Vol.1 No.1 Maiden Edition Voice of Asarama Students A Publication of the Federated Union of Asarama Students (FUAS)

Let's unite again4 Rebuilding

Asarama21

How Asarama

loses out12

Challenges and

prospects of Asarama13 Editorial h e n G e o r g e Washington, John W A d a m s , T h o m a s J e f f e r s o n , J a m e s M a d i s o n , A l e x a n d e r Hamilton, James Monroe and Benjamin Franklin among others initiated the moves to build a virile entity known as the United States of A m e r i c a , t h e y f i r s t recognised the role of We need collective effort... 3 the press as a conveyor- belt of free speech. They Let's unite again 4 knew the importance of the press in conveying General security tips 6 ideas and serving as a p l a t f o r m t o e n g a g e Caring for human eye 8 p e o p l e i n r a t i o n a l d i s c o u r s e . T h u s , Change your mindset 9 freedom of speech and expression is strongly How Asarama loses out 12 p r o t e c t e d f r o m g o v e r n m e n t Challenges and prospects of Asarama 13 restrictions by the First Amendment to the United Tackling gender inequality 14 States Constitution. Preferential treatment for male children 15 It was in the same spirit of supporting people to Ogwu Asarama 16 air their views on issues that Thomas Jefferson Naming as cultural tool 17 in his famous message to Edward Carrington was Failure is not a destination 18 widely quoted as stating that if he had to choose Rebuilding Asarama 21 between a government without newspapers or Need for Asarama Youth Reunion Editorial Board or any community to grow at a faster pedestal, the youths PUBLISHER - FUAS PRESIDENT must be active in developmental efforts which could either Raphael Emiyare Fbe initiated internally or attracted externally. There is the need for Asarama youths to reunite to attract accelerated CHAIRMAN/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF development. Otikor Samuel Asarama is a community that is so blessed with many opportunities but we were always been denied because of our internal crisis. The POLITICAL AFFAIRS EDITOR youths are the future of Asarama but at the moment our future is Miracle Awajinte currently in danger because our present is already in doom. It is on that note that I wish to call on Asarama youths to rise up and take EDUCATIONAL/CULTURAL EDITOR the challenge of bringing back the lost glory of our dear community. Ephraim Sobere Our community can only get better when we avoid the things that have set us back as a people. We need to concentrate our energies to MARKETING/PRODUCTION MANAGER those things that can shape our future. The future of Asarama is in Ebiriene Itah our hands. We can make it better or make it worse. It is my earnest desire to see Asarama youths rise up to their responsibilities. We BOARD SECRETARY must start the process aggressively not tomorrow but now. Jonathan Clifford Kaniyekun Martins is the immediate past President of the DesignedChiso, by: 08165337215 Federated Union of Asarama Students. UlorkAsarama Magazine 2 Address

We need collective effort to resolve our problem

By Raphael Emiyare

y sincere greetings to my construct a future in which what posterity in a better shape; so I fellow students and has been separated can be reunited, appeal to the conscience of our Myouths of Asarama, so that individuals can be reunited, youths on the occasion of this I n y o n g - o ro n g , I w o m a a n d so that individuals can again convention to stop the violence, Asaramaija. Permit me to welcome become whole and find their place killings and warless war. my fathers, mothers, elders, guests in a harmoniously organised I appeal also to our leaders, and fellow Andoni students to this society,” Gahia (2007:P.25). government at all levels to improve historic Convention tagged: “The Our target is for us to realise the the poor state of infrastructure in Restoration of Asarama 2018”. Asarama of our dream; a giant, the schools in our communities. It is As encapsulated in the theme of the u n i t e d , i n d o m i t a b l e a n d important to invest in the youths for convention, “The Development of indissoluble home again. A home the speedy development of our Asarama Kingdom: Challenges where peace, love, justice and unity people and home. and Prospects,” I am moved by the shall reign. We cannot let our land Once again, I welcome you all to submission of Petra K. Kelley that suffer peripheral extinction. It is this august and sober convention as “the problems that threaten life on the only home we have and as we all gather for a common dream earth were produced collectively, students, we cry through this and heritage. they affect us collectively and we convention to our chiefs, elders, Long live Asarama! must act collectively to change leaders, youths, students, men and Long live Inyong-orong!! them.” women to save our heritage. As Long live Iwoma!!! It is my humble charge that we Nyarko-Eku submitted: “This is Long live Asaramaija!!! understand that our challenges are my land; I shall not move to any Long live Obolo Ethnic Nationality. collective; they also affect us other place. I have become a fixed collectively and collectively, we rock…I shall not move to any other Being the text of the welcome address must rise to the defence of where we in preference to this humble land on presented by the National President, know and call our home. For it is which I reside.” If it is not this Comr. Emiyare Raphael Gabriel at impossible for development to come Asarama then it cannot be any t h e 2 0 1 8 A n n u a l N a t i o n a l and to be if there are no collective other place. Our forefathers Convention of the Federated Union efforts. Our challenges have handed this home over to us and we of Asarama Students (FUAS). impeded our development as a have a duty to hand it over to our people. They have put us asunder. They have put the enemies' sword in our hands and have touched the Our target is for us to realise the Asarama of our dream; a giant, united, soul of our dear land, but it behoves indomitable and indissoluble home again. A home where peace, love, on us to avail the opportunity justice and unity shall reign. We cannot let our land suffer peripheral offered by this convention to resolve extinction. It is the only home we have and as students, we cry through this our issues. Nature demands that convention to our chiefs, elders, leaders, youths, students, men and women “ m a n k i n d m u s t r a t i o n a l l y to save our heritage

UlorkAsarama Magazine 3 Remarks Let’s unite again Rulers Council. By Ezekiel Otogwung Politically, our people started well from 1999 but most unfortunately crashed will desire to see our community out of relevance by the end of 2015. It in this deplorable state, most becomes imperative on us, those that especially its devastated are driving the new vision to go back to nature, occasioned by the drawing board, examine where we rival cult activities which went wrong, plan and re-strategise. had caused men, women, Today without fear of contradiction, I young and old to flee from can boldly say that politically, Asarama this great community. people are highly marginalized. There is It dawned on me to take statistics no elective office and no substantive of what we lost and I came to the appointment in any government conclusion that Asarama community position. was the worst affected in the whole of Suffice to say that even in the Civil Andoni Local Government Area. Service the presence of Asarama sons Within this period of cult war, Asarama and daughters are gradually reducing as a community has lost so many d u e t o r e t i r e m e n t s a n d n o vibrant sons that would have been corresponding number entering the leaders in the near future. service. There is spiritual darkness Apparently, the popular saying that am particularly grateful to God hovering over our land and we need to youths are leaders of tomorrow seems completely turn back to God for Almighty for this rare privilege and eluding us or being a mirage when honour given to me to Chair the spiritual emancipation and cleansing. I majority of our youths no longer see Asarama must return to the path of opening ceremony of this all-important reasons to embrace education rather 2018 Annual National Convention of glory and development. We must are embracing the barrels of guns embrace peace and genuine love for one the Federated Union of Asarama which may ultimately lead them to early Students (FUAS) with the theme “The another for the community to come destruction. The bible says “when the back to greatness. Development of Asarama Kingdom: foundations be destroyed what can the Challenges and Prospects”. I know the We must encourage our youths to righteous do” (Ps. 11:3 KJV). It is a embrace education, we must shun esteemed speakers will do justice to the clear fact that wealth from barrel of gun theme and I will not dwell on it. hatred and attitude of bringing down never last. our brothers and sisters. We must I am delighted to be among those It is pertinent at this juncture to remind witnessing this programme after many deliberately allow peace to reign, ourselves that the development and thereby attracting development years of being moribund in students' prospect of Asarama is very blink. union activities in this ancient city of projects to our beloved community. However, God Almighty is the only Finally, distinguished ladies and Asarama. Going back memory lane source to bring us out of where we found when I was in secondary school, I had gentlemen, may I confront us with this ourselves now. Chieftaincy problem has challenges that our fore-fathers without seen how Asarama Students Union bedevilled the community for the past organised her annual convention much education brought elementary three decades; our glory has departed, school (standard six), health centres though mostly manned by those in a n d s o m a n y d e v e l o p m e n t higher institutions. before so many Andoni communities opportunities had eluded the and Ross Grammar School being the The dignity and respect accorded the community. Worst of it is the Wetland union then spurred me to aspire to first secondary school in Andoni. Today, Company which would have developed we are the last because of hatred and become the President of Asarama our swamp and placed Asarama's name Student Union from 1980 – 1982. chieftaincy matters which have ruined on both West Africa and world maps our sense of reasoning and love for our During the 1970s up to the early 90s, but due to chieftaincy matter we lost to Asarama students' union activities beloved community. Let us arise. Delta State. Thanks and God bless. always attracted men and women from It is very pathetic to note that due to far and near to this ancient city, a chieftaincy problem in Asarama no peaceful, loving and caring community. Being a text of an address presented by single chief in the entire community is the Chairman of the Occasion, Elder It is worthy of note that in the past, included in the Andoni Traditional strangers loved to spend their new year Ezekiel David Otogwung, JP, FCAI on Rulers Council, what a shame? The the 2018 Annual National Convention of in this community and it behoves on all same problem that engulfed the main of us to strive to revive the spirit of the Federated Union of Asarama town had also rubbed off on st oneness and tender love that had existed Students (FUAS) holding on 31 Inyonorong, Iwoma and Asaramaija December, 2018 at Asarama Town Hall. among us. where no chief in these satellite Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, communities is seen as qualified to be there is hardly anyone among us who included in the Andoni Traditional

UlorkAsarama Magazine 4 Mixed Grill The youth and the gun By Offigwung Samuel I were you, I will never fall in the political efore the election these blessed web of chase heartless political spiders. crooks cruelly cook the dish of woo If only I had that pen, I mean that pretty Bembellished of silver coated baits pen of peculiar Angels, I will write your and effortlessly fish multitude of youths, name “ASA-CITY” on the beautiful face brainless lass and lads who become a of the yellow moon, imprison the ghost of panel, a cheap channel for political your pains and grave those strong things propaganda and pandemonium and acute that make you mourn. electoral malpractice and violence If only I knew that dialect, I mean the perfectly planting planed pangs in the mad dialect of the cloud I will crown Asarama map of the fraying future: courtesy of apex with twinkling stars, build a kingdom of hunger and joblessness. diamond and flower, its floor with gold and During the election, abi selection, many silver. youths of voracious throat exchange their lives and conscience on the altar of quick If only I knew the cute code, I mean the pitch money. The youths are used as fingers that cute code of the tomb I will journey into the The background song remains, the song of feed their abominable lust, the lust to rule diary of death crease the lovely letters of glory and victory to my Lord. not to lead, sending same servant to kiss your name ASA-CITY forever young, Retrospect; yesterday wrote the the fist of firing squad for possessing a sound and strong shall be your ageless testimonies of today, posterity is waiting to firing arm same deadly device he song. publish tomorrow's manifestation. Who provided. As a ladder to the top squeezing can stop Asarama a city of great grace countless lads into crooked zones invented Oh! Thou great kingdom ASARAMA! from manifesting? for crime kings, many more youths are The name was spiritually formed The destiny of our kingdom rests on the made mute and planted in the soil of no The rhythm was divinely orchestrated, shoulder of the young people. Therefore, freedom, lawfully marred and made to live The lyrics heavenly composed and all hands must be on deck to get our behind bars until the death of the moon. If The tone embedded in supernaturally kingdom work again. The time is now! When love preserves all things By Friday Dick washed away like the rain washes the manure or the good soil to the ocean or sea. For us to here there is love existing, there is avoid this vacuum or emptiness of always progress and happiness. industrious youths let embrace love, preach WWhen there is love in the family, love, and act in love with one another. peace and laughter become the evidence. In a Asarama! Asarama!! relationship where love displays itself, such Home for all relationship becomes interesting and lasts Born by a Mother longer. In a community where there is an Breastfed by many atom of love expressing itself, such A quest to be great community experiences development, Weapon of fishermen progress, unity and aspiration which binds Boat and paddle the elders, youths, children, men, women, Hook and arrow and the unborn to one ideology. The Wrestling and conquering harmonious relationship drives hatred, Fishes and waves killing and intellectual destruction away. Sun and rain When values of love stop existing in a Day and night community, there is every tendency of loss of With chanting and rejoicing ideology, and lack of oneness and likeness. Together they achieved Hence, there will be intellectual extinction With love and unity and vibrant, visionary manpower would be

day better, or help one express any feelings—be they love, pleasure, trust, fear, Asarama music artistes surprise, sadness, anger, hurt and anticipation. We really have much to express Richman Samuel popularly known as ROSZY community and how it fosters love, peace and through music. We don't need others to tell RICHY in the music industry recently released unity. Our youths have being idle and our stories, lest they say it the way they like it. his hit single "MUMMY Mi" which was well unproductive in the industry for so long but However, as budding artistes in Asarama are received across the nation. In this piece, he in the recent years, talents are discovered striving hard to hold the reins of the music writes on the need to support young musicians and groomed. Some of them now know the industry even at regional setting, from Asarama to grow. Welcome to the music hidden identity in them and they are really sponsorship becomes imperative to corner. doing their best to speak the mind of the encourage these young talents. I appreciate The music industry in Obolo and Asarama in people through music. those who had encouraged young talents in particular is really impressing and Music, they say speak to the emotions and the entertainment industry in Asarama and improving significantly. I must say that the connect the listener or singer to another wish that more others join in growing young youths now understand the place of realm and that makes it the best thing for a people in diversifying the economy. entertainment in the growth of the person. Music can make one cry, turn a bad

UlorkAsarama Magazine 5 Security

INTRODUCTION 1. Countries the world over are faced with one form of security challenges or the other. In African countries, political crisis, quest for power, famine, tribalism, extreme wealth and poverty General are among the major security challenges. Nigeria is also going through its fair share of security problems. personal security, Rampaging armed banditry herdsmen, electoral violence, ethno-religious crisis, Boko Haram crisis, armed robbery and resource control agitations are some of safety awareness the challenges being faced in Nigeria. Here in Rivers State, kidnapping, sea piracy, cultism, militancy and election precautions crisis are some of the problems inherent.

2. Members of the general public are By Urang Israel Urang high value target. It is therefore, imperative for enlightenments on running. Always be prepared to run make yourself an easy target if at a bus security and safety tips against several away from an attacker and scream or train stop and feel unsafe. threats that will or might come one's (drawing attention to the situation). way. There are no 100% guarantee of n. Don't open your purse or wallet personal safety in any environment, f. If a stranger approaches and while boarding the bus; have your fare however it is incumbent upon each offering a ride, turn around and go in ready. individual to safeguard himself or the opposite direction of the car. If herself against becoming the victim of a possible, write down the license plate o. Check your purse or wallet if crime. One of the best ways to maximise and description of the car. someone is jostling, crowding or safety and minimise risk is to follow pushing you. simple security and safety rules. g. Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street. Walk p. Never leave your purse, backpack Aim confidently at a steady pace and have or briefcase in plain view. Lock it up 3. The aim of this presentation is to your keys ready in your hand. don't be a when you leave your desk or office. acquaint you on general precautions for victim –be confident. personal security and safety. q. Try to find another worker or a General Precautions for Personal h. Avoid being on a cell phone while security guard to walk out with you if Security/Safety walking out in public (or driving!). If you work late. 4. General precautions for personal you must (while walking), force yourself security/safety include the following: to be especially aware of your r. Do not get in the elevator with surroundings. another person if you do not feel a. Always be alert and aware of your comfortable with that person. Take the surroundings and of the people around i. Avoid walking, jogging, running in next one. If you have to get in, stand next you. Situational awareness and a 360- public with ear buds in your ears to the control panel so that if you are mindset. (listening to music). It dulls the attacked, you can press the alarm and as awareness of your surroundings which many of the control buttons as possible. b. Make casual eye contact with people makes you an easier target. If you must, when walking. While walking, avoid then at least pay extra attention around s. Be alert for pickpockets on crowded distractions from your 'smart phone' you. elevators. for instant 'texting'. j. Avoid dangerous places at night t. Be aware of escape routes for c. Buddy-up whenever possible while time, visit them during day time hours. emergencies. Make yourself aware of out in dark parking lots for better more than one way out. personal security. Key Chain LED k. Stop and look around if you feel Light. unsafe entering an area. You may want How to choose the safest seat in a to return at a different time. Trust your restaurant. d. Always inform family or friends if instincts. you are traveling, and give them u. Avoid danger spots like quiet or itinerary dates and locations you will l. Avoid isolated bus or train stops. poorly lit alleyways, subways or isolated visit. Otherwise, continuously look all around car parks. Walk down the middle of the you. Be aware. pavement if the street is deserted for e. Try to stay away from the bush or better personal security. trees when walking, jogging, or m. Don't stay in the same spot and

UlorkAsarama Magazine 6 Security

v. Consider heading for a public place; somewhere you know there will be other ee. L o o k f o r people. y o u r m a i n power switch w. Be extra careful when using ATM and plunge the machines. Make sure nobody is building into hovering nearby and don't count your darkness (it money in public. disorients them and may cause x. Trust your instincts and take action them to run if you think you are being followed. As away). confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you ff. If you have are still being followed, keep moving. a g u n , Make for a busy area and tell people registered or what is happening. not, use it but only if you're y. When parking, don't unlock your sure you will do door until you've had a look around damage. This first. isn't the time for warning z. When driving (stopped at light or shots! Killing traffic) make sure you can see the tires an intruder on of the vehicle in front of you. You will your premises have space enough to maneuver around in defence of that stopped vehicle if you need to. yourself and property is a aa. Robbers typically launch their legitimate legal attacks from the backdoor (normally defence. Same a r r kitchen doors) because they are usually goes for the use of any other weapon e.g. est you and not fortified. Get good doors for your knives. use you to enter the kitchen. Use crossbars at the back or house. So don't always be "burglarproof" behind the doors inside gg. When the robbers manage to enter quick to come out when such the house. If you have keys to the give them whatever they want. Don't appliances went on or off. burglarproof, never leave them inside hide anything. Don't try to be a hero or the lock. Where possible, use a padlock to negotiate with them. mm. Another new method is for them in addition to the keys. The purpose is to to be quarrelling and arguing among make it as difficult as possible for the hh. Don't look at them directly (or don't themselves and you may think it is from robbers to enter into the house and to let them see you doing so). If you know your neighbour and you come out to buy you time to call somebody for help. any of them don't show any signs of check, it can be used to gain assess to the recognition and don't mention the house. bb. When you hear someone breaking person's name. However memorise your doors, unless you are absolutely whatever features you can to help with Conclusion sure your actions will prevent entry into identification and investigation. 1. The above simple tips when put the house, don't try to be a hero by into practice can reduce the pushing back behind the doors (they ii. When they finally leave your house opportunity of you becoming a crime may shoot at you through the doors), or do not chase after them. victim. Criminals are constantly putting heavy items like freezers or surveying the environment for an furniture behind it (they get more angry jj. Be your neighbour's keeper and if opportunity to commit crime and as and when they are able to finally enter you hear any breaks in at their house, such, it behooves on us not to rest on our they are more likely to be violent). call the police for assistance. hoax rather strive to be vigilant like the bible stated. cc. If you sleep without clothes or with kk. W h e n ro b b e r s e n t e r y o u r minimal clothing, dress up as soon as compound, do not put on any light in you hear them. For the women your room. Put on the outside lights but Being a Lecture presented by Major U. I. especially, don't stay in your nighties or keep the inside lights totally off so that Urang FSS, PJSC at the Seventh-Day wrappers, wear trousers and an ugly the robbers do not see you. Adventist Church Camp Meeting in top. Eleme, Rivers State ll. ROBBERS can also use your tap, dd. If you call someone on the phone for pumping machines or generating sets help, keep the phone far from you as you outside to attract you by either putting it don't want it to be known that you've on or off as the case may be so that done so. whenever you come to check, they will

UlorkAsarama Magazine 7 Health

Caring for human eye Imagine how terrible life will be without sight! How do you care for the very important organ of sight? An optometrist, Dr. Daniel Innocent brings you more insight on how to care for the eye. Please read on:

he human eye is the most precious eye cannot withstand excessively bright The optimisation of the human eye could gift from God to man after life light, dust, burns, chemicals, infections be achieved if the tips below are duly Titself. No wonder the bible says the and injuries as compared to the skin. considered by everyone: Never use eye light of the body is the eye that if the eye is Your eye needs maximum protection and drops after one month of opening to avoid bad the whole body will be in total special care! The eye is the dignity of a eye infections. An opened eye drop after darkness. If you want to know how man, the lamp of the body, the beauty of month is already contaminated and has no important the eye is just do this: close your the body, the security of the body; it potency. Never apply different eye drops at eyes while walking just in a minute and let enables us to be conscious of our the same time, wait for at least about 30 me know how you feel. The eye is an organ surroundings and to believe the reality of minutes to one hour before applying the for sight. It is an extension of the brain life. Seeing and believing all depends on subsequent one. Never put anything not responsible for seeing in the presence of healthy eye! prescribed by an eye doctor in your eyes illumination (light). It is the most sensitive, HOW THE HUMAN EYE WORKS because vision loss cannot be revived. delicate, fragile and complex sense organ The human eye takes pictures of the world Boost your vision with good nutrition rich in the human body. The human eye can be around us and sends the pictures to the in vitamins like: Vitamin A, C and E (green likened to breakable glasses which require brain, the brain interprets what the eye leaf vegetable, carrot, pawpaw, water special care. Obviously, breakable glasses sees. This happens from the moment we melon, mango, orange, cucumber, avocado cannot be kept together along with other open our eyes in the morning to when we pear, coconut oil, palm nut oil, palm oil etc) glasses, the make-up and strength of close our eyes at night to sleep. for better vision and for prevention against breakable glasses are quite different from The human eye works in a similar way to cataract and age related macular others; same is the eye and the other part of the camera, light from something being degeneration (Khurana,2012). the human body. looked at, passes through the cornea, the “Always apply the principle of visibility of The human eye is designed in such a way lens of the eye and other optical media of task.” (Esenwah, 2013). That is to say, in that ordinary ray of light can pass through the eye and is picked up by special tissue on every task there should be proper light to it, and if anything (disease conditions) the back of the eye (the retina) in the form enable us see very well. Always read the prevents or stops light from entering, it of inverted image, finally it is forwarded to leaflet of any medication before using it. then means that the eye is blind. Note, if the the brain through the optic nerve for Do not rub your eyes for any reasons to light is too bright the eye will not be interpretation. avoid microbial infections; it is not comfortable. If excessive bright light can advisable to puff air from the mouth into cause discomfort to the eye, it then the eye for any reason, because it means that the eye is very sensitive. causes eye infections. The eye as an organ of sight depends Desist from using artificial eye on the light and the brain for proper lashes, it is dangerous. Have functioning. If the eye is healthy, the comprehensive eye examination at entire body is healthy. The eye is the least, once a year. And don't be in diagnostic centre of most disease hurry when you visit an eye doctor conditions of the body. That is to say, for your eye check. A healthy eye sees most disease conditions of the body very well both far and near, though reflect in the eye. Even tiredness, lack an eye is completely healthy if the of sleep, stress, starvation all reflects outside and inside are normal. To be in the eye. The absence of keratinised sure your sight is healthy please visit tissues on the human eye (eye ball) an eye doctor now! unlike the other part of human body Do you notice something about this (skin) with keratinised tissues (dead drawing? Yes, the 'picture of a tree' that Dr. Daniel Innocent is a trained optometrist tissues) such as hair, crust, nail, etc, could the eye 'takes' is upside down! The eye and budding author also contribute to the fragility and delicacy sends the picture to the brain, and the of the eye. It is therefore, obvious that what brain turns the picture to be in upright the human body (skin) withstands cannot position. be tolerated by the eye. For instance, the

UlorkAsarama Magazine 8 Motivation Change your mindset change your life By Ezekiel Ntesat here are basically five things mindset. No single individual can be we all must change our said to have entirely limiting or Tmindset about; money, life, empowering mindset. Everyone has work, service, and religion but I a measure of both but the measure of won't be addressing them here. I will each is what defines you. Is your be showing you how to change your mindset predominantly limiting or mindset and hopefully, you will be empowering? If it's empowering, better equipped to change your fantastic otherwise, it's my intention mindsets on these things. t o h e l p y o u i n c re a s e y o u r In this piece, I will be identifying the empowering mindset through this 11 things we need to do if we want to write-up. move from the place of limitation to 1. Desire for a real change and the place of power. The place where believe it's possible. we become the master of our life, a Every change starts with a desire. place where we decide what result “Desire is the starting point of all we get instead of the crumbs from achievement. Not a hope, not a wish, life. As the name implies, these are sets of but a keen pulsating desire which WHAT IS MINDSET? mindsets that inhibit personal transcends everything” according to Mindset is our predominant thought g r o w t h . I t i s a m i n d s e t Napoleon Hill. pattern. It is what comes to our mind predominantly occupied with For you to truly make any the moment a stimulus (a trigger) negativism, pessimism, fetishism, meaningful change in your life, you occurs. This could be a person, a etc. For instance, when you believe must desire that change passionately tribe, a situation or a circumstance. your lack is caused by some forces and believe you deserve it. The Our mindsets are first formed from from the village. It exhibits itself amount of work required for any our interactions with our family, through such things as suspicion, kind of change especially, a change then our environment, and finally parsimony (stinginess), bitterness, in mindset is enormous. So your from our personal experiences. etc. It is what Carol Dweck in her desire for the change you want to see The collection of our mindsets forms book Mindset: The New Psychology must be so strong. This is what will our blueprint. Our blueprint is the of Success called “Fixed Mindset”. enable you overcome the aggressive internal manual with which our EMPOWERING MINDSET attack of your current limiting entire life runs. Just like a new These are sets of mindset which mindsets. gadget needs a manual to operate, so inspire us to achieve more, keep us 2. See abundance everywhere. does our life need a manual to work engaged in productive activities, and Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, etc. were with. The one who uses this manual doing so with an excellent attitude. long time billionaires. Long after, is your subconscious mind. E m p o w e r i n g m i n d s e t s e e s Larry Page and Sergey Brin owners You never stop using the manual of challenges as tools for personal of Google, Aliko Dangote, Mike any equipment. You threw away the growth and development. This type Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Jack Ma of m a n u a l b e c a u s e y o u h a v e of mindset is called Growth Mindset Alibaba, etc., became billionaires yet transferred the content of the by Carol Dweck. Gates and Buffet were still manual to your internal manual MIXED MINDSET billionaires. called your subconscious mind, or at This is when someone has a measure Not long ago, Mark Zuckerberg, least you believed you did. This is of both limiting and empowering Folurunso Alakija and Ezekiel what happens with anything you Cont’d on p10 learned and can do them even when you close your eyes. For you to truly make any meaningful change in your life, you THREE TYPES OF MINDSETS must desire that change passionately and believe you deserve it. There are three types of mindsets. L i m i t i n g ( F i x e d M i n d s e t ) , The amount of work required for any kind of change especially, a Empowering (Growth Mindset) and change in mindset is enormous. So your desire for the change a mixture of both (Mixed Mindset). you want to see must be so strong. This is what will enable you LIMITING MINDSET overcome the aggressive attack of your current limiting mindsets.

UlorkAsarama Magazine 9 Motivation

Cont’d from p9 Ntesat (realistically dreaming) Change your became billionaires yet those who were billionaires before us never lost their billions. What does this tell you? There is an endless supply of When you blame, you are shifting responsibility wealth including money. Take a look away from yourself. Unfortunately for those who at nature, what among all that God created is limited in number, find pleasure in blaming, those you blame do not including even mosquitos? If you are know they ruined your life. If you doubt, try telling created by God and you are living a L A C K M I N D S E T, y o u a re them how they ruined your life and see their reaction. disgracing your creator. See the abundance of the things you desire. when we were four months old in better. Blaming is an activity enjoyed Call them forth, do what is required pregnancy till about 12 years of age. by those who like their comfort zone. and start receiving them today. At this stage, we depend completely Meaningful change occurs outside 3. Find out the sources of your on our subconscious mind to retain our comfort zone. limiting mindset. information. The risk in this is, the Finally on blaming. How much Above, I talked about the family, subconscious mind does not know improvement have you seen in your e n v i ro n m e n t a n d p e r s o n a l the difference between what is real life since you started blaming experiences as the main sources of and what is imagined, or truth and others? I bet not much. So why not our mindsets. To identify the false. So it absorbs whatever our stop blaming others including your particular source of any mindset, authority figures tell us. So we can parents and take full responsibility you must first identify the particular acknowledge that we never to change your life? mindset. Say, for instance, you want intentionally accepted what our 6. Change your environment and to identify your mindset about parents, society and of course our association. money. To do so, you should start by personal experiences gave and Your associates are one of your looking back at the money pattern of taught us. greatest assets but only when they your parents or whoever you spent Now that we are grown, it is our are empowering. When they are not, most of your childhood years with. responsibility to choose what to they are your greatest limitation. To What I mean by this is, how did your accept and reject. You may ask, what make headways in your drive to parents handle money? What was use seeing that the subconscious change from limiting to empowering the nature of their financial inflow? mind never deletes information? mindset, you must eliminate some What were their experiences about You need to understand also that the toxins from your life. It's difficult to money, was it bitter or pleasant? subconscious mind can be deceived get old friends out I must admit. What was their common phrase for knowing that it cannot tell what is That's why I recommend in step one money? Is it something like: Daddy true or false. You can capitalise on that your desire for this change must always saying “go ask your t h i s w e a k n e s s t o i m p r i n t be strong enough. If you don't mummy.” Or Mummy saying “leave empowering beliefs thereby change your association, you will me alone, go ask your daddy.” Such suppressing limiting mindsets. continue to resemble them. statements, creates the mindset of 5. Do not blame anyone or 7. Forgive all not for their sake but the men or women always have circumstances that brought about for your sake. money. Or something like, “did you those mindsets? The power of forgiveness is the give me any money to keep?” Or the When you blame, you are shifting power of freedom. Holding common one, “save for the rainy responsibility away from yourself. animosities toward those who day” creating the mindset of money Unfortunately for those who find “gave” you limiting mindsets or is scarce when indeed money is pleasure in blaming, those you discouraged you from taking certain abundant. blame do not know they ruined your decisions which could have changed 4. Acknowledge you never took those life. If you doubt, try telling them your situation is rooted in blame. mindsets intentionally. how they ruined your life and see When you keep grudges, like all Research has proven that our their reaction. other negative energies, you conscious mind fully develops at age You see, when you blame others for frustrate your creative abilities. 25. This means that before then, your failures, you are transferring Seeing growth opportunities most of what we hear, see and do your responsibilities to someone who becomes difficult if not impossible. were never intentional. Most of the does not know it was his/her You now see why you need to forgive mindsets we have today started from responsibility to make your life Cont’d on p11

UlorkAsarama Magazine 10 Motivation

now. Your empowering affirmations must be in the present tense. Start mindset change... your affirmation with the phrase “I am…” or “I have….” Cont’d from p10 Read your affirmations every day prosperity you desire. Even the Bible until your subconscious mind all including those you have sworn says we know in part. We all need believes and accepts them. This is never to forgive. Do this for your each other to succeed and the best of usually done in at least 21 days. After own self. each is what he or she knows to give. that, you may reduce it to once or 8. Identify your feathers and flock You must know the difference twice a week until you have done it with them. between having an open mind and for about 90 times to establish Someone said you resemble whom being a robot. A robot accepts permanence. you assemble. And the scriptures say everything. An open mind accepts When you start, your conscious evil communication corrupts good only what is necessary. This is only mind will discourage you. By telling manners. It simply means that if you possible if you do not conclude you that those things are lies. Ignore desire a better life, associate with before the person opens his or her it and continue. After a while, it will people who are already either better mouth. Closed-minded (fixed keep quiet and the message will or aspiring to be better. A friend of a minded) people judge the content of suppress or replace limiting millionaire will become a millionaire a person from his or her appearance t h o u g h t s o n t h o s e a r e a s . soon. Your life is shaped by your and sometimes from a brief Additionally, these new information acquaintances. interaction. will be stored on the subconscious as Remember your subconscious mind 10. Learn, read, study. one more resource it should work on. runs your life. The subconscious is To change your condition, first To summarise, until we change the influenced by repeatedly impressing change the cause. The cause of your root, the fruits will not change. The it with vibratory energies in the form condition is you. You currently do root of our condition is our mindsets of information. The more you stay not have all that can change you. You (our beliefs). To move from the place around the same people, the more must search them out and accept it of limitation to the place of power they keep repeating their dominant before it can change you. Read wide, and abundance, there are things we thoughts. These thought patterns but particularly books about the must do. are sublimely transferred to you. change you want. Further your In a relatively sequential order This process is called subliminal education, study the life of others including: desiring and believing we imprinting. and never stop learning. deserve a change in our lives such as These imprints, when successfully 11. Trick your mind. seeing abundance instead of scarcity, planted in your subconscious, The last but not the least of the steps knowing the source(s) of our limiting become part of your blueprints to to changing from limitation to beliefs, rejecting them, but not run your life. The influence of your empowerment, is to trick our blaming them on others. The list also includes: dissociating Your associates are one of your greatest assets but only when they are from things and people whose empowering. When they are not, they are your greatest limitation. To influence caused or still cause those make headways in your drive to change from limiting to empowering mindsets, freeing ourselves to receive by forgiving anyone and of mindset, you must eliminate some toxins from your life. course ourselves. Getting attached to those who have or desire what you friends on you is huge. It's difficult to subconscious mind. Remember I desire, have an open mind, learn resist their urge. You will always said earlier that the subconscious voraciously and trick your want to please them because of the mind does not know the difference subconscious mind to your natural need to be accepted. between real and imagined thoughts. advantage. 9. Have an open mind. This means, you can actually trick it Joyce Rachele a Filipino author to believe what you want. There are Ezekiel Ntesat is a human capacity wrote, “there is no difference many ways to do so. One of which is development consultant, Mindset between a man who can't hear and through affirmation. Empowering Coach and Motivational speaker. He the one who refuses to listen.” A affirmations (confession) implants is based in Abuja. He is the author of person with a closed mind is a person what you want to your subconscious “Between The Two Ears”. Learn who has refused to listen. You cannot mind. more about him from www.ntesat.com know it all. Similarly, all the Let me inform you that the knowledge you have is enough to subconscious mind does not operate bring you the kind of wealth or in the past or in the future but in the

UlorkAsarama Magazine 11 Metro

ollowing public outcry on lack of proper sustainable development How Asarama loses out Fplan in the corporate social responsibility for communities hosting facilities belonging to oil giant, the Shell on Shell's GMoU Petroleum Development Company, a new arrangement was reached in 2006 a n d A n d o n i C l u s t e r f o r t h e By Otikor Samuel which brings major stakeholders commencement of the Understanding exercise” (p.17). That means Asarama together in efforts aimed at developing was signed on December 7, 2006. The never had any projects for four years. It the host communities. first GMoU spanned between 2007 and was only on the fifth year that Asarama The new regime gave rise to the 2012 with 20 communities. The got the money for the construction of initiative known as the Global communities were: Agana, Agwut- culvert and fencing of secondary school. Memorandum of Understanding Obolo, Ama-Awaji, Asarama, Asuk- Again, the second batch of the GMoU (GMoU). The Shell's GMoU in Rivers Ama, Asuk-Oyet, Ataba, Ebukuma, started with the nomination of another State brings together representatives of Egendem and Egwede. Others were group of persons to represent Asarama the state and local governments, SPDC Ekede, Ibotirem, Ikuru Town, Ilotombi, with other 32 community trusts. and non-governmental organisations, Isiama, Ngo, Okolondem, Ukwa, Luckily, as a surveillance contractor, in a decision-making committee called Unyeada and Unyengala. the slain Chief Samuel Blessing Enene the Cluster Development Board (CDB). So far, the first and second batches of made a case for the fishing settlements By the terms of the GMoUs, the C o m m u n i t y Tr u s t s w i t h 1 0 that directly housed the moribund Shell communities decide the project they representatives had served out their facilities. His demand scaled through want while SPDC on behalf of its joint separate tenures. The Community Trust and so, the Asarama people were venture partners, provides funding. The was charged with the power to elect its fortunate to have the Agbaokwan GMoU is structured in a five-year chairman, secretary and treasurer. Asarama as a new Community Trust. tenure basis with the understanding From a document entitled: “Andoni On the inauguration ceremony of the that communities are provided with Cluster GMoU Report (2007-2012),” second batch of representatives for the stable and reliable finances for them to which was prepared by Pro-Natura GMoU held at the Presidential Hotel, undertake the implementation of their International (Nigeria) for Shell Port Harcourt on February 13, 2013, community development plans. Petroleum Development Company, ten Asarama Community Trust was The terms of the Global Memorandum persons represented Asarama unfortunately missing at the event. The of Understanding between the SPDC Community Trust on the first GMoU. The second batch was inaugurated in reason was simple. There was the February 2013 and misunderstanding on who should be t e r m i n a t e d i n appointed the Chairman. That was how 2018. Asarama again lost the rare T h e m o s t opportunity to benefit from the worrisome part of intervention. the report was that For the Agbaokwan Community Trust, after the first five despite the challenges in fund and the y e a r s , o t h e r swampy terrain, the Trust embarked on A n d o n i the construction of a walk-way to the Community Trusts toilet facility at Asaramatoro. It also benefitted from the provided school desks and furniture to f u n d f r e e l y the primary schools that have block provided by SPDC buildings in the community trust. To f o r t h e this end, the primary schools at Ibot- development of Okolo and Asaramatoro became their communities, beneficiaries. but for Asarama, It is therefore, my humble submission the report has it that we should never again allow thus: “All the personal or factional interest to communities came override communal interest. For the up with their 5 next inauguration of the Andoni Cluster years development Board, Asarama must endeavour to be plans after the fully represented, after all, its satellite SLA/CDP exercise settlements house the moribund Shell e x c e p t f o r facilities more than some Andoni Asarama due to communities that have their satellite i n t e r n a l villages fully represented in the Cluster. c o m m u n i t y We must not allow internal wrangling to conflict which was continue to deny us our right. Never at its peak at the again! t i m e o f t h e

UlorkAsarama Magazine 12 Keynote The development of Asarama Kingdom Challenges and prospects By Emmanuel Ogichen

We do not get to choose how we start out in life. We do not get to choose the day we are born or the family we are born into, what we are named at birth, what country we are born in, and we do not get to choose our ancestry. All these are predetermined by a higher power. By the time you are old enough to start making decision for yourself, a lot of things in your life are already in place. It's important, therefore, that you focus on the future, the only thing that you can change

IDOWU KOYENIKAN

am very much delighted for the her communities will come out strong animosity, bad blood, grudge, rare opportunity and privilege to to enjoy its pride of place in the comity antagonism, hostility, hatred and all Ideliver the keynote address on of developing communities in Nigeria. such evil tendencies. Development this occasion that gathered well- Challenges in most systems or resides or dwells in a place of peace, meaning Asarama sons and daughters communities are often created by mutual understanding, forgiveness, for the purpose of brainstorming on elements of such systems or togetherness, good neighbourliness, the restoration of Asarama to its communities. It is also interesting to agreement and all such good former glory. Yes, Asarama is a great note that the resolution of such tendencies. I urge all of us to be patient kingdom that is blessed by God and I challenges are effectively resolved by with ourselves and carry the message believe strongly that Asarama will rise of the development of Asarama to all, again to its former glory and beyond. let us preach and practise peace, love, The theme of this convention is “The forgiveness and togetherness in order Development of Asarama Kingdom: to restore our dear Asarama Challenges and Prospects.” This community to its past glory and theme is very apt considering the beyond. challenges we are facing as a Permit me to conclude this address as I community and our collective resolve quote from the Holy Bible, the book of to return Asarama back to its enviable Psalms 133-1 Behold, how good and position in Andoni, Rivers State and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell Nigeria at large. together in unity; 2 It is like the Development has to do with growth in precious ointment upon the head, that a positive or desired direction. It is a ran down upon the beard, even process of causing something to Aaron's beard: that went down to the become larger, more advanced, better skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of and attractive. It also has to do with Hermon, and as the dew that the coming together of people in a descended upon the mountains of group to carry out some tasks that will Zions: for there the Lord commanded guarantee the achievement of goals the blessing, even life for evermore. through resolution of challenges and I pray that this gathering will usher in conflicts that may be facing the the needed unity that will attract community. When there is equality God's blessings to our community so and mutual respect, justice and elements within the same society. that development of Asarama could be obedience to law and order in a given Asarama is such a system and the achieved and sustained. God bless you community there is always an resolution of the challenges facing our all. Thank you for listening. improved standard of living and a community can be resolved by you, reduction in rate of crimes. that is why God used the Federated Being the text of a Keynote Address In every system, there are bound to be Union of Asarama Students to invite delivered on the occasion of the challenges. If challenges are well you and your acceptance to be here Convention of Federated Union of understood and properly handled or signifies that you have accepted to be Asarama Students (FUAS). resolved it generates bond of part of the wave of developing brotherliness and a cohesive force that Asarama and together we can. propel a system to a greater heights. I Development detests an atmosphere of vehemently believe that Asarama and rancour, bitterness, suspicion,

UlorkAsarama Magazine 13 Gender Issue

Tackling gender inequality for development By Justinah Adasingo n the world today, gender adults. inequality has become a major Education is part of the human rights Ibarrier to human development. which is usually been denied the girl Gender inequality is basically an idea or child. It is unacceptable to say that the belief that men and women are not place of a woman is in the kitchen. equal. It can also be seen as allowing Women just like men also deserve the people different opportunities due to right to be heard, to stand out and make on this note that the efforts by the perceived differences based solely on appearances which are beneficial to the present administration in Rivers State issues of gender. world. Men alone should not be allowed need commendation. At the State level, There have been reported cases of to dominate the top of economic summit the Deputy Governor is a woman, while gender inequality in several parts of the so that the women will not be saddled at the Local Government level, the Vice world. It is unfortunate that even as with depth and poverty. Chairmen of the 23 LGAs are women. women account for half of the world's In some parts of the world, people still However, we look forward to a time population, they continue to face practise female genital mutilation, when a woman will be Governor of extreme hardship that affects their o t h e r w i s e k n o w n a s f e m a l e Rivers State and women take charge of livelihoods and wellbeing. In regions circumcision. We all know that this the Local Government just as the case like North Africa and the Middle East, practice causes a lot of problems to the in the recent past when we had Emilia women are confronted with a women. Female genital mutilation has Gilbert as Chairman of Andoni LGA systematic denial of rights where legal led a lot of girls into prostitution and it even though she emerged by discrimination leaves them inferior to has also caused a lot of problems in circumstance. their male counterparts. For example, marital homes. The practice is capable In Asarama Kingdom, cases of gender in countries like Egypt and Bahrain, of causing infertility or late child inequality in practice is very minimal in husbands have the right to stop their bearing in a woman. It causes divorce in the sense that the women have the right wives from leaving the country, while in marital homes. to contest for any position they want, other countries, women require a God instructs humans to be fruitful and the women in Asarama kingdom are not written permission from their husbands multiply, so it is wrong for humans to denied of their rights, apart from the to travel. This is a violation of women's tamper crudely with the organs fact that they support their husbands' fundamental human rights. assigned for that purpose. This practice education with whatever they realise In Pakistan, women are expected to is barbaric and should stop. Female from their fishing settlement in the time accept arranged marriages and refusal genital mutilation involves the use of past. can attract serious penalties. Also, some sharp objects including scissors The women in Asarama Kingdom were u n e q u a l r i g h t s m a k e w o m e n and razor blade to cut off the clitoris. It very supportive of their husbands in all increasingly vulnerable to violence. has been established that without the endeavours even up till today, so, the One of the most obvious forms of clitoris, the woman cannot be men should also see and take the women violence against women in the world stimulated during sexual intercourse. as very important partner that they can today is that of rape by spouse. Again, in It is therefore, pertinent for never do without. The men should the world, women make up more than government at all levels to ensure the disregard the mischievous saying that two thirds of the world's illiterate enthronement of gender equality. It is women education ends in the kitchen. Gender inequality is an obstacle to economic and human development. It is It is therefore, pertinent for government at all levels to ensure the a crime against humanity. Therefore, enthronement of gender equality. It is on this note that the efforts by the barbaric act such as rape, genital present administration in Rivers State need commendation. At the State mutilation, selective abortion, forced level, the Deputy Governor is a woman, while at the Local Government marriage, early marriage and sexual exploitation against women should be level, the Vice Chairmen of the 23 LGAs are women. However, we look seen by all as crimes against humanity forward to a time when a woman will be Governor of Rivers State and in general. The government should put women take charge of the Local Government just as the case in the recent all necessary measures to ensure gender past when we had Emilia Gilbert as Chairman of Andoni LGA even though parity. she emerged by circumstance.

UlorkAsarama Magazine 14 Mixed Grill Preferential treatment for male children

The society has continued to place more preference for the male children over the female counterpart even as the world evolves with the female-children making great impacts on the society. Veteran journalist, Ethel Timi-Johnson writes on the misdemeanour. Read on:

his is a purely African tradition proud of your girl child. Give her quality supported by our culture. Male education and mentor her to be outstanding Tchildren are preferred over females. in her generation. The story of my friend, Mrs. Jacks (not real Mothers ought to be role models to their name) prompted me to do this report. Mrs. daughters. It is important to train them to be Jacks had three female children and was proud of who they are. Any girl who knows pregnant with the fourth. In her words: her rights would not be trampled upon. “After an ultra-scan revealed the sex of my There are also instances where husbands unborn baby as female, I suffered severe have abandoned their wives in the hospitals depression. I locked myself in a dark room because of the birth of the less preferred and cried for hours unend. I stopped taking female children. Why in the world will a man my prescribed routine drugs and did not care in his right senses do that? It has been to attend my scheduled ante natal visits to the medically proven that the sex of any child is doctors,” Mrs. Jacks said. not determined by the woman. Only a woman Now the question is how long will women who who is empowered with a means of livelihood have only female children continue to suffer? can adequately handle the situation by Thousands of women across Africa are faced dusting up her shoes, picking up her live and with this same discrimination as if women moving forward. It is no longer news that determine the sex of the foetus. It is high time many women have become the breadwinners the society accepted that all children both of their families and are comfortably males and females are equal and born with discharging this role creditably. Why then equal rights. African women and mothers should a male child be preferred over the should model their daughters after the likes female? Why has the technological Women must arise to speak for and defend of former US presidential candidate, Hilary advancements that has taken over the world themselves. Together as women we must Clinton, Michelle Obama, former TV talk not changed our perception of this culture as protect the female gender and uphold her hostess, Oprah Winfrey, Nigeria's own Ngozi Africans? Why hasn't the names of famous dignity. There is an urgent need to spread Okonji-Iweala, a former Development women like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this message of love, women and girls have Economist at the World Bank, celebrity Oby Ezekwesili, Justice Mary Odili, not equal rights as their male counterparts. The musician, Beyonce, Nigerian's Nollywood influence the thinking of men who think time is now. actress, Omotola Jalande among others. Be higher of their male children? Revamping academic culture for Asarama development Poor academic performance has always problems of poor academic performances At this juncture, I put forward that militated development in every society. There of many Asarama students, it must be noted Asarama students and those in the satellite is therefore, the need to revamp our however, that people with low academic communities should not limit their academic culture for accelerated record are in leadership positions as a academic value to materialistic benefits, development writes Oruikor Moses Moses. result of their “connection and loyalty” but they should also consider the potentials while people of high intellectual capacity and other transforming impact of academic cademic excellence has been a and capabilities are nowhere in leadership on its beneficiaries. major concern to all stakeholders and political scheme. Until Asarama students see academic value Ain Asarama. Looking at the I believe that the submission is one among in this sense, their academic performance other reasons the passion for formal would continue to hit the rock. It is education among many students from therefore, my humble submission that no Asarama and her satellite communities are matter the circumstances confronting our diminishing rapidly. This reminds me of academic value, it is still needful for years back during the tenure of our Asarama students to be studious as to immediate past governor, Rt. Hon. achieve academic excellence. More so, as Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. It was on paper there are abundance of personal and that during that period the governor potential benefits available in academics reduced the salary of Ward Councillors such as development of the mind which will who are mostly SSCE holders. lead to “Human Personal Capacity”. This I honestly think that such decision was in is crucial to our overall development. the right direction towards revitalising our already diminishing zeal for academic. The Oruikor is the National Assistant Secretary essence of this article is not to discourage of the Federated Union of Asarama students in their academic pursuit, rather it Students. is an effort to encourage Asarama students in their academic endeavours.

UlorkAsarama Magazine 15 Lifestyle Ogwu Asarama By Raphael Emiyare

dangerous to show man in how many would have a good impression of the respects he resembles the lower place. animals without pointing out his The Ogwu Asarama is courageous. grandeur. It is also dangerous to Perhaps, this is one quality that direct his attention to his grandeur scares others. The average Asarama without keeping him aware of his person would not want to betray his degradation. It is still dangerous to home. He feels slighted if he or she is leave him ignorant of both, but to not courageous enough to tackle and exhibit both to him will be most confront any challenges he or she beneficial.” faces. The Asarama person believes What does an Asarama person that he must display his courage to resemble? How does an Asarama show that he is from Asarama. person behave and what are his Ogwu Asarama is also creative. He beliefs? Note, when referring to or believes strongly that he can make using the word Ogwu Asarama in something out of nothing. He sees this context, it includes all the people himself as being innovative, full of of Asarama satellite communities ideas and very resourceful. To add to including Inyong-orong, Iwoma and this, he or she is ambitious. The Asaramaija. average Asarama person wants to do The distinctive features of Ogwu what no other person has done. He he phrase Ogwu Asarama Asarama include the belief system. wants to be the first to get something suggests more than what an There is this belief system that an he wants. He wants to get quality To r d i n a r y m i n d w i l l average Asarama person has and things more than others. He wants to understand. It does not only refer to that is, he is never inferior to any get to the highest position. This is someone who is from Asarama or an other person; he cannot be defeated, where some people think Asarama Asarama person. Ideally and he can do something better than the person may naturally overtake them significantly, there are many other person and so on. It is this if enough care is not taken. extraordinary and peculiar belief that informs the character of The Asarama person works hard. connotations when using the phrase Asarama people. They behave With the enormous strength Ogwu Ogwu Asarama. slightly different from other Andoni Asarama has, he seems to work more From the oral source, it means the people with their belief system. than every other person. Both the uniqueness of an average Asarama The Ogwu Asarama possesses the women and men are gifted in hard person. Ogwu Asarama also means unique feature of bravery. An work. Ogwu Asarama works the distinctive nature and character Asarama person sees himself as a tirelessly. Like from the words of of an Asarama person. The usage of brave and clever person and he Major U. I. Urang in one of the t h e w o r d s u g g e s t s s o m e behaves in the best possible positive Union's interactions with him, he peculiarities, braveries and way to portray himself as such. said that having been aware that he resilience of an Asarama man The Asarama person is hospitable. had no brother in the Army to assist uncommonly found in other places. This manifests in the peculiar ways him, he had to work very hard to get The plural form is Ebi Asarama but he or she treats his or her visitors or to the heights he had so far attained. it is the singular form that is mostly strangers. The Ogwu Asarama Ogwu Asarama has strength and used. prioritises the comfort of his guests. power. Here, the average Asarama In the meantime, this piece attempts He or she sacrifices his or her person sees himself as a warrior who to appreciate the common features comfort to protect his or her guests. should not be intimidated or cheated that make up an average Asarama The idea is to project and promote by others. People assume perhaps person and to portray him or her in the hospitable nature of the people rightly that no matter how his or her glory, but not without which had been transmitted from hospitable an Asarama man is he pointing out his degradation as ancestry. For him, you need to tell does not want to be cheated and he according to Pascal “…it is your story better so that the guests Con’t on P17

UlorkAsarama Magazine 16 Culture

Con’t from P16 will react decisively towards the ...Asarama person. This, some persons things and how to do things right people. Thus, a natural knock to erroneously feel Ogwu Asarama and better. However, the sorrowful every true Asarama person to loves to pay back, but actually he state of Asarama is one thing that exhibit such by saving his home from hates to be cheated, intimidated and begs to know where Ebi Asarama peripheral extinction no matter his defeated because of his strength and have kept all their qualities. Why did original interest, rights, emotions power. He does not like to cheat they allow their only home to and damage, gain or loss. others too. He does not like to be the descend to this tragic state? Like the The Ogwu Asarama is you! Save one that first looks for trouble. adage “no wise man sees his house on Asarama now! Ogwu Asarama is also greatly f i re a n d c h a s e s r a t ” . T h e passionate about things as he also resplendence of Asarama buttresses believes in the best way of organising a majestic and augustly magnified

Naming as cultural tool

By Itah Ebiriene world where English language is Peterside community in Bonny Local spoken as mother tongue the names Government Area was initially called here is this popular saying that they bear distinguish one country Aya-Ama Idoni or Agba-Ayama but Africans are suffering from from another. due to their high level of cultural Tthe shackles of imperialism However, the reverse is the case in exposure, they immediately changed and neo-colonialism. This assertion is Andoni in particular. Do you know the name to Peterside to reflect the based on the fact that we 'Africans' that in Asarama, we bear names like owner of the area. have exalted so much the Whiteman's Alafonye, Ibama, Wariboko, Idawari, To this extent, I am using this platform culture to the neglect of ours. Dienye, Dike, Iderima, Erewarifa to appeal to Asarama people, our Culture simply means people's way of among others? The most annoying opinion leaders to change names of life. The phrase “way of life” is so and critical part is when we name our communities and people which are broad that it includes our naming communities in another man's alien to our indigenous names, just as patterns or what Anthony referred to language such names are Iwoma, was done from the change of as “name-brand.” The easiest way to Owokiri, Opukiri, Asaramatoro etc. Shiebekiri to Agbaokwan Asarama. identify where we come from or The big questions are: Will the Ibani identify ownership of something is people in Bonny Local Government through naming. The names we bear Area name their children or even their distinguish us from others. I must communities in Obolo language? The commend the Igbos, Yorubas, Ijaws, answer is capital NO. Will the Okrika Ogonis and Akwa Ibomites among people bear our native names? This is other groups for their high level of also quite impossible or is it the cultural orientation. This is because, Opobos and the Kalabaris that will irrespective of their relationships or bear our native name? contacts with other ethnic groups, The names that we bear have social, they hardly bear the native names of political and religious implications on other ethnic groups. This will also the people of Asarama Kingdom. interest you that even in some Western Based on research, the present

The big questions are: Will the Ibani people in Bonny Local Government Area name their children or even their communities in Obolo language? The answer is capital NO. Will the Okrika people bear our native names? This is also quite impossible or is it the Opobos and the Kalabaris that will bear our native name?

UlorkAsarama Magazine 17 Motivation

Failure is not a destination the same result. A change of By Utonoejit Samuel attitude is required. Stop pointing those who never mount the high fingers, take responsibility for wire. This is your moment, own it. your actions. It is a sign of Do you know that those times maturity. If you continue to dwell when you failed and wished to end and wallow in self-pity, you will it all, a lot of people who failed like never get to the top. you saw the need to forge ahead Just understand this simple logic, because what matters most is not if the great men and women that that you failed, but that you were made it had allowed their able to rise up and find your predicaments to determine their footing again and eventually future, they would have remained achieve success at last. failures. Failure is not denial. It is People will only pity you when only when you succumb to it that ife as they say is in phases, you fail and exclaimed chai! They you will be denied greatness. and it is expected that will however, congratulate you Develop the right mindset when one phase passes L when you make it to the top. towards life that is to accept the another surfaces. With the right Always remember to develop the storms life brings you and the attitude to life, it is expected that right attitude towards failure. It is silver lines it presents at the other when we fail in a particular natural to fail because we are not end. endeavour, we try again until perfect. Humans are bound to There is always a ray of sunshine success is achieved. The worst make mistakes and it is not a at the end of the dark tunnel. You thing that can happen to an death sentence; it is only a pointer need to survive the hurdles and individual is to allow the dark that you have not done it right yet. press forward. Know that nobody moment of failure to overrule the So what you have to do is not to will believe in you until you have next phase of success that awaits quit. You need to stand up from attained heights. Stop the self- him or her. Show me great men wherever you have fallen and pity; stop lamenting about a and women in history, and I will reach for the next level. A lot of situation that has solution. Stop show you those who have failed, persons fail to understand that it bewildering yourself for what you but were not defeated by their does not matter the excuses they did not do right. Life is not boring failure. They rather, persevered present as reasons for not making and cruel. There is constant and turned failure into success. it to the top, what really counts is stress, lack of joy and frustrated It was Oprah Winfrey who one's ability to turn failure into relationships. You can find all the admonishes her audience to do success. You need to do this by good things life has to offer you if the one thing they think they discovering the reason you failed source for them. cannot do, fail at it and try again. and then plan to change your Here is the secret, the 90/10 Do better the second time. The methods. Using the same method principle to change your only people who never tumble are over and over again will still yield orientation: “10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of People will only pity you when you fail and exclaimed chai! They life is decided by how you react to what happens to you.” What that will however, congratulate you when you make it to the top. means is that we really have no Always remember to develop the right attitude towards failure. It control over things that happen to is natural to fail because we are not perfect. Humans are bound us. Only God can control most to make mistakes and it is not a death sentence; it is only a events you are allowed to pass pointer that you have not done it right yet. Cont’d on p19

UlorkAsarama Magazine 18 Motivation ...a destination Cont’d from p18 through. For instance, you cannot There is always a ray of sunshine at the end of the dark tunnel. You control those who gossip about need to survive the hurdles and press forward. Know that nobody will you. Neither can you control those believe in you until you have attained heights. Stop the self-pity; stop who choose to hate, envy, betray lamenting about a situation that has solution. Stop bewildering or disappoint you. Yes! Indeed, yourself for what you did not do right. Life is not boring and cruel. nobody can control how or where There is constant stress, lack of joy and frustrated relationships. You he or she is born. Can you control can find all the good things life has to offer you if source for them. who dies or lives? All this make up the 10% of your life. The other 14, she was out of the house and on 1,000 times. The light bulb was an 90% is different. You determine her own. By her account, she was invention with 1,000 steps.” that 90% by your reaction to what sexually promiscuous as a Retired Chief Executive Officer happens (10%). This is what teenager resulting to her giving at the University of Port Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe, birth to a baby boy who died at Harcourt, Mrs. Antigha Okon publisher of Our Daily Manna infancy. It was the intervention of completed her working career at meant when he says that: her father that turned her failure the highest level position of a “Always impress yourself! Show into a success story. In history, secretary without a first degree. yourself that you can grow and Oprah Winfrey, is said to be the For her as a grandmother, she get better! It's never about most influential rich woman and realised that she had failed competing with others. At the end, most influential black woman of somewhere. She enrolled into the it's just you versus you”. her generation. undergraduate programme to get The likes of Oprah Winfrey, Joyce You cannot mention people who her first degree. Meyer, Terry Gobanga, Thomas are making it in the United States Also, Terry Gobanga, a young Edison and Antigha Okon should of America's media circle without Kenyan pastor was kidnapped on motivate you. These ones did not Oprah Winfrey. It is a household her wedding day and gang-raped. allow circumstances posing as name. She was left to die but was failures to deter them from Joyce Meyer grew up in a home rescued. She married the same advancing and discovering new with an alcoholic and abusive man, Harry, some months later grounds in life. They all failed father. She was sexually, but lost the man seven months somewhere but it was not their physically and emotionally after the marriage. People final destination. So they still abused by her father. At age 18, accused her of being under a spell. marched forward. she left home and got married. She learnt the bitter lesson of A brief life story of the The marriage that turned out to reality that sitting in depression personalities mentioned earlier be another disaster. Shortly after, with your cotton closed will lead will tickle your imagination. she got divorced and that added to you nowhere. She bounced back, Oprah Winfrey grew up in a the baggage of her hurt. Not too remarried and now a lovely society where circumstances of long, she met a lovely man, Dave mother. She crawled out of birth, social deprivations and Meyer who helped her to darkness (failure) and now gives p e r h a p s , t r a d i t i o n w e r e overcome her painful past. She people hope. unfriendly to the girl-child. The once exclaimed: “Our past may We actually do not have any Oprah Winfrey story of servitude explain why we are suffering but reason to stand at a spot. It is to grace and opulence truly we must not use it as an excuse to much better when we start afresh epitomises the kernel of her stay there.” Failure is just an and reach for greater heights to message that “You become what occurrence! Joyce Meyer turned you believe.” For her success does succeed in life. Let's give a it into fortune. p o s i t i v e t h o u g h t t o t h a t not lie in despair, but in turning Remember Thomas Edison, the depressing situation now. We “your wounds into wisdom.” man who invented the electrical need to reorient our thinking for She was born into poverty, was bulb, he failed several times repeatedly molested by male before he succeeded. He accelerated growth. relatives and another visitor responded to a question posed by between the ages of 9 to 13. At age a reporter thus: “I didn't fail

UlorkAsarama Magazine 19 Poetry POEM THEY TURN OUR Asara in the era of DREAMS INTO ama and hammer THE BLISSFUL LIFE By Macaulay Frank Ujinde By Humphrey Ogu Truth slept in the mouth of the lion NIGHTMARE Goats were fed with bones not grass Life would be melodious Monkeys were fed with lies like banana By Humphrey Ogu If men sing in harmony like birds And dance in unison like ants in parade Dogs were castrated and tamed with juice They bastardize our universities Asara was the home of AMA send their children to Harvard Life would be beauteous Peace song was the anthem for EKEKPE leave us in collapsing campuses If men will contribute their colours to create a AFAH was a playful fun with archives as libraries rainbow IFIT OGBO was a tradition and museums as laboratories And beautify the sky like the star The gods bore no blame but fame as lions were tamed They bastardize our universities Life would be luscious ASA was our identity and AMA our pride If men flavour it with love Men were boys who fear their ancestors send their children to Oxford And spice it with peace leave us at the mercy of the short-changed They sailed through OKOLO and OKWAN was a TROJAN voyage of first to reach ASUU Life would be blissful who punctuate every academic year If men flock together in love like birds of a UGA-AMA with strikes and churn out feather Game of the throne is to blame spurious, non-academic results And perch on the same petals Arena divided against truth, valour and power They bastardize our universities Life would be lovely Propaganda wrapped in gold, truth untold send their children to Toronto If men live in love like apples on a branch And share the same sky Documents folded and goats became bold plant and water cultism Like the sun, the moon and the stars. Out of disputes AMA left ASARA to terrorize and waste our lives Innocent children still playing as we gather to acquire expired ideas Ogu is a poet, journalist, author and Public KPASI NGWO NGWO MOBENE MELEK and theories that render us useless Relations expert. He is currently the Secretary of NA in the global labour market Rivers State Chapter of the Association of Men became afraid of brothers Nigerian Authors (ANA). Sisters became widows from distant fold They bastardize our universities Arrows of ambitious quest piece like talon of send their children to Cape Town the hawk leave us crammed like sardine in sordid Men became desperadoes, sledging with hostels Change hammer in AMA make us stand in overcrowded arenas Boys are the loosed cannons to take lectures daily By Barivule Vivian Naanee Traitors in patriots skin slaughter and read with flickering candle nightly with tongue for long like King Kong They ate our sweet of many years too big a chunk has been bitten They turn our dreams into nightmare change we want Now terror walks hand in hand with our hopes to despair and it came in form of a strong wind violence as human skeletons our future to futility green leaves fell in undue season collapse amidst crying guns and flying leave us with rumbling stomachs bullets and blistered feet clothed in pairs Again change we want Alalanga bleeds in tears for young blood of hole-ridden socks, tucked in pairs and we saw elephants as change Education gave no direction but destruction of sole-less shoes we are happy They tell lies in intellectual argument but when they disagreed Our feathers are not dry so we can't ask the as we roam about the streets the grasses suffered searching for non-existent jobs gods why My people why disgrace ASA like she has no we have sat AMA. watched Why carry the fire HAMMER in AMA! and see the green leaves fall Rainpour and the grasses die of being suppressed now we want change indeed! Frank Macaulay (de vocal poet) is a By Barivule Vivian Naanee litterateur with major biases in poetry and drama. He is a director and producer of The heat of the scorching sun Barivule is a budding poet with great passion for movies. has burnt the green grasses the education of the girl-child and protection of and now they are all dried up women's right. they cannot stand green but the hawk came The Hen and ate up the chicks the farmer has tried to water By Barivule Vivian Naanee what happened to the hawk? but what will drops of water do it has eaten the chicks and is gone. to a hardened soil The hen mated And all over again… what we need is rainpour laid it eggs The hen hatched it eggs mated to water the soil and they grew into chicks laid it eggs that our earth will be green again hatched its eggs only for the hen to kill it chicks.

UlorkAsarama Magazine 20 Opinion Rebuilding Asarama By Otikor Samuel

certain child was born in “Truly, I am an elder…I am one of the America on February 11, 1847, eldest in Asarama. There is no remedy to Aas the youngest in a family of the problem of Asarama, except you put seven. His father, Samuel, was an exiled more effort…” (p.10). In other words, political activist from Canada, while his the then traditional leader of Asalakiri mother, Nancy, was a successful school Village of Asarama Community had teacher. The child suffered a bout of submitted that the problem in the scarlet fever and ear infections, which community cannot just be solved with left him with auditory impairment and mere wishes, but by aggressive nearly deaf in his adulthood. As a measures to address the many hyperactive child, he was prone to contentious issues bedevilling the distraction and was deemed difficult community. When he granted this to handle by his teacher. interview, cult killings had not become The authorities of the school part of the communal unrest. Thus, scorned at the boy's condition. Chief G. F. Edam spoke as a prophet. Hence, his mother took him out of Spending over eight decades on earth the school. At age 11, he was said afforded him enough experience to to have shown a voracious make predictions from the events appetite for knowledge by reading playing out. books on a wide range of subjects. True to his prediction, every At 12, the growing child genuine effort to reconcile the convinced his parents to let him factions fell on the rocky ground. sell newspapers along the Grand It was like pouring water on the Trunk Railroad line. Before he back of the duck. Asarama died at the age of 84 years on problem had degenerated into October 18, 1931, the health- some groups dragging perceived challenged octogenarian had opponents from one civil cases to secured hundreds of patents for another. From there to criminal his inventions. The 'downgraded cases with irritating Police misfit' turned out to be America's harassment and intimidation. The greatest inventor with electric power education was not good, why would introduction of cult killing into the g e n e r a t i o n a s o n e o f h i s Asarama people embrace the idea of communal problem added more insult inventions—Thomas Alva Edison. That Chief Francis Abadi, Mr. Kingston to injury. The first cult killing in was his name. Otikor…and Mr. Okpom? They told the Asarama took place on 12th April, 2008 Today, the world had continued to Asarama people that it was good for with Obediah Ogbulu and Dennis benefit from the 'addle-brained.' Asarama to have a secondary school…” Ernest as victims. They were picked up Thomas Edison was challenged by (p.9), he stated. The Chief also recalled at Asarama water side and later killed medical cases, yet, he didn't give up. He that “…before now there was the respect by their assailants. The community refused to capitulate on the challenges for Asarama by our Andoni brothers. summoned a meeting at the Town Hall he had faced in school and what his They said we learnt from the Bonny and as usual but no tangible resolution was teacher said about him. He refused to we were role models: we started Okekpe reached. The care-free attitude surrender to fate. What a bold step! in Andoni, we started Nwantam in accorded the killing of the duo was Like Edison whose case was pilloried by 1941…” (p.10). unlike the resistance and courage those who were qualified to be role The late Chief Edam, however, summoned by Asarama youths to stop models, a very spirited charge by Chief lamented gravely on how the political thugs from getting access to Gabriel Fingesi Edam was derided by okanamaship tussle of Asarama deeply and shooting in Asarama on 14 April, Asarama elites. Chief Edam was a divided the entire community so much 2007 during the House of Assembly and prominent traditional leader in so that even majority of the enlightened Gubernatorial elections in the area. Asarama Town and the Head Chief of ones in the community added in Asarama youths in their numbers Asalakiri Village. He was 84 years old worsening the dispute rather than resisted a dreaded cult leader from when he granted an interview to Asa proffering solutions to the problem. another Andoni community who led Chronicle where he discussed a number When he was asked to offer opinion on three Asarama boys from getting into of issues in the July—December, 2003 how Asarama could get it right and the community. The youths stopped (Vol. 1 No. 4) edition of the bi-annual restore peace and unity, Chief G. F. them at the boundary between publication of the PASCOAS Club. “If Edam responded albeit negatively: Con’t on p22

UlorkAsarama Magazine 21 Opinion

herders to a fishing settlement but now Rebuilding... the world's centre of attraction having the tallest hotel, tallest shopping centre, Con’t on p22 community and leave same day. They tallest theme park and the busiest are afraid to pass the night in their own airport in the world. Dubai faced a Asarama and Egendem. They gathered community. number of challenges. It fought some at late Elder Atesia's house on hearing As I write, peace has not fully been wars from the late 1950s to 1966 when gun shots from Unyeada. The political restored to the community. Guns are oil was discovered in the area. thugs wielded about three guns in the reportedly been paraded in the public Contrarily, Asarama met some full glare of everyone present but glare. It is now 16 years when late Chief challenges and its people want the without a gun, Asarama youths resisted Edam predicted doom; that he did not challenge to consume it. Isn't it high their entry on the ground that the see any green light signalling the time we shelved our egocentrism and community had in a meeting the restoration of peace to the once peaceful started rebuilding the community for previous day agreed that no one or and hospitable community. Late Chief the future generation? Joyce Meyer political party should arm supporters Edam was right in his prediction that was confronted with different with guns or deadly weapons for use in peace will continue to elude Asarama, challenges from her teenage age into the election. The youths so much but do we need to allow his prediction to her adulthood. To break free from the resisted them that a Chief had to endure to the next generation? chain, she exclaimed that “our past may intervene with bottles of drink to appeal Back to the preamble to this piece, the explain why we're suffering but we to the thugs to go back, while the youths medical condition of young Thomas must not use it as an excuse to stay in refused to accept the drink the Chief Edison had posed a serious challenge to bondage.” Today, her name rings a bell offered them. That was when Asarama him. His school teacher was quoted to for giving a good account of herself. It's was Asarama. have advised the mother to take the time we changed the narrative. To get The second victim of cult killing was Mr child out of school as it was thought that back the city of Mosul after armed Isaiah Bibibama Amah who was killed nothing good could come out from him gangs unleashed terror by killing th on 18 May, 2008 on a vessel at the in life. Then young Edison's mother, innocent persons and destroying the Asarama-Ebukuma river. Mr Isaiah Nancy never gave up. She braced up to ancient city, a group of young people in Bibibama Amah was employed on the challenge that stared them in the Iraq volunteered to rebuild the old city contract as a security guard at the face and surmounted it. Is it not by initiating a campaign they tagged vessel. The third victim was Sam Joseph possible that after these years of 'lifting the debris'. Let's join the train of st who was killed on the night of 31 infighting, that after losing over 40 concerned Asarama persons to rebuild December, 2008. At the inception of the able-bodied youths to induced cult our ancestral home. The time is now. killings which are generally believed to killings, after losing some of our best be coming from the same gang, rather brains to chieftaincy wrangling, after than take steps to curb the spate of the creating enmity among violence, some politicians and persons ourselves that we re- indirectly benefitting from the appraise ourselves and continued violence were disseminating start rebuilding our varying versions of information on community? what they felt had led to the killings of I know the late Chief Asarama youths. The politicians Edam is troubled that started abetting the cult violence. In the we failed to prove him history of Asarama, it was probably the wrong. I also know that first time, a non-Asarama person was the trouble in Asarama empowered to unleash mayhem on is resolvable; but we do Asarama community. The Asarama not want to do so. We ancestors had so prepared the land are not like the man against external aggression that it was fought against by the so shocking when 'foreigners' were suffragette, that is chasing out bona fide citizens on their a l w a y s f u l l o f land under the guise of cult war. himself—egoist. At a point, supporters of certain groups Henry Barlow talked were carefully chased out of the about building the community and the division in the nation in different community continued unabated. Cult ways. Edison faced killings then took the centre stage in natural challenge but Asarama that over 40 youths had now he tackled it headlong. been killed in the fight for supremacy The famous Dubai in over Asarama land. The most t h e U n i t e d A r a b worrisome is that some of the victims E m i r a t e w a s were not members of the cult groups. transformed from a Today, the residents of the community village first inhabited still leave in fear. Most people visit the by nomadic cattle

UlorkAsarama Magazine 22 Profile

National President,Comr. Emiyare Raphael Gabriel (seated left) and members of FUAS NEC

UlorkAsarama Magazine 23