http://kashboy.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/861793
We hear and see promises, ranting, elbow-showing, and all the glamour that comes with this yearly meeting of leaders of nations. Where our leaders just simply talk and talk and talk without any possible physical solution. Year in Year out, our leaders are gathered to have a Champagne party and dinner with their fellow mates from world over, just to remind us all they are the privileged ones "our leaders".

Who does not know that this gathering is a waste of time, show of shame and insult to the people those leaders represent? The world has enough of these madness and more problem to face than picture PR moments.

The rich nations show off their mights, always threatening the weak ones, while the poor nations are constantly looking for who will help them to get pea-nuts. I am sick and tired of the same thing happening every year. The leaders takes us through the sermon of how better the world would be, but fail to add that they are responsible to make the world a better place for us all.

The MDG which was designed as a road map for the eradication of extreme poverty amongst the world poorest, has come under attacked since it was introduced by people who should know better, and what did our leaders say about it in New York? Trust them like always to rant and brag.

We need a new order in the world.

UN that we know was set up for a purpose and that purpose is long over-due for revisiting. That the UN need total over-hauling is not in dispute. But who will lead the revolution needed to address the short falls of the UNITED NATIONS?

A Million dollar Question.

May God heal OUR WORLD

Prince C K. Jiduwah]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:49:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/861793 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/566375
As for my friends world over.. Happy New Year and Best wishes from me to you in 2009.

Make sure my friends you touch a soul in a positive way each month of this year. Love you all.]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:41:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/566375 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/559137
HOMELESS
HIV/AIDS
CANCER
ABUSED
WIDOWS
CHILDREN
ORPHANS

Let us make them feel this xmas in a way.]]> Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:50:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/559137 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/556601
Breast awareness means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, so you can be aware of any changes and check them out with your doctor as soon as possible. If cancer is diagnosed, prompt treatment offers the best chance of a successful outcome.

Touch your breasts. Feel for anything unusual.

Look for changes. Be aware of their shape and texture.

Check anything unusual with your GP. Chat with your friends if you are worried.

There is no need to follow a fancy routine for checking your breasts, just be familiar with how they look and feel so that you notice changes. You can do this by looking and feeling in any way that makes you feel comfortable - in the bath or shower, when dressing, standing or lying down. If you find anything unusual or are worried, you should talk to your GP

Changes to look out for include:


Size or shape - e.g. one breast might become larger or lower than the other.

Skin texture - such as puckering or dimpling of the skin.

Appearance or direction of nipple - e.g. one nipple might become inverted (turned-in).

Discharge - one or both nipples might discharge a blood-stained liquid

Rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.

Lump in the breast or armpit.

Lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that doesn't go away after your period.

Pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to periods.

Remember that nine out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous.]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:22:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/556601 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/543977

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.

Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done

Lets Join hands to eradicate HIV/AIDS.................FULL STOP

Charles Kash Jiduwah
Durector. Delta Change Network (DCN)]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:14:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/543977 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/520523
A black man from kenya is the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

This is somthing that needs not be crying about, but rather a time to hold hands and say ENOUGH.

May God bless all those who have learnt a lesson or two from this Obama effect.]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:40:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/520523 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/506673
Miss and love you.

Happy birthday My JAAN ]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:42:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/506673 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/503887
Lets Blog it out of our world. Come on guys BLOG THIS POVERTY OF A THING OUT TODAY

I AM WILL YOU JOIN ME AND OTHERS????]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:09:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/503887 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/500475


To every woman out there that has suffered any form of domestic Violence

To every Mother in the world that cannot feed her children

To every girl out the that has passed through genital Mutilation

To every lady out there that is suffered heart break

To ever girl child oppressed

To every wife forced into un-consented marriage

To every mother passing though painful divorce

To every woman dying of cancer, diabetics, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases

To every mother who has lost a child due to lack of basic care

To every girl, woman, lady that gone through abortion

To every woman going to bed this night without food and hope for when she wakes up

To every woman working hard too make an impact in a place considered as a man dominated world

To every old women in the nursing homes, hospitals etc

To every lady, mother,woman,girl unable to care for her self

To every mother who has lost a child

To every girl in the process of committing something wrong

To every girl, woman, lady that is lonely

To every woman, girl, lady that cannot not find true love

I say don't lose hope hold on the life the best is yet to come. I love you all.]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:13:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/500475 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/492529
From the desk of Prince Jiduwah

Re. Nigeria At 48

On behalf of my family, friends, well-wishers, political platform associates, Non-Governmental Organisations Associations, Delta Change Network.

I will like to wish the President and the good people of Nigeria Good luck as we attain the age of 48 as a nation.

I am sure that it time we reflect upon the things we have done and the ones we are doing as a nation, and make amends to suite the real challenges we face in future.

I will also use this opportunity to congratulate the Governor of Delta State Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the good people of Oshimli-South and Delta State in general on this special Occasion as our dear Country Nigeria attain the matured age of 48.

Long Live Delta State
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria


Signed

Prince Charles K. Jiduwah
Executive Chairman DCN]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:35:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/492529 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/488479
DCN is happy with the level it has gone till to date , while it looks forward to the great challenges that will come in the near future.

DCN will like to thank all those who have made it possible for the Network to be where it is today. these individuals, organisations, and social Networks will forever be the BEST FRIENDS of DCN.

DCN Teams are also the best in the world. ]]> Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:38:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/488479 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/478551
I felt i was forgotten by them all, but then in the middle of my constant check my phone for a missed call or txt message or an email, something told me that in as much as i want to be remembered by those you love and care about me...., why don’t i just remember those who do not have anyone they look forward to on days like this.

After a careful thought to what my mind told me, i decided to do something special.... guess what i did... I went to one nursing home, but on my way there i made a stop in a departmental shop where i bought some gifts items and flowers, these i presented to the old people there, stayed with them until some of them were ready to go in to their rooms.

I felt really happy that i did something worthy.

Also not to forget my mother called and sang a happy birthday song to me. Oh my Jaan did same.

Love you Jaan, you are the best.]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:53:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/478551 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/462005
Speaking with The Special Assistant to The Hon commissioner for Information Delta State Mr Oke Epia on why the Information Ministry undertook such a task he said. "Delta State and indeed the Region have been seen as a hostile ground for anything but safe. This mindset needs to be corrected so that the whole will see the TRUE AND REAL FACE OF THE STATE” Mr Epia went further to explain that the state has a lot of things to show the world, and since the Govt of Dr Emmanuel Uduagan's three point agenda for the state, Delta State has grown economically and peace has returned to the State.

We join the people of Nigeria, Africa and the WORLD-OVER that will witness the unveiling of the TRUE FACE OF DELTA STATE to WELCOME THIS HISTORY while we urge the govt and good people of the State to always be proud of their State and Nation.

Prince Charles Jiduwah
Executive chairman
Delta Change Network (D.C.N)
]]> Sun, 24 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/462005 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/318327 SUMMIT THEME: Exploring the Potential of Youths in Development!!
SUMMIT WEBSITE: www.deltayouthsummit.org
SUMMIT EMAIL: apply@deltayouthsummit.org
SUMMIT TELPHONE: +234-80-679-988-80


Backdround Info

Following the upsurge of violence and criminal behavior in the Niger Delta, it has become common knowledge that young people in this area are prone to violence. By extension, they are no-do-wells and as such cannot play meaningful role in the sustainable development of the region. Contrary to this school of thought ,there are lots of young people in this part of the country that are leading change both at the local, national and international scene.

The purpose of this SUMMIT is to create a far reaching awareness of the potentials of young people as key players in the growth and development of Delta State and to advocate for youth inclusion in governance. By so doing, the state is indirectly creating a new generation of leaders who will strategically position the state in the scheme of things.

A nation or community that does not have a concrete youth empowerment strategies is headed for disaster. However, until today’s leaders realize the potentials of young people as change agents; they may not pay urgent attention to youth inclusion and empowerment as a tool for sustainable development.

The upcoming event will also create a platform for young Deltans at home and in Diaspora to network, share ideas, opportunities and best practices that will move that state forward. Here we can synergize and collaborate to run change projects for the sustainable development of the state.

DATE

18TH - 19TH JANUARY 2008

VENUE:

People's Club
By Lone Palm Hotel,
Ezenei Avenue, Asaba,
Delta State.

TIME

DAY ONE: 9.00 - 4PM
DAY TWO: 10-3PM AND 8PM - DAWN

This special Event is made possible by Delta Change Network (DCN) a registered youth-led non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organisation, commited to unity, peace and development is behind the first Delta Youth Summit tagged "ASABA 2008"]]> Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/318327 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/309207
This has been slightly changed in Delta State of Nigeria to ASK NOT WHAT YOUR STATE CAN DO FOR YOU BUT WHAT GOOD YOU WILL BRING TO THE STATE.

Based on this note some young bright minds from Delta State caught the

The likes of Timothy Ogene, Oke Epia, Chidi Kingsley, David Isei, Akporobome Asheshe and the host of others, have taken the lead in this vision of DELTA STATE TRANSFORMATION. In today’s world where ICT has become dominant in the ways of passing information and creating awareness, these young minds have embraced the innovation for the development of their State and nation.

Where Timothy is busy as a change agent and youth leader creating a network of young people that thinks in the positive direction, Oke is actively bring in new ideas into the management of Delta State Information Gateway channels. Where Chidi is actively seeking a way of giving the young Deltans a voice of their own through the much awaited YOUTH VOICE MAGAZINE, David is on course promoting peace and love through music and arts, then we talk about Akporobome whose voice has been heard loud and clear on issues such as HIV/AIDS and other social issues.

I will be stating the very Obvious to say that Delta State of Nigeria is setting the pace for a new Nigerian youth.

I wish the leaders of different youth organizations in Delta State the very best and success as they commit towards making the great impact in our State.

A Special Thanks To the Action Governor of Delta State H.E Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for his commitment towards youth’s development.
]]> Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:03:00 EST http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/309207 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/214171

WWW.DELTAYOUTHAWARDS.COM

The Delta Youth Awards is an annual initiative of Delta Change Network
established to highlight and celebrate individual and/or corporate best
practices and contributions to society that impact positively on the
lives of the youths of Delta State and from which they can draw
inspiration and/or mentorship.

The idea is to identify positive role models for youths while
enamouring the contributions of Deltans that have touched the lives of
their peers and the next generation of leaders.

Right in the HEART of the Niger-Delta, Delta State Youth Awards! is out to honour young achievers.

The Awards are in six categories::

(1) Youth of the Year.
(2) Sponsor of the Year.
(3) Young Achiever of the Year
(4) Organisation of the Year
(5) Youth Icon of the Year.
(6) DCN Special Awards.


All entries must follow the procedure below:

1. The name of the nominee
2. Category of nominee
3. A brief profile of nominee with special emphasis on contribution/achievements
4. Age of nominee
5 Nominee's contact

WWW.DELTAYOUTHAWARDS.COM


NOMINATE YOUR FRIENDS

SEND THIS TO YOUR ALL FRIENDS........


**********************************************************************************************************************
Delta Youth Awards is organised by Delta Change Network ...a non-profit, non-partisan, non-political youth organization committed to fostering the next generation of young bright Deltans that will move the state and the entire nation to greater heights. We dedicate ourselves to honest, informed, thoughtful discussion of State, National and international affairs, to the professional advancement, intellectual development, and personal growth of our members as well as the over-all development of the state
**********************************************************************************************************************]]> Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:09:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/214171 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/212031 The book, Political Assasinations is an account of the experiences of the author as a political prisoner living with hardened criminals for several years. The experience gave him the opportunity to interact with the inmates, understand their mindset and study their ways of life. The work is also a compendium of political assassinations in world history with Nigeria as case study.

The author identifies greed, desperation for power, refusal to allow healthy political or business rivalries and intolerance of dissenting opinions as attributes of murder sponsors. Those who sponsor murders often end up as life hostages of the assailants who usually resort to cheap blackmail. The assassin as a blackmailer usually returns for more.

In the first chapter, the author traces the definition and origin of ‘assassination’ to the Ismaili Islamic sect led by the Old Men of the Mountains who established its headquarters in the South of the Caspian Sea in Persia (present day Syria and Iran) in AD 1090. The author traces the origin of the word assassin, aside listing general patterns and trends of assassinations.

Sanni deduced that prior to the 1990s, the only kind of assassination that Nigerians were familiar with was the coup d’etat. Then in 1986, a new dimension was introduced when Dele Giwa, a radical editor of the Newswatch magazine was assassinated with a parcel bomb. Assassination of political figures became a social problem during the Abacha regime and has increased even during the civilian regime. This trend threw up so many questions.

Nigeria’s history and social economic structure is also examined.
In chapter two, the author takes a vivid look at the topic, Theoretical Perspectives on Assassination and Violent Crimes. The author views assassination as a crime, driven by aggression and violence. To understand the workings of the minds of assassins, the author points out that it is necessary to situate the quest within the general framework of science and aggressive behaviours.

In concluding that chapter, the author notes that each of the perspectives has its strength and weakness in attempting to explain violent or aggressive behaviour. It follows that a comprehensive theory of aggressive behaviour must ultimately be capable of blending the strengths of all the perspectives. This basic truism permeates the discussions in the book.

The author in chapter three takes a shift from the perspective and now focuses on political assassinations in world history. The author notes that assassination has been part and parcel of human history. For example, the famous assassination of Julius Ceasar which occurred in the century before the birth of Christ (44 BC) is a case in point.

This chapter, which runs from page 49 to 79 takes a look at various assassinations carried out around the world on high profile personalities, the perpetrators of such dastard act, and the motive behind such acts. Writing under the sub-heading as Profile of Assassins in the Momentous, Assassinations in world History, Shehu tries to look at assassinations as a way of oppressing the people. Here he takes a look at their profiles, the reasons, plots, the executions, and picks out seven assassinations that rocked the world to its foundation.

The author in chapter four looks at the topic, Political assassination in Nigeria. The author looks at three historical periods: 1960-1992, 1993-1998 and 1999 to date. With the exception of Dele Giwa, a radical journalist and editor of Newswatch Magazine, who was assassinated with a parcel bomb in April 1986, the remaining cases, the author states, fall within this historical time frame that had to do with people in government and politically motivated killings.

The author lists some of the politicians who had at one time or the other been felled by assassins’ bullets, including the late Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Northern region’s Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Western region’s Premier, Chief Samuel Akintola, and a host of other civilian and military casualties.

On page 82, the author reels out the names of notable men and politicians that have been hacked down by assassins’ bullets, with no trace of the culprits.

Chapter five takes a look at the Legal System and the Assassin. The sub-topic: Nigerian Law and the Assassin, takes a critical look at the section of the constitution that focuses on the modus operandi by which such murders are carried out. The section also highlights factors that hamper police investigation and inability of the judiciary in convicting assassins.

The author also presents proposals on penal/correctional system relating to Nigeria’s social structural configuration and values, this he highlights as structural imbalances, leadership and management problems. These factors according to him, have led to the emergence of a nation with many paradoxes. With this, he rounds off the last chapter. He thereafter presents a bibliography of three pages with a four-page index. His profile and portrait adorn the last page.

With Political Assassinations in Nigeria, the author has once again demonstrated his skills as a writer with class, and a man with vast knowledge of Nigeria’s political landscape. Using historical and factual excerpts from magazines and newspapers, the author unfolds history and presents solutions to such killings.

The book is written in simple language and it is a must read because the subject is easily a sensitive one. This is another wonderful work by Shehu Sani, an activist, playwright and President, Civil Right Congress (CRC).]]> Wed, 30 May 2007 04:37:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/212031 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/203467
During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.


As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year.

In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY MUM AND ALL MOTHERS IN THE WORLD.]]> Sun, 13 May 2007 10:18:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/203467 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/202269
Asaba lies approximately 6 degrees north of the equator and about the same distance east of the meridian; about 100 miles north of where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The greater Asaba occupies an area of about 300 square kilometers. It maintains an average tropical temperature of 90 degrees during the dry season and an average fertile rainfall of 6 inches during the rainy season. Ibo is the native language in Asaba and neighboring towns.

Since becoming the Delta State capital, Asaba has grown in population to over half a million very hospitable people and now maintains a cosmopolitan population of predominantly non-indigenous People.

Asaba Villages

Umuezei
Ugbomanta
Umuagu
Umuaji
Umuonaje

MAJOR FESTIVALS

The major festivals in Asaba are: Ulor, Aja, Iwaji, Ine or Ekwensu, Olia Oma

ULOR

This is a biannual festival held in July to mark the cleansing of the town of evil spirits, illnesses and misfortunes.

AJA

This means - "sacrifice" and is celebrated annually in August to appease the gods and mark the beginning of harvest period.

IWAJI

This is celebrated in September and marks the harvest period. It celebrates the abundance and availability of new yams.

INE or EKWENSU

This is a five-day celebration with each day for each Asaba Village. It is marked by a military like parade and war dances reminiscent of the old battles in which Asaba people distinguished themselves.

OLIA OMA

This is a feast day at the end of the harvest during which families give sacrifices to their dead mothers. Sought of mothers day for deceased mothers.

ASABA TITLES

Asaba has two main group of titles; one obtained by joining a title association and the other is conferred on an individual by the Asagba of Asaba and is called OLINZELE. The main titles in Asaba in their order of superiority are Mkpisi, Alo, and Eze.

MKPISI

This is the first Association into which all males are initiated to confirm their citizenship. It is done every 20 years and is a perquisite to the ALO and EZE titles. Note: That you did not participate in this initiation does not mean that you are not a true citizen, or would it prevent you from gaining other Asaba titles.

ALO

This is a very prestigious title that cannot be taken by one whose father is alive, and is a necessary prerequisite to the EZE title. The initiatee among other things must slaughter a cow that will be shared by other Alo titleholders of his village. The Alo titleholder is greeted as "ogbuefi" Meaning: killer of Cow. His regalia comprise a decorated fan from the skin of the cow and an elephant tusk (otulaka")

EZE

Eze means 'king". Besides the Asagba of Asaba this is the most expensive, prestigious and demanding title that an Asaba person can hold. Before some of the restrictions of this title were loosened, an Eze titleholder cannot spend a night outside the city limits of Asaba, eats at exactly the same time every day. His initiation lasts 40days and is greeted every morning with the royal dance "egwu ota". When an Eze dies, his burial ceremony lasts 4 weeks and he is buried sitting down with a piece of white cloth. The regalia of an Eze consists of a red cap adorned with palm fiber and eagle feathers, a horse tail "uya" and a cow tail "nza" and an elephant tusk "otulaka". As the highest title holders in town is the Eze. The Ezes sit next to the Asagba in all meetings. Asaba has other non-age restricting Titles of merit. The Asagba confers some, Others by the villages.

TITLES OF MERIT

Titles of merit are: Iyase, Odogwu, Omu, Oloto, Onoi Ogbuu

IYASE

The Iyase chieftancy is perhaps the oldest and most important title in Asaba next to the Asagba of Asaba. The Iyase of Asaba can only be compared to a General of an Army. The Iyase in the Past leads the Asaba people to war.

ODOGWU

The ODOGWU works hand in hand with the Iyase of Asaba to protect the town against foreign invasion in the past. The Iyase and the Odogwu titles rotate among the 5 villages and are held for life.

OMU

The Omu of Asaba is Essentially the First Lady of Asaba. She is a forthright Native Orator and the Mother- General to all Asabans. She has the full responsibility over all markets in Asaba.

OLOTO

The Oloto of Asaba is the head of the powerful "OTURAZA" of Asaba, which in turn is the ruling council. Oloto is responsible for the 3 villages of "Onne"

ONOI

The Onoi is the counterpart of the Oloto in the two Villages of Ummunne (umuagu and Ugbomanta)

OGBUU

Ogbuu title is a non-age restricting title and used to be awarded to distinguished warriors of Asaba
]]> Fri, 11 May 2007 21:36:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/202269 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/195787
A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER ............... CHIEF (MRS) MARIA JIDUWAH.... ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY

My mom taught me the meaning of love, she taught me to serve others when I'm feeling selfish. Whenever I went out in the public, she said, "Remember who you are, and who Heavenly Father wants you to be." She taught me the values of life. She taught me how to say "I love you," frequently but not casually. My mom's the best!

She always say If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all."
"Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. They'll wash clean."
"Work before play." "You can if you think you can!" "Keep your chin up. It's not the end of the world."

My draling mother will say
"Life isn't always fair."
"Never lie, cheat, or steal."
"Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it."
"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

My mother is the most special person in the world! She raised six children by herself. Her children ALWAYS came first. She taught all of us to be compassionate, loving and to always be the best we could be. I still remember when I was finishing high school my mother advised me these few things the night I was leaving my town for college abroad. She sat beside me held my hand and gently kissed my forehead and told me:

"If you wish to succeed in this world you have to remember that you have to give in order to receive, you have to make love and not war, and it is always better to part with someone as friends and not as an enemy, in the end she told me if you want something badly enough and you work hard for it there is nothing in this world that can stop you from getting it." I am so proud of what my mom accomplished

AT 70 I PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU MANY YEARS MORE.

With all my love to you MOTHER!

Your son
Charles Jiduwah (Prince)]]> Wed, 02 May 2007 21:48:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/195787 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/194989




Brother Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe




Men are not alike in capacity or in character. People who work hard are reasonably praised and respected. Some men are endowed with energy and imaginative wisdom that they distinguish them from others. One such person is Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Many call him an outstanding statesman, a top-notch intellect, a self-sacrificing saint, who will die in defense of Africa. Others call him a hair-lifting orator who brings people to the brink of hysteria. Some recognize him as being the father of Nigerian nationalism and others see him as a talented athlete.

Governor-General Nnamdi Azikiwe was born fifty-nine years ago in the town of Ontisha, in Northern Nigeria. Educated in his native town and in Calabar and Lagos, Dr. Azikiwe displayed his capacity for leadership and ability to learn very.

Dr. Azikiwe studied for nine years in the U.S.A. Yet, nothing came easily for him. First and foremost, there were the numerous problems of Nigeria; problems that he could not have changed with a mere stroke of the pen. Secondly, the lack of fund to finance his studies used to worry him. Nevertheless, he carried his problems with dignity and courage.

Governor-General Azikiwe studied in Storer College, Howard, Lincoln, Pennsylvania and Columbia universities. He has degrees in Philosophy, Anthropology, History, and Political Science. For sometime, he was also an instructor in History and Political Science at Lincoln University.

As a journalist of a considerable reputation, he established a chain of newspapers in Ghana and Nigeria. His newspapers, like the African Morning Post and the West African Pilot, inspired nationalism in West Africa at large. The result, needless to say, proved exactly what he expected.

As a scholar, he wrote a number of books such as "Liberia in World Politics," "Political Blueprint of Nigeria", "Economic Reconstruction of Nigeria" and "Renascent Africa".

In his book "Renascent Africa", among other things, he speaks of "the flowering of Ethiopia in antiquity and of Songhai in the Middle Ages", "of the slave trade and the devil of imperialism that contributed a lot to holding the African to the point of status quo."

As a politician first, and a statesman second, he was a member of the Executive of the Nigerian Youth Movement, Organizer of the Nigerian Reconstruction Group, President of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon, leader of the opposition in Western Nigeria's Assembly, Premier of Eastern Nigeria, and President of the Federal Senate. And today, he is not only Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria, but also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President of the Lagos Football Association and the Nigerian Amateur Athletic Association.

He often says, "Selfish men cannot build lasting unity. Morally defeated men, motivated by self aggrandizement cannot rise above self interest."

Having the intellect, the drive and almost a legendary prestige among his countrymen, one can only wish him the age and the well being in the role he plays to Nigeria's growing maturity
]]> Tue, 01 May 2007 21:38:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/194989 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/192225
The Vision of Tinapa is described as...

...to play a catalytic role in establishing Calabar as a trade and distribution hub in West Africa while at the same time providing a unique tourism experience that will inform the growth and enhancement of the tourism sector in Calabar, Cross River State and Nigeria.

Calabar, with its natural potential for tourism, through the unique vision of Tinapa, will transform itself into a global trading hub reminiscent of great international free zones like Hong Kong and Dubai.

The complex will provide international standard wholesale emporiums, integrated shopping complexes and product distribution elements supported by business tourism and entertainment facilities. The location of these, in close proximity to a free port on the east-west trading routes, provides exciting opportunities for Tinapa to serve as:

The distribution point into Nigeria and the growing economic hub of West Africa
The ultimate centre for retail and wholesale commercial activities with the ECOWAS sub-region taking advantage of the international agreement on free movement.

The vision

The vision for Tinapa is bold, exciting and insightful, highlighting the determination of Cross River State Government, under a Public Private Partnership, to deliver a project that will ensure high economic growth and prosperity for the people of Cross River State, and Nigeria at large. The vision builds on the principle that the creation of a trade hub will attract investors, traders and business travellers and subsequently domestic, regional and international leisure tourists. The mix of components brought together in the phased development of the project creates an ideal environment for trade and business tourism to flourish and lays the foundation on which to build a successful leisure tourism industry]]> Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:16:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/192225 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/186109
With the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC), which came third at the polls, forming a coalition government at the centre with the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) which literally swept the polls, the Action Group (AG) that came second in the election and managed an alliance with fourth-placed Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) was confined to the opposition. The attainment of independence on October 1, 1960 did not materially alter the status quo.

What happened on the floor of the Western House of Assembly on May 29, 1962 when members went on the rampage and broke the mace, spurring the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Western Nigeria cannot pass for election violence, since the incidences that culminated in the restriction order on AG leaders were not preparatory to any polls. It was merely a budding conflict ensconced in a failed bid by the Obafemi Awolowo–led AG to pass a vote of no confidence on the Premier of Western Region, Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

Similarly, the protest against rumoured moves by the Ahmadu Bello government of Northern Nigeria to Islamise and eternally subjugate the more republican middle belt provinces of the North, a protest championed by the Tiv was only at best a foreshadowing of future election imbroglio. The incarceration of the Joseph Tarka, Aper Aku and others of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) could not pass for any form of election violence. At the most, the orgy of sudden loss of mirth to pseudo-religious ire amongst the peoples enveloped in the present Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Niger and the Southern Zauzau part of Kaduna State stared the projecting analysts in the face as a premonition of election violence.

Not even the October 1964 federal elections which were boycotted by the Michael Okpara-led United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA) in protest against perceived clandestine moves by the establishment Nigeria National Alliance (NNA), which was for all practical purposes led by the Sarduana of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello. The UPGA, which comprised the so-called progressives’ fronts, namely AG, NCNC, UMBC, NEPU and others boycotted the polls in all the existing regions except the Midwest and conceded major electoral defeats to the NPC and Akintola’s Nigeria National Democratic Party (NNDP). Not even the momentary refusal of Nnamdi Azikiwe as President to swear-in Balewa for another term as Prime Minister nor the backing of the military was enough to engineer any anomie.

The long history of election violence was incorporated, perhaps for all times, by the phenomenon of wetie in the October 1965 elections in Western Nigeria. Before then, what has been experienced was brazen malpractice with pockets of malevolent incidents. Before the crisis in the region that led to the appointment of Moses Majekodunmi as Administrator, before the Supreme Court resolved the AG crisis in Akintola’s favour, elections in the West have been twice deferred. It was the opportunity the people of the West had patiently waited for to throw Akintola’s regime overboard.

But the astute lawyer-politician from Ogbomosho hill-country understood too well what was at stake and the import of upsetting the ballot in his own personal interest. The elections were massively rigged with virtually all NNDP candidates declared winners against very popular AG candidates led by Dauda Adegbenro. When Akintola’s return speech was snatched at "gunpoint" within the premises of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (WNBC) in Ibadan by someone identified in latter days as the Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, what followed was classical illustration of William Butler Yeats’ Mere Anarchy Is Loosed Upon The World with each succeeding day’s anger rested on housetops, chimneys and other high places, a premonition of Dennis Brutus’s Nightsong City.

The wetie reign of arson and terror in retrospect did not only lead to massive loss of lives and property, it ensured a malfunctioning of the state apparatus, more justifiable for the declaration of a state of emergency in the region than the dramatic skirmishes on the floor of the House in 1962. But the federal government shied away from that prospect because it did not wish to oust the administration of the Sarduana’s ally, Akintola through the declaration of emergency rule that would have permanently questioned the sanctity of the coming polls. The ousting of Akintola’s regime and indeed, every other in the country was carried out by a group of youthful Army officers on January 15, 1966 led by Majors Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna. The Nzeogwu coup came up nearly three months after the crisis in the West commenced with the ill-conceived re-election of Akintola, who was silenced in the putsch.

As a corrective regime, the military held on to power for 13 years, producing the greatest violence and inter-ethnic bloodbath in the nation’s history in the form of a needless civil war. On October 1, 1979, the duo of Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua handed over to democratically-elected President Shehu Shagari and his vice, Alex Ekwueme. The August 1979 elections was violence free, and this was because, though the election was not free from the Nigerian-type electoral fraud, the injustices involved in the democratisation process were not so obvious.

For instance, of the 19 states in the federation, opposition parties won governorship elections in an aggregate of 12 states, leaving the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) with seven, without prejudicing the chances of Shagari’s victory. Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) won governorship elections in five states, namely, Lagos, Ogun. Oyo, Ondo and the defunct Bendel State, while Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) controlled the two Igbo states of Anambra and Imo, creating an upset in far-flung Plateau State through the efforts of a maverick, Solomon Lar. Aminu Kano’s Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) won governorship elections in Kano and Kaduna States , while Waziri Ibrahim’s Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP) controlled the North East states of Borno and Gongola.

By August 1983, when the general elections held an additional party, the Nigerian Advanced Party with a near Marxist philosophy had been registered by the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). That new parties, and virtually all the other parties, failed to make any serious impact, as the ruling NPN with the collaboration of the Victor Ovie-Whiskey-led FEDECO and the Nigeria Police with Sunday Adewusi as Inspector General, won a landslide. They took over the governorship of hitherto opposition states as Oyo, Ondo, Bendel, Anambra, Gongola and Kaduna States, losing only Kwara State to the UPN, because of intra-party ego feud.

But the controversial victory of Omololu Olunloyo and Akin Omoboriowo, respectively in Oyo and Ondo States , created a great insurrection that literally led to the toppling of Omoboriowo’s government in Ondo State , before the Supreme Court nullified his "election" in favour of UPN's Michael Ajasin. Many lives were lost in Ondo urban centres, where egg-shaped voodoo bombs were used to thwart efforts of law enforcement agents to establish an administration inimical to the wishes of the people. There was some measure of disquiet in Anambra State where Christian Onoh and Jim Nwobodo, two kinsmen held each other’s heels. What with members of Ikemba front on the rampage, a major crisis brewed in the state before the military intervention. Above everything else, the gross malpractices of 1983 and the violence that followed led to the demise of the Second Republic, with the resurgence of another autocratic military regime on New Year eve, December 31, 1983.

A series of democratic transition timetables were released by the Ibrahim Babangida junta, which overthrew the interventionist regime of Muhammadu Buhari, with handover dates twice postponed, from October 1, 1990 to same date in 1992 and eventually to August 29, 1993. The Babangida democratic transition which witnessed the first and only institution of state-owned political parties, the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), also accommodated so many electoral injustices that culminated in the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by businessman, philanthropist Moshood Abiola.

For the next six years and until the advent of the present democratic dispensation, there was a persistent mass protest over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, with the June 12 dateline becoming a metonymy for democracy and civil justice. The greatest incident of bloodletting as security forces checkmated chaotic protest was the killing of several protesting youths in several parts of Lagos metropolis on July 5, 1993. What was supposed to be a civil disobedience was on that day transmuted by miscreants into an occasion for looting with impunity.

Every June 12 in the years that followed, the police and the military had a not very easy challenge keeping protesters and vandals off the major highways. Even in the course of the Sani Abacha self-succession plot in the guise of democratic transition, soldiers supervised voters at gunpoint, not to manipulate election figures – for elections in those times needed not be rigged as all antigovernment elements were already rooted out of the system through forced exile and imprisonment - but to prevent pro-June 12 agitators from disrupting the voting exercise. It could be said of the June 12 struggle that it began with a mass appeal that subsumed all the strata of the Nigerian society only to degenerate into a reverie of pro-democracy groups and the irate hoi polloi.

Mercifully, the very sensational death of Abacha and the emergence of Abdulsalami Abubakar as Nigeria ’s next Military Head of State began the precursor of the present democratic dispensation. Abubakar, at the climax of a transition programme that commenced two months after his assumption of office and lasted for nine months, handed over the reins of government to gaol returnee, Olusegun Obasanjo of the victorious Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Both the 1999 general elections and that of 2003 did not witness much violence compared to what happened in preceding democratic eras. But the 2003 general elections have been the most fraudulently rigged of all polls since the British granted internal self-government to the regions in the 1950s. The elections of that year were characterised by gangsterism, flagrant violations of the Electoral Act and justifiable voters’ apathy. This is one dispensation that saw an Electoral Appeal Tribunal sack a sitting governor who obtained his mandate by doubtful means, declaring his opponent dully elected after a protracted legal duel that lasted 34 months. The activities of ethnic militias have been the most vicious aspects of the present episode of civil rule in Nigeria. Again, the militias and the militants have shown more concern for attainment of economic power and sometimes sovereignty than influencing or challenging the outcome of elections.

Before today’s polls, there have been reports of loss of lives as a result of clashes between rival political groups, especially in the South West states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti States, as well as Imo and Abia in the South East. The PDP determination to win in Lagos, Anambra and Kano States, amongst others, on do-or-die basis promises to be the harbinger of several ontological woes. Sometimes the crisis is as bad as the perpetuators being from the same political party. Already, the ruling party has forfeited its right to field a candidate in the Imo State governorship election as a result of intra-party feud amongst governorship aspirants in the Imo PDP
]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:25:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/186109 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/181875
This grim reality actually underscores Aristotle’s assertion that all human beings are political animals either through conscious acts or unconscious actions.

Putting a date to the history of politics and by extension elections in Nigeria can be a bit tricky as a starting point can as well extend beyond pre-colonial periods, when the present day modern Nigeria was more or less an unformed embryo. What is called Nigeria today was the result of Sir Frederick Lugards’ amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate in 1914, with the whole territory named the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. By that time British administrators, traders and missionaries had been at work, particularly in the southern area, for about 100 years, during which the influence of western education and other social institutions had continued to expand while portions of traditional local systems declined.

Colonial Period (1914 – 1960)

Events do not occur in a void as such because there are historical connections to every development. According to a book titled: Nigeria: a country study, one of the serial Area Handbook Series published by the American University, Washington D.C., it notes that activities of Portuguese navigators have been noticed in the West African coast since the early 15th century. In 1481 emissaries from the King of Portugal visited the court of the Oba of Benin. By 1851, Britain captured the colony of Lagos in a bid to have a firmer grip over its commercial interests in the coastal town and proclaimed Lagos a Crown Colony in 1861. In 1885, the Berlin-West African Conference of major European powers agreed to entrust Britain with the sphere of influence of the Niger River Basin.

The 1914 unification introduced the principle of indirect rule of administration which literally gave the power of administration to the traditional rulers but with instructions and prodding from the colonial officers. In 1916 Lord Lugard formed the Nigerian Council, a consultative body that brought together 6 traditional leaders – including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Kano, and the Alaafin of Oyo – to represent all parts of the colony. Though it is on record that they have no major role to play in policy formulation as Lord Lugard dictates the policies of the British Crown to them.

Colonial Constitutions and Political Parties

With the exit of Lugard in 1920, Nigeria experienced 4 successive constitutional changes with the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922 being the first followed by the Richards’ 1946 Constitution, 1951 Macpherson’s Constitution and the Federal Constitution of 1954 popularly known as the Lyttelton’s Constitution. Political agitation for representation led to the birth of political parties in Nigeria. The first party to emerge was the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1922. The party was founded by Sir Herbert Macaulay, reputed to be the father of party politics in Nigeria. It contested seats in the Lagos Legislative Council created by the 1922 constitution. Though, different associations and groups existed before the formation of the NNDP but they were not organised in a party structure. By 1944 another party – National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun (NCNC) - emerged with the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the Secretary General and Herbert Macaulay as the President. It was initially a coalition of all the major labour unions, social groups, political clubs, professional associations and over 100 ethnic organisations, the NCNC had an almost national spread and appeal.

The Action Group led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was founded in 1951 as the political party arm of the socio-cultural organisation, Egbe Omo Oduduwa and the Produce Trader’s Association which he gave leadership role. Other political parties soon came into the political picture, like the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) led by the late Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana (war leader) of Sokoto, Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) led by Alhaji Aminu Kano, United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) led by Joseph Tarka, Bornu Youth Movement (BYM), Ilorin Talaka Parapo (ITP), United National Independent Party (UNIP), Niger Delta Congress (NDC), Benin-Delta People’s Party (BDPP), Mid-West State Movement among others.

With the 1954 constitution which introduced principle of ministerial responsibility under British-style parliamentary form of government, events in the Nigerian state moved rapidly. By 1957, the Western and Eastern regions became formally self-governing in regional affairs within the Federal structure and in the same year the Federal Executive Council was created to prepare Nigeria for independence. In the year 1959, the Northern region became self-governing and the National parliamentary elections in December, 1959 led to the formation of a coalition government under the prime ministerial-ship of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.


]]> Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:33:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/181875 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333 http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/180003 and civilization to the "Dark Continent."

The place is the Calabar River on the slave coast of Africa. The time is an afternoon in September 1876. A rusty ocean steamer is heading toward the mouth of the Calabar. This part of Africa is known as the White Man's Grave, and only a fool could come here without being afraid. The land a few miles from shore is unexplored. Killer elephants and lions, swarms of insects, witch doctors, and cannibals live there. To enter that land would mean death.

Life means little along the Calabar. Slavery is common and to kill a woman or a slave means nothing. If a family has too many children, they will just leave the unwanted child in the bushes to die. The birth of twins is thought to be an evil sign. Twin babies are cruelly murdered, and their mother is driven from her home to die in the jungle.

There is no respect for truth and honesty here. "Do right" would be a meaningless phrase, for these people do not understand what is right. The law of the jungle is "do whatever you can get away with." For this reason, people live their short lives in fear and filth.

The boat drops anchor well up the Calabar River beside a rough town. This is Duke Town. The mission station at Duke Town is the destination for the only woman traveling aboard the steamer. Mary Slessor is coming from Scotland to serve God in this harsh climate. A small boat from the mission comes alongside the steamer and takes her to shore.

Mary Slessor is 29 years old. She comes from a poor family. Her father was a drunkard, but her mother was a godly woman. Since she was 11, Mary has earned her living working in factories for twelve hours a day, six days a week. Despite these hard circumstances, she served God faithfully in Scotland, and the hardships have helped prepare her to serve Him now in Africa.

The Duke Town missionaries have had some success in the coastal regions. They have built a school, hospital, orphanage, and chapel at the station. Through their preaching and teaching they have been able to stop some of the worst heathen practices. The village leaders are beginning to realize that what they call "God-law" (the teachings from the Bible) makes sense. On any Sunday there are several hundred natives in services.

This was the situation when Mary Slessor began her work teaching in the mission station and visiting in the coastal and river villages. As soon as Mary could learn the local languages, she went without a translator. She was told that it was dangerous to travel alone, but she found that she could get to know the people better in this way.

The farther Mary traveled from the mission station, the greater needs she found. Mary told the natives the good news of Christ. She urged them to quit worshiping the skulls of dead men and not to be afraid of "evil spirits." The new missionary taught, "Do not kill the wives and slaves of a 'big man' when he dies. They cannot help him in the next life." She showed the women better ways to fix food and keep homes and children clean.

Sometimes at night Mary would lie awake on a dirt floor in some coastal village. "Oh Lord," she prayed, "I thank Thee that I can bring these people Thy Word. But Lord, there are other villages back in the jungle where no white man has gone. They need Jesus, too. Help me reach them!" Then, whenever she had an opportunity, she would ask another missionary or a native about her going to these villages. The answer was always the same: "No. You would be killed. They cannot be reached."

Her worst enemy was the tropical diseases which hit her so suddenly. There were many times when it seemed as though she were about to die, but she pulled through. It was a real temptation to forsake this unhealthy area and return to the cool mists of Scotland.

The Scottish missionary did go home on a short furlough, but she soon came back to Africa. She was thrilled to learn that she was now to be on her own at an outstation. Her new home was Old Town, some distance upriver from Duke Town.

Her first view of Old Town was of a human skull swinging from a pole in front of the town meeting house. Each hut had its own little gods. Mary's "home" was a mud hut next to a trader.

Her days were full of treating sick, teaching the Bible, and visiting neighbors. Mary became known throughout the area for her wise, fair counsel. There was a Christian chief, King Eyo Honesty the Sixth, who often asked Mary for advice in dealing with white men. She, in turn, asked him for help in working with the natives.

Mary was successful in Old Town, but she was also deeply burdened for the remote Okoyong tribe that had never heard the gospel. How could she bring the love of Christ to these people as well? They valued only three things: guns to have power, chains to keep their slaves, and liquor to dull their minds. But God was leading her there, and Mary was willing to trust God to show her how to win these savage people to Christ.

Mary prayed for God's leading. At last, in June 1888, she quietly announced that she would go upriver alone and find a place to settle. "You will die. You will die," her friends told her. They wept at the prospect of her leaving.

King Eyo Honesty said that if she must go, he would send her as a "big person" in his own special canoe. It was the grandest canoe in all of Calabar. Mary accepted Eyo's offer and headed for the land of the Okoyong. The farther they went, the more her twenty paddlers wanted to turn back. They feared the Okoyong. But the Lord was with the group, and they arrived safely. The Lord had also prepared the heart of the chief of the first village they found. Mary was the first outsider ever allowed to live there. The chief also said that she could build a school.

This area was far more wicked than any Mary had seen. The people respected only vengeance and cruelty. To a people who did not know what love was, Mary brought the love of Christ.

This was a wild time for the missionary. Hardly a day went by without a serious crisis. Mary knew that she could not expect to change their lives immediately, but she could not merely stand back and watch these people do wrong. She got little rest and her health was bad. But she was always there when she was needed.

Whenever Mary heard of any trouble, she would rush to the scene. As she approached, the men would be preparing for war. They passed around liquor, danced, and yelled threats at the other side. They were in war paint, and their spears and shields glimmered in the sun. The skulls and scalps of earlier victims waved from poles.

Just as the two sides were about to rush together, they saw a small, seemingly calm woman standing on a log between them. "Out of the way, Ma. We fight!"

She ignored the shouting warrior.

"Out of the way. You die, too, white Ma. Move on!"

"Shoot if you dare!" she called back.

When the two sides came to remove this gray-haired obstacle, Mary knew that she had won. She would scold them as children, plead with them to show mercy, or suggest they move to the shade of a tree to talk. Mary knitted while they talked, and she got a lot of knitting done. After hours of talking the men were calmer and too tired to fight. They went home without bloodshed.

News of trouble might come too late for Mary to get there in time. If this happened, she would go to her table, pull out a fine piece of parchment, and quickly make big marks all over it. She then sealed this with wax and tied it with a great red ribbon. A runner sped this important document to where the fight was about to begin. Mary's scribbles were nothing but nonsense, but none of the Okoyong could read! The warriors would spend the day puzzling over the important piece of paper sent by the "white Ma." They would still be studying the document when Mary arrived in person to settle the dispute.

After a time, Mary realized that as long as the Okoyong had nothing else to do, they would get drunk, and drunkenness always led to fighting. "Perhaps," she thought, "if they knew there was something better, this would stop."

Mary displayed her nicest possessions: some cloth, a teapot, and an old sewing machine. The Okoyong liked what they saw. "You can have nicer things than this if you take the palm oil and yams to the traders," she told them.

"These things you have--very nice," said one chief. "But it is no good. Traders afraid to come here. No good for us to go to them. River gods kill us."

"I will go with you. You will be safe.

"No. Too much bad."

Mary told of the wonderful things down the river. Finally they agreed to go and loaded a canoe. The chiefs and warriors shook with fear as they set off towards Duke Town and Old Town.

King Eyo hosted a great feast for the visiting chiefs. He showed them the good things they could have if they gave up their old ways. He told them that the God of the "white Ma" was the true God. Eyo was kind to the poor, backward Okoyong chiefs. Before they left he gave them each presents, including some fine cloth. The Okoyong could hardly believe their good fortune.

As a result of these meetings, the Okoyong region was opened to outsiders. Mary had done what traders, soldiers, and diplomats had been unable to do for four hundred years. There was now a reason for honest work. This experience was a turning point in the life of the Okoyong people.

In time, many of the Okoyong would accept the gospel. Free of their pagan fears and drunkenness, they could now understand God's love for them. The idols disappeared from the villages and in their place small churches were built. A court system was established to settle disputes, and Mary was made the first judge.

Civilization came more quickly to the Okoyong than it did along the coastal regions. For hundreds of years the white traders along the coast had tried to force the natives to change. It was not until the gospel changed the people's hearts that real progress was made.

As for Mary, she felt a tug on her heart for the region beyond the Okoyong. Her converts in Okoyong protested, "We love you. They will kill you. Do not go." Mary loved the Okoyong people, just as she had loved the people of Old Town. But her call was, "Onward! I dare not look back."

Mary's reputation as a great and wise woman and as a fair and honest judge had gone before her into the land of the Azo, a dreaded cannibal tribe. At first the Azo people seemed to show little interest in her message, but soon many accepted Christ. Mary reported that there was one town that had two hundred converts. None of them could read, so she pleaded for pastors to come to instruct the new Christians.

In the time she had left, Mary did all she could. She walked the paths until she was too old and feeble. Some Scottish friends sent her a cart that could be used to pull her to the villages. They urged Mary to come to Scotland for a rest. She wanted to, but prayed instead that God would give her the strength to finish the job among the cannibals. Strength came and she worked faster and harder.

Two years later, in January 1915, the Lord took Mary home to be with Him.

A government boat was then sent to carry her body down the river to Duke Town. She was buried on a hillside by the mission station where she had first served.

The group which gathers on that cemetery is a testimony to the life Mary Slessor lived. There are high government officials who found they could trust this woman's advice. A dignified tribal chief, once a cannibal, stands there. He found the "white Ma" a faithful friend. There is a young man whom Mary nursed through a fever. Twins are there who would have been murdered at birth had she not come. As they look up from her grave to the land around them, they see a country that Mary Slessor claimed for Christ while standing on the deck of a rusty ocean steamer almost forty years before.

This land cannot be the same again, nor can they.]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:45:00 EDT http://kashboy.tigblog.org/post/180003 6.4530556 3.39583336.45305563.3958333