The Nation Newspaper

Tag: homecoming

  • Lessons from Anambra Homecoming Festival

    Anambra was agog penultimate weekend for the maiden edition of its Homecoming Festival, organised by the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism. For four days, Anambra in Diaspora and friends of Ndi Anambra were treated to a rich bouquet of visual, poetry, musical and theatrical performances, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    The frequent applauses by the audience were not unexpected. The audience had waited patiently for the begining of the drama, which was preceded by Anambra Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, featuring presentations by St. Cecilia’s Choir, All Saints Choir and St. Joseph the Worker Choir and a group art exhibition in the same hall.

    But, the reactions of the audience reached a crescendo when Okonkwo, the lead character in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart, defeated Obianika in a wrestling context. Every scene in the drama was a refresher of sorts, especially the symbolism that Okonkwo and Umuofia represented in the pre-colonial Nigeria.

    Except for the ages of the casts, who are mainly undergraduates, the young thespians gave a good account of themselves as they thrilled guests to a rich drama presentation of Things Fall Apart, a true homecoming bouquet for Ndi Anambra and their friends.  The choice of the book may not be unconnected with the fact that the author, the late Prof Chinua Achebe, was from Ogidi in Anambra State, and Things Fall Apart, which is one of the most translated African literatures, is 60 years old this year.

    The drama presentation, was held at Hollywood Garden and Event Centre, on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka. Present were Governor Willie Obiano; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Aare-ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams; Secretary to the State government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; Head of Service, John Harold Uduh; Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Sally Mbanefo; her Permanent Secretary, Mr Tony Ezenwaka; Director of Programmes, Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Obienu Tobechukwu represented Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba.

    Others included Health Commissioner Dr. Joe Akabuike; his Trade and Commerce counterpart, Dr. Vincent Madubuko; Very Rev Monsignor Jerome Madueke; House Committee on Culture  Chairman, Kingsley Iruba and popular thespian, Bob Manuel Udoku.

    Earlier, at the opening of a permanent exhibition centre at the ministry, Obiano said it would serve the ministry and other parastatals. The exhibition, tagged: “Mmilioma Anambra”, featured paintings and sculptures by renowned artist, Chike Okoye.

    •A performance at the festival

    In her remark, Mrs Mbanefo said the treasure in living together joyfully, homecoming and keeping in touch with one’s roots was immense, noting that homelands are the bastions of Diaspora’s strength. “This makes experts in development economics to advocate healthy and harmonious regular interactions between homeland and the Diaspora. Though, the economic benefit of regular interactions between home and abroad are often noticeable in the gross domestic product (GDP) and other indexes of an economy, the real treasure in such a harmonious relationship is the human capital.

    “Anambra state’s wealth in human resource is not quantifiable. At home and in Diaspora, the state’s economic impact is hugely impressive. What feeds that huge economic growth is the rich homeland and Diaspora harmony.

    “This is why Anambra State government always creates opportunity for the sustenance of that relationship through such programmes as this annual homecoming festival, which is marking its maiden edition this year. This year, the festival package comprises several aspects of our people’s arts, culture and tourism. The goal is to, once more, create a memorable opportunity for all Ndi Anambra, home and away, to freely enjoy homeland in an atmosphere of security, joy and love, while celebrating with citizens and friends of Ndi Anambra. Hence, a whole day of activities in the seven-day festival is dedicated to friends of Anambra,” she said.

    According to her, the exhibiting artists have made distinctive studio creations that communicate the attributes of the special homecoming event, which is holding for the first time in Anambra State and the entire Igbo land during the Xmas and New Year season. She said through their creativity, “we see ourselves and our society in ways that make us feel nostalgic about homeland and see our lifestyle in new days.  The exhibition collection is rich. It is a delight to savour”.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said it was not the surprise that Anambra is the first state to have a Commissioner for Diaspora, setting the trend for other states. “Anambra State is certainly following the steps of President Buhari as his administration was the first to have created an office of a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora and now Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission. Therefore, I can rightly say that Anambra State is the leading state for Diaspora affairs. Anambra Homecoming Festival and Diaspora day is obviously in sync with the Federal Government in bringing Diaspora investment to Nigeria through arts and culture,” she added.

    At the launch of Diaspora portal, Mrs Mbanefo said the portal was designed to promote Igbo culture, especially the language, which many Igbo indigenes cannot speak these days. She noted that the ministry enjoys the full support of Governor Obiano, who took the lead as the first governor to create a separate ministry of Diaspora in the country. She disclosed that in April 2019, the ministry will be launching the Ogbunike Cave to promote domestic tourism in the state. The day also witnessed Palm wine festival, tasty cuisine and folk songs.

    On Saturday, the festival’s train moved to Owerre Ezukalla Cave and Waterfall in Orumba South of Anambra State, which was formally inuagurated by Mrs. Mbanefo.

  • Christ’s School holds homecoming

    Old and current students, as well as staff of the famous Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti will gather from all over the world in the school October 51-21, 2018 for their yearly homecoming anniversary.

    The homecoming is the annual reunion of all the school’s stakeholders — old students, current students, staff of the school as well as guests and friends. It is a time when old students gather to give back to the school through various projects.

    According to the Planning Committee of 73/74-78 set, the hosts, the homecoming and reunion will kick off on Monday with radio and TV enlightenment programmes in Ado Ekiti.

    Workshop for non-teaching members of staff holds on Tuesday at the girls’ school while that of the teaching staff holds on Wednesday, October 17 at the Boys School.

    There will be a Spelling Bee competition on Thursday among current pupils, as well as the presentations of senior sets marking milestones. On Friday, there will be a Novelty match and later a Variety Night at the popular Quadrangle later in the evening.

    The Extraordinary General Meeting of the Alumni Association will hold on Saturday morning while commissioning of projects by the 1973/74-1978 set, which is celebrating its 40th graduation anniversary, will hold later in the day.

    The week-long event will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Living Hope in the boys’ school.

    Founded 85 years ago by the Christian Missionary Society, Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti has produced eminent Nigerians, including Dr. Yemi Farounbi, Prof. Kayode Osuntokun, Late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, Chief Samuel Asabia, and the incoming Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, among others.

  • Flavour, Phyno, Runtown stage homecoming as they perform at Enugu Glo show

    It will be homecoming of sorts for the trio of Flavour, Phyno and Runtown as the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour goes to Enugu this Saturday.

    The show organised by Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications company, Globacom, will be featuring these highflying musicians who started their musical careers in Enugu. They will be performing in the coal city alongside other topflight entertainers.

    The Enugu edition of the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour will be held at Golden Royal Hotel in the bursting city at 4.00 p.m. The show will be compered by two of Nigeria’s best known Nollywood faces, Ebube Nwagbo and Uche Jombo, while  three other Nollywood icons, Angela Okorie, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) will make celebrity guest appearances.

    The full list of entertainers billed to thrill Enugu includes Korede Bello, Runtown, Tuface, Timaya, Phyno, Flavour and Olamide.

    “Enugu show is loaded and we are hopeful that our esteemed subscribers who will throng the venue of the show will have adequate value for their time,” Globacom said in a statement released from its head office in Lagos.

    “Enugu is very strategic to the Glo business and these artistes are ready in all ramifications to give all the people coming for the show world-class entertainment. Incidentally, three of the artistes, Runtown, Phyno and Flavour, had their formative years in the city. For their fans in the city and beyond, the show affords them the rare opportunity of touching base with their icons”, the company said.

    One of the show headliners, Flavour, spoke of his eagerness about the Enugu show.

    He said, “I am very excited to go to Enugu. This is like going back to my roots and I cannot wait to see not only my fans in the city but those old folks we grew up together in Enugu. It is going to be a show like never before for all of us.”

  • AOCOED Alumni hold maiden homecoming today

    AOCOED Alumni hold maiden homecoming today

    Alumni body of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Oto/Ijanikin, will today hold its dinner/homecoming at the Banquet Event Centre, Lateef Jakande Road Agidingbi, Lagos.

    The dinner, first of its kind in the association’s history, is to reunite old alumni, have fun and seek ways to further enhance the development of the 57 year-old institution.

    The event will also feature presentation of awards to distinguished alumni who are making giant strides in their various chosen fields. It will also award those that have contributed to the development of the college and assisted members in one way or the other.

    In a chat with The Nation, the association’s national president,  Comrade Adeyemi Adesanya, revealed the inspiration behind the event.

    He said: “We discovered that the college is very old, about 57 years, while the alumni organisation is about 30 years. So, we felt there was need to call our old graduates all over the world for a reunion. We want to use this opportunity to appreciate ourselves, the college and Lagos State.”

    Adesanya recalled that when his executive committee came on board in November 2012, the first task before it was to have a database of all past graduates of the oldest institution in the state.

    Adesanya confessed that the journey has not been smooth, nonetheless, he was happy that the alumni building has been  completed

    “When we came on board, we started putting together a database of all our students. Today, I’m happy to tell you that there is no graduate whose particulars are not with us, whether such one has collected his or her certificates or not.

    “I recall the first national executive meeting we had, I told my executive members that whoever was not ready to contribute meaningfully would not be accommodated. Today, I’m quite grateful to them because they all worked with me wholeheartedly.”

    He continued: “The first challenge was how to have our alumni building because we did not have any place to stay and there was no money. So, we taxed ourselves. We also reached out to some distinguished Lagosians and alumni with which we raised some funds to lay the foundation.”

    According to Adesanya, the choice of where to site the building as well as conforming to professional standard, were another set of headaches the alumni body had to tackle.

    “The foundation alone cost us a lot of money. Initially, we were looking at it like the normal way we cut cost when building our own houses; but when the supervising engineers came, look at the drawing and discovered it would be a storey building, their recommendations were too professional from foundation up, which made the cost of the building expensive.  We did not have a choice than to comply. Today we are grateful because the building is ready,” he said.

    Adesanya thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as well as the state SUBEB for providing employment opportunities to a large number of AOCOED graduates during its last recruitment exercise.

    According to him, Ambode would be the chairman of the day, while former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the special guest of honour. An alumnus and Provost of Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Prof Olu Akeusola will deliver the keynorte address.

  • OluJazz returns with ‘Homecoming Jazz concert’ 

    OluJazz returns with ‘Homecoming Jazz concert’ 

    Several months after he left Nigeria to perform in Europe and United States of America, talented Jazz artiste, Oluwole Alabi, better known as OluJazz is set for a massive homecoming concert.

    Olu Jazz is billed to return to Nigeria this week and will make his first appearance on stage in the first week of May.

    His homecoming concert tagged ‘OluJazz Homecoming World Tour Concert’ will hold at the popular Freedom Park on Lagos Island on May 6. The saxophonist will be joined by several other Nigerian singers.

    OluJazz graduated from the Lagos State University with a B.Sc degree in Computer Science and Mathematics and also studied saxophones and wind instruments at the Peter Kings College of Music in Badagry, Lagos.

    He has performed alongside great musicians like: Gerald Albright, Richard bona, Kenny G, Hugh Masekela, Omawumi, Tiwa Savage, the Mohit’s crew among other Nigerian and foreign stars.  He’s popularly known with the saxophone remix of some popular Nigerian gospel hits like the award-winning ‘IGWE’ originally composed by Midnite crew among other hits.

    After the concert at Freedom Park, an after party will again hold at the Troy, beside Oriental Hotel, Lagos Island.

  • The homecoming (2)

    I TURNED my face slightly and the kiss landed on my cheek. I drew out of his embrace and he went back to his seat. We both knew what he was about to do and what it could have led to.

    “You shouldn’t have done that,” I stated.

    “What?” he asked looking at me.

    “You know what you were trying to do. You wanted to kiss me. Don’t try that again,” I warned him.

    “I’m sorry. It’s just that you look so beautiful when you cry! I guess I got carried away,” he said.

    “Ernest!” I said glaring at him.

    “Alright, alright! I’ll behave from now on,” he said with a wry smile.

    He kept to his words but for a short while. After that, it was back to his old ways of constant flirting with me and cracking jokes. He made me laugh and forget my troubles especially the situation with Barri.

    We had spoken a couple of times since he told me he was not coming home to visit anymore. He had been full of apologies, promising to come another time once ‘he was less busy’.

    “If you like, come or don’t come. Do whatever you like. I don’t bloody care!” I had shouted at him during our last conversation.

    “Ah! Bella! Don’t say that,” he had said, before assuring me again of his undying love and devotion to me…

    Anyway, I decided not to let Bari’s continued absence bother me too much. I focused on my job and when I was off duty, I spent time with my family and friends.

    May was one of such friends that I spent a lot of my free time with. One weekend, I accompanied her to a large shopping mall at Ikeja to help pick out a gift for her fiancé Jerry’s birthday. After we made the purchase, we took a lunch break from window shopping and admiring some of the expensive items on display at the stores at the mall.

    “Bella, I’m traveling next week. Jerry and I are going to South Africa for the holidays,” she announced as we ate at an eatery in the mall.

    “Wow! Girl, that’s cool. Lucky you!” I said enviously.

    “Yeah. His company gave him some tickets as a bonus for all his hard work the past year. So, he’s taking me along,” she stated.

    “Well, I have no where to go. I’m stuck in this boring place for the holidays. Worse still, Barri is no longer coming,” I said.

    “Don’t be too sad,” she said on seeing how downcast I looked. “He could still change his mind and come afterall,” she stated.

    “I don’t think so. He would have told me if that was his plan,” I noted.

    “Poor you. So, what will you do during the period? Don’t tell me you don’t have anything lined up like places to go to unwind, catch some fun,” she asked.

    “Well, nothing much. I will just spend the day chilling at home with my people. Though someone has invited me to a weekend get together at the Golden resorts.”

    “Golden Resorts? That’s great! Wonderful place! Jerry and I were there some months back and we had a swell time. So, who’s this person taking you there?” she queried.

    When I told her it was Ernest, my colleague, she looked at me sharply.

    “Ernest? Why will he invite you for such an outing? Shouldn’t he be taking his girlfriend or partner there? Why you?” she enquired.

    “Hey, May, easy with the grilling. It’s a professional club he belongs to that is organising it for their members. He broke up with his girlfriend over six months ago and he asked me to be his date for the event,” I stated.

    “Well, just be careful sha. You told me the guy likes you. Being together in such a beautiful setting as the Resort, a good looking man and a pretty young lady, anything can happen,” said May.

    “Like what? Girl, you have a dirty mind! We will have separate rooms. Besides, I’m a big girl, a married one at that and I can take care of myself. And I have not even accepted to go with him,” I stated.

    That was not totally true. I had told Ernest I would think about it but in my heart, I knew I would go. Truth was that, I needed a break from all the hassles of work and other commitments I had faced all these past months. Three days at a nice resort with all kinds of delicious food to eat,

    a spa for some massages and other pampering sessions sounded very enticing.

    I trusted Ernest and I knew he would not do anything funny I did not want. So, what was there not to like about the trip, I wondered. It was just what I needed at that time, a get-away to relax and forget all my troubles with Barri.

    The following Monday, I told him I would go with him to the resort.

    “That’s great, Bella. I’m sure you won’t regret coming. You have been looking really stressed up for sometime and this break will do you good. You will a have great time with my friends and I. I promise you,” he reassured me.

    Later, on getting home from work, I thought about how good Ernest had been to me and how he was always looking out for me. He had filled a vacuum in my life, created by my husband’s long absence. He was playing some of the roles, Barri, my husband should have been playing in my life.

    ‘Instead, he is so comfortable abroad that to come home to see me has become a problem for him,’ I said to myself with a hiss.

    What kind of husband will leave his wife alone for five years without bothering to come home? All he did was give excuses which were sounding more lame by the day. I had been understanding and patient with him all along but I believed he was beginning to take me for granted. In a way, my accepting Ernest’s invitation to the resort was my way of showing him that I too, can go out and have my fun, that I was not going to continue living like a nun just because of an absentee spouse.

    Though I liked him and was somehow attracted to him, I had no intention of dating Ernest, though I knew that was what he desired and wanted so much. But who knows, anything could happen on this trip and I could change my mind…

    The home coming

    “So, what’s your Christmas wish? Is there anything you desire so much that you want Santa to do for you this season?” said Ernest over a take away lunch in the office one day. It was some days before the and we were winding up work for the year.

    “Santa? At my age? Guy, I’m not eight years old! That’s kids’ stuff! I’m too old for that kind of bullshit,” I told him.

    “One is never too old to make a wish. So, what do you want? Who knows, your desire might come true,” he said.

    “Well, there’s just one thing I want for this period. But I’m not telling you. Sorry, my secret,” I said with a smile.

    “Ah! Open up, B! What is it? A new car? That expensive Gucci bag I saw you drooling over on that shopping website the other day? Tell me, na!” he persisted.

    I just smiled at him and shook my head. Barri, my husband was all I wanted for the holidays but since it was impossible for him to be with me then, there was no need voicing such a desire out.

    Ernest was speaking.

    “As for me, I got what I wanted,” he said.

    “What is it?” I asked with some curiosity.

    He shook his head.

    “Not telling. I can keep secrets too, you know,” he said grinning.

    “Bad guy,” I said teasingly.

    On the day, we were to leave for the resort, I woke up early and packed a few clothes and some toiletries in a small traveling bag. The resort was about two hours drive from the city. I did not want Ernest to pick me up at home so as not to arouse my Mum’s suspicions as I had told her I was going to spend some days at Juliet, another friend of mine’s place. I was to meet Ernest at his place before driving down.

    I had taken my bath and was getting dressed when Estel, my cousin ran into my room, full of excitement.

    “Sister, come quickly! Uncle Barri has come!” she cried.

    “Who?” I asked, turning from the dressing mirror.

    “Uncle Barri! Your husband! He’s here in the house, in the sitting room!” she said quickly.

    “What are you talking about? This girl, are you sure you are alright? Or have you been stealing Daddy’s brandy again?” I queried.

    “I’m serious, Sister. Just come and see,” she said.

    “It had better be real or you will be in serious trouble today,” I threatened as I followed her out of my room to the parlour. I knew it could not be Barri as I had spoken to him two days before and he had given no hint that he was coming.

    But standing right in the middle of the parlour was my dear, long gone husband, a broad smile on his face and his arms opened wide…

    ***

    “But Sweetheart, you should have told me you were coming. We would have come to pick you up at the airport,” I said some time later after some of the excitement at his unexpected arrival had died down.

    He laughed and pinched my nose playfully.

    “I wanted to surprise you and by God, I succeeded. You looked as if you had seen a ghost when you saw me earlier. Ha ha ha!” he laughed.

    “You sure did. You were the last person I was expecting to see,” I said cuddling up close to him on the couch.

    “Truth is I missed you so much, Babe. So, I rescheduled some of the appointments I had and here I am,” he said, kissing me on the forehead.

    “Thank God you did. I missed you too. It’s been so lonely without you,” I stated.

    “I know. I’m here now. This time, I ‘m taking you with me so we will never be separated again,” he promised.

    I smiled at his words and held him tightly to me.

    “Uncle Bari, what about my gifts? I hope you didn’t forget to bring something for me,” said Estel.

    “Of course not. I have lots of goodies for you and every one else including my Baby here,” he said turning to me and drawing me close.

    I smiled again. The only gift I wanted Bari, had arrived so unexpectedly making me deliriously happy. I didn’t need anything else. Perhaps, it was Santa’s gift to me, to make up for all the years of separation and loneliness. Now I know that sometimes, dreams and wishes do come true, even for sceptics like me who don’t believe in fairytales like Santa Claus…

    The End

    Send comments/suggestions to 08054701481 (SMS only), psaduwa@yahoo.com or psaduwa007@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @Escapades007. You can also log on at truelifestoriesng.blogspot.com

    We have changed the names of Bella, her husband and other individuals in the story to protect their identities.

  • The homecoming (1)

    I’M sorry, dear. I thought I would be able to make it this year. But something came up and I had to cancel my travel plans to Nigeria. Please, bear with me,” Bari, my husband said over the phone.

    He was beginning to sound like a broken record with his excuses. This was the third year he had promised to come home for a visit since he travelled abroad about five years ago. It was either one story or the other and I was getting sick of it all.

    “But Bari, that was the same excuse you gave last year. How long will I wait for you? Don’t you even miss me at all?” I said beginning to get angry with him. He reassured me he missed me very much and could not wait to see me again.

    “Baby, I might not be there with you physically but you are always on my mind, in my thoughts,” he said.

    “That’s not enough. What I need right now is you here with me, by my side. I’m tired of being alone, as if I don’t have anyone when I have a husband,” I told him hotly.

    “Sorry, dear. I promise to make it up to you. Soon,” he said soothingly.

    “You better do. I have been understanding with you. But there’s a limit to my patience! I can’t wait for you forever,” I stated sharply before hanging up.

    How could Bari do this, I thought angrily as I went to the kitchen to get some water to drink. After raising my hopes of reuniting with him after all these years of being apart, now this! It was not meant to be like this. The plan, when he was leaving for the U.S was that he would stay for about two years to settle down before returning to pick me to join him over there.

    “I’ll need some time to get a job and sort out my papers before coming for you,” he had said just before his journey.

    Now two years had turned to nearly five, yet there was still no sign of him. Initially, I had been understanding when he told me he was having some problems getting his papers that would enable him reside in the country without hassles from the immigration people. But he had crossed that hurdle late last year and secured his papers. So, what was the problem now?

    Even my mother, who had always liked Bari was getting concerned about his long absence.

    “Why is he behaving like this?” she wondered when I told her Bari was no longer coming home this year.

    “I don’t know, Mum. I’m really getting tired of his stories,” I said glumly.

    “Maybe he has married another woman over there. You know some of our guys who travel overseas do that to regularise their stay,” put in Estel, my cousin who lived with us.

    “Shut up, Estel! What do you know about that? If you don’t have anything reasonable to say on this matter, then keep quiet,” ordered my mother, turning angrily on her. Then she added:

    “Don’t mind her, my dear. Bari will definitely return one day. Be patient as you have always been,” she said.

    Patience- that was all I hear about these days where Bari was concerned. But for how long? Five years was a long time for any couple to be apart, especially newly weds like us. We had been married just a few months before he left. There had even been no time for a honeymoon as he was so busy making preparations to travel. I knew sacrificing the honeymoon was for a good cause so I had not minded too much. Afterall, we were going to spend the rest of our lives together so what was the rush, I had reasoned.

    Now, I did not think so anymore. I missed him terribly and wanted him with me. If not for anything, at least to ward off other men who keep pestering me and would not leave me in peace.

     

    So much pressure…

    You see, I work in marketing, which means I have to deal directly with clients of the financial institution I worked for. It exposes me to all sorts including propositions from men who want to date me despite my marital status.

    “It’s just a ring. Just take it off when you need to do your ‘runs’,”one guy had told me one day. I had showed him my wedding ring when he wanted me to go out with him before he could buy one of our company’s products that we were marketing. He had laughed at his own words but to me, he was not funny. Infact, I found him disgusting and annoying with his big pot belly and arrogant attitude and I told him to his face, before storming out of his office.

    He wasn’t the only one. That was what I went through all the time in the line of my job. Propositions, pressures galore! I had thought about resigning a couple of times but my mother had encouraged me to hang in there, at least until Bari came to take me away.

    “All these people keep bothering me and won’t just leave me alone,” I stated with a hiss as I narrated to my colleague and friend Ernest what had transpired between Mr Big belly and I in his office.

    “You should not blame them, Bella. You are a very pretty, sexy lady and any hot blooded man would be interested,” he said to my annoyance.

    “So, are you supporting what he did?” I queried.

    He shook his head.

    “No, I’m just stating the facts. In fact, you are lucky you got married before we met or…” he started to say then stopped.

    “Or what?” I prodded him impatiently.

    “Nothing. Just tell that ‘absentee’ husband of yours to come home ‘ASAP’ before some one takes you away,” Ernest said.

    “Someone like who?” I asked again.

    But he did not say anything; he simply walked away to his own corner of the office we shared with a finger pointed at his chest, his eyes full of mischief.

    I made a face at him and returned my attention to my computer. Though he made a joke of it now, I knew he liked me and had told me so a couple of times in the past. But the answer I had always given him and the other ‘toasters’ was, ‘I’m taken’ and they should leave me alone!

    I liked Ernest as he was friendly, cheerful and always helpful to me professionally. But I drew boundaries when it came to personal stuff.

    I blamed it all on Bari. It was his fault that I was such a situation for if he had come for me as promised, then I would not have been having all these issues, I thought.

    “So, what are your plans for the holidays?” Ernest asked one evening. We were at the office working late on a project our boss had given us. It was part of the end of year promo our company was organising for our customers and we had a deadline to submit it. So, we had to work extra time. The other lady in our group TY had left a short while earlier to pick her baby from the crèche to take home and we were alone.

    “Plans? I don’t have any,” I replied brusquely.

    “Why not? Everyone has one! It’s the festive season, a period of joy, happiness and merriment. You can’t be left out,” Ernest pointed out.

    I shrugged.

    “I had some, but they didn’t work out,” I said shortly. The plan was for my husband to travel down and spend the festive season with me and the family before traveling together to his base in the U.S. But all that was on hold now as he was no longer coming.

    Ernest looked at me for a while before saying:

    “It’s Bari, right?”

    I nodded, feeling suddenly sad.

    “He promised to come over this year but like the previous occasions, he has broken that promise. I don’t know how long I can hold on,” I said quietly.

    “I’m sorry to hear that, Bella. Just hang in there, don’t lose faith,” he stated reassuringly.

    “It’s easy for you to say, but I’m the one going through all these hassles and stress over him. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m just sick of his excuses!” I said. To my shock, I burst into tears and started sobbing.

    Ernest left his desk and was by my side in a jiffy. He held me close, comforting me and assuring me that all would be well.

    “Don’t worry, I’m sure everything will work out fine in the end,” he said. He brought out a hanky from his pocket and wiped the tears from my face.

    “You think so?” I said gazing up at him with tear soaked eyes.

    “Yes,” he replied. Without warning, his face drew closer and closer to mine, his lips parted as if to say something…

    To be continued

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    We have changed the names of Bella, her husband and other individuals in the story to protect their identities.

  • Imoke’s homecoming and New Year day of honour

    Imoke’s homecoming and New Year day of honour

    AS early as 9.am, the crowd had begun to mass. And by 11 o’clock, two hours later, it had morphed into a sea of heads, all resplendent in kaleidoscope of colours.

    The Itigidi country home of His Excellency literally came under siege by a mammoth crowd of his followers, admirers and subjects drawn from across the 18 council areas of the state.

    The event could easily have been mistaken for a political rally. But it was far from that. It was Governor Imoke’s January 1, annual homecoming to celebrate the New Year with his people, his Itigidi community in Abi Local Government Area. Call it an annual ritual, which happens every January 1, and you will not be wrong. It is a rite that has been in observance since 1992.

    From far and near, people come not only to felicitate but also to honour the man whom everyone agrees has had a telling and profound impact on their lives.

    In all respect, this year’s occasion was no different.

    From all indications, the tradition does not appear to change any time soon, even as the clock gradually and relentlessly ticks on his eventful and remarkable era as governor come May 29, in 2015.

    Instructively, it is not so much about the eating and drinking, but the very essence of the occasion, which is rooted in camaraderie, conviviality and felicitation.

    A man of the people and for the people, despite his tight schedule as governor, Senator Imoke has maintained an abiding faith in the January 1 date, considered indeed, very sacrosanct, to come back home to felicitate with his people, relations, friends and the very indigent in his community.

    It is a special window the governor has consciously created since he was elected senator in 1992 for those who cannot and may not have been able to access him to shake hands with him as well as listen to their challenges.

    At such times, various groups, associations, unions, age grades, the very poor come with their problems, usually bordering on house rents and school fees for their wards. It is also an occasion for the governor to listen to legions of complaints, requests and favours from his people and seek to find solutions to them.

    For the community, January 1 of every year has become such a special moment in their lives, with the date emblematically etched in their mental calendar.

    At the governor’s Itigidi country home, it was such a beehive of glamorous display of culture, occasioned by drumming and dancing by farmers’ association, youth groups, Itigidi women association and council of elders.

    After the close of the Thanksgiving service which held at the Presbyterian Church, Itigidi, an uncanny surprise awaited His Excellency as his extended convoy snaked languidly along the  tapered, winding road into a cul-de-sac of human traffic, which had cordoned off the entrance to his house. It comprised people of different tribes.

    Despite the large canopies outside the gate to accommodate the overflow, the youths insisted on being part of the ‘inner circle of the elders’ gathering’. And so, they held off the governor for a considerable length of time, prompting him to step out of his car and ordered that the gate be thrown open for everyone to enter.

    As soon as they made their entry, with the governor ’embedded’ in the crowd, chants of ‘Our Leader, ‘Our Cross Bearer’ ‘Big Masquerade’, ‘Our Redeemer’ the ‘Oracle’ rent the air, even as bellows of ‘Igwe’, could also be heard from a section of the crowd said to have come all the way from neighbouring Ebonyi State, to reverence the governor, despite the absence of Igbo bloodline.

    In all of this, Imoke felt a deeply embedded feeling of love, emotion, care and fellowship.

    Unlike the previous year when the governor treated his guests to a repertoire of his boogie feet, waltzing and swirling back and forth, with the traditional sabre in hand, this year, the governor took time piercing through the sea of heads to shake hands, wish them a happy New Year and thank everyone for the wonderful show of love and affection.

    One after another, the various groups took turns to thank the governor for putting up a good representation on behalf of the Itigidi people and spectacularly, for being an exemplary ambassador of Cross River State.

    In the words of Senator Ben Ayade, PDP governorship candidate in the February general elections, “I’m quite aware of this ritual, but what fascinates me most is that even in the wee days of his administration, it has gone even stronger and bigger. The mammoth crowd here today is an indication that Governor Liyel Imoke is a leader that is accepted by all. People would have thought that it is the last days of his administration and you expect to see a very scanty crowd, but that is not the case. The crème de la crème in Cross River is here today. This tells you that he is accepted at all levels. But I must tell you that this is not the end. Next year January 1, 2016, we will still come here to celebrate with him. This is to tell you that he remains the leader of the party, a leader of the political family and leader of Cross River State, even out of office. This celebration will definitely be sustained. Next year as a sitting governor by God’s grace, I will be the one that will be arranging chairs for visitors to sit in this compound.

    Echoing Senator Ayade’s sentiment, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Jude Ngaji, said: “Cross Riverians, especially those of us from the Northern Senatorial Zone of the state, will ever celebrate this gentleman in the next two decades because what is coming to our part of the state is unprecedented.

    We will continue to celebrate Imoke because he is a fantastic leader who has shown leadership, not only to Cross Riverians but to this country.

    Similarly, the state PDP Chairman, Ntufam John Okon, maintained that “Imoke has proven himself as a natural and true leader. People don’t follow him because he is the governor, but the person in the governor which is Imoke. What you are seeing here is a reflection of the so many seeds he has planted in different parts of the state. He is a born leader.

    Also a representative of the women group, Chairman, Caretaker Committee of National Council of Women Society (NCWS) Cross River State Chapter, Mrs. Ekama Awara, said “Our leader, Senator Liyel Imoke, is a man of action. We as women, sincerely appreciate him because he is the most gender-friendly governor in this country. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

    Obogo is Personal Assistant to Governor Imoke on Research and Documentation

  • A daughter’s homecoming

    A daughter’s homecoming

    Ijero, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was agog on July 18. It hosted one of its own, Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, a professor of Educational Administration, to a civic reception. Prof Adelabu’s media aide BUNMI OGUNMODEDE revisits the ceremony.

     

    IT was sweet home-coming last Thursday for Ekiti Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu at Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state.

    Prof Adelabu, who is married to an Ijero Prince, was treated to a rousing reception by members of the local chapter of the ruling party in the state – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    The reception, held at the Ijero Sports Stadium, drew the who-is-who in the politics of the locality. They included royal fathers, top government functionaries, market leaders, youths and school pupils among others.

    Prof Adelabu’s guests were received by community leaders and royal fathers from Ipoti, Ara, Epe, Ilukuno, Araromi, Temidire, Iroko and Oke Oro. High Chief Femi Oyebanjo represented the Ajero of Ijero. He presented gifts to the deputy governor on behalf of the communities.

    Pupils from CAC Grammar School, Ijero, Ijero High School, Doherty Memorial High School, Ipoti High Schoool and Babatope High School, Ikoro, thrilled the audience with a march past and spectacular displays that drew cheers from the crowd.

    An array of jesters and praise singers also found their way into the stadium. They spiced the reception with comic reliefs.

    Opening the floodgate of goodwill messages, Mr Jekoyemi Bankole, who is the chairman of the local wing of the ACN, urged members to remain united and always respect the positions taken by their leaders.

    Others who took turns to deliver messages included: Mr Biodun Omoleye; ACN Women Leader Mrs Bose Yakubu; and Mrs Dupe Bakare as well as the leader of youths in the area.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the Civic Reception Committee, Dr. Adebayo Orire, said the event became necessary for Prof Adelabu’s kinsmen to show their love and appreciation.

    His words: “We would like to use this opportunity to formally congratulate this woman of virtue and profound intellect, who has proved her mettle in academics and now doing well in the public arena on her appointment as the deputy governor.

    “We wish her resounding success in this new assignment and in all future endeavours. She is an epitome of humility, meekness, perseverance, respect, honour, virtue and godliness; no wonder she is inheriting the earth. She is set apart for glory and greatness in all ramifications.

    “To the people’s governor, we say a big thank you for this honour and privilege for considering our own worthy of being appointed as the Second-in-Command in our dear state – the Land of Honour. May the good Lord continue to imbue you with the wisdom to pilot this great state to loftier pedestal.”

    Dr Orire urged the state government to turn Ijero council area into a pot of cash by developing its vast potentials.

    Responding, Prof Adelabu thanked the gathering for the reception.

    Apparently thrilled by the turnout of party supporters, well-wishers, the defection of members of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the outpouring of encomiums, the deputy governor described the reception as simply amazing.

    “I must confess that this reception is amazing,” Prof Adelabu said while responding to the display of love from all the communities that make up the council area.

    She preached unity amongst party members, warning them against polarisation and division.

    She said the ACN family in the state remained one indivisible, saying members should look beyond returning the Fayemi administration into office next year, but create the enabling environment for continuity after 2018.

    The deputy governor, who had earlier inaugurated a recreation centre built by the local government under the chairmanship of Mr Bode Agbeleye, praised the council chief for replicating the Fayemi administration’s programmes at the grassroots.

    Those at the event were: Commisioners Dapo Kolawole (Finance); Mrs Ronke Okusanya (Arts, Culture and Tourism); Dr. Eniola Ajayi (Environment); Mrs. Fola-Richie Adewusi (Women Affairs, Gender Empowerment and Social Development), Special Adviser to the deputy governor, Hon Bamitale Oguntoyinbo; the lawmaker representing Ijero State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Mrs Omowumi Ogunlola; and the Provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof Francisca Aladejana.

     

  • A homecoming event

    About 60 students of Osun origin in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) take toured many ancient institutions in their home state. WALE BAKARE (300-Level Zoology) writes.

     

     

    For three days, about 60 students of Osun origin studying at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) visited various ancient institutions and sites in their home state on excursion.

    According to Abdulmojeed Fasasi, president of National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS), the visit was to familiarise members with the culture of the State of Living Spring.

    When the students reached their destination, their first port of call was the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) in Ile Aweyi area, where they were received by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Tunde Adeyemo.

    Conducting them round the corporation, Adeyemo said the corporation was inaugurated in 2001 by former Governor Bisi Akande, with the motive to educate, entertain and inform the public.

    On their arrival at the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the students were received by the Jagun of Osogbo, Chief Gabriel Oparanti, who welcomed them to the ancient town.

    The monarch advised the students against keeping bad company, saying they must be good ambassadors of the state in line with its Ipinle Omoluabi epithet.

    On the second day, the Osun Groove and Olumerin Waterfall in Erin Ijesha hosted the students. To make their expedition memorable, the tourists played various games, having fun at the water fall.

    The tour guide told the students how Osogbo came into existence.

    Alaro and Olutemenhin, in the course of hunting, got to a river, in which one of them urinated and heard a voice saying “Oso Igbo” from where Osogbo derived its name. The river is worshipped every year.

    At the National Museum, Ife, Mrs Bolanle Aleshinloye, a worker in the museum, told the students: “The history of Ile Ife is woven around Moremi. Oral tradition claims that Moremi, a fearless, courageous and exceptionally beautiful woman was from Offa. She married Ooni Oranmiyan and helped Ife to overcome the seemingly super human Igbo warriors who hid behind palm trees to attack, enslave and impoverish Ife people. Her patriotic strides brought about the establishment of Edi festival and the evolution of Moremi groove and shrine, which are still meeting the cultural and religious needs of the people.” The students also visited palace of the Ooni of Ife, and Ile-Ife.

    Abdulmojeed, 400-Level Biochemistry, said: “What I saw during the excursion made me to know that Nigeria is not only a nation blessed with natural resources but also blessed with rich cultural heritage. We should have a great sense of pride in our culture because if we don’t do that, non-Africans will believe we don’t have a background.”

    Arikewuyo Zaniab, History 200-Level, said: “Osun State has a fantastic heritage. I believe something good will happen if our government can harness the potential of these tourist sites.”

    Also, Jibril Aliyu, 400-Level Biochemistry, said: “I praise the leaders of the association for this wonderful opportunity. The problem with our country is the failure to tap and generate wealth from our rich heritage.”