I'm just a hotel waiter. I met Madam Iruoma when I went to deliver her dinner to her. Madam Iruoma booked a VIP room in our hotel. It was literally the first time I met her. When I saw her that night, I noticed the worry on her face. Something was bothering her. After serving her food, I left. I went to my colleague Mike. Mike is my paddy paddy in the hotel. Bro did you observe anything strange with the woman that booked the room 002 VIP. I asked Mike. Something like what? Bro I don't look at anybody's face in this hotel o, my work is to serve food. Mike said. That's bad bro, something is troubling her. I said. Ayochidi I know you just newly started working here about a week ago, to keep your job, I suggest you mind your business. Anything troubling her will not pass her boyfriend or husband cheated on her. So she just come to relax her mind. Mike said to me. Really? I asked Mike. Or? Mike said. Or she haven't received serious knacking for a long time. Mike said and let out a laugh. That's not funny bro. I said. Few hours later Madam Iruoma called and I went and took her dishes away. I wanted to ask her what was bothering her, but Mike already told me it wasn't on my jurisdiction. After work that night because I was on night shift, I went home the following morning. When I got home. My landlord was already outside waiting for me. Ayochidi, you think you can hide forever abi? My landlord asked me. No sir, I started a new job a week ago, that's where I'm coming from. I said to my landlord. Ayochidi! You have three days to come up with my rent. Three days. If I don't see my rent. When you return from where ever you go at night. You will see your things outside. My landlord said. Sir give me till month end. I promise to pay by month end. I said. Three days! My landlord said and angrily left my house. I went into my house and sat down. I was thinking of where to raise my rent in three days when a call came in from my mother in the village. Hello brother; that was my baby sister calling. She used my mother's phone to call me. Brother, Waec will soon be closing registration. My little sister reminded me. Mma I will send the money soon. I said. And even Mommy's medicine has finish, we have to buy another set. My sister said. I will send the money. I said. Life was really difficult, from thinking how to raise money. I slept off. I have been awake all night. Again It was night; I went to the hotel. Madam Iruoma was still in the hotel. She had orderd for dinner. I went and served her dinner. I was about to leave when she called me back. Can I speak with you? She asked me. Please come and sit. She said. Is there a problem? I asked her. No there's No problem at all. I just want someone to talk to. I have lodged here to two days now and I feel bored. She said. Is everything okay? I asked her. Firstly what's your name? She asked me. My Name is Ayochidi. I replied. Ayochidi? Is that not like Igbo and Yoruba? She asked me. It is ma. I replied. My name is Iruoma. She said. Nice to meet you ma. I said. Enough with the ma's. Call me Iruoma. She said. She came close to me and started touching me. Ma, I don't think this is proper. I said. Are you a baby. She said. I don't understand. I said. Just make me feel like a woman. Iruoma said. I think I have to go now. I said. That day I left her room. But for the next two days she kept insisting that I personally continued delivering her food to her. I have really thought about it. On the third day, when I went to deliver her food. She asked me what was it I wanted. I should name anything. And she would do it for me. That was the very moment my entire life changed. Your shares is my biggest motivation to continue... To Be Continued. Title: Room Service 1 My Name is Ayochidi and Writing Choose Me...002

𝗖𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 Denies Fighting With 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗼's Longtime Associate, 𝗨𝗯𝗶 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻🙆🏽‍♂️🔥🔥 Chiefpriest has debunked the viral news of his alleged fight with Ubi Franklin Who is also a friend to Davido . Chiefpriest shared a video of himself, Ubi Franklin and another of Davido's 30bg Team member, Israel DMW laughing over the report. See the video 📷 in the comment section 👇🏼 Follow Our Page For All The Juicy Updates On Your Favorite Igbo Musicians Around The World 🌎❤️🙏🏾 #cubanachiefpriest #davido #ubifranklin #igbo #nigeria #afrobeats #owerri #yoruba #AkwaIbom #NigerianMusic #Iyanya #tekno #Southeastmusic

So people are still promoting tribalism in 2025?, what happened to we are one and one Nigeria? At least keep your tribalistic trouble to yourself and don't try to spread hate, recently after Davido hosted Igbo veteran singer bright chimezie a fan has come to drag him. The fan said “Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest, Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them, you can never satisfy Ibos ooo, IBOs are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man”. But Davido gave a peaceful answer sayin “lol I AM IGBO by blood”. Chioma is Igbo too!. Stop tribalism, let love lead.

HOW TO USE BITTER MELON TO CURE DIFFERENT DISEASES COMMON NAME: Bitter Apple, Wild Gourd, Egusi Melon Local name : Egusi elili (Igbo), Bara (Yoruba), guna shanu (Hausa) Scientific Name : CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS PART(S) USED: White pulp of the fruit PROPERTIES AND THERAPEUTIC VALUES The pulp of Citrullus colocynthis extracted in water has diverse healing properties few of which are; 1. Vermifuge action, that is WORM EXPELLING action. 2. Administered in cases of CHRONIC CONSTIPATION to procure free evacuation of the bowel. 3. The extract of the fruit pulp is utilized in the treatment of URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS . 4. It is effective in the treatment of ASCITES. Ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. 5. Research shows that it helps in SHRINKING TUMORS , BENIGN as well as CANCEROUS. 6. When challenged by skin eruptions, there is no better herb to administer which is comparable to Citrullus colocynthis. 7. Reputed for dissolving ABDOMINAL tumors. 8. This plant possesses ANTI BACTERIAL properties. 9. This plant has ANTI CANDIDA activity. 10. Citrullus colocynthis can be relied on in the treatment of LUNG INFECTIONS. 11. It stimulates and INCREASES MENSTRUAL flow and as such is useful to ladies suffering from scanty menses. However, this plant is prohibited in pregnancy. 12. Citrullus colocynthis is a certified PURGATIVE herb. 13. It can help to reestablish flow of menses in cases of ceased menses also referred to as AMENORRHEA . BARA uesd in curing Fibroid, Ovarian Cyst, Arthritis etc cut into pieces n boil and drink Cut the bara into pieces and boil with pap water. Allow to cool. Take first thing in the morning and night. Note the taste is bitter and you will purge a little depending on yr system. Take it for 5-7 days.

President Bola Tinubu is perhaps the FIRST Nigerian Leader who was prepared for the Presidency, wasn't sponsored by anybody and who is without a Godfather. He doesn't have a GODFATHER. NOBODY, GROUP, REGION OR POWER CENTER can boldly claim to have made Bola Tinubu the President of Nigeria. It is a FACT. 1. In the YORUBA SW, even the highest levels of Afenifere Leadership betrayed him. Chief Ayo Adebanjo fought him to standstill. Chief Bode George swore that he won't get near the office. Gen..Olusegun Obasanjo lost control totally and came all out to campaign against him. Pa Reuben Fasanranti supported him but the poor old man was too old and he wasn't so influential. Members of his innermost circles, men like Rauf Aregbesola, Babafemi Ojodu, Yemi Osinbajo etc openly challenged and betrayed him. The majority of the Youths of Yoruba land were swayed by propaganda to hate him. Lagos State voted against im and so also his supposed state of origin, Osun. MC Oluomo can't say he delivered Lagos to him. We can't say Yoruba people made him. 2. In the IGBO SOUTH EAST he was openly loathed. They hated him. They despised him. They lied against him. They went about with the worst calumnious campaigns against him. Senator Uzor Orji Kalu and Chris Ngige even as APC party members avoided him. We can't say Igbo people made him. That will be a very crazy thing to say. 3. The HAUSA-FULANIS of the NORTH-NORTHWEST were not committed to him. He lost in Kaduna of El-Rufai and in the Katsina of a sitting President Buhari. It doesn't make sense to think or believe they truly made him President. 4. The CABALS of the Presidency and the ESTABLISHMENT of Nigeria didn't show their faces as they have always done in the past. Instead Fulani Bandits increased their tempo of violent killings and kidnappings ASUU was inspired and frustrated to make our youths sit at home for unprecedented length of time, deliberate actions of Chris Ngige. CBN struck and citizens were made to go through the worst period of sufferings in Peace time Nigeria. NNPC struck and the fuel queues went for unprecedented length of time NEPA struck and for several months we were hearing of collapse of National grid. All of these happening at the same towards an all-important Presidential election where an APC candidate was involved in an APC Administration. The turned public opinion against him through the APC and the Presidency pretend med not to notice or moved Surely they were not with him, not even the sitting President was with him. 5. We can't say he was sponsored by the Muslims and the Christians were given an over does of Opium to hate him especially for Muslim-Muslim ticket and because of the lying Christian Obi sentiments. Bishop Oyedepo was openly against him. Pastor Enenche took it very violently personal. Every known Pastorpreneurs in Nigeria saw the worst of evil dreams and published satanic prophesies about Tinubu. Daddy G.O can't beat his chest that he raised a finger for Tinubu. He had Yemi Osinbajo and Remi Tinubu to manage The Middle Belt was totally swayed away from him on account of Christian religion so we can't say Plateau Governor helped him on account of being appointed DG of Presidential campaign. 6. The powerful militants of Delta State supported him but he lost woefully. Asari Dokubo stuck out his neck in Bayelsa State but Asíwájú didn't win. Wike tried for him but even the margin of victory wasn't huge enough for him to have claimed any major influence in the victory 7. Every single odds were against Asíwájú Bola Tinubu towards the Presidency. Even his party chairman tried to rob him of the party's ticket in the days heading to the primary. 8.. GOD ALONE in his infinite mercies wrought the miracle for him and He did it through the MOST UNLIKELY route. Peter Obi and his Obingos, quite unwittingly and surely without intention, by their own hateful machinations and naivety, caused the pendulum to swing in Tinubu's favour. Obi and his Obidiots made Bola Tinubu Presidency happen. They didn't intend it, so we can't say they made him. GOD USED THEM FOR TINUBU. It is true the words of our Elders: When God is working to make GOOD THINGS happen for you, He sometimes does it by the hands of your enemies and as they go about the task God gave them, because you weren't privy to God's design, you will take it that God was doing BAD THINGS to you. Asíwájú Bola Tinubu has come into the Presidency with all of his qualities minus Godfather. NOBODY WILL BOAST HE MADE HIM. HE WILL BE THE BEST PRESIDENT WE HAVE EVER HAD IN NIGERIA'S HISTORY.

“My name is Olamide, but people call me Baddo. I was born and raised in Bariga, Lagos. Life was not easy at all. We were not rich. In fact, sometimes we didn’t even have money for food. My father was a low-income worker and my mother sold small things to support us. But I had big dreams. From a young age, I loved music. I used to listen to people like DaGrin and 2Baba. I would rap in Yoruba with my friends on the street. Even when people laughed at me, I didn’t stop. I believed one day my voice will be heard. I didn’t have money to go to the studio. Sometimes I had to beg people to help me record songs. Some people helped, some did not. But I never gave up. I kept pushing myself. I knew my background was not my end. In 2010, I released “Eni Duro”. That song changed my life. People started noticing me. From there, doors opened. I dropped more songs and started YBNL, my own record label. I also helped young talents grow. Today, when people call me Baddo, it reminds me of my journey. From the small streets of Bariga to being one of the biggest in Africa. I always say: Never forget where you’re coming from, but don’t stay there.”- olamide

‎*‎News Update* *Thursday* 15/05/2025 ‎ ‎**Tinubu making courageous decisions to fix Nigeria’s economy – Shettima ‎ ‎**FG launches climate fund platform to unlock $500m Green Finance ‎ ‎ **Tinubu approves establishment of forest guards ‎ ‎  ----To take charge of 1,129 forests against terrorists and bandits ‎ ‎**Oruruo appointed chairman S-East PDP disciplinary C’ttee ‎ ‎**Declare state of emergency on Kano industrial estates, Reps tell FG ‎ ‎**Nigeria’s insecurity ‘worrisome,’ says British High Commissioner ‎ ‎**South-East threatens to dump PDP if denied national secretary position ‎ ‎**Shadow Govt: DSS drags Pat Utomi to court, says ‘He’s trying to usurp Tinubu’s powers’ ‎ ‎**Face your ministerial job, leave Wabara alone, PDP group replies Wike ‎ ‎**FG to curb menace of Japa syndrome before December – Umoh ‎ ‎**173,387 candidates to retake 2025 UTME as JAMB Registrar weeps, admits responsibility ‎ ‎**FG approves upgrade of power supply in Oyo to fortify grid ‎ ‎**Bill to establish National Rice Development Council scales second reading in Senate ‎ ‎**Oyo State Assembly advocates resuscitation of trailer parks ‎ ‎**Ladi Oluwaloni backs Ayobo Ipaja CDAs with N2.5m ‎ ‎**Bayelsa targets 100% immunisation coverage ‎ ‎**Lagos govt trains over 23,420 workers, increases minimum wage to N85,000 ‎ ‎**Army dissociates self from alleged C’River cocoa farm assaults ‎ ‎**Oyo Assembly to Makinde: honour Yoruba theatre legend, Lere Paimo ‎ ‎**ASUU threatens to sue JAMB over UTME mass failure ‎ ‎**Tiv leaders raise alarm over killings, land seizures ‎ ‎**World’s poorest president dies at 89 ‎ ‎**Gbenga Hashim applauds Lamido’s integrity, urges return to value-driven politics ‎ ‎**Waste is money, don't throw it away – LAWMA Boss ‎ ‎**Nollywood actress Monalisa Stephen is dead ‎ ‎**Nigerians make up 10% of UK visitors annually — British envoy ‎ ‎**Pope Leo XIV meets Tennis world No 1 Sinner ‎ ‎**Arokodare eyes Golden Boot after best African player award ‎ ‎**Tottenham’s Kulusevski to miss Europa League final after surgery ‎ ‎**Chelsea begin key talks over Osimhen’s salary *May the good Lord clothe your days with favor and divine upliftment* ‎ Good morning *Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com, +234-8122200446*

The Only Reason 𝗜𝗚𝗕𝗢 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗦 Struggle So Much In The industry Is Because The "𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦" FAILED To Pass The BARTON 😭💔🔥 One of the major issues we have failed to address squarely as a people is the reason we are still where we are today. So many people have chosen to cast their blames on other tribes while some others held unto their assumptions that the Nigerian Media does not like them while some claim that the Music industry is being run by the Yorubas. While we run in circles, we forget to ask the major questions that we are supposed to ask which is "Which Upcoming Artiste In IGBOLAND Has Our Own Big Names Helped " ❓❓ Olamide Blew up the same time as PHYNO. When you look at his legacy in the industry and the long list of Artistes he has singlehandedly contributed immensely to their growth in the industry, you'll understand the template of the game. Today, all those Artistes are making wave and had even transitioned into helping other upcoming ones too. You helped me, I helped another and this other person then we go on to help some others and the list goes on and on....That is what makes a progressive industry. Now let's get back to our main conversation. Who has Our own igbo Big names Helped? Who are the people Psquare helped in their decades of years in the industry? Who are the people kcee signed in his over two decades in the industry? Who are the people Flavour Nabania signed? You all are not ready for this conversation 🫣 We were able to hear about phyno today isn't just as a result of his grace but also because Nigga Raw picked interest in him and played a godfather role during his early stage as an upcoming Artiste. Today he has grown to become one of the best Musicians in the whole of the continent not just Nigeria 🇳🇬 and he's replicating that same role Nigga Raw played in his life, in Jeriqthehussla and Aguero banks career and it is evident. I know someone reading this post might say, "it's still not enough". Yes, You might be right but at least, he made efforts and we need him to do more. How about those who could boast of spending 10-15yrs in the mainstream and yet, cannot boast of a single artiste that they have blown. What kind of Legacy is that? The same industry where Shallipopi of yesterday has blown over three Artiste (including his two blood brothers) in less than Three years as a mainstream artiste, It will shock you to know that as Big as Patoranking and Tekno and even CKay are in the industry, they have never blessed any fast rising Eastern artiste with a single verse not to mention signing anyone.🙆🏽‍♂️💔 We understand that so many people might hate us After this post but let it be known that we spoke for the people. Silence is not always golden and We will keep speaking up for our people. It is only in the East that you'd see an upcoming artiste with good songs that are so good but has been underground for 15-20years and still counting because there's no sign of help anywhere. Presently, the industry has evolved. Music trends and an Artiste's dominance are no longer determined by a fraction. It is the media that runs the game. Just one song and good hype to back it up and you'll see an unknown artiste becoming the wave of the moment. Now the question is "how many supportive media platforms do we have in Nigeria and how many focus on the East? None We've tried to create this platform with emphasis on the Eastern Artistes. How many of our big industry names have in one way or the other encouraged our efforts in projecting the East? None. They have made names for themselves and forgotten their roots. They failed to pass the Barton to the younger generation that is supposed to carry on their legacies. They failed to raise a generation that would keep the fire burning 😭 This is the major reason entertainment in the East is Stagnant. If you think this post was wrong, name Three artistes any of the artistes here has BLOWN 🫣🙌🏾 Moral Lesson: If you fail to tell your story, No one will. It is better to say the truth and die than not saying it at all 🙌🏾 Follow Our Page For All The Juicy Updates On Your Favorite Igbo Musicians Around The World 🌎❤️🙏🏽 #Southeastmusic #nigerianmusic #music #nigeria #igbo #igbomusic #phyno #flavournabania #ckay #tekno #Psquare #NiggaRaw #slowdog #kcee #igborap #jeriqthehussla #Aguerobanks #enugu

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 12/05/2025* Mass failure: UTME candidates to sue JAMB over technical glitches Viral video: Nigerians dare EFCC to arrest Tompolo over alleged Naira abuse 2027: I’ll campaign with Oluremi Tinubu — Patience Jonathan PDP govs, NWC, others in crucial meeting ahead of NEC meeting I’m not desperate to return as Rivers gov – Fubara Lagos council polls: 10 APC women to contest in July Amokachi urges Osimhen to make EPL Move Zelensky announces May 15 Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul Nigeria, others affected as UK clamps down on care worker visas Our country a home, not hotel, Badenoch decries UK immigration crisis FG rescue 78 trafficked victims in Cote D Ivoire Japa: Many Nigerians are suffering high-level frustration abroad – Immigration lawyer Tinubu receives lifetime Africa achievement prize in Ghana -------------------------- *DID YOU KNOW?* * Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance globally. It stimulates your central nervous system as well as your muscles, heart, and other parts of your body that help control blood. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, the neurotransmitter that tells your brain it’s tired. * In Japan, chefs have to train for over two years in order to qualify to serve pufferfish, a delicacy, which if prepared wrong, can kill the person eating it. -------------------------- Tinubu to get Ogoni crude exploration resumption report Tinubu celebrates business tycoon Eludoyin at 77 South-South commission’s MD not Akpabio’s daughter, says Senate Speaker Abbas loses mother-in-law Supreme Court holds valedictory session for late justice Ogwuegbu May 14 Rivers emergency rule: FG taps ex-AGF, 11 SANs as Supreme Court battle looms Court orders EFCC to return $20,000 seized from acquitted defendant Court orders FG to release gas flaring data Troops recover 591,000 litres of stolen products in Niger Delta NSCDC seals illegal refinery, seizes petroleum products in Anambra Soldiers arrest two notorious gunrunners in Plateau Over 80 Army captains begin promotion exam today NDLEA arrests Iran-bound woman with cocaine in private part, stomach, bag at PH airport FG moves to unlock N23tn pension funds for national development FG, states add N57tn to debt in 18 months FG makes U-turn, endorses Senate security summit Nigeria’s airports below global standards, FG to upgrade MMIA — Keyamo FG promises December completion of Akure-Ikere road LP Crisis: INEC keeps factions in suspense CBN earns N3.1bn interest on FG’s ways and means NIMC raises fees for NIN data modification services NPA refutes multi-billion Naira fraud allegations ‘Nigeria First’ policy will boost local goods patronage – NASENI FG’s PPP garment factories ready to dress paramilitary nationwide – ICRC First Lady inaugurates 100-bed mother and child centre in Imo ASUU slams Nigeria’s institutional weaknesses, corruption in governance CIBN to hold annual general meeting Four million cattle, 50,000 lives lost to northern violence – Miyetti Allah Southern Kaduna professors hail Tinubu, Sani for boosting development Falana demands probe of alleged diversion of $3.4bn IMF loan DJs unveils championship with NCC backing Air Peace jet hits antelope at Asaba airport, NCAA clarifies delays Enugu Air, CNG buses, transport terminals to take off this month AGRA, Nestlé, TechnoServe unveil $1m climate-smart agric project Access Bank rewards customers with over N6.6bn Dangote tackles marketers, insists on capacity to meet fuel demand Nigeria, Africa can work if we tackle corruption, rascality in governance – Obi Saraki chairs PDP govs’ seven-member reconciliation committee Hajj: Sanwo-Olu promises 1,432 Lagos pilgrims robust welfare package Bauchi governor inaugurates committee to curb farmer-herder clashes Governor Sani raises alarm over rising drug abuse among youths in northwest Aiyedatiwa, Makinde, Bamidele hail Afenifere leader Fasoranti at 99 Oborevwori, Diri bag doctorate degrees at Nigerian Maritime University convocation Lagos to become year-round tourism destination – Commissioner A’Ibom advocates N5bn monthly federal allocation to boost tourism Ekiti warns contractors against project delay Joining Army not death sentence, LASG tells youths LASBCA removes Ikeja shanties over security threats Itsekiri are Yoruba descendants, says Alaafin Ladoja to chair 2025 world egungun festival Bello Turji’s threats force residents to flee Sokoto communities Police arrest 17 over killing of two Bayelsa varsity graduates Man arrested for defiling 12-year-old girl in Lagos 20-ft container falls, kills two dispatch riders in Lagos -------------------------- *TODAY IN HISTORY* * On this day in 2006, a pipeline explosion in the fishing village of Inagbe Beach, near Lagos, Nigeria, killed over 250 people and displaced 276,000 people. The blast occurred when a truck rammed into a gas processing plant near a vandalized petroleum gas pipeline. * On this day in 2008, a massive earthquake rocked China. The magnitude 7.9 quake left some 69,000 people dead, 18,000 missing, and 4.8 million homeless. It was the deadliest earthquake in China since 1976 when the Tangshan earthquake killed over 240,000 people. -------------------------- Don’t be afraid of silly ideas. – Paul Arden Good morning *Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com, +234-8122200446*

How to Make Ofada Sauce (Ayamase) Like a Pro – Yoruba Style😋 Ofada sauce, also called Ayamase, is a Yoruba delicacy known for its rich flavor and spicy aroma. Ingredients: Green bell peppers Scotch bonnet (ata rodo) Locust beans (iru) Palm oil Assorted meats (shaki, ponmo, liver) Seasoning and salt Steps: 1. Blend green peppers and scotch bonnet coarsely. 2. Bleach palm oil in a pot (do this carefully until it's light). 3. Add locust beans and fry till fragrant. 4. Pour in the blended mixture and fry until oil rises. 5. Add boiled meats, season to taste, and allow to simmer. Serve hot with Ofada rice and enjoy the aroma of culture.

I SAW MY GRANDMA TÚRN INTO A CÁT AT NIGHT😳 My name is Kpokuechukwu. I'm the only son of my father. Or rather, I'm the only product of an intertribal union of an Igbo man and a Yoruba woman. According to my mother, she'd been childless for 8 years and had experienced 3 m¡scarriages before I was finally born. So she called my name Oluwasindara . My parents and I used to live in the faraway city of Lagos. But one December when I was just six years old, we traveled down East to celebrate Christmas with grandma… And that was it, we didn't return to the city😭 Before we embarked on that journey, there was this particular dream I usually have, of a cr££py old woman scaring me. Sometimes she will throw me into a stream, thr£atening to drown me, other times she will be chasing me around a forest with either a long knife or a tongue of fire. Such a night, I will wake up sweating and crying. My mom would be there to comfort me. She would apply some ointment on my forehead, muttering silent prayers. It's as a result of these repeated occurrences that I started sleeping in my parents room. . This story belongs to Joy Ifunanya. One Thursday evening in October, mummy was helping me do my homework in the dining room when dad walked in and told her to start making preparations. “We shall be celebrating Christmas in the East this season”. He announced. I was overwhelmed with excitement. I'd only heard about the village, but never really visited it. During holidays, mom usually takes me down to Badagry to stay with her elder sister who had 4 grown-up children. Although I do enjoy my times with them because there, everyone pampers me, I think traveling to the village will be more fun. I have heard fascinating stories about the rural areas from my friends at school who were privileged to visit their hometown every holiday season. They won't stop talking about how they swim in their village streams all day long, how they go out to watch masquerade, how they go palm kernel hunting, snail hunting, crab hunting and a lot of other adventures. More interesting was how children would gather round the fireplace at night to listen to interesting folktales from the elderly women. I have been hoping to have such an experience one day. So when dad made that announcement that evening, I couldn't control myself. I lifted my hands in the air.. “Yeah, I'm going to see grandma!”. I Daddy smiled and patted my back. However, mummy didn't seem nearly as excited. In fact, she looked rather apprehensive. “Dave, I'm not going to the village with you”. She asked. Daddy frowned at her. “Why? We haven't been to the village for ages” He asked. “Are you asking me why? How do you even want me to travel all the way to the East in this condition?” She quarreled. At that time, I wasn't aware that she was weeks pregnant. “I know, dear. But trust me, you will be safe. Nothing will go wrong, I promise”. He said. “I am still not going. I won't be traveling like this”. She insisted. “Wuraola, I am traveling this December, I missed my mother, it's been five years. Don't you understand?”. Daddy said. “But I'm not stopping you. I just said I am not going. That doesn't mean you can't go and see your mother”. She argued. Daddy heaved a sigh, sat down on the chair close to her and held her hand. He then lowered his voice and began to talk to her. Though I didn't understand what he was saying because he was speaking Igbo language (I was only fluent in Yoruba language), I knew he was trying to persuade her, to make her see the reason she should embark on that journey. I watched them, my heart filled with silent.prayers that she should concur because if Mummy won't be traveling to the village, I won't be traveling either. I'm sure of that. It was during the weekend when Mom and I were visiting her sister in Badagry that I discovered her major reason for not wanting to travel with us. Her sister and her friends were gisting in the living room by the time we came. When Mummy announced about the intending journey to the East, her sister's reaction was intense. She seemed really upset. “What is wrong with your husband?”. She raged. And in order to carry her friends along, she began to recount the events that transpired long before I was born. Since no one asked me to escused them, I sat there in their midst, listening attentively and watching their lips move. I learnt that my grandma never liked my mom. She had wanted to be the one to choose a wife for her son, HER ONLY SON, from amongst our people. But my daddy did not only reject Mama's choice, but went ahead to bring home a woman from a different ethnic background. “Mama, this is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. Her name is Wuraola”. Daddy had said the first day he brought mum home. “Eka aso, Mami”. My mummy had greeted, prostrating before Grandma. Grandma's eyes turned red with rage. “Over my dead body would my only son marry onye ofe mmanu”. Grandma had responded. She couldn't even hide her feelings. NOTE:. OFE MMANU IS THE IGBO MAN'S NAME FOR YORUBA’S OMI OBE AND EWEDU SOUP. NO OFFENSE But despite his mum's disapproval, daddy went ahead to marry my mom. Nobody in my father's family agreed to see reason with her. This made her h@tred of mom very strongly. So strong that she was absent during their introduction and traditional marriage ceremony. A few weeks before their wedding, dad and mum traveled to the village to make peace with her. They knelt before her and apologized for getting married without her blessings. She accepted their apology, and promised to attend their wedding, but with a strict condition. “Your wife will stay back here with me for some time after the wedding”. She had told my dad. “Hmmm, it won't be possible”. Dad said. They returned to the city 2 days later and did their wedding without her. But barely two weeks later, they found themselves back in the village… Dad's business has collapsed. “Nwanyi ofe mmanu bû bádluck bia n' uloa(This Yoruba woman came with bádluck)”. Grandma would taunt dad. But dad didn't take her word to heart. Even when Mom started having a series of m!scarriages, and grandma wouldn't stop bothering him to take a new wife, he refused to give up on mum. “You're my only son, Onyekachi. The nwanyi ofe mmanu you married is bárren! Why don't you marry Akuabata, and start giving me children. I'm not getting any younger”. Grandma would always tell him. It wouldn't end there, she would go ahead to bring the akuabata home to do chores for her. The lady would be parading the compound in a skimpy skirt or gown. Grandma finds pleasure in making mum shed tears. She neither eats her food nor allows her to touch her belongings. Once she returned from the farm and noticed that mom was cooking soup with her pot, she got really angry, stormed into the kitchen, set the pot down from the fire, and threw the soup on the ground. “Ahh! Mami?”. Mummy exclaimed. “Mami micha gi onu there! Ekwensu!”. Grandma cμrsed. With that, she went inside and came out again with a hammer and nails with which she pierced the pot in several places before flinging it into the bush. Morning and night, mom would cry, but my dad would always be there to comfort her. It was after six wásted years that uncle Tunde, my mummy's elder brother who resided abroad, remembered his sister. It was him who sponsored them financially. They left the village, back to Lagos, and started afresh. With time, things began to normalize, and that was when I came into the picture. Mom's pregnancy journey wasn't easy, she was hospitalized thrice due to threatened m¡scarriages. However, with Divine intervention I was brought into this world, a year after they returned to the city. **********”******* Though I feel sorry for her, hearing all these stories about mom's mystery didn't deter me from wanting to visit the village. In fact, my excitement only grew stronger. I was still eager to experience village life and make new memories. I couldn't wait shåre my own village experience with my friends. Thankfully, at last, Mummy agreed to the journey. Then came D-Day. It was on December 20th. Very early in the morning, we set out for the East in my dad's car. Myself and my parents, with one woman and her infant son. The journey was tiring. I didn't imagine it was going to be so.I sleep and wake up occasionally and still find ourselves on the road. At one point, I began to cry. “The masquerades in the village will b!te you if they see tears in your eyes”. Mom said. I stopped crying instantly and wiped my tears. As the evening drew in, we continued driving until the woman and her son dropped off at a junction. We then turned onto an untarred road, which seemed to stretch on forever. This story belongs to Joy Ifunanya. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we drove into a wide compound and halted in front of a thatched-roofed bungalow. An old woman was sitting by the side of the wall, picking something from a calabash on the ground in front of her. “Here we are!” Daddy announced. “Village?” I asked, excitement building inside of me. “Yeah! Grandma is here”. Daddy said, pointing towards the old woman. By now, the woman had looked up from the calabash and was staring at our car. “Grandma!”. I screamed out excitedly, and without waiting, I threw open the car door and leaped out “Grandma, grandma!”. I chanted as I ran towards her. But as I drew closer enough to behold her face, my feet seemed to freeze of their own accord. A chill rippled through my body, raising goosebumps on my skin. Grandma was the same woman who had haμnted my dreams…. Typing 2……….. Please, shåre 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 #Story from Joy Ifunanya's story room.

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 08/05/2025* Senate passes two Tax Reform Bills, defers others till Thursday Nigeria completes $3.4bn IMF loan principal repayment Rising insecurity: FG orders new strategy amid fresh attacks in Borno, Benue Labour Party suspends Otti, Nwokocha, Kingibe, others SSANU, NASU write FG over salary delay Poly students give NELFUND five-day ultimatum over loan disbursements Governors’ wives defend role in governance VDM released after five days in EFCC custody Flying Eagles in AFCON Quarterfinals after 2-2 draw with Kenya Black smoke signaled no Pope elected on day 1 ECOWAS President flays Nigeria-Benin border facilities mismanagement UK govt denies changes to visa rules in Nigeria Police nab Belgium, UAE wanted fugitives in Edo, Enugu U.S. agency blames death of Wigwe, others on pilot error, faulty chopper ----------------------- *DID YOU KNOW?* * The world’s longest-lasting kiss lasted for 58 hours, 35 minutes, and 58 seconds. The kiss was between Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand over three days from February 12 – 14, 2013, to mark the sharing of love on Valentine’s Day. * A cluster of bananas is called a “hand.” Along that theme, a single banana is called a “finger.” ----------------------- Senate passes two tax bills, rejects 10% VAT Speaker Abbas redeploys committee chair after summons to Benue, Zamfara govs Reps probe Abuja alternative medicine college funding Reps urge free screening, subsidised treatment of cancer patients Court admits Kanu’s ‘inciting broadcasts, videos’ as exhibits Oil spill: London court hears Bodo community suit against Renaissance EFCC drops Mercy Chinwo’s name from fraud case against EeZeeTee Soldiers foil terrorist attacks in Borno, capture seven NAF boosts air power against terrorists with nine fighter jets IGP Sets Up Special Police Unit For Elite’s Protection Military not inferior to terrorists, Badaru declares Food Security: Fed Govt signs $158m agriculture financing scheme pact Food security: FG disburses N12bn, reclaims northern farmland Power minister opposes construction of 4,800MW nuclear power plants Power consumers owe Discos N54bn in February – NERC Eight varsities to benefit from Education ministry, REA 24-hour electricity deal NELFUND warns tertiary institutions against illegal charges on student Loan Bagudu: Councils, Wards must become centres of development Statistician-General lauds Sanwo-Olu’s achievement in data management architecture CBN spends N306bn on staff severance, related costs New marine policy to unlock Nigeria’s blue wealth, says Oyetola 24 federal higher institutions powered by solar – Minister NNPCL ordered to raise oil output to 2.5m bpd by 2026 Flooding: NEMA alerts governors, urges clearing of blocked drainages FG to support two million children at risk of violence NEPC, NBS sign pact to track $31.8m informal export trade Afreximbank unveils $1bn Africa film fund NIWA, LASWA begin waterways safety campaign Oluremi Tinubu inaugurates Bayelsa hospital, medical outreach Abuja doctors suspend warning strike FUOYE VC seeks N250m damages over alleged defamation MAPOLY rector warns new students against cultism, indecent dressing Miva Open University launches Lagos centre Ribadu to deliver OOU 9th Oba Adetona annual lecture as monarch clocks 91 Saturday CONUA advocates education reform over UTME mass failure C’River senator empowers 34 law students with N8.5m grants Labour to demand cost of living allowance amid worsening economic hardship — Ajaero Arewa Think Tank hails Tinubu on importation ban WHO decries 33-year life expectancy gap between rich, poor nations Google unveils AI Max to improve online visibility Access, Zenith, six other banks grow investment securities to N41.7tn Aradel earmarks $20m for Chappal Energies acquisition Seplat raises oil output to over 131,000bpd ExxonMobil commits to $1.5bn deepwater oil fields investment Rotary Club presents renovated, solar-powered e-library to Delta school Nigeria First Policy: Replace your Escalade with Innoson, Atiku tells Tinubu 2027: PDP leaders renew push for Damagum’s replacement LG poll: Lagos APC pushes for consensus candidates in 57 councils Ekiti PDP defies court order, holds local govt congress Adeleke unveils three fire trucks in Osun, promises more investments Aiyedatiwa seeks farmers’ collaboration to boost cocoa production Security: Makinde hails police, donates operational vehicles Hajj: Makinde gives timeline to airlift intending pilgrims from Ibadan Airport Otti to Abure: you’re a clown in desperate search of crown C’River deputy gov visits Obudu Ranch accident victims Flood threat: Kaduna opens safety camps in 13 LGAs Niger donates 25 operational vehicles to police Over 8,000 properties received approvals in 2024 – LASG Lagos, banks partner to create 10,000 MSME jobs Lagos food bank supported 1.2 million households – Commissioner Rumpus in Ekiti judiciary over exclusion of judge in CJ nominations APC’s Basiru, Osun Assembly clash over proposed jail term for public skating Lagos to divert traffic for APC council primaries Saturday Delta to digitalise land acquisition process to check fraud Lagos kicks off 1.3km road construction in Ikorodu Alaafin not behind US-based Yoruba monarch’s death – Palace spokesman Kwara victims remain in captivity after N14m ransom, as kidnappers want additional N10m 5 siblings die of food poisoning in Anambra, mother in critical condition Police hunt pirates after kidnap of 13 Rivers boat passengers Gunmen abduct 18 bus passengers in Kogi 18-year-old apprentice impregnates 10 girls in five months in Anambra ----------------------- *TODAY IN HISTORY* * On this day in 1886, Coca-Cola was invented. According to legend, Dr. John Styth Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, produced the syrup which was first intended as medicine, in a brass pot in his backyard. Today, Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most popular soft drinks ----------------------- It’s always worthwhile to make others aware of their worth. – Malcolm Forbes Good morning *Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*.