The Trials of Mbeku

By Greatman Onwukwe: Sir GMAN

Scene 1: The Feast in the Sky

Mbeku, the cunning tortoise, overheard the birds discussing a grand feast to be held in the sky. Eager to partake, he approached the birds with a proposal.

"I am but a humble tortoise," he began, "and I have heard of your feast in the sky." "I beg of you, allow me to join you."

The birds, amused by his request, agreed, and Mbeku joined them on their journey to the heavens.

Scene 2: The Deception

Upon reaching the celestial realm, the birds were greeted with a bountiful spread of food. Mbeku, seizing the opportunity, addressed the assembly.

"I come from a distant land, and in my tongue, 'Mbeku' means 'All of you.'" "Therefore, this feast is meant for all of you."

The birds, taken aback by his audacity, protested, but Mbeku insisted, and consumed the entire feast, leaving nothing for the others.

Scene 3: The Fall

Angered by Mbeku's greed, the birds decided to teach him a lesson. They retrieved their feathers, leaving Mbeku grounded. In his attempt to return to earth, Mbeku fell, and his shell became cracked upon landing.

Scene 4: The Return

Mbeku returned to his village, but his kin, seeing his broken shell, mocked him. "Mbeku," they laughed, "you went to the sky as a king, but returned as a beggar."

Scene 5: The Lesson

Mbeku's tale serves as a cautionary story about the consequences of greed and deceit. It is a reminder that one's actions, especially those driven by selfish desires, can lead to downfall and ridicule.

Scene 6: The Village's Reflection

The elders of the village gathered the community to reflect on Mbeku's story. They emphasized the importance of humility and warned against the pitfalls of arrogance and dishonesty.

Scene 7: The Rebuilding

Inspired by the lessons learned, the villagers worked together to rebuild their community. They organized feasts that celebrated unity and shared resources, ensuring that no one went hungry.

Scene 8: The Legacy

The story of Mbeku became a cherished tale, passed down through generations. It served as a moral compass, guiding the actions of the villagers and reinforcing the values of honesty, humility, and community.

Scene 9: The Song

To commemorate the lesson, a song was composed, celebrating the virtues of integrity and the strength found in unity. The song became a staple at community gatherings, reinforcing the moral of Mbeku's tale.

Scene 10: The Continuation

As time passed, the village prospered. The lessons from Mbeku's story continued to influence the community's culture, fostering an environment where greed was shunned, and cooperation thrived.

Scene 11: The Elders' Council

The elders established a council to oversee the moral upbringing of the youth. They organized storytelling sessions, where tales like that of Mbeku were narrated, ensuring that the wisdom of the past guided the future.

Scene 12: The Reflection

On quiet evenings, the villagers would gather by the riverbank, reflecting on their journey. They would recount the trials of Mbeku, reinforcing the community's commitment to the values of honesty, humility, and unity.

Scene 13: The Farewell

As the episode concluded, the narrator left the villagers in a state of contemplation, pondering the timeless lessons embedded in the story of Mbeku. The tale served as a mirror, reflecting the virtues and vices within themselves, encouraging continuous growth and communal harmony.

#greatmanonwukwe
#sirgman
#TheTrialOfMbeku
#AfricanWisdom
#storytelling
#greediness
#lessonslearnedinlife

Welcome to Benue state of Nigeria, where love is the prevailing sentiment. It is the sole state in Nigeria where adults engage in communal eating, gaming, stream visits, and storytelling. The cultural attire is uniquely characterized by the Tiv person's white and black stripes, the Igede's blue and black stripes, and the Idoma people's black and red stripes. For those on a quest for authentic love, this is the perfect destination. Here, you will encounter genuine love, and I am confident that you will express appreciation later. I hold you all in high regard, my beautiful Benue people. #Benue

“I never planned to be an actor. I actually studied Microbiology at the University of Calabar. Back then, I thought I’d end up in a lab, wearing a white coat and doing research. But deep inside me, I always loved storytelling and performing. During school dramas, I felt alive—like I had found my true calling.

After graduation, I gave acting a try, thinking it was just for fun. But the more I acted, the more I realized this was where I belonged. Today, I'm grateful I followed my heart. Science gave me discipline, but acting gave me life.”

— EMMACKHub

Welcome to Safe Space — a sanctuary for the soul, the heart, and the mind.

Here, we embrace healing, growth, and real talks. This channel is a gentle refuge where stories are told, voices are heard, emotions are honored, and no one is judged. Whether you're navigating mental health struggles, rediscovering your identity, healing from pain, or simply seeking peace, Safe Space is for you.

You’ll find a blend of emotional wellness content, inspiring voiceovers, affirmations, real-life confessions, brotherhood/ sisterhood chats, and spiritual encouragement. We also explore healing through creative expression—spoken word, journaling, storytelling, and more.

This is a place for both men women, for dreamers, for the hurting and the healing. A space where faith meets vulnerability, where your truth is welcome, and your journey is respected.

You are safe here. You are seen. You are not alone.

Title: The Porcupine Who Shared Her Quills

In the heart of the golden savanna, where the winds hummed lullabies and the stars blinked like ancestral eyes, lived a porcupine named Noma. She was quiet, thoughtful, and covered in sharp, glistening quills. The animals often avoided her—not out of cruelty, but caution.

“She’s too prickly to be close to,” whispered the hare.
“She carries weapons on her back,” murmured the mongoose.

So Noma wandered alone.

But she watched. And she listened. And she loved them all from afar.

One year, a fierce lion from the northern hills crossed into the savanna. He was wounded, hungry, and angry. He roared his fury into the wind and declared, “This land is mine now!”

The animals trembled. No one dared challenge him. The zebra ran. The baboons hid. Even the cheetah stayed silent.

Then, Noma stepped forward.

The lion snarled. “You? With your little feet and needles?”

“I have no teeth like yours,” she said calmly. “But I do have a gift.”

One by one, she pulled her own quills from her back and laid them in the dust.

“For the birds—make arrows to fly.”
“For the hedgehogs—guard your dens.”
“For the buffalo—defend your young.”
“For the antelope—mark your paths.”

The animals were stunned. Her pain became their protection.

With Noma’s quills, the savanna stood as one.

And when the lion charged again, he found not one enemy—but a forest of unity. He turned and fled into the mountains.

That night, the animals circled Noma. They no longer feared her quills—they honored them. And in the center of the clearing, they built a nest of her feathers of strength.

She had not fought with anger—but with sacrifice.

⸻

Moral Lessons:
1. True strength is not in how much you keep—but in how much you’re willing to give.
2. Even what makes you different can become a gift when shared in love.
3. A single act of courage can inspire unity in the face of fear.

⸻

#AfricanFolktale #PorcupineWisdom #PowerInSacrifice #GiftedInDifference #UnityOverFear #FolktaleMagic #SavannaStrength #SilentCourage #StorytellingAfrica #QuillsOfHope #AnimalLegends #ViralTales #HumbleHero #SacredStories #TalesThatTeach #BraveryInKindness #ProtectWhatMatters #NatureWisdom #TheGivingPorcupine #HeartOverHorns

POOR GIRL WAS FIXING HER MAKEUP IN A CAR WINDOW UNAWARE SOMEONE WAS WATCHING

Mara stood by the roadside, squinting into the tinted window of a sleek black car. Her reflection stared back, smudged and tired. She dabbed on cheap lipstick and patted her cracked powder compact, trying to look presentable before catching the bus home. She had just finished cleaning offices downtown—her part-time job barely paid enough to survive, but she managed.
#stargt

She didn’t care whose car it was. It was just a mirror to her. But what she didn’t know was that someone was inside.

Liam sat silently in the back seat, watching her with curious eyes. A billionaire known for his ruthless business deals and cold demeanor, he wasn’t easily impressed. But there was something about this girl. The way she pouted at her reflection, the determined strokes of her lipstick, the innocence in her eyes. She had no idea someone was watching… and that someone was him.

As she adjusted her scarf and stepped back, Mara caught a strange movement in the glass. Her heart skipped. She leaned closer—and froze. A man was inside, staring right at her.

“Oh my God…” she gasped, stumbling back. “I’m so sorry!”

She turned quickly to leave, mortified. But then she heard a deep, calm voice behind her.

“Hey, you. What’s your name?”

Mara paused. No rich man had ever spoken to her like that before—without mockery or pity. She clutched her worn-out handbag, unsure what to do.

“…Mara,” she replied, voice barely above a whisper.

Liam stepped out of the car, tall and commanding. His eyes studied her like she was a puzzle.

“Do you always use strangers’ cars as mirrors?” he asked, the hint of a smirk on his lips.

Her face flushed, but she lifted her chin. “Only when I can’t afford a real one.”

That confidence… unexpected, unpolished. It made Liam smile for the first time in days.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek business card, handing it to her.

“You’re bold. I like that. Come work for me.”

Mara blinked at the card, stunned. Was this a prank?

“W-Work? As what?”

“My personal assistant.”

She stared at him, speechless. Was he serious? What did a billionaire want with a girl who cleaned floors for a living?

But Liam was already leaning against his car like he had all the time in the world.

That night, Mara didn’t sleep. The card sat on her small table, almost glowing. Her entire world had shifted with a single sentence.

The next morning, she called the number.

Liam’s assistant answered instantly. “Mr. Liam asked me to expect your call. Can you come to the office today?”

Her heart pounded.

She walked into Liam’s company—towering glass walls, sharp-dressed workers, luxury dripping from every corner. And there she was, in her only clean dress, shoes that had seen better days.

When she entered his office, Liam didn’t look surprised.

“I want you as my personal assistant,” he repeated, calmly.

“I-I don’t have any qualifications,” she stammered.

“I’m not hiring a degree,” he said, leaning forward. “I’m hiring honesty. Loyalty. Boldness. Things you showed me without even trying.”

Mara swallowed hard.

“Unless…” Liam added with a teasing smile, “you’d prefer to keep fixing makeup on random car windows forever?”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. All she knew was—her life was about to change.

And it all began with a little makeup and the wrong window.

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To be continued…

#africanfolktales #storytime #culture #africanstories #moralstories #folktales #folklore #folk #africanstorytellerafricantales #tales #africanfolklore #nigerianfolktales #africanfolktalesbyada
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THINGS THAT COULD BE HARMING YOUR ONLINE BRAND OR BUSINESS

Sometimes it’s not village people. It’s you.

Here are a few things you might be doing that are quietly damaging your online brand.

1. Being too humble online

Sis, if they don’t know what you carry, how will they pay you?

Stop hiding your brilliance in the name of humility. To be known, you must blow your own trumpet.

2. Inconsistency.

One day you’re on fire, next day you vanish.
People can’t trust what they can’t predict.

Unless sickness or something very serious kept you away, please show up.

3. Copy and paste content.

If your posts look and sound like everyone else, why should anyone remember you?

4. No clear message

If I come to your wall now, will I know who you serve, what you do, and why I should follow you?

The first 5 posts on your wall should tell me what you do.

5. No call-to-action

Are you posting for posting sake or with intent?

If you’re not giving people a next step, they’ll scroll and go. Tell them what next to do. Is it to sign up for stuff or comment or share?

6. Poor visuals

Nobody is saying you must have an iPhone.

But at least, use clear pictures and clean graphics.

If your photos look like it was taken with a POS camera , people will scroll past.

7. Talking to everybody

Your brand is not for “everybody.”

Find your target audience and speak to them.

8. Emotional posting without wisdom

Oversharing every struggle without a lesson or direction makes people uncomfortable.

Heal before you speak or at least share the scars, not the fresh wounds.

I’ve seen a lady who keeps posting about how she owes people, and yet she’s building a brand. How can we trust a chronic debtor?

9. Zero storytelling

People don’t connect to information. They connect to humans.

Tell your story, it’s your superpower.

10. You’re not selling

You’re only dropping motivational quotes and expecting credit alerts.

Sis, post your offer. Share your product. Let people know how to pay you.

If any of these hit you deep, it’s time to shift.

Inside my 31 day coaching and training Empowered Lady Bootcamp, I teach women how to build powerful, profitable, and purpose-driven brands that command attention and 7 figures.

Bedtime Stories
Let's Gada under the Village tree, Mama Africa is Here
***************************
The Lost Cowrie and the Wise Old Woman

In a small Kanga village in West Africa, there lived a little girl named Adama. She was known for her bright smile and her love for storytelling. Every evening, she sat under the baobab tree, listening to the elders share tales of the past.

One day, Adama’s grandmother gave her a special gift—a shiny cowrie shell. “This is a symbol of good fortune,” her grandmother said. “Keep it safe, for it will guide you when you are in need.”

Adama cherished her cowrie, carrying it everywhere. But one afternoon, while playing by the river, she tripped, and the cowrie slipped from her fingers into the rushing water. She searched and searched, but it was gone.

Heartbroken, she ran to the wise old woman of the village, Nana Yaa, who knew many secrets of the land. “Nana Yaa,” she said, wiping her tears, “I lost my cowrie. What do I do?”

The old woman smiled. “Adama, the river never takes without giving back. Go to the market tomorrow, and you will find what you seek.”

The next day, Adama went to the bustling village market. She walked past traders selling colorful fabrics, women pounding yam, and children chasing chickens. Then, near the bead seller’s stand, something caught her eye—a beautiful necklace with a cowrie shell just like hers.

She asked the seller where it came from. He laughed. “A fisherman found it in his net this morning!”

Adama smiled, realizing Nana Yaa was right. She bought the necklace and hurried home. When she told her grandmother, the old woman nodded. “See, my child, in our land, everything has a way of returning to where it belongs.”

That night, Adama sat under the baobab tree, sharing her story with the village children. She learned a valuable lesson—what is meant for you will always find its way back.

The Commissioners List: What Akwa Ibom People Want to See

The air in Akwa Ibom is thick with anticipation, as citizens eagerly await the unveiling of the long-expected list of new commissioners. The wait has been akin to a suspense thriller, where the plot thickens with every passing day. People have been asking, "When will the Governor unveil the list?" Rumour mills have churned out predictions, and many had their hopes pinned on Wednesday, January 23, 2025, during the State House of Assembly’s plenary. Yet, when Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the House, inquired if there was a message from the Governor, the Clerk’s response was a simple, almost deflating, “No.” And so, the Assembly adjourned to February 4th. The suspense continues.

As the days drag on, it’s easy for even the most patient Akwa Ibomite to feel the pinch of waiting. But if the list that finally lands is a masterpiece, surely it will be worth every second of the delay. The people of Akwa Ibom have high hopes, and what they truly desire is a well-balanced and forward-thinking Executive Council. Here’s a look at what Akwa Ibom people expect when the much-anticipated list finally arrives:

1. A Blend of Politicians and Core Professionals

The ideal list would feature a diverse team—a marriage of seasoned politicians with the expertise of professionals from strategic fields. Think of a Commissioner of Information who has worked in the world of journalism, someone with a keen understanding of media relations and the power of storytelling. A finance expert in the Ministry of Finance, whose knowledge and practical experience could balance the books without breaking a sweat. A Sports Commissioner who has both the administrative know-how and the passion to raise the state’s sporting profile. Of course, these professionals must also possess strong political acumen, as the corridors of power demand both expertise and influence.

2. Youthful Introductions to the Executive Council
While it’s easy to fall into the trap of recycling old names, Akwa Ibom needs a fresh wave of youth to step into the leadership roles. The leaders of tomorrow can only rise if given a seat at the table today. The youth are the lifeblood of any state, and offering them opportunities to serve is a step towards long-term growth and development. These young minds bring energy, creativity, and a sense of urgency to the table—qualities that the state needs in abundance.

3. Commissioners Who Can Drive the ARISE Agenda
Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda is a vision of growth, transformation, and hope. But no agenda can succeed without the right people to execute it. Akwa Ibom’s citizens expect commissioners who don’t just sit in their offices and await directives but actively push the ARISE agenda forward in their respective ministries. Creativity, innovation, and a hands-on approach to leadership are the order of the day. We need action-oriented commissioners who are as dynamic as the vision itself.

4. Commissioners with Grassroots Connections
What good is a commissioner who speaks beautifully on television but has no genuine rapport with the people on the ground? Akwa Ibomites want commissioners who are close to the grassroots—leaders who engage with the people, understand their struggles, and address their needs. It's not about grand speeches but about real connections, about rolling up sleeves and getting involved in the day-to-day lives of citizens. It’s about empathy, understanding, and action on the ground.

5. A Strong, Transparent Leadership Team
In this day and age, transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Akwa Ibom’s citizens want commissioners who aren’t just good at their jobs but are also open, honest, and accountable. The era of secrecy and political games is fading, and people demand leaders who can build trust through transparency and integrity. After all, governance is a public trust, not a private affair.

6. Technologically Savvy Leaders
In an age where technology is at the heart of progress, Akwa Ibom people hope for commissioners who understand the power of digital transformation. Whether it’s improving public service delivery, boosting education, or facilitating e-governance, the state’s leaders must be forward-thinking when it comes to technology. The right blend of traditional leadership skills and modern digital tools could pave the way for a truly progressive Akwa Ibom.

In conclusion, the people of Akwa Ibom are waiting with bated breath, not just for a list of names, but for a team that will transform their state. It’s clear that they are asking for the best hands, people with the vision and skills to propel the state into a new era of prosperity. And while the waiting game continues, one thing is certain: Governor Umo Eno knows what the people want. So, let’s allow the Governor to continue cooking up the best possible team—after all, a perfectly cooked dish takes time, and good things come to those who wait. We trust His Excellency will deliver when the time is right.

Nsikakabasi Akpan holds a B.Sc in Political Science and Public Administration and writes from Ididep Community in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
24/1/2025.