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 Politics › The Biafran Puzzle, Inclusion Or Secession? by AreteWrites(op): 2:30pm On Feb 28, 2017 |
With over 250 ethnicities and as many languages, Nigeria is a quite the multicultural nation. An ethnic cocktail that’s left bad tastes in the mouths of many. A lot of people believe Nigeria cannot succeed for this reason alone. The continuous struggle for power between the different peoples, inherent ethnic bias across all social institutions and sheer intolerance among citizens, are among the issues commonly pointed out as obstacles to national development. These commentators feel it is impossible to cram all these ‘nations’ into one entity and still expect just and favourable outcomes; so the best thing for the 180 million people is to have the country divided. To every man, his tent. Nigeria is the brainchild of what is probably the greatest institution of callous exploitation and human indifference. Colonialism. Territories were carved amongst greedy nations with the purpose of filling their coffers, destroying the norms of the indigenous peoples and impressing upon them ‘superior’ cultures. For many nations, international and intra-national borders were defined by the socio-cultural relationships of the various peoples before the existence of the nation state. That wasn’t the case for Nigeria. Like many other colonies, Nigeria’s regional borders were drawn out between the various colonialists without any consideration of the peoples that lived within them. Some colonies were literally drawn with rulers. The creation of these protectorates dismantled the existing political orders and the people were forced to serve unfamiliar interests, in our case; the queen’s. Fast forward passed a bloody civil war, several ethnic battles, a century and three years later, the nation is exactly as it was after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914 (with respect to national boundaries). This marriage of convenience has led many to believe it’s impossible for us Nigerians to live in peace. Is it? No. To many, the concept of Nigeria is still yet to register with the majority of the citizenry and for that reason nation building can only yield negative returns. This, I believe is true. ‘Nigeria’ is too abstract and alien to many. Ethnic identity unlike national identity is felt and expressed in various facets of our lives. People regularly speak and understand their various languages, engage in their various festivities and interpret certain phenomena (like birth and death) and institutions (like marriage) using various cultural perspectives. Ethnicity lives with and within us. Now, it is not in my view that holding ones ethnicity in higher esteem than nationality is positive, I am only trying to prove why it is justified given the present conditions. The Nation state ‘Nigeria’, is distant to the citizenry. The only events that prompt nationality in many Nigerians are the presidential and state elections and international sports competitions with Nigerian participation. Until Nigeria is brought closer to its people, Nigerians will continue to fall back on the trusted alliance that is ethnicity. This not a call for Hitler style nationalism, rallying our citizens behind the perception of a common enemy. Rather, given that Nigeria is a democratic polity, the best way to drive the sense of being Nigerian forward is by getting the people more involved in the nation building process. Ceding the destiny of the Nigerian into her own hands. The devolution of federal power has been a hotly debated issue in recent times. While many favour it for its economic advantages, I amongst others propose it in a bid to foster true nationalism. In Nigeria, much of the administrative power is hoarded at the federal level, making successive levels of government less powerful, less autonomous and less relevant. Federalism is deliberately designed by political architects, to cope with the cumbersome task of maintaining unity, while also preserving diversity and sovereignty. In a truly federal state, the institutions are designed to keep the people heavily involved in their right to self-determination. Dictatorships exacerbate ethnic strife because their institutions do not encourage citizen’s participation in government, so it is little wonder that the federalism in operation was set up by an undemocratic government; initiated with a coup d’état in 1966, by Lt. Yakubu Gowon. After independence in 1960, the Nigerian constitution retained the federal system imposed by the departed colonialist albeit with minor modifications. The formation of a fourth region; the Midwestern region from the Western region in 1966 was the difference between the post-independence Nigeria and the pre-independence nation that constituted the Western, Northern and Eastern regions. Each of the federations had its own constitution, one of the key properties of federalism. So it can be said that the adoption of federalism as the preferred system was no accident, but a route chosen in cognizance of Nigeria’s heterogeneity. Chief Obafemi Awolowo put it aptly when he said “in any country where there are divergences of language and of nationality – particularly of language – a unitary constitution is always a source of bitterness and hostility on the part of the linguistic and ethnic minority groups”, and the federalism currently in operation in nothing but unitary governance coloured otherwise. Returning to the regional governance of the post-independence era may be the more attractive solution for many, but I believe granting more autonomy to the state and local government in the present system works as well. The federal government ever since the intervention of the military in government has always assumed superiority over the state government and every attempt to change that arrangement has been aborted ever since. The state as an autonomous entity has never been found in Nigeria and this has invariably injured the local governments competence. They are nothing but nannies to equally powerless state governments. The states should be able to decide to a certain degree how much power they are willing to concede to the federal government, since its existence depends on their consensus. This in no way makes the federal government useless. While the federal government may concern itself with issues of national security, citizenship, fiscal policy, international trade etc, the states can then exercise their jurisdiction in exercises like agriculture, natural resources, education, culture etc. Local government should be responsible for immediate needs such as markets and parks. In some states across Nigeria, local government elections have been hijacked by the state for lack of funds and a host of other vague reasons, so local government officials are appointed and relieved of duty by the state. This is should never be tolerated in a democracy. Local government must have the ability to conduct elections and further encourage political participation by the citizens. This makes for a far more inclusive system than the status quo and aside the benefit of grass roots involvement, it also means they are more malleable to immediate concerns and local opinion and ideology. Nigerians should not believe in commonly held nonsense. Ethnic diversity alone has never been a problem, the real issue is not enough official inclusiveness and participation. The presence of the government must be felt by the people and the people must always be able to participate in their governance. Nigerian diversity is not a curse provided the political landscape is organized to cater to its needs. People continue to migrate in a global economy, so even If Nigeria dissolved today, it would not do anybody any good. Diversity is here to stay. source www.ceraphys.com cc mynd44 tonyebarcanista seun lalasticlala 1 Like 1 Share |
| Christianity Etc › Odinani And The Atheist by AreteWrites(op): 2:20pm On Feb 28, 2017 |
This part of the article analyses the response of igbo traditional religion, odinani to some basic atheist questions. he atheist has some basic questions about every Abrahamic religion. Something about the rigidity and inflexibility in the doctrines of these religions poses very many questions to the logical mind. Having been pinned down by these doctrines, the atheist, or at least most of them, withdraw these Abrahamic religions from the fixed presets where their logic, or at least most of it, hold true and tries it in the fast moving evolutionary world that currently exists. The absoluteness in their moral principles soon become questionable and somewhat suspicious. The extremities added to the definition of the Abrahamic god, All benevolent, Omnipotence, Omniscient soon becomes problematic. The final solution to these logical inconsistencies is the idea of blindly faith, devoting the entirety of your live to living a life that makes no sense to you, but hopefully leads to a place where you can find eternal happiness. The logical problems in these Abrahamic religions, determinism, the problem of evil, omnipotence, absolute morality incapable of absorbing new knowledge, motivation for righteousness (hell vs doing what is right because its eight), are however answered effortlessly in one of the religions these Abrahamic religions replaced or nearly wiped out in Western Africa, the Odinani ( Or Odinana, Odinalu, Omenana, Omenani) Determinism. The Abrahamic religions have a somewhat confusing stand about the idea of predestination and free will, hence, the pertinent question is, If by theological determinism we are all players in a preordained script(that is, predestined), then is there any viable justification for the idea of heaven or hell (which supposedly punishes or rewards us for our decisions)? Or again, if we indeed have freewill, can god claim to be omniscient (claim to have the knowledge of all that was, that is and that is going be). Like I mentioned above, fixed doctrines or statutes, seem to be the problem with these religions. Now we see that there is a problem of logical consistency, you cannot justly hold accountable for my actions if you willed them into existence. In the Odinani, theirs is no issue with determinism because the religion is lived not obeyed. This is captured in the popular igbo maxim that says “If a man says yes, his chi also says yes”. Man exists together with his chi in synergy in the journey of man, the igbo believes strongly in the power and ability of man to craft his own destiny. That is why the ethics of hard work, accomplishment are celebrated and a man is measured on his own worth not his father’s (No wonder there weren’t plenty kings in igbo land). So in odinani, things are not deserved, they are earned, there’s no unmerited favor, there is no grace, there are no Hollywood scenes of god wielding a machete to destroy your worries, just hardwork. source www.ceraphys.com cc seun mynd44 lalasticlala 1 Like |
| Literature › Read This Touching Freshman Essay By A Covenant University Freshman by AreteWrites(op): 2:10pm On Feb 28, 2017 |
Call it a twist of fate, a slightly comical, but highly ironic and efficient move in the maker's giant chessboard, perhaps designed to remind me of who's in charge, that I, who have so often derided all private institutions of higher learning, mocking their outrageous fees and ridiculous little rules, especially making it my business to scoff at all who expressed their desire to come to covenant university, that I would be the first of my mates to gain admission, more so into covenant university, that I would find myself here, worrying that perhaps I cannot live up to the expectations of this place, perchance I am unworthy. Before I venture into any other thing, I will attempt to paint a sketchy picture, a brief history of the circumstances surrounding my admission to C.U just to further let you understand the peculiarity of my situation. Now once upon a time, I was very good at math and science, but then I grew up, my brain grew lazy an my ingenuity found another form of expression; in words, beautifully crafted language. So, it was only natural that I dreamed of studying the language I had so effortlessly fallen in love with. But you see, I could only dream because the moment I mentioned to anyone that I wished to study English and become a writer, I had to watch different varieties of expressions of mockery, of disdain, outrage, disbelief, and all forms of voiced protest. Being unsure of this choice myself, I decided to do what was expected of me. Of course I did well in the sciences, always being among the best in class, even winning science competitions in the state, while developing my writing skills, throwing all my passion into the art, writing G.C.E exams in arts subjects just for the fun of it and clearing all my papers, really clearing them. Then something very funny happened. In very simple terms, I wrote JAMB, registered for medicine at UNN, the result came out and for some reason I failed to reach the cutoff mark, long story short, I had two choices; stay home for a year, which I wasn’t entirely averse to or study my dream, stress-free course at covenant university. I’ld like to say it was a dilemma, but it really wasn’t. There wasn’t really much of a choice. I embraced the idea with my usual gusto, the one that borders on obsessiveness. I came here all alone all the way from Owerri to take the CUSAS, suffered my own share of hardship on the way. I went home, convinced that because of the way everything seemed to work out for me, I was truly destined to be here. So it came as no surprise when I was offered admission here. Funds were sourced, goodbyes said and here I am. Having mentioned my initial resentment of the total idea, and my awe at being here, the biggest challenge perhaps is in reconciling the two ideas. Try merging rebellion with devotion, obedience with a lifetime of non-conformity. Understand that my entire life has been a kaleidoscope of contradictions and ridiculous extremities. Extreme emotions, extreme depression, extreme excitement, extreme righteousness, extreme sinfulness, often misconstrued as hypocrisy. But of course I have always peen protected, my extremities accepted, my eccentricities condoned. There was always a balance point, and the battle of consequence existed only within, between my half self and me. All artists are eccentric, all passions maddening. One might argue that it is not that way in the real world, but what really is the real world. Mediocre humanity is the same everywhere and if the school yard is a microcosm of the real world, then the world bows only to true power, and true power is only for those who would take it. This has been my core value, and for some reason I cannot determine if CU will enforce or threaten to disorient it. Perhaps you will decide that for me. I cannot with certainty say that I am qualified to give any assessment of CU, having only been here for two weeks. However, having been on this same path for years, I can understand and try to reconcile the excesses. When I was in junior school, I attended a model united nations conference; Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN) conference at Abuja. For a week, we were made into united nations ambassadors. We dressed strictly corporately, represented countries in committees, and deliberated on issues. I truly got a peek into the life of a true leader, an ambassador, one who represents a place. With this responsibility also came a good degree of freedom. We made our own choices, what to eat, what to drink, who to relate with, how to relate…. Needless to say it was fun, but this was also where I made some of my biggest mistakes. All excuse was rendered obsolete. Of course I cannot dwell on these mistakes, although its definitely not what you think. But, I digress. My point basically is that this experience serves as a meeting point, shedding some perspective on this situation. I have seen and experienced first hand what young people are capable of, when given a free hand, and have often found myself appalled at the foolery of youth. Having been a leader in several positions, I can relate with authority and the need to have things just so. I understand that covenant university wishes to depart from the norm, from what is attainable because you cannot be a leader if you do not stand out. I honestly like that I am in a place that’s different/ I believe that kings are born, but I also understand that it takes intense training to make a leader of a king. History is replete with armies, kingdoms which were revered and feared not because of their numbers, but because of the rigid, zombie/machine-like discipline of each soldier. Surely, not everyone is cut out to be a leader. CU wishes to ‘make’ kings. I cannot say that it is doomed to fail, but I can say that if it is to succeed, then it is surely on the right path. I understand that CU desires to be among the best, a force to be reckoned with. I also understand that these are big dreams and I must commend the seer of the vision. The core values of CU are well laid out, a product of genius to say the least. If I do not accept everything, I can understand it all. I understand that to achieve any form of peace, there must be spiritual harmony. I mean, there really is no greater example than the country which we call our own. There is no underestimating the role God and all religion plays in the life of all humans. Surely there is no greater motivation to be conformant than the promise of eternal life and true peace. Belief is often the strongest motivating factor in the life of most average individuals. Christians and Muslims alike, Buddhists, Hindus, history books are filled with men who have done all sorts of strange thing in the name of God. Belief, no matter how unfounded is the bedrock of all religion, and religion is the greatest tool of motivation there ever existed. We believe in God and find evidence of His existence, we exist only to serve Him, and for that we continue to exist, only till we die. We believe in the love of God, the sacrifice that followed this love and we are compelled to love as fervently as our fickle hearts can. We believe in the promise of eternal life and peace to all who believe, and so we believe with all our hearts. When we are in trouble, we have a rock to fall back on, a being greater than ourselves who knows all and has the solution to all our problems, and so we do all that we perceive to be right because that is what he expects of us. We believe in God and so we see God, we hear God, and we obey God. And if perhaps our belief fails us, we learn that doing the right thing is honorable. Death over dishonor. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. Alfred Owen wrote it best. We learn that a man of integrity does not fight, he does not lie, he does not steal, he does not drink or smoke because these things are unbecoming. He acts in a certain way, subdues all lusts, because it is proper so to do. We must be upright, honest, trustworthy because that is what society accepts. We must be accountable , open and totally predictable because this makes other people feel comfortable and safe. Truth is a virtue, a complex one that no one truly understands but a virtue nonetheless, as is pride. And because pride is a virtue, and we believe the human race is supreme, backed by even the creator, we know we can do all things. Perhaps all is possible, perhaps not, but the mind is the foundation on which all truth is formed, so it is good and fitting to have a mindset of possibility. We call it confidence, call it self esteem, ‘positive’ ego, whatever we call it, we know pride is a worthy sin. Eagles may not flock but every lion needs a pride (pun intended? I can’t say for sure). Narrow-mindedness is a vice I have so often scoffed at. Narrow-minded people never know true greatness. To make the most of life, one has to be open to new ideas. It is this extra knowledge that gives people an edge over their peers. It is what makes leaders. information, knowledge, helps in capacity building. It is also important to be hardworking and devoted in all our endeavors. While keeping an open mind, it is also important to be goal-oriented and vision-inclined. These are the things that CU tries to teach. The only thing I don’t understand is sacrifice. If u must let go of one pleasure, to achieve a higher goal, then there is no sacrifice, it is simply a fair trade. This is what I believe and I make no apologies. If I must let go of my phone and all my outrageous dresses to join an elite group of leaders, then I do not see the sacrifice in this. If I must quell all erratic passions and act a certain way because it is the only way to achieve all my higher goals, then by all means I will. If at all I have an action plan, it is very simple. I will do what I do best. I will read my books and avoid all trouble. I have big dreams and surely I will not let something as trivial as another human or trifling seeming pleasures get in my way. I will avoid all bad company and put God first, as I should. I will open my eyes to all the diverse possibilities and opportunities, engage in worthwhile ventures and endeavor to be a leader, a leading figure in all that I involve in. I will let my ambitions run free and make the most of the four years I have here and four years from now, while I give the valedictory speech, I will promise never to forget my days here, because in truth, I cannot. Trusting, of course that the maker is on my side, I will impact the world in ways only I can, I will go where men fear to tread and become the single most powerful woman of my time. I will write my books, and join the elite group that have been my mentors, while touching lives. I have big dreams and I have decided to give them free reins, trusting that as much as it is going to be a goal driven journey, it will also be a very fun ride. In conclusion I can only hope that you forgive my impudence, if any and my inability to write the required number of words. I have written the much I possibly can, given the circumstances. I hope you understand, and recognize when quality trumps quantity. I also hope you remember my name, because in no distant time, you WILL be hearing it... Source www.ceraphys.com cc lalasticlala mynd44 seun |
| Webmasters › Re: How Would You Design This Better? by AreteWrites(op): 2:17pm On Sep 15, 2016 |
ProgrammerX:Which kind of attacks? Can you give me a brief shortlist of things to work on? |
| Webmasters › How Would You Design This Better? by AreteWrites(op): 6:51pm On Sep 14, 2016 |
Hey guys, I just launched a project, www.ceraphys.com and I would really like a constructive criticism and feedback on how I can improve features on the site. |
| Celebrities › Re: Olamide Destroys The Headies Green Room (photos) by AreteWrites: 6:13pm On Jan 02, 2016 |
ULSHERLAN:Nobody was robbed. It was decided by voting, reeky won because SMD has a huge and organised social media presence. People just sat behind and expected kesh to win without voting for him. It doesn't work that way 4 Likes |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Post Your 2016 "By This Time Next Year"expectations With Faith.. by AreteWrites: 1:00pm On Jan 01, 2016 |
Be paying my fees and bills, earning enough to be independent. I'll be recognised nationwide |
| Family › Re: What Would You Do If This Guy Slapped Your Sister? by AreteWrites: 11:51pm On Dec 23, 2015 |
You know, the world would be a better place if we all forgive each other, especially in desperate times like these. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pope Says This May Be Our Last Christmas by AreteWrites: 11:42pm On Dec 23, 2015 |
opylas:I believe the "may" in the statement represents uncertainty. For example, you MAY be stupid, what you say next would convict or vindicate you. |
| Fashion › Re: Meet The Most Handsome Guy In Naija by AreteWrites: 11:37pm On Dec 23, 2015 |
Moezzy:Cliche nd amateurish. I don't think you'll see that face. Up ure game bro |
| Politics › Re: BIAFRA/NNAMDI KANU: Archbishop Of Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan Blasts Buhari. by AreteWrites: 1:15am On Dec 21, 2015 |
Rawani:terrorism - /ˈtɛrərɪzəm/ noun 1. the unofficial or unauthorized use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Which one did Kanu do? Did he use violence or intimidation? The man was simply airing his opinion on an internet radio and shouldn't be arrested for that. He has the right to speak. |
| Politics › Re: BIAFRA/NNAMDI KANU: Archbishop Of Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan Blasts Buhari. by AreteWrites: 1:11am On Dec 21, 2015 |
benedictnsi:You're begging the question. That's not the issue at hand |
| Education › Re: Ugwo Anacletus Of FUTO Wins N228Million In Entreprenuerial Challenge by AreteWrites: 11:20pm On Dec 20, 2015 |
AreteWrites: |
| Education › Re: Ugwo Anacletus Of FUTO Wins N228Million In Entreprenuerial Challenge by AreteWrites: 11:12pm On Dec 20, 2015 |
@ lalasticlala seun mynd44 Always ensure you verify news before posting it on front page. The said UNESCO thing he was the chief speaker for in 2014 only began awards in 2015. The "best student biologist" didn't check out when I queried the internet. The source op gave is not reliable, at best this is a fabricated content. Never sacrifice true journalism in the quest to garner traffic. http://en.unesco.org/prize-esd Click that link and see for yourself. On a lighter note I think seun should employ me as a mod... I am a fantastic writer and I can create some original content. 1 Like |
| Education › Re: Water Scarcity In Nigerian Schools by AreteWrites: 11:31am On Dec 04, 2015 |
Love Machine:I'm in a Nigerian University and they dont take light here too |
| Education › Re: Water Scarcity In Nigerian Schools by AreteWrites: 2:01pm On Dec 03, 2015 |
I'm in a Nigerian University, Never witnessed water scarcity 2 Likes |
| Education › Re: How Exams Are Written In Covenant University by AreteWrites: 9:07am On Nov 19, 2015 |
EZEIGBO1OFIMO:Biko, how else is a lecture theatre supposed to look like? |
| Education › Pan African Debating Tournament Ghana 2015 Discussion Thread by AreteWrites(op): 11:08pm On Nov 17, 2015 |
Hey guys, This goes out to all the debaters in the house. Would be interested in discussing with those going foe the Pan African Debating Tournament in Ghana, I think this year is Nigeria's turn to win |
| Science/Technology › Re: See What A Nairalander Invented 6 Years Ago. (photos) by AreteWrites: 9:28pm On Sep 29, 2015 |
Three questions. 1. How did you configure the remote control sensor into the electronics? 2. Was there any programming involved? How were you able to instruct the machine to lift up the clamps? If there was, which programming language did you use and how did you configure the chip? 3. I am a second year student of Information and Communication Engineering at CU, how can I contact you? 1 Like |
| Literature › Re: Bicycle Boy by AreteWrites(op): 6:06pm On Sep 18, 2015 |
. |
| Literature › Azu's Ghost by AreteWrites(op): 5:59pm On Sep 18, 2015 |
This is a fiction story set in Covenant University. Apart from that, all names used in this story are purely from the writer's imagination. All coincidence is regretted. For more stories from the writer's nib, visit www.aretewrites..com He sat quietly, scribbling on the floor with one hand and cleaning with another. Slowly, tears from his eyes fell to the dry soil, forming a wet patch. He stood up and ran to the wall, he kicked it so hard his feet began to bleed. Yes! That was what he wanted. The scarlet red and sticky liquid oozing from his body gave him a weird sensation, a bizarre satisfaction. His hands trembling, he touched the oozing liquid and inscribed crookedly on the wall “IF ONLY”…… ***********TWO WEEKS EARLIER*********** Aka sat quietly in the lecture theatre as the lecturer rang on in an endless loop of monotony, dulling his senses and causing him to dose. He tried so hard to avoid dozing off but his efforts were met with a fierce resistance from his rebellious eyes, which shut of their own accord. He had begun dozing off again when someone tapped him slightly. He shook his head a bit to clear the sleep. He was passed a note. He gently unfolded the piece of paper slowly, not really knowing what to expect. When the little crumpled piece of paper was open, he was confused. He read it quietly again and slid it into his front pocket, looking around furtively to catch a glance of the person that sent it to him. He saw to eyes fixed firmly only him, staring fiercely into his eyes. ***************************************************************************** “Michelle who was that boy I saw you with at CDS?” Tolu asked, feigning ignorance. “What were they doing?” Chee asked, suddenly dropping the book she was reading and picking up interest in the conversation. It was a topic she liked discussing about, about boys, about their tricks and about their stupidity. She was the anthology for all the relationships going on in school, she knew who was dating who, who was cheating on who and who broke up with who. “Nothing oh!” Tolu replied in mock innocence. “It’s just that the boy’s hands were around her shoulders and he was whispering into her ears. The boy’s face was getting closer and closer to her mouth but I didn’t see anything oh!” “Ah!” “Michelle so that was the assignment you said you were going to do in CDS. Hah! I knew you were a sly. So tell me, what is the guy’s name?” The room was quiet and every eye in the room focused on Michelle. “Like seriously you girls were expecting me to answer that question?” Michelle asked, now getting tired of the endless jests and jabs. She needed the air, she needed a reprieve from their endless taunts. Slowly she heard less and less of what they said as their voices faded into the background of her thoughts. She opened the door and headed out, ignoring the laughter that filled the room. She found herself on the corridor of Esther hall, staring into the damp and empty darkness that made up the night, staring at the floodlights that shined fiercely, struggling to cut through the vegetation and casting scary shadows. She inhaled deeply, her legs were now getting cold but she savored the silence and solace outside offered her. Just then she felt a cold finger tap her slightly. She turned swiftly, but there was no one there, just a piece of paper on the floor. She took it up and read it, the she immediately folded the paper and looked around, dazed with fear. She could feel it. Her heart now beat heavier and louder, her hands now trembled. Michelle knew it, those eyes were watching her. The students christened him Begovic (pronounced begovich) because unlike most beggars, he was a beggar with a choice and taste. No, he wasn’t the beggar that went around with bowls begging for his daily bread, he was bigger than that. In fact, he had a full time job. He was the porter at John Hall a position he had seamlessly adapted to his avaricious tendencies. “My son, how are you?” He asked a timid looking young man. He fit the bill, he was a sure catch. The young man looked back innocently, unsure of who the porter was talking to. “Yes Yes, you. I am talking to you. Come and buy me dinner now.” The young man fumbled around his pocket as if searching for money. “But sir I don’t have money on me now!” Begovic was used to such responses, years as a scrounger didn’t leave him in lack of answers. “Ah! Don’t worry!” He said with a grin on his face. “We would use the pos.” The boy was obviously in no mood to continue the arguments. He grudgingly followed the old man to the cafeteria. A few clicks of the button later Begovic emerged from the cafeteria triumphantly, drooling at the thought of the mixed rice, sausage and gizzard and egg he was about to devour. He sat down and loosened his belt. He opened the pack and saw a piece of paper staring blankly at him. He shivered. He looked around, he could see no one but those eyes were burning into him. ********************************************************************************** * Would be continued once this post reaches 20 likes. Tag all the people you can. Make sure you comment too, very important. |
| Literature › Re: Bicycle Boy by AreteWrites(op): 8:48pm On Aug 30, 2015 |
Your comments would be appreciated |
| Literature › Bicycle Boy by AreteWrites(op): 2:41pm On Aug 29, 2015 |
Authors Name: Tunmise Otegbayo Author's Email: ryonkachi@gmail.com Blog: www.aretewrites@.com Permission to repost this work anywhere is granted provided you list the author's blog as the source. cc; lalasticlala ishilove It was all that filled his thoughts and daydreams, like this one. He would be riding downhill, straddled on his bike. One foot this way, the other, that way in rapid progression. Just like his father had taught him. He would ride with full speed, the wind struggling to catch up with him, making him feel free, making him feel untouchable. The wind would blow furiously into his eyes making him cry cold tears of joy, baptising him in the euphoria of childhood innocence. Kpa!!* The sound reverberated about his scalp, along with the pain it brought with it. A heavy slap landed on the back of his head. This was the exact reason why he protested against the skin cut his mother had insisted on, to no avail. The slap hit the back of his head a second time. This time it felt like the hand stuck to his scalp. His attacker had hit his mark perfectly. "Kachi will you stand up with the rest of the class?!" It was more of an order than a question. It was Mr. Brown, his class teacher. He had jolted him back to reality. "cantankerous goat!" He stood up and all eyes were on him, including a new pair of eyes. It's owner couldn't hide her amusement. "Introduce yourself my dear." Mr.Brown turned to her with a wide toothed grin. As if he would never hurt a fly. "I'm Ifem Nwani, I'm 8 years old." "Gooooooood morning Ifem, you are welcome to primary 4B. God bless you and your family, Amen!!!" All the pupils recited whole heartedly, the words that had been permanently etched into their subconscious, like a pattern on frosted glass. ********************* It was break time, kachi never went out to play ball with the others. He just never seemed to be able to pass the ball accurately. That's why no one, not even his cousin, Dominic picked him to play. He sat still, gazing at the blackboard. The diagram of the cow Mr. Brown had drawn was still there. It looked terrible. It reminded him of the image he had in his mind of the story where Joseph had a dream that all the egyptian cows got sick and died. Of course he dared not correct Mr. Brown, for fear of another violent meeting between his palm and his head. He felt for the back of his head, where he was hit and rubbed it. It still stung. He slowly squeezed the skin, willing the pain to go. He heard someone chuckle behind him. It was Ifem, the new girl. He wasn't alone. "sorry." She muffled as she covered her mouth with one hand and made a waving gesture towards him with the other, to reinforce her apology. Kachi smiled back at her, as embarrassment flooded his face. He watched as she stood up, straightening her pinafore and sat opposite him. Her unbraided hair was bundled with two red ribbons, leaving what looked like two balls of hair, balanced on each half of her head. Her skin colour was a shade of milk chocolate. He didn't like that about her, he only liked yellow girls, like Christina. "Why didn't you say Odenshi when the teacher slapped you?" She quizzed. He looked puzzled "What does that mean?" "Haven't you watched isakaba?" He shook his head. He had never heard of the movie, neither had a girl spoken to hi for so long. All the girls always said their mothers told them not to talk to boys, so they won't get pregnant. "You have not. See, in the film ehn, if they shoot you and you say odenshi, you will not die. That's what I always do, and it works." She finished with an air of confidence. She definitely couldn't be lying. That afternoon when Kachi got home, he took his bicycle. He didn't ride, he just pushed slowly. Musing over everything that happened at school; the slap, Ifem, Ifem's smile. He remembered that he had failed his maths classwork. His mother would beat him, he couldn't bear the pain. Something hit him, he knew just what to do. He would say odenshi! BICYCLE BOY Tunmise® If you enjoyed this story ensure you visit us at www.aretewrites..com to see more thrilling stories.. Your comments and feedback would be appreciated. |
Ok, so can i see the face of this beautiful deity?
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