CALL FOR SUBMISSION

CREATIVE CREW AFRICA is pleased to announce her CALL FOR SUBMISSION into her first issue in the OKIRIKA JOURNAL, an online quarterly journal.

All contributors are allowed to write on any topic of their choice, in their selected genres.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

1. All works must be original and properly edited.
2. A maximum of three works per person.
3. A short biography of yourself should be attached with your submission.
4. The subject line should be "OKIRIKA JOURNAL (GENRE)". For example, "OKIRIKA JOURNAL (POETRY)".

Submissions should be sent to creativecrewafrica@gmail.com

Submission begins from Monday, 19th December, 2016.

Submission deadline: Wednesday, 1st March, 2017.

Editors:

• Valentine Mbagu
• Sylvanus Omoniyi
• John Vincent Chizoba
• Ndubuisi George
• Abeiku Arhin Tsiwah
• Obi Innocent

Announcer:

Amb. Ude Ibiam Ufiem

Editor-in-Chief

9JA @ 56

As Nigeria marks her 56th Independent Anniversary today, we, Words Rhymes & Rhythm Ltd. believe there is no better way to celebrate than to buy books authored by Nigerian writers. Because our writers played a major role in winning and keeping the freedom we so celebrate.

#Buy a Nigerian Book to celebrate Nigeria @ 56 http://wrr.ng

BY:

Kukogho Iruesiri Samson

Words Rhymes and Rhythm Ltd.

9JA @ 56

Nigeria is the home of great beauties, great marvels of which I am one and you are one too. Let us count out blessings and keep celebrating our great nation.


- Dr. Ngozi Chumah Udeh(Author & Member, ANA, Anambra State)

9JA @ 56

MOTHERLAND IS 56

There came a time in the history of Nigeria when she dreamed for independence.

There came a moment in the history of Nigeria when she groaned to gain freedom from the British.

There came a season in the history of Nigeria when she desired to obtain independence from her rulers. 

The moment when she seeked her elites to stand up and fight for independence.

The season when she awaited the voice and appearance of her freedom fighters

The moment when she believed that independence was ready to answer the call of nature in her country. 

She believed in freedom and independence for her country and its occupants, and not colonisation and exploitation from the British colony.

She believed in fighting for freedom and independence than dying a coward.

She believed in her elites efforts to obtain her independence and sovereignty. 

She believed in independence and freedom which she got.

The death of her elites and freedom fighters was never in vain.

This is Nigeria at 56 and she is still a sovereign and independent country.

BY:

©Vabec

_______________________________________________________

Vabec is a Shakespearean writer and poet, whose words are curled from both the knowledge of the known and the unknown...

9JA @ 56

GIANT OF AFRICA

Ancient Mother of Africa

Daughter of Planet Earth

Fruitful Daughter of Africa with 36 children birthed from her loins

Her wisdom beyond comprehension

Yet the strive between her children above imagination

She fought like a Lion; struggling solely for the independence of her Beloved Children

Her Creator hears her cry and dries her tears in her year of Jubilee 1960

She raises Generals from among her fruits

To lead her seeds aright

From her first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

And her first Prime Minister, Sir. A. Tafawa Balewa

Even unto her first Military Head of State, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi

The unity of her children she so desired

She thus raised another Anchor Gen. Yakubu Gowon

Yet her hunger for unity not satisfied

She bred Gen. Murtala Muhammed

And enthroned Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo

"Peace!! O peace for my Seeds!"

"Who will give my Children unity?"

"Will you, Alh. Shehu Shagari?"

"Or Will You, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari?"

She clung her trust to Gen. Ibrahim Babangida

Praying yet for hope in Chief Ernest Shonekon;

Her appointed Interim President

Her hope grows weary yet her faith keeps breeding

“Oh! Gen. Sanni Abacha can I trust you?” she asked.

Wearied and drained she prays for Gen. Abdulsalaam Abubakar,

“Gen. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo can you help your blood?” She echoes!

"Ye all are one! When I strove for freedom I fought for you all!"

"Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua unite my lost ones!"

"Dr. Goodluck Ebere Jonathan, don't fail me"

She wails!!

She weeps! She mourns as she sees all her struggles,

Her escape from death almost in vain,

Yet another is on the lead

“Gen. Muhammad Buhari Will you but yet again fail me?”

I hear her cry

Piercing deep into my ears

Awake!!

Arise All!!

Let's uphold our own for we are one

Only in prayers do I have my hope.

I won't give up on mine.

I won't give up on Nigeria

#ThePrayingKnee

#IWon'tGiveUpOnMotherAfrica

#WontGiveUpOnYouGiantOfAfrica

#PrayForNigeria

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE!!

BY:

Faith Cyril

(Member, Creative Crew Africa)

_________________________________________________________

Okeke Faith Chinazam (also known with her pen name – Faith Cyril) is an undergraduate student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She is a poet, an author and all literary genres writer. She is a pillar of Creative Crew Africa.

9JA @ 56

I sent a eulogy through my ink.

For the maiden in silver and green.

But it was drowned by emotions.

The elegant woman of Africa.

As beautiful as a mammy watta.

Please hold my shivering hands.

And quench my bleeding heart.

The East sun is asleep.

The North wind clammed up.

Remote echoes of crickets produced songs of sorrow.

We have swallowed morsels of pain.

Tears flew like well of flowing grub.

I can hear the drum beat of disunity in many hearts.

My eyes cooked a salty soup for my cheeks.

Dear mother I pledge to share your pain.

And rejoice when you rejoice.

I shall travel through the imaginary world.

In search of the Alien that blinded you with philtre.

And made you gulp a cup of acid.

Oh maiden in silver and green.

In weariness you fought to shelter me.

At the old age of your life.

You produced children and fed all.

I shall walk through the aisle.

With my litany to the altar.

And I shall rejoice when your sanity is fully restored.

BY:

Okafor Christabel

(Member, Creative Crew Africa)

_____________________________________________________________

Okafor Christabel is a motivational speaker, writer, poet and a novelist. She has touched many lives with her works on social media (where she has vowed to transform many souls) reaching out for one goal: Good. She is also a pillar of Creative Crew Africa.

9JA @ 56

NAIJA MY NAIJA

(I'm Raising Your Flag Higher)

I see the horizon ahead

God's grace will lead

For my people

For my beloved Naija!

No matter how hard

For you to stand

I will hope for you.

I believe in you!

The blood that flows

In my people's veins

Is blood of agility

Not easy to be shaken!

The hurdles you are facing

All of these will make you stronger

Fight for your breathrough

God will see you through.

As you mark your 56th years

Of freedom, God bless you

Naija my Naija

I'm raising your flag higher!

#Happy Independence Day Naija#

I'm Raising your Flag Higher.

BY:

Poetess Erah Oalind, California, USA.

9JA @ 56

Independence?

Don't depend on it.

Or even sit on the fence.

Or saddle astride on its effulgence.

Just trash every rubbish in the bin.

And smash every rubbish in your being.

Let's depend on these.

To celebrate the cheese.

BY:

Ositadimma Amakeze

(Founder, YOWAMCA)

______________________________________________________

Ositadimma Amakeze is the author & founder of YOWAMCA (Young Women & Men Creative Association)

9JA @ 56

Happy Independence to an Abusive Lover.
- Chidubem Ezenwafor, Undergradute student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, (UNIZIK)

9JA @ 56

Arise!

Arise!!

Arise Nigeria!!!

Arise Oh Giant of Africa!!!

It’s a new dawn!!!

Arise and soar gracefully!!

More than yesterday’s.

I see a greater revolution coming, but nevertheless, let thy soul be at peace.

BY:

Ipere Evans Afamefuna

_______________________________________________________________

Ipere Evans Afamefuna is a Nigerian contemporary Christian singer/songwriter and a recording artist. He was born in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. His genres of music are: Urban Comtemporary Gospel, Christian hip-hop, CCM, Comtemporary Worship Music, Didactic Music, Folklores, Gospel etc. His sole mandate is reaching the world through music.

9JA @ 56

THE TOMB WHERE I LAY

I died, we all died.

In one tomb; or the other tomb.

Death remaineth the same.

I lay on my tomb without my feet, or my tummy filled.

On me are bounds, ropes of restriction and governance.

The bounds that brought me down in that I died.

They said a ghost passed by, dressed in an amour guard.

They said it is going to break the door, the wooden door with dust.

That in our tomb we may no more rust for this tomb is not a home.

BY:

Amboetry

(Founder, Creative Crew Africa)

____________________________________________________________

Ude Ibiam Ufiem (known with the pen name Amboetry) is a creative writer, essayist, memorist and poet. His works have been published online, in magazines and dailies. Founder and director of CREATIVE CREW AFRICA. His words, “Am a mad man seeking the rules of sanity in creativity”. He is also a member of ANA Anambra State Chapter.

9JA @ 56

Nigeria is well endowed in all sense of the word. The bane however, has been institutionalized falsehood and kleptomania, which is a direct consequence of odious and retrogressive ethnocentrism, mutual mistrust and hatred, and quest for self aggrandizement.

People in other climes cannot comprehend how a nation so blessed with both natural and human resources is still a sorry sight and at variance with modernity. For the fifty-six year old sickly, puerile and imploding baby, I pray for quick retrace to sensibility. Obviously, restructuring among other measures is imperative.

May God grant that the current leadership will have a little common sense to understand the times and move up on the path of restitution, reconciliation and Veritable Recovery. God bless us all. Happy celebration to all Nigerians on this occasion of her (in)dependence!!!

BY:

Uduma Osonwa (Pharm.)

_____________________________________________________________

Uduma Osonwa is a Pharmacist and Drug Formulation Scientist. He bagged M Pharm. and PHD degrees from his Alma Mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He holds teaching position as a Reader in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharm. Tech., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). He is on Us-NIH funded post doctoral research at the University of Houston, Texas, USA. He has authored over 40 scientific articles and continues to mentor students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is happily married to Jessica, and their union is blessed with children.

9JA @ 56

Golden years and six here turns your age.

Bailed from the cell of the colonist's cage.

Your birds are opened grown winds to fly.

Boundlessly, far rising for the sky.

What dare resists thou from your blessed nature?

Who stole your keys away locking your treasures?

Your farms, your oil, your intoxicating culture.

Your mines, your skills, your upcoming future?

Who derailed your foot off the memory lane?

Who explored your sugar leaving thou with the cane?

Gently seated was independence on an oscillating cushion.

For you promised to replace it with a standing ovation.

Weep! Weep! In hunger today thou celebrate.

Profusely, have you no stories worthy to relate.

Awake! Mother Nigeria, here comes your dawn.

The moon is set; shines await your rising sun.

Your children are hungry, where lies your bread?

The sun is scorching; hoping wet is your breast!

Arise! Fellow Nigerians, answer the hopeful call.

The recession solutions, the smiles of the future.

Shine all cutlasses, straighten thy cripple hoes.

Let’s sow our minds and plant schools in rows.

Filled is the baskets, lets pull out the tools.

Return to the roots, there live our ripened fruits!

#Happy birthday Nigeria#

#Happy Independence Nigerians#.

BY:

A. A. Akindeere

___________________________________________________________

A. A. Akindeere is a learning poet and creative writer. He hails from Ede, Osun state. He's yet to be published, and he anticipates his publication soon.

Email: akindeqk@gmail.com

9JA @ 56

COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

Let the leaves match palm wine beats,
To give your soul a dance,
Fit for the weariest of souls.
Come on home,

Even mountains can be conquered.

Regal lords,
Match forth on
Find home on those broken wings
Together, we all would mend.

BY:
Su'eddie Vershima Agema

_________________________________________________________

Su'eddie Vershima Agema is an editor and development worker. He was joint prize winner of the 2014 ANA prize for poetry. He blogs at http:/sueddie.wordpress.com & can be reached through eddieagema@yahoo.com

9JA @ 56

The celebration of NIGERIA's INDEPENDENCE should extend to alerting the new age about the need for PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE involved in all spheres of life in order to build a matching breed of a generation that will help to achieve the FUTURE of the – NOW NIGERIA.

Happy Independence Nigeria

BY:

El' Dani

#The African Voice, #Team RVR.

__________________________________________________________________

El' Dani (formerly known as Danny Keyxx) is an afro-versatile act! A young and raw talent that studied Accountancy in Ebonyi State University, (EBSU) of Nigeria. He hails from Enugu State in the Eastern part of the country and is currently signed to Resovive Records!

9JA @ 56

LET NIGERIA BE NIGERIA AGAIN

Let Nigeria be Nigeria again.

Let the flag demonstrate peace.

Let the coat of arm be unity.

Let it be the dream that elevates.

Let it be the love it used to be.

Uplift its masses in prosperity.

Let Nigeria be the hand that feed many.

Let it be the great eyes that watch us.

We may fall at the sight of fear that kills.

Let it be the dream that lift us up again.

Let its traditions come back to its abode.

Let Nigeria be the Nigeria that creates hope.

That takes its masses to progress and blessing.

Let it be heaven on earth for us all.

A paradise which dominate the world.

Let our anthem be the way it used to be.

Let its heritage be the way it used to be.

Like a free and wonderful journey to us.

Let us go back to where we began 1914.

Let Nigeria go back to its branches.

Let its roots stand and never be uprooted.

Let us see the lines drawn on the sky.

And cease to be afraid of the air we breathe.

Let terrorism go into extinction like before.

When we have none but hear only for others.

Let killing and shedding of innocent blood stop.

Let Nigerian be Nigeria again I pray in tears.

Let Nigeria be Nigeria again I sing alone.

Let’s go back to the farming we started with.

Let’s plant the cocoa we were known for.

Let’s eat kola nut together in a round table.

Let Nigerian tales be told as it used to be.

Let the leaders be the leaders they used to be.

I am a child of tears who have seen no progress.

Let our educational system be resurrected.

Let discrimination stop immediately!

Let bribery and corruption stop now!

Let the youths dream yet another dream.

We can move forward when we unite!

Let Nigeria be Nigeria again I pray!

Nigeria is no more the Nigeria I used to know.

As I write this in tears of the imprisoned rain.

I see suffering and pains in this country.

I see a Nigeria that seeks for itself rather than its masses.

Let it stand again I pray, hopefully.

BY:

John Chizoba Vincent

______________________________________________________________

John Chizoba Vincent is a poet, novelist, director and cinematographer. He has over seven hundred poems published online and other magazines. His poetry has appeared in Anthologies both home and abroad. He has four published books to his credit which include: Letter from Home, Hard Times, Goodmama and The Chicken Revolts. He currently lives in Lagos where he runs his activities.

9JA @ 56

Nigeria is rich enough to give her citizens regular banquets but the politicians see otherwise. Nothing worthy deserves to be named after any member of the present crop of Nigerian Politicians as such would amount to mockery.

BY:

Richard Inya

___________________________________________________________________

Richard Inya is the author of the poetry collection 'KATAKATA' (Discordant Voices), a collection of poems. Other works by him include two collections of poetry: Tears of an Old World and Colony of Rags. His books have been adopted by more than six states in Nigeria for use in their school systems.

9JA @ 56

THE BREAK OF A NEW DAWN

Mother used to say these words to me whenever we converse.

'I will protect you. I allowed you to come into being, and have a place of abode. So I can't let you wander aimlessly.'

Mother has so many burdens upon her. Though, she looks battered and troubled on the outside, she's really strong and confident. Her neighbours call her 'the Giant'.

Mother has been exploited in her Ignorance. Her children and treasures had been looted by those men who had clothes on their body, when we only had animal skin. They came by midnight, and by morning. As fast as the wind can go, they took all we had.

Mother never gave up. I remember some of her children who had fought on her behalf. Now I hear the sound of many waters as mother dances in Joy remembering how she still fights till dawn. Fighting her fears, facing her trials of faith and winning her tears by night. She has refused to die, because by prophecy, she can't die.

My motherland: Nigeria.

My home of pride.

The Great Giant of Africa.

I hail thee.

Keep striving and keep Living Long.

Happy Independence, Mother.

BY:

Jewel.

____________________________________________________________________

Oli Precious Ngozika, who goes by the pen name ‘Jewel’, is a motivational speaker, creative writer, book researcher, and novelist. Founder and Director, Women on the Frontline – an NGO bent on empowering women, for a greater society. She is a strong pillar of Creative Crew Africa.

9JA @ 56

I KNOW THAT WOMAN

Through thick and alleys,

I've sought for water to the valleys.

None can help my thirsty stream.

No! Not eve the oceanic sea.

But I know a woman!

Whose water quenched my moans.

Whose silky wear glow like the stars.

A woman with a loyalty loyal.

But I know of a woman.

She reached menopause – like 35,

– She still bears kids so bright,

Without cowardice they fight with fright.

I know that woman.

Who has the milk of life.

Who all kids cling to dine.

That's why I'm a Nigerian.

BY:

Philip Peace.

____________________________________________________________________________

Akinwale Peace (aka Philip Peace) is a creative writer, and poet. His words are to kill minds and heal minds on how your conscience pricks his reader.