MBOMUZO IN OKWUOHIA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY,
OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
Okwuohia is a Community in Obowo
L.G.A., of Imo state, Nigeria, that has enviable rich historical background and deep cultural heritage. Okwuohia is the only community in Obowo and the old ETITI District that has four markets covering the four market days in Igbo calendar, namely: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. All these have distinct locations and hold accordingly.
The community prides herself with many cultural festivals which include Mbomuzo, Ntumaka, Nrim-ji (Iri ji) among others. But the one that attracts people in their numbers to the community is, "MBOMUZO", a-k-a "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA".
MBOMUZO simply means, "clearing of the roads ", otherwise known as environmental cleansing, especially with regard to roads leading to traditional centres and matket places. It is intended to make the roads passable again in order to give proper access to the markets and homes of citizens.
In Okwuohia, all roads are cleared very thoroughly starting from individual homes to the Eke-Okwuohia, Orie-Okwuohia, Afor-Okwuohia and Nkwo-Okwuohia market squares. Also, roads leading to major and significant rivers are cleared. For instance, the Onu-iyi-lolo-nwanyi (Onu-ngele) stream at Umuduru Mgbakam is usually kept cleared for the "AHIA-NGANGA" ceremony by the women of Okwuohia during the same period. It has to be noted that all the road clearing and cleansing must be completed on or before the NKWO market day preceding the EKE market day of the ceremony.
NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA: As said earlier in this write-up, MBOMUZO Okwuohia is also referred to as NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA. Why?
Ours, is an agrarian community. In those good old days, our people cultivated yams, coco-yams, maize, cassava and mkpokoro in large scales. Farming was done more at locations far away from homes. Due to this, farmers constructed make-shift structures there in the bush/farms, where they rested and had their meals during the toils of the day. Most times, people returned to their homes very late in the evening. Major foods eaten in the farms those days were bread-fruits (Ukwa), palm kernels, yams and coco-yams. The bread-fruits were eaten whole without removing the the shells or the outer covers. Farming took place between the months of January and May, during which period farmers fed on any available food items. When such farmers returned to their homes from their farms in the month of May, they settled down to enjoy more pleasant and well prepared food. They would no longer eat the bread-fruits with their shells. Also, they cleaned their environments that had been left bushy during the period of intensive farming activities in the farms. From their homes, clearing and cleansing progress to the roads that lead to other homes and traditional centres. At this time, people begin to exchange visits with relatives and friends both far and near to show that they have returned home after the farming period in the bush. Such visits are usually reciprocated. During such visits, entertainments are unlimited based on the dispositions of the parties involved. In Okwuohia, after the entertainment at home, people gather at the designated market square to demonstrate it the more. The venue is usually at the ORIE OKWUOHIA, where the EKWIRIKWE music music is played and danced in an organized manner.
EKWIRIKWE MUSIC AND ORDER OF DANCING:
After the presentation and blessing of kola-nuts by the traditional ruler of Okwuohia, who declares the ceremony open after his speech and brief demonstration of the dance, the ceremony begins. Ofeiyi people, who are the custodians of the EKWIRIKWE do a brief demonstration dance. Thereafter, the traditional order of seniority of the three sections of Okwuohia is strictly observed thus: MGBAKAM, OFEIYI and AMARAMOHIA. Finally, a general dance which is usually longer and more thrilling comes up and marks the end of the ceremony.
The EKWIRIKWE music delivers messages which present Okwuohia as place with people of remarkable mutual respect, prowess and noted for wrestling. EKWIRIKWE music is used to caution Okwuohia people not to eat the bread-fruits with the shells again after the Mbomuzo. Hence, "ONYE ATALA UKWA NA MKPEKELE" and "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". This is demonstrated by hitting one's back-side to symbolically discharge the ones eaten previously. Before the EKWIRIKWE dance arena is approached, people sing various songs and dance along the road according to Age Grades, socicultural groups and sections.
MBOMUZO AND THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DATE.
Only the Eze of Okwuohia, in consultation with you Traditional Council has the powers to announce the date for MBOMUZO every year. Above all, it is a known fact that Okwuohia community is the first among all the communities in Obowo and even the old ETITI District to perform Mbomuzo every year, thus determining the cultural calendar for other communities that perform the same and or related festivals.
Mbomuzo holds in Okwuohia on the second EKE-Okwuohia market day in the month of June every year. Visitors, friends, in-laws and well -wishers of the community visit the community to enjoy the characteristic hospitality and conviviality associated with the ceremony. Entertainment items are unlimited especially according to the preparedness of the individual families and persons during the period. Such entertainment items include and not limited to polished bread-fruit meals, maize pudding, cassava foo-foo, oil-bean pudding and different kinds of drinks.
PROBLEMS:
The festival has suffered from various problems which include but not limited to wrong perceptions, misrepresentation, misconception, ignorance, ineptitude, iconoclasm and apathy. Many, especially the less informed and the neo-religious groups strongly hold to the perception that that the festival is fetish and wasteful (especially those who are not willing to spend their resources to host guests).
ADVANTAGES:
The period leads to keeping the surroundings clean, re-union of families, friends, in-laws and well -wishers, tourist attraction and advancing our cultural heritage including ensuring the acquisition and development of the EKWIRIKWE playing and dancing skills.
In the good old days, women who earnestly took part in the road and market clearing and cleansing and later took part in the AHIA-NGANGA activities after bathing on serious intents at the Onu-Lolo-nwanyi (Onu-Ngele) stream, would appear at Mbomuzo the following year either pregnant or as nursing mothers if they either prayed for or desired such thereby.
MODIFICATIONS SO FAR:
Since culture is dynamic, efforts have been made by the leadership of Okwuohia community, over time, to modify certain aspects of the festival and programmes there-of in order to exponge some questionable and undesirable aspects of it. For instance, the timing and declaration of the date of the festival are now done by the Traditional ruler of Okwuohia in synergy with the Traditional Council. Also, no shrine or deity is either worshipped or honoured before, during and even after the festival. Most times, the traditional rulership open the festival with Christian thanks-giving worship at an agreed Christian church here in Okwuohia.
CONCLUSION:
In line with the realities of the present moments, efforts should be made to allow for acceptable modifications while there should be insistence on protecting and upholding the soul, spirit and purports of the cultural heritage of our dear Okwuohia community especially as regards affects MBOMUZO.
Written by:
Chief Emma C. Anyanwu, (DIKEMBA),
1st Traditional Prime Minister and Currently the Chairman of Okwuohia Traditional Council,
Being a lecture presented by me at the 2019 edition of MBOMUZO festival, at EKE-OKWUOHIA Market Square.

After my fiancee father, Chief Okoye was done talking with me. I decided to still give his daughter a chance.

At least for my mother's sake. I loved my mother so much, that I was willing to sacrifice my happiness for her.

I finally went home and Amaka was in my room. I promise you Ayo he is just an Ex. I was engaged with him but then I met you. Amaka said to me. It's okay I replied.

After I was done taking my shower I slept off. For the next few days Amaka was trying her best to be a good wife.

I also tried my best to accept her into my life. Since Olivia has blocked me everywhere. I had no choice but to move on with Amaka. Olivia even changed her house.

One evening why I was doing something with my laptop. Amaka came to me undressing herself. I knew what she wanted, But I told her I was busy. This made her really angry. Ayochidi please; I mean we are getting married in few months time and I still feel like a stranger to you. You don't touch me, you don't talk to me. I just feel like a shadow in the house. This is also hard for me, you ain't the only one who was forced to leave the ones they truely love for this crazy arrangement.

You can't keep torturing me like this. I'm trying my best to make this work. Amaka said. Let's wait after the engagement party tomorrow. I promise to do whatever you want. I said.

Tomorrow? Amaka asked. Yes. I replied as I went back to what I was doing on my laptop.

The next day was the engagement party. Everything has already been planned by both families. All I had to do was bring a ring and put on Amaka's finger.

The engagement party was a big one. Different calibres of people were in attendance.
When guest started coming in, Amaka's father called me to inform me about the arrangements. Today is the day. After the engagement party today, we are one step at recovering back your father's company. Amaka's father said. Let me see the ring you bought. He asked and I showed him the ring I wanted to use for the proposal. Very good. You have nice taste. He said.

Just as we were dancing on the dance floor. I saw Olivia serving the guests food. My heart stopped beating and continued beating again immediately I saw her. Our eye met.

We were still at the dance floor when Amaka's father signalled me to get down on one kneel and propose. I immediately brought out my ring, and went down on one kneel. As every guest were screaming say yes, say yes. I immediately stood up. And went to Olivia and knelt down on one knees before.

The whole guests were surprised as to what was going. Amaka's father watched me with rage.

"I can't keep lying to myself; please marry me" i said to Olivia.

Olivia ran out of the party. I immediately followed her.

"It's you I want". I said to Olivia. I can't Ayo, Olivia said. You can't? I asked her. "They will k!ll me". Olivia said as tears drop down her eyes.

They guest that came for the proposal party were already murmuring among themselves..

To Be continued.

Title: Promise 9

.

Never take rejection personally. If rejection from a woman can destroy your belief in yourself or make you angry, it says a lot about your level of confidence. It simply means, you live for the validation from women. Rejection is normal, learn to accept it.

The way you handle rejection is the clearest indicator of your self confidence. Alphas are truly self-confident, they don't let rejection lower their opinion of themselves. They don't leech on to the approval of others to validate their alpha status.

If a woman clearly rejects you, you're a lucky man, for they can waste your time without ever telling you they're not interested. View it as a time saver. Cherish it, it protects you from women who would only end up using you.

YOU WILL NEVER HAVE A VOICE UNTIL YOU'RE PROSPEROUS AND YOU'LL NEVER BE PROSPEROUS UNTIL YOU'RE A GIVER.

-Pastor David Ibiyeomie

During the Second Sunday Service of Salvation Ministries - Home Of Success, Pastor David Ibiyeomie speaking on the Message: “Living A Life Of Influence” mentioned that financial prosperity is essential for having influence and being heard. He also stated that withholding tithes stops favor and encouraged the congregation to give generously to God so as to be prosperous. He said: “If you like, get all the principles and you don't have money, nobody will hear your voice; that's the Bible. He says the poor man's wisdom is despised, that means he has no voice. Say I hear! Are you hearing what the Bible is saying? Church Gist. So you have to know about Kingdom prosperity, you have to have a revelation of Kingdom prosperity because after all is said and done, if you're broke, you will have no voice. Say I hear! And how can you make it in the Kingdom of God? The foundation is: Be A faithful tither and then give quality offerings. Malachi 3:10.

- May the Lord open your own windows. Proverbs 11:24.

Tithing is the biblical practice of returning 10 percent of your income back to God after you have earned it. That's what tithing is. Tithing is holy unto God, when you tamper with what is holy, you will have a hole in your life. Leviticus 27:30. Hear this, favour stops when the tithe is withheld from God.

The reason why many of you are not enjoying favour? Because no tithe. Now hear this and hear me well, you hear people say well, I'm being marginalized because I'm a black person, that's why they didn't talk to me, it's a lie. Many of you in the Western World; you think that the reason why they don't give you a job is because you're black, it's because you're stingy. "Oh! Because I'm not white!" It's a lie! Church Gist. When you're a tither, He said I will rebuke the devourer for your sake. So when you go, they hate you because you're not tithing. When you tithe, you become a delightsome land, black or white, everybody loves you. Say I hear!

God is not a racist, stop hiding under the guise of ignorance. "Oh! If I was white", it's a lie. If you are a tither. Favour stops when you withhold your tithe. Tithing is a proof you have conquered greed and mastered faith. Tithing is a proof you have conquered greed and mastered what? (Faith). And you believe that what God says, He will do. And you have mastered faith. Give quality offerings, don't give trash and expect treasures. Giving is living, stop being stingy! You will never have a voice until you're prosperous and you'll never be prosperous until you're a giver.”

MBOMUZO IN OKWUOHIA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY,
OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
Okwuohia is a Community in Obowo
L.G.A., of Imo state, Nigeria, that has enviable rich historical background and deep cultural heritage. Okwuohia is the only community in Obowo and the old ETITI District that has four markets covering the four market days in Igbo calendar, namely: Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. All these have distinct locations and hold accordingly.
The community prides herself with many cultural festivals which include Mbomuzo, Ntumaka, Nrim-ji (Iri ji) among others. But the one that attracts people in their numbers to the community is, "MBOMUZO", a-k-a "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA".
MBOMUZO simply means, "clearing of the roads ", otherwise known as environmental cleansing, especially with regard to roads leading to traditional centres and matket places. It is intended to make the roads passable again in order to give proper access to the markets and homes of citizens.
In Okwuohia, all roads are cleared very thoroughly starting from individual homes to the Eke-Okwuohia, Orie-Okwuohia, Afor-Okwuohia and Nkwo-Okwuohia market squares. Also, roads leading to major and significant rivers are cleared. For instance, the Onu-iyi-lolo-nwanyi (Onu-ngele) stream at Umuduru Mgbakam is usually kept cleared for the "AHIA-NGANGA" ceremony by the women of Okwuohia during the same period. It has to be noted that all the road clearing and cleansing must be completed on or before the NKWO market day preceding the EKE market day of the ceremony.
NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA: As said earlier in this write-up, MBOMUZO Okwuohia is also referred to as NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA. Why?
Ours, is an agrarian community. In those good old days, our people cultivated yams, coco-yams, maize, cassava and mkpokoro in large scales. Farming was done more at locations far away from homes. Due to this, farmers constructed make-shift structures there in the bush/farms, where they rested and had their meals during the toils of the day. Most times, people returned to their homes very late in the evening. Major foods eaten in the farms those days were bread-fruits (Ukwa), palm kernels, yams and coco-yams. The bread-fruits were eaten whole without removing the the shells or the outer covers. Farming took place between the months of January and May, during which period farmers fed on any available food items. When such farmers returned to their homes from their farms in the month of May, they settled down to enjoy more pleasant and well prepared food. They would no longer eat the bread-fruits with their shells. Also, they cleaned their environments that had been left bushy during the period of intensive farming activities in the farms. From their homes, clearing and cleansing progress to the roads that lead to other homes and traditional centres. At this time, people begin to exchange visits with relatives and friends both far and near to show that they have returned home after the farming period in the bush. Such visits are usually reciprocated. During such visits, entertainments are unlimited based on the dispositions of the parties involved. In Okwuohia, after the entertainment at home, people gather at the designated market square to demonstrate it the more. The venue is usually at the ORIE OKWUOHIA, where the EKWIRIKWE music music is played and danced in an organized manner.
EKWIRIKWE MUSIC AND ORDER OF DANCING:
After the presentation and blessing of kola-nuts by the traditional ruler of Okwuohia, who declares the ceremony open after his speech and brief demonstration of the dance, the ceremony begins. Ofeiyi people, who are the custodians of the EKWIRIKWE do a brief demonstration dance. Thereafter, the traditional order of seniority of the three sections of Okwuohia is strictly observed thus: MGBAKAM, OFEIYI and AMARAMOHIA. Finally, a general dance which is usually longer and more thrilling comes up and marks the end of the ceremony.
The EKWIRIKWE music delivers messages which present Okwuohia as place with people of remarkable mutual respect, prowess and noted for wrestling. EKWIRIKWE music is used to caution Okwuohia people not to eat the bread-fruits with the shells again after the Mbomuzo. Hence, "ONYE ATALA UKWA NA MKPEKELE" and "NKUISI-MKPURU-UKWA". This is demonstrated by hitting one's back-side to symbolically discharge the ones eaten previously. Before the EKWIRIKWE dance arena is approached, people sing various songs and dance along the road according to Age Grades, socicultural groups and sections.
MBOMUZO AND THE PRONOUNCEMENT OF DATE.
Only the Eze of Okwuohia, in consultation with you Traditional Council has the powers to announce the date for MBOMUZO every year. Above all, it is a known fact that Okwuohia community is the first among all the communities in Obowo and even the old ETITI District to perform Mbomuzo every year, thus determining the cultural calendar for other communities that perform the same and or related festivals.
Mbomuzo holds in Okwuohia on the second EKE-Okwuohia market day in the month of June every year. Visitors, friends, in-laws and well -wishers of the community visit the community to enjoy the characteristic hospitality and conviviality associated with the ceremony. Entertainment items are unlimited especially according to the preparedness of the individual families and persons during the period. Such entertainment items include and not limited to polished bread-fruit meals, maize pudding, cassava foo-foo, oil-bean pudding and different kinds of drinks.
PROBLEMS:
The festival has suffered from various problems which include but not limited to wrong perceptions, misrepresentation, misconception, ignorance, ineptitude, iconoclasm and apathy. Many, especially the less informed and the neo-religious groups strongly hold to the perception that that the festival is fetish and wasteful (especially those who are not willing to spend their resources to host guests).
ADVANTAGES:
The period leads to keeping the surroundings clean, re-union of families, friends, in-laws and well -wishers, tourist attraction and advancing our cultural heritage including ensuring the acquisition and development of the EKWIRIKWE playing and dancing skills.
In the good old days, women who earnestly took part in the road and market clearing and cleansing and later took part in the AHIA-NGANGA activities after bathing on serious intents at the Onu-Lolo-nwanyi (Onu-Ngele) stream, would appear at Mbomuzo the following year either pregnant or as nursing mothers if they either prayed for or desired such thereby.
MODIFICATIONS SO FAR:
Since culture is dynamic, efforts have been made by the leadership of Okwuohia community, over time, to modify certain aspects of the festival and programmes there-of in order to exponge some questionable and undesirable aspects of it. For instance, the timing and declaration of the date of the festival are now done by the Traditional ruler of Okwuohia in synergy with the Traditional Council. Also, no shrine or deity is either worshipped or honoured before, during and even after the festival. Most times, the traditional rulership open the festival with Christian thanks-giving worship at an agreed Christian church here in Okwuohia.
CONCLUSION:
In line with the realities of the present moments, efforts should be made to allow for acceptable modifications while there should be insistence on protecting and upholding the soul, spirit and purports of the cultural heritage of our dear Okwuohia community especially as regards affects MBOMUZO.
Written by:
Chief Emma C. Anyanwu, (DIKEMBA),
1st Traditional Prime Minister and Currently the Chairman of Okwuohia Traditional Council,
Being a lecture presented by me at the 2019 edition of MBOMUZO festival, at EKE-OKWUOHIA Market Square.

41 RULES TO STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME

1. **Privacy is your superpower.** What others don’t know, they can’t ruin. Keep your life close to the chest—people thrive on drama.

2. **Loneliness is part of the journey.** Embrace it; it’s an art form all its own.

3. **Remember, everything is temporary.** Life is fleeting, so stay grounded and humble.

4. **Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.** Be kind; it costs nothing.

5. **Your partner mirrors you.** Choose wisely. Seek out her values just as diligently as her looks.

6. **Your mental health trumps everyone’s feelings.** Be a little selfish here; it’s vital.

7. **You don’t need more time; you need fewer distractions.** Focus is your key to success.

8. **Guard your time fiercely.** Not everyone deserves a piece of it.

9. **Surround yourself with those who truly value you.** You shouldn't have to plead for respect and appreciation.

10. **Self-love is not selfish; it’s necessary.**

11. **Treasure those who lighten your load.** They are rare gems in this world.

12. **Choose your circle with care.** The right people uplift you; the wrong ones can drag you down.

13. **Peace of mind is invaluable.** Protect it at all costs.

14. **Stop chasing love; simply live your life.** The right person will come along.

15. **Seek those who embody that “grow together” mindset.** Lift each other higher.

16. **No regrets—just lessons learned.** Dust yourself off and push forward.

17. **Pursue someone proud to have you by their side.**

18. **Never surrender.** Everyone faces tough times; pick yourself up and keep going.

19. **If you feel drained, take a step back to recharge—don’t quit.**

20. **Sometimes, you need to disappear to return stronger.**

21. **Learn from the successes of others, but let their mistakes teach you wisdom.**

22. **Want to be happy?** Stop expecting anything from anyone; nobody owes you a thing.

23. **Everything will fall into place eventually.** Keep that optimistic mindset alive.

24. **Keep grinding—your breakthrough is on the horizon.**

25. **There’s nothing more attractive than mutual effort.**

26. **Stop overthinking it in places where you’re not valued.**

27. **If no one lends a hand, take the initiative yourself. Complaining won't help.**

28. **Obsess over your growth.** It’s the best investment you can make.

29. **A heart-to-heart should never end in conflict.** Open dialogue is sacred.

30. **“I’ll do it tomorrow” is just procrastination in disguise.**

31. **Aim not to stay the same—strive to be better.**

32. **Sometimes, waiting is more powerful than forcing things to happen.**

33. **Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s perfectly fine.**

34. **Heal so you don’t become a reflection of your past trauma.**

35. Keep your circle small and your friends insightful.**

36. If they’re only around temporarily, feel free to let them go permanently.**

37. People come and go; learn how to stand strong alone.**

38. If needed, take time to disappear and focus on yourself.**

39. Some will resent you for refusing to be controlled. That’s their problem.

40. Concentrate on your improvement, not on proving yourself to others.

41. Never, ever return to what once broke you.

**Keep pushing forward!**

Relationship is not hard, it's understanding, attitude and money that make it hard

"Since my son Marquise doesn't wanna take the $5-million business I offered him, I'm gonna stop giving him $6700 in child support. I think it's time the streets taught him." __ 50 Cent
"I no longer have any relationship with my son Marquise. It's an unfortunate situation but I think it's the best thing to do right now because he's feeling too entitled. He's 27 but I still give him $6700 in child support every month even after he turned down the $5-million business I wanted to put up for him. No one ever offered me such an opportunity. So since he doesn't know that he's privileged, I'm gonna make him feel deprived. And when he'll have to start from scratch like I did, he'll understand what I was doing for him.
He wants to be driving ladies around New York City in luxurious cars without working but just being 50 Cent's son but I can't let that happen because he has enough time to work. If he wants anything, he should go get it.
His mum always tells him, you're 50 Cent's son, you're supposed to have more and even if I give him what he asked for, he'll still make another demand. I have tried telling him that his mum is just misleading him as a means of getting back at me but he never listens. He just thinks I'm his enemy.
So right now, he's already old enough and if he can't start from scratch then I'm afraid he'll be a failure for life. And I'd rather give out my money to charity than give it to a privileged entitled kid like Marquise. I'm even feeling ashamed of calling him my son." (50 Cent)

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle. (Napoleon Hill)

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. (Martin Luther King.Jr)

Real Madrid have a chance to break last year's own record for the highest-earning club in the world if they win the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey

Season 2023-24 Real Madrid C.F. was the football club with the highest revenue in the world in the according to Deloitte. For the second consecutive year, the Football Money League report places the club in first position with €1.045. 5 billion, €214.1 million more than 2022-23.

Losing to Arsenall caused Real Madrid to miss out on around 20-30 million euros in European competition revenue, but if Los Blancos went on to win the Club World Cup, which will give them a chance to make income for it by 150 million euros, and will allow the club to break their own revenue record last year by around 100 million euros.

A woman can leave a rich man or a fine man
But she will never leave a man who holds her heart.
The man who makes her feel safe.
The man who shows her that life without her is unthinkable.
The man who wipes her tears, stands by her in her darkest moments, and treats her like his greatest treasure.
Money can buy a house, but only love can build a home.
Hearts are not bought — they are won with kindness, loyalty, and tenderness.

— Nollywood legend, Liz Benson

#viral #virals #nollywood #everyone #LizBenson #highlightseveryonefollowers #followers

Money Make a difference repeat money 👏🏼

Success is not what you wish. It is what you deserve and what you do per second, minute, hour, and every day.

Look inward, are you consistent, persistent, and really working close to make that dream of yours come true🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️.

You are the driver and architect of your life. Take charge, April 2025 is almost over. 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♂️.

Good day, champions.