourite Queen’s cake and a can of sprite while Anthony had crest bear and burger.

They gisted for a while about everything generally except themselves. Chika probably hoped this would be the last they would come close which was more of an accident. But Anthony looked forward to another meeting. He practically avoided asking any personal question so she wouldn’t be mad at him and thinks he only wanted to get down with her for…

It was late and Chika wanted to go so she wouldn’t give away her feelings of enjoying his company. She wanted everything to be normal so she played normal.

“I’ll be on my way now,” she said getting up.

“I hope you enjoyed the game,” he asked joining her as both of them started leaving together.

“Like this?” She lifted her bad arm for him to see well just in case he had forgotten.

“I didn’t mean it to be like this and I apologize again.”

“I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad either. The game was worth it,” she finally agreed.

“Can I walk you home then?” This was mere formality as he knew she would decline as usual.

“The game being worth it doesn’t suggest walk me home. Anyway, don’t bother, I will be alright by myself,” she said even though deep within her she would want him to really walk her home. If only he would persuade her the more.

“Yeah, I never said the wild beasts were going to devour you. I just want to know where you live, that’s all,” he emphasized

“Sorry I…”

“For Christ sakes we are friends now. I don’t understand why you are being hard on me,” he said impatiently and annoyed. She was getting on his nerves.

“I’m not being hard on you for all I care. I don’t want to leave a false impression, that’s all,” and she walking out, then boarded a bike home.

She was smart but he was smarter. His ears had long antenna so he heard when she gave her address to the bike man. But he wasn’t so sure he heard correctly. Whatever! He was going to give it a trial, not counting the cost.

Few days later, Chika went and bought her kit in preparation to play for leisure and exercise her body. Meanwhile she told Stella the very next day of her game with Anthony and she promised to give it a thought. But her guess was as good as hers and both ladies didn’t want to make an assumption. Beside Chika was not ready for anything, at least not yet. The best she could do was avoid him the much she could. Would that work, and for how long?

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A taste of two worlds

2010-03-30T07:31:00.000+01:00

As I sat in my room looking out of the window, the view of the lake with ducks and swans gliding on the surface of the water was beautiful. The tall, brownish green trees at the edge of the lake and the birds perching from tree to tree were a wonderful sight to behold. Although the lake was small, there were warning signs which hinted at the fact that it could be dangerous.

It amazes me when it rains with hailstorm at the same time. I wonder how the fishes in the little lake behind my room manage when the water is covered with ice, and how the swans and ducks still manage in the water. It is sunny one moment and you feel like wearing a cool clothe, the next moment you are freezing.

As I ponder all these in my heart, my mind flashed back to home.

Home, sweet home.

They say home is where the heart lies,
and I strongly believe that. I try to have a mental picture of the little stream few meters from my house in the staff quarters where we leave. The bushes and overgrown grasses, the tall palm trees, the crooked path leading to the stream give it a wonderful perspective for the artist. I smile as I visualize my little cousins dashing off to fetch water from the stream together with other kids in the neighbourhood. The striking thing I appreciate here is the communal living. These kids call and wait for each other in virtually everything they do. You can’t but scold them occasionally when it becomes so unbearable for you to wait.

Further down the memory lane, I remember the good old days when as kids we share a lot – food, house chores, clothes and … you name it. My parents take turns in giving out portions of food, fish and meat to us. It amazes them how we all end up sharing even the smallest chunk. I also remember quite vividly the habit of looking out for each other outside the home. We stick together and that is home, for even you worst enemy at home is your best friend outside. That makes our uniqueness as Nigerians and Africans.

Such lifestyle is quite different here in Europe. I can’t have my favourite abacha, nkwobi, isi-ewu or mmai ngwo. I can’t lay hands on roasted yam with palm oil, salt and pepper, roasted corn with pear etc as much as I want it. Such delicacies make me salivate and long for home.

We all long for a better life, being Y2K compliant in terms of technology etc. We long to be whites in black skin. Is that possible? We have not realised how impossible that is. We come to Europe and change every unique identity we have - our sense of reasoning, accent, family bond, and everything that makes us unique. Life here is no doubt beautiful, wonderful and everything you can think of, but you make it unique because you are simply just unique.

I believe in holding tenaciously that good quality, attribute, character etc which makes one unique. That I guess is culture which stands you out in the crowd. There is nothing as bad as loosing your unique identity because one who looses such is lost for life. It is said that a people without a culture is as good as dead. In other words while embracing modernisation and what have you, remember the unique features that you can always be proud of. Love and cherish it.

In Soyinka’s Telephone Conversation, he portrayed the discrimination blacks suffer in a foreign land, which still exists till date. When I first came to UK I found it very strange in the mechanical and artificial smiles one receives when walking on the way which barely lasts for 2 seconds. I observed it was mainly from whites and when I enquired from friends who have been here longer, I was told it was a strategy of reducing discrimination. What a strategy!

We are so blessed that we don’t even see it because we all look with the eye of man. Can we for one moment borrow the eagle’s eyes and see where we are and where we should fly to. Some of my white friends here who are really sincere will tell you that one of the reasons they love Nigerians is because they are the happiest people on earth. But we do not know that. The average Nigerian is happy even in the current situation in the country. But that is not to say we should fold our hands and endure the bad economy. Other people see a lot of potentials in us and yet we fail to get through to where we ought to be. Now that bothers me.

I still believe in Nigeria for the better. All hands should be on deck to Restore the Dignity of Nigeria. We can then be free as the air and flying like the birds, not affected by cold just like the swans and ducks on the beautiful lake view behind my window enjoy the water in season and out of season. We can also enjoy our local delicacy.

PHENOMENAL NIGERIA TORTURE! 4 – 1 AGAINST BELGIUIM

2008-08-19T16:49:00.000+01:00

I call it Phenomenal, borrowing Simon’s word in X – Factor whenever he encounters an extraordinary performance. This time around, Dream Team was simply phenomenal in performance. Who says I am not proud of being a Nigerian. Anytime, any day, I will always be proud to be a Nigerian. There can’t be any better.

What can you say about our wonderful performance in today’s phenomenal beating of Belgians 4 to 1? It was simply amazing. I was in the MIXED REALITY LAB (MRL) of when the kickoff started and I had to watch it online. The team was simply superb, I must say, and before I knew it I was uncontrollably screaming my head off at our amazing performance to the surprise of other colleagues. They came to see the extra-ordinary performance of DREAM TEAM. They are just a team anyone will dream of having.

If you still claim you are not proud of being Nigerian, I guess today you will chew your words because I am very sure you must be celebrating and jubilating like me. Right now I can’t help but blast all known Nigerian songs and everyone is wondering what the hell this girl is celebrating. Guess what I told them – the best team has done it again. Yes this is not the final but each win for me comes with celebration, and to celebrate I do it well. We will sort out the final when it comes; but for now I am simply excited, happy, and …

I may not know much about football but I sure know a win when I see one. I may not be an excellent analyst but I sure know that what we did today was simply wonderful – hence I love using phenomenal to qualify it. Agreed there are time our team do not always get it right, but this time around I guess they were just outstanding today judging from my little knowledge of sports. We had the ball control most of the time, we dictated the pace, we set it rolling and we end the show. I have longed for this kind of performance for God-knows-how-long. Atlanta 1996 was fabulous and our performance in the world cup in 2005 which we finally lost to Argentina (if I am correct) was also wonderful, where this same group of fantastic players did a good job. We all know the rest of the story.

Samson Siasia has really done a great work. I am proud a Nigerian coach is bringing this feather to the country. Come on! Why should we not be proud? We are doing it and doing it well. A time shall come when we shall look back and smile knowing we have come a long way sports wise and other areas too. But for now I still say Well done Nigerians, we are proud of your performance. When you don’t do it right, we will also tongue-lash you. That is why we will never cease to be Nigerians.

Fisrt Published August 19, 2008