₦airaland Forum

Onwe101: tales by moon light......

ah ah! Why you come wear bed-sheet, your clothes dirty?

Airforce1: Retar.den. is at it again

Everyday he's got something new

yeah retar-deen keeps commissioning project after projects just to make sure your belligerently beleaguered and retar-ded soul gets a better life.
Alomo

enny5: i have been hearing this story since i was 2yrs old. Please something new!! we are not interested.

and now you are five can you compare the condition of this present power sector with that of when you were 6months old?

nitlad: But he really is not gon' succeed... Abi shey e wan win treble 50 times in a row ni?

you are only going to watch it happen

nitlad: Good on him.... But I can't possibly wish him success.

your wish doesn't count.

Dreal1247: But this regime is just about two years in office. Is it possible to transform educational sector within four years? Even if it is done, we still need between three and five years to absorb it into the society. As a past president in this country, what were the educational reforms effected by Buhari to prove or drive home his point. If none, then there is no point criticising the govt of the day.

bros your head dey there.

Okworigeorge: ....ori e wambe

what do you mean

yuzedo: Lmao!! see vex na?!

Nah, that ad is veryyyy ok! The concept is brilliant! Saw it only once, was inclined to irritation but when it ended I confirmed the creative force behind it.

you are right but that guy no follow atall.

MissYuzedo: all the netwurk advart were peoples are happies becos of cheap call ratings. kant dey afforded to buy 50,000 richard kard likes d one my sweetus olways loading for me

at times I wonder wether na like this dem born you abi you just dey joke ni.

If you watch EPL on DSTV you'd know about this Stanbic IBTC advert. One guy like that going to work, on his way stopped and started dancing at the main road, he finished dancing and made his way to the bank.
The thing too mumu, I no fit describe am self.

Omo cold dey o

Nightshift: Etorom na Umungasi - St Paul's area. We also lived at Hospital and Okigwe Rds. And you?

Danfodio road behind Enyimba stadium.
Odi ok, dalu nwanne

Former Biafran soldier, Cletus Asolukanwsu, 80, talks toMOTUNRAYO JOELabout his view of the late Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as well as his war-time experience



Whatsignificant event can you link with the time of your birth?

Children who were born during my time were baptised within two months after birth. I was born in Ihiagba, Owerri, Imo State and was baptised at a Catholic Church a few weeks after. My baptismal certificatestill helps me to remember my birthday.

Where did you have your primary school education?

I attended St. Michael's Catholic School, Ihiagba before I was later transferred to Christ's Kings School in Aba.

After my primary education, I got a job as a bar man in a hotel but it linked me with better employment. I met the General Manager of a British Company at the hotel, who noticed how hard I worked. Clients who patronised the hotel always commended me. I was around 20 years old at the time. I even had an opportunity to travel to America from a relationship I established with someone at the hotel, but I couldn't leave my parents all alone in Nigeria.

I later left the hotel for another company where I worked as a store keeper in northern Nigeria in 1954. When I returned to the eastern Nigeria, I engaged in onion business. There was scarcity of onions in Aba at the time, but in the North where I worked, onions were in large supply. So I decided to be transporting onions from the North to Aba. But the business wasn't successfully because many traders also went into the business, so I lost a lot of money.

When I left Zaria, I moved to Kano in1955 to work with Coca Cola Bottling Company. Later on, my uncle asked me to join him in Port Harcourt. That was when the civil war broke out in Nigeria.

What did you do when the war began?

When the war started, Port Harcourtwas in a chaotic state, so my uncle and I decided to move to Owerri. But the war got so intense and we noticed soldiers from foreign countries taking part in it. I got a job in Owerri but when things became unbearable, we were told to go home and the company was sold off.

With a few friends, I relocated from the central Owerri to a village. One evening, when my friends and I were playing a game of draughts, we were thanking God that the Nigerian soldiers did not come to the village where we were staying. A few minutes after the discussion, we heard the sound of warplanes. Before then, I was taught how to hide when a warplane approached during the war. The pilot dropped the first bomb and then the second bomb. At the time he was dropping the second bomb, I was hiding beside a wall but unfortunately for me, the bomb landed where I was hiding.

How did you escape?

I was lucky to escape with a little cuton my face. When the Biafran soldiers came to check out the extent of the damage, I showed them the spot where the second bomb dropped which was where I was hiding, but they didn't believe me. They said I was an ordinary civilian who didn't know the difference between his left and righthands. I was angry when I heard thestatement and at that point, I made up my mind to join the Biafran army. I was 32 years old, same age with the Biafran leader, Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Later that night, I heard that a chainof bombs exploded and destroyed most of the houses in the village. Luckily, my friends and I had left thearea. We then built a refugee camp that took 300 refugees. We were there till the Biafra soldiers located us and tried to make us join the army by force. They were so brutal about it. I eventually joined becauseI had already made up my mind. After finding favour in the sight of my superiors, I rose quickly and became chief instructor. I was posted to Imo State with other trainees and we were there until the war ended, after which I went back to my village.

What was your experience like in the war?

It was a terrible period. We saw dead bodies everywhere. Some were buried upside down, others had various parts of their bodies missing, and some of the bodies hadno heads.

Do you regret joining the Biafra war?

I have no regrets at all. I know therewere times I should have been killed, looking back at when a bomb was dropped at the spot where I was hiding and when I was almost sent to wage an attack against the Nigerian army. There were times I also got caught up in air raid, but I came out of it alive because of the grace of God.

What did you do after the war?

I moved to Lagos to work with a British company.

Did you let your family know that you were joining the Biafran army?

My mother didn't know much about my whereabouts during the war. She didn't even know I was joining the army. If she knew, she would have done everything to prevent me. She would rather die than allowing her child taking part in thecivil war. She only got to know afterI had joined the army. But I didn't see her so I did not know her reaction. I am sure she must have felt bad about it. I used to write letters to her during the war. When she died, I saw some of my letters in her box.

How much of Odumegwu-Ojukwu did you know during the war?

Ojukwu was a true leader who loved his people. Many people said he started the war but it is not true. He didn't instigate the war in any way. One of Nigeria's problems is that many people don't like hearingthe truth. Before the war broke out, the Igbo people were being massacred in the North. And when this tragedy continued, Ojukwu asked them to come back home. He cared so much for us. All those who were in secondary school at that time were commissioned as officers in the Biafran army. Sadly, out of all those who were commissioned, a few of them survived the war.

Who should be blamed for the war?

It was Gowon and his people; they started the war by dropping the firstbomb. They just wanted to exterminate all Igbo people. The Igbos had no sophisticated weaponsto fight a long war so how could they have started the war? The weapons we used for the war were made by us.

Judging from the outcome of the war, do you think it would have been better if the Igbos had succeeded in the secession bid?

There is nothing we have gained by being together. Look at what is happening now. Ojukwu forewarned us and we are all living witnesses today.

Would you say that the Biafra war was necessary?

Yes of course. It was worth it. It's just unfortunate we lost the fight.

Are you saddened by Ojukwu's death?

Yes, because I think he would have been a good leader. He believed in hard work. He was a loving man. He loved Nigeria as a whole. He was dragged into the war when he was made a governor. He warned Igbos that war isn't good but that if it was necessary for us to fight.

Were you married before you joined the army?

I was not married but I kept thinking about it. I wanted to settle down first before I approached a woman for marriage. The war ended in 1970 and four years later, Imet a woman I loved in Lagos. We met for the first time when I was packing into my new house. I saw her coming out of her father's compound. She looked so pretty to me. She was 16-years-old at the time. I jokingly told her that I was going to marry her but she objected. During that period, the Igbo people were hated by other ethnic groups in Nigeria. They did not want to be associated with us. Unfortunately, the girl I loved is from an area in the then Mid-Western State, now known as Delta State. When she objected, I forgot about her and married another woman. But the marriage didn't last because she couldn't conceive. I sent her back home and married the girl who objected to myproposal at first. We have been living together for the past 36 years.

Why did you propose to a woman who was less than half your age?

Love has no age limit. You may not even need to know your partner's age at the initial stage of your relationship. It's the love you both have for each other that matters.

Do you think your marriage would have lasted this long if you had married a woman your age?

My first marriage lasted for just two years and my first wife was almost my age. So I believe my wife and I were destined to be together.

What do you love about your wife?

I like telling people about a special quality that my wife has; if I don't have money and my wife prepares alittle food for the family, she will make sure I eat first. She doesn't mind eating the remnants.

How many children is the marriage blessed with?

We have six children together. Some are still studying in various universities while two of them are married.

Do you still keep in touch with your siblings?

I'm the only child of my parents, but I grew up with extended family members. Sadly, only two of us are alive today.

How was life growing up as the onlychild of your parents?

People say that parents who are notblessed with more than a child spoil their only child. They also say that children who are born into wealth are pampered by their parents. But my youthful life was different. I came from a poor home and my mother raised me as a poor child. I was her only child but she did not go out of her way to provide all I needed as a child. She trained me in a strict way. So life was very tough for me as a child.

Can you remember events that dominated your youthful days?

I was always going to the farm with my mother. Sometimes, I would go to the stream to fetch water. I had tosweep the house every morning before going to school. Any time I offended her, she would punish me by giving me yam to eat.

What is the significance of yam as a form of punishment?

That was her way of punishing me when I erred. She would say that eating yam alone was a way of preparing me for the tough life ahead. But apart from that, she was a loving and wonderful mother. I later realised that what she was doing wasn't because she hated me but because she loved me.

How was your relationship with your dad?

It wasn't any different. My dad also loved me as well, but he wasn't too supportive financially. My family was so poor that my parents couldn't afford to send me to secondary school. When I passed Standard Six examination, I could not go to secondary school because my parents could not afford two shillings and six pence which was the tuition fee at the time.

My mother too could not shoulder the responsibility all alone because she was poor. She had the intention of sending me to secondary school but her dream for me was not realised until she died. She told me to learn a skill while she looked for money to pay for my secondary school fees but she never had enough.

What kind of sport did you take part in?

I enjoyed boxing, but my parents didn't like it. My last fight was in Kano but I quit after the victory because my mother found out I was a boxer.

At 80, you look fit still. What is the secret?

I had a serious accident in 2005 and just came out of the pain this year. But God has given me good body frame. I like eating vegetable soup because it is very healthy. I also engage in long walks.

What would you have wished to reverse in your life if the opportunity comes?

I would never drink. When you drink, you lose control of your mind.You end up going to places you wouldn't have been to and doing things you wouldn't have done. I would also have spent my time evangelising for Christ.

What kind of men do you want yourdaughters to marry?

I pray for men that are sincere at heart and have the fear of God. Their husbands must take joy in caring for their family.
http://mobile.punchng.com/output.php?link=http://www.punchng.com/feature/octogenarian/i-regret-drinking-alcohol-as-a-young-man-80-year-old-biafran-soldier/

Former Head of State, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Friday said he decided to retire with his current rank in 1985, to defend and promote the integrity of the military, instead of promoting himself.

Buhari said this at a public presentation of two books: "Nigerian military in politics: 1966-2011 and Politics of transition to civil rule in Nigeria" in Zaria, Kaduna State.

TheNews Agency of Nigeriareports that the books were published by Head of Political Science Department, Federal College Education, Zaria, Nuhu Ramalan

"It was the conviction of our regime that, being the Head of State and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, does not mean that you are the overall General.

"My ultimate goal as at then was to ensure integrity, justice, equity, accountability and transparency in the system. That was why I did awaywith unnecessarily promoting myself to General," he said.

Speaking on the military in politics, Buhari, the presidential candidate ofthe Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 general elections, identified some weaknesses of the past military regimes to include corruption and abuse of office.

On politics, he said the incessant military interventions were due to the failure of politicians to respect the rule of law, "characterised by massive corruption and lack of accountability."

The Chairman of the occasion and former Secretary-General of the defunct Peoples Redemption Party, Aliyu Umar, said the books would beresource materials in the study of Nigerian politics.

"The two books are reflection of the present Nigerian political scenario," he said.

In a related development, Buhari has attributed ineffective leadershipin the country to the inability of government to provide effective education for Nigerians.

According to the NAN, Buhari said this in Zaria on Saturday at a conference with the theme "Uniting our People for Change" organised by a group, Movement for a Better Future.

"The biggest problem of this ineffective leadership in Nigeria is education. If you deny people effective education, you have finished them.

"Education is a vital tool for human existence and development. God hasgiven Nigeria both material and human resources but we have not used them effectively.

"We have failed to organise ourselves to harness these resources. We have been talking about Sardaunana (Ahmadu Bello), (Obafemi) Awolowo, (Nnamdi) Azikwe and Tafawa Balewa as great leaders; why can't we emulate them?" Buhari asked.

In his remark, Governor Ra'uf Aregbesola of Osun State appealed to Nigerians to elect credible candidates into various elective positions who would help to develop the country.

The governor, who was the special guest of honour at conference, stressed the need for Nigerians to work together to actualise national cohesion, a bright and progressive future.
http://mobile.punchng.com/output.php?link=http://www.punchng.com/news/why-i-retired-as-major-general-buhari/

Nightshift: No, but i grew up in Enyimba city listening to such great music for decades.
I still have some collection of the group's albums. Discussing Ikeji festival during my high school days was fun. I do sing some of the chorus as well, especially the tracks on "Oderigugu" by title album.

eziokwu? Side ebe ka itoro na Aba?

[quote author=collins.123]*hisses on thread and continues sipping alomo + black label & 2 packs of Target cigarettes and waiting for mama oyoyo to finish my catfish pepper soup while playing ludo.

On to the next one[/quote]guy no vex abeg. Who supplies you with Alomo? The 30 litre that I bought yesterday is about to finish, besides, I can see the effect of your own.

Nightshift: As Perikomo would say " Omenani ndi diri ha"
Omenani ana-ese okwu eh?
Omenani ana-ese okwu eh? Ya mere ihe ndi ji buru ndi ha
Anyi ebinigo, na chi asala, ekere mgba n'aha----
Umu okorobia jiri ososo gbata..... orugo ka o na eru

Vintage Perikomo and his Arondizuogu Traditional Dance Group
" Nyikaigbudu" by title

I bu onye Izuogu?

@op, I agree but there are some certain things that don't need to be thrown away.
Take for instance our old Television (president), standing fan (National), some mobile phones (Nokia 3310), Trium, Alcatel etc, for the reason that oyibo is coming for them one day made me lock em tight in my villa room.
If you throw way yours, beta go find am keep.

[quote author=A-ZeD]Please can't you guys use your brain? Someone has posted earlier that Nigeria is older than Singapore but does that make Nigeria better?[/quote]and I implore you to use your brain too. The guy that posted that Nigeria is older than Singapore argued that despite the fact that we are older than Singapore doesn't make us more advanced or develop than Singapore. And Obviously this is what I've been talking about, silly comparisons . Now lets talk about it:
Nigeria is more than 900k sqk in landmass.
We are more than 160million in population.
There are over 30 states and 200 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Is there any data about Singapore?
Mind you America is larger than Nigeria and Singapore combined, still they are older.

playmode: [size=15pt]Shut up! Did you elect him to give him credit or to serve you? So he is waiting for us to give him credit first before he does his job.It is brain dead monkeys like you that make this country what it is today : The largest failed Nigger nation [/size]

keep ranting

This man is making complete sense.
For you to know what he's talking about, just ask your self what the fate of Nigeria is going to be when once more GEJ under the umbrella of PDP emerges victorious in the 2015 polls,
Is Buhari and his allies going to fold their hands and watch GEJ deliver the dividends of democracy without unsuccessfully trying to make the nation ungovernable for him?

On the other news, Oritsejafor has urged Nigerian pastors to purchase more sumptuous private jets as they prepare to meet in their first annual Nigerian pastors pitave jets show off in Abuja.

I was expecting to see a picture

LastApostle: He still got a hole at his bottombase you know

I'm not a

Princek12: Retardeen. Stop running from the issue. I did not the comparison. You were the one who said one plane crashed at the airport while the other crashed in a residential area. Your thi ki g shows why Nigeria is retarded.

chai!!

sobastical: Mr odesco e pele ooo

mtchwee! Juvenile

Princek12: Typical Backward nigerian mentality. Does a plane have to crash at an airport to prompt a fire department to adequately respond?

typical of an ordained dumbarze!
Should this topic warrant unnecessary comparison of Nigeria with the US?

supaeagles: An average of 30,000 flights a day in the United States. I don't think we have up to 500 a day in 9ja. So compared to the number of air accidents/number of flights, Ogugua88 has a good point
Source: NY Times

you'll only stop portraying the alarming magnitude of your ignorance the day you stop comparing Nigeria with the US.
By the time GEJ as the 5th elected civilian president is true with his transformation agenda, you can start our comparisons.

Crassus: I thought i was the only one that saw the gibberish he wrote

certainly the gibberish in your skul won't allow you decipher when someone is making sense.
As na gibberish full your head, why everything no go be gibberish to you

Symphony007: minutes after the crash, the fire truck have put off a the fire thereby saving lives, how long did it take the nigeria fire service to get to dana crash scene? How many times did they stop that their tank is empty and the needed to go and get more water?

Hours after the crash..the reason, manifest, and other vital details of the crash are already started coming out, up till today where is the full report on the dana crash?

you are such a clever dc!k. Could the capacity of Dana crash be compared to this one?
Did Dana crash at the airport?
SMH...

pDude: What is this one talking sef?

now I know you ain't making real use of your head dude