War and Female Power!

THE FOREST DAMES

The year was 1969 and it was time to hunt for and abduct girls and young women found in the enclave; and forcibly convert them to bed mates. That was no news. All the same, families sought nearby hiding places for their ‘eligible’ females but these hide-outs were soon discovered through intimidation from the power of the gun.

Now the news! Two women decided that their daughters were not going to be made victims. What did they do? They found a ‘safe haven’ for their daughters - the dreaded Evil Forest, where the roars of wild animals were continually heard. But that was nothing compared to the brutal termination of lives and wanton destruction of properties through air, land and marine attacks; including starvation that was the order of the day, and which placed the final death mark on the people.

Four in number, the forest dames saw “hell” but survived the war. One of them decides to tell the unfortunate story of the elasticity of human suffering. Three of the dames are still alive and can be reached for further interactions. One of the brave mothers is also still living.

Another war survivor pours out his heart!!

 Leonard Ikpe wrote:

RE: THE FOREST DAMES BY ADA OKERE AGBASIMALO

I have gone through the 207 pages of your book. After reading the book, let me tell you how I see it.

Firstly, the men have told their own story of the war – Obasanjo, Madiebo etc. Yours is a woman’s pathetic story of what happened during the unfortunate Nigeria – Biafra Civil War when rampaging Federal soldiers saw the rebel women and girls as part of the spoils of war. It narrates the travails of the rebel girls and mothers who make the forests their abode just to avoid being captured (kwaptured) by soldiers. That is the struggle of an African woman during a war.

Secondly, the speed of the story is dramatic in a sense. It has the speed comparable to the now legendary 

 “Things Fall Apart” . One chapter weaves into the other without the reader losing track of the previous chapters. Our own Chinua Achebe has that speed too.

Thirdly, the handling of a complex matter like war was delivered as a simple story yet bringing out the sad effects of war which include hunger, malnutrition, disease, deaths at the battle field and the refugees.

A fellow survivor pours out his heart

Victor Emeana writes:

Ada, this is not a review in the literary sense. As I said  earlier, it is just my impression of your book-Forest Dames.
Firstly I found the title in sync with the story. It matched like hand in glove. Just the way" Things Fall Apart" for instance is so apt a title for its story.
Secondly,the book is so readable that an average literate person shouldn't have problems with understanding the
diction because they are so lucid. My experience is that most great authors write in that style including our own Achebe.
Thirdly the print and editing were top class. One of the readers, Dr Megwa who is quite fastidious in such matters was full of praises.

Immediate end of war situation

Immediate end of war situation - "The Forest Dames

“Doesn’t it amaze you that without a dime, we find free food to eat? Ochongalofu springs up on trees for us to uproot and eat, snails roam the bush at night for us to pick and prepare meals with. Okazi vegetable grows wildly in the big bushes for us to harvest and make our leafy soups with, palm nuts are picked up for palm oil, palm kernel and palm kernel oil; and many others. Is it not amazing?” Ijeoma was grateful to God.

“The hunters hardly come back empty handed these days.” Oyoyo informed, equally grateful to God.

“Don’t forget the Otamiri river fish. They seem to have grown bigger. Orjay caught a big one yesterday.”

“We are like cows whose tails have been chopped off by war action, so God Himself is the One keeping the flies in check for us.” Oyoyo philosophized. “Cow wey no get tail, na God dey drive am fly. Is that not how they say it in Pidgin?” Oyoyo was dancing.Culled from "The Forest Dames" available at amazon.com, barnes and nobles, authorhouse, etc

 

WAR SURVIVOR SHARES HER EXPERIENCE

See what the Survivor wrote in her book, "The Forest Dames." In spite of all that, she survived. 
 “The day bullets rained from the sky was the climax. Everyone took off in a race to nowhere. Men and women screamed as they ran; children cried out; dogs galloped, barking; chickens ran a bit, flew a bit and scurried back. Wrappas fell off women’s waists and slippers flung off their feet. People indoors ran out in bewilderment while those outside dashed into their houses for protection. It took everyone by surprise and shook everybody in a hard way. Then it ceased. It was a short period of chaos but it looked like forever. People packed small bags and were ready to move in groups. The offensive resumed shortly after. This time, mortar bombs began to fly in too. Enyia I do not know how to describe the pandemonium that followed.” Culled from "The Forest Dames". Available @amazon, barnes, authorhouseWar survivor shares her experience

Don't let this happen again please!

Deze stood, arms folded across her chest, watching a group of children trying to kick about, a round object made of folded rags. Her mother was sitting by her side, on an overturned tin container.

“Oh my God, mama, see how lean this one is. He can’t even run.”
“My daughter, I don’t know which one is easier, the lean type or the bloated type of this disease. It must also be difficult to lift those bloated feet. Haa! God have mercy.”
“Poor children; robbed of fun! How can any child possibly play with such protruded stomach? Sometimes I wonder what is in that belly, liquid or solid. Mama, look at this other one’s cheeks, looking like they are filled with puss that needs to be pressed out. His head has become too big for his neck. His neck looks like a string. Ha mama, I am tired.”
“Courage daughter, I understand how you feel. We know how healthy these children were before now. Hmm, at least they are happy to be alive, when several of their playmates have died; emaciated or bloated. Oh! This new disease, hmm!” They were both shaking their heads. 

Remembering those who did not survive

“Yes especially with what I saw on the way. We saw dismembered body parts lying here and there as if forgotten by their owners. One young man with two legs cut off by mortar bomb pleaded with us to help him but we could not. He was bleeding profusely but we needed help ourselves and did not even know which direction we should be heading. We were already so wearied that we had difficulty carrying even the small bags we had, let alone an amputated human. I cried for him but there was nothing I could do. It still pains me.” Culled from "The Forest Dames" - available at amazon.com/theforestdames, barnes&nobles/theforestdames, authorhouse/theforestdames, some Nigerian bookstores.

WAR SURVIVOR SHARES HER EXPERIENCE

See what the Survivor wrote in her book, "The Forest Dames." In spite of all that, she survived. 

“The day bullets rained from the sky was the climax. Everyone took off in a race to nowhere. Men and women screamed as they ran; children cried out; dogs galloped, barking; chickens ran a bit, flew a bit and scurried back. Wrappas fell off women’s waists and slippers flung off their feet. People indoors ran out in bewilderment while those outside dashed into their houses for protection. It took everyone by surprise and shook everybody in a hard way. Then it ceased. It was a short period of chaos but it looked like forever. People packed small bags and were ready to move in groups. The offensive resumed shortly after. This time, mortar bombs began to fly in too. Enyia I do not know how to describe the pandemonium that followed.” Culled from "The Forest Dames". Available @amazon, barnes, authorhouseWar survivor shares her experience

A gentleman voices his opinion based on the survivor's 1999 book.

Chinedu Ogoke wrote:
When you share a certain space with somebody you might never know how close you’ve come to being with some spirit beings. While the writer ...entertains, he or she can be a philosopher and teacher and can be said to have been to heaven and come back with supernatural powers. I shake my head at what Ada holds out to us in her novel Bow You Must. In the novel, she tackles both the climate and scripture theories of being black, doing this as far back as 1999.

Ada Agbasimalo

The father of African literature begins his journey home

 

 

 

BURIAL PROGRAMME OF PROFESSOR CHINUA ACHEBE

DAY 1 May 19th Sunday (DAY OF PRAYERS AND RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.)
3.00pm. National Christian Center, Abuja.
It shall also hold at other Centres throughout Nigeria and beyond.

DAY 2 May 20th Monday (ANA SYMPOSIUM).
Association of Nigerian Authors Symposium on the life and times of Professor Chinualumogu Achebe 10.00am - 1.00pm.
International Conference Centre, Abuja

DAY OF TRIBUTES.
Tributes from National leaders, writers and associates of Professor Achebe from all over the World

Arrangements will be made for those who are not present to relay their tributes via live telecast.

A number of cultural troupes drawn from different parts of the Country shall perform during the night of tributes. 5.00pm - 8.00pm. International Conference Centre, Abuja

DAY 3. May 21st Tuesday - BODY ARRIVES NIGERIA.
Airport Reception.
Body will be received upon arrival by a delegation of Nigerian Leaders. Diplomatic and Cultural representatives from African nations shall be in attendance to pay their respects.

Cultural troupes from different parts of the African continent shall perform at the airport reception. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Reception in the Federal Capital - National Assembly

Body departs for Enugu

Enugu Airport Reception.
The body shall be received at the Enugu airport by the South Eastern Governors under the chairmanship of HE Peter Obi, governor of Anambra State/Ohanaeze leadership/Traditional Rulers - Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Academic Procession and Ceremony
The University of Nigeria and sister Universities in the region and beyond, will participate in an academic procession and ceremony at the Enugu campus, where a short and solemn ceremony will be conducted -University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Enugu Campus

Ohanaeze Night of Mourning and Ikoro Salute - Ohanaeze Secretariat, Park avenue, Enugu

DAY 4. May 22nd Wednesday
Body departs for Anambra State and is received at the boundary of Enugu and Anambra States by the Governor of Anambra State and other leaders - Enugu-Anambra Border.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE CARNIVAL
A carnival of African culture shall be on display to celebrate the life and works of Chinua Achebe - Alex Ekwueme Stadium.

The body departs Awka and will be received at Ogidi by members of the family, the President General of Ogidi Town Union, Ogidi Regent in Council and the Elders of Ogidi - OGIDI

Body will then proceed and be received at the Idemmili Local Government Headquarters - Idemmili Local Government Headquarters, Ogidi

Body will then proceed to Achebe's compound for Christian Service of Songs - Achebe's Family Compound.

Literary Obsequies and wake-keep by the Association of Nigerian Authors till dawn Ogidi -Town HallAchebe's Family Compound.

DAY 5. May 23rd Thursday - BURIAL SERVICE AND INTERMENT

Body will lie in state in his residence. Family groups will undertake a procession -Achebe's Family Compound.

Body departs to the church for a traditional Anglican Burial Service - St. Phillips Anglican Church, Ogidi.

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and other heads of State, State governors, Diplomats and International Literary dignitaries will be in attendance.

Body moves back to the Family residence after the Church service for interment - Achebe's Family Compound.

The family begins to receive condolence visits from guests - Achebe's Family Compound.

DAY 6. May 24th Friday - IKWA OZU - Achebe's Family Compound.

MUSLIM JU’MAT SERVICE. Nigerians offer prayers. Central Mosque Abuja.

DAY 7. May 25th Saturday - IKWA OZU CONTINUES - Achebe's Family Compound.

DAY 8. May 26th Sunday - CHRISTIAN OUTING SERVICE/THANKSGIVING
- St Phillips Anglican Church, Ogidi.

Dr. Ikechukwu Achebe - For the family Professor T. Uzodinma Nwala
Coordinator, Chinua Achebe Transition Committee

Dr. Kabir Ahmed
Secretary April 25, 2013.

Spelling out in the people's language

Good morning. I have a live book review and interview today on the Igbo service of Bond FM 92.9 in Lagos. It is today, Wednesday 2pm to 3pm. Please tune in. Thanks.

She survived to tell her story!!!

"The Forest Dames” tells the story of a young girl living with her parents in the relatively calm and peaceful British colony of Nigeria. Unfortunately, this peace soon gave way and exploded into a full-blown civil war – and from that time onwards, nothing was ever the same again. -AuthorHouse UK.

Available at Silverbird Galleria bookshop, Abuja;
Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo road Ikoyi, Lagos and Debonair bookstores, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Also at Booksellers shops (opposite Biobak), Garki 2, Abuja; and Pen and pages, Wuse 2 Abuja. Also at amazon.com/theforestdames, Barnes and Noble, AuthorHouse and other online marketers.

http://amazon.com/theforestdames

Father of African Literature

UGANDA Celebrates Chinua achebe at varsity symposium; sets up Prize in his honour

Feminist or not Feminist?

I stumbled on one Rowland Emeka's post featuring a u-tube message from young rave of an author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and after watching the feature, could not hold back comments. I do not know how to hoard compliments. This is what I said:

 Chimamanda has not only melted my heart, she has stolen it as well. Hear the eloquent young lady: "Culture does not make man, man makes culture... Yes I am a feminist." Wow! Go baby, go baby, go! Everybody should listen to her recent speech and by the way, thanks to whoever posted it. All what she said there, I had cried myself hoarse about and in an office as a gender specialist, some called for my head. I had written everything in my first book "Bow You Must" and I know some journalists who almost fought with me for my views in that book, published in 1999. Chimamanda, what impact! I look forward to giving you a huge hug. You deserve more, nwa. Cheers!

My reaction on the death of Professor Chinua Achebe.

Oh my God. What a pity ! What a loss! A mighty tree has fallen! No wonder the bible says everything is vanity upon vanity. May he journey safely and rest in peace at his destination, Amen!

Achebe was the undisputed father of African literature. His over 50 year old work “Things Fall Apart” became the most popular literary piece written by an African. It has been translated into several languages. This is because his works are penetrable. His works can be read with delight and they flow, That must be one of the reasons his works are so much talked about. We are trying to follow his foot steps.

As the father of African literature, authors like us are his literary offspring and feel pained at his demise.  I, in particular, was present at the Achebe Foundation  colloquium in Providence Rhode Island  that took place in December 2012 and graced by notable speakers, including governor Fashola of Lagos state.   I saw him in his wheel chair looking very frail. Even though he was on a wheel chair, he towered above all else. He did not utter a word, perhaps due to his failing health but his silence was more than eloquent. I presented a copy of my book “The Forest Dames” to him. He was the cynosure of all eyes. Pity he is no longer.

Quite a number of us wrote about the Nigeria – Biafra civil war. We were speculating on how to present our works, we were  treading with caution but this father of African literature pushed across his latest no holds barred book on the war, “There was a Country”,  and that smoked us out of our hiding places.  Chinua Achebe has given us voice and muscle to speak out about what happened during that war, because they happened. For instance, as a mere girl, I and three other girls were tucked away in the evil forest because the invading soldiers wanted us very badly. Two mothers vowed that their girls would never belong to the soldiers. They found a ‘safe haven’  for their daughters – the evil forest. It happened and the world must know about it. It is all in “The Forest Dames”. Chinua Achebe took the lead and we followed.

“There was a Country” is like a gift to humanity, it is Chinua Achebe’s  Nunc Dimittis – “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for my eyes have seen thy salvation which...

Adieu Professor Chinua Achebe!

Adieu father of African literature!

Adieu Okosisi!

AdaOkere Agbasimalo.

Adieu father of African literature!!!

Adieu father of African literature!!!


Funeral song for late Prof. Chinua Achebe: It says that the good ones are exhausted.

Nde nma agwula n’uwa
... Nde nma agwula
... Nde nma agwula n’uwa
Nde nma agwula
Ebe nwanne anyi rahuru n’ onwu
Nde nma agwula
Ebe nwanne anyi rahuru n’igbe
Nde nma agwuchana kpam kpam

Culled from "The Forest Dames"

Give Thanks, for you are alive; you survived!

“I’m sorry Mrs. Ejema, we did our best for Sunday but he just did not make it.”

Dr. Harrison said softly to Julie who rose up and flung herself on the ground and fainted. She did not need any interpreter to tell what message Harrison was conveying. She had lost the equanimity provided by the belief in fate and providence. Who would blame her? Sunday was her only son and she really had expected him back. 

Survivors create peace and development! M4SoP

Peace and Development please!

Survivors help to clear the mess!!! No more killing!

"Before the echo of their cries faded, the deadly “birds” had gone to roost, and those they cut short remained still; dismembered and dead.

The people cursed but the deed was already done and many hearts were broken.

Amidst tears the survivors gathered scattered body parts to ensure that each dead person was buried whole or at least near whole.

They knocked up make shift coffins from bamboo and twine for the burial of the dead.

But more was to come.
That was just the beginning. That was only the Air Raid!

Culled from "The Forest Dames"  - Available at Silverbird Galleria bookshop, Abuja;
Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo road Ikoyi, Lagos and Debonair bookstores, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Also at Booksellers shops (opposite Biobak), Garki 2, Abuja; and Pen and pages, Wuse 2 Abuja. Also at amazon.com/theforestdames, Barnes and Noble, AuthorHouse and other online marketers.S

There is a good chance to be useful when you survive

Join my no more war, no more killing campaign, on the Survivor's blog

His parents did not survive but he did. He is therefore a survivor. He belongs here. When you are a survivor, there is a good chance to be useful like our latest survivor whose picture is below.

Protection makes them survivors

The Forest Dames

It was Jacob Kellenberger, who in 2001, as President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said that “Protecting women in war is not merely a question of law; it is also a matter of social responsibility and common sense, because it is thanks to women that life goes on in times of upheavals.”

Culled from "The Forest Dames" (Old and new page viewers, please go to this page on fb and like it, if you have not done so. Thanks.)

Available at Silverbird Galleria bookshop, Abuja;
Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo road Ikoyi, Lagos and Debonair bookstores, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Also at Booksellers shops (opposite Biobak), Garki 2, Abuja; and Pen and pages, Wuse 2 Abuja. Also at amazon.com/theforestdames, Barnes and Noble, AuthorHouse and other online marketers.

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Move from that valley..Get to the mountain top!

Read below please. Go to The Forest Dames Page on Facebook and like it also. Thanks.

Although the girl died, her parents are survivors. They worked hard to leave that valley of circumstance and get to their mountain of hope and success. It takes determination only. We appreciate feed backs

..."Orjay’s wife sensed that the baby strapped to her back was now lifeless. She did not feel her daughter’s heartbeat anymore. Heoma’s heartbeat had stopped, she knew it. She had felt the baby ...slump, even though strapped to her back. With tears in her eyes, she drew her husband’s attention to this development. They trooped on. He was thinking. She was sobbing. The five year old girl’s body had stiffened"... Culled from "The Forest Dames".

Available at Silverbird Galleria bookshop, Abuja;
Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo road Ikoyi, Lagos and Debonair bookstores, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Also at Booksellers shops (opposite Biobak), Garki 2, Abuja; and Pen and pages, Wuse 2 Abuja. Also at amazon.com/theforestdames, Barnes and Noble,

Move from that valley..Get to the mountain top!

Read below please. Go to The Forest Dames Page On Facebook and like it also. Thanks.

Although the girl died, her parents are survivors. They worked hard to leave that valley of circumstance and get to their mountain of hope and success. It takes determination only. We appreciate feed backs

..."Orjay’s wife sensed that the baby strapped to her back was now lifeless. She did not feel her daughter’s heartbeat anymore. Heoma’s heartbeat had stopped, she knew it. She had felt the baby ...slump, even though strapped to her back. With tears in her eyes, she drew her husband’s attention to this development. They trooped on. He was thinking. She was sobbing. The five year old girl’s body had stiffened"... Culled from "The Forest Dames".

Available at Silverbird Galleria bookshop, Abuja;
Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Complex, Awolowo road Ikoyi, Lagos and Debonair bookstores, Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo Yaba, Lagos. Also at Booksellers shops (opposite Biobak), Garki 2, Abuja; and Pen and pages, Wuse 2 Abuja. Also at amazon.com/theforestdames, Barnes and Noble, AuthorHouse and other online marketers.