YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNUTY TO TOUCH ME!

                                                                                                                                 James C. Onyebuchi.

The epilepsy of power distribution in this remote ‘loco’ – Ekosodin - has climaxed to almost everything not working. Everyone is complaining! The pacific atmosphere that nature ordinarily affords in wee, near-end and nocturnal hours is exchanged for uninteresting and inharmonious noise mixed with pungent smells of fumes produced by petrol engines. The fans are practicably not working. Charging of mobile phones becomes ‘wahala’ for those of us, short of ‘personal-power-supplying’ machine. These add up against palatable and tranquilized rest. Ironing of wears will be left for another story in days to come. Let’s leave it there!

SASSI, HOME ALWAYS

The Shakespearean writings were one of the best writings in his time and whose relevance is non - diminished till this moment. It is even becoming a very difficult thing for people of the new age to get to understand fully what Shakespeare wrote in his books.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men" This was one of the many remarkable lines found in the works of Shakespeare. Really, there was, is, and shall continue to be a tide in the affairs of men. As I think of it now, I remember that day of September precisely 7th, 2012. It was a day that set the tone for a tidal shift in my affairs as an individual.

The tide having set a different course, and with pressure on every side, I had to leave home, to calm my nerves and to forge ahead. I do not know if I should subscribe fully to Hard determinism; maybe not. For once, I came to know that there are other place that can be home. That was SASSI!

Arriving at Ikenga that Friday afternoon, I met one of the best of God's creatures: Rev. Fr. Evaristus Ibenegbu. His acceptance of my having to come by, the circumstances not withstanding, was most humane. I was set to arrive the next week Friday.

My arrival on that day was in the afternoon, I remember the joke, what I would like to call 'snake joke' made by Fr. Eva( he must have forgotten). Not so long after that, I was already entrusted with responsibilities, even before my official introduction. I remember it was on 4th October and the teachers received their salaries on that day.

At first, it was like being in another world, not on the part of having to be a teacher or an administrator, but on the part of the conditions and with whom the work had to be done. But, I had to assure myself that it is one task that cannot be ran away from.

The new hostel system was on stream, there was no such thing as hostel system before then, it was as such a very daunting task, one which was energy sapping and intellectually tasking. Wasn't my first time having to look after young people, but in that case, it wasn't in a very ordered ecclesiastical abode of learning cum training. It was in a very free world!

I had to adapt my way through a very strong resolve to make my own fair contributions to the success story of young people, and because of what I had passion for - teaching and learning. The Manager was of a very great help. He would say, "Nnaa, I know you're still a very young boy, but you can do this; gi na ya nuba". That assurance of one who has faith in you, your weaknesses not withstanding kept me going.

At first, it was only three teachers leaving inside the school, Mrs. Chinazo Nwizu, Mrs. Kenechi Kanu and me. They were very supportive and we made a wonderful team. With time, others came by and I must apologise if I omit a name, wasn't deliberate: Mr. Nnanyelu Egbe, Mr.Adewale Adebayo, Mr. Izunna Aniekwe, Mr. Philip Nwude, Mrs. Okeke Angela Onyeka, and others. The support of other staff notably Nze Raph, the Principal, Mrs. Chinyere Ezeobi, Mrs. Ebere Azike, Madam bursar, the cook, the driver, the gateman and the security man was overwhelming. The respect accorded me was worth appraising.

The daunting task of forming young minds was one very challenging thing I have got to do. Thank God we did it as we had to.

I was privileged to be a very inner part of the administration, management and organization of the school even in my inexperience. I got to become the Auxiliary One. Sassi, became my home!

The support I got from SASSI when a turbulent and emotionally disturbing period of my life - My Dad's death - was one I would never forget. SASSI has remained a home to me till this day. I was always welcomed each time I showed up, even at the slightest of notice.

The parents and the students were awesome. The respect they accorded me, and still do accord me humbled and humbles me. It was always home! Fr. Eva would always forget my time with the school as a permanent staff was over and each time I came he would always try to get me involved.

I guess that was because I was involved. I remember having to become the master of ceremony during the Christmas party. Before that time, I was yet to pick up a Mic in the name of an MC, I wasn't even sure I could be funny as an experienced MC, but Fr. Eva would not heed my excuses. "Anakwa m akwu onye obula one naira maka MC, GI na ya luba", he said. I thank him for seeing through me, the inert qualities and talents and helping me bring them to the fore. I also thank him for making SASSI a home, my home.

I promised myself I would always seek to do my best for the growth of this home. I also enjoin all persons here to see SASSI as home, home always and what we do to a home is to make it a better home. MAKE SASSI ONE IN ANY WAY YOU CAN!!!

Callistus Agozie Ifedi
Sunday June 21, 2015
Benin.

NDIGBO; THE WAY FORWARD By James Onyebuchi, C.

ABSTRACT:
When it comes to marginalization in our country Nigeria, the Igbos, unarguably, are at the receiving end. This is further brought to light and greatly convinced by the little or few juicy projects executed by Government at the federal and the sheer starvation of key political office suffered greatly by Ndigbo after 45 years the war of Biafra came to a halt.  Amidst these, the persons of Igbo race, tongue and blood appear to be unmoved by the injustice. One wonders about the wherefore of the above assertion, as such, matter of facts. This Essay tries to study and cover the problems contributing to the political decline and lacuna suffered by Igbos and examines if there is any hope and way out. Though the approach is one sided – political to be sure- it yet covers the general interest of Ndigbo.

INTRODUCTION:
It is common-place knowledge that Ndigbo are people of the Southeastern states of Nigeria. The states include Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. Ibo becomes a unifying language. Of the partiality suffered by Igbos, disturbing questions overtake my thoughts, suchlike: Are the Igbos generally unwilling to participate in matters of politics or is their unwillingness a matter of determinism? Are we bound by fetters of continuously supporting other regions or mainly guided by our conscience? Are there internal wrangling and discord that militate against the general interest of Ndigbo? Do Ndigbo lack the heavyweights and voices that could turnaround the fate that already lives with us? Does the 'fear of the unknown' from the Northern man overshadow and at the same time assault the Igbo man's interest politically? Have all our politicians adopted the philosophy of 'sit-don-dey-look'? What actually went and is going wrong? Do we continue this way? Are Igbos 'ofekes' and 'efulefus' that never knew when the wood of 'Ukwa' tree was shared, who will consequently be and always be 'ndi na amaghi ihe ana eme, ewere ha na eme ihe ana eme'. Are Igbos just spectators in the field of politics? Thanks to the thoughtful brain that gave birth to this wonderful topic as the next question continuously mocking my Igbo origin is perfectly couched in the topic. Thus, Ndigbo ibem, which way foreward?

“CHIMA EYIKWAM SHAA” – Chima I’m Wearing Nothing

Today, I recall with intense amusement my experience years ago, sometime in 2004; to be closer to precision. 

I was an altar Boy, this some persons still call wrongly, “man servers”, the correct thing being Mass Servers. I joined late in 2013, August 16^th to be exact. In my own local Parish, there was a very strict methodology of ascent through the rank and file of the Altar Servers, and as with other ecclesiastical associations and institutions, there was a very strict discipline and in our own case, this discipline can be very ‘hot’.

Someone who wishes to join the Altar Servers must first be a communicant and a devout Christian. The discipline in the Association was thus that parents, whose children were ‘thick-headed’, would send such children to join the Altar Servers in order to be disciplined. There exist, even now, a perceived consensus among many that Altar Servers would always become priests, partly because of their closeness to priests and to the Altar.

LE CHAIR DE SAGESSE ENTERPRISES

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(motto: sancti ficetur nomen tuum)

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EL-RUFAI, THE MAKING OF A MAN WITH A STRONG WILL.

Born on 16^th February 1960 in Daudawa, Faskari local government Area of Katsina State, Mallam Ahmad Nasri El-rufai, is not one of the favorites for my admiration. I had to halt reading his account on his years of public service, “The Accidental Public Servant”, because of the rampant self-serving and praise singing contained in it.

But today, I am not in the least concerned about what he has to say about himself, but what I personally have to say about him since he emerged the Governor of Kaduna State.

During the electioneering campaign, one of the analysts categorized him as being a member of the elitist school of thought. A school of thought that is more concerned with the welfare and wellbeing of the elites than with the welfare of the majority of the populace. I somehow bought the idea, given his past attitude as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He had to ask poor persons to leave Abuja.

During the campaigns, he joined the party of change Ambassadors, lambasting past administrations in Kaduna and accusing them of mortgaging the future of the people of Kaduna. He did not mince words in stating that he would prune down the bureaucracy of government and shut down leakages. He has just done that.

IF THIS BE THE CHANGE, THEN IT IS UNINTERESTING. By James Onyebuchi C.

IF THIS BE THE CHANGE, THEN IT IS UNINTERESTING.
 By James Onyebuchi C.

I managed to survive the heart attack that almost greeted me at the pre-declaration of President Buhari as the number one citizen of Nigeria. Well documented and even flying on air are my ills towards the person of Buhari and the platform on which he ran for his Presidency. But he is the president. It could not be more or less than this. So, it was imperative upon me to adjust since I could not and am incapable of changing the situation - He is indeed my President. But my expectations were high.

The antiphon in between the APC's litany of promises or in the main, that underlined the numerous campaign promises of APC was 'changi' (change).  Nigerians, apparently, needed, beckoned and voted for change. And Hallelujah to the heavens (though it could possibly not be), change came and is here. But the question is: How far change? My expectations are still high.

APC, by all means clinched to power.  The tune suddenly changed. They began to realise that Nigeria's problems are so numerous  that they could not be solved just in four years. Even the Messiah himself realised that he never had such miraculous powers that could in a few years put Nigeria to glory and to the jealous of the whole world. My expectations began to loose strength.

When the erstwhile president Jonathan called  for patience from Nigerians, the word was immediately mistaken for a vice and as such impossible amongst Nigerians. Oh, the right man; the Nigerian messiah; Buhari then asked for patience, then it became a virtue. Nigerians clapped their hands and celebrated this. Much was to come  in and out of third antiphon - 'I belong to Nobody and to everybody'.

The inauguration came. Undoubtedly and as expected, drew men of value across and within borders. Almost all, renewed their pledge and support for the newest government. Nigerians congratulated him. Oh! His directions to relocate the defence headquarters to Borno was a sign that actions have begun. Change has begun. My expectations were enlivened.

Ecstasy became the oxygen 'almost' every Nigerian breathed. The inauguration speech became a point of discourse among the electronic media commentators. But people like me who made the word "almost", possible as used above, saw nothing different in both the ceremony and the speech. Thanks to Balarabe Musa, the former governor of old Kaduna for not being driven by the illusive 'changi'. His skepticism was unambiguously pronounced. For him, there was no fundamental difference or quantum shift in the system, government and even person. His words seem to carry weight as the events that followed up days after the inauguration confirmed his point.

Saturday came, Sunday and up till this moment, key officials are yet to be named. Presidential fleet came to function and usefulness. What Jonathan did when he reached out for regional aid in the fight against Boko Haram which Many Nigerians including the incumbent condemned, turned around to be the right thing. The rate at which Bombs are detonated even at the powerful and evocative sound of  second the antiphon 'Sai Buhari' became wild.

The one reigning now is the asset declaration which in my opinion in unnecessary and already blown out of proportion. If he lies in the declaration, will I know? Just few days ago, it was discovered that Buhari has a property at Asokoro in Abuja which worths about  2Billion of Naira. So what about the only 2 bedroom house at Daura? My expectations wane.

Some people started returning from their self exile. And others submitting themselves to EFCC. Festus Keyamo, a learned wig, and an advocate to Fed. Government on the corruption charges against former governor Sylvia washes his hands off the case even as the federal government withdrew the case. My expectations water down all the more.

I do not wish to waste time over the events unfolding in the APC over the leadership of the 8th Senate. Tuesday will settle the matter.

But wait! This is a week and two days. What has changed? If anything, does it or do they interest you? For me, the topic of this writing have answer to this question. How about you?

#Godwin

Fellow Nigerians, Change is Here.

Many Nigerians must have forgotten that Nigeria now has a new government. The rigors and vigors of the electionering having been over and the amicable transitional period.

It is now not funny nor new to find the sheer 'I-resolve-to-fate' attitude among the people. It is expected, it is a given.

Our dear president has succeeded in keeping us in a sea of patience and expectations. One week on, he has not named key appointments, nor said anything about that. We're people of patience, we wait on him.

Just yesterday, the APC conducted a mock primaries for it's Senators and representatives elect, and they chose or rather kind of elected Senator Lawan of Yobe north and Rep. Femi Gbajambiaja as the concensus candidates for the senate and House of Representatives respectively.

While some has hailed the process, some others condemned it, especially those who were won in the election.

There are very strong indications that there are internal wrangling and the likes within the APC which if not sorted out, the 8th Assembly may be immersed into an ocean of confusion and disarray.

Some of us are very poor students if history. Back forward to 1999, when the PDP government wanted to form the new National Assembly principal officers. The conflict of interests and the absence of pure reason caused series of impeachments of principal officers in the house. I just wish it will not be the case this time.

As we wait for events to unfold, let us know that change is here.

Kaosisochukwu Is One!

Such days as this reminds me of those very wonderful days of yore, 'in deibus eius' when we had birthday celebrations. It was always a wonderful, scintillating experience

Today, it was the turn of Kosi, a wonderfully and fearfully made child. Today it clocks exactly one year of his birth. 

The large turn out surmarised  the goodwill of people to both Kosi and his parents. It was simply wonderful.

The party kick-started around 2pm with an opening prayer said by one of the kids. I was moved at his prayers. He started with a hymn I praise and thanksgiving to God. He prayed for the success of the event, for good life, long life and prosperity on the celebrant, for God's blessings on everyone who was present and finally he concluded with the grace.

I was moved that in this era when people tend to forget the importance and the place of prayer in the life of a Christian, this little boy was able to present, unprepared, a wonderful prayer. Kudos must be given to the parents for a work well done.

The choir was on hand and gave a wonderful rendition. They were in a word, marvelous!

It was then, food time.... Your guess is as good as mine.

Happy Birthday Kosisochukwu!!!

When Reminiscences Comes To The Fore

An 24 hour visit to a dearly friend was what it took to bring to fore, reminiscences of the forgotten or partly faded past. It was a union although late in it's actualisation, but never in it's advantages.

The academic town of Awka and more remotely ifite