ONYINYE'S MIRROR ON LIFE

Onyinye OyedeleSunday, September 21, 2008
[email protected]
Ontario, Canada

ANNOUNCE THIS ARTICLE
TO YOUR FRIENDS

''KNOW NIGERIA'' (PART II)

arching in a parade as the flag bearer on Independence Day (Oct 1st) in Nigeria, is quite a unique experience. Students standing under the scotching hot sun, looking very smart in their neat uniforms, beautiful hairstyles, shining school shoes, and white socks. It is an honour to make the parade team after training for many months and practicing "eyes right." (A uniform action by all to salute the guest of honour who is always on the right side of the parade)


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There is always a huge applause for the school with the most distinct and precise performance. It is the tradition of students to honour this special day. It is definitely an ideal forum to remind them that they are the leaders of tomorrow. As we pause to celebrate this day once again, I would like to put the spotlight on a secondary school in another "grass root" town, located in the "Oil Rich" city of Port Harcourt, in Rivers State, Nigeria.

�.God bless Nigeria.

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Introducing� Abuloma
Abuloma
is a town located along Trans �Amadi Industry Layout in the city of Port Harcourt. This town is the location of a girls' high school�a Unity school owned by the Government. The Federal Government is strategic in locating some schools in communities and environments that allow students to focus on their education and enjoy the process of learning. The school is also a community on it's own. The Poem "Abuloma" has images and scenes captured from "boarding house" experiences. It focuses on the emotions and thoughts running through the mind of a young student. It also celebrates Education, Student Life, and friendship.

Abuloma

Girls dressed in white shirts,
Wine colored pinafores or skirts.
Running from the dinning hall to the dormitory
Dressed in sports shorts and t-shirts,
Running from the dormitory to the classroom
And then off to the games field.
Abuloma, my memories are running all over.

Sitting with my plate and cutlery
Hoping that someone does not take it and fail to return it,
Hoping that my meal portion is a good size today
Hoping that I could go home and eat something different
Hoping �just hoping that I have enough water to drink
Hoping that I don't have to run just after my meal.
Abuloma, I hope to see you again someday.

Night preps and noon preps
Exams and tests
Assignments and assessments
First three, 70% and above, last three
End of term results, awards and speeches.
Abuloma, you helped to train young minds,
You helped to sharpen dull minds
You helped to make timid ones bold
Abuloma, many are the daughters you have raised.

Friends, friends, friends
Forever found and kept because we sucked from your breast.
Precious memories of lives touched and held
Precious moments of joy and laughter
Abuloma, you are still one of my treasures.

I hope the foundation is still strong
I hope the teachers are well and happy
I hope the buildings are smooth and clean
I hope the chairs, tables, and beds are enough for all.
I see beautiful dormitory colours...
I see Jasmine, Primrose, Bluebell, Allamada and Lavendar
I see Ixora and Lily.
I smell okro soup
I smell egusi soup
Somebody please tell me I heard the dinning bell!
Yes, I don't like the rising bell!
Oh Abuloma�I laugh whenever I think of you.

� An extract from the book "Precious�A collection of Poems"

For more info visit : https://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000065737

Upcoming event: Author signing
Venue: Chapters Square One,
189 Rathburn Road, West,
Mississauga, Ontario. L5B 4C1.
Date: Thursday Oct 2nd 2008 @ 6pm

SEE: ''Know Nigeria'' (Part I)

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