Opinion I Imo Women and Their 2017 August Meeting

IMO WOMEN AND THEIR 2017 AUGUST MEETING

        

The last time I checked, the 2017 episode of the famous August Meeting annually observed by the womenfolk had already begun. The elaborate form of this yearly ritual, which seems peculiar to the Igbo race – particularly Imo State – took place in Owerri penultimate week in a grand style as organized by the state’s First Lady Dr. Nkechi Okorocha.  

        

The occasion in question, which saw the presence of the Nigerian First Lady Hajia Aisha Buhari and the wives of the entire governors across the federation, was graciously rounded off the following day being Friday 4^th August 2017. It’s noteworthy that various amazing events were showcased throughout the gathering that hosted almost all the women personalities in Nigeria.

         

It is worth noting that after the state show, the Imo women are currently observing the August Meeting in their respective communities of origin. Women in various religious bodies, especially the Catholic dominion, equally commemorate the event in a more unique and resounding pattern to the delight of their fellow congregants. Regarding that of the church, the members of the men-folk are usually required to collectively rally round their wives as long as the meeting lasts, towards showcasing their unanimous support.

         

This piece is informed by the compelling need to conscientize these golden women on what is primarily expected of their persons while they meet as well as the need for them to variously stick to the rudimentary objectives that necessitated the institution of the August Meeting. Hence, they must be sensitized to concentrate solely on the subject matter.

         

The August Meeting was instituted to help in the promotion of unity of purpose among the womenfolk in their respective jurisdictions. It was understood that the anticipated unity would enable the women in their numbers to assist the male counterparts in issues bordering on societal uplift. According to the founders, there was need for the women to acknowledge that they could not be kept in abeyance while discussing most societal matters.

        

Years after the August Meeting was founded, the supposed commendable gathering was abused when some of the women saw it as an avenue to showcase their material worth, thereby intimidating their fellow women who could not afford such possessions. The stipulated abuse was apparently at the expense of the husbands of those who could be described as less-privileged, material wise. In the long run, owing to such uncalled practice, competition ensued among the women who were expected to work as a team.

         

Such kind of rivalry as the one specified above, among others, resulted to a colossal setback as regards the goal of the August Meeting commemoration. Thereafter, the more rational ones who thought it wise to reinvigorate the lofty initiative, decided to make amends by implementing some policies that could make their members act like a family instead of people from diverse backgrounds. One of the remarkable rules is the present culture that ensures that every member of the confraternity wears uniform clothes.

         

Ever since the decorum was restored, there have been series of societal projects embarked upon by the womenfolk in their respective localities, though a few of them is still hell-bent toward acting as odd members amid their colleagues. Whatever the case might be, there is indeed a strong need to let this group of wives, and of course mothers, to stick to the extant rules and regulations as they observe the ongoing 2017 August Meeting in their various towns or clans, as the case may be.

         

First, our lovely women must have this meeting as one indivisible family. They must note that they would stand to achieve nothing if they gather with diverse interests. It suffices to say that they must possess only one voice so that they can deliberate on any issue at hand without experiencing fracas amongst themselves as it is often witnessed in most Houses of Assembly.

         

The women need to understand the basic need of their immediate societies, and not that of where they reside. It’s not anymore news that women residing in different states across the country, and even beyond, converge on their communities of origin on an annual basis for the August Meeting anniversary. So, as they converge, they ought not to have in their mindsets the need of the locality where they base; rather, what should be of discourse is the need of the hosting locality.

         

Another pertinent matter that requires to be discussed among these revered women is an issue concerning their various homes. Ab initio, a woman has been regarded as the manager of the home; needless to assert that she is ostensibly in charge of the day-to-day management of the home affairs such as the child’s upbringing, cookery, home maintenance, and so on. In view of this, they must deliberate on issues that would help to curb the ongoing social decadence among our young ones.

          

Our women must understand that a child’s education starts from the home, thus need to extensively discuss the better way they would henceforth be paying more reasonable attention to their wards rather than the present trend where more time is allocated to their trades or offices to the detriment of the children’s future. So, this year’s August Meeting ought to serve as a wake-up call among the women in regard to their home responsibilities. It is therefore inconsequential to remind them that this forum shouldn’t be used as a political platform or what have you.

          

All in all, inasmuch as I wish our women a joyous 2017 August Meeting celebration, my candid take remains that they should use this occasion to proffer remedies to matters presently affecting every facet of their respective immediate societies, because we can’t afford to move aback at such a time like this. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

http://facebook.com/TheMediaAmbassador                

ShortStory I Unparralleled Passion

UNPARALLELED PASSION

       It was humid and rainy yet an average dweller in the community was so determined to go to the farmyard towards ensuring that the barn wouldn’t seem pathetic during the harvest period.

       That was how the people of Umude were groomed; they were bred to see farming as the bedrock of human existence. None could spend a whole day without nurturing interest to embrace his or her ancestral farm with a view to participating actively in what they considered as the ‘most needful’.

        On his part, Mr. Uka Okorie who stood aloof right on the premises of his marital home, fixed his gaze on the unfriendly atmosphere that was apparently a hindrance to the anticipated cultural exercise, as he unwittingly murmured to the hearing of his three daughters who were seated within.

        Aside Umude’s unrelenting passion for farming, which was regarded as a daily ritual, Okorie’s in particular was conspicuously unparalleled. This was the reason even though the 54-year-old Mr. Uka had at the moment only female children, he remained a farmer to reckon with in the whole of Umude and beyond.

         His second daughter, Chinasa who was ostensibly touched by the unending murmurs, walked up to him. “Papa, why are you restless?” she inquired. “You have been talking to yourself for several minutes now.”

         “What kind of stupid question is that?” he vented the anger on her. “Can’t you see that the rain is keeping me off from the farm?”

         “But papa,” his 25-year-old first child, Oge interrupted as she joined them leaving the third girl behind. “You shouldn’t forget that we also need the rain for our crops to do well.” She reminded maturely.

         As Mr. Uka stood in his rain-booth, determined to embrace his farming empire, he apparently became pleased by Oge’s assertion, thus became more attracted to her person. “There is wisdom in your words, my daughter.” he concurred. “We really need the rain for our crops to flourish.” He said, paused. “But, just that I can’t wait to see how those crops are doing.” He added in a jiffy.

        “But we were there yesterday, papa.” The 22-year-old Chinasa chipped in.

        “Yes papa.” Oge supplemented, nodding. “And as at yesterday we saw them, they were doing very well.”

         Mr. Uka walked to one of the benches positioned at the balcony where they were having the conversation and sat down. “Please, my daughters,” he uttered. “Come…” he quickly urged, gesticulating, and then paused. “I have something very important to tell you.” He landed.

        The three of them, including Chioma his third child, walked to the point where he was seated and calmly sat on three separate chairs sited within. Mr. Uka was flanked by the three.

        “You see,” he began, cleared his throat. “A farmer must be dedicated to his duties at all times...” He hinted, took a breath.

        The three respectively adjusted themselves as they could not wait to absorb every bit of the awaited story, or whatever.

       “Since I got married to your mother,’ he rode on. “There was never a day we missed our farmyard.” He informed with alacrity. “This is why we remain the most prosperous family in the entire Umude when it calls for farming business.”

        Before he could finish the last word, his loving and lovely wife Uloma stepped out from the house in her night gown; it was 6:25am. She walked towards them. “Good morning, dear.’ She greeted her hubby, standing.

        “Good morning nwanyi oma.” He responded cheerily.

        “Good morning, mama.” the children chorused.

        “Good morning, umu oma.” quoth Uloma. “How are you all?”

        “We are fine, ma.” Oge replied on their behalf as if it was planned.

          Uloma walked to her hubby, sat quietly on the same seat with him, and became attentive.

         “As I was saying,” Mr. Uka continued. “I and your mother here had been so industrious in our family business right before you were born.” He notified frankly, paused. “That is the only reason we remain number one in this community.”

         Uloma nodded, graciously glanced at each of her daughters. “What your father is saying is true.” she cleared the air. “We have been a wonderful pair in this.” She said, referring to the said venture. “And God has been so wonderful.” She added.

         Mr. Uka nodded, twisted his head and remained calm.

       “But even at that,” Oge chipped in. “There is still need for one to take a good rest sometime in his or her life.” she thought aloud.

       “My daughter,” Mr. Uka called Oge tenderly, touching her right shoulder. “If we have rested all these while,” he said, paused. “We wouldn’t have gone this far.”

        “I know, papa.” quoth Oge. “But, I am only talking of resting at least once in a week.”

         Her mum was speechless as she tried to read meaning in her words.

        “My dear,” quoth Mr. Uka. “There is no resting time for a man.” He hinted, inhaled air. “Unless he dies.”

        “Really..?” said Oge, surprised.

        “Yes.” Mr. Uka answered, nodding.

          At this time, the rain became heavier, never minded that someone could not wait to see it fade away.

        “Oh my God!” exclaimed Mr. Uka.

        “What is it, papa?” Chinasa tendered.

        “Can’t you see the rain is becoming endless?”

        “That is nice, papa.” Chinasa teased. “At least, it would enable you take a rest.” She thought aloud.

        “Will you shut up!” he angrily urged at the top of his voice, stood up. “Don’t you know heavy rain could be harmful to our farm?”

         Everyone, including his wife, was so marveled over the uncalled response as they watched him in silent awe.

         “I must leave now.” He said, stepped out, and bitterly set for the farm.

         They all stood up simultaneously. “Papa,” Oge called in a loud voice as he takes some steps towards the farmyard. “What are you up to?”

         He ignored the query, kept moving forward.

       “Nnayi,” Uloma called. “Papa Oge.” She repeated, attempted to step into the downpour with the intent of getting hold of him but she was resisted by her daughters who held her firmly.

        He overlooked every bit of their worry and insisted in going to the foreseen arena. On his way to the place, something unspeakable befell his person; a very tall palm-tree collapsed on him owing to the intense wind that ensued thereof, thereby claiming his life at the spot.

        When the rain became lessened, his family went as a group to the farmyard. On their way, they encountered the bad omen that seemed not unlike a mere daydream. The incident threw the overall Okorie’s family and the entire people of Umude into uncontrollable anguish.

         The first daughter of the deceased, Miss Oge took over from him thereafter and was in the long run reckoned to be the most foremost farmer not just in the land of Umude but in the Diaspora. She thought it wise that the only way she could make her late father proud in the grave was to commence exactly from where he stopped, though she vowed never to work without observing holidays.

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador            

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Opinion I Imo Senators Et al, I Hail Thee

IMO SENATORS ET AL, I HAIL THEE

       

The last time I checked, Imo – likewise other states across the federation – comprised three senatorial zones. It suffices to say that the state could at the moment boast of three senators in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

       

The zones in question are namely, Imo West, Imo East and Imo North. And, for history’s sake, the legislators representing the aforementioned senatorial districts are respectively Senators Hope Uzodinma, Samdaddy Anyanwu, and Benjamin Uwajumogu. It is in record that Sen. Uzodinma is currently serving his second term in office whilst others are in their first term, though that of Sen. Uwajumogu just begun recently owing to an electoral quagmire that ensued thereof.

        

For posterity’s sake, I wish to via this platform, candidly remind these revered senators, and of course other legislators of Imo origin, that a lot is really expected of them when it calls for societal development as regards the Eastern Heartland; or in a nutshell, governance. Towards ensuring that the people receive what they truly deserve from the Federal Government (FG), these men of repute who were graciously elected by their various electorates are required to be at the forefront.

        

Development of a state does not lie solely on the prowess of the states’s governor. Yes, the governor is meant to ensure that all the areas within his jurisdiction are aptly taken care of. But, it’s worth noting that there’s what is called federal presence in any existing state across the country, and Imo is not in any way exceptional. These legislators are expected to lead the cause targeted towards attracting various federal presences to this ancient state, particularly their respective constituencies.

        

As representatives or mouthpieces of various constituencies, when they move any motion on the floor of the House or Senate, as the case may be, they ought to primarily consider the implications of such motion to their jurisdictions. In other words, motions that are of good benefit to their constituencies should only be tendered. It’s even mind-boggling to realize that some of them shy away from moving motion during plenary sittings.

        

Similarly, a bill should not be sponsored by any of them without painstakingly considering the consequences to their people if eventually passed as well as signed into law. For instance, when an Appropriation Bill is submitted by the Presidency, they ought to in their individual capacities evaluate each of the clauses in the bill toward ascertaining whether their state or constituencies are carried along. Needless to state that they shouldn’t just leave the work of evaluation for the House’s/Senate’s Committee on Appropriation.

        

It is solely their statutory duty to crosscheck these things, and not that of the governor of the state. The governor would not be at the Douglas House and at the same time equally be at the National Assembly. This implies that the legislators are not unlike the eye of the Imo number-one citizen. In Economics as a subject, the issue of Division of Labour is thoroughly and categorically explained to the comprehension of even a dummy in the classroom. Hence, we are required to, at all times, hide under such holistic teaching. Let’s ride on!

         

And when a bill, such as that of budgetary, is finally passed by the legislators and duly signed by the executive, it thereof becomes a law. It is also the duty of these federal lawmakers to properly monitor the day-to-day implementation of such law, in order to ensure that their respective constituencies aren’t kept in abeyance. They must therefore ensure that what is due for the state is wholly granted to it as the journey progresses.

          

It is baffling to realize that some of our federal legislators, rather than doing the needful, would prefer to consider only their individual interests thereby relegating that of their constituencies to the background. Instead of ensuring that every project allocated to their constituencies is adequately implemented, they would prefer to siphon the funds to their private pockets even amidst the ongoing anti-graft war.  
          

I want them to take cognizance of the fact that the socio-political system of Imo, and Nigeria in general, has conspicuously changed for good. Most electorates are now politically wise and not unaware of every trending, thus they must wake up from slumber where need be.

         

Each time I acknowledge that Constituency Briefing is now apparently a thing of the past, I am invariably left with no other option than to weep profoundly. Constituency briefing, a tool initiated to help in bringing senators and their counterparts closer to their people, is currently abused profusely or taken for granted. It is indeed a slap in the face of their teeming constituents, thus the electorate are as well expected to wake from sleep.

        

Worse still, most of our lawmakers, including those at the state level, cannot presently boast of a constituency office at their respective constituencies let alone a befitting one. These ugly trending matters need to be critically addressed in earnest before it gets out of hand. We must not continue to overlook issues that concern our collective future.

         

I am glad that the electorate have started exercising the power given to them by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended. They now understand the language of ‘Vote of No-Confidence’ that has the tendency of recalling any erring legislator, be it state or federal. If well considered, we would comprehend that the electors are more powerful than the elected, because they possess the power to elect and recall if necessary.

         

Toward averting some inconsequential and frivolous embarrassments that might arise in the future, I urge our respected senators and their counterparts in the Federal House of Representatives to henceforth start to acknowledge that the development of any state cannot only be actualized by the sitting governor; hence, all hands are expected to, individually or collectively, be on deck.

          

In view of the above assertion, the governor on his part ought to equally endeavour to form a coalition with these federal legislators irrespective of party affiliations, solely for the sake of Imo at large. We can’t continue to die in silence. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri

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Twitter: @mediambassador

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