Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: education

  • Niger River

    Have you seen the snake river That flow through the Savannah? The sun ray may fall on it, And her whiteness woo the eyes Hippos and crocs love it, River pythons dwell on it A beckoning waterfall up the rocks Where Mother Nature sing loudly, Always as she wash her garments On the clean waters…

  • Self Reflection 31: Faith 2

    To believe a thing impossible is to make it so. French Proverb. Indeed, the positive thinker of faith in God, sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible. Start a stunning WordPress blog here.

  • Messenger

    Kokookoroko kokorokoro A greeting called from afar The children ran out excited As if the message was for them But then who knows? Heads up, listen attentively Komkom korookom Another beat rang out Pushing the mild hit Into the ears of the heaviest village sleeper ‘Oh how cute, it is one of the King’s messengers’…

  • Tradition: 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…

  • Beautiful News

    Honestly, there are beautiful news announced by nature out there. Focus on them, enjoy the beauty and nature around you. Good morning and have a great day! Start blogging here.

  • Determination

    Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction – Germany Kent. Every mountain becomes a plain when you are determined. Determination is a tonic that keeps achievers and champions moving forward; it’s a key element in overcoming temporary setbacks and reaching ultimate success. No matter how life or the…

  • Psalm: Your Cymbal

    I’m Your cymbal, the one who plays the bells, None except You can make me appreciate life better Start a blog here.

  • Internet Fraud and Leadership

    Short Intro: To be a Nigerian is hard enough; apart from the ravaging poverty, a lot of factors had contributed to this. I’m aware that many youth are involved in internet fraud which gives the nation and her people a bad name. I and my family members fell victim several times to them. The aim…

  • Madagascar’s Covid-19 Cure

    It’s no more news that Madagascar found a cure for Covid-19 and that some African governments are reaching out to purchase some. I think that the WHO Madagascar office should work with these people to ensure that the cure is potent against Covid-19. Note that the cure was prepared from traditional herbs and Africa has…

  • Good morning Africa

    Thank you for reminding me of your beauty Africa. #Africanimages Start a stunning WordPress blog here.

  • Self Reflection 30: Wisdom

    Men should see you and marvel on how you do things. How you handle your time, money, friends and relationships and enemies, manage people and your lifestyle. Wisdom is a spirit. Wisdom giveth life to those that have it.

  • Follower of the Month

    Hello friends, It’s a tough time, isn’t it? Hang on, things will make sense soon. I just had this thought and reasoned it may be fun too. I’m going to write and dedicate a poem to a follower as a way of saying thank you. Since I can’t afford to give books, flowers or other…

  • Weekend Wish

    I give you this green heart 💚. It’s a symbol of life💚 and abundance💚, of contentment and gratitude for another fine day. That’s my wish for you this sunny beautiful African morning.

  • Two Poems: Together we watch day end and my Dancer

    (1) TOGETHER WE WATCH DAY END Baobab and Palm are shelters, Glittering stars are my friends, Waterfalls and Lions, my brothers And together we watch day end. (2) MY DANCER I steal a glance when you dance Memories of pouting lips haunt me I dreamed of you and I once But wished it away if…

  • Tradition: Ohafia War Dance (Ikpirikpi Ogu)

    Intro: Ohafia is a town in Abia State in Nigeria, it consists of 26 communities with Elu as the ancestral capital. Many people have asked questions about Ohafia War Dance. In the olden days, Ohafia was known for their bravery during tribal wars. At present, Ohafia is still known as land of warriors. It was…

  • Update on Covid-19: Abia State

    Just got news that there are confirmed cases of the virus in my state. People has not responded well to the call to sit at home. Businesses, parties, and social gatherings go on secretly. Starting from today, the police will be arresting anyone without a face mask in Abia State. I’m not sure if this…

  • Folktale: The Tortoise and His Broken Shell

    Gather around friends. How was your day today? Good to know it was fine. Mine wasn’t bad either. I hope this breezy evening gives us more than this beautiful folktale I’m about to tell. Remember to note the morals that accompany it. I have also italicized the proverb in the story. Once upon a time,…

  • Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

    Things Fall Apart is a novel written by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. Published in 1958, its story chronicles pre-colonial life in the south-eastern part of Nigeria and the arrival of the Europeans during the late nineteenth century. It is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English, one of the first to receive global…

  • Prayer for the Earth

    Continue in prayers -Colossians 4.2 The night is colder than the last Dreams fly away like the egret But we won’t let go yet Now cold nights are strong Even when all seem wrong We run to faith to rest Heal us now, dear Lord, Let this evil storm pass, Let the raging storm wear…

  • What’s in a name?

    A name indicates a person, place or thing. It may reflect why a person bear it. For instance, one can say Akpan, the first born or Judy, the mechanic. So a name can serve as a trait, feature or attribute. In African culture, people name their children after circumstances they passed through, events they evidenced…

  • On Covid-19 Vaccines by West Indamakin

    Author’s opinion, editted by oiroegbu.com Today Africa is slapped with Covid-19 vaccine testing because of her over dependence on the West for solutions to every challenge faced by the continent. African leaders deny their countries modern medical infrastructure like hospitals and adequate resources to support professionals to attain desired results and match what health practitioners…

  • Lockdown by Greech Psalms mgms

    As I’ve watched the streets thru this glass wall.. Sadness envelops my world… Nobody walking on the streets … No jeepneys, buses and private cars busy moving around… No children playing in the park…. No more restaurants to dine in … No more shopping malls to buy something… No more bookstores selling my fave book…

  • When Leadership inspires

    Leadership is a great responsibility. It’s in no way a small feat because it involves handling other people’s issues. For the public to trust anyone with power and authority such a person must have earned it through evident charisma and selfless character. A leader is open minded, available to lead the way, and be able…

  • Self Reflection 26: Be Kind

    Be generous with kind words and deeds.

  • Self Reflection 25: Diligence

    If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. _Martin…

  • That Leap of Faith by Arunav Barua

    Ever woke up scared, disoriented and not knowing where? Open your eyes and you’d see that the Sky’s still there Even the worst nightmare passes away with a little smile All that we need is a heart strong enough to withstand while The planet remains, its beauty intact, hidden in white pages That are real…

  • Update on CoronaVirus in Africa

    This is heart wrenching, what began as a joke is gradually escalating. Nobody is laughing anymore. When I got the updates I knew that we still have a long way before calm. Closing state borders is not enough. African countries are finding it extremely difficult to handle the scourge with their poor economic status. Now…

  • Self Reflection 24: Be Strong, Be Yourself

    “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”_Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • Nostalgia: Traveling memories

    I remember my first attempt at hunting. I was a little boy then and just arrived my hometown for holidays. It was fun and I was glad I went home. As a town boy I had little experience in hunting and general country life. Traveling home was a great way to get in touch with…

  • Smile for me

    Smile for me beautiful child Show me your happy face Let me find inner peace Because of your beautiful smile Do not be shy Let those lips part, Let your joy fill me with hope Let me see those little dimples And the lines of your face Smile for me pretty African child Let go…

  • Information on Covid-19 in Local Languages

    This is Umukwu, Amune Ovim in Isuikwuato. An uncle sent this video to me yesterday. I’m happy to see this happen. Now that information about the virus is spread through local languages, I expect to see some change in attitude and willingness to observe social distancing. The video is in Igbo language. I think the…

  • Self Reflection 23: Generosity

    Spare a coat, clothe the naked Spare a spoon, feed the hungry

  • Movie: The Ghost and the Darkness

    As we observe our social distancing, I started seeing old favourite movies. I remember this historic film back in the days. Trust me, this is a thriller you will enjoy. Plot from Wikipedia. **** Plot: In 1898, Sir Robert Beaumont, the primary financier of a railroad project in Tsavo, Kenya, is furious because the project…

  • Leadership and Nigeria’s Covid-19 situation

    As of March 29, confirmed Covid-19 cases in Nigeria rose to 111 and counting. The sad reality is that African leaders are not doing enough to prevent the virus from spreading further. Also, the testing equipment and medical personnel are NOT enough should the disease escalate. Even so, some people doubt the existence of Covid-19.…

  • Need for an Afrocentric response to Covid-19

    I received this thoughtful anonymous write up and like to share it with everyone. **** Dear Writers, can you help share this to get to the top before it is too late? Is self-Isolation the best for Nigeria and Africa at the moment? Let’s look at its end result. When I listen to young people…

  • Self Reflection 22: Get Knowledge 2

    A lack of knowledge creates fear, seeking knowledge creates courage. NB: To reject something you know nothing about is ignorance.

  • Self Reflection 21: Faith 2

    Believing is seeing, not the other way round.

  • I choose Faith over Fear

    Just a few months ago, the world celebrated the new year. People, companies and countries nurtured aspirations and dreams, hoping for a happy year. But the advent of the virus brought fear and uncertainty. With what is going on, this pandemic may cause economic stress across the globe, particularly in Africa. I’m happy it’s Friday…

  • Self Reflection 19: Get Knowledge

    Not to know is bad, not to wish to know is worse. African proverb.

  • Covid-19 Update in Nigeria

    The virus is still at large, and people move about freely as usual. Some news agencies reveal frightening figures. I can’t confirm these figures yet. Most public places; markets, schools and religious sites are open. Please keep us in your prayers. For those without Africa, we have you in our thoughts too. Stay safe, everyone.

  • Self Reflection 16: Look beyond

    Look beyond the mirror called self.

  • Self Reflection 15: Compassion

    Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.

  • Update on Covid19

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) asked African leaders and health institutions to prepare for the worst. I’m afraid, African leaders are doing little or NOTHING to prevent the spread of the virus. Moreover, health institutions in Africa is in shambles, so I don’t know how we will be preparing to prevent the spread of Covid19…

  • Thoughts on Africa and Covid19

    I follow recent global events with keen interest. I’m worried and hope that this scourge end soon. I’m aware that the growing pandemic is leading lesser economic activities across the globe, and this may cause hard times for African economies in particular. Most African nations depend solely on exports for survival. Nigeria, like many other…

  • Update: Covid19 in Africa

    This image from CGTN Africa show African countries with confirmed Covid19 cases. Stay safe everyone. #coronakindness

  • The Magic in a Smile

    A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear. Let me tell you a story of how my experience got me an intern position in a leading Nigerian bank. In 2010, I was privileged to sit for a recruitment test in my school. The test was supervised by representatives of Diamond Bank Nigeria PLC, now…

  • Thoughts: Friends Vs Foes 2

    After watching this funny video, I concluded that people are not always what they seem. Friends, colleagues and even family members may sabotage someone’s effort, thereby becoming a hindrance to that person’s progress. Keep in mind that we can achieve progress when everyone in our boat is rowing with and not against us. ***

  • Self Reflection 13: Happiness

    Fill yourself with joy. Let your inner self radiate true happiness.

  • Another visit to Ovim’s Hills

    If you encounter tablelands and rocks, hills and valleys, waterfalls and streams, abundant trees and virgin forests, all set in one quiet countryside, you will agree that Ovim is really blessed. Ovim is situated on ancient hills, a beautiful place for camping and outdoor fun. Each time I visit I get healed by her beautiful…

  • International Women’s Day

    I wish everyone a happy International Women’s Day! Remember, education is still the best empowerment.