Diaphaneity

Jay Ikwan Set To Release Mix-Tape

2011-10-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Nigerian RnB artist Jay Ikwan a.k.a Mega Jay is set to release his first mix-tape into the Nigerian busy entertainment market. The Abiriba born Joseph Ikwan Ejim is sure to take the music industry by storm. The versatile artist whose singles "Kolombi", "Rocking with the best" and "Survivor are making waves in Nigeria music industry is set to surprise his fans once again.
Born in the early eighties, Jay Ikwan discovered his talent at a tender age when he was a member of Living Faith Choir in Aba, Abia State Nigeria. He then formed a musical group known as Immortals with Kelvin Sylvester, Emmanuel Agwu, Francis Obasi, and Cherry Augustin. He left the group after one unsuccessful year and joined the Blackworld record owned by Mr. Chukwunenye Chuk Otiegbe (Ceedrill), where he released his first singles "Hip Dance", "Try" and "SunShine" which he featured Ceedrill. The singles received accolades within and outside Nigeria. Some years later, he left Blackworld to release his first album titled "Chronicles reloaded" under his own music Label Momusik factory. The Album which included a hit single "Freeway" made great success mostly in the eastern part of Nigeria. His album was criticized to be more of western pattern and lacked Nigerian flavor. He proved his critics wrong when he released his latest single "Kolombi" which is presently one of the best dancehall playing in Nigerian Radio stations.
Set to make a great mark in the Nigerian music scene, he is said to be busy manufacturing his mixtape in his Music factory. On 9th of October 2011, he updated on his facebook page about his coming mixtape; "Hello Classic Ladies & Gentlemen, am so excited about my forthcoming MUSICAL WORK and I cant wait to give back to you the enormous Love you've given me by supporting my Music & Work"

The Mixtape which will include singles like Kolomi with Bizzy Boi, Siki Dance, Give you my all with BC and it's True with Cheri Mello (America based artist) to mention but few is said to be a blockbuster.

For more about him, visit his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jayikwan

Reps move to SACK Siaone

2011-10-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

The Coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles Samson Siasia is set to be axed. This is coming as a result of his inability to qualify Nigeria for the CAF Nations cup for the first time since 1986. Nigeria was held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea at home in Abuja.
The Nigerian House of Representatives are set to appoint a foreign coach for the Super Eagles. The Chairman, house committee on sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaya stated this yesterday:

“Nigerians must go for the best coach at all times and I believe that if a white coach is the best, we must not stop short of bringing in who we feel is the best to handle our national team. It is obvious that there are coaches who have proved themselves first as team players, and thereafter, as coaches at national team and clubside.
So, if we think that the best for us is to go for the best, I think we should set aside sentiments and go for a world-class coach. From what we saw over the weekend, we have seen that we have a coach who is bereaved of ideas on how to checkmate the idea of another coach obvious superior to him.
I want to, however, point out that the colour of your skin makes you superior to others. I said that the most important thing is to go for the best in whatever endeavour you embark upon.
The most important thing is that whoever we want to use must be somebody with experience and has the tactics with which he can improve Nigerian players.
A Nigerian player has a mindset and we need somebody who can decode that mentality and really get the best out of him. Clemence Westerhof did that when he handled the Super Eagles. He was able to read the mindset of Nigerian players. That was why he succeeded,”

The Nigerian under fire coach, Samson Siasia took over from a Swedish Coach Lars Lagerback on November 4, 2010. He coached the Nigerian under 20 (flying eagles), and under 23 teams between 2005 and 2008.

Some Helpful information On Masturbation

2011-10-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

There have been lots of arguments on masturbation from the psychological, religious, medical and philosophical views. I will take my time to visit those views for a better understanding. First, we will have to to look at the meaning of masturbation;

Act of Masturbation

The word masturbation is believed to be derived from these three Latin words mézea (genital), manus (hand), turbare (disturb). It can be defined as the manual/artificial stimulation of one's genitals, exclusive of coitus of another's genitals, for sexual satisfaction or orgasm. It is a common form of Autoeroticism as termed by Havelock Ellis (a British sexologist). There is also Mutual Masturbation, which involves partners touching one another genital simultaneously.

The Origin Of Masturbation:
Lots of people started masturbating without been initiated into it. It is a natural practice that is normally effective at puberty mostly in females, which is very addictive. There have been lots of arguments on the origin and history of masturbation but the truth remains; it is a natural phenomenon since even other animals apart from human beings masturbate. Studies has dated it to 4th millennium BC, having cited a temple in Malta as old as that, depicts a picture of a woman masturbating.
Egyptian history has it that the ebb and flow of River Nile was attributed to frequency of the ejaculation of a god called ATUM by masturbation. They also believe that atum created the universe by masturbating to ejaculation. Other countries like Greek and India has a history attributed to the origin of masturbation.
Biblically, there is no trace of the origin of masturbation but homosexuality and the two are different.

"it is a natural phenomenon since even other animals apart from human beings masturbate"

Presently, 7 out of 10 people masturbates or once masturbated, while 8 out 10 people started masturbation naturally. During Puberty in human, taking a female for instance, once she discovers change in her body, her mentality changes and some sexual chemistry overtakes her. A play with her new found body could lead to a tap on the apple and once she has found pleasure there, it becomes very difficult to stop. The same is applicable to the male though it is very easy in females. This further proves that masturbation is a natural practice and there is still no known person that masturbated first in history.

Reasons for Masturbation:
People masturbate depending on their own personal reasons. These reasons could due to stress, sex-starvation, loneliness/idle, faithfulness, pleasure, sexual abstinence, sexual satisfaction, or to boost sexual performance. Like I said it depends on individuals.

What is good about Masturbation:
I will take this from various studies;

* Religiously:

Though the bible did not say anything about masturbation, but there are some verses in the Bible that can still show God's thought about the act. For instance, Matt 5:28-29 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." From the verse, it is very clear that God does not approve masturbation. If a lustful sight is an adultery then, a lustful imagination is also adultery also. We can see also the same at 1 Corinthians 6:18 "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." If masturbation is sexual based act, therefore it is a sin and it is not allowed for Christians.

Then in Islam, it is not an acceptable act unless in extenuating state. This can be found in Holy Quran 23: 5 - 7 “And they who guard their private parts. Except on their wives..., for indeed they will not be admonished. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.”

Religiously, it is a sin to masturbate. The question now is between masturbation and fornication, which one is better. The truth is that masturbation is better since it corrupts only one person (You). It is lesser of the two evils. Jesus having noted that as humans, we are all sinners stated in the book of John 8:34-36 "Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

* Psychologically:
Masturbation solves a lot of problem psychologically but few disadvantages which examples includes; feeling of guilt after the practice, lost of ego and personality when caught mostly by someone of the same gender. These feelings often leads to sexual dysfunction. Finally, Addiction. Most people mostly the male who have once engaged in masturbation hardly leave the act. This could interfere in your relationship if it is enjoyed more than normal sex with your partner.

The Advantages includes:
- Masturbation eases you from psychological stress and tension
- Enhances self confidence and esteem
- Reduces body fatigue
- Enhances mental strength
- Saves energy
- Relaxes your body which can lead to a good sleep
- Saves relationships because it can keep spouse out from cheating.

*Medically:
Though there have been arguments on the medical disadvantage of masturbation in the past but present studies proves otherwise. Samuel-Auguste Tissot, a Swiss physician in 1760 stated that; masturbation would cause "a perceptible reduction of strength, of memory and even of reason; blurred vision, all the nervous disorders, all types of gout and rheumatism, weakening of the organs of generation, blood in the urine, disturbance of the appetite, headaches and a great number of other disorders." due to lost of semen which he argued was an "essential oil" and "stimulus". He made this assumption at a time when experimental physiology was practically nonexistent. Modern studies proves that nothing about masturbation is medically wrong. Though excess practice of masturbation can weaken the penis in male dues to over stress.
Medically masturbation;
- Stimulate the immune system.
- Is an ultimate practice of safe sex.
- Cures insomnia .
- Decreases incidence of prostate cancer.
- Enhances sexual performance
- Eases PMS and menstrual cramps in women.
- Improves cardiovascular health and lower risk of type-2 diabetes in women.
- Have you heard that ""an orgasm a day keeps the doctor away"?

*Philosophical
It is seen as a violation of moral law as stated by Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher. Philosophically, masturbation is not encouraged for instance, it is seen as a squandering of human time and physical energy that could otherwise be used for Godly worship, self-improvement, or good works. It is said to inflame carnal lusts, leading to worse sexual vices.

Causes of Masturbation: There is no known cause of masturbation since it is not a sickness. It is a natural and psychological sexual practice.

How to Stop Masturbation: Since masturbation is a practice, certain practices can limit the practice to a certain degree. With time, you may lost count to days you did not masturbate. Examples of this practices:
* Get your mind busy with useful things
* Stay away from pornographic movies, photos and magazines

Get rid of Pornographic Magazines

* Get married as soon as you find out you have a high libido that you can't control.
* Be more religious in thinking and action.
* See the act as an irresponsible act and apply self discipline.

If you need more help or questions, kindly write me on sylconcollins@yahoo.com

State of Reality and Nostalgia

2011-08-12T14:07:00.001-07:00

I have been shuttling from Osmanbey to Aksaray for business engagements with the Metro Bus since I came to this town (Istanbul). I have observed many things that have got me thinking from the Driver, the system, the Conductor and the Passengers.

Metro Bus in Istanbul

The Metro Bus has two doors. One at the right hand-side of the driver where the conductor normally sit and one at the middle of the long Bus. Each of these entries serves different purposes. While the former is meant for ENTRY, the later is meant for EXIT. Inside the BUS, there is a Pay-Machine which you can either pay with your credit card or Fare-key. In case you don't have any of the payment type, you pay cash to the well dressed Conductor in his mini-Office inside the Bus. Today, there were more Passengers waiting for Bus 71KY than usual. I was going to Aksaray to meet a guy at Art Hotel, so I came to the Metro-station to board a Bus. When the Bus arrived, there was a huge rush to the Bus. Some passengers entered through the EXIT door which was not normal but had to pass through it, due to the urge to get into the Bus quickly. As an average less corrupt Nigerian, I was thinking maybe they will "die-up" paying for their fares since both the Conductor and Driver was not aware that some entered through the EXIT door. To my surprise, once the disembarking passengers left, all the Just-boarded passengers moved towards the Conductor and the Pay-machine and paid their fares. One unusual thing I found out was that the Conductor and Driver did not bother to ask anyone to pay because they assume everyone knows the system which is just like a Culture (a life style). I did not hear "Ndi ihu wetewanu ego unu" or "Oya back seat funmi owo" or “Bani kudi na”. An average Nigerian would not have paid his fare if it was to be in Nigeria. The Bus was calm as if nothing was going on. I immediately gulped my saliva because I was almost salivating 'n' longing for something like this in my dear country. Not just the amenities but the ability to cheat-less. I also did not hear "Ka O puo na Junction". Instead, the Bus’ programmed system, mentioned all the Bus-stops and if any applies to you, then you must stand, move to the exit door and press the “RED” button there, which will send a signal to the driver's dash board to inform him to stop at the next Bustop.
Immediately, I left the Bus, I could not concentrate because I am a very patriotic Nigerian. I have a great love for my country which pushes me to always argue to blood that my Nation is still the best amidst the problems we have been passing through.

Nigeria Metro Bus

I decided to chill-out at a Turkish Bar and requested for "Aryan" (skimmed milk). I needed time to appraise my country Nigeria and see if I can solve her conundrum by telekinesis. Turkey does not have the population of Intellects Nigeria has (they still stop their women from going to school while only lesser population of their men are educated), nor the Labor force, nor the human resources that are dissipated on street of Park road by York in Aba, or Salawu street in Ajegunle. They have not produced renowned personalities compared to Nigeria or done extra ordinary things to the likes of Philip Emeagwali, yet they are millions of miles ahead of us.

City Gate Abuja Nigeria

Did I hear someone say “it is a European country “? Yes, but what about South Africa? Yes, they have got whites but Nigeria have got the brains. What is our problem? The Turkish waiter looked at me and asked "NASILSIN?" (How are you), I scratched my head, easing out of my thought “IYIYIM, PROBLEM YOK" (I am fine, no problem) I answered. I entertained my already dried throat with some of the chilled Aryan to lubricate it and keep it alive while I sojourn in my thought.
I was lucky to be amongst the few of my generation that once saw steady water in our PUBLIC YARD at 131 Cameroon road Aba in then Imo State. There was a tap in the general kitchen, in the toilet, and at the backyard. Also we had steady water supply in my school ,Ehi Road Primary school. I witnessed steady water supply, swift waste management, effective Nitel, reliable Nepa. I drank a coke at #1.50k written on the crown but I did not witness one thing; “GUNSHOTS”
I remember as a kid, I watched "FILMS" (as we used to call them) with moral lessons. I remember foreign films like little Mermaid, Super ted, Ninja mouse, SWAT, Never too young to die (which I was not allowed to see). Oh, I remember our own "PAPA D PAPA, NEW MASQUERADE, NWANNE DI N'MBA, WILLY WILLY, ABRAHAM NWACHINEKE, and KOKO CLUB". NTA Aba, then was superb and the Network service was reliable. Who wanted to own a DSTV? Who cared for satellite or Cable? Now homes are littered with all sorts of cables, Dishes, Poles and yet nothing seems to be working.
I did not witness Fuel/Kerosene scarcity, Teacher's strike, Gunshots, broad day robbery, Rape, Nudity/Indecent dressing, Cultism and Kidnapping in Aba to be precised.
I saw competitive indigenous companies like Dubic Larger, RC soft drinks, 33 larger beer, Intersoft, Kan biscuits, John Holt, Bata shoes, Tear-rubber car depot, PZ, International Equitable, Champion, to mention but few. If you were not in Aba in the late 70s and early 80s, you may think I saw all these in my dreams. Gush!
I was hoping that by the time I will have my kids, things would have gone far better. Maybe, there would be tall buildings, bridges, more companies, more universities, more roads, improved electricity, low cost of living , etc. Unfortunately, my kids may see less of what I saw as a child, (sighs) just like my mother of the blessed memory, once said that things were better in their time (old) than our time. How can one be longing for the Past instead of the future? People in the past were lucky? Damn!
1980s were better than 1990s which are better than 2000s. What will happen in 2010s? Worst? I won't be surprise. Instead of going forward, Nigeria is still the shadow of herself. Instead of being at the stage of maintenance, we keep starting all over again in every tenure/transition.
Looking at the generations of 1990s and 2000s, you will agree with me that we are declining with a great momentum, shamelessly and proudly. The only good names our kids can talk about nowadays are our footballers. Others popular names on their lips are Ateke Tom, Osisi ka Ngwu, John Togo, Dem go dey pose,etc. They can even tell the name of a Gun by just the sound. Kids now keep sexual relationships from 10 years old because Parents are busier with their corrupt schedules than having time for the Kids. They can mention the names of Porn movie actors and actresses, unlike our own time when SUPER TED AND NINJA MOUSE were our favorites. Is immorality development? I cannot blame the Kids because the people that are meant to take care of them are the same people who are giving them up to death for pleasure and wealth (tears drops).
Everyone’s heart is corrupt even if you don't want to, you must be forced to practice it directly or indirectly because it is in the system. You can even hear a Policeman say " here na Naija o" which could be believed to mean "Nigeria is corrupt oh, follow practice am oh"...The same man that is meant to protect the law is redefining the Nation negatively.
Nothing, I mean nothing in Nigeria is working except corruption. Our women are not left out in the game. Prostitution is a big-girl business in the higher institutions and outside the institutions. Cultism is the game of big boys, while kidnapping and militancy are the most lucrative business of all time. At least, there is an amnesty programme ready for them and their cliques from the Federal Government. Nonsense!

My phone rang, it was Ifeanyi. A guy that I was supposed to meet at the Art hotel to collect some money sent to his account from a Customer. Ifeanyi is a very popular Ibo guy here in Istanbul. He has been here for a very long time and has made good legit money through sweat and hard work. His greatest fear is the day he would be asked to go back to Nigeria. According to him, he doesn't want to die yet. What about Davo? The first time he traveled to Nigeria after more than twelve years in Europe, he was robbed and was lucky to make it alive with his Turkish passport.
Many of them prefer to die trying here to going back to Nigeria, their motherland.

Kizilay Square Ankara Turkey

I stood up, paid my bills and left to meet Ifeanyi. I watched as people move to their respective destinations, no wahalas, no gunshots, no intimidation, with police moving around, cameras everywhere and most importantly, with smiles on their faces. I could not control the tears because I was dying in jealousy.
I have not renewed my Permit, so I still need to be careful with my movement to avoid little problems with Police and Immigration officers. You can bet I was the only one on that busy street without the weakest of smiles on his face but hatred and envy filled my heart. “If here is Nigeria, with all these amenities and securities, why will a capable, hardworking, innovative and agile Nigerian like me be sad or afraid? Sure, I would have been a stake holder in a diaphanous economy like this” I said loudly, nodding my head in agreement.
One thing is; I cannot regret being a Nigerian. Nigeria has done a lot for me. Nigeria showed me the extreme of the good, the bad, the ugly, which is one of the reasons I can survive anywhere. Nigeria’s problem is not just the government but you and I. When we say the Government, it sounds as if there is a particular place called the Government. The Government starts from yourself, the way you manage your personal activities, to the relationship with your friends and family. If we can sanitize our mentality individually and say NO to corruption and bloodshed, then that’s it! Nigeria will be exorcised! A kind of independent that will be celebrated forever and everyone will be seen as a Hero. Believe me, Nigeria is not cursed but blessed with people like you. It’s up to you and I to make it conducive for ourselves and Children (the future). While you ponder on this, also remember, that your child will need his friend in future, not necessarily YOU. That Friend is not someone you will introduce him to but someone he will choose by himself. His orientation and that of his friend is where Nigeria’s future will lie. Make Nigeria a great place starting from your house, so that there will be a Tomorrow.
Mr. Collins Kalu Ejim
Note: The content was not well edited, so I apologize for any grammatical or typographical error(s). It was just an experience that really pushed me and I decided to share. God bless Ndigbo, God bless Nigeria.