₦airaland Forum

PRAYER HOUSE OR SLAUGHTER HOUSE?

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
26th October, 2023.

Man as a fallible being has always relied on the power and support of an infallible, self-sufficient and all powerful being - God. When man's strength and knowledge fails him, he turns to God for help. As a physical being who dwells in the material world, he resorts to prayer - the only vehicle through which he can render his petition to a transcendental being. By way of definition, prayer is 'an earnest request addressed to a higher being or authority'. Prayer is a bipolar activity in the sense that it revolves around the sender (man) and receiver (God). What this means is that, without the lesser being who renders the petition and the higher being or authority who receives the petition, there cannot be prayer.

Prayer is a veritable tool for the survival of every society. Based, on man's imperfect nature, he is prone to making mistakes every now and then. Whenever he realizes this or is confronted with a difficult situation, he goes down on his knees (a symbol of submission and surrender) and tenders his request. Similarly, there is another type of prayer known as intercession. In intercession, a prayer is rendered on behalf of another person. Several reasons accounts for intercession. For example, intercession can be held for somebody who cannot pray because of unbelief, sickness, bewitchment, confinement etc. Examples abound where people have been delivered following the intercessory prayers of their loved ones. Doing this, however requires enormous faith and closeness to the higher being such that the deficiency or weakness of the one being prayed for can be overlooked by the higher authority or God. In as much as one can pray for another, it is incumbent on people to pray for themselves. Doing this, requires, among other things, having a cordial relationship with the receiver (God) of the prayer. In the Christian faith for example, it is unequivocally stated that the prayer of an unbeliever or sinner is an abomination in the sight of God. The prayer of one who doesn't have a good relationship with God is simply a waste of time - it will not attract any positive answer.

In crude and backward societies, people spend more time in prayer than work. They pray to God over trivial issues. For instance, they pray to God for food when they can actually till the soil and get food to eat. The Bible (in James 2:17) reminds us that 'faith without work is dead'. Whatever we do, we should recognize the importance of work. False teachers who describe prayer as the ultimate means through which success can be achieved in life refuse to accord primacy to work. To them, work is subordinated to prayer. But the Bible warns that, 'whosoever will not work, let him not eat'. It is against this background that the despicable con men open prayer houses where they sit tight and drain the people of their hard earned resources. Beside the early priests whom, according to God's instruction worked only in the Tabernacle others, including the greatest apostles of Christ worked. Apostle Paul worked even as he was engaged in the spread of the gospel of Christ.

Today, especially in hunger and poverty ravaged societies where people are desperate for a morsel of bread, they have erected prayer houses here and there with the sole intention of manipulating unsuspecting members of the public. Many operators of these prayer houses go the extra mile to acquire magical powers that enables them have access to the inner thoughts, fears and suspicions of their clients. Upon the pronouncement of the client's fears and suspicions by the 'manipulators', the client becomes transfixed and ready for exploitation. Breaking loose or free from this entanglement is a matter of God's grace. In this regard, many career, businesses, marriages etc have been ruined using the instrument of fear. Another strategy that is used in keeping their victims under control is occultic means - victims will never comprehend what is happening to them.

Many of the prayer house operators recruit agents; mainly young ladies who go about wooing people to come for deliverance. The agents who are also fabricators of lies have only one motive - to deceive people. Many of these agents are snitches; they find out things about their victims and pass them to their masters - the pseudo miracle workers.

Operators of prayer houses are moved by one thing only - money! They are not perturbed by the victims pain, sweat or cry. The only reason why they will dismantle their instruments of exploitation is 'when the well is completely dried up'. At this point, they will look for an excuse why they will have to withdraw their service. Operators of prayer houses are mean and wicked. The only god they worship is money. They demand money for prayer and sometimes inflict mysterious ailments on their clients to keep them in perpetual slavery.

Prayer houses are dangerous houses, those who are always in the habit of patronizing them most often are like the proverbial stubborn grasshopper that ends in the bowel of the egret. A woman was held captive for over a decade because she patronized a prayer house. The fake miracle worker held her tightly like a vise such that everything about her disintegrated.

The major reason why people patronize prayer houses is ignorance. It is true that somebody can intercede for another but such act or gesture must not come with a demand of payment. God's gifts are free. Jesus Christ and leaders of other religions did not demand for money to carry out their work. The story of Simon (the socerer) and Philip in Acts 8:9-20 speaks quite clearly that the gift of God cannot be bought or sold. Anybody who is in one form of difficulty or the other should go to God in prayer or according to (James 5:14) 'go to the elders of the Church for prayer'.

On no account should we put our trust in men or prayer houses. Only God is worthy of our trust.

Let us avoid prayer houses for they are nothing but slaughter houses.

AN AUDACIOUS ARMED ROBBERY ATTACK IN OTUKPO TOWN

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
22nd October, 2023.

At about 4:15pm on 20th October 2023, a band of armed robbers simultaneously attacked four banks in Otukpo and a police station close by. The banks attacked are; UBA, Stanbic Bank, Access Bank and Zenith Bank. For those who do not know Otukpo, the place where the robbery attack took place. Otukpo is one of the biggest towns in Benue State and also the Headquater of Idoma nation. Idoma nation has great people like; Bongos Ikwe, Senator David Mark, Tuface Idibia etc.

The robbers stormed the various banks and; rather than focus on stealing money, embarked on a shooting spree which led to many people loosing their lives. Challenged by some security men around the area, the armed robbers abandoned the operation and took to their heels. Along Otukpo-Taraku road, security operatives engaged them in a sporadic shootout resulting in the death of the DPO of Otukpo, CSP John Adikwu and three other police men. Others who sustained injuries were later moved to hospital. Two of the armed robbers were also gunned down while others fled into the bush and were given a hot chase by security men. So far, according to report, four of the armed robbers have been arrested. Revelations from the arrest indicate that those who carried out the dastardly act are indigenes of the area - Otukpo.

The perturbing question is 'why would indigenes of a place carry out such a recklessly bold act against their community?'. Nobody in his right senses can imagine carrying out such an audacious action without being caught. The perpetrators of that disgraceful operation, no doubt were high on drugs. The drugs may have overwhelmed them with delusional ideas - that the operation was going to be 100% successful. This incident confirms the Ogba proverb that; 'onwu runi ipa, ya hor mgbor' meaning 'when a plantain tree has reached its peak, it bears fruit which signal its death. When it's time to die, no amount of advice can get the fellow concerned to change his/ her mind.

For the unthinking youths in our midst, know that reckless acts like armed robbery can only cost you your life and bring shame to your family and community.

Be not deceived, no man in human history has become great through armed robbery. Know this and know peace!

THE REALITY OF TIME (FLEETING MOMENT).

Time is like a rushing water, it waits for no one: any one who dares to stand on its way, certainly will be knocked over. Time is of the essence. It cannot be wasted!

Man's life, here on earth is very short yet, he has to do all that is necessary within the limited space of time in order to cross the threshold of reasonableness.

While the dew drops are still on the field, the feet must arise early and be brisk enough in its movement to enjoy the invigorating freshness of the dew.

Waiting till the sun peeps out from behind the clouds is already an indication that the dew is gone for the day. You may never have another day!

'Make hay while the sun still shines' is an eternal command that we must strictly adhered to if we must succeed in life. Time is nobody's friend. It is either, time is religiously followed or we are abandoned in the dungeon of failure and wastefulness.

Many people who got carried away by the spirit of youthfulness and decided to remain there when they ought to have transcended it usually turn out as vagabonds - they move about aimlessly from one end of town to another.

In this present age when people live in utterly monstrous narcissism and self absorption, everything is centered on 'self'. The situation is worse with young people especially, ladies; they flaunt their bodies to an extreme degree. In the social media for example, they display their gorgeous bodies/curves and near nude pictures in order to magnetize members of the men folk. Many of them are so engrossed in this particular behaviour that they know nothing else.

As you do this, please remember that nothing lasts forever: that glowing beauty and attractive curves will not be there forever. Very soon, they shall wither away!

What will be left will be the impression or memory you have left on people's minds.

Learn to walk with time.

Don't be a victim of time

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
20/10/23.

TRIBUTE TO A REGGAE ICON - LUCKY DUBE
(03/08/1964 - 18/10/2007)

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
18th October, 2023.

Lucky Philip Dube was born on 3rd August, 1964 in Ermelo formerly known as 'Eastern Transval' now 'Mpumalanga'.

Lucky's parents, owing to irreconcilable differences separated before he was born - a situation that forced his mother to raise him alone. Lucky had two siblings, Patrick and Thandi.

Lucky had so much passion for music such that; at the age of eighteen, he had joined a music band known as 'The Love Brothers'. Few years later, he went solo and released his first album. Encouraged by the success of the album, he moved ahead, releasing one great album after the other. Some of his popular track are; Slave (1988), Together As One (1988), Prisoner (1989), Captured (1990), Home of Exile (1991), Victims (1993), Trinity (1995), The Way It Is (1999), Africa's Reggae King (2001), The Other Side (2003), Respect (2006).

Lucky, during his lifetime won series of local and international awards. Some of his awards are; 4 OKTV Awards for Prisoner (1989), Best - Selling African Recording Artist at the World Music Award (1996).

Lucky was married to Zanele Mdluli. Together, they had two children a girl, Nkulee and a boy, Thokozani.

On 18th October, 2007, three armed robbers who had wanted to snatch Lucky's Chrysler 300c car shot him immediately after he dropped his children in school. It was later discovered by the South African police that the robbers thought that the driver of the expensive vehicle was a Nigerian: they didn't know the famous reggae artiste, Lucky Dube was the one behind the wheel. Lucky took bullets meant for a 'Nigerian' and managed to drive away till he got exhausted and crashed the car on a tree along the road. Lucky Dube indeed was a courageous man!

May the soul of the reggae icon continue to rest in peace.

THE MADNESS OF EATING AND DESTROYING EVERYTHING BEQUEATHED TO US BY NATURE

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
17th October, 2023.

What exactly is wrong with us? Right from the prehistoric time, we have constituted ourselves as threat to our natural environment by destroying everything therein. Our ignorance and refusal to understand the environment where we live has been most discomfiting. The black man has never been concerned in protecting and improving the aesthetic worth and value of his environment. His major concern has always been 'what to eat now'. It doesn't matter if the entire environment is destroyed, his priority is 'now' - eat today and die tomorrow. What foolishness! It is shocking that a large expanse of bush can be burnt down in order to kill a rat or rabbit for the purpose of food. Dangerous explosives and chemicals are often used in water bodies in order to catch fish. Whatever happens to the water thereafter is inconsequential. Trees are felled every day with renewed vigour without any plan for replacement. By destroying our forests, we destroy an array of different plants used in the creation of a variety of medications for humans.

Black man, out of his thoughtlessness has ruined the pristine environment that God almighty has given to him - he descends on everything within his environment without reservation, as if there will be no tomorrow. Today, we look at the beauty of certain foreign locations and wish they're ours. The truth is that we have never bothered to preserve the beauty of our own environment. Our stomachs are like gods that we must worship anytime they groan. In fact, we think through our stomachs.

Our environment is all that we have. For this reason, we must protect it with our might. In nature, everything is connected to each other through the food chain which ends up with us, humans. If we eat all the wildlife and destroy the forests, we are going to be the biggest losers because it will put us at the risk of extinction. Nature has carefully arranged everything such that destroying them will be catastrophic to our own existence. For instance, butterflies, birds, bees etc promotes pollination and save native plant species for herbivores animals which in turn serve as meat to carnivores animals that end as food for man. When we begin to kill antelopes, impalas etc in their numbers this, obviously will create a deficit of food sources to wild cats. When this happens, it affects the population of the wild cats and other carnivores animals including man who is at the end of the food chain.

Few days ago, the news of a young man from Ogbolobolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State who killed a large animal known as manatee surfaced in the social media space. The young man was celebrated by his community for having killed such a mighty animal. In the olden days, such act of bravery would have launched the young man straight into the cult of warriors. The meat of such a mighty animal is shared according to the prescription of the peoples custom. In eating the meat, nobody cares if it's the last of its kind in the environment. They're just satisfied that they have eaten meat. What thoughtlessness! Like the manatee, many endangered animals that are at the verge of extinction have been consumed with great relish in the past. Only few months ago, a whale that was washed ashore in a Bayelsa coastline was reduced to nothing within minutes by the community people. In Rivers State, a giant marlin fish valued at over $2m was eaten by members of the community. Beside these, several other endangered species like; sea-turtles, dolphins, sharks etc have been caught and eaten.

For how long are we going to continue like this? Destroying our natural environment as well as eating up endangered animals will never do us any good. Instead, it will dislocate our heritage and culture. Above all it will threaten our own existence.

Let us learn to preserve/protect our forests and wildlife today!

THE MADNESS OF EATING AND DESTROYING EVERYTHING BEQUEATHED TO US BY NATURE

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
17th October, 2023.

What exactly is wrong with us? Right from the prehistoric time, we have constituted ourselves as threat to our natural environment by destroying everything therein. Our ignorance and refusal to understand the environment where we live has been most discomfiting. The black man has never been concerned in protecting and improving the aesthetic worth and value of his environment. His major concern has always been 'what to eat now'. It doesn't matter if the entire environment is destroyed, his priority is 'now' - eat today and die tomorrow. What foolishness! It is shocking that a large expanse of bush can be burnt down in order to kill a rat or rabbit for the purpose of food. Dangerous explosives and chemicals are often used in water bodies in order to catch fish. Whatever happens to the water thereafter is inconsequential. Trees are felled every day with renewed vigour without any plan for replacement. By destroying our forests, we destroy an array of different plants used in the creation of a variety of medications for humans.

Black man, out of his thoughtlessness has ruined the pristine environment that God almighty has given to him - he descends on everything within his environment without reservation, as if there will be no tomorrow. Today, we look at the beauty of certain foreign locations and wish they're ours. The truth is that we have never bothered to preserve the beauty of our own environment. Our stomachs are like gods that we must worship anytime they groan. In fact, we think through our stomachs.

Our environment is all that we have. For this reason, we must protect it with our might. In nature, everything is connected to each other through the food chain which ends up with us, humans. If we eat all the wildlife and destroy the forests, we are going to be the biggest losers because it will put us at the risk of extinction. Nature has carefully arranged everything such that destroying them will be catastrophic to our own existence. For instance, butterflies, birds, bees etc promotes pollination and saves native plant species for herbivores animals which in turn serve as meat to carnivores animals that end as food for man. When we begin to kill antelopes, impalas etc in their numbers this, obviously will create a deficit of food sources to wild cats. When this happens, it affects the population of the wild cats and other carnivores animals including man who is at the end of the food chain.

Few days ago, the news a young man from Ogbolobolo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State who killed a large animal known as manatee surfaced in the social media space. The young man was celebrated by his community for having killed such a mighty animal. In the olden days, such act of bravery would have launched the young man straight into the cult of warriors. The meat of such a mighty animal is shared according to the prescription of the peoples custom. In eating the meat, nobody cares if it's the last of its kind in the environment. They're just satisfied that they have eaten meat. What thoughtlessness! Like the manatee, many endangered animals that are at the verge of extinction have been consumed with great relish in the past. Only few months ago, a whale that was washed ashore in a Bayelsa coastline was reduced to nothing within minutes by the community people. In Rivers State, a giant marlin fish valued at over $2m was eaten by members of the community. Beside these, several other endangered species like; sea-turtles, dolphins, sharks etc have been caught and eaten.

For how long are we going to continue like this? Destroying our natural environment as well as eating up endangered animals will never do us any good. Instead, it will dislocate our heritage and culture. Above all it will threaten our own existence.

Let us learn to preserve/protect our forests and wildlife today!

INERADICABLE MEMORY

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
16th October, 2023.

Memory is what drives life. No matter how much or less of a thing a man has, one day, like vapour, it shall vanish or fade away and; the only thing that will be left behind will be 'memory' - memory of how life was lived here on earth. This, regrettably has been of little or no significance to a lot of people. What has remained an issue of utmost concern to them is living a life of affluence and pleasure. But this, apparently is at the lowest rung of the ladder because it is trapped in the mire of temporality and vanity. Also, it does not reflect higher ideals like; honour, integrity, truth, love etc.

In the course of achieving fame and wealth, many have soiled their hands; an act that will come back to hunt them and their children. Truly, what goes around comes around! Those who inflict pain on others in order to achieve their selfish agenda will, in same manner suffer immeasurable pain in the hands of the inscrutable and inexorable law of natural justice. By the time, the blind arbiter is done with its job, what will be left is a message that only the wise can decipher. Similarly, those who pursued virtuous goals in time past are today looked upon with reverence - their names have become sources of strength and inspiration to their various communities. Expectedly, the arbiter of natural justice rewards such excellent souls by making their descendants like 'a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers'. Where do you want to be?

In our various communities, there are good and bad memories. There are names that can evoke disappointment as well as resentment while others illuminate the spirit of their community with exceptional effulgence. If you are a leader today, remember that a time is coming when you will lose interest in all the fame and wealth you have acquired - they shall no longer make meaning to you. By the time you eventually pass away, everything will gradually slip into nothingness. The only thing that will be there to speak for you is your memory - how you lived your life. If you're the type that loved and supported your community or the type that assaulted or raped it, mouth will tell the tale.

For those who are currently threading on the path of honour and affection for their communities and humanity, I implore you to keep it up.

For you in particular, who is using your lean resources to give hope and succour to your impoverished people - an act that the high and mighty dread, you have automatically been inducted into the Hall of Fame. In time to come, your name shall stand shoulder to shoulder with great names such as; Ogranya Dixon Ewor, Claude Ake, Victor Masi etc. And your offsprings shall flourish like trees planted by the side of a river - they shall never lack.

THE NIGERIAN WORKER IN AGONY

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
4th September, 2023.

The Nigerian worker is indeed going through indescribable pain and agony. The current economic reality has left salary earners especially those in the public sector in a pitiable condition. Prices of goods and services have so dwarfed salaries that workers are confused and do not know where to turn to for help. Salaries have remained the same despite the soaring prices of items in the market. For instance, a bag of rice that went for #7,500 few years ago has climbed to #45,000 with the salary remaining the same. How are the workers expected to cope in this unjust and suffocating situation? Yet they must go to work even if it means spilling their own blood on the road. In their various places of work, they're expected to adhere strictly to the regulations of the job e.g., do not use official hours to run or operate personal businesses, do not engage in actions adjudged to be corrupt etc.

Salary earners are really going through tough time in this country. Majority of workers are neck deep into debt. They have to borrow to do the most basic things such as feeding, paying for rent etc - this situation has accelerated them further into a state of despondency and helplessness. As a result, microfinance institutions have sprouted like grass everywhere in order to take advantage of the situation to exploit the already beleaguered workers. It is not surprising that many salary earners even in the face of the stifling economic condition do not have salaries: activities of microfinance houses especially, those operating on-line have worsened workers situation.

Beginning of this academic session for children in both primary and secondary schools was a serious problem for salary earners. With the death of public schools across the country, the astronomical increase of school fees and other levies, salary earners were left with no choice but to go 'aborowing'. To address this problem, many workers have mortgaged their salaries till next year. The situation is asphyxiating. Nigerian workers are dying!

Those who may not be feeling the impact of this harrowing hardship are those who have found a way of misappropriating government's fund, politicians, those working in government's beloved or favoured organizations.

The suffering and hardship that the Nigerian worker is going through is real. Government must, as a matter of urgency rise to the occasion of saving the Nigerian workforce from collapse. It is my appeal that the principles of justice, fairness and equity be applied in the remuneration of workers. All workers should be treated equally. It is unthinkable that workers of one organization are treated with dignity and honour while others are treated with disdain. No organization can actually exist or operate in isolation - they need the support and collaboration of other organizations to function. To this end, I propose that every Nigerian worker should be treated equally. Salaries should be the same because we're all in the same society. Similarly, government should work out a modality to also carry along those in other sectors especially, the informal sector and by extension every Nigerian.

May God bless Nigeria!

MY REFLECTION ON NIGERIA @63.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
2nd October, 2023.

Nigeria, yesterday, clocked 63 years of existence as an independent and sovereign state. The journey so far has been quite tasking and challenging. On 1st October 1960, it gained political independence from Great Britain, its colonial master that saw it more as a means to an end. To the colonialists, the Nigerian state as well as other states within the African continent was a contraption that had no relevance except to serve the interest of its designers. The state of Nigeria outside the service of Great Britain, its inventor was problematic and inoperable. Everything about it moved anticlockwise. The early nationalists bickered and fought against one another over trivial issues. No sooner had the colonialists left the shores of the country that they abandoned their rhetoric of building a formidable common front and began to pursue tribal and regional domination.

As a multinational state, the new leaders were completely at a lose over how to coalesce the diverse ethnic and religious groups into a united entity. The situation was made worse by the volume of naked power the leaders wielded. Over time, they began to see themselves as gods worthy of worship. Following the glamour and grandeur surrounding such exalted positions, others began to clamour to have a feel of it. As a result, less than two years into self-rule, election crisis had started in a large scale in Lagos, the seat of government and other major cities within the Western region. This situation spread to other regions.

The Nigerian state was not built around the golden values of equality, fairness and justice but on aberrant values such as; mediocrity, inequality, tribalism, favouritism, hatred etc.

As a result of the skewed nature of the Nigerian state, the supposedly Nigerianess was discovered to be nothing but a mirage - an illusion! Nigerians felt only at home in their regions of origin. Outside their regions, they were viewed as lepers (outcasts). This situation continued unabated until a civil war broke out in 1967 (less than 7 years after independence) claiming millions of lives.

After the civil war which lasted 3 years, Nigerians haven't learnt their lesson. Rather than pursue national cohesion, leaders are busy following the same primordial political tenets that dragged the country into a needless war. After the civil war, Nigeria has recorded series of tribal and religious crisis that have claimed lots of innocent lives.

One major problem in Nigeria is the calibre of its leaders. The country, from time immemorial has been plagued by dearth of leadership. Majority of people who come forward as leaders are nothing but 'dealers' - they come to pursue their personal or selfish agenda. Leadership in Nigeria is never associated with selflessness and stewardship. The concept of leadership in Nigeria is one that deifies leaders. According to Nigeria's understanding of leadership, it is the people or followers that serve and worship their leader and not the other way round. While the people starve as a result of mis-governance, the leaders are allowed to stand tall and basking in their applause. In Nigeria, leaders do not care about the people; it doesn't matter whether they're dying or not, the leaders will never change their regal strides.

In Nigeria, leaders don't belong in the same world with the people. In the words of Aristotle, while the people belong to the polis, the leaders belong to Mount Olympus - a dwelling place of the gods. The privileges accorded leaders in Nigeria are out of this world - with the word of mouth, they can command anything they want including sending of 'prayers to email boxes'. In fact, Nigerian leaders are miracle workers: they can turn water into wine. With only one month in a leadership position in Nigeria, you're already seated on the empyrean throne. This situation has made the struggle into leadership positions extremely competitive and hellacious. Because of the power that leadership confers on its holders, many of them tend to act with reckless abandon - they behave as if they're beyond the vagaries of human life.

Elections in Nigeria are fraught with irregularities. Hair-raising frauds and evil are perpetrated before, during and after elections. Why do people undertake this arduous and tiring adventure just to win election or become a leader? The answer is in having unfettered access to wealth. Since having unquestioned wealth is the motive of going into leadership in Nigeria, the people's welfare and interest is of no significance. Against this background, the country's common wealth has been viciously plundered by members of the ruling class. The economy of the country has continued to nosedive irredeemably. It is however surprising how Nigerians are surviving in the present dispensation following the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant effect. Today, many Nigerians are surviving by the grace and mercies of God. The economy is simply in shambles. Food has become a luxury that many homes can't afford. Staple commodities and basic services have balled out of the reach of the common man. It is a pity to say that Nigerians are now like animals marked for death in the slaughterhouse - they're only waiting for their time.

The economy of the country has so degenerated such that, on her 63rd anniversary, the exchange rate is $1 = #1,000 what a pity! Many observers are of the view that $1 may become equivalent to #1,500 in December. In the early 80's, the naira stood taller than the dollar.

One issue that has become of paramount concern to observers is the rising level of midiocrity among the people. Many of people, owing to their loyalty to their tribes and religions prefer to be in bondage. They do not care if they're dieing as long as their kins men remain in positions of authority. To such people, their tribe and religion is 'numero uno'. In this regard, credibility and competence is cast into the abyss. Even in mono tribal/religious settings, many people choose to support leaders based on empty sentiment instead of credibility and competence. The truth is that we can never get out of the mire of corruption and mis-governance if we continue to behave in this manner. Only meritocracy, objectivity and sound judgement can help us put our country in the path of greatness.

With the right mentality and attitude, our country can reclaim its lost glory as the giant of Africa.

Happy 63rd Anniversary!

Long Live Nigeria!

WE'RE ALL MERE MORTALS

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
26th September, 2023.

The devil is indeed a manipulator; lots of people have been led astray by its convoluted wile. Vibrant and energetic people who are supposed to channel their strength into productive and meaningful ventures are often deluded into engaging in self-destructive activities. Also, many young men believe that they're invincible. This feeling is fueled by a number of factors such as; youthful spirit, strength, drugs, charms, belonging to dreadful group(s) etc. The feeling of invincibility has led to the tragic death of many. One of the major features of this caliber of people is unbridled arrogance; they carry themselves in such a manner that suggests that others who are not in the same page with them are sub-humans. On a regular basis, they disrespect those whom they're supposed to respect including their own elders and parents. It is only when they come to the end of the road that the veil covering their vision is lifted - by this time it's already late.

Such was the case of a young man who was arrested yesterday in connection with the gruesome murder of the late DPO Bako in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. The young man who was seen in a picture that later flooded the social media space displaying a rifle and wearing a cow face was singing like a canary. With his hands firmly tied behind his back and a tyre around his midsection, he began to spill the beans. He vomited all he knows about the DPO's murder but never ceased to plead for mercy. The expression of 'I swear to the almighty God' was glued to his tongue - he seldom spoke without it. After all the hyperbolized ego, he realized that he is a mere mortal that is about to become a dead meat just like the DPO he and his partners killed.

Reality, obviously will dawn on all who choose to live in a fool's paradise. Whoever thinks he can challenge the might or strength of the state because he has been able to acquire a few automatic firearms should think again. No matter how strong a dog is, it can never challenge the lion to a duel. The day it tries it, it shall surely be destroyed.

As a youth, if your ego begins to bloat like a balloon, watch it, for it is about to burst and consume your head. A word is enough for the wise!

CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION FOR MOHBAD.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
26th September, 2023

Many youths across various cities in Nigeria are holding procession in honour of the late afro-beat singer, Mohbad who died in an uncanny circumstance at the age of 27.

Mohbad was a rising star in the music industry but plummeted as a result of 'evil communication'. It is true that several others have, through the same means reached the apogee of their music career without losing a strand of hair but everybody's destiny is not the same, 'while some are applauded for dancing, others are flogged...'

Until the news of Mohbad's death hit the airwaves, many people, especially, the youths didn't know him. As a matter of fact, many got to know the name 'Mohbad' after the young man's death. Today, millions of our youths have gone into mourning - they're mourning a man they do not know. Some of the supposedly mourners act as if they have lived together with Mohbad. But the bitter truth is that they do not have the slightest idea of who he was. They do not know where, until his death he placed his hands or the activities he indulged in. Perhaps, it will be safe to conclude that those in this category are carried away by the rave or spirit of the moment. If this is the case, why jump into the band wagon of organizing such elaborate procession for a man you do not know? Could it be that the entire drama is geared towards nailing somebody who's culpability has already been established in the social media court? The reason for this may not be surprising; the social media is now a religion for young people. Whatever opinion that dominates therein becomes sacrosanct - immune from criticism.

Mohbad's death, no doubt is a tragedy to the music industry in Nigeria. Many music lovers in and outside Nigeria are indeed saddened by this unfortunate incident. But from the videos and confessions made by the late music artiste, it is apparent to state that, in as much as he was into music, he was also into other nefarious activities such as; drugs, cult activities etc. It is no longer news that the entertainment industry especially, the music industry, currently is saturated with the hydra-headed monster of cult and drugs. That some of our celebrated musicians openly boast about their cult groups is no longer news. The implication of belonging to such association or group is that; 'anything can happen'. When, unfortunately, the bad happens, people should not analyze the situation in isolation. Rather, they should look at the interconnectedness of events.

For those organizing a candlelight procession, it is not bad to do so for a fallen brother. However, care should be taken to carry out a quiet introspection to understand why you should be part of such a bogus extravaganza.

Until then, I join millions of Nigerians to pray that; may God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

THE QUARREL BETWEEN A HE-GOAT AND A PIG.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
24th September, 2023.

As he-goat was grazing close to a refuse dump one afternoon, a large pig that has been scavenging the dump for food since morning walked up to the he-goat and made a snort of derision at the he-goat. "Hmmm...you stink, when was the last time you took a bath?" The pig said twitching its snout. On hearing this, the he-goat turned to the pig and said, "who are you talking to?" And the pig replied, "you of course, immediately you came here everywhere began to smell. You better learn to take your bath regularly". The he-goat looked at the pig and let out a loud laugh, "look at who's talking. Do you take a bath?"
The pig oinked and shook its big head, "I take a bath every now and then. I just finished bathing before I came here".
The he-goat let out another round of laughter and said "where will you get water to wash yourself?"
The pig replied, "water is everywhere" and pointed at a smelly pool of water close to the refuse dump "that's where I take my bath. As a matter of fact, I can't remember the number of times I have taken bath today".
In utter amazement, the he-goat looked at the pig and said "if that is where you take your bath, I'd rather wash myself with my urine" and walked away. As he was walking away, the pig shouted "smelly he-goat!" And the he-goat replied, "you dirty pig that feed on rotten things". The pig retorted "yet my teeth is clean and white while yours is rotten".

Confused, the he-goat wagged its short tail, released a few drops of excreta and moved away.

FEMALE AND MALE CHILDREN: WHICH CARES MORE ABOUT THEIR PARENTS?

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
19th September, 2023.

The question, 'female and male children: which cares more about their parents?' has remained a major issue in family circles. Many people believe that women have the propensity to take care of their parents more than their male counterparts. Several reasons have been adduced to why they hold on to this believe. For instance, women, in their nature are more compassionate than men. This is exemplified in the way they handle their children - they're always moved by compassion. Also, they exert unimaginable influence on their husbands. Many of them can get their husbands to take ridiculous decisions such as disparaging their own siblings as well as parents. Examples abound where the man's family members are treated like thrash while those from the wife's side are treated with reverence. Only few godly women treat their husband's parents with respect and dignity. This feeling or believe, regardless of how appealing it may seem cannot be accepted as true. There are families where one or more men have proven to be more caring when it comes to taking care of their parents. These men defy every odds just to take care of their parents. Some have even quarreled or divorced their wives for antagonizing their effort of taking care of their parents. The same applies to women; there are women who are known for taking great care of their parents and siblings despite the obstacles on their path.

Taking care of one's parents has nothing to do with sex. Men can take care of their parents and women too can take care of their parents. Taking care of parents depend on a wide range of factors such as; individual's nature, access to wealth, physical/mental state of health, training, attachment to parents/family etc.

The desire of every parent is to have a loving, caring and supportive child or children. These children, during the twilight season of the parents will serve as their source of strength and energy - they will bring light when everywhere becomes dark. But we have a task and this task is training our children properly. They have to be shown love and affection so that when the bone grows weak and the sight becomes dim, there will be someone to hold on to. Showing love and affection must not only be to our biological child/children but to everyone we come across who is teachable and eager to learn.

MAN AS HIS OWN GREATEST ENEMY.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
14th September, 2023

Man, like other animals is a being condemned to struggle: he must struggle before he eats, struggle to stay alive: his life is besieged by uncertainty. Many things lie in wait to take his life thus he must work tirelessly to protect it. In the sun, he works to keep himself from hunger and dehydration. In the rain, he saves his body from cold and his head from being bludgeoned by violent storm. Man has no rest! Even in the quietness of the night, his brain ticks ceaselessly like a clock.

In a man's life, many things conspire to precipitate him into pain or even snatch his life from him. He is always on the run and must continue in it if his precarious life must stretch a little further.

One befuddling issue about man is the intricate interplay of freedom and bondage in his life. While he parades himself in the regalia of freedom, the chains of thralldom restrains him. He must yield to that innate calling. In this wise, even education and religion stand surbodinated to the compelling power of the immanent traits which more often than not are self-serving. Put differently, innate traits have the upper hand and must chart the course. A naturally quick tempered man will not hesitate to, through his action announce himself when the chips are down. His faith and learning is submerged in the current of his naturally configured weakness.

Among all the forces that threatens man's existence, his debilitating nature is his greatest undoing. The pain and misery that he inflicts on others as well as himself via the workings of his consciousness is a burden he does not know how exorcise.

Natural disasters and other human frailties like sickness, old age etc are nothing compared to the wickedness that emanate from the heart of man. From the heart of man comes strife and war. War is the greatest calamity to befall man; it has consumed more human life than any other tragedy in history. The interesting thing about this situation is that the instigators sometimes end up losing their own lives and those of their loved ones. Another thing that has impacted negatively on the live of man is maladministration which is often fueled by greed. This situation, from time immemorial has destroyed human lives in a large scale and will continue to do so until something drastic is done. Covetousness is an act that flows from no where else but the heart of man. By covetousness, men inflict immeasurable pain on their fellow men and sometimes, themselves. It is covetousness that compels people to crouch in the dead of the night to attack and dispossess others of their hard-earned properties and money. A man obtained loan from a bank, rented a large portion of land and farmed rice on it, when the rice became matured for harvesting, a band of thieves stormed the farm during the weekend when the owner does not visit his farm, cleared the farm to the last grain and went away. This is what a man can do to his fellow man! In a similar case, an elderly man who retired meritoriously from work after the compulsory 35 years of service had his retirement benefit cleared in his bank account by fraudsters. Only the grace of God saved the elderly man from committing suicide. The list of man's horrifying savagery to his fellow man is endless.

In human history, nothing has threatened man's existence as man himself. Man is a problem unto himself. He is the most vicious predator unto himself: he kidnaps, maims, kills and even eats the flesh of his fellow man. Even in this contemporary age, cannibalism is still practiced in a large scale. But the good news is that, the inexorable law of nature eternally remains sacrosanct and intact. Those who, in the pursuit of their selfish interest or desire increases the pain and suffering of others will certainly be consumed by a more terrifying blow.

Be not deceived, whatever a man sows, that he will reap!

MAN AS HIS OWN GREATEST ENEMY.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
14th September, 2023

Man, like other animals is a being condemned to struggle: he must struggle before he eats, struggle to stay alive: his life is besieged by uncertainty. Many things lie in wait to take his life thus he must work tirelessly to protect it. In the sun, he works to keep himself from hunger and dehydration. In the rain, he saves his body from cold and his head from being bludgeoned by violent storm. Man has no rest! Even in the quietness of the night, his brain ticks ceaselessly like a clock.

In a man's life, many things conspire to precipitate him into pain or even snatch his life from him. He is always on the run and must continue in it if his precarious life must stretch a little further.

One befuddling issue about man is the intricate interplay of freedom and bondage in his life. While he parades himself in the regalia of freedom, the chains of thralldom restrains him. He must yield to that innate calling. In this wise, even education and religion stand surbodinated to the compelling power of the immanent traits which more often than not are self-serving. Put differently, innate traits have the upper hand and must chart the course. A naturally quick tempered man will not hesitate to, through his action announce himself when the chips are down. His faith and learning is submerged in the current of his naturally configured weakness.

Among all the forces that threatens man's existence, his debilitating nature is his greatest undoing. The pain and misery that he inflicts on others as well as himself via the workings of his consciousness is a burden he does not know how exorcise.

Natural disasters and other human frailties like sickness, old age etc are nothing compared to the wickedness that emanate from the heart of man. From the heart of man comes strife and war. War is the greatest calamity to befall man; it has consumed more human life than any other tragedy in history. The interesting thing about this situation is that the instigators sometimes end up losing their own lives and those of their loved ones. Another thing that has impacted negatively on the live of man is maladministration which is often fueled by greed. This situation, from time immemorial has destroyed human lives in a large scale and will continue to do so until something drastic is done. Covetousness is an act that flows from no where else but the heart of man. By covetousness, men inflict immeasurable pain on their fellow men and sometimes, themselves. It is covetousness that compels people to crouch in the dead of the night to attack and dispossess others of their hard-earned properties and money. A man obtained loan from a bank, rented a large portion of land and farmed rice on it, when the rice became matured for harvesting, a band of thieves stormed the farm during the weekend when the owner does not visit his farm, cleared the farm to the last grain and went away. This is what a man can do to his fellow man! In a similar case, an elderly man who retired meritoriously from work after the compulsory 35 years of service had his retirement benefit cleared in his bank account by fraudsters. Only the grace of God saved the elderly man from committing suicide. The list of man's horrifying savagery to his fellow man is endless.

In human history, nothing has threatened man's existence as man himself. Man is a problem unto himself. He is the most vicious predator unto himself: he kidnaps, maims, kills and even eats the flesh of his fellow man. Even in this contemporary age, cannibalism is still practiced in a large scale. But the good news is that, the inexorable law of nature eternally remains sacrosanct and intact. Those who, in the pursuit of their selfish interest or desire increases the pain and suffering of others will certainly be consumed by a more terrifying blow.

Be not deceived, whatever a man sows, that he will reap!

WHO SAYS A FEMALE CHILD IS AN EMPTY BARREL?

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
11th September, 2023.

In many African societies, women are treated with levity. There is always a depressing reluctance in treating them like their male counterparts e.g., enrolling them in school. In time past, women were considered as weaker vessels and only good in managing homes. This reasoning gave birth to popular cliches like, 'a woman's education ends in the kitchen and bedroom' etc. In many traditional societies including Ogba land, women, regardless of their station in life were believed to be 'okpokro agba' (empty barrel). Although, civilization has helped to change the perception about women. However, many still look at women as second class citizens. In this present age, many people still discriminate against women e g., women are not entitled to benefit or inherit family property. Some people who have female children are led to believe that having only female children/child is equivalent to being without a child. The desperation for male children/child has pushed many men into impregnating women outside their matrimonial homes.

The truth is that, women are special just like men. With the right or proper training, a woman can do whatever a man can do and even better. There are women who have made remarkable or significant impact in their various areas of specialization. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one of such women. In the history of Nigeria and the world at large, Okonjo-Iweala is among the creme de la creme of modern women who have attained a towering and enviable height. Okonjo-Iweala has held many exalted positions both in the national and international levels. She did not stumble into these positions - knowledge and hardwork took her there! Okonjo-Iweala can be aptly described as an embodiment of success and also, the envy of everyone (including members of the menfolk). Few days ago, pictures of the US President, Joe Biden taking selfie with okonjo-Iweala flooded the social media. These pictures, I believe got many people thinking about the sickening value they placed on women. How many men in the history of Africa and Nigeria in particular have reached such a level?

Let us be proud of our female children and give them all the support they need to enable them stand out for good. Women are not empty barrels!

IMPETUOSITY

Impetuosity refers to an action performed quickly and without thought. Impetuosity could also be driven by emotion. People who act in this manner often times end in pain and regret.

A starving man was served a large bowl of eba and steaming plate of egusi soup. Instead of taking his time to deal with the food, he, even without washing his hands hurriedly pounced on the food as if it was running away. His first ball of eba picked a giant bone that stuck in his throat. Immediately, he forgot about the food and started struggling to vomit the bone. After several fruitless effort to vomit the bone, he was rushed to the hospital where it was removed but the doctor warned him not to eat anything hard for three days due to the lacerations in the throat.

A young man attended a two-day- workshop in a big hotel where he met a beautiful lady. His last night in the hotel, the lady who have become somewhat intimate with him offered to let him into her garden. Immediately the lady walked into his room that night, he was overcome by excitement such that he ran into the toilet to ease himself. After urinating, he hurriedly pulled up the zipper of his trouser and the metallic teeth of the zipper caught the skin of his Instruments. The young man let out a loud cry and called on the lady for help. Initially, the lady thought it was some kind of prank until she saw blood dripping from the tip of the penis where the teeth of the zipper had eaten deep into the soft flesh. As the young man was writhing in pain, she unconsciously offered to help. At the end, the zipper was removed but a gash has been left on the 'weapon' - it lay defeated and powerless.

The lady felt sorry for him and, after consoling him for a while bade him good night and left.

Whatever we do, let us not be impetuous!

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
09/09/22

TRIBAL AND RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT: A CLOG IN THE WHEEL OF OUR PROGRESS

Tribal and religious sentiment is a serious problem in this country. It is true that every man has a right to his personal views and opinions. However, such views and opinions must be devoid of tribal and religious sentiment. Imagine a man with University degree preferring NEPA bill to a University certificate? This is preposterous! Now, look at where NEPA bill has landed us? Hunger is ravaging the land and those who clamoured for NEPA bill are not exempted - all of them are suffering too. One of such religious bigots who almost stabbed his friend for drumming support for GEJ in 2015 has been reduced almost to a beggar by the hash economy. Few weeks ago when I went to his once busy business premises, the entire area was deserted. In fact, it was like a graveyard. The bad economy had crippled his business. Without any reliable means of survival, he was compelled to return to his village. The suffering and hardship is not interested in knowing one's tribe or religion: it pummels everybody with great force.

The hardship that we are currently going through is also not selective. Majority of Nigerians are suffering it except those who have the privilege of 'receiving prayers in their mail boxes'. Today, many Nigerians have parked their vehicles because they cannot afford to buy fuel. Many businesses have closed down. Many civil/public servants are not able to go to work because either they have not been paid their salaries or they cannot afford to pay transport fare to and from their places of work. In a bid to survive, people are going into all manner of dubious and wicked practices in order to put food on the table - victims of these nefarious activities (also) include the tribal and religious chauvinists. Nobody is exempted!

Tribal and religious sentiment have never helped us right from the beginning of our union as a country.

If we do not turn away from this absurd behaviour, we shall continue to wallow in unmitigated hardship.

Let us liberate ourselves from this mental slavery so that our tomorrow will be beautiful.


Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
29/08/23

ANGELS IN THE STREETS AND DEVILS AT HOME.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
26th August, 2023.

During our growing up days, our father never failed to remind us that some people are angels in the streets and devils at home. This expression didn't really make much meaning to us until we grew up and began to understand the intricacies of marriage.

Some women are truly blessed with physical or existential beauty. All of their bodily features are proportionate and intact. Their skin glow like the morning sun. Their smile, electrifying and their touch, like silk. They are the center of attraction. They are the desire of every man. After all, which man does not like a good thing? In the streets and other public places, they lighten up the atmosphere and also arouse a great deal of interest and excitement. Everyone including members of the womenfolk are caught up in the overwhelming admiration such that some of them begin to wish they were men so they can devour the beauty with unflagging relish. While others wish they could win them (the beautiful women) for their brothers.

Beautiful women's light illuminate everywhere they go: this light radiates and captures every attention. But existential beauty is not all that there is. In fact, physical beauty is like a mirage - it is ungraspable. It only pleases the external senses especially, the eyes. Moreover, physical beauty depreciates. Physical beauty alone cannot sustain relationships particularly, marriages. Many ladies that are gifted with physical beauty sometimes are misled into thinking that physical beauty is eternal. They think that they're going to remain a cynosure forever. This thinking has ruined many of such women. It is on record that many beautiful women are colossal disasters when it comes to running a home; they lack the character necessary to have a peaceful and happy home.

A certain lady known as Princess Arabia was a stunningly beautiful woman. She was nicknamed Princess Arabia because of her beauty: she looked like an Arab beauty queen. Although her parents were as dark as chakoal but she resembled a white woman because of her complexion, straight hair, long and pointed nose. Princess Arabia had all the physical attributes of a Princess. She was tall, trim and walked with a majestic grace. She had a great charm that leaves every man begging to be her slave. She controlled many high and mighty men. One of her many lovers, Ebuka, a rich and handsome young man from Nnewi, Anambra State, spent millions of naira just to convince her to marry him irrespective of her many weaknesses but she refused. Princess Arabia was as unstable as water. She never had a steady relationship. The only asset she had was her beauty. She was a true definition of foolishness - she lacked manner. Whenever she opened her mouth to talk, absurdity oozed out uncontrollably. Inspired by a foolish and extravagant admiration, another rich man, a Yoruba business mogul from Illesha known as Chief Segun met Princess Arabia in a party in Eko hotel and four months later they tied the nuptial knot. Unfortunately for Chief Segun, Princess Arabia was like fire - that which is beautiful but cannot be handled with bare hands. Within six months of their marriage, Chief Segun was almost going mad; everything about him was falling apart. His business was collapsing. His health deteriorated badly. His friends and family members abandoned him. Princess Arabia, with her foolishness was slowly killing Chief Segun. This pathetic situation continued until Chief Segun's sisters vowed to save their brother's life by fighting Princess Arabia tooth and claw. They employed every means necessary in the fight until she packed her bags and baggages and ran away. It was after she left that Chief Segun regained his senses. It was later discovered that she had used diabolical means to turn Chief Segun into a zombie.

In this present age, there are many beautiful women like Princess Arabia. They go about looking for a man to transmogrify into a zombie. Their beautiful pictures taken in an opulently furnished backgrounds and sometimes in a salacious or Hot pose flood the social media with the intention to capture men and systematically lead them to the gallows. These women are like wild horse - they cannot be tamed! They're angels in the streets and devils at home. Similarly, there are men like Princess Arabia; their light shine brightly in clubs, hotels etc but emit a dim light at home. They too are angels in the streets and devils at home. They're bad news. Let's beware of them.

Reflection on Prayers of Malediction During Ogba Festivals.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
16th August, 2023

Festivals are periods of merrymaking; a period when family members gather to celebrate. In Ogba land, there are many festivals but the outstanding ones are Nchaka and Egwu Ogba.

Like every other festival, prayers of benediction are offered to the gods to bless the people as well as their land. One thing that makes Ogba festivals unique is the casting of aspersions and heaping of malediction on, not the malevolent spirits but individuals who exhibit debased and wicked behaviours like; stealing, cheating, lying, backbiting etc. This prayer is such that demands immediate destruction of the lives of those believed to be bad.

In Ogba festivals, fire plays a very significant role. Fire is used to burn all works and workers of iniquity. This fire is used in a symbolic sense and not in a physical sense. In offering prayers of malediction, certain word, phrases and sentences are used repeatedly such that they have become chants synonyms with the festivals. In these festivals, chants like; "fire consume witches/wizards, thieves, liers, cheaters etc" are common. In the just concluded Egwu Ogba festival, fire and the chant "njor" meaning that "fire should consume all works of iniquity" was, as usual, used lavishly.

But how many people are actually free from these curses? Who can boast of being a saint? No one. Some people who are more vociferous when it comes to heaping of maledictions on workers of iniquity are as perverse and corrupt as the people they want to be consumed by fire. At the end, people are just ignorantly heaping curses on themselves. The harsh economic condition in the country has made the situation even worse: there's hardly any man who is not involved directly or indirectly in one unethical conduct or the other. Therefore, whenever prayers of malediction are offered during festivals, people should remember that they too are deeply enmeshed in the deprevity which they want terminated in their land.

BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER

Politics in Nigeria is funny.
When it favours you, you slip into your cocoon to quietly enjoy your chow.

When it does not favour you,
you begin to run your mouth like a Kalashnikov -

You criticize every move made by those in power and attempt to pull down every wall of Jericho.

You're a manipulative brat
Your mouth stinks like their anus
You're worse than those you attack

You're all birds of the same feather!

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
15th August, 2023.

ALLEGORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND THE LOCUST BEAN TREE

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
15th August, 2023.

One morning, a certain beautiful bird perched on the branch of a locust bean tree and sang so melodiously for a long time that the tree thought that the bird has become part of him. While basking in this excitement, the bird flew away. Angered by the sudden disappearance of the bird, the locust bean tree began to complain to everyone who cared to listen how the bird came into his life, brightened it up and all of a sudden left him broken hearted. When this complain became too much, all the trees summoned the beautiful bird to a meeting. In the meeting, they questioned the beautiful bird why she treated the locust bean tree with such disregard and callousness. The bird, in utter surprise replied that she's not aware of treating the locust bean tree in such a manner. The way she perched on the tree was the same she flew away. If she didn't tell the tree before perching on his branch, why must she tell him before leaving? When the trees heard this, they all agreed that the bird was right, "she left the way she came - case closed" they chorused in unison. Hearing this, the locust bean tree buried his face in shame.
****************

A REMINISCENCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL DAYS.

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
5th August, 2023.

A secondary school is an institution that provides secondary education. It is that stage of formal education that follows primary school and precedes higher education. Secondary education is not strange in our society as many people have passed through it.

In the past, when higher education was not very common, secondary school was regarded very highly. Secondary school graduates were believed by many to have reached the apogee of education. Those who attended secondary school in the 50's, 60's and even 70's were accorded immense respect. Some of them were, in one way or another honoured in their various communities. For instance, the former Oba of Ogba land, Chukwumela Nnam Obi 11 as a graduate of Sancta Maria High School, Omoku in the 60's was believed by many people to have reached the zenith of formal education. In those days, only privileged few went to secondary school and at the end of their study occupied juicy positions in the organizations they found themselves.

One thing that was significant about secondary schools in those days was discipline. Students were trained not only in the area of learning but in character. They were moulded to become enlightened and better people in the society. During holidays when students returned home, the difference was always clear - they conducted themselves in a decent and orderly manner. From the late 70's when foreign teachers began to leave the shores of the country because many indigenous teachers were ready and willing to take up their duties, the standard of secondary education began to fall. The exit of these foreign teacher signaled the birth of indiscipline in secondary schools. Majority of these indigenous teachers who were not as committed as their foreign counterparts began to gradually place the task of discipline in the hands of senior students. In this regard, Senior Prefects and others were elevated to the status of gods before the junior students. It is in this way that secondary schools became a hotbed of torture. Senior students could punish junior students without recourse to their safety and well-being. This practice continued up untill the late 90's. In many schools especially, the government schools, some senior students became outlaws such that the teacher were even afraid of them. Many parents became aware of this situation and looked for senior students they can hand their children to for the purpose of protection. These junior students automatically became servants to the senior students. Although, some of the seniors were careful not to refer to the junior students as servants but as "school sons or daughters". Yet, some of these seniors refered to the juniors placed under their care as "gays".

During this period, indiscipline increased significantly. All manner of callousness were displayed by students. I remember quite clearly how, in my school, Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, a senior student stamped a blazing red (pressing) iron on the back of a junior student. Another boy almost lost his life as a result of excessive torture by a senior student. Following the inability of the school authorities to put an end to this callous behaviour, cult activities crept in. In this regard, many government schools became a tinderbox for cult related clashes. This development contributed immensely to the collapse of public secondary schools - many parents who could afford it, withdrew their children and sent them to private schools where the proprietors of the schools have their feet firmly planted on the ground. In these schools, nobody, including teachers have a right to maltreat pupils or students. In fact, teachers often times take permission from parents before flogging their children.

Secondary school has gone through series of changes such that a secondary school graduate or school certificate holder as they are preferably called today are almost looked upon as illiterates - they are found at the lowest rung of the ladder of every organization in the country. Nothing truly lasts forever!

THE GREAT EVIL
By:

Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
4th August, 2023

There is a great evil happening in our society. Human beings and women in particular are selling themselves into slavery - prostitution. Young girls are leaving the shores of this country in droves. Years back, they were hoodwinked intro traveling abroad for the purpose of becoming commercial sex workers but today, the story is different - many of them are going about looking for agents that will facilitate their movement to foreign countries where they're going to become objects of perverse pleasure. In their desperation to leave this country, they expose themselves to all manner of dangers including bestiality. Some do not even live to tell the tale - they die like flies. In almost every part of Africa, our dearly beloved sisters are seen hanging in corners of streets, hotels, clubs etc selling their bodies like piece of meat. The men are not left out. In the name of hustle, they illegally travel abroad to engage in shady and despicable transactions that destroy the image of this country. A brilliant young man called Jerry graduated from the university with a second class upper division but out of his impetuosity, sneaked into Malaysia where he engaged in illegal drug business. A year after joining the contemptible business, he was arrested and injected with a lethal substance by the Malaysian authorities and later repatriated to Nigeria where he died gradually.

The question many people ask is "what could be responsible for such reckless and unthinking behaviour?" Obviously, hunger and poverty are the biggest monsters ravaging our society. It is true that hunger and poverty can make a man mad or bring out the beast in him but we must not allow our entire being to be submerged by the awkward situation we find ourselves in - the flag of reason must, no matter what be allowed to fly. We must understand that any wealth acquired through evil or wicked means, very soon, will scatter like a chaff before the wind. People must desist from having children they cannot carter for - such children turn out to become menace to society. With their poor parental background, they can do anything to survive including prostitution, advance fee fraud, armed robbery etc. Lastly, greed and its brother, impatience are strong forces that compel people to indulge in unwholesome practices. Jerry's case is a typical example, he had a bright future but was so much in a hurry to "hammer" that he ended up having his life hammered.

Let us be careful the way we live our lives. There's a popular African proverb that says "any hunter that does not kill a game will surely return home". If we try today and fail, that is not the end of life - we must continue trying till we succeed.

SHOE GET SIZE

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
25th July, 2023

'Shoe get size' is a popular phrase in pidgin which means 'every shoe size has a corresponding feet'. For a shoe to be worn, it has to be the actual size of whoever that is to wear it. For obvious reason, shoes do not need to be oversized or undersized. Although, the expression is used more often in a metaphorical sense. In everything that one does or intends to do, size must be taken into consideration. The reason is that, size 'as an actual state of affair' is a crucial or veritable tool in planning. In other words, it is practically impossible for one to undertake any venture without considering size. Going into a business for instance, requires one to have a clear understanding of the size of the business to be established. This, in most cases is determined by the amount or size of resources at one's disposal. In this regard, having accurate knowledge of one's size and sticking by it is the key to staying alive.

The idea of 'shoe get size' was made manifest in the life a beautiful Ibibio lady called Nseyen.

Few years ago, Terkimbi Anjov, a young and athletic man of 29 years of age from Tse-Agberagba in Konshisha, Benue State met Nseyen in National Hospital, Abuja where he was doing his internship after graduating from Medical School in Benue State University. Nseyen Ntia was an anaesthetic nurse in the National hospital and also an epitome of beauty. She was two years younger than Terkimbi in age. Nseyen came from Ibesikpo in Akwa Ibom State. She had only moved to Abuja six months earlier after graduating from School of Nursing in Uyo.

Nseyen was so beautiful that people within the hospital never ceased to talk about her beauty . The first time Terkimbi saw Nseyen, his heart almost sank - he had never seen such beauty before. In his eyes, Nseyen's chocolate complexion shone like the bright morning sun. Within a matter of days, he was able to get her attention and somehow, they started a relationship. Terkimbi was the only child of Dr. Mato Anjov and Dr. Mrs. Doofan Anjov both of whom retired about ten months ago as Permanent Secretaries in the Benue State Civil Service; he was also a handsome young man full of wit and vivacity. He was not only intelligent, he had a great sense of humour which endeared Nseyen to him.

When Terkimbi took Nseyen to Tse-Agberagba, his village to introduce her to his parents who had successfully relocated to the countryside, his entire village went up in flames; they haven't seen such a beautiful girl. His parents, upon sighting the girl could not contain their excitement.
'come' his mother called him to one side, 'is she the girl you've been talking to us about? The Udam* girl? They eat a lot of dog meat o!' his mother joked.

Before he returned back to Makurdi, he and his parents had concluded arrangement to, without delay visit Nseyen's parents and make their intention known.

As the only child of his parents, it was not difficult to skip all the financial hurdles - he married Nseyen. Their marriage was the talk of town as the governor and other eminent personalities of the state graced the occasion.

Two years after the marriage, Terkimbi and his wife, Nseyen were yet to have a child. Meanwhile, Terkimbi was losing weight on a regular basis despite having been employed in Federal Medical Center, Makurdi as a doctor. Despite the success around him, he was growing thin. His close friends noticed it and began to question him in order to know what the problem was. When they couldn't get anything from him, they concluded that it must be their childless situation. When his parents visited, his mother noticed his was looking pale and terribly emaciated. After dinner, she called him and demanded to know what was going on.
'Ornee*, what exactly is happening to you? Please, tell me. I'm your mother. Is it about the child that hasn't come?'
When he didn't answer, his mother asked 'is it your wife?' Like a defeated man, he raised his face to his mother, his eyes heavy with tears and said 'I can't satisfy her...'
Confused, his mother stuttered 'wwwhat do you mean? Have you not been sleeping with her?'
'I have but ...' he shook his head. 'she's a sex maniac. I'm not sure I can continue with her' he confessed.
' Maybe it's the excessive dog meat they eat and that thing they're always sucking...periwinkles that gives them such abnormal appetite for sex' his mother thought to herself. Before she went to bed that night, she encouraged her son to try his best in satisfying his wife but, should not hesitate to retreat when it becomes necessary.

Six months after, Terkimbi divorced Nseyen on the ground of infidelity: he accused her of having affair with men in their neighborhood as well as in the hospital where she works.

As an extraordinarily beautiful lady, it did not take her up to six months before another man married her. Her new husband, Michael Ogbole, a native of Orokam in Benue State. During one of his business visits to the state from US where was based, he sighted Nseyen while on duty in Bishop Murray Hospital where he went to see one of his friends that was sick and the fire of love was ignited. Two months later, they were married. Ogbole was a real virtuoso in the act of lovemaking yet his power or strength could not measure up with Nseyen's everburning and unquenchable desire for sex. As far as sex was concerned, Nseyen was never tired. She could spend the whole day having sex without getting tired. In fact, Nseyen was like a wild horse.

Ogbole had never seen or heard anything close to Nseyen's burning habitude for sex. All his years as a 'playboy', he never came across any lady that is close to Nseyen. In fact, some of the girls he befriended left him because of his high libido - they couldn't withstand it. But here he is, 'reduced to a stuffed toy bear by a woman he calls 'wife'. 'By the way, why is she so different? Why is She never tired of sex? Why does she need sex all the time?' he asked himself.

Nseyen was an adept in initiating sex. She knows how to turn a man on.

To help boost her husband's performance, she lavished him with different types of Akwa Ibom native delicacies like; afang, editang, atama, afiaefere, ikpankukwo etc. In Uyo, he has tried '404'* and shots of ufofop*. That night, he noticed that his performance in the 'ring' was clumsy. After their short stay in Uyo and Ibesikpo (Nseyen's town and a short distance from Uyo), they returned back to Makurdi. In the night, after a long and tiring journey, he decided to take the viagra he had bought over a week ago. The idea was to see if he could, for once get her to confess that she was tired. That night, he almost died as a result of exhaustion. After he managed to survive that bout, he doffed his cap for her and decided to avoid her because she's not from this world. What surprised Ogbole the most was her calm disposition. Nseyen was more of an introvert - she keeps to herself most of the time. She always maintained a moderate dress sense. She never dressed or behaved in an awkward manner. In fact, she's the type of woman every man desires yet there's something sinister about her - she's a nymphomaniac. No man can satisfy her sexual hunger! Ogbole convinced himself.

With this knowledge, Ogbole kept on receding like a hairline till he abandoned Nseyen and returned back to the US.

Having realized that Ogbole had ran away, she continued quietly with her life without a fuss. As a beautiful and attractive lady, people swarmed around her all the time. Men rushed into her life and rushed out but she remained unruffled. She continued in this way till she met Ukeme Ubong, an ophthalmologist from Etinan in Akwa Ibom State who had visited Benue State Teaching Hospital over a research he was conducting. Ukeme, a 41 years old man who has been looking for a lady to settle down with knew immediately that Nseyen was the woman he has been looking for when he sighted her. Without qualms, they fell for each other. One thing led to another, they got married in Uyo. Unlike the other men, Ukeme satisfied Nseyen without subjecting himself to any kind of stress. With ease, he enjoyed his wife. Every now and then, he carried her to the moon and brought her back to earth with excitement. Less than a year after their marriage, they had a set of twins - Enobong and Edidiong. From this experience, Ukeme proved to be the correct and appropriate size for Nseyen. Every 'shoe get size'. Look for your size!
********************

*Udam - A word used by the Tiv people to describe none Tivs from the Cross River State axis.

*Ornee - A Tiv word for 'young man'.

*404 - A nickname for 'dog meat'.

*Ufofup - Name of local gin otherwise known as ogogoro.

THE POWER OF FREEWIL

God almighty does not compel people to choose a particular option. Instead, He allows them to use their freewill to make choices. Although, He wants people to choose 'good' but they're also at liberty to choose 'bad'. However, there's a caveat; whoever chooses bad should be prepared to face the consequences.

The children of Israel chose Saul over God as their king. From the time they took that momentous decision, they carried their cross all by themselves: God retreated and had to watch them from afar. This is what happens when people make a wrong choice.

In Nigeria...(you can complete the story).

By:
Ajukura, F. O.
19/07/23

WORDS OF PARENTS

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
13th July, 2023

Children, in every human culture or society are expected to honour their parents. This commandment stem from the troubles parents go through in raising their children. For some parents, especially mothers, the trouble begins from conception to adulthood. The duties or roles of parents in the lives of their children are limitless. This is why tension and disagreements often times ensue between parents and their sons and daughters in-law.

A young man called Ojadi had been having running battle with his father over his decision to marry a girl whom the family considers unfit for him. In those days, parents and close family relations played a significant role in determining who their children should marry. Ojadi, having completed his standard six decided to bring home his girlfriend and a former classmate, Margaret popularly known as 'Magi'. Magi was a light complexioned and beautiful girl from the next village. In what started like a joke, Ojadi, to the envy of other boys in the school won the heart of Magi. Their relationship started when they were in standard 5 but was inconspicuous. Towards the end of their school, Ojadi and Magi have become love birds; their story was all over town. However, many people resented the relationship because it was considered immoral for a boy and a girl to be friends.

One evening when Elemenya, Ojadi's father was returning from his elder sister's house, he saw his son, Ojadi cuddling and kissing a girl under an almond tree close to their house. Without uttering a word, he went and waited for Ojadi to return home. Very late in the night when Ojadi returned home staggering like a plantain leaf after soaking himself in alcohol, his father invited him to his room and without delay asked, 'where are you coming from this night?'
'A friend's house' Ojadi replied flatly.
'Who's that your friend?'
'You don't know him'
'...or her?' Elemenya interjected.
Shocked, Ojadi's eyes opened wide and almost fell out from their socket. 'What do you mean papa?' Ojadi queried.
'So you have become so shameless that you can sleep with a woman in the full glare of the public? By the way, who is that shameless girl I saw you caressing under the almond tree and where is she from?'
Ojadi, roaring like a lion warned his father not to call that girl shameless 'that girl you're referring to as shameless is my wife, I have already concluded arrangement to marry her'
His father let out a serious laugh.
'Is that the way they marry?' His father mocked him. 'If you know what is good for you, don't bring that harlot anywhere close to my house, do you hear me?'.

Few months after the exchange, Ojadi got a job in the wharf as a clerical officer. One weekend when he visited home, he told his father about his plan to get married. Excited about the news, his father asked 'Who is the girl? What's her father's name?' Before Ojadi could finish mentioning the name of the girl's father, Elemenya, like a thunder shouted at Ojadi to keep quiet. 'You can't marry that harlot! Magi the daughter of Osiogu a known thief and wizard? No way!' Elemenya said shaking his head.
'How did you know Magi?' Ojadi asked.
'I have my eyes and ears to the ground' his father boasted. Inundated by anger, Ojadi, shouting at the top of his voice vowed to his father to pay back all the money that has been spent in raising him so that he can be free to live his life the way he wants it. As he continued shouting, his taciturn and reticent mother came to tell him to calm down and stop making such reckless utterances but he refused to listen to her. By the time the quarrel had died down, he went to the bathroom behind their compound to take a shower. By the time he returned to his room, an awful smell greeted him. Without wasting time, his nose located the source of the odour. On his well dressed bed was a mounded feces his father had deposited on his bed. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
'Feces? On my bed?' he questioned.
'Yes! You have not seen anything yet. Get ready to payback all the troubles...this is just the beginning...' Elemenya yelled. Angry and about to react, a small but still voice whispered to him that his father is right - 'nobody repays his parents for bringing him up. If you can return your school fees, money for food etc what about the sleeplessness they suffered in raising you? What about the urine, feces and vomit you bathed them with? More over' the voice continued 'you know deep down in your heart that Magi is lazy and covetous, her family background is terrible. Her father is not only a sorcerer, he's also a thief. Few years ago, he was almost lynched by angry mob when he was caught harvesting cassava in another person's farm'. By the time the voice stopped talking to him, he realized that the words of parents are indeed words of wisdom and power. He also realized that no amount of money can compare with what parents go through in raising their children, he knelt down and begged his parents to forgive his impudence.

Children, often times are led to believe that they're grown ups and, for that reason can take care of themselves. What they do not know is that 'what the parents or elders see siting down, the children may not be able to see it even if they climb the tallest tree'. Age and life's experience make them better judge. Many people today find themselves in a messy situation because they failed to pay attention to their parents advise or warning.

May God help children to honour and listen to the counsel of their parents!

GOD'S TIME IS THE BEST

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
2nd July, 2023.

Man's impetuosity and ungratefulness has indeed created a huge gulf between himself and his maker, God almighty. The Bible tells us to 'let God's will be done in our lives' but in our desperation, we have reversed this instruction to 'let our will be done'. There is nothing wrong in having our will accomplished but one question we fail to ask ourselves is 'are we the originator of our own existence?' No! God unarguably caused us into existence. He told us authoritatively that, 'before we were formed in our mothers' womb, He knew us'. This means that He created us for a purpose. He knows our beginning from our ending. He knows every moment our lives. He knows our low and high moments. Above all, he did not create us to be 'efulefu' (nonentities). Confirming this, He has assured us in several Bible passages that we should not despire as his plan for us is good. In Jer. 29:11, He made is explicitly clear that 'I know the thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope'. What this means is that, if we live according to His expectations such as; not being lazy, coveteous, wicked etc, He certainly will pour out his blessings upon us. Unfortunately, in our desperation, we have pushed Him aside and have taken His place. What foolishness! Man can never be God no matter how hard he tries. This attitude has placed a serious burden, pain and suffering upon many. A cursory look around us, it will be noticed that the promise of God is lacking in the life of many - pains, suffering and untimely death is rampant. This is not God's plan for mankind.

A young lady known as Daphne graduated from University with a 2nd Class Lower and two of her closest friends got 2nd Class Upper respectively. While she was bemoaning fate for making her the least among her friends despite the fact that she was more intelligent than them, they got employment in better organizations. To crown it all, they got married almost at the same time and are blessed with beautiful children while she's still struggling to find her footing. The thought of being left behind continued to sap her energy that nothing made sense to her. In her desperation to marry as she was already working in a small law firm, she jumped into relationship with all the men that came her way. Before long, she became the subject of discussion in town - many men have had affair with her. She was just an object of pleasure and not fit for marriage. Her life had become a basket; the more she tried to patch it using her own initiative or discretion, the more it leaked. One day, she told herself, it was over - she will take her own life. But immediately, she remembered that; back in the days, they had taught her in Sunday School that whoever takes his or her life, God's punishment upon such a fellow will be severe. For this reason, she decided to approach one Pastor Benjamin to pray for her soul find peace with the Lord. Pastor Benjamin superintended over a Pentecostal Church close to her house. In the Pastor's office, she revealed why she wanted the Pastor to pray for her. Upon hearing this, the Pastor became alarmed but managed to keep his cool by flashing a fake smile.
'Are you serious about this?' The Pastor asked jokingly.
'I have never been more serious than this in my entire life' she replied.
'Ok' the Pastor said 'before you go ahead to terminate your life, permit me to take you through a round of questions' and she agreed.

Pastor: Are you sick?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Are you an illiterate?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Are you in detention?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Are you bedridden?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Do you need support to move?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Are you a destitute?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Do you have to sell your body before you eat?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Did anybody say you can't have children?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Did anybody say you can't get married?
Daphne: No

Pastor: Is your situation the worst in the world?
Daphne: No

At this point, the Pastor took in a deep breathe and said to her 'now, it's obvious that you're better than a lot of people yet none of them is willing to take their lives - they're hopeful that things will get better some day. So' he said throwing his hands in the air, ' since you know this, you can now go ahead and take your life - commit suicide!'. When she heard this, she fell face down and began to cry. The realization that she had been foolish and ungrateful to God made her to cry uncontrollably. As she was crying, she turned to the Pastor and said, 'please, pray for me, I have sinned against God' and resumed crying but this time mumbling some words inaudibly.

By the time she got home, she was completely a new creature - she had decided to entrust her future into the care of God. Less than a year after this incident, her story changed; she got a better job in an oil firm in Port Harcourt. Today, she's happily married with three children - two girls and a boy.

God has not forgotten anybody: at the appropriate time, He will make everything beautiful. Let us learn to keep His commandments and wait for His time.

HOLD THAT VISCERAL DRIVE: RESPECT SECURITY PERSONNEL
By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
1st July, 2023.

In recent time, there has been a blistering increase in openly challenging and even attacking security personnel by members of the public especially, the youths. This development, no doubt is fueled by the rising awareness of human or people's rights. In the name of defending these rights, we have seen security personnel being flagrantly disobeyed, assaulted or attacked. Seun Kuti's attack on a police man performing his legitimate duty is a typical example of what security or law enforcement officers sometimes experience in the hands of some young people. While I do not support the display of rascality by security officials, members of the public must desist from defending or pursuing their rights to the extent of putting their lives on the line - a dead man tells no tales.

Two days ago, precisely on 29th June 2023, the town of Ekpoma in Edo State was thrown into pandemonium as some police men ran over a middle aged man identified as Success Ehimare with their patrol vehicle. According to an eye witness report, Ehimare resisted arrest and also refused to surrender his handset to the police men despite being in handcuff. When the police men noticed that they could not arrest Ehimare because of the people's intervention, in anger, they decided to leave the area with Ehimare still in handcuff but the young man refused to let the police men go unless they uncuff him. To demonstrate his seriousness, he decided lie in front of the vehicle in a bid to prevent the police men from leaving but the police men gave him the greatest shock of his life by running over him. The gory sight threw the town into disarray.

The police men would have been mobbed if not for the fact that they scared the people by firing repeatedly into the air. But thank God, Ehimare miraculously survived after being dragged by the vehicle for almost 100 meters.

The police men were later arrested and charged for acting unprofessionaly. Ehimare was lucky to have escaped death; not many people are like him - they lost their lives in the pool of their own blood. People must not be unreasonable to challenge 'the man carrying a gun'. Some of these security officials especially, police men may be going through depressing situations that may have been induced by family problems, lack of job satisfaction etc. Therefore, challenging such a person can spell or pronounce doom. There are several reports of such officers firing even their colleagues and stand to face the consequences of their action. Whatever visceral drive that will compel an armless individual or group of individuals to provoke an armed security personnel should be avoided in order not to become a statistic: one of those felled by the bullet. There are however, decent and legitimate ways of dealing with wayward and irresponsible security officials. Please, be wise.
Your family needs you.