Gists in Nigeria

Eastern governors would not cease to amaze me. When Anglican Bishop of Afikpo, Rt. Rev. Paul Udogu, accused Ebonyi state governor, Chief Martin Elechi, of trying to Islamize the state, thereby breeding potential Boko Haram members, I couldn't believe it. Here was an experienced man, who didn't need to be told the enormity of such actions. What exactly did he do? Well, Elechi was, or is, planning to establish an Almajiri school in Afikpo, in the Eastern part of the country. Hear him, or his aide, or whoever: "the state government like all modern governments in 21st century believes in freedom of worship. This principle of secularity in governance is in tandem with Nigeria’s philosophy of religious diversity, where Christians, Moslems and Traditional worshippers are at liberty to practice their religious intolerance and hate," he, or they, quipped, "The government has been offering assistance to Christian churches in the state in response to reasonable appeals made towards the execution of important projects, as such, the promise to assist the Moslems was certainly not an outlandish commitment."
Oh yes, it isn't, sir. Yes, we want freedom of everything, including religion, but Mr G'vnor cannot claim not to understand the people's fears. Do not infiltrate this region with Islamic establishments. Let us be the way we are. We need no bombings, we need no boko haram, we need no religious conflicts.
What is even my business? Am I from Ebonyi state? No! But then all those killed in Yobe state recently, were not from Borno state, were they?
Oga g'vnor! Oga g'vnor!! Oga g'vnor!!! Shine your eyes o!

When, while growing up, I realised I was born on 17th November, something came to my mind. First, people born that month have this aura about them. They usually exude confidence wherever they go. When therefore I heard that arguably the most popular and respected African writer, Chinua Achebe, was born that month, I understood.
I understood why everyone born that month strives to get it right; why second best is no option; where success at every cost becomes a necessity; I understood.
Indeed, when in a small village in Anambra state, called Ogidi, a certain Janet Anaenechi Iloegbunam Achebe gave birth to a baby boy on 16th November, 1930 and Isaiah Okafo Achebe, her husband, named the child Albert Chinualumogu, even the most pessimistic of people, I'm sure, realised Ogidi had been blessed. When Albert decided to shun Dennis Memorial Grammar School in Onitsha and chose the prestigious Government College Umuahia, he never knew he was about to make another unborn baby happy. That unborn baby is me!
Each time I start boasting to people about my beloved Government College, Albert Chinua Achebe is usually my first point of argument. Make no mistake about it, whatever I write today is made possible by two people, after God. First, the late literary guru Ogali A Ogali. Then, our beloved Chinua.
I do not hesitate to always announce to people how he was almost my birthday mate (had his mother stayed a day more, or mine a day earlier, it would have been possible. But who says it doesn't get interesting saying, "oh, why aren't we birthday mates?"). I do not forget to quote every words of wisdom from this guru.
Just recently, after turning down offer for a national award in 2004, he was approached again this year by the government of Nigeria, for the same award, slated for November 14, two days to his birthday. It would have been a perfect champagne for his birthday. It surely would have been headline news all over the world. I could imagine all these.
I always knew him to spring a few surprises, but I thought they had gone with age. But what did we get?
"The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed let alone solved," he said, and with that, rejected a chance for world glory.
Opinions got divided, and inside of me, I wondered if he had contradicted himself, considering one of his wise words I still remember. The vulgar (let's use blunt)side of Achebe said, "when that thing in a man rises up, his brain goes on French leave." I therefore wondered why his brain didn't go on French leave when the Federal government offer came on his birthday 'eve'. I realised however that "that thing" in him never rose up at the first place. Not because it cannot, but because it is sick and tired of rising up to nothing, to decadence, to corruption, to regression, to evil. Yes, it is tired.
One thing is sure. When things get better, the man in Achebe would rise and be heard. It would rise and make us happy. While we wait however, all we can do is wish this literary wizard a beautiful 81st birthday. He deserves this birthday, and more.
Surely, he would live long. Why not? Nigeria would get better and the "thing" would rise. We wish it happens as early as next year. That way, we kill two birds with a stone.
One, Nigeria would be a better place to be (that's what he wants) and Achebe would come out to proclaim that.
What victory would be bigger than that?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY sir.

Government College Umuahia used to be what it never is now. The last time I wrote about this, I got calls from different parts of the world, pledging support while regretting the way things are.
Fact is, things WILL get worse, with the kind of people we have in power.
All the same, look at the pictures below, and cry.
My battery would run down witj calls, I'm sure!






























Check out how bad it has got in our dearest Government College Umuahia

When Manchester City started spending millions on players, and infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson with the 'Welcome To Manchester' sign post bearing the picture of Carlos Tevez, people wondered whether powers had changed hands.
"Not while I'm alive," Sir Alex boasted. Everyone believed the master. Not that they don't anymore.
With the club's 6-1 loss at Old Trafford to City, Ferguson described it as the biggest loss of his career. Rightly so. Every single goal scored was a dagger to everyone affiliated to United. Suddenly, it all looked gloomy. Now, they say the colour of Manchester is blue. However, I see positives from the loss. United now know what to do, this early.
The only negative from this loss is the humiliation and loss of bragging rights; the taunts people would give the club. It is unimportant. But the positive matters most.
The loss would be a huge motivation. Fergie is an expert at turning gloom to boom. He would now demand more from the players, who would put in more to please the gaffer. After everything, just 3 points were lost.
Fergie now knows where to work on. And there is enough time to do that.
I was scared of predicting who would win the league, when it started. But with this loss, I'm sure Manchester United would win it.
Ask me again in May!

What is worth doing, is worth doing well. That is what up coming musician, EXNEL, thinks. In this interview with Kelechi Udensi, he tells how it all began, and what he expects in future. Enjoy

First, we want to know your background

My real name is David Ikenna. I come from a family of two - my younger sister and I. I am from Ntigha Umuaro in Obingwa lga in Abia State. I was born in Aba. I did my primary school there, did my secondary school in the very popular Government College Umuahia and then studied Purchasing and Supply at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede.

Purchasing And Supply? Why not music?

Well, that still doesn't change anything. All the time, music had been a passion for me. I saw it as a hobby, really. I have the talent, I know. But I always wanted to study something else.

How did you really develop this talent?

Once you have a certain talent, which in this case is music, it is naturally difficult to hide from it. I started singing while in primary school. Besides, my father had such talents while he was young. He sang, he used the instruments well. You could say I took it from him. My determination to make him proud, to achieve what he always dreamt of, spurs me on.

Your stage name is EXNEL. Sounds interesting. How did that come about?

That is a story of its own, with many processes to get to EXNEL. I used to be in a group named Bonesquad, in Aba. However, I merged with my close friend after a few years. We initially called it XfromL. We however settled with EXNEL. It actually means Excellence And Elegance.

How many albums have you released so far?

Two, so far. The first , titled Paparazy style, was released in 2009, through de creator entertainment while the second, Long Awaited, which is so far doing well in the market, was produced by Juxt music entertainment. I must tell you I am not the least surprised by its acceptance by the public. We worked so hard to make it get to this. So far, so good.

Talking about its acceptance, people are of the view your popularity only stops in Aba. Also, why haven't your albums had such acceptance in, say Lagos and Enugu, or Port Harcourt?

Charity, my brother, they say, begins at home. Besides, we aren't only popular in Aba. You could say we are more popular in Enyimba city. And why not? This is a city that made us. Whatever you say, I am so proud to be a product of a city that accepts and encourages one of her own. They love good things. Little wonder we are so popular here. Wherever you go, any club you enter, any joint you go to, our music is there. It is no fluke. Let me also tell you Enugu and Portharcourt and other cities love our music. Just go out there and you find out. Yes, we may not have reached the level of the D'banjs and Tufaces of this world, but I tell you we are moving to the next level. By the time we are through, you will understand that God is with us.

Which famous artiste(s) have you performed with?

I have performed alongside some. I performed alongside 2face once at the University of Portharcourt during their SUG night. I have also performed alongside Faze, Ruggedman, 2shots, Mode9, Baba sempe, Ruff Coin, Nigga Raw, Terry G, etc. I have also performed alongside Ice Prince, whom they say is my look-alike. So many of them.

Which artiste do you intend to perform with in future?

I would surely love to perform with Tuface again. I would also like to perform with other professional colleagues like D'banj, MI, Banky W, Whizkid, etc.

Considering your looks, how do you handle female advances?

It hasn't been easy my brother but I'm trying my best to handle it to avoid having a cross with my fans and at same not to create many enemies because you don't know who is who. I try to be friendly with them, and I hope they understand that. Basically, they are the reason I am here and who I am.

Where do you expect to be in the next two years?

Everyday I wake up, I ask myself, "EXNEL, what is it gonna be like in the near future?". But answer still revolves around the question. I wanna be at the top, the peak of entertainment, nay music industry, in Nigeria. But all these can be achieved when you are focused and determined, so I guess I have a lot of hardwork and task ahead of me. I believe it is not how far, but how well...and you will be there.

Nice chatting with you. I wish you luck

Thank you my brother.

Rocker Steven Tyler is in mourning after his father died on Saturday.

The Aerosmith star's dad Victor Tallarico passed away at the Hunt Community assisted living facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, aged 95.
The World War II veteran, who was also a musician, was surrounded by family when he died peacefully at the facility.
His obituary reads, "Victor was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Susan Ray (Blancha) Tallarico. He leaves a brother, Ernest Tallarico, of Tampa, Florida, two children, Steven and Lynda; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends.
"Among Victor's proudest accomplishments were his offspring: Lynda, a retired teacher who resides in southern Vermont, and Steven, who, having been well launched into the music business by Victor, became famous as Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith."

There is surely no sympathy left in football. If there was ever such a chance, money has wiped it away completely. Cesc Fabregas left his 'beloved' Arsenal in dire stress. And he never stopped there. He sympathized with his Arsenal, in what could well be mockery. After Arsenal's 8-2 massacre at Old Trafford, he 'wept'.
"I watched the match against Manchester United on television and it was difficult.", he rattled.
"I suffered during this match and especially because of the enormous rivalry between the clubs...but I am convinced that the squad will improve for the next matches."
Oh, really? You truly suffered, no wonder you took it out on Villareal, and for the first time in two years, played unlike a headless chicken.
"I will always have strong feelings for the Gunners. I am a fan through the good and bad moments," he further molested the faithfuls.
I have one advise for Cesc. If he truly loves the gunners, there are two options. He simply has to tear up his lucrative Barcelona contract (which took him there anyway) and move back to his team. Or he simply shuts up and spares the gunners further shame.