Jayne Nelson-Uzuegbu
Jayne was born in the northern state of Kano in Nigeria where she completed her primary and secondary education. She graduated from Igbinedion university with a degree in law. She is an aspiring writer and a lover of pasta and poetry. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
SHE IS THE WINNER OF THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ ONLINE POETRY COMPETITION 2021
THE DAY OF RAIN
By Livy-Elcon Emereonye
Early. It’s bright and early
That none can rightly guess the offer
But like the transience of things
The weather a new form, look take
And everywhere’s cloudy!
Cloudy. It’s indeed cloudy
When heaven’s begging for answer
Cloudy indeed it’s that serenity’s the answer
Then comes a cure for somnolence –
And heavy sleepers’re not left out!
There’s rest for the workaholics for some minutes
As ponderability over the magnitude sedates
Cool. It’s cool and darker as early sun’s aborted
Then in its drizzly manner, there’s visitor without a knock –
The rain started, raining cats and dogs.
Cat and dog run for cover, humans lie with much cover
May be to take a nap or even to steal rest
But for truant it’s enough excuse for addiction
Or how inconsiderate can the boss be to ask why?
Yet there’re more whys than anticipated!
There’s the why for occurrence of repeated morning rain
And the why of the ceaseless distortion,
disturbances it brings about!
Like a frivolous wave, laughter on many employees’ faces exists
And this can easily be explained, as the employers will but count
losses – As the workforce at home stay to rest!
And like the wind that goes where it chooses,
the ceaseless drops of water form mighty erosion.
Erosion here and there leaves many uncomfortable, homeless:
The continuation of the rain brings more continuum of pain
Those with leaking roofs have everything dampened and soaked
While inhabitants of swampy area move but with boats!
Like thieves that come to steal and destroy
The rain takes more hours than anticipated
That sleepers after the rest wake up to meet the peak:
After seven hours of heavy downpour, there’s a change of gear
That one can on top most voice shout without a notice
Leaving only but frustration –
This complex’s worsened by the criss-cross movement of worms
That protest in search of something to eat!
The eyes after swelling swell again…
This time not by sleep but hunger
The hunger that suffocates even hope’s all that’s left
As soup’s soured and stove watered
Yet there’s no way to get out of the room
where discomfort’s sole partner.
The boss whose duplex’s filled with foodstuff
experiences no pain at all
But the workforce suffers…
As things get out of hand,
he that laughed first also cried first –
When you think you’re cheating others,
You may actually be punishing yourself.
So make no caricature and
Burn not your emotions in trashcan!
ONE SMALL STEP
At some point, place or time
When doors are slammed in your face
When your lover has taken you apart
And turned you into a thousand piece puzzle
Let your tears make a puddle
But keep moving
When the sun violently blinds
When its heat mercilessly drains
When there is no relief in sight
Let your sweat run to the ground
But keep trekking
When you till and thistles grow
when progress seems far flung
And the thorn filled field your only road
When broken glass is laid out for you
Let your blood leave a trail
But keep marching
When fire is set to your dreams
Intending to run you aground
When the smoke rises from your skin
Leaving you hot and pale
Let your body shed the ashes
But keep walking
May you reap tenfold from the earth
May the fire refine you
May the sun light your path
And as it sets
Let the fiery promise
Of the auburn sun
Wrap its warm arms around you
Fill you with hope and longing
For the better days ahead
Jayne Nelson-Uzuegbu
Jayne was born in the northern state of Kano in Nigeria where she completed her primary and secondary education. She graduated from Igbinedion university with a degree in law. She is an aspiring writer and a lover of pasta and poetry. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
Anna Mbachu originates from Mbachu Family (Umuduruebo) Okwelle in Imo State. She is married to Dozie Ogbuebile of Irete in Owerri West LGA of Imo State. Councillor Anna Mbachu was first elected into office in May 2006 representing Grove Green Ward in London Borough of Waltham Forest in United Kingdom. She represents a new style of Black leaders that are diplomatic, methodical with a can do attitude, which has set her apart from the rest. These qualities have earned her a place in history as the first black elected female branch chair of the Labour Party, the first black female Mayor of London Borough of Waltham Forest, first female Mayor of Igbo descent in London, and also the first black elected member of the Cabinet and leadership team. In addition, Councillor Mbachu is a Senior Practicing Clinician/Manager with the National Health Service (NHS) Trust, the Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Group, Chair of the Boroughs’ Housing Scrutiny. She is also the Chair of Association of British Nigeria Councilors and President of Imo State Daughters Association amongst other organisations too many to mention.
Councillor Mbachu has been listed among other female world leaders and legislators as a role model. In recognition of these, the Nigeria High Commission during the 54th Independence Day celebration which took place on the 4th of October 2014, for the first time in its history, recognised 26 Nigerians from all works of life with an award, to which Cllr. Mbachu was one of the recipients.
She supports a number of charities both locally and internationally. The Councilors is also a recipient of numerous awards and accolades from around the globe. She is married with children one of whom as a teenager became the youngest Councillor in United Kingdom, whilst still pursuing a medical degree.
Anna Mbachu-Ogbuebile
Brand new female only open mic, “Bard of Bradford” first of it’s kind. Led by Bradford’s poet Sheena Hussain. The very first open mic saw renowned poet Shamim Azad join females via zoom for a very powerful evening of story telling through poetry. All females are welcome to be part of a unique open mic, in a safe supportive environment. Young girls must be accompanied by a female parent/guardian. Bard of Bradford is going face to face in accordance with government guidelines and is going from Zoom to the City Centre of Bradford. Remember last Wednesday of every month
To book a slot or any enquiries for the open mic please email sheena4076@live.com or call 07935177562.
WATCH THIS SPACE as Getrude Matshe-Kanicki will be a guest on THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW. Getrude is orginally from Zimbabwe. She is based in New Zealand.
She is an Inspirational Speaker, Published Author and inspirational African community ambassador.
Our show is all about promoting the true life and success stories of African and Caribbean achievers around the world.
IF THERE IS A PRODUCT OR INIATIATIVE YOU WISH TO PROMOTE, CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005
TAKE 2 SECS TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/user/etekatoks
Getrude Matshe-Kanicki
Getrude Matshe-Kanicki is an inspirational speaker who has been described as a vibrant bundle of African energy whose zest and passion for life inspires everyone she meets. She is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and find their individual life purpose. She is passionate about individuals’ success. This makes her an energetic, inspirational and enlightening speaker. Getrude has written several books and is launching her new book “Ubuntu Leadership” in 2020.
About Getrude Matshe-Kanicki
Her speaking career started in Norway 1989 and for 12 years she has worked in the IT industry as a Systems Analyst, Systems Support Manager and Project Manager. Getrude immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 with nothing and founded four successful companies.
Vanessa Boateng is General Secretary and Trustee responsible for the general organisation of the LCA and community engagement.
Her role is to oversee the day to day activities within the organisation and act as a representative of the LCA at events, meetings and activities within and outside the city region in collaboration with other trustees portfolios.
She’s an accomplished Data Analyst, Philanthropist and Policy maker.
In 2018 she was invited by HM the Queen to a reception at Buckingham Palace in recognition of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the UK’s Commonwealth diaspora communities.
She’s a member of the Knowsley Metropolitan Borough’s children’s scrutiny committee.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is the founder of New Era Initiative a charity based in Liverpool, CEO of Creations by Viva an event management company, director of UNOF Environmental solutions Limited and director of Omega Recruitment Services Limited.
Directory of Eminent NDIGBO 2021/2022 Edition: Historical and biographical compendium:* A call for Nomination & Inclusion. Contact Heritage Media Network International *(advert@africanheritagemagazine.de)
Ngozi Okwuosa is an early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with different kindergarten groups, including integrative groups for children with special needs, with an emphasis on second language acquisition and art.
She’s also the founder of Rainbow Stars Media, a platform dedicated to the production of high quality children friendly content.
Ngozi is a german-nigerian who feels perfectly at home in both cultures.
In her free time she loves to hang out with friends or make artistic cakes.
She lives in the beautiful city of Frankfurt in germany with her daughter Leona.
Kenyan scholar, Prof Washington Yotto Ochieng, the man who solved the London transport crisis, has been promoted to serve as a faculty head at United Kingdom’s Imperial College.
Kenyan High Commissioner to UK Manoah Esipisu made the announcement on the evening of Saturday, May 15, that Yotto had been appointed the Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the world-famous college.
Prior to the promotion, the professor served as the Head of the Centre for Transport Studies at the same university.
“A very warm congratulations to Kenyan Prof Washington Yotto Ochieng, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, on being appointed Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the famous Imperial College,” stated Esipisu.
Yotto is credited with solving the London transport crisis through his research interests in the design of positioning and navigation systems for land, sea and air applications; Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
SOURCES – KENYANS.CO.KE
