Nairaland Forum

I also need to make one more observation/submission about some facts in Nigeria.

The pre-civil war Nigeria was vastly different from the post civil war Nigeria.
Before the civil war, Nigeria had peace and justice and even-development in all parts of Nigeria. There was no containment policy against us then, hence the Federal government built the Niger bridge (one of the most impressive bridges in Nigeria of those days), and other federal roads. There was no federal discrimination against Igboland then, hence the Eastern economy was adjudged among the fastest growing in the world then.

Now, let me tie it to language.

Most Igbo children born outside Igboland then were able to speak English, plus whatever local language where they lived, PLUS IGBO. Ojukwu was a typical example. He was born in Zungeru in the North, he schooled in Lagos, he never even lived long in the East before he became military governor of the East. But guess what, he spoke English, Hausa, Yoruba and fluent Igbo (Nnewi accented Igbo).

The same story applies to other Igbo like him in those days. But alas these days, an Igbo kid born in Lagos will speak English, and even Yoruba, but can't speak Igbo. Soon sef Igbo kids in Igboland will start speaking Yoruba and Hausa just because they would need to live in Lagos or Kano to survive.

Umunna, onye obula chekwaa ezigbo echiche maka ihe a.(my kinsmen, let everybody put on his thinking cap).

We must focus on the REAL ISSUES, not chasing shadows.

If Jonathan fails to give us DIRECT international airport and building us a second Niger bridge (or even tearing down current bridge and building another), then I would have no doubt in my mind that he betrayed us who voted him. He would have continued that policy; there is no other way to look at it. The buck stops at his desk whether he likes it or not. Our job is to get our thieving brothers who are there feathering their PERSONAL nests to speak up first, after which we would know who betrayed us.

I think you all should consider a more holistic approach, in achieving your objective, because each person just seems to be pinpointing one thing here, or another thing there. I realize that Odumchi requested input on the most urgent need, but at the same time, the way I understand this topic, you all are looking to build or establish an entire society. To do such, requires a holistic outlook. Economic needs are connected with media/entertainment needs. Home/community issues affect and are affected by education needs, etc. etc.

Simply put, every need is all-inclusive and integrated into one another, and so must be addressed concurrently. Nnyukalata mamiri nj'agba ufutuu, as the saying goes. Multiple people and a mutli-dimensional approach, when urinating, produces more foam. I can understand if you all were to be discussing most urgent tasks (i.e. Task Management: What needs to be done in order to make this or that possible, or to solve this or that need?). Identifying the most urgent tasks can potentially solve many needs, or at least potentially make solving those many needs less difficult.

That being said, I side with Onlytruth, regarding the emphasis on direct international access.

ChinenyeN: I think you all should consider a more holistic approach, in achieving your objective, because each person just seems to be pinpointing one thing here, or another thing there. I realize that Odumchi requested input on the most urgent need, but at the same time, the way I understand this topic, you all are looking to build or establish an entire society. To do such, requires a holistic outlook. Economic needs are connected with media/entertainment needs. Home/community issues affect and are affected by education needs, etc. etc.

Simply put, every need is all-inclusive and integrated into one another, and so must be addressed concurrently. Nnyukalata mamiri nj'agba ufutuu, as the saying goes. Multiple people and a mutli-dimensional approach, when urinating, produces more foam. I can understand if you all were to be discussing most urgent tasks (i.e. Task Management: What needs to be done in order to make this or that possible, or to solve this or that need?). Identifying the most urgent tasks can potentially solve many needs, or at least potentially make solving those many needs less difficult.

Your suggestions are recieved warmly.
So what your saying is that we should identify an umbrella issue which, if solved, would take care of all of these problems?

I think that's a good way forward. Based on my perceptions and on the replies here, I think the umbrella issue is the fact that we Igbo move away from our land into other peoples' lands in search of better opportunities. This is directly related to the lack of commercial opportunities and International presence in Igboland. As Onlytruth pointed out, it is directly related to the language issue. If the airports/seaports issue is solved, Igboland would progress economically, politically, culturally, and socially.

To supplement what I wrote earlier...

I have to admit that I am also one of those who fell victim to the current condition of things in Igboland since I am currently writing to you guys from abroad. I'm also sure that I am not the only one here who isn't in Igboland. I'm not saying that the majority of the Igbo live outside of our homeland, but what I'm saying is that the fact that we choose to leave our fatherland in search of a better living/wealth in another man's land is absurd.

The worst part of all of this is that some of us who leave often forget those they left back home. I've seen people who haven't stepped a foot in Nigeria (not to talk of Igboland) in 10, 15, 20 years. Our presence in other peoples' lands brings development and commercial activity to them but at the end of the day, what's our benefit? I even know people who have built mansions in their foreign country of residence but don't have as much as a shack built in Igboland.

This reminds me of some verses in the song Arabanko which go:

"Nani industry anyi nwere na Owere bu filling station na hotel aka ipa ka nri" (meaning the only industries we have in Owere are filling stations and hotels left and right)
"Ogu su na Zamfara, Igbo, i ga ebu company ala?" (meaning if a war breaks out in Zamfara will you carry your company atop your head and run home?

odumchi: To supplement what I wrote earlier...

I have to admit that I am also one of those who fell victim to the current condition of things in Igboland since I am currently writing to you guys from abroad. I'm also sure that I am not the only one here who isn't in Igboland. I'm not saying that the majority of the Igbo live outside of our homeland, but what I'm saying is that the fact that we choose to leave our fatherland in search of a better living/wealth in another man's land is absurd.

The worst part of all of this is that some of us who leave often forget those they left back home. I've seen people who haven't stepped a foot in Nigeria (not to talk of Igboland) in 10, 15, 20 years. Our presence in other peoples' lands brings development and commercial activity to them but at the end of the day, what's our benefit? I even know people who have built mansions in their foreign country of residence but don't have as much as a shack built in Igboland.

This reminds me of some verses in the song Arabanko which go:

"Nani industry anyi nwere na Owere bu filling station na hotel aka ipa ka nri" (meaning the only industries we have in Owere are filling stations and hotels left and right)
"Ogu su na Zamfara, Igbo, i ga ebu company ala?" (meaning if a war breaks out in Zamfara will you carry your company atop your head and run home?

That song is very deep; and pregnant with a lot of unsaid words.

The huge number of our brethren living outside Igboland whether by choice or default should start looking inwards and asking the very tough question:

What happens if Nigeria implodes? If you wake up in the morning and it's 1967 all over again, how will you feel, what will you do? Answers to these question will guide rational individuals to make plan, and preparations.

PointB:

That song is very deep; and pregnant with a lot of unsaid words.

The huge number of our brethren living outside Igboland whether by choice or default should start looking inwards and asking the very tough question:

What happens if Nigeria implodes? If you wake up in the morning and it's 1967 all over again, how will you feel, what will you do? Answers to these question will guide rational individuals to make plan, and preparations.

Is this not the same question Ojukwu threw to all Igbos doing businesses at Alaba,idumota and Trade Fair complex some years ago when he was invited to the opening ceremony of one of their market.Ndiigbo bu ewu is what he called them.

The little war boko haram decleared on them is already causing them alot of damages hw much more a full scale war___to be frank...Onwero ebe ndibe anyi ji azu aga ma oburu na nukwuta ogu esuu.so,feel for may people up north.
ChineyeN says we should pin point on solving one urgent issue...okwu gi amaka mana olee ka anyi ga ebido ghara ibe ya?,they're all important.
The Niger bridge to me is the most important because that is the life wire to the east,we will never know the impacts of that bridge till the unspeakable happens.GOD FORBID.

I wont forget the of ONE giant intern'al airport___either to up grade Enugu own or build another one entirly.
infact,the more we list our problems the more fears griped me.
so Niger bridge first...

Na egbehi oge,ejim ohere a na asi ka unu jidekwa ka unu ji.

udu diri unu

some igbo people are trapped in kaduna because of the curfew
if igbo people will learn to stay in igbo land they will stop experiencing problems
that is our biggest problem

PointB:

That song is very deep; and pregnant with a lot of unsaid words.

The huge number of our brethren living outside Igboland whether by choice or default should start looking inwards and asking the very tough question:

What happens if Nigeria implodes? If you wake up in the morning and it's 1967 all over again, how will you feel, what will you do? Answers to these question will guide rational individuals to make plan, and preparations.

achi4u: Is this not the same question Ojukwu threw to all Igbos doing businesses at Alaba,idumota and Trade Fair complex some years ago when he was invited to the opening ceremony of one of their market.Ndiigbo bu ewu is what he called them.

The little war boko haram decleared on them is already causing them alot of damages hw much more a full scale war___to be frank...Onwero ebe ndibe anyi ji azu aga ma oburu na nukwuta ogu esuu.so,feel for may people up north.
ChineyeN says we should pin point on solving one urgent issue...okwu gi amaka mana olee ka anyi ga ebido ghara ibe ya?,they're all important.
The Niger bridge to me is the most important because that is the life wire to the east,we will never know the impacts of that bridge till the unspeakable happens.GOD FORBID.

I wont forget the of ONE giant intern'al airport___either to up grade Enugu own or build another one entirly.
infact,the more we list our problems the more fears griped me.
so Niger bridge first...

Na egbehi oge,ejim ohere a na asi ka unu jidekwa ka unu ji.

udu diri unu

You guys have said it all. We, the Eze Ndi Igbo Nairalanders group, are working on something regarding the airports/bridges and etc.
The eyes of every Igbo should be on the ground because a stitch in time saves nine.

re@lchange:
some igbo people are trapped in kaduna because of the curfew
if igbo people will learn to stay in igbo land they will stop experiencing problems
that is our biggest problem

Nwanna o kwa ya?

People should learn to give back to where they came from so that others will have opportunities also.

O buru onye ozo nwe echiche o choro ikwuputa, ya egbukwala oge!

If anyone else has any ideas that they'd like to put forth, please, don't hesitate to speak!

Odum, edere m gi ozi imeelu

We shall soon launch our constitution making process here so that we would design a road map document to facilitate/ease our goal achievement methodology. The document will also ensure that the Eze Ndigbo position NEVER falls into the wrong hands in the future.

Ihe anyi na eme di nnukwu mkpa. Anyi achoghi ka otu efulefu bia mebie ihe nile anyi tara ahuhu we mee.
Ndi ojoo kariri ndi ezigbo madu na ubochi ndia.

Translated: What we are doing is very important. We don't want it to fall into the hands of one "efulefu" (lol can't translate that ), who would trash everything we struggled hard to organize. There are more bad folks than good ones these days.

Please expect that process to start by next weekend.

Signed,


Onlytruth, ndu di n'eziokwu 1 of Igboland, Eze Ndigbo Nairaland.

Efulefu is someone that's lazy or lacks drive; hopeless.

ogugua88: Efulefu is someone that's lazy or lacks drive; hopeless.

lol
Nne, try to mingle with folks that understands and speaks Igbo over there. My uncle who lives and work in Virginia since 1990 speaks Igbo better than me. So you can easily learn Igbo if there is a spirited effort on your side.

Efulefu is someone who is not in full grasp of the issue. Though it might have other meaning

That was the definition I got from native Igbo speakers, including my parents. And I do make an effort.

ogugua88: That was the definition I got from native Igbo speakers, including my parents. And I do make an effort.

That's all we ask of you - an effort. Hopefully, you will be able to make some inputs when the Eze Ndi Igbo Nairaland Constitution drafting begins.

ogugua88: That was the definition I got from native Igbo speakers, including my parents. And I do make an effort.

Efulefu can also mean someone who works against his/her people interest or engages in activities that conflicts with his/her people collective interest. It can never translate to someone who is lazy, lacks drive or hopeless. Sorry, daddy is wrong on this one.

ACM10:

Efulefu can also mean someone who works against his/her people interest or engages in activities that conflicts with his/her people collective interest. It can never translate to someone who is lazy, lacks drive or hopeless. Sorry, daddy is wrong on this one.

Nwanna, I think Ogugua's definition can also be encompassed within the several meanings of efulefu.E.g a 30 year old man that has no job and does not make any effort to get one and indulges in useless activities like getting drunk all the time and steals stuff from people is an efulefu. A man who goes about squandering his inheritance or selling collective properties like land and has no intention of creating wealth is an efulefu. Those people can be classified as lazy, useless and drive-less. Your own definition is also very correct.

FACE:

Nwanna, I think Ogugua's definition can also be encompassed within the several meanings of efulefu.E.g a 30 year old man that has no job and does not make any effort to get one and indulges in useless activities like getting drunk all the time and steals stuff from people is an efulefuofo-ogri. A man who goes about squandering his inheritance or selling collective properties like land and has no intention of creating wealth is an efulefuofo-ogori. Those people can be classified as lazy, useless and drive-less. Your own definition is also very correct.

You've just translated the word "Ofo-ogori"

hmm the definition of efulefu is lost no be so or is my definition incorrect

ACM10:

Efulefu can also mean someone who works against his/her people interest or engages in activities that conflicts with his/her people collective interest. It can never translate to someone who is lazy, lacks drive or hopeless. Sorry, daddy is wrong on this one.

This is the popular definition of efulefu.

Onlytruth: Odum, edere m gi ozi imeelu

We shall soon launch our constitution making process here so that we would design a road map document to facilitate/ease our goal achievement methodology. The document will also ensure that the Eze Ndigbo position NEVER falls into the wrong hands in the future.

Ihe anyi na eme di nnukwu mkpa. Anyi achoghi ka otu efulefu bia mebie ihe nile anyi tara ahuhu we mee.
Ndi ojoo kariri ndi ezigbo madu na ubochi ndia.

Translated: What we are doing is very important. We don't want it to fall into the hands of one "efulefu" (lol can't translate that ), who would trash everything we struggled hard to organize. There are more bad folks than good ones these days.

Please expect that process to start by next weekend.

Signed,


Onlytruth, ndu di n'eziokwu 1 of Igboland, Eze Ndigbo Nairaland.

Eze, nsogbu adighi.

I will respond to your email shortly. Although I won't be present for/able to participate in the drafting of the constitution, I can't wait to see it when I return.

@ Ohanaeze (Everybody),

You guys are all saying the same thing in regards to efulefu.

Biko nu, ka anyi ga na iru. Please, let's move ahead.

ACM10:

Efulefu can also mean someone who works against his/her people interest or engages in activities that conflicts with his/her people collective interest. It can never translate to someone who is lazy, lacks drive or hopeless. Sorry, daddy is wrong on this one.

In the context of the discussion we are having here, the bolded is the intended meaning. We are talking about leaders and leadership here, not how to manage personal life. Abi na lie I talk? hehe.

odumchi: @ Ohanaeze (Everybody),

You guys are all saying the same thing in regards to efulefu.

Biko nu, ka anyi ga na iru. Please, let's move ahead.

Heeded. Thank you Onowu Odum.

odumchi:

Eze, nsogbu adighi.

I will respond to your email shortly. Although I won't be present for/able to participate in the drafting of the constitution, I can't wait to see it when I return.

We shall begin the process first. When you return, you will join it. The whole process will continue until we get a near perfect constitution.

PointB: That's all we ask of you - an effort. Hopefully, you will be able to make some inputs when the Eze Ndi Igbo Nairaland Constitution drafting begins.

I always make an effort though. Don't know who said I don't. Like I said earlier, I keep an eye on this thread. I'll offer inputs when I see the opportunity

I hope that we become very careful with the new version of the JIM NWOBODOS which keep propping up, whether they come as women,learners or having the interest "one nigeria" or whatever. Just because they keep mentioning their parents for reference should not make us so naive to trust them with any responsibility, lets becareful here.HOW I WISH WE CAN DO THINGS OF THIS NATURE OUTSIDE NAIRALAND.

noiseless: I hope that we become very careful with the new version of the JIM NWOBODOS which keep propping up, whether they come as women,learners or having the interest "one nigeria" or whatever. Just because they keep mentioning their parents for reference should not make us so naive to trust them with any responsibility, lets becareful here.HOW I WISH WE CAN DO THINGS OF THIS NATURE OUTSIDE NAIRALAND.

+1000

We should just be careful so that efulefus will not put sand in our garri.

All Igbos should go and click like on this facebook page www.facebook.com/theigbonation. God bless you all

noiseless: I hope that we become very careful with the new version of the JIM NWOBODOS which keep propping up, whether they come as women,learners or having the interest "one nigeria" or whatever. Just because they keep mentioning their parents for reference should not make us so naive to trust them with any responsibility, lets becareful here.HOW I WISH WE CAN DO THINGS OF THIS NATURE OUTSIDE NAIRALAND.

My brother, we have this website where we hope to "congregate" by email and newsletters.

http://igbolist.tk/

The council decided to set it up to collect our peoples emails and use it to spread information and organize ourselves for elections/pressure on issues that concern us. It is an evolving process, and we definitely plan to improve on that before the end of our term in December this year.
I personally vowed that no efulefu will infiltrate us or hold any position in our council because "agha anyi na anu bu agha uche" -the battle ahead is for smart folks. Our constitution will ensure that only PASSIONATE and Igbo-focused people will hold positions in our council. We have no other choice about that. Nigeria gives us no other choice.

Greeting Igbos and Allies.

Starting from 8.00 GMT tomorrow, we shall begin take a step further in line with the journey we embarked about 6 months ago.

As you are aware last December, we took a historic step towards unifying and promoting our peculiar interest by electing an Eze.
The important step led to the birth of Eze Ndi Igbo 1, of Nairaland - Onlytruth, ndu di n'eziokwu 1 of Igboland, Eze Ndigbo Nairaland.

Within his first week in office, Eze OnlyTruth, assembled his cabinet and has since never looked back. Those who have followed development since would agree that his impact has been roundly felt in his this portfolio.

However, the need for continuity, preservation, and to some extent legitimacy has informed the need for us to (re)write the rules. On this note, I enjoin my brethren, allies, and friends of Igbo to join us as we embark on Premier Nairaland Constitution Conference. Let us set the rule for our group, empower it, and use it to launch serious offensive against our politicians whose kleptomania, corruptions, and incompetence rob us and our allies our legitimate dividend of democracy and one Nigeria.

To make this process more productive, the time table below shall guide us:


We should be starting this process on Friday (8.00 GMT or thereabout?)

Day 0. We sensitive members tomorrow and establish the ground rules for the constitution drafting.
Day 1. Article 1: Name, and symbol(s) (including color) (pls bear in mind that we prefer name acceptable to our allies especially from SS)
Day 2: Article 1 continued: Aims, Objectives, and Affiliation(s) of the Association
Day 3: Article 2: Patrons, Power, Scope and Limitation of the Association
Day 4: Article 3: Membership and Eligibility
Day 5: [/b]Article 4: Officer, Cabinet Members and responsibilities
[b]Day 6: Article 5: Meetings and Quorom
Day 7: Article 6: Terms of Office and Elections, Removal from office
Day 8: Article 7: Hand-Over Process and Continuity
Day 9 [/b]Article 8: Finance ?
[b]Day 10: Article 9: Amendment of Constitution
Day 11: Article 10: Dissolution
Day 12: Debate closes collation begins,

Should you wish to assist in moderation and collation of the debates, kindly inform me on this thread. The plan is to keep the debate on this thread, however, we may create another thread if necessary. Time is of essence.

The Pre [/b]Nairaland Constitution Conference debate is hereby now open.

[b]Shall we begin?

PointB: Greeting Igbos and Allies.

Starting from 8.00 GMT tomorrow, we shall begin take a step further in line with the journey we embarked about 6 months ago.

As you are aware last December, we took a historic step towards unifying and promoting our peculiar interest by electing an Eze.
The important step led to the birth of Eze Ndi Igbo 1, of Nairaland - Onlytruth, ndu di n'eziokwu 1 of Igboland, Eze Ndigbo Nairaland.

Within his first week in office, Eze OnlyTruth, assembled his cabinet and has since never looked back. Those who have followed development since would agree that his impact has been roundly felt in his this portfolio.

However, the need for continuity, preservation, and to some extent legitimacy has informed the need for us to (re)write the rules. On this note, I enjoin my brethren, allies, and friends of Igbo to join us as we embark on Premier Nairaland Constitution Conference. Let us set the rule for our group, empower it, and use it to launch serious offensive against our politicians whose kleptomania, corruptions, and incompetence rob us and our allies our legitimate dividend of democracy and one Nigeria.

To make this process more productive, the time table below shall guide us:


We should be starting this process on Friday (8.00 GMT or thereabout?)

Day 0. We sensitive members tomorrow and establish the ground rules for the constitution drafting.
Day 1. Article 1: Name, and symbol(s) (including color) (pls bear in mind that we prefer name acceptable to our allies especially from SS)
Day 2: Article 1 continued: Aims, Objectives, and Affiliation(s) of the Association
Day 3: Article 2: Patrons, Power, Scope and Limitation of the Association
Day 4: Article 3: Membership and Eligibility
Day 5: [/b]Article 4: Officer, Cabinet Members and responsibilities
[b]Day 6: Article 5: Meetings and Quorom
Day 7: Article 6: Terms of Office and Elections, Removal from office
Day 8: Article 7: Hand-Over Process and Continuity
Day 9 [/b]Article 8: Finance ?
[b]Day 10: Article 9: Amendment of Constitution
Day 11: Article 10: Dissolution
Day 12: Debate closes collation begins,

Should you wish to assist in moderation and collation of the debates, kindly inform me on this thread. The plan is to keep the debate on this thread, however, we may create another thread if necessary. Time is of essence.

The Pre [/b]Nairaland Constitution Conference debate is hereby now open.

[b]Shall we begin?

I endorse this message. Tomorrow, we begin!

Signed,

Onlytruth, ndu di n'eziokwu 1 of Igboland, Eze Ndigbo Nairaland.