Humblesmith Humblesmith: The Volcano Humblesmith a.k.a The African Singercologist is a proud singer/songwriter and performer. He is proud of his art. He basks in the joy it brings to his growing list of listeners. He is also proud of the sweat that has gone into reaching this milestone. Incidentally, he knows that everything that came before (the toil and endeavour) will amount to squat if he fails to kick into a higher gear and embellish his art. Most of all, he is proud of his humble beginnings. Born on the 14th of May, 1991 in Abakaliki (Ebony State, Nigeria), Ekene Ijemba (real name) is the fifth of eight children of a stationery-dealer father and a teacher mother. Ekene discovered his penchant for entertaining, at a very tender age of 6. He led a group of his mates to perform at various SOCIAL and church events. They were known then as American Boys (after the then-popular song they always used for their dance act). Growing up was tough, Ekene recalled. His elder siblings had to put in a lot of efforts through menial JOBS to augment the meagre incomes of their parents. Ekene’s performances continued to attract attention. He often sneaks out from home at odd hours in search of shows to perform at. Clearly, nothing was going to stand in his way! Many years later, as a teenager, he went to Asaba, a town that was fast becoming synonymous with Nollywood. Ekene longed for the limelight to showcase his many talents. He was featured in some minor roles in a handful of movies, but the momentum was soon lost and he returned to Abakaliki. On his return to the laid-back town, he realised that he was completely cut off from entertainment OPPORTUNITIES. Abakaliki was better known for its huge rice mill. So, back to Asaba he went. This time, he was more determined to succeed. He combed the town for shows and scouted for movie roles with fervour. At a show, he approached the promoter with his demo cd and even begged to perform. After a long delay, the DJ gave him a two-minute spot. Ekene seized his 120 seconds and gave a performance of his life.

IMAGES FROM NNEWI TRAGEDIC GAS EXPLOTION

More theories have surfaced over the gas fire explosion that took the lives of several people at the Chikason Gas Plant in Nnewi, Anambra State on the eve of Christmas.
An elder of Nnewi town, who spoke on the condition of anonymity claimed that the foremost Nnewi industrialist had been warned that a high caliber disaster will visit his factory as a result of his factory’s encroachment on a certain river, known as ‘Mmili Ele’, an abode of a river goddess being worshiped by the residents.
“If you have been there, you will see that he has a very expansive space of land there, but maybe because he needed to expand his company and add more factories, he decided to widen it.
“He was even warned of the consequences of doing so by the chief priest of Mmili Ele, but he did not take the young man seriously. So, I think the river goddess only fought for itself”, he claimed.
He further alleged that a renowned man of God had also prophesied that a huge disaster was about to befall the company, adding that he even went ahead to prescribe a week’s fasting.
According to the source, even a former Governor had experienced the power of Mmili Ele when he tried to construct a bridge and road over the river.
“He tried his best, but the road always went bad even before the construction ended, and when he was advised on what to do, he did it and since then, the road and bridge across Mmili Ele has remained in good shape.

How good are Nigerian men in bed?

I mean you have seen the way men drive in Nigeria: fast and furious, in a hurry to get nowhere! Might it be that the way a man drives is a reflection of his bedtime activity? And of course, I also wanted to ask the following, ‘Is the lack of good sex driving women to fat in Nigeria?

You must have seen the scene before, where after copulating, the man looked like the ‘cat that got the cream’, but the woman looked despondent and was busy searching under the pillow, the bed and in the wardrobe: for her orgasm!!

Anyway, added to the above is the rising incidence of rape, marital strives and divorce due to adultery which further underlines the problem. Every day you hear of some woman killed by an irate husband because of this issue. For God’s sake, what is the fun in forcing a woman to have sex or by rape? Why would you date rape or even rape your wife? The real joy is making a woman want you, just you, again and again.

The problem

It seems that one of the biggest problems men face is knowing how to make love to a woman! Unfortunately what commonly happens is that young men get their sexual advice from friends or from pornographic films and books. As a result, they have a distorted view of what it is actually about.

We need to re-educate men on what it means to love a woman. Sadly, of course, I am not an expert on sex matters and these articles are to inform, educate and maybe even to just brighten up your day. 

Here, for your reading pleasure is the synthesis of ‘How to make love to a woman’ from women’s point of view.

This is what women want.

Call it making love: not sex

The first thing men need to know is that women prefer to call it making love. Sex sounds like a question and is very clinical. Sex? Oh yes, I am female! Thank you very much. So, this article is not an exposé on sex. If you want sex, then please see the girls on Gimbiya Street in Abuja. Or sort yourself out!

However, if you really want to know how to make love; if you want the woman to say, ‘Thank you’ afterwards or to come over the next time, seemingly having forgotten her knickers at home, then you should follow a proven system that is guaranteed to give pleasure to a woman.

Communication:  verbal and non verbal

Communicating your interest and intentions is very important. Ensuring that the woman of your dreams know that you care about her, and want her, is important. However, talk is also cheap unless followed by good intentions and action. Communication can also be subtle and non verbal. A lot of Nigerian men do not engage in making eye contact, holding hands, smiling, winking, stroking, cuddling, kissing, laughing, embracing etc.

Intimacy: very important
Never forget that making love is a whole body and mind experience. Cuddling and hugging and just being close together reassures women and promises safety. Women say that a good number of men are selfish partners who tend to initiate sex when it suits them and have little or no thought about their partners. Some women go through with it perfunctorily as a duty.

Focus and timing: location, location, location

Planning, timing, focus and the right location are important. A woman will more than likely agree to have you if privacy is assured. Choose the location carefully, communicate the idea early and allow her to simmer just for you. For most women, sex is in the mind. A woman needs to have made love to you in her mind first.

Safety: use protection

This is important and goes without saying. An annoying trend noticed among Nigerian men is the fact that they won’t buy their own protection (condoms). Why would you put your woman to risk? Part of the protection also includes your personal hygiene. Hygiene is important to women. Hygiene includes a bath, clean noses, ears, trim nails and a shave to include the armpits. Also please wash your hands before touching a woman’s privates to avoid transmitting infection from car doors and household things.

Pleasure and fun

Take your time and really enjoy every individual sensation. That is how women do it. You need to learn how to listen to a woman's body. It will tell you what she wants, just like yours tells her. Take it slow - so slow it hurts. It is rare that a slow pace will bore a woman.

Ensure mutual fun

The goal of sex is not just your orgasm but ecstasy for both partners. Lovemaking is not a movie set where everyone concentrates on his/her script. You do need to listen to her body - that is the most important thing. While it is nice to occasionally focus on her exquisite spot, keep moving, doing things with your tongue and hands all over her too. However, do not feel the need to work towards an orgasm, and do not lose your confidence if she doesn't come every time.

Communication: post intercourse

Some women like to talk after sex and some don't, so follow her cues. Talk to your woman, express your pleasure, praise her prowess, subtly point out any shortcomings and teach what she may seem to lack: so that she keeps getting better for you. This is also the best time for cuddling. Most men hate this part, but many women only have sex at all to get to this part.

Okay. That’s it. Do feel free to read and share widely. Also, please communicate by sending in your thoughts, opinions and replies through the website. I cannot wait for your thoughts on this interesting topic.

How to protect your wife?

The next time you look at your wife, please look carefully. Appealing and alluring? How has she changed since you met? Is she now big bottom and big breasted? Has she matured and aged gracefully or there are issues to discuss? A dream comes true, or are you concerned about her weight? Are you worried about her health? Or do not worry about that! Unless you have other plans! Oh, or other wives!

It is actually your responsibility as a husband who swore to serve and protect your loved one. Till death do us part? Do you remember that?

A great story

The story sounded incredible and unbelievable. A man felt a lump in his wife’s breasts and thought it was unreal. Is she pregnant? No. Breast feeding? No. ‘So what did you do’, he was asked. ‘I sent her to the village to see the herbalist’. ‘There is a man in our village who specialises in breast cancer treatment’. ‘He has been treating many women’. On getting to the treatment centre, it was indeed true. There were many women there being treated for cancer of the breast. The herbalist was however not there. He had gone to the hospital for treatment of his prostate cancer! So, his wife returned to the hospital for treatment.

So when was the last time you encouraged your wife to undergo a full medical examination of her breasts and private parts as routine for cancer screening? Breast examination and regular checks for lumps and bumps is important. Similarly, routine pap-smear in women is crucial in prevention of cervical cancer. This is carried out in hospitals such as Medicaid Radio-diagnostics Centre and Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching  Hospital, in Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria. Every woman should have their own personal gynaecologist who knows them intimately and can help in the fight against cancers below the belt. Ensure your wife has one and encourage regular visits to the specialist.

It is on record that women with big boobs are at higher risk of developing breast cancer: since it is difficult to feel lumps in big breasts. This makes it particularly important for them to undergo regular breast examination and screening tests with mammogram.

How to protect your wife from cancer?

I know it is not really your fault if your wife develops cancer but you can help with education, information and increased awareness. You have my permission to feel your wife’s breasts on a regular basis. Feel for lumps or anything unusual, different or of concern. You can also help by being supportive and encouraging her to see the specialist regularly. You can help by making sure she does not rely on herbalists and pastors for fake deliverance. These people cannot help you.

How to protect your wife from HIV?

I met this gentleman following a diagnosis of brain tumour. He was in bad shape and did not give the impression he would last the day. He didn’t. However, the critical diagnosis was that the brain tumour was caused by HIV/AIDS. The critical fact was that he was diagnosed with HIV a few years previously and had refused to accept it. He refused medications and had been praying feverishly since then.

He told his brother and family but not his wife though he continued to make love to her with reckless abandon and without protection. So, you can imagine her shock when the final diagnosis was confirmed as a brain tumor due to rampant AIDS. Even worse was that the family said, she gave it to him! Of course, so they can kick her and her children out of the home and take their brother’s property.

Similarly, you may have read the recent story in the Punch about a woman who caught HIV while going to herbalists and churches looking to get pregnant. She may have been infected in the scarification ceremonies by the herbalist using an infected needle. She eventually got pregnant but got HIV as well. The story was that she was driven to it by the family who were pushing for her husband to marry a second wife as she remained barren.

There are two stories and two different problems here. But, men do harm to their wives by being deceptive and hiding vital information. HIV is one serious condition that merits prevention through safe sexual practices, routine checks, early diagnosis, serious consistent treatment and protection of your loved ones. The second issue of course, is sorting out the extended family and gently asking your parents and siblings to keep their noses out of your business. My wife says and I quote, ‘What is mine is mine and what is yours is mine!

How to save your wife?

You decide. Read the article and digest it. Then read it again to decide on a plan of action. Search out a credible general practitioner and a specialist for your family. Plan to have regular medical check up. Keep all the records, results of tests and understand what the numbers mean. Deal with any issues immediately and ensure you get the right result and the care you deserve. Finally, I am not going to preach about writing a will. It is not worth the paper it’s written on without an intellectual police force and a credible judiciary in Nigeria.

Everything and everyone is under God’s protection.

ENGAGING THE WONDERS OF PRAISE FOR A TURNAROUND

In Isaiah 45:1-3, the Bible say "God is ready to subdue nations that hinder your breakthrough and grant you favour before kings". Yes! He is ready to open doors that cannot be shut by anybody. Not only that, he is ready to break down every blockade against your destiny and release to you.......the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

However, there is a secret you must know in Psalm 33:1-3: Rejoice in the Lord O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright...... The comely means inviting, attractive, irresistible or tantalizing. Praise tantalizes God. When you are praising God you are giving Him an invitation He cannot resist.

In prayer we beg God to act; in praise, we invite God to perform. It is possible for you to pray wrongly, but you can praise amiss. So, if you want God to visit you, then praise Him; let your thanks go up to Him. Praise begins from the heart. Praise is not a feelings it is not done out of convenience. Praise is not a decision. Psalm 57:7 says: My heart is fix O God, my heart is fixed: i will sing and give praise. So, praise is joyful decision that you must make. You may not be happy with what is happening to you but joy comes from the Lord. When you praise God, He opens the fountain of joy that will take you to the next level of life.

Psalm 16:11 says: ...in your presence there is fullness of joy; and at your right hand there are pleasure forever. The joy of the Lord brings pleasure that take away pressures. Your breakthrough in life is directly proportional to your praise life. No praise, no breakthrough. Low praise means low breakthrough: High praise means high breakthrough. Habakkuk 3:19 say " God will make you walk in high places."

There are three roadblocks to praise and thanksgiving.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 say .....let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches........ saith the Lord. The first is wisdom of men; the second is the might of men; and the last is riches. Your wisdom cannot take you anywhere is God is not involved. He is the one that make you whatever you are in life.

1st Timothy 6: 20-21 says ......keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith..... The fool in Luke 12:16-21 died because he refuse to acknowledge God. Money is a defense only when God is involved.Anything you that God cannot use is already useless.

WHY DO WE PRAISE GOD?

Praise is gainful: Psalm 145:15-16 says it is God that ....satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Giving God thanks and praises brings God into your affair.

We praise God because He has the power to do all things: Psalm 115:1-3 says: ......But our God is in heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Praising God helps locate the missing link: In our relationship with God, He is the fixed factor; we are variables. When things are not working, this is always something missing. In Mark 10:1 Jesus told the rich lawyer......one thing thou lackest..... When you praise God, He opens your eyes as to why the breakthrough is not taking place.

 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord

and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning ,

and thy faithfulness every night.

EFFECT OF PRAISE

Praise is the gateway to supernatural harvest:  Psalm 67:5-7 say: Let the people praise thee O God Let all the people praise thee: then shall the earth yield her in increase.... Joel 1:11-12 says the reason the harvest of the field perishes is because joy is  dead. When we pay our tithes and vows and give offerings, we are sowing seeds.By prophesying over them. we are watering the seeds; but when we praise, we reap the harvest.

 

Praise provoke supernatural increase and multiplication: Jeremiah 30:19 says: And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving.....In John 6:6-11, Jesus was faced with 5,000 men and had only five loaves and two fishes to feed them. After  thanksgiving, multiplication set in. When you are faced with little, give God thanks. and it will multiply. Anytime there is a lack, sing praises to God. Murmuring can only diminish the little you have.

Praise engenders fulfillment  of prophecies: Abraham waited 25years for the promise of a child. What was Abraham's secreat? Romans 4:20 says: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Then in Gensis 21:1 God visited Sarah and fulfilled His promise to her. what if Abraham was murmuring? You must always consider God faithful, no matter the situation.

Praises provokes anointing for breakthrough: In Psalm 92:1-10, it is thanksgiving that brings fresh anonting which cause your eyes to see your desire upon your enemies.Praise makes the righteous to flourish like palm tree and grow like the ceder in Lebanon. In Isaiah 61:1-3, it is when you put on the garment of praise that you begin to have your breakthrough.

"AFIA OLU OR" "IFEJIOKU" (NEW YAM) TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL OF NNEWI

 Nnewi as metropolitan city encompasses two local government areas, Nnewi North and Nnewi South. Nnewi North is commonly referred to as Nnewi central, and comprises four autonomous communities: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewi –Ichi. Nnewi North also include Ichi, an autonomous neighboring town. The city is located east of Niger River, and about 22 kilometers South east of Onitsha in AnambraState.

HRH IGWE K.O.N ORIZU
The Traditional Ruler of Nnewi

The Aneado (Nnewi) communities have common ancestral beliefs, traditional value system and many cultural events which notable amongst them is the New yam (Afiaolu, also known as Ifejioku) festival which revolve around drama and rituals especially religious ones. Afiaolu was introduced to Nnewi around 1918. It is observed in honour of Ufiojiokwu the deity of land fertility. It takes place usually in the month of August of every year and lasts for four native days. The actual celebration begins on an Eke day through Orie, Afor  and ends on an Nkwo day.

The preparation of the festival takes place five months ahead, the girls learn a dance supervised by young men. They also dye their bodies and dress gaily. Young men (oto kolo) group initiates all young men who are up to age into the masquerade cults so that they will be able to particulate in the masquerade dance. The evening prior to the day of the festival, all old yams (from the previous year’s crop) are consumed or discarded followed by “Onuakuku” which marks the dropping of hoes and machetes after the farming season. And even though many families have started eating new yam, the supreme ancestral deity of the town, “Edo” and “Edowuwe” his chief priest must not taste new yam until the “Afiaolu” festival.

The Afiaolu festival commences on “Eke” day with what is traditionally described as “IWAJI” (scaling of yam) and Ikpa Nku (the wood gathering), this heralds the availability of new yam as well as thanks giving to God. The festival includes a variety of entertainments including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (king), cultural dance by girls and masquerade dance.

On the first day of the festival which is Eke, the Igwe of Nnewi officiates the Harvest thanksgiving ceremony at his palace where the yam is offered to the gods and ancestors. The chief priest of Edo after the thanksgiving ceremony is   presented with fowls in the palace by elders from the different communities that made up the Anaedo (Nnewi) community in order of seniority, Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi. After the parading of these fowls by the chief priest, the fowls are taken to the farm were they are slaughtered in honour of the “Ufiojiokwu, the deity of land fertility. After that, the ritual of breaking Kola nut (IWA OJI) follows. It is also offer by the Igwe for it is believed that his position bestows the privilege of being the intermediary between their communities and the gods of the land. The Iwaoji is meant to express the gratitude of the community to the gods for making the harvest possible. Following the “iwaoji” is the “IKPA NKU” (the wood gathering). The Nku is used in the roasting of the newly sliced yam. The belief being that roasting the new yam will make every other yam harvested to be strong, more edible and nourishing. The Igwe after the roasting of the yam is usually the first to eat the yam after which other people are invited to join him. Immediately the Igwe eats the yam, masquerades such as “Mikpala and “Ikehudo”, randomly parade the village square and market place teasing and entertaining children and women. The first outing of these masquerades signifies that the Igwe has eaten the new yam.

The following day, “Olie” is a day for dance perform
ance by young girls and boys. “Igba Ijele” dance is a dance performed by this group and it is devoted to “Edo” and nominally to public deities of the land. With Iwaji, the people are free from famine and hunger. From now on merriment can begin and that is when Igbaijele” appears for the first time in the years to perform on stage. The dancers first perform at Edo shrine before touring the Nkwo market square and eventually enters the Igwe’s palace where the main dance is performed. During the dance the people are virtually thrown into an uncontrollable ecstasy with rhythmic body jerks and twisting of waists and breasts. Highly trained chorous leaders lead during Igba Ijele. It is a time for competition in excellence during which the best dancer- artiste for the year is honoured.

Among are the days of the “Afiaolu” festival, the evening of “Afor” is the most entertaining and most memorable. It is usually an evening reserved for masquerades drama and the Igwe and his counselors usually invite the Ijele masquerade from UmueriAnambraState. Ijele is the king of the masquerades in Anambra state and it is a family of four: the mother, father, police and palm wine tapper.

Nne Ijele meaning “mother of Ijele” is always the first to come out, she is a beautiful lady masquerade that holds a big ox tail with a carved enamel plate. She performs dance to flute and soft music. Ijele “Onuku” (Ijele father) has a big face and dressed in chieftaincy regalia as he follows the wife into the arena. The next to step into the arena is the Ijele police, they are usually six in number and their duty is to ensure that the people do not encroach on Ijele father and mother. To complete the group is the Ijele palm wine Tapper: it accompanies Ijele fro the sole purpose of picking its rear as it performs. Another significant personality is the Ijele fan carrier of Akupe carrier. It is not really a masquerade but it plays crucial role of leading the Ijele with its symbolic powerful fan called Akupe. Once one Ijele looses sight of the fan and its carrier, it gets lost and it signifies danger. Ijele moves when the fan carrier move and also stops when it stops.

For Ijele to start performing, his musical instrument must be set. The musical instrument includes drums, ogene Ubom, Uyo, Ekwe, flute (Oja –Ufele); the Ijele dances majestically to the royal Igba – eze: dance of the kings popularly called Akunechenyi in Anambra state.

The Ijele masquerade only performs immediately (7) cannon gunshot are released to the air alongside the sound of its royal music. The Ijele mostly perform during the dry season to mark fertility and annual bountiful harvest.

Nkwo day is the last day of the “Afiaolu” festival it is the day the chief priest, Igwe, and elders make the final prayer on behalf of the community. Sacrifices are offered to Edo to protect the children home and abroad. Women who have been commissioned to cook, prepares pounded yam and bitter leaf soup which is taken to the palace to entertain both visitors and Anedo people present at the arena. It is equally a day devoted to all the adult masquerades which are displayed at designated venues for each village. All one four communities are been represented by one masquerade suc as “Orinuli” in tolo, “Ayakozikwo”-nai” from Uruagu, Ozo –ebunu from Umudim and Ebu –Ebu from Nnewichi performs at their various centrs to round up the day’s activites. And so ends the Afiaolu traditional festival of Nnewi.