₦airaland Forum

Igbo Culture - Correcting The Misconception Of The Ancient 'Osu' Caste System

One of the evil creations of colonialism in Africa was the demonization of African culture, the bastardization of African traditional practices, and the sheer arrogance exhibited by the colonial masters by describing African culture and traditions as accursed and inferior. One of such misinterpretation was the ‘Osu’ and ‘Ume’ caste system. I have carried out researches & written on many Igbo traditions for many years, excavating any credible ancient history and one of my findings is that, first of all, the caste system in Igboland (South-Eastern Nigeria) was never the same with that in India. Most people who talk about the ancient caste system in Igboland have no clue what they were and how they originated. Therefore, like the proverbial description of an Elephant by the five blind men, each blind man described the ‘Elephant’ from where he touched.

The truth is that an ‘ Osu’ was never a slave in Igboland, and never accursed. A slave is an ‘Ohu’. History has shown that there is no community in the Igboland in the ancient days who were either salves or slave decedents. The closest the Igbos came to slave culture was when someone was used to redeem a debt as an ‘Ohu’. The ‘Ohu’ served a number of years to redeem the financial debt and was usually set free to go back to his/her original home afterwards. Igbos never officially had ‘Ohu’ for any deity. What the Igbo’s had were the priest and this was were the Ancient ‘Osu’ came to play. An ancient 'Osu' or 'Ume' was someone dedicated to serve a deity as a priest. In the Ancient Igbo history he was highly revered, and untouchable because he was the god/goddess personified. Anyone who hurt him hurt the god/ goddess he served and was punished. That untouchability was almost extended to royalty because an Osu could simply seize anyone’s property by simply circling it with fresh palm-fronds ( omu-nkwu ). Afterwards, that property belonged to him. This display of arrogance in taking over people’s property because the “…gods said so…” was what earned the Osu’s the animosity and hate from the rest of the society, since aggrieved people had no one to complain to. The 'Osu' was untouchable and protected by gods/goddesses.

Fast-forward to when the colonial masters came to Igboland, they demonized the Igbo-culture including the traditional religions, titles, music, deities, shrines and the Osu’s who served as the go between the populace and the gods/goddesses. The Osu’s unexpectedly put up a fight to protect the deities they worshiped in other to protect the privileges they enjoyed (understandably). Thereby they became the public enemy number one of the colonial masters. This was what led to the modern definition of the ‘Osu’ as accursed outcasts. Before the colonial masters, they were never treated as accursed. They were not accursed by the Igbo culture rather by the colonial masters who tried to take over their traditional functions by imposing their own religion on the people. Of course the colonial masters came with their own Christian priests who labeled the traditional priests (Osu) as evil, unwanted, accursed; encouraged them to repent and join the Christian religion to be cleansed. Those who refused, put themselves in the line of fire.

Since most African history was written by the literate colonialists, this was where the ‘Osu’, ‘Ume’, and other African traditions were demonized and passed down to generations who read such false histories. Today you would almost need the discernment of biblical Moses to get to the truth of most African culture because they were not accurately documented. The little we know about them today was what the colonial masters either wrote down or misinterpreted to suit their purposes. By all indication from the remnants of archeological findings, the Osu’s were the likes of today’s Reverend fathers who don't marry, are somehow untouchable because they dedicate their lives to the Catholic church, and therefore highly revered by the people. We also know the cold war between modern day Reverend Fathers and pastors of Pentecostal churches over supremacy which could be likened to the battle of supremacy between the Osu’s and the colonial masters over who should be revered in the land.

Osu’s and Ume’s were never slaves (Ohu) in Igboland. They were never accursed in Igbo culture, they were never ‘Ikengas’ . They probably were hated because of their arrogance and untouchablity – because they never went to wars, they and their offspring were never killed and offered as sacrifices to shrines. Therefore, they walked freely when local head-hunters were looking for human sacrifices. In the ancient days they were not allowed to take traditional titles or mingle/ inter-marry with the ‘sinful’ populace because they were supposed to remain pure in order to perform their priestly duties. They were not expected to be ‘worldly’. In those days they could also take over people’s property by claiming “..thus said the gods..”. These were the origin of the jealousy, animosity, and hatred the ancient Igbos had for them that led to the much-talked about discrimination between them and the ‘Diala’s’ (free-borns).

The ‘Osu’ and ‘Ume’ caste system have been abolished by the Government of the eastern region in Nigeria and by the subsequent state governments. It has been abolished by the Catholic church/ most other churches (religion). It has been officially abolished by the council of traditional rulers in Igboland (the custodians of the same Igbo culture that recognized it). Therefore, it is non-existent before the law, man and God today. Anyone today who still discriminates against another based on the misinterpretation of that ancient culture is outright evil and a criminal (because he/she is committing an offense against the state). Today there’s absolutely nothing that forbids inter-marriage between any communities or persons in Igboland. Anyone who tries to enforce that remotely, subtly or aggressively should be reported to the Government for appropriate sanctions. Thousands of descendants of so-called ancient 'Osu', 'Ume', and 'Diala' have inter-married, inter-marrying, living healthily, happily and making progress at all fronts in many Igbo communities.

WE own the land, WE instituted the traditions, WE also have decreed that there’s no more caste systems in Igboland.

Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 18:18: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”


- Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (Founder and Director Imoonline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program. [url] www.imoonline.org[/url] )

Igbo Culture - Correcting The Misconception Of The Ancient 'Osu' Caste System

One of the evil creations of colonialism in Africa was the demonization of African culture, the bastardization of African traditional practices, and the sheer arrogance exhibited by the colonial masters by describing African culture and traditions as accursed and inferior. One of such misinterpretation was the ‘Osu’ and ‘Ume’ caste system. I have carried out researches & written on many Igbo traditions for many years, excavating any credible ancient history and one of my findings is that, first of all, the caste system in Igboland (South-Eastern Nigeria) was never the same with that in India. Most people who talk about the ancient caste system in Igboland have no clue what they were and how they originated. Therefore, like the proverbial description of an Elephant by the five blind men, each blind man described the ‘Elephant’ from where he touched.

The truth is that an ‘ Osu’ was never a slave in Igboland, and never accursed. A slave is an ‘Ohu’. History has shown that there is no community in the Igboland in the ancient days who were either salves or slave decedents. The closest the Igbos came to slave culture was when someone was used to redeem a debt as an ‘Ohu’. The ‘Ohu’ served a number of years to redeem the financial debt and was usually set free to go back to his/her original home afterwards. Igbos never officially had ‘Ohu’ for any deity. What the Igbo’s had were the priest and this was were the Ancient ‘Osu’ came to play. An ancient 'Osu' or 'Ume' was someone dedicated to serve a deity as a priest. In the Ancient Igbo history he was highly revered, and untouchable because he was the god/goddess personified. Anyone who hurt him hurt the god/ goddess he served and was punished. That untouchability was almost extended to royalty because an Osu could simply seize anyone’s property by simply circling it with fresh palm-fronds ( omu-nkwu ). Afterwards, that property belonged to him. This display of arrogance in taking over people’s property because the “…gods said so…” was what earned the Osu’s the animosity and hate from the rest of the society, since aggrieved people had no one to complain to. The 'Osu' was untouchable and protected by gods/goddesses.

Fast-forward to when the colonial masters came to Igboland, they demonized the Igbo-culture including the traditional religions, titles, music, deities, shrines and the Osu’s who served as the go between the populace and the gods/goddesses. The Osu’s unexpectedly put up a fight to protect the deities they worshiped in other to protect the privileges they enjoyed (understandably). Thereby they became the public enemy number one of the colonial masters. This was what led to the modern definition of the ‘Osu’ as accursed outcasts. Before the colonial masters, they were never treated as accursed. They were not accursed by the Igbo culture rather by the colonial masters who tried to take over their traditional functions by imposing their own religion on the people. Of course the colonial masters came with their own Christian priests who labeled the traditional priests (Osu) as evil, unwanted, accursed; encouraged them to repent and join the Christian religion to be cleansed. Those who refused, put themselves in the line of fire.

Since most African history was written by the literate colonialists, this was where the ‘Osu’, ‘Ume’, and other African traditions were demonized and passed down to generations who read such false histories. Today you would almost need the discernment of biblical Moses to get to the truth of most African culture because they were not accurately documented. The little we know about them today was what the colonial masters either wrote down or misinterpreted to suit their purposes. By all indication from the remnants of archeological findings, the Osu’s were the likes of today’s Reverend fathers who don't marry, are somehow untouchable because they dedicate their lives to the Catholic church, and therefore highly revered by the people. We also know the cold war between modern day Reverend Fathers and pastors of Pentecostal churches over supremacy which could be likened to the battle of supremacy between the Osu’s and the colonial masters over who should be revered in the land.

Osu’s and Ume’s were never slaves (Ohu) in Igboland. They were never accursed in Igbo culture, they were never ‘Ikengas’ . They probably were hated because of their arrogance and untouchablity – because they never went to wars, they and their offspring were never killed and offered as sacrifices to shrines. Therefore, they walked freely when local head-hunters were looking for human sacrifices. In the ancient days they were not allowed to take traditional titles or mingle/ inter-marry with the ‘sinful’ populace because they were supposed to remain pure in order to perform their priestly duties. They were not expected to be ‘worldly’. In those days they could also take over people’s property by claiming “..thus said the gods..”. These were the origin of the jealousy, animosity, and hatred the ancient Igbos had for them that led to the much-talked about discrimination between them and the ‘Diala’s’ (free-borns).

The ‘Osu’ and ‘Ume’ caste system have been abolished by the Government of the eastern region in Nigeria and by the subsequent state governments. It has been abolished by the Catholic church/ most other churches (religion). It has been officially abolished by the council of traditional rulers in Igboland (the custodians of the same Igbo culture that recognized it). Therefore, it is non-existent before the law, man and God today. Anyone today who still discriminates against another based on the misinterpretation of that ancient culture is outright evil and a criminal (because he/she is committing an offense against the state). Today there’s absolutely nothing that forbids inter-marriage between any communities or persons in Igboland. Anyone who tries to enforce that remotely, subtly or aggressively should be reported to the Government for appropriate sanctions. Thousands of descendants of so-called ancient 'Osu', 'Ume', and 'Diala' have inter-married, inter-marrying, living healthily, happily and making progress at all fronts in many Igbo communities.

WE own the land, WE instituted the traditions, WE also have decreed that there’s no more caste systems in Igboland.

Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Matthew 18:18: “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”


- Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (Founder and Director Imoonline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program. [url] www.imoonline.org[/url] )

Excerpts from a lecture by Godwin C Nwaogwugwu (Nigerian-born, US-base Youth Motivational Speaker)

If You Keep Failing Little Tests, You Won't Go To The Next Level....

A Five-star hotel advertised positions for Housekeepers that had to be filled within three days because a Housekeeper resigned without proper notice leaving a vacuum. The HR Manager (HRM) informed the General Manager (GM) that more than 300 people applied for the positions creating a crisis, therefore they might have to throw aside the Hotel’s policy of due diligence and equal opportunity in order to conduct interviews within a day. The experienced GM with scanty grey hair left the HRM in disbelief when he told her to schedule all the interviews in one day.

A day to the interview the GM stepped out of his office and noticed a tiny pool of water caused by a leaking AC unit on the floor of the main entrance to the big reception hall. He told the security guards not to dry the water on the day of the interview, rather place a broom, mop and dust-pan against the wall beside it, focus the security camera at the spot, and leave the exit door opposite the entrance open so applicants would queue up, walk in, write down their names, phone numbers at the receptionists’ desk and leave though the exit door. The security guards did as instructed.

Hundreds of applicants queued up dressed in their well-ironed suits, skirts, ties, scarves, polished shoes, professional folders and briefcases for the interview as early as possible. The instruction was announced “Please go to the reception, write down your name, and the best phone number to contact you; go out through the exit door. We will contact you later”. Most of the applicants who prepared and rehearsed tough interview questions were very disappointed with such an easy interview. Anyway, everyone, one after the other, did as instructed and left hurriedly. In the end, the GM invited the HRM into the security room and reviewed the security video. One after the other all the applicants either raised their clothes and walked by the water on the floor to avoid getting wet, or carefully jumped it . Only two applicants (Applicants No. 171, and No. 305) stopped, used the broom and the mop to drain the water that kept dripping continually first before proceeding to write down their names. The GM glanced at the HRM and said “please issue letters of employment to those 2 applicants as Housekeeper 1 and Housekeeper 2." The interview and selection was concluded in one day while others received a ‘Thank You’ text for showing up, suitable candidates have been identified for the job.

Lesson: While some people race to solve the biggest and toughest puzzles in life, they over-look the little details and fail the smallest tests on their way. Even God does not give a bigger responsibility to anyone who could not handle a smaller one. No matter how hard you try to white-wash your character, the true colors once in a while show up beneath the coatings. Your values are your best adverts because your attitude ‘smells’ stronger than the perfumes you wear. Show me someone who’s struggling to stand, I’ll show you someone who’s refused to acknowledge where the ‘slippery slopes’ are in his/her life. It’s Ok to pray for ‘manna from Haven’ but God has already given bread to some people around you and expect you to be humble enough to learn from them how to find bread. Approach every situation as a little test someone has set for you and watching keenly. When you fail, accept that you failed, not me, not us, not Nigeria, and not the world.

Have a Blessed Week!

– Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu, Founder Imoonline Youth Development Program ([url] www.imoonline.org[/url] ), and Author ‘African Bedtime Stories 1 ( [url]http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433393620&sr=8-1&keywords=African+bedtime+Story+1[/url] )

Bedtime Story:

The Prince And The Naughty Princesses

- By Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (Author of African Bedtime Stories (1)

Once upon a time – Time! Time!!

A rich Prince always came out to rest under a tree in his father’s sprawling compound. Each time he came out, a bird would be singing ceaselessly disturbing his sleep. On this day, the Prince came out to rest as he does and the bird yet again started signing. The Prince ordered his guards to catch the bird and bring it before him alive for torture. His bodyguards did just that. The prince looked at the bird and said “You tiny bird, I am going to torture you to death so I can have peace here”.

The bird begged “My prince, please don’t. They call me the ‘Wise One’ in our community. I can help you solve a mystery in exchange for my life.”

The Prince laughed loud and said “I have sleepless nights each day, so I come out here to rest but you won’t let me rest. Now you want to fool me with a folly?”[ /i]

The bird asked him [i] “Your Highness, why do you have sleepless nights, may I ask?”.

The Prince paused and said “ Since you insist. I have my three best Princess friends, we party a lot each day but each time they left I am left alone with my dirty, haggard-looking maid and servants who give me no joy. Sometime I wish the King, my dad, could swap the dirty maid with one of my clean Princess friends so we can party all night”

The wise bird paused and said “hmmmm! Your best friends, you said? But why would they leave you when you need them most- maybe they leave because the wine and food ran out?”

The Prince got upset and screamed at the bird “Is this how you solve your mystery? My friends are royal and have enough food at their homes. They go home because they need to sleep”.

The wise bird said “Can I help you solve this mystery, My Prince?”

The Prince screamed “God ahead, because you are close to your death now! You got me more upset”

The bird said “this will take Five full market days, each day is for one test”.

The prince said “You can buy as much time as you want but it won’t save you if you don’t solve this mystery”

On the first market day, the wise bird told the Prince to lock himself in his room and pretend to be ill. The bird flew to tell his first Princess friend from the first community that the Prince was very ill; defecated on his body and room. He refused anyone to clean him up except you his friend. The first Princess got very upset and roared “ Are you out of your mind? You want a Princess like me to come and clean him up with all that smell and stench? Please go and tell him I am sorry for his illness but I cannot come there now till he is cleaned up” The bird flew back and told the Prince. The Prince was shocked.

On the second market day, the wise bird told the Prince to lock himself in his room and pretend to be ill. The bird flew to tell his second Princess friend from the second community that the Prince was very drunk and threw up on his body and floor. He’s refusing anyone to clean him up except you his friend. The Second Princess grabbed a stick and chased the bird out shouting “May the gods punish you! Do I look like a cleaner? The bird flew back and told the Prince. He was surprised his friend could do that.

On the third market day the wise bird told the Prince to lock himself in his room. The bird flew to tell his third Princess friend that the Prince had lost all his money and ran mad. No one could calm him down, except you his best friend. The third Princess laughed and rolled on the floor and said “I can see that both of you are really mad. Well, you can see that I am busy now doing my nails. I am only sad I won’t party with him anymore since he has no money to throw parties again” The bird flew back and told the Prince. He was very sad.

On the Fourth market day the wise bird told the Prince to pour water on his clothes and lie on the floor groaning. The bird flew to tell his dirty maid that the Prince was very drunk and urinated on his body; nobody could come near him because he smelled. The Bird begged her “Can you come and clean him up, even though that’s not your job?” [/i]The maid cried and begged the bird not to let anyone in the community know so that the Prince wouldn’t lose his respect. She fetched water, rushed with soap and clean clothes to clean the Prince up. On getting there the Prince held her hand and stood up. He told her not to bother but to go dress up for an important event tomorrow.

On the Fifth market day, the Prince summoned the community, singers and dancers. He cooked and brought pots of wine. He also sent for his Princess friends to dress up for a surprise. Each of the Princesses knew the prince was going to select a wife. They dressed up in fine flowing dresses, sweet perfumes, fancy head-gears, colored lips and fingers to impress the Prince. As they all gathered, the Prince told the wise bird to recount what they did, and the wise bird did. The Prince rose and walked up to the haggard-looking maid standing behind the crowd to hide her dirty clothes, and asked the servants to dress her up like a Princess. He took her to his father, the King, and begged the King to bless them as husband and wife.

The King said [i] “My son, I cannot come between you and happiness even when this is against norm. An adage says ‘A dog that sees a visitor and wags its tail will give the visitor kola if it had one’. I heard all that happened, and I have no objection because while the Princesses worked hard to attract your attention, the maid’s love and humility won your heart. I pronounce you husband and wife, the future King and Queen”

The maid cried genuinely and kissed the Prince, her husband. The life of the wise Bird was spared, while the Princesses walked away in shame and disappointment. People murmured as they ate that the Princesses hadn’t been true friends to the Prince at all. Good friends would never turn their back in times of need and difficulties. The Prince learned that if you want to know your true friends put them to test and pretend you lack. Moreover, never judge people by their outward appearance.

Who can decipher the meaning of this story?

(c) Copyright - A Short Story by Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (Author of African Bedtime Stories (1) available on Amazon.com

[url] http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433393620&sr=8-1&keywords=African+bedtime+Story+1 [/url]

An Amazing Piece By Nigerian-born Writer/Motivational Speaker in USA, Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (An Excerpt from a speech) Titled:

You Can Be Powerful Without A Position


Don't work too hard just to feel like the giant, the best, the richest, the most powerful, the most attractive and the most successful among your friends. Rather always look for special ways to uplift a friend, a special way to bring a surprising smile in a friend's face. When you do that, you create thousands of volts of positive energy around you and surround yourself by positive karma.

Pick up your partner's picture today, close your eyes, forget all the quarrels, conflicts, arguments, hurting words of yesterdays; try to remember the very quality that attracted you to her/him, pick out one good thing you like about her/him, smile and say to yourself "from today, I will love you because of this". Moving forward focus on that quality you like most about him/her and become deaf, blind, and dumb to his/her weaknesses. Repeat this every morning and top a glass of water. Watch the miracle, as your love life improves, your relationship blossoms, wrinkles decrease, aging process slows down, your depression disappears, your anger tantrums reduce, and you make less visits to the hospital.

When you strive daily to impress someone you love by looking for new ways to surprise him/her with smiles and laughter, your own life will be rewarded with health and happiness. When you give a gift let your aim be to surprise, bring smiles and happiness, and not to control or influence loyalty. When you receive a gift, don’t just thank God rather show genuine excitement, smile and say “Thank you”, pray and bless the giver. When you do that you turn that gift into a thousand volt positive energy that lightens hearts and opens new doors, as the receiver and giver get inspired to do more and better. Even if you failed don't be discouraged, pick up and start over again. I too have failed many times on many fronts but didn't let that stop me.

- Godwin Nwaogwugwu

Message From Mr. Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (Nigerian-born Motivational Speaker and Founder Imoonline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program) To Nigerians on the March 28, Elections.


[quote author=Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu]Nigeria, Though Tribal Tongues May Differ, In Brotherhood We Stand

My friend who saw my earlier post asked why I have not been too excited about the on-going Nigeria's elections today. I reiterated my points earlier:

1). None of the two main presidential candidates has a feasible, actionable manifesto to guide my choice. Their campaign has all been about who’s older and who’s younger; who’s healthier and who’s not, who comes from where and who worships where, etc. Did anyone expect me to choose a candidate based on those mundane issues?

2). History has shown that no matter how the election turns out, no matter who wins, every smart man/woman should be indoors thinking of his/her safety by Sunday morning, when the usual attacks and reprisal attacks start. Your safety comes first. No Nigerian politician is worth dieing for.

3). After May 29, corruption and looting will continue, unemployment will continue, power generation will nose-dive further, strikes and industrial actions will resume due to unpaid workers’ salaries. The ‘big boys’ and their ‘girls’ will continue to live big off constituency allowances that are larger than the US president’s salary. They will amass wealth abroad, travel abroad to treat themselves when they are sick while others die needlessly in poorly equipped public hospitals.

I love the passion, but don’t be naïve. Exercise your civic obligation as a citizen, vote your conscience, afterwards go home and rest. Remember whoever won the election will, as usual, condole with the families that may lose people in the elections and make big promises on compensation. Afterwards life goes on, the looting continues.

All I want is my own dear native land, though tribal tongues may differ, yet in brotherhood we stand. A country, where the citizenry will be proud to serve their sovereign motherland. Whoever shall foment the disintegration of Nigeria and blood strife shall be disintegrated first, and their own blood shall water the road to our freedom.

Say 'No' to post-election violence. Sai one Nigeria!- strong and indivisible post-election Nigeria![/quote]

Nigerians At Home are More Fulfilled And Successful Than Those Abroad

- A Recent Lecture By - Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (2014) A Washington DC-based Senior Consultant on Information Management (International Development). He is the Founder/ Director of ImoOnline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, Owerri Imo State (A guarantee of US Embassy, Abuja) .. [url] http://www.imoonline.org/ [/url]

The post is published with permission. If you have any question please contact the speaker directory at: gnwaogwugwu@imoonline.org


My Conclusion:

Nigerians who graduate, but stay back in Nigeria and steadily build one career or business over a long period of time, eventually achieve success and are better off than their colleagues who travel abroad.

The Comparison Between Achieving Success Abroad And In Nigeria- Two Scenarios:

It’s the desire for immediate gratification rather than of life-fulfillment that force many Nigerians to travel abroad. For instance, when two graduates leave school in Nigeria, and one travels to say Spain or Sweden while the other stays back in Nigeria, the one who traveled out starts off almost immediately doing menial jobs, ships one or two cars home, starts building a housing and perhaps rushes back after few years to marry. Nigerians generally applaud that fast-lane and use phrases to describe the immediate success. However, his colleague back home who probably secures a job at a starting salary say in the bank, civil service, or as a lecturer usually starts off struggling with life and finances. Nigerians don’t like that slow path to wealth. However, take a stock after 15 years, most of the people who traveled abroad are still struggling with career, normally saddled with huge debts and often marital problems, which become very big draw-backs to them in late stages of life, while their colleagues who started out in Nigeria as bankers are now stable as a senior level Managers, the civil servants become Directors, and the Lecturers, probably Associate Professors. In addition, in most cases the people who stayed back home have made names with more stable families, and less debts.

Success and Fulfillment Are Long –term?

I have to point out that most developed countries (abroad) have better security, better quality of life, better public schools, better Medicare, longer life-span, and easier access to cheaper foods and transportation. However, these are what everybody else enjoy and don’t guarantee any personal fulfillment/ success. The simple fact is that majority of Nigerians abroad live complaining, which is very unhealthy. Some are aging and not fulfilled because apart from nice pictures they took with beautiful dresses in a good weather abroad, a house they managed to buy either broad or at home, and nice food they ate, etc you can read the tales and lines of sadness, lack of fulfillment, and disappointment in their faces. The biggest contributor, which most people found out late, is (according to the Bible) they will be remembered as ‘Be-getter’s’ (The father of…or people who just lived). They will leave no popular name, no stories, no legacies, and nothing tangible to be remembered for. ..they simply lived and raised their kids! The much talked about wealth they accumulated are easily plunged back to the societies, where they lived as college school fees for kids, servicing debts, and retirement upkeep.

Therefore, if how you measure success is based how fulfilled someone is and how happy someone is today, then most Africans abroad will rank as some of the most unfulfilled and unsuccessful people. However, if you rank it according to how good and peaceful the environment you live in is, most Africans back home will fair very badly.

How Nigerians Can Build Fulfillment in Nigeria:

If only Nigerians in Africa can actually live a little more like Africans, where every household had its own farm, garden, livestock and depended less on cash to buy food, if they can go back to the deep family values Africans are known for (A man cares for his wife and kids first), if they can invest in African-styled entertainment – a continent of songs, dances, music, festivals and celebrations, if they will look well before following the wagon of capitalism, where success is measured by material acquisitions (cars, jets, houses, clothing, flamboyance) and the competition between the ‘Have’s and ‘Have-nots’ bring unnecessary stress, depression, fear of failure, divisions, greed, strife, wars, etc , where alien standards must be followed and met, then Nigerians and African’s in general can rank as some of the most successful people in the world.

- Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (2014)

A Washington DC-based Senior Consultant on Information Management (International Development). He is the Founder/ Director of ImoOnline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, Owerri Imo State (A guarantee of US Embassy, Abuja) .
[url] http://www.imoonline.org/ [/url]

adeitoro:
Op nice one.

You forgot to mention Igede, Ekeleke, Okonko, Okorosha, Izaga

Thanks, we will contact Author for update

Oja – wooden flute
Osha – a calabash either filed with tiny plant seeds, or decorated with cowries
Udu - Clay pot
Xylophones – an array of specially-arrange woods of various lengths

Almost all Igbo traditional music are played with a combination of:
Igba (Cylindrical drums) – made of cylindrical woods and animal hydes
Ogene - metal gongs
Ikoro – big wooden gongs
Okwa – small wooden gongs

‘Ese’ (funereal dance) - had two versions. ‘Ese-ike’ was played only on an elevated platform to celebrate the life of a well-accomplished man, while ‘Ese-Ala’ was played on the ground with an array of talking drums and xylophones to celebrate the live of a well-accomplished woman.

‘Ikoro’ was a huge wooden gong carved out of huge tree trunks. It was used to communicate to the entire community because of its deep, loud resonating sound. The ‘Ikoro’ dance itself was a very

‘Mgba’ (Wrestling dance) was used to cheer wrestlers as young men and women competed in local championships.

Ijele – Ijele was the king masquerade, beautifully adorned, accompanied by other smaller masquerades and usually comes out last in any Igbo ceremonial event.

‘Ekpe’ was a type of masquerade but usually was more confined in a vicinity, where young men could boast of their valor and strength in turns.

Igba Ndi Eze (A dance for the kings) . This was used to usher in kings, titled men and women either into an arena or into an occasion.

‘Ikpirikpi-ogu’ (War dance) was a dance of warriors usually used to welcome soldiers back from tribal wars. Today it’s purely symbolical to show the prowess and valor of a community and it’s triumph over collective challenges

‘Nkwa umu-Agbogho’ (the Maiden dance) was mostly a dance group for young ladies. The breathe-taking chest and waist dance, where maidens who have come of age to marry flaunted their body in seductive manners to attract suitors. It also helped the younger girls keep mind and body busy to abstain from s-exual activities before marriage.

The ‘Atilogwu’ (Acrobatic Dance) was an acrobatic dance that served both as entertainment but also equivalent to today’s cheerleaders in the west. The acrobatic flips, high jumps, etc kept young men in shape and out of crime.

‘Omuru-onwa’ and ‘Agbacha-Ekuru nwa ’ were both dance groups for married ladies and could be compared to today’s exercise clubs in the west. Married women and new mothers used such entertaining avenues to exercise, lose weight, shed baby fats and stay healthy through weekly rehearsals.

The ‘Mmanwu’ (masquerades) were widely used to protect deities and to deliver judgments/penalties on otherwise powerful people because masquerades were untouchable, feared to be spirits. Young men enlisted into the groups to effectively act as a local police.

Roles and Types Of Igbo Traditional Dances - By Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu

Published with permission from the Author of an on-going work documenting the Igbo traditions from South Eastern Nigeria. Please for any question contact the Author directly through gnwaogwugwu@imoonline.org

Before internet and print media has anyone wondered how Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria disseminated information and voiced out criticisms? It was through traditional music. I found that mode of information dissemination very ingenious, because it was a serious work embedded into entertainment, which made criticisms look like comical relief such that people criticized would even laugh and accept such criticisms. Traditional music in Igbo land served various purposes ranging from social criticism, entertainment, military, bridal, exercise, ceremonial, etc purposes.
Some of the most popular traditional dances in Igbo land, which I implore young Igbo men and women to revive and replicate in their various communities include:

'Abigbo' and ‘Ekere-Avu’ dances (social critics) both from Mbaise community in Nigeria were used for social criticisms in an entertaining manner. Through Abigbo, people could collectively voice out criticisms on governments and powerful people in the society, which otherwise a single person could not do without being victimized.

Circulated by ExposureWorld with Permission. However, contact the Author directly.



[quote author= Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu ]

"I See The Clouds Clear And A New Dawn Arise In Nigeria Through You" - Mr Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu


Nigeria's Independence day anniversary celebration organized by the Nigerian Embassy in Washington DC on October 1, 2014 goes to show how unique Nigerians are. Nigerian' have been officially voted the happiest people on Earth despite the challenges the country faces. Even the Nigeria-born legendary musician Fela Anikulakpo kuti sang about it years ago in his music "Suffering and smiling". It's that spirit of resilience and love for life that led Nigeria to a victory over Ebola when other countries refused to help, blocked their borders against Nigerians because they thought Nigeria was down and would soon be out. But, wow!, we set the pace- we defeated Ebola. Next casualty that will fall face-flat for Nigeria is insurgency.

If Nigerians can stop seeking for foreigners to help us on every little problem we have, if we can stop running around the world searching for pittance, if we can tame our sinful quest for materialism and vanity, if Nigerian men can empower our girls and stop seeing them as sex-objects created for their personal pleasure, if our bankers can stop stealing depositors' money entrusted into their hands to enrich themselves, if society can stop judging our women by the length of their skirts rather than by the length of their accomplishments; stop rewarding clueless people for their connections to people in power rather than the size of their brains, If we hold hands in unity and club down the monster called corruption, enshrining justice and equity in our judiciary, our schools, our churches, our mosques, on the streets so that the common man will not feel deprived and pick up arms to fight for himself where the government failed him, I see freedom ring, I see justice prevail, I see the clouds clear and a new dawn arise. I see happy children play in open fields and adults party in the streets without the fear of being kidnapped because God knows Nigerians love life and like to enjoy it.

It'll all start with you, within you not through your prayers (We have enough of it) but through your actions, determination, and decree that today I will start living differently being a good Ambassador of Nigeria wherever I find myself because that land is blessed, I am blessed, I shall be a blessing to Nigeria and not a contribution to it's problems. So help me God![/quote]You can follow Mr. Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (the founder of Imoonline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, and Author of African Bedtime Stories (1)) at [url] www.imoonline.org [/url]

Download and read free African Bedtime Stories at Amazon:
[url] http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S#reader_B007NFLB5S [/url]

An Excerpt from a lecture by Mr. Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (founder of Imoonline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, Owerri, Nigeria) at a youth event in Washington DC (Published with permission)

You can reach Mr Nwaogwugwu directly through www.imoonline.org or by email gnwaogwugwu@imoonline.org

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How To Determine How Much Time You Spend With Someone.

You will be exactly the same person ten years from today except for the books you read and people you meet (Oprah Winfrey). People with poor networking skills find it difficult to make progress in life because they spend more time and resources trying to get things others with good networking skills will get within minutes. Poor networking skills may also mean either not networking at all, or networking with the wrong people. You network with the wrong people when you waste time on people who should get less of your attention. Below are some tips of how much time you should spend with different groups of people in your life.

30% - People at your level both in career and social status.
This people actually account for almost 60% of what you get out there because they are in the same situation you are in; they have similar needs like you. Therefore, they sometime fill in the blanks on news you missed, advertisement you didn’t hear, job/ contract leads you may need, information you need, and most importantly, they are physically available to hang out with you as buddies. These are the same group of people who show up in your birthdays, weddings, etc and call you or visit you as friends.

25% - These are people a little below you in career and social status. An adage says be wary of people you stepped on while climbing, you may meet them while coming down. Networking with this group of people is very important not necessarily for career growth rather they help us do the heavy-lifting sometimes and save us money and time. These are the neighbors who could save you thousands of dollars because they are friendly enough to close your windows during a storm while you are away and save you the pain of having your furniture completely destroyed. The technicians who don’t mind leaving their shop and coming to your house to fix your car, electrical damages, broken pipes, etc. The money and time these class of people save us add up to thousands of dollars a year.

20% - Office bosses, supervisors, and people a little higher in career and social status than us. These are people who have powers to change our lives and willing to do it if and only if we can impress them. This include office managers who have powers to hire, people who have powers to make decisions that affect us, office colleagues, relatives, uncles and aunts who have the connections that can uplift us. References from this type of people are highly respected because they are in a position of authority and also know us well.

15% - These are usually relatives and friends who are necessary evil. You cannot say they truly love you; it’s obvious they come around you for what you have and what they can get, however, the little errands and support they provide are absolutely important especially when trust is required. Because they are relatives you trust them not to compromise your security and safety. These are the relatives and family friends we use for baby-sitting, entrust our kids into their hands, we send on errand to buy foods and drinks, give keys to your house etc. These are also the boyfriends and girlfriends who obviously don’t love you yet you need them for the company they provide.

10 % - The rich, famous and the powerful. We get to know people in political positions and celebrities not because they either care about us or will even recognize us next time we see them, but just as a validation of our own social status. Modern society worships stardom, affluence, and people tend to tilt towards you if they expect to gain something. Sometimes seeing you with people like this may play the psychological game on some people out there that perhaps by a little stroke of chance you really know them and could be wired. But honestly, don’t waste too much time with this group. Nothing tangible comes out of it no matter how much you worship and impress them. There are just too many people who need their attention.

I felt I must share this excerpts from a lecture given by Mr Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (founder of a US-sponsored youth training program in Nigeria) to a section of Nigerian youths in Washington DC last week. Great lesson for families to pass on to their kids as they grow. (Permission and copyright obtained before circulating)



Never Lose Relevance in The Sight of God & People You Need to Progress.

I have neither seen a player who made a national team because he was such a good player 10 years ago. Relationships are very dynamic and are evaluated on ongoing basis. A relationship that was relevant yesterday could be very irrelevant today. Once best friends may turn enemies; once best-performing workers may become redundant, once good relationships may become lack-luster.

The word ‘sustainability’ often comes up in modern day relationships (business or personal). That ability to sustain a relationship and keep it ever relevant in an on-going basis is very crucial in today’s fast-paced world. You cannot continue to hang onto the past and expect to make an impact in the present. There were friends who used to call or text you every day in the past who barely call you today. There were friends and lovers who showered you with all sorts of pet names in the past who today will answer your calls with very hostile tone; there were managers whom you were once their favorite in the office, who hardly consult with you today, etc. The sad reality is that you lost relevance at some point.

When people lose relevance in the site of God they are merely sustained by God’s grace (unmerited favor). When tools lose relevance they are trashed, and when relationships lose relevance they are side-lined. Don’t expect to be judged or treated based on what you were then, rather it must be based on what you are now. Therefore, before you remind someone what you were to her/him 8 years ago, please ask yourself how useful or relevant you are to her/him today just same way no employer will promote you based on your performance 7 years ago, it’s based on your performance today. In relationships, only a foolish person keeps losing his/her relevance and most reliably connections /support however expects new ones to fill the gaps. A long chain is built by linking knots and not by cutting them.

Though God’s grace may be sufficient for us, it’s our current sustained actions through faith that will lead us to subdue and dominate our environments. May you never lose relevance in the sight of God and people you need to progress. Even Jesus "grew in stature and wisdom and received favor from God and men..: (Luke 2:52). If you do, please go buy some groundnuts, lock your door, lie on your bed face up looking at the ceiling and shout all the curses and resentments you can at people who either dumped you or making progress, it won’t change a thing till you change yourself….LoL!

Mr Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu is the founder of a US-sponsored youth training program in Nigeria: [url] http://www.imoonline.org /[/url], and author of
African Bedtime Stories (1) on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391688626&sr=8-1&keywords=godwin+Nwaogwugwu

[quote author=D lion'sheart]INCREDIBLE!!!

But I think this family are not Nigerians, otherwise the wife would've said "useless man, na flowers I go chop"[/quote]It's never too late to cleanup the mindset of younger Nigerians each person starting from his/her household, and classroom teaching kids the values of respect, love, kindness, and being grateful to good gestures. Nigerians are born great and wonderful people but the environment/society our kids grow up in, turn them into monsters and unappreciative bullies manifesting in hardships, poverty, frustrations, heinous crimes, inhumanity, and chilling mob killings. Must we continue on that path of self-destruction? Should Govt/politicians raise our kids for us?

John, a 27 years old young man graduated 4 years back and had no job. He moved from one friend’s house to another and owed huge debts to friends. Everyone was after his neck for their money. He was hated; stricken with poverty, no girl wanted him as a boyfriend. Out of frustration he took up a menial job as a day laborer. On his first day he made the equivalence of $80. As misfortune would have it, the money he wrapped in a piece of paper and tucked into his pocket fell off in a taxi cab. On getting home and realizing he’s lost the money, John could not have it any longer from misfortunes. He decided to take a chance on crime, at least only once to pay off some of his debts (so he thought). He made up his mind to wear masks and lay siege on a narrow pathway used by female students returning to their off-campus hostel. His plan was to rob lone young ladies and dispossess them of their cell phones, armed with a pocket knife and pepper spray.

On the other part of the small town, Lizzy was an Eight years old girl; daughter of a taxi driver, her mother was a trader. Lizzy’s teacher just taught them about the power of being good and doing something special to put smile on people’s face. She gave each child a card that read “Just a little gesture from me to show I love you. You are the best”, to give to someone special to them.

Lizzy’s parents have had very difficult marriage and contemplating divorce. On this day, Lizzy got home and handed the card to her mom. Mom was moved to tears and gave Lizzy a big hug. Mom placed the card on the table and left for her shop in the morning the next day. Her husband searching for his taxi cab keys saw the card on the dining table and thought it was a surprise from his wife for him to start reconciliation. He was shocked, smiled and murmured “now that’s the girl I married”. Over-joyed, he decided to reciprocate the gesture. He traced the young man who forgot the wrapped money in his taxi cab three days ago. Initially, he wanted to keep the money, but today he is over-joyed, in a good mood and decided to do the right thing believing his wife kept the card to win him back.

Luckily he was able to find the young man at the right time. John was just about setting out for his deadly mission, when a taxi pulled in front of him and reversed. “Hei, young man, do you remember me? I dropped you off three days ago and you forgot something in my car..today is just a happy day for me”, he said and handed John the money neatly wrapped in the same piece of paper. John stood amazed, and thanked him. He looked up to heavens and drops of tears strolled down his cheeks. For a moment he pondered and shelved his plans to rob young ladies that evening. He walked home in shame to reassess his life situation.

The taxi driver still thought the card was a surprise from his wife and didn’t want to be beaten by his wife's surprise. He stopped over at a gift shop, bought 2 strands of Rose flowers, a pack of Chocolate, and card for his wife. The card reads “Where there’s love there’s forgiveness, you are still the woman I love”. On getting home, he tried to beat his wife to the surprise and gave her the flower, chocolate, and card first. His surprised wife took the gifts, opened the card and read it in shock. Visibly shaken, with tears flowing freely down her cheeks she walked to her husband, hugged, kissed him and whispered to him “Today is my happiest day, forgive me and accept me as we used to be”. Little lizzy walked in to see her parents in warmth embrace. She’s never seen them express love to each other like that before. With absolutely no idea what was going on, she smiled and joined the family hug.

The little girl got her family back in love. Divorce was off her parent’s table. A young man got his money back and shelved his evil plans. Nobody was robbed, the community remained safe and life continued beautifully simply because of a teacher’s card – a gesture of love. That is the power of love and good deeds. Positive karma is like a chain reaction. Never think that your little gestures of love to a stranger doesn’t matter. You probably have unknowingly either saved some people from committing suicide a couple of times, or stopped someone from becoming devious with your random acts of love/ kindness. Don’t stop being good! Wake up tomorrow saying a loud ‘Good morning’ to your neighbors and coworkers and watch how they will react to you.

Encourage kids to believe in good deeds and power of love. It instills positive karma around them, and make society safer and better!

- An original short inspirational story by Godwin C Nwaogwugwu (Story Writer/ Author). Please reproduce with permission
Author African Bedtime Stories on Amazon.com: [url]http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389329107&sr=8-1&keywords=African+bedtime+stories+%281%29[/url]

Hello NL families, if you live in Owerri and nearby cities we have a large quantity of M.A.C, Elf and other brand name cosmetics for clearance. We are moving to a new shop location this week and need to reduce inventory & cost of moving.

-M.A.C loosed powders, and pressed powders which was sold between N5,000 - N5,600 is now only N2,500.
-Elf pressed powders, which were sold N1,000 is now reduced to N500, etc
-Other items reduced include, Marykay products, children's books, Elf brushes, party clothes, ladies dresses, various pimple spot removers, etc

We have lot's of free samples & give-aways! too!

Please feel free to come and cart everything away and go and re-sell. The store relocation must be completed this week.

The shop is located at the new plaza built along Relief Market Road, Owerri (Opposite Fish Island), Shop No.11 (just behind Owerri Stadium).

Before coming Call ExposureWorld 08063672869 (Mon - Sat, 9am-6pm).

All the luck, while supplies last.

(This is a cut-out from a section of a speech by Mr. Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu to trainees of ImoOnline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, at Owerri Nigeria) -Reproduced with permission

Why Do People still Fall In Love?

1. A true friend encourages you to invest in your future because he/she knows s(he)'ll be part of it no mater what. A lover helps you squander it because he/she knows s(he) may not be part of it after all.

2. A true friend keeps his/her mouth shut in times of turmoil because s(he) has something at stake too. A lover spills all your secrets because s(he) never had anything at stake in the first place except having you.

3. A true friend keeps his/her cool and treasures your relationship even if you didn't end up with him/her. A lover leaves with malice, smears your name & plots your destruction if you didn't end up with him/her.

4. No heart is broken in true friendship because neither of you is molding each other for personal use. A lover's heart is shattered when it doesn't work out because both have been molding each other selfishly for personal use and all that will have to go to another person.

5. For true friends, marriage is a continuation of friendship. For lovers, marriage is a wish come true, to keep, secure, and control that, which they don't want others to have.

6. Lovers kill, true friends don't!

So why do people still fall in love rather than build friendship?

The best things in life (light, air, water, day, night, smile, joy, etc) come at no high price. The best entrepreneurs in the world followed their passion, they never went out looking for money -they just did what they enjoyed doing and wealth came out of it. As a young person, spend your time building bridges of true friendship, doing what you enjoy doing with them. Your life will be richer, happier, and more fulfilling. Don't waste your time/life in selfish love resulting in years wasted on unproductive jealousy, control, endless headaches, sleepless nights, and rancor. Every man or woman has a mission in life. Do not let anyone abort that mission. Start living a purpose-driven life today..."

- Godwin C. Nwaogwugwu (founder US Embassy-Sponsored ImoOnline Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, Owerri, Nigeria), is the Author of best sellers including: - African Bedtime Stories (1) also available on Amazon.com.

[url] http://www.amazon.com/African-Bedtime-Stories-Godwin-Nwaogwugwu-ebook/dp/B007NFLB5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383219200&sr=8-1&keywords=Godwin+Nwaogwugwu [/url]

Woged2005: Disclaimer: Please your personal physician is the best person to advice you on health issues/ products. I'm not one. Do not rely on my unreliable advice.

Having said that many supermarkets and pharmacies have a rack designated for feminine products. On the rack I usually see products like:

1.Tampon,
2.liquid douche,
3.regular douche,
4.feminine wipes,
5.ovulation predictor,
6.pregnancy test strips,
7.female pads,
8.pantyliner,
9.anti-yeast creams,
10.anti-fungal creams,
11.urinary tract infection test strips,
12. intimacy lubricants,
13.bikini-area wax (hair remover)
14.female shave creams (hair remover),
15.Vag*nal PH balance soaps/ creams
16.massage creams/oils
17.silky smooth leg creams (Leg hair remover)
18.acne wipes(to control pimples and face oil)
19.facial spot removers (to remove dark spots on the face)
20.blemish removers (removes balckheads and red blemishes)
21.body sprays
22.female vlbrators (, zzzzzzzz! for married couple pre-intimacy or for all those lonely ladies)
23.panties with no pant lines (pants that don't show lines on your skirts or dress)
24. vag*nal contraceptive creams, foams/films (they kill sp*rms on contact. Note they don't prevent HIV infection)

etc, etc, etc I don tire. dem too plenty for USA.

hahahahaa . I see these products everywhere in the stores in US and UK. I'm sure they'll be in Nigeria too.

Ok don't ask me more.

@woged2005, these products are not only in USA/UK, as you wrote. We have them in our shops/outlets in Nigeria at Owerri. They can be shipped discretely to customers at Lagos, PH, Aba, Abuja, etc via ABC Transport: ExposureWorld (08063672869). or send email:exposureworld@usa.com), we are also on BB on request.

Sorry guys, couldn't post full speech...no copyright..LoL!

Fabulousuzo: Nice

Thanks! Yea it is.

...Good to hear other perspectives sometimes. Can't believe that some people still believe in 2013 that a fresh human head can make their business successful . How many ritualists are on Forbes first 100 Billionaires in the world?