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HER STORY—SWEET SIXTEEN PART 1— A SIGN OF THE TIMES— MEANINGFUL QUOTES ABOUT EDUCATION—RELATIONSHIP TIPS—LAUGH A LITTLE. UNFINISHED BUSINESS— AKI WEDS QUIETLY IN LAGOS—UGIE EWERE (BLESSING CEREMONY)—Airhiavbere Gives Oshiomhole “Red Card”.

INSIDE STORY

A-cube Exclusive is all about fashion, life and style.

Bi-Monthly-N° 006 January, 2012.

Europe € 5.00– U.K. £ 3.50– U.S.A $ 7.50– Nigeria ₦ 1000.

Beauty of Igue Festival In Benin Kingdom.

A GENERAL AFTER OSHIOMHOLE’S JOB.

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP)@75.

Fuel Subsidy: Beyond GEJ.

WORST & WACKIEST CELEBRITY FASHIONS

FROM

2011.

MAXI DRESS, 2012 FASHION TREND.

7OTH

BIRTH D AY

A NNI VER SARY

CELEBRATION OF CHIEF MOSES NORENSE OZIGBO-ESERE. (JP) THE OSUMA OF BENIN KINGDOM,AND PRESENTATION OF HIS BOOK TITLED, “HISTORY OF BENIN ANCIENT AND MODERN”/

AN

EDUCATIONAL

ENDOWMENT FUND LAUNCHING.

Gladys Wed Fred In A Grand Style.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram Is Not The Problem.

ISSN 7109-2420

Count

Down

To

2012

Election In Edo-State.

Gubernatorial

Comrade Adams

Aliyu Oshiomhole Achievement In Areas Of Education And Road Construction In The

9 777109 242006

2 0 1 2 6>

Past Three Years.

The Beauty Of Igue Festival In Benin

Chief Norense Moses Ozigbo-Esere. JP

Osuma Of Benin Kingdom.

OMO N’OBA N’EDO UKU AKPOLOKPOLO

Chief John Osamede Adun.

OMO N’OBA EREDIAUWA CFR. Ayobahan Of Benin Kingdom.

OBA OF BENIN.

ISE LO GBE! ISE LO GBE!!

Chief Sam Igbe MON Iyase Of Benin Kingdom.

Chief Eduwu Ekhator Obasogie JP. Obasogie Of Benin Kingdom.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 02 2

Chief Nosakhare Isekhure JP Isekhure Of Benin Kingdom.

Compiled by Aguebor Osaze Michael.

Revealingly, Nigeria State Security Services issued a statement on November 30th, identifying members of four ” criminal syndicates” that send threatening text messages in the name of Boko Haram.

Southern Nigeria - not northern Muslims - ran three of these four syndicates including the one that led the American Embassy and other foreign missions to issue warnings that emptied Abuja’s highend hotels. And last week, the security services arrested a Christian Government and newspapers around the world attributed the horrific southerner wearing northern Muslim garb as he sets fire to a church Christmas Day bombings of churches in Nigeria to “Boko Haram” - a shadowy in the Niger Delta. In Nigeria, religious terrorism is not always what it group that is routinely described as an extremist Islamist organisation based seems. in the North East corner of Nigeria. Indeed, since the May inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the Niger-Delta in the None of these excuses Boko Haram’s killing of innocent citizens. But country’s South, Boko Haram has been blamed for virtually every outbreak of it does raise questions about a rush to judgement that obscures violence in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s complex reality.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram Is Not The Problem.

But the news media and American policy makers are chasing an elusive and ill defined threat; there is no proof that a well organised, ideologically coherent terrorist group called Boko Haram even exist today. Evidence suggest instead that, while the original core of the group remains active, criminal gangs have adopted the name Boko Haram to claim responsibility for attacks when it suits them.

The United States must not be drawn into a Nigeria “war on terror” rhetorical or real—that would make us appear biased towards a Christian President. Getting involved in an escalating sectarian conflict that theatens the country’s unity could turn Nigerian Muslims against America without addressing any of the underlying problems that are fuelling instability and sectarian strife in Nigeria.

Many Nigerians already believe that the United States unconditionally supports Mr. Jonathan’s government, despite it’s failings. They believe this because Washington praised the April elections that international observers found credible, but that many Nigerians, especially in the north, did not. Likewise, Washington’s financial support for Nigeria’s security forces, despite there documented human abuses, further inflames Muslim Nigerians in the north.

Mr. Jonathan’s recent actions have not helped matters. He told Nigerians last week,”The issue of bombing is one of the burdens we must live.” On New Year’s Eve, he declared a state of emergency in part of four norther states, leading to increased military activity there.

And on New Years Day he removed a subsidy on petroluem products, more than doubling the price of fuel. In a country where 90% of the Since August, when General Carter F. Ham, the Commander of The United population lives on $2 or less a day, anger is rising nationwide as the States Africa command, warned that Boko Haram had links to Al-Qaeda cost of transport and food increased dramatically. affiliate, the perceieved threat has grown. Shortly after General Ham’s warning the United Nations Headquaters in Abuja was bombed, and Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, many politicians have simplistic explanations blaming Boko Haram for Nigeria’s mounting security used ethnic and regional differences and, most disastrously, religion crisis became rotten. Someone who claims to be a spokesman for Boko for there own purposes. Norther Muslims - indeed, all Nigerians - are Haram - with a name no one recognises and whom no one has been able to desperate for a government that responds to thier most basic needs: identify or meet with - has issued threat and statements claiming personal security and hope for improvement in thier lives. They are responsibility for attacks. Remarkably, the Nigerian Government and the outraged over government policies and expenditures that undermine international news media have simply accepted what he says. both.

In late November, a sub-committee of the House Committee on Homeland Security issued a report with the provocative title: “Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to the US Homeland”. The reports makes no such case, but nevertheless proposes that the organisation be added to America’s list of foreign terrorist organisations. The State Department Africa Bureau disagrees, but pressure from Congress and several Government agencies is mounting.

Boko Haram began in 2002 as a peaceful Islamic splinter group. Then politicians began exploiting it for electoral purposes. But it was not until 2009 that Boko Haram turned to violence, especially after it’s leader a young Muslim cleric named Muhammed Yusuf, was killed while in police custody.

Video footage of Mr. Yusuf’s interrogation soon went virail, but no one was tried and punished for the crime. Seeking revenge, Boko Haram targeted the police, the military and local politicians - all of them Muslims.

The United States should not allow itself to drawn into this quicksand by focusing on Boko Haram alone. Washington is already seen by many norther Muslims - including a large number of longtime admirers of America - as biased towards a Christian president from the south. The United State must work to avoid a self-fulfiling prophecy that makes us into thier enemy. Placing Boko Haram on the foreign terrorist list would cement such views and make more Nigerians fear and distrust America.

Jean Herskovits, A Professor Of History Of History At The State University Of New York, Purchase, Has Written On Nigeria Politics Since 1970.

It was clear in 2009, as it is now that the root cause of violence and anger in both the north and south of Nigeria is endermic poverty and hopelessness.

Influential Nigerians from Maiduguri, where Boko Haram is centered, pleaded with Mr. Jonathan’s government in June and July not to respond to Boko Haram with force alone. Likewise, the American ambassador Terence P. Mark McCulley, has emphasised, both privately and publicly, that the government must address socio-economic deprivation, which is most severe in the north, no one seems to be listening.

Culled From New York Times.

Instead, approximately 25% of Nigeria’s budget for 2012 is allocated for securty, even though the military and police routinely respond to attacks with indiscriminate force and killing. Indeed, according to many Nigerians I have talked to from the northeast, the army is more feared than Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram has evolved into franchise that includes criminal groups claiming it’s identity.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 03 3

MUCH

ADO ABOUT SUBSIDY: DESPERATE TIMES, DESPERATE

MEASURES.

PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK USERS

50 & 51

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INSIDE STORY.

HER STORY— Pg. 12 SWEET SIXTEEN PART 1— Pg. 12 A SIGN OF THE TIMES— Pg. 13 & 21 MEANINGFUL QUOTES ABOUT EDUCATION— Pg 21 RELATIONSHIP TIPS— Pg. 28 LAUGH A LITTLE— Pg. 12 & 21 FACES@A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE— Pg. 36 XMAS GREETINGS@A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE— Pg. 53 NECK@A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE— Pg. 44 STYLE@A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE— Pg. 29 FELICITATION FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS— Pg. 43 CROSSWORD PUZZLE— Pg. 56 UNFINISHED BUSINESS— Pg. 52 AKI WEDS QUIETLY IN LAGOS— Pg. 48 UGIE EWERE (BLESSING CEREMONY)— Pg. 7 MAXI DRESS, 2012 FASHION TREND— Pg. 19 FELICITATION FROM ENOGIE— Pg. 6 FUEL SUBSIDY BEYOND GEJ— Pg. 20 COUNT DOWN TO 2012, EDO-STATE— Pg. 27 IN NIGERIA, BOKO HARAM IS NOT— Pg. 3

42 45

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SECTION: Pages

48, 52 & 56

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If your event is not part of A-cube Exclusive Magazine International Family, Then is not worth celebrating, Call us today or write us on our e-mail address and we will make your event a memorable one, That will last in the memory of your guest for a life time. Tel. Mobile:+2348092891298 (Nigeria), +393480444089 (Italy). +31684076888 (Holland and Germany).

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 04 4

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

O

nce again we thank God for the opprtunity to

celebrate our first year in circulation. We dare not say this is due to our own intellegence or hardwork but we can unabashedly shout: IT IS BY THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD. It was in January 2010 that the first edition of the magazine hit the press. Our objective could be discerned from the slogan of the magazine, “Fashion, Life and Style”. Today, by his grace copies of A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL could be found in major cities of Nigeria, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain and Holland.

All these efforts are not by a one man team but by collection of collaborators. Evidently, shrewd management ensured smooth flow of ideas through the press mill to the news stand. So we thank the crew of A -CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL for their collective efforts and patience towards realising this dream.

So what do we offer to the public at ONE ? Most especially that we are now ready to hit the Nigeria audience as the 6th Edition of this Great Magazine will be Published in Nigeria and have more than 70% of Nigeria event on this very edition.

The very first edition of this great magazine was released to the Italia press stand on January 5th 2010, so God gave A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL the privilege and honour to celebrate its birthday within the festive period which includes Xmas, New Year and the Igue Festival of the Great Benin-Kingdom. In this edition a new column to enhance our idea on the CULTURAL HERITAGE of the Benin-Kingdom, taking the UGIE EWERE (BLESSING CEREMONY) as a case study.

In order to keep our dearest readers busy and get more intrested in each column, our sub-editor also did a lot of job to improve on our Love Story Segment, a segment that brings you true life stories and other stories to add to your experince of life.

Knowledge and wisdom, they say is the key to every success in a man’s life, if this is true, the editor-in-chief has decided to keep to date and improve on each edition of our Quotable Quotes Segment, a column designed to enriched your broad knowledge of thinking and acting fast in each of our daily activities. On this very first edition to be published in Nigeria we will be looking at MEANINGFUL QUOTES ABOUT EDUCATION. This month edition, our Relationship Tips is rich as our sub-editor offer different steps to starting a relationship.

To mark the ONE YEAR anniversary of A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL, the Board of Directors introduced a new column with a cash prize of NGN. 20,000 or 100 Euro to the first reader to send the solution to our CROSS WORD PUZZLE SEGMENT.

EDITORIAL BOARD A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INT. Publisher/Editor-in-Chief.

Aguebor Osaze Michael.

Tel. Mbile: +393480444089 +2348092891298 E-mail/Website. acubeexclusivemagazine@yahoo.com. http//www.acubeexclusivemagazine.com.

Correspondent Editor Toscana Region.

Dr. Kennison Emeka-Ugorji +393276857777 Columnist.

Josephine Owen-isiede Aguebor.

Photographic/Computer Consultant.

Ogbeide Lawrence Junior.

Italy Bureau.

Azeta Jude +393894891500 Epete Herny +393890947821 Germany/Holland Bureau.

Joy Omoregie Odus +31684076888 Nigeria Bureau.

Aguebor Osaze Michael +2348092891298 Aisosa Nehizena +2348038612650 Momoh Suaiman Shilton +2348022775702 Legal Adviser.

Barrister Ehizogie Esesobor.

Board of Directors.

Finally there’s much more in this packed with the usual collection of serious informative column and fun reading. Whatever your experince, whatever your views, we would love to hear from you through our e-mail address or through our mobile phone both on editorial column.

Momoh Suaiman Shilton.

The Board of Directors and the entire crew of A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL wish our numerous readers both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora a very wounderful Xmas and New Year Celebration.

Josephine Owen-isiede Aguebor.

In the meantime, find your passion and live it! As you grab one copy and another as a new year present for a friend.

Aguebor Osaze Michael .

Editor-in-chief.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 05 5

Aisosa Nehizena.

Michael Osaze Aguebor. C.E.O. Published and Printed by Udigate Nigeria Ltd. Benin-City, Edo State. Nigeria.

Scene during the annual Igue festival in Benin-Kingdom.

His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa CFR.

Oba of Benin.

ISE LO GBE! ISE LO GBE! ISE LO GBE!! ISE LO GBE!!!

On behalf of my family and the entire people of Ohovbe Community of IkpobaOkha Local Government Area of Edo State, I, His

Iyiewuare Adun Oyenmwens. ere J.P, Oba of Benin,

Royal Highness, Dr. Iduriase

the Enogie of Ohovbe, felicitate with the

His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa CFR

on the just

concluded annual Igue Festival celebrated by the Oba and the Benin people, ISE

LO GBE.

May I also use this medium to wish the people of Ohovbe Community a

Merry Xmas and Prosperous New Year Celebration. Long live Ohovbe Community, Long live the Oba of Benin, Long Live Edo-State and Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His Royal Highness Dr. Iduriase Iyiewuare Adun Oyenmwensere J.P Enogie of Ohovbe.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 06 6

UGIE EWERE (BLESSING CEREMONY).

the ensuring year. The recipients may in return offer gifts in cash or kind or both to the dancing group.

In the afternoon of the same day, the incumbent Chief Osuma, Ayobahan Ugie Ewere is a ceremony of bringing blessings to the palace and all and Ihogbe with members of their household, family members and wellhomes in Benin Kingdom, Edo State and Nigerian. wishers accompany them separately in a dancing procession with their Ugie Ewere is one of and the last traditional yearly ceremony of Igue full traditional regalia on, dancing to the Oba’s palace to present Ewere Festival Celebrated by Omo’N Oba (Benin Monarch). Ugie Ewere leaves to the Monarch with funfair and merriment, and also to wish the Monarch and the Palace, peace, love, joy, good health, long life and Originated from Oba Ewuare the Great in 1440AD. prosperity for the coming year.

Oba Ewuare got married to the daughter of Ogieka called Ubi who was very uncontrollable and stubborn to every body in the Palace. After all Apart from human Ewere, Ewere leaves was a blessing to Oba Ewuare effort made by the Oba to encourage her to be peace loving failed, Oba when he was in the bush as Prince Ogun before he became an Oba. Ewuare decided to send her back to her father Ogieka (A Duke in Benin History has it that Prince Ogun who later becomes Oba Ewuare hide Kingdom). The Oba then instructed the Palace functionaries to send her among Ewere leaves when his younger brother Uwaifiokun sent back home to the father. exexcutioners (Odionmwan) to look for him. Hiding under Ewere leaves When Ubi was being sent back to the father, the Palace emissaries light during the time saved Prince Ogun’s life. some palm sticks (ikpekho) symbolizing evil being removed from the So, Ewere as human or leaves are blessing to the Oba and the people of harem. As they did this, they sang Ubi rie, Ubi rie. (Ubi being sent home).

Benin Kingdom.

Ogieka the father of Ubi was very sad and felt ashamed of the behaviour of the daughter Ubi, that brought shame to his entire family.

Contesy: History of Benin Ancient and Modern 2011 by After due consultation with his family, days after the arrival of Ubi, Ogieka pleaded with the Oba to allow him replace the said Ubi with another daughter called Ewere. This gesture Oba Ewuare accepted in good faith. A date was fixed for her to be taken to the Palace on a market day. Oba Ewuare instructed Ihogbe members (Palace functionaries) to escort Ewere to the Palace in the usual formalities reminiscent of Royal Traditional Marriage. As she was taken to the Palace, the sang “Ewere de, kie ne Ewere” was sung. The Osuma (Palace High Chief) was mandated by the Oba to usher and welcome them– Ewere and the Palace functionaries into the Palace. The name implies, Ewere was actually a lovely, peaceful, amiable nice, kind, respectful, dutiful and likeable character to the Oba and all in the harem and sundry. Oloi Ewere being a young lady was homesick and needed one of her own person to be with her. She pleaded with Oba Ewuare to allow her to bring one of her junior sister named Oyoyo to stay with her in the Palace. The request was approved and given a royal blessing. Thereafter, the father was asked to Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere (J.P) bring Oyoyo to the Palace. This was complied with by the father and Oyoyo was sent to the Palace amidst singing and dancing. The song Arie Ewere Osuma of Benin-Kindom. giomo vbu gha, Ewere Ewere no yoyo o. Ewere Ewere no yoyo o. (The song means Ewere here comes Oyoyo). In view of joy, peace, progress, tranquility, mutual understanding in the Palace and the Benin Kingdom the Oba degree that UGIE EWERE should be celebrated yearly during the Oba’s annual Igue that ebe Ewere (the leaves of plant with several main beautiful green stems) called Ewere should be used as symbol to commemorate the withdrawal of Ubi from the Palace and to remember and show respect for the love, joy, peace, affection, uprightness and dedication brought to the Palace and Benin Kingdom by Ewere. The The Board of Directors of above named magazine offers to the general Monarch directed that Chief Osuma assisted by the Ekiawe (the Royalists) public a promotion that will starts from January 15th 2012 through out Ayobahan and the Ihogbe should participate with Osuma playing the Easter Period at discount rate of 50%.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL.

leading role in bringing Ewere leave as symbol of peace to the Palace 1– Double Page or Centre Page: NGN. 185,000 annually during the annual Ugie Ewere ceremony.

2- Single Page : NGN. 95,000 Ugie Ewere ceremony normally takes place a day succeeding Igue Edo hia. This is the day all Edo people do their individual worship in their 3– Quarter Page: NGN. 30,000 respective homes. The next morning, the younger ones both boys and 4– Half Page: NGN. 50,000 girls at various homes and streets get together holding a lighted burning fire dry palm sticks or wood symbolizing Ubi. 5– Advert on Back Page: NGN. 150,000 They usually sang the song Ubi rie, and dance (Ubi going, Ubi going).

These youths normally run towards the bush outside the city moat . They throw away the burning fire palm sticks or wood into the bush, indicating that Ubi has been throw away. When returning from the bush, they pluck Ewere leaf which is a symbol of peace, joy, love back home with dancing, singing sweet, nice, happy and prayerful songs e.g Ewere de, Ukpo ghi gbi vbiore mwen, Ewere de, kie ne Ewere.

Upon arrival at individual homes, Ewere leaves are distributed free of charge, first to the head of the family and then to other members of the household with prayers of peace, love, joy, long life and prosperity for A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 07 7

6– Advert on Quarter Page: NGN. 30,000 7– Front Page Reflection: NGN. 75,000 Dear Custom Enjoy this New Year Promo that will last through out the Easter Period. A-Cube Exclusive Magazine International is there to add value and make your Marriage, Birthday, Child Dedication, Church Anniversary/Convention and every other Social/Political Events a memorable one to cherish for a life time.

Signed: O.M Aguebor (Editor-in-Chief/CEO).

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP) @75

Hon.

S.A.

Uyigue

(JP)

Supported by

wives, some of his children, grand-children and members of Abehe Baptist Church in a special birthday thanksgiving service.

Rev’d. Ken Okungbowa Officiating Minister@Hon. S.A. Uyigue 75th birthday thanksgiving service.

Cross Section of Abehe Baptist Church Members.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 08 8

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP) and Family.

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP)

Supported by Some of His Children to

Cut his 75th Birthday Cake.

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP)

Supported by Some of His

Grand-Children to Cut his 75th Birthday Cake.

L-R: Mrs Nowa Adeosun, Hon. Efosa Uyigue, Mrs. Adesuwa Uyigue Ikponmwosa, Mrs A.O. Uyigue and Barr. Mrs. Henrietta Uyigue.

Hon.

S.A.

Uyigue

(JP)

a father and grand-father of children both at home and in the

diaspora. A successful politician who started his political career in the early 1950s as member of the Action Group. He had a successful shot to then Bendel State House of Assembly in 1983 on the S.A. Uyigue (JP) platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Prior to his Political Success as a Leader of the Ruling Hon. Party (PDP) in Edo State, countless number of politicians of repute in our contemporary political era are joined by his son Hon. Uyinmwen Uyigue and proud products of S.A. Uyigue’s Political dynasty. In the world of business, Hon. S.A. Uyigue is also a key Daughters, Mrs. Adesuwa Uyigue Ikponmwosa, player as he remains a seasoned building contractor and a farmer, specializing in piggery and oil palm. Hon. Efosa Uyigue to cut his 75th Birthday Cake.

Hon. S.A. Uyigue (JP)

Supported by Wives to Cut his 75th

Birthday Cake.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 09 9

Hon.

S.A.

Uyigue

(JP)

Supported by Son and

Daughter in-laws to Cut his 75th Birthday Cake.

7OTH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CHIEF MOSES NORENSE OZIGBO-ESERE. (JP) THE OSUMA OF BENIN KINGDOM,AND PRESENTATION OF HIS BOOK TITLED, “HISTORY OF BENIN ANCIENT AND MODERN”/ AN EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND LAUNCHING. 11TH-11-2011.

Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere joined by his amiable wife and children. Among them is the Proprietress of 70 Grill in Benin -City, Edo-State.

L-R: Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P, his amiable wife Mrs I.J.M Ozigbo-Esere, Chief Sam Igbe MON and members of Ozigbo -Esere family@thanksgiving service in St. Matthew.

Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P Osuma)

(Osuma of Benin-Kingdom) joined by his amiable wife,

Mrs I.J.M Ozigbo-Esere (The Eson of

as he cut his 70th birthday cake. A three day event to mark the birthday of number four citizen of the Great Benin– Kingdom featured lots

of activities which include the presentation of his book titled

“History of Benin, Ancient and Modern”

and the launching of an Educational

Endowment Fund for the training of Teachers and Students of Edo language in Institutions of higher learning, under the distinguished chairmanship of Chief

S.O.U. Igbe (MON),

Iyase of Benin. The event which took place at the Emporium had in attendance the faces of prominent Edo sons and

daughters from both the Economic and Political Sectors.

Group photograph of high ranking Benin Chiefs L-R: Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P. joined with Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P (Host) (Osuma of Benin) and Mrs I.J.M. Ozigbo-Esere. by other Chiefs to cut his 70th birthday cake.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 10 10

Cross Section of high ranking Benin Chiefs and members of Chief Ozigbo-Esere Family@a Thanksgiving Service at St. Matthew’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Sokponba Road, Benin-City.

Members of the Benin Cultural Group performing@ the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere held at Emporium Event Centre in Benin-city, Edo-State.

Cross Section of high ranking Benin Chiefs, Captain of Industries@the reception hall to mark the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere in Benin-City.

Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) DSS, CMH,MNI, (governorship Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere flanked by Some High Ranking Chiefs aspirant under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) during the in Benin Kingdom@the reception hall to mark his 70th birthday presentation of Chief Ozigbo-Esere book titled “History of Benin, Ancient anniversary. and Modern” and the launching of an Educational Endowment fund for the training of teachers and students of Edo language in institutions of higher learning.

L-R: Chief Ogbewe, Chief John Odigie Oyegun (First Excutive Governor of Edo-State), Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P. (Osuma of BeninKingdom) Host, and other guest present at the reception.

Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere and wife joined by Chief Ogbewe, friends, to cut the 70th birthday anniversary cake.

Cross Section of guest@ the high table during the presentation of Chief Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere joined by members of his family, wife Ozigbo-Esere book and Educational Endowment Fund@Emporium Events and children at the Ozigbo-Esere family compound in Benin-City.

Centre, JBS Estate in Benin-City.

A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 11 11

Her Story

Sweet Sixteen Part 1.

The Ones Who Love US, Never Really Leave Us.

A Sweet Love Story………

Where I live is a place you can call 'home'. Unlike other people my The one moral growing up, the only one that ever stuck, was, 'The ones who whole family lives here and I'm happy. I turned 16 just two days ago love us, never really leave us.' I hope you understand that moral too. and mum gave me this diary to jot down all my happy and sad In the beginning, when asked if she missed her son, she said yes. She said memories. It even has a heart-shaped lock. I think it was the best gift I yes, because her son had been murdered, violently, overseas, in a place she ever received. 'A Gift of memory,' is what I like to call it. couldn't protect him. She said yes, because he had been so young, so willing, so brave. She said yes, because your child isn't suppose to go first, that's just I opened the window and looked outside. Our old neighbors left a week not the way it was meant to go. She said yes, because her son, who had been her pride and joy, was gone, never to return, until the haunting memories of ago... just when Belle and I became friends. Now I was getting to meet our new neighbors soon. Since I always wake up early, I'm glad I have his memorial, swept into her dreams. something to write in.

She had said yes, maybe a thousand times that first week, over and over, as the neighbors, friends, I might be the tough kind of girl at times, but in reality I'm just another family, and others stopped by. Her house must have neat, responsible girl. I'm Sandra, 16 years old and about to start a been stocked with so much food, enough to feed a new high school year. third world country for a year. Maybe two. Perhaps three, if it was a small country. She had flowers, lots 7 hours later... 2:30 pm of flowers and chocolates; so many, she didn't know what to do with them. She had cards, ones that carried sadness and pain, and Mum, as socialized and friendly as she always is had invited the some that carried the fondest memories. Everyone that had known her son, Alexander's family over this afternoon when they just moved in. They they had all written to her, sending their smiles and happiness, even some seemed to get along well, and soon I was the center of attention. money. She also had awkward conversations with the little boys and girls that lived on her street, forced by their mothers to check up on her.

"Sandra... You're such a beauty. I love your hair. You look a lot like your The next week was her son's memorial. She wanted to be the only one there, mother," Mrs. Alexanders said. so she set the time late, telling everybody. And she got a secret memorial, before everyone showed up. The first time she had cried. The second time, she I almost choked on the water I was drinking. "Uhh... Thank you," I finally kept her tears to herself. When it came time to bury her son, she picked a said. They talked for 3 more hours but I didn't stay to listen. I made an shady spot, somewhere privet, and quiet, and somewhere he would be excuse and quick left. I never thought there would be another family blessed with knowledge. It was his thing, knowledge. just like mine.

Time would pass, slowly, and the woman, turned older, and older, but every year, on the same day, she would make the journey to the spot she had picked The next morning I got up earlier than usual to get ready for the first for her son. Every year, she would leave flowers, his favorite ones, and talk to day of my second high school year. I took a quick shower, then looked him. And then, she would go back home, another year accomplished, another at my school uniform. Since my parents didn't have time to get me a year set. She never broke her tradition, no matter what was happening, and new one, I have to wear last years. The skirt had become shorter. It nobody ever asked. They all knew, without having too. reached a little more than above my knees now, and the shirt was a When asked many years later, in an interview for the local newspaper, she was little shorter than before. asked once more, for the final time, 'Do you miss your son?' She said no. She said no, because he had been murdered overseas, doing what he loved, and For now I had no choice but to wear it. I took some money, grabbed my what he wanted, knowing the risks. She said no, because he had been young, money and walked out. I walked by the supermarket and got a vanilla and happy, brave and strong, willing, and wanting, and that's what made him flavored cupcake and orange juice. Since my parents never wake up who he was. She said no, because, even when your kid isn't suppose to go soon enough for breakfast, I have to get used to eating breakfast first, they do, but you have to trust them, because they know. She said no, outside or just make my own breakfast, which by the way I can only because, after so many years, she finally understood, 'The ones who love us, make cereal.

As I was leaving to sit outside, I bumped into someone. Usually when never really leave us'. this happens the person would be nice enough to at least help me, but Nehizena Aisosa. this guy didn't look like the nice type.

"Hey lady! Watch where you're walking. Are you blind?" He said. He E-mail: acubeexclusivemagazine@yahoo.com. looked irritated, but he looked pretty good. "I'm sorry," I said. He had honey colored hair, and chocolate-brown eyes. But that didn't mean I get weak around good-looking guys!

Laugh A Little.

On their first night to be together, the newlywed couple go to get changed. The new bride "Whatever," he was being too mean. I caught his arm before he could comes out of the bathroom, all showered and wearing her beautiful robe. The proud husband says, "My dear, we are married now, you can open your robe." leave, and stared right into his eyes. "I just said sorry and you say The beautiful young woman opens her robe, and he is astonished. "Oh, oh, aaaahhh," he exclaims, "My word, you are so beautiful, let me take your picture.

Puzzled, she asks, "My picture?"

He answers, "Yes my dear, so I can carry your beauty next to my heart forever."

whatever?" I asked.

"Then do you want me to sue you instead?" He asked. I couldn't help it, so I snapped. "Are you stupid or what?" I got up and pushed him. "You could help me at least. Do you have no manners?"

She smiles and he takes her picture, and then he heads into the bathroom to shower.

He stared at me blankly. Oh shit! I'm going to be late for school, and it's He comes out wearing his robe and the new wife asks, "Why do you wear a robe? We are all this idiot's fault. I turned to leave, but this time he caught me arm. married now."

At that the man opens his robe and she exclaims, "Oh, oh, oh my dear, let me get a picture."

He beams and asks, "Why?" She answers, "So I can get it enlarged."

"To school you moron!" I snapped before pushing his arm away. I stuck out my tongue at him and left him there staring blankly after me.

JOSEPHINE OWEN-ISIEDE AGUEBOR

►21 A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 12 12

"Where are you going?"

E-mail: jossygold_2@yahoo.com or acubeexclusivemagazine@yahoo.com