DON'T SWALLOW THE PILLS OF POVERTY. HUSTLE RIGHT

Listen to me.

You see, nobody deserves  not to be rich. Did you hear me?
Nobody deserves to be treated with disrespect because of his economic status.

Hustle o my brother!
Work hard, nwanne m nwanyi.

Don't relax and swallow "everybody cannot be rich" pills.

Get up and work.

If everybody cannot be rich, then make sure you're not poor such that you cannot afford three-square meals daily.

Don't be poor that you can't afford to buy malaria drugs whenever the parasite visits.

Don't allow the poverty that will make your children to be chased out of school because of your inability to pay their school fees.

Just make sure no Landlord will bundle you out of his house because of your inability to pay house rent.

Everybody cannot be rich, but please don't be poor such that you can't afford your basic needs.

Just make up your mind not to be poor first, other steps will then follow.

Have a blissful day🍷

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© Chinenye Omogo-Igwe

APART FROM YOUR JOB, WHAT ELSE DO YOU HAVE?

I was discussing with someone weeks back and he narrated bitterly how employees suffer in the hands of their employers, especially in the private sector. 

Someone can walk up to you and insult you because he employed you. 

It seems you no longer have a right of your own once you start working for others because you will experience slavery in a perfect way😊

I perfectly understand him, I mean we all do, right?

If you don't, you have to bear this in mind that once you accept to work in another person's firm, you  should as well be ready to receive any kind of treatment - good, bad, worst... Well, you can always avoid that if your father made billions for you, so you don't have to suffer.

But once you don't have the billions, sweetheart get ready to serve, and when I mean service, I mean service without fault. And be prepared to swallow cups of insults with smiles😊

If you're unaware of the fact that your job cannot make you get to that financial height you imagined, you may not be too late. 

Sweetheart, if you depend on one thing as a source of income, what happens when the only source is cut off? 

God forbid? 

Yea, but first be realistic.

Children of these days need to understand that we are no longer in the era of "that person is my father's uncle and the other person is my mother's blood sister"

The saying, "make hay while the sun shines" is practically evident in this era. Grab the lesson & work with it.

I have said it before that no one owes you anything. Get up and do something for yourself instead of waiting for another person to do it for you.

What else have you equipped yourself with apart from your course of study?

What other source of income do you have apart from your 9-5 job?

How else do you get money apart from asking your parents?

Learn a skill. I am always here for you. Feel free to ask me questions.

To the best of you🍷

© Chinenye Omogo-Igwe

SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION... TALK TO SOMEONE

When some of us write posts encouraging one another to hold on, in this struggles of life, a certain group of people believes that those who write motivational posts are jobless people who are not ready to work but choose to encourage themselves with motivational posts.

It's so sad to see that some people commit suicide thinking it's the solution to their problems.

Let me tell you what those that kill themselves believe in before carrying out the act. They believe that when they kill themselves, then they don't have to suffer any longer. But is that truly the case?

People are going through tough times. There's no money, no job, not even true love. When someone works so hard to succeed and things are not working for him, he's not expected to be happy. This sadness if not handled can be dangerous; the victims begin to consider suicide as an option. You can never understand the pains of this set of individuals until you find yourself in their shoes. 

So, try as much as you can not to judge/make fun of the victims of this act, especially when you have never done anything to help a friend in need.

Suicide is not an option. It will never be. When one begins to consider suicide and the Spirit of God is not there to caution him (that is if he listens), neither is there anybody to talk to him, it may be too late.

Surrender to God and allow him to guide you. He will never lead you into killing yourself.

Hold on to whatever it is you believe in. But please, don't allow suicide thoughts to win.

Learn to talk to people.

Before now, I have always been a person of my own. I don't tell people my problems because of the fear of being insulted. Even up till now, you will never understand my battles until I tell you. Recently, I have discovered the importance of talking to someone about my battles. This is it. People that you talk to may not be able to help you with the materials you need at that time, but they can always talk to you. They can always encourage you. Sometimes, we discover that the battles we think we are facing is nothing to be compared with that of others. I can't remember the number of times I shared my worst fears with someone, but at the end of the day, I am the one that summarizes the discussion with motivational speech because then I realized that the person needed it more than me. Talk to someone.

Don't lock up yourself indoors while you bath yourself with hot tears. Come out and have a view. I'm sure that you will see/hear something to be grateful for.

There's always something to be grateful for but the evil one will not let you see it.

Understand that without challenges, then life is incomplete. Embrace the challenges and use it for your good.

Allow yourself to be loved. Don't be the one giving out love to a particular person all the time, and when it's not reciprocated, you start considering suicide. Allow someone to love you.

Help one another. The person you refused to help even when you can, may be the next suicide victim. Help someone overcome their battles.

Check up on your loved ones once in a while; they may be going through hell and they only need your little care to be fine. You may not be able to forgive yourself when you hear they are gone and you couldn't do anything for them.

Stay strong. Stay happy. Stay blessed.

✍Chinenye Omogo-Igwe

HOW TO MAKE CHIN-CHIN WITHOUT EGG & MILK

Hello Fam!

How's everyone doing? Have you seen my last post? If not click Here to view.

Today, I decided to share my Chin-Chin recipe to you all. Wondering if the heading is true? Yes it is!

Chin-Chin is one of the snacks made with the famous All Purpose Flour. It is loved by the kids & adults alike. Is there anyone who doesn't love Chin-Chin? Well, maybe, but whoever that is must have a very important reason. For sometime now, I have being in the business of producing special Chin-Chin for people. When I mean special, I mean highly nutritious, delicious and stinkingly rich Chin-Chin 😁. It doesn't cost a lot of money to produce high quality Chin-Chin when you're producing Chin-Chin for personal use, but when it comes to producing Chin-Chin for sale, it is quite expensive and believe me when I say that it's not everyone that want to spend so much in buying such Chin-Chin. I mean, they are people that truly love "stinkingly rich" Chin-Chin but can't afford spending much for it. For instance, a plastic takeaway plate of rich Chin-Chin is sold at the cost of N500. A lot of people are not interested in knowing the costly ingredients you used in production. What they are interested in is to have a bucket filled with Chin-Chin at the same price 😂.

So, what will you do? Will you quit the business because of this or figure out a way as a smart business man or woman?

Let's drift a bit from business and come closer to our homes. Let's say you have other ingredients at home but discovered you don't have eggs and milk and you couldn't possibly buy immediately either. You desperately need some plates of Chin-Chin to satisfy the sudden craving; or serve few unexpected guests. These things do happen, right? You can't be prepared all the time. When you find yourself in such situation, will you simply back out and forget about making Chin-Chin? No dear, I don't think that's a good idea.

Trying what seems impossible is part of life, and when you succeed, others follow your method. Have you heard about Chin-Chin made without sugar and the one made with pepper and onions? Someone figured that out and others started enjoying the recipe. My point is, you will be able to produce delicious Chin-Chin without eggs and milk. I was able to figure out my own way of producing Chin-Chin without eggs and milk to serve my clients that need a less costly package, and because I'm generous 😁, I will be sharing it with you.

Who's ready? Let's go!

Ingredients:

1. All Purpose Flour = 5cup

2. Butter = 125g

3. Sugar = ½ cup

4. Baking Powder (Optional) = ¼ teaspoon

5. Nutmeg = 1½ teaspoon

6. Milk flavour = 1 teaspoon

7. Vanilla flavour = 1 teaspoon

8. Cinnamon powder (Optional) = ½ teaspoon

9. A pinch of Salt (Optional)

10. Water

11. Vegetable Oil for frying

Other Materials Include:

* Rolling Board/Table

* Rolling Pin/Bottle

* Pastry Cutter/Knife

* Scooping Spoon & Metal Sieve

* Frying Pan

* Light Source

Notes on the Ingredients:

Flour: This is the main ingredient; call it the star of the dish, you're not wrong. This is because without it, you can't think about making Chin-Chin. You can produce Chin-chin without eggs and milk but not without flour. The amount of Flour you're using will determine the amount of other ingredients to be used.

Sugar: This is a sweetening agent. Adding more sugar is strictly your choice but I must advice that you do that we caution. Apart from its dangers to our health, excess sugar in the flour will make your Chin-Chin extremely soft, such that you won't be able to roll out. It takes a lot of strength to mix Chin-Chin Dough especially while producing in large quantity. Because of this, I'm not sure you will like your efforts to be wasted.

Salt: This is added to support the sugar and it's optional. If you must use it, add very little because you wouldn't want to end up with salty product.

Butter: For softness of the dough as well adds flavour. You my decide to increase the quantity of the Butter, a little bit; excess butter will result to oily Chin-Chin.

Baking Powder: Softens the dough and result in rise of the dough. Adding baking powder is optional because it contributes to the softness of the Chin-Chin (for lovers of soft Chin-Chin). However, excessive addition of baking powder will make you end up with Puff-Puff Dough. Chin-Chin Dough doesn't need to be too soft.

Nutmeg, Milk flavour, Vanilla flavour and Cinnamon powder: These are flavours used in making Chin-Chin and other pastries.

Nutmeg is the most important of them all, because of the unique aroma it gives to Chin-Chin.

Vanilla and Milk flavours have some elements of sugar in them, so you gotta be careful with the way you add them.

Cinnamon powder is also a flavour with several health benefits.

Water: Chin-Chin does not require a lot of water. Extreme carefulness is needed in adding water to achieve a perfect mixture. If you're not patient while mixing the dough, you may end up pouring in a lot of water and will be left with the choice of adding extra flour to recover the mixture.

Vegetable Oil: It is important you choose a good quality vegetable oil for frying your Chin-Chin, because it has a lot to do with the taste and colour of the Chin-Chin. Avoid oil that may be likely mixed with other substances. Make use of pure vegetable oil and you will have a brightly coloured and flavoured Chin-Chin as a finished product.

Procedure:

* Add the Flour in a sizable bowl

* Add the Butter & mix properly

* Add Sugar & Salt (if you're using it) and mix

* Add the Baking Powder, Flavours & Cinnamon Powder, then mix.

* Add clean water bit by bit, and mix. While mixing, observe the mixture.

When you're sure you have a smooth dough, then stop adding water. Your dough should be as in the picture below.

* Dust your rolling board or table with a little flour and do same to the rolling pin. Sometimes, you will have to skip this step when you dont have a sticky dough to cut.

* Roll out with a rolling pin and cut into desired sizes & shapes.

* Heat up the vegetable oil and carefully add the diced dough to the hot oil, using a long Scoop. Please be careful with the oil; add gently.

* Stir gently until the Chin-Chin is golden-brown

* Bring out from the oil and allow excess oil to drain out on a sieve.

* Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

Note:

A lot of people love their Chin-Chin to be dark brown. It's totally your choice but make sure you don't get our Chin-Chin burnt, biko😂.

Secondly, if you love your Chin-Chin soft, once it's golden brown as in the picture above, scoop out from the oil. The longer the Chin-Chin stay in the hot oil, the harder it will become, as in the picture below.

If you love this recipe, kindly share the link to your loved ones, and don't forget to try it out; it shows my hardwork to put down this piece is appreciated.

Stay blessed & have a blissful weekend!

INTRODUCTION TO FOOTWEAR MAKING

The art of making footwear involves making simple Pam slippers & sandals, to making shoes, sneakers & booths. It is not as easy as we usually think it is but with experience, dedication, hardwork and patience, one can perfect in this art within a short period of time.

I developed passion for making footwears recently. I have always loved to design but not anything other than focusing on my favourite computer & using any software I can lay my hands on, to design (Expect a lesson on that soon). 

My sudden desire for making footwears can be because I have always loved to do my own thing: type my own document, cook my meals, make my household products like soaps & creams, design my clothes and so on. I really don't know what to call this, but the fact is that I have seen myself turn my passions & skills into a money making venture. Yea, you heard me right.

Apart from the satisfaction & joy I derive from making use of my products, I have sold them to interested clients, over the years.

Now, back to footwear making, I love to wear slippers or at most sandals to virtually everywhere I go to. Somehow right?

Truthfully, I love the feeling of slippers and prefer it to shoes and heels. I have shoes and heels in my possession that i bought years back but they still look almost new and that's because I don't usually wear them. On the other hand, I won't be able to count the number of times I buy slippers in a year. So, with time, I developed the desire to make my own slippers, and because I desire to learn, I was able to learn a lot. I am still still in the journey of perfecting my skill in footwear making, and it has being challenging & fun. Challenging because, as we all know, nothing good comes easy, but we can always conquer with patience and hardwork; fun because there's a great joy you feel when you behold the beauty of your hardwork. Below is the first slippers I made and I have made more than enough for myself and others within a short period of time. 

Picture 1

 Hey! Let me warn you, that doesn't mean I don't get tired or discouraged but the grace of God and my determination kept me going. 

It may interest you to know that apart from the fact that I have not visited the market for the purpose of buying footwear, for some time now, I have also been making some cool cash from making footwears for others.

Another thing I have learnt in the period of making footwears is my ability to know a good material that will be long lasting. Before now, I depend on the conviction of the sellers and in most cases, I got disappointed because the footwear didn't serve as they promised it would. Even if I decide not to make a footwear and buy an already made instead, my experience has made me recognize original from fake products. Isn't that interesting? Yes, it is! 

So, if you're interested in learning this skill, you have nothing to worry about because there are a lot you stand to benefit.

Today, I will be introducing this skill to you, free of charge. Grab your favourite seat and relax and don't forget your favorite juice (😁). Let's go!

For today, I will be demonstrating with paper and at the same time, show the pictures of some materials you will be needing for this project to enable you recognize them when you want to buy.

Materials:

1. An outer sole

2. An insole (inner sole)

3. Leather/Fabric Strips

4. Gum & Brush

5. Scissors

6. Measuring tape/Ruler

7. Pencil/Pen

8. Sand paper

9. Shoe last (Optional but necessary)

Picture 2

Outer Sole:

You can find an already constructed outer sole of different sizes in any footwear material shop. You can also buy an unconstructed sole, in the form of Nora (Outer Nora) and construct yours. This can be achieved by measuring/tracing your foot on paper, placing the paper on Nora and cutting it out.

If you're a beginner, I advise you buy an already constructed sole of your size; you may decide to construct yours as you perfect in the art of shoemaking.

Picture 3

Insole:

You can't run away from constructing an insole because your ability to achieve a well constructed insole determines how beautiful your finished product will look. 

Insoles are constructed with either of the following:

a. Inside Nora

b. Combination of Cardboard, Maco and Leather

Insoles are achieved by placing the outer sole on any of the above mentioned materials and tracing round, after which it is cut out.

Picture 4

Picture 5

If you're using the second option, then you add enough gum on the Maco and Cardboard to make it one, making sure that the Cardboard is facing downwards while the Maco is facing upwards. A leather is used to wrap both materials and that gives you the insole as in the Picture 3 above. (We will discuss this in detail in our next class)

The next thing we need is a covering/strip that will hold our feet to the footwear. You can use any pattern of your choice to achieve this either by cutting out small, medium or large leather/fabric strips or by using ropes. We can achieve this by making a sketch on paper, then place on leather or fabric and cut out.

To get strips that can fit your feet, place a measuring tape at both sides of your foot, adding about extra 2inches before cutting.  My feet measured 5½inches, I added extra 2inches to make it 7½inches.

Picture 6

If the covering will exceed top part of your foot and move downwards to the ankle or heel area, then you have to measure the downward part because the tape measurement will increase. Mine measures 11½inches, plus the extra inches for folding under the inner sole.

Make a mark on the extra inches that will be going under the insole and add enough gum/glue to it, using your brush to spread the gum evenly.

Picture 7

Make a corresponding mark on the back of the insole and add gum to it, while you allow it to dry. Then perfectly glue them together but you don't just place your covering (strips) anywhere; start placing them 5cm away from the tip of the foot.

Next is to fix the outer sole to the insole. Use your brush to apply gum on both sides of the soles. Allow to dry. For more effective result, heat it up on a burning flame or allow to stay in the sun, before putting them together. And your simple footwear is ready!

Picture 8

Picture 9

I will be expecting your questions and will be happy to see someone attempt this project and post pictures here.

Feel free to follow us on our Facebook Page Here.

Finally, if you find this article helpful, kindly encourage us by dropping a comment  and we will be glad to do more.

Cheers!

POWERFUL REFLECTION ABOUT GOD'S LOVE: YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO MISS THIS

Hello Lovers!
I think you all need to read this powerful reflection about God's love, mercy and patience. So, I am sharing the link with you all:

Love them really?

Enjoy🍷

PRE-MARITAL PREGNANCY & ITS HARMFUL EFFECTS

Pre-marital pregnancy is an illegal act of getting pregnant before marriage. This comes into play when two individuals who are not married engage in premarital sex. This act has caused a lot of harm to our society, ranging from resultant population increase, high spread of STDs, high rate of abortion activities, etc.

I was made to believe as I was growing up that it is wrong for a young girl to give birth in her father’s house, but this very act is rarely seen as a bad thing in our present day generation. I have also observed that this act is more predominant in the rural areas. You can imagine when a young girl who still in Primary School or JSS gets pregnant. When this happens, most parents see this as a shameful act and a taint to their image and family names. They may send the girl to the house of whoever that got her pregnant. The victim may even be disowned by her parents, and the beautiful plans the parents have for such young girl would be terminated as they might be tempted to stop schooling or furthering their education even after putting to birth.

 This act gives me a lot of concern because our youths are no longer conscious of the effects of sex before marriage. When I was a child, any lady that makes such mistake hides herself from the public until she delivers the baby and even thereafter, there is a sense of guilt she feels for disappointing her family. But now, people parade with pregnancies of a man that is not their husbands. Sometimes, I imagine how things changed this fast. In some areas, if you are yet to get pregnant, it seems you are a failure, or rather, you are not among. I have been to a part of the country where I saw young girls that one will even be afraid if they will be able to carry pregnancy, deliver two children and even carrying another one. I know of one woman with four kids who has no husband. She takes care of them. I learnt that it’s an achievement for a young lady in that place to have at least a child she calls her own. I also observed most of them end up not getting married. Their major concern is to have a man who is willing to provide their needs and of course, who they will be satisfying sexually and vice versa.
Where I come from, this act is on the increase as each day passes by; and that is why I have decided to bare my mind on the consequences of it.

Even though premarital pregnancy is wrong, the purpose of this write-up is not basically, to condemn the act in such a way a victim would feel that there’s no hope for her. I am rather writing to tell the world that even though you made a singular mistake, it is still not the end of the world. I called it singular mistake because, someone that has up to three or four children in her father’s house will not say it’s still a mistake. No. it is a calculated attempt. A “pluralized mistake” is no longer a mistake but an act you performed knowingly. Whatever the case may be, whether the mistake is once, twice, or more, it is still not the end of the world.

Dear young lady, because you gave birth while in your father’s house is not an excuse to settle for a man that is old enough to be your grandfather. Forget the second-hand talks. You are still young, brilliant, with a bright future ahead of you. Don’t tell me your reason for dropping out of school is because of the mistake you made, because if you do, I will have no option than to give you a double blame. Hold on. I will tell you what to do, in case you claim you don’t know. Try and deliver that baby in good health. Ask God to forgive you for disappointing Him and your family. Ask Him to take the guilt away from you. Determine to change from your old ways and in case you are finding it difficult, do not worry for God will help change you, if you let Him. Ask for the forgiveness of your parents. They love you and I’m sure God will touch their hearts to forgive you and take you back again. Assure them you won’t disappoint them again. Tell them you want to further your education. My dear, continue with your studies. Try and develop yourself and trust God, your prince charming will come at the right time.
Our problem is that we think that because we made a mistake, we can settle for the less. No matter what happens in your life, aim for the best and nothing but the best.

Pre-marital pregnancy has caused a lot of harm in our society. I have seen two individuals that cannot even feed themselves drop out of school and forced to build a family they are not prepared for. Listen again; that you got someone pregnant should not be the major reason for going into marriage with that person because many people have met their doom as a result. Don’t get me wrong. Hear me out first. We all have our dream partners. As a lady, you have always had the picture of the kind of man you want to have as a husband in mind. The same is applicable to the men. And then, because of your lifestyle, you probably had a one night stand with this lady. Your reason for the act was probably to satisfy your immediate emotional need. Then one thing led to the other, and she became pregnant. Subsequently, you discovered that you don’t really love this lady and she’s not your dream woman. You guys are simply incompatible, but because she’s pregnant with your child, you have to get married to her.
My dear, I think this method of getting married is totally wrong. Do you think there will be peace and joy in such marriage? Are you ready to keep blaming yourself for the wrong choice you made, for the rest of your life? Think about it.
In my opinion, I feel it will be better the man takes responsibility of the pregnancy by providing for the woman and makes sure she lacks nothing, at least, till she delivers. He should also be ready to take care of the child as he continues to grow. That’s his punishment for the act. But then, two of them can live their separate lives. If they must get married, it should be for the right reason. They must be sure they want to go into marriage together, prepared and not because an event forced them to (and this should be done when they are of marriage age). That way, they can spare themselves of the future stress and harm.
 I know of someone who jumps from one relationship to another. Not that he’s not of marriage age, but behaviorally, he wasn’t ready for marriage. He wanted to enjoy the excitement of his youthful age. He met another lady and mistakenly got her pregnant few months after they met. Then they had to plan an unexpected wedding. They eventually got married so that the world will not notice the pregnancy. The announcement was made to the whole world that he’s officially married to the queen of his heart. But he’s not happy in that marriage. If only he could have his way, he would have divorced her within few months of marriage, but looking around, he has a child with the woman and he can’t simply abandon him. He is bitter and unfulfilled.
 The above example is what going into marriage unprepared can cause someone. But the friend I told you of, will have to put his buttocks at a place and work on his marriage. He has to try and make it work because both have been joined at the Altar of God.

Dear lady, you are beautiful, strong and intelligent. You are the best and looking around me, I can’t see anyone like you. Don’t let anybody tell you that you don’t deserve the best. Don’t mess yourself the more after the first mess. Rise up! Clean up!! Look yourself in the mirror and be convinced of the beauty you see. Then go and take what rightfully belongs to you. You are more than what the devil said you are. Remember he’s a liar and won’t rest until he destroys you. Destruction is his identity. Believe what God says you are and always hide in his loving and comforting arms. Take up the challenge and make the world proud again. You are a light that needs to shine out to enable the world see. You are unique! You are the best!! God bless you!!!

© IGWE CHINENYE MARY, 2019

HEALTHY DELICIOUS VEGGIE SAUCE (Easy & Fast)

Hello Guys😍

Happy New Year! It's been awhile I posted. I hope your Christmas-New Year celebration was fun?

Today, I decided to share a very easy sauce you can enjoy with your rice or yam and you can as well eat it alone if you want to.
If you're tired of tomato stew and thinking of a healthy substitute, then this post is for you. If you're on vegetable diet, this is perfect for you.
This sauce is so delicious and you wouldn't want to miss it for anything in the world😉. I will try not to overestimate this yummy delicacy, but you can try and find out yourself
So, let's get started!

Ingredients:

• Sliced Pumpkin leaves (Ügü) 
• Sliced Scent leaves 
• Sliced Cabbage 
• Fresh Tomatoes (Cut in cubes) 
• Sliced Fresh Peppers 
• Grounded Dried Pepper 
• Sliced Onions 
• Dry Fish 
• Fresh Fish 
• Seasoning Cubes 
• Vegetable Oil 
• Curry & Thyme (Spices)
• Salt
• Water

Procedure:
Start by washing the dry fish very well with salt and clean water. Put the dry fish in a pot, add a little water, some seasoning cubes, salt, spices and dry pepper. Allow to cook till soft.

Heat some oil in a pot and add your onions. Allow to saute for few seconds and then add the tomatoes & peppers. Don't over-fry. 2-3 minutes is okay.
(You can decide to skip frying at all and the sauce will still be perfect).
Add the seasoning cubes, spices and cooked dried fish and it's broth.

Wash the fresh fish with salt and water and add to the mixture. Allow to cook.

(If you're not frying, you can add your tomatoes and all that was fried above to the fish and allow to cook. If not, follow the former process).

Taste for salt and seasonings and adjust where necessary.

When the fish is perfectly cooked, add the veggies: Ügü leaves, scent leaves and cabbage. Stir very well to combine. Feel free to add extra veggies if you have that at your disposal.

Allow to cook for a minute and turn off the heat.
And there you go! Your yummilicious veggie sauce.
Please, don't chop off your tongue😋

Enjoy🍷

ON THE ISSUE OF ROADS IN EBONYI STATE: THEN & NOW!

The feeling I had while plying through Ngbo-Effium express-way eh😳🙆‍♀ (especially from Ngbo Court to Ndiegu Odeh).
The last time I passed through that road was sometime in 2014. The road was so... Well, not that bad (compared to most Ngbo roads), but it is heavenly now😎
I had the same feeling while passing through Presco Junction last weekend. Not like I don't pass there often; maybe  the thought of how dust seriously dealt with us along that road, few years back made the whole feeling sweet.
Right inside the bus I prayed that other Ngbo roads be remembered, especially Otinyi road😄. The thought of how dust used me to prepare "ökwö-nri" along Umuogudu Osha road, few years back, makes me really sick. The thought of visiting places within Ngbo communities this period, makes me scared.

But something so strong told me to be patient. That we will be remembered soon. For a moment, I paused. I remembered that some years back, a lot of us suffered the effects of bad roads in many parts of this state. I remembered that during dry season, dust gives us a natural make-up not just on the face but on our pretty dresses.
"Ihe di mma di mma", I said to myself.

Now, this is not a political speech/article. This is me being sincere to admit that Yes, our today is better than yesterday. Our problem not just in this country, but as humans is that we tend to see only the bad sides of a person without considering the good sides. Since I was born, I am yet to see any government that doesn't have an opposition. Sometimes, the same people that sang their praises, still criticizes them. Take it from me, I have no problem with criticism so far it is not character defamatory.
Here in Nigeria, we blame the government for everything, even when your father married many wives & couldn't train you or your siblings in school. I tire🙆‍♀.
Our government has disappointed us severally, agreed. But we still need to encourage them in the few good works they do.
I shared a post this morning on my timeline. I think the guy wants Ebonyi State Government to perform a magic. Bros, this is not Camelot and we don't have people like Merlin here. Thank you sir🙏

Meanwhile, I am really hoping that more roads be remembered by the present administration, starting with the Otinyi road😄. Eziokwu m, any day I see that road under construction eh, the whole world will hear about it; trust me.
Sirs/Mas, make una remember us, biko🙏🏼

I didn't know this "short" piece will be this long. Thank you for your patience.

PS: Biko if you are close to Ebonyi State GH, talk to them on our behalf🙏🏼
Feel free to Share this article, please.

LOCAL DISH: HOW TO MAKE WATER-YAM BALLS (AKARA MBALA)

Water-Yam Balls is one meal that I will advice anyone to try. It is very easy to prepare and super-delicious. This meal is made from grated Water-Yam with the addition of very common ingredients.
Where I come from, akara mbala is one of our local delicacies prepared by every home and sold in various local markets. Even though it's a local dish made with the commonest ingredients, one can decide to spice up the dish by adding additional ingredients that he likes.

For this recipe we will need:
- 2-3 inches of Water-Yam
- Sliced Onions
- Pepper (Grounded Dry Pepper, Red Bell Pepper or Green Bell pepper.
- Salt
- Vegetables (Optional)

Procedure:

• Carefully peel the Water-Yam and wash thoroughly. Cut into big sized cubes.
• Use a clean grater to grate the Water-Yam. Your grated Water-Yam should be like in the picture below.

• When you're done grating, add the sliced Onions (The secret to the taste of akara mbala is enough onions, so feel to add as much as you want. Don't tell another person, please😉) 
• Add the pepper  (You can  choose to add the 3 peppers listed above to add colour & more taste to the meal) 
• Add Salt to taste. 
• If you're using vegetables, add it after adequate washing & slicing.
• Mix together with a strong cooking spoon or with clean hands. I usually taste the mixture for salt by touching the tip of my tongue with one of my fingers.
• Add enough vegetable oil in a dry frying pan and heat up for about 7-10 seconds or until you're sure the oil is heated up enough. 
  
• Add a little amount of Fresh Palm Oil.
• With your hand, immediately take the mixture little by little and add to the pan.
  
• Allow to fry for about 1minute, then flip the balls over so that the other side can as well fry.
  
• You will notice the balls turn from the former semi-solid form to a thicker form like in the picture below.
• Scoop out from the oil and place in the sieve to drain excess oil.

And our super-delicious Water-Yam Balls is ready🍨
Serve with any drink of your choice🍷

Your comments encourage us. If this recipe is of help to you, kindly appreciate us via the comment section.
Share a picture of your meal with us; we will be ever glad to enjoy it with you😉
Ask questions; we are not far away to attend to you.
Make your suggestions; we are open to learning new things.
Lastly, if you need Fresh Ebonyi Palm Oil, kindly let us know and it will be delivered to you before you know it.

Cheers to a better life🍷

ABOUT THE EBONYI GUY CAUGHT WITH HUMAN PARTS IN ANAMBRA STATE😰: A SHORT MESSAGE TO THE WORLD.

I am not here to lay curses on him because I'm sure by now, he has received enough of it. I am here to talk to us, who may be nursing the intention of following same part.

Engr. J said something the day we were coming back from an event held in one of the eastern part of Nigeria and with the recent development, what he said is beginning to make a lot of sense to me: Ögwü ego (money ritual) does not favour an Abakaliki man. The soil of Abakaliki is totally against it and there's always a huge consequences.

A typical Abakaliki man is known for hardwork. 

An Abakaliki man works very hard to take care of his family. An Abakaliki man cares so much about human lives as well as pays so much respect for the dead. 

Recently, a lot of evil acts is taking place in our communities. This also reminds me of what one of the Ngbo Princes said last week: Before now, an Ngbo man cannot shed the blood of an Izhiangbo man or that of an Izzi man and vice versa, but these days, our youths shed the blood of their brothers on daily basis & this is one the reasons why youths die increasingly. In his words, "ö bürü le iphe i metaru e gbudu ghu, ke onye özö metara e gbuo ghu", which means, "if you don't die as a result of what you did, then what another person did can as well kill you." 

I and a list of others does not support killing of any sort. Things are difficult, yes we know that. But that does not justify killing a fellow man to make things easy for yourself. Kpö ihe öjö ihe öjö!

Brothers, when such evil comes to your mind, resist it and command it to flee.

Pull yourself away from friends that will convince you to commit any form of crime.

We shout with a loud voice NJHÖ JEKWA EZHI O!

Njhö jekwa ezhi!!

Njhö jekwa ezhi!!!

We refuse to associate with evil; It's unfavorable to us.

And whether we accept it or not, nothing pays like hardwork.

People of the world, embrace God!

Nigeria, embrace God!!

Ebonyi State, embrace God!!!

Ö ga-adiri anyi na mma. It is well with us.

Peace!

Written By Chinenye Omogo-Igwe

✍ 17/11/18

THERE IS A GOD WHO LOVES US

So, about 2 weeks back, I dedicated my social media wall to God in 7 days thanksgiving for His numerous deeds. That means I had to try & control myself and not make any other post apart from the thanksgiving post.

The first day I attached my picture to the writeup, most of my friends ignored the intention & focused on how my hip has increased. How we attach pictures in a post to get attention & people ignore the writeup & focus on the pictures instead! I decided not to reply any of the comments because I needed my intention to be clear.

I expected fellow believers to join in the thanksgiving but only few people joined.

Brethren, God is not meant to be ignored. He deserves our attention. Not like our attention adds anything to His name, but any form of relationship where one of the partners remembers the other only when he needs something from him, then there's something so wrong with that relationship. We should be able to relate well with our Maker even when we are not asking Him for any favour. Even though His mercies abound, but He still deserves our devotion because He's our God.

I pray God performs a miracle in your life that will make you know that truly He is God.

I am a testimony.

There are times that when I start to talk about the deeds of God, I just couldn't control my emotions. Till tomorrow, I am still shocked on how some group of people say there's no God.

In my life & in my family, there's a God who refused to let us go even when we are unfaithful to Him. There's a God who's not ashamed to have anything to do with us even in our worst state.

There's a God who's always at the forefront to fight the battles we are not aware of, only for Him to come back with victory & place it in our palms. There's a God who refused to fail even when the world continuously fail us. There's a God who loves us so much that He died & rose for us.

There's a God who called us by the name, Victory.

And if you choose to ignore this God or fight Him or deny His existence, I really don't know what to say to you, beloved but I pray you experience Him one day & tell the world the kind of Being He is.

My King Reigns🙌

Blessings🍷

SLAY WITH YOUR LITTLE CHANGE - A Short Message to Every Lady Out There.

If you call yourself a slay queen but you still depend on a man to satisfy your little need, then I think the 's' in the 'slay' should be removed; feel free to call yourself the remainder.

My dear Lady,

Once in a while,

Have a very good bath,

Put on your makeup,

Wear your best dress,

Then carry yourself like a queen & enter an executive Keke.

When you get to your favorite eatery, order anything of your choice, eat, pay & carry yourself back home. You can never know the feeling until you try.

So that next time, when one "yeye" "chewing gum" dude starts to make mouth on how he bought one plate of something & one bottle of something for you, tell yourself, "oh baby, I'm bigger than this." For in this act lies the beauty of a slay queen.

Slay on top of your little change.

In summary, take care of yourself in your own little way & be proud of it. Don't let anyone insult you for what you're sure you're bigger than. Keep your head high. You are a Queen. Behave like one.

Cheers🍷

BIGGER LYRICS

Never seen this kind of God before

Awesome God you are in all your ways
Undisputed no one can contest

Your love it gives me comfort deep within
Demons flee they tremble at your name
Every knee must bow and tongue confess
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is your name
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is your name

You're greater
You're stronger
You're higher than any other

You're bigger than what people say
Bigger than what people say

Who is greater than the Lord most high
I've searched and searched and yet we cannot find
Defender, Protector, My Rock, My Shield and Strength.
Lover of my soul and Peace within
Demons flee they tremble at your name
Every knee must bow and tongue confess
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is your name
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is your name

You're greater
You're Stronger
You're higher than any other

You're Bigger than what people say
Bigger than what people say

You're greater
You're stronger
You're higher
Bigger than what people say
Bigger than
what people say ohhh!!! Bigger than what people say

SONG BY TIM GODFREY
Click Here to Watch the Amazing Video

HOW TO PREPARE DELICIOUS YAM-PLANTAIN-BEANS COMBO🍷

As we are growing up, I remember mum prepares yam-banana combination as a special delicacy. It is so special because it's one of those foods we don't get to eat often. I mean, like the way we are used to rice or Eba. The method of preparation is the same; the only difference is that I used plantain instead & I added beans to my recipe.
This is a very yummy meal you can't afford to miss for anything in the world😄😉, trust me.

Before we continue, it is important you know the benefits of the major ingredients (Yam, Plantain & Beans) so that you will be fully aware of what you're about to enjoy😄😋

Yam as we all know is an energy giving food by virtue of its high Carbohydrate content. Apart from being a good source of energy, yam is said to contain Vitamins like Vit. A, B-complex & C which help to perform functions like improvement of our vision, reduces inflammation, helps in body building, skin smoothening, enabling the immune system to function perfectly, aids in wound healing, etc.

Plantain is known to be a good source of energy. It contains a high amount of dietary fibre which helps ensure healthy bowels and reduces constipation.  It also contains several vitamins & minerals.

Beans has a lot of health benefits which include but not limited to:
providing the body with soluble fiber, which plays an important role in controlling blood cholesterol levels;  contains a wide range of cancer-fighting plant chemicals, the consumer has a lower risk of heart disease and the seeds are fully packed with protein.

You can use any type of beans. I used the black eyed beans for this recipe.

Below are the list of ingredients I used for this recipe:

• 3inches of yam
• 1 small sized unripe plantain
• 2 small sized ripe plantain
• 1 cup of Beans
• Ebonyi Palm Oil (or any palm oil of your choice)
• 1 Onion bulb
• 5 pieces of green beans (optional)
• 2 seasoning cubes
• Grounded fresh pepper
• Salt (To taste)

Procedure:

• Parboil your beans, then cook until it's very soft (I like my beans very soft).
• Peel the yam & cut into cubes.
• Add about 1 teaspoon of salt, add water, then cook until it's almost done. 
• Wash the plantains and add to the almost cooked yam & cook till it's very soft (you can see them about to tear apart from the skin). 
• Remove the plantain from the water, allow to cool down so you can be able to touch it with your hands. 
• Remove the peels, then cut into desired sizes/shapes & set aside. Otherwise, leave it & mash together with the cooked yam, afterwards.
• Pour the cooked yam in a sieve to drain excess water. Use your wooden spoon to mash it. Please don't make it look like pounded yam. Don't mash completely. We need to have small pieces of yam in them.
• Add the palm oil (you don't need to overheat it. 3 seconds is okay) & sliced onions. 
• Add the pepper, salt & seasoning cubes & turn with a wooden spoon.
• Add the plantain, mashed yam & beans.
• Mix very well with the wooden spoon.
• Taste to see if you're good or if you still need to add other things.

And our yummilicious😋 yam-plantain-beans meal is ready. Yeaaaaaaa💃👯

Please Note: If you want, you can scoop out some of the fried oil & onions (I added 5 pieces of green beans) for a light garnishing.
Enjoy🍷

Please feel free to ask questions.

If you are interested in enjoying Ebonyi Palm Oil like I do😋😁, drop a message Here

Thank you!