Category: culture/tradition

Adieu Sister: Chioma Iroegbu

In few hours I’ll be heading to my hometown, Ovim for my elder sister’s burial. I’m not sure how I feel right now but I know I’ll be fine. I’ll stay back after the burial for a couple of days to help sort things out and to meet other extended family members. Please keep me… Continue reading Adieu Sister: Chioma Iroegbu

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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 5 (Fata)

When I reached home that evening, it seemed like the whole world was turned upside down. I felt my head swell as the bee stings and sharp roots hurt my foot. By the side of my bamboo bed Nene and her dog sat, staring at me. She held my hand and squeezed softly. I saw… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 5 (Fata)

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Thoughts on Love

We don’t know what we miss or get when we make decisions concerning relationships. Sometimes what we seek might come packaged in disguise. Love is dynamic and may come in different shades. If you love someone, do not hesitate to tell them. Have a lovely night. Our love challenge continues tomorrow.

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Thoughts on Friendships and Personal Autonomy

I received several messages from close friends, complaining of the way their friends or partners treat them. I tried to see reason from different angles so that I can make an impartial judgment. Being right is not a guarantee that people will treat you well, and returning people’s favours is not ideal too. Well, we… Continue reading Thoughts on Friendships and Personal Autonomy

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African morning

In the morning the mild golden sun rise above the huts and hills Painting the corn fields yellow and making the streams shimmer Upon flowing rivers it glitters, till the dead end below a tree root Big fishes stay ready to strafe up to pick insects off tree barks In the hamlets, dogs chased cats,… Continue reading African morning

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Homesick rhyme

|. I’m coming back, that’s my happiness Tell the strong boys and beautiful girls, Get the boys to gather much wood And the girls to sweep the compound I have got many stories for all, haha So get ready, our nights will be longer! Go on, run along now, and tell them ||. Tell Mama… Continue reading Homesick rhyme

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Let’s take a walk

Let us take a walk through the pine forest, Under the cool shade which she provides, Through the path where tree leaves form a cushion And a place where squirrels make their abode Let us walk pass the dark shrubs in the hot noon, To feed our eyes on mother Nature’s wonders, Through lands where… Continue reading Let’s take a walk

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Muse: Life

Quiet breezes roam this evening, I let my weary mind stroll with it, Walking it down these streets of life, And reflecting on life’s true meaning, Aware of seasons, of sowing and reaping, I wonder if life come in such seasons, And when stars die, if they fall off from heaven Or if there’s such… Continue reading Muse: Life

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February Harmattan

Harbinger of Sahara, king of the queer dust I hail you! Your entourage of heavy sand storms and dunes Display there works of art on our glass windows and faces You give us very strange attires, ghostly ones We wonder, we make guesses of why you love the dust, Why you paint all; flowers, careless… Continue reading February Harmattan

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Health, our new Wealth

Health is a new wealth! Here are some factors that may help us live healthily. Our psychology plays a significant role in our wellbeing. If you think healthy thoughts, you’ll be healthy. We were thinking healthy means being conscious of our internal and external environment and knowing how to maintain a proper balance. As a… Continue reading Health, our new Wealth

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Elegy to you, Peace

I remember your smiles dear sister, Your struggle to live in this pathetic world, Your last smile and when you slept in peace I glad that your pains are no more Though I miss you and we may live alone I still see tree leaves fall from the window side, Sitted on the lawns that… Continue reading Elegy to you, Peace

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Tungan Maje By Michelle Basil

Our relationship with family and friends, with our immediate environment and passion for others makes us human. Michelle Basil is my guest this beautiful and sunny morning. This is her story. Michelle believes that simple things in life matter. She is a lover of outdoors, sunshine and trees. Her favourite spot is Tungan Maje, the… Continue reading Tungan Maje By Michelle Basil

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I’m happy motherland!

I’m happy dear motherland, I’m happy! I’m happy to lay my head on your shoulders To sniff your wet hair that smells like cocoa butter! My feet is swift to run to the wild So I wash my feet on the stream’s slow tide I fright mambas and laugh at mating frogs All cold morning… Continue reading I’m happy motherland!

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Thoughts on the State of Leadership in Africa

No one can fully explain why we – Africans, are so poor amid plenty. I will try to explain why. There’s a lot of greed and grief in African leadership. When leaders are greedy, citizens stagger in distress. We still don’t know how the dust hit us between the eyes. And while we researched answers,… Continue reading Thoughts on the State of Leadership in Africa

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My Soul Longs for Thee

My soul longs for thee, dear motherland To run the patched dusty red muds And to swim in the rivers crisscrossing all over you Let me climb the trees of your forests And drink from the shallow streams My soul longs to nibble the tender pumpkin seeds Freshly cut from hilly farms To dance with… Continue reading My Soul Longs for Thee

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Family is Energy

For more than a week, the waters of our creek Oko’pia have been chalky. Villagers say each time this happened, an animal (Atah – Alligator) is digging away at the source. I don’t know where the source is and honestly if I knew I wouldn’t go. 😐 Our farm lies further away from the village,… Continue reading Family is Energy

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Reflection

Fast falls the evening tide in Ovim. At this time of the day thick fog descend from hills surrounding our village. Tens of thousand incessant voices converse in low tones. I’m confused on which to listen to. Evenings must be a time of reflection for every creature. It’s even more exciting to sit among them… Continue reading Reflection

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Umukwu’s Masquerades

I never knew today was Ekpo (masquerade) day in Umukwu, Ovim. I was having a little nap when the noisy drummers arrived with the masquerades. When I was growing up I witnessed many masquerade carnivals and took particular interest in Ebulu–ogu – the biggest and stout masquerade. They are known to be merciless and stubborn.… Continue reading Umukwu’s Masquerades

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Back Home

This morning I and Jindu traveled back to our village. Thanks to the holidays we have enough time to explore and enjoy the quiet countryside. We took the 6.30AM bus and arrived 10.23AM. It wouldn’t take that long but for bad roads and many checkpoints. It is common for Governments to abandon capital projects here.… Continue reading Back Home

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The Animal King

Do you know why there is no king in the animal kingdom? Here is a story narrating why. I wrote this poetale a longtime ago. Have fun. Once upon a time In a land far away, Across seven rivers And seven hills Lived a clan of animals They knew no strife No envy, no rivalry… Continue reading The Animal King

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Reflecting on the Sunset

There’s that feeling of nostalgia when the sun drifts away from the hamlets, sinking, sailing through the clouds like a golden phantom, spherical like a child’s playball. Sometimes when it’s hot we wish away the sun and when it’s cold we wish the sun’s heat could warm our land. It’s man’s nature to want balance… Continue reading Reflecting on the Sunset

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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 4 (Headhunters 2)

One of the men unsheathed his shiny machete while the others looked on. I stopped in my tracks, thinking wearily. Were they indeed, headhunters? Maybe they are hunting for slaves for, in those times, the slave trade was booming. If they were none of those, why would they be blocking my way with machetes? Strange… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 4 (Headhunters 2)

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Visit Africa: Safari

Safari is a term used for expeditions to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitats. It has a Swahili origin and it is commonly used in East Africa. You might want to consider Safari as a holiday option. There are beautiful things waiting for you to enjoy. The misty sunrise and magical sunset will… Continue reading Visit Africa: Safari

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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 3 (Headhunters 1)

The next Eke day, I was sent to buy provisions for the family. Dada gave me £2 for food and medicine. The money was enough to buy things that will last for a week. The Eke market sold once in two weeks, and many people, traders, artisans, and technicians came from far and near to… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 3 (Headhunters 1)

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Nature: Best Vacation

Nothing heals faster than Nature and this healing feeling is unexplainable. It’s something everyone should experience. Most vacations should include moving away from hustle bustle and noisy streets of familiarity and town. I can’t say what works for everyone but if you need inspiration or thinking space, I recommend travelling to the countryside, where serenity… Continue reading Nature: Best Vacation

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Significance of Breaking the Kola nut

Onye wetara oji wetara ndu (Igbo) He who brings Kola brings life… Kola nut is a symbol of hospitality and friendship in Nigeria. While other food can be cooked, the Kola nut needs no special preparation before presentation. It’s a bitter fruit of the Kola tree¶, grown all over tropical Africa. In Igbo land, Kola… Continue reading Significance of Breaking the Kola nut

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Why you should visit Africa 3

From Nature reserves to rivers/lakes and from beautiful valleys to exotic wildlife, Africa has a lot to offer. Welcome to this edition of Why You Should Visit Africa brought to you by Oiroegbu.com 1. Adventure: If you really love nature and adventure, then you should visit Africa. There’s so much to do and participate in.… Continue reading Why you should visit Africa 3

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Sunset in Ovim

Yesterday I trekked to the market square. During my lonely trek I met old friends and distant relatives. As noted before, in Africa we place much value on family and friends. My trek was short, because the market was just around the corner. I bought two pieces of dried meat from a vendor, one for… Continue reading Sunset in Ovim

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A poem for Ovim, Isuikwuato

Morning wakes with the sun Windy clouds, happy yawns Quiet town, down the hill Misty paths, birds sing With the forest’s inhabitantsTall palm trees stand guard From their branches, birds tweet Squirrels look down in fright or excitement Dropping oily snacks on trespassers Forest pathways are hijacked by monkeys Protesting when a group of boys… Continue reading A poem for Ovim, Isuikwuato

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Weirdest Snacks in Africa

Here are some of the weirdest snacks you can find in Africa. Palm Grubs: Yuck, I know right? Some of the grubs can grow big enough to fit in one mouthful. The grubs are found in dead and decaying palm and raffia trees. Some people eat the grubs alive but to be on a safer… Continue reading Weirdest Snacks in Africa

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Anunebe: The Masquerade as reported by Okoroji Chidiebere Alexander

The moment is almost here as people in the village are all dressed to watch the great Anunebe perform in the village square, one occasion that is performed once in a year, and this makes the event one of the greatest anticipated events in Ibeme, Isiala-Mbano, a small village in Imo State, Eastern part of… Continue reading Anunebe: The Masquerade as reported by Okoroji Chidiebere Alexander

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Happy Teacher’s Day, 2019 and Thoughts on Growing Up

Ututu oma, ach, that’s good morning in English. It’s a bright and sunny morning and I wish I was in Kenya, watching wildlife. World Teacher’s Day. Today is Teacher’s Day! I celebrate all who share their knowledge with others, cheers and thanks for being a teacher. To parents, guardians, school tutors, clergymen, imams and everyone… Continue reading Happy Teacher’s Day, 2019 and Thoughts on Growing Up

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The Goose that laid the Golden Egg

You may agree with me that evenings are best for story telling. In Africa, evenings are valuable family time. Dinner or sitouts allow time to reflect on the days work: achievements and disappointments, and to tell tales. Tales don’t just act as lullabies but convey moral virtues (and vices) as well. Now when a story… Continue reading The Goose that laid the Golden Egg

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Visit Africa: Cotonou

Have you heard of Cotonou? Cotonou is a large port city on the south coast of Benin, in West Africa. At the eastern end of central Boulevard St. Michel is the huge Dantokpa Market, which features religious items and spices alongside everyday objects. To the southwest, the 19th-century Cotonou Cathedral has a striking red-and-white striped… Continue reading Visit Africa: Cotonou

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