Waist Deep

Those of us who reside in the United States may be familiar with a TV commercial featuring a man caught in a quicksand. His teammates, instead of springing to action to rescue him, began a conversation to identify the situation before they could plan a course of action. All along, the poor guy sank deeper and deeper into the quicksand.
This is a scenario which I liken to the state of the Nigerian government. In the past, I have blogged about negative things going on in that country. My blogs were well intended, as every Nigerian wishing the best for our homeland would. BUT, I soon realized that lamenting on the Nigerian fiasco is similar to one who cries over spilled milk. I made a secret vow to offer solutions in any little way that I could rather than blemish the image of our dear nation, Nigeria.
But, that when a president and his vice president put matters of national interest aside for their personal finger-pointing, one is left to wonder what the fate of Nigeria would become. EFCC indicting Atiku is long overdue but I bet there are Nigerians who wait anxiously to see if the likes of Obasanjo and other corrupt public officials would face the same fate.
Democracy is a wonderful form of government. But has it really worked in Nigeria? If you assess the economy, you’d see that its on a downward spiral. Foreign investors are apprehensive of doing business in that country. Its not because we don’t have the resources of qualifies manpower. Much of it depends on those investors who are willing to pay bribes here and there in order to do business in that country. Only those companies from whom they could gain personal benefits can do business in Nigeria.
So dare I ask if military leadership is what would help our country? It appears to me that after seven years of democratic rule in Nigeria, our leaders, especially Obasanjo are waist deep in what I call ‘The Nigerian Hot Mess’. They are still engaged in preemptive stance on how to run that country while Nigeria has morphed into a cannon ball waiting to explode on impact.
Until this point, there isn’t a definitive plan for major issues in that country. Thus far, the whole nation is set ablaze with calls for impeachment of one governor or the other. I must admit that Nigeria has made steady progress on one front – the lines baring us into ethnic groups are becoming blurry. However, the rush to loot government funds has intensified in the wake of sprawling violence in local areas.
It is a crying shame that a president and a vice president of a nation, as eminent as Nigeria, would engage in such shameful bickering. Where does that leave the fate of the nation? I wonder what Obasanjo’s legacy would be at the end of his time in office? Is his legacy one which has left Nigeria more fragile than it was before the civilian regime? Only time would tell. At the moment, we are all caught waist deep in our political and economic uncertainty.

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Much love to Master P

Whoa what a weekend. First of all, much love to Master P and his son Lil Romeo for kicking it with homeboy over the weekend. Lil Romeo headlined a concert for the Navy Exchange’s 60th anniversary here in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I had the daunting task to of doing the public relations thing with Master P and the BET folks that came down here with them. I 've never met the rapper, so I didn’t know what to expect. Much to my amazement, Master P is quite a textbook parent. Outside the spotlight, you would not believe how modest he really is. This dude is straight up laid back and nice as hell. So is his son Lil Romeo. You would expect him to have a little chip on his shoulders. After all, he's gat the millions. He's gat his own tv show, and he's only 16...Far from it. Dude wanted to get on his playstation instead. He was respectful to everyone he met down here. Master P spent a little less than an hour in his after-party (big ups to ma homeboy Todd Jordan for hooking the party up). Afterwards, he chilled and played cards with us.
Lil Romeo and I



Master P and I

I did ask him (Master P) if he would consider performing in Nigeria. He was ecstatic. He said he loves Nigerians. He’s also a huge fan of Nigerian movies. He said that would be an opportunity he wouldn’t miss for the world. (If only he can truely rap...lol! I go die o!) So all you promoters out there, take note. He's also involved in humanitarian efforts in his home state Louisiana.

Remember this guy?


Rulon Gardner; the US Olympic wrestler who won the gold medal in 2000. He was also in town this weekend. Another nice fella! I may be smilling in this picture but dude has gat a grip like a vice grip but I ain't no pushover either. Know what I mean? LOL!

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A Salute to UDSS Class of 95/96

For the past few months, I’ve been on a leave of absence, so to speak. I had so much going on. I needed to clear my head. Work became intense and then there’s this little thing called 'Master’s Degree' for which I pursue persistently. A collage of all these stresses were talking their toll on me so I had to depart your honorable presence for a while. By doing so, I turned of the reason to hang out with you all - my friends and cohorts. I had turned a deaf ear to your calls to join the daily congregation.

But don’t think I was never here. I still come in everyday to read your blogs and I must say that I appreciate each and everyone one of you for sharing your experiences. I do learn from you. I am eternally grateful. I am glad to be back on the block. Nothing is more entertaining and enticing than a lunch break with you fellas.

OKAY! Now that I’m through with the preamble, lets get down to business. Shall we? There’s a lot happening down under in a country known as ‘Nigeria’ a.k.a Naija (I often say, the gods of the Good and the Bad must reside in that country because amazing things happen there whilst such things don’t happen anywhere else in the world).

I’m on a two week leave back in Maryland. I needed to get away from the political stumping ground in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. So I’ve spent the past week to unwind, lounge around, and party here and there. If you ask me, I’m just hanging on to the twilight of the summer.

Today is Tuesday October 3, 2006. I am on a relapse from all the parties commemorating our 46th Independence(Hurray!). As the effects of the party withered off, I am in dire need for some jolt of entertainment. After all, I’m on vacation dammit!....and I’ve gat a whole week left.

…And then I checked my e-mail the moment I got up from bed around eeeerrrrrrr 11. In my inbox, there was a blast from the past- an e-mail from a high school classmate, Agbani Douglas now Mrs. Akhaze.

So I quickly dialed the phone number she left on the e-mail and called her up. We chatted for a very long time trying to recall our days in high school. Oh how time flies. Frankly it seems like yesterday. But the conversation made me realize one thing. That the strength of the stream lies in its source and what it carries along the way. Sometimes, you have to go back…way back in time in order for you to truly appreciate the strides you’ve made in life.

I also learned never to forget those who were there in the beginning for they are the source of your strength. They are the foundation to your future because they affect your outlook in life thus affecting your future.

So I am caught in the serenity of this moment. In this moment I reflect on ALL of those who I shared those memorable years of my youth with:

Agbani Douglas, Kelechi Dike, Otu Kadana, Ibrahim Jimoh (deceased), Chituru Wodi, Chimene Wali, Onimi Erekosima, Dagogo Erekosima, Uju Ezeamama, Benedicta Elechi, Tambari Kua, Chijoke Didia, Kenebi Okoko, Bio Mangete, Godswill Obomanu, and many others I just can’t recall your names but you are equally important to me.

I thank you all for being a part of my life. Your foot prints left in the sand of time guide my strides. I’ll always carry you with me. I’ll never forget you all!

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Why men shouldn't cry

I thought I should share this e-mail that I recieved from a friend.

1: Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.

2: It is ok for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
c. After wrecking your boss' car.
d. One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game".
e. When she is using her teeth.

3: Any Man who brings a camera to a bachelor party may be legally killedand eaten by his buddies.

4: Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend outofjail within 12 hours.

5: If you've known a guy for more than 24 hours, his sister is offlimitsforever unless you actually marry her.

6: Moaning about the brand of free beer in a buddy's fridge isforbidden.However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.

7: No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for anotherman.In fact, even remembering your buddy's birthday is strictly optional.

8: On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not theweakest.

9: When stumbling upon other guys watching a sporting event, you may askthe score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.

10: You may flatulate in front of a woman only after you have broughtherto climax. If you trap her head under the covers for the purpose offlatulent entertainment, she's officially your girlfriend.

11: It is permissible to drink a fruity alcohol drink only when you'resunning on a tropicalbeach... and it's delivered by a topless model and only when it's free.

12: Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed tokick another guy in the nuts.

13: Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.

14: Friends don't let friends wear Speedos, Ever! Issue closed.

15: If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.

16: Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spiesuntil they demonstrate knowledge of the game and the ability to drink asmuch as the other sports watchers.

17: A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman mustremainsober enough to fight.

18: Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice ofpizza,but not both, that's just greedy.

19: If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you'd better be talkingabouthis choice of beer.

20: Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a friend of yours,except if she's withholding sex pending your response.

21: Phrases that may NOT be uttered to another man while liftingweights:
a. Yeah, Baby, Push it!
b. C'mon, give me one more! Harder!
c. Another set and we can hit the showers!

22: Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing:i.e.both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, analmost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.

23: Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longerthanyou are able to have sex with her. Keep a stopwatch by the phone.Hang up if necessary.

24: The morning after you and a girl who was formerly "just a friend"havecarnal drunken monkey sex, the fact that you're feeling weird and guiltyisno reason for you not to nail each other again before the discussionaboutwhat a big mistake it was occurs.

25: It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable forherto drive yours.

26: Thou shall not buy a car in the colors of brown, pink, lime green,orange or sky blue.

27: The girl who replies to the question "What do you want forChristmas?"with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets an XBOX. End ofstory!

28: There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men'sGymnastics.Ever!

BONUS:We've all heard about people having guts or balls. But do you reallyknowthe difference between them? In an effort to keep you informed, thedefinition of each is listed below.

GUTS - is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, beingassaulted by your wife with a broom, and having the guts to ask,"Are you still cleaning or are you flying somewhere?"

BALLS - is coming home late after a night out with the guys smelling ofperfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the assand having the balls to say, "You're next!"We hope this clears up any confusion.

Respectfully, International Council of Manhood

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Hope in a Coin Jar

Hot Saturday Caribbean afternoon. Dre, Russell and I are lounging on the patio in front of my apartment overlooking the sky-blue ocean. Dre is on his third blunt and his smoking like a chimney.
Russell checks the stake on the red-hot grill. This new kid called ‘Matisyahu’ is defecating seriously on the mic as songs from his new album, ‘Youth’, comes from the stereo in my living room.
Line after line, Matisyahu is killing me with his reggae, urban, hip-hop tempo laced with political innuendo. I’m feeling the CD and so are my friends. I could tell as we all bobbed our heads to the beat in unison.

And then came the line on one of his tracks titled ‘WP’ that interrupted my ignorance:

….welcome to the desert of my soul
You could stay if you like
There’s room for one more!
There’s room for one more-more!!

Righ then I recalled a string e-mail I received from a friend long ago. I know I didn’t delete the e-mail. I just never got around or cared to take a second look at it. But I know its there, somewhere in my inbox lost amidst love e-mails, bill notifications and chit-chats with friends.
Everybody have dreams of becoming famous, rich or a superstar. I too had a dream. I dreamt about being err-a poet.

By now, as the music kept playing, and I have slipped into day-dreaming. In my reverie, I saw myself upon an accounstic stage in a huge, I’m talking about a massive room with tens of thousands of people.

I was introduced by a baritone voice that came from the giant speaker mounted in the room:

…Ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to welcome
A man who has dazzled us with his poetic dexterity
A man who simple refers to himself as
‘A KING WITHOUT A CROWN’
I present to you IGO

The room erupts into a histerical roar and I waited and savored the ovation accorded to me.
Suddenly, a profound silence seized the room. Then a soft but powerful sound of a drum breaks the defning silence. As the drummer taps his hands on the African drums, the lights slowly dimmed. I was nervous with anxiety. As the drumbeat sinks further into the night, snippets of TV news anchors wizzed through the air and fades almost as quickly as they have come:

..breaking news today….3 million children have died …..hunger….war…poverty…disease….assasination attempt...riot..racism...blah...blah

I was more anxious. Suddenly, like a hole in the celing, a bright-light centered on me bringing with is a warmth feeling of confidence.
I could see nothing else but I could hear applause from every direction.

Today’s poem is incoherent-no lyrical arrangement. Just words from the heart. Just the truth.
You may not like it. After all, the truth is ugly. That’s why nobody likes the truth.

Listen, I’m about to unleash onto the mic:

Today, I celebrate the death of my ignorance,
Through the rebirth of my conscience, I give u the essence of my beginning
So many times, so so often we have seen or heard the news of children in dire situations
But we'll rather watch re-runs of American Next Top Model instead.

Instead of life,
Death in the form war, hunger, civil uncertainty and disease awaits them!
Today is the day death will reposes their lives
3 million of them!
Another 3 million will die tomorrow in a desert in Dafur Sudan
Another 11 million will go to bed hungary accross the world
5 million will be born into this world this year
3 million of them will be born into poverty and disease and war

Walmart made a record profit this year
how come the money is not getting to the needy?
Same goes to Microsoft and all the multi-billion international corporations.
What difference have you made?

While there seems to be no hope around the corner
My eyes have seen
Politicians in their constant state of scramble for the loots

My eyes have seen them plotting in the shadows of their corrupt minds
like constant gardeners
burying the hopes of these desperate children with false hopes

Empty promises puts the hopes of the needy upon flights of broken wings of lies

Let the world know that although I may sound corny when I say that while some people are ‘Living the life’,
Some are dying just to get the crumbs off the foot of their table

I am quick to delete this picture:

" PULITZER PRIZE " winning photo taken in 1994 during the Sudan famine.The picture depicts a famine stricken child crawling towards an United Nations food camp, located a kilometer away.The vulture is waiting for the child to die so that it can eat it. This picture shocked the whole world. No one knows what happened to the child, including the photographer Kevin Carter who left the place as soon as the photograph was taken.Three months later he committed suicide due to depression.

That picture:


What about this one:

Have you seen this one:

....but I kept the photo of a superstar showing of his multi-million dollar home in my inbox.

My eyes have seen the wealthy pay millions of dollars for a scrap piece of painting but won’t donate a dime to charity to help needy children.

I’m finding it hard to see through the eyes of my mind
The reason why some people seek to make weapons to protect their country
while the real enemies:
Hunger, Disease and Poverty are within.

I am astounded to hear when some call themselves civilized.
Civilization, my brother, is accommodating everyone
no matter how small the oasis is.

Give a little
Sometimes it only takes the thought to make a difference

So before I leave the stage tonight,
My eyes have also seen the queens of my life:

DQueenB, Ib, Adaure, Nneka.

I challenge you to use spreed the knowledge through your blog. I want you to tag four people each to blog about world hunger. Share some helpful website for needy children.

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Hope is only in that doing jar sitting in the corner of the room. It only takes the loose change in your coin jar to feed a hungry mouth.

Do you know it take $80 to feed a whole villege?
So GIVE A LITTLE!! If you soubt me, check some of these charity organizations out

World Vision

Christian Children Fund

Thanks for your time tonight!!

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