"AFTER SCHOOL WHAT NEXT?" TO BE RELEASED BY MARTIN BECK NWORAH

 

 

The celebrated writer and author of "Diary of A Unizik Babe", Martin Beck Nworah (MBN) is getting set to release a mini-magazine by the first week of December 2015. The magazine which captures his comic thoughts on divergent areas of youthful life in Nigeria will be available in all leading bookstores in Nigeria from the 2nd week of December 2015.

 

Martin Beck Nworah (MBN) has distinguished himself in the world of creativity, conversationalism and writing. This will be his 5th work in print in addition to having published over 200 articles on divergent issues of the polity on both online and print media platforms.

 

Connect with  Martin Beck Nworah on Facebook

Twelful Years Of Archbishop Val Okeke’s Leadership - GEORGE ADIMIKE

 

 

The celebration of milestones in people’s or institution’s life is an indication of growth - a barometer for measuring success. But for clerics, it is a time of reckoning, of giving account of stewardship, of evaluating the immensity and profundity of God’s grace in their labour in His vine yard. For Archbishop Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, the twelve years of his episcopacy is indeed studded with milestones, thus making it eventful, and if the term is permitted, twelful!

 

Twelful? Yes, twelful because Archbishop Val has not only completed twelve years in his pastoral ministry and leadership, but it is full of twelves, as will be shown shortly, thus making it complete in reach, perfect in impact and dynamic in approach. Twelve is laden with meaning and full of signification. The history of the Archdiocese of Onitsha will recall 1st September, 2003 with gratitude for the ascendency of Archbishop Val Okeke to the cathedra of Onitsha See. In twelve he has done twelve.

 

Twelve signifies completion, perfection, dynamism. It is instructional to reminisce on the scriptural foundations of the number twelve. From the twelve tribes of Israel which formed the foundation of the old people of God, the root of the people of the old covenant, through the Twelve (also called the Apostles) who were the foundation of the people of the new covenant, to the twelve foundations of the wall of the New Jerusalem, which had in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and with appearance in 187 places in the scripture, twelve stands out dignifyingly prominent in scriptural and theological numerology. Twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles, twelve years as the Archbishop of Onitsha and sending of twelve priests for studies in Europe and Asia this year, became for me a great stimulus to reflect on his leadership from the prism of twelve, hence twelful or full of twelve. In most cases, twelve symbolizes completeness, perfection and authority, even as it denotes transformation. In the copious references to twelve in the scripture, there is the obvious tone, be it overtone, or undertone, of transformation.

 

Little wonder that twelve years down his episcopacy, as the incumbent Archbishop of Onitsha and the Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Dr Valerian Okeke indisputably and eminently qualifies to be compared with the illustrious disciples of the primeval Twelve. No doubt, the task ahead of him at the ascension to the cathedra was daunting and persuading. He adopted a peculiar manner of addressing the challenges. The method was neither patronizing nor pretentious: it was not sanctimonious, and not even tinged with affectation of whatever hue. Rather, it was gilded in apostolic zeal with all the attentiveness of a moral theologian endowed with the heart of a bonus pastor bristling with plebian altruism which is encapsulated in his virtuous triad of guts, grace and gratitude, which constitute the flagship of his missionary husbandry.

 

The triad of guts, grace and gratitude herein summed as transformation verily characterize the Episcopacy of Archbishop Val Okeke in these twelve years. His accomplishments could have only been possible if there was a strong nexus and proper synergy between his triad of guts, grace and gratitude. For it certainly demands great guts to set in motion a chain of events, programs and/or projects that will significantly transform the lives of the people, and grace being a divine gift, is required to propel and nurture the guts which are protectively couched in gratitude to God for being chosen to be His catalyst of transformation. His self-perception being that of a subject of grace, he marches with guts to exercise gratitude, nay to be gratitude. Loved into love, the Archbishop causes forms to be turned into better forms in order to create a free and virtuous moral order. He unleashes his guts into trans-formation of songs of grace into symphony of gratitude.

 

Hence, good sense would permit, if not demand affixation of courage as a cognome to the Archbishop. Courage to be good and courage to do great, to forgive, to be merciful, and above all, the courage to love; in addition to courage to stand by his flock and defend them always, as well as courage to break new grounds of development, are striking traits of the Archbishop. The onerosity and dauntingness of the tasks notwithstanding, he trudges on, not really as a trailblazing alpha but in union with his collaborators, with the betas, hence alphabeta. Leadership for him is transformation through a shared vision and synergized mission. Even if many do not see as far as he sees to the effect of causing a lag and drawbacks, he dissipates the sluggishness by preparing the priests, his immediate collaborators for the task of leadership, for shared vision. Even if his vision is not equally appreciated at the beginning, he is not deterred or ruffled rather he pushes on that at the end ovation deletes the attendant challenges.

Precisely because of his gift of courage he is able to appreciate the grace that is bestowed on him thus it keeps profounding and appreciating. It is daily renewed and enlarged. This has enabled him to live this grace in gratitude thus elevating the life of beatitude as his gratitude. This informs his selfless and unassuming disposition in discharging his duty. A glance of the transformative engagement with the Metropolitan See of Onitsha reveals his imprints as impactful. These footprints which are ways of expressing gratitude to God stand out as gracemarks. Hence, gut-propelled he has done twelve. These twelves are printed in fabric of times as gratitude and they manifest and witness grace, gracemarks. The twelful signature engraved in this fabric is sending of 12 priests to study in Europe and Asia disciplines ranging from Pharmacy, Spirituality, Education, Medicine, Canon Law, Mathematics, Dogmatic Theology, Music and Scripture, without any foreign sponsorship or subvention.

The full circle to the achievements of Archbishop Val, makes the fact obvious that he is a consummate pastor with infinite passion for the spiritual and material wellbeing and flourish of his flock that they may have life (Jn 10:10). This is clearly attested to by the quality and quantity of the projects and programmes he has caused to be put in place.

Tweful or if you like, transformative gratitude-prints in the pastoral landscape of the Archdiocese these years wager any cynicism or scepticism. As the Europeans have academic exchange programme, Erasmus and others, he initiated and sponsored a visit of students to Ghana for intercultural, international and educational contact with other West Africans. The students’ experiences were enriching as they were edifying. And pushing this laudable programme of human capital development a little further, it may be interesting to note that Monsignor Val is only a heartbeat away from establishing a full-blown university, the Shanahan University of Science and Technology, Onitsha (SUSTO).

Among other formative/educational strides of the energetic prelate are the Holy Family Youth Village, Amansea-Awka which is a formation facility for the moral and academic growth of University undergraduates; the St. Joseph’s Special Science/Seminary School, Awka Etiti; as well as other several primary and post primary schools. While in the economic sphere, Archbishop Val, an uncompromising believer in the holistic care of his flock has established countless institutions to that effect. To this end, he has the following ventures to his credit: the Radio Sapientia Ltd; Oluchukwu Oil and Gas Ltd; transformation of Oluchukwu Microfinance Bank; and a host of capacity building initiatives.

In the social and humanitarian domain, Archbishop Okeke, ever with a sympathetic concern for humanity – ‘a shepherd that smells like the sheep’ built and/or capacitated the following centres: Holy Rosary Hospital, Onitsha; Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha; Fatima Hospital, Awka Etiti; hospitals and maternities in Umudioka, Obosi, Abatete etc; and numerous structures for the institutionalization of charity and mercy as principles of administration, showing practically that love lives in the heart as mercy while mercy lives in the head as love.

Perhaps the spiritual achievements of the Most Rev Maduka Okeke are sterling, stupendous and surpassing. In 12 years, he has established over 90 new parishes to bring evangelization to the grassroots and within reasonable distance to his flock.

 

To give a touch of modernity, excellence and convenience, he has embarked on a vigorous rehabilitation, reconstruction, renovation and completion of the following institutions: All Hallows Seminary Onitsha; Bishop Shanahan Complex; the old church at the Basilica; St. Catherine’s Chaplaincy, Nsugbe; St Martha House; Bethany House; and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Complex, just to mention some of them. And for the spiritual formation of his priests and lay people, he has established robust programmes, corporate retreats for priests, religious and lay leaders and reinvigorated the spiritual retreats and recollections; first diocesan Synod; in addition to a yearly publication of pastorals and other enriching religious literature.

 

In fact, Archbishop Val is a priest ahead of his time and definitely outpaces his chroniclers in material and spiritual endeavours. Guts, grace and gratitude alloyed as transformation represent the anatomy of his episcopacy these dozen years. It is strikingly perplexing to many how guts and grace integrate and manifest as gratitude. Herein lies the twelfulness or its rich transformative nature which, as has been noted, is perfect in reach, complete in impact and dynamic in approach.

 

The decision to ordain a dying deacon to the priesthood was indeed a revolutionary act of mercy and courage. And again, ordaining another priest on a wheelchair after a ghastly car crash ten days before his ordination is a merciful action in example of the merciful Good Shepherd. None will doubt that in our clime and time, these two actions require great courage. Sending 12 priests this year to study various disciplines in Europe and Asia without external assistance is an action in courageous and visionary leadership, revolutionary love for the Church and pastoral wizardry.

In conclusion, one sees in Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke a committed pastor after the example of Christ, a man of prayer and peace, a social reformer, a divine catalyst in the affairs of men, a passionate humanitarian and a gracious prelate. Indeed, twelve full years of the Archbishop’s Episcopacy is significantly twelful in more ways than one.

*Fr George Adimike is a doctoral student at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

ARCHBISHOP VAL OKEKE: 12 YEARS OF VISIONARY INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE by MARTIN BECK NWORAH (MBN)

Introduction
Upon his consecration in 2003, Archbishop Val Okeke chose “Ut vitam habeant” (That they may have life) taken from John 10:10 as his motto. This year 2015, we are happily celebrating his twelve years of giving life, hope and a bright future to millions of Nigerians, including Catholics and non-Catholics as the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha. In this short piece, I will be reviewing his visionary investments into the future of our society. In giving life, one ought not to look at what is already in place and maintain it; one must go further to create new avenues to broaden opportunities for the future generation. Archbishop Val Okeke has invested in not just the future of the priests who are under his care, but he has also invested in the lives of our youths, the political class and our society in its entirety. Indeed, he is an apostle of love, life and visionary investment which is aimed at improving our society and making our future brighter.

 

Investment in the Educational Sector
In his many sermons, the Archbishop has reiterated that the youths are the reason why a society strives hard to get better and when we don’t give them conducive environment for learning and self-development, we will end up building the physical structures of the society only to be destroyed by individuals who lack the requisite skills to maintain them. The vision for the Holy Family Youth Village was conceived by the Archbishop and in 2009; the gigantic hostel blocks were opened to house the students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka Campus). The hostel has 24 hours internet connectivity for research work and learning. With about 1,200 rooms, the students who are residing in the youth village have continued to break records in the university and are always emerging as the best students in their divergent departments.

 

The Holy family Youth Village is a visionary investment of the Archbishop into the lives of our youths. He saw into the future and realized there was need to train people for a better society. In his article titled “Youth Formation, productivity and future of the society”, Prof. Boniface Egboka while referencing the 2009 pastoral letter of the Archbishop on Youth Education: Our Greatest Legacy, stated that; “Outside the youth, there’s no future.” This statement is self evident because any society that neglects the proper formation of her youths, always need up with catastrophic consequences. The Archbishop, through God’s illumination and grace, gave the youths of Nigeria who will have the opportunity of studying in Nnamdi Azikiwe University a befitting residence to mould them into desirable materials that will take our society to El Dorado.

 

When the leaders of our society saw the massive positive impact been recorded by the Youth Village, they called on the Archbishop again to do more. This time around, His Grace saw into the future and made it clear that building hostels was not enough; something more has to be done to secure the future of these young people. This led to the vision for the creation and on-going construction of the Shanahan University of Science and Technology (SUSTO). This time around, he wants our young people to have a holistic formation that will be deeply rooted in the fear of God, love for mankind and academic excellence.

 

Archbishop Val Okeke is a lover of the youth and this factual statement cannot be over-emphasized. When you visit his official personal website at http://www.archbishopvalokeke.org , you will be amazed with the way he tells his story to the world and how connected he is to the younger generation on virtually all social media platforms. A lover of children and the youths, these twelve years of visionary investment in our lives is a testament of his gospel of love in giving life to our society.

 

Still keeping with his investments in the educational sector, about twelve priests were sent abroad last year to various parts of Europe and Asia to study. Now there is something unique about this particular investment in the future of our priests. Most of them are studying medicine, pharmacy and other courses that are not directly related to religion and you may wonder why this decision was taken. The rationale is very clear; in a dynamic world like ours, His Grace comprehends perfectly well that for a healthy mind to be in a healthy body, a healthy pastor of the soul must be involved in the process. Hence if a priest is an internationally trained and recognised medical practitioner, he will be able to draw more souls to God through his gospel of healing the sick. What other miracle is greater than this?

Rev. Fr G.E Adimike perfectly summarized the visionary investment of the Archbishop in his Introduction to the book; “True Heritage”. He stated thus, “It is blissful to imagine a society in which the super-abundant energy of the youth is successfully harnessed (by the Archbishop) for national development.” With all these investments in place, there’s no doubt that the future of our youths who are open to learn and grow under Archbishop Valerian Okeke is well protected and secured.

Investment in the Media
Pope Francis stated at the beginning of his papal reign that the media is one of the greatest mediums through which the gospel of Jesus Christ can be preached to the whole world. Television, radio, internet, print media, etc are divergent ways that people can be initiated into the everlasting love of God in order to become worthy ambassadors of his kingdom. The Archbishop, in his usual nature of spreading the gospel of love and grace, initiated the vision for Radio Sapientia Onitsha. If the people of God are entertained with the word of God and are made to know the happenings in their society through a reliable source, they will be more focused in making life better for themselves and our society as a whole. Radio Sapientia is the number one radio station as far as Anambra State is concerned. The frequency at 95.3fm can be received far and wide both within and outside the state and the morning show of the radio station is a hot cake. Buses, cars, keke napeps, gas stations including our Hausa brothers who may not comprehend the Igbo language often used in the programme, love tuning in to listen to it. What other magic is better than giving your people a voice and platform to be heard? Keep in mind that the radio station is not exclusively meant for Catholics alone.

 

Investment in the Oil and Gas Sector
Nigeria is a very peculiar country with its own problems. And when it comes to the issue of oil and gas, the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world have little or no positive note to write home about. Many stories abound where our people have been cheated in the process of refuelling their tanks. Some dastardly businessmen even go to the extent of mixing omo and water to increase the quantity of their product without taking into consideration the implications this would have on the vehicle or the person driving it. Could it be said that these men have love in them? Indeed, the Archbishop stated in his 2005 pastoral letter to the people of God titled “The Measure of love” that love is what will transform the world into a true universal brotherhood.” It then goes without saying that if these men had love in them, they would’ve treated their customers as their own blood and in no distant time, our society will be enveloped by men and women of goodwill who will love their fellow human being with all sincerity.

Troubled by these experiences encountered daily by the people of God, our visionary Archbishop initiated the renewed idea for Oluchukwu Oil and Gas, an O and G company that will carter for the needs of our society. If you’ve visited the station at Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Onitsha, you will quickly come to the conclusion that where love is involved, even business rigmaroles is defeated. They are attended to with a welcoming smile and provided you settle your contractual obligations very well, you will be leaving the premises of the gas station with renewed happiness because you know nothing will happen to your engine or fuel pump. Indeed, with grace and love, all can be achieved.

 

Conclusion
As we celebrate the 12 years of Episcopal consecration of Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, we pray God to continue blessing and keeping him in sound health of mind and body. Above all, he will continue to shine the light for a society that will be filled with God’s love and grace. These twelve years of visionary investment into the lives of our youths, priests and society is a testament of the fact that he has come to give life in abundance. As the youths whose faith and hope for a better future have been renewed through your investments, may God sustain this vision for generations yet unborn.

 

Happy 12 years anniversary Your Grace!

Grace for the race:MBN's Diary In 2014!

January-March 2014

I began the year with few expectations and lots of hope. 2013 taught me so much and I didn't want to repeat silly mistakes by expecting so much. The memories of the ASUU strike was still fresh in my brain. During the strike period in 2013,I utilised it by becoming a Secondary school teacher in a neighbourhood school. More to that,I got a part- time job as a freelance writer/correspondent for two print media companies and about 10 online media sites. I learnt so much about life during these periods and for once in my life,I started preparing a budget for my salary before it came in. When I needed to be stingy,I spoke more in percentages. 

So with all of these experiences in the later part of 2013,I believed 2014 will be more promising but like I said,I didn't expect much. 

My cynicism quickly caught up with me and immediately I returned to school in January,depression set in. Going to lectures became a mindless routine for me and I paid no attention to anything that was happening in my immediate environment. Repeatedly,I would sit up in bed at 2 am in the morning and ask myself endless questions with no answers. I am the cheerful and easy-going type;this made it more difficult to find a friend who really understood what I was going through so he/she will help out. In Nigeria,life was already complicated by the type of system we run here so why complicate issues with a dude who refuses to be happy and worst still,doesn't know what's wrong with him?

Psychologically,I was sinking deep into myself and was gradually becoming overwhelmed by the slightest challenge. I tried making new friends but failed woefully. You can't make new friends when you're not at peace with yourself. The old ones thought I made some money during the strike and because I was the last kid in my family,they felt the pride of my family's provision for me was getting into my head. None saw the bleak MBN. None knew what the young man was going through inside of him. Self-doubt...it was eating deep.

I returned from lectures one day and without unknotting my tie,I jumped into my 22 inches HD life bed. I picked up my Blackberry 9810;a gift from

my elder sister and visited www.ted.com . While waiting for the page to load,I made up my mind that this is my life. No one will help me to live it better. I needed to believe in myself and love myself. There and then,I made up my mind that

whatever happens from here,I must be HAPPY. 

After this resolution and a brief prayer,the ted page opened up to some talks on depression. I downloaded two talks from the site. One was from a Gay psychologist who battled with the realisation of his sexual orientation and the other was from a 16 years old high school student who perfected everything in his life that his life became less

interesting for him. After watching these talks,my spirit returned and I felt strong again.

I emphasised on the gay status of the psychologist because it taught me a lesson I will share with us in

the coming episodes. The young dude taught me to always embrace the challenges of life as a way of becoming better and wiser. January-March of 2014

was not my best but I learnt some great lessons that helped me in living a better and more fulfilled

life. At the zenith,it taught me to love myself more and never to always seek approval from people.

When I came out of my sorry state,I increased the pace at which I was writing Diary of A Unizik Babe and also found new joy in my legal studies. Finally,I found a rhythm to follow.

Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.

April - June 2014

Who Do You Know?

The second quarter of 2014 dragged me out of my comfort zone several times in pursuit of investments for my book. The funds for my book,my examination and my elder sister's traditional marriage crowned this quarter. I needed to give equal attention to all because each was as important as the other. If I didn't raise the funds for my book,that means my 6th book won't see the light of the day. If I didn't read well and prepare for

my exams,I will fail with all pleasure. And finally,my elder sister made me the LOC chairman for some part of her event; I heartily needed it to be a

success. Within this period,my girlfriend's birthday and my own birthday were waiting to be celebrated. And to crown all,I was still balancing my life having survived the depression I experienced in the first quarter of the year. The stage was really set for this one.

To raise the funds for my publication,I reached out to a publishing firm that agreed to work on new terms with me when I have raised a certain amount of capital. In April,I drafted about 20 letters(or more) and sent them to captains of industries within and outside the south east. I detailed out a business plan that will bring in returns for their investments and promised that this plan will certainly work. Some listened to me while others felt it was a book after all;you have the perfect analysis for the wrong product. Few weeks later, I got a call back from one of the companies and they agreed to invest about 5 percent of the total sum I needed. A glimpse of hope.

I sought for venture capitalists and angel investors but I quickly discovered that those terminologies are better known as Ima mmadu(knowing someone). If you knew someone at the top,then getting there won't be a "biggie" for you. I knew people,but I wanted to achieve this on my own terms and see how far I can go. Within one month,my budget for transportation increased from about 30% to 75%;I was still battling with its realisation when my girlfriend's birthday came knocking.

I just returned from the commercial city of Onitsha where I went to buy souvenirs and auxiliaries for my sister's traditional marriage. After unloading and packing them neatly in my corridor,my girlfriend emerged from my kitchen and with hands akimbo,reminded me of her birthday. I pleaded with her to help me prepare lunch while I ran around to get other things in place. I dashed out of the house and headed to Crunchies to buy a

birthday cake for her and also pick up a gift from somewhere. On my way,I saw a former colleague in a print media house I worked for during the ASUU

strike. I resigned from my teaching job because it was disturbing my studies and I also resigned from two of the print media houses I worked for because they propagated messages that went contrary to my ethics of living. On returning from Crunchies,I dropped the cake on my reading table and filled with joy,I closed my eyes to sing a happy birthday song for her. After my rendition,I opened my eyes to discover she had earphones on...poor me. 

Birthday gone!

For my sister's traditional marriage,I rallied some of my classmates/friends(some of them are now my professed enemies) who helped me in getting things done. On that day,I felt more like a Manager of a company who made sure everything went as planned. God's grace,everything was a success and I added a new accolade to my CV;"Expert in events/ managerial duties". Her husband is from Nnewi and I have a special likeness for Nnewi because of her beautiful ladies...that's not a guarantee I will need an Nnewi lady in my life though.(I have Umuoji

now)

A few of my former friends became my professed enemies for reasons best known to them. I was accused of being proud and 'snubby'; to cut it short,I was accused of using and dumping people. It may be true,but I believe friendship is a game of two coins,each side must work hard to make sure the coin stays in the middle. I tried so hard and

gave up trying. More or less,we have all moved on with our divergent lives,made new acquaintances and continue to enjoy the best life we know how to live. I still miss them,but I won't do anything about it.

My birthday came in on June 5th and as always,I gave myself a LONG and BORING article on how to be the best Martin Beck Nworah God created. As this

quarter was coming to a close,I became friends with a former presidential aspirant who made

sense for that moment. I became friends with someone who later opened up to me that she's a lesbian and gave me the task of making her straight. "I chickened out". 

Finally,I got to know someone who pressed the button on someone who told someone to tell someone that finally pressed

the button on my book project. God's grace,we settled that one as well.

Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.

July-September 2014

Politics and Ladies

The 3rd quarter of 2014 was really fun and challenging at the same time. I was talked into school politics by I.A Muoneme,who was the Chief Justice of the SUG High court. Diary of a Unizik Babe concluded the final production phase and to crown it all,I started having a serious earthly call from

ladies. Politics and ladies,sometimes go hand in hand,but I needed to be successful with my business as well. I loved politics but I never wanted to play the game. I have joined in the manifesto drafting committee of several prominent politicians in the country and

written some of their speeches for them. With the late nights,young ladies everywhere,free drinks and

money,it was not the life I wanted to live so I always kept a distance from them after rendering my services. 

So on that very evening,I.A Muoneme stopped over at my house to brainstorm on ideas about the Judiciary day he was planning for the institution. As is my tradition with visitors to my room,I offered him a glass of water and we talked about so many things till we landed on Peter Obi's Media Aide Valentine Obienyem. He gave me a run down of the man's history and how he started out from school. I enjoyed every piece of the narrative till he got to the part where he stated unequivocally;

"MBN,you don't need Lawsa PRO,go for the SUG PRO or the Presidency even".

From across my table,I laughed out so hard and prayed we ended this discussion immediately. He

continued for about one hour unending,telling me of how great and popular I am;that even at the

mention of my name,lecturers get their monthly allowance (hahahahahahahaahahahahaha). 

"You have the stuff and talents everyone is praying for,why are you hiding? You need to use every opportunity you have now to impact in the society and make a name for yourself".

I was already doing something for my institution I told him. I became a student writer in my first year in school and turned down about three awards because I felt it was not yet time for recognition. I will be releasing DOAUB in the coming weeks and I didn't want to venture into the game of politics at any level. If I start now,I may be consumed by the passion to give people a better life and a proper purpose of living. After all my grammar,I thought hard about everything,made a few consultations and in the weeks following it,I took my baptismal

oath as a politician.

At any level,politics is a serious game that needs money,attention and divergent forms of conviction

you can garner to secure enough votes and support. Diary of a Unizik Babe increased my popularity in school when it was released so all I need do was to leverage on the popularity of my book. I was spending money to win my election and I also needed to keep an eye on my book although from a distance because the management was in

charge. I started keeping late nights in order to meet up with so many groups and people. It was

the beginning of the journey and as I was still settling down in the reality of becoming a small politician,the ladies came calling.

Diary Of A Unizik Babe is a comedy and to a large extent,many of them believed I was funny as the book I wrote. Wrong conclusion!

I started having issues handling ladies because for the first time in my life,people laughed even when I said nothing funny. Part of my problems was also as a result of my perceived caring nature. When I have a first contact with anybody,I give you the best version of myself and if you're a lady,the best version includes asking you about life,family,your health and everything that interests you. When you meet this dude for the first time,its like heaven on earth; you will immediately see your missing rib. The pressure was much but I needed to be focused on my political career and my books. I didn't want to be distracted so I sought the help of a psychologist to position me well in handling the advances I get and also teach me some tricks the ladies may use to nail me down.

The psychologist was a beautiful young lady of about 25 years with a masters in her field. Fair,tall,right things in the right places and to crown it all,she was rich and single. I spent more time in her office because I wasn't paying for her services;her fiancee is a good friend of MBN. At the end of the two weeks crash course in "Feminine management and approaches",she gave me an

examination and I failed! 

No hope!

She referred me to a pastor in town!

In all,I mastered the basics in school politics and sold out my book. My girlfriend taught me a few tricks to drive away other ladies and I was really happy. If she doesn't take care of me,who will?

Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.

October-December 2014

The last quarter of 2014 is still in session and I will start by revealing a secret nobody knows about me. I have a basic working and speaking knowledge of Mandarin Chinese but with limited speaking mates,I'm gradually speaking it with an Igbo accent. Now to the real business of this quarter. 

In October,I fired up and created a mini-committee to track the success of DOAUB. If I wanted to

succeed politically,I needed underdogs to keep track of the book and report back to me. It was a huge success till I was named among the top 20 most outstanding Unizik students by UNIZIK COMET...pride set in. Common on,do you really know

what it means to be among the top 20 in a university of over 35,000 regular students and over

20,000 part-time,diploma and post graduate students? It got into my head but with prayers and consultations,I returned to my normal humble self...just kidding about the pride part.

In between,I gained some new friends who became instrumental

during my campaign and I also lost about two who were clogs in our wheel of success. 

Remember when I told you I started the year on a low psychological disposition in the first quarter? Yes! God used it as a point to ready me for a happy

year. In November, I increased the pace of my publicity for my book and not my campaign. My advisers insisted that we have to gamble with my popularity this time around. If I was really popular on campus,then I will win. If I wasn't,I'll fail and stop disturbing everybody with my speeches,crazy business ideas,branding and writings. A very cold approach in an election where people spent money on money,money on drinks and money on those other things. I was afraid,but I still pretended to be strong. 

My elder sister's wedding was held in far away Houston,TX and I joined them in my dream. As a matter of fact,I was the mass server at the ceremony and also the MC at the reception...that was before I woke up from my sleep.

December crowned all. In its first week,I was honoured by the Anambra Exclusive Youths Choice Awards as the Most Intelligent Mind in Anambra State for 2014. And please to clear all doubts,this "intelligent mind" has nothing to do with classwork before you'll copy my reg number and start checking my results for me. The criteria was based on creative thinking and methodological system of

problem solving in the society(don't ask me the meaning). 

I didn't have enough money to share around during my campaign because I felt my manifesto was enough to convince people to vote for me.

Repeatedly,I was warned that I will fail if I didn't share money to the big boys and pledge my loyalty. I was not desperate to occupy an executive position in the students union. If I win,I'll thank God and work assiduously to deliver my campaign promises

to the students. If I failed,I'll learn my lessons that in Nigeria,no matter the level of politics,you must share money to win. It was a battle between what I believed in to be the right thing and what was generally accepted as the norm. My body weight

reduced drastically and I spent more sleepless nights in thinking of how best to win without trampling on my life principles.

I reached out to a few people who by God's grace,wanted the best for the students just like myself. They devoted their time and resources in making sure we put finishing touches to our campaign. Because of their belief that Nigeria will start from us to get better,they canvassed enough votes for me and after the elections,I was declared as the Public Relations Officer of the Students Union Government,Nnamdi Azikiwe

University,Awka. It was a battle well fought and won. The media and PR related fields are my passion;much will be done. And I strongly believe in the bible verse that goes thus "...servant who is

found worthy in little things,more will be given to him". It is a first step in politics and public service;I strongly believe that with God's grace,I will give in

my best and be found worthy in my office.

Few days after swearing in,my 3rd accolade of the year came in and this time,I was named in the list of the 20 students who contributed in shaping Unizik positively in 2014. It was like a bottle of wine taken after a sumptuous meal. 

In All! 2014 was good and I thank God for the blessings and lessons that shaped it. I pray 2015 will be a year of divergent positive testimonies for you and

your family. Amen! May He keep us in his love.

Bye!

Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.

WHERE ARE THE GODMOTHERS?

Even though the picture does not always connote a happy ending but always in all facets of life especially in our country Nigeria; we hear often hear of godfathers and how they help their godsons succeed. Where are the godmothers? On a closer look, I discovered that women (due to their overhyped jealousies for their fellow women) find it difficult in helping people of their own gender to succeed. If its wrong correct me.

THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER : IS MBN UNIZIK'S BEST WRITER?

THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER : IS MBN UNIZIK'S BEST WRITER?

'DER RIS' GOD OOOOOOOOO BY MARTIN BECK NWORAH

Mama Peace is one of a kind and no matter whatever she does,I'll never laugh at her. Or better still,maybe the weight of her grammatical expression will say what my reaction will be. Be that as it may,I want to let all of us know that there is God.
You wake up in the morning,brush your teeth,dress up and move out to kidnap your fellow human being. He has worked so hard to be on top of his trade while you waste away your time. He toiled through sweat and sleepless nights just to get to where he is now. You kidnap him and demand for millions of naira which we all know,that even if you worked all through your life,your laziness will never allow you to make such amount of money. Hear me;'der ris God ooooooo'.
Your parents saved the little money they have and sent you to the university. You went there to become a "runz-gurl" just because you want to meet up to standard. You change your name from Chioma to Chio with a fake American accent. You deny ever eating garri and groundnut(that sweet combination) and everyone around you believes that your parents are mega rich. You jump from one hotel to another and from one laps to another. Only time will tell the result of your actions now. But hear me out; 'der ris God oooooooo'.
Oga Politician,you continue to travel from one city to another for your numerous conferences leaving your wife at home. Each town you enter,you instruct your boys to organise "conference babes" for you and your men. You forget easily that these ladies have parents who sent them to school and who are praying day and night,hoping that their daughter will graduate with a first class(first wetin?). You pounce them like wild fire and you've never sat down to think of what those white boys do to your daughter whom you sent abroad to study. As you continue to derail from your leadership mandate and continue to spoil our young girls,just have it at the back of your mind that; 'der ris God oooooo'.
Martin Beck Nworah,you continue to write and inspire millions of people around the world. Many think you're married and live in one of the best mansions in Abuja. Some even rumour you have three degrees with two from foreign universities. Many say that you're a half-cast with a life fortune of over 500 million dollars. In all of these adulation,you have not come out to clear the air and tell them the truth. You have not told them that you're still hustling and working hard to be noticed (na lie jooor). But whatever be the case,as you continue to climb up in the social ladder,just bear in mind that; 'der ris God oooooooo'.
Till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.






MBN.

NIGERIANS:WE'RE GULLIBLE AND FAKE

(Clears throat)
Thank you so very much for stopping by to receive my insults for the day. It's for each and every one of us and I hope you will enjoy yours.
(Bangs on the desk)
Why are we so gullible and fake? Wait,just wait right there and don't even think of removing your eyes. What's our problem in this country? We easily believe what anybody tells us even if we're sure that his points or facts is wrong. We pretend to know everything while we die in silence and ignorance. I'm talking to you and don't even give me that look.
(Stands up)
A politician came out of jail and it was clear to the whole world that he was a criminal;convicted and jailed. Yet, people clapped hands and hailed him as a visionary leader when he came out. Some others are celebrating the birthday of a renowned government thief who is chilling out in a foreign prison. What the heck is wrong with us?
(Mean face)
Is it poverty? Is it ignorance? Or stupidity? Or a stupid friendship that is non-existent? What the heck is our problem in this country? And talking about being fake,why would you present yourself as an angel to the people when you're a devil. If you have any intention,why not make it known and clear. This fake life and pretence has eaten deep into our roots. If you know Jibril Malem, Tunde Tones and Pete Okee,go and warn them...their heads may roll soon. Let them continue to deceive people that they're the saviours sent to rescue this nation from the grip of our bad leaders. Bad leaders kwa? We're all involved. 2015 is coming for them and us as well,who won't carry his own bag of rice? Who won't wear the party or the individual's uniform? And I heard,the uniform is now the rave of the moment.
(Chai)
Nzuzu n'enu kasi enu(stupidity at its zenith)
(Roars)
And talking about the youths, can't they,in this country,ever be hopeful of a better nation that will value their efforts? And talking about young people,the fools are not interested in whatever that will make them succeed. Fruits of their fathers,mothers,relatives and communities...and I'm among. And we are all in this mess together. Both the old and young,moving without direction to our end...and nobody cares. Everybody is busy with nothing,doing what they derive no joy in just to succeed...and we continue to die.
 Millions went for NIS examination with an employment opportunity of just 2,000 spaces or so. For hell's sake,why not sell online forms that will conform with the number needed. If you needed 2,000,why not sell 5,000 forms? Is it not a better bargain. And they all filled the coffers of some "service" with billions of naira.
(Charged eyes)
Why would a human being who has breath in him,a human being who has kids, steal from young,jobless and hopeless Nigerians all in the name of job. And I heard,some of them died;a pregnant woman was involved. And we are all smiling and waving our hands. Are we not ashamed of ourselves?
(Mehnnnnnnnnnn)
What the heck is wrong with this system? And don't even go out,just sit down right there and listen to me.
Our gullibility and fake attitude has kept us where we are today. I weep for myself and my nation. Having known these facts,I will make sure the maggots who are causing these problems meet their proper reward. But for the meantime,since we have remained resolute in gullibility and stupidity,they(whoever they are) will continue to rubbish us...all thanks to you for messing us up.
(Sits and laughs)
I'm getting a political appointment soon and I heard that's the settlement for anybody who makes much noise. He will be settled with a small office and he grows numb together with his supporters. It is people like us who talk and keep quiet because of a little black favour who make this country harder by the day. Our own punishment will be greater.
(Laughs hard)
But who cares? Nigerians don't give a damn about themselves so why waste your effort on jobless,stupid,fake and gullible fellows who don't know their hand from their leg? And that's what our leaders will say. That's what our NGO's will do when they get a grant from the bloc.
(Ije uwa)(Journey of life)
While I continue to work hard to secure my government appointment as a scribe,I will be waiting for you at the Promised Land in case we all have a rethink and decide to do the right thing,there you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.





MBN.

DEAR GENIUS;YOU MAY DIE BY MARTIN BECK NWORAH

There is a fine line between genius and madness;Steve Jobs can tell you better. If you're a genius and are in Nigeria,there are reasons why you may want to die unless you try understanding a few things about us. First is the mindset that everyone understands you have better plans for this nation and the future. Wrong! We don't understand you,in fact,we feel you insult us with your knowledge and expertise;so we will do everything to make sure you don't succeed. So when we do this,you don't understand why we're just so myopic and gullible. Well,the truth is that we're not matured enough...no...the real truth is that we feel maturity comes with AGE...that's why we have old people,old people and old people running our affairs incompetently. That is Nigeria for you dear genius,are you planning to run away to another country?
More to that,we hate it when you come around and present your master plan to turn Nigeria to America...seriously? We won't believe you oooo. We take joy in hoping that the future will be better;a future we are not even ready to work hard for. So you see,when we see you've put in all efforts to be better,we will simply kill your dreams. And the most annoying is that you're even young;we have been in this system since 1960 and we have sworn never to change. Perhaps this will help you to understand why many people make a name for themselves outside the country before coming back. And please dear genius;I hope you're not planning to leave us in this darkness?
Dear genius,if you've taken out time to study the mindset and behaviour of fellow Nigerians,you'll quickly realise that we don't make much effort to improve on what we know...but I must add that we want to remain relevant in that field till we die. Don't cry for us,that is why a Professor of Physics will proudly announce to you that he has never read any physics text in the last 10 ten years. He lectures in the university and never enters his classes with any book...I must also tell you that his students think he is so intelligent when he does this. You're seated in the class as his student and you don't comprehend why this man has to confuse you with old laws...bear with him;this is Nigeria. We hope to get better...but you as a genius,must develop your talents on a green fertile land;Nigeria may be or may not be the place. We hope!
Finally brother genius,don't get mad at us,we're mostly businessmen,educated illiterates and proud misguided individuals. We hate being corrected! I repeat,we hate it!! We will surely attack your personality when you do...try becoming a politician or celebrity and understand what I mean...celebrity? Those ones are apologies to the nation. We shall continue to work hard and hope in Nigeria dear friend,till we get to the Promised Land,I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.


MBN.

APC...CAN NGIGE EVER BE FAITHFUL?
Since Ngige's history has been marked with unfaithfulness, once he gets his aim, he abandons all the fingers that fed him. how show are you that you would not be the lost sheep once he gains power? Be wise, once beaten, twicw shy.