I had a near death experience this morning. First, my car battery went bad , Honda refused to start. I had to walk down the road to pick a cab to work. The wait was long and I was getting impatient. Didn’t feel like walking further down to Onike Roundabout to do this. Moreover at Onike roundabout taxis usually cost more!
The morning bustle around Onike by this time of the day was filled with school children and this kept me distracted. While some were going to school in their chauffeured posh cars, others trotted to school.Ah1 I almost forgot the ones on bike! The bike men horned and swerved in between traffic.
Finally, a rickety old cab came along and I had to flag it down. Ordinarily it wouldn’t be my choice of a taxi but I was running late and every minute counts! The bargain was short as I didn’t want loose so much saliva over the same thing every day. But I ensured I didn’t have to pay anything above the normal fare simply because I was running late. And bargain over, off we headed to Surulere.
Now the near death experience. It took me only seconds to realize that the taxi was bad. Every gallop sent it creaking. The steering was not left out. I momentarily shut my eyes to escape the reality of the moment. Hardly had I shut my eyes than I was rudely bought to open it by the force and jerky manner the car swerved.I saw a yellow bus as it narrowly skid past our taxi. In that brief second, my mind raced up and down my ribs and I imagined what could have happened.
The shock of that escapade kept me alert and uptight in my backseat for the rest of the ride. When I got to the office, I was still shaky and that affected the way I worked in the office throughout the day.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Akunyili Delivers Odenigbo Lecture Series 2007
Akunyili delivers Odenigbo Lecture series 2007
Professor Dora Akunyili has delivered the 2007 lecture in the Odenigbo series.
Odenigbo is the name of a yearly public lecture which the catholic archdiocese of Owerri,Imo state Nigeria, initiated for the praise of God and the advancement of the spirit of the Igbo people and language through spreading the gospel, good works, good behavior and good education among the general public. The literal meaning of Odenigbo is the one that writes in Igbo. Substantially, Odenigbo is the permeating of the essential values of life through the medium of the Igbo language. It is quite unique in concept and presentation. In the following words, the founder positions the rationale for Odenigbo;
Given the need to welcome the Good news of salvation into the
intimacy of our lives and Igbo culture, special prominence would
be given to the Igbo language through an annual series of lectures
by Igbo scholars in Igbo language’
AJV Obinna.
There are four tenets under which Odenigbo operates. The first tenet posits that Odenigbo causes good things to be put in writing, to be established, and to become widely known. The second tenet hinges on the premise that Odenigbo will heighten interest among the Igbo to use the language to accomplish things among themselves. The third tenet of Odenigbo aims at making the Igbo speaker not just a reader, but a writer of Igbo as well. Finally, the fourth tenet of Odenigbo seeks the enthronement of Jesus Christ as the ultimate ‘Odenigbo’, ‘Ezi Odenigbo’, and ‘Odenuwa’ as he continually permeates and operates within the Igbo nation.
Odenigbo runs as a two day event- the eve is usually dedicated to numerous cultural displays-a prelude to the lecture day. The climax of Odenigbo is the lecture day which usually starts with a Eucharistic celebration at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in commemoration of the Owerri Archdiocesan day.
The title of this years lecture is ‘Ogwu di ire,ezi nka na nruru aka’ (Fake Drugs).With this, Dora will be taking the Nafdac’s war on fake drugs to the level of culture-spiritual.
Akunyili’s lecture will be the 12th in the series which started in 1996.Previous lecture titles and lecturers include;
1996- ‘Olumefula’,delivered by Professor Nolue Emenanjo,founder,Nigerian
Institute of Languages Aba.
1997- ‘Chibundu,ofe Chukwu na ndu ndi igbo’, delivered by Dr. Theo
Okere of Imo State.
1998 -‘Onyegbula-ndi Igbo na nsopuru ndu’, delivered by Professor
Metu Ikenga of Anambra state.
1999 ‘Echi di ime-taa bu gboo’delivered by Professor Chinua Achebe.
2000- ‘Ujunwa-anuri uwa nile’, delivered by the founder, Archbishop
Anthony Obinna.
2001- ‘Uwa ohuru-aka mgba chere ndi Igbo’, delivered by Prof John
Egbulefu of Abia State.
2002- ‘Agwa bu mma-nzuzi na nzuzo umu igbo’, delivered by
Dr.Mrs Gabriella Nwaozuzu, Associate Professor of Linguistics and
Igbo, UNN.
2003- ‘Odozi obodo-ochichi maka ezi oganihu ala Igbo’,
Delivered by Dr Godfrey Ona of Enugu state, lecturer, Pontifical
Urban University Rome.
2004-‘Ahuike-ike ogwu na ike ekpere’, delivered by Dr Barnabas
Chukwuezi, provost, Imo state University Teaching Hospital, Orlu.
2005-‘Akobundu-amamihe na ebute oganihu’, delivered by Prof
Victor Okereke of Abia State, resident in NY, USA.
2006- ‘ Ijeoma-ofo ndi igbo na ago’, delivered by Rev Dr.Maduakolam
Osuagwu, Co-ordinator, Justice, Development and Peace Commission
(JDPC), Owerrri.
Professor Mrs. Dora Akunyili is a veteran statesman and fundamentalist. She is a headliner any day as her name rings bell on both local and international scenes. She has received over 370 awards at home and abroad. Her honors rolls include;
Ø Icon of hope for Nigerians (2002), by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ø Order of the Federal Republic-OFR (2002)
Ø Integrity Award (2003) by Transparency International in South Korea
Ø International Euro market Award (2003, 2005 and 2006) by European Marketing Research Center (EMRC), Belgium.
Ø Special Award for combating Economic Crime (2004) by International Pharmaceutical Federation, (FIP).
Ø Grassroots Human Rights Campaigner Award (2005), by Human Rights Defense Organization (International Service) in British House of commons.
Ø Man of the year 2005 Award by Silverbird Communications Ltd, Nigeria.
Ø Honored as one of the 18 heroes of Time magazine worldwide by Time magazine New York (2005).
Ø Honorary degree of Dr of Laws by University of Bristol, London (2006).
Ø Honorary Georgia Citizen by the state of Georgia, USA (2006).
Ø FIP Pharmacist of the year 2005 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation.
Ø Olympic Torch Bearer, Olympic Torch Relay, Athens 2004.
Dora Akunyili is happily married with four children. The treasure team bid her welcome to Odenigbo.
Professor Dora Akunyili has delivered the 2007 lecture in the Odenigbo series.
Odenigbo is the name of a yearly public lecture which the catholic archdiocese of Owerri,Imo state Nigeria, initiated for the praise of God and the advancement of the spirit of the Igbo people and language through spreading the gospel, good works, good behavior and good education among the general public. The literal meaning of Odenigbo is the one that writes in Igbo. Substantially, Odenigbo is the permeating of the essential values of life through the medium of the Igbo language. It is quite unique in concept and presentation. In the following words, the founder positions the rationale for Odenigbo;
Given the need to welcome the Good news of salvation into the
intimacy of our lives and Igbo culture, special prominence would
be given to the Igbo language through an annual series of lectures
by Igbo scholars in Igbo language’
AJV Obinna.
There are four tenets under which Odenigbo operates. The first tenet posits that Odenigbo causes good things to be put in writing, to be established, and to become widely known. The second tenet hinges on the premise that Odenigbo will heighten interest among the Igbo to use the language to accomplish things among themselves. The third tenet of Odenigbo aims at making the Igbo speaker not just a reader, but a writer of Igbo as well. Finally, the fourth tenet of Odenigbo seeks the enthronement of Jesus Christ as the ultimate ‘Odenigbo’, ‘Ezi Odenigbo’, and ‘Odenuwa’ as he continually permeates and operates within the Igbo nation.
Odenigbo runs as a two day event- the eve is usually dedicated to numerous cultural displays-a prelude to the lecture day. The climax of Odenigbo is the lecture day which usually starts with a Eucharistic celebration at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in commemoration of the Owerri Archdiocesan day.
The title of this years lecture is ‘Ogwu di ire,ezi nka na nruru aka’ (Fake Drugs).With this, Dora will be taking the Nafdac’s war on fake drugs to the level of culture-spiritual.
Akunyili’s lecture will be the 12th in the series which started in 1996.Previous lecture titles and lecturers include;
1996- ‘Olumefula’,delivered by Professor Nolue Emenanjo,founder,Nigerian
Institute of Languages Aba.
1997- ‘Chibundu,ofe Chukwu na ndu ndi igbo’, delivered by Dr. Theo
Okere of Imo State.
1998 -‘Onyegbula-ndi Igbo na nsopuru ndu’, delivered by Professor
Metu Ikenga of Anambra state.
1999 ‘Echi di ime-taa bu gboo’delivered by Professor Chinua Achebe.
2000- ‘Ujunwa-anuri uwa nile’, delivered by the founder, Archbishop
Anthony Obinna.
2001- ‘Uwa ohuru-aka mgba chere ndi Igbo’, delivered by Prof John
Egbulefu of Abia State.
2002- ‘Agwa bu mma-nzuzi na nzuzo umu igbo’, delivered by
Dr.Mrs Gabriella Nwaozuzu, Associate Professor of Linguistics and
Igbo, UNN.
2003- ‘Odozi obodo-ochichi maka ezi oganihu ala Igbo’,
Delivered by Dr Godfrey Ona of Enugu state, lecturer, Pontifical
Urban University Rome.
2004-‘Ahuike-ike ogwu na ike ekpere’, delivered by Dr Barnabas
Chukwuezi, provost, Imo state University Teaching Hospital, Orlu.
2005-‘Akobundu-amamihe na ebute oganihu’, delivered by Prof
Victor Okereke of Abia State, resident in NY, USA.
2006- ‘ Ijeoma-ofo ndi igbo na ago’, delivered by Rev Dr.Maduakolam
Osuagwu, Co-ordinator, Justice, Development and Peace Commission
(JDPC), Owerrri.
Professor Mrs. Dora Akunyili is a veteran statesman and fundamentalist. She is a headliner any day as her name rings bell on both local and international scenes. She has received over 370 awards at home and abroad. Her honors rolls include;
Ø Icon of hope for Nigerians (2002), by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ø Order of the Federal Republic-OFR (2002)
Ø Integrity Award (2003) by Transparency International in South Korea
Ø International Euro market Award (2003, 2005 and 2006) by European Marketing Research Center (EMRC), Belgium.
Ø Special Award for combating Economic Crime (2004) by International Pharmaceutical Federation, (FIP).
Ø Grassroots Human Rights Campaigner Award (2005), by Human Rights Defense Organization (International Service) in British House of commons.
Ø Man of the year 2005 Award by Silverbird Communications Ltd, Nigeria.
Ø Honored as one of the 18 heroes of Time magazine worldwide by Time magazine New York (2005).
Ø Honorary degree of Dr of Laws by University of Bristol, London (2006).
Ø Honorary Georgia Citizen by the state of Georgia, USA (2006).
Ø FIP Pharmacist of the year 2005 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation.
Ø Olympic Torch Bearer, Olympic Torch Relay, Athens 2004.
Dora Akunyili is happily married with four children. The treasure team bid her welcome to Odenigbo.
Getting our Priorities Right!
GETTING OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT! (written June 2006)
I definitely did not expect that kind of outburst from him that morning. Little did I know that venturing into his office would change my plans. Maybe if I had known, I would have postponed the visit. But all that is past now. His words still reverberates in my ears.
“What are we talking about here? You mean you have a month old baby at home and you are here to see me for what? My dear, get your priorities right!”
“but sir”, I sauntered in,” I have a nanny taking care of the baby. I wouldn’t leave the baby unattended!”
“listen my dear”, he cut in, obviously agitated with my explanation,” what is more important, this or the future of your child? You should be at home cuddling your baby, transferring your values to her till she is at least six months! Who are you competing with?”
I guess that phrase did it. It struck me like thunderbolt. It jolted up my system, bringing me to a rude awakening of something I hitherto took for granted.
Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have been unconsciously competing against yourself-in your home-in school-at work-even in the society-by working towards certain goals you just must meet up with? Perhaps you are doing “it” just to please your spouse-children-boss-friends etc. you may reason “what is wrong with that anyway? One surely has to live for something!” but I ask “at what and whose expense?”
The truth is that we don’t realize in time what we are doing. I mean the full implications. To most of us (like in my own case) we are just being smart, obviously making the best use of our time. we go on doing what “we have to do”, not minding whose ox is gored-we work very hard and late to earn promotion in the office-we read so hard that we cant do anything else-we leave our very tender babies at home for very long hours-we stretch our purse so hard to buy that piece of item-to send our kids to that school-the list is endless. We just must measure up.
Where then does priority come in? Our priority should naturally be our first concern, and should intricately be intertwined with our values. Our values remain those things we should give precedence, which we should never compromise. Compromising them only goes to show our ignorance and lack of commitment. We should learn just like the economist, to place every need on a scale of preference. Then following the scale we set precedence because it is the timing that determines the adequacy and appropriateness of whatever action we take as long as our value system and sense of judgment remains positive.
Have a pleasant time out and remain strengthened to make all the right decisions.
I definitely did not expect that kind of outburst from him that morning. Little did I know that venturing into his office would change my plans. Maybe if I had known, I would have postponed the visit. But all that is past now. His words still reverberates in my ears.
“What are we talking about here? You mean you have a month old baby at home and you are here to see me for what? My dear, get your priorities right!”
“but sir”, I sauntered in,” I have a nanny taking care of the baby. I wouldn’t leave the baby unattended!”
“listen my dear”, he cut in, obviously agitated with my explanation,” what is more important, this or the future of your child? You should be at home cuddling your baby, transferring your values to her till she is at least six months! Who are you competing with?”
I guess that phrase did it. It struck me like thunderbolt. It jolted up my system, bringing me to a rude awakening of something I hitherto took for granted.
Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have been unconsciously competing against yourself-in your home-in school-at work-even in the society-by working towards certain goals you just must meet up with? Perhaps you are doing “it” just to please your spouse-children-boss-friends etc. you may reason “what is wrong with that anyway? One surely has to live for something!” but I ask “at what and whose expense?”
The truth is that we don’t realize in time what we are doing. I mean the full implications. To most of us (like in my own case) we are just being smart, obviously making the best use of our time. we go on doing what “we have to do”, not minding whose ox is gored-we work very hard and late to earn promotion in the office-we read so hard that we cant do anything else-we leave our very tender babies at home for very long hours-we stretch our purse so hard to buy that piece of item-to send our kids to that school-the list is endless. We just must measure up.
Where then does priority come in? Our priority should naturally be our first concern, and should intricately be intertwined with our values. Our values remain those things we should give precedence, which we should never compromise. Compromising them only goes to show our ignorance and lack of commitment. We should learn just like the economist, to place every need on a scale of preference. Then following the scale we set precedence because it is the timing that determines the adequacy and appropriateness of whatever action we take as long as our value system and sense of judgment remains positive.
Have a pleasant time out and remain strengthened to make all the right decisions.
Looking Back
LOOKING BACK (written may 2006)
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
Looking Back
LOOKING BACK (written may 2006)
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
Looking Back
LOOKING BACK (written may 2006)
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
The hot afternoon sun was at its peak. People pushed. Horns blared. Beggars besieged everywhere. Hawkers called out their wares. Heavy equipment locomotives dug up and down the earth producing deafening noise. A glance at the gigantic buildings that lined up the street gave away their age. It was an array of the ancient and modern. While some buildings retained the old architectural designs, others fronted modern day architecture in artistic designs. This is the present day scenario at the famous Marina Street on Lagos Island-the hallmark of the civilization of Nigeria in those good old days.
I felt disturbed with this change. You know, that sad, niggling feeling that you are going to miss something you are already used to (I always feel like this when a guest is leaving my house after spending just a few nights!).This is followed by the “not too sure” feeling of a replacement; call it “fear of the unknown”. You wonder how you will cope without! The bulldozers are sure doing a good job-there is no doubt about that. They are rebuilding Marina-repositioning it in the wake of the 21st century. But look at the feeling its’ evoking in me (and possibly a lot of others too)!
I let my mind drift and remembered so many things that have happened in the past. A look at school children going up and down the street reminded me of my own school days. Then all that mattered to me was my school assignments, friends and family. I didn’t have to bother about school fees, house rent, the next meal, clothes .all that was dad and mums’ business. I announced anything I needed and will never take no to any of my requests. Any negative answer/response will get me inconsolable.
You see what I mean? Now the reverse is the case. As a responsible adult and parent it now behooves on me to mother, wife, pay the bills, wash, cook console etc. Not only is that but am also saddled with the onerous task of decision making and taking responsibility for every action. Sleep is now a luxury .these kids don’t want to know .sometimes I wonder if it’s not better being a child. But I realize that being an adult has its own benefits too. I concluded that both roles are essentially crucial after all who does not like to grow? Monopoly kills. So what? I dare you to take a trip down memory lane. Relish it and still come back feeling good about where you are today!
amybest21@yahoo.com
Dew Drops
DEW DROPS (written march 2006)
Recently, I was delivered of a beautiful baby girl. Her “coming” kept everybody around me tensed as she was quite overdue. Eventually, naming her became an issue. I and my husband came up with various names. Somehow none seemed suitable. Friends and family found the drama funny-today this names-tomorrow that. ‘But you should have had a name for your baby –having carried her for nine months’-was the constant reprieve I got. Well- we finally agreed on a name for her-kaosisochukwu-meaning-as it has pleased God.
I am sure you will be wondering at the prelude. I was just preparing your mind to peruse over this simple but very important question-what is in a name? Here in Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba’s, naming is a big deal. The eight day after delivery is set aside for the official naming ceremony. There is even a biblical foundation to this practice. A child’s name is believed to affect his/her destiny. In fact the bible has this record of Jabez whose life took a turn for the better after his name was changed. I also have a friend named Patience who had to change her name to Favour because she could neither get a job nor get married. And surprisingly after the change of name, she did get the favour of a job!
I chose to name this column DEW DROPS –I wonder if it’s appropriate at all. I don’t know exactly what impression it creates in your mind. Does it prepare your mind for the kind of things I have in my mind? Nevertheless, I am using it as an icon to represent and identify this corner where I will be doing a lot of mind baring with you on issues very close to our hearts. It is normal to hear people use the expression-‘sleep over the matter’. You will agree with me that most times, after sleeping over issues, fresh and wonderful ideas come up. It comes like carefully distilled water, enabling us to get the essential ideas from our thoughts or experience. That is what I have chosen to represent as –dew drops.
So-you are welcome to share with me in this column every month and I do hope the muse will keep me inspired with the gentle drops of dew as we go on in this voyage.
Recently, I was delivered of a beautiful baby girl. Her “coming” kept everybody around me tensed as she was quite overdue. Eventually, naming her became an issue. I and my husband came up with various names. Somehow none seemed suitable. Friends and family found the drama funny-today this names-tomorrow that. ‘But you should have had a name for your baby –having carried her for nine months’-was the constant reprieve I got. Well- we finally agreed on a name for her-kaosisochukwu-meaning-as it has pleased God.
I am sure you will be wondering at the prelude. I was just preparing your mind to peruse over this simple but very important question-what is in a name? Here in Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba’s, naming is a big deal. The eight day after delivery is set aside for the official naming ceremony. There is even a biblical foundation to this practice. A child’s name is believed to affect his/her destiny. In fact the bible has this record of Jabez whose life took a turn for the better after his name was changed. I also have a friend named Patience who had to change her name to Favour because she could neither get a job nor get married. And surprisingly after the change of name, she did get the favour of a job!
I chose to name this column DEW DROPS –I wonder if it’s appropriate at all. I don’t know exactly what impression it creates in your mind. Does it prepare your mind for the kind of things I have in my mind? Nevertheless, I am using it as an icon to represent and identify this corner where I will be doing a lot of mind baring with you on issues very close to our hearts. It is normal to hear people use the expression-‘sleep over the matter’. You will agree with me that most times, after sleeping over issues, fresh and wonderful ideas come up. It comes like carefully distilled water, enabling us to get the essential ideas from our thoughts or experience. That is what I have chosen to represent as –dew drops.
So-you are welcome to share with me in this column every month and I do hope the muse will keep me inspired with the gentle drops of dew as we go on in this voyage.
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